All tech. No filler.
Join 509,000+ people who stay ahead of the tech curve with The Current, delivered daily. No fluff, no BS.
The beta versions of browsers let you access all the neat, new features before anyone else. Here’s how to try ’em out.
Trustworthy antivirus software is key to staying protected.
Stop Google from tracking your every move. Use one of these alternative search engines to take back some of your privacy.
Your phone is very valuable in the wrong hands. Luckily, Google and Apple have built-in theft protection features.
3 features that your VPN must-have.
Pig-butchering scams are getting more sophisticated — and more costly — by the day. Here’s the scoop on the latest tricks so you don’t fall for them.
Breaking news and tips
The best budgeting and finance tools for home and business
The Mint budgeting app has been folded into Credit Karma, owned by Intuit. It’s been around since 2006, so it’s a shame to see it go. Worry not! There are other options out there.
What to look for in a budgeting app
Don’t just blindly choose the first app that pops up when you search for budgeting apps. There are several factors to consider when selecting the one that fits your needs best.
Security
Most budgeting apps have you connect your credit cards and bank accounts and enter personal information, including your most delicate passwords. That’s a lot of faith given to one app.
With hackers being a constant concern, security should be your number one priority when choosing the right budgeting app. Do they have a history of being hacked? Does the application offer two-factor authentication? Be sure to check the security settings of an app before making a final choice.
Cost
Budgeting apps typically have a free option, but many require upgrading if you want premium options. This doesn’t mean you should avoid the paid apps, but you’ll want to ensure the purchase is worth it for your budgeting needs.
Features
Not every app is created equal. Some will let you track all your financial accounts, and some are more limited. Investigate a few apps before choosing so you can see which features are the most valuable to you and if they are worth paying for. Now onto the apps.
You Need A Budget (YNAB)
When you look up the best budgeting apps online, you’ll probably find YNAB. That’s because it has a ton of robust features you can use to take charge of your personal finance goals.
‘Watt’s the deal?
💡 These items are illuminating in so many ways.
- I don’t like dark hallways and stairwells. Dangerous! These night-lights look nice and cost less than $10 for eight. Click for the extra coupon.
- Smart bulbs don’t have to be expensive. WiZ smart lights are under $10.
- Upgrade your evening porch time with app-controlled outdoor LED lights. Click the box for $42 off.
- This smart table lamp will look good in any room (27% off).
- Prefer paper books to electronic versions? I do, too. All good! Grab a book light for under $7.
We may receive a commission when you buy through our links, but our reporting and recommendations are always independent and objective.
Instagram is hiding your political posts
Sharing your political opinions online? Guess what — social media might be making sure no one sees them. Plus, 6G is here and it’s blazing fast, Toy Story gets real, and AI revives a woman’s voice. Kim also chats with Hear.com Co-Founder Paul Crusius about how he’s transforming hearing care.
🗑️ Bring it back: Don’t panic if you accidentally delete a pic. In the Google Photos app, go to Collections > Trash to see any photos or videos deleted in the last 60 days. In Apple Photos on your iPhone, swipe up, then, under Utilities, tap Recently Deleted. You’ll have 30 days before it’s gone for good, so move quickly!
Finding her voice: A 42-year-old mom diagnosed with Lou Gehrig’s disease was losing her ability to speak. The neurological disease affects nerve cells in the brain. She found ElevenLabs, which creates human-like text-to-speech AI programs. She sent in a few recordings, and they developed a voice that sounded almost like hers. Now, she types with her eyes, and the program does the rest. I love it when tech makes such a positive impact.
Tropicana Las Vegas implosion
The site of the former 23-story, 917,400-square-foot hotel is becoming a Major League Baseball stadium for the Oakland A’s, who are relocating to Las Vegas. The controlled demolition used 22,000 lineal feet of detonating cord, dang.
🥩 Check your fridge: Some 11.8 million pounds of ready-to-eat meat and poultry products may be contaminated with listeria. BrucePac sells to companies that repackage, resell or use its products, so you’ll need to check a whopping 348-page list to be safe. Big names include Amazon Fresh, Kroger and Trader Joe’s. Pro tip: Hit Ctrl + F on Windows (Cmd + F on Mac) to search the list.
Your DNA up for sale
23andMe is struggling and searching for new ways to make money. One of those options? Selling your genetic data. Plus, the Hurricane Helene forecast scandal, fake election donation sites, and four key times to change your password.
Which social media platform was originally named Picaboo? Was it … A.) Instagram, B.) Snapchat, C.) Twitter or D.) Pinterest?
Wheelie having a good time: On the web version of Google Maps, click Layers, then Biking. You’ll see all the smaller paths and dirt trails on the map alongside the main roads.
How to find the cheapest time to fly
Want to know the cheapest time to book your next flight? Google Flights has a new feature that shows you when to save big!
71-year-old pole dancer
The internet can’t stop talking about her. She had a hip replacement and struggles with arthritis, but she still pulls off some incredible moves that require a whole lot of strength. Look at those biceps! I know, not tech, but wowza.
Hard drive 101: How to buy, store and protect yours
All that drive space that comes with your computer, phone or tablet can quickly fill up, especially if you’re a movie fan, gamer or just have a lot of photos to store. The quick and easy fix? Pick up an external drive.
Attn., business owners: Do this! Verify your business with Apple, and your logo will now pop up in the iPhone’s Phone, Mail, Maps and Wallet apps. Start by signing into Apple’s Business Connect page with your Apple account. Add your company info, register for the service, and you’re good to go.
Cmd + Shift + 5: On a Mac, this brings up the screenshot toolbar, where you can take screenshots or record your screen. Capture the entire screen, a selected window or a specific portion, and you can even choose to record a video.
Which of these tech terms is not found in the Oxford English Dictionary? Is it … A.) “Al desko,” B.) “Screenager,” C.) “Egosurf” or D.) “Cloudophile?”
🖥️ OLED monitor sales will jump 181% this year: There’s one big difference between OLED and LCD; with OLED, each pixel emits its own light for deeper blacks and richer colors. Plus, OLED screens have faster response times, which reduces motion blur and ghosting for better streaming and gaming. I took the time to select picks for a budget 27-inch option (22% off!) and a high-end 39-inch model (43% off, dang).
We may receive a commission when you buy through our links, but our reporting and recommendations are always independent and objective.
WOW! Watch SpaceX catch a starship booster in air
🚀 Touchdown complete: SpaceX nailed the upright landing of one of its massive Starship rockets. As it fell from the sky, thrusters slowed it down before it was caught by two “chopstick” arms attached to a giant metal tower. Why’s this a big deal? It’s a step toward reusable rockets. The video is incredible.
$100,000 in prizes
Doled out to winners of the NFL’s Big Data Bowl. Stats are a huge part of the game, and this contest is to see who can compile them into meaningful, interesting takeaways. More info here if you’ve always wanted to work for the NFL but you’re more of a “mathlete” than an athlete.
✈️ Travel hack: Google Flights is rolling out a “cheapest” tab for rock-bottom fares. On your phone, search flights.google.com, and you’ll see the “best” options. Now there’s a “cheapest” tab to the right, focusing strictly on price. The catch: Inconvenient times, layovers or returns to a different airport. Hey, but you’ll save money!