Apple’s iOS 14 introduced widgets, a new app library and a bunch of new privacy and security features. Some of the biggest changes, though, are all around messaging. In this Komando DIY, three new iPhone texting and messaging tricks you need to try.
The tracking secret your ISP doesn't want you to know
Let’s talk about cookies — not the kind you eat, but the ones that hold all the information your browser saves from websites you visit. Cookies are tiny files that contain your logins, user names, passwords and ads you’ve seen. Basically, they’re little trackers that follow you around the web, which means they have a ton of data on you and your browsing habits.
There are good things about them, though: One of the biggest benefits is keeping you logged into those websites you visit. You don’t have to enter your username and password each time you go to the site. After all, who wants to deal with entering more credentials during the day?
Here’s another example. Say you put items in your Amazon shopping cart, but you don’t check out. A cookie sends that information back to Amazon, so when you return to the site later, all your stuff is still in your shopping cart.
Convenient, right? Not so fast
There are also third-party tracking cookies that follow you around the internet. They collect your every move, bundle up that data and report back to marketing companies. Now, advertisers can reel you in by sending personalized ads based on websites you’ve looked at.
If you’ve been a Komando fan for a while, you’ve probably heard me say it’s good to remove your cookies from time to time. Scrub these tasty little trackers from your computers, laptop and even your phone. I mean, the less tracking, the better, right?
But there is one cookie you may not have heard of. It’s the supercookie. You’ll want to know more about this one.
So, what exactly is a supercookie?
Regular cookies are simple to remove. Just click a setting and your browsing data and cookies are gone into the intergalactic bitbucket.
Not so with supercookies. These are trackers you can’t remove.
That’s because your internet service provider inserts a supercookie into your connection. It tracks every single thing you do online, plus every website that you visit.
Think about every site you went to in the last month, from online stores to social media apps. You’ve probably Googled some phrases you wouldn’t want to explain. I’m willing to bet there are a few websites you’ve been to that would you’d prefer to keep private.
The essential privacy tool to protect you from Big Tech
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My inbox is filled with people asking how they can stay out of Big Tech’s reach.
It starts with the services you use. Yes, they’re mostly free, but remember what you’re paying with: Your data. Tap or click here for services you can use that aren’t under Big Tech’s control.
Missing stimulus checks, delete these apps, bad tech habits
In this episode, the steps you can take if your stimulus money hasn’t arrived, Android apps spamming phones with ads, and a dangerous charger recall. Then, see if Ben can defeat Mike and Allie in Brand New or Not True. And a deep dive into the bad tech habits the team is trying to break in 2021.
Here's how to order an FDA-approved COVID test on Amazon
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Vaccines for COVID-19 are being administered across the U.S., but infections are still at an all-time high. To make matters worse, cybercriminals are taking advantage of the vaccine to rip people off. Tap or click here for four ways scammers are out to get you.
Kim just saved $480 on Echo Show so everyone in the family can keep in touch with Mom
Amazon
If you’re a Prime member who loves getting deals on smart gadgets, Prime Day i slike Christmas. Amazon is offering some serious discounts on its devices, which means you can grab these electronics for a steal if you move quickly. Tap or click here to see some of our other top picks for Prime Day.
The old tech extremist groups are using to communicate
Social media apps booted extremists, who turned to another method of communication. Why are they using small, hand-held radios? And how’s the FCC cracking down on the tech? Find out in today’s episode.
Apps to help you actually keep those resolutions
Making New Year’s resolutions is easy. Sticking with them is hard. Luckily, help is only as far away as your smartphone!
Guess the #1 app of 2020
Want to guess what was Apple’s most downloaded app in 2020? Tap or click here to find out!
The anti-Twitter app
Last week I told you about Parler, Twitter’s worthy competitor. Now, going up against Twitter is no small task. But here are the reasons why Parler will succeed.
Guess which site sells the most of your personal data
The investigations and lawsuits launched against Big Tech have their roots in how these companies have abused your personal information. So today, a look at the most popular apps that collect and grab your personal info.
Say cheese! 10 best photo editing apps for Android
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When it comes to editing photos, Adobe Photoshop is one of the most popular choices around and for good reason. It’s been around for years and lets you tweak average images into works of art. The problem is Photoshop is expensive. Real expensive.
Save money with this handy online shopping-comparison tool
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Most of us have been regular online shoppers for years now. But since the pandemic began it’s really picked up and has become an important way to get the everyday staples that we need safely.
We’re not just ordering frivolous items on a whim when we’re bored anymore. Now we’re shopping online for everything from hand sanitizer to household cleaning supplies. Many have even started grocery shopping online. Tap or click here to find the best way to order groceries online.
How to handle unsubscribing after your free trial
It seems like wherever you turn, some streaming service, app or site is trying to sell you a monthly subscription. Here’s the free trial and if you don’t unsubscribe, you’re billed automatically. Today, how to handle it.
Free dashcam apps for iPhone or Android
You can buy a stand alone dashcam for your car but if your needs are basic, a dashcam app for your smartphone could work. All you need is a smart phone, a power source, a mount for your phone and one of these apps.
The biggest privacy feature coming to your iPhone is delayed - here's why
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Now that fall is right around the corner, Apple fans have a lot to look forward to. Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, a new iPhone is still on the way — as well as a plethora of new features and software updates in iOS 14, Apple’s upcoming release.
Get the government's free vehicle recall alert app
If you’re driving a car or truck manufactured in the past eight years or so, you need the new free app to warn you about recalls. It could save your life.
Free and cheap police scanner apps for your phone
If you wanted to listen to police radio chatter in the old days, you had to shell out a few hundred bucks at Radio Shack for a dedicated scanner. Now there’s an app for that.
Going camping? 3 apps you should download first
Interest in camping is at all all-time high right now, as bored Americans who’ve grown fatigued by staying home and indoors search for new and still socially distant ways to pass the time. I’ve got three great apps to take with you.
5 best budget smartphones under $400
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In the tech world, what once cost hundreds of dollars can now run you well over a thousand of your hard-earned bucks. But the technology within most of today’s smartphones has not changed radically over the past few years, and powerful budget smartphones are capable of doing just about everything an expensive flagship device can do.