Steps you can take to stop high tech devices from listening to everything you say
Our guide to tech worth the money
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It can be tough to decide between the new gadgets you should upgrade to and the ones you should leave on the shelf. Do you really need that expensive new smartwatch or can you get the same features from a more budget-friendly version?
Not all tech is created equally, and it’s easy to get caught up in the hype over the latest and greatest devices. If you’re in the market for a smartphone, browse these options under $500.
So, how do you decide which ones are worth the investment? You can start by researching what all the new tech devices offer — which could take a while — or you can start with the list below instead.
A helpful smart speaker
Smart speakers act as digital personal assistants and are more powerful than you might realize — capable of a lot more than playing music or giving you weather updates. Tap or click here for steps on how to set up routines, the best way to supercharge your smart assistant.
There are plenty of smart speakers available on the market, but two reign supreme: The Echo Dot and the Google Nest Mini.
The Echo Dot has all the features you’d expect and it comes in around $50. This version has multiple layers of privacy controls, including a “microphone off” button that electronically disconnects the mic. Plus it comes with tens of thousands of skills, and it can learn more over time as you use it.
The Google Nest Mini is another good option around the same price — and it’s perfect for streaming music and podcasts. The Nest Mini is built for sound, but it can still do everything you want from a smart gadget: Make calls, give weather updates, make purchases, set timers … The list goes on and on.
An essential streaming device
Chances are you’ve spent some time streaming a show or two (or 50) during the COVID-19 pandemic. Binge-watching shows has helped many of us pass the time while social distancing, but if you’re streaming content from your laptop or phone instead of your TV, you’re missing out.
You don’t have to invest in a smart TV with built-in streaming capabilities. You can opt for an affordable streaming device instead. Our picks? The Roku Streaming Stick and the Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K.
Roku is one of the most popular streaming device brands. Why? It works with almost every content provider out there. It has apps for Netflix, YouTube, Google Play Movies, Amazon Prime Video, Vudu, Hulu, Plex, Sling TV and Apple TV+. Its streaming stick is a good value and comes with a voice-enabled remote.
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