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Avoid public Wi-Fi by using your iPhone as a hot spot

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Avoid public Wi-Fi by using your iPhone as a hot spot

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Have you ever been tempted to connect to a public Wi-Fi network when you’re out and about? Maybe you want to check your email, browse social media or stream some music.

But before you do that, you should know that public Wi-Fi can be risky and expose your personal information to hackers and cybercriminals.

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That’s why you should avoid suspicious public Wi-Fi and use your iPhone’s hot spot instead. A hot spot is a feature that lets you share your iPhone’s cellular data with other devices, such as your laptop or tablet. 

This way, you can enjoy a secure and private internet connection wherever you go. Before we get to how to set up a hot spot, you may want to check out Cellphone boosters vs. mobile hot spots: What’s the difference and how do you choose?

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 on a cellphone using a hot spot (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

How to set up a hot spot on your iPhone

Setting up a hot spot on your iPhone is easy and quick. Just follow these simple steps:

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  • Open the Settings app on your iPhone
  • Select Personal Hot Spot
  • Toggle on next to where it says Allow Others to Join and update the password, if necessary
  • Note that devices logged into the same iCloud account won’t require a password to join your iPhone’s Personal Hot Spot

Steps to set up a hot spot on your iPhone (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

  • Optionally, you can also select Family Sharing if you have other family members you want to allow joining your Personal Hot Spot without requiring a password. Tap on Family Sharing.
  • Then toggle on Family Sharing.
  • The names of family members will appear below it. You can set each family member to either be able to join automatically or Ask for Approval from you before they can connect. Just click on their name and then select either Automatic or Ask for Approval.

Steps to allow other users or devices to use your iPhone hot spot (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

  • If you’re trying to connect from older Wi-Fi devices and your iPhone’s Wi-Fi network doesn’t appear, or they fail to get a connection, you may also need to toggle on Maximize Compatibility.

CLEVER TRICK TO MAKE A CONNECTION FASTER ON YOUR WI-FI NETWORK

  • Do this by going to Settings. Tapping Personal Hot Spot and then scrolling down next to Maximize Compatibility, toggle it on.

Maximize Compatiblity toggle on iPhone (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

By default, the name of your iPhone’s hot spot is called the same name as your iPhone. You can change the name of your iPhone by following the steps below: 

  • Head to Settings
  • Tap General 
  • Click About 
  • Tap Name 
  • Change the name of your iPhone by typing it in the box
  • Tap Done

Steps to change the name of your iPhone (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

MORE: BEST PORTABLE PHONE CHARGERS OF 2024

How to connect another device to your iPhone hot spot

  • Go to the System Settings on the other device. In this instance, we are using a MacBook Pro.
  • Scroll down, tap Wi-Fi on that device, look for your hot spot name and tap it. Enter the password if requested and you’re good to go.

Steps to connect another device to your iPhone (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

Note that the hot spot feature can be hidden or disabled by your carrier, so if you don’t see it or can’t turn it on, you’ll need to reach out and make sure your plan includes the ability to use your device as a hot spot.

MORE: 5 BEST CELLPHONE BOOSTERS

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Keep an eye on how much data you use with your iPhone hot spot

Using a hot spot can be a great way to stay connected and safe online. But remember, it uses your iPhone’s cellular data, so you should keep an eye on how much you use. Here’s how to check your data usage:

  • Go to Settings
  • Tap on Cellular
  • Scroll down to see how much data you’ve used in the current period

How to keep an eye on your data on your iPhone (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

If you have a limited data plan, you may want to limit your hot spot usage to avoid extra charges. You can also turn off your hot spot when you’re not using it to save battery life. To do that, follow these steps:

  • Go back to Settings
  • Tap on Personal Hot Spot
  • Turn off the switch next to Allow Others to Join

MORE: BEST ACCESSORIES FOR YOUR PHONE

How to secure your hot spot privacy and security with a VPN

Hot spots suffer from the same risks that any public Wi-Fi connection does, such as data breaches or misuse by hackers and other nefarious actors. However, there is a way to keep yourself protected when using your iPhone hot spot, and that’s by using a Virtual Private Network or VPN.

It adds an extra layer of security and can keep you safe online. If you do decide to create and use a personal hot spot, remember to always make sure it’s password-protected. We’ll take you through the benefits of using a VPN with a hot spot and show you step-by-step how to set up a VPN by clicking 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

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Kurt’s key takeaways

Using your iPhone as a hot spot can be a convenient and secure way to access the internet on the go. You can share your cellular data with other devices, control who can join your hot spot and customize your hot spot name and password. However, you should also be mindful of your data usage and battery life, and use a VPN to protect your privacy and security online.

What are some situations where using an iPhone hot spot would be helpful to you? 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.

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Copyright 2024 CyberGuy.com. All rights reserved.

Technology

Roland’s Go:Mixer Studio turns your phone into a mobile music studio

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Roland’s Go:Mixer Studio turns your phone into a mobile music studio

Roland now offers a more capable audio mixer for phones and tablets with the launch of the Go:Mixer Studio. The Go:Mixer audio interface lineup has always been a bit limited, better suited for scrappy live streams and capturing quick demos on their phones than professional recording. The Go:Mixer Studio is an attempt to actually reach that lofty goal, with more inputs and outputs, built-in effects, and up to 24-bit / 192kHz audio. There’s even an iOS app that allows you to capture video and multitrack audio simultaneously.

Streaming and social video are still the major use cases here. The Go:Mixer Studio can even be mounted on a mic stand so you can keep it in easy reach during a live session. The screen and knobs allow you to control all the parameters on the Go:Mixer Studio directly, but there’s also a desktop app for Windows and MacOS that gives you complete control of the mixer remotely.

There’s plenty of connectivity, including two XLR inputs on the back with phantom power, a 1/4-inch instrument input for directly connecting a guitar or bass, stereo 1/4-inch line-in jacks, and an aux input. There’s also 1/8-inch TRS MIDI in and out, two headphone jacks, and stereo line outs for connecting to studio monitors. Each audio input has a dedicated EQ and compressor on the channel. The XLR and instrument ins also have reverb available.

The Go:Mixer Studio is available now for $299.

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Technology

Alexa.com brings Alexa+ to your browser

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Alexa.com brings Alexa+ to your browser

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!

For years, Alexa mostly stayed in one place. It lived on kitchen counters, nightstands or living room shelves. That setup worked for music and timers, but it also limited when and how people could actually use the assistant. Now that is changing.

Amazon has rolled out Alexa.com, which brings Alexa+ directly to your web browser for Early Access users. Instead of relying on a speaker or phone, you can now open a laptop and start using Alexa like any other web-based AI tool.

This shift is less about new tricks and more about access. Alexa can now follow you throughout your day instead of waiting for you at home.

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Amazon’s Alexa is no longer tied to a smart speaker, with Alexa.com bringing the assistant and Alexa+ directly to the web browser for Early Access users. (Photo Illustration by Thomas Fuller/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images)

What Alexa.com actually is

Alexa.com is the browser-based version of Alexa+. You can type questions, explore topics, plan trips, organize tasks, or create content without touching a smart speaker. The biggest difference is continuity. Alexa keeps context across devices, so conversations carry over whether you are on your laptop, phone, Echo, or Fire TV. You do not have to repeat yourself every time you switch screens. That makes Alexa feel less like a command tool and more like an assistant that remembers what you are working on.

Who can use Alexa.com right now

Alexa.com is not open to everyone yet. To use it, you need:

  • Alexa+ Early Access
  • An Amazon account linked to a compatible Echo, Fire TV, or Fire tablet
  • US-based Amazon account
  • Device language set to English, United States

Child profiles are not supported on the browser version. Older Echo devices will continue using the original Alexa.

What Alexa.com cannot do yet

Because Alexa.com is still in Early Access, it has limits that matter for everyday users. Right now:

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  • You can only type to Alexa in your browser
  • Voice interaction is not supported on the web
  • Music playback is not available
  • Smart home controls are limited compared to Echo devices

Amazon says features will roll out gradually. Alexa.com is meant to complement your devices, not fully replace them yet.

Meal planning without juggling tabs

One area where Alexa.com feels genuinely useful is meal planning. You can ask Alexa for a full week of meals and set preferences like high protein, low sugar, or kid-friendly lunches. Alexa generates a plan and turns it into a shopping list. From there, items can be added directly to Amazon Fresh or Whole Foods. Instead of bouncing between recipes, notes and carts, everything happens in one place.

Organizing everyday life in one place

Alexa.com also works as a lightweight life organizer. You can upload documents, emails and images so Alexa can pull out key details. That includes appointments, reminders and schedules you would otherwise forget. Instead of searching your inbox, you can ask Alexa when the dog last went to the vet or what time practice starts tonight. The information stays available across devices.

Smart home access, with limits

Alexa.com keeps your smart home controls visible next to your chat window. While full smart home control is still limited in the browser, Alexa.com lets you check status, review activity and continue actions on your Echo or Fire TV devices. It is most useful as a bridge. You can start something in the browser and finish it at home without starting over.

Recipes that follow you into the kitchen

Alexa.com also simplifies cooking. If you find a recipe online, you can paste the link into Alexa and ask it to adjust for dietary needs. Alexa can save it, convert it into ingredients and add everything to your shopping list. When it is time to cook, Alexa can pull the recipe up on your Echo Show, guide you step by step and manage timers so your hands stay free.

5 TECH TERMS THAT SHAPE YOUR ONLINE PRIVACY

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Alexa.com lets users type questions, plan trips, organize tasks and create content without relying on an Echo or smartphone. (Michael Nagle/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

Finding something to watch faster

Decision fatigue hits hard at night. On Alexa.com, you can explore movie themes, get recommendations and save picks for later. When you sit down, Alexa remembers your choices and sends them to your Fire TV. That cuts down on scrolling and family debates.

What about privacy

Using Alexa on the web raises natural privacy questions. Amazon says Alexa+ includes built-in protections and user controls. Still, it is worth taking a minute to review your settings, especially if you plan to upload documents or personal information. A few smart habits can help:

  • Check your Alexa privacy settings and review stored activity
  • Avoid uploading sensitive documents like IDs or medical records
  • Use strong antivirus software to protect your device. The best way to safeguard yourself from malicious links that install malware, potentially accessing your private information, is to have strong antivirus software installed on all your devices. This protection can also alert you to phishing emails and ransomware scams, keeping your personal information and digital assets safe. Get my picks for the best 2026 antivirus protection winners for your Windows, Mac, Android and iOS devices at Cyberguy.com.

As with any AI assistant, convenience comes with trade-offs. Staying aware helps you stay in control.

How much Alexa+ will cost

Alexa+ is free during Early Access. When Early Access ends, you will not be automatically charged. After that:

  • Alexa+ stays free with a Prime membership
  • Non-Prime users can subscribe for $19.99 per month

This makes Alexa.com more appealing for Prime members and a tougher sell for everyone else.

What this means to you

For most people, Alexa.com is about convenience. If you already use Alexa at home, the web version makes it easier to use during the day. You can plan, organize or look things up from your computer and then pick up later on your phone or Echo. It also puts Alexa in the same category as other browser-based AI tools, but with deeper ties to shopping, smart home features and entertainment. Whether you stick with it will likely come down to how often you want Alexa to help you during your day.

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Think your devices and data are truly protected? Take this quick quiz to see where your digital habits stand. From passwords to Wi-Fi settings, you’ll get a personalized breakdown of what you’re doing right and what needs improvement. Take my Quiz here: Cyberguy.com.

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Amazon says Alexa.com allows conversations to carry over across devices, giving users continuity between laptops, phones and smart home screens. (Photographer: Michael Nagle/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

Kurt’s key takeaways

Alexa.com does not reinvent Alexa. It simply makes it easier to use where people already spend time. By bringing Alexa+ to the browser, Amazon is betting that continuity matters more than novelty. For some users, that will be enough to make Alexa feel relevant again.

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If Alexa followed you from your laptop to your living room, would you actually rely on it more, or would it still feel optional? Let us know by writing to us at Cyberguy.com.

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A second US Sphere could come to Maryland

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A second US Sphere could come to Maryland

The second US sphere would be built in an area known as National Harbor in Prince George’s County, Maryland. Located along the Potomac River, National Harbor currently features a convention center, multiple hotels, restaurants, and shops. While Abu Dhabi plans to build a sphere as large as the one in Las Vegas, the National Harbor venue would be one of the first mini-Sphere venues announced last March.

Its capacity would be limited to 6,000 seats instead of over 17,000. But the smaller Sphere would still be hard to miss with an exterior LED exosphere for showcasing the “artistic and branded content” that helped make the original sphere a unique part of the Las Vegas skyline.

The inside of the mini-Sphere will feature a high-resolution 16,000 by 16,000 pixel wrap-around screen, the company’s immersive sound technology, haptic seating, and “4D environmental effects.” For the AI-enhanced version of The Wizard of Oz currently playing in Las Vegas, audiences experience effects like wind, fog, smells, and apples falling from the ceiling.

The mini-Sphere will potentially also be cheaper to build than the $2.3 billion original, but its construction is contingent on the “receipt of certain governmental incentives and approvals from Prince George’s County and the State of Maryland.” Sphere Entertainment says the project “would utilize a combination of public and private funding, including approximately $200 million in state, local, and private incentives,” but would potentially generate millions of dollars in revenue for the country and state while supporting over 4,700 jobs once it opens.

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