Learn how much data your phone collects and manage app permissions. Find the fastest internet provider with real-life speed tests. Understand security concerns with TikTok and how cars spy on us. Explore Tower PCs vs desktop PCs and transferring data to a thumb drive. Discover Roku's data breach and how Airbnb bans indoor security cameras.
Phones collect vast amounts of user data, check app permissions.
Connected cars track driving data, shared with insurers, impacting rates.
Wi-Fi 7 offers faster speeds, multi-link connections for optimized performance.
Upgrade to Wi-Fi 7 based on high-speed needs, Wi-Fi 6 already sufficient for most users.
Deep dives
Cars as Spying Devices
Cars today are essentially computers on wheels that can collect a vast amount of driving data, including details like braking, acceleration, speeding, and location. General Motors' Smart Driver program collects and shares this data with data brokers, who in turn provide it to insurance companies. This information can influence insurance rates based on driving behavior.
Connectivity in Cars
Cars now come with connected services that enable data collection on driving behaviors, such as distance, time, and acceleration. This data is shared with data brokers and insurance companies, impacting rates and policy evaluations. Some drivers unknowingly enroll in driver feedback programs, leading to unauthorized data sharing.
Privacy Concerns for Drivers
Drivers, especially General Motors customers enrolled in programs like Smart Driver, are faced with potential privacy breaches as their driving data is sold to insurance companies. Some drivers reported unexpected increases in insurance rates due to aggressive driving behavior captured by car sensors and systems.
Usage-Based Insurance Programs
While usage-based insurance programs can promote safer driving habits, concerns arise when drivers are monitored without their explicit knowledge. Unknowingly enrolled drivers face insurance rate hikes based on driving data shared by their cars without full transparency or understanding of the monitoring process.
Overview of Wi-Fi 7
Wi-Fi 7 is the next generation of the Wi-Fi protocol, building upon Wi-Fi 6 and 6E to offer faster speeds, reliability, and seamless connectivity. It introduces features like multi-link operation that allow devices to connect to multiple bands simultaneously and intelligently switch connections for optimal performance.
Availability of Wi-Fi 7 Support
Wi-Fi 7 support is gradually emerging in newer devices like Samsung Galaxy phones, the OnePlus 12, and certain laptops, with broader adoption expected in the future. However, most users may not need to rush to upgrade to Wi-Fi 7, as Wi-Fi 6 and 6E routers already offer significant improvements in speed and connectivity.
Considerations for Wi-Fi Upgrade
While Wi-Fi 7 promises enhanced performance and intelligence in connectivity, current Wi-Fi 6 and 6E options like mesh network systems can efficiently address dead spots and provide reliable coverage. Timing an upgrade to Wi-Fi 7 should be based on specific needs such as high-speed requirements and network congestion rather than immediate necessity.
63 - March 16, 2024Rich DeMuro talks about tech news, tips, and gadget reviews and conducts interviews in this weekly show.Airs 11 AM - 2 PM PT on KFI AM 640 and syndicated on 350+ stations nationwide.Stream live on the iHeartRadio App or subscribe to the podcast.Follow Rich on X, Instagram and Facebook.Call 1-888-RICH-101 (1-888-742-4101) to join in!Links may be affiliate.RichOnTech.tvSign up for the Rich on Tech Newsletter!Rich talked about how much data our phones collect on us and how you can check to see which apps access what and revoke these permissions!Shelly in Seal Beach wants a new laptop to replace her iMac.A new website called Speedtest Performance from OOKLA helps you find the fastest internet service provider near you based on real-life speed tests.Dr. Scott J. White, associate professor and director of The George Washington University’s Cybersecurity Program and Cyber Academy, will explain TikTok's security concerns.Adam in Los Angeles is curious about the difference between a tower PC and a smaller desktop PC.Roku had a data breach affecting 15,000 users.Wayne in Yorba Linda is wondering about transferring data to a thumb drive to free up space.Robert in Roseville, Michigan wants to know if you download TikTok does it infect your phone with spyware? Here’s info on how to delete your account or download the data TikTok has on you.Kashmir Hill, Technology Reporter at the New York Times, will explain how our cars spy on us.Airbnb bans indoor security cameras.Walmart is selling a MacBook Air for $699.Mike in Royal Oak, Michigan needs help freeing up space on an old Samsung phone. Rich says to check in Settings > Device Care > Storage and also use the Google Files app to clean up storage.Tom in Eau Clair Wisconsin has an old Android phone that he can’t remember the lock pattern for. It contains thousands of dollars of crypto. You might be able to use
