The Current-Sun
Plus: Best USB turntables, Wordle archive, hackers’ newest target
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May 12, 2024

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In partnership with RYSE

Happy Sunday, my friend. Big love to the moms out there for Mother’s Day! And hugs to anyone else missing their mom today, too. I sure am. 💕 For today’s trivia, which platform is winning the streaming wars, with the largest share of viewers? Is it … A.) Prime Video, B.) Netflix, C.) Hulu or D.) YouTube? Check your guess at the end!

Your support keeps this newsletter free. Check out RYSE. They’re bringing smart shades to the masses, and you can get in early. More info about them below! Let’s get to those social media secrets. — Kim

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IN THIS ISSUE

  • 🫨 Shake it! (Your phone)
  • 🧟 Back from the dead
  • 👀 Wordle forever

TODAY'S TOP STORY

Hidden social features

If you’re one Facebook argument away from lighting your social media accounts on fire, I don’t blame you. But before you log out for good, I’ve got a few hidden features that’ll make using your social media accounts stink a little less.

Stop video autoplay

  • Facebook: Maybe you want to scroll at work undetected or you just prefer the sound of silence. On desktop, disable autoplaying videos under Settings and privacy > Settings > Videos. On mobile, go to Settings & privacy > Settings > Preferences > Media.
  • X: On desktop, click More > Settings and privacy > Accessibility, display and languages > Data usage. On mobile, tap your profile picture to find Settings and privacy.

You can't stop autoplay on Instagram, which is a dang shame — unless it’s one of my vids that pops up!

Love it and list it

  • X: Organize people in private or public lists without following them. Maybe you make a list for cooking tips and another for gadget news — whatever floats your boat. Easy.
  • Instagram: Sort your saved posts into Collections — just like you do on Pinterest. Create a new collection by tapping and holding the bookmark icon below a post, then tapping the + (plus sign). Enter a name, like “Recipes,” and voila! View your collections by tapping the three lines in the top right of your profile, then Saved.

Pin your DMs

  • Instagram: Pin up to three chats to the top of your list for quick access. Just press and hold down on a conversation, then select Pin. No more scrolling to find your besties!
  • Messenger: You can pin an individual message in a chat. Super handy for remembering shared addresses or recipes! From a chat, tap and hold the message you want to pin and tap Pin. To see pinned messages in a chat, tap View Pins.

Say ‘shhhh’

If you've got a turbo-posting friend you want to see a little less from on Facebook or Instagram, tap the three dots on one of their posts and pick Hide. You'll see their posts a little less often — without the drama of unfollowing them. You can also choose to Mute your pal altogether on the next screen.

Shake to report

Something not working correctly on Instagram? Don't throw your phone across the room — shake it! This brings up the option to report a technical error. Pretty clever. FYI, this isn't the place to report stalkers or abuse. To do that, tap the three dots next to a post or a username.

Split your life

Facebook finally realized we’re not the same people to our friends, family and colleagues. You can set up multiple profiles linked to your Facebook account. On the web version, click your profile picture, then click Create a new profile. Promise me you’ll use it for good, not trolling.

The poke is back

Technically, it’s always been there, but Facebook users are rediscovering the “poke.” What does it mean? Whatever you want it to — from flirting to just being funny. Head to your Pokes page to let people know you’re there, I guess.

🐊 What do you call a large reptile who likes to stir up petty fights on social media? An Insta‑gator. (Was that a groan I just heard?)

Do me a solid and share these tips on your social media feeds. Just hit one of the buttons below. Thanks!

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IN PARTNERSHIP WITH  

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WEB WATERCOOLER

⚠️ Hackers’ new target: They’re tricking retail employees to get into their work accounts. Why? To make gift cards to use in stores and online. Stay safe, employers: Tell your team to avoid clicking random links, and make sure your antivirus software is up to date.

Don’t stop bereaving: “Griefbots” resurrect loved ones by using AI for conversations and company, but researchers say they do more psychological harm than good. Remember, Psalm 23:4 says you have to “walk through the valley of the shadow of death.” You can’t walk around it, especially with AI.

“Lovebots” are coming: Dating apps are set for a major overhaul. Instead of swiping left or right, bots will chat with hundreds of other bots in that awkward getting-to-know-you stage. You’ll only be asked to rate people when the bots agree there’s an initial match. This is wrong on so many levels.

You heard it here first, folks: OpenAI is expected to announce an AI voice assistant that can recognize objects and images tomorrow — one day before Google’s annual developer conference. Google must be gagging.

Hot stuff: Smartphone cameras are capturing the solar storm, and the pics are all over social media. If you missed any, here’s a link with some notable ones.

🚀 Are you still using QuickBooks? Discover why thousands are switching to NetSuite’s* superior, all-in-one solution. Don't settle for less. Experience real-time insights and streamlined processes, and make decisions based on data, not your gut. Take a free product tour right now!

LISTEN UP

Going shopping? AI is watching you

Sam's Club is using AI to check what's in your shopping cart — it's supposed to make your trip to the store 23% faster. When will humans go extinct? Scientists claim to know when. Plus, precise friend-tracking with the iPhone 15 and a Dropbox data breach.

Play Now • 40:51  ▶

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DEALS OF THE DAY

My picks to bring your records into the digital age

Got vinyl? You need a USB-based turntable that connects to your PC or Mac’s USB port. Just hit “record” and bring those records into 2024, ready for your phone, smart speaker and more!

Low: This retro-looking beauty has built-in stereo speakers, RCA outputs for connecting additional speakers, a Bluetooth input to turn it into a Bluetooth speaker, and USB outputs so you can record your LPs as MP3s. Best of all, it’s 39% off (only $42.99!).

Mid: This one has a slightly more modern look — white marble! — and the sound quality on the built-in speakers is a step up from the bargain pick. It also has Bluetooth input so you can play music on it from your phone, along with USB input and output options. It’s $129.98 (don’t forget to click the 15% coupon!).

High: Audio-Technica is one of the biggest names in sound, which means a big price point but also big sound quality. This player ($279) doesn’t have a built-in speaker (audiophiles would never do a two-in-one!), but it does have RCA and Bluetooth outputs for connecting it to your own speakers or sound system and a USB output for ripping your LPs.

TECH LIFE UPGRADES

➡️ Lightning fast: In Microsoft Word, use Ctrl + the arrow keys to move through words or paragraphs quickly. Combine that shortcut with Shift to select text as you go.

Apple Watch who? Oura's smart rings just got smarter with two new heart health features. The first compares your cardiovascular age to your real-life age and offers tips for improvement. The second estimates your VO2 max — the oxygen your body can use during intense exercise. Content Queen Allie wears one and loves it!

“Alexa, tell me about the movie [title].” Your Echo is a great resource for trivia and pop culture. Asking about specific movies gives you a brief rundown on the director, actors and plot — and no spoilers.

Reddit to the rescue: You heard you can make bank by playing games or watching vids on an app. Before you download anything, search “[name of the app] Reddit” and look for recent posts. You’ll get feedback from real people, not sites that want to sell you stuff.

Online selling savvy: Whether it’s a baseball card or a used car, there’s an excellent tool to determine its worth: eBay. Don’t waste time scrolling through active listings. Search for an item, then go to Filter and scroll to Sold Items. Tap or check the box to enable this filter. This gives you a better idea of the prices folks are willing to pay.

MY TRUSTED ADVICE

🎙️ Every weekend on my award-winning national radio show heard on over 420 stations, I talk with interesting folks like you. Catch these convos on a station near you or as a podcast on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.

  • Wesley in Evansville, Kentucky, says the energy in his house is off. His tech acts up and his routers are fried. He suspects his neighbor has something to do with it.
  • Ben Bolster in Utah has bored hundreds of thousands of people into dreamland. No joke — he reads Wiki articles in his baritone voice for his "I Can’t Sleep" podcast.
  • Robert in Harrisonburg, Virginia, wants to catch a delicious bass. He’s looking for apps to help him reel ‘em in.

Bill asks about Apple Watch protectors, Charles looks for legit WFH jobs, Rob falls for a phishing scam, Darlene wants to move tapes to digital, Pam sets up social media for her new biz and more!

📆 Let’s talk about anything digital in your life, whether it’s family matters or your business. Make an appointment to speak with me right here.

SUNDAY TO-DO LIST

Protect your home: SimpliSafe* is having a Mother’s Day sale you need to check out — 40% off. There’s no reason to live in fear. I love that you can put sensors not only on your windows and doors but other things, too, like medicine cabinets and gun safes. Plus, SimpliSafe’s security cameras are amazing!

Play: Every Wordle ever. NYT just released its full Wordle archive — but only for paying subscribers. I found a hack: The free Wordle Archive.

Relax: Watching a TV series isn’t helping you unwind. More things considered relaxing that do more harm than good. I love taking a walk for “me” time!

Check: This map to see if disease-carrying ticks are near you. Great … now I’m itchy.

Stock up: These are the most popular Costco products by state. No. 1 in Arizona is Kirkland Signature Prosecco. Yeah, that checks out.

WHAT THE TECH?

What the tech?

My favorite moments in life are Mom‑ents.

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UNTIL NEXT TIME ...

The answer: D.) YouTube is the top streaming service, with 8.6% of all views. Next up are Netflix (7.9%), Prime Video (2.8%) and Hulu (2.7%). Disney+, Peacock, Tubi, Max, The Roku Channel, Paramount+ and Pluto each hold under 2% of viewership.

I love how all these young YouTubers are getting into classic rock. They always tell everyone, “Don’t forget to like Cher and subscribe.” Oh, if I could turn back time!

Help me help you. Checking out our sponsors helps us pay the bills. Click this link to take a look at RYSE. I don’t get any kickbacks or residuals if you invest.

I hope you have a great Mother’s Day. I’ll see you right back here tomorrow. I’m sharing my advice to a woman being stalked by her former roommate. This happens way too often. Thanks for being here with me! — Kim

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