Kim Komando Daily Tech Update

There's no denying Amazon Prime is ideal for gifting. You can find just about anything, and shipping is lightning fast. But what if you share an account with your spouse or another family member? Do you just cross your fingers and hope they won't log in and spoil a surprise? There's a better way! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Apple's AirPods took the world by storm in 2016. For years, it was hard to even get your hands on a pair. Now Apple is launching over-the-ear headphones for the first time — and if insiders are right, they'll be here very soon. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Smart home tech is convenient, but when does that convenience outweigh security? The Ring video doorbell has hit the tipping point. You won't believe what info the Amazon-owned company is sharing with Facebook. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

There are so many questions surrounding the coronavirus outbreak in China. Chief among them, how many people are infected and how many have died? Chinese officials are reporting infection numbers, but no one quite trusts that information. One thing is for sure: The stock market isn't the only thing taking a hit right now. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Check your call log. How many robocalls did you get this week? How many today? If you're fed up with the constant mobile harassment, there's an app you should know about. Robo Revenge lets you give scammers a taste of their own medicine. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Tax aren't due for a couple months, but you shouldn't wait. Identity thieves are already on the move. When you're ready to file, I've got two essential steps to make sure you do so safely. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Technology drives the way we communicate with the people we care about. Just think about the last time you texted an "I love you." But how does tech factor in when we've lost someone? Virtual reality is opening up new possibilities for how we remember a loved one who has passed away — and how we grieve. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Not much beats big prizes if you're looking to attract an audience online. Add in the thrill of competition, celebrity hosts and lots of water cooler talk, and you've got a winner. But HQ Trivia, the hit app that launched in 2017, just couldn't last. Here's what happened. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Where there's fear, scammers are quick to follow. The coronavirus has people across the world scared, and criminals are taking advantage. If you're seeing texts, emails and social media posts claiming there's new information you need to know, think twice before you click. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If you're a Mac user, you probably believe you're less at risk online than Windows users. Hate to break it to you, but that "common knowledge" just isn't true anymore. If you have a Mac, don't miss this — you may be more exposed to hackers and cybercriminals than you realize. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

I've been warning for years that social media is truly harmful to kids and teens. Yes, popular platforms are full of predators that should have been banned for good long ago. But there's another danger you need to know about if you have a teen at home. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sharing is caring, right? Well, not always. Peer-to-peer car rental apps allow you to rent your car to a perfect stranger or the other way and around. And honestly, that's a terrible idea. 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

It's no secret apps profit from your data. You sign up for an account and details like your usage and location are compiled and sold. You know greedy advertisers are snapping up that info, but there's another big buyer: the U.S. government. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

There are countless decisions to make as a parent, and today's technology adds even more choices. One of the biggest? When your child should get his or her first smartphone. The choice is up to you, but I have some recommendations for kids under 10. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We've all got iPhones and Androids now, but before that, the BlackBerry reigned supreme — at least in some circles. Now the iconic brand is out of the phone game, again. Is it gone for good this time? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

When it comes to software development and deployment, rushing is never the right answer. Just ask the company that created the tech behind the embarrassing Iowa caucus. What's the solution? I have a novel idea. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Where there's fear and uncertainty, there are criminals waiting to pounce. If you're glued to your phone or computer reading about the coronavirus outbreak, be wary of news coming from anyone you don't know. I'll tell you why certain files could spell disaster for your data. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Online dating is a minefield. I'm not talking about awkward hellos, mixed signals or ghosting. I'm talking sexual predators that lurk in online dating and "hookup" apps, looking for their next victim. Now the government is stepping in to find out how protected users really are. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The coronavirus has people scared — there's no doubt about that. Naturally, people are turning to Google for answers. And you'll be shocked at just how much one search term is blowing up. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Are you worried about your privacy? Do you want to protect your personal information? If you're like most Americans, you answered yes. But saying it and meaning it are two different things. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

About 20% of American adults get their news through social media. And with a public health scare — the coronavirus — dominating headlines, fake news is spreading like crazy. What rumors are floating around and what should you do if you see them? I've got the scoop. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Long gone are the days of believing you can use major social media platforms and keep your info private. But a new option on the market takes things even further — connecting you with other users using facial recognition software. Yes, it's as creepy as it sounds. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Apple and Google refuse to unlock the smartphones of criminals, so police are taking matters into their own hands. Learn how the NYPD is working to crack the encryption codes of iPhones and Android devices. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

So much of your information is available for anyone to find. Not just your phone number, address or Social Security number — I'm talking much more personal. You know exactly what I mean if you've taken one of those mail-order DNA tests. So why are these once-popular kits taking a nosedive? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

No matter how impressive your resume, it doesn't matter if you can't get it into the right hands. And with companies using artificial intelligence to screen candidates, you need to know how to get past the bots. Don't make these silly mistakes that will curtail your search. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Surveillance cameras are virtually everywhere, and government officials are reportedly worried they may be in the sky too. If you have a hobby drone, learn why its days might be numbered. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Wearables aren't just accessories like smart watches and fitness trackers anymore. A California startup has a prototype for augmented reality contacts, shown off at this year's CES in Las Vegas, that might blow all those failed smart glasses out of the water. Would you buy a pair? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We think of Big Tech in the abstract — huge companies that control vast amounts of data and make a shocking amount of money. But how powerful are they, really? The biggest names in tech are worth more than you might believe. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A serious Windows 10 flaw has the National Security Agency sounding the alarm. The intelligence agency is urging users to update the operating system as soon as possible, due to a risky vulnerability that could affect 900 million devices. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

There's not much sadder than the look in my dog Abby's eyes when I leave the house each morning. Most dog owners feel the same way, and tech companies are jumping in to help with content tailored for our furry friends. That's right — a podcast for pups. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Equifax's 2017 data breach compromised the credit and personal data of millions of Americans. Now the settlement has been agree upon, and your window for making a claim is rapidly shrinking. If you were impacted, file your claim now. Here's how. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The federal government and big tech have long battled over balancing user privacy and law enforcement access. Now U.S. Attorney General William Barr is calling for Apple to unlock iPhones involved in a terrorist attack, and the question of backdoor access looms larger than ever. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

When you replace your tech with the latest and greatest, what do you do with what you were using before? Stash it in a drawer? Pack it up to put in storage? It's time to bust out those old devices because they just might be worth big money. Can you guess how much a first generation iPod sells for? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

CES, the annual tech trade show underway in Las Vegas, showcases the best of the best in the digital world. But there are always some misses in the bunch, too. Check out my list of CES 2020 fails, from a toilet paper delivery robot to a not-so-smart assistant. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

CES is a tech lovers paradise, and journalists and fans are going crazy over all the announcements and reveals. As always, cars, artificial intelligence and impressive new gadgets are stealing the show. I'll tell you about some of this year's standouts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

You know not to click untrustworthy links or open attachments from a source you don't recognize. But some crimes are sneakier, like this scam that allows someone to take over your cell phone account — and access all your private data — before you even realize what's going on. I'll tell you how to protect yourself. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

You have a bad experience with a product or business, so you tap out a quick review voicing your dissatisfaction. What could go wrong? More than you might think. Reviews are big business, and companies aren't shy about going after people who leave negative feedback. I'll tell you why you may want to think twice next time you want to share yours online. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

CES kicks off tomorrow in Las Vegas, with 4,000-plus exhibitors. We're in for some exciting new innovations in consumer tech, and it's not all TVs and computers. Here's what you can expect, from smarter cars to foldable gadgets. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Take a second to scroll through the photo gallery on your phone, tablet or computer. I'm willing to bet it's a mess. With a couple simple tips and a little time, though, you can make it easier to find your favorite shots. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ever wonder if the internet plan you choose really matters, aside from cost? It does, and I'll help you find the best one for you. Once you decide, it's important you're actually getting all the speed you pay for. I'll show you a quick way to check. (No tech expertise required.) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It seems like there's a new data breach or hack around every corner, and cybercriminals are always finding clever new ways to get their hands on your info. Here's what you need to know to protect yourself this new year and beyond. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The new year is upon us, and it's time to set some resolutions. Make your digital life better with three simple ideas with big impact. First up, your inbox needs help. I've got a simple way to manage it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Amazon’s Alexa-powered Echo smart spreaker was among the company’s bestsellers this past Christmas. Parents are asking if they should teach their children to say thank you and please when dealing with Alexa. What do you think? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Colleges are now tracking students on campus with reminders and class attendance. Is this helping or hindering students? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The presents are unwrapped, and the big day has passed. Let's look at the top items to buy right now — the day AFTER Christmas. I'll tell you where you can save some serious cash, from tech to decor. And don't forget next year's Christmas decorations. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It's Christmas day across America and today, I want lay aside the consumerism and technology to express my thanks. Take a minute today and say thank you and Merry Christmas to special people in your life. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ever scroll through Facebook and feel stressed just trying to keep up? Everyone's having the perfect Christmas — or at least that's what it seems like. Social media could make an already stressful time of year even harder to deal with. Take my advice and put down your phone. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Christmas is nearly here, and the clock is ticking if you've still got shopping to do. Everyone loves unwrapping cool tech on Christmas morning. I've got a few suggestions for gadgets worth the money. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If the last minute holiday rush is stressing you out, a meditation app might help you calm down. The market is packed with options, and they're raking in the bucks to relieve your stress. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Viruses aren't just bugs that spam your computer or shut down your system anymore. Hackers employ sophisticated attacks that can bring your whole digital life crashing down. Are you making the mistake of thinking cybercriminals won't possibly come after you? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices