Think you have the best smartphone signal there is? You still have to deal with call drops. Here’s how T-Mobile and Space X want to change that, in 60 seconds.
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Money tight? 14 great things you can get for free
There’s always something new to spend money on regarding tech. Here’s a secret some companies don’t want you to know: You can get a lot without spending a dime.
Speaking of money, I hear from people all the time who want to cut Netflix, Hulu, and other expensive streaming services. Did you know that mobile carriers offer free streaming service subscriptions as part of their plans? Here’s what T-Mobile, Verizon and AT&T are offering.
Movies aren’t the only things you’ll get for free. Here are freebies you can thank me for later.
1. Photo editing software
Photoshop is generally synonymous with photo editing, but the software subscription is expensive. Here are a few free ways to crop, brighten and otherwise adjust your photos:
- Canva: This user-friendly browser and app-based editing software is ideal for creating presentations, social media graphics, marketing materials, posters, and anything else you can dream up.
- Pixlr X: This tool runs in your browser; no download is required. It has advanced features like photo filters and drawing options, but it really shines with simple-to-use cropping and resizing tools.
- GIMP (GNU Image Manipulation Program): This professional-grade photo editor works similarly to Photoshop. Unlike Photoshop, GIMP is free to download.
- Adobe Express: This cloud-based platform from the makers of Photoshop offers a library of stock photos, illustrations, and fonts for your designs. You can also create a project from scratch.
2. Video editing software
This is one of those things you don’t need until you really need it. Maybe you were tasked with creating a video for a wedding or class reunion, or you finally want to start a YouTube channel.
Most dependable video editing programs cost an arm and a leg. Notice I said most. When it comes to free options, DaVinci Resolve takes the cake.
If you have a Mac or iPhone, you’ll be glad to know Apple iMovie is a surprisingly good video editor. Tap or click to see how to turn your clips and photos into a masterpiece with iMovie.
3. Word processing software
When it comes to productivity software, Microsoft Office is the gold standard. Of course, it’s pricey. I have recommended LibreOffice for years. It’s an open-source software suite that works much like the apps in Microsoft Office.
Use this trick to stop spam texts on your Android phone
Spam messages are no longer confined to your email inbox. They can now show up on your phone as text messages. Spam messages can range from harmless and annoying to invasive and dangerous.
Carriers and smartphone developers offer built-in tools to combat spam. You can block calls and filter numbers from unknown senders if you have an iPhone. You can even report spam messages as junk. Tap or click here to learn more.
Check before you travel: A Florida man was hit with a whopping $143,442.74 phone bill from T-Mobile for roaming costs when traveling in Switzerland. He thought he was covered. Nope. They reversed the charges. Pro tip: There’s a $50-per-month T-Mobile travel plan to prevent stuff like this. Most providers have something similar.
Best places to find movies, books, audiobooks and music without spending a dime
Money is tight for everyone nowadays, and it’s nice to stretch your dollar as far as possible. You may have free perks from your cell provider that you don’t even know about. Here’s what you can get from Verizon, Sprint and T-Mobile.
Listener question: Is 5G wireless service as secure as wired cable service?
Although 5G is rolling out all over the country, there’s uncertainty about the fifth generation of mobile technology. Some people worry about it causing cancer. Others are concerned about security.
Rick from Seattle, WA, called “The Kim Komando Show” with cybersecurity concerns. He said T-Mobile recently made 5G cellular internet service available in his city. He asked, “Is 5G wireless service as secure as wired cable?” Good question! We’ve got you covered, Rick.
📵 Network meltdown: A massive outage across AT&T, Verizon and T-Mobile left about 80,000 folks without service yesterday. No calls — a total mess. In a pinch, text 911, use Wi-Fi calling if you need to reach someone, or try data roaming. The cause? Still a big question mark. I share my hunch on the video podcast.
You could be getting $360 in free stuff each year from your cell provider
Your mobile carrier does more than provide you with service. Some include tools to help you avoid spam and scams by blocking unwanted calls and texts. Tap or click here for more ways to avoid scams and spam.
But wait, there’s more! Major carriers are throwing in free limited-time or permanent subscriptions to streaming services as long as you keep your unlimited plan active.
How to block annoying scam calls so you don't lose money
The phone rings, and as soon as you say hello, the person on the other end starts babbling about saving money on car insurance. Don’t say anything! They could be recording your voice, which they’ll use to impersonate you. If you do speak up, avoid saying this one word.
37 million customers exposed in T-Mobile data breach
Hackers go after big companies for all the juicy customer data they can provide, and no organization is safe.
Just last month, DraftKings suffered a data breach. Here’s what to do if you have an account with the online sports betting service.
Paying too much for your cell phone every month? Do this
Think about just how much you rely on your phone this time of year. You call and text loved ones, you look up gift ideas and shop online, and your favorite map app gets you where you need to go.
That’s why I love T-Mobile and am proud to say they’re a sponsor of my national radio show. T-Mobile has America’s largest, fastest and most reliable 5G network.
How to block 'Scam Likely' and other scam calls on your phone
Most can relate to the anxiety an unknown phone caller can evoke. When you see “Scam Likely” on caller ID, this feeling can instantly become frightening. Tap or click here for details on the top scam calls and what you can do to get them to stop.
Get a free Samsung Galaxy S22 if you hurry - Here’s how
If you’ve been putting off upgrading your phone because new models are just too expensive, it’s time to consider switching carriers. It’s a smart way to score a deal on a pricey piece of tech.
We found a great offer we had to pass along: Switch to T-Mobile and you can get a Samsung Galaxy S22 for free with 24 monthly bill credits when you switch to their Magenta MAX plan. That’s a $799.99 value. Plus, get a Galaxy Watch4 with 24 monthly bill credits with activation of a Watch line.
The biggest mistake I made buying a new phone
When Apple, Samsung or Google announce a new smartphone, it’s big news. The latest iPhone, Pixel or Galaxy phones are status symbols in their own right. Though there are more manufacturers, these are among the most popular in the U.S.
Kim's pick: My favorite video doorbell to keep an eye on what's happening out front
If you want to secure your home, video doorbells are a no-brainer. They’re a great way to get a little extra peace of mind. You can check in to ensure your front porch is safe if you’re at the office or the grocery store.
This powerful 5G phone rivals the big names - and you can get it free
Smartphones are an investment. Flagship models can easily run more than $1,000.
What if you want the features of a powerful smartphone without the hefty price tag? You have to do a lot of research on the specs that matter.
These family plans will save you money — even if you aren't family
Think about all the subscriptions you’re signed up for. Do you use all of them enough to warrant the expense? That’s money automatically being taken out of your account every month or year.
Some of your subscriptions may have started as free trials but are no longer free. Then there are apps you pay for that can be substituted for ones that don’t cost anything to use. Tap or click here for five mistakes you’re making that cost you money.
Money-saving tip: Get 50% off your wireless bill with this 55+ plan
There’s no denying it: Money is tight for most of us. A new study from Civic Science shows 60% of Americans are “very concerned” about inflation — and there are no signs of price hikes stopping any time soon.
Military Appreciation Month: Up to $800 off a Samsung Galaxy + Exclusive plan discounts
May is National Military Appreciation Month, a special time to honor the service and sacrifice of members of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard, Marines and Space Force.
We thank you for your service — and our sponsor T-Mobile is right there with us. T-Mobile is committed to serving military and veteran families with exclusive rates for military families, its mission to hire 10,000 veterans and spouses by 2023, and much more.
Have Verizon? Your bill is about to go up
As sure as death and taxes, you can bet your bottom dollar that prices will increase for almost everything. As U.S. inflation topped a four-decade high in March, many companies are looking at price hikes to secure their bottom line.