It’s relatively rare for a podcast to last 14 years, especially a fiction one. In fact, as far as I can tell, Welcome to Night Vale is the longest continually running fiction podcast out there. (Some will argue it’s actually We’re Alive, but that has taken a few significant breaks between seasons.) The story of Night Vale, the titular desert town, now spans 12 seasons, over 280 episodes, three books, and at least 10 live standalone shows. While dedicating several hundred hours of your life to listening to every episode might seem like a big ask, I believe you’ll be hooked once you dive in.
Technology
How Google Maps is giving you more power over your location data
Google Maps has long been a gold standard in everyday navigation, whether it is hopping on public transportation or jumping in your car for a journey across town.
In addition to giving you insight into how crowded the bus or final destination is, Google has increased user data control with features like auto-delete and incognito mode.
Google takes it a step further with its latest updates launched this December to give you even more ease and control as you navigate your life.
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
Web and app activity screen in Google Maps app (Google)
1) Timeline saves your location and provides better control of data
Though your Location History is off by default, if you turn it on you can take advantage of the Timeline feature.
There’s so much to remember, let alone the store you visited a week ago. Just like having your search history on, having your location data on to utilize the new Timeline feature can be very helpful when you need help recollecting the specific address or location of the store or restaurant you visited while running errands the week prior. Timeline will remember the places you’ve visited for you. Here’s how to turn it off or on, depending on your preference.
11 PRIVATE ISLANDS AROUND THE WORLD YOU CAN BOOK FOR LESS THAN $1,000 A NIGHT
How to turn your Location History on or off
- On your mobile device, open Google app
- Then tap your profile picture
- Click Google Account
- Tap the Data & privacy tab
- Scroll down to History settings and tap Location History
- Tap Turn off or Turn on
When location history is turned on, it will not only help you remember locations you’ve visited when you want, but you also have more control over what data is saved. With auto-delete, you can select a timeframe for which your location history will be automatically deleted. When your location data is on, and you set up auto-delete, the default or minimum timeframe you can set for auto-deletion is 3 months. This way, you don’t have to remember to go back and delete your location data. Google will remember for you. Thereafter, you can choose 18 months or 36 months.
How to Auto-delete Your Location History on Google Maps
- Open the Google Maps app on your mobile device
- Click on your profile icon at the top right corner
- Tap on Your Timeline
- Then tap on the three dots in the right corner of your screen
- Tap settings and privacy
- Tap on Location History settings and then tap on Auto-delete
- Choose the timeframe you want to keep your location history for: 3 months, 18 months, or 36 months. You can also choose Don’t auto-delete activity if you want to keep your location history indefinitely.
- Tap on Next and then confirm your choice by tapping on Confirm.
Google will automatically delete your location history older than the timeframe you selected. You can change or turn off this setting anytime you want.
A Google Maps timeline (Google)
How to delete your Location History on Google Maps
You may also want to delete some or all of your location history for various reasons, such as privacy, security, or storage. Here’s how to delete your entire location history, a specific time range, a single day, or a single place from your Google Maps app on your mobile device.
How to delete all Location History
You may want to delete your entire location history on Google Maps for privacy or security reasons. To do this, follow these steps.
NEW ORDINANCE MAKES STOPPING, STANDING ON LAS VEGAS STRIP PEDESTRIAN BRIDGES A POTENTIAL MISDEMEANOR
- On your mobile device, open the Google Maps app
- Tap your profile picture or initial
- Click Your Timeline
- In the top right, tap the 3 horizontal dots
- Then tap Settings and privacy
- Click Location History settings, tap Delete all Location History
- Follow the on-screen instructions
How to delete a range of Location History
You can also choose to delete a specific period of your location history, such as a week or a month, by following these steps.
- On your mobile device, open the Google Maps app
- Tap your profile picture or initial
- Click Your Timeline
- Tap the three horizontal dots in the upper right of the screen
- Click Settings and privacy
- Under “Location settings,” tap Delete Location History range
- Follow the on-screen instructions
How to delete a day from Location History
Sometimes, you may want to delete a single day of your location history, for example, if you visited a sensitive or personal place. To remove a single day from your location history, you can select the date from the calendar and delete it with these steps.
- On your mobile device, open the Google Maps app
- Tap your profile picture or initial
- Click Your Timeline
- Tap Show calendar
- Select which day you want to delete
- Tap the three horizontal dots in the upper right of the screen
- Click Delete day
- Follow the on-screen instructions
How to delete a stop from Location History
If you only want to delete a certain place that you visited, such as a restaurant or a shop, you can find it in the list of places and remove it with these steps.
- Open the Google Maps app on your mobile device
- Tap your profile icon at the top right corner
- Click Your timeline
- Tap Places, then view all visited places
- Tap the three-dot menu next to a location and select Remove all visits
MORE: 5 GOOGLE MAPS TRICKS THAT CAN SAVE YOU MONEY
2) How to remove your directions, searches, and shares on Google Maps
You can keep specifics about your whereabouts private with the ability to delete directions, searches, and shares in one place on Google Maps.
Delete directions, searches and shares on Google Maps (Google)
MORE: BEST DASH CAMS FOR YOUR CAR
To delete your directions, searches, and shares in Google Maps
- Open the Google Maps app on your mobile device
- Click on your profile icon at the top right corner
- Tap on Your Timeline
- Then tap on the three horizontal dots at the top right corner
- Tap on Settings and privacy
- Tap on Delete activity by and then choose the option you want: Today, Yesterday, Last 7 days, Last 30 days, All time, or Custom range
- Tap on Next and then confirm your choice by tapping on Delete
That’s it. You have deleted your activity on Google Maps for the selected time frame. You can also delete individual activities by tapping on them and then tapping on the Trash icon.
MORE: THIS GOOGLE MAPS TRICK CAN SUPERCHARGE YOUR ABILITY TO NAVIGATE DIRECTIONS
3) Blue Location dot gives you immediate control
When you open Google Maps, your current location is shown as a blue dot. This not only gives you a clear visual reference of your location in relation to the area around you, but now it also lets you control key location features with a few taps. With one tap, you can find out if certain settings are on, such as Location History or Timeline, and whether you’ve given Maps access to your device’s location.
Blue Dot with more control features in Google Maps (Google)
You can always review your data, and any choices you make at activity.google.com or your timeline.
Kurt’s key takeaways
Google Maps has long been a mainstay for most Android and Apple users because of the ability to get powerful data, up-to-date intel, and fluidity between desktops and phone apps. Now Google gives you even more control over your data by allowing Maps to remember specific visits and locations for you while remembering to delete consistently or specifically if necessary.
Do you use Google Maps for daily errands or travel? Will you take advantage of Timeline and other new features to maximize Maps? 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:
Ideas for using those Holiday Gift cards:
Copyright 2024 CyberGuy.com. All rights reserved.
The show is written by Joseph Fink and Jeffrey Cranor, who draw heavily on the work of H.P. Lovecraft. Every season has its own arc, but broadly, the show tells the story of a town that exists in an alternate version of Earth. In this town Angels are real, but acknowledging their existence is illegal; librarians are dangerous creatures with “thousands of spiny legs” and “pincers”; and there is a Faceless Old Woman who secretly lives in your home.
These are clearly unsettling concepts when taken at face value. But rather than trying to scare the listener, Cranor and Fink lean into the natural absurdity of cosmic horror and refuse to take themselves too seriously. They also routinely subvert the bigotry of their inspiration, using Lovecraftian creations to tell stories rich with LGBTQ+ characters.
Of course, having well-written scripts and telling a compelling story is only part of the equation. What elevates Welcome to Night Vale to true greatness is the cast, especially narrator Cecil Baldwin, who plays the host of the central radio show, Cecil Palmer. Cecil’s voice has the gravitas to tell ominous stories of secretive government agencies and ancient gods. But he has the range to deliver light-hearted banter with a sentient patch of haze (her name is Deb, in case you were wondering).
Cecil Baldwin has the charisma to make even the reading of a repair manual for a toaster compelling. He can be creepy, funny, or soothing, often all within the same episode. (For this reason, I don’t suggest listening to Night Vale at night. I have fallen asleep to the dulcet sounds of Baldwin’s voice several times, only for the more unsettling parts of the show to make their way into my dreams.)
Every episode also features a musical interlude in the guise of “The Weather.” The show mostly features lesser-known artists, but alumni include Jason Isbell, The Mountain Goats, Waxahatchee, Angel Olsen, Open Mike Eagle, and Sylvan Esso.
Welcome to Night Vale is also a great way to introduce younger listeners to horror. I would never suggest my eight-year-old read H.P. Lovecraft. Partly because the man’s unrepentant racism is baked into the very fabric of his stories, but also because the violence is often too much for children. Night Vale, on the other hand, takes those horrors and exposes them for what they are: entertainment. I can put the podcast on, bond with my kid over their burgeoning love of all things creepy and weird, and trust that they’ll walk away with a good message.
Welcome to Night Vale is available on most podcast platforms, including Apple Podcasts, Pocketcasts, YouTube, and Spotify.
Follow topics and authors from this story to see more like this in your personalized homepage feed and to receive email updates.
NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!
Personal electric aircraft have teased us for years. They look futuristic, promise freedom from traffic, and usually come with prices that put them out of reach or timelines that feel uncertain. Recently unveiled at CES 2026, the Rictor X4 entered that conversation with some bold claims.
It is a single-passenger electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft designed to make short-range personal flight more accessible and far more affordable. If those promises hold up, it could change how we think about flying for everyday trips.
Sign up for my FREE CyberGuy Report Get my best tech tips, urgent security alerts and exclusive deals delivered straight to your inbox. Plus, you’ll get instant access to my Ultimate Scam Survival Guide — free when you join my CYBERGUY.COM newsletter
CES 2026 put health tech front and center, with companies showcasing smarter ways to support prevention, mobility and long-term wellness. (CES)
TECH STARTUP, MAJOR AIRLINE PARTNER TO LAUNCH ELECTRIC AIR TAXI SERVICE
What the Rictor X4 actually is
The Rictor X4 uses a multirotor design with eight propellers spread across four carbon fiber arms. Those arms fold inward when the aircraft is not in use, allowing it to fit in the bed of a pickup truck. The aircraft focuses on low-altitude flight and short hops rather than long journeys.
Key specs include:
- Top speed of about 50 mph
- Maximum flight time of 20 minutes
- Payload capacity of up to 220 pounds, including the pilot
It can lift off and land vertically like a helicopter, then transition into forward flight once airborne. Rictor describes its mission as light aerial mobility, which essentially means short-distance commuting and professional applications.
Inside the X4’s propulsion and power system
According to Rictor, the X4’s propulsion system is built around stability and redundancy rather than raw speed. Each axis uses a coaxial dual-motor configuration designed to provide consistent thrust during low-altitude flight.
Key propulsion details include:
- Rated thrust of up to 165 pounds per axis
- Peak thrust exceeding 285 pounds per axis
- Maximum continuous power output of 10 kW
- 120-volt operating system designed for outdoor conditions
Together, these systems aim to deliver controlled, predictable flight with built-in safety margins, especially during takeoff, landing and hover.
The Rictor X4 is a single-passenger electric aircraft designed for short-range, low-altitude flight with a folding multirotor layout. (Rictor)
Safety systems and flight control in the Rictor X4
Rictor puts safety at the center of the X4’s design. The aircraft uses a semi-solid state battery system with dual battery redundancy, which helps enable a controlled landing if one battery module fails. In addition, an emergency parachute system provides backup protection during critical situations. At the same time, a centralized flight control system actively manages propulsion, attitude and overall system health. This system continuously monitors key flight data to help maintain stability in changing conditions.
Beyond software, the hardware plays an important role. The X4 features 63-inch carbon fiber folding propellers in a 4-axis, 8-propeller configuration. Together, they support a payload of up to 220 pounds, including the pilot. According to Rictor, the aircraft is designed to operate at noise levels below 65 decibels, although independent testing has not yet been published. Finally, Rictor’s proprietary Dynamic Balance Algorithm adjusts the output of all eight motors in real time. As a result, the X4 can maintain a stable hover even in side winds rated up to Level 6.
The FAA rule that could make personal flight easier
One of Rictor’s most attention-grabbing claims involves regulation. The company says the X4 is designed to comply with FAA Part 103, which governs ultralight vehicles in the U.S. If operated within Part 103 limits, the X4 could be flown legally without airworthiness certification or a pilot’s license. Rictor says this is enabled by autonomous pre-programmed flight paths and very low altitude operation, reportedly as low as three meters above ground. It is worth noting that Part 103 still carries operational restrictions, including where and how flight can occur. Final compliance depends on real-world use and FAA interpretation.
Designed to fold, transport, and recharge
Portability is a major focus. Rictor says the X4 folds down to about 42 cubic feet, which makes it compact enough to transport in the bed of a pickup truck. The company also highlights in-vehicle charging support while parked or on the move, positioning the X4 as something that can be transported and recharged alongside ground vehicles rather than stored at an airfield.
AIR TAXI SERVICE PLANS EVTOL RIDES FROM ALL THREE NYC AIRPORTS
The price that resets expectations
The Rictor X4 carries a launch price of $39,900 with a $5,000 deposit. That alone separates it from most personal eVTOLs currently discussed in the market. The aircraft is produced by Kuickwheel Technology, Rictor’s parent company. According to the company, first customer deliveries are scheduled for Q2 2026. As with any aircraft launch, timelines remain aspirational until production units reach customers.
Why this matters now
Personal eVTOLs have lived in a narrow space between concept and reality. High costs, regulatory hurdles and safety concerns have slowed adoption. If Rictor delivers an aircraft that performs as described while operating within ultralight rules, it could expand personal flight beyond niche enthusiasts and into practical short-range use. Now it comes down to whether the company can deliver on what it’s promising.
Take my quiz: How safe is your online security?
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
Kurt’s key takeaways
The Rictor X4 brings together aggressive pricing, compact design and regulatory positioning in a way we have not seen before. Folding propellers, redundant safety systems and Part 103 alignment make it one of the most ambitious personal eVTOL launches to date. The unanswered questions center on real-world performance, regulatory interpretation and production readiness. Until aircraft are flying outside controlled demonstrations, healthy skepticism remains warranted. Still, this is one of the most compelling personal flight announcements to come out of CES in recent years.
Would you trust a personal eVTOL like this for everyday trips, or does flight still feel like a step too far for now? Let us know by writing to us at Cyberguy.com
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP
Sign up for my FREE CyberGuy Report Get my best tech tips, urgent security alerts and exclusive deals delivered straight to your inbox. Plus, you’ll get instant access to my Ultimate Scam Survival Guide — free when you join my CYBERGUY.COM newsletter
Copyright 2026 CyberGuy.com. All rights reserved.
Microsoft has identified issues upon installing the January 2026 Windows security update. To address these issues, an out-of-band (OOB) update was released today, January 17, 2026.
– Connection and authentication failures in remote connection applications: This issue affects multiple platforms including Windows 11, version 25H2; Windows 10, version 22H2 ESU; and Windows Server 2025. See the bottom of this message for the complete list of affected products.
-Devices with Secure Launch might fail to shut down or hibernate: This issue only affects Windows 11, version 23H2.
Louisiana4 minutes ago
The biggest question in Louisiana politics for months had been whether President Trump would endorse U.S. Rep. Julia Letlow to be Louisiana’s next senator over Sen. Bill Cassidy or stay neutral.
Maine10 minutes ago
Snow showers on tap for Maine on Monday before coldest air of the season so far arrives
Maryland16 minutes ago
Maryland is rethinking how it pays for special education — and it could cost a lot more
Michigan22 minutes ago
When did Big Ten — beside Michigan or Ohio State — last win national championship?
Massachusetts28 minutes ago
A storm dumped snow across Mass. overnight Sunday. Here’s how much has fallen so far
Florida1 year ago
Florida High School Football Rankings: Top 25 teams – Oct. 21
Connecticut2 years ago
Cleary's 21 help Le Moyne down Central Connecticut State 69-64 in OT
Oregon2 years ago
How old is Bo Nix? What to know about Oregon quarterback ahead of 2024 NFL Draft
Virginia1 year ago
99th annual Pony Swim held in Virginia
Education2 years ago
Video: ‘It Didn’t Have to Happen This Way:’ U.Va. Faculty Call for Review of Police Response to Protests
Politics5 hours ago
Nancy Pelosi faces social media backlash over behavior at Bob Weir tribute event
World6 hours ago
Billionaires have more money and political power than ever, Oxfam says
News7 hours ago
Parts of Florida receive rare snowfall as freezing temperatures linger
News16 hours ago
Did Hunter S. Thompson Really Kill Himself?
Politics17 hours ago
Wife of former American detainee released after more than a year in Venezuelan prison
-
Montana1 week agoService door of Crans-Montana bar where 40 died in fire was locked from inside, owner says
-
Virginia1 week agoVirginia Tech gains commitment from ACC transfer QB
-
Montana1 week ago‘It was apocalyptic’, woman tells Crans-Montana memorial service, as bar owner detained
-
Minnesota1 week agoICE arrests in Minnesota surge include numerous convicted child rapists, killers
-
Lifestyle4 days agoJulio Iglesias accused of sexual assault as Spanish prosecutors study the allegations
-
Oklahoma1 week agoMissing 12-year-old Oklahoma boy found safe
-
Education1 week agoVideo: A Viral Beauty Test Doesn’t Hold Water
-
Oregon1 week agoDan Lanning Gives Oregon Ducks Fans Reason to Believe