Get to the point: Cut to the chase if you’re adding special instructions to your online order. If there’s a gate code, for instance, start the message with “Gate code 1234” (or whatever your code is). Often, those notes get cut short for the delivery person, so put the important stuff right up front.
Want to get away from Big Tech? Here’s how
My inbox is full of one question this week: How can I drop Big Tech companies? This got me thinking … Is it possible to stop using the services of the Big Five altogether? That’s Amazon, Apple, Google, Facebook and Microsoft. I did the research to give you a headstart if you’re looking to move away from one or all of them. If this helps you out, do me a favor and share it with your friends and family.
The recent ban of Parler from Apple and Google’s app stores and the Amazon shutdown of the social media app might have you thinking about Big Tech’s power. Add to this news that the messaging service WhatsApp, owned by Facebook, is grabbing more of your personal data.
Tap or click to be shocked by how much of your data WhatsApp is sending to Facebook. Millions of users have now flocked to alternative messaging platforms like Signal and Telegram.
There are options to replace some of the most used apps and services. Tap or click here for Google alternatives for search, email, messaging and more.
You don’t have to use an Apple or Android phone. You don’t even have to use Windows on your computer. Spoiler alert: You might not like the options.
Alternatives to the mainstream smartphone
Smartphones are arguably the most used pieces of consumer technology today. There are more mobile devices on Earth than there are people, so that should give you an idea of how prevalent they are.
What if you’re ready to ditch Apple and Google-owned Android? The Light Phone and Blackphone are two mobile devices focused on privacy.
The Light Phone, created by Joe Hollier and Kaiwei Tang, is a no-frills experience. Without skimping on an aesthetically pleasing design and commonly used features, the Light Phone is crafted to be used as little as possible.
Blackphone, on the other hand, is one of the most secure mobile phones on the market. Created by Silent Circle in 2014, the encrypted device runs on its own operating system. All communications are fully encrypted for phone and text services, and it anonymizes web searches and traffic.
You can go the Linux route, too. Fairphone, OnePlus, Gigaset and Nokia have good options available.
Secure your search
Your DNA could soon be up for sale
You spit in a tube, and now 23andMe is thinking of selling your data after a massive hack tanked their value. So much for learning your ancestry. Meanwhile, Gen Z is going #desperate on LinkedIn, and Mazda’s charging $10 just to use remote start.
Get off my PC: The latest Windows 11 update crams ads for apps into the “recommended” section of the Start Menu. Yes, it’s on by default. I’ve got the fix: Go into Settings and select Personalization > Start. Then, toggle off “Show recommendations for tips, app promotions and more.”
40% quieter
A new leaf blower invented by college students. Engineering brainiacs at Johns Hopkins University designed an electric leaf blower that cuts the noise levels nearly in half and practically erases the most obnoxious whirring sounds most leaf blowers emit. Black & Decker will start selling them in the next two years!
Save your home movies from VHS before it’s too late
Your home tapes start fading away after 10 to 30 years. I’ll show you how to save those memories before they’re gone for good.
AI takes over
An AI in Tokyo secretly rewrote its own code to avoid being shut down — could this be the start of machines taking control into their own hands?
Finders keepers: Looking for a file? Hit the Windows key and start typing its name. That’s it. On a Mac, hit Cmd + spacebar and start typin’. So simple and saves so much time.
'Buy Nothing' groups to save money
These groups let you give and get items for free, helping you save money and declutter. Find one near you and start sharing!
Best apps for gardening
Want to start a garden but not sure where to begin? Start with your phone!
🔖 Easier than bookmarks: Set all your tabs to open when you start your browser. In Chrome, click the three vertical dots, then Settings. Click On startup > Continue where you left off. Steps for Safari, Firefox and Edge here. Power move!
Overwhelmed? AI can help: Here’s a smart prompt for ChatGPT, Gemini or your fave chatbot. “I want to [fill in the blank], but I don’t know where to start. Can you help me by breaking it down into more manageable tasks?” Should’ve tried this before I decided to sort my entire closet. Argh.
Top eBay seller makes $25M a year — here's how
Want to start your own eBay side biz? Don’t miss this! Linda Lightman started selling her sons’ video games on eBay in the ’90s. Fast forward to today, and she owns a 100,000 sq. ft. warehouse where she employs a small army of people.
Google's rocky start to counter ChatGPT
Will Google’s Bard AI be able to compete with ChatGPT? It’s not off to a good start. Here’s why, in 60 seconds.
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