Jedi mind tricks: Neurable is creating mind-reading headphones. The sensors pick up tiny electrical impulses from your skull, which you can view in an app to see how intensely you’re focusing. Telepathy might be next. In one of their gamified exercises, the more you focus, the faster you make a rocket accelerate.
Safe Search: 3 ways Incognito mode can save you
We willingly give our most personal data so often to advertisers, Big Tech, scammers and everyone looking to make a dime off us. Want to take control back? Start with changing a few settings that make it easier for strangers and companies to pinpoint who you are in your Chrome browser.
While at it, take a minute and look at your Facebook account settings. Tap or click for three steps to limit or stop targeted ads.
Your browser offers Incognito or private mode. It’s not a privacy catch-all, but it can make a real difference.
Is Incognito mode private? Sort of …
While Incognito mode in any browser provides more privacy than if you’re not using it, it isn’t as private as we were led to believe.
When you surf the web incognito, your browser doesn’t save your browsing history, cookies, site data or information you enter in forms. However, it keeps any downloaded files or bookmarks created during the session.
Your internet service provider (ISP) can still see your activity, as can a school or employer providing your internet access or computer. Want to stop that? You need a VPN.
That leads us to the question, “Is Incognito mode even worth using?” Yes. Let’s look at three situations when it’s necessary.
1. Trying to keep gifts a surprise
When you shop online, your browser keeps tabs on what you’ve perused. Later, you’ll see ads on other sites that try to get you to come back to make the purchase — even if you’ve already bought the item.
You might not be the only person seeing those ads. If the person you’re buying the gift for uses your computer, tablet, or smartphone, they will see the same ads. They may also see them on their devices since you share an IP address.
Of course, these ads tip them to what you’re up to. That won’t happen if you shop in Incognito mode.
Traveling soon? 5 smart tech steps to take before you hit the road
Travel now means your tickets, maps, hotel, rental car and more are all stored on your phone. But what happens if that goes missing? Here’s how to find your phone when it’s lost — even if the battery is dead.
The other big phone emergency? Your battery is dying and you have to leave for the airport. Whoops. Tap or click for smart ways to get more life out of your battery.
Cancel out noise
- Outfit your office with acoustic panels. These are under $20 and work on different types of surfaces.
- Slide this stopper (25% off) under the door, and your room is instantly cushioned from sound outside.
- Reduce up to 90% of noise with these over-the-ear headphones (43% off). Switch to Transparent mode when you need to hear the dog or kids.
- White noise machines can help cancel out chatter coming from elsewhere or help you focus. This one is portable and offers six white noise sounds. Get it on sale for $24.
- New parents (or grandparents) can keep this noise-canceling ear protection on hand for infants and toddlers up to age 2. These kid-approved earmuffs are on sale for $16 and last.
We may receive a commission when you buy through our links, but our reporting and recommendations are always independent and objective.
Sharing is caring: Bruce in Reno called my show with a bright idea. He just got an iPad and wants to watch movies on it with his wife on an upcoming trip. “Is there a way to split the audio signal?” There sure is, Bruce. This handy gadget connects two sets of Bluetooth headphones to any device with a headphone jack. Sweet.
We may receive a commission when you buy through our links, but our reporting and recommendations are always independent and objective.
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!
Jedi mind tricks: Neurable is creating mind-reading headphones that pick up tiny electrical impulses from your skull. Telepathy might be next. In one of their gamified exercises, the more you focus, the faster you make a rocket accelerate. Watch the video here — and while you’re watching, think where this tech will be in five years!
How Amazon, Target and Walmart will pay you for old stuff
Several online platforms help sell your old stuff. Tap or click for a few options that are better than Craigslist.
But most people aren’t aware that their favorite retailers can do a lot of the heavy lifting for you. Many offer superior trade-in value for your stuff. Chances are, you’ll be able to get rid of your clutter without venturing further than your local shopping center.
10 Roku app tricks to get the most out of your streaming services
When it comes to streaming services, you’re spoiled for choice: Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, HBO Max, Hulu, Apple TV, and Disney+ are just some of the more popular ones.
Do you mostly watch network TV shows? Are you a big sports fan? If you answered yes to those questions, you might want to consider switching back to cable. It could even end up costing you less in the long run. Tap or click here for our report.
My son's headphones are in Africa?!
My son had his headphones stolen in LA but when we track them, they’re in Cameroon, Africa…
Before you toss your headphones because they won’t pair: Turn them off and switch off Bluetooth on your phone. Here’s the trick: Be patient! Wait 30 seconds so everything can fully disconnect, then you’ll get a fresh start.
Drive-by theft: Thieves are snatching $550 AirPod Max headphones right off people’s heads. As your music blasts, they sneak up on a peddle bike or moped, and before you realize it — poof! — those pricey headphones are gone.
Ear-replaceable: New AI noise-canceling headphones will let you listen to a single person’s voice in a crowd just by looking at the individual once. The wearer can then walk around as usual while tuning in to the person’s conversation. The headphones are still in development, but I can only imagine how they’ll use them in covert ops. I really just want them for group dinners …
🎧 It’s quiet … too quiet: Too much time in noise-canceling headphones can cause ear pain, nausea and headaches. It can also create “listening loss,” which is when your brain’s sensitivity is altered irreversibly to sound sensitivity. Try to limit your use to places that are actually noisy — not all day in your home office.
Calling all night owls: Have an older Roku model and a house full of light sleepers? Upgrade to the Voice Remote Pro (on sale right now) and get Headphone mode. Plug in your headphones, and enjoy the full sound of your favorite show without waking anyone up. Sweet!
We may receive a commission when you buy through our links, but our reporting and recommendations are always independent and objective.
Cellphone risks you and your loved ones need to know about
Just carrying around a smartphone puts your security at risk, but there are ways to minimize this. Here’s one common practice that you need to put a stop to.
The dangers don’t stop there. Cellphones can pose a risk to your very health. Here’s how.
Instantly become more productive on your PC or phone with this app
If you ever struggle with getting more done on your PC or phone, it’s time to upgrade. There’s an app that helps boost productivity. The best part? You only need a few minutes of willpower to set it up and eliminate distractions. We’ll explain what it is and how it works.
Earbuds always falling out? Try these 4 fixes
If you’re anything like us, you love the comfort and convenience of wireless earbuds. Like their wired predecessors, many find one major obstacle between tranquility and a constant annoyance: Why won’t these things stay in my ears?
How to get the most money selling your old cellphone
When you upgrade your smartphone, don’t throw the old one in a drawer. With the right site, you can turn your dusty old electronics into a source of income.
In this tip, we’ll answer some of the most common questions people have when selling old devices. Plus, we’ll introduce you to a valuable new site to help you make money.