Hello friends, it’s a tech-spectacular Saturday! New here? We always start this party with trivia. You probably had a Nokia cellphone at one point, but the company started with something else. Was their first product … A.) Rain boots, B.) Toilet paper, C.) Breath mints or D.) Fax machines? You’ll find the answer at the end.

⌚ If you have a minute today and care about your online privacy, check out Incogni. Data broker sites are shady and sell more of your info than you realize. It’s a pain to remove yourself, so Incogni does the hard work for you. Love that. Now, on to the news! — Kim

Remember screaming, “Dinner’s ready!” for your family? Or maybe you had a fancy built-in intercom system in your house. Those clunky, old systems feel outdated today, but man, were they handy.

Good news: You have access to today’s version of the intercom if you own any smart speakers. It's super easy to set up, too. Let me show you how.

Hey Alexa, help me out

To get started, you need a few Amazon Echo devices. I like the Echo Dot (54% off!), and this one is sweet because it also has a built-in clock.

Make sure they're linked to the same Amazon account or Amazon Household and that they’re all on the same Wi‑Fi network. Hey, it’s the details.

Once that’s out of the way, you need to tell Alexa who’s the boss. Open the Alexa app, then tap Devices > Echo and Alexa > Device name > Cog icon > Communications > Drop In + Announcements.

Now, the fun part.

• Say, "Alexa, drop in on," followed by the speaker's name.
• Wait for a tone (and a green light on the receiving speaker), then start talkin'. Here's what I might say to Barry: "Alexa, drop in on the bedroom speaker,” then, “Come on, we're late!" (Just for the record, I am always on time. Barry is always late.)

FYI, “Drop In" won't end until someone says, "Alexa, end Drop In" or "Alexa, hang up." To send a one-off message, say, "Alexa, announce" and then your message, like "Alexa, announce it's bedtime!"

Google folks, let’s do this

Google Nest speakers use the "broadcast" command for intercom shenanigans. There's no setup as long as your Google Nest speakers are connected to the same Wi‑Fi network.

• Say, "Hey Google, broadcast," followed by your message. For instance, "Hey Google, broadcast that the food is getting cold!"
• You can also use "shout,” “tell everyone” or “announce" instead of "broadcast." “Shout” makes me laugh!

To send a message to a specific speaker, say, "Hey Google, broadcast to," followed by the speaker's name and message — something like, "Hey Google, broadcast to the kids’ room, ‘Who wants dessert?’"

To reply to a broadcast from elsewhere in your home, say, "Hey Google, reply," and your message will be sent to the speaker the broadcast came from. "Hey Google, reply ‘Just five more minutes!’"

☹️ Now, you Team Apple folks have a sad face for no reason. I have all the steps for the Apple HomePod over on my site.

🔊 What do you call smart speakers that settle debates and create disagreements? Decisive divisive devices. (Go ahead and try to say that three times real fast!)

Spam never stops, especially around the holiday season. Our inboxes are overflowing with promotions. Our phones are buzzing nonstop with discounts, and we’re being robocalled around the clock.

The most likely source of your spammy woes? Data brokers. They're using and selling your personal data — home address, Social Security number, phone number and more.

What YOU can do: Before the holiday spam madness gets even worse, try Incogni. I did. It took me three minutes to set up.

Get your data off 180+ data brokers' and people-search sites automatically with Incogni. They offer a full 30-day money-back guarantee if you’re not happy … But I bet you will be.

🚨 4 billion users at risk: Google just patched a Chrome bug, and it's a doozy. The bug, labeled CVE‑2023‑6351, could crash your browser and let in hackers. No good. Click More > Help > About Google Chrome and hit Relaunch.

Apple just fixed two more zero-day bugs: That's 20 this year if you're counting. These nasties could let hackers into your iPhone, iPad or Mac. Update to iOS 17.1.2 or macOS Sonoma 14.1.2 now!

Airbnb carbon monoxide detector deaths: So far, there’s a total of 19 avoidable deaths, and, of course, lawsuits are piling up. Airbnbs are supposed to have the detectors, but not all do. Check the listing to see if your rental has one. If not, pick up a portable carbon monoxide meter.

📱 No school like the old school: Maple Grove Middle School in Minnesota banned phones from 8:10 a.m. to 2:40 p.m. The result: Less social media drama and more real-life talk, a "night and day" difference. If I were a teacher, this would def be my rule.

Why some people are ignorant: Pew Research says half of all Americans use social media for news, and 30% rely on Facebook alone. How sad is that! YouTube, Instagram, TikTok and X are big news destinations, too. Meanwhile, social media companies let algorithms control what you see. Glad you’re here for tech news you can trust.

Sound like a tech pro, even if you're not one. Try my award-winning, daily podcast. Search for my last name with "K" wherever you get your podcasts and "Go Komando!"

👉 Get my podcasts today!

⛽ What’s cheaper: Filling up a gas car or charging an EV? Make your guess. I have the answer.

What do I get a teenager for Christmas? I’ve got your back with gifts they’ll like.

The “p” in Google stands for “privacy”: Check out my rundown of ways to see everything Google knows about you.

That’ll be $12: That’s the cost for your Instagram account login on the dark web. Your identity is surprisingly cheap online.

🍃 Take me on the go: Fire up The Kim Komando Show podcast on your next walk. I’d love to keep you company!

So glad my gift picks are helping make your December less stressful. You’ve got this!

• Everyone who owns AirPods should have one of these inexpensive covers. I bought them for my whole fam!
• For the Android person who can never get wireless earbuds to stay in, these rock.
• This sweet Bluetooth speaker is perfect for a cyclist, camper, hiker, meditator or poolside lounger.

✅ Need more winning gift ideas? I’ve got a ton of gift guides for ya.

For your 4 a.m. thoughts: Instead of letting your million-dollar idea slip away, record it with Voice Memos, a built-in app on Apple and Android. Say, “Hey Siri, take a voice memo” or “OK, Google, take a voice memo.”

Privacy, please: Even in Incognito mode, your ISP can see everything you do on the web — unless you turn on a VPN. ExpressVPN is blazin’ fast and easy to use. Use my link to get an extra three months free.*

📳 Tap on: When using contactless payment with your phone, tap the back instead of the front. On most phones, the antenna that communicates with the checkout station is on the back. Bet you’ll notice people who do this wrong now!

Need tech gift ideas? Hit this link for my picks.

The Finch Who Stole Christmas

The answer: B.) Toilet paper. No kidding! Nokia started as a paper mill in 1895. In 1967, it merged with two other companies to form Nokia Corporation. They made electronics, tires, rubber boots and military tech, among other things. The more you know!

Speaking of … I asked Arnold Schwarzenegger where the toilet paper was. He said, “Aisle B, back.”

🤗 Appreciate your opens, clicks and comments, folks. You’re the reason I write this newsletter every day! Be sure to click this link to check out Incogni. Our sponsors are what keep this email free to you. See you soon for a beautiful Sunday with just the tech news you can use. Until then, stay your awesome self! 😎 — Kim