Time for a little game I used to have on the show: Brand New or Not True.
Here’s how it works: There are five AI tools for you below. Some are legit. Some are the twisted inventions of my caffeinated brain.
Think you can tell which is which? It’s a fun Friday!
🐾 PetGPT – Ever wish your dog could text you back? This AI claims to decode pet behavior so you can “chat” with your furry friend like a modern-day Dr. Dolittle.
Real or Fake?
⚖️ AutoLawyer – Upload your parking ticket or legal beef and get a full-blown AI legal defense, complete with courtroom-ready arguments.
Real or Fake?
🍿 SnackMuse – You type in your mood (“bored but spicy”), and AI spits out the perfect snack idea, complete with a recipe.
Real or Fake?
🎶 Suno – Type a prompt, get an original song from AI. Melody, vocals, lyrics, emotional damage delivered in 30 seconds or less like a Domino’s breakup anthem.
Real or Fake?
When was the last time you cleaned up your digital life? It’s not fun, but just a few minutes of physical and digital decluttering can work wonders. It boosts productivity, clears mental clutter and leaves you feeling like you’ve done something great. Ready? Let’s do this!
🍎 From my inbox: “I’d like to know, for real, whether you and your team recommend a Mac or Windows laptop for the average everyday American.” My answer is Mac! (They’re not paying me to say that.) MacBooks are so easy to use and inherently more locked down security-wise than Windows PCs. This model is great for most folks. This option is more powerful if you need more oomph; it’s the one I use.
We may earn a commission from purchases, but our recommendations are always objective.
Are you inbox zero? If not, here’s a simple way to get rid of all those junky emails.
🍏 Fresh Apple: It’s time to hit that update button for new Apple features. For iPhones, Priority Notifications helps you see urgent messages first. On your Mac, the Mail app can automatically sort your inbox. Plus, Quick Start lets you set up a new Mac by holding your iPhone nearby. Those last two have been on iPhones and iPads for a while. About time, right? Click here for all the updates.
Switching to StartMail is easier than you think. You can transfer your inbox and contacts in just a few clicks — no hassle, no headaches. Unlike big tech email providers, StartMail puts your privacy first. No more scanning your messages to target you with ads. Just secure, private email that puts you in control. Check it out now.
In life, few rewards come without risk. Take your dream job, for instance. If you want to land that position you’ve been dreaming about, you’ll need to make a great first impression.
When you’re applying for jobs, that all comes down to your resume. Every little detail makes a big difference. For example, a small mistake could take you out of the running for a job you’re qualified for.
📨 Don’t ignore this email: If you’re still using Windows 10, check your inbox. Microsoft’s reminding you to upgrade to Windows 11 before security support ends on Oct. 14. They’ll tell you if your computer can update or if you need a new one. Hackers are waiting in the wings to target you if you don’t.
📨 Inbox under attack: Beware if you use Microsoft 365. Hackers are putting phishing links in emails sent from Microsoft addresses. Yep, even those from “.onmicrosoft.com” can be fake. This is getting around security checks. Be extra careful about clicking on links. Search the email address in your inbox to see if it’s familiar.
💸 Avast sold your data: If you bought the antivirus software between Aug. 2014 and Jan. 2020, you might be entitled to a cut of a $16.5 million settlement. Watch your inbox for a claim ID, then fill out the settlement claim form by June 5. I use this antivirus.
“Sorry to bother you, but do you order on Amazon?” Move along if you see this line or a slight variation in your inbox. If you respond, some jerk will try to convince you they have Amazon gift cards they’ll trade you for cash. The scammers never sleep.
If you have a PayPal account, you’ll almost certainly see this scam in your inbox at some point. Know what to look for so you’re not tricked.
A note in my inbox this week: “Are password managers safe to use? What if someone gets in?” You’re smart to ask, and it’s the reason you need to be picky about what you trust. My pick, NordPass, has military-grade encryption, so no one is getting in when they shouldn’t be.
A note in my inbox this week: “Are password managers safe to use? What if someone gets in?” You’re smart to ask, and it’s the reason you need to be very picky about what you trust. My pick, NordPass, has military-grade encryption so no one is getting in when they shouldn’t be.
A wild new theory claims drones in New Jersey are on the hunt for nuclear warheads. Plus, 23andMe in freefall, AirTags recover stolen jewels, and what ‘Inbox Zero’ says about you.
You’ve got mail: Psychologists say those who aim for “Inbox Zero,” aka no unread email, might be perfectionists craving control. If you let unread emails pile up, you might be more laid-back and focused on priorities over organization. Some people even get more stressed trying to keep a clear inbox. Try as I might, I’m not an “Inbox Zero” gal.
Get a sweet note in your inbox with a digital gift card attached? Stay alert. It could be a scam.
Amazon is making a big change that may very well flood your inbox. In 60-seconds, why you need a new email address to handle this mess.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Want a fully self-driving car? Tesla plans to roll one out by the end of the year. Plus, political spam will flood your inbox, microtransit will change the way we commute and an Apple AirTag mistake you should avoid. Also, use these secret tricks to get free e-books, use your phone’s best browser and boost your home’s value!
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Sick of pressing a button to unlock your car? You could do what one Tesla owner did and implant a chip into your hand. Also, I’ve got great news: A bipartisan data privacy bill could give you more control over your data. Here are all the ways it could change your digital life. Plus, here are the nine most creative scams from my inbox — and how to avoid them.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
