Have someone flying in to visit this summer? No more tracking them online or trying to figure out if they’ve been delayed if you use this hack.
Holiday tech hacks: Digital cookbook, easier cards, group pic tips
I’m not sure where this year went, but it’s time to dive headfirst into the festive frenzy. I’ve got some tech tips up my sleeve that’ll sprinkle a little magic on your celebrations. You’re gonna love ‘em!
1. Cook up a storm with a digital cookbook
If your recipes are printed or handwritten, snap a pic with your phone or tablet. Add them all to one folder (or try the Notes app on iOS or Google Keep for Android) for easy swiping. Listen here for more tips about that.
Cooking recipes you found online? Use this site to strip the ads, save the PDF versions and toss them all in one spot. There’s a free 14-day trial, so just remember to cancel if you’re not going to keep using it.
Now, let’s get your kitchen cooking tech stylin’ with two essentials:
- An inexpensive phone and tablet holder (47% off, $7.99) will keep your phone or tablet out of the mess of flour, stock and butter in the kitchen. Btw, I use this one for my iPad when doing the show!
- A stylus (20% off, $7.99) can be used instead of your fingers to advance videos or scroll.
2. Go with digital holiday cards
Canva, Adobe Express, Paperless Post and Mailchimp all offer solid options. Choose a template, whip up a greeting and send it in just a few minutes — no trip to the post office.
But if you want a personalized card to mail, you can pick a template and upload a photo on Amazon for 15 cards ($21.45; $1.43 each) or up to 250 cards ($180; $0.72 each).
3. Your best family pics in years
No more designating the family friend or someone’s random date as the chief photographer.
- On iPhone: Open your Camera app and tap the up arrow at the top of the screen. Scroll to the option that looks like a clock, then tap it. Select a 3- or 10-second delay.
- On Android: In the Camera app, select Timer and turn it on. Choose a delay of 2, 5 or 10 seconds.
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6 ways tech can solve life's little annoyances
Minor tech annoyances can seem small at the moment. But in the grand scheme of things, they can cause stress and wasted time. If you don’t want tech issues to have a significant impact, cut them off with these tech life hacks.
🖨️ Clever printer hack: Dust can cause unexpected problems with your printer. Open the paper trays, remove any paper and use a handheld vac to suck up the dust. You can also blow it out with compressed air (43% off).
We may receive a commission when you buy through our links, but our reporting and recommendations are always independent and objective.
How to get cheap flights with expert Clark Howard
Money-saving guru Clark Howard is here, sharing his top-secret strategies to land the cheapest flights imaginable — and trust me, the airlines do not want you knowing these tricks. We talk about clever booking hacks, algorithms, hidden deals, and the perfect time to strike.
📦 If you see this trick online, it doesn’t work anymore: A Walmart shopper found the ultimate moving-day hack: Ordering 24 boxes online. Each box arrived individually packed in a Walmart delivery box with bubble wrap, basically doubling his single-box order for free. Someone at Walmart caught on, of course, and now they’ll be shipping box orders altogether.
Small-biz tip: Don't overlook this digital danger
Are you the type of business owner who forgets about ex-employees as soon as they’re gone? Failing to remove former employees’ access to your systems and data could lead to security breaches. Don’t let poor offboarding practices be the weak link in your cybersecurity chain.
After my Volvo broke, I was Saab-ing: Cybercriminals leaked 240GB of Toyota customer info on a hacking forum. The stolen data includes emails, passwords, contracts and financial details. Toyota says they’ve reached out to those impacted. No word on how many folks that is.
ADT hides a major cyber hack
How secure is your home or business? ADT just revealed a data breach but is keeping quiet about the timing and details of what was stolen. Plus, the risks of storing cash in Cash App, AI classes for seniors, and a crucial Amazon Echo security setting you should check.
He fell for an online Ponzi scheme
YouTuber Antenna Man is opening up about being a victim of the Agridime Ponzi scheme. He hopes others don’t fall into the same trap. Plus, a woman tracks down a thief with an AirTag, and someone hacks a guy’s Bluetooth headphones — creepy stuff!
Pass me a cold one: Relay hacks and keyless jamming are ways someone can take over your car’s key fob. Paid solution: Buy a signal-blocking case, like this shielded RFID-blocking pouch. Free solution: Store your key fob in the refrigerator or freezer; the multiple layers of metal block the signal.
We may receive a commission when you buy through our links, but our reporting and recommendations are always independent and objective.
Toxic chemicals found in Temu products
Officials flagged sandals with 11 times the legal lead limit! Google’s forcing your site to train its AI if you want it searchable. Plus, the FTC is cracking down on fake reviews, and a hack to find cheap flights online.
🚴♂️ Not wheelie good: Researchers found a way to hack bicycle wireless gear shifters with just a few hundred bucks of tech and a laptop. The trick works on Shimano Di2 shifters, which are used by top cycling teams worldwide. A patch is rolling out in late August.
ADT hides a major cyber hack
The home surveillance company revealed a data breach but is hiding the details. I’ll tell you why this should make you rethink who’s protecting your home.
💩 Shame for fame: A Brazilian model is going viral for an antiaging “hack” — spreading her own poop on her face. I’m not linking the video, because trust me — you don’t want to see it. This crap (sorry) is so popular on social, experts are stepping up to warn against the dangers of exposing yourself to bacteria and parasites. Just … don’t.
🎵 Work hack? Studies show surgeons work faster and more accurately when listening to classical music. For those of us not in the operating room, the best tunes are those that put you in a better mood. The three most popular tracks on work-related Spotify lists: “Drops of Jupiter” (Train), “Dreams” (Fleetwood Mac) and “Don’t Stop Believin’” (Journey). Did I just hear you humming a tune?
Laptop catches fire on plane
It started smoking inside a passenger’s bag. Plus, the RiteAid hack, and AT&T data breach. We also talk to Elliston Berry and Anna McAdams, a mother-daughter team fighting deepfake revenge porn.
Is 'oatzempic' a weight-loss miracle?
TikTok claims an oatmeal and lime smoothie can help you lose 20 pounds a month. Plus, there’s a major Roku hack, you can’t be anonymous on OpenTable and be careful what you click on X.
Parenting hack: Ever tried calming a baby in the car? A California dad took a close-up photo of Mom’s face, turned it into a large cutout and slapped it on the back seat. Now, the little one giggles at her favorite person from the backseat. Adorable video here.
Change Healthcare hackers stole your data. What should you do?
The Change Healthcare hack in February was entirely avoidable; the company neglected basic software updates. So, what does this hack mean for you? Spoiler: a lot.