Get set to save like never before! Before you get into holiday shopping, I’ve got three tips that will help you score some serious savings.
You or a loved one switched to an iPhone 15? The right and wrong chargers
OK, honesty time: I bought the new iPhone 15 Pro Max. I opened up my fancy $1,600 smartphone to realize … it was the same as the iPhone 14 Pro Max I was already using.
The big (only?) change I can spot is the charging port on the bottom. After all these years, Apple is ditching its Lightning cable for the one every other tech company uses for charging and data transfer: USB-C. Some new AirPod models are getting the same treatment.
The switch to a USB-C port spells a headache for the holidays if you have Apple fans on your list. If you want to gift someone a new charger, how do you know their iPhone will work with it? What kind of AirPods are the “right” ones now? What does “USB-C” even mean? I’ll help make your list and check it twice.
Don’t be a drain: Buy the right chargers!
While USB-C may be the sexy, new standard for the iPhone, everyone else has been using it for years, so your charging options abound.
With that said, I recommend sticking with Apple’s chargers or another very reliable brand when buying. This is also good to keep in mind if you plan to upgrade to an iPhone 15 soon. Yep, you’ll need a full charger refresh.
All iPhone 15 models (including the 15 Plus, 15 Pro, 15 Pro Max, etc.)
- A new iPhone 15 has a USB-C cable but does not come with a charger. If you’re buying additional iPhone 15 cables, they’ve got to be USB-C.
- It requires a USB-C charger with at least 20W for the best results. USB-C is smaller and rounder than USB-A, which is blockish.
- Qi-standard wireless chargers will work with the iPhone 15 just fine, no matter their connections.
- If you see a lightning-bolt icon, that represents Thunderbolt compatibility, a different kind of data standard that works with USB-C (and is not super important in this case).
All iPhone 14 models and earlier models
- All older iPhones require Lightning cables, which typically end in a USB connector for a compatible charger, which can be USB-A or USB-C.
- Lightning cable connectors are smaller and thinner than USB-C, and don’t have any icons.
- Lightning cable connectors are easy to spot because they have clear pin markings on the outside of the connector.
- Only Apple makes legitimate Lightning cables and chargers, no other brands.
- Again, Qi-standard wireless chargers work fine with all these phones as long as they support wireless charging.
The good news is that USB-C has already come to iPad Pros, MacBooks and other devices, so it should be pretty familiar territory for your gift recipient if you just want to ask them for a handy Christmas list.
Don’t be that person …
Get on the list to try Bing's new AI chatbot search
Google and Amazon’s virtual assistants are based on AI to give recommendations, and Spotify’s algorithm uses AI to suggest songs and new music. But the power of AI has been thrust into mainstream conversations with ChatGPT’s success.
Why you keep getting fake emails from Dick's, Delta and Costco
Phishing emails are a common way for crooks to steal your details or infect your device with malware. Some malicious emails pretend to be from a prominent company or government agency and encourage you to click on a link.
If your work email inbox is empty, this bug could be to blame - but there's a fix
The holiday season is over, which means getting back to work and replying to emails. Did you know you can also reply to emails without giving up your address? Here’s how.
But you might find that your inbox contains fewer emails than anticipated. No, it’s not that everybody is still taking it easy. Instead, a bug is limiting the influx of new messages.
It’s not the holidays without a Hallmark movie or five … And here’s a link so you can print this list out if you want.
Get Amazon, Target, Walmart good for cheap
Curious about where holiday returns go? I’ll reveal where to snag them at great prices.
Twinkly holiday lights slow Wi-Fi
Has your connection been spotty lately? It’s not just you — seasonal decor can make your Wi-Fi slow.
Making $$$ with Walmart and Amazon returns
Where do all the holiday returns go? To people flipping them for big profits.
Plan your phone-free vacation
Are you always attached to your phone? Here’s how to enjoy your holiday getaway without being connected.
Stay away from Temu and Pinduoduo
Holiday shopping’s heating up and everyone’s hunting for bargains. But beware — some deals aren’t as great as they look.
Make a digital holiday cookbook
Don’t let your aunt’s sweet potato casserole recipe rot in mountains of paper. I’ve got some quick ways to digitize it.
Don't let Alexa ruin your Christmas
Worried about holiday snoopers finding the hidden gifts you bought for them? Listen to this one-minute podcast for a tech trick that will throw them off the trail.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
5 holiday tech travel tips
Are you traveling for the holidays? Listen to this one-minute podcast for five tech tips that will keep things running smoothly.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Say no to butter boards
Ready for holiday parties? Be careful around butter board spreads. Here’s how they could ruin the holiday cheer, in 60 seconds.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Scammers are out in full force now
How are scammers tricking lonely hearts this holiday season? Listen now to find out.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Stores and restaurants open on Christmas Day and Christmas Eve
Season’s Greetings! The countdown to Christmas is speeding up, and hopefully, you have most of your holiday and grocery shopping finished. Tap or click here for some shipping deadlines to consider.
Most retail outlets are closed on major holidays, and Christmas might be considered the biggest holiday of the year. Even so, there are still some stores and restaurants that will remain open for guests and patrons to shop and eat.
You won't believe what's the hottest holiday gift
Can you guess which Christmas gift is white-hot this year? Listen now to find out why this particular item is so hard to get.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Is Black Friday canceled this year?
How will holiday shopping be different this year? Listen now to prepare for an unusual season.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Zoom lifts call limits for Christmas - here's how to celebrate virtually
Zoom has been the most popular video conferencing app during the COVID-19 pandemic, but it has one major weak spot: Calls are limited to 40 minutes per session.
That time limit makes it tough to have meaningful get-togethers with family members or friends for the holidays. Tap or click here to see how the most popular video conferencing apps compare.