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How to check your heartbeat with ECG app on your Apple Watch

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How to check your heartbeat with ECG app on your Apple Watch

Imagine having a mini heart monitor right on your wrist. The Apple Watch ECG app makes this possible, allowing you to take an electrocardiogram, also called an ECG or EKG, which represents the electrical pulses that make your heart beat. 

This innovative feature can provide valuable insights and potentially alert you to irregularities.

The ECG app on Apple Watch Series 4 or later and all models of Apple Watch Ultra generates an ECG that is similar to a single-lead (or Lead I) ECG. Let’s dive into how to set up and use this amazing tool.

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ECG app on Apple Watch (Apple)

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Ensure your iPhone is updated with iOS 18

Before diving into this ECG app, it’s essential to ensure that your iPhone is updated to the latest operating system.

Check your current iOS version:

  • Open the Settings app on your device.
  • Tap General.
  • Tap About. Here, you’ll see the version number next to Software Version.

Update to iOS 18:

  • Go to Settings.
  • Tap General.
  • Tap Software Update.
  • If iOS 18 is available, tap Download and Install.
  • Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the update.

Steps to update iPhone software (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

APPLE’S BOLD MOVE INTO AI: NEW IPHONE 16, AIRPODS AND WATCHES

Update your Apple Watch to the latest version of watchOS

  • On your iPhone, open the Apple Watch app.
  • Tap My Watch.
  • Then go to General.
  • Click Software Update.

Steps to update Apple Watch to the latest version of watchOS (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

  • If an update is available, tap Install.
  • If prompted, enter your passcode.

Steps to update Apple Watch to the latest version of watchOS (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

  • Alternatively, open Settings on your Apple Watch, go to General > Software Update and follow the on-screen instructions.

HOW TO PROTECT YOUR IPHONE & IPAD FROM MALWARE

Setting up the ECG app

Before you can start monitoring your heart rhythm, you’ll need to set up the ECG app. Here’s how:

  • Open the Health app on your iPhone.
  • Tap Browse in the bottom right of the screen, then click Heart.
  • Scroll down to the ECG setup and tap Set up.
  • Follow the on-screen instructions.

Steps to set up the ECG app (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

Taking an ECG

Once you’ve set up the app, taking an ECG is a straightforward process:

  • Open the ECG app on your Apple Watch.
  • Rest your arms comfortably on a table or in your lap.
  • Place your finger on the Digital Crown (no need to press, just touch it lightly).
  • Wait for 30 seconds while the app measures the electrical signals from your heart.

Steps to take an ECG (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

  • View your results on your watch face.

Steps to take an ECG (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

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Understanding your results

After the recording, you’ll receive one of the following classifications:

Sinus rhythm: Your heart is beating in a uniform pattern.

Atrial fibrillation (AFib): Your heart shows signs of an irregular rhythm, which can be a serious condition.

Low or high heart rate: Your heart rate is below 50 BPM or above 120 BPM (or 150 BPM in ECG version 2).

Inconclusive: The app couldn’t classify your heart rhythm.

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Viewing your ECG history

To review your ECG history and add symptoms:

  • Open the Health app on your iPhone.
  • Tap the Browse tab at the bottom right.
  • Select Heart.
  • Tap Electrocardiograms (ECG).
  • You’ll see a list of all your recorded ECGs.
  • Tap on a specific ECG to view details.

Steps to view your ECG history (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

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Exporting a PDF for your doctor

To share your ECG results with your health care provider:

  • In the Health app, navigate to the specific ECG you want to share.
  • Scroll to the bottom of the ECG details and tap Export PDF.
  • The PDF will be generated.
  • Tap the share icon (square with an arrow pointing up).

Steps to export a PDF for your doctor (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

  • Choose how you want to share the PDF: Email, Messages, AirDrop, Save to Files
  • Follow the prompts to complete the sharing process

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Kurt’s key takeaways

The Apple Watch ECG app is a powerful tool for monitoring your heart health. It provides valuable insights and can potentially detect serious conditions like AFib. The ability to take an ECG anytime, anywhere and easily share the results with your health care provider is truly revolutionary. However, it’s crucial to remember that while the ECG app is FDA-cleared, it’s not a substitute for professional medical care. Always consult with your health care provider if you have any concerns about your heart health or if you receive any unusual results from your ECG readings.

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How important is it for you to have access to real-time health data, and how do you think it could change your approach to managing your health? Let us know by writing us at Cyberguy.com/Contact.

For more of my tech tips and security alerts, subscribe to my free CyberGuy Report Newsletter by heading to Cyberguy.com/Newsletter.

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OpenAI keeps shuffling its executives in bid to win AI agent battle

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OpenAI keeps shuffling its executives in bid to win AI agent battle

OpenAI announced yet another reorganization Friday, consolidating certain areas and making company president Greg Brockman the official lead of all things product.

In a memo viewed by The Verge, Brockman wrote that since OpenAI’s product strategy for this year is to go all-in on AI agents, the company is combining its products to “invest in a single agentic platform and to merge ChatGPT and Codex into one unified agentic experience for all.”

To do this, the company is making a suite of org chart changes, although it’s still operating under some of the same ones from last month. That’s when AGI boss Fidji Simo went on medical leave and OpenAI announced that Brockman would be in charge of product strategy and CSO Jason Kwon, CFO Sarah Friar, and CRO Denise Dresser would take control of business operations.

It’s all part of OpenAI’s recent strategic shift to focus on key revenue drivers like coding and enterprise and stop pouring resources into “side quests” ahead of its potential IPO later this year and amid investor pressure to turn a profit.

In Simo’s continued absence, Brockman’s role leading product strategy is now official, as well as the company’s “scaling” arm. Under Brockman will be four different pillars. The first is core product and platform, led by Thibault Sottiaux, who has been OpenAI’s engineering lead for Codex, and the second is critical enterprise industries, led by ChatGPT head Nick Turley. Third is the consumer pillar, such as health, commerce, and personal finance, which will be led by Ashley Alexander, who has been its healthcare products VP. The fourth pillar — core infrastructure, ads, data science, and growth — will be led by Vijaye Raji, who has been OpenAI’s CTO of applications.

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Brockman wrote in the memo that OpenAI’s goal is now to “bring agents to ChatGPT scale, in order to give individuals and organizations significantly more value and utility from our products.”

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Is that traffic ticket text a scam or real?

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Is that traffic ticket text a scam or real?

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!

You’re going about your day when your phone buzzes. A text hits your phone. It looks official. It sounds urgent. And suddenly, you are being told you owe money for a traffic violation. That is exactly what Todd from Texas experienced. He emailed us and said:

“I received this text message today. It was so baffling because I haven’t lived in California for nearly a decade. I didn’t click on anything or respond. How can I tell if this is for real or if this is a scam?”

If you’ve gotten a message like this, you are not alone. This type of scam is spreading fast, and it is designed to pressure you into acting before you think. Let’s break down what is really going on.

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  • Get my best tech tips, urgent security alerts and exclusive deals delivered straight to your inbox.
  • For simple, real-world ways to spot scams early and stay protected, visit CyberGuy.com trusted by millions who watch CyberGuy on TV daily.
  • Plus, you’ll get instant access to my Ultimate Scam Survival Guide free when you join.

FAKE AGENT PHONE SCAMS ARE SPREADING FAST ACROSS THE US

This message may look official, but several red flags show it is likely a scam designed to pressure you into paying quickly. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

What the traffic ticket scam text looks like

At first, the message seems convincing. It claims to be a “final reminder” from the California DMV, and it warns of penalties like license suspension and added fees. It even includes a link that appears somewhat official. However, once you slow down and take a closer look, the red flags quickly start to pile up.

The biggest red flags in this message

Here are the key warning signs to watch for in messages like this.

9 WAYS SCAMMERS CAN USE YOUR PHONE NUMBER TO TRY TO TRICK YOU

1) The phone number makes no sense

The message comes from a number with a +63 country code. That is the Philippines, not California. Government agencies in the U.S. do not send official legal notices from international numbers. That alone is a major warning sign.

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2) No name, just “Dear Driver”

Legitimate notices from a DMV or court almost always include your full name or at least some identifying information. “Dear Driver” is vague on purpose. It allows scammers to send the same message to thousands of people.

3) The link isn’t a real DMV website

The message includes this link:

ca.mnvtl.life/dmv

That isn’t a government domain. Official DMV websites in California use “.ca.gov” or similar trusted domains. Scammers often create lookalike links to trick you into clicking.

4) Urgency and threats

The message pushes you to act quickly with a deadline. It lists consequences like license suspension and extra charges. Scammers rely on fear. When you feel rushed, you are more likely to click without thinking.

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5) Asking you to reply to proceed

The text says to reply with “Y” to get instructions. That is another trap. Responding confirms your number is active, which can lead to more scam messages.

6) Generic language and odd phrasing

Parts of the message feel slightly off. The tone is formal but not quite right. That subtle awkwardness is common in scam messages sent to large groups of people.

7) Overloaded threats designed to scare you

The message piles on consequences like license suspension, added fees, court action and even credit damage. In this case, it even mentions a license suspension and a $160 late payment charge. That combination is meant to overwhelm you and push you to act fast. Real agencies usually provide clear, specific notices, not a long list of escalating threats in a single text.

INSIDE A SCAMMER’S DAY AND HOW THEY TARGET YOU

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Scam texts like this often arrive out of nowhere and try to create urgency before you have time to question them. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

What this means for you

Even if you have never driven in California, you could still receive this message. Scammers cast a wide net and hope someone takes the bait. If you click the link, you could be taken to a fake payment page. That page may ask for your credit card details, personal information or login credentials. In some cases, it can also install malware on your device or redirect you to credential-stealing pages. This isn’t about a ticket. It is about getting your data.  State DMVs typically do not send final legal notices or payment demands by text message.

Why these scams keep working

These messages work because they tap into something most people fear. Legal trouble, fines and losing driving privileges. They also look just real enough to pass a quick glance. That is all scammers need. As more services move online, these scams will continue to evolve.

Unlike typical DMV scams, this message impersonates a court and escalates the threats to make the situation feel more serious (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

Ways to stay safe from traffic ticket text scams

Start with a simple rule. Never trust a payment request that shows up out of nowhere. Here are practical steps you can take:

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1) Do not click the link

If you are unsure, do not tap anything in the message. That includes links and reply options.

2) Use strong antivirus software

If you accidentally click a link, strong antivirus software can help detect malware and protect your data. Get my picks for the best 2026 antivirus protection winners for your Windows, Mac, Android & iOS devices at Cyberguy.com

3) Verify directly with the DMV

Go to your state’s official DMV website by typing it yourself into your browser. Do not use the link in the text.

4) Check the sender carefully

Look at the phone number. International numbers or random strings are a clear warning sign.

5) Ignore generic greetings

Real notices will usually include your name or case details. Vague language is a red flag.

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6) Consider a data removal service

Scammers often get your number from data broker sites. Removing your personal info from those databases with a data removal service can reduce these messages. Check out my top picks for data removal services and get a free scan to find out if your personal information is already out on the web by visiting Cyberguy.com

7) Block and report the number

On your phone, block the sender and report it as spam. This helps reduce future attempts.

8) Turn on spam filtering

Enable spam filtering on your phone or through your carrier to catch more of these messages before they reach you.

Kurt’s key takeaways

Todd did the right thing. He paused, questioned the message and did not click. That one decision likely saved him from handing over personal information. When it comes to messages like this, skepticism is your best defense. If something feels off, trust that instinct.

Should phone carriers and tech companies be doing more to block scams like this before you ever see them? Let us know by writing to us at Cyberguy.com

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  • For simple, real-world ways to spot scams early and stay protected, visit CyberGuy.com trusted by millions who watch CyberGuy on TV daily.
  • Plus, you’ll get instant access to my Ultimate Scam Survival Guide free when you join. 

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Honda’s hybrid future starts with new Accord and RDX prototypes

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Honda’s hybrid future starts with new Accord and RDX prototypes

Honda revealed prototypes of two new hybrid models, an Accord sedan and the Acura RDX SUV, during its annual business briefing this week, built on a platform that it says will begin launching next year. The RDX was announced earlier this year as Honda’s first SUV to feature the next-gen version of its two-motor hybrid system.

In March, Honda announced it would take a writedown of up to 2.5 trillion yen ($15.7 billion) on its EV investments. Now Honda says its EV-related losses will be “resolved” by 2029, and that it will reevaluate its EV plans in 2030.

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