This week, a ruling on whether iPhone’s MagSafe chargers and medical devices mix, Facebook in hot water yet again and Google’s plan to replace internet cookies. In the tech tip, Ben has the answer on just how often you should restart your computer. And can Allie win again in Brand New or Not True?
New Amazon Echo screen moves with you and it's available to preorder now
Amazon
Echo smart devices have come a long way since they first hit the market. Not only are there original Echo speakers, but there are a ton of different and upgraded devices available now, too.
There’s a reason Echo devices are so popular. They are affordable and useful, too. You can use your Alexa-enabled speaker to control smart devices, track schedules, shop for items you need or help with a ton of other tasks. Plus, you can get even more out of your Alexa device with these pro tips.
If you have one of the Echo Show devices, you can even use your smart speaker to make video calls and follow along with live cooking demonstrations. Echo Shows are about to get even better because Amazon is rolling out a new model soon. Here are the details you need about this new smart device.
Here’s the backstory
The new Echo Show 10 was first announced last fall, and if you’ve been waiting on pins and needles for this completely redesigned device to hit the shelves, you’re in luck. It looks like we finally have a date for the new Echo device to roll out.
Starting this week, you can pre-order the Echo Show 10 for $249.99 in Charcoal and Glacier White. This is the fifth smart display device from Amazon, following the original Amazon Echo Show, Echo Show (2nd gen), Echo Show 5 and Echo Show 8.
But, if you want to get your hands on the Echo Show 10, you’ll have to wait a while to get it. While pre-orders are open, the new device won’t begin shipping until February 25.
That may seem like a long lag between pre-order and shipping, but if you’re in the market for a new smart speaker and want one with video capabilities, you may want to consider this device. Here’s why.
Key features you should know about
This new Echo Show is a huge upgrade to prior versions on the market. Echo Show 10 is basically a complete reimagination of Alexa.
Before we get into the details, though, it’s important to note the differences between an Echo and an Echo Show. Unlike the other Echo devices, the Echo Show has a video component that lets you browse YouTube, make video calls, show off your photos and has a ton of other video-centric features, too.
It still has all of an Echo device’s capabilities, mind you — Alexa can still control all your smart devices and help automate your home — but the video component is what sets it apart.
We may earn a commission from purchases, but our recommendations are always objective.
5 strategies to find the best Black Friday deals
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Black Friday is both a smart and overwhelming time to shop. On the one hand, there are plenty of deals to snag. On the other, there are so many deals to compare.
Follow these tips to ensure your Black Friday deal hunting is successful.
Tech Refresh: Facebook hack, goodbye cookies, new Alexa uses
Kim's pick for home security: Get a FREE HD camera
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Do you feel 100% confident your home is safe from thieves and break-ins? What about disasters like a flood or fire?
Not being protected is a scary way to live. The good news is it’s easy and affordable to protect you, your home and your family 24/7. With SimpliSafe, you order everything you need online at SimpliSafeKim.com, install it in under an hour and activate the system. After that, your family is protected by professional security monitoring, all with no contracts.
AirPods problems? Apple offering free replacements for faulty earbuds
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When it comes to the headphones you use with your smartphone, you have a ton of options. There are wired or wireless options, and some offer more bass and better sound quality for music fanatics while others focus on crystal-clear call quality instead.
Best of: Get paid for YOUR data
In this best of episode, Kim chats with author and computer scientist Jaron Lanier — one of the founding fathers of virtual reality — about what it could look like if we truly had control over our info online. You may think advertising runs the internet, but the big data behind it is where the real profits come from. We’re being followed all around the internet and tracked where we go through our phones, watches, tablets, cars, smart speakers and a multitude of other devices. If Big Tech can cash in on our data, why can’t we?
Poll: 1 in 3 Americans plan to buy the iPhone 12 - What you should know first
Apple.com
Are you pre-ordering the iPhone 12? Apple’s latest phone just went live for Americans to purchase, and Apple fans across the country are scrambling to get theirs before supplies run out.
Based on enthusiasm, we’d say this might happen pretty soon. According to a survey conducted by Wallethub, one in three Americans plan on buying the new iPhone this year — in spite of economic setbacks and COVID-19! Tap or click here to see everything we know about the iPhone 12.
Amazon Fire TV 2020 comparison chart
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Streaming movies and TV shows from Netflix, Hulu and your other favorite services has never been easier thanks to feature-packed gadgets like Amazon’s Fire TV lineup. Compare the different models below, all updated for 2020.
Best protective sanitary mask cases you'll use time and time again
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It doesn’t look like the COVID-19 pandemic will be slowing down any time soon. Cases are rising across the country, and it’s happening just in time for flu season, too.
Do you know what that means? You need to take good care of your masks. Need to upgrade yours? This is the one I use and recommend to friends and family.
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.
New research: COVID can live on your phone for 28 days – How to properly disinfect yours
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Can you believe we’ve been dealing with coronavirus for nearly seven months already? It’s true. The World Health Organization declared it a pandemic all the way back in March and things haven’t been the same since.
Thankfully there have been plenty of breakthroughs in technology since then that have made it easier to navigate life. Google Maps even added a hotspot tracker so you know if it’s safe to visit places you’re thinking about traveling to. Tap or click to see how it works.
What if social media and Big Tech paid YOU to use your personal data?
You may think advertising runs the internet, but the big data behind it is where the real profits come from. We’re being followed all around the internet and tracked where we go through our phones, watches, tablets, cars, smart speakers and a multitude of other devices. If Big Tech can cash in on our data, why can’t we? Kim talks with author and computer scientist Jaron Lanier — one of the founding fathers of virtual reality — about what it could look like if we truly had control over our info online.
This car tool can jump start, charge phones and much more
The CarAIDE is an 18-in-1 multi-tool built specifically for road emergencies. It’s a flashlight, compass, burglar alarm and a charger that can jump-start your car – not to mention your phone or other devices. All this and more is in one tool that fits in your glove box.
Amazon wants you to buy its new indoor security drone – It's a bad idea
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Apple isn’t the only tech company with a major event this fall. Amazon just wrapped up its own set of announcements that include a trove of new devices — as well as updates to some of your favorite gadgets.
Why so many new gadgets? Many of these products have been in the works for a while, but let’s be real: Amazon had to do something with all that money it made during the pandemic. Tap or click here to see how much it made compared to Black Friday.
These Amazon products are reportedly fire hazards - Are they in your home?
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Hungry for deals on Amazon? There are plenty of ways to save big on products without too much effort. And one of the most popular bargain brands, Amazon Basics, gives users access to a range of discounted everyday items that are easy to sort through.
24 things you need this year that you didn't need last year
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Well, we’ve made it through. This pandemic has been going on for several months now, and we’re all still trucking along pretty well, considering. But that doesn’t mean it’s been easy.
Many of us have gone from office workers to remote employees, from parents to part-time teachers, or from single people with thriving social lives to self-distancing with streaming content at home.
Google just announced $350 loaded phone to take on the iPhone
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If you’re in the market for a new phone, you don’t have to break the bank to get a model with a high-powered camera, fast processor and extra goodies like fingerprint sensors.
In fact, budget smartphone models are starting to make a comeback in a major way. Between a shrinking economy and cheaper parts, device manufacturers like Samsung and Apple have recently delivered quality phones for well under the $1,000 mark. Tap or click here to see our favorite budget smartphone picks.
7 projectors to create a home theater on any budget
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Miss going out to the movies? You can make a movie theater right in your own home for a lot less than you think with a projector.
A nice TV set may give you a brighter and more detailed picture, but a projector is the best way to create a big-screen experience without completely blowing your budget. You can set it up and take it down, too, so no worries if you don’t have a room that can serve as your theater all the time.
How to find earbuds that fit your ears
Raycon
Streaming music players, Bluetooth-connected TVs and your smartphone. Those are just a few of the devices you can go hands-free with if you have wireless earbuds. Hands-free technology is more than just a convenience. With the right pair, you can also drive more safely with hands-free calls.
Step aside, Prime Day! Best deals from Amazon's summer sale
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Amazon’s annual Prime Day has been postponed until at least September due to COVID-19, but you don’t have to wait until then to catch some killer deals on the world’s biggest online marketplace.
Amazon’s Summer Sale is now live, which means you can save hundreds of dollars on clothing, tech, and much, much more until the end of June. Tap or click here for the best tech to help you cool off for the summer.