What if you could control your computer or smartphone with your tongue? You might think it’s a crazy idea, but it’s actually possible with a device called the MouthPad. It lets you move your tongue like a finger on a touchscreen, and perform various actions on your device. It could really be a game-changer for people with disabilities.

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MouthPad (Augmental) (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

What is the MouthPad?

The MouthPad is a Bluetooth trackpad that you wear inside your mouth, like a mouth guard. It can sense the movements of your tongue and translate them into cursor movements, clicks, and typing on your screen. The device was developed by a San Francisco startup called Augmental, which aims to create innovative solutions for human-computer interaction.

MouthPad (Augmental) (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

How does the MouthPad work?

The MouthPad uses a thin layer of sensors that detect the pressure and position of your tongue. The sensors are connected to a small circuit board that processes the signals and sends them to your device via Bluetooth. You can pair the MouthPad with any device that supports Bluetooth input, such as a laptop, a tablet, or a smartphone.

To use the MouthPad, you simply place it on your upper teeth and bite down gently. Then, you can move your tongue around the surface of the MouthPad, just like you would use a finger on a touchscreen. You can tap, swipe, drag, and pinch with your tongue to perform different actions on your device. You can also use the virtual keyboard on your device to type with your tongue.

MouthPad (Augmental) (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

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Why the MouthPad is useful

The MouthPad is not only a cool gadget, but also a useful tool for people who have difficulty using their hands or voice to control their devices. For example, people who suffer from quadriplegia, a condition that causes paralysis of all four limbs, can use the MouthPad to access the internet, communicate with others, and enjoy entertainment. The MouthPad can also help people who have limited mobility due to injuries, diseases, or aging.

Man using MouthPad (Augmental) (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

The MouthPad can also be used for situations where using your hands or voice is inconvenient or impractical, such as when you are wearing gloves, holding something, or in a noisy environment. It can also offer more privacy and security than voice commands, as you don’t have to speak out loud to control your device. It can run for 5 hours on a single charge and supports iOS, Android, Windows, macOS, and Linux.

MORE: HOW TO TAKE HANDS-FREE PHOTOS ON YOUR PHONE

How will the MouthPad fit different mouths?

The company will create custom molds for customers by mailing them a kit designed to take their dental impressions. The company says, “With your dental scan, we’ll manufacture your custom MouthPad, ensuring maximum comfort and reduced weight.”

MouthPad (Augmental) (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

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How to get the MouthPad

The MouthPad is still in development, and pricing is not yet known. But the company is aiming for it to be affordable and accessible for everyone. The company’s website has also opened a waitlist for users interested in ordering a unit, although pricing isn’t mentioned.

MouthPad (Augmental) (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

Kurt’s key takeaways

The MouthPad is a device that can let you control your computer or smartphone with your tongue. It is a novel and innovative way of interacting with your devices, and it could be a life-changing technology for people with disabilities. 

How do you feel about using your tongue to control your devices? Is there someone in your life who would benefit from this? Let us know by writing us at Cyberguy.com/Contact.

For more of my tech tips & security alerts, subscribe to my free CyberGuy Report Newsletter by heading to Cyberguy.com/Newsletter.

Ask Kurt a question or let us know what stories you’d like us to cover.

Answers to the most asked CyberGuy questions:

Copyright 2024 CyberGuy.com. All rights reserved.

The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, or CISA, is issuing a new warning: your Google Chrome browser and Excel spreadsheets could be at risk of an attack. The agency identified two new exploits that could give hackers easy access to your computer.

Federal agencies have until January 23 to make sure they’re protected. Here are some ways to make sure you’re protected too.

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Microsoft logo on keyboard (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

Microsoft Excel’s new exploit

Hackers are targeting Microsoft Excel using a huge vulnerability in a library that reads Excel files. The bug is in a library called Spreadsheet::ParseExcel. It allows hackers to run malware remotely. Specifically, hackers can utilize a string in the library to run programs on your computer.

This exploit has popped up before. Security firm Barracuda noticed Chinese hackers using the exploit last month. They would create custom Excel attachments to exploit the bug and run any program they wanted to.

While Barracuda addressed this with a patch, they say open-source libraries could still be at risk. The company also issued a warning to anyone who uses Spreadsheet::ParseExcel, recommending they review the bug and take any necessary action.

Google Chrome browser on laptop (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

MORE: THE 7 SIGNS YOU’VE BEEN HACKED

Google Chrome’s bug

Google’s eighth day zero attack comes in the form of an attack on an open-source project. WebRTC allows web browsers and mobile applications to communicate in real-time. However, hackers are using it to overload your browser and either cause it to crash or give them permission to do whatever they want. This exploit doesn’t just affect Google Chrome. It also affects other open-source web browsers using WebRTC to communicate. Google issued an emergency fix just last month, but there’s more you can do to protect yourself.

Four essential tips to secure your devices and data from hackers and scammers 

To protect yourself from malicious hackers and scammers, we recommend you do the following four things.

1) Be cautious about using open-source applications

When you use open-source applications or programs, it’s always wise to remember that anyone has the ability to change the application or program’s code. They have the ability to do something malicious if they want to. Only use open-source applications that you trust, and be careful about what you download.

2) Update your applications regularly

One of the easiest ways to protect yourself from hackers and scammers is to keep your applications up to date. Hackers often exploit vulnerabilities in outdated software to gain access to your devices or data. By updating your applications regularly, you can patch these security holes and prevent hackers from exploiting them.

3) Avoid opening suspicious attachments or links

Another common way that hackers and scammers try to infect your devices or steal your information is by sending you malicious attachments or links. These can be disguised as legitimate emails, messages, or websites, but they can contain malware, phishing or ransomware. To avoid falling for these traps, you should always check the sender, the subject, and the content of any attachment or link before opening it. If you are not sure, do not open it or click on it.

4) Use antivirus protection

Antivirus protection is essential for keeping your computer and data safe from malicious attacks. The recent exploits allow hackers to run malware remotely by sending custom Excel attachments and allow hackers to overload your browser and gain access to your system.

So, the best way to protect yourself is to have antivirus protection installed and actively running on all your devices. It will alert you of any malware in your system, warn you against clicking on any malicious links in phishing emails, and ultimately protect you from being hacked. Find my review of Best Antivirus Protection here.

The best way to protect yourself is to have antivirus protection installed and actively running on all your devices. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

MORE: THE NEW IPHONE SECURITY THREAT THAT ALLOWS HACKERS TO SPY ON YOUR PHONE

What to do if you’ve been hacked

If it has already happened and you’ve been hacked, then you should take immediate action to minimize the damage and secure your device. Here are some steps that you can follow:

Change your passwords

If hackers have recorded your passwords using a keylogger, they could access your online accounts and steal your data or money. ON ANOTHER DEVICE (i.e., your laptop or desktop), you should change your passwords for all your important accounts, such as email, banking, social media, etc. You want to do this on another device so the hacker isn’t’ recording you setting up your new password on your hacked device. And you should also use strong and unique passwords that are hard to guess or crack. You can also use a password manager to generate and store your passwords securely.

Monitor your accounts and transactions

You should check your online accounts and transactions regularly for any suspicious or unauthorized activity. If you notice anything unusual, report it to the service provider or the authorities as soon as possible. You should also review your credit reports and scores to see if there are any signs of identity theft or fraud.

Use identity theft protection

Identity Theft protection companies can monitor personal information like your home title, Social Security Number (SSN), phone number, and email address and alert you if it is being used to open an account. They can also assist you in freezing your bank and credit card accounts to prevent further unauthorized use by criminals. See my tips and best picks on how to protect yourself from identity theft.

Contact your bank and credit card companies

If hackers have obtained your bank or credit card information, they could use it to make purchases or withdrawals without your consent. You should contact your bank and credit card companies and inform them of the situation. They can help you freeze or cancel your cards, dispute any fraudulent charges, and issue new cards for you.

Alert your contacts

If hackers have accessed your email or social media accounts, they could use them to send spam or phishing messages to your contacts. They could also impersonate you and ask for money or personal information. You should alert your contacts and warn them not to open or respond to any messages from you that seem suspicious or unusual.

Restore your device to factory settings 

If you want to make sure that your device is completely free of any malware or spyware, you can restore it to factory settings. This will erase all your data and settings and reinstall the original iOS version. But, you should back up your important data before doing this, and only restore it from a trusted source.

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Kurt’s key takeaways

The recent exploits targeting Google Chrome and Microsoft Excel are a reminder of how vulnerable our devices and data can be to cyberattacks. Hackers are always looking for new ways to exploit the software we use every day, and we need to be vigilant and proactive in protecting ourselves. By following the steps we outlined above, you can reduce the risk of falling victim to these attacks and keep your computer and data safe. Remember, prevention is better than cure, and the best defense is a good offense.

Which aspect of the cyberthreats discussed in the article concerns you the most, and why? Let us know by writing us at Cyberguy.com/Contact.

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Answers to the most asked CyberGuy questions:

Copyright 2024 CyberGuy.com. All rights reserved.

Have you ever wished you had a personal assistant who could follow you around, take care of your chores, entertain you, and keep you updated on the latest news and events? Well, you might be in luck, because Samsung has just unveiled a new version of its AI home companion robot, Ballie, that can do all that and more.

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Ballie the AI home companion robot (Samsung) (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

What is this personal assistant robot?

Ballie is a round, ball-shaped robot that can autonomously roll around your home and interact with other smart devices to provide customized services and act as your personal home assistant. It was first introduced at CES 2020 as a cute and friendly gadget that could monitor your pets, play with your kids, and activate your smart appliances.

Now four years later, Ballie has evolved into a more advanced and versatile device that can project images and videos on walls, floors, and ceilings, control non-connected appliances with its infrared transmitter, and communicate with you via voice and text messages.

Ballie the AI home companion robot (Samsung) (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

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How the personal assistant robot works

Ballie uses a spatial LiDAR sensor and a 1080p projector to navigate your home and display various content on your surroundings. It can also connect to your smartphone, tablet, PC, and TV to access your data and preferences. Ballie learns from your patterns and habits to provide smarter and more personalized services.

Ballie the AI home companion robot (Samsung) (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

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8 things the robot can do for you and your pet

1) Greet you when you come home by projecting the word “Welcome” and showing you your schedule, weather, and reminders.

Ballie the AI home companion robot (Samsung) (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

2) Play your favorite music, podcasts, or audiobooks, and adjust the volume and lighting according to your mood.

3) Project workout videos on the wall or floor in an optimal size and track your progress and calories burned.

Ballie the AI home companion robot (Samsung) (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

4) Answer your phone calls and show you who is calling on the wall or ceiling.

5) Send you video updates of your pets or loved ones when you are away from home and let you talk to them via voice or text messages.

6) Project a video of greenery or scenery on the floor for your pet to enjoy and play with or even feed them.

7) Switch on or off your lights, thermostat, security system and other smart devices according to your schedule and preferences.

8) Control your non-connected appliances, such as your coffee maker, toaster, oven, and washing machine, with its infrared transmitter.

MORE: HOW THIS ROBOT HELPS YOU PROTECT AND CONNECT YOUR HOME

When can I get my hands on one of these robots?

Samsung announced that Ballie would be available for sale within the year but did not reveal any details on the pricing or availability. However, it is expected that Ballie will be compatible with Samsung’s SmartThings platform and other third-party devices and services. Samsung also said that Ballie will have various customization options such as colors, skins, and accessories to suit different tastes and personalities. To be honest, part of me is very curious about Ballie, while another part of me wants to kick it across the room. I’m still searching to strike the balance to hang on to my humanity while embracing the future.

Kurt’s key takeaways

Ballie is not the first companion robot of its kind, but it could potentially become a popular and useful gadget for many households. What’s great about Ballie is that it can assist you, entertain you, and connect you with your pets or loved ones. Ballie shows us that the future of smart homes is not only about convenience but also about creativity, personality, and emotion. We are curious to see how Ballie will evolve and improve over time, and how it will interact with other devices and services.

What do you think of Ballie? Would you like to have one in your home? What features or functions would you most use? Let us know by writing us at Cyberguy.com/Contact.

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Ask Kurt a question or let us know what stories you’d like us to cover.

Answers to the most asked CyberGuy questions:

Copyright 2024 CyberGuy.com. All rights reserved.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Americans in the nation’s capital told Fox News their biggest concerns about artificial intelligence, with some saying they were afraid the rapidly advancing tech could lead to voter manipulation during the 2024 election cycle or eliminate jobs.

“When things like that have too much control … the power to swing is too far,” Cori, of Washington, D.C., told Fox News. “I do think that its gotten wildly out of control.”

WATCH MORE FOX NEWS DIGITAL ORIGINALS HERE

AI’s rapidly growing tech has consistently raised concerns about its ability to manipulate elections and eliminate jobs. Some 2024 presidential campaigns have already used the tool, including both Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis’ and former President Trump’s.

“I certainly think AI is going to have an impact on the election as people use AI … to attempt to influence communications around the election,” Gene said. “I don’t have any idea what type of impact it will have, but I think you’ll see a lot of bias around specific topics.”

Former President Donald Trump and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis’ 2024 presidential campaigns have traded blows using AI-generated content.  (AP)

WHAT IS ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI)?

DeSantis’ campaign posted an AI-generated image on social media in June portraying a fake photo of Trump hugging Biden’s former Chief Medical Advisor Dr. Anthony Fauci. The former president’s campaign also used AI to create a mock video of DeSantis’ 2024 presidential announcement showing guests in attendance such as Democratic megadonor George Soros, World Economic Forum Chair Klaus Schwab, former Vice President Dick Cheney, Adolf Hitler, the devil and the FBI.

“AI is very concerning in the sense of using someone else’s identity,” Steve said. “I think it’s going to cause a lot of problems for people who are celebrities and in the know.”

Americans in the nation’s capital shared their biggest concerns about growing artificial intelligence. Some were fearful about how advanced AI could influence the 2024 election and others were concerned about potential job loss.  (Fox News/Jon Michael Raasch)

‘FEAR AT 10’: SENATORS’ CONCERNS SPIKE ON IMPACT OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE ‘TO CHANGE VOTES’ IN 2024

Cori said she loves using AI for work, admitting she “couldn’t do her job” without the tech. But she also said its continuous advancement raises serious concerns about job security. 

“My concern is that people will be eliminated from jobs,” she said. “They won’t need us anymore. We’ll just become nothing.”

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In March 2023, Goldman Sachs predicted AI advancements could diminish or eliminate 300 million jobs globally. The tech was also a large focus during last year’s Hollywood strikes over the fear that AI could easily write scripts and replicate an actors’ image and likeness. 

“I think the unknown and uncontrollable nature of AI is somewhat of a concern for me,” Miles said. “There’s a lot that can’t be controlled, and I think that’s scary.” 

CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP 

Abu said the difficulties of differentiating real and AI-generated content could be “dangerous” and needs to be federally managed.

“There must be set rules,” Abu said. “It must be regulated.”

Ramiro Vargas contributed to the accompanying video.

If you use X, formerly known as Twitter, you might’ve seen gray or gold-verified accounts promoting cryptocurrencies. 

They often pose as actual cryptocurrencies. While you would think these cryptocurrencies are legitimate — in reality, it’s the work of hackers who hijack X accounts.

These hackers target politicians, companies and other official accounts that you trust in order to trick you into buying into their crypto scam.

Some act as middlemen, selling accounts to malicious actors.

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Example of X verified accounts with gray and gold check marks (X Corp.)

Using trusted accounts for crypto scams

Cybersecurity experts MalwareHunterTeam found accounts belonging to a Canadian senator, a Brazilian politician and a nonprofit all being used to push cryptocurrencies. According to their reports, hackers used the Canadian politician’s account to pose as a legitimate cryptocurrency project, whose actual account isn’t even verified.

FBI’S POST HONORING MLK FLAGGED BY X WITH FACT-CHECKING COMMUNITY NOTE

That attack is two-fold. Not only are hackers trying to trick X users into thinking that they’re an actual cryptocurrency project, they also use that gold or gray check mark to make you think they are trustworthy.

Cybersecurity firm Mandiant also had its X profile taken over. Hackers changed the profile to impersonate the Phantom crypto wallet. They then promised free tokens to users who clicked a link.

Retweet by a hacker (MalwareHunter Team)

The screenshot above shows how the attacker used the official Phantom account to retweet posts that warned users to “never rush into clicking links.” This was probably a tactic to make their future crypto scam posts look more credible.​

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However, a BleepingComputer report found that users who clicked on the link would get redirected to download the real Phantom cryptocurrency wallet. That’s when hackers would attack — draining unsuspecting users’ crypto wallets.

Phantom X account (MalwareHunter Team)

MORE: THE NEW IPHONE SECURITY THREAT THAT ALLOWS HACKERS TO SPY ON YOUR PHONE

How to stay safe on X

Even though these hackers are doing everything they can to trick you into giving them your money, you can take these 10 steps to protect yourself.

1. If it’s too good to be true, then it probably isn’t true

The old adage is usually right. Most hackers hope you don’t see through their schemes and think that you’re getting an incredible deal. However, you have to ask yourself: Why would a company just give out free cryptocurrency? Wouldn’t there be a catch? What’s in it for the company?

2. Do your research

Before investing in cryptocurrency, you should make sure you have thoroughly looked into it. Make sure you know what you’re investing in, and you’ve spent ample time researching it. Just clicking on a social media post and trusting it usually isn’t a great idea and can make you a target for hackers.

3. Use a strong password

Use a strong password that you don’t reuse on other websites. Consider using a password manager to generate and store complex passwords. It will help you to create unique and difficult-to-crack passwords that a hacker could never guess. Second, it also keeps track of all your passwords in one place and fills passwords in for you when you’re logging into an account so that you never have to remember them yourself. The fewer passwords you remember, the less likely you will be to reuse them for your accounts.

4. Use two-factor authentication

Two-factor authentication adds an extra layer of security to your X account. When you log in, you need to enter both a password and a verification code or use a security key. This way, only you can access your account. To enroll, you need to have a verified email address linked to your account. X uses your email address to communicate with you and keep your account secure.

Once you turn on this feature, you need two things to log in to your account: your password and a secondary verification method. You can choose from a code, an app confirmation, or a physical security key.

5. Require email and phone number to request a reset password link or code

Having an up-to-date email address attached to your account is a great way to improve your account security. Also, adding a phone number to your account is a great step to keep your account secure. With a phone number on your account, you’ll be able to enroll in security features like login verification. It will also allow for faster account recovery. If you ever lose access to your account, having a phone number attached can make it easier for you to get back into your X account.

6. Be cautious of suspicious links

Be cautious of suspicious links, and always make sure you’re on twitter.com before you enter your login information.

7. Don’t fall for fake promises

Never give your username and password out to third parties, especially those promising to get you followers, make you money, or verify you.

8. Make sure your software is updated

Make sure your computer software, including your browser, is up to date with the most recent upgrades and antivirus software.

9. Have good antivirus software on all your devices

The best way to protect yourself from having your data breached is to have antivirus protection installed on all your devices. Having good antivirus software actively running on your devices will alert you of any malware in your system, warn you against clicking on any malicious links in phishing emails, and ultimately protect you from being hacked. Get my picks for the best 2024 antivirus protection winners for your Windows, Mac, Android & iOS devices.

10. Check to see if your account has been compromised 

If you really think your X account has been hacked, then you should check to see if your account has been compromised. You can do this by visiting the Security and Login section of your account settings and reviewing the devices and locations where you have logged in. If you see any suspicious activity, such as logins from unknown devices or locations, you should immediately change your password and enable two-factor authentication. You should also report any unauthorized access to X.

If you suspect you’re a victim of a social media scammer

If you suspect you’re a victim of a social media scammer, you need to take urgent action immediately. Here are some immediate steps to take.

Secure your account

Immediately change your password to lock potential hackers out. If you’re locked out of your account, contact X’s support immediately to recover it.

Inform your contacts

Let your friends and family know so that they’re aware. That way, hackers won’t dupe them with messages or requests coming from your compromised account.

Monitor account activities

Keep an eye on your active sessions, messages sent, and any changes made to your account. You should try to report and reverse any unfamiliar activity.

Seek expert help

If you believe your personal information, such as financial data or other sensitive details, has been compromised, consider reaching out to cybersecurity professionals or services. They can guide you on further recovery and protection steps.

Use identity theft protection 

If you want a service that will walk you through every step of the reporting and recovery process, one of the best things you can do to protect yourself from this type of fraud is to subscribe to an identity theft service.

Theft protection companies can monitor personal information like your home title, Social Security number, phone number, and email address. They can also alert you if it is on sale on the dark web or if someone is using it to open an account. They can also assist you in freezing your bank and credit card accounts to prevent further unauthorized use by criminals. See my tips and best picks on how to protect yourself from identity theft.

MORE: HOW TO OUTSMART CRIMINAL HACKERS BY LOCKING THEM OUT OF YOUR DIGITAL ACCOUNTS

Kurt’s key takeaways

These hackers are trying to take advantage of your trust and hope you let your guard down. That’s why it’s so important to be vigilant. While they are trying to fool you with official-looking accounts, try to verify them using the person or organization’s website or other social media accounts. While X’s gray and gold verification marks are usually legitimate, they’re not 100% foolproof.

CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP

What do you think X or other social media platforms should do to prevent or stop crypto scams? Let us know by writing us at Cyberguy.com/Contact.

For more of my tech tips & security alerts, subscribe to my free CyberGuy Report Newsletter by heading to Cyberguy.com/Newsletter.

Ask Kurt a question or let us know what stories you’d like us to cover.

 Answers to the most asked CyberGuy questions:

Copyright 2024 CyberGuy.com. All rights reserved.

If you have difficulty seeing or hearing what’s on your iPhone, you might think that you need to buy a special device or download a complicated app to make it easier for you. 

But guess what? You don’t have to do any of that. 

Your iPhone already has a built-in feature that can help you adjust your settings according to your needs. It’s called the iPhone Accessibility Assistant, and it’s super easy to use.

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Accessibility assistant on an iPhone (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

What is the iPhone Accessibility Assistant?

The iPhone Accessibility Assistant is a shortcut that you can add to your Shortcuts app. It asks you a series of questions about your preferences and challenges and then suggests customized settings based on your answers. For example, it can help you:

• Increase the font size or contrast of your text
• Turn on captions or subtitles for videos
• Use voice control or dictation instead of typing
• Adjust the volume or balance of your audio
• Enable flash alerts or vibration for notifications
• And much more

The best part is that you can change your settings anytime you want, and you can also create different profiles for different situations. For example, you can have one profile for when you’re at home and another one for when you’re outside.

MORE: HOW TO CREATE YOUR OWN TEXT SHORTCUTS ON YOUR PHONE

How to Use the iPhone Accessibility Assistant

Using the iPhone Accessibility Assistant is very simple. Just follow these steps:

• Swipe down on the top of your phone screen and search Shortcuts
• Open the Shortcuts app, and navigate to your Gallery in the bottom right of your screen
• Search “Accessibility” and tap “iPhone and iPad Accessibility” to add it to your Shortcuts
• Then tap Add Shortcut

Using iPhone’s Accessibility Assistant (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

• Navigate to your Shortcuts by tapping the Shortcuts icon in the bottom left of your screen, and select “iPhone and iPad Accessibility”

SCREEN TIME FOR KIDS UNDER AGE 2 IS LINKED TO SENSORY DIFFERENCES IN TODDLERHOOD, NEW STUDY FINDS

• Answer the prompts, and choose a condition that applies to you. For example, you can choose “Vision,” “Hearing,” “Mobility” or “Cognitive”
• Then choose Finished

Steps to access iPhone’s Accessibility Assistant (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

Your iPhone will then create a note in the Notes app with recommendations for how to customize your iPhone and make it more user-friendly to your specifications. You can follow the instructions in the note.

DIGITAL EYE STRAIN IS A GROWING ISSUE AS THE MUSCLES OF THE EYES WORK OVERTIME, WARN VISION EXPERTS

Accessibility Assistant shortcut (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

MORE: 5 TECH SHORTCUTS THAT ARE SURE TO MAKE YOUR LIFE EASIER

Kurt’s key takeaways

If you’re curious about how the iPhone Accessibility Assistant can help you, why not give it a try yourself? It only takes a few minutes, and you might be surprised by how much it can improve your iPhone experience. Just remember to swipe down, search for “Shortcuts,” add the shortcut, and answer the prompts. It’s that easy.

CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP

What are some of the features or improvements that you would like to see in the iPhone Accessibility Assistant? How would they benefit you or others? Let us know by writing us at Cyberguy.com/Contact.

For more of my tech tips & security alerts, subscribe to my free CyberGuy Report Newsletter by heading to Cyberguy.com/Newsletter.

Ask Kurt a question or let us know what stories you’d like us to cover.

Answers to the most asked CyberGuy questions:

Copyright 2024 CyberGuy.com. All rights reserved.

Taylor Swift stayed warm in the chilly New York weather Tuesday night as she turned 34. (Getty Images)

Welcome to Fox News’ Artificial Intelligence newsletter with the latest AI technology advancements. Subscribe now to get the Fox News Artificial Intelligence Newsletter in your inbox.

SCAM LIKELY: Taylor Swift AI-generated ad dupes fans. Continue reading…

AI SHOPPING: Walmart, Sam’s Club leveraging generative artificial intelligence. Continue reading…

‘GOOD CONVERSATION’: Speaker Johnson has ‘very good’ meeting with OpenAI CEO Sam Altman. Continue reading… 

House Speaker Mike Johnson, left, and OpenAI CEO Sam Altman (Craig Hudson/Bloomberg via Getty Images / Dustin Chambers/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

BAD ACTORS: Reputation risks posed by AI loom for companies amid heated election year. Continue reading…

IRREPLACEABLE ‘GENIUS’: Comedian George Carlin’s daughter calls out AI-generated recreation. Continue reading…

FILE – Photo of George Carlin performing on stage at the River Rock Show Theatre. (Kevin Statham/Redferns)

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‘ONLY GOD KNOWS’: JPMorgan Chase CEO Jamie Dimon explains why AI is ‘crucial’ to most businesses. Continue reading…

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Ballie the AI home companion robot (Samsung) (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

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‘REALLY SCARY’: Scammers use sophisticated new tech to terrorize California family. Continue reading…

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Drones used to be fancy gadgets for hobbyists or secret weapons for the military. But now they have a new job: delivering drugs. Yes, you heard that right. 

While El Pollo Loco is using drones to bring you chicken dinners, some bad guys are using them to smuggle drugs across borders.

Drug lords, cartels and other deviant organizations have been maximizing the benefits of drones to carry out their illegal drug runs. 

With many borders of hot zones being heavily watched and reinforced, drones are accomplishing what their human counterparts no longer can. Drones have essentially become the new drug mule.

CLICK TO GET KURT’S FREE CYBERGUY NEWSLETTER WITH SECURITY ALERTS, QUICK VIDEO TIPS, TECH REVIEWS, AND EASY HOW-TO’S TO MAKE YOU SMARTER

Police capture and carry drugs with a drone (BSF Punjab Frontier)

The rise of drug-carrying drones

Drug smuggling is a lucrative and risky business. Smugglers have to evade border patrols, customs agents, police officers, and rival gangs. That’s why some smugglers have turned to drones as a new way of moving drugs.

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Drones are cheap, easy to acquire, and hard to detect. They can fly over fences, walls, and checkpoints, and drop drugs at precise locations. They can also avoid human contact, reducing the chances of being caught or betrayed.

A drone carrying drugs (BSF Punjab Frontier)

Drones are being used to smuggle drugs in various regions of the world, such as:

North America: Drones sent by Mexican cartels carrying drugs such as cocaine, meth, and heroin regularly cross the U.S. border. The DEA also warned that drones could be used to deliver fentanyl, a synthetic opioid that is 50 times more potent than heroin and can be lethal in small doses.

TRIBAL LEADERS ASK WASHINGTON STATE LAWMAKERS FOR FUNDING TO COMBAT OPIOID CRISIS

South Asia: Recently, border officials in the Punjab region of India revealed they intercepted 107 drug-carrying drones sent by smuggling gangs over the border from Pakistan, the highest number on record. Most were carrying heroin from Pakistan to be dropped and received by collaborators in the Punjab, notorious for having India’s worst levels of opioid addiction.

Middle East: The Jordanian air force shot down a drug-laden drone carrying crystal meth coming from Syria. Drug smugglers from Syria, the world’s largest producer of the black market amphetamine pill, Captagon, often use Jordan as a transit point to the wider Gulf Arab kingdoms and the global market. Syrian smugglers have increased the use of drones to smuggle Captagon and meth due to a security clampdown at the Jordanian border, which has made trafficking by land harder.

Drugs from a drone that was shot down (Jordan Armed Forces)

MORE: COULD THESE CREEPY DEAD STUFFED BIRDS BE USED AS DRONES FOR THE MILITARY?

Why drones are being utilized by the drug trade

There are many reasons why drones are being utilized by drug dealers. Here are the top seven contributors:

• Cheaper
• Easy to acquire
• Dependable — No snitching to authorities by drones if they are intercepted
• Less interference from law enforcement officials than delivering on land or air (as in, by hand or foot)
• Easier than trying to get drugs past borders that are often heavily surveillance
• Great for scoping out enemies or business opportunities
• Lowers risk because drug smugglers do not have to be physically present at the drop-off

Drugs from a drone that was shot down (Jordan Armed Forces)

MORE: 5 DRONES EXPERT REVIEWED

How drones are being used to transport contraband into prisons

Not only are drones being utilized for transporting illegal drugs, but drones are also being used to smuggle contraband items such as cell phones into prisons, too. The number of drone-related illegal activities has skyrocketed. 75% of intercepted illegal goods to prisons in Canada were delivered by drones. In the U.K., the government began to enforce a no-fly zone around all their prisons in October 2023 due to an exponential increase in contrabands by drones.

Drone flying over field (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

Law enforcement turns to drones to help stop crime

Globally, local law enforcement officials have begun to employ drones themselves. Officials in the U.K. have used heat-seeking drones to locate cannabis farms. This technology has proven to be effective in detecting illegal activities and reducing crime rates in the country.

Drone in the sky (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

Legitimate businesses employ drones to deliver prescriptions

It isn’t just nefarious entities that are innovating with the use of drones. Legitimate businesses such as drugstores and pharmacies are aiming to deliver prescriptions by drone in the U.S. and possibly the U.K. It looks like El Pollo Loco was ahead of the game.

MORE: WHAT’S NEXT FOR TECH IN 2024

Kurt’s key takeaways

As drones become more advanced and widespread, the challenges and opportunities of drone drug smuggling will also evolve and require constant adaptation and innovation from law enforcement. Drug smuggling is now in the air, and we need to tackle it head-on by developing effective counter-drone strategies and technologies.

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How do you think governments and law enforcement agencies should respond to the growing threat of drug-carrying drones? Let us know by writing us at Cyberguy.com/Contact.

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Copyright 2024 CyberGuy.com. All rights reserved.

Technology is integral to our everyday lives, and for individuals who require assistance with vision or hearing, smartphones like the iPhone can be incredibly beneficial. We’ve compiled useful tips for those with vision challenges or who could use enhanced hearing support.

Before we dive in, if you’re an Android user, find out how to increase the font size on your Android here and learn how to unlock clearer sound here.

CLICK TO GET KURT’S FREE CYBERGUY NEWSLETTER WITH SECURITY ALERTS, QUICK VIDEO TIPS, TECH REVIEWS, AND EASY HOW-TO’S TO MAKE YOU SMARTER 

Woman navigating vision feature on iPhone (Apple) (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

How the iPhone 14 and 15 can improve your reading experience with accessibility features

If you are looking for a phone that has features specifically designed to help those with poor eyesight, you may want to consider using the accessibility features available on both the iPhone 14 and Apple’s latest iPhone 15 hardware. Both phones offer features such as adjusting the text size, color intensity, and tint to make reading easier, using VoiceOver to navigate by listening and performing gestures and using Magnifier to zoom in on objects near you.

Make text easier to read on your iPhone

Here are some simple ways to make your iPhone more accessible for those of you with low vision or blindness. Here is how to increase and bold text.

• On your iPhone, go to Settings
• Tap Accessibility
• Click Display & Text Size 
• Enable Bold Text and Larger Text to make the on-screen text more readable

Steps to make Bold Text and Larger Text on iPhone (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

• When you click on Larger Text, you will want to toggle on Larger Accessibility Sizes to access even bigger font sizes. This will affect the text size in apps that support Dynamic Type
• You are able to adjust the text size slider at the bottom of the screen to make the text larger or smaller

Step to adjust text size on iPhone (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

How to increase the contrast on your iPhone

• On your iPhone, go to Settings
• Tap Accessibility
• Click Display & Text Size
• Turn on Increase Contrast to enhance visibility and make screen elements easier to distinguish.

Steps to increase the contrast on your iPhone (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

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Zoom in on the iPhone screen

Many apps let you adjust the size of specific items on the screen. For instance, you can use two fingers to make things bigger or smaller in Photos or Safari. You can also use the Zoom feature to enlarge the whole screen or just a portion of it. You can choose between Full Screen Zoom and Window Zoom modes. Here’s how to set up Zoom to make content more accessible for those of you with low vision.

• Go to Settings 
• Tap Accessibility
• Click Zoom
• Toggle on Zoom
  Double-tap three fingers to zoom
  Drag three fingers to move around the screen
  Double-tap three fingers and drag to change zoom
• Double-tap three fingers to zoom
• Drag three fingers to move around the screen
• Double-tap three fingers and drag to change zoom

Steps to zoom in on the iPhone screen (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

On the same screen, you can also adjust any of the following:

• Follow Focus: Track your selections, the text insertion point, and your typing
• Smart Typing: Switch to Window Zoom when a keyboard appears
• Keyboard Shortcuts: Control Zoom using shortcuts on an external keyboard
• Zoom Controller: Turn the controller on, set controller actions, and adjust the color and opacity
• Zoom Region: Choose Full-Screen Zoom or Window Zoom
• Zoom Filter: Choose None, Inverted, Grayscale, Grayscale Inverted, or Low Light
• Maximum Zoom Level: Drag the slider to adjust the level

Zoom-in accessibility features on iPhone (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

Turn on Magnifier on iPhone

This feature helps you zoom in on small text or objects, making them more accessible. 

• You can open the Magnifier app either by using Siri and saying something like “Siri, Open Magnifier” or by tapping on the app itself, which looks like a magnifying glass with a plus inside it. Also, on iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max, you can assign the Action button to open Magnifier.
• To adjust the zoom, drag the slider left or right.

How to turn on Magnifier app on iPhone (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

You can also use the Magnifier app to point and speak. All you have to do is just point your iPhone at anything and let it speak what it sees. Click here to find out more about that amazing feature.

Turn on VoiceOver on iPhone

VoiceOver is a screen reader that lets you use your iPhone with voice feedback. It tells you what’s on your screen, such as the battery level, the caller ID, and the app you’re using. You can change the voice speed and tone to your liking. When you touch the screen or drag your finger over it, VoiceOver speaks the name of the item your finger is on, including icons and text. Here’s how to set up VoiceOver on your iPhone. It’s important to note that VoiceOver changes the gestures you use to control your iPhone. When VoiceOver is on, you must use VoiceOver gestures to operate the iPhone. Here’s how to set it up.

• Go to Settings 
• Tap Accessibility
• Click VoiceOver
• Then toggle it ON
• A pop-up window will appear asking you to confirm your decision. Click OK

Steps to turn on Voiceover on iPhone (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

• You can also use Siri to turn on this feature by saying something like “Siri, Turn on VoiceOver.”
• Siri knows when VoiceOver is on and often reads more information back to you than appears on the screen. You can also use VoiceOver to read what Siri shows on the screen.

Listen to articles on your iPhone with Speak Screen

This is a feature that lets you have any text on your screen spoken aloud by Siri. Here’s how to enable it.

• Go to Settings
• Tap Accessibility
• Click Spoken Content 
• Then toggle ON Speak Screen
• Now you can use Siri to hear your iPhone speak the screen you want to listen to by going to the page you want it to read and saying something like: “Siri, Speak screen.”

Steps to turn on Speak Screen on iPhone (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

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Enhancing accessibility for hearing impairments

Here are some 7 tips and features to enhance the accessibility of your iPhone for hearing impairments, such as using hearing aids, Live Listen, visual alerts, RTT calls, FaceTime, video subtitles, headphone accommodation, and hearing aid apps.

Individuals using sign language (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

MORE: 8 GREAT IPHONE ACCESSIBILITY TIPS TO MAKE LIFE EASIER

1) Made for iPhone hearing aids: These are devices that are designed to work seamlessly with your iPhone. They can stream audio from your iOS device directly to your hearing aids and let you adjust the volume and settings of your hearing aids from your device. You can also use your iOS device as a microphone to pick up sounds around you and send them to your hearing aids. To check compatibility with your Apple devices or for how to use them click here.

2) Live Listen: Turn your iPhone into a remote microphone that streams sound to your hearing aids or AirPods using Live Listen. This can be useful in situations where you want to hear someone more clearly, such as in a noisy environment or when they are far away from you.

To use Live Listen, follow these steps:

• Make sure your hearing aids or AirPods are paired and connected to your iPhone.
• Go to Settings
• Tap Accessibility
• Click Hearing Devices or AirPods and turn on Live Listen.
• Swipe down from the top right corner of your screen to open the Control Center.
• Tap the ear icon, then click Live Listen.
• Place your iPhone in front of the person you want to hear and adjust the volume as needed on your iPhone.

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3) Visual alerts: Enable visual alerts on your iPhone by having the LED flash blink when you receive notifications. To enable visual alerts on your iPhone, you need to follow these steps:

• Go to Settings
• Tap on Accessibility
• Tap on Audio/Visual under the Hearing section.
• Turn on the switch for LED Flash for Alerts.
• You can also turn on the switch for Flash on Silent Mode if you want the LED flash to blink even when your phone is on silent mode, or you can toggle on Flash While Unlocked.

Steps to turn on Visual Alerts on iPhone (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

Now, whenever you receive a notification, such as a call, message, or email, your iPhone’s LED flash will blink to alert you.

4) RTT calls: Real-time text (RTT) calls offer instant message transmission, useful for those with hearing impairments. The Real-time text (RTT) feature allows people with hearing or speech disabilities to communicate in real-time with text during a phone call. RTT calls are aided by real-time text, which is transmitted instantly and in real-time as it is typed, usually without clicking the send button. To use RTT, you can turn on the RTT feature in your phone’s settings.

• Go to Settings
• Tap Accessibility
• Click RTT/TTY
• Toggle on Software RTT/TTY

Steps to turn on RTT calls on iPhone (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

• If you want to see the text messages on the call screen, turn on Show Notifications. If you want to see them in the Phone app, turn off Show Notifications.
• To make an RTT call, tap the RTT button when you dial a number or receive a call. You can also add RTT to your favorites or contacts by tapping the + button and choosing RTT.
• To send a text message during an RTT call, type your message and tap return. You can also use dictation or Siri to enter text. To read a text message, look at the call screen or the Phone app. You can also use VoiceOver or Speak Screen to read the text aloud.

Once enabled, you can place a call with RTT or switch from voice to RTT during a call. During an RTT call, the text that you enter appears to the other person in real-time, unlike with chat messaging. RTT calls use call minutes, just like a voice call. It’s important to note that RTT is not available when roaming abroad.

5) Video subtitles: Video content with closed captions (CC) or subtitles also works well on both the iPhone 14 & 15 for those who are deaf and or hard of hearing (SDH). Here’s how to set it up on your iPhone.

• Go to Settings
• Tap on Accessibility
• Tap on Subtitles & Captioning under the Hearing section.
• Turn on the switch for Closed Captions + SDH.
• You can also customize the appearance of the subtitles by tapping on Style and choosing from the presets or creating your own.

Steps to turn on Visual Subtitles on iPhone (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

• To watch video content with subtitles, make sure the video has a CC icon on the corner. Tap on the icon and select the language of the subtitles you want to see.

6) Headphone accommodation: Customize headphone audio settings to amplify soft sounds and adjust frequencies for your hearing needs. To make the most of this feature, you may want to consider downloading the TruHearing App. 

TruHearing App: The TruHearing App is a free app available on the Apple App Store that allows you to manage TruHearing brand hearing aids only. You can use the app to stay in touch with your hearing care professional, even when you can’t visit in person. The app lets you tailor your personal preferences right on your smartphone. The app also lets you easily contact your hearing care professional via text message, voice call, or video call.

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Kurt’s key takeaways 

Technology has the power to break down barriers and create a more inclusive world for individuals with vision and hearing impairments. Fortunately, the iPhone 14 and 15 offer a range of accessibility features, from text adjustments to voice feedback and real-time text calls, making them valuable tools for improving the digital experience for those of you with visual and hearing difficulties. We hope these tips and features empower you to navigate and interact with your iPhone more effectively so it enhances your overall quality of life.

What accessibility features are most important to you? Are there any that you would like to see added in the future? Let us know by writing us at Cyberguy.com/Contact.

For more of my tech tips & security alerts, subscribe to my free CyberGuy Report Newsletter by heading to Cyberguy.com/Newsletter.

Ask Kurt a question or let us know what stories you’d like us to cover.

Answers to the most asked CyberGuy questions:

Copyright 2024 CyberGuy.com. All rights reserved.