The Lökwest "Digital Life" - August 2019
We took a month off in July, but we're back with you this month!
In this issue, check out our monthly Exploring Technology presentation on emergency preparedness - you'll be glad you did! We've got updates on the Capital One and Equifax data breaches, and other security tips you need to know.
Then, on to the fun. Tips you can use for image editing, translating, finding your phone, and hearing better. A fun video about the new truck emoji. A look back to Apollo 11, and so much more!
Finally, don't forget August 27th - our next Exploring Technology presentation in San Clemente. And, for a free football schedule, all you have to do is hit reply to this message.
Wishing you a great end to your summer!
[FEATURE] Will you be ready?
Will you be ready in an emergency? - Lökwest — ow.ly
ICYMI - this month we presented on emergency preparedness to the San Clemente Village. Check out the presentation - if you get just ONE tip out of it, it will be worth it!
10 ways to be prepared for an emergency! How can your technology help keep you safe when the unexpected happens? Get this free presentation now!
Scams, breaches, bugs - get smart here!
Capital One target of massive data breach — ow.ly
Here it comes again - A security breach at Capital One Financial, one of the nation's largest issuers of credit cards, compromised the personal information of about 106 million people, and in some cases the hacker obtained Social Security and bank account numbers. Here's what you need to know. Standard rules for protecting yourself after a data breach apply!
Screwed by Equifax? Apply to get some of the record-breaking $700 million settlement. — ow.ly
The settlement is finally here. The low down? If you were in the breach and don't take Equifax up on free credit monitoring, you're owed $125. You can also claim up to 20 hours of work related to the data breach without further documentation (at $25/hour). Beyond that, you'll need bank proof to get damages.
Watch out for scams! Equifax WON'T CALL YOU for information. We recommend going directly to the FTC's website at ftc.gov to start the process. We signed up for a $325 refund - cross your fingers! 🤞
Why you should really, really update your Logitech wireless dongle — ow.ly
A couple of years back, there was a bug discovered in most Logitech cordless receivers. Essentially, anyone within radio range could take over your keyboard and/or mouse.
These are popular devices and many people wouldn't think to update them. This month, variants of the bug have resurfaced. Take a minute to make sure you're up to date if you have a Logitech wireless mouse or keyboard!
Warning: Scammers Are Targeting Cord Cutters — ow.ly
Now that you've gotten used to the fake Microsoft phone support scam, the scammers have moved on. What goes for Microsoft goes for most tech companies - THEY WILL NEVER CALL YOU. If you get a call from a streaming company like Netflix, just hang up. If there is truly a problem with your account, you'll get an e-mail.
When it doubt, you can always check with Lökwest - we're usually up on the latest scams!
Tools and tips you won't want to miss
Remove the Background from ANY Image — ow.ly
For that time when the family photo had a tree sticking out of Uncle Bob's head - remove.bg is here. It's dead simple - upload a photo and it'll remove the background, leaving you with just the people to edit as you please. Skip the Photoshop!
You need this - Camera translation in Google Translate — ow.ly
Whether you're traveling or just trying out a foreign restaurant, translation can make or break the experience. Make sure you don't order something weird - use Google Translate! Its built-in camera magically changes printed text in a foreign language to your language of choice - RIGHT BEFORE YOUR EYES! We highly encourage playing with this before your next foreign exchange.
3 ways Amazon Echo can find your phone — ow.ly
Yes, Alexa can find your phone! I've helped quite a few people set this up. It's quick and easy - give it a try! You'll thank us the next time you're looking through the cushions....
Google brings its hearing assistance app to older Android phones — ow.ly
A great app by Google. It allows you to pair headphones or a hearing device to your phone. It will then amplify the ambient sound in the room or whatever's coming through your phone. This was only available for select phones, but Google has rolled it out to anyone who has Android 6.0 (Marshmallow) or greater.
If you or someone you know is hard of hearing, this is a good, inexpensive option to get in on the conversations you're missing!
Let's have some fun, shall we?
Building the Pickup Truck Emoji — youtu.be
There's a new emoji coming to phones - a pickup truck! Ford had a good hand in lobbying for it, and it does "kind of" look like an F-150. We loved this farcical video on the "design" of the new icon. Car lovers - you'll get a kick out of this! 🚚
A Chinese AI startup is tracking lost dogs using their nose prints — ow.ly
Turns out dogs don't have very useful fingerprints. Well duh! The Chinese have an answer to that - turns out each dog has a unique nose. The company plans to use this technique to ID lost animals as well as problem dogs and owners.
My dog's "fingerprints" are all over the windows by the door 🐶
In tech history...did you get enough Apollo 11?
Your Smart Toaster Can’t Hold a Candle to the Apollo Computer — ow.ly
50 years ago in July, Apollo 11 landed on the moon. We loved catching up on all of the historical shows this month. Here's an interesting article we ran across. Fact - the Apollo 11 computer was nothing compared to even a modern calculator. However, its programmers designed elegant robustness into the system in order to get it to the moon.
One of the lead programmers? A woman! 👩👩
Free tech talk August 27th!
(In conjunction with San Clemente Village)
We've covered a few of risks in this newsletter. Join us for the rest of the story on August 27th! We'll be updating you on the latest state of online security, including tips on avoiding the latest scams, malware, and data breaches. Don't be the next victim!
See you there....
Details: San Clemente Community Center, 100 N Calle Seville, San Clemente - Multi-Purpose Room. Tuesday, August 27th, 1:30 PM.
Non-Village members, please RSVP to this e-mail if you’re planning on attending.
Free football schedule!
Can you believe fall is almost here? Say goodbye to the white pants and hello to shoulder pads! Like every year, we've got you covered with a free magnet football schedule! All you have to do is hit reply.........🙂🙂🙂
