Kim Komando Daily Tech Update

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...

Amazon Prime Day starts Monday, but deals are already here

12 Jul 2019

Contributed by Lukas

If you've got your eye on a new piece of tech, now's the time. Amazon Prime Day starts Monday, but deals have already begun. I'll tell you how to find...

A faulty iPhone battery leads to a scary situation

11 Jul 2019

Contributed by Lukas

All phone batteries and accessories aren't created equal. An Oklahoma City mom learned that the hard way when the inside of her SUV was severely damag...

Will this wireless carrier silence robocalls?

10 Jul 2019

Contributed by Lukas

The robocalls just keep coming. Have you been hit by the influx of phony government agency calls? If you use this a major wireless carrier, you could ...

Is your kid addicted to screens? You can now hire someone to help

09 Jul 2019

Contributed by Lukas

If you're a parent, you know the struggle of getting your child to put down the phone, tablet, computer or video game. Some are even enlisting help in...

Are the browser wars about to begin again?

08 Jul 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Yes, browsers are free of charge, but they come with hidden costs, some more than others. Find out why Kim predicts a browser war is imminent.  Learn...

Stop 'channel surfing' on your streaming services

05 Jul 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Looking for a good movie or a show to binge watch this holiday weekend? These sites will help you find exactly what you're in the mood for. Say goodby...

Financial independence: Working at home in 2019

04 Jul 2019

Contributed by Lukas

There are more ways than ever to earn money from home, giving you the power to achieve financial independence. I share how to find legitimate work-fro...

Amazon Prime Day is like Christmas in July

03 Jul 2019

Contributed by Lukas

You don't want to miss Amazon's annual sale. This year it's expanded to two days, and other retailers are getting in on the fun with their own discoun...

Teen sexting and so-called experts

02 Jul 2019

Contributed by Lukas

As parents, we teach our kids what behavior is acceptable and what isn't — that includes what they're doing online. Find out why I'm saying "no way"...

The end of the "foldable phone"?

01 Jul 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Think back to your first cell phone — now look at your smartphone. I bet you appreciate how far mobile devices have come. But if you're waiting for ...

It’s 'dumb luck' you see ads for things you were just talking about

28 Jun 2019

Contributed by Lukas

You've probably come to expect targeted advertising based on your online searches, but how else are companies discovering what products and services t...

Malware is spreading — and your gadgets are at risk

27 Jun 2019

Contributed by Lukas

You know your computer, smartphone and tablet are targets for hackers and viruses, but it's time to add the rest of your smart gadgets to the list. H...

Risking your data at restaurants

26 Jun 2019

Contributed by Lukas

You probably don't think twice before handing over your credit or debit card at a restaurant. But scammers are targeting your favorite places to eat, ...

Stay connected to your neighbors — through your phone

25 Jun 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Technology is giving us all new ways to stay connected to our neighbors. Whether you're worried about crime and security, looking to buy or sell items...

Find out what Google knows about you

24 Jun 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Google tracks you online and offline, and you may be surprised at how much data there really is on your preferences, browsing history, searches, purch...

Are you getting all the internet you pay for?

21 Jun 2019

Contributed by Lukas

If webpages aren't loading, videos are endlessly buffering and using more than one device is a headache, you may not be getting the connection speed y...

Using smartphones while driving — the awful truth

20 Jun 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Drivers are more distracted than ever behind the wheel, and we have smartphones to blame. I'll tell you just how pervasive — and dangerous — distr...

Protecting the most important thing on your smartphone

19 Jun 2019

Contributed by Lukas

If you’ve ever lost your phone, you know the pain of losing hundreds or even thousands of pictures of friends, family, pets, vacations and special o...

Boosting a weak cell signal in your home or office

18 Jun 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Is a weak mobile signal in your home or office driving you up the wall? Boost your service with these tips, including one you can do right now ⁠— ...

Protect yourself from hackers on summer vacation

17 Jun 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Summer is here, and while you're prepping for a relaxing vacation, hackers are getting ready to take advantage of unsuspecting travelers. Here's how t...

Emergency medical information for your kids' phones

14 Jun 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Are your family's phones set up for ICE -- in case of emergency -- contacts? Would an emergency responder know about your child's severe allergies? Ar...

Watch out for hidden cameras in your vacation rental

13 Jun 2019

Contributed by Lukas

As a vacation property owner, frequent traveler and tech expert, Kim knows a thing or two about hidden cameras. Learn how to spot technology that coul...

Amazon brazenly uses your Ring doorbell videos in ads

12 Jun 2019

Contributed by Lukas

What happens when you sign up for something and don't read the terms of service? Your personal information can end up on the internet for the world to...

Revealed: Dark Web prices for stolen IDs

11 Jun 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Take a guess -- how much do you think cybercriminals would pay for your user names, passwords and other personal data? This is one area where you want...

Backfire! Sleep apps may actually be causing insomnia

10 Jun 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Is there an app for that? People wanting a good night's sleep are downloading apps they think will help them go to dreamland. But now, a doctor in Lon...

Watch out for 'Air Dropping'!

07 Jun 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Say you're sitting at a coffee shop, minding your own business and scrolling through your iPhone. Suddenly you start getting funny memes, selfies and ...

Delete your information from this website right now

06 Jun 2019

Contributed by Lukas

You might be surprised to know what this website has on you -- like every place you have lived, every phone number, and your relatives' names. It's th...

Watch out for new clever scams online

05 Jun 2019

Contributed by Lukas

June is the start of the Atlantic hurricane season, which gives online scammers another opportunity to try to separate you from your money. Hear how s...

Shocking NY Times expose about YouTube and pedophiles

04 Jun 2019

Contributed by Lukas

You may want to think twice before posting innocent videos of your children frolicking in the pool or doing gymnastics. A disturbing report in the New...

Facebook doesn't care about your privacy

03 Jun 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Every chance Mark Zuckerberg gets these days, he says privacy is Facebook’s number one concern. But in court this week, the company said its users h...

Kim helps man find $25,000 in unclaimed funds

31 May 2019

Contributed by Lukas

One caller on Kim's national weekend radio show is $25,000 richer. Thanks to a tip from Kim, he found unclaimed funds owed to his family. Listen as Ki...

When do our phones track us the most? Not when you think!

30 May 2019

Contributed by Lukas

We know our phones track our every action. If you assume the tracking data moves during the day, you'd be wrong. Nighttime, when you're sound asleep, ...

Smartphones can't replace real-life relationships

29 May 2019

Contributed by Lukas

If you look at your smartphone more than your family and loved ones, you're not alone. But that doesn't excuse you from shutting out the real world. L...

Cable TV -- you love it, you hate it, but are you ready to give it up?

28 May 2019

Contributed by Lukas

"I only watch a few channels, so why do I have to pay so much for all this other stuff?" The TV watcher's lament. But don't cut the cable just yet. Le...

Memorial Day honors our fallen heroes, marks summer's unofficial start

27 May 2019

Contributed by Lukas

This Memorial Day fly the American flag proudly and remember our nation's fallen heroes. This day is also considered the unofficial start of summer,...

Serious gamers listen up! You could play your way to big bucks

24 May 2019

Contributed by Lukas

It seems like every summer your kid turns into a blob that does nothing but play video games. Believe it or not, your gamer kid could be making a fort...

The 5G network poses a health hazard. Oh really?

23 May 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Researchers generally agree that cell phones don't cause brain cancer. So why are reports suddenly springing up that the 5G network is a health hazard...