Kim Komando Daily Tech Update

Keep your keys in the fridge to prevent hackers

10 Oct 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Remote keyless entry systems for cars arrived in 1983 with the phrase “key fob”. Today, key fobs lock and unlock, start the engine and even call f...

Black Friday starts next Tuesday

09 Oct 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Amazon is about to change Christmas and holiday shopping forever. Big sales begin this Tuesday and continue at a frenzied pace through Christmas. Lea...

iOS 14 has a battery problem

08 Oct 2020

Contributed by Lukas

If you updated your iPhone to Apple’s latest operating system, iOS 14, in the past few days you may have already noticed that your iPhone’s daily ...

Most dangerous celebrities to Google

07 Oct 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Every year antivirus company McAfee releases its official list of celebrities, starlets, and big names that, when you search them out online, you’re...

Using AI to stop online exam cheating

06 Oct 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Online learning is simply not as good as being in a classroom — and neither is taking an exam online. Universities are turning to artificial intelli...

Happening every minute on the internet

05 Oct 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Let’s start the week with a look at the next 60 seconds on the internet. You won't believe all the messages shared, meetings hosted, photos uploaded...

You're charging your phone wrong

04 Oct 2020

Contributed by Lukas

You probably have your own method for keeping your phone charged — but according to research, you’re probably doing it wrong. The way you charge y...

Don't pay for Photoshop

03 Oct 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Thanks to smartphones, everybody’s a photographer. It’s easy to take quality photos with our phone’s camera. Here’s a secret: You don’t need...

It's still possible to get a great smartphone for under $300

02 Oct 2020

Contributed by Lukas

We hear all the time about great new smartphones costing four figures, all the way up to $2,000. But you don’t have to pay these big bucks! You can ...

These old iPhones are very dangerous to use

01 Oct 2020

Contributed by Lukas

With all the manufactured hype and excitement of the new iPhone 12 coming in fewer than two weeks, let’s look at older, obsolete iPhones that pose a...

Foldable PC with double the screen size of an iPad

30 Sep 2020

Contributed by Lukas

It’s safe to say Samsung’s new folding smartphone is no home run. Computer maker Lenovo is hoping that even though customers ignored folding smart...

Most voters want social media shut down during election week

29 Sep 2020

Contributed by Lukas

What does America really think of social media and its effect on the election? I bet you won't be surprised to learn the vast majority of us want a so...

What you need to know about the new Amazon home drone

28 Sep 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Maybe you’ve heard about Amazon’s new security drone. It’s designed to fly around, inside your home, and frighten burglars away. But here’s wh...

Free tool to spot fake Amazon reviews

27 Sep 2020

Contributed by Lukas

If there’s one rule of thumb to follow when you’re shopping online, especially at Amazon, it’s to read the reviews. But how can you tell a fake ...

New Alexa commands to try

26 Sep 2020

Contributed by Lukas

One of the most popular smart speakers are Amazon Echos with the digital assistant Alexa. I’m sure you already know the basics: Reminders, news and ...

How to remove your home from Google Maps and Google

25 Sep 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Your home, as you see it from the street, can be seen by everyone, worldwide, using Google’s Street View. Here’s how you can make your home disapp...

You're being recorded on security cams much more than you think

24 Sep 2020

Contributed by Lukas

How many times each day are you captured by security and traffic cams? Here’s a hint: It’s a lot more than you think. Learn more about your ad ch...

Coping with endless doomsday headlines

23 Sep 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Most Americans scroll through endless headlines of bad news every day. We’re left with feelings of depression or anxiety — or both. What can you d...

World’s first ransomware death

22 Sep 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Last week you may have heard me talk about the expense and dangers of ransomware. Now, ransomware is responsible for its very first death. Learn more...

How to stop your iPhone from watching you

21 Sep 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Does your smartphone ever secretly listen or watch you with its camera? It has in the past, and it does now. But if you use an iPhone, you now have a ...

How to handle unsubscribing after your free trial

20 Sep 2020

Contributed by Lukas

It seems like wherever you turn, some streaming service, app or site is trying to sell you a monthly subscription. Here’s the free trial and if you ...

Google Maps has a unique feature for loved ones

19 Sep 2020

Contributed by Lukas

It’s never easy to lose a loved one but a simple trip down memory lane using Google Maps can help. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphon...

Important news for all of America’s schools

18 Sep 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Here is important news for all of America’s schools and the people who run them: You are the primary target and you need to listen up. Learn more a...

Big social media boycott bust

17 Sep 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Hollywood celebrities generally aren’t known for their breadth of intellect or depths of wisdom. Which is why yesterday’s star-studded social medi...

Apple's two biggest announcements

16 Sep 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Each year, Apple holds four big events: spring, summer, September and sometimes, October. Yesterday, Apple unveiled a number of new products — but n...

How the COVID puppy - or kitten - scam works

15 Sep 2020

Contributed by Lukas

As we enter the third season of COVID-19, loneliness is emerging as a major health problem. Naturally, scam artists have moved quickly to exploit and ...

Reviewers test new Samsung foldable phone - Surprise! It works

14 Sep 2020

Contributed by Lukas

I recently reported Samsung was about to release yet another folding smartphone after its first attempt, the Galaxy Fold, was an embarrassing failure....

How to stop political text messages

13 Sep 2020

Contributed by Lukas

The election season is heating up and you may start seeing political texts popping up on your phone. Fortunately, you can quickly make them stop. Lea...

Shopping trick: Save up to 70% on Amazon year-round

12 Sep 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Prime Day, coupons and lightning deals are great but there’s another trick you might not be aware of that can save you up to 70% on Amazon purchases...

Amazon is hiring for 33K high-paying positions

11 Sep 2020

Contributed by Lukas

For many whose jobs were lost in the pandemic, struggling to get by is something they never envisioned. And that’s why the news I have for you today...

Apple patents water ejection for iPhone

10 Sep 2020

Contributed by Lukas

If you drop an iPhone in water, you’ll find all sorts of tips on how to dry it and save it. Even then, the phone could be damaged beyond repair. Tho...

Comparison: Walmart Plus vs. Amazon Prime

09 Sep 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Let’s compare the new Walmart Plus to Amazon Prime. From price to inventory to bonus perks, there's a lot to consider. Learn more about your ad cho...

Cutting the cable: Faster, cheaper internet on its way

08 Sep 2020

Contributed by Lukas

“Cutting the cable” never really meant cutting the cable. At best, it meant that you could unsubscribe from cable and satellite TV. But we all sti...

Labor Day 2020: Thanks to tech, our workforce has changed

07 Sep 2020

Contributed by Lukas

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 ...

Free dashcam apps for iPhone or Android

06 Sep 2020

Contributed by Lukas

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 phon...

Holiday shopping amid a pandemic: What you can expect

04 Sep 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Our first, and hopefully last, Christmas pandemic shopping season is just around the corner. What does it mean for holiday shoppers? Kim has the insid...

Getting rid of old tech? Don't make this mistake

04 Sep 2020

Contributed by Lukas

During this pandemic with time at home, many people are organizing their closets, offices and garage. Afterward, you have a sense of accomplishment an...

Three great online resources to help your kids learn at home

03 Sep 2020

Contributed by Lukas

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 ...

Great smartphones for far less than $500

02 Sep 2020

Contributed by Lukas

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’...

Instacart: Behind the scenes of this tough gig

01 Sep 2020

Contributed by Lukas

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 ...

Get the government's free vehicle recall alert app

31 Aug 2020

Contributed by Lukas

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...

5 new ways to use your Amazon Alexa

30 Aug 2020

Contributed by Lukas

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 ho...

Sick of trash TV? Try this free documentary site

29 Aug 2020

Contributed by Lukas

You’ve binge-watched “Ozark” and “Westworld.” Now you’re looking for something new but still can’t bring yourself to watch the Netflix r...

Amazon wants to track your fitness, sleep, body fat and emotions

28 Aug 2020

Contributed by Lukas

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 em...

Another casualty of Zoom meetings and the COVID pandemic

27 Aug 2020

Contributed by Lukas

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 ...

Traps we fall for giving up even more of our private lives online

26 Aug 2020

Contributed by Lukas

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 s...

How Facebook allows users to sell guns online, often illegally

25 Aug 2020

Contributed by Lukas

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 kn...

Samsung's new Galaxy Note 20 and Note 20 Ultra smartphones

24 Aug 2020

Contributed by Lukas

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 y...

Your smart TV is watching - but you can stop it

23 Aug 2020

Contributed by Lukas

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 y...

Beware of this work from home scam

22 Aug 2020

Contributed by Lukas

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 t...

Can the BlackBerry make a comeback?

21 Aug 2020

Contributed by Lukas

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 touchscre...

Putting Apple's mind-boggling value into perspective

20 Aug 2020

Contributed by Lukas

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...

COVID-19 misinformation: Are you part of the problem?

19 Aug 2020

Contributed by Lukas

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...

Why now is NOT the time to buy a new smartphone

18 Aug 2020

Contributed by Lukas

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...

Court says Amazon is liable for defective third-party products

17 Aug 2020

Contributed by Lukas

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 m...

Free and cheap police scanner apps for your phone

16 Aug 2020

Contributed by Lukas

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...

Looking for something to watch? These sites can help

14 Aug 2020

Contributed by Lukas

This far in the pandemic, you’re looking for something new to watch. Rather than scroll through Netflix, AppleTV+, Prime Video, Hulu, YouTube, HBO a...

Are you ready to go back to the movie theater?

14 Aug 2020

Contributed by Lukas

This week, Hollywood slowly resumed making motion pictures with Universal's $200 million dollar “Jurassic World Three: Dominion.” But are you read...

What's behind the online fraud surge?

13 Aug 2020

Contributed by Lukas

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 ...

Scam alert: Beware of COVID vaccine emails - they're all fake

12 Aug 2020

Contributed by Lukas

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...

How to find unclaimed money that may be owed to you

11 Aug 2020

Contributed by Lukas

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 hav...

The reason behind the NSA's "find my phone" warning

10 Aug 2020

Contributed by Lukas

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...

Smart uses for your old cellphone or tablet

09 Aug 2020

Contributed by Lukas

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. ...

Going camping? 3 apps you should download first

08 Aug 2020

Contributed by Lukas

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...

Before you shop online this weekend ...

07 Aug 2020

Contributed by Lukas

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 ...

NSA warns: Beware of find my phone, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth

06 Aug 2020

Contributed by Lukas

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 ...

Survivors demand Facebook remove Holocaust-denying posts

05 Aug 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Facebook is getting to heat for removing political ads after so-called fact-checkers complain. But, while Facebook is consumed with politics, you won’...

Data tracking takes a shocking twist

04 Aug 2020

Contributed by Lukas

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 ...

New research: Adults who rely on social media for news are less informed

03 Aug 2020

Contributed by Lukas

The most effective way to get accurate news? A combination of local and national radio, television and newspapers, along with trusted sites online and...

Are you getting the high-speed internet you pay for?

02 Aug 2020

Contributed by Lukas

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...

Movie night at home won't be cheap

01 Aug 2020

Contributed by Lukas

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 chan...

Mysterious seeds from China mailed out across the US

31 Jul 2020

Contributed by Lukas

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-c...

America's CEO tech giants stage a big show

30 Jul 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Webster’s defines gaslighting as a form of psychological manipulation, distorting the truth to confuse or instill doubt — until the other person q...

Are you working more from home?

29 Jul 2020

Contributed by Lukas

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 ...

Are 'human' voices next for smart assistants?

28 Jul 2020

Contributed by Lukas

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 w...

Is Amazon stealing technology?

25 Jul 2020

Contributed by Lukas

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 m...

Apple's amazing future camera and why you'll want one

24 Jul 2020

Contributed by Lukas

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...

How the pandemic is wiping out America's bars and restaurants

23 Jul 2020

Contributed by Lukas

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 t...

Study: People who like to embarrass, anger others more addicted to social media

22 Jul 2020

Contributed by Lukas

We’ve known for decades that people are often more aggressive online than in person. But now, research from Michigan State and California State Univ...

Zoom is betting long on the pandemic and WFH

21 Jul 2020

Contributed by Lukas

"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 ans...

Twitter is a serious threat to our national security

20 Jul 2020

Contributed by Lukas

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...

Back to (virtual) classes: Things you need to know

17 Jul 2020

Contributed by Lukas

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. Lea...

Doom scrolling: How to replace this harmful habit

16 Jul 2020

Contributed by Lukas

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 ...

Get your cut of Apple's $500M iPhone settlement

15 Jul 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Back in 2017, Apple admitted to intentionally slowing down the performance of certain phones when the battery was older or low on juice. Apple agreed ...

Facebook's inept management continues to fumble

14 Jul 2020

Contributed by Lukas

As hundreds of companies boycott Facebook's ad platform, here’s yet another outrageous example of why Facebook management is out to lunch. Learn mo...

Income tax filing deadline is 2 days away and scammers are hard at work

13 Jul 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Watch your email. The tax deadline is nearly here, and criminals are going all out to take advantage. You may receive a very legitimate-looking email ...

BMW wants you to subscribe to access luxury features

10 Jul 2020

Contributed by Lukas

New cars are roving computers, loaded with hardware, software and the ability to get over-the-air updates. It makes sense that car makers can turn fea...

Amazon stock: How high can it possibly go?

09 Jul 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Amazon stock inched past the $3,000 per share mark, which put the tech giant's total market capitalization at a staggering $1.5 trillion. Now the ques...

The serious privacy and security risk of virus tracing apps

09 Jul 2020

Contributed by Lukas

When the United States government officially rolls out its virus tracing app, there will be promises of increased safety and a quicker end to the pand...

Why Macs are about to get a whole lot faster

07 Jul 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Apple is making a big change that means its Mac computers are about to get much more powerful and whole lot faster. Learn more about your ad choices....

Why cord-cutting may no longer be the cheapest option

06 Jul 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Years ago, consumers dropped cable in droves for cheaper streaming options. Now, streaming companies are capitalizing and prices are creeping up. Coul...

Practice social media distancing for a real Independence Day 2020

03 Jul 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Social media's promise to bring us closer has failed miserably. This holiday weekend, I encourage you to step away from all the timelines, comments an...

The Facebook advertising boycott

02 Jul 2020

Contributed by Lukas

After years of arrogance and ignorance, Facebook is finally paying for letting terrorists, child molesters and racists run rampant. The cost could be ...

Are there alternatives to Facebook?

01 Jul 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Millions have ditched Facebook and its toxicity. If you're craving community online, there are some other options. Here's what you need to know. Lear...

Delete your data from Google - but there's a catch

30 Jun 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Google says it will now automatically start deleting user data, by default for new users and with a quick settings change for the rest of us. Now one ...

Is Microsoft changing the face of retail?

29 Jun 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Stores around the country have closed temporarily in the face of the pandemic. But now Microsoft is shutting down nearly all of its retail stores for ...

How your iPhone tracks everywhere you go

26 Jun 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Want proof that your iPhone keeps track of every place you go? There's a little known-feature hiding your movements. Here's how to find it. Learn mor...

Turn off political ads on Facebook

25 Jun 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Facebook has a long, sad history of maintaining any semblance of credibility when showing ads on the site. Now, you can silence political ads and thos...

Contact tracing hoax spreading through Facebook

24 Jun 2020

Contributed by Lukas

People across the country on are high alert for news about coronavirus contact tracing apps coming to Apple and Android phones. One rumor, in particul...

After 13 years, major change coming to Apple's home screen

23 Jun 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Apple's annual Worldwide Developers Conference kicked off this week, and there's a big change coming for everyone who owns an iPhone: A brand-new way ...