Beta blocker: Apple Safari 18 beta’s new Reader mode lets you read any article without ads or auto-playing videos. To use it, you’ll need to update to the Sequoia OS beta. Go to Settings > General > Software Update > toggle on Beta Updates > macOS Sequoia developer beta > Upgrade Now. Now, when you open an article in Safari, click the square icon in the URL bar, and then click Show Reader to scroll ad-free!
How to make your phone feel brand-new again
One of the best parts of getting a new phone is how fresh it feels inside and out. The screen is scratch-free, your storage is empty, and the phone is zippy, no matter what. And the battery life? Oh, buddy.
The clock starts ticking the moment you take your new phone out of its box. Let’s give yours that fresh-from-the-factory feel again.
🫧 Start with the outside
When it comes to cleaning off fingerprints and smudges, I’m a screen-wipe gal. I buy this box of 210 over and over. They don’t leave streaks, and they’re good for glasses, too. Now, the tricky bits:
Take off the case: So much grime. Use a toothbrush with soapy water for plastic, rubber or silicone. For leather, gently rub with a damp microfiber cloth and mild soap. Let your case dry fully before you put it back on.
Tackle the ports: Dust, lint and gunk cause issues with charging and sound. Toothpicks are too sharp and cotton swabs leave fuzz. Try the end of a plastic flosser — just be gentle. This $11 kit has brushes and antistatic tools that are safe for all your tech.
Go high-tech: Phone sanitizers use UV-C light to kill 99.9% of bacteria. Bonus: They also charge your phone while sanitizing it.
🛠️ Now, let’s look inside
Clear your cached data: Too much data stored on your phone slows it wa-a-a-y down.
- iPhone: Go to Settings > Safari > Clear History and Website Data. For apps, use Settings > General > iPhone Storage to offload or reinstall space-hogging apps.
- Android: In Settings > Storage > Other Apps, tap an app and hit Clear Cache.
Delete apps you never use: They drain resources, even in the background. On Android, uninstall apps under Settings > Apps. On iPhone, go to Settings > General > iPhone Storage, select an app, and tap Delete App.
Update your software: This one’s a performance and security upgrade that’s easy to skip, but don’t! Check for updates on Android under Settings > Software Update or on iPhone under Settings > General > Software Update. Restart your phone afterward for the best results.
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The buggiest apps of 2024
When I saw this, I knew I had to share it with you. Researchers over at Electronics Hub did the thankless work of going through 400 of the most-used apps on the Apple App Store and Google Play Store and thousands of user reviews — all to find the buggiest, most frustrating-to-use apps.
Company you've never heard of brought down the world
A routine software update ended up causing millions of computers worldwide to crash with the infamous blue screen of death. Here’s the scoop — and how it impacts you.
Ram recall: Over 1.4 million Ram 1500 pickups from 2019 and 2021 to 2024 have a bug in the antilock brake system that could lead to crashes. Major red flag: Warning lights for your ABS, ESC, adaptive cruise control and forward collision systems. Call your dealership ASAP for a software update.
Try iOS 17 before its official release
Itching to try out iOS 17 before it officially debuts this fall? You’re in luck! Apple just released the first public beta version.
Is it worth the update? Once an operating system (OS) goes to public beta, it’s pretty stable, but there might still be some bumps along the way. I found the most hyped features so you can decide if it’s worth it.
You can get the latest iPhone updates early if you take this simple step
Apple’s Craig Federighi recently rocked our worlds with one insight into automatic iPhone updates that we find fascinating. If you’ve ever wondered why it takes so long for your iPhone to update itself, you’ll want to check this out. Your iPhone’s security may be hanging in the balance.
Global tech outage wreaks havoc
A software update by CrowdStrike took down tons of computer systems around the world. Banks, businesses, hospitals, and more were all impacted. Plus, Amazon Prime Day updates and Zoom’s demand for a return to the office.
TVs hacked: LG patched four huge vulnerabilities that let hackers spy on what you watch and install unwanted apps that can give them access to everything on your network. Yes, that’s bad. Here’s how to update your TV: Go to Settings > All Settings > Support > Software Update > Check for Updates. Btw, you should check for updates on your TV even if it isn’t manufactured by LG; if hackers hit LG, others are next in line.
Bon appetit: GE Appliances’ Cookcam AI recognizes your dish and automatically sets the cooking mode. Surprise, it’s not even an upsell! If you have a GE Profile or Café model equipped with in-oven cameras, it’s a free software update. What’s on the menu? Turkey, cookies, pizza, cakes and brownies for now.
Apple releases emergency update for iPhone, iPad and Mac
Apple doesn’t typically release operating system updates over a weekend. When it does, you know it’s important. This week, the tech giant released emergency updates for iPhone, iPad and Mac computers that address zero-day flaws and other security concerns. That’s why you need to update your Apple devices ASAP!
iOS 16.4 brings security fixes and new emojis
Keeping your devices updated is essential from a security standpoint, but you sometimes also get some neat features to go along with it. Apple’s iOS 16.4 brings all that and more, bundling important fixes with some nice quality-of-life updates and a bit of fun thrown in.
All the best new emojis for your iPhone
Apple just released iOS 16.4, and with it comes 21 new emojis. Comparatively sparse to emoji releases of previous years, this expansion does not disappoint.
At last, we have a plain pink heart! Widely recognized as a significant gap on the already vast emoji keyboard, you can now send your loved ones a simple, sweet pink heart. The update also introduces complimentary light blue and gray hearts.
iOS 16.3.1 fixes major vulnerabilities but may cause a problem for this popular app
Google recently updated the world’s most popular browser, patching up 15 security flaws and adding some new features. Here’s what you get with the latest version of Chrome.
That’s not all we have in update news. Apple released an update that fixes some features and patches two significant vulnerabilities. Here’s what you need to know.
Drive a Kia or Hyundai? You might have a hard time getting insurance
Did you know the type of car you drive may impact whether you can get insurance? Like how a smoking habit may affect your health insurance, a lack of safety features might put you in a pickle. If you drive certain Kia or Hyundai vehicles, pay attention. Some insurance companies are refusing these car owners a policy at all.
Recall alert: These washing machines can start a fire
Did you know a few common mistakes could cause damage to your home appliances? It’s true. Tap or click here for 10 bad habits to avoid that could ruin appliances.
But things got even dire for specific washing machine models this week. Over half a million machines on the market since June 2021 are being recalled due to potential fire hazards. They could cause smoke, fire and even property damage.
iPhone users: Update your phone to get a free, powerful new app
There’s nothing like an app that boosts productivity and communication, especially when it’s as fun and collaborative as a new tool from Apple.
Along with a few other fun freebies, iPhone users updating to iOS 16.2 will now have a helpful new app automatically installed on their devices. Freeform is an interactive sandbox whiteboard that can be shared effortlessly with friends, family or professional colleagues.
Have an older iPhone? Install this update now to block hackers
Smartphones have been under attack by hackers all year. We recently told you about an Android threat that would let anyone unlock it to do who knows what. Tap or click here for details and how to patch the issue.
Now it’s Apple’s turn. A zero-day flaw has been discovered in older Apple devices that would allow malicious websites to perform nefarious tasks in the background. The good news is there is now a fix for the issue.
What to do if your iCloud or Google storage is full
Our phones and computers can only hold so many photos. Considering an average of nearly 2 trillion photos are taken yearly, it is no wonder we run out of space. Are you ready for your close-up?
In addition to photos, we have to worry about documents and applications that take up space on our devices. Ever try to download a software update and get that horrific pop-up telling you, we’re sorry, you don’t have enough space? Tap or click here for ways an all-in-one cloud backup will simplify your life.
Update your phone! Why there are two updates for iPhones
It’s already been a big month for Apple. The company just unveiled the new iPhone 14, AirPods Pro and Apple Watch 8.
The Apple Watch Ultra is the largest model ever and is designed for extreme performance, while the iPhone 14 gets a satellite connection for emergencies. The new AirPods Pro will feature better noise canceling and longer battery life. Tap or click here for our coverage of all the shiny new Apple devices.