Consumer Tech Update

We’ve known for decades that people are often more aggressive online than in person. But now, research from Michigan State and California State Universities proves what we already suspected: The heaviest users of social media really are trolls. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"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 answer — and it’s one you won’t like. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 I'm talking about a lot more than the $120,000 the culprits stole. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 the vaccine. Because so much of the news today is downright depressing, you’re now doom surfing or doom scrolling. Here's my advice on how to cut this harmful habit. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 to pay up to $500 million dollars in a settlement. Today, you can get your cut. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As hundreds of companies boycott Facebook's ad platform, here’s yet another outrageous example of why Facebook management is out to lunch. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 with the logo of any one of America’s largest tax preparation companies. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 features on and off whenever they want to unless you pay for them. That’s what BMW is rolling out. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 pandemic. But should you install it on your smartphone? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 question becomes, how big can it get? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Years ago, consumers dropped cable in droves for cheaper streaming options. Now, streaming companies are capitalizing and prices are creeping up. Could going back to cable actually save you money? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 and messages. You'll thank me later. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

After years of arrogance and ignorance, Facebook is finally paying for letting terrorists, child molesters and racists run rampant. The cost could be enormous. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 question remains: Can you ever truly erase what Google knows about you? I wouldn't bet on it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 good. Is this the future of retail? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 those from organizations like Super PACs and other paid messages. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices