Consumer Tech Update

Last Thursday I reported America’s top spy agency, the NSA, warned government workers to turn off their iPhone’s location services, plus Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. Now, we know why. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

With all this time on your hands at home, I bet you’ve run across an old phone or tablet you no longer use. Don't let it sit there collecting dust. I've got some smart uses for your old tech. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Interest in camping is at all all-time high right now, as bored Americans who’ve grown fatigued by staying home and indoors search for new and still socially distant ways to pass the time. I've got three great apps to take with you. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Behind almost every online retail scam, you’ll find social media. The latest warning from the FBI is one you should take very seriously, especially if you're always looking for a great deal. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Are you one of the millions who frequently misplace their iPhone and then use “Find My iPhone” to hunt it down? If you are, the National Security Agency has serious news for you. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Facebook is getting to heat for removing political ads after so-called fact-checkers complain. But, while Facebook is consumed with politics, you won’t be believe what’s allowed to remain on the site. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Troves of data are collected about you, but where does it all go? Believe it or not, retailers, insurance companies, potential employers and more use it to make judgments about you. I'll tell you how it works. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The most effective way to get accurate news? A combination of local and national radio, television and newspapers, along with trusted sites online and experienced commentators and opinion writers. And then there's social media. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Before the new workweek begins, let’s make sure you’re getting the internet connection speeds that you’re paying for. Give me 30 seconds of your time. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Before the pandemic, you may have planned a big Saturday night to go out and see the newest Hollywood blockbuster at a local movie theater. COVID changed that and wait until hear how much it’ll soon cost to stream a new release at home. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Americans all over are receiving packages in the mail from China that, on the surface, look like jewelry is inside. What’s really going on is an e-commerce scam called brushing. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Webster’s defines gaslighting as a form of psychological manipulation, distorting the truth to confuse or instill doubt — until the other person questions reality. Which brings me to the Big Tech CEOs, testifying yesterday before the United States Congress. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

With most people working from home, are you working more hours? A new Microsoft study answers that question. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Siri, Alexa, Cortana and all the other smart assistants are helpful, but they're far from human sounding. One tech company is looking to change that with realistic synthetic voices. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We know the Chinese have been stealing American technology for decades. But is Amazon doing the same thing? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If you think that your iPhone camera is great now, wait till you hear what Apple is planning next. This camera won't just rival that built into phones like the Galaxy S20 Ultra — it's even better. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Owning a bar or restaurant has always been risky. The chances of it failing are very high — even in the best of times. But now it’s the worst of times, and America’s restaurants and bars are being literally wiped out. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We’ve known for decades that people are often more aggressive online than in person. But now, research from Michigan State and California State Universities proves what we already suspected: The heaviest users of social media really are trolls. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"How long will I be working from home?" This is the question asked every morning by hundreds of millions. The management of Zoom thinks it has the answer — and it’s one you won’t like. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Last week's massive Twitter hack, targeting tech and business leaders, shows just how dangerous a social media platform can be in the wrong hands. And I'm talking about a lot more than the $120,000 the culprits stole. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices