Gadgets make for expensive gifts, but that’s the beauty of sales. As noted in our roundup of the absolute best Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals, this year’s shopping event has brought steep discounts on Apple devices, TVs, and plenty of other pricey tech. However, unless you’re planning on spending a couple hundred dollars on yourself or someone else, many of the more expensive items might not be in your budget.

You can buy Apple’s official iPhone 16 Clear Case with MagSafe from Amazon starting at $37 ($12 off), which is its best price yet. Apple designed the polycarbonate case so that it works well with the iPhone 16’s new Camera Control button. The company also added a “glossy scratch-resistant coating,” likely after many complained about how last year’s FineWoven cases scratched easily.

Update, December 1st: Updated to reflect current pricing/availability, added some new deals, and changed the header image.

Imagine having a personal tennis coach who never gets tired, always hits the perfect shot, adapts to your skill level and is available 24/7. 

Enter the PongBot, a groundbreaking artificial intelligence-powered tennis robot that’s turning heads in the tennis world. 

This isn’t just another ball-serving machine; it’s a smart training partner designed to elevate your tennis game.

2 DAYS LEFT! I’M GIVING AWAY A $500 GIFT CARD FOR THE HOLIDAYS (Ends 12/3/24, 12 pm PT)

What makes PongBot unique?

The PongBot comes with a clever clip-on sensor that tracks your position on the court. This sensor ensures that the PongBot can deliver shots tailored to your exact position, simulating the dynamic nature of a real tennis match. Additionally, this technology enables the AI match training feature to adjust ball speed and spin in real time, providing a highly immersive and challenging training experience.

AI tennis robot and clip-on sensor  (PongBot)

DON’T HAVE ANYONE TO PLAY PING-PONG WITH? NO PROBLEM WITH THIS CREEPY COMPETITIVE ROBOT  

Customizable drills that adapt to you

Want a personalized training experience? The PongBot app lets you create custom drills down to the individual ball level. Imagine programming a sequence like a deep forehand return, followed by a short backhand, two volleys and an overhead shot — all saved and ready for your next practice session. The PongBot offers up to 300 preprogrammed drills with three difficulty levels. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned player, there’s a drill that’ll challenge you just right.

KURT’S BEST NEW BLACK FRIDAY DEALS EXTENDED

AI tennis robot remote and app  (PongBot)

ROBOT DOG IS MAKING WAVES WITH ITS UNDERWATER SKILLS 

AI match training

The real game-changer is the AI match training feature. The robot continuously reads your court position and analyzes your performance, adjusting ball speed and spin to simulate real match conditions. It’s like having a smart opponent who knows exactly how to push your limits.

AI tennis robot (PongBot)

QUADRUPED ROBOT CLIMBS LADDERS, CREEPS US OUT  

Technical capabilities that wow

The PongBot isn’t just smart, it’s powerful. It can serve balls at up to 80 mph with various spin types (topspin, underspin or no spin), reaching up to 60 rotations per second. With a ball capacity of 150 and a battery life of eight hours, you’ll have plenty of time for an intense training session.

AI tennis robot  (PongBotA)

Two models are available

Pace S Model

• 120 preprogrammed drills
• Basic tracking features
• Perfect for beginners

Pace S Pro

• 300 preprogrammed drills
• Advanced AI match training
• Comprehensive performance tracking

AI tennis robots   (PongBot)

Smart ecosystem integration

What truly sets the PongBot apart is its ability to integrate with the broader tennis technology ecosystem. It works seamlessly with smart devices like intelligent rackets and can sync performance data with the Apple Watch. The over-the-air updates promise continuous improvement, ensuring your training tool stays cutting-edge.

WHAT IS ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI)?

AI tennis robot  (PongBot)

Backing PongBot on Kickstarter

The PongBot’s journey began on Kickstarter, where it far exceeded its initial goal of just $10,000. This overwhelming support showcases not only the demand for innovative training solutions but also confidence in the creators behind this project. Early backers still have the chance to snag some fantastic deals. You can get the Pace S for about $699 or the Pro model for $899.

Despite some caution often associated with crowdfunding platforms, potential backers can feel secure in their investment here; the team behind PongBot has solid backing from Qualcomm and experience in creating impressive robotics technology. If everything goes according to plan, backers can expect their machines to ship by December — just in time for some serious off-season training.

Person pulling the AI tennis robot onto the court  (PongBot)

SUBSCRIBE TO KURT’S YOUTUBE CHANNEL FOR QUICK VIDEO TIPS ON HOW TO WORK ALL OF YOUR TECH DEVICES

Kurt’s key takeaways

By combining AI, smart sensors and adaptive training modes, PongBot offers tennis players an unprecedented opportunity to improve their game. Backed by Qualcomm and created by robotics experts who’ve already impressed the tech world with ping-pong robots, the PongBot isn’t just another crowdfunding project. It’s a serious training tool for players who are serious about improving their tennis game.

Would you feel comfortable using a robotic training partner like the PongBot to enhance your tennis skills? 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

Ask Kurt a question or let us know what stories you’d like us to cover

Follow Kurt on his social channels

Answers to the most asked CyberGuy questions:

New from Kurt:

Copyright 2024 CyberGuy.com.  All rights reserved.

Scammers have various methods when it comes to getting their hands on your phone number. You might think, “Well, what’s the big deal? Isn’t it easy to find someone’s number these days, no matter what?” Yes. And if you’ve already had your fair share of telemarketers call you, maybe you feel like you’ve got it under control.

The problem is that scammers with the right knowledge and the wrong intentions can wreak havoc just by having your phone number in their possession. 

Once they do, they can use it to trick you in all sorts of ways. 

The good news is that by familiarizing yourself with their tactics, you can be one step closer to preventing yourself from falling victim to them. Here’s what you need to know.

2 DAYS LEFT! I’M GIVING AWAY A $500 GIFT CARD FOR THE HOLIDAYS (Ends 12/3/24, 12 pm PT)

9 ways you can get scammed if your phone number falls into the wrong hands

In today’s digital age, your phone number is more than just a way for friends and family to reach you. It can be a gateway for scammers to access your personal information and wreak havoc on your life. From phishing attempts to extortion, the risks are numerous and varied. Here are nine ways scammers can exploit your phone number if it falls into the wrong hands:

1. Phishing for other personal information

Scammers can also use your phone number to launch rather easy phishing attacks. They might send text messages or make calls posing as your bank or a popular online service that you subscribe to. The goal is to call you and trick you into providing login credentials, credit card details or other personal information, which they can then use for fraudulent activities. And once they have all your other information, they can do a lot more damage just by having your phone number as that initial segue.

2. Extortion and blackmail

In some cases, scammers use your phone number for extortion or blackmail. They may claim to have compromising information about you and demand payment to keep it private. By contacting you directly, they can apply continuous pressure, making their threats seem more real and immediate.

One unique way they do this to target elderly people is by pretending to be your grandchild or another relative in distress. The scammer often claims that your grandchild is in an emergency situation — such as needing bail money or medical assistance — and urgently requests financial help. With AI voice cloning technology, they may even be able to use your grandchild’s voice. This emotional manipulation usually gets the victim to pay up.

3. Robocalls and spam messages

This one may not be as dramatic, but your phone number can be sold to robocall and spam message services. These automated systems bombard you with unwanted calls and texts, often promoting scams or fraudulent products. While these may seem like minor annoyances, they can lead to bigger scams if you engage with the messages or follow their instructions. Hang up on them.

HOW TO STOP ANNOYING ROBOCALLS

Illustration of a scammer with cash in his hand  (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

4. Phone number spoofing

Phone number spoofing is a common tactic where scammers disguise their caller ID to appear as a trusted contact by calling from what appears to be a familiar number as it may have the same area code where you live, an area code where your friends or family live or even the actual phone number of someone close which you can recognize.

This makes it more likely that you’ll answer the call, giving them the opportunity to deceive you into revealing personal information or transferring money. This is, of course, the case when phone spoofing is used against you. But in situations where they use YOUR phone number, they can be scamming those close to you without you even knowing!

5. Impersonating government agencies

With these phone spoofing tactics, scammers can use your phone number to impersonate government officials, such as IRS agents or Social Security administrators. They may call you claiming there’s an urgent issue, like unpaid taxes or suspicious activity involving your Social Security number. This ploy often involves threats of legal action or arrest to pressure you into providing sensitive information or making immediate payments.

6. Calling about fake unpaid invoices

Instead of pretending to be from a government agency, another trick is for scammers to try their luck by posing as a representative from a utility company, like an electric or water company. Scammers will claim that you have an overdue invoice and threaten to cut off your service unless you pay immediately. Using your phone number, they can contact you repeatedly, making the scam seem more legitimate (and pressing).

7. SIM swapping/phone rerouting

SIM swapping or a port-out scam is when scammers transfer your phone number to a new SIM card in their possession. By convincing your mobile carrier to reroute your number, they can receive all your calls and messages, including those containing two-factor authentication codes. This allows them to bypass security measures and take over your online accounts.

WHAT IS ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI)?

8. Stealing your sensitive data

With SIM swapping techniques/port-out, scammers can also use your phone number as a key to access sensitive data stored in your online accounts. By initiating password resets and intercepting verification codes sent via SMS, they can gain unauthorized access to your email, social media and banking accounts, leading to significant personal and financial damage.

9. Setting up fake online accounts

Finally, scammers can use all the tactics above to not only access the accounts you already have but also create fake online accounts in your name. These accounts can be used for a variety of malicious purposes, such as spreading malware, launching further scams or conducting identity theft. The presence of your phone number makes these accounts appear more legitimate, increasing the chances of deceiving others.

A man receiving a scam call (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

10 SIMPLE STEPS TO IMPROVE YOUR SMARTPHONE’S SECURITY AND PRIVACY

How to protect yourself from these scams

To protect your phone number from falling into the hands of scammers, here’s what you can do:

1. Be cautious about sharing your phone number publicly: Avoid posting your phone number on public forums, websites or social media platforms where it can be easily accessed by scammers.

2. Limit exposure of your phone number on social media and other online platforms: Use privacy settings to restrict who can see your contact information. Most social media platforms and online services offer privacy settings that allow you to control who can view your personal information. Make sure to review and adjust these settings regularly. Only share your phone number with trusted contacts.

3. Consider using a secondary number for online registrations and transactions: Services like Google Voice can provide you with a secondary number that you can use for online activities, keeping your primary number private.

4. Monitor your accounts regularly for unusual activity: Check your bank accounts, email and other online accounts for any signs of unauthorized access or suspicious activity.

5. Have strong antivirus software: The best way to safeguard yourself from malicious links that install malware, potentially accessing your private information, is to have 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 2024 antivirus protection winners for your Windows, Mac, Android and iOS devices.

6. Use two-factor authentication apps instead of SMS-based verification where possible: Two-factor authentication (2FA) provides an extra layer of security that is more difficult for scammers to bypass compared to SMS-based verification.

7. Use an identity theft protection service: Identity theft companies can monitor personal information like your Social Security number, phone number and email address and alert you if it is being sold on the dark web or being used to open an account.  They can also assist you in freezing your bank and credit card accounts to prevent further unauthorized use by criminals. 

One of the best parts of using some services is that they might include identity theft insurance of up to $1 million to cover losses and legal fees and a white glove fraud resolution team where a U.S.-based case manager helps you recover any losses. See my tips and best picks on how to protect yourself from identity theft.

8. Remove your personal information from the internet: While no service can guarantee the complete removal of your data from the internet, a data removal service is really a smart choice.  They aren’t cheap, and neither is your privacy. These services do all the work for you by actively monitoring and systematically erasing your personal information from hundreds of websites. It’s what gives me peace of mind and has proven to be the most effective way to erase your personal data from the internet.  By limiting the information available, you reduce the risk of scammers cross-referencing data from breaches with the information they might find on the dark web, making it harder for them to target you. Check out my top picks for data removal services here. 

If scammers already have your phone number

If you suspect that scammers already have your phone number, take the following steps:

Contact your mobile carrier to alert them of the scam calls, especially if they come from the same number. Your carrier may be able to block the number or provide additional security measures.

Consider changing your phone number if the issue persists: If scam calls continue despite your efforts, changing your phone number may be the best solution.

Report any suspicious activity to the appropriate authorities: Contact your local law enforcement or consumer protection agency to report scams and seek advice on further actions.

Consider placing fraud alerts on your accounts: Fraud alerts can help protect your credit and financial accounts from unauthorized access.

Monitor your phone for unusual calls or messages: Keep an eye out for any unexpected calls or messages, and do not respond to them.

Check your phone bill for unauthorized charges: Regularly review your phone bill to ensure there are no unexpected charges, which could indicate that your number has been used fraudulently.

By following these steps, you can significantly reduce the risk of falling victim to phone number scams and protect your personal information.

RECLAIM YOUR PRIVACY BY DISABLING YOUR CELL PHONE CARRIER’S DATA TRACKING

Kurt’s key takeaways

Scams have become much more sophisticated these days, especially with artificial intelligence, making it easier for scammers to target more people and get away with it. Always be wary of a scam. If you think something seems strange, it’s probably best to go with your gut.

Have you ever experienced a scam involving your phone number? If so, how did you handle it? 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

Ask Kurt a question or let us know what stories you’d like us to cover

Follow Kurt on his social channels

Answers to the most asked CyberGuy questions:

New from Kurt:

Copyright 2024 CyberGuy.com.  All rights reserved.