The Current
Plus: Malware spreading on Windows and macOS, AI Alexa, search has changed
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May 23, 2024

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In partnership with RYSE

Hello there, my friend, on this techy Tuesday! A lot of companies “age down” their ads to appeal to younger adults. Turns out, a good share of people 65-plus are curious about new technology, not overwhelmed by it. What percent? Is it … A.) 40%, B.) 50%, C.) 60% or D.) 70%? Answer’s at the end!

Money talks. Check out today’s partner, RYSE, to learn how you can invest in an up-and-coming smart-home brand. More below! Now, on to the tech know‑how. — Kim

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IN THIS ISSUE

  • 📲 7-year itch
  • 🚨 Apps spreading malware
  • 🍳 Old stoves recalled

TODAY'S TOP STORY

Make your phone last

Many new phones from Google, Samsung and Apple now come with seven years of security fixes and software updates. Just a few years ago, you were lucky to get three years.

If you want to stick to that seven-year upgrade cycle, though, you need to do some smartphone housekeeping along the way.

Keep it updated: Updates can not only keep your device running smoothly and safe from bugs, but they can often speed things up on the performance side, too. Check every now and then to see if you have an update waiting. On iPhone, go to Settings > General > Software Update. On Android, it’s under Settings > About Phone > Check for Updates.

Replace the battery: This is one of the most effective upgrades you can give your phone. Aim to replace the battery every couple of years — though you should get the professionals to do it. Contact Apple, Samsung or Google directly for options. You’ll pay less than $100.

Use a case: Keeping your phone “naked” is too risky. Get an OtterBox if you’re a butterfingers. Spigen makes slim, military-grade cases if you like the sleek look. Smartish has wallet cases, grippy options and lots more.

Look after the battery: Phones do best in temps between 32 and 95 degrees Fahrenheit. Keep your phone out of the sun when it’s hot and in your pocket when it’s freezing out. If it’s burning up, turn it off or put it in a shady spot for a while. Putting it in the freezer is a bad idea.

Keep it clean: Love these wipes for getting the surface gunk off my phone and screen. Cleaning out the buttons and ports is smart, too, and can help keep junk from getting trapped inside. Makes scratches less likely, too.

Delete the junk: Phones work faster with plenty of free storage, so delete any apps and files you don’t use. A quick cleanup: Open the Files app on Android, then tap the Clean tab. On iPhone, go to Settings > General > iPhone Storage to see which apps can get the boot.

🥇 What’s the difference between an iPhone 15 Pro Max and half an ounce of gold? The gold will still be worth $1,200 in a year.

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IN PARTNERSHIP WITH  

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The unlikely place to look for home-run investments

Home runs aren’t just for baseball. Best Buy has a knack for hitting one out of the park with home-tech products that end up being giants. Just look at these examples:

  • Ring — Snapped up by Amazon for $1.2 billion
  • Nest — Purchased by Google for a whopping $3.2 billion

If you invested in these companies early, you’d be sitting on some serious returns. There’s still a chance to get in on the action with RYSE, an up-and-comer in the smart-home industry.

History tends to repeat itself, and with Best Buy rolling out RYSE products in over 100 stores, it looks like they’re gearing up for another home run. Early RYSE investors have seen their shares grow by more than 20 times.

Now’s your chance to dive into the booming smart-home market with RYSE. →

This is a paid advertisement for RYSE. Past performance is not indicative of future results. Please read the offering circular at https://invest.helloryse.com.

WEB WATERCOOLER

👾 Windows and macOS users, beware: Hackers are spreading malware through fake versions of popular apps including 1Password, Bartender 5 and Pixelmator Pro. The malware disables security features and steals your info. That’s bad. Be smart and download apps from official stores only.

This makes me so angry: A Michigan woman is facing reckless driving charges after she killed a 63-year-old woman by blowing through a red light. She first told cops she was looking at her GPS. Phone records show at the time, she was really texting and watching a movie. Now, a family is grieving over a senseless tragedy.

I told ya this was coming: Google’s AI search results will soon be loaded with ads. Ask something like, “How do I get wrinkles out of clothes?” and you'll get summarized suggestions, plus ads for stuff like wrinkle spray, along with links to buy them. Google says it’ll only show ads when it’s relevant. Doubt it.

📸 Limited magic: Google’s Magic Editor uses AI to make your pics better. There’s a catch: The free version for Android and iOS includes only 10 Magic Editor saves per month. To get more, pay for a Google One Premium (2TB) plan at $9.99 a month.

💸 Duh, it works: A money-saving strategy is all over TikTok, promising to save you over $5,000 in less than four months. Take 100 envelopes and number them from 1 to 100. Each day, deposit an amount matching the envelope number. Envelope No. 1 gets $1, the one labeled “2” gets $2 and so on. Maybe next, someone will go viral talking about savings accounts! You know, where you put money away with interest.

Check this recall: If you have an old Frigidaire or Kenmore electric range, it may be a fire and burn hazard. Full list of impacted models here. You’ll need your serial number, so open the bottom drawer and check the inside of the frame. Call Electrolux at 888-845-8226. You might get a free repair or a $50 gift card.

Really remote: SpaceX's Starlink system for cellphones can now handle video calls. A demo shows an employee linking their smartphone to the satellite service and connecting to another phone on a regular cellular network. The image quality is grainy and the clip brief, but it’s still pretty cool. Don’t expect it till later this year.

Jeff Bezos needs more money: I mean, he’s only worth $201.3 billion. News is coming out now that Amazon’s voice assistant, Alexa, is gonna cost you if you want to use her AI powers. No word on price yet, but it’ll be a monthly subscription added on top of your Prime subscription. Will you pay for it? I won’t.

LISTEN UP

Don't tell ChatGPT these 3 secrets

AI chatbots are handy, but guard your info. Here's why careful sharing matters.

Play Now • 8:02  ▶

TECH LIFE UPGRADES

Did you hear the inventor of the remote died? They found him stuck in the couch. The new Google TV update included Find My Remote. Yup, that’s exactly what it sounds like. Simply press a button on your streaming device and the remote will beep for 30 seconds so you can find it. It’s already on some Roku and Walmart TVs.

Give back: Be My Eyes is a wonderful free app (iOS and Android) that connects volunteers with low-vision people in need. Sign up and you can help someone do a simple task like reading a product label. It’s a small way to make a big difference.

Your medical claim was denied: And all you got was a form letter. Legally, your insurance company has to send you any relevant info if you know what to ask for. Try this free tool from Pro Publica for help.

🛑 Free malware with purchase: Android TV boxes promising free streaming “forever” are filled with malware and marketed online like they’re from Google. They’re not. TV shopping? Look for the words “Android TV OS,” not just “Android TV.”

Getting cash is annoying: Split the check for drinks, a concert, vacation — whatever — through Venmo. Open the Venmo app and add your pals as contacts. Choose Pay/Request at the bottom of the screen. Tap the names of the people you want to split the check with. Enter the amount and click Split. You can customize the amount for each person.

DEALS OF THE DAY

Multitools are the best

Save money and space with one thing that does many things. Time to feel like Inspector Gadget or maybe MacGyver. These are all Father’s Day home runs, too!

“Write” on: This pen ($9.99) is also a stylus, leveler, ruler, and flathead and Phillips-head screwdrivers.

12-in-1: A hammer (21% off, $16.75) that’s also pliers, a serrated knife, a saw, a wire cutter, a prying claw, a nail file, a bottle opener, and flathead and Phillips-head screwdrivers.

Every car needs one: A flashlight ($23.99) that’s also a seatbelt cutter, a window breaker, a red flashing emergency light, a power bank and an alarm.

BY THE NUMBERS

44 million travelers

Expected over the coming Memorial Day weekend. And 34.8 million of those people are driving. AAA has the best and worst times to hit the road. Ugh, traffic.

4 steps

To fall asleep on a plane. The “going-over-the-alpha-bridge” method is going viral on Instagram thanks to psychologist Erica Terblanche. Think it’d work for you? Watch the vid!

75% of weddings

In 2024 will be phone-free. Unplugged weddings fix that problem of everyone looking at the ceremony through their cam and ruining expensive professional pics. Smart.

WHAT THE TECH?

What the tech?

Wait a meow-ment! Are you kitten me?!

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UNTIL NEXT TIME ...

The answer: D.) 70%. Yup, the majority of people over 65 say they’re curious and eager to learn about new technologies, not overwhelmed by them. If that’s you, great to have you. And if you’re under 65, forward this newsletter to someone over 65, because they need me.

😂 Speaking of, I got a note from a loyal reader the other day that made me laugh: “Always find new sh**. And I’m 74.” Heck yeah.

Before you go, stop by and see if RYSE is a good investment for you, and be sure to read the offering. I’ll be back in your inbox tomorrow with a favorite topic around here: Legit ways to make more money. No scams, no tricks — just cash. Appreciate you being here with me and the best tech newsletter to infinity and beyond! — Kim

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