Invisible trackers
Invisible trackers embedded inside many websites and apps are collecting data about you, including your location, browsing activities and search queries, according to an article in The New York Times. This data eventually gets into the hands of advertisers. Some third-party apps let you see the trackers that load and block them from collecting your data. One of the newspaper’s favorites is Fyde, a free app for Android devices and iPhones. After activating the app, open a third-party app, then return to Fyde, tap on the Activity tab, and see which trackers are loading and being blocked. Repeat with other apps to determine which ones are trying to suck up lots of your data.
E-skimmers are everywhere
E-skimming, in which malware infects online checkout pages to steal shoppers’ payment and personal information, is getting more common, reports CNBC. Companies that have been hit by e-skimming attacks in the past two years include Macy’s, Puma and Ticketmaster. Consumers should use credit cards instead of debit cards when shopping online to lessen any inconvenience if their card is compromised, advises CNBC. Users of credit cards usually have lower liability for fraud. In addition, getting money returned to your debit card can take some time. Another tip: Use a virtual credit card. Some banks and credit card companies offer the option to create a unique credit card number to be used for specific transactions. If this number is compromised, other charges will be declined.
Alexa unleashed!
Alexa can do a lot of things besides acting as a glorified cooking timer, says an article in Fast Company. For example, you can rename the device (especially useful if someone in your house is named Alexa). If you’ve got multiple Alexa devices spread around the house, you can link them together for better-sounding music playback. And you can turn Alexa into an intercom by broadcasting your message via all Alexa devices in your house. Use Alexa’s Drop In feature for actual back-and-forth conversations.
Foldables anyone?
Samsung, Motorola and Huawei are among tech companies that think we are willing to spend $1,500 or more for a foldable cellphone. Are we? Foldables come with a lot of cons, according to an article in The New York Times. Among them: 1) Foldables rely on flexible OLED, a display technology that is much thinner than traditional screen panels and easier to scratch or penetrate with a sharp object, like a pen. 2) When unfolded, foldable screens have a visible crease – an eyesore compared with seamless displays on other phones. 3) Questions remain about the durability of the mechanical hinges.
Your pryin’ eyes
Google will soon make it easier for you to protect your personal data, such as your location, from prying apps, reports Fast Company. Once the next Android release comes out later this year, users will get a new “Only this time” option when apps ask for access to your mic, camera or location data. Apple added a similar choice to iOS in 2019, and both Apple and Google introduced alerts last year that remind users when potentially forgotten apps are quietly slurping up location data in the background.