Is it Apple’s Tim Cook? Google’s Sundar Pichai? Or Jeff Bezos? I reveal the answer in this short podcast.
10 privacy-friendly Big Tech alternatives
Nextcloud.com, play.google.com, Notesnook.com
Amazon uses your Alexa voice commands to train its AI, Dropbox had a breach in April that exposed customers’ passwords, and apps like Facebook and Google make billions of dollars gathering and sharing every little detail about you. I could go on (and on).
Luckily for you, there are privacy-friendly alternatives. Here are some proven ones.
1. Instead of Dropbox …
Try Nextcloud. It does everything Dropbox does (including end-to-end file encryption) but gives you total control. You can even host your own server for free at home.
2. Instead of Google Docs or Microsoft 365 …
Try Joplin. It’s a document app that keeps your files encrypted and stored in open formats, so you can take them anywhere without anyone snooping.
3. Instead of Google Keep or Apple Notes …
Try Notesnook. It’s end-to-end encrypted and lets you export to other apps. Unlike some companies, Notesnook won’t use your stuff to train an AI chatbot.
4. Instead of Google Photos or Apple Photos …
Try Ente, a free photo storage app that backs up your data in multiple locations and scrambles it with a password for maximum security. Ente doesn’t use your pics for AI machine learning, either, like Google Photos and Apple Photos both do.
5. Instead of Apple Home or Google Home …
Try Home Assistant. It’s an open-source smart home hub that works with just about every smart home device out there. The best part? You can manage everything from your browser or phone — no need for home apps that collect your data … and voice … and schedule … and shopping habits …
Why you need a VPN (even if you're not tech-savvy)
When surfing the web, you might encounter a few confusing acronyms. Take VPN, for example. You might shrug and scroll past it if you don’t know what it means. Just like that, you could miss out on the best internet privacy tool.
Fitness trackers to track your steps that aren’t tied to Big Tech
Photo © Andrew Haddon | Dreamstime
A pedometer suits you if you want something basic that counts steps. They’re versatile, so you can clip them to your belt or waistband instead of wearing them on your wrist. All pedometers do is count your steps, differentiating them from fitness trackers, which can monitor sleep, count calories and more.
Amazon unveils robot on wheels, a $60 smart thermostat and more
Amazon
Big Tech is rarely content with simple announcements when it comes to unveiling new hardware. It has to be an event, and this continues even as audiences can only attend virtually.
Apple recently unveiled its flagship product, the iPhone 13, which comes in four flavors. Along with this came details on the new Apple Watch as well as some new entries in the iPad family. Tap or click here for our Apple rundown.
Google buries Trump's campaign
Don’t think for even a moment that Big Tech is not taking sides in this election.
When you delete an email, is it gone for good?
Think your deleted emails are gone forever? Think again — Big Tech is holding onto them, and they’re making money off every last one.
Big Tech listens to your convos
At least one media group gathers info from conversations and uses it for targeted ads. Plus, a new sextortion scam tactic, Amazon’s “Just Walk Out” tech hits more NFL stadiums, and police are towing Teslas from crime scenes.
Big tech's big lies: Part II
I’ll break down how streaming, ride-shares, and cloud services have failed to deliver on their promises, costing you more than you bargained for.
When the cure is worse than the problem
You think the internet is a scary place for kids? It’s about to get worse. Big Tech’s latest “solution” to protect children could be even more dangerous than the problem.
Confirmed: Google is a monopoly
A federal judge has ruled that Alphabet’s Google created an illegal monopoly by controlling almost all online searches. With around 90% market share, this decision could be a game-changer for Big Tech.
October 14th, 2023
Hamas plans to live-stream the murders of Israeli and American hostages. Will big tech do anything about it? Plus, the Godfather of AI reveals his thoughts (they’re not so optimistic). The reason thieves are using Venmo, smartphone expiration dates and Google AI fixes photos with AI. That and much more, plus all your calls and questions.
Live streaming the murder of Israeli and American hostages
Will big tech do anything about it? Here’s my take in this one-minute podcast.
FTC accuses Amazon of acting as a monopoly
The first of the mega lawsuits against Big Tech is underway. What it means for you, in 60 seconds.
Zuck vs. Musk on government regulation
Not all Big Tech companies play by the same rules. Here’s how lawmakers treat Meta and Twitter differently, in 60 seconds.
Why layoffs are spreading
Big Tech layoffs are dominating the headlines. In 60 seconds, why it’s happening — and it’s not just fears of a recession.
Your ISP sees everything you do online - Here's how to stop it
We all know that Google, Amazon and Facebook are tracking us, but have you really thought about your ISP? That’s short for “internet service provider.” Depending on where you live, you may have a few to choose from — or maybe there’s only one.
The essential privacy tool to protect you from Big Tech
© David Molina | Dreamstime.com
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.
What the Biden presidency could mean for the tech world
© Pixavril | Dreamstime.com
For quite a while, U.S. lawmakers have questioned whether Big Tech companies are too involved (or not enough) in curbing misinformation. Others have accused the big four: Google, Apple, Amazon and Facebook, of antitrust behavior. This has led to several ongoing court cases brought on by federal and state law enforcement.
Start 2020 right with the Komando Community
The internet is a dangerous place. Hackers and scammers are everywhere, and big tech companies thrive on collecting and selling your data.
That’s why Kim and the team created the ad-free Komando Community. If you’re looking for a safe place to get answers to your digital questions, meet others who share your interests and get exclusive access to Kim’s trusted advice, look no further. The best part? We’ll never sell your data to advertisers.