Kim Komando Daily Tech Update

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 ...

5 most important tips for video conference calls

22 Jun 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Maybe you're on video calls all day long. Maybe they're infrequent on your schedule, reserved for only the most important meetings. Either way, Kim's ...

The new form of sextortion during the coronavirus lockdown

19 Jun 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Sextortion scams are frightening. You get an email claiming a hacker has evidence, often in video form, of you in rather compromising positions. A new...

How lies survive on social media

18 Jun 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Radio shows like mine, newspapers, magazines and virtually every other form of media are held accountable for publishing something libelous, false or ...

How 5G will bring super-fast internet into your home, wirelessly

17 Jun 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Getting high-speed data lines into every home is expensive — and a reason why many people don't have fast connections at home. If you live in an are...

How this year's California wildfires could hurt you and your business

16 Jun 2020

Contributed by Lukas

With the pandemic sending employees home to work, our reliance on the internet can't be overstated. This year's wildfires in California could bring ma...

50 years ago this month, the picturephone arrived and quickly disappeared

15 Jun 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Half a century ago, with great confidence, AT&T launched the world's first video phone. It goes without saying it did not take off. Here's what happen...

With $30B at stake, IRS issues dire scam warning

12 Jun 2020

Contributed by Lukas

For months cybercriminals have been cashing in on our collective coronavirus fears. Their schemes haven't let up, and now the IRS is warning of a new,...

Why working from home may be here to stay

11 Jun 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Dr. Anthony Fauci says the coronavirus has become his "worst nightmare." As health experts predict another spike this summer, those of us working from...

Twitter gets serious with 5G conspiracy postings

10 Jun 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Social media platforms are hotbeds for conspiracy theories, fake news, hate, violence and all manner of despicable content. Now Twitter is putting its...

The reason you can't use your own Netflix account

09 Jun 2020

Contributed by Lukas

How many friends and family members have your Netflix login? Sharing streaming services is common practice, but you might find yourself locked out of ...

Bluetooth speakers for your phone that won't listen in

08 Jun 2020

Contributed by Lukas

If you want to listen to music through your phone without headphones, you need a speaker. But what if you don't want Alexa or Siri listening in throug...

Facebook now allows bulk deleting - but are the posts really gone?

05 Jun 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Facebook's long overdue new tool lets you archive or delete posts in bulk. Now the question is, are they actually gone for good? I wouldn't bet on it....

A glimmer of good news from all the looting

04 Jun 2020

Contributed by Lukas

If there is any good news from the lawlessness in America’s major cities, it’s this: Apple is making monetary contributions to help victims of pol...

Fake Facebook protest videos seen by millions

03 Jun 2020

Contributed by Lukas

As protests took place across the U.S., millions were watching on Facebook Live. If you turn to social media for news, I have a warning about what you...

Move over, Crayola: Try your hand at naming colors

02 Jun 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Today's screens can display 16.7 million colors, and all those colors need names. Head to colornames.org to add your suggestions to the list and vote ...

The humble, simple voice phone call makes a comeback

01 Jun 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Think back a few months. How often did you ignore calls and opt to communicate via text, email or social media message? Now, months into the pandemic,...

Can President Trump really regulate Twitter?

29 May 2020

Contributed by Lukas

President Trump signed an executive ordered aimed at limiting the legal protections that shield social media companies. The question now is how will h...

How cutting the cable brought us right back to where we started

28 May 2020

Contributed by Lukas

A decade ago, we started saying "no more" to expensive cable and satellite service. Now, there are more streaming services than ever to fill the void....

Local TV stations are being scammed by Amazon, and you are too

27 May 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Tune into your local news station and you may see a segment that feels surprising if you keep up with the tech world: A feel-good story about Amazon's...

Researchers hit fastest internet speed ever

26 May 2020

Contributed by Lukas

We all want better, smarter and faster. Researchers in Australia hit a new record internet speed that hits faster out of the ballpark. The team logged...

Honoring those who sacrificed everything

25 May 2020

Contributed by Lukas

This Memorial Day, join me in taking a moment to show respect to those who embody the spirit of duty, honor and selflessness in the service of America...

Why that COVID contact tracing text is a scam

22 May 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Don't be surprised to hear from coronavirus tracers who track the spread of the disease. But if you were one of the millions who got a text that you'v...

Will DJI drones disappear from American skies?

21 May 2020

Contributed by Lukas

There are nearly 1.6 million drones registered in the U.S., according to FAA estimates, and DJI holds nearly two-thirds of the American market. Now th...

5 tips to look your best while video conferencing

20 May 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Your daily Zoom calls aren't quite the same as being on television, but you still want to look your best, right? Take a cue from broadcasters with the...

Uber gives us an idea of the massive hit to the US economy

19 May 2020

Contributed by Lukas

A few months ago, Uber was on top of the ridesharing world. Fast forward to today and the demand has dried up — taking thousands of jobs along with ...

The pandemic and the fall of celebrity status

18 May 2020

Contributed by Lukas

The pandemic has brought innumerable changes. Among them, a shift in how much we really care about fame and celebrity. As our priorities shift, so too...

The best games to play on Zoom this weekend

15 May 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Ah, another weekend ... at home. Fire up your video chat service of choice, gather a few friends and have a game night. Here are a few low-tech option...

Facebook moderators collect damages after suffering PTSD

14 May 2020

Contributed by Lukas

With all the horrible content that actually makes it onto Facebook, I've wondered what gets filtered out and who does the job. It's a team of moderato...

Twitter's ridiculous PR ploy

13 May 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Social media platforms are hotbeds for fake news. What is Twitter's latest plan to battle false and dangerous info? A warning that leaves me asking .....

How working from home could land you in jail

12 May 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Remote work scams are nothing new. Conning people who are looking for work is a trick much older than the internet. But this one takes it to a whole n...

An open letter to Apple's CEO, Tim Cook

11 May 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Coronavirus has interrupted Apple's China supply chain, and now those jobs are moving to Vietnam. I have a better idea. Listen up, Tim Cook. I know a ...

Need to know how to do or fix something? YouTube to the rescue

08 May 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Before coronavirus, finding an expert — or just someone handy — to do a difficult task for you was a no-brainer. What about now that inviting stra...

Dangerous coronavirus theories alarming doctors

07 May 2020

Contributed by Lukas

If you rely on social media alone to stay informed, I have some bad news: You're making a dangerous mistake. Medical professionals across the country ...

Back to the office: The new normal

06 May 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Reopening America's businesses will be no small task. You can bet there are some big changes in store when your office opens its doors again. Here's m...

Apple's iPad pandemic comeback

05 May 2020

Contributed by Lukas

In the 10 years it's been around, the iPad hasn't changed all that much. But if you haven't seen what Apple's tablet has to offer in a while, take not...

Top 4 coronavirus scams people are falling for

04 May 2020

Contributed by Lukas

You can only avoid scams if you know exactly what to look for. Scammers are using the coronavirus to create new versions of their old tricks. Don't fa...

YouTube allows Chinese conspiracy videos on Patient Zero

01 May 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Rumors spread quickly, and conspiracy theories even faster. An American Army reservist is being terrorized following videos and social media posts cla...

The most brazen COVID-19 blackmail scam yet

30 Apr 2020

Contributed by Lukas

I know, I know — another coronavirus scam. But this one is the most brazen yet. You won't believe what hackers are banking on scared people falling ...