Computer monitors, which used to be simple screens, are now starting to collect information about you and show you advertisements — just like modern televisions have been doing for years. This matters because many people bought monitors specifically to escape the privacy problems of smart TVs, so discovering that monitors are heading in the same direction is disappointing and concerning. Worth knowing: if you own an LG monitor, check your computer for unwanted apps (especially "LG Monitor App Installer") and consider turning off automatic updates from your monitor manufacturer until you understand what software it's installing.
AliExpress has been secretly tracking visitors using inaudible sounds—frequencies too high for human ears to hear—embedded in its website, which a researcher accidentally discovered when the technique interfered with his Bluetooth headphones. This type of "fingerprinting" allows companies to identify and monitor individual users across the internet without their knowledge, building detailed profiles about browsing habits. Worth knowing: if you visit AliExpress or other sites that use similar tracking, your browser is being identified and watched, even though you can't hear or see it happening—consider using private browsing mode or checking your browser's privacy settings if this concerns you.
Instinct is a new AI assistant that can do impressive things like managing your emails and calendar, but it needs permission to access almost everything on your computer—which makes some security experts worried about how your personal information could be misused. For someone in your age group, this matters because you might not realize how much control you're giving away when you agree to those terms most people skip over. Before trying Instinct or similar AI tools, it's worth reading what permissions they're asking for, or asking a trusted tech-savvy friend to review them with you.
# Adding Bluetooth to Your TV
Older televisions often lack built-in Bluetooth, but you can easily add this feature using an inexpensive adapter that plugs into your TV's audio output. This means you could finally listen to your shows through wireless headphones, which is especially helpful if you like watching late at night without disturbing others. Worth knowing: a simple Bluetooth transmitter (usually under $30) is all you need—just look for one compatible with your TV's audio jack or HDMI port.
# How to Cancel ChatGPT
OpenAI makes it surprisingly easy to stop paying for ChatGPT if you decide the service isn't worth it—you can cancel your subscription through your account settings without jumping through hoops. Many people find they don't actually use ChatGPT regularly enough to justify the monthly cost, or they prefer free alternatives that have improved considerably. Worth knowing: if you cancel, you'll lose access to the faster GPT-4 model, but you can still use the free version of ChatGPT anytime you want to come back.
ESPN is raising its streaming prices starting in September, with the top tier jumping to $32 a month—that's about $6 more than before. If you're a sports fan who watches games regularly, you'll want to know these costs add up quickly, especially if you're also paying for other streaming services like Disney+ or Netflix. Worth knowing: check your current ESPN subscription before September to see if you're on a grandfathered rate, and consider whether a bundle with Disney+ might still offer better value than paying separately.
# What are the downsides of a mini PC?
Mini PCs are cramped inside, so they can't cool down as well as regular computers, which means they struggle to keep running at full speed for long periods. If you're someone who likes to leave your computer on all day for video calls, streaming, or heavy work, a mini PC might overheat or slow down frustratingly. Worth knowing: if you're mostly doing light tasks like email and web browsing, a mini PC works just fine—it's only when you push them hard that the heat becomes a real problem.
OpenAI is working on AI assistants that can do tasks for you—like booking appointments, managing emails, or handling paperwork—without needing you to know how to code or understand artificial intelligence. For people in your age group, these tools could save considerable time on everyday chores and make technology feel less intimidating by doing the heavy lifting automatically. Worth knowing: before you hand over access to your email or bank accounts, check what permissions you're granting these AI agents and keep your passwords strong, just as you would with any new app or service.
# Digital Car Keys: Things to Keep in Mind
Your phone can now unlock and start many newer cars, replacing the traditional key fob entirely. For those of us who've spent decades with physical keys, this convenience comes with real trade-offs—like what happens if your phone dies, gets lost, or has a software glitch right when you need to drive. Worth knowing: test how your car's digital key works before you rely on it completely, and keep a backup access method (like a traditional key card) in case your phone lets you down.
Dolby Digital Plus is a newer technology that can deliver better sound quality and more flexible audio options than the original Dolby Digital 5.1, though both create the surround-sound experience you might enjoy from a home theater system. If you're watching streaming services or newer TV content, you're more likely to encounter Dolby Digital Plus, while older DVDs and broadcasts typically use the original Dolby Digital 5.1. Worth knowing: most modern televisions and sound systems support both formats, but if you're buying new equipment, checking the specifications will ensure you get the latest standard without overpaying for features you won't use.
Shokz has released new earbuds called the OpenFit Air 2 that weigh nearly 20% less than the older version, making them more comfortable to wear for longer stretches. If you spend hours listening to music, podcasts, or taking calls, lighter earbuds mean less fatigue in your ears and no uncomfortable pressure or heat buildup that can happen with traditional in-ear models. You can try them out at an electronics retailer or check reviews online to see if the open-ear style (which leaves your ear canal open so you can still hear the world around you) appeals to you.
Children learn language from a fraction of the data that AI systems need—a child picks up fluent speech from everyday conversations in their first year, while modern AI programs require processing hundreds of thousands of times more words to achieve similar skill. Scientists still can't fully explain why children's brains are so much more efficient at language learning than even our most advanced computers. Worth knowing: if AI researchers can figure out what makes kids such quick learners, it could lead to smarter machines that need far less data to train, which would be cheaper and less wasteful for everyone.
