Barry walks around our boat with a remote to dock it. So smart. Yamaha’s Helm Master EX’s new handheld remote control looks like a Wii controller. It works with a slew of fishing boats and cruisers and powers off the engines if someone falls overboard. It’s $12,000, though.
Deal alert: This all-weather outdoor smart plug is under $20 right now
Amazon
Automating your backyard is a game-changer. It’s hard to go back to the old-fashioned way when you can control outdoor devices with a remote control or even just your voice.
A helpful gadget like the Kasa Outdoor Smart Plug is an easy way to use landscape lighting, swimming pool pumps or holiday lights in a snap. It’s weather-resistant and has a Wi-Fi range of up to 300 feet. Our team’s product review expert, Ben Bradley, used a Kasa smart plug to keep his dogs safe.
He lives in an area where coyotes roam and snap up little dogs. That’s why Ben set up string lights all around his patio and fence.
Whenever his dogs go potty after nightfall, he says, “Alexa, turn on the lights.” No getting up from his couch or walking outside is required. Just like that, he can flood the backyard with lights and make sure his dogs are safe.
Good news: The Kasa Outdoor Smart Plug is now on sale for $7 off. That means you can snatch it for less than $20.
Want to save your voice and not have to give Alexa orders every time you want to turn on your device? No problem. Just set up a schedule. You can also control your smart plug from anywhere if you use the app. It’s hard to imagine something more convenient!
We may earn a commission from purchases, but our recommendations are always objective.
Tech maintenance: Are you making this big mistake when cleaning your TV?
When it comes to cleaning your television, your first thought is probably to ensure there isn’t a layer of dust on the screen. But your TV is more than just a screen, and a big mistake most TV owners make is focusing on the surface while ignoring the rest of the machine.
Joe Rogan vs. TikTok, $400 million internet, scary legal trend
True or false: Judges are using Wikipedia to influence their legal decisions. Bad news: It’s already happening. Plus, are you tired of fumbling around with your television’s remote control? Here’s how to use your phone or tablet as a TV remote control. Also, Joe Rogan takes on TikTok, the U.S. pours $400 million into high-speed internet for rural areas and more unbelievable tech news.
🚨 Don’t fall for this Zoom scam: Hackers are tricking people into installing malware. It starts with a fake podcast or interview invite. They ask you to share your screen. Then they request remote access but change their display name to “Zoom” so it looks like the app. Click Approve, and they’re in! Tip: Disable remote control in your settings.
11 tech and everyday essentials dirtier than your toilet
We all remember the mad rush for cleaning products and hand sanitizer at the start of the pandemic. It’s still difficult to get these products in some areas.
Unfortunately, there are always people who take advantage of others in times of need. They appeal to our desire for cleanliness and safety with websites and product listings containing fake cleaning supplies. Tap or click here to spot fake Clorox and Lysol websites.
🚢 Captains make ship happen: Barry walks around our boat with a special remote to dock it. So smart. Yamaha’s Helm Master EX’s new handheld remote control looks like a Wii controller. It works with a slew of fishing boats and cruisers and powers off the engines if someone falls overboard. Watch it in action now.
Use your phone or tablet as a TV remote control
Can’t find your TV remote? Don’t worry about it! Here’s how to use your phone or tablet as a TV remote, in 60 seconds.