New Federal Communications Commission’s Chairman Ajit Pai is hitting the pause button on internet privacy regulations put in place during the Obama administration, which wireless and broadband companies have complained are unfair. The rules, approved by the FCC in October, were supposed to protect consumers’ sensitive personal information online. They have been controversial because they …
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Your TV is probably tracking you
When you unpacked your new TV or streamer for the first time, you probably couldn’t wait to start watching it. In the excitement to put it through its paces, chances are you just clicked “I agree” to all those screens of legal mumbo jumbo that came up during the setup process. Did you know one of the things you likely …
Read More »WhatsApp Status: Everything you need to know about the Snapchat clone
WhatsApp is rolling out a new Status feature to all users. Instead of the text-only status that lets people know whether you’re busy or available to chat, the new Status feature uses photos, text, emojis and sketches to show what you’re doing. If that sounds familiar, it could be because it appears to be inspired by Snapchat. And unlike Snapchat …
Read More »Earn rewards every time you drive (no passengers required)
CNET’s Cheapskate scours the web for great deals on PCs, phones, gadgets and much more. Questions about the Cheapskate blog? Find the answers on our FAQ page. And find more great buys on the CNET Deals page. Enlarge Image MileUp includes challenges you can complete to earn extra points. Drive, drive, drive! Screenshot by Rick Broida/CNET Want to make money …
Read More »My Friend Cayla doll banned in Germany as ‘espionage device’
If you’re considering purchasing a connected toy for your offspring, you might want to think twice. In Germany, regulators have determined that the My Friend Cayla doll could be up to no good, given its potential to steal information about children who play with it. And they say that German parents whose children are in possession of a Cayla doll …
Read More »8 ways to improve iPhone battery life
Ask any iPhone owner for a wish-list of improvements and I guarantee “better battery life” will be at the top. It just seems like there’s never enough juice. That’s in part because we use our phones all day, and in part because batteries just wear out over time. That’s one reason I recommend keeping a mobile charger close at hand. …
Read More »Use voice commands to tighten up Google privacy, security settings
Now playing: Watch this: Start chatting with Google Assistant 3:33 First spotted by Android Police, the new voice commands make it easier to view your search history, change account settings, adjust privacy settings and adjust security settings. According to a Google support document, the four new commands are: Change your account settings: “Open Google account settings.” See your search history: …
Read More »Apple’s battle with the FBI leaves lingering questions
It’s been a year since Apple fought the FBI over data privacy, and we’ve barely heard a peep from either side on the issue. So everything’s fine, right? Uh, no. The FBI’s attempt to force Apple to unlock an iPhone used by a terrorist set up a grand legal battle between security and privacy. On one side is a massive …
Read More »Russia mulls returning Snowden to US, report says
What do you get for the US president who has everything? According to one report, the perfect present might be a wanted man who’s living in Russia to avoid being tried on charges of espionage and theft. Russia is considering sending Edward Snowden back to the US as a gift for President Donald Trump, NBC reported Friday. The report cites …
Read More »We get an earful at Brooklyn’s guitar and ukulele haven
I’m not a musician, but some of my best friends are. I was having lunch with one of them at my favorite Brooklyn Middle Eastern restaurant on Atlantic Avenue, and he mentioned we were just a few blocks north of Retrofret, an amazing vintage fretted instrument shop. We head up a flight of stairs, across a rooftop walkway, and the …
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