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Tag: TECH

  • 10 simple cybersecurity resolutions for a safer 2026

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    We could not let 2025 end without one last reminder about digital safety. Cybercriminals never slow down. In fact, the holidays and the start of a new year often bring a surge in scams, account takeovers and data theft. The good news is that cybersecurity need not feel overwhelming. You do not need advanced skills or expensive tools. With a few smart habits, you can lower your risk and protect your digital life throughout 2026. To help you start the year strong, here are 10 simple cybersecurity resolutions that actually work.

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    AMERICA’S MOST-USED PASSWORD IN 2025 REVEALED

    Strong passwords and two-factor authentication stop most account takeovers before they start. (Peter Steffen/picture alliance)

    1) Start the year with strong passwords

    Passwords remain your first line of defense. Weak or reused passwords make it easy for attackers to break into multiple accounts at once. Use a unique password for every account. Longer passphrases work better than short, complex strings. A reputable password manager can generate and securely store passwords, so you do not have to memorize them. One rule matters most. Never reuse passwords.

    Next, see if your email has been exposed in past breaches. Our #1 password manager (see Cyberguy.com/Passwords) pick includes a built-in breach scanner that checks whether your email address or passwords have appeared in known leaks. If you discover a match, immediately change any reused passwords and secure those accounts with new, unique credentials.

    Check out the best expert-reviewed password managers of 2025 at Cyberguy.com.

    2) Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) everywhere

    Two-factor authentication (2FA) adds a second step after your password. This usually includes a code from an app or a physical security key. Even if someone steals your password, 2FA can block access. App-based authenticators provide stronger protection than text messages. Turn it on for email, banking, social media and shopping accounts first.

    3) Audit your digital presence

    Old accounts create new risks. Take time to review shopping sites, forums, apps and subscriptions you no longer use. Delete what you do not need. Update privacy settings on what you keep. Share less personal information whenever possible, especially birthdays, locations and phone numbers. A smaller digital footprint limits abuse.

    5 SOCIAL MEDIA SAFETY TIPS TO PROTECT YOUR PRIVACY ONLINE

    Simple habits like updating software and thinking before you click block common scams.

    Simple habits like updating software and thinking before you click block common scams. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

    4) Keep software and devices up to date

    Security updates fix real vulnerabilities that attackers actively exploit. Skipping updates leaves doors open. Enable automatic updates for operating systems, browsers, apps, routers and smart devices. This habit blocks many common attacks without extra effort. Outdated software remains one of the top causes of successful hacks.

    5) Use a personal data removal service

    Your personal information appears on hundreds of data broker sites. These sites collect names, addresses, phone numbers and relatives, then sell access to anyone willing to pay. A personal data removal service helps locate and remove that information. This step reduces scam attempts, phishing messages and identity fraud risks throughout the year. Less exposed data means fewer threats.

    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

    6) Consider identity theft protection

    Identity theft often starts quietly. A breach happens. Data leaks. Fraud follows months later. Identity Theft companies can monitor personal information like your Social Security number (SSN), phone number and email address, and alert you if it is being sold on the dark web or being used to open an account. They can also assist you in freezing your bank and credit card accounts to prevent further unauthorized use by criminals. Many services can also scan for accounts tied to multiple email addresses, making cleanup easier. Early alerts help you act before damage spreads.

    See my tips and best picks on how to protect yourself from identity theft at Cyberguy.com.

    PROTECT YOURSELF FROM SNEAKY WEB INJECTION SCAMS

    laptop keyboard

    Backups, secure Wi-Fi and identity monitoring help limit damage when breaches happen. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

    7) Think before you click and use strong antivirus protection

    Most cyberattacks still begin with a click. Fake shipping notices, refund alerts and urgent messages push people to act fast. Pause before clicking links or opening attachments. Many scams now use AI to generate realistic messages, fake voices and convincing images, making it even more important to pause before you click. Verify messages through official websites or apps instead. Strong antivirus software adds another layer of protection by blocking malware, ransomware and malicious downloads across your devices, keeping your personal information and digital assets safe.

    Get my picks for the best 2025 antivirus protection winners for your Windows, Mac, Android & iOS devices at Cyberguy.com.

    8) Secure your home Wi-Fi network

    Your Wi-Fi network connects everything. That makes it a valuable target. Change the default router password right away. Enable WPA3 encryption if your router supports it. Keep router firmware up to date and avoid sharing your network with unknown devices. A secure network protects every connected device.

    9) Back up your data regularly

    Backups protect you from ransomware, hardware failure and accidental deletion. Many people still skip them. Use cloud backups, an external hard drive or both. Automate the process so it runs without reminders. If something goes wrong, backups let you recover quickly.

    10) Freeze your credit if you do not need it

    A credit freeze prevents new accounts from opening in your name. It remains one of the strongest defenses against identity fraud heading into 2026. Freezing credit is free and reversible. You can temporarily lift it when applying for loans or credit cards. This single step blocks many identity crimes outright. To learn more about how to do this, go to Cyberguy.com and search “How to freeze your credit.”

    Pro tip: Lock down your email and use aliases

    Your email account controls password resets, alerts and account recovery. If attackers get in, they can reach nearly everything else. Secure your primary email with a long, unique password and two-factor authentication. Then create email aliases for shopping, subscriptions and sign-ups. Aliases limit exposure when a company suffers a data breach and make phishing easier to spot. Protecting email this way strengthens every other cybersecurity resolution.

    By creating email aliases, you can protect your information and reduce spam. These aliases forward messages to your primary address, making it easier to manage incoming communications and avoid data breaches.

    For recommendations on private and secure email providers that offer alias addresses, visit Cyberguy.com.

    Kurt’s key takeaways

    A safer digital life starts with small, consistent decisions. Strong passwords, updates, backups and awareness go a long way. By committing to these cybersecurity resolutions, you set yourself up for a more secure 2026. You also make it harder for criminals to profit from stolen data. There is no better time to start than now.

    Which of these cybersecurity habits are you still delaying, and what would it take to address them today? Let us know by writing to us at Cyberguy.com.

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    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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  • 2025 Most Memorable Technology Moments: December 31, 2025

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    Choose your Most Memorable Technology Moment of 2025. 

    Choose between OpenAI releasing Sora text-to-video model, the AI race heating up, or Waymo driverless cars launching in cities across the country.

    Then see how your choice ranks and share the results with your friends.

    Check back each day this week to pick your Most Memorable Moments of 2025. 

    Thanks for playing!

    This article was written by Fox News staff.

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  • Never lose your car with Maps parking tools

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    Forgetting where you parked happens to everyone. Busy schedules, crowded lots and mental autopilot make it easy to walk away without a second thought. Thankfully, your iPhone can remember for you. Both Google Maps and Apple Maps now make it easy to find your car again with little or no effort. Google recently added smarter automatic parking detection on iPhone. Apple Maps has offered a similar feature for years. Together, they give you a reliable backup when your memory fails. Below is how each one works and how to make sure it is ready when you need it.

    If you use an Android phone, we have steps below that show you how to save and find your parked car using Google Maps on Android.

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    GOOGLE MAPS VS WAZE VS APPLE MAPS: WHICH IS BEST?

    Google Maps can automatically save where you parked on an iPhone and drop a clear pin on the map. Once it appears, you can tap it anytime to get walking directions back to your car. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

    How Google Maps saves your parking spot on iPhone

    Google Maps can automatically detect when you park and drop a pin that stays for up to 48 hours or until you drive again. It currently works on iPhone only.

    Connect your iPhone to your car

    Google Maps needs a signal that you stopped driving.

    • Connect your iPhone to your car using Bluetooth: On your iPhone, open Settings, tap Bluetooth and pair it with your vehicle before you drive.
    • Connect your iPhone using USB: Plug your iPhone into the car’s USB port with a cable before you start your journey.
    • Use CarPlay with your iPhone: Go to Settings on your iPhone, tap General, tap CarPlay, then select your car to link your iPhone to the vehicle.

    Any of these connections can trigger parking detection.

    Allow Google Maps to save parking automatically

    If you want this to work every time, adjust one key setting.

    • Open the Settings app on your iPhone
    • Tap Apps
    • Then, click Google Maps
    • Tap Location
    • Select Always

    This allows Google Maps to track parking even when the app is not open.

    Turn on motion-based parking detection

    This helps Google Maps save your parking spot even when Bluetooth or CarPlay is not in use.

    • Open Google Maps on your iPhone
    • Tap your profile photo in the upper right corner
    • Tap Settings
    • Then click Navigation
    • Turn on Automatically save parking
    • To make sure motion detection works:
    • Open the iPhone Settings app
    • Tap Privacy and Security
    • Tap Motion & Fitness
    • Make sure Fitness Tracking is on
    • Make sure Google Maps is enabled

    This allows Google Maps to use movement data to detect when you stop driving.

    Find your parked car

    • Once you park, Google Maps drops a pin labeled You parked here.
    • Open Google Maps to see the pin
    • Tap the search bar
    • Choose Saved parking

    The pin stays visible for up to 48 hours.

    Adjust the location if needed

    If the pin is slightly off:

    • Tap the parked location
    • Select Change location
    • Drag the marker to the correct spot

    FIND A LOST PHONE THAT IS OFF OR DEAD

    Google Maps application on smartphone

    After parking, Google Maps shows your saved location along with a quick Directions button. This makes it easy to return to your car without retracing your steps. (OLIVIER DOULIERY/AFP via Getty Images)

    How Apple Maps saves your parking spot

    Apple Maps uses your iPhone location and car connection to remember where you parked. In many cases, it works automatically without setup.

    Make sure Location Services is enabled

    Apple Maps relies on system settings.

    • Open Settings
    • Tap Privacy and Security
    • Tap Location Services
    • Make sure Location Services is on
    • Tap Maps
    • Select While Using the App

    Use Bluetooth or CarPlay

    Apple Maps detects parking when your iPhone disconnects from:

    • Your car’s Bluetooth system
    • Wired or wireless CarPlay

    This disconnection signals that you parked.

    Find your parked car in Apple Maps

    After parking:

    • Open Apple Maps on your iPhone
    • Look for Parked Car under the Search box or a parked car icon on the map
    • Tap the parked car entry or icon
    • Tap Directions to navigate back to your vehicle

    Apple Maps drops a parked car marker when your iPhone disconnects from Bluetooth or CarPlay as you exit your car. You can also see parking details, like how long ago you parked, if you enabled the proper settings in iPhone Settings.

    Google Maps vs Apple Maps for parking reminders

    Both apps work well, but they shine in different ways.

    • Google Maps: Parking pins last up to 48 hours and are easy to edit
    • Apple Maps: Deep iOS integration and simple automatic detection

    Many iPhone owners keep both enabled for backup.

    Photo of the Apple Maps app.

    Apple Maps can also remember where you parked when your iPhone disconnects from Bluetooth or CarPlay. Open the app and look for your parked car to get directions back. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

    How to find your parked car on Android phones

    If you use an Android phone, you can still save and find your parked car using Google Maps, but the process is manual.

    Save your parking location on Android

    Settings may vary depending on your Android phone’s manufacturer.

    • Open Google Maps on your Android phone
    • Tap the blue dot showing your current location
    • Tap Save your parking
    • Add notes or photos if you want help remembering landmarks

    Google Maps drops a parking pin that stays visible until you remove it or save a new one.

    Find your parked car later on Android 

    Settings may vary depending on your Android phone’s manufacturer.

    • Open Google Maps
    • Tap the saved parking pin on the map
    • Tap Directions to navigate back to your car

    Unlike the iPhone, Android does not currently support automatic parking detection in Google Maps.

    Take my quiz: How safe is your online security?

    Think your devices and data are truly protected? Take this quick quiz to see where your digital habits stand. From passwords to Wi-Fi settings, you’ll get a personalized breakdown of what you’re doing right and what needs improvement. Take my Quiz here: Cyberguy.com.

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    Kurt’s key takeaways

    Forgetting where you parked happens fast, but finding your car does not have to be stressful. Google Maps and Apple Maps can save your parking location and guide you back when you need it most. On the iPhone, much of this works automatically once settings are enabled. Android users can still save their spot manually with Google Maps. Either way, taking a few minutes to set this up now can save time, steps and frustration later.

    How much time have you already wasted searching for your car that your phone could have saved? Let us know by writing to us at Cyberguy.com.

    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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  • Amazon adds controversial AI facial recognition to Ring

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    Amazon’s Ring video doorbells are getting a major artificial intelligence (AI) upgrade, and it is already stirring controversy.

    The company has started rolling out a new feature called Familiar Faces to Ring owners across the United States. Once enabled, the feature uses AI-powered facial recognition to identify people who regularly appear at your door. Instead of a generic alert saying a person is at your door, you might see something far more personal, like “Mom at Front Door.” On the surface, that sounds convenient.

    Privacy advocates, however, say this shift comes with real risks.

    Sign up for my FREE CyberGuy Report
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    GOOGLE NEST STILL SENDS DATA AFTER REMOTE CONTROL CUTOFF, RESEARCHER FINDS

    Ring’s new Familiar Faces feature uses AI facial recognition to identify people who regularly appear at your door and personalize alerts. (Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)

    How Ring’s Familiar Faces feature works

    Ring says Familiar Faces helps you manage alerts by recognizing people you know. Here is how it works in practice. You can create a catalog of up to 50 faces. These may include family members, friends, neighbors, delivery drivers, household staff or other frequent visitors. After labeling a face in the Ring app, the camera will recognize that person as they approach. Anyone who regularly passes in front of your Ring camera can be labeled by the device owner if they choose to do so, even if that person is unaware they are being identified.

    From there, Ring sends personalized notifications tied to that face. You can also fine-tune alerts on a per-face basis, which means fewer pings for your own comings and goings. Importantly, the feature is not enabled by default. You must turn it on manually in the Ring app settings. Faces can be named directly from Event History or from the Familiar Faces library. You can edit names, merge duplicates or delete faces at any time.

    Amazon says unnamed faces are automatically removed after 30 days. Once a face is labeled, however, that data remains stored until the user deletes it.

    Why privacy groups are pushing back

    Despite Amazon’s assurances, consumer protection groups and lawmakers are raising alarms. Ring has a long history of working with law enforcement. In the past, police and fire departments were able to request footage through the Ring Neighbors app. More recently, Amazon partnered with Flock, a company that makes AI-powered surveillance cameras widely used by police and federal agencies. Ring has also struggled with internal security. In 2023, the FTC fined Ring $5.8 million after finding that employees and contractors had unrestricted access to customer videos for years. The Neighbors app previously exposed precise home locations, and Ring account credentials have repeatedly surfaced online. Because of these issues, critics argue that adding facial recognition expands the risk rather than reducing it.

    Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF) staff attorney Mario Trujillo tells CyberGuy, “When you step in front of one of these cameras, your faceprint is taken and stored on Amazon’s servers, whether you consent or not. Today’s feature to recognize your friend at your front door can easily be repurposed tomorrow for mass surveillance. It is important for state regulators to investigate.” The Electronic Frontier Foundation is a well-known nonprofit organization that focuses on digital privacy, civil liberties and consumer rights in the tech space. 

    WASHINGTON COURT SAYS FLOCK CAMERA IMAGES ARE PUBLIC RECORDS

    Photo of a mounted ring camera.

    Once a face is labeled by the device owner, Ring can replace generic notifications with named alerts tied to that individual. (CyberGuy.com)

    Where the feature is blocked and why that matters

    Legal pressure is already limiting where Familiar Faces can launch. According to the EFF, privacy laws are preventing Amazon from offering the feature in Illinois, Texas and Portland, Oregon. These jurisdictions have stricter biometric privacy protections, which suggests regulators see facial recognition in the home as a higher-risk technology. U.S. Senator Ed Markey has also called on Amazon to abandon the feature altogether, citing concerns about surveillance creep and biometric data misuse.

    Amazon says biometric data is processed in the cloud and not used to train AI models. The company also claims it cannot identify all locations where a face appears, even if law enforcement asks. Still, critics point out the similarity to Ring’s Search Party feature, which already scans neighborhoods to locate lost pets.

    We reached out to Amazon for comment but did not receive a response before our deadline.

    Ring’s other AI feature feels very different

    Not all of Ring’s AI updates raise the same level of concern. Ring recently introduced Video Descriptions, a generative AI feature that summarizes motion activity in plain text. Instead of guessing what triggered an alert, you might see messages like “A person is walking up the steps with a black dog” or “Two people are peering into a white car in the driveway.”

    HOW RESTAURANT RESERVATION PLATFORM OPENTABLE TRACKS CUSTOMER DINING HABITS

    A Ring doorbell alert with two people getting out of a car

    Ring’s Video Descriptions feature takes a different approach by summarizing activity without identifying people by name. (Amazon)

    How Video Descriptions decides what matters

    This AI focuses on actions rather than identities. It helps you quickly decide whether an alert is urgent or routine. Over time, Ring says the system can recognize activity patterns around a home and only notify you when something unusual happens. However, as with any AI system, accuracy can vary depending on lighting, camera angle, distance and environmental conditions. Video Descriptions is currently rolling out in beta to Ring Home Premium subscribers in the U.S. and Canada. Unlike facial recognition, this feature improves clarity without naming or tracking specific people. That contrast matters.

    Ring doorbell notifications on an iPhone screen

    Video Descriptions turns motion alerts into short summaries, helping you understand what is happening without identifying who is involved. (Amazon)

    Should you turn Familiar Faces on?

    If you own a Ring doorbell, caution is wise. While Familiar Faces may reduce notification fatigue, labeling people by name creates a detailed record of who comes to your home and when. Given Ring’s past security lapses and close ties with law enforcement, many privacy experts recommend keeping the feature disabled. If you do use it, avoid full names and remove faces you no longer need. In many cases, simply checking the live video feed is safer than relying on AI labels. Not every smart home feature needs to know who someone is.

    How to turn Familiar Faces on or off in the Ring app

    If you want to review or change this setting, you can do so at any time in the Ring mobile app.

    To enable Familiar Faces:

    • Open the Ring app
    • Tap the menu icon
    • Select Control Center
    • Tap Video and Snapshot Capture
    • Select Familiar Faces
    • Toggle the feature on and follow the on-screen prompts

    To turn Familiar Faces off:

    • Open the Ring app
    • Go to Control Center
    • Tap Video and Snapshot Capture
    • Select Familiar Faces
    • Toggle the feature off

    Turning the feature off stops facial recognition and prevents new faces from being identified. Any labeled faces can also be deleted manually from the Familiar Faces library if you want to remove stored data.

    Alexa is now answering your door for you

    Amazon is also rolling out a very different kind of AI feature for Ring doorbells, and it lives inside Alexa+. Called Greetings, this update gives Ring doorbells a conversational AI voice that can interact with people at your door when you are busy or not home. Instead of identifying who someone is, Greetings focuses on what they appear to be doing. Using Ring’s video descriptions, the system looks at apparel, actions, and objects to decide how to respond. 

    For example, if someone in a delivery uniform drops off a package, Alexa can tell them exactly where to leave it based on your instructions. You can even set preferences to guide delivery drivers toward a specific spot, or let them know water or snacks are available. If a delivery requires a signature, Alexa can ask the driver when they plan to return and pass that message along to you. The feature can also handle sales representatives or service vendors. You might set a rule such as politely declining sales pitches without ever coming to the door yourself.

    Greetings can also work for friends and family. If someone stops by while you are away, Alexa can greet them and ask them to leave a message for you. That interaction is saved so you can review it later. That said, the system is not perfect. Because it relies on visual context rather than identity, mistakes can happen. A friend who works in logistics could show up wearing a delivery uniform and be treated like a courier instead of being invited to leave a message. Amazon acknowledges that accuracy can vary. Importantly, Amazon says Greetings does not identify who a person is. It uses Ring’s video descriptions to determine the main subject in front of the camera and generate responses, without naming or recognizing individuals. That makes it fundamentally different from the Familiar Faces feature, even though both rely on AI.

    Greetings is compatible with Ring Wired Doorbell Pro (3rd Gen) and Ring Wired Doorbell Plus (2nd Gen). It is available to Ring Premium Plan subscribers who have video descriptions enabled and is currently rolling out to Alexa+ Early Access users in the United States and Canada.

    Thinking about a Ring doorbell?

    If you are already in the Ring ecosystem or considering a video doorbell, Ring’s lineup includes models with motion alerts, HD video, night vision, and optional AI-powered features such as Video Descriptions. While Familiar Faces remains controversial and can be turned off, many homeowners still use Ring doorbells for basic security awareness and package monitoring. 

    If you decide Ring is right for your home, you can check out the latest Ring Video Doorbell models or compare features and pricing with other options by visiting Cyberguy.com and searching “Top Video Doorbells.”

    Take my quiz: How safe is your online security?

    Think your devices and data are truly protected? Take this quick quiz to see where your digital habits stand. From passwords to Wi-Fi settings, you’ll get a personalized breakdown of what you’re doing right and what needs improvement. Take my Quiz here: Cyberguy.com.

    Kurt’s key takeaways

    Amazon Ring’s AI facial recognition feature shows how quickly convenience can collide with privacy. Familiar Faces may offer smarter alerts, but it also expands surveillance into deeply personal spaces. Meanwhile, features like Video Descriptions prove that AI can be useful without identifying people. As smart home tech evolves, the real question is not what AI can do but what it should do.

    Would you trade fewer notifications for a system that recognizes and names everyone who comes to your door? Let us know by writing to us at Cyberguy.com.

    CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP

    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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  • From Fear to Curiosity: How Great Leaders Reframe Innovation

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    My “aha” moment with AI didn’t start in the boardroom. It started in my music room.

    While I’ve been experimenting with generative AI tools for a few years, when I started exploring how they could help my musical progress, it all clicked for me. Project one was creating visuals to go with music for my brother. I don’t have a coding background, but with AI and a friend’s help, we created a program that could visualize sound for his performance. Next, I created a virtual tutor that helped me accelerate my music production and mastering skills, which I had only recently started exploring.

    These personal experiments really changed how I thought about creativity. AI didn’t make me less creative; if anything, it made me a better creator. It didn’t replace my ideas; it amplified them. The speed of learning had me wanting more, rather than getting stuck in place. And that realization sparked something bigger: If AI could unlock that kind of curiosity in me personally, what could it do for my team professionally?

    Curiosity starts at home
    When I got back to work, I began encouraging everyone at Agiloft to explore AI in their own lives. Not as a corporate initiative, but as an invitation: Try it out, play with it, see what it can do for you.

    I am a firm believer that transformation doesn’t start with technology. It starts with curiosity. You can’t force people to innovate, and you certainly can’t easily train away their fear of new tools. But if they see firsthand how technology can make them more creative—whether that’s in music, writing, or problem solving—they start to approach it with excitement instead of anxiety.

    That shift, from fear to curiosity, is what drives real change. AI is ultimately a human story. It doesn’t replace people; it expands what people are capable of. But in order to get there, leaders have to create a culture where experimentation feels safe and curiosity is rewarded.

    Building a culture of experimentation
    When we started operationalizing AI at Agiloft, we didn’t launch a massive top-down program. We began with what we called an AI Council—a handful of naturally curious employees from across the company who were already tinkering with AI tools. Their goal wasn’t to set policy; it was to learn, share, and inspire.

    As interest grew, that council evolved into an AI Opsteam—a dedicated group that helps scale the best ideas across departments. But even as the structure matured, the spirit always stayed the same: Start small, learn fast, and keep the human at the center.

    That’s something every leader can take to heart. People don’t usually fear technology itself; they fear being left behind by it. Our job as leaders isn’t just to provide new tools, it’s to help our teams reimagine their work and their potential in an AI-powered world.

    To take advantage of that, employees have to start thinking less about their title and more about their rolein the workflow.

    Here’s an example straight from a customer. In their contracting process, multiple teams review every contract, including security. Traditionally, that security step slowed things down by a week (at least) or the contract requestor avoided it. So, they used Agiloft’s prompt lab to build an AI agent that reviews contracts to determine if they even need full security review. And if they do, it pre-redlines them automatically.

    The result? Faster turnaround, 100 percent compliance, and happier humans on both sides of the process. When we focus on goals and outcomes versus rigid ownership, AI becomes an ally that helps everyone do their best work.

    The human transformation behind the tech
    Every CEO today is under pressure to “become AI native.” But the real and persistent challenge isn’t technological—it’s human.

    We’re asking people to reimagine how they work, learn new skills, and see their roles differently. That’s much more than a software rollout; it’s a mindset shift. Leaders have to make space for learning, mistakes, and discovery. Because the companies that thrive won’t just be AI-powered—they’ll be human-powered, first and foremost.

    In my experience as a leader, I’ve learned that curiosity scales best when it’s supported. Phase one is experimentation; phase two is building systems to make those experiments repeatable. Along the way, we invest in necessary upskilling so that no one feels like AI is happening to them—it’s happening with them.

    That’s the balance every leader needs to strike. You can’t lose your humans. The best agents, the smartest models, the fastest tools—they all rely on people who are curious enough to ask the right questions and bold enough to explore the answers.

    The same curiosity that helped me become a better musician has made me a better leader. When people are free to explore—whether that’s through sound, code, or business strategy—they uncover possibilities they never knew existed.

    That’s how fear turns into curiosity. And that’s how curiosity becomes innovation.

     

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  • Instagram’s new AI tool lets you control your algorithm

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    Instagram is rolling out a new tool called Your Algorithm that gives you direct control over the videos that fill your Reels tab. Your interests shift as time moves on. Now your feed can shift with you in real time.

    Instagram says this new feature uses AI to help you see the topics that shape your Reels and tune them with a few taps. It has already started rolling out in the United States and will roll out globally in English soon.

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    5 SOCIAL MEDIA SAFETY TIPS TO PROTECT YOUR PRIVACY ONLINE

    Why Instagram created Your Algorithm for Reels

    Instagram wants your feed to reflect what you care about right now. Your Algorithm gives you a clear view of the topics Instagram thinks you like and then lets you adjust them while you watch Reels.

    First, click on the Reels icon. It looks like a play button inside a rounded rectangle at the bottom of your screen.

    Instagram’s new Your Algorithm tool gives you a clear view of the topics shaping your Reels feed. (Cyverguy.com)

    How to see and control your Reels algorithm

    When you watch a Reel, look for the small icon in the upper right corner. It looks like two lines with hearts.

    Tap that icon to open Your Algorithm. From there, you can guide your feed by using three controls.

    1) See your top interests

    At the top of the screen, you will see a list of topics Instagram believes match your interests. This gives you a snapshot of what shapes your Reels.

    2) Tune your preferences

    You can type in topics you want to see more or less of. Your Reels feed updates based on those changes. You can also choose what you want to see less of by tapping Add, then entering a topic you want Instagram to reduce in your feed.

    SOCIAL MEDIA VERIFICATION SYSTEMS LOSE POWER AS SCAMMERS PURCHASE CHECKMARKS TO APPEAR LEGITIMATE

    3) Share your algorithm

    If you want to show friends what topics shape your feed, tap the Share to Story option on the Your Algorithm screen. Instagram will open a Story preview. Then tap Your Story to post it or Close Friends if you want a smaller group to see it.

    Instagram says this is only the start. The company plans to bring the same level of control to the Explore tab and other parts of the app soon.

    Instagram app on an Iphone

    Instagram rolls out a new “Your Algorithm” feature in the United States that uses AI to let users adjust the topics shaping their Reels feed in real time. (Cyberguy.com)

    What this means to you

    This update puts you in charge of the content you spend time with. Instead of hoping the algorithm reads your signals, you can now tell it what you want. That means fewer random videos and more topics that reflect your current interests. It can also help you discover fresh creators who match what you enjoy right now.

    Take my quiz: How safe is your online security?

    Think your devices and data are truly protected? Take this quick quiz to see where your digital habits stand. From passwords to Wi-Fi settings, you’ll get a personalized breakdown of what you’re doing right and what needs improvement. Take my Quiz here: Cyberguy.com   

    Japan Instagram

    Instagram introduces a new “Your Algorithm” tool that lets users adjust the topics influencing their Reels feed using AI as the feature begins rolling out in the United States. (AP Photo/Eugene Hoshiko)

    Kurt’s key takeaways

    Your Algorithm gives you a new level of control that feels long overdue. It makes Reels more personal and reduces the guesswork that often shapes social feeds. As this expands to more parts of Instagram, your experience may feel more intentional and less overwhelming.

    What topics do you plan to add or remove first with Your Algorithm? 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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  • FBI Director Kash Patel says bureau ramping up AI to counter domestic, global threats

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    FBI Director Kash Patel said Saturday the agency is ramping up its use of artificial intelligence (AI) tools to counter domestic and international threats.

    In a post on X, Patel said the FBI has been advancing its technology, calling AI a “key component” of its strategy to respond to threats and stay “ahead of the game.”

    “FBI has been working on key technology advances to keep us ahead of the game and respond to an always changing threat environment both domestically and on the world stage,” Patel wrote. “Artificial intelligence is a key component of this.

    ‘PEOPLE WOULD HAVE DIED’: INSIDE THE FBI’S HALLOWEEN TAKEDOWN THAT EXPOSED A GLOBAL TERROR NETWORK

    Kash Patel, director of the FBI, speaks during a news conference at the Department of Justice in Washington, D.C. (Eric Lee/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

    “We’ve been working on an AI project to assist our investigators and analysts in the national security space — staying ahead of bad actors and adversaries who seek to do us harm.”

    Patel added that FBI leadership has established a “technology working group” led by outgoing Deputy Director Dan Bongino to ensure the agency’s tools “evolve with the mission.”

    EXCLUSIVE: FBI CONCLUDES TRUMP SHOOTER THOMAS CROOKS ACTED ALONE AFTER UNPRECEDENTED GLOBAL INVESTIGATION

    FBI seal

    The bureau is ramping up its use of AI tools to counter domestic and international threats. (Brendan Smialowski/AFP )

    “These are investments that will pay dividends for America’s national security for decades to come,” Patel said.

    A spokesperson for the FBI told Fox News Digital it had nothing further to add beyond Patel’s X post.

    The FBI uses AI for tools such as vehicle recognition, voice-language identification, speech-to-text analysis and video analytics, according to the agency’s website.

    DAN BONGINO TO RESIGN FROM FBI DEPUTY DIRECTOR ROLE IN JANUARY

    Two senior FBI officials converse during a memorial event at the 9/11 Memorial in New York City.

    Patel credited outgoing Deputy Director Dan Bongino for his leadership with the AI initiative. (Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images)

    Earlier this week, Bongino announced he would leave the bureau in January after speculation rose about his departure.

    CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP

    “I will be leaving my position with the FBI in January,” Bongino wrote in an X post Wednesday. “I want to thank President [Donald] Trump, AG [Pam] Bondi, and Director Patel for the opportunity to serve with purpose. Most importantly, I want to thank you, my fellow Americans, for the privilege to serve you. God bless America, and all those who defend Her.”

    Sophia Compton is a Writer at Fox News Digital. Sophia was previously a business reporter covering finance, energy and tourism and has experience as a TV news producer. She graduated with a journalism degree in 2021 from the University of Hawaii at Manoa.

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  • Australian politician calls country ‘guinea pig’ for censorship amid world-first social media ban

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    A world-first social media ban took effect in Australia last week, restricting children younger than 16 from using platforms such as Instagram, Snapchat and TikTok.

    “Australia has become an international guinea pig for the people who want internet censorship,” said Hon. John Ruddick, a member of the New South Wales Legislative Council.

    More than 200,000 accounts were deactivated Wednesday after Australia’s Online Safety Amendment went into effect.

    “It’s massive,” he explained. “It’s the only thing the country’s talking about.”

    AUSTRALIA IMPLEMENTS FIRST-EVER YOUTH SOCIAL MEDIA BAN

    A 13-year-old boy displays a message on his mobile phone from social media platform Snapchat after his account was locked for age verification in Sydney on December 9, 2025.  (Photo by AFP via Getty Images)

    The 10 social media giants included in the ban are Facebook, Instagram, X, TikTok, Snapchat, Kick, Reddit, Threads, Twitch and YouTube. By law, they are required to locate and deactivate accounts of Australian users under the age of 16. 

    “I have heard that every playground around Australia for months has been talking about censorship coming,” Ruddick told Fox News Digital.

    Children and parents won’t be penalized for violating the ban, but social media companies face fines of up to $33 million if they don’t take “reasonable steps” to remove underage users.

    Many Aussie children, Ruddick said, are already finding ways to skirt the sweeping ban.

    “They’re getting around it through fake IDs, opening new apps — which you know are popping up — VPNs,” he explained. “Kids are tech-savvy… This is what we predicted would happen.”

    instagram australia social media ban

    A teenager gets a notification from Instagram after the account was locked for age verification in Sydney on December 9, 2025.  (Photo by AFP via Getty Images)

    Ruddick, alongside two Australian teenagers, is taking legal action over the ban, filing a constitutional challenge to Australia’s High Court. Equivalent to the U.S. Supreme Court, the court can overturn laws it deems unconstitutional.

    Ruddick told Fox News Digital he believes the social media ban violates young Australians’ right to political communication.

    “We’re saying that this is breaching young kids’ ability to engage in politics, and a lot of them will be voting within two years of turning the age of 16,” he explained.

    The Australian politician is the president of the Digital Freedom Project, a group launched to raise public awareness about the ban that he calls a “dangerous violation” of free speech.

    AUSTRALIA BEGINS ENFORCING SOCIAL MEDIA LAW BANNING CHILDREN UNDER 16 FROM MAJOR PLATFORMS

    A judgment on their constitutional challenge is expected in March or April 2026.

    australia's prime minister speaking on social media ban

    Australia’s Prime Minister Anthony Albanese speaks during an official function to mark the start of Australia’s social media reform at Kirrilbilli House in Sydney on Dec. 10, 2025.  (DAVID GRAY / AFP via Getty Images)

    Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese says the ban is about shielding children from the harmful effects of social media.

    Albanese said Wednesday that the nation is taking a leading role in challenging major tech platforms and demanding accountability for how social media impacts children’s well-being.

    “It’s a profound reform which will continue to reverberate around the world in coming months, to assist not just this generation, but generations to come,” Albanese said.

    The politician counters Albanese’s argument, saying the ban will create the “worst of both worlds,” with children turning to dangerous underground media platforms while parents let their guard down, assuming the ban is protecting them.

    AFTER AUSTRALIA PASSES SOCIAL MEDIA BAN, LAWMAKERS PROBED ON WHY CONGRESS HASN’T DONE MORE TO PROTECT KIDS

    us capitol building

    US lawmakers are being probed on whether a social media ban could come to America. (J. David Ake/Getty Images)

    Back in the U.S., lawmakers on both sides of the aisle are signaling an interest in tougher social media restrictions for young people following the Aussies’ one-of-a-kind ban.

    “I think we ought to look at what Australia’s doing, for example, requiring access to these social media platforms to not be available to anybody under the age of 16,” Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, said.

    “I think protecting children is an avenue that should be pursued,” Sen. Dick Durbin, D-Ill., said. “I won’t rule out some sort of limitation in sales or distribution or use of those devices… Parents and grandparents need a helping hand; this is getting out of hand.”

    australia social media teen ban

    Social media giants like Meta could face multi-million-dollar fines if they fail to ban underage Australian users. (Anna Barclay/Getty Images)

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    Ruddick warned that Australia’s ban is making “very prominent people” interested in a dangerous strategy of censorship.

    “I was assuming that the U.S. First Amendment was going to protect you from this,” the politician told Fox News Digital. “But this is why I think we’re a guinea pig. We’re having very prominent people all around the world coming out and supporting this ban.”

    “They’re going to try and say it’s a success, and then they’re going to say, ‘Oh, the rest of the world needs to do this.’ This is not about protecting kids. This is about internet censorship, which all governments crave,” he added.

    Nora Moriarty is a Production Assistant at FOX News.

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  • Free up iPhone storage by deleting large attachments

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    If your iPhone keeps warning you about low storage, your Messages app may be part of the problem. Photos, videos and documents saved inside your text threads can stack up fast. The good news is that you can clear those big files without erasing entire conversations.

    Below, you will find simple steps that work on the latest iOS 26.1. These steps help you clean up storage while keeping your messages right where you want them.

    If you haven’t updated to iOS 26.1, go to Settings > General > Software Update to install the latest version.

    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.      

    ‘CLOUD STORAGE FULL’ SCAM STEALS YOUR PHOTOS AND MONEY

    An iPhone displays a low-storage alert as large photos, videos and documents saved in Messages fill device space, prompting users to remove files without deleting entire conversations. (Cyberguy.com)

    Why clearing attachments helps your iPhone run better

    Removing large attachments gives you quick breathing room on your iPhone. It can free up gigabytes in seconds, especially if you text lots of photos or videos. Clearing old files also keeps your message threads tidy and helps your device run more smoothly by reducing the amount of storage your system needs to manage. The best part is that you can clean up everything without losing a single conversation.

    How to delete attachments but keep your conversations on iPhone 

    These quick steps help you clear large files from Messages while keeping every conversation intact.

    • Launch the Messages app on your iPhone
    • Open the conversation thread that holds the attachments you want to delete.
    • Tap on the name of the contact(s) in the text thread.

    To the right of Info, click on Photos or Documents; you may need to swipe over other tabs to see these. Photos will also contain videos and GIFs, while documents will contain Word documents, PDFs and other types of files.

    • Hold your finger and long-press on a photo, video or document until a menu appears.
    • Tap Delete to remove that single file.

    Then confirm Delete when asked.

    How to delete multiple files on your iPhone at once

    To clear out several attachments at once, follow these quick steps on your iPhone.

    Person using iPhone

    Deleting attachments in Messages quickly frees space without losing your conversations. (Sean Gallup/Getty Images)

    • Go back to the Photos or Documents tab.
    • Tap Edit.
    • Click Select documents or Select Photos 
    • Tap on the photos or documents that you want to remove. You will see a blue checkmark appear in the bottom-right corner.
    • Tap the trash icon in the bottom right corner.

    Confirm you want to delete the selected attachments by clicking Delete Photos.

    These steps work almost the same way on an iPad. After you finish, you will often see an instant boost in available storage.

    How to review large attachments in settings and delete them 

    If you want to clear the biggest files on your device, you can check them from your iPhone’s storage screen and delete them:

    • Open Settings
    • Tap General
    • Choose iPhone Storage
    • Tap Messages
    • Click Review Large Attachments to see photos, videos and attachments taking up storage in Messages.
    • Click Edit.
    • Select items to delete by clicking the circle next to the attachment you want to delete. A blue checkmark will appear.

    Then, tap the trash can icon in the upper right to delete it.

    APPLE RELEASES IOS 26.1 WITH MAJOR SECURITY IMPROVEMENTS AND NEW FEATURES FOR IPHONE USERS

    This method gives you a quick overview of what takes up the most space and lets you delete it quickly.

    Person using their iPhone

    IPhone users can clear large photos, videos and files from Messages using built-in storage tools, helping free space, keep conversations intact and improve device performance. (Cyberguy.com)

    Take my quiz: How safe is your online security?

    Think your devices and data are truly protected? Take this quick quiz to see where your digital habits stand. From passwords to Wi-Fi settings, you’ll get a personalized breakdown of what you’re doing right and what needs improvement. Take my Quiz here: Cyberguy.com.

    Kurt’s key takeaways

    Freeing up storage doesn’t have to be confusing. A few quick taps can remove bulky files and keep your conversations intact. With these simple steps, your iPhone stays organized, runs smoothly and is ready for more photos, videos and apps.

    What is the one type of attachment that takes up the most space on your iPhone? Let us know by writing to us at Cyberguy.com

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    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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  • Reduce Turnover Costs the Smart Way

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    Smart landlords know that the best way to protect and improve their bottom line is to reduce one of the biggest hidden expenses of running a rental business—turnover. Instead of waiting until a lease is about to expire, savvy landlords are proactive. They focus on building loyalty with renters year-round. That leads to less friction, steadier income, and (just as importantly) happier tenants who see their rental as a home, rather than a short-term stop.

    I’ve observed the habits of some of the most successful landlords using the RentRedi platform, particularly those who have successfully retained more than 40 long-term tenants over the past several years. Here are five of their best practices for reducing turnover.

    1. Proactive communication

    Successful landlords are good at continually keeping conversations going with consistent, open communication. Instead of waiting until the last month of a lease to check in with tenants, they routinely make contact and build relationships.

    To lighten their workload while keeping lines of communication open with tenants, savvy landlords use technology to automate reminders about recurring tasks such as rent, late fees, and regular maintenance.

    Kreate Hub founder and CEO Dan Herdoon, a RentRedi real estate investor using our platform who has more than 50 long-term renters, confirms that “rent reminders are especially helpful for our tenants, and also give us, as the landlord, assurance that payments will be submitted on time.”

    This proactive approach makes tenants feel heard and surfaces small issues early, before they become bigger problems. That’s why successful landlords are employing good communication habits to reduce friction that can lead to turnover, while ensuring a more reliable cash flow.

    2. Fast, reliable maintenance

    Smart landlords view every maintenance request as a chance to showcase their reliability. Responding and following through quickly shows tenants that they care about their comfort and well-being. That level of responsiveness builds trust and loyalty.

    Donna Williams is a property manager with JDI Management Corp, which has 45 units on our platform, with long-term tenants who have been renting for 5-7 years on average. Donna traces JDI’s success in maintaining a higher rate of lease renewals to “quick responses to maintenance requests,” adding that “as soon as we receive a maintenance notification through the RentRedi system, we forward an email to the tenant and our maintenance team asking the tenant to ‘reply to all’ if their repair hasn’t been scheduled within a reasonable amount of time. This has been working very well for us.”

    Online maintenance coordination systems are used by savvy landlords like Donna to avoid being on call at all hours of the day and night, while offering tenants the ability to submit requests and connect with repair professionals in real time. This prevents unresolved issues from lingering, which is one of the top reasons tenants decide not to renew a lease.

    3. Support tenants’ financial health

    By investing in their tenants’ financial well-being, savvy landlords realize better on-time payment rates, gain greater tenant satisfaction, and higher renewal rates. This includes offering on-time rent reporting to help tenants build and boost their credit scores.

    A TransUnion report found that 84 percent of renters said their credit scores improved after having their on-time rent payments reported to credit bureaus. Meanwhile, our internal data reveals that renters are 13 percent more likely to pay rent on time when using our Credit Boost feature.

    Together, these numbers show that offering ways to help tenants improve their financial health encourages them to become more invested in turning a monthly expense into financial progress. Successful landlords make renting feel like it’s contributing to a tenant’s long-term stability. Without that sense of progress, tenants can feel stuck and start searching for better opportunities.

    4. Leverage technology for convenience

    Technology is reshaping the rental experience, and smart landlords are embracing it by adopting intelligent platforms that offer mobile rent payments, digital maintenance requests, and online messaging. By automating and centralizing operations, they are creating successful rental businesses that remove friction and match the convenience tenants expect in all parts of their lives.

    While Herdoon sees automatic payments and recurring payments as the tech features his tenants value most, he also emphasizes that the mobile-first experience is key: “The majority of our tenants use their mobile phone as their primary communication device, making mobile payments ideal. We’ve had numerous instances where a prospective tenant was completely relaxed the minute they learned rent could not only be paid online, but through a user-friendly app on their phone.”

    Without tools like automatic, recurring, and mobile rent payments, even the simple task of paying rent feels outdated, potentially making a move elsewhere more tempting.

    5. Build a sense of home, not just housing

    The landlords with the highest renewal rates are creating more than housing—they are building stability. By maintaining regular communications, staying on top of maintenance, and improving their tenants’ quality of life, they are turning rentals into homes people want to keep.

    Herdoon adds that community events are central to this approach: “We build a community where our tenants—artists, makers, technologists, and entrepreneurs—get to know each other through monthly events and networking. That sense of connection is what makes people want to stay.”

    When a unit feels like home, moving out doesn’t feel like a desirable option. Turnover becomes more likely when the experience feels purely transactional. That’s why the tenant experience is so important.

    Final thoughts

    Landlords who are putting tenant experience and retention at the center of their operations are seeing the payoff: fewer vacancies, steadier income, and stronger portfolios. By making renting smarter and more rewarding, these landlords are not just reducing turnover costs—they are creating stability that fuels long-term success. Happier tenants stay longer, and savvy landlords are turning that loyalty into financial freedom.

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  • We Didn’t Leave the Tech Industry, the Tech Industry Left Us

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    It was a text that came out of nowhere.

    “Writing is your startup.”

    “It absolutely is not,” I answered.

    “Why not?” Came the reply.

    “Because writing isn’t a startup,” I typed. “And certainly not a tech startup.”

    Five minutes later: “yes it is”.

    I hit the little button to start a voice call. Turns out the text was… exactly right. 

    I should explain.

    What About Bob?

    The text was from “Bob,” and it came the day after he and I had a coffee conversation that began with Bob telling me he was leaving his CTO job. But he’s not leaving tech. He’s leaving Tech World A – the world of AI FOMO, mandated productivity, quarterly head-chopping metrics, and career obsolescence. 

    Bob resigned his position when his company asked him to cut 30 percent of his talent – again – in order to, in his words, make 2025 look better on the balance sheet. That was the last straw in a year that pushed Bob deeper and deeper into a corner. He sees a tech industry backlash coming in 2026, and he sees that backlash as an opportunity to team with a lot of underappreciated talent to solve problems for a lot of underserved customers. 

    Bob realized that he – and a lot of other people who have been unceremoniously pushed out of the tech industry – have “a certain set of skills.” Real skills. And those real skills still matter in tech, just not in the industry in which Bob and others are languishing. So he’s sidestepping over to Tech World B, where his skills are being welcomed with open arms and, interestingly, immediate results.

    After just four weeks with his “tech startup,” Bob was already on pace to generate half his salary next year, with plenty of room to grow. 

    Now, the first post from our conversation had been published earlier that day and, after reading it, Bob wanted to talk about me. But not just me. He wanted to make a larger point. 

    As more and more talented folks are being drummed out of the tech industry, why aren’t we betting on ourselves and pushing back against all the reasons why the industry was no longer working for us, after all that time we spent working for them?

    Like Bob.

    Define Tech and Define Startup

    Bob picked up the phone immediately so I just jumped into my list of excuses.

    “I do tech consulting. Maybe that’s a solo service startup. I’ve got a couple prototypes fermenting on my private server. Maybe one of those becomes a tech startup. And yes, I do a ton of tech around the writing, but that’s around words. Words make for a shitty product.”

    Bob prodded, “You should pick one of those and call it your startup. Where do you spend the bulk of your creativity?”

    I thought about it. “Probably the tech around the writing,” I relented. ”The consulting relies on my experience, and my tech startup ideas are neat little solutions but they lack the catalyst I need to push them forward into a real business.”

    “What’s the most fun for you?” Bob sent back.

    “Definitely the writing tech,” I said. 

    “Dude,” he responded. “Writing is your startup. Just go full force startup on that.”

    Anyone Can Write, Just Like Anyone Can Code

    My first post from our conversation was published that morning and it blew up. It connected. But it wasn’t viral, and it wasn’t random. 

    Bob knows I’m not just writing. I’m using my own “certain set of skills,” to capitalize on every read, every “viral” moment. Every connection.

    The “words” are always going to come from me furiously typing into a laptop. The most technical thing I do when I write is the spellchecker in Google docs. But there’s a lot more going on to get these “words” out of my fingers and into your eyeballs to make contact with your brain.

    Slapping words on paper is easy, getting those words read is very difficult. Getting them read by more people over and over again, consistently, is damn near impossible. It takes a lot of work. So I use my tech skills to automate that work. I use my marketing skills to figure out how to grow the audience. And I use my product skills to keep that audience. 

    I make way more than half my salary doing it.

    It’s not a platform. It’s not SaaS. It’s not anything the tech industry would find face value in. 

    But it sure solves a thorny problem. In a tech world now marked by AI slop and dead SEO, Bob is pretty sure that other people would probably like to use what I built with my “certain set of skills.”

    “You know,” he said, and I could hear him grinning. “B2B2C.”

    So maybe Bob has a point. Or rather several. 

    Do What Bob Did

    Bob listed off his points. 

    “You’re automating, you’re using tech to reach and build a customer base, you’re being creative with that tech, you’re building funnels and a market, you have product market fit, you’re having fun, you’re making money.”

    “Yeah,” I said.

    “Well,” he said. “That’s what I did.”

    Then Bob went on a rant. I’ll paraphrase and clean up the swears.

    Why are you still chasing startup ideas that fit current tech startup business fundamentals? Or more to the point, why are you letting the expectations of those business fundamentals stop you from applying full startup force to what is obviously a solution to a problem no one else has cracked?

    Who cares if it has the proper business fundamentals at this point? What exactly do fundamentals mean when all the money is being coal-engine-shoveled into the AI train? Investors are wrong about those fundamentals nine out of every ten times anyway. 

    Is your solution scalable? That’s what the tech is for. Is it defensible? Of course, if you build what you know about the problem into the tech. Can other people repeat your success with it? 

    You’ll never know until you stop playing their game. 

    Man, the doubters, the haters, that one dude with that podcast, they’re talking down to you like you’re six years old. 

    “Harumph, that doesn’t look like a real tech startup. That doesn’t look like WeWork or Theranos or Builder AI.”

    Why are you still listening to the gatekeepers of World A when they keep pushing you into World B?

    Run Through That Door and Don’t Let It Hit You

    The walls are pushing in on every single person in tech, like the trash compactor in Star Wars. You. Me. Everybody.

    We didn’t leave tech, tech left us.

    This is the time when real tech startups start to emerge again, solving real problems and scaling real solutions, when everyone in charge is harumphing and mandating and commoditizing tech to squeeze the last penny out of every quarter, even it means cutting another 30 percent of a highly skilled workforce and trading it for a chatbot and bogus RTO productivity gains. 

    But you can’t call what you do a “startup” until you love what you’re doing, you start to make money at it, and you realize there is a part of it that, if you seize it and work hard on it, other people could be using it to have fun and make money too. Then put full startup force behind it.

    You’re not six years old, I expect you to know I’m not talking about a “Jump to Conclusions” mat here, or that somehow you can blog your way an hour a day to financial freedom. I’m talking about rewriting the rules of the tech industry at a time when the current rule book benefits too few, and in a window too narrow for their customers to stay economically viable for much longer.

    That’s not populism or optimism. It’s math. Do the math.

    And even if you fail, you win, because otherwise you’d just be inching your way along a plank on the way to falling into an ocean of tech industry cast-offs. You can wait until you’re forced to fall in, or you can jump in with both feet, maybe give the finger on your way down.

    Thanks, Bob.

    Please join my email list, a rebel alliance of over 15K professionals. We all need a good call to action every now and then. I try to do it two to three times a week.

    The opinions expressed here by Inc.com columnists are their own, not those of Inc.com.

    The extended deadline for the 2026 Inc. Regionals Awards is Friday, December 19, at 11:59 p.m. PT. Apply now.

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    Joe Procopio

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  • Secret phrases to get you past AI bot customer service

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    NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!

    You’re gonna love me for this. 

    Say you’re calling customer service because you need help. Maybe your bill is wrong, your service is down or you want a refund. Instead of a person, a cheerful AI voice answers and drops you into an endless loop of menus and misunderstood prompts. Now what?  

    That’s not an accident. Many companies use what insiders call “frustration AI.” The system is specifically designed to exhaust you until you hang up and walk away.

    Not today.  (Get more tips like this at GetKim.com)

    FOX NEWS POLL: VOTERS SAY GO SLOW ON AI DEVELOPMENT — BUT DON’T KNOW WHO SHOULD STEER

    Here are a few ways to bypass “frustration” AI bots. (Sebastian Kahnert/picture alliance via Getty Images)

    Use the magic words

    You want a human. For starters, don’t explain your issue. That’s the trap. You need words the AI has been programmed to treat differently.

    Nuclear phrases: When the AI bot asks why you’re calling, say, “I need to cancel my service” or “I am returning a call.” The word cancel sets off alarms and often sends you straight to the customer retention team. Saying you’re returning a call signals an existing issue the bot cannot track. I used that last weekend when my internet went down, and, bam, I had a human.

    Power words: When the system starts listing options, clearly say one word: “Supervisor.” If that doesn’t work, say, “I need to file a formal complaint.” Most systems are not programmed to deal with complaints or supervisors. They escalate fast.

    Technical bypass: Asked to enter your account number? Press the pound key (#) instead of numbers. Many older systems treat unexpected input as an error and default to a human.

    OPENAI ANNOUNCES UPGRADES FOR CHATGPT IMAGES WITH ‘4X FASTER GENERATION SPEED’

    A phone and a computer

    “Supervisor” is one magic word that can get you a human on the other end of the line. (Neil Godwin/Future via Getty Images)

    Go above the bots

    If direct commands fail with AI, be a confused human.

    The Frustration Act: When the AI bot asks a question, pause. Wait 10 seconds before answering. These systems are built for fast, clean responses. Long pauses often break the flow and send your call to a human.

    The Unintelligible Bypass: Stuck in a loop? Act like your phone connection is terrible. Say garbled words or nonsense. After the system says, “I’m having trouble understanding you” three times, many bots automatically transfer you to a live agent.

    The Language Barrier Trick: If the company offers multiple languages, choose one that’s not your primary language or does not match your accent. The AI often gives up quickly and routes you to a human trained to handle language issues.

    Use these tricks when you need help. You are calling for service, not an AI bot.

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    A woman making a call on her cell phone

    Long pauses and garbled language can also get you referred to a human. (iStock)

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    Award-winning host Kim Komando is your secret weapon for navigating tech.

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  • Improve your music streaming quality in minutes

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    Lossless audio is becoming more common, but many people are still unsure what the term means. In simple words, lossless audio keeps all the details from the original recording. Nothing is removed to make the file smaller, so the music sounds closer to what the artist created. Apple Music, Spotify and Amazon Music all support at least CD-quality sound. The one major service that still relies on compressed formats is YouTube Music.

    Even if your favorite app does not offer lossless quality, you can still improve how your music sounds. Most streaming apps use default settings that focus on convenience instead of clarity. With a few quick tweaks, you can unlock richer audio without buying new gear.

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    CHROME ROLLS OUT AI PODCAST FEATURE ON ANDROID

    Man listening to a podcast while exercising. (iStock)

    Turn off volume normalization

    Volume normalization changes the loudness of your tracks so they match each other. It softens loud songs and boosts quiet ones. That may keep things balanced, but it alters the original recording and can cut the dynamic range.

    Turning it off keeps your music closer to what the artist intended. You may adjust the volume more often, but your sound gets cleaner.

    How to turn off volume normalization on Spotify 

    • Click your picture icon in the upper left
    • Tap Settings and privacy
    • Click Playback
    • Then turn off Enable Audio Normalization (or Volume normalization, depending on your version).

    How to check volume normalization on YouTube Music

    YouTube Music is the only major music service that still does not support lossless audio, and its volume settings can add more confusion. In 2025, Google began rolling out a feature called Consistent volume, which normalizes loudness between tracks so they play at a more similar level. The catch is that this setting has not reached every account yet. To see if you have it:

    YouTube Music (Android and iOS)

    • Open YouTube Music
    • Tap your profile photo
    • Go to Settings
    • Select Playback (on some iPhones, it appears under Playback & restrictions)
    • Look for a toggle called Consistent volume
    • If you see Consistent volume, turn it off for the most accurate sound and the widest dynamics. (If you do not see that option on your devices, your version of YouTube Music likely has not received the rollout yet, and there is currently no direct way to disable its volume normalization.)

    How to turn off volume normalization on Amazon Music

    Amazon Music includes a feature called Normalize Volume, which smooths out loudness between tracks. Turning it off keeps the dynamic range closer to the original recording.

    iPhone and Android

    Settings may vary depending on your Android phone’s manufacturer.

    • Open the Amazon Music app
    • Tap your profile icon in the upper left
    • Tap Settings
    • Scroll to Playback
    • Turn Loudness Normalization off (This may appear as “Normalize Volume” on some versions of the app.)

    Mac (desktop app)

    • Open the Amazon Music app
    • Click your profile photo in the upper right corner
    • Click Settings
    • Go to Playback
    • Turn Normalize Volume (or Loudness Normalization) off
    • Desktop web player (browser)

    The web player does not always include a Normalize Volume option. If you see it under Settings → Playback, turn it off. If you do not see it, your account type or browser version does not support changing this setting on the web.

    Tune the EQ to your taste

    Your equalizer shapes the way your music sounds. It can highlight bass, smooth out middle tones or brighten treble. Many apps include presets. Others let you make custom profiles. If your streaming app falls short, you can try third-party EQ apps like Wavelet on Android or Boom on iOS.

    ADAPTIVE POWER IN IOS 26 BOOSTS IPHONE BATTERY LIFE

    Spotify login on an Android

    Adjusting your EQ helps shape the sound so your favorite songs feel fuller and more balanced. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

    How to adjust your EQ settings

    Spotify EQ

    • Click your picture icon in the upper left
    • Go to Settings and Privacy
    • Tap Playback
    • Click Equalizer

    Once you open the Equalizer, you will see sliders that control different parts of the sound:

    • Bass for low tones
    • Mids for middle tones like vocals and guitars
    • Treble for higher tones

    You can pick a preset such as Bass Booster, Vocal Booster or Acoustic. You can also move the sliders to create your own profile. Start with a preset, then adjust each slider a little at a time until the music matches what you like.

    YouTube Music EQ

    • Tap the initial icon in the upper right of the screen
    • Click Settings
    • Tap Playback 
    • If you see an option labeled Equalizer, tap it to open your device’s audio settings. You can adjust bass, mids, or treble based on your taste.

    If you do not see an Equalizer option, that is completely normal. YouTube Music does not include its own EQ on most devices. The app only shows an EQ button when your phone or tablet has a system equalizer that YouTube Music can access. Many iPhones and several Android models hide or remove access to the system EQ, so the setting never appears.

    To use EQ on devices that do not support it, consider a third-party app such as Wavelet on Android or Boom on iOS.

    Apple Music EQ on iPhone

    Apple Music does not include an EQ menu inside the app. To adjust your sound profile:

    • Open the Settings app on your iPhone
    • Tap Apps
    • Click Music
    • Then tap EQ.
    • Pick a preset like Vocal Booster, Reduce Bass or Acoustic, or try a few options to find the sound you prefer.

    Switching EQ presets is one of the fastest ways to make your music feel new again.

    Apple Music EQ on Mac

    The Mac version of Apple Music includes its own equalizer, but it can be hard to find if you are not used to the Mac menu bar. Here’s exactly what you should see:

    • Open Finder
    • Go to Applications
    • Open the Music app

    Once the Music app is open, look at the very top of your screen, above everything else. This thin horizontal strip is the Mac menu bar. It does not sit inside the Music app window. It is always at the very top of macOS.

    You should see words in the menu bar that look like this (from left to right):

    Music File Edit Song View Controls Account Window Help

    • Click Window in that row
    • A dropdown menu should appear beneath the word “Window”
    • In that dropdown, look for Equalizer and click it

    As soon as you click Equalizer, a small floating window should appear with:

    • A dropdown menu of presets (Bass Booster, Classical, Vocal, Acoustic, etc.)
    • A row of vertical sliders for different frequency bands
    • A checkbox to turn the EQ on or off

    If the Equalizer option does not appear in the Window menu, or the EQ window does not pop up when selected, that is a known issue affecting some macOS versions in late 2025. It is not something you’re doing wrong.

    You can also check Window > Sound Enhancer to disable Apple’s extra processing if you prefer clean sound.

    Amazon Music EQ

    Amazon Music does not include its own built-in EQ in the app. Instead, it uses your device’s system equalizer.

    If your device has a system EQ:

    • You will see an Equalizer button inside Amazon Music under Settings > Playback
    • Tapping it opens your device’s sound settings
    • If you do not see an Equalizer option, your phone does not expose a system EQ to apps. This is normal on many iPhone and Android models. For EQ control, Amazon Music recommends using third-party EQ apps or system-level audio tools.

    Avoid Dolby Atmos if you want lossless quality

    Dolby Atmos adds a spatial effect. It makes sound feel like it is coming from around you. It is immersive but not the same as lossless quality. Many users mix these up and lose out on higher audio fidelity without realizing it.

    On Apple Music, you can download songs in Dolby Atmos or in lossless quality, but not both at the same time. If Atmos is on, your downloads will not save in lossless format.

    SPOTIFY GIVES PARENTS NEW POWER TO CONTROL WHAT THEIR KIDS HEAR ON STREAMING PLATFORM

    Two women listening to music

    Choosing the right audio quality setting gives you richer detail across every streaming service. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

    How to check your settings

    Apple Music

    • On your iPhone, click Settings
    • Click Apps
    • Tap Music
    • Scroll down to Dolby Atmos and turn it off

    Pro Tip: Delete and re-download songs to replace Atmos files with Lossless or Hi-Res Lossless versions.

    Amazon Music

    • How to check your audio quality settings on Amazon Music
    • Open the Amazon Music app
    • Tap your profile icon in the upper left
    • Tap Settings
    • Go to Playback
    • Check these options:

    Streaming Audio Quality

    • Choose HD or Ultra HD for lossless playback
    • If you only see “Best Available”, click it as it will automatically use HD/Ultra HD when your plan and device allow

    Download Audio Quality

    Some users only see Standard and Space Saver, which means lossless downloads are not available on that plan or device. If HD/Ultra HD downloads are supported on your account, set this to HD or Ultra HD for lossless offline files. Not every user will see them. Amazon has not rolled out lossless downloads universally, even for Unlimited subscribers.

    Spatial Audio (only appears on supported accounts)

    If visible, turn Spatial Audio off for consistent lossless stereo. Dolby Atmos or 360 Reality Audio may override Ultra HD when both versions exist. If the toggle does not appear, your device or account is not part of Amazon’s spatial-audio rollout.

    Spotify

    Spotify does not support Dolby Atmos. You will not see a toggle for it, and there is no risk of replacing lossless files with Atmos versions. Spotify streams only in stereo.

    YouTube Music

    YouTube Music supports spatial audio on some devices, but the service does not offer lossless audio at all. Turning on spatial audio does not affect lossless quality because lossless formats are not available.

    Improve your audio quality settings on any streaming service

    Every platform lets you raise streaming quality. Free tiers often default to lower quality to save data. Paid plans unlock higher bitrates. Here’s what you get with the top tiers:

    • Spotify Premium: up to 24-bit/44.1 kHz FLAC
    • Apple Music: up to 24-bit/192 kHz ALAC
    • Amazon Music Ultra HD: up to 24-bit/192 kHz
    • YouTube Music: still no lossless support
    • Other simple ways to improve your sound

    If you want even better audio, try a few hardware checks.

    Confirm your earbuds or headphones support high-resolution Bluetooth codecs like LDAC or AptX Adaptive

    Use a USB-C DAC if your headphones do not support high-res codecs

    Match your audio gear to your source to avoid compression issues

    Small swaps can produce big upgrades.

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    Kurt’s key takeaways

    Better sound is only a few taps away. These settings help you unlock cleaner audio, wider dynamics, and more detail without buying expensive equipment. Small changes can make your music feel richer and more immersive across every track.

    What tweak made the biggest difference for your sound? Let us know by writing to us at Cyberguy.com.

    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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  • Facebook settlement scam emails to avoid now

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    Millions of Facebook users filed claims in a recent privacy settlement after the platform was accused of mishandling user data. The approved payouts have been rolling out, which means people are watching their inboxes for updates. Scammers know this and are sending look-alike emails that push you to click a “Redeem Virtual Card” button. Arlene B emailed us to share what landed in her inbox.

    “I received an email stating that it was from (Facebook User Privacy Settlement Administrator) and that I needed to click on the button below to “Redeem Virtual Card.” Do you know if this is a scam or not?”

    Her question shows how convincing these fake messages appear. A real settlement did happen, and people have been getting payments. Still, criminals are now piggybacking on the rollout with messages that look official but lead to dangerous sites that steal your information. Let’s walk through how to tell real emails from fake ones.

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    NEW SCAM SENDS FAKE MICROSOFT 365 LOGIN PAGES

    Scammers send fake settlement emails that mimic the real payout notices to trick you into clicking. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

    How to check if your Facebook settlement email is legitimate

    Scammers rely on confusion and urgency. These steps help you confirm the message before you click anything.

    Confirm the sender’s address

    Real settlement emails come from facebookuserprivacysettlement@notifications.kroll.com. Kroll is the official administrator.

    Look for your claimant ID

    Real notices include your unique claimant ID and reference the claim you filed last year. Fake emails skip this personalized detail.

    Check where the link leads

    Real payout links go to DigitalPay / Veritas or domains tied to krollsettlementadministration. If the link points to a strange or shortened URL, it is likely unsafe.

    Watch for common red flags

    Pressure to act right away. Clumsy wording or spelling mistakes. A button that goes to a suspicious URL. You never filed a claim in the first place. Any sender address that is not the official Kroll domain.

    Remember that you are not required to click anything

    If your claim was approved, you have already received a legitimate notice. Emails that say you must “redeem” again or “confirm” payment are signs of a scam.

    GEEK SQUAD SCAM EMAIL: HOW TO SPOT AND STOP IT

    Hacker looks at computer code while sitting in a dark room

    A quick hover over the “Redeem Virtual Card” button often reveals a suspicious link that gives the scam away. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

    Why scammers target large settlements

    Whenever a major payout occurs, criminals blend in with legitimate messages because people expect money and may open emails quickly. When fake notices look similar to real ones, it only takes one careless click for scammers to grab your data.

    DON’T FALL FOR FAKE SETTLEMENT SITES THAT STEAL YOUR DATA

    facebook access 1

    A person logging onto Facebook (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

    Ways to stay safe from settlement scams

    Use these simple habits to protect yourself from Facebook settlement scams and any future payout scam.

    1) Verify the sender every time

    Look at the full address. Scammers often change one character in hopes you will not notice.

    2) Hover over links before tapping

    Check the destination without clicking. A strange URL is your warning sign.

    3) Never share sensitive information through email

    Real administrators do not ask for banking info or logins.

    4) Use a data removal service

    Data brokers often collect your email address, phone number and other personal details that scammers use to target victims. A data removal service can pull you out of those databases, which reduces the amount of scam email that reaches you in the first place.

    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) Go directly to the official settlement site

    Type in the address yourself instead of using a link from an email.

    6) Use strong antivirus software 

    Good security software blocks dangerous links and pages. The best way to safeguard yourself from malicious links that install malware, potentially accessing your private information, is to have strong antivirus software installed on all your devices. This protection can also alert you to phishing emails and ransomware scams, keeping your personal information and digital assets safe.

    Get my picks for the best 2025 antivirus protection winners for your Windows, Mac, Android and iOS devices at Cyberguy.com.

    7) Delete emails that push urgency

    Scammers want fast reactions. Slow down and confirm details. 

    Kurt’s key takeaways 

    The Facebook settlement payout created the perfect moment for scammers to slip fake messages into inboxes. Once you know the signs, it becomes much easier to separate real notices from dangerous ones. Stay alert, trust your instincts and verify before you click.

    Would you open a payout email if you were not expecting money in the first place? Let us know by writing to us at Cyberguy.com.

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    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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  • OpenAI announces upgrades for ChatGPT Images with ‘4x faster generation speed’

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    OpenAI announced an update for ChatGPT Images that it says drastically improves both the generation speed and instruction-following capability of its image generator.

    A blog post from the company Tuesday says the update will make it much easier to make precise edits to AI-generated images. Previous iterations of the program have struggled to follow instructions and often make unasked-for changes.

    “The update includes much stronger instruction following, highly precise editing, and up to 4x faster generation speed, making image creation and iteration much more usable,” the company wrote.

    “This marks a shift from novelty image generation to practical, high-fidelity visual creation — turning ChatGPT into a fast, flexible creative studio for everyday edits, expressive transformations, and real-world use.”

    CHINESE HACKERS WEAPONIZE ANTHROPIC’S AI IN FIRST AUTONOMOUS CYBERATTACK TARGETING GLOBAL ORGANIZATIONS

    The OpenAI GPT-5 logo appears on a smartphone screen and as a background on a laptop screen in this photo illustration in Athens, Greece. (Nikolas Kokovlis/NurPhoto via Getty Images)

    The announcement comes just weeks after OpenAI CEO Sam Altman declared a “code red” in a memo within his company to improve the quality of ChatGPT.

    In the document, Altman said OpenAI has more work to do on enhancing the day-to-day experience of its chatbot, such as allowing it to answer a wider range of questions and improving its speed, reliability and personalization features for users, according to The Wall Street Journal.

    The reported company-wide memo from Altman comes as competitors have narrowed OpenAI’s lead in the AI race. Google last month released a new version of its Gemini model that surpassed OpenAI on industry benchmark tests.

    GOOGLE CEO CALLS FOR NATIONAL AI REGULATION TO COMPETE WITH CHINA MORE EFFECTIVELY

    Illustration shows OpenAI logo

    The OpenAI logo Feb. 16, 2025 (Reuters/Dado Ruvic)

    To focus on the “code red” effort to improve ChatGPT, OpenAI will be pushing back work on other initiatives, such as a personal assistant called Pulse, advertising and AI agents for health and shopping, Altman said in the memo, according to the Journal.

    Altman also said the company would have a daily call among those responsible for enhancing ChatGPT, the newspaper added. 

    “Our focus now is to keep making ChatGPT more capable, continue growing, and expand access around the world — while making it feel even more intuitive and personal,” Nick Turley, the head of ChatGPT, wrote on X Monday night.

    OpenAI CEO Sam Altman speaks in July

    OpenAI CEO Sam Altman speaks during the Federal Reserve’s Integrated Review of the Capital Framework for Large Banks Conference in Washington, D.C., July 22, 2025.  (Reuters/Ken Cedeno)

    CLICK HERE TO READ MORE ON FOX BUSINESS        

    OpenAI currently isn’t profitable and has to raise funding to survive compared to competitors like Google, which can fund investments in their AI ventures through revenue, the Journal reported.

    Anders Hagstrom is a reporter with Fox News Digital covering national politics and major breaking news events. Send tips to Anders.Hagstrom@Fox.com, or on X: @Hagstrom_Anders.

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  • Needle-free glucose checks move closer to reality

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    Managing diabetes already brings stress from medications and long-term health risks. Regular glucose checks only add to the weight. Most people test with finger pricks or wear a patch that needs a sensor under the skin. If you dislike needles, this part can feel like the hardest task of the day.

    Researchers at MIT are working on a new option. They developed a device that shines near-infrared light on your skin and reads your blood sugar without breaking the surface. It works through Raman spectroscopy, a method that looks at how light scatters when it hits molecules in your tissue.

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    MIT’s light-based scanner reads blood sugar through the skin without a single prick. (iStock)

    CANCER CURES COULD BE IN REACH WITH CUTTING-EDGE MEDICAL TECH, DOCTOR PREDICTS

    How the light-based scanner works

    The current setup is about the size of a shoebox. You rest your arm on top for a 30-second scan. A small beam shines through a glass window onto your skin. The light returns with tiny shifts in wavelength that reveal what molecules are present.

    Earlier Raman systems pulled in about 1,000 spectral bands with plenty of noise. The MIT team discovered that they only need three bands to calculate glucose levels. With fewer signals to process, the device becomes smaller, faster and more affordable. This boost also improves speed since the system no longer sorts through redundant data.

    In a four-hour study, a volunteer drank two glucose drinks while researchers took readings every five minutes. The new scanner matched the accuracy of two commercial glucometers the participant wore. That result surprised the team since the device is still in early development.

    Progress toward a wearable

    After perfecting the shoebox version, MIT engineers built a prototype the size of a cellphone. That unit is now in clinical testing with healthy and prediabetic volunteers. A larger trial with people who have diabetes is expected next year.

    The long-term goal is even more exciting. Researchers believe they can shrink the hardware to a watch size. They also want to confirm that the system reads accurately across many skin tones. If these steps succeed, a wrist-based glucose monitor could be possible.

    Type 2 diabetes, woman pricking her finger

    A quick 30-second scan can match the accuracy of today’s commercial glucose monitors. (iStock)

    How this compares to other needle-free attempts

    This light-based method joins other ideas that try to move past needles. A recent chest strap used ECG signals to predict glucose levels. It looked promising, but it still needs time before it reaches consumers. Interest in noninvasive monitoring keeps growing since so many people want relief from the pain of repeated skin punctures or adhesive patches.

    HUMANOID ROBOT PERFORMS MEDICAL PROCEDURES VIA REMOTE CONTROL

    What this means to you

    If you or someone you love manages diabetes, fewer needle sticks could change your routine. A quick scan may replace the stress of drawing blood or inserting a sensor. The accuracy seen in early testing shows that noninvasive tools are not a distant dream. They could help you catch swings in your levels faster and bring more comfort to a daily task that often feels overwhelming. 

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    Think your devices and data are truly protected? Take this quick quiz to see where your digital habits stand. From passwords to Wi-Fi settings, you’ll get a personalized breakdown of what you’re doing right and what needs improvement. Take my Quiz here: Cyberguy.com 

    Kurt’s key takeaways

    A handheld or watch-sized glucose scanner would mark a major shift in diabetes care. MIT’s work brings that future closer with a design that reads your chemistry through light. The next few clinical trials will show how well it performs in real conditions.

    Woman finding out she has diabetes after being unaware

    Researchers are already testing a smaller wearable design that could shrink to watch size. (iStock)

    What feature would matter most to you in a needle-free glucose monitor? Let us know by writing to us at Cyberguy.com

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    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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  • Malicious browser extensions hit 4.3M users

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    A long-running malware campaign quietly evolved over several years and turned trusted Chrome and Edge extensions into spyware. A detailed report from Koi Security reveals that the ShadyPanda operation affected 4.3 million users who downloaded extensions later updated with hidden malicious code.

    These extensions began as simple wallpaper or productivity tools that looked harmless. Years later, silent updates added surveillance functions that most users could not detect.

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    THIS CHROME VPN EXTENSION SECRETLY SPIES ON YOU

    Malicious extensions spread through trusted browsers and quietly collected user data for years. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

    How the ShadyPanda campaign unfolded

    The operation included 20 malicious Chrome extensions and 125 on the Microsoft Edge Add-ons store. Many first appeared in 2018 with no obvious warning signs. Five years later, the extensions began receiving staged updates that changed their behavior.

    Koi Security found that these updates rolled out through each browser’s trusted auto-update system. Users did not need to click anything. No phishing. No fake alerts. Just quiet version bumps that slowly turned safe extensions into powerful tracking tools.

    NEW EMAIL SCAM USES HIDDEN CHARACTERS TO SLIP PAST FILTERS

    A screenshot of WeTab in the Google Play store

    WeTab functions as a sophisticated surveillance platform disguised as a productivity tool. (Koi)

    What the extensions were doing behind the scenes

    Once activated, the extensions injected tracking code into real links to earn revenue from user purchases. They also hijacked searches, redirected queries and logged data for sale and manipulation. ShadyPanda gathered an unusually broad range of personal information, including browsing history, search terms, cookies, keystrokes, fingerprint data, local storage, and even mouse movement coordinates. As the extensions gained credibility in the stores, the attackers pushed a backdoor update that allowed hourly remote code execution. That gave them full browser control, letting them monitor websites visited and exfiltrate persistent identifiers.

    Researchers also discovered that the extensions could launch adversary-in-the-middle attacks. This allowed credential theft, session hijacking and code injection on any website. If users opened developer tools, the extensions switched into harmless mode to avoid detection. Google removed the malicious extensions from the Chrome Web Store. We reached out to the company, and a spokesperson confirmed that none of the extensions listed are currently live on the platform.

    Meanwhile, a Microsoft spokesperson told CyberGuy, “We have removed all the extensions identified as malicious on the Edge Add-on store. When we become aware of instances that violate our policies, we take appropriate action that includes, but is not limited to, the removal of prohibited content or termination of our publishing agreement.” 

    Most of you will not need the full technical IDs used in the ShadyPanda campaign. These indicators of compromise are primarily for security researchers and IT teams. Regular users should focus on checking your installed extensions using the steps in the guide below.

    You can review the full list of affected Chrome and Edge extensions to see every ID tied to the ShadyPanda campaign by clicking here and scrolling down to the bottom of the page.

    How to check whether your browser contains these extension IDs

    Here is an easy, step-by-step way for you to verify if any malicious extension IDs are installed.

    For Google Chrome

    Open Chrome.

    Type chrome://extensions into the address bar.

    Press Enter.

    Look for each extension’s ID.

    Click Details under any extension.

    Scroll down to the Extension ID section.

    Compare the ID with the lists above.

    If you find a match, remove the extension immediately.

    For Microsoft Edge

    Open Edge.

    Type edge://extensions into the address bar.

    Press Enter.

    Click Details under each extension.

    Scroll to find the Extension ID.

    If an ID appears in the lists, remove the extension and restart the browser.

    183 MILLION EMAIL PASSWORDS LEAKED: CHECK YOURS NOW

    person typing

    Simple security steps can block hidden threats and help keep your browsing safer. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

    How to protect your browser from malicious extensions

    You can take a few quick actions that help lock down your browser and protect your data.

    1) Remove suspicious extensions

    Before removing anything, check your installed extensions against the IDs listed in the section above. Most of the malicious extensions were wallpaper or productivity tools. Three of the most mentioned are Clean Master, WeTab and Infinity V Plus. If you installed any of these or anything that looks similar, delete them now. 

    2) Reset your passwords

    These extensions have access to sensitive data. Resetting your passwords protects you from possible misuse. A password manager makes the process easier and creates strong passwords for each account.

    Next, see if your email has been exposed in past breaches. Our No. 1 password manager pick includes a built-in breach scanner that checks whether your email address or passwords have appeared in known leaks. If you discover a match, immediately change any reused passwords and secure those accounts with new, unique credentials.

    Check out the best expert-reviewed password managers of 2025 at Cyberguy.com.

    3) Use a data removal service to reduce tracking

    ShadyPanda collected browsing activity, identifiers and behavioral signals that can be matched with data already held by brokers. A data removal service helps you reclaim your privacy by scanning people-search sites and broker databases to locate your exposed information and remove it. This limits how much of your digital footprint can be linked, sold or used for targeted scams.

    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.

    4) Install strong antivirus software

    An antivirus may not have caught this specific threat due to the way it operated. Still, it can block other malware, scan for spyware and flag unsafe sites. Many antivirus tools include cloud backup and VPN options to add more protection.

    The best way to safeguard yourself from malicious links that install malware, potentially accessing your private information, is to have strong antivirus software installed on all your devices. This protection can also alert you to phishing emails and ransomware scams, keeping your personal information and digital assets safe.

    Get my picks for the best 2025 antivirus protection winners for your Windows, Mac, Android & iOS devices at Cyberguy.com.

    5) Limit your extensions

    Each extension adds risk. Stick with known developers and search for recent reviews. If an extension asks for permissions it should not need, walk away. 

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    Kurt’s key takeaways

    ShadyPanda ran for years without raising alarms and proved how creative attackers can be. A trusted extension can shift into spyware through a silent update, which makes it even more important to stay alert to changes in browser behavior. You protect yourself by installing fewer extensions, checking them from time to time and watching for anything that feels out of place. Small steps help lower your exposure and reduce the chances that hidden code can track what you do online.

    Have you ever found an extension on your browser that you didn’t remember installing or one that started acting in strange ways?  How did you handle it? Let us know by writing to us at Cyberguy.com.

    Sign up for my FREE CyberGuy Report 
    Get my best tech tips, urgent security alert, 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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  • Google’s new Call Reason feature marks calls as urgent

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    Sometimes you need someone to answer right away. Maybe you are locked out. Maybe those concert tickets are about to go on sale. Android users are about to get a helpful upgrade that gives their calls more context when time matters.

    Google is rolling out a beta feature called Call Reason in the Phone by Google app that lets you mark a call as urgent before you dial.

    When you use it, the person receiving your call sees the urgent label on their screen. If they miss it, the same note shows up in their call history. That quick hint can give your call priority without you needing to send a separate message.

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    MANAGE ANDROID APPS WITH THE NEW ‘UNINSTALL’ BUTTON

    Call Reason lets you flag a call as urgent before you dial, giving your contacts a clear signal that your call needs quick attention. (Google)

    How the Call Reason feature works

    Call Reason appears inside the Phone by Google app on Android devices. The feature only works when both people use Google’s default calling app and the contact is saved in your phone. Many Android phones ship with Phone by Google preinstalled, especially Pixel models, while others like Samsung may use their own dialer instead. If your device does not use Phone by Google by default, you may not see the feature until you install or switch to the Google version. Once marked as urgent, your call displays a clear indicator that tells the other person the conversation should not wait.

    This simple tool helps friends and family answer faster. It also gives them a reminder if they miss the call. Since the note stays in the call log, it nudges them to call back sooner.

    Why this Call Reason feature on Android can help you

    Missed calls are common. Many people silence their phones while working or driving. Call Reason bridges that gap with a small but meaningful alert that adds context. You can give someone a heads-up that the call needs quick attention without creating extra steps or confusion.

    Right now, Call Reason only supports the urgent label. Google has hinted that more options could come later, like short custom messages or emoji-style indicators. That could add even more clarity when your call is tied to a specific topic.

    5 HIDDEN BATTERY DRAINERS YOU CAN FIX RIGHT NOW

    A Google phone call with the notify button highlighted

    Both people need to use the Phone by Google app for the urgent label to work, which helps your calls stand out when timing matters most.  (Google)

    How to check if you have ‘Phone by Google’ on your Android

    Not every Android phone shows ‘Phone by Google’ in its settings. Some manufacturers, especially Samsung, use their own Phone app. Here is a quick way to confirm if you have the Google version on your device.

    Check the Play Store

    Open Google Play Store

    Search for Phone by Google

    If you see Open or Update, it is installed

    If you see Install, your phone does not have it yet.

    If the Install button appears, you can download it with one tap.

    After installing the Google Phone app

    Once it is installed, your phone may prompt you to set it as your default calling app. If it does not, you can change it manually.

    Switch to Phone by Google as your default

    Once Phone by Google is installed, you need to make it your main calling app. Call Reason only works when Phone by Google is set as your default calling app. Installing it is not enough. You must switch your phone to use the Google dialer for the feature to appear. Here’s how to enable it by following these steps.

    On Pixel devices

    Settings may vary depending on your Android phone’s manufacturer.

    Open Settings

    Tap Apps

    Tap Default apps

    Tap Phone app

    Select Phone by Google, which uses a blue icon with a white phone handset

    On Samsung Galaxy phones

    Settings may vary depending on your Android phone’s manufacturer.

    Open Settings

    Tap Apps

    Tap the three dots

    Tap Choose default apps

    Tap Phone app

    Select Phone by Google if available. It uses a blue icon with a white phone handset, which looks different from Samsung’s green Phone icon

    Samsung may block or hide the Google Phone app on some carrier models. If you do not see it after installation, your device may not support switching. 

    How to use the Call Reason urgent label on Android

    Once you have Phone by Google set as your default calling app, using Call Reason is very simple. Both you and the person you are calling must use the Phone by Google app for the urgent label to appear.

    How to mark your call as urgent

    When you are ready to call someone:

    Open the Phone by Google app

    Go to your Contacts or Recents

    Tap the contact you want to call

    Before you press the call button, look for the Call Reason option on the screen

    Tap Urgent to attach the urgent label

    Then tap the call button to place your call

    The urgent badge is sent with your outgoing call so the person knows your call needs attention.

    What the other person sees

    When your call reaches them, they will see:

    Your name and number

    A bold “Urgent” label under your name on the incoming call screen

    If they miss the call:

    The urgent label appears in their call history

    They can tap your missed call to return it quickly

    No extra steps are needed on their end. They do not need to press anything special to receive an urgent call. Their only requirement is that they also use Phone by Google as their default calling app.

    What both people must have for it to work

    For the urgent label to show:

    Both people must use Phone by Google

    Both devices must support the Call Reason beta rollout

    The person must be saved in your Contacts

    If any of those pieces are missing, the option will not appear.

    5 PHONE SETTINGS TO CHANGE RIGHT NOW FOR A SAFER SMARTPHONE

    A Google phone call with the notify and urgent buttons highlighted

    When someone receives an urgent call, the label appears on their screen and in their call history if they miss it, making it easier to call back fast. (Google)

    Tips for getting the most out of Call Reason

    Use the urgent label only for situations that need fast attention

    Keep your contacts list updated so the feature works as intended

    Encourage close friends or family to use the Phone by Google app for full compatibility

    Check your call history for urgent notes if you miss an important call  

     Take my quiz: How safe is your online security?

    Think your devices and data are truly protected? Take this quick quiz to see where your digital habits stand. From passwords to Wi-Fi settings, you’ll get a personalized breakdown of what you’re doing right and what needs improvement. Take my Quiz here: Cyberguy.com.

    Kurt’s key takeaways

    Call Reason feels like one of those small upgrades that can make everyday calling a little smoother. It gives your friends a quick sense of why you’re reaching out and helps cut through the guesswork when timing matters. As the feature expands, it could turn into an even more helpful way to share context before someone taps Accept.

    What situation in your life would make you use the urgent label first? Let us know by writing to us at Cyberguy.com.

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    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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  • Silicon Valley sets its sights on building the perfect baby | Fortune

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    If you could design your ideal baby, what would you choose? A lover of naps who sleeps through the night? A mind for math and an affinity for the viola? For the founders of fertility tech startup Herasight, this is not a hypothetical. 

    Herasight founder Michael Christensen is 6-foot-6, and even in a world where taller men are perceived as stronger and more competent, it’s a bit much. He wants his future children to be shorter and more comfortable on commercial planes. 

    “It’s annoying to be super tall,” he said. “Nothing is made for you.” 

    Chief science officer Tobias Wolfram has already banked frozen embryos with his partner in preparation for their future family. His great-grandparents lived past 100 with no cancer or serious health problems, suggesting a family tendency toward healthy aging. But there’s depression on his side of the family. 

    “I’d really like to make sure that’s not passed down,” he said. Wolfram has waited five years for Herasight’s technology to reach its current state, so that he can screen embryos for mental health indicators. 

    Jonathan Anomaly, a communications executive with Herasight, is approaching 50 and planning a family with his partner, 37. His grandmother was a genius, said Anomaly, but she suffered from five different autoimmune disorders that kept her homebound. He plans to screen embryos for autoimmune diseases, and like Christensen, Anomaly said he’ll screen for height. But he wants potential sons to be slightly taller than his 5 feet 9 inches. 

    This is the new era of family planning emerging across the Bay Area, a place known for its concentration of extreme wealth, high risk tolerance, affinity for new technology, and early-adopter mentality. Rather than having babies the Where Did I Come From? way, prospective parents are blazing an unprecedented approach to family planning. Gone are the wealthy parents who pay women for their eggs because they have desirable traits or who seek out sperm donors based on Ivy League degrees and athletic prowess. This is reproduction reimagined through the lens of algorithms and data science down to the genetic blueprint that makes up a human being. 

    This new method means opting for IVF from the start even if infertility isn’t an issue to create embryos. From there, prospective parents are investing thousands in different types of next-level embryo screening that can essentially spin up versions of your future children’s health prospects by showing their risk of inherited diseases, childhood cancers, schizophrenia, autism, and Types 1 and 2 diabetes. Other traits like height, body mass index, musical ability, and higher IQ points are also among the offerings at certain firms. And with billionaires backing fertility tech startups and funding new research related to conception and embryo selection, the boundaries between proven science, emerging possibilities, and aspirational hype become increasingly complex to parse.

    On the outer edges, scientists and researchers are studying the efficacy of penis transplants, and five have been performed worldwide so far, including one in the U.S. Uterus transplants have led to 29 live births, nearly all by C-section. A team of Chinese scientists successfully conceived mice with two male mice fathers—without DNA from a mother mouse. And more is on the horizon, including AI-enabled and automated IVF processes that could lower costs substantially and artificial womb development. A height and intelligence screening startup backed by Reddit and Seven Seven Six fund founder Alexis Ohanian plastered New York City subway stations with ads this month for Nucleus Genomics, imploring riders to “Have Your Best Baby.”

    The global IVF industry remains a nascent $28 billion enterprise, and investment in women’s health and IVF-related tech startups began picking up last year, with 2024 standing out as the largest year for investment at $2 billion, a 55% increase over 2023. 

    Some of these new add-ons to IVF are driven by people who just “want to know” about their embryos in the way people want to find out the sex of their baby before birth, said Barry Behr, director of Stanford’s IVF lab and a professor of obstetrics and gynecology who is known for his groundbreaking work in improving IVF and advancing the field of embryo selection. Other times, it’s about how to make more money from the IVF process or lower the cost for patients. Regardless of the motivation, for anyone who has had a child or relative who has been sick with a debilitating disease or condition, “you know how that makes you feel,” said Behr, who is an advisor to Orchid Health, which offers embryo screening. 

    “A parent would do anything—give a kidney, give a limb, or whatever you could give to a child to avert suffering,” said Behr. “So don’t tell me how anyone could even question doing something to your embryo that we do for other reasons routinely.” 

    Yet the rapid pace of innovation and investment has created a regulatory and ethical vacuum, experts have observed. “Technology will always outpace the law,” said Rich Vaughn, a prominent fertility lawyer who has seen the field evolve during the past two decades. “Technologies develop first; law and regulations make things legally safer for everyone, but they trail behind.”

    Moreover, the controversial process of embryo editing—which refers to changing the DNA of an embryo before it is implanted and is illegal in 70 countries or banned through funding restrictions—is being studied and backed financially despite the considerable risk involved. Coinbase cofounder and billionaire Brian Armstrong said he invested in embryo-editing startup Preventive, which has raised $30 million. Armstrong is joined by OpenAI CEO and cofounder Sam Altman’s husband, Oliver Mulherin. 

    Another startup focused on embryo editing is led by former Thiel Fellow Cathy Tie, who wants to genetically correct mutations in embryos before they are implanted to dramatically minimize the risks of inherited disease. (Investor Peter Thiel offers a two-year, $200,000 fellowship program to entrepreneurs who want to drop out of or take time off from college to focus on developing an idea.)

    “I believe that gene correction technology is much more effective in achieving those goals than embryo screening,” said Tie, cofounder of Manhattan Genomics. She plans to begin testing on nonhuman primates early next year before moving to human embryos, pending regulatory approval. 

    Tie believes many couples, especially those with relatively older women, wind up with too few embryos to choose from after they go through the process of stimulating their follicles and retrieving eggs. “Let’s say I’m a woman in my mid-thirties,” said Tie. “I’m lucky if I’ll get 10 eggs, and from that I’ll maybe get two embryos. Then a company will tell me one embryo is better than the other.” Despite public controversy over embryo editing, which alters genes that would be passed down to new generations and involves irreversible decision-making, Tie said she has received a lot of support from researchers, scientists, and IVF doctors. 

    Hank Greely, a Stanford law professor who specializes in issues surrounding biomedical technologies and authored The End of Sex, a 2016 book that predicted humans will eventually reproduce mainly through IVF, told Fortune screening for cosmetic traits like hair, eye, and skin color or nose shape isn’t far off. 

    People in Silicon Valley, where Greely lives,are most interested in influencing their offspring’s intelligence, personality, musical and sports ability, and proficiency in math. Right now those are areas scientists “know almost nothing about,” he said. 

    But the technology is moving at a swift pace, and some experts think the line between acceptable and not will evolve as well. 

    “There was a time when it wasn’t appropriate to show your knees, and now you can wear a thong at the beach,” said Behr. “The line moves with time.”

    The new line in tech-assisted IVF

    Reproductive tech startup CEO Noor Siddiqui has a personal inspiration behind founding polygenic screening firm Orchid Health. Her mother suffers from a rare genetic eye condition called retinitis pigmentosa, which led to progressive vision loss and her mother’s eventual blindness. Siddiqui, also a Thiel Fellow, said she was motivated to pursue embryo screening after watching her mother’s condition progress. Siddiqui also plans to have four children, and has screened her own embryos using Orchid’s technology. 

    The firm occupies the middle ground of the IVF tech market—pushing the boundaries of science, but mainly to prevent disease.

    For years now, prospective parents who use IVF to have babies have been able to opt for preimplantation genetic testing to make sure the embryo has the correct number of chromosomes. In addition to chromosomal abnormalities like trisomy 21—an extra copy of chromosome 21 that causes Down syndrome—tests also scan for life-altering diseases stemming from single-gene mutations like sickle cell anemia or cystic fibrosis. 

    Orchid offers “polygenic risk” scoring for their embryos. The startup counts Day One Ventures and Prometheus Fund among its backers, as well as angel investors including Figma CEO Dylan Field and 23andMe cofounder Anne Wojcicki. Eventbrite cofounders Julia and Kevin Hartz have also invested in Orchid, and the couple screened their embryos for inherited diseases including Alzheimer’s before having twins they dubbed “Cohort 2” after their first two daughters were in their teens. Published reports have anonymously quoted sources claiming that Shivon Zilis, who has children with the world’s wealthiest man, Elon Musk, has used Orchid’s services. 

    Orchid’s approach involves whole genome sequencing, and expands on traditional screening by sequencing nearly all of an embryo’s genome. Siddiqui said Orchid scans for more than 1,000 genetic diseases as one option for clients, while another option scans for 3,000 single-gene diseases, covering inherited and spontaneous changes in the embryo. Traditional tests scan for chromosome numbers and single-gene disease. She often compares it to publishing a book that a writer would want to be fully accurate. 

    “If your proofreader didn’t actually read your book to check for spelling errors, missing words, missing punctuation, would you be satisfied if they just told you all the chapters were present?” she said. Siddiqui said parents are also interested in the genetics of autism, and Orchid screens can detect genetic mutations in specific genes known to cause autism spectrum disorder, although it cannot predict all autism risk. Experts have warned that there is no reliable test for autism, although recentstudies have found a genetic cause in 25% to 50% of cases. 

    “We want the maximum amount of information to be provided to parents to mitigate the maximum amount of risk when it comes to genetics,” said Siddiqui. 

    Herasight, the startup with the three founders who each are hoping to screen for traits in their next generation, recently emerged from stealth mode after several years and conducts polygenic screening with a different technical approach that allows it to work with any IVF clinic. It screens the data for potential childhood and adult diseases and health problems, and in some cases height, IQ, longevity, and mental health conditions like depression. 

    The firm offers a free IVF calculator so prospective parents can get an idea of their chances at conception, from retrieving eggs through birth, based on more than 100,000 IVF treatment cycles recorded in the U.K. national registry. Herasight’s published studies show it can reduce disease risks by 20% to 44% when selecting among five embryos. The validation results come from the firm’s own research rather than independent studies, but Herasight has published its methods and data for others to review. The company’s research has shown what they call “positive pleiotropy,” which means when selecting against one disease, parents often reduce risks for related conditions, too. 

    “Everyone has a unique family history, so we don’t have one type of customer,” Christensen told Fortune. Sometimes a prospective parent will come to the firm, excited about screening embryos for IQ, and then they’ll discover a BRCA gene mutation, which can increase the risk of breast and ovarian cancers. Then that becomes the top priority in screening embryos, said Christensen. Anomaly said every embryo-screening choice represents a tradeoff. “Creating the perfect baby—that doesn’t exist,” he added. 

    Kyle Farh, a scientist with DNA sequencing and genetic analysis company Illumina’s artificial intelligence lab, said a huge gap in data interpretation remains at the moment because AI models simply need more information. About 1 million people globally have sequenced their genomes, and realistically about 1 billion people need to sequence their genomes for models to function more meaningfully. 

    “It’s a chicken and egg problem,” said Farh. “We can predict [traits], and we can show that there’s some significant correlation between our predictions and what happens in real life, but the correlation is still very poor.”

    But for parents looking to prevent a major life-altering disease, the technology has been transformative. Software engineer and consultant Roshan George and art director Julie Kang, who live in San Francisco, hired Orchid to screen their embryos after the couple discovered they shared a genetic mutation that could cause profound deafness in their children. One day after having their newborn daughter, Astra, it took about two minutes to find out if the thousands they invested in embryo screening had helped them toward the outcome they wanted for their child. A tech gave Astra a hearing test in their sunny Sutter Health hospital room, the culmination of months of genetic analysis and embryo risk scores. 

    “I mean, we spent all this money, we did this whole thing and got through all this,” said George. The test showed Astra’s hearing was normal, and the new parents were relieved and are planning for another child soon; they still have screened embryos, George said. 

    Cases of preventing disease are growing, which is giving these startups a boost. And in addition to screening for certain health risks, founders are hopeful that the impact on pregnancy loss for couples and families who go through IVF will be substantial. Certainresearch shows chromosomal abnormalities are responsible for about 50% of first-trimester miscarriages, and the hope is that screening allows people to prioritize embryos most likely to result in successful pregnancies. 

    But the use cases that scientists and ethicists fret about aren’t quite here—yet. “Even the most optimistic folks—and I think scientists and most geneticists are way too optimistic—think they can account for, oh, three or four IQ points,” said End of Sex author Greely. “Plus, we know plenty of ways to improve IQ test results with things like good childhood nutrition, childhood vaccinations so kids don’t get sick, and parents who read to their kids.” Brains are incredibly complicated, he said, and may ultimately prove too complicated to screen for intelligence and qualities like extroversion. 

    “It makes great headlines, it makes great clickbait, it makes great dystopian science fiction,” said Greely. “But the designer baby idea? At least when you’re talking about behavioral traits, it’s not very plausible—at least for decades.”

    But given the intensity and expectations of the tech-oriented set interested in this brave new world, NYU bioethicist Arthur Caplan notes there’s a danger that some parents might view their children as products and potentially even “commercial failures.” He questions how positive this will be for kids. “When you start saying, ‘I tested you, and I have a certain outcome that I expect,’ you’re taking away the kids’ future,” said Caplan. “You’re making them less free because you have expectations, and they better turn out that way.”

    Victoria Fritz and her husband, who used Herasight to screen embryos to try to prevent passing along her Type 1 diabetes, hope to do an embryo transfer in January, and are realistic about the prospect.

    “I feel like, regardless of what embryo we choose, we will hopefully have a happy, healthy child and be a happy family regardless,” said Fritz. The screening provides peace of mind, she noted, but “it doesn’t guarantee that your child is going to have a perfect, healthy life.”

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  • Find a lost phone that is off or dead

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    Losing your phone can leave you in panic mode, especially when the battery dies. The good news is that both Apple and Android offer built-in tools that help you track a missing device even when it is powered off or offline.

    With an iPhone, you can use the Find My network on another Apple device or sign in from a browser. With Android, you can use Google’s Find My Device system to see the last known location and secure your phone fast.

    This guide walks you through clear steps for iPhone and Android so you know exactly what to do next.

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    YOUR PHONE IS TRACKING YOU EVEN WHEN YOU THINK IT’S NOT

    You can still find your lost Apple device even when it’s dead. (Apple)

    Does Find My work when your iPhone is dead?

    Yes, it does. Your iPhone uses low power mode in the background so it stays findable for a period after powering off. If other Apple devices are nearby, your phone can still send out a Bluetooth signal that helps pinpoint the last known location.

    You can check this location from any Apple device or a browser.

    Use Find My from another Apple device

    If you have an iPad, Mac, or another iPhone, you can look up your missing device in seconds. Family Sharing works too, so you can track a shared device even if it is offline. Here is how to do it:

    • Open the Find My app
    • Tap the Devices tab
    • Swipe up to see your full list of devices
    • Select your missing iPhone
    • View the location on the map
    • Tap Directions to navigate to it
    • Tap Play Sound if the phone is on and nearby
    Steps to enable Find My on iPhone

    Steps to use Find My from another Apple device. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

    • Turn on Lost Mode by tapping continue at the bottom of the screen to lock it and show a message with a callback number.
    • Enter a phone number that can be used when someone finds your iPhone and wants to contact you. Then, tap Next. 
    • If the screen icon is black, the phone is dead. You will still see the last known location, so you know where to start looking.
    Steps to enable Find my on iPhone

    Steps to use Find My from another Apple device. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

    Find your iPhone from a web browser

    If you only have access to a computer or an Android phone, use iCloud.com to locate your device. The browser version gives fewer tools, but it still shows your iPhone on the map. Follow these steps:

    • Go to iCloud.com/find
    • Sign in with your Apple ID
    • Approve two-factor if needed
    A Find Devices sign in screen

    Steps to find your iPhone from a web browser. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

    • Select All Devices
    • Choose your missing iPhone
    A map with location of iPhone

    Steps to find your iPhone from a web browser. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

    • Use Play Sound if the device is on
    • Turn on Lost Mode to lock the phone

    Use this method when you have no Apple hardware nearby.

    A map with location of iPhone

    Steps to find your iPhone from a web browser. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

    Use the Help a Friend feature in Find My

    If you need to borrow another person’s iPhone, avoid signing in to their device directly. That triggers security checks you cannot complete without your missing phone. Instead, use Help a Friend inside the Find My app:

    • Open Find My on your friend’s iPhone
    • Scroll to Help a Friend
    • Sign in with your Apple ID
    • View the last known location of your iPhone

    This tool bypasses two-factor prompts so you can get your location without any issues.

    Help a Friend feature on iPhone

    Steps to use the Help a Friend feature in Find My. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

    Can you find an iPhone without Find My

    If ‘Find My’ was never enabled, you must retrace your steps. You can check ‘Your Timeline’ in Google Maps if you use that app and have location history on.

    Without ‘Find My,’ there is no way to remotely lock, track, or erase the device.

    Once you recover your phone, turn on ‘Find My’ and enable ‘Send Last Location’ so you are covered next time.

    Best iPhone settings to turn on before your device goes missing

    Before your iPhone ever goes missing, take a minute to set up these key protections.

    1) Turn on Find My iPhone

    This keeps your device trackable whether it is on or off. Go to Settings, then tap your name, then click Find My, then Find My iPhone and enable it. 

    2) Enable Send Last Location

    Go to Settings, then tap your name, then click Find My, then Find My iPhone and scroll down and enable Sent Last Location. 

    Your phone will save its final location before the battery dies.

    3) Turn on Find My network

    Go to Settings, tap your name, click Find My, then tap Find My iPhone and enable Find My network.
    This keeps your iPhone discoverable through nearby Apple devices even when it is off or offline.

    4) Keep two-factor authentication on

    Go to Settings, tap your name, tap Sign-In & Security, select Two-Factor Authentication (2FA), then tap your iPhone and make sure 2FA is turned on.
    This blocks anyone from accessing your Apple ID without approval.

    5) Use a strong passcode

    Go to Settings, then tap Face ID & Passcode, then enter your current passcode.
    Tap Change Passcode and follow the prompts to set a unique passcode that is hard to guess.

    6) Add a recovery contact

    Go to Settings, tap your name, tap Sign-In & Security, then tap Recovery contacts. Then, click Add Recovery Contact. 
    Add a trusted person as your recovery contact so you can verify your identity if you ever lose your iPhone. 

    CAN’T FIND YOUR ANDROID PHONE? HERE’S WHAT TO DO TO TRACK IT DOWN

    How to find an Android phone that is off or dead

    Android users can also track a missing device using Google’s Find My Device system. While you cannot see live location when the phone is powered off, you can view the last known location, lock the phone, or display a message for anyone who finds it. Here is how to track it:

    Find your Android from a browser

    Settings may vary depending on your Android phone’s manufacturer.

    • Go to android.com/find
    • Sign in with your Google account
    • Select your missing device
    • View the last known location on the map
    • Select Secure Device to lock it and display a callback message
    • Select Play Sound if the phone is on and nearby

    Find your Android from another phone

    Settings may vary depending on your Android phone’s manufacturer.

    • Download the Find My Device app on another Android
    • Sign in with your Google account
    • Tap your missing phone to view its last known location

    If the phone is off or dead, the map will show its last saved location. You can still lock the device or leave a message for whoever finds it.

    Best Android settings to turn on before your device goes missing

    Before your Android phone ever goes missing, take a minute to set up these key protections.

    Settings may vary depending on your Android phone’s manufacturer.

    1) Turn on Find My Device

    This lets you track your phone or lock it from any browser.
    Go to Settings, tap Security & privacy, tap Find My Device or Device Finders and turn it on.
    (Names may vary by manufacturer.)

    2) Enable Location Services

    This improves accuracy and helps Google save your phone’s last known location.
    Go to Settings, tap Location and turn on Use Location.

    3) Turn on Google Location History

    This allows Google to show past locations even when your phone is off.
    Go to Settings, tap Location, tap Location Services, then choose Google Location History or Google Location Sharing and turn it on.

    4) Add a recovery phone number or email

    This helps you verify your identity and recover your account fast.
    Go to Settings, tap Google, tap Manage your Google Account, then open the Security tab and add a recovery phone number or email.

    5) Use a strong screen lock

    Choose a secure lock to keep your data safe.
    Go to Settings, tap Security, then Screen lock, and select a PIN, pattern, or password that is hard to guess.

    6) Turn on “Send last location” (If available)

    Some Android models save the phone’s last known location before the battery dies.
    Go to Settings, tap Security & privacy, tap Find My Device and enable Send last location if your device supports it.

    Take my quiz: How safe is your online security?

    Think your devices and data are truly protected? Take this quick quiz to see where your digital habits stand. From passwords to Wi-Fi settings, you’ll get a personalized breakdown of what you’re doing right and what needs improvement. Take my Quiz here: Cyberguy.com 

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    Kurt’s key takeaways

    A dead or powered-off phone does not have to stay lost. Apple’s Find My network and Google’s Find My Device system both give you a last known location and fast tools that help you lock or secure your phone. With the right settings in place before anything happens, you can recover your device sooner and protect your personal data.

    What would you do first if your phone went missing today? Let us know by writing to us at Cyberguy.com.

    Sign up for my FREE CyberGuy Report
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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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