“Kim, I’m concerned that my phone is going to give me cancer. My wife tells me I’m paranoid. What do you think? Thank you for your newsletters and shows. It helps me keep up with our two teens.” — Robert in San Antonio, Texas

I understand your concerns, Robert. The FCC says the radiation coming from your cellphone is no big deal. A cancer surgeon friend told me he begs to differ. I play it safe and keep my phone away from my body and head as much as possible. (Yes, I’m that person taking calls on my AirPods or speakerphone.)

Click here to read full story.

Sensors in today’s smartwatches can detect your heartbeat, track how you sleep and even monitor blood oxygen levels. If Apple gets its way, your watch will be able to track your blood sugar (and possibly send reports about it to your doctor).

If you’ve ever wondered, “Just how accurate are these smartwatch readings?” You’re far from alone, so I took a look. Smartwatches and fitness watches have some serious flaws you should know about.

Click here to read full story.

We moved and have a box filled with old flip phones and non-working calculators. I would rather not just dump them in the local landfill. Do you know anyone who recycles or uses the material in the devices?

— Harvey in Tucson

Click here to read full story.

]]> 894733 https://www.komando.com/tech-tips/safely-disposing-items/853628/ Wed, 05 Jul 2023 10:30:00 +0000

We’ve long been conditioned to separate our recyclables from regular trash and sort plastics, paper and more. But some items don’t belong in your recycle bin or your trashcan.

Many items you use every day have their own methods of safe disposal. Here are some everyday things and their proper way of disposal.

Click here to read full story.

]]> 853628 https://www.komando.com/gadgets/adjusing-refresh-rates/889226/ Fri, 23 Jun 2023 08:00:00 +0000 https://www.komando.com/?p=889226

We’ll call camera specs, storage and operating system (OS) (yes, I’m team iPhone) Phone Shopping 101. Sensor size is just as important as camera megapixels. If you take a ton of pics and videos, go for higher storage. Pick the OS that makes you happy.

But what the heck is the refresh rate? It’s worth understanding since it plays a significant role in your phone’s performance. You’ll be glad you read this before you buy your next smartphone.

Click here to read full story.

]]> 889226 https://www.komando.com/how-tos/iphone-and-android-annoyances/856958/ Sat, 10 Jun 2023 09:30:00 +0000 https://www.komando.com/?p=856958&preview=true&preview_id=856958

When it comes to consumer tech, there’s a massive list of things that can drive us all bananas.

Take your slow Wi-Fi. You can’t stream or join a video meeting, and it always happens at the worst time. Tap or click for clever ways to speed up your home’s connection.

Click here to read full story.

]]> 856958 https://www.komando.com/security-privacy/delete-temu/883294/ Mon, 10 Apr 2023 12:00:00 +0000 https://www.komando.com/?p=883294

It’s no secret: TikTok gathers a ton of data on its users and sends the information straight back to the Chinese government. The app is a threat to your privacy and security even if you don’t have it installed. Here’s how to avoid TikTok’s clutches.

TikTok is not the only Chinese app you have to worry about. A shopping app downloaded by millions of Americans comes with all sorts of sneaky tricks to keep an eye on you.

Click here to read full story.

]]> 883294 https://www.komando.com/news/cellphone-risks-medical-implants/882979/ Tue, 04 Apr 2023 00:00:00 +0000

Just carrying around a smartphone puts your security at risk, but there are ways to minimize this. Here’s one common practice that you need to put a stop to.

The dangers don’t stop there. Cellphones can pose a risk to your very health. Here’s how.

Click here to read full story.

]]> 882979 https://www.komando.com/security-privacy/americans-being-tracked/882882/ Mon, 03 Apr 2023 03:00:00 +0000 https://www.komando.com/?p=882882

Using an app exposes you to tracking, but it’s particularly dangerous with certain ones. TikTok has been banned from government and military devices in the U.S., and there’s been a push for its Chinese owners to sell their shares in the company. And that’s not all. Watch out for these other Chinese apps.

It’s not just apps you have to worry about. The threat may be closer to home than you think.

Click here to read full story.

]]> 882882 https://www.komando.com/smartphones-gadgets/steps-to-speed-up-your-phone/881375/ Sat, 25 Mar 2023 09:30:00 +0000

You spend a lot of money on electronics, so why not keep them in tip-top shape? When it comes to computers, speed is the name of the game. Is your PC or Mac running slow? Take these simple steps to speed things up again.

The same applies to your smartphone. Everything you do, from sending messages to browsing the internet, becomes highly frustrating when your phone is crawling along.

Click here to read full story.

]]> 881375 https://www.komando.com/amazon/must-have-hospital-items/856714/ Sat, 25 Mar 2023 08:00:00 +0000

Most of us have had to spend some time in the hospital for a day or a more extensive stay. Even if you haven’t, you’re likely close to someone who has.

If you or someone you’re taking care of has a hospital stay coming up, bring along these five essential items to make things easier.

Click here to read full story.

]]> 856714 https://www.komando.com/amazon/wireless-charging-in-your-car/859930/ Sun, 12 Mar 2023 20:30:00 +0000 https://www.komando.com/?p=859930

Are you still buying gas station charging cables for your phone? Stop plugging it into the cigarette lighter and leaning it in the console (we all know it will slip between the seats anyway).

Magnetic-safe wireless charging is finally here for your car. Keep your battery full, your eyes on the road and charge smarter without dropping your phone. Here are our top picks.

Click here to read full story.

]]> 859930 https://www.komando.com/privacy/clues-someone-is-reading-your-texts/874196/ Sat, 28 Jan 2023 10:30:00 +0000 https://www.komando.com/?p=874196

Just about every connected device you have can be used to spy on you, and this isn’t limited to smart speakers and webcams. Many smart TVs come equipped with cameras that you don’t even know exist. Tap or click here for tips on stopping your TV from tracking you.

You probably know a few people who prefer texting over calling. It’s a convenient and familiar way to stay in touch and exchange information. If you prefer text messages over voice calls, you’re not alone!

Click here to read full story.

]]> 874196 https://www.komando.com/lifestyle/male-health-smartphone-radiation/873159/ Wed, 18 Jan 2023 08:00:00 +0000 https://www.komando.com/?p=873159

Electromagnetic radiation has been a topic of intrigue since the dawn of our cell-obsessed world.

Mind control? That might be a stretch. But plenty worry that low-level radiofrequency electromagnetic radiation could harm the human body. Specifically, the male body, and in one of the worst possible ways.

Click here to read full story.

]]> 873159 https://www.komando.com/gadgets/phone-buying-mistake/862252/ Wed, 26 Oct 2022 08:00:00 +0000

When Apple, Samsung or Google announce a new smartphone, it’s big news. The latest iPhone, Pixel or Galaxy phones are status symbols in their own right. Though there are more manufacturers, these are among the most popular in the U.S.

Not long ago, companies like Nokia, LG, Blackberry and Motorola were churning out phones that sold quite well. Some went on to become the bestselling phones of all time. Remember the Motorola Razr? Kim had one in hot pink! Tap or click here for 10 of the most iconic phones we miss.

Click here to read full story.

]]> 862252 https://www.komando.com/money/phone-scam-warning/860288/ Thu, 13 Oct 2022 08:00:00 +0000

Cybercriminals view the internet as a treasure trove of victims, but some like to keep it old-fashioned and stick to phones.

Some scammers combine the two mediums and lure people from their computers to their phones. This trick cost one elderly couple $300,000. Tap or click here for the full story and what they could have done to avoid falling victim.

Click here to read full story.

]]> 860288 https://www.komando.com/amazon/cellphone-stands/853933/ Sun, 28 Aug 2022 03:00:00 +0000

You sit down at your desk and plop down your phone. You either scratched up the desk or your camera lens. Ever reached for your mouse and knocked your phone to the floor? We’re trying to say that there are many reasons to get a proper stand for your phone on your desk. Headphones, tablets and laptops have their stands, so why shouldn’t your phone? Here are our favorite no-nonsense phone holders.

Adjustable height and angle phone stand, by Klsniur

Do texts pop up during work that you need to read? This stand offers a flexible arm to position your phone in any orientation you want. It can be within reach and still off your desktop.

Click here to read full story.

]]> 853933 https://www.komando.com/smartphones-gadgets/android-13-released/852583/ Tue, 16 Aug 2022 16:15:00 +0000

Apple’s iOS 16 will launch later this year. Updates include the ability to edit and unsend texts and check if anyone has your passwords. Tap or click here for more on what to expect with Apple’s next mobile operating system.

If you have an Android phone, you don’t have to wait. Well, at least some of you don’t. Android 13 has launched for Pixel phones, which are usually the first to get new operating system (OS) updates. This is one of the biggest perks separating Google’s phones from other manufacturers. Everyone else has to wait!

Click here to read full story.

]]> 852583 https://www.komando.com/technology/3g-shutdown-impact/820582/ Mon, 27 Dec 2021 17:05:00 +0000

While you don’t always need the latest and greatest tech gadgets, there are times when the need to upgrade is essential. This is the case for many people, with cellular networks phasing out the 3G standard. Older smartphones will lose most of their essential functions, including the ability to make and receive calls and texts.

The 3G shutdown will also affect many car models that rely on a network connection for features like GPS, voice assistants and emergency call services. Tap or click here for more details on how your car may be affected.

Click here to read full story.

]]> 820582 https://www.komando.com/smartphones-gadgets/trick-to-avoid-annoying-callers-assign-a-silent-ringtone/820063/ Wed, 22 Dec 2021 09:30:00 +0000 https://www.komando.com/?p=820063

When you do a lot of work on your phone, spam callers can be the bane of your existence. You’ll be in the zone, working hard and expecting a business call when the phone rings. When you pick it up, a robot says, “Hello. We’re calling to talk to you about your car’s extended warranty.”

Tap or click here for five ways to stop robocalls. Aside from automated messages, there are all sorts of obnoxious alls that waste your time. One way you can solve the problem is by muting incoming calls and even sending calls directly to your voicemail.

Click here to read full story.

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