File photo. (REUTERS/Kacper Pempel)
Find specific weather forecasts
Q: The weather app shows me general conditions. I would like to know the current and predicted weather where I am located.
A: I know the feeling. You check the weather app on your phone, and you think, “Is that the forecast for Scottsdale, or the entire Phoenix area?” Weather changes constantly, and some people live in “micro-climates,” where every square mile gets its own patterns of sun, wind and rain. Generic weather apps are famously imprecise, especially when you live on the coast or in mountainous regions. Luckily, there’s an app that will focus on your specific location, so you’ll never dress for the wrong weather. Click here to get super accurate forecasts.
Stop a badly phrased email
Q: Is it possible to unsend an email? I have made this mistake too many times in my life!
A: Many of us have become spoiled by the “undo” feature, especially when we can delete unsavory tweets and Facebook posts with ease. So is it possible to retrieve an email once it’s been dispatched? The answer is complicated, but if you have a habit of clicking “send” before you’ve really thought out your message, these plug-ins could save a lot of face. Click here to learn about Criptext, UnSend.it and more.
Check on loved ones living alone
Q: My mother lives alone. Is there an app that will let me know if she’s OK?
A: No matter how independent or capable our loved ones are, living alone can cause a lot of anxiety. They’re always one step away from serious danger, and without other people around, a minor problem could get ugly fast. There are ways people can communicate with each other, especially if they’ve just fallen and can’t get up, but there’s one app, developed by firefighters, that will notify loved ones when an emergency arises. Click here to learn more about this potentially lifesaving app.
Monitor Your Child’s Phone
Q: How can I see what my daughter is doing on her phone? She is on the thing all the time!
A: Before you start spying on your kid’s phone, I always insist that parents have a conversation first. Remind your child (or grandchild) that smartphones are very powerful tools. They’ve existed for only a few years, and it’s hard to appreciate how dangerous their features can be. Tweens should know what a big responsibility that phone is, especially in a world of hackers, stalkers and con artists. But if you want to monitor what your child does or restrict what the phone can do, there are simple ways to do it. Click here to learn about FamilyTime, Google Family Link, and more.
Print from Your Phone or Tablet
Q: Is it possible to print from your phone or tablet like you do when using a computer?
A: It seems like it should be easy, right? Just plug in your printer and – oh, wait, there’s no USB port. The majority of new printers are using Bluetooth technology these days, which can be handy for wireless devices, but remember that not every tablet or phone is compatible with every printer. So what are your options, if you’re stuck without a regular computer or have even given up on desktops in favor of your trusty smartphone or tablet? Click here for mobile printing methods.
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.
Copyright 2017, WestStar Multimedia Entertainment. All rights reserved. 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.
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