There was a time not too long ago when buying a power bank was as easy as choosing the cheapest portable battery that could charge your phone and quickly slip into your pocket, purse, or backpack. The hardest part was deciding whether it was time to ditch USB-A ports.
Technology
Google finally admits data collection in Chrome's 'incognito' mode
Google is finally revealing it is collecting your data if you use Google Chrome, even if you use incognito mode. This comes after the internet giant agreed to settle for $5 billion to avoid a 2020 lawsuit.
The lawsuit claimed Google collected information like your IP address, device data and even browser history — despite incognito mode seemingly offering a private browsing experience. Google claimed it warned users about websites potentially tracking user activity in order to dismiss the lawsuit.
However, a judge ruled that Google never explicitly told users it was tracking them and collecting information. And if users weren’t aware, they couldn’t consent to data collection.
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What’s happened since Google agreed to settle the lawsuit
Google Chrome on smartphone. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
Since Google agreed to settle last month, two major developments have happened: Google has updated its disclaimer in incognito mode, according to MSPowerUser, and lawyers have been working to finalize a settlement.
So far, Google has only updated the disclaimer in its Canary developer tool on Windows, Android and other devices. If you use it and go into incognito mode, you’ll see a message that says:
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“Others who use this device won’t see your activity, so you can browse more privately. This won’t change how data is collected by websites you visit and the services they use, including Google. Downloads, bookmarks and reading list items will be saved.”
Google Chrome Incognito Mode. (Google)
Lawyers also have until Feb. 24 to present the court with a finalized settlement agreement. Plaintiffs originally wanted $5,000 in damages per user for violating federal wiretapping and California privacy laws.
We reached out to Google, and a spokesperson released this statement to Cyberguy:
“Incognito mode in Chrome will continue to give people the choice to browse the internet without their activity being saved to their browser or device.”
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How to stay private when browsing the internet
Keeping your information private while browsing the internet can be a tough task. However, here are some easy ways to keep your data away from any prying eyes:
Turn off “web & app” activity
“Web & App” Activity is basically Google’s main tool to collect your data. Google assumes you have given them access to your online activity when this setting is on. Google claims it does not sell your personal information to anyone. However, Google may use your activity data to show you personalized ads on Google sites and apps and on sites and apps that partner with Google to show ads.
How to turn “web & app” activity off using a Mac
- On the Google Chrome page, click on your icon in the top right corner and select Manage your Google Account, or click on this link
- In the top left, click on Data & Privacy
- Scroll down and find the box that says History Settings
- In the box, the first row says Web & App Activity; Click on the blue check next to the word On
- Find the box that says Web & App Activity and click Turn Off on the right
- Select Turn off and Delete activity
- Click Next in the bottom right
- Select any Google products you wish to delete your activity by selecting its respective box to the right, checking it off, or clicking Select All in the top right to delete all activity
- Click Next and then Delete once you have confirmed you want to delete. Then tap Got it.
Turning “web & app” activity off using a PC
- On the Google Chrome page, go to Activity controls in a web browser. To turn off web and app activity on your PC, you can access your Activity Controls in a web browser. If you’re not signed in to your Google account, you’ll be prompted to do so
- Click Turn Off under “Web & App Activity.” You’ll see this option near the top of the page
- Scroll down and click the Pause button. You won’t be able to click Pause until you’ve scrolled to the bottom of the page. This pauses your web and search activity until you enable it again. To delete your Web & App Activity history, click Delete old activity under “Setting is Off” and then select a time range. Click Got It when you’re finished to return to the previous screen.
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How to turn “web & app” activity off using iPhone
- On the Google home page, click on your icon in the top right corner
- Select Google Account or click on this link
- Then tap Data & Privacy near the top of the screen
- Scroll down and find the box that says History Settings
Google Account page. (Google)
- In the box, the first row says Web & App Activity; Click on the > icon
- Find the box that says Web & App Activity and click Turn Off on the right
- Select Turn off and Delete activity
- Click Next in the bottom right
- Select any Google products you wish to delete your activity by selecting its respective box to the right, checking it off, or clicking Select All in the top right to delete all activity
- Click Next and then Delete once you have confirmed you want to delete. Then tap Got it.
How to turn “web & app” activity off using Android
Settings may vary depending on your Android phone’s manufacturer.
- On the Google home page, click on your icon in the top right corner
- Select Google Account, or click on this link
- Click on Data & Privacy
- Scroll down and find the box that says History Settings
- Find the row that says Web & App Activity and click the > icon
- Find the box that says Web & App Activity and click Turn Off on the right
- Select Turn off and Delete activity
- Click Next in the bottom right
- Select any Google products you wish to delete your activity by selecting its respective box to the right, checking it off, or clicking Select All in the top right to delete all activity
- Click Next and then Delete once you have confirmed you want to delete. Then tap Got it.
Limit data sharing with sites and services
While there are many valid reasons for allowing Google to give third-party apps and services access to your data, it puts your privacy at risk. Google can track whenever you sign in to another app with your Google sign-in and which service.
How to turn off data sharing with sites and services on Mac
- On the Google Chrome page, click on your icon in the top right corner and select Manage your Google Account, or click on this link
- In the top left, click on Data & Privacy
- Scroll down and find the box under the heading Data from apps and services you use
- Click on Third-party apps & services
- Select any apps you wish to get rid of Google’s connections with
- Click the box on the bottom that says Delete all connections you have with [website] and click confirm
Turning off data sharing with sites and services on PC
- On the Google Chrome page, click the menu icon (three dots) in the top right corner and select Settings
- Then, click Privacy and security
Google Settings page. (Google)
- Next, tap Site settings
- Here, you can manage how Chrome handles cookies, location, camera, microphone, notifications, and other permissions for different sites
- You can also clear your browsing data and disable third-party services from accessing your data
How to turn off data sharing with sites and services on iPhone
- On the Google home page, click on your icon in the top right corner and select your
- Select Google Account, Or click on this link
- Click on Data & Privacy
- Scroll down and find the box under the heading Data from apps and services you use
- Click on Third-party apps & services
- Scroll down and select any apps you wish to get rid of Google’s connections with by clicking on it
- Next, scroll down and click the box on the bottom that says Delete all connections you have with [website] and click confirm
How to turn off data sharing with sites and services on Android
Settings may vary depending on your Android phone’s manufacturer.
- On the Google home page, click on your icon in the top right corner
- Select Google Account, or click on this link
- Click on Data & Privacy
- Scroll down and find the box under the heading Data from apps and services you use
- Click on Third-party apps & services
- Select any apps you wish to get rid of Google’s connections with by clicking on it
- Click the box on the bottom that says Delete all connections you have with [website] and click confirm
Turn off Location History
Google can track the places you go and collect your location data. However, the tricky thing with this setting is that you must have Web & App activity turned off for your Location History to be fully turned off.
How to turn off Location History on Mac
- On the Google Chrome page, click on your icon in the top right corner and select Manage your Google Account, or click on this link
- In the top left, click on Data & Privacy
- Scroll down and find the box that says History Settings
- Click on the row that says Location History
- Click on the box that says Turn off
- Select Turn off again and then Got it
MORE: HOW TO CHECK THAT YOU’RE NOT ACCIDENTALLY SHARING YOUR LOCATION
How to turn off “web & app” activity using a PC
- On the Google Chrome page, go to Activity controls in a web browser. To turn off web and app activity on your PC, you can access your Activity Controls in a web browser. If you’re not signed in to your Google account, you’ll be prompted to do so
- Click Turn Off under “Web & App Activity.” You’ll see this option near the top of the page
- Scroll down and click the Pause button. You won’t be able to click Pause until you’ve scrolled to the bottom of the page. This pauses your web and search activity until you enable it again. To delete your Web & App Activity history, click Delete old activity under “Setting is Off” and then select a time range. Click Got It when you’re finished to return to the previous screen
How to turn Location History off on iPhone
- On the Google home page, click on your icon in the top right corner
- Select your Google Account or click on this link
- At the top, click on Data & Privacy
- Scroll down and find the box that says History Settings
- Click on the row that says Location History
Google Location History setting. (Google)
- Click on the box that says Turn off
- Select Turn off again and then Got it
How to turn off Location History on Android
Settings may vary depending on your Android phone’s manufacturer.
- On the Google home page, click on your icon in the top right corner
- Select Google Account, or click on this link
- Click on Data & Privacy
- Scroll down and find the box that says History Settings
- Click on the row that says Location History
- Click on the box that says Turn off
- Select Turn off again and then Got it
Stop targeted ads
Google’s targeted ads can be a bit too specific for comfort, but there is a way to turn them off:
How to stop targeted ads on Mac
- On the Google Chrome page, click on your icon in the top right corner and select Manage your Google Account, or click on this link
- In the top left, click on Data & Privacy
- Find the box that is titled Personalized ads and click on My Ad Center
- In the top right corner, click on the box that says Personalized ads, and then click on Turn Off in the bottom right of the next box. Then tap Got it
How to stop targeted ads on iPhone
- On the Google home page, click on your icon in the top right corner
- Select Google Account, or click on this link
- Click on Data & Privacy
- Find the box that is titled Personalized Ads and click on My Ad Center
- In the top right corner, click where it says On
- Then on the bottom right, click where it says Turn Off
- Then tap Got it
How to stop targeted ads on Android
- On the Google home page, click on your icon in the top right corner
- Select Google Account, or click on this link
- Click on Data & Privacy
- Find the box that is titled Personalized ads and click on My Ad Center
- In the top right corner, click where it says ON next to Personalized ads
- Scroll down and click Turn Off in the bottom right
- Then click Got it
Person on Google home page. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
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Use a VPN for better privacy
Consider using a VPN to protect against being tracked and to identify your potential location on websites that you visit. Many sites can read your IP address and, depending on their privacy settings, may display the city from which you are corresponding. A VPN will disguise your IP address to show an alternate location. See my expert review of the best VPNs for browsing the web privately on your Windows, Mac, Android & iOS devices.
Kurt’s key takeaways
While it can be exhausting taking so many precautions to protect your data, it really pays off at the end of the day. Taking a few steps can make all the difference. But by not protecting yourself, you are leaving yourself susceptible to data collection, targeted ads and even worse. At the end of the day, protecting your privacy is your responsibility.
How do you protect yourself from data collection? Are you worried about Google collecting your data? 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.
Intel announced yesterday that it’s developing an entire “handheld gaming platform” powered by its new Panther Lake chips, and joining an increasingly competitive field. Qualcomm is hinting about potential Windows gaming handhelds showing up at the Game Developers Conference in March, and AMD’s new Strix Halo chips could lead to more powerful handhelds.
According to IGN and TechCrunch, sources say Intel is going to compete by developing a custom Intel Core G3 “variant or variants” just for handhelds that could outperform the Arc B390 GPU on the chips it just announced. IGN reports that by using the new 18A process, Intel can cut different die slices, and “spec the chips to offer better performance on the GPU where you want it.”
As for concrete details about the gaming platform, we’re going to have to wait. According to Intel’s Dan Rogers yesterday, the company will have “more news to share on that from our hardware and software partners later this year.” The Intel-based MSI Claw saw a marked improvement when it jumped to Lunar Lake, and hopefully the new platform keeps up that positive trend.
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This is not a happy topic. But it’s essential advice whether you’re 30 or 90.
If something happened to you tomorrow, could your family get into your digital life? I’m talking about your bank accounts, emails, crypto and a lifetime of memories stored on your phone or computer.
Big Tech and other companies won’t hand over your data or passwords, even to a spouse, without a hassle, if at all.
1. The 10-minute setup
Start with a Legacy Contact. Think of someone you trust who gets access only after you’re gone. Who is that? Good.
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One day, you won’t be here anymore, but your tech will bel. Here’s how to plan for that. (iStock)
· iPhone: Open Settings > tap [Your Name]. Tap Sign-In & Security > Legacy Contact. Go to Add Legacy Contact and follow the prompts.
· Google: Search for Inactive Account Manager in your Google Account settings. Choose how long Google should wait before acting (e.g., three months). Add up to 10 people to be notified and choose which data (Photos, Drive, Gmail) they can download.
Google has an “Inactive Account Manager” feature. (Chesnot/Getty Images)
2. The master key problem
Apple and Google don’t help with banking, insurance, investment or other sites or apps. You need a solid password manager like NordPass that offers emergency access features.
1. Open your Password Manager and look for Emergency Access.
2. Add a Digital Heir: Enter the email of a spouse or trusted child.
3. Set the Safety Delay: Choose a wait period. Usually 7 days is the sweet spot.
4. How it works: If your contact ever requests access, the app sends you an alert. If you’re fine, you hit Deny. But if you’re incapacitated and can’t respond within those seven days, the vault automatically unlocks for them.
Pro tip: Your Emergency Contact only gets viewing privileges. They can’t delete or change anything in your vault.
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Facebook and Instagram have after-death options for accounts. (Karly Domb Sadof, File/AP )
3. Crypto and social media
· Crypto: Without your seed phrases, that money is gone. Store them physically along with any instructions and receipts of you buying crypto with your estate paperwork. If you use a crypto hardware wallet, keep that in a fireproof safe.
· Social media: On Facebook or Instagram, go to Settings > Memorialization. Choose to either have your account deleted or managed by a contact who can post a final tribute.
Be sure someone knows the passcode to your phone. That’s important for 2FA codes, among other things.
One more thing. If you found this guide helpful, be sure to get my free newsletter at GetKim.com to stay tech-savvy and secure every day!
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Recently, however, brands have been slathering on features, many of which are superfluous, in an attempt to both stand out from the commodified pack and justify higher price points. It’s especially prevalent amongst the bigger power banks that can also charge laptops, those that butt right up to the “airline friendly” 99Wh (around 27,650mAh) size limit.
At CES 2026, we’re seeing a trend towards power banks with integrated cables, which is very convenient. But a similar trend to slap large, energy-sapping displays onto these portable batteries is just silly. And that’s just the start of the atrocities witnessed in recent months.
The power bank that pushed things over the edge for me is the $270 EcoFlow Rapid Pro X Power Bank 27k that I received for review. Here’s my review: it’s bad. Do. Not. Buy. As a power bank, it tries too hard to do too much, making it too expensive, too big, too slow, and too heavy.
The snap-on decorative faceplates are ridiculous and the proprietary magnetic modules for its Apple Watch charger and retractable USB-C cable are too easy to misplace.
The giant display EcoFlow uses scratches easily and is too dim to easily read outdoors. The confusing UX on the Rapid Pro X model is especially offensive in its touch-sensitive clumsiness. Nobody needs a display that takes 30 seconds to wake up from sleep and plays swirly graphics and blinking eyeballs when awake, slowly sapping the power bank’s energy reserves. The fact that it has a screensaver tells me that the product team completely lost the plot.
Anker’s also guilty of putting large displays onto its power banks. Most people don’t need anything more than four dots to show the remaining capacity, but it’s becoming increasingly difficult to buy a power bank without a colorful LCD display. In the 20,000mAh range, Anker doesn’t even list a display-less model anymore. I, like many Verge readers, love to see the actually wattage pumping in and out of those ports — but the vast majority of people have no need for that.
Anker, like EcoFlow, also offers power banks with proprietary pogo-pin connectors, Both companies use those connectors to lure owners into buying expensive desk chargers that don’t work with anything else. Those extra-fast charging speeds are unlikely to justify the premium expense for most people.
Most people, even tech savvy Verge readers, don’t even need a power bank that can output 140W of power delivery over USB-C. The majority of non-gaming laptops require 65W or less. And the primary computing device for most people — the phone — only requires about 20W.
We certainly don’t need power banks with built-in hotspots when that’s already built into our Android and iOS phones. Baseus made one anyway.
Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity are becoming a common feature in some flagship power banks. I’m all for remotely monitoring massive power stations used to power off-grid homes and campers, but not a portable power bank that’s charging the phone in your hand or is plugged into a nearby wall jack.
We also don’t need integrated flashlights. Why random Amazon brand, why?
All these extra “features” just add weight, size, and cost to power banks. They also increase the risk that something will go wrong on a device that’s meant to always be with you and just work when you need it. And power banks don’t need any extra help justifying a recall.
One power bank trend I can get behind is integrated cables like the retractable version found on EcoFlow’s Rapid Pro Power Bank 27k (note the lack of “X” in the name). Always having a properly specced cable that matches the device’s max input and output is super convenient. I like that Kuxiu’s S3 MagSafe power bank, for example, neatly wraps the cable around the chassis to plug into a hidden USB-C jack. That way the cable can be replaced if it frays or breaks.
I’m also a fan of adding kickstands to MagSafe power banks that prop phones up at your preferred angle for extended viewing or recording. More importantly, a few companies are now adopting semi-solid state chemistry that makes their power banks less susceptible to thermal runaway, which was an industry plague in 2025. They cost more to buy, but they’re cheaper to own over their extended lifetimes.
I can’t help but enjoy the look of Sharge’s Retractable 3-in-1 Power Bank, even though its integrated wall outlet and underwhelming specs for a battery pack of this size and price completely undercuts my entire argument. I’m a sucker for Braun design, forgive me!
There are still basic power banks available that charge phones and even laptops without too much feature creep and attempted upsell. If all you want is to charge your phone then there’s Anker’s trusty $26 PowerCore 10k or, if you’re feeling fancy, Nitecore’s $65 NB10000 Gen 3 Ultra-Slim USB-C Power Bank. If you also want to charge laptops then you might consider INIU’s delightfully named Cougar P64-E1 Power Bank Fastest 140W 25000mAh for $90, or even Belkin’s more capable $150 UltraCharge Pro Laptop Power Bank 27K coming in March.
The fastest and most powerful power banks with lots of gee-whiz features will often generate headlines for pushing the envelope of what’s possible. But the “best” power bank might not be best for you, when basic affordability is all you really need.
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