Consumer Tech Update

A Florida man selling an iPhone met a “buyer” in person who pulled a gun, fired a shot into the ground, and stole the phone. Here’s how to stay safe, protect your money, and avoid dangerous situations when meeting buyers or sellers. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Your PC could be spying on you without your knowledge. Stalkerware secretly logs your photos, emails, location, and can even turn on your mic or camera. Here’s how to spot hidden apps, unusual activity, and protect your privacy before it’s too late. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What sounds like the plot of a horror novel is already real life. Social media apps like Facebook, TikTok, and Instagram are designed to hook children in minutes, sparking mood swings, depression, and full-blown addiction. Here’s what every parent and grandparent needs to know. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Tired of struggling with your smart TV or streaming stick? Here’s how to use your voice to find shows, control captions, and even locate a lost remote. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Tomorrow night’s Powerball jackpot is 1.3 billion dollars, but letting the computer randomly pick your numbers may not be the best strategy. Here's how to improve your odds. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Google Street View goes beyond cars, capturing over 10 million miles of roads worldwide. Here’s how to use Street View’s hidden time-travel feature. Try it out, it’s really fun! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Texts and posts can live forever, while unused email, photo, and cloud accounts risk deletion if you stop logging in. Here’s how to keep your data safe. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Stuck in a bad conversation? Your phone can bail you out with a fake call on demand. Here’s how to set it up in seconds and escape awkward chats, dates, or meetings with ease. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Over Labor Day weekend, false rumors spread online claiming President Trump had died, and millions believed them. Here’s why fake news travels faster than facts and how news avoidance fuels the problem. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

CarPlay and Android Auto can do more than stream music or show maps. With a few quick tricks, you can text hands-free, find coffee on the fly, and customize your screen so the apps you use most are always at your fingertips. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Smart glasses are getting harder to spot, and some can secretly record everything you say. Here’s what you need to know to protect your privacy. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Losing your keys can ruin your day. New AI tools can scan your room, point out where they are hiding, and even suggest the most likely spots to check. Here is how it works. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Podcasting is changing fast. The era of big-budget true crime and long investigative series is fading, replaced by fast talk shows that are cheaper to make and easier to monetize. Here is why your favorite podcast may never return. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Apple’s iOS 26 lands September 9 with real time call screening, live translation, smarter Apple Intelligence, and faster wireless charging with features you will actually use. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Fast food chains are swapping out scratchy speakers for AI voices at the drive-thru. Orders sound crystal clear now, but not without a few hilarious hiccups. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hidden apps can help you level shelves, measure spaces with augmented reality, and even convert fractions in seconds. Here’s how to put it to work. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Artificial intelligence is creating high paying careers, but it is also eliminating others. From broadcasting to translators and even reporters, many jobs are now at risk. Here is what students and professionals need to know to stay ahead. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Labor Day sales are live and smarter shopping can save you even more. From AI tools to price trackers and hidden cart discounts, here is how to grab the best deals this holiday weekend. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Star Trek imagined a universal translator in 1967. Now Apple is making it real. Beginning in September, AirPods with iOS 26 will offer live voice translation in nine languages. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What you think costs $139 a year could actually be over $300 once hidden fees and subscriptions are added. Here’s how to check your real Amazon Prime costs and start saving money today. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices