Kim Komando Daily Tech Update
Episodes
The virus and the beer
31 Jan 2020
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
We can no longer believe what we say
30 Jan 2020
Contributed by Lukas
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 a...
Coronavirus: Fake news spreading quickly
29 Jan 2020
Contributed by Lukas
About 20% of American adults get their news through social media. And with a public health scare — the coronavirus — dominating headlines, fake ne...
Do not sign up for this new social network
28 Jan 2020
Contributed by Lukas
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 e...
NYPD works to crack iPhone's encryption
27 Jan 2020
Contributed by Lukas
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 cr...
Why sales of DNA test kits are tanking
24 Jan 2020
Contributed by Lukas
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 p...
Looking for a new job? Listen to this first
23 Jan 2020
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
Is the U.S. about to ban Chinese drones?
22 Jan 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Surveillance cameras are virtually everywhere, and government officials are reportedly worried they may be in the sky too. If you have a hobby drone, ...
Smart contacts: Why they'll succeed where Google Glass failed
21 Jan 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Wearables aren't just accessories like smart watches and fitness trackers anymore. A California startup has a prototype for augmented reality contacts...
How big is Big Tech?
20 Jan 2020
Contributed by Lukas
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 th...
Running Windows 10? You need to update now
17 Jan 2020
Contributed by Lukas
A serious Windows 10 flaw has the National Security Agency sounding the alarm. The intelligence agency is urging users to update the operating syste...
High-tech entertainment for your furry friend
16 Jan 2020
Contributed by Lukas
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...
Only 1 week left to file for damages in the 2017 Equifax breach
15 Jan 2020
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
Should Apple help the government unlock the iPhones of terrorists?
14 Jan 2020
Contributed by Lukas
The federal government and big tech have long battled over balancing user privacy and law enforcement access. Now U.S. Attorney General William Barr i...
Old tech at your house worth big money
13 Jan 2020
Contributed by Lukas
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 st...
CES fails: Kim's tech misses at this year's trade show
10 Jan 2020
Contributed by Lukas
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 bu...
Kim's CES picks: Innovations from big names in tech
09 Jan 2020
Contributed by Lukas
CES is a tech lovers paradise, and journalists and fans are going crazy over all the announcements and reveals. As always, cars, artificial intelligen...
Scam alert: SIM swapping is on the rise
08 Jan 2020
Contributed by Lukas
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 all...
Online reviews: Be careful or you could get sued
07 Jan 2020
Contributed by Lukas
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 m...
CES 2020: What's coming this year?
06 Jan 2020
Contributed by Lukas
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...
Organize your messy photos
03 Jan 2020
Contributed by Lukas
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 l...
Are you getting the internet speed you pay for?
02 Jan 2020
Contributed by Lukas
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...
New year, same dangerous digital world
01 Jan 2020
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
2020 New Year's tech resolutions
31 Dec 2019
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
Parents: Should kids be taught to be polite to Alexa?
30 Dec 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Amazon’s Alexa-powered Echo smart spreaker was among the company’s bestsellers this past Christmas. Parents are asking if they should teach their ...
Colleges tracking students via their own cellphones
27 Dec 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Colleges are now tracking students on campus with reminders and class attendance. Is this helping or hindering students? Learn more about your ad ch...
Tech tip: Buy these gadgets after Christmas
26 Dec 2019
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
Kim Komando wishes you a merry Christmas
25 Dec 2019
Contributed by Lukas
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 y...
Stressed out? Put down your phone
24 Dec 2019
Contributed by Lukas
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 li...
Still shopping? Last-minute tech gifts
23 Dec 2019
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
Holidays stressing you out? Try a meditation app
20 Dec 2019
Contributed by Lukas
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...
"It won't happen to me"
19 Dec 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Viruses aren't just bugs that spam your computer or shut down your system anymore. Hackers employ sophisticated attacks that can bring your whole digi...
Wait until after Christmas to buy these products
18 Dec 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Christmas is nearly here, and that means a whole new batch of sales — starting the day after Christmas. If you have your eye on any of these product...
3 best ways to stop advertisers from following you online
17 Dec 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Sick of the constant barrage of targeted ads? You can't completely shut out advertisers online, but you thwart their spying efforts. I'll tell you the...
Science fiction's 'universal translator' has arrived
16 Dec 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Universal translators that let you connect with anyone aren't just a cool sci-fi trope. There's a real life version available for download now that in...
Don't buy these creepy tech gifts for kids
13 Dec 2019
Contributed by Lukas
You know internet-connected devices put your privacy at risk, but just how much? These smart gifts for kids give hackers an open invitation to chat wi...
Avoid this email holiday package scam
12 Dec 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Your holiday shopping is probably well underway, and your inbox is packed with receipts and shipping emails. This is a cybercriminal's dream. I'll tel...
Forget HR - your next interview is with AI
11 Dec 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Hundreds of big name companies are changing the way they hire: using an artificial intelligence algorithm to rank candidates. Are you in the market fo...
Health trackers are recording more than you think
10 Dec 2019
Contributed by Lukas
You know smartwatches and fitness trackers collect info on your steps, your heart rate and other health factors. But have you considered what that dat...
With Uber, everyone is taking a big chance
09 Dec 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Rideshare company Uber just released its first-ever safety report, revealing data on the number of crashes, deaths and sexual assaults reported during...
Holiday travelers: Find hidden webcams in your rental
06 Dec 2019
Contributed by Lukas
If you're traveling this holiday season, add this to your must-do list: Check your rental for hidden cameras. Learn how to spot tech that lets creeps ...
Students addicted to their phones are more likely to fail exams
05 Dec 2019
Contributed by Lukas
It stands to reason that students who can't keep their eyes off their phones won't do as well in school as those who pay attention. But just how much ...
About that TV you bought on Black Friday or Cyber Monday
04 Dec 2019
Contributed by Lukas
If you upgraded to a smart TV this Black Friday or Cyber Monday, don't miss this. The FBI warns your new television with all the bells and whistles al...
The big 2020 disruption: The 'tipping point' for cable cutting
03 Dec 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Huge tech innovations have completely changed our lives in the past few decades, and there's a big one on the horizon. Streaming is no longer just an ...
Appliances and electronics: Unplug when not in use?
02 Dec 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Fact or fiction: You should always unplug your electronics when not in use. The answer is simple, but the reason behind it is a little more complex gi...
Black Friday: Finding the most popular video games
29 Nov 2019
Contributed by Lukas
The Nintendo Switch is the hottest tech gift this year. And trying to find one this weekend is going to be tricky. I've got your best bet for getting ...
Thanksgiving Day: Stores open earlier than ever for Black Friday sales
28 Nov 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Are you going to spend today relaxing with loved ones or are you ready to jump into the Black Friday madness? Deals are starting earlier than ever thi...
My top 5 Black Friday tech deals
27 Nov 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Don't fall for those mediocre Black Friday sales retailers are pushing in your face. I've got the inside scoop on what's really worth it this year. We...
Best deals on Black Friday or Cyber Monday?
26 Nov 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Black Friday isn't just a one-day sale anymore. The days around Thanksgiving are an entire shopping event, and you need some know-how to shop smart. I...
Before you shop online for Black Friday, listen to these 4 major safety reminders
25 Nov 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Ah, holiday shopping. You're finding the perfect gifts for your loved ones, scoring great deals on tech you've been waiting to buy and ... avoiding sc...
Online porn heads to new areas
22 Nov 2019
Contributed by Lukas
X-rated content on the internet is nothing new. But it is being served up in a whole new way — and its producers have their fingers crossed you'll b...
Warning: Humans rights groups call Instagram a "predators' paradise"
21 Nov 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Facebook-owned photo sharing platform Instagram is a great place to keep up with friends and family. But it's also a haven for predators looking to ex...
2 dozen college students dump their smartphones for a week
20 Nov 2019
Contributed by Lukas
How much time do you spend on your phone each and every day? Do you think you could give it up for a whole week? A group of college students did, and ...
Why online retailers might start calling you
19 Nov 2019
Contributed by Lukas
You're browsing the web for a new couch, and all of the sudden, a call comes through. It's the company whose website you were just scrolling. Creepy? ...
Cord cutting reaching 'epidemic levels' - how bad is it?
18 Nov 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Streaming services are more popular than ever, and consumers continue to say goodbye to cable and satellite companies. Is this a blip or something muc...
Apple's Tim Cook was right about the future of TV
15 Nov 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Surely you've heard all the buzz around the latest kid on the streaming block, Disney+. It launched this week with a staggering number of subscribers....
How Facebook has been quietly switching on your iPhone's camera
14 Nov 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Think twice next time you're scrolling through your Facebook feed. We know Zuckerberg and the Facebook crew don't care much about your privacy, but a ...
The next big thing in tech
13 Nov 2019
Contributed by Lukas
There have been a lot of big fails in consumer tech over the years. Remember the exploding Samsung Galaxy Note 7 and Amazon's Fire Phone? Add Google G...
Move Alexa away from the window
12 Nov 2019
Contributed by Lukas
There are a frightening number of ways cybercriminals can hack into our tech. But now they've got an even easier method to take over smart speakers —...
Wait until Black Friday to buy these items
11 Nov 2019
Contributed by Lukas
It's easy to get suckered into buying things you don't really need this time of year. But if you're shopping for new tech, there are a few items you r...
How our smartphones may be shortening our lives
08 Nov 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Are you, like most people, glued to your phone? You know it's a time suck, it's probably hurting your posture and they're expensive to boot. But your ...
Turn your phone into a dashcam (kind of)
07 Nov 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Looking to add a dashcam to your car? It can be a pricey endeavor. But your smartphone can get the job done for free with just an app. Need more featu...
How many steps a day will keep you healthy?
06 Nov 2019
Contributed by Lukas
You've probably heard 10,000 steps per day is the magic number to keep your waistline trim and your cholesterol and blood sugar under control. That's ...
Screens are changing the way kids' brains develop
05 Nov 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Look around the next time you're at a restaurant. How many kids are quietly watching videos on a phone or tablet? Give a crying toddler a phone, and h...
Airbnb is banning 'party houses' after shooting
04 Nov 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Airbnb's CEO says the company is banning rentals marketed as "party houses" — and taking other steps to keep users safe — after a Halloween party ...
How much YouTube are kids really watching?
01 Nov 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Entertainment is more on-demand than ever, and I'm not just talking about streaming. For kids today, YouTube has replaced plain old TV, and the number...
Why your old iPhone may not work after today
31 Oct 2019
Contributed by Lukas
If you haven’t upgraded to a new Apple device in a while, pay attention. Apple is warning customers older iPhones and iPads could break if you don’...
A new way to make big bucks
30 Oct 2019
Contributed by Lukas
You've probably seen scooters from Lime, Bird and Jump popping up across the country. Have you ever wondered how they get charged and put back in the ...
Get your tech in the spirit for Halloween
29 Oct 2019
Contributed by Lukas
The older our kids get, the more freedom they want. Yours may be ready to trick-or-treat without you, but you probably still want to keep an eye on wh...
How major companies are using AI to make hiring choices
28 Oct 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Technology isn't just changing the way we do our jobs - it's changing the way we get them, too. More and more companies are turning to artificial inte...
3 ways to silence those annoying robocalls
25 Oct 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Sick of those never-ending scam calls? Yeah, me too. These days, your phone rings and there's a good chance it's a robocall that feels designed to dri...
Here's exactly what Google knows about you
24 Oct 2019
Contributed by Lukas
There's even more data about you than you realize floating around the web. One of the biggest collectors? Google. Here's an easy way to see what info ...
Should you trust social media influencers?
23 Oct 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Social media started as a way to connected with friends and family and share snippets of our everyday lives. But now social media is a full-fledged bu...
Microchip ID implants: Payment method of the future?
22 Oct 2019
Contributed by Lukas
In this Consumer Tech Update, Kim looks at how employers are paying for their employees to get chip implants that contain their personal data and fina...
Neighborhood watch has gone digital
21 Oct 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Is the neighborhood block watch a thing of the past? In many communities, social networking has replaced the need for people to wander their neighborh...
Sextortion is back with a vengeance — here's what to do
18 Oct 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Another day, another scam. But don't think this one is just the like the others. Here's how these frightening sextortion scams work and what you can d...
Protecting yourself and your family against child porn charges
17 Oct 2019
Contributed by Lukas
When you think about someone using your wireless network, you might think lagging video or slow performance. But what about criminals using your netwo...
Class action lawsuit: Video game Fortnite as addictive as cocaine
16 Oct 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Hundreds of parents in Canada are preparing to take legal action against the producers of Fornite. Why? Their kids are addicted. But is the game itsel...
Facebook's Mark Zuckerberg is planning wireless brain connections for us all
15 Oct 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Mind-reading tech isn't just a sci-fi trope. It's becoming a reality, and Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg is leading the charge. And I, for one, don't tr...
Why 80% of all businesses will monitor employees by 2020
14 Oct 2019
Contributed by Lukas
I know you're probably not too happy Big Tech is tracking you, but how often do you consider what your employer is watching? It may surprise you how m...
The secret Apple failed to tell customers who bought AirPods
11 Oct 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Did you spring for Apple's pricey (and easy to misplace) AirPods? If so, I've got bad news for you. Sure, they sound good, but there's an important re...
The shocking price of your info on the Dark Web
10 Oct 2019
Contributed by Lukas
How much do you think a cybercriminal would pay for your passwords, debit card info or even your Social Security number? The answer will surprise you....
How cable companies hit you with hundreds of dollars in hidden and unnecessary fees
09 Oct 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Open up your latest cable bill. You may be shocked to find hidden fees you didn't realize add up to hundreds of dollars each year. Here's what to look...
Why small businesses are becoming the target of choice for cybercriminals
08 Oct 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Think the small business you own or work for isn't on the radar for hackers? Think again. I'll tell you the most common attack and exactly how to avoi...
Why the government wants to prevent WhatsApp and Facebook from encrypting user messages
07 Oct 2019
Contributed by Lukas
As Facebook is working to make its messaging more private for users, the Justice Department is ramping up the fight for backdoor access. Here's my tak...
Getting into digital photography with free alternatives to expensive Photoshop
04 Oct 2019
Contributed by Lukas
If the cost of Photoshop keeps you from getting deeper into photography, I can help! I'll tell you about 3 alternatives you can use for free. And don'...
Google's plan to help you make better, stronger passwords
03 Oct 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Making strong passwords is a pain, but there's really no excuse to leave your accounts unprotected. Google is making it even easier for users with a n...
Stop your smart home from getting hacked
02 Oct 2019
Contributed by Lukas
You'll hardly believe the nightmare a Wisconsin couple endured after a hacker took over their smart thermostat and tormented them for an entire day. T...
Why online reviews have lost their value
01 Oct 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Gone are the days of taking product reviews at face value. Companies may be working hard behind the scenes to skew what you see. Here are three red fl...
The 2017 Equifax security breach — Are you eligible for a $20K payout?
29 Jul 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Equifax is paying big time for its 2017 data breach — to the tune of $750 million. Consumers could get up to $20,000. I'll tell you how to out if ...
Don't get fooled by bogus support lines
26 Jul 2019
Contributed by Lukas
When you have a tech problem, do you turn to a Google search for the solution? That could come back to bite you with the number of scammers impersonat...
Google Sr. Software Engineer: "Are we going to allow the biggest tech companies to decide who wins every election?"
25 Jul 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Are tech companies politically neutral? Here's what one senior Google employee has to say about the role of big tech in politics and the upcoming elec...
Don't buy a new iPhone ... yet
24 Jul 2019
Contributed by Lukas
In the market for a new phone, laptop, or TV? Not so fast. Now might not be the best time to pull the trigger. I'll tell you how to time your purchase...
Watch what you say on review sites
23 Jul 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Have you ever vented about a negative experience on a review site like Yelp? Be careful: You could get sued. Here's what speaking your mind on the web...
The lunacy of social media management
22 Jul 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Facebook's bad decisions never fail to surprise me. The social media giant decides what users can and can't post on its various platforms, and sometim...
The viral FaceApp is facing serious heat
19 Jul 2019
Contributed by Lukas
FaceApp, the Russian-backed app that produces aged selfies, is under fire. Celebrities, politicians and all your friends on social media are doing the...
Your smartphone and Apollo 11
18 Jul 2019
Contributed by Lukas
The 50th anniversary of the Apollo 11 moon landing is this weekend, and it's got me thinking about how far technology has come in 50 years. In fact, t...
Apollo 11 anniversary: Music that's out of this world
17 Jul 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Ever wonder what astronauts listened to in Mission Control? If you're looking for some tunes to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 11 moon l...
Microchips could replace credit cards — would you get one?
16 Jul 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Imagine paying for your next purchase with just a swipe of your hand, no credit card required. Sounds nice in theory, but would you be willing to have...
Why I'm no longer using Alexa or Google's assistant
15 Jul 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Privacy concerns just keep piling up for virtual assistants, and I'm saying enough is enough. Here's why I'm done with smart speakers hanging on my ev...