Need to send a text message, but your phone’s battery is dead? Just do it over email. Here’s how, in 60 seconds.
Take a minute to adjust these important Android privacy settings
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Security can be complicated with your smartphone, especially for Android users.
What are some of the best ways to keep your device (and yourself!) safe from nefarious actors, illegal surveillance, and malware?
Our sponsor, ExpressVPN, recently shared five easy ways to configure your Android device for a safer and more private experience. All of them should be on your list if they aren’t already.
Hide your Google location history
The first to-do on this list brings a few obvious benefits. Your location history could leave you vulnerable to stalkers in a worst-case scenario. Creepy? Yes, and Google has been tracking your location since you first started using Google Maps.
Unless you rely on your Google location history for one reason or another, you should disable it. Here’s how:
- Open Settings.
- Tap Privacy > Google location history.
- Tap Turn off.
- Scroll down and tap Pause.
After doing this, you’ll be asked if your old data should be flushed. Tap Delete old activity and hit Got it to seal the deal.
While ExpressVPN does note that you would need a VPN to hide your location entirely, your Google profile will be separated through this method.
Cleanse your permission manager
After years of using an Android device, apps tend to pile up. At one point, many needed permission to use the camera, microphone, or contacts.
You can keep access to your device exclusive by revoking permission for odds and ends you don’t use anymore. It’s an excellent solution for apps you rarely use but not every day.
5 signs you need a new laptop
Even the most reliable laptops have an expiration date. But it can be hard to tell whether your machine is dying or just in need of repair. Luckily, you can look out for a few surefire signs you need a new one.
Need a new laptop but can’t afford it? Just take my one-minute laptop quiz. You’ll answer a few questions about your needs and price range. Then, I’ll tell you which laptop is your best fit.
This impressive $50 universal remote can control 15 devices
Amazon.com
Too many devices to control? You’re not alone. As our homes become personal networks riddled with connected devices, it’s supposed to get easier to control things — not harder.
If you’re fed up with finding the right remote, try this. SofaBaton makes a universal remote that caught our attention, and after running through everything this little wonder is capable of, we became instant fans.
Tablet buying guide: How to choose the best tablet based on your needs and budget
Amazon
Tablets provide excellent utility, great accessibility and open up a world of possibilities from your fingertips. That is if you use the right ones. Tap or click here for 10 tips and tricks for your iPad.
You can be creative with graphic design and art, watch your favorite shows and viral video clips, or turn a tablet into a pop-up workstation wherever you are.
Flying soon? Throw on one of the five best noise-canceling headphones in 2022
Amazon
Airplanes are notoriously noisy. From screeching babies to loudmouths chattering about their personal lives, there’s a lot of buzzing you can’t fly away from. Luckily, you can escape the cacophony by slipping on one of the five best noise-canceling headphones in 2022.
Android bug causing phone battery drain – Here's how to fix it
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Though the war between Android and Apple fans will rage on for eternity, you may find a reason to want to switch sides. While hardcore loyalists view this as akin to stepping out with the enemy, both ecosystems offer pros and cons.
8 signs that your computer has been hacked
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If your device is connected to the internet, it’s vulnerable to hacks. It’s as simple as that. Cybercriminals are always coming up with new tricks to get into your gadgets and you should be aware of that.
Fortunately, there are usually signs that your device has been compromised. When it comes to smartphones, this can include spikes in data usage, battery drainage and changes to your home screen, among other indicators. Tap or click here for information on diagnosing and solving phone hacks.
Battery backup: 5 of the best UPS backups for your electronics
We’ve all fallen victim to unexpected power outages. Just like that, hours of work disappears in the blink of an eye. It’s frustrating and stressful — but it’s also preventable.
An uninterruptible power supply, or UPS, keeps your computer and other electronics up and running, even when there’s a blackout in your neighborhood. The backup battery allows you to finish your projects, save progress and close down programs safely.
True or false: You can use any charger with your phone or tablet
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Your device’s battery life is only as good as the care you put into it. Bad charging habits are common, and while the manual that comes with your phone contains charging tips, you have to read it to understand them.
Shopping guide: Ben's best-reviewed products of 2021
Over the past year, I’ve reviewed dozens of products, from battery chargers to motorized standing desks. While not every new gadget managed to wow me, quite a few made a positive impression.
They might do the same for you. There could even be a few that would make an excellent gift for someone you know — especially those who are difficult to buy for.
5 simple ways to protect your home this winter
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Winter months can bring some serious challenges for homeowners. Icy driveways, slick walkways and frozen pipes can cause a lot of damage.
Whether you tough it out or take off to warmer climates, you want to keep your home safe over the winter months. That means you need protection from thieves while you’re away. Protect your home with the security system that protects Kim’s family, SimpliSafe. Visit SimpliSafeKim.com today to save 40% on a home security system and get your first month free when you sign up for Interactive Monitoring.
Review: This compact power station makes a great gift - How to get it at a lower price
This past summer, I had the chance to review a portable power station from Jackery. I say portable, even though it was a bit on the heavy side and came with four folding solar panels. That’s fine since it’s designed to charge your devices and power major appliances if necessary.
Stop running out of juice. Power your phone with this high-speed portable charger. (It's $5 off!)
Amazon
When you’re on the go, a portable charger can save your trip. It powers up your devices, even when they’re low from overuse. The only problem is that a lot of them can be pretty bulky and who wants to lug around a brick when they’re vacationing?
Review: Jackery solar generator can power appliances or tag along on trips
Courtesy: Jackery.com
Not interested in a portable generator that’s awkwardly large, loud and smells of gasoline fumes? That’s where portable power stations come in. These are similar to the backup batteries you might keep around to charge up a cell phone but much larger and more powerful.
New M1 MacBook Air is on sale for the lowest price it's ever been
Credit: Apple.com, Amazon.com
The MacBook Air M1 is cheaper than ever. Normally, you have to pay $1,000 for this lightning-fast gadget. But now, you can grab the powerful 256GB model for a more affordable $899 on Amazon.
If you need more storage power, the 512GB MacBook Air M1 is $150 off. These laptops are more advanced than previous MacBooks, thanks to their pièce de résistance: the M1 chips. Thanks to this fantastic technology, these Macs wake up the moment you open the lid.
10 ways to get better sleep: Apps, podcasts, gadgets and more
We could all try to live a little bit healthier these days. Diet and exercise aren’t the only steps to a healthy life. You also need to get quality rest.
Fortunately, technology is here to help us. Fitness trackers are great tools to remind us to move around, eat and even sleep properly. Tap or click here for 10 Fitbit tips and tricks you may not know about.
iPhone 13: All the new features in Apple's latest smartphone
Apple.com
Apple makes an event of all of its major releases, whether it’s hardware or software. Even when public gatherings are discouraged, the Cupertino company drums up excitement with streaming presentations.
This year’s Worldwide Developers Conference is focused on iOS 15. iPadOS 15 and watchOS 8 are also rolling out. Tap or click here for our WWDC roundup.
Digital Life Hack: How you're ruining your phone's battery
Did you know that every phone’s lithium ion battery has only a certain number of charge cycles? Listen now for the best way to charge your phone.
Have a SimpliSafe system? There's a brand new HD outdoor camera to add to your home's arsenal
SimpliSafe.com
When it comes to home security, you need a company you can trust. Traditional home security companies are all about the bottom line. You work with a salesperson to find a system, someone comes over to install it, then you’re locked into a long contract with high monthly fees.