The CDC has your cell phone records. Plus, you need to watch out for a new online payment scam. Speaking of scams, be careful when you scan QR codes — here’s why. In this episode, you’ll also learn how to share a YouTube video at a precise starting point, how to quickly delete accounts you no longer use and how to find your parked car using Google Maps.
Simple ways to live a better digital life
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Bad habits are the last thing you want to bring with you into the new year. Brush them off your legs so you can set yourself up for success. One way to do that is by cleaning up your digital life.
There are a few ways to get the job done. You can clear out your computer and phone’s cache — or even take a literal brush around your gadgets to polish them up. Tap or click here to get five essential tech cleanups for your inbox, network and gadgets.
Those are solid strategies, but not all change requires a game plan. You can improve your digital life with a few general changes, like upgrading to more convenient chargers or avoiding traffic tickets through helpful apps. Here are easy and effective ways to make the most out of tech throughout the year.
1. Evaluate your screen time
Spending too much time on your phone can be bad for your eyes and your well-being. If you spend six hours or more in front of a screen, you’re at a higher risk for depression, one 2017 study found. That’s why you should limit your screen time each day.
The first way to do this is to check your screen time analytics. Your smartphone keeps track of how much time you spend staring at your screen, as well as which apps take up the most time. Here’s how to find these resources.
On an Android:
- Head to your Settings menu.
- Select Digital Wellbeing & parental controls.
- Tap Show your data to see your activity.
On an iPhone:
- Head to Settings.
- Select Screen Time.
- Go to See All Activity.
This shows a graph of your activity, from daily average time spent on your phone to your most popular apps. It even tells you how many times you picked up your device. Best of all, it lets you set time limits for apps and even schedule time away from the screen.
You’ll find many built-in apps designed to help you detach from the screen. Work Profile helps you turn off your work apps, Bedtime helps you unwind and Focus mode cuts out the constant notifications that draw you back to your phone throughout the day.
Google Search alternatives that respect your privacy
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Between Google Search, Gmail, Google Maps, and all the rest, the tech giant knows a ton about you. Let’s not forget about YouTube, the second-largest search site behind Google.
I recently showed you how you could take control of what appears when you search for yourself. Here’s my guide to doing an exhaustive search. Once you find what’s publicly available about you, take steps to delete anything that doesn’t sit well with you, from images of your home to personal photos.
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.
How to find your parked car using Google Maps
Have you ever forgotten where you parked your car? Ever wasted 10 (or 20) minutes trying to find it? Listen to this one-minute episode for a quick and easy solution.
3 ways to find new restaurants with Google Maps
Want to find great new restaurants? Listen now for a few ways to find your next favorite spot.
Digital Life Hack: How to see your creepy hidden Google Map that shows everywhere you’ve been
Do you want to revisit a place you went to in the past? That can be tough if you forget the name. Listen now to retrace your steps and rediscover old spots with Google Maps.
Digital Life Hack: How to avoid busy times at restaurants and stores
Do you hate waiting in line? Listen now for a time-saving Google Maps trick.
New Google Maps feature that you'll def want to use
A brand new feature of Google Maps is that you can use it as a trip itinerary, plotting out the best routes to take along with great landmarks, cafes and shops to see along the way. Listen now for steps to try it out.
Digital Life Hack: Remove your home from Google Street View
Are you creeped out by the way Google Maps exposes your address to the internet? Listen now to hide your home from prying eyes.
Tech Refresh: Search scams, Apple's privacy dud, vaccine selfies
Apple’s new app privacy labels are here. So far, they’re not all they’re cracked up to be. Plus, a reason to think twice before posting a certain photo if you got the vaccine. We’ve got details on a big upgrade to Google Maps for Android, and a deep dive into food delivery. And can Ben break his Brand New or Not True losing streak?
A wonderful use of Google Street View
It’s never easy to lose a loved one, but a simple trip down memory lane using Google Maps can help.
Google Maps has a unique feature for loved ones
It’s never easy to lose a loved one but a simple trip down memory lane using Google Maps can help.
Get your idea made into a Hallmark movie, FBI's smart TV warning, Google Maps tricks
If you’ve ever wondered what it takes to get your idea made into a Hallmark movie, Kim talks to a woman who did just that. How’d she do it? Find out. Plus, a serious warning from the FBI if you have a smart TV, and pro tips on making holiday travel easier using an app you probably already have on your phone: Google Maps. And don’t miss this week’s tech trivia!
Google Maps is used to scam your banking information
Clever scammers are out with a new way to steal your money and your identity and it involves Google Maps. In this episode of Consumer Tech Update, Kim looks at the latest tactic that scammers are using with the help of Google Maps to steal your banking information.
3 Google Maps tricks that only the pros know
With the weekend upon us, here are some cool ways to explore – or work, with Google Maps. Google Maps is the world’s de facto navigation app so in this episode of Consumer Tech Update, we’re finishing up Digital-Life-Hacks Week with some tricks you can do with Google Maps that you may not be using but definitely should be.