Plus, massive Windows update, Russian soldier surrenders to a drone, steps study and more
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June 15, 2023

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In partnership with GetKimsHelp.com

Hello, Thursday! Over the last three years, emoji use has increased by a whopping 773%. To keep you in the know, which of the following is the most popular emoji used today? Is it … 💗, 🦁, 👍 or 😂? You’ll find the answer at the end. 

Thanks for hopping aboard the Komando Tech Train. Whoo-whoo! We have no loco motives here — just passing along tremendous, valuable intel you can use to impress your friends and co-workers! — Kim

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IN THIS ISSUE

  • 🤖 AI side hustle
  • 💻 Major Windows update
  • 🏳️ Russian soldier surrenders to drone

TODAY'S TOP STORY

The latest six-figure side hustle: AI content

The latest six-figure side hustle: AI content

Everyone's favorite AI bot, ChatGPT, is growing fast. But, while some lament the "AI gold rush," others are grabbing their shovels.

Companies looking to leverage the powers of ChatGPT want to hire folks skilled in something called “AI prompting” ASAP. If you're tech-savvy (or know someone who is), want to make good money and love being the first to jump on trends, this new gig might be right up your alley. 

Chat be nimble, chat be quick

Content is king these days. Busy organizations have to work hard to keep up with the competition. AI tools like ChatGPT are an answered prayer when it comes to churning out posts for company blogs and social media. Automated content creation gives companies what they need, quick and cheap. 

The catch? AI isn't exactly on par with how a human speaks yet. That's where the role of an AI content assistant comes in. 

How much do these gigs pay?

AI content assistants, or "prompt engineers," train AI tools like ChatGPT to give a company what it wants. The goal is to get the tool to generate A+ content that sounds, well, human.

Many of these jobs pay really well — six figures or up to $100 an hour. With that kind of hustle, you'll have the cash to take that dream vacation in no time.

Adapt and evolve

In the words of the great Bob Dylan, “The Times, They Are A-Changin'.” We can either get on board the AI train or get left on the sidelines. Since you’re here with me, it’s obvious what you want for your life.

✅ Wondering what it takes to become the next best AI content assistant? Here’s how to get started.

Psst! I bet there’s someone in your life who could use this intel. Go ahead and use the icons below to share this with your family and friends.

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DEAL OF THE DAY

🧽 This 10-in-1 steam cleaner will change your life

🧽 This 10-in-1 steam cleaner will change your life

Well, it’ll change your floors (and shirts), at least. This gadget cleans laminate, hardwood and tile floors with a detachable handheld unit for nooks and crannies. It can even steam your clothes! A base-model Roomba will set you back hundreds (and your dog probably hates it). This steam cleaner costs less than a tank of gas. Talk about a no-brainer.

It’s only $70!

WEB WATERCOOLER

🚨 Must-have Windows update: Microsoft just released a massive Windows 11 patch that fixes 78 vulnerabilities, including 38 that let hackers take over. One bug turns over account privileges in SharePoint. Get this update now. 

False alarm: Hard drive maker Western Digital is trying to pull a fast one. Their 3-year-old NAS hard drives now generate popup notices saying you should replace the drive. Clearly, WD is using scare tactics to sell more drives. See if yours is on the list here.

AI pen pal: Gmail is now rolling out generative AI for some Android and iOS owners. All you have to do is click the “Help me write” button on your screen and let the AI write the words for you. Spoiler: It needs work.

🚪 Knocking on heaven’s door: Teens are kicking doors for the asinine TikTok “door kick challenge.” One Florida homeowner thought she was being burgled and pulled out her gun for protection. I predict “Door knocker gets killed” as a national news headline soon.

Free Tee Vee: Amazon’s Freevee is adding more no-cost streaming channels from MGM and Warner Bros. Discovery. Yes, you’ll have to sit through ads. But it’s a sweet deal since Netflix cracked down on password sharing.

No typing required: You can now chat with Bing AI using your voice on your computer. Just hit the microphone button in the chat box and — bada-bing, bada-boom — the future is here. 

Escape 101: If, by some plot twist, you end up in a car trunk (I hope not!), don't panic — there's a secret eject button. This YouTuber spills the beans. Just look under the trunk's lid for a hidden latch under a cover. 

📺 Defeated by drone: You have to see this video. The Wall Street Journal snagged exclusive footage of a 20-year-old Russian soldier surrendering to a Ukrainian drone. Expect a raw and riveting glimpse into the heart-wrenching decisions of warfare. Watch it here on my site.

🎧 Want great content on the go?

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!"

Listen to my podcast, Kim Komando Today, here.

TRENDING

Time to step up your step-counting game

Time to step up your step-counting game

I walk around 25 to 30 miles a week with friends, talking to family, or getting in a podcast like Fr. Mike’s “Bible in a Year.” Sometimes I think that I’m in a toxic relationship with my step counter. 

If you’re feeling chained to a little exercise app, I’ve got some good news from the latest step-tracking studies.

10,000 steps a day is a made-up number …

… from a Japanese company trying to sell pedometers in the 1960s. So how many steps do you need? If you’re under 60, research says around 8,000 to 10,000 steps a day at the most. For those over 60, you get a senior discount — only 6,000 to 8,000 steps daily.

Calories aren’t what counts

Calorie counting gets a lot of attention, but the real work goes on behind the scenes. I’m talking about benefits like helping to prevent heart disease, arthritis, osteoporosis, cancer and various other nasties. With benefits like these, don’t weight around!

Tracking steps can be cheap

You don’t need a pricey Apple Watch to count steps (although I do love those little Activity Tracker circles). The accelerometer on your phone and a health app like Apple Health or Google Fit can do the job for free.

Just be sure to keep your phone in your pocket close to your thigh while you’re walking around the block. Hey, it’s an excuse to listen to my podcast while you stroll!

Go low tech

If you're looking for a basic, reliable pedometer, this one is perfect for you. The battery can last up to a year, its large numbers make it easy to read, and it's 40% off.

Want a pedometer with more bells and whistles? Check out this one. It counts your steps and tracks your walking distance, calories burned and daily targets.

🤓 Nerd joke: Times New Roman and Arial walk into a bar. The bartender shouts, “Hey, get out! We don’t serve your type in here.” Oh, I heard you groan!

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DEVICE ADVICE

How to share a webpage or video at the right spot

Sharing is caring, but only when the person you share with doesn’t have to hunt for the info you’re trying to send. Use these tricks to make your boss, friends, coworkers or family think you’re extra tech smart.

Want to share a specific section of a webpage?

In Google Chrome, highlight the text, then choose “Copy link to highlight.” Paste in that link, and it’ll send your recipient right to that spot.

You can do the same with YouTube vids

I use this all the time when there’s a great nugget buried in a longer video. It’s easiest from your computer.

  • Find the video you want and scroll to the time you want to share.
  • Right-click and select Copy video URL at current time.
  • You can also click the Share button and check the Start at box. Enter the time you want, then click Copy.

✅ Here are five more YouTube tricks, smarty-pants!

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH  

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Printer not printing? Wi-Fi spotty?

Most tech issues take only 10 minutes to fix. You just need a tech pro who actually knows their stuff.

That’s where the great folks over at GetKimsHelp.com come in.

These tech support pros are patient and smart, and can help with your tech 24/7 — whether your computer is slow or you just don’t know how to hook up your new security cam. Their team can remote into your device and do it for you, so no trying to figure out complicated steps when something goes wrong. I vetted them myself, and it’s very safe to use. They get one-time access, then they can’t get on your machine again unless you know about it.

The best part? If they don’t fix your problem, you don’t pay!

Try GetKimsHelp.com to fix any tech issue! →

BY THE NUMBERS

15%

The percentage of Android users who switched to iPhone last year. Hate to say I told you so … Just kidding. I love it. 😉 Despite the iPhone retailing for an average of just under $1,000, a new report shows Apple is luring more Android users now than in the past five years.

300

The number of words per minute for the world’s new fastest typist. For context, the average adult types about 40 wpm. The new record holder broke the fabled 300 wpm barrier — and he’s only 16. I once went on a date with a court stenographer … but he wasn’t my type.

10%

The increase in shopper spending for grocery stores that play music. Apparently, it’s easy to get “Lost in the Supermarket” when you’re jamming out, as the Clash would sing. Researchers found music has a “mentally soothing” effect on the typical after-work shopper that encourages spending more time in the aisles.

WHAT THE TECH?

What the tech?

But where is the knight the king didn’t need, Sir Plus?

UNTIL NEXT TIME ...

The answer: 😂 is the most-used emoji in the U.S., followed by 👍, ❤️, 🤣 and 😥. I was relieved by this list. There’s only one tear, and the rest are happy thoughts.

iPhone users, don’t bother sending the meteor emoji to your Android friends. It won’t have the same impact.

Have a question you’d like to ask me? Reply to this email or drop me a line here. I read every single note you send. Thank you for letting us in your inbox, and I’ll see you tomorrow with another issue of the best tech newsletter in the world! — Kim

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