Tech Q&A: Which smartphone has the best camera?

Illustration file picture (REUTERS/Kacper Pempel).

Find hidden spyware

Q: I think my psycho ex put a secret program on my phone. She seems to know way too much about my life. How can I tell if there is spyware on my phone?

A: Maybe it’s not spyware at all. Before jumping to this conclusion, consider what you’re posting on social media. Sometimes just looking at a person’s Facebook profile tells you a lot of details. Know that Android-based phones are more susceptible to spyware than iPhones, but pretty much any phone can be hacked if the attacker is clever enough. Your best protection is to keep your operating system updated, be careful of careless clicks in your email and avoid suspicious websites. Click here to learn how to detect spyware and remove it from your phone.

Keep up with the grandkids

Q: My precious grandchildren live so far from me. I miss them. How can I use tech to keep in touch with them?

A: I’m so glad you asked this question. Tech can help bridge the miles. Video chatting, for starters, lets you have a face-to-face conversation, and it can feel like they’re sitting in the room with you. Many apps are designed to help you track your grandkids’ photos, activities and even their pastimes. If you’re feeling ambitious, you can even play with them through wholesome online games. Click here to learn ways grandparents can connect with the wee ones.

Secret source for cheap computers

Q: You mentioned a place to get a laptop for $60 on your national radio show. I don’t have a lot of money to spend on a computer. But I need one.

A: The good news is that functional computers are cheaper than ever, and if your needs are pretty basic, you can buy a decent laptop that will last a few years for only a few hundred dollars. By basic needs, I mean word processors, spreadsheets, internet browsers and photo archives. But there’s even better news: One organization sells computers for rock-bottom prices. Click here to learn where to find these cheap computers and components.

Best smartphone camera

Q: I use my phone a lot as a camera. Which smartphone has the best camera?

A: Camera quality can be very misleading. You probably saw those iPhone ads that showed an eye-popping, beautiful photograph and had the words, “Shot on iPhone 6.” It was a pretty effective campaign, and the photos were obviously stunning. You’d be astonished what other brands of smartphones have come to rival Apple’s famous optics. Motorola, for example, now offers a better lens as a smartphone upgrade. Click here to browse the best camera phones.

WiGig is coming

Q: How come technology cannot keep up with demand? With all the videos, there must be a faster wireless standard coming! Where is it?

A: You’re absolutely right, and its fancy name is WiGig. The technology has just barely become available, and only certain devices are equipped to handle this ultra-powerful new Wi-Fi. So you’re going to have to put up with regular Wi-Fi for the short term, but keep an eye out for WiGig, because it’s just around the corner. Click here to learn more about this revolutionary new wireless standard.

What questions do you have? Call my national radio show and click here to find it on your local radio station. You can listen to the Kim Komando Show on your phone, tablet or computer. From buying advice to digital life issues, click here for my free podcasts.

Learn about all the latest technology 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