Do you need your laptop to fold up this small? Could be pretty neat — a laptop in your pocket!
10 privacy-friendly Big Tech alternatives
Nextcloud.com, play.google.com, Notesnook.com
Amazon uses your Alexa voice commands to train its AI, Dropbox had a breach in April that exposed customers’ passwords, and apps like Facebook and Google make billions of dollars gathering and sharing every little detail about you. I could go on (and on).
Luckily for you, there are privacy-friendly alternatives. Here are some proven ones.
1. Instead of Dropbox …
Try Nextcloud. It does everything Dropbox does (including end-to-end file encryption) but gives you total control. You can even host your own server for free at home.
2. Instead of Google Docs or Microsoft 365 …
Try Joplin. It’s a document app that keeps your files encrypted and stored in open formats, so you can take them anywhere without anyone snooping.
3. Instead of Google Keep or Apple Notes …
Try Notesnook. It’s end-to-end encrypted and lets you export to other apps. Unlike some companies, Notesnook won’t use your stuff to train an AI chatbot.
4. Instead of Google Photos or Apple Photos …
Try Ente, a free photo storage app that backs up your data in multiple locations and scrambles it with a password for maximum security. Ente doesn’t use your pics for AI machine learning, either, like Google Photos and Apple Photos both do.
5. Instead of Apple Home or Google Home …
Try Home Assistant. It’s an open-source smart home hub that works with just about every smart home device out there. The best part? You can manage everything from your browser or phone — no need for home apps that collect your data … and voice … and schedule … and shopping habits …
Fix anything on the go
🧰 Bring these nifty gadgets to fix:
- Hiccups, with a straw that stops them instantly (need this for the studio).
- Bad breath, with pre-pasted disposable toothbrushes.
- Glasses, with a mini screwdriver that fits on your keychain.
- A dead phone battery, with a battery-powered charger.
- Everything else, with pocket-size, go-anywhere duct tape. It just works. Sure wish I invented that!
🚘 Barry loves this: He uses heavy-duty tape to keep the trickle chargers on our classic cars. It can hold up to 30 pounds.
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Not right now! Open the Settings app on your iPhone or iPad, then scroll and tap Siri & Search. Tap Listen for and select Off. You can also turn off Allow Siri When Locked to prevent Siri from activating if a button’s pressed in your pocket.
Phone stolen? Do this immediately
One second, it’s in your pocket. The next, it’s gone. Here’s exactly what to do now.
Cleanup crew
- Keep a pocket-sized phone screen cleaner (20% off) handy. It’s got a cloth built into the bottle.
- Put down that gas station squeegee. Pick up a windshield cleaner with a swivel head (25% off).
- Did water marks ruin your wooden coffee table? This remover cloth under $8 will make it look new.
- While you’re at it, snag a set of eight coasters (10% off) for any hot or cold drink.
- Oh this is so handy. Stop your glasses from slipping off your face with a silicone sleeve ($7).
🍨 Oh my. Did you see Ninja has a new ice cream maker that makes soft serve, too? Help, I just gained 10 pounds typing that!
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Everything in its place
🧹 Don’t wait for spring to tackle clutter.
- Keep your spray bottles within reach with a handy Command hanger ($9.49).
- Grab a clear rack (17% off) to show off your water bottle collection.
- Don’t trip over board game pieces. Grab an organizer ($55) to keep everything tidy.
- Backseat cluttered? Strap pockets ($20) to the backs of your car’s seats.
- A travel-sized cable case (24% off) keeps your cords from becoming a bird’s nest.
- Noise-dampening cabinet bumpers are a steal at $9 for 128. They protect against wear and tear, too.
❤️ Budget V-Day shopping? I’ve got you! Check out deals for under $20 that don’t feel cheap.
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The smartphone that holds its value longer
One smartphone brand keeps its value better than the rest, putting extra cash in your pocket when it’s time to sell or trade.
Men, don't put your phone in your pants pockets
Are you a man who carries your phone in your pocket? Listen now for an urgent reason you really need to stop.
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