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.
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The big mistake you’re making cleaning your TV
Once the TV is on and you’re watching your favorite show, you have something else to contend with: All that tracking. Yes, your TV will likely keep tabs on you and share that data. Tap or click here for the steps you can take to stop the privacy invasion.
After the inside of your set is cleaned up, look at the outside. A good cleaning goes well beyond the screen. If that’s all you’re focused on, you’re making an expensive mistake that could take years off your TV’s life. I can help.
Clean the screen the right way
Use a dry, soft cloth to wipe it free of dust and debris to clean your TV screen. Here’s an affordable pack of microfiber cloths I like.
If you have an LCD TV, press gently. The liquid crystal screen may get pushed down if you’re too rough, creating dark spots. Turning your TV off and on again will fix this issue, but no reason to put your screen under stress.
If you see oil spots, fingerprints, or anything else that needs more scrubbing, spray some electronics cleaner on a cloth with water and gently rub the area until it’s clean. Or take the easy route and pick up this $5 pack of wipes.
Whatever you do, avoid harmful chemicals like ammonia, acetone, and alcohol.
Banish the dust
Vents keep your TV cool and prevent overheating. Ignoring these is bad news. You’ll find vents at the back of most modern LCD TVs. On older TV models, vents may be on the sides and the back.
Before cleaning to get the dust out of the vents, turn off and unplug your TV. You can use a duster on the vents for basic cleaning but use the vacuum monthly to get the dust deep inside.
Special attachments built for the job are worth the cash. This pack of seven specialty attachments and accessories is under $20 and allows you to clean those hard-to-reach places.
Don’t forget the ports
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10 Roku app tricks to get the most out of your streaming services
When it comes to streaming services, you’re spoiled for choice: Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, HBO Max, Hulu, Apple TV, and Disney+ are just some of the more popular ones.
Do you mostly watch network TV shows? Are you a big sports fan? If you answered yes to those questions, you might want to consider switching back to cable. It could even end up costing you less in the long run. Tap or click here for our report.
15 affordable products you didn't know you needed
There are tons of little ways technology can impact our lives. Get enough gadgets, and they add up to a significantly improved quality of life. With our list of affordable products you didn’t know you needed, you don’t have to worry about the little things anymore.
Stocking stuffers and small presents worth adding to your cart
You know what you’re getting the family for their big holiday gifts, but what are you going to do about all those stocking stuffers?
While some might rely on the old fallbacks — gift cards for favorite fast-food restaurants and small trinkets — you’re ready for something a little more exciting.
7 brilliant ways your smartphone can help you get things done
You email, text, check your step count and hit “reject” on all those spam calls. But there’s so much more you can do with your smartphone. Let’s jump into seven uses I’ll bet you never thought of before now.
Remember back in the day when you’d mark a line on the wall as your child grew? Consider this the modern equivalent. Fair warning: You do need the latest high-end iPhone.
Android 12: Everything we know about when it's coming to your phone
Despite what Apple users may think, there are a lot of people out there who prefer Android. And they will be excited to find out that the newest update, Android 12, is right around the corner. Tap or click here to see the best smartphone alternatives to Apple and Samsung.
7 must-know Android TV tips and tricks to try right now
Today’s televisions offer viewers an experience that only a few decades ago would have been considered science fiction. You can tailor your channel listings, control the unit with your voice, watch your favorites any time and even skip commercials.
10 things you don’t need around the house anymore because of tech
Just think, not so long ago, you likely adorned your home with a garish stand-up lamp, rotary dial telephone and a stereo with speakers two feet tall. While you expect these items to change from generation to generation, rapid advancements in tech over the last two decades have made many of these gadgets obsolete.
What makes a smart thermostat smart?
Smart homes are becoming one of the fastest rising areas of tech happening right now. With smart plugs and virtual assistants, it seems like the possibilities are endless. This smart technology can do more than make your life more convenient. Smart thermostats can use data and artificial intelligence to save you more money than you think, and you won’t believe what’s possible.
6 pro Alexa skills you’ll use every day
Alexa is no longer “new.” The smart-tech revolution is now in full swing, and Amazon Echo is at the heart of it. According to Edison Research, nearly 40 million people own voice-activated speakers, which is about 1 in 6 U.S. adults. Now it’s time to see what Alexa can really do. Most users know how to select songs and search the internet for information. These skills are handy, but they’re only the tip of the digital iceberg.