devices Archives

Duct tape fixes for the digital age

ChatGPT

Tech doesn’t always play nice. Your laptop heats up, your Wi-Fi fizzles, and sometimes you’re just standing there, squinting at your screen, wondering where the mouse pointer disappeared to.

Don’t panic. Just try these fast fixes. Each takes under a minute and requires zero tech degree … although if you pull these off in front of someone else, you may get a slow clap, and maybe even a mozzarella stick.

1. “My internet stinks.”

💡 Try Orb.net. It’s a free, easy-to-use, excellent tool that checks if your device is the issue or if the internet itself is slowing things down. You’ll see exactly how your connection is performing in real time, including local vs. remote speed tests.

💰 Pro tip: You can also use the reports to see if you’re actually getting the connection speed you’re paying for.

2. “Is this battery dead?”

🔋 Try the bounce test. Find a flat, solid surface like a countertop or hardcover book. Hold the AA or AAA battery vertically and drop it from about 8 inches (20 cm).

If it clunks and tumbles? Still got juice. If it bounces like it’s auditioning for Cirque du Soleil? It’s dead.

Weird? Yes. Accurate? Also yes. This quirky trick works because discharged batteries have a different internal structure that makes them springier.

3. “What’s up with the mic?”

🎙️ Use your phone’s voice recorder app. Open your built-in iPhone Voice Memos or Android Voice Recorder app, press record and speak normally. Then play it back.

Sound fine? Mic’s good. Sound like you swallowed gravel? Try cleaning mic holes with a soft toothbrush or compressed air.

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Location tracking: Your unsolicited life memoir

ChatGPT

Think you’re off the grid? Think again. Your phone is basically a chatty little informant. While you were living your life, grabbing coffee, sneaking off for that totally relaxing solo cabin trip, it was logging every move like a nosy aunt with a snooping addiction.

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Jetsons starter pack – What I use

🏠 These smart gadgets earn their keep.

⚡ My pick: This outdoor smart plug ($18) keeps my patio lights and fan connected rain or shine. 4.4 stars with 3,000+ reviews.

🗣️ Voice-controlled color bulbs: I use them in my home studio. Plus, they’re Alexa & Google compatible ($12.23).
🐶 Dog doorbell?! Yep. My friend’s golden retriever now rings one (20% off) to go out. Works for any size pup.
🎬 Movie night magic: This 4K smart projector (32% off) is sharp, bright and easy to set up. Indoor or outdoor use.

⚖️ Smart scale that actually works: Syncs with your phone, tracks trends, not just your body weight (20% off). Great for goal-setting.
🔌 Bonus: I run multiple devices off a smart power strip (11% off) without crawling under furniture. Scheduling + surge protection built in = total win.

👉 Want more proven gadgets that make your home smarter (without blowing your budget)? Check out my full Amazon smart home collection here.

We may earn a commission from purchases, but our recommendations are always objective.

👍 Don’t wait until it’s too late: I’ve said it for years, viruses attack fast. That’s why I trust TotalAV. Rock-solid protection on up to 5 devices. Only $19 for the first year. Smart, simple, and it works!

Wi-Fi master: Angry IP Scanner keeps track of everything connected to your network. It scans for IP addresses and other information about the devices connected. It helps troubleshoot tech issues and catch hackers or moochers since it pinpoints unknown or suspicious devices.

🛡️ Your devices deserve top-tier protection. TotalAV delivers powerful antivirus that won’t slow you down. It blocks threats, cleans junk and keeps your browsing safe. Even I use it! Get TotalAV today for $19 for the first year with my special link!

Hackers don’t wait, why should you? I’ve said it for years, viruses attack fast. That’s why I trust TotalAV. Rock-solid protection on up to five devices. Only $19 for the first year. Smart, simple, and it works!

Don’t wait until it’s too late: I’ve said it for years, viruses attack fast. That’s why I trust TotalAV. Rock-solid protection on up to five devices. Only $19 for the first year. Smart, simple, and it works!

👍 Don’t wait until it’s too late: Viruses attack fast. That’s why I trust TotalAV. Rock-solid protection on up to five devices. Only $19 for the first year. Smart, simple, and it works!*

Alexa, turn it up: Fine-tune your Echo’s sound for higher (treble) or lower (bass) frequencies. Just say “Alexa, reset the equalizer,” or “Alexa, turn up the treble.” Or open the Alexa app and go to Devices (lightbulb icon) > [your Echo] > Device Settings (gear icon) > Audio Controls, then use the sliders to adjust.

🛡️ 1 billion malware threats: 1 simple fix. Antivirus software protects your devices from viruses, ransomware and more before they can do any harm. Cover five devices for just $19 for the first year. That’s less than a trip to the movies.

🚨 A sneaky virus could be lurking. It’s better to be safe than sorry, which is why I trust TotalAV. For just $19 for the first year, you get rock-solid antivirus protection on up to five devices. It’s smart, simple and keeps your tech safe without breaking the bank.

🔎 Check for snoops: Think someone is spying on your chats? Open WhatsApp and go to Settings > Linked Devices to see where your account is logged in. If you spot something you don’t recognize, log out of all devices and change your password ASAP.

🛡️ Your devices deserve top-tier protection: TotalAV delivers powerful antivirus that won’t slow you down. It blocks threats, cleans junk and keeps your browsing safe. Even I use it! Get TotalAV today for $19 for the first year with my special link!

📺 Streams constantly buffering? Even if your Wi-Fi is stable, your internet speed might be the issue. Run a test and check your download rate. 4K videos on YouTube or Netflix need about 25 Mbps to play smoothly. Got a family with multiple devices on the same network? Time to upgrade to at least 100 Mbps.

I spy a virus: If your connection’s dragging, a virus might be the culprit. I trust and recommend TotalAV. It’s just $19 a year to protect up to five devices on Windows, Mac, Android and more. That’s total peace of mind for your phone, laptop and tablet.

Check yourself before you go to google.com/devices. Sign in if you need to. Here, you’ll see a list of devices you’re signed into currently or have been signed into within the last 28 days. See anything that’s not yours? Kick it off your account and change your password ASAP.

Netflix cuts off Fire TV devices: Starting June 3, first-gen Fire TV, Fire TV Stick and the Alexa remote version will stop working. Why? They haven’t received security updates in years and can’t handle newer streaming tech. If you need an upgrade, the latest 4K Max model is 33% off.

We may earn a commission from purchases, but our recommendations are always objective.

🔒 You lock your door, so why not lock up your online life? ExpressVPN keeps your online activity safe and location private, even on public Wi-Fi. It’s fast, easy to use and works on all devices. Get four months free when you sign up today!*

⚠️ Use Apple AirPlay? Be careful. Researchers found security flaws that could let hackers take over compatible devices like speakers if they’re on the same Wi-Fi. They can control them remotely and possibly use mics to spy. Reminder: Keep your Apple gadgets updated, and turn off AirPlay when you’re not using it.