All those constant dings, beeps, and buzzes? They’re killing your concentration. I found a fix that works on both iPhone and Android. It’s not an app, it’s already built into your phone.
Tractors, TVs and tyranny
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Picture this. A farmer is out in the fields when his $300,000 John Deere tractor shuts off with an error code. He knows what’s wrong. But he can’t touch it. An authorized (pricey) technician must come to his farm, unlock the tractor’s operating system and fix it.
You see, the farmer doesn’t own the right to repair something he paid hundreds of thousands of dollars for. That’s not just a farmer’s problem. It’s yours and mine, too.
🚜 Why this matters
This isn’t limited to tractors. The same issue affects our phone, TV, car, smart fridge, laptop, home automation system and more.
If a part breaks, the manufacturer can decide whether or not you’re allowed to fix it. Companies use proprietary screws, secret tool kits and software locks to trap us in their repair quicksand. They can make parts and tools unavailable. They can lock you out of the software. Even worse, they can void your warranty if you dare take it to anyone outside their little repair club.
John Deere now faces a major lawsuit from the Federal Trade Commission and several states for blocking farmers from fixing their own machines. The courts recently ruled the case can move forward, and that’s a big win.
Right to repair laws would force companies to make parts, tools and manuals available. They would stop manufacturers from using software to block you from changing a battery, replacing a screen or updating a component without their say-so.
📈 How tech companies rate
I took a look at The Public Interest Network’s “Failing the Fix” report that graded various tech companies:
- Smartphones: Apple and Google top the list with B– grades; Motorola trails at C+ and Samsung lags with C–.
- Laptops: ASUS leads with an A–; Acer follows with B+; Dell, Samsung and Microsoft tie at B–; HP scores C; Apple earns C–; and Lenovo falls to F, due to no repair data on most models.
You can see the entire report here. I thought it was interesting.
🕺 What you can do
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ChatGPT
Today is National System Administrator Appreciation Day, but this special day will soon be off the calendars. Thank you to all the unsung heroes updating, plugging and unplugging things and reminding us, “No, you can’t use 123456 again.”
🔥 Email land mines: Your emails might feel polite, but phrases like “per my last email” or “thanks in advance” can make you sound like a corporate arsonist. Executive coaches say these slipups read passive-aggressive, erode trust and cost promotions. The fix? Cut the fluff, set clear asks and maybe stop accidentally weaponizing your correspondence.
Around 1 in 3
U.S. counties have no full-time local journalist. That number has dropped 75% since 2002. The fix? Experts say we need more funding and policy changes. Kinda scary to think no one in the public eye is watching over local government, businesses or schools.
Fix Windows 11 right-click menus: Microsoft messed with context menus so you only see “important” options, and the rest are hidden under Show more options. Annoying, right? Quick fix: Hold Shift + right-click on any file or folder to see the full menu instantly. So much for simplifying things.
Et tu, ChatGPT? Geoffrey Hinton, the “godfather of AI,” says his ex used ChatGPT to break up with him, by having it explain “what a rat” he was. The Nobel winner wasn’t too fazed, though. Already dating someone else, he still warns that AI could end humanity but also admits he asks it how to fix his appliances.
🗂️ Show hidden files: By default, Windows 11 hides certain system files and app data. But sometimes you need to see them to clean up old folders or fix an issue. Open This PC or any folder, click the three dots at the top and choose Options. In the new window, go to View and toggle on Show hidden files, folders, and drives.
🤳 Fix blurry phone photos: If tapping to focus isn’t working, your lens is probably dirty. After all, your phone lives in your pocket, collecting dust and grime. Folks, don’t reach for your T-shirt. Go with proper lens wipes that are scratch-free and streak-free. I found a pack of 200 for under $10.
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AI went way too far: This is so incredibly sad. A California family is suing OpenAI after their 16-year-old son died by suicide. They say ChatGPT not only discussed methods but helped improve them. The boy had confided in the bot for months. If you have a few minutes, read some of the conversations (paywall link). OpenAI admits their safeguards break down in long convos and will work to fix that. Too late for this family. Talk to yours about this story.
Windows 11 update breaks SSDs: Last week’s KB5063878 update is making storage drives vanish, showing up as unallocated space. Since the update rolled out automatically, the only real fix is to roll it back. Here’s how.
Fix your mouse on MacBook: Go to System Settings > Mouse > Tracking speed to adjust how fast the pointer moves. If you’re coming from a Windows PC, go to Secondary click and set it to Click Right Side for a more familiar feeling. Bonus: You can also try out the free Mos app for smoother scrolling.
Safes cracked in seconds: Researchers revealed two ways to break into Securam ProLogic electronic safes (used for guns, cash, etc.). No drills or special gear required for eight brands. If your lock says “Securam ProLogic” on the keypad, it’s at risk. Only fix? Swap the lock. Company’s not patching old ones.
🚨 ICYMI: If your content isn’t showing up in ChatGPT, Perplexity or Gemini, you’re invisible to millions of potential customers. 👉 Read my full post here about how to fix this. Let me know what you think, or drop me a question about it in the comments.
Fix Spotify recs: Getting songs on Discover Weekly that make you go, “Why … this?” Give it a nudge: Find the bad playlist, tap the three-dot menu and select Exclude from your taste profile.
🪄 You need this magic powder in your lives: By age 60, you’ve lost half your natural collagen. Hello, joint pain, achy knees, wrinkles and low energy. NativePath Collagen is my go-to fix. Just two scoops a day, and you’ll totally feel the difference. Get 45% off, plus free shipping and a free gift for a limited time!
⚡️ 3-second tech genius: On Android, you can fix typos without lifting your fingers from the keyboard. Swipe your thumb left or right on the space bar to move the cursor through your text.
📱 Samsung S25 Ultra display fix: By default, it doesn’t use its highest screen resolution. Go to Settings > Display > Screen resolution, switch to QHD+ and hit Apply. Then go back to Display, tap Motion smoothness and choose Adaptive. It’ll use more battery, but everything will look way better. FYI: The price just dropped.
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Is your iPhone too old to fix?
If Apple won’t even look at it, you might be past due for an upgrade. Here’s why.
💾 Old PCs, new problems: If you’re using an older Intel PC with a Gigabyte motherboard, heads up: There’s a new vulnerability that could mess with your system memory. Gigabyte’s pushing out BIOS updates to fix it, but only for certain models. If your board’s too old, their advice is basically “call someone.” Start backing up. And updating. Immediately.