The U.S. military is developing a gun-wielding robot dog to protect our forces from aerial drones. The doggo is equipped with an AR-15-type rifle, electro-optical targeting system, infrared/thermal vision and a laser aiming device.
Check for keyloggers: These programs capture every single thing you do on your phone and secretly send it off, where it all can be accessed by who-knows-who. One of the most popular programs is called MSpy. If you think you’re being stalked, check your device for this app.
The latest way your information is being targeted
An A.I. company is selling your data to the highest bidder, and there is nothing you can do about it. Plus, a sleek recording device is infiltrating your social interactions.
Who needs privacy? The Limitless AI pendant is a tiny device that clips onto your shirt, records everything you say and uploads it to an app. Why would anyone want that? It can then spit out summaries of your convos, create to-do lists and offer self-improvement tips (paywall link). Like, “Be more patient with your kids.” Yeah, I’m not paying for a backseat driver.
🗑️ No paper manual? No worries. ManualsLib has over 8.7 million for electronics, appliances and more. You can download PDFs right to your computer or device. Score. Next step: figuring out what half these buttons actually do.
Keep your iPhone locked, even if it's lost!
Smart how-to today: Set up Apple’s Stolen Device Protection setting. This hack only works if you set it up before your iPhone goes missing, so do it now before it’s too late.
⚡️3-second tech genius: Find your iPhone with Siri by saying, “Hey, Siri, where’s my phone?” to your Apple Watch or HomePod, and it will instantly ring your device.
Lucky’s the name: Rename your phone from “Pixel 9” or “My little phoney” to something helpful like “Reward if found – Call 555-123-4567.” For iPhones, head to Settings > General > About > Name. On Android, go to Settings > About phone > Device name. It’ll pop up on Bluetooth, Wi-Fi or when it’s plugged into a computer.
WFP(hone): Google Meet’s Switch here lets you switch from your phone to your desktop without dropping the call. If you’re in a live meeting, click to Join the meeting on your other device, and you’ll see Switch here. Sweet.
🖨️ Oh Brother: The printer manufacturer quietly pushed a firmware update that blocks third-party ink cartridges. It gets worse. They scrubbed older firmware versions from their support site, so there’s no way to roll back. If you haven’t updated, keep your device offline and reject firmware updates.
NASA’s new mission to deal with space junk is Apollo G: Over 11,000 satellites orbit Earth. When they crash into each other, it creates junk. (We’re talking 40K pieces of debris in low orbit.) The fix: ELROI (Extremely Low Resource Optical Identifier). In you and me terms, it’s a solar powered, stamp-sized device that’s a license plate for space identification and communication.
See what’s got the keys to the castle: On Android, go to Settings > Security & privacy. Tap Privacy controls to see if any apps have full device access. Steps and names you see may vary slightly depending on your phone.
Better safe than sorry: Here’s a free tool to make sure the crazy deal on a slightly used iPhone isn’t because it’s stolen. You’ll need the device’s serial number, IMEI, MEID or ESN. If the seller won’t provide it, that’s a red flag. On most Androids, dial #06#. On an iPhone: Settings > General > About.
Amazon switcheroo: Starting Feb. 26, you can’t download Kindle books onto anything other than an Amazon device. So, right now, sign in to Amazon, click Accounts & Lists > Content Library > Books. On the one you want, hit More actions > Download & transfer via USB.
She’s the Bluetooth lady
Every time you fail to pair your phone, she’s there: “Device not found.” Meet Kristen DiMercurio, the voice of Bluetooth, as she spills on hearing herself everywhere, life as a voice actor in the AI age, and the weirdest requests she gets.
I’ve tried so many password managers over the years: I did a deep dive to find the best option on the market right now. My thoroughly tested recommendation and pick, NordPass, uses military-grade encryption. Store all your logins in one safe spot and access them on any device. Hit my special link for 52% off.
Only nine hours: A new class-action suit claims Siri activates too easily and Apple shared accidental recordings with advertisers. That explains the “I was just talking about that!” ad moments you’ve had. Expect about $20 per Siri-enabled device. I’ll share the claim link once it’s live. For Apple, the $95 million settlement is just nine hours of profit.
Insurers use drones to watch your home
Invasion of privacy? CJ Sveen says his home insurance was dropped after aerial pics were used to spy on his property. Plus, Russian troops smuggle Starlink, Android’s new “Find My Device” feature, and the crazy lengths one hacker went to avoid paying $100,000 in child support.
Get smoke and CO alarm alerts from your smart speaker
Did you know your smart speaker can double as a safety device? Here’s how yours can alert you to smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, even when you’re not home.