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Talking Tech: Why you should skip those free public charging stations

The FBI is warning people not to use them because hackers could install malware – called "juice jacking" – to gain access to your device.
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Talking Tech

Thu Apr 13 2023

 

Brett Molina  Consumer Tech Reporter

@brettmolina23

It's April, Talking Tech readers! Spring is here. Baseball has returned. And thankfully for this hoops fan, the NBA playoffs are back. 

Also back: me. My spring break last week is over, which means it's time for some tech headlines. 

Ever go to the airport, mall or another public spot and find those free USB charging stations? So long as you have a cord with you, just plug right in and you can start charging your smartphone or other device.

But wait, keep that phone in your hands and cord in your bags or pockets. The FBI is warning people not to use them because hackers could install malware – called "juice jacking" – to gain access to your device.

So what should you do if that smartphone battery is running low? If you have a wall charger and cord handy, plug right into an available AC outlet.

What if you're traveling? Then it's definitely worth buying a portable charger or power bank.

What else happened in tech?

National Park trip in your future? Google Maps is making it easier to explore.

Thursday tech tip

Spring cleaning season is here. Here's a device you would have never expected requires a deep clean: your smartwatch. It apparently has 30 times more bacteria than a toilet seat (gross). Here are some tips on how to clean your smartwatch . While you're at it, clean up those wireless earbuds, too.

One more thing

YouTube TV just revealed how much it will cost to subscribe to NFL Sunday Ticket, the package many football fans use to watch games outside their local market. Hint: It's not cheap!

Happy Spring! Thanks for reading.

Follow Brett Molina on Twitter: @brettmolina23.

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Navigation apps use your phone's GPS location to determine exactly where you are. That location is stored in your profile. Here's how to remove it.

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Tech contributor Jennifer Jolly washes a brand new Cat cell phone with soap and water. While this particular smartphone is made to submerge and clean this way, this process would damage or destroy many smartphones.
 

Think your cellphone is dirty? This gadget is even dirtier

If you're not wiping down your wearables you might as well lick a public bathroom floor, jokes Jennifer Jolly. Here's how to clean your gadgets.

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Spring has sprung, and with it, a new crop of smart home innovations. Here's a sampling, from smarter automated lawn mowers to smart air filters.

Public charging stations at places like airports and coffee shops are handy but they also put your data at risk.
 

FBI advises avoiding free charging stations in hotels and airports

The FBI recently reminded consumers that hackers can use public USB ports to introduce malware onto devices.

FILE - A sign is shown on a Google building at their campus in Mountain View, Calif., Sept. 24, 2019. Google is girding for a battle of wits in artificial intelligence with
 

Google says AI chatbot Bard's math skills are improving

Bard's new 'experiment updates' page will show "the latest features, improvements, and bug fixes" for the AI chatbot, according to Google.

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