Phone Travel Prep, Top Video Editing Apps & Removing Online Personal Info
Jul 28, 2024
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Steve Tcherchian, a cybersecurity expert from XYPRO.com, shares crucial insights into digital security for travelers. He discusses the importance of preparing your phone to avoid roaming charges and highlights tools for managing online privacy. Rich tackles issues like photo compatibility on different devices and suggests top video editing apps like CapCut and Splice. They dive into the aftermath of the Ticketmaster breach, stressing the need for vigilance in protecting personal data while exploring the latest in travel tech.
Preparing your smartphone for international travel helps avoid excessive roaming charges and enhances connectivity options abroad.
Apple Maps has launched a web version, providing users with more accessibility to navigation services across both Mac and Windows.
Advanced third-party camera apps offer users enhanced features for capturing high-quality photos and videos compared to native smartphone camera apps.
Reinforcing cyber awareness is essential in avoiding fraud, especially during transactions where scammers impersonate legitimate parties to intercept payments.
Deep dives
Cybersecurity Lessons from a Hiring Incident
A cybersecurity training company hired a remote software engineer who turned out to be a North Korean hacker, using a stolen US identity and an AI-generated image. The situation unfolded when the hacker began downloading malicious software onto the company-issued laptop. This incident highlights the need for organizations to be cautious when hiring remote employees and to verify identities rigorously. It also serves as a reminder that even companies focused on cybersecurity can fall victim to sophisticated scams.
Apple Maps Now Available on the Web
After a decade of exclusive mobile use, Apple Maps has finally launched its web version, accessible at beta.maps.apple.com. Users can now utilize Apple Maps on both Mac and Windows computers, although it remains unavailable on Android devices. The web application retains many features from the mobile version, providing a visually appealing and user-friendly interface for navigation. While the platform is still in beta, it represents a significant step toward greater accessibility of Apple's mapping services.
Travel Tips for Smartphones: Preparing for International Trips
Before international travel, it's essential to prepare your smartphone for connectivity and avoid excessive roaming charges. Recommendations include downloading specific apps for flight tracking, currency conversion, and offline maps. Setting up Wi-Fi calling and ensuring you have an appropriate international plan can provide peace of mind. Moreover, tools like smart downloads for streaming services enhance entertainment options, making your travel experience smoother.
Using Technology for Health Monitoring
The integration of technology into health monitoring is becoming increasingly important for personal wellness. Devices like smartwatches and mobile apps provide continuous tracking of vital health metrics, enabling users to take proactive steps toward improving their health. The discussion highlights the benefits of tools that track sleep, activity levels, and heart rate variability, all of which contribute to a more comprehensive view of health. As more users begin to recognize the value of these technologies, better health outcomes become more attainable.
Upgrading Your Smartphone Photo and Video Capture
Third-party camera apps can significantly enhance the quality of photo and video capture on smartphones compared to native camera apps. Apps such as Blackmagic, Final Cut, and Kino provide advanced features like audio meters, manual controls for light and time-lapse recording, and the ability to save to external storage. These tools empower users to have greater creative control over their content, making professional-grade video features accessible. For those serious about mobile photography, utilizing these specialized apps can transform their smartphone into a powerful camera.
Navigating Wireless Service Options
When facing connectivity issues while traveling, it's important to evaluate your wireless service provider's performance in your specific area. Research tools like Root Metrics and the FCC's broadband map can help identify which mobile networks offer the best coverage based on user feedback. Additionally, consider utilizing MVNOs, which could provide better customer service while using the infrastructure of major carriers. In any case, having a reliable internet connection is vital for effective communication, especially when traveling.
Scam Awareness: Protecting Yourself Against Fraud
Cyber fraud continues to pose a significant threat, particularly during real estate transactions where scammers pose as legitimate parties to intercept payments. Victims have lost substantial amounts due to phishing scams that impersonate legitimate email communication. Staying vigilant and confirming any unusual or unexpected payment instructions is crucial in avoiding being scammed. Regular awareness of the tactics used by fraudsters can help individuals protect their finances and personal information.
Mario from Riverside asked why photos and videos he takes on the iPhone aren’t always compatible with other media players. Rich recommended changing Settings > Camera > Formats to Most Compatible and downloading VLC.
Steve Tcherchian, cybersecurity expert with XYPRO.com, discusses lessons learned from the CrowdStrike incident.
Diane in Pineland, TX asks how to send photos from iPhone to Android. Rich mentioned LocalSend and Snapdrop.
Meta unveils a fun new way to generate AI selfies with a feature called “Imagine Me.”
Joe asks about the Ticketmaster breach and if he should take advantage of the
Mark in Winnetka asks about a phone with an E-Ink Display (BOOX Palma) and how to edit videos on his phone. Rich likes CapCut, Splice and Captions.
Nenette in Glendale wants to know how to get rid of her info on Google. Rich recommends signing up for Results about you or using a data deletion service like DeleteMe, Incogni or Mozilla Monitor.
Nirave Gondhia, Founder of House of Tech, will give his impressions about Samsung’s latest devices including their foldables, watches and ring.
Elizabeth in Rancho Mirage needs help buying a laptop. Rich mentioned the MacBook Air at Walmart and this guide.
