A smarter home
The best smart multi-zone thermostat
The Ecobee 4 isn't the only way to get a multi-zone heating and cooling system, but if you're starting from scratch it is the best way.
Jerry Hildenbrand
I'm an RHCE and Electrical Engineer who loves gadgets of all kinds. You'll find my writings across Mobile Nations and you can hit me on Twitter if you want to say hey.
All Articles by Jerry Hildenbrand
Get it pre-paid
Thinking of getting an iPhone X with a prepaid plan? Here are the best!
You don't need to have a monthly contract to get an iPhone these days, but which carrier should you bring your phone to?
Connections
What is USB 4? It's complicated ... and we've got the answers you need!
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Better, stronger, faster. And backward compatible, too!
Your carrier sucks
Your carrier is still selling your location data to the wrong people
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Your carrier is selling your location to the highest bidder ā and that includes A-GPS data, too. Carriers suck.
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Questions about USB-C and iPad Pro? We've got answers!
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The iPad Pro making the switch to USB-C means now is the perfect time to look at how it all works and why it matters when it comes to the sounds of your life.
Everything you need to know
Which US iPhone carrier and plan should you get?
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AT&T, Verizon, Sprint, or T-Mobile ā how to pick the perfect iPhone carrier for you!
Security
Security keys are a great fail-safe way to get into your Google account
Two-factor authentication can protect your account, and a USB Security Key makes for a great backup if you lose your phone. It's cheap peace of mind and beats the heck out of calling Google.
Thank you sir may I have another
App developers are going through your email - see how to make them stop
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Never trust anyone when it comes to managing your privacy.
Burn Baby Burn
Thousands of iOS and Android apps are leaking your data through Firebase
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Thousands of Android and iOS apps are leaking data through 2,271 misconfigured Firebase databases.
Stay safe out there
What you need to know about the VPNFilter router malware
Malware linked to the Russian government can manipulate your internet traffic, harvest personal information, and serve as a launch point for a broad range of internet attacks.
Bad news
TeenSafe phone monitoring app leaked thousands of passwords
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TeenSafe, a parental monitoring app, leaked thousands of Apple IDs and their password in plain text.
Privacy
Amazon Alexa: What kind of data does Amazon get from me?
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Amazon wants your data to build a shopping and advertisement profile, not sell it to the highest bidder.
A Clear and present danger
Strava's fitness tracking map shows too much information about U.S. troops
The company's Global Heat Map called a 'clear security threat' for inadvertently showing troop activities overseas.
Not what you think
What's up with the WhatsApp group chat security flaw?
Relax, nobody is going to be hacking your WhatsApp messages, at least not this way.
A closer look
Everything you need to know about Sprint's Unlimited Freedom plan
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A complete breakdown of Sprint's Unlimited Freedom plan and everything else you can get when you sign up for service.
I hate the internet
Ad companies are using your password manager to track you on the web
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The Same Origin Policy has one fatal flaw, and of course, ad companies have found a way to exploit it.
Save us, Ethernet
KRACK WPA2 exploit patched for older devices with iOS 11.2
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Exploit in WPA2 means it's open season on your Wi-Fi network, no matter what router you use.
Internet of Zs
What are Zigbee and Z-Wave? Everything you need to know!
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Your connected home can be built a lot of different ways, but likely starts right here.
Hey Alexa fix my Wi-Fi
Amazon says a patch for WPA2 exploit KRACK is in the works
Amazon is evaluating its products to determine how to go forward and patch KRACK.
Channel your inner Spielberg
Video frame rates: 24FPS vs. 30FPS vs. 60FPS explained
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Which format should I use, and when should I use it? What's the difference anyway? This used to be easy.