🏈 What’s the score? In the Alexa app, open Settings > Sports Update. Add your teams (you’ll find all major American sports leagues). Now, say, “Alexa, give me my sports update” for scores and schedule info.
Tech myths: Streaming, AI, phone and computer ‘wisdom’ that isn’t
When it comes to tech myths, I’ve heard ‘em all. That’s why I’m here to help you keep a handle on what’s real and what’s not. Before we dive in, just a few reminders: Macs can get viruses, closing apps will not save battery life, and your smartphone’s memory doesn’t die after two years.
Myth: Streaming in 4K always gives you the best quality.
Fact: Nope! If your internet connection isn’t fast enough, your stream will buffer or downgrade to a lower resolution. Some services use aggressive compression, too, so a well-encoded 1080p stream looks better than a heavily compressed 4K one.
Myth: Smartwatches track with medical-grade accuracy.
Fact: The sensors built into new smartwatches can monitor your heart rate, sleep and oxygen levels, and they can detect irregular heart rhythms, but they’re not replacements for medical devices. Think of them instead as a device that provides trends, not specifics. If you’re worried about something, consult your doctor and not your wrist.
Myth: AI understands what it’s saying.
Fact: AI doesn’t “think” like humans do — at least, not yet. It predicts the most likely next word based on patterns, but it has no true understanding or emotions. It’s like a really advanced autocomplete, not a sentient being. That said, the new reasoning models coming soon could change that.
Myth: 5G causes cancer.
Fact: The World Health Organization (WHO) and other health agencies have done extensive research and found no adverse health effects linked to 5G. It uses the same type of nonionizing radio frequencies as 4G and Wi-Fi, neither of which damages our DNA or cells.
Myth: Using a magnet near your computer could result in your PC’s instant death.
Fact: Today’s solid-state drives (SSDs) aren’t phased. This myth hearkens back to floppy disks, which could be wiped with magnets. Still, be cautious with strong magnets near older hard drives and your monitor.
Myth: You can’t use advanced features in Zoom unless you have a paid account.
How to watch the BIG GAME for free and more clever tips!
Oh, baby, it’s the day I’ve been waiting for all season! It’s time for … uh, Travis Kelce’s team and, well, those other guys to play. Kidding, kidding. I know it’s the Kansas City Chiefs and the Philadelphia Eagles. I also know a bunch of tips and tricks to make your game day smoother.
You’ve got mail: Psychologists say those who aim for “Inbox Zero,” aka no unread email, might be perfectionists craving control. If you let unread emails pile up, you might be more laid-back and focused on priorities over organization. Some people even get more stressed trying to keep a clear inbox. Try as I might, I’m not an “Inbox Zero” gal.
8 years
How much you can lower your biological age by lifting weights three times a week. A study found just one hour of strength training can fight obesity, boost metabolism and improve cardiovascular health. No time? Try a home gym.
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Hey! You look good
Ever wonder why some people just seem to glow with health? No, it’s not a filter or some secret Hollywood lighting trick. (OK, for some people it is.) But for the lucky ones, it’s what’s happening inside their body. And one of the biggest factors? Collagen.
Protect your data before catastrophe strikes – after is too late
I know you felt it because I did, too. Watching coverage of the Los Angeles fires and, now, the destruction left in their wake, has been heartbreaking. A reader emailed me: “People had very little time to gather anything before they had to leave their houses. I’d appreciate your advice on what to do before a catastrophe.”
‘Can you tape that?’ Phrases tech has killed off
I’m sure you remember this: “You hang up first.” “No, you hang up first.” Not quite as romantic when you fumble for the “End call” button on your iPhone, eh? As times change and our tech changes, so, too, do the phrases we use.
5 cool ways to use your home network (beyond getting online)
When you connect your gadgets to the same Wi-Fi network, you’re not just getting them online; you’re building a system so they can communicate with each other. You don’t need to be a tech wizard — just follow the steps below:
5 ways to connect when you’re apart for the holidays
Christmas Eve is here. It’s a time for joy, laughter and cherished moments with loved ones. I know how busy this day can get, but a little bit of tech-savvy can help make it even more special.
Here are five quick and simple ways to use technology to connect with family and create memories without taking up too much time.
Nifty YouTube shortcuts: Press M to mute or unmute a video, K to pause or play a video, and F to enter or exit full-screen mode. While you’re there, follow my channel so you never miss a vid.
➗ The math helper you’ve always wanted: AI is smart enough to teach you if you know how to ask. In Google Search, ask, “How do I solve,” followed by your equation (e.g., “How do I solve 52% of 1,399?”). The answer will walk you through the steps, too. Handy.
📚 Useful site: WorldCat.org is the world’s largest library search engine. It connects you to libraries around the world — a catalog of 405 million books, 440 million articles, 10 million musical scores and lots more. How does a librarian organize their music collection? The Dewey Decibel System! (I couldn’t resist.)
⌛ Quick TV tip: You might be tempted to change your TV’s picture mode to Game for football, but that mode is for video games. The best setting for sports is Cinema or Movie. Sports mode is generally too bright, so the game may look washed out.
Listen up: Tell Alexa to turn the volume up or down on your Echo without tapping the buttons. Say, “Alexa, volume up” for a gradual increase or “Alexa, turn the volume to five” for precise control. Choose a number from one to 10. Warning: 10 is really, really loud.
The morning habits of CEOs (including me!)
I ran across this story (paywall link) about the morning routines of tech billionaire CEOs. It was interesting but not that thorough, so I did additional research. Here’s what I found, and even though I’m far from a billionaire, I’ll share my morning recipe for success, too.
Word on the tip of your tongue? Type a description into OneLook’s Reverse Dictionary — say, for instance, “Something that makes you feel entertained and informed” — then hit Search. My name didn’t pop up, so I guess it isn’t perfect.
🪟 A little fun: Window Swap lets you view the world from another person’s window. I saw a tree swaying in the wind in Warsaw, Poland, and a dreamy ocean view in Honolulu. It’s a lot of fun!
No-tech zone: A friend did this with her kids and it’s so smart. She made a couple of special areas around their house “tech-free spots.” The family room couches and kitchen table are both no-tech zones. Beware: It only works if adults follow the rules, too.
Ho-ho-hope your packages arrive on time: Gmail’s package tracking now includes real-time updates. On your phone, tap Menu > Settings. Look for General settings (Android) or Data privacy (Apple) and toggle on Package tracking at the bottom.