The latest iOS update, 18, is in beta and you can try it on your phone now. We’ll walk you through the process. A word of warning: Beta software is still in the buggy phase, so not everything will work smoothly.
More early Prime Day deals
- Chop-chop! This four-in-one vegetable chopper saves time on dinner prep and it’s 40% off.
- 🔥 Summer party trick alert! Change the color of the flames in your firepit with these packets — on sale for a pack of 25.
- Organize your fridge with clear plastic bins, now on sale ($19 for eight).
- If you’re in the market for a portable generator, it’s a good time to snag this well-reviewed model for 29% off.
- Update your router with a crazy-cheap Amazon eero model (43% off, $40) that’s supported through 2029. Extend your coverage with a three-pack mesh Wi-Fi system for $100, more than half off.
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Don't update older iPhones to iOS 18
Thinking about updating? You might want to hold off — sticking with your current version could save you a lot of headaches.
AI + Chrome: Check out the new stuff rolling out with the latest Google Chrome update. Lens lets you select part of a page or tap on an object in an image to ask questions about it. Tab Compare gathers product data from your open tabs into one table. And you can search your browsing history using normal language, like “What’s the Mexican restaurant I ordered from last week?” Update your desktop app to get these features.
Update to iOS 17.6 ASAP: It packs 35 security fixes, tackling vulnerabilities that could let hackers control your phone. Don’t wait for it to pop up. On iPhone XS or later, go to Settings > General > Software Update now. Update your iPad, too, if you have one.
July 27th, 2024
CrowdStrike’s under fire after a faulty security update took down PCs worldwide. Noland Arbaugh, the first Neuralink brain-chip implant recipient, joins me in the studio. Play in VR? You could end up in the ER. That and much more, plus all your calls and questions.
🚨 Heads-up, Windows users: Microsoft’s July 9 Patch Tuesday security update is causing reboots, freezes and the dreaded Blue Screen of Death. If you see a BitLocker recovery screen at startup, you’ll have to enter your recovery key. You can get it by logging into the BitLocker recovery portal with your Microsoft account. Here’s a step-by-step.
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.
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.
🔴 Trump shooter update: The FBI successfully broke into the phone of the man who shot former President Donald Trump just two days after the assassination attempt. No word yet on the findings, but they’re continuing to analyze all his devices. If you have any info on the shooter, Thomas Matthew Crooks, visit tips.fbi.gov or call 1-800-CALL-FBI.
Update your PC: Windows’ latest Patch Tuesday fixes a whopping 142 flaws, including four zero-days (aka vulnerabilities hackers already know about). There are non-security updates, too: Windows 11 KB5040442 and Windows 10 KB5040427.
Roku frustration: Roku’s recent update added motion-smoothing to TVs, and people are fuming since there’s no way to turn it off. This feature is meant for fast-moving scenes, like sports, and it completely ruins movies. I’ll update you when they fix it.
Wait on a new iPhone or Pixel: Google announced a surprise event for Aug. 13. Rumor has it we’ll see the Pixel 9 (and Pixel Watch 3) in action. I’ll update you on all the particulars, but just know the current Pixel model will get cheaper as soon as this one is announced. The same goes for the new iPhone with iOS 18 that’s slated to drop in September.
May 25th, 2024
The first AI-created child porn case is in court, how to find the International Space Station in the night sky and an incredible new way for surgeons to “practice” before you go under the knife. Plus, update your iPhone, money-saving tricks for every small business and Tesla is in big trouble.
Update your iPhone, too: iOS 17.5 is here and it’s a big one — 1.5GB, to be exact. What’s new? An offline mode for Apple News+ and a notification when an unknown Bluetooth device is traveling with you. And you can finally send your phone in for repairs without having to turn off Find My — nice! Hit Settings > General > Software Update, and tap Download and Install.
Patch Tuesday: Updates for Windows 11 versions 23H2, 22H2 and 21H2 just dropped. Top of the list? A fix for that annoying bug that caused VPN connections to fail. Your PC should handle this update automatically, or go DIY if you’re feeling antsy: Start > Settings > Windows Update > Check for Updates.
May 11th, 2024
Our hospitals are under attack. Here’s what you need to do to prepare. In a money bind? Don’t fall for the guise of cash-advance apps. Plus, Google Chrome AI update, military uses fake Cisco gear, and worst airlines for your luggage.
ChatGPT's New Features, Airbnb Stowaway Scare & iPhone's Secret Mode
Plus, do you give your devices an update? Meet people who don’t, and the risks they take. The holidays are almost here — we’ll show you the tech to get and what to skip this November. Hear Johnny Cash cover Taylor Swift, thanks to AI. Also, a cool, easy trick for your Apple Watch.
Update your web browser now
Find any security issues with your browser lately? Here’s what you should do.
The risks you take if you never update
When’s the last time you gave your phone a good update? Here’s why you should, even if you don’t want to.