Voice-to-text: Newer Google Pixel and Samsung Galaxy phones have built-in tools to turn voice audio into text via the magic of AI. Check under the Recorder app for Pixels or Voice Recorder app for Galaxy phones, respectively. Apple iPhone peeps, expect something similar in iOS 18, dropping next month.
Tech prep kit: What you need in an emergency
A few weeks ago, I asked if y’all would be down with my putting together a tech prep list of emergency items and ideas. I really was surprised at how many of you said, “Yes!” So, without further ado, let’s prep for cyberattacks and outages.
Tech power
- Pocket power: A portable power bank keeps your tech going when the power goes out. Here’s a no-nonsense option compatible with most devices. This one ($20 off) has a built-in light. Try this one if you’re on a budget.
- Save me: An uninterruptible power supply (UPS) provides backup power to specific devices. I recommend one for your desktop computer (7% off) and one for your router.
- Here comes the sun: Solar generators are nice to have around for extended outages. Spring for this one to soak up the sun or this one that’s a bit cheaper.
Power generators
- If it’s just for one or two people: This generator’s a great option to run your laptop, small fridge and more. It’s both solar- and battery-powered, and it’s 31% off right now.
- Take it to the next level: This Generac gas-powered option will run 4.5 hours at a 50% load. Outdoor use only, just sayin’.
- Movin’ on up again: This indoor or outdoor generator will run the refrigerator for up to 15 hours, lights for up to 180 hours and charge your phone up to 164 times. It’s pricey, but you get what you pay for. I have two Generac generators, and they’re a good, solid choice.
Data backup solutions
- Separate and secure: Back up data from your desktop or laptop on an external hard drive for safekeeping. Go with this one if you won’t be carrying it around. This option or a similar model are more portable.
- Up, up and away: A cloud storage subscription like Google Drive, Dropbox or OneDrive makes it easy to access your data from any device, no matter where you are.
- Set it and forget it: Automatic backup systems automatically collect, compress and encrypt your data. For local backups only, try Macrium. Backblaze is a great cloud backup option. Arq works with Google Drive, OneDrive and Amazon.
Communication tools
- Oh, that’s my burner: If your smartphone carrier goes down, having a device on a separate carrier could save the day. The spare doesn’t have to be anything fancy.
- Linking up: When the internet on the ground goes kaput, a backup internet source like Starlink keeps you up and running. I have this at home.
- Mixed signals: A satellite phone still works if something happens to the regular cellular tower network. This device has all the bells and whistles. This Garmin unit doubles as a map and GPS. This two-way messenger is a great option, too.
- Roger that: To keep your family connected, stash away some walkie-talkies. They’re perfect for short-range communication. These two can pair with a smartphone for chat or text and these are long-range, waterproof and 20% off.
Emergency connectivity
- On the go: If your router becomes unreliable or you have to hit the road, a mobile hotspot device (7% off) keeps you connected. Here’s a budget-friendly alternative.
- In the SIM-ulation: Spotty cell service or none at all? SIM cards with prepaid data plans to rescue. Here are three options: Verizon, T-Mobile and Infimoble.
- Emergency calls: Have a lightweight, compact satellite-connected device on hand so you can call for help. Clip this one (44% off) to your backpack.
Security measures
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VPNs: How they work and how to choose the best one for you
I’m sure you’ve heard me mention VPNs before on my show. With hackers, thieves and scammers constantly out in full force, ready to steal your money, now’s the time to get on board.
VPN is short for virtual private network. What this means is when doing your banking online, hackers can’t step in the middle and steal your account information and drain your money. A VPN also stops your internet provider from tracking you and lets you unblock websites and bypass filters. You need it on your computer, laptop, tablet and phone.
Make $170K/yr answering questions online
One guy ditched his $75K gig after making more on JustAnswers. Plus, a mom’s nightmare: her 5-year-old’s bedroom cam was hacked. Apple’s throwing shade at Bing, AI robot dentists.
🤑 Apple payout: Payments are on the way for anyone stuck with the defective MacBook butterfly keyboard available from 2015 to 2019. Payouts range from $50 to $395. Check your mailbox if you submitted your info for the settlement.
What temperature is too hot for an iPhone to work well? In Fahrenheit, is it … 77 degrees, 95 degrees, 113 degrees or 131 degrees?
Back-to-school tech: Apps and gadgets to monitor your kid
Parents everywhere are thrilled it’s back-to-school time. How can you keep the kids focused after a screen-filled summer, but also keep them safe? It’s a process, I know. For starters, get my free Kids’ Tech Contract.
PayPal, Venmo and Cash App don’t want you to know this
Sometimes, digital payment apps feel like the equivalent of finding $20 in a jacket pocket. I have $34 sitting in Venmo, $215 in Apple Pay and …
This isn’t a big deal if you keep a few bucks around to pay back a friend for a drink. But this is huge if you get paid directly to PayPal or Venmo for anything. Unlike the money at your FDIC-insured bank or credit union, you can lose your money sitting in these apps.
🪦 RIP, Chromecast: After 11 years, Google is upgrading its streaming device to something that feels suspiciously like the Apple TV. Google TV Streamer plugs in via HDMI and is a lot more powerful than the old Chromecasts. Preorder is live now with September delivery.
We may receive a commission when you buy through our links, but our reporting and recommendations are always independent and objective.
50% of Apple stock
Offloaded for billionaire Warren Buffet. Berkshire Hathaway’s money moves always make the news. In the last quarter, they went from 790 million shares of Apple to 400 million shares. Wonder what he knows.
15,000 employees
Are getting laid off at Intel. After reporting $1.6 billion in quarterly losses, Intel is axing 15% of its workforce by the end of this year. So, what the heck is going on? Microsoft and Apple both ditched Intel chips in their newest laptops.
Delta lost $500 million in the CrowdStrike Windows outage: It took down 8.5 million PCs. Delta CEO Ed Bastian said, “When was the last time you heard about a big outage at Apple?” Ouch. Insider secret: Apple gives developers much lower access to their key internal framework so it’s unlikely a single update could do big damage.
🤖 Try Apple Intelligence first: Test some of Apple’s AI features with the iOS 18.1 beta on an iPhone 15 Pro or 15 Pro Max. Go to Settings > General > Software Update > Beta Updates > iOS 18 Developer Beta > Back. Then select Upgrade to iOS 18 and hit Update Now.
💓 The key to my heart: Apple quietly filed a patent that could let your heartbeat unlock your iPhone. The patent suggests they could use this tech to figure out your mood and offer custom recommendations, too. OK, they had me with the first half …
Don't let your SSD die on you: 5 warning signs
Nine times out of 10, if you’re having issues with your computer, you or an IT expert can find a way to recover your files. That 10th time? It’s an SSD issue. Translation: You’re screwed.
🤓 Nerdy fact: Today’s solid-state drives (SSDs) run on silicon chips versus the old magnetic disks in hard disk drives (HDDs). They don’t have any moving parts, so they’re faster, quieter and have a longer lifespan than HDDs.
Which Big Tech company’s unofficial motto, written into its code of conduct, used to be “Don’t be evil”? Was it … A.) Apple, B.) Microsoft, C.) Google or D.) Amazon?
Steve Jobs used the “i” prefix for Apple products starting with the iMac in 1998. The “i” initially stood for “internet.” What does it mean now?
Have a heart condition? You might have a smartwatch to keep an eye on your ticker, but one in five users says they feel intense fear when they get an irregular rhythm notification. That extra anxiety isn’t helping your heart. If you have an Apple Watch, try taking some deep breaths with the Mindfulness app before you panic.