File photo. (Sworkit)
Apps for better exercise
Q. I want to exercise more this year, but it's tough. Are there any apps that can help?
A. Take a look at Sworkit Lite (Android, Apple, Apple Watch; free). It gives you access to several different exercises and workout plans. The workouts can be curated into customized plans and paired with playlists, so you'll never get bored when you exercise. Check out even more exercise apps that help you stay on goal or work out with limited time. Then read the bonus Q&A for apps that help you lose weight.
Stop phone eavesdroppers
Q. I know wireless routers need encryption for safety, but what about wireless phones?
A. Older cordless phones had little to no security, which meant anyone with basic signal capture equipment could listen in on your conversations. Fortunately, most newer cordless phones have stronger security. Just look for DECT 6.0 on the packaging. Find out why DECT 6.0 is more secure, and other ways to boost your security even more.
Stay on budget
Q. I spent way too much money in 2015. How can I keep myself from overspending this year?
A. Grab a simple budgeting program like Mint. It pulls your financial information into one spot and makes it easy to set goals and get bill notifications. Or check out these sites that teach you good money management or let you construct a simple budget in minutes.
Better Apple notifications
Q. I have to keep my phone on vibrate, but I miss custom ringtones to tell me who is calling. Is there a middle ground?
A. You can set up custom vibrations for different people or notifications. Go to Settings>>Sounds>>Ringtone>>Vibration. Or you can go into your contacts list; hit Edit and select the Vibration option for each of your contacts. You can also have your phone's LED light flash. Go to Settings>>General>>Accessibility and turn on LED Flash for Alerts. Learn six more ways to make your iPhone or iPad easier to use.
Cool Android apps
Q. I'm looking for some new Android apps to try out. What do you recommend?
A. Take a look at the game Hop Hop Hop. You guide a ball through various obstacles; it's simple but fun. For a real look at the power of smartphones, try Google Translate. It can translate text and even pictures of text in real time. Did you like these apps? Learn about three more apps that you'll definitely want to download.
Bonus: Apps for weight loss
Q. There are apps for everything else, but are there ones for weight loss?
A. Take a look at Berry Cart (Android, Apple; free). It helps you find healthy food in the grocery store while giving you deals and earning discounts. Get more apps that help you track your calories and keep tabs on your exercise routine.
On the Kim Komando Show, the nation's largest weekend radio talk show, Kim takes calls and dispenses advice on today's digital lifestyle, from smartphones and tablets to online privacy and data hacks. For her daily tips, free newsletters and more, visit her website at Komando.com. Kim also posts breaking tech news 24/7 at News.Komando.com.
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