Kim Komando Daily Tech Update

On Labor Day, we celebrate the contributions that workers have made to the strength, prosperity and well-being of our country. This year, it includes a different workforce. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

You can buy a stand alone dashcam for your car but if your needs are basic, a dashcam app for your smartphone could work. All you need is a smart phone, a power source, a mount for your phone and one of these apps. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

During this pandemic with time at home, many people are organizing their closets, offices and garage. Afterward, you have a sense of accomplishment and a pile of tech you can sell or donate. Just don’t make this common mistake when you do. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Our first, and hopefully last, Christmas pandemic shopping season is just around the corner. What does it mean for holiday shoppers? Kim has the inside scoop. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If your kids are learning remotely at home, here are three top helpful online resources for you and your favorite students. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

After another embarrassing failure last year, Samsung will try it again: An all-new foldable smartphone, with a jaw-dropping $2,000 price tag. They’re calling the phone, “a VIP Experience.” But what about the rest of us who need a great phone for less than $500? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Instacart is the grocery pickup and delivery service operating in more than 5,500 cities. An Instacart employee will bring you anything from booze to bananas and Aspirin to artichokes. And as it turns out, it’s one of the most demanding jobs there is. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If you’re driving a car or truck manufactured in the past eight years or so, you need the new free app to warn you about recalls. It could save your life. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Smart speakers can be a privacy nightmare. But Alexa is designed to help in ways you might not be aware of. I've got five smart uses for your smart home assistant. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

You’ve binge-watched “Ozark” and “Westworld.” Now you’re looking for something new but still can’t bring yourself to watch the Netflix reality show “Too Hot to Handle.” How about learning something instead? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

From the world of new gadgets, today a look at Amazon’s new Halo, a wearable wrist-device that tracks your fitness, sleep, body fat and even your emotions. Think carefully before you hit "buy." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We all know that restaurants, nightspots, the Broadway theater and your local movie houses are suffering in a big way. If they’re not already, most will close and never come back. But there’s another major pandemic causality that most have not yet noticed. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We all know online privacy is gone and that Big Tech knows almost everything about us. Even so, here are the top mistakes that take away what little shred of privacy you have left. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

You know Facebook is full of junk. Misinformation, hate-filled posted, ads that lead to spammy sites ... It goes on and on. What you probably don't know is that Facebook is allowing users to sell firearms — often across state lines and, even more often, illegally. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In America, smartphone fans are divided into two basic groups: Die-hard iPhone users and die-hard Android fans. Android fans, today’s story is for you. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

That smart TV in your home is really smart — maybe too smart. Unless you take steps, it’s probably spying on you and gathering information about your home. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

With so many people out of work and looking for jobs, online scammers are out in full force. Typos and phony official looking email are the least of the signs you’re dealing with a scammer. They’ve upped their game big time. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It was only 10 years ago that the world’s original smartphone, The BlackBerry, was at its peak. But when the iPhone arrived with its sleek touchscreen design, the tide quickly shifted, and BlackBerry failed in 2011. Could it ever make a comeback? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week Apple became the world’s most valuable company, with a total market capitalization of $2 trillion. Let’s put that in perspective. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A recent New York Times article focused on frustrated doctors in hospitals and private offices, who are battling not only COVID-19, but also the flood of online misinformation — the conspiracy theories and the outright lies. Are you an unwitting part of the problem? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Unless you absolutely need a new smartphone for emergency purposes, say yours was lost or broken beyond repair, wait. I'll tell you why. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Amazon got some bad news from the courts a few days ago. But here’s why this is good news for you and me. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If you wanted to listen to police radio chatter in the old days, you had to shell out a few hundred bucks at Radio Shack for a dedicated scanner. Now there’s an app for that. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, Hollywood slowly resumed making motion pictures with Universal's $200 million dollar “Jurassic World Three: Dominion.” But are you ready to go back in to America’s movie theaters to watch it? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This far in the pandemic, you’re looking for something new to watch. Rather than scroll through Netflix, AppleTV+, Prime Video, Hulu, YouTube, HBO and more, there are search sites just for streaming media that you’re gonna love. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

You’re probably aware that during this COVID-19 lockdown, online fraud and cyberattacks are at an all-time high. But have you ever wondered who’s behind the attacks and were they’re coming from? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Russia’s Vladimir Putin announced yesterday that they’ve developed a COVID-19 vaccine — and that it works so well that even his own daughter has taken it. This only adds to the frenzy of scam emails being received by millions of Americans promising a vaccine. Here’s what’s going on. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If you get a phone call or email saying that you have unclaimed money coming to you, don’t fall for it. It’s a scam. But one in 10 actually do have money owed to them and you can claim it at no charge. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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

If your school system is conducting online classes this fall, I’ve put together a list of questions you need to ask before school starts again. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Since COVID-19 took over our lives, you’re probably spending more time on news sites looking for answers — how bad is it, new symptoms, where’s the vaccine. Because so much of the news today is downright depressing, you’re now doom surfing or doom scrolling. Here's my advice on how to cut this harmful habit. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices