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.

They can even help you when you’re away from your computer. Read on for a few easy ways to make your life easier.

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1. Stop missing important emails

Most email providers let you turn on alerts. This way, you know immediately whenever an email comes in. You may read this and think, “I get too many emails. If I turned on alerts, my phone would constantly blow up!”

Hold on a second. You can turn on alerts for specific email addresses. This way, you’ll never miss an email from an important contact.

Using Gmail as an example, here’s how to use this feature:

Follow these steps on your iPhone, iPad or Android:

  1. First, open the Gmail app.
  2. Tap Menu > Settings.
  3. Select your account.
  4. Then, tap Email notifications > High priority only.

2. Stop forgetting what you need at the store

Always forgetting that one thing at the store? Have your phone remind you to pick it up when you walk through the door. Make a shopping list in the notes section of the Reminders app on your iPhone. Here’s how:

For iPhone:

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Stop losing your car at the mall: Open the Google Maps app, tap the blue dot that shows your location, then select Save parking.

FBI warns about new text scam

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Fake parking ticket and toll texts are tricking people into paying. Don’t fall for it. Here’s how to spot the scam.

🗻 Double rescue on Mount Fuji: A 27-year-old had to be saved twice in just four days trying to scale the mountain. Yep, twice. First, he lost his crampons (those spiky things for walking on ice) and couldn’t climb down. Rescuers got  him back to the parking lot. There, he realized he did not have his phone. So he hiked back up to find his phone and got altitude sickness. Maybe just take the L next time, dude.

$800 million

The estimated value of unsold Cybertrucks collecting dust on Tesla lots. With over 10,000 cars sitting in dealer inventory, the stainless-steel behemoth is shaping up to be less “futuristic tank” and more “Elon’s very expensive parking lot decor.” Turns out the PS1-looking fever dream isn’t exactly America’s sweetheart.

Skip the store: Before you head out for that quick errand, ask ChatGPT or any chatbot, “Find me [item] options on Amazon that arrive within [time frame] and cost under [budget].” You’ll save time, money and a crowded parking lot.

$74,000

That’s how much a guy has made renting out his yard. His secret? An app called Neighbor, which connects people who need parking or storage with folks who have extra space. He has about 21 spots for things like RVs, boats and buses, renting for anywhere between $90 and $200 a month. BRB, measuring my driveway.