Are Baby Monitors Safe? Plus, Cracker Barrel, Car Touchscreens, and More Tech News

Baby Monitor Security Concerns

• 👶 When baby monitors are connected to Wi-Fi, they become vulnerable to hacking.
• 🔒 To ensure security, avoid Wi-Fi-connected monitors if remote access isn't a priority, or properly secure your network by using strong passwords and updating firmware and apps.
• 💡 For a secure alternative, consider using a regular security camera like a Nest cam, which can be repurposed after the baby no longer needs it.
• 🎯 Advanced monitors like the Nanit Pro or Cubo offer features such as temperature and humidity sensors, but basic security relies on user diligence.

Cracker Barrel's Bot-Fueled Outrage

• 📉 Cracker Barrel experienced a significant drop in its ranking as a fast-growing breakfast chain due to social media backlash.
• 🤖 Investigations revealed that a substantial portion of the online outrage, including 49% of boycott calls and 44% of all posts, originated from bots.
• 🤔 It's speculated that Cracker Barrel might have orchestrated the event for attention, though the outcome was negative, similar to the Bud Light situation.

The Return of Car Buttons

• 🚗 The trend of all-glass touchscreens in cars is being reversed, with manufacturers like Mercedes, Volkswagen, and Tesla bringing back physical buttons for 2026 models.
• ⚠️ Drivers are frustrated with touchscreens, as they require looking away from the road and navigating through multiple menus, increasing driving distraction.
• 🔑 Physical buttons offer a more intuitive and safer way to control vehicle functions.

Tech News and Consumer Alerts

• 💍 A man in Honolulu was denied a flight due to a swollen Samsung Galaxy ring that had to be pried off by hospital staff.
• 🌐 Data brokers collect and sell personal information, increasing the risk of spam and fraud; services like Incogn can help remove your data from these sites.
• 💸 A listener was scammed out of $1,000 after an email promised PayPal funds, leading her to purchase Bitcoin that she couldn't access, highlighting the danger of phishing scams.
• 🎂 A German baker, whose family business spans 134 years, is transitioning to digital marketing, focusing on social media and Google listings to adapt to the modern market.
• 📍 For tracking elderly parents, an iPhone with Find My Friends or the Life360 app are recommended solutions for maintaining independence while ensuring safety.