Tag: smart and safe tech

AI tech helps a senior reunite with her cat after 11 days

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Imagine the heartbreak of a missing pet. For Sharon, a senior living in Ridgefield, Washington, that fear became reality when her beloved Louie, an indoor-only cat who had never ventured outside, slipped out of a window. For 11 long days, she searched everywhere. But thanks to a free tool called Love Lost and the kindness of a good neighbor, Louie is back home safe and sound.

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Sharon and Louie’s happy reunion

Louie, a bright orange Maine Coon who had just turned two years old, was adopted by Sharon and quickly became part of her family. When Louie disappeared, Sharon and her family knocked on doors and checked with their local shelter, the Humane Society for Southwest Washington. Staff there suggested she upload Louie’s photo to Love Lost and create a free profile.

Sharon’s beloved cat, Louie, slipped out of a window and went missing for 11 days. (Petco Love)

Eleven days later, Sharon received a message through the Love Lost chat from a neighbor who spotted a cat perched on a roof near a vet’s office. The good Samaritan went straight to Love Lost, saw Sharon’s post and reached out using the built-in chat feature. This tool lets pet parents and finders connect directly without sharing personal contact information. Together, they tracked Louie down in a storage lot behind the building. After 11 stressful days, Louie was finally back in Sharon’s arms.

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“We were just thrilled. When I posted on Love Lost, it was easy to use. If it had not been simple, I probably would not have finished it,” Sharon said. “Thank you, thank you, Love Lost, for bringing Louie home.”

Love Lost, powered by Petco Love, is a national database driven by artificial intelligence that matches lost and found pet photos. Sharon joked that if she could figure it out, anyone could.

The emotional reunion shows how simple tech and community can bring pets home. (Petco Love)

What makes Love Lost powerful

Love Lost works by using AI photo-matching. When you upload a picture of your pet, the system compares it to images from nearly every major shelter across the U.S., plus photos posted on platforms like Nextdoor and Ring’s Neighbors app. The platform also includes a secure chat feature, which was used in this case, allowing finders and pet parents to connect without sharing personal phone numbers or emails, making communication safe and simple.

This fall, Love Lost is rolling out a new feature called Search Party. It lets pet parents quickly rally their community by printing flyers, sharing posts on social media and coordinating search areas. This structure helps reduce stress when every second counts.

A good neighbor used the Love Lost chat feature to help Sharon track Louie down. (Petco Love)

Alternatives to consider: pet trackers

While Love Lost is an excellent safety net, pet parents may also want to consider pet trackers. These small GPS devices attach to your dog or cat’s collar and let you follow their location in real time on your phone.

CyberGuy has reviewed some of the best pet trackers for peace of mind, whether you’re dealing with an adventurous cat or a dog who slips out of the yard. Using both a tracker and Love Lost gives you double protection if your pet ever goes missing.

Check out our list of the best pet trackers at CyberGuy.com.

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What this means for you

If you own a pet, now is the time to prepare. Uploading a photo of your furry friend to Love Lost takes just a minute, and it could save days of panic later. You’ll be ready to report them as lost with one click, and the system will instantly scan for matches. Pairing Love Lost with a pet tracker ensures you’re covered on both fronts: community-powered recovery and real-time location tracking.

Additionally, be sure to check out our comprehensive pet guide to keep your pets happy, healthy and entertained with these innovative solutions at CyberGuy.com/.

The bright orange Maine Coon had just turned 2 years old when he disappeared. (Petco Love)

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Kurt’s key takeaways

Sharon’s reunion with Louie is a reminder of the bond we share with our pets and how technology and neighbors can help keep that bond unbroken. By taking a few minutes now, you can set yourself up for success if the unthinkable were to happen.

If your pet slipped out tonight, would you have a plan in place to bring them back home quickly? Let us know by writing to us at CyberGuy.com.

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Copyright 2025 CyberGuy.com. All rights reserved.

Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson is an award-winning tech journalist who has a deep love of technology, gear and gadgets that make life better with his contributions for Fox News & FOX Business beginning mornings on “FOX & Friends.” Got a tech question? Get Kurt’s free CyberGuy Newsletter, share your voice, a story idea or comment at CyberGuy.com.

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October 7, 2025
The world’s first flying car is ready for takeoff

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You may soon drive to an airport, then fly home. Alef Aeronautics announced formal agreements with Half Moon Bay and Hollister airports to begin test operations of a road-legal, vertical-takeoff flying car. This vehicle will drive and then take off vertically, operating alongside other aircraft. Those airports now join the company’s three existing test locations, making five in total.

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CHINA’S FIRST MASS-PRODUCED FLYING CAR DEBUTS

How the world’s first flying car works

Alef will start with its “Model Zero Ultralight” and eventually move to its commercial Model A. The Model A will drive, take off vertically, fly forward, land vertically and maneuver on both roads and runways. Alef will alert other aircraft before its carplanes move on the ground or in the air. The agreements also require conventional aircraft to retain priority and right of way over Alef’s operations.

WOULD YOU BUY THE WORLD’S FIRST PERSONAL ROBOCAR?

The Alef has produced images of its forthcoming flying car. (Alef Aeronautics)

Flying car range, battery power and FAA rules

Alef designed the Model A to be fully electric. It will travel up to 200 miles on roads and 110 miles while flying. The vehicle would be required to follow certain rules: only daylight flights are permitted, and no flying is allowed over crowded areas or cities. Alef has already received the Federal Aviation Administration’s Special Airworthiness Certification for limited testing.

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The car is light enough to bypass certain FAA certifications. (Alef Aeronautics)

Flying car pre-orders, cost and release date

Alef opened pre-orders for the Model A in 2022. Interested buyers have placed over 3,300 pre-orders. Buyers must place a $150 refundable deposit to join the regular queue or $1,500 for priority. The expected price per vehicle stands at roughly $300,000. Alef plans to begin production around the end of 2025.

What this means for you

You could someday bypass traffic by driving just a few miles, then lifting off to fly the rest. These tests could spark a shift toward mixed road-air travel in suburbs or rural areas. Still, current rules limit ultralight flying to daylight and sparsely populated routes. Regulations will need updates to allow broader use. Nevertheless, these tests show that future commutes might blend highways and air corridors.

Alef will begin production on the car in late 2025. (Alef Aeronautics)

Kurt’s key takeaways

Alef is moving flying cars from imagination to reality. With new airport agreements and early FAA approval, the company has a clear path to test what’s possible. The rules still limit when and where these cars can fly, but progress is steady. If production stays on schedule, you may soon see the world’s first flying cars taking off alongside everyday traffic.

Would you trust flying cars to be part of your daily commute? Let us know by writing to us at Cyberguy.com.

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Copyright 2025 CyberGuy.com. All rights reserved.

Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson is an award-winning tech journalist who has a deep love of technology, gear and gadgets that make life better with his contributions for Fox News & FOX Business beginning mornings on “FOX & Friends.” Got a tech question? Get Kurt’s free CyberGuy Newsletter, share your voice, a story idea or comment at CyberGuy.com.

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September 25, 2025
The new robot that could make chores a thing of the past

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What if a robot could handle cleaning, serving and even complex tasks around your home or workplace? That’s exactly what X Square Robot hopes to deliver with its latest launch.

The company just introduced Quanta X2, a highly advanced robotic butler designed for dexterity and versatility. Alongside the robot, it unveiled Wall-OSS, an open-source artificial intelligence (AI) model meant to power robots that can adapt to unpredictable real-world tasks.

These big reveals come with a major funding boost of around $100 million in Series A+ backing led by Alibaba Cloud, with participation from HongShan, INCE Capital, Meituan, Legend Star and Legend Capital.

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HUMANOID ROBOTS HANDLE QUALITY CHECKS AND ASSEMBLY AT AUTO PLANT

X Square Robot announces its newest Quanta X2 model that functions as a robot butler. (X Square Robot)

Quanta X2: Built for daily life and beyond

Quanta X2 isn’t your typical robot. Standing at about 5 feet 8 inches tall and weighing around 210 pounds, it features 62 degrees of freedom for smooth, lifelike motion. Its seven-degree-of-freedom robotic arm is paired with dexterous hands that can sense pressure changes and perform delicate movements.

The robot can grip, clean or even express emotions through gestures. A modular clamp system lets it attach brushes or mop heads for 360-degree cleaning. With an arm reach of 30 inches, a payload capacity of about 13 pounds and fine precision down to 0.001 inches, Quanta X2 is designed to work in both home and industrial settings.

AI VIDEO TECH FAST-TRACKS HUMANOID ROBOT TRAINING

X Square Robot also unveiled its Wall-OSS AI model to train the advanced humanoid robots. (X Square Robot)

Wall-OSS: Smarter AI for unpredictable tasks

Alongside Quanta X2, X Square Robot introduced Wall-OSS, a new open-source embodied AI model. Trained on vision-language-action data, it helps robots “think” and act more like humans when faced with unpredictable tasks.

Unlike task-specific systems that fail outside narrow scenarios, Wall-OSS generalizes across multiple robot types. It also solves key challenges such as catastrophic forgetting and syncing vision, language and action. By reasoning, planning and executing seamlessly, robots powered by Wall-OSS can move from the lab into the messy real world.

Developers will be able to access Wall-OSS on GitHub and Hugging Face, building community-driven datasets to accelerate adoption.

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X Square Robot is bringing humanity closer to having robot butlers. (X Square Robot)

What this means for you

The dream of a robot that vacuums, delivers food or helps with complex tasks is moving closer to reality. Quanta X2 shows how robots can evolve beyond factories and into homes, hotels and offices. By open-sourcing Wall-OSS, X Square Robot is inviting developers everywhere to help build the next generation of robots. That collaboration could accelerate the day when robotic assistants become as commonplace as smartphones.

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Kurt’s key takeaways

X Square Robot is betting that embodied AI and open-source collaboration will finally push robots past flashy demos and into everyday life. With Quanta X2 and Wall-OSS, it is laying the groundwork for robots that don’t just perform one task, but adapt to whatever you need. The big question is whether these robots can prove reliable, affordable and safe enough for widespread use.

If a robot like Quanta X2 could do your chores, would you trust it in your home? Let us know by writing to us at Cyberguy.com.

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Copyright 2025 CyberGuy.com. All rights reserved.

Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson is an award-winning tech journalist who has a deep love of technology, gear and gadgets that make life better with his contributions for Fox News & FOX Business beginning mornings on “FOX & Friends.” Got a tech question? Get Kurt’s free CyberGuy Newsletter, share your voice, a story idea or comment at CyberGuy.com.

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September 18, 2025
Would you buy the world’s first personal robocar?

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Silicon Valley startup Tensor is taking a bold step into the future of driving. Unlike rivals chasing robotaxi fleets, Tensor wants consumers to own the first true self-driving car. The company calls it the world’s first personal robocar.

This luxury EV promises Level 4 autonomy, meaning you can ride with your eyes off the road while the steering wheel folds away into the dash. In its place, a wide screen transforms the driver’s seat into a lounge or mobile office.

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WILL AUTONOMOUS TRUCKS REPLACE DRIVERS BY 2027?

Tensor aims to have its autonomous vehicles, a prototype of which is seen in this undated photo, available for purchase by 2026. (Tensor )

Tensor robocar loaded with sensors and AI power

Tensor built this machine from the ground up. It is covered in technology: 37 cameras, five custom lidars, 11 radars, plus microphones, ultrasonics and water detectors. Each sensor includes cleaning systems to keep its view clear in any condition.

The car runs on Tensor’s own Foundation Model, a transformer-based AI designed to mimic human driving decisions. Unlike many competitors, the system works without constant cloud support. That means better privacy and no dependency on remote servers.

LUCID JOINS TESLA AND GM WITH HANDS-FREE HIGHWAY DRIVING

Unlike rivals chasing robotaxi fleets, Tensor wants consumers to own the first true self-driving car. (Tensor)

How Tensor’s robocar differs from robotaxis

Most autonomous startups, including Tensor’s earlier brand AutoX, started with robotaxi fleets. Those are easier to control since they operate in one city and return to a depot every night.

Tensor is taking a tougher path with consumer cars. That means the robocar must adapt to highways, urban roads and real-world conditions without a safety net. While it won’t travel on every road from day one, owners can take control whenever needed.

VOLKSWAGEN’S ICONIC CUTE VAN DRIVES ITSELF WITH 360-DEGREE VISION

Tensor’s robocars must adapt to more real-world conditions without a safety net. (Tensor)

Tensor’s robocar is designed for safety and luxury driving

Tensor promises full redundancy with steering, braking and computing. If one system fails, backups take over instantly. The interior design adds another layer of appeal. With retractable pedals and foldable steering, the cabin feels more like a living space than a driver’s seat.

The company partnered with VinFast, the Vietnamese automaker, to manufacture the vehicle. Pricing remains under wraps, but executives admit it will exceed luxury electric vehicles like the Lucid Air.

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Tensor says that its self-driving cars will be comparable to other luxury vehicles on the market. (Tensor)

What this means for you

Tensor’s approach signals a turning point. Instead of waiting for ride-hailing services to roll out self-driving fleets, consumers may soon buy autonomy outright. If successful, this could reshape not just commuting, but how we think about owning cars at all.

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Kurt’s key takeaways

Tensor has history on its side. Its AutoX roots gave it years of testing, including permits for driverless operation in California since 2020. Now rebranded, it’s racing to sell the first consumer-ready robocar by 2026. The gamble is big. Luxury buyers may welcome the futuristic design and privacy protections, but mass adoption will depend on trust, safety and real-world performance.

Would you hand control of your daily drive to a car that promises to drive itself? Let us know by writing to us at Cyberguy.com.

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Copyright 2025 CyberGuy.com. All rights reserved.

Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson is an award-winning tech journalist who has a deep love of technology, gear and gadgets that make life better with his contributions for Fox News & FOX Business beginning mornings on “FOX & Friends.” Got a tech question? Get Kurt’s free CyberGuy Newsletter, share your voice, a story idea or comment at CyberGuy.com.

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September 17, 2025
How to safeguard your credit score in retirement as fraud and identity theft rise among seniors
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You’ve worked hard, saved smart, and now it’s time to enjoy your retirement years. But here’s the catch: your credit score still matters, even when you’re no longer applying for mortgages, car loans or new credit cards. Why? Scammers know many seniors don’t monitor their credit very often, and that makes retirees prime targets for identity theft. Due largely to increased scam attempts, financial losses for seniors reached $4.9 billion in 2024. And anyone can become a target. The good news is there are simple, powerful steps you can take right now to lock down your credit score and make sure your hard-earned nest egg is safe.

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HOW SCAMMERS TARGET YOU EVEN WITHOUT SOCIAL MEDIA

Why your credit score matters in retirement

A lot of people assume that once they stop working, their credit score doesn’t matter anymore. After all, you’re not buying a new house or car, right? Not so fast. Your credit score can still affect:
- Insurance premiums. Some insurers factor your credit into your rates.
- Retirement community applications. Senior housing and assisted living facilities often run credit checks.
- Loan approvals. You may still need financing for medical bills, home repairs or emergencies.
- Identity theft risk. A clean, unused credit file is like a blank check to a scammer.
The hands of Karin Seelmann, a 70-year-old participant of a computer course for seniors, handle the keyboard of a laptop in Hanover, Germany, Feb. 21, 2017. (Peter Steffen/picture alliance)

Keeping your credit score safe is about protecting both your financial reputation and your retirement savings.

REMOVE YOUR DATA TO PROTECT YOUR RETIREMENT FROM SCAMMERS

Step 1: Monitor your credit regularly

Even if you’re not applying for credit, you should know what’s in your file. Seniors are often the last to find out when a scammer has taken out a loan or opened a card in their name. The three big credit bureaus, Equifax, Experian and TransUnion, are required to give you a free report once a year. Here’s the trick: thanks to recent changes, you can now get a free weekly credit report at AnnualCreditReport.com. Set a calendar reminder to check your reports once a month. Look for accounts you don’t recognize, suspicious credit inquiries or sudden drops in your score.

HOW SCAMMERS EXPLOIT YOUR DATA FOR ‘PRE-APPROVED’ RETIREMENT SCAMS

A man looking into his retirement matters. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

Step 2: Place a fraud alert

If you suspect you’ve been targeted, a fraud alert makes it harder for identity thieves to open new accounts in your name. It tells creditors they need to take extra steps to verify your identity before approving anything.
- A fraud alert is free.
- It lasts for one year (you can renew it).
- You only need to contact one bureau. They’ll notify the others.
This is a great first line of defense if you’ve received scam calls, phishing emails or notice odd activity in your accounts.

A woman looking up her credit score on a laptop. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

Step 3: Freeze your credit (the gold standard)

A credit freeze is the single most powerful tool retirees have to protect their credit score. Also, it’s completely free. Here’s why you should do it today:
- It blocks anyone from opening new credit in your name.
- It doesn’t affect your current accounts, score or benefits.
- You can unfreeze it anytime if you need new credit.
Since most retirees don’t apply for new loans often, a credit freeze is a “set it and forget it” safeguard. Think of it as putting your credit file in a vault.

How to do it:
- Contact Equifax, Experian and TransUnion individually (you’ll need to freeze your credit with each one).
- Provide proof of identity (usually SSN, date of birth and address).
- Keep the PIN or password they give you; you’ll need it if you ever want to lift the freeze.
HOW TO HAND OFF DATA PRIVACY RESPONSIBILITIES FOR OLDER ADULTS TO A TRUSTED LOVED ONE

A woman looking into her retirement matters on her laptop. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

Step 4: Lock down your personal data online

Here’s something many seniors don’t realize: even if your credit is frozen, scammers can still target you through other leaks of personal information.

Data brokers publish your name, address history, phone numbers, relatives and even property records online. Scammers use this information to:
- Impersonate family members in “grandparent scams.”
- Craft convincing phishing messages.
- Trick banks or creditors with stolen details.
That’s why removing your personal information from these sites is just as important as freezing your credit. Doing it manually means tracking down dozens (sometimes hundreds) of data broker websites and sending formal removal requests and repeating the process every few months as your info pops back up.

Data removal services can handle this automatically, requesting removals from dozens of data brokers at a time and monitoring for re-uploads. It’s one of the simplest ways to cut off scammers at the source and keep your retirement profile off the web.

While no service can guarantee the complete removal of your data from the internet, a data removal service is really a smart choice. They aren’t cheap, and neither is your privacy. These services do all the work for you by actively monitoring and systematically erasing your personal information from hundreds of websites. It’s what gives me peace of mind and has proven to be the most effective way to erase your personal data from the internet. By limiting the information available, you reduce the risk of scammers cross-referencing data from breaches with information they might find on the dark web, making it harder for them to target you.

Check out my top picks for data removal services and get a free scan to find out if your personal information is already out on the web by visiting Cyberguy.com.

Get a free scan to find out if your personal information is already out on the web: Cyberguy.com.

5 STEPS TO PROTECT YOUR FINANCES FROM FAMILY SCAMS

Step 5: Watch for warning signs of identity theft

Even with strong protections in place, it pays to stay alert. Here are a few red flags to watch for:
- Bills or medical statements for services you never used
- Collection calls about debts that aren’t yours
- New credit cards or loans arriving in your mail
- Denials for credit or insurance you didn’t apply for
- A sudden, unexplained drop in your credit score.
If you see any of these, act fast: file a report at IdentityTheft.gov, contact your bank or creditors and double-check that your credit freeze is active.

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Kurt’s key takeaways

Retirement should be about peace of mind; you’ve earned your retirement. Protecting your credit score may not be the most exciting task on your to-do list, but it’s one of the smartest. By monitoring your credit, freezing your file, removing your data from broker sites and staying alert for red flags, you can keep scammers out of your finances and focus on enjoying the retirement you deserve. Want to take one major worry off your list? Start by having your personal information automatically pulled from the internet. It’s an easy way to reduce your digital footprint and keep your credit and your retirement fund safe.

Should more be done to protect retirees from identity theft and financial scams? Let us know by writing to us at Cyberguy.com.

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Copyright 2025 CyberGuy.com. All rights reserved.

Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson is an award-winning tech journalist who has a deep love of technology, gear and gadgets that make life better with his contributions for Fox News & FOX Business beginning mornings on “FOX & Friends.” Got a tech question? Get Kurt’s free CyberGuy Newsletter, share your voice, a story idea or comment at CyberGuy.com.
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September 10, 2025
AI meeting notes are recording your private conversations
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Artificial intelligence has slipped quietly into our meetings. Zoom, Google Meet and other platforms now offer AI notetakers that listen, record and share summaries. At first, it feels like a helpful assistant. No more scrambling to jot down every point. But there’s a catch. It records everything, including comments you never planned to share.

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GOOGLE AI EMAIL SUMMARIES CAN BE HACKED TO HIDE PHISHING ATTACKS

When private conversations end up in recaps

Many people are discovering that AI notetakers capture more than project updates and strategy points. Jokes, personal stories and even casual side comments often slip into the official meeting summaries.

What might feel harmless in the moment, like teasing someone, chatting about lunch plans or venting about a frustrating errand, can suddenly reappear in a recap email sent to the whole group. In some cases, even affectionate nicknames or pet mishaps have shown up right alongside serious action items.

Experts warn that AI note-taking tools integrated into Zoom and Google Meet could capture more than the meeting agenda. (Korea Pool/Getty Images)

Examples of what could go wrong:
- Jokes or sarcasm taken out of context
- Personal errands or gossip appearing in a recap
- Casual catch-ups mixed into meeting notes
- Embarrassing slip-ups becoming part of official records
These surprises can be funny in hindsight, but they highlight a bigger issue. AI notetakers don’t separate casual conversation from work-related discussion. And once your words are written down, they can be saved, forwarded or even archived in ways you didn’t intend. That means an offhand remark could live far longer than the meeting itself.

AI AND LEARNING RETENTION: DOES CHATGPT HELP OR HURT?

A Google Gemini generative artificial intelligence webpage. (Andrey Rudakov/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

Why AI notetakers capture too much

These tools work by recording conversations in real time and then generating automatic summaries. Zoom’s AI Companion flags its presence with a diamond icon. Google Meet’s version uses a pencil icon and an audio cue. Only meeting hosts can switch them on or off.

That sounds transparent, but most people stop noticing the icons after a few minutes. Once the AI is running, it doesn’t separate “work talk” from “side chatter.” The result? Your casual remarks can end up in a summary sent to colleagues or even clients.

And mistakes happen. An AI notetaker might mishear a joke, twist sarcasm into something serious or drop a casual remark into notes where it looks out of place. Stripped of tone and context, those words can come across very differently once they’re written down.

META AI’S NEW CHATBOT RAISES PRIVACY ALARMS

The Google Gemini AI interface seen on an iPhone browser. (Jaap Arriens/NurPhoto via Getty Images)

Steps to protect your privacy from AI notetakers

Even if you use these tools, you can take control of what they capture. A few simple habits will help you reduce the risks while still getting the benefits.

1) Stay alert to indicators

Always check for the flashing icon or audio cue that signals an AI notetaker is active.

2) Control the settings

If you’re the host, decide when AI should run. Limit its use to important meetings where notes are truly necessary.

3) Choose recipients carefully

Many platforms let you control who receives the notes. Make sure only the right people get access.

4) Use private chats

Need to share a side comment? Send it as a direct message rather than saying it out loud.

5) Save personal talk for later

Keep casual conversations off recorded calls. If you need to catch up, wait until the AI is off.

6) Ask before enabling AI

If you’re not the host, confirm that everyone is comfortable with AI note-taking. Setting expectations up front prevents awkward situations later.

7) Review and edit recaps

Check meeting notes before forwarding them. Edit or trim out personal chatter so only useful action items remain.

8) Check where notes are stored

Find out whether transcripts are saved in the cloud or on your device. Adjust retention settings, so private conversations don’t linger longer than necessary.

9) Follow company guidelines

If your workplace doesn’t yet have a policy on AI notetakers, suggest one. Clear rules protect both employees and clients.

10) Keep software updated

AI features improve quickly. Updating your platform reduces errors, misheard comments and accidental leaks.

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What this means for you

AI notetakers offer convenience, but they also reshape how we communicate at work. Once, small talk in meetings faded into the background. Now, even lighthearted comments can be captured, summarized and circulated. That shift means you need to think twice before speaking casually in a recorded meeting.

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Kurt’s key takeaways

The rise of AI in meetings shows both its promise and its pitfalls. You gain productivity, but risk oversharing. By understanding how these tools work and taking a few precautions, you can get the benefits without the embarrassment.

Would you trust an AI notetaker to record your next meeting, knowing it might repeat your private conversations word for word? Let us know by writing to us at Cyberguy.com.

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Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson is an award-winning tech journalist who has a deep love of technology, gear and gadgets that make life better with his contributions for Fox News & FOX Business beginning mornings on “FOX & Friends.” Got a tech question? Get Kurt’s free CyberGuy Newsletter, share your voice, a story idea or comment at CyberGuy.com.
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September 9, 2025
Smart tech tools that help you avoid dangerous falls
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Falls are the number one cause of injury among adults 65 and older. But the truth is, your risk doesn’t suddenly appear the day you turn 65. It increases gradually over time, especially if you’re dealing with weak muscles, balance issues, side effects from medication, or even just forgetting a pill. Experts recommend that everyone get screened for fall risk at age 65. But you don’t have to wait for a doctor’s visit to take action. A new wave of technology is giving older adults the power to track, prevent, and respond to fall risks, all from home. Here are 10 smart tools that can help.

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New technology can help track and prevent falls. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

1) Gait sensors track how your balance changes over time

Your walking pattern can reveal subtle issues that increase your risk of falling. If you use an iPhone with iOS 15 or newer, the built-in walking steadiness feature in the Health app can rate your balance as OK, low, or very low over time. Android users can use wearable fitness trackers like Fitbit, or Samsung Galaxy Watch to gather similar data. These tools track stride, stability, and pressure patterns that help identify balance changes before you feel unsteady.

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What to check: On iPhone, open the Health app and review your walking steadiness trends. Android users can check their wearable app dashboards, like Samsung Health or Fitbit, to view step symmetry, cadence, and gait-related data. Look for any changes over weeks or months and take advantage of in-app exercise suggestions to improve balance and strength.

Apps that track physical activity and walking patterns can help users improve their balance and strength, or even detect a change in gait before it becomes an issue. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

2) Smart pill dispensers prevent risky mistakes

Forgetting to take medication, or taking too much, can cause grogginess or dizziness that increases fall risk. A smart pill dispenser helps make sure you take the right dose at the right time.

What to look for: Look for dispensers with reminders, dose tracking, and alerts for missed meds.

Smart pill dispensers can assist patients in making sure they take the correct dose of the desired medication at the right time. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

3) Fitness trackers keep you motivated to move

Building strength, especially in your legs and core, is one of the best ways to prevent falls. Whether you use an Apple Watch, Fitbit or another device, fitness trackers can nudge you toward daily movement goals.

What to check: Track your cardio fitness levels, not just step counts. It’s a good indicator of your overall strength and endurance.

Fitness tracking devices can help users build strength and resilience. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

4) Vital-sign monitors help detect lightheaded spells

Dips in blood pressure or oxygen levels can make you feel woozy, which increases your fall risk. Smartwatches and fingertip pulse oximeters help you monitor these changes in real time.

What to check: If you’re not using a wearable, jot down your daily readings with a standard cuff or oximeter to spot any unusual trends.

5) Motion-activated lighting lights the way

Getting up in the middle of the night without enough light is a common recipe for a fall. Motion-activated lights can illuminate your path without you needing to touch a switch.

What to look for: Try plug-in nightlights that turn on when they sense motion, or during a power outage. Some even double as portable flashlights.

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6) Leak sensors help prevent unexpected slips

A small water leak can create a slick floor long before it’s visible. Leak sensors alert you to changes in humidity or water buildup near appliances and pipes.

What to look for: Choose ones that send alerts to your phone. You’ll avoid a fall and possibly a pricey repair bill.

7) Doorbell cameras keep you from rushing

One overlooked fall trigger is rushing to answer the door. A doorbell camera lets you see who’s there and speak to them, so you can take your time or decide not to answer at all.

What to look for: A model with two-way audio gives you the freedom to communicate from wherever you are in your home.

While we’re on the topic of security cameras, be sure to check out 10 things you must consider when choosing any security camera.

Doorbell cameras enable users to communicate with visitors without rushing to answer the door. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

8) Fall-detection devices can call for help

Even the most independent older adults face higher fall risks, and family members who live far away may worry more than they let on. If a fall happens and you’re alone, getting help quickly is essential. Wearables like the Apple Watch can detect a hard fall and automatically alert emergency services or your emergency contacts. Apple Watch SE, Series 4 or later, and Apple Watch Ultra include fall detection. If a hard fall is detected, the watch vibrates, sounds an alarm, and gives the option to call emergency services.

To turn it on manually:
- Open the Watch app on your iPhone
- Tap My Watch in the bottom left
- Scroll down and click Emergency SOS
- Toggle on Fall Detection and choose Always On
If you don’t use an Apple Watch, there are other great options. Many Android-compatible smartwatches now offer fall detection, including select Samsung Galaxy Watch models.

There are also dedicated medical alert wearables that can help bridge that distance with a single button press. These tools are simple, discreet, and offer life-saving support, especially when no one else is around.

Check out some of the top-rated personal safety tools to consider by visiting Cyberguy.com/MonitorLovedOnes.

What to check: Whether you use a smartwatch or a medical alert device, make sure fall detection is turned on, your contacts are updated, and you test the feature once in a while for peace of mind.

Many smartwatches and medical alert devices can detect when a user falls and offer the option to call for help. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

9) Smart speakers make it easier to call for help

Voice assistants like Alexa or Google Nest can help you call someone, turn on a light, or get a reminder, without having to move.

What to look for: Set up voice shortcuts and routines for common tasks. If you’re unsteady, saying “Call my daughter” is a lot safer than walking to your phone.

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10) Balance-training apps keep your brain and body in sync

Apps like Nymbl for iPhone or Android, or KOKU for iPhone and Android, offer fun daily balance and cognitive exercises that take just a few minutes. The goal? Keep your body strong and your reflexes sharp.

What to check: Use an app that tracks progress and gives feedback. Some are backed by health researchers or physical therapists.

Using apps to perform balance exercises and cognitive challenges can help keep reflexes honed. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

What this means for you

Falls aren’t only about tripping on a rug or losing your footing. They often involve deeper issues like poor sleep, medication interactions, or delayed reflexes. By using smart tech, you can spot early warning signs, make smarter choices, and stay in control of your health, on your own terms.

Kurt’s key takeaways

Getting older doesn’t mean giving up your independence. In fact, the right technology can help extend it. Whether it’s a smartwatch that alerts family during a fall or a simple nightlight that turns on automatically, every tool you use can add peace of mind. You don’t have to wait for a fall to start protecting yourself.

Smart tech is more advanced than ever, but do you feel confident relying on it for your safety? Or do you prefer human care and face-to-face checkups? Let us know by writing to us at Cyberguy.com/Contact

Sign up for my FREE CyberGuy Report
Get my best tech tips, urgent security alerts, and exclusive deals delivered straight to your inbox. Plus, you’ll get instant access to my Ultimate Scam Survival Guide – free when you join my CYBERGUY.COM/NEWSLETTER

Copyright 2025 CyberGuy.com. All rights reserved.

Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson is an award-winning tech journalist who has a deep love of technology, gear and gadgets that make life better with his contributions for Fox News & FOX Business beginning mornings on “FOX & Friends.” Got a tech question? Get Kurt’s free CyberGuy Newsletter, share your voice, a story idea or comment at CyberGuy.com.
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August 21, 2025