The Current-Sun Plus: Massive ISP data breach, Microsoft closes Windows feature, last-minute Father’s Day gifts In partnership with Hear.com | Hello to a sensational Sunday, my tech friend! Let’s say you find an Apple AirTag GPS tracker in your car. Scary, right? Depending on your situation, you might want to hold off taking the battery out of the tracker. 🚔 Instead, make an envelope out of aluminum foil. Put the tracker inside, and make sure there are no gaps or holes. The foil will block any signals, so the person who installed the tracker will just think it’s out of range. Then, take the foil-wrapped tracker to a police station. They can work with Apple to figure out who put the tracker in your car. I’ve got more tech tips and tricks to make life better. Be sure to use those share icons to spread tech smarts to all those around you. Let’s do this. — Kim 📫 First-time reader? Sign up here. (It’s free!) IN THIS ISSUE - 🐍 Amazon tribe’s internet lesson
- 📶 Social Security numbers leaked
- 📸 Microsoft changed its mind
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TODAY'S TOP STORY When a remote tribe gets the internet I’ve been to the Amazon and experienced its remote wonderland. I remember standing in a lush rainforest, in the warm, humid air, surrounded by the sounds of exotic birds. The people are wonderful and almost childlike in their trusting nature. But let me tell you, I still get chills thinking of the swarms of bullet ants that grow over an inch long, fishing for piranhas and avoiding tons of snakes. For hundreds of years, the Brazilian Marubo tribe of about 2,000 people has lived deep in one of the most remote parts of the Amazon rainforest, cut off from outsiders and without many modern technologies. But life for the tribe changed nine months ago, when American entrepreneur Allyson Reneau thought it would be a great idea to give the tribe Elon Musk’s satellite-based Starlink internet access. A few Marubo tribe members had phones they used to take photos or when they went into a city, but there was no internet there at all. It started out with a click … When Starlink was first installed, the tribe used it in great ways. They got help for snakebites that turn deadly without speedy intervention. The Marubo connected with other local tribes and stayed in touch with family and friends who’d moved away. Younger tribe members expanded their horizons, getting a peek into life outside their small, remote community. Suddenly, teens had big dreams, from becoming a dentist in the big city to traveling the world. But then, things changed big time The younger tribe members found and quickly became addicted to porn, social media and video games. They started sharing all kinds of explicit videos in group chats and getting sexually aggressive. The Marubo don’t even kiss in public. People of all ages now have trouble putting down their phones. Tribe members have also been falling victim to scams since they've never seen or heard of them before. An older member says when the internet first arrived, “Everyone was happy, but now, things have gotten worse. Young people have gotten lazy … In the village, if you don't hunt, fish and plant, you don't eat.” The internet has made the tribe addicted and divided. The tribe’s fix: Screen-time limits Tribal leaders now limit people’s internet access to two hours each morning, five hours in the evening and all day Sunday. Remember, all this happened over only nine months. If you have a few minutes, here’s the New York Times video about the Marubo tribe’s internet use. Starlink just might’ve killed this tribe’s future. |
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🎁 Looking for Father’s Day gifts? I put some great links at the very end of the newsletter for you. |
WEB WATERCOOLER Major ISP hacked: Around 750,000 Frontier Internet customers had their info stolen in a ransomware attack. No financial data was grabbed, but the info does include full names, Social Security numbers, birthdays and home addresses — more than enough to steal your identity. If you use Frontier, put up your scam guard. Cybercriminals may have a boatload more info on you now. The ad-friendly skies: Fly United and you’ll soon see personalized ads in the app and on the back of your seat. Just one more way to make money off you. But since you get this free newsletter, here’s where you can opt out of the ads. You’re welcome. Let’s forget we said that: The overwhelming reaction to Microsoft’s recently announced Recall feature for Windows 11 has been, “Uh, hello, security nightmare.” By default, they said Windows 11 on new AI-enabled PCs will snap a screenshot of everything you do so you can revisit your history. Now, they’re going opt-in only. If you get a new PC and see the option, say, “No, thanks.” WWDC starts tomorrow: That’s Apple’s five-day annual event where, this year, we’ll learn all about iOS 18. It starts at 1 p.m. ET (10 a.m. PT). You can add a calendar reminder on the Apple Events page, or just tune in at Apple.com. If you miss it, don’t worry — I’ll give you the recap on Tuesday! Attention, Kia owners: Park outside, not in the garage. Almost 50,000 Telluride SUVs (model years 2020-2024) have a flaw in the power seats that could start a fire. If your car is impacted, you’ll get a letter in the mail by July 30. In all, Kia has recalled 462,869 Telluride SUVs due to risks. My friend, Marty, had a DeLorean he drove from time to time. |
LISTEN UP | Apple’s next big idea: Robot butlers Picture an AI smarty-pants to wash the dishes, clean the house and video chat with you when you’re not home. Plus, fakes on Facebook, no more sharing Disney+ passwords, and Amazon's Just Walk Out technology. |
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TECH LIFE UPGRADES Good price, excellent audio: You don’t have to spend $200 or more for high-quality earbuds. Raycons* have studio-quality sound and a whopping 32 hours of battery life, and they fit comfortably in every ear with precise fittings. Grab ‘em for 15% off (and free shipping!) right now at BuyRaycon.com/kim. Vroom-vroom! Check out this database of the 62 e‑bike incentive programs available in 19 states. You can score up to $1,400 off a snazzy new bike. Pro tip: Don’t buy an e‑bike that costs less than $700. Not worth the battery fire risk. Update your Netflix: Don’t know the difference between the “Today’s Top Picks” and “Your Next Watch” categories on Netflix? Me, neither. Netflix is redesigning its app to make it easier to navigate (and get you to watch more). It’s only available for a subset of users now, but it’s worth checking your TV or app store to see if you’re due for an update. Add to cart: If you’re buying something online, try my go-to trick to save money. Add it to your cart, start the checkout process (including putting in your email address), then close the site. Give it a day or two, and you’ll probably get a coupon sent to your inbox. Hi, you: Old voicemails can be particularly nostalgic when you’re missing someone. Make sure you save yours the right way. I did this with old messages from Mom. |
MY TRUSTED ADVICE 🎙️ Every weekend on my award-winning national radio show heard on over 420 stations, I talk with interesting folks like you. Catch these convos on a station near you or as a commercial-free podcast on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. - Kathy from Indianapolis caught her husband chatting up women online. Should she forgive him?
- Bill in Raleigh, North Carolina, is newly diagnosed with Parkinson's. He can't find many online resources and wants to start a video blog to connect with others.
- Karen in Casper, Wyoming, heard Apple products are the least secure for banking. Now, she's worried about using her iPhone for financial transactions.
Plus, Wayne wants to schedule text messages, Joys needs a calendar website for her community, James looks for tools to manage his sleep cycle, Joni seeks external hard drive help and more! 📆 Let’s talk about anything digital in your life, whether it’s family matters or your business. Make an appointment to speak with me right here. |
WHAT THE TECH? Toucan play that game.
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UNTIL NEXT TIME ... 🎁 If you’re looking for some Father’s Day gifts (one week from today!) here are some links for you: 😂 Speaking of shopping, I found $20 in the Costco parking lot. I asked myself, “What would Jesus do?” So I went back in and turned it into wine. (I heard you laugh at that one!) Hope you took away something from this newsletter good enough to use. Follow me on social: I’m on Instagram, YouTube, Facebook and everywhere else! I’ll be back in your inbox tomorrow with another issue of the best newsletter in the USA! — Kim |
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