🕵️ Is That App Spying On You? 3 Ways to Find Out

🕵️ Is That App Spying On You? 3 Ways to Find Out

Hey techies,

Ever feel like an app is a little too interested in your personal life? We've got your back. Here's how to spot a shady app before you hit download:

1. Play Privacy Policy Detective:

• Hit Ctrl+F for "sell" or "California" in the app's privacy policy.

• These sections reveal what data they collect and who they share it with (even if you're not in California).

• Pro Tip: Vague privacy policies are a HUGE red flag. 🚩

2. One-Star Review Avalanche? Abort!

• Tons of one-star reviews? Probably not a coincidence.

• Pay attention to the ratio of five-star reviews to one-star reviews in app stores.

3. Permission Problems:

• Head to the Google Play store (even for iPhone apps!) and check the app's permissions under "View details."

• Does a weather app really need access to your contacts? Probably not. Be wary of overreach.

Bottom line: Trust your gut! If something feels off, it probably is.

Credits:
Washington Post

⌚ Your Apple Watch Might Actually Be a Medical Device Now

Hey health nuts, ditch the FitBit, your Apple Watch might be a doctor's new best friend.

• Doctors are increasingly recommending Apple Watches to patients for managing conditions like atrial fibrillation, even though the FDA hasn't fully approved the watch for all those purposes.

• New research shows the potential for Apple Watch data to help doctors monitor stress, recovery after surgery, and even children's heart health.

• One cardiologist even credits his Apple Watch with saving his life after it detected a heart problem that he didn't feel!

• Apple's playing it safe, though. They're focusing on providing data to researchers and letting medical professionals figure out the best ways to use it.

Bottom line: Your Apple Watch is becoming a powerful health tool. Just don't skip your doctor's appointments just yet!

Credits:
Wall Street Journal

🚨 EV Headaches: New Study Says Buckle Up

Hey gearheads,

J.D. Power's latest study just dropped a bombshell: EVs are giving owners way more problems than your trusty gas guzzlers. We're talking 86% more problems for those keeping score at home. 🤯

Here's the deal:

• More trips to the mechanic: EV owners are 3x more likely to visit the dealership for repairs than those with traditional cars. Ouch.

• Tesla's not immune: Even Elon's crown jewel is slipping. Their quality scores are down, with customers not loving the minimalist (read: no stalks!) design.

• Thinking of going electric? This report adds fuel (pun intended) to the EV debate, especially with 46% of American EV owners already eyeing a return to gas-powered cars.

Bottom line: EVs might be the future, but it looks like there are still some serious kinks to work out on the road to electrification. 🚗🔌

Credits:
Yahoo Finance

😬 Yikes! South Korean Telecom Goes Full Big Brother

Remember that time your internet provider did something totally not shady? Yeah, me neither.

Get this: KT Corporation, a major South Korean telecom, infected over 600,000 customers with malware because they were using a file-sharing service KT didn't like (Webhard's Grid Service, which uses BitTorrent).

Here's the tea:

• Webhard users started freaking out in 2020 because their files were disappearing, folders were going rogue, and some PCs straight-up crashed.

• Turns out, it was KT all along! They admitted to planting malware to "control" what they considered a "malicious program."

• KT and Webhard have a history: Webhard's service was clogging up KT's network, and KT wasn't getting paid for it.

• Even though a court sided with KT, they went nuclear and decided malware was a better solution than, you know, just blocking the service.

The takeaway? Always trust your internet provider... to act in their own best interest, even if it means breaking the law and ruining your week. 🙃

Credits:
Toms Hardware

🤫 Talking About Money With Your Partner: Why It's So Hard (And How To Make It Easier)

Hey Finance Fans,

Ever feel like talking about money with your significant other is harder than deciphering ancient hieroglyphics? Turns out, you're not alone. A new study says many of us avoid money talks with our partners out of fear of sparking an argument.

Here's the lowdown:

• Money = Stress = Relationship Kryptonite (Or so we think): We'd rather dodge the money convo than risk a fight. But experts say communication is key to healthy finances and relationships.

• Baggage Claim: We all bring our own financial history (and hang-ups) to the table. No shame in the game, but acknowledging it is step one.

• Opposites Attract (Then Drive Each Other Crazy): That carefree spender seemed fun at first, right? Now you're arguing about budgets. The good news? You can balance each other out with a little effort.

• Solutions, Not Showdowns: Reframing money talks as opportunities to find solutions (not declare war) makes a world of difference.

Here's how to make money talks less stressful:

• Start small: Instead of debating retirement plans, discuss a smaller decision like vacation spending.

• Location, Location, Location: Ditch the boardroom vibes and opt for a walk outside. Fresh air, fresh perspective.

• Schedule Money Dates: Monthly check-ins help you stay on top of finances and each other's needs.

Bottom line: Talking about money with your partner doesn't have to be a financial death sentence. Communicate openly, compromise fairly, and you'll both be singing "Money, Money, Money" (in a good way). 🎤💰

Credits:
NY Times