Technology

Top 5 methods to equip your car with Wi-Fi

Published

2 hours ago

October 13, 2024

Top 5 methods to equip your car with Wi-Fi

We’ve all been there, stuck in the car and wishing for a reliable Wi-Fi connection.

Whether you’re trying to finish up some work on your laptop, enjoying a road trip in a camper van and craving a movie night or keeping the kids entertained with games on their iPads during a long drive, having Wi-Fi can make all the difference.

It’s not just a luxury anymore; it’s become a necessity for many of us. So, if you’re looking to stay connected while on the go, let’s explore the top five methods to equip your car with Wi-Fi.

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A woman using Wi-Fi while working on her laptop in the back of a car. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

1. Use a hot spot from your phone

Most smartphones have a built-in feature that allows you to share your mobile data connection as a Wi-Fi hot spot. This is a quick and convenient solution if you need internet access on the go. All you need to do is enable the hot spot feature in your phone’s settings, connect your devices to the Wi-Fi network it creates and you’re good to go. However, keep in mind that this will consume your mobile data and can drain your phone’s battery quickly. So, make sure to monitor your data usage and have a charger handy if you plan to use it for an extended period.

How to turn on a hot spot on an iPhone

Open the Settings app
Tap on Personal hot spot
Toggle the switch to turn on the Allow Others to Join option

How to turn on a hot spot on an Android

Settings may vary depending on your Android phone’s manufacturer

Open the Settings app
Tap on Network & Internet
Select hot spot & tethering
Tap on Wi-Fi hot spot
Toggle the switch to turn on the hot spot

If you’ve never turned on your hot spot, it may ask you to set a password. Choose a secure password like you would for any account to prevent strangers from logging into your hot spot and putting yourself at risk. When you open the other device that you want to connect to your hot spot, the hot spot name should appear like any other Wi-Fi name you’d connect to, at which point anyone who wants to connect to it will need that password.

2. Buy a mobile hot spot device

A mobile hot spot device is a dedicated gadget designed to provide internet access via cellular data, similar to the hot spot feature on your smartphone. However, these devices offer several advantages over using a smartphone hot spot.

Mobile hot spots can support multiple devices simultaneously, allowing you to connect laptops, tablets and other gadgets without sacrificing performance. They typically have longer battery life than smartphones, making them ideal for extended use while on the go. Additionally, many mobile hots pots are engineered to deliver a more reliable and robust signal compared to smartphone hot spots.

You can find mobile hot spot devices at various carriers, and they often come bundled with their own data plans tailored to your usage needs. However, it is important to keep in mind that mobile hots pots rely on cellular networks for internet access. If you are in an area without cell service, a mobile hot spot will not provide a Wi-Fi connection because it cannot connect to the internet without a nearby cellular signal. Check out our top mobile hot spots to find the best in speed, security and convenience for your needs.

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People using Wi-Fi on their laptop while traveling (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

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3. Built-in car Wi-Fi

Some modern cars come with built-in Wi-Fi. Many manufacturers offer this handy feature as part of their connected car services. For example, you might find AT&T Connected Car in Toyota vehicles, OnStar in GM cars or Uconnect in Chrysler models. While these services typically require a subscription, they’re definitely worth considering. Not only do they provide internet access on the go, but they also come packed with a ton of other cool features to enhance your driving experience. So, if you’re in the market for a new car, keep an eye out for those Wi-Fi capabilities.

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4. Connect at a rest stop, café or restaurant

This may be a no-brainer, but if you’re on a long road trip and need to get online, many rest stops, cafés and restaurants offer free Wi-Fi to their customers. If the connection is strong enough, you may not even need to leave your car. But if you do (and you’ll likely need to go in to ask for the password unless it’s a free connection), take the opportunity to grab a bite to eat, stretch your legs or use the restroom. However, be cautious because public Wi-Fi networks can be insecure, making your personal information vulnerable to hackers.

Couple using Wi-Fi on a tablet while traveling (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

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5. Use a Wi-Fi extender or mesh network

If you frequently park near a location with a strong Wi-Fi signal, such as your home or a friend’s house, a Wi-Fi extender or mesh network can help boost the signal to reach your car. These devices amplify the existing Wi-Fi signal, allowing you to connect from a greater distance. Simply plug the extender into an outlet near the edge of the Wi-Fi range, and it will help bridge the gap to your car.

Alternatively, a mesh network consists of multiple nodes that work together to provide seamless coverage over a larger area, ensuring a strong and consistent signal even at the farthest points. This method is particularly useful if you often work from your car while parked in your driveway or near a reliable Wi-Fi source. Check out our picks for the best Wi-Fi range extenders and best mesh networks.

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Kurt’s key takeaways

Staying connected while on the road has never been easier with the variety of options available. Whether you opt for a simple phone hot spot, invest in a dedicated mobile hot spot device or take advantage of built-in car Wi-Fi, there’s a solution to fit every need and budget. By choosing the right method for your situation, you can ensure that you and your passengers remain entertained, productive and connected, no matter where your journey takes you.

What are your must-have tech gadgets for road trips, and how do they enhance your travel experience? Let us know by writing us at Cyberguy.com/Contact

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Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson is an award-winning tech journalist who has a deep love of technology, gear and gadgets that make life better with his contributions for Fox News & FOX Business beginning mornings on “FOX & Friends.” Got a tech question? Get Kurt’s free CyberGuy Newsletter, share your voice, a story idea or comment at CyberGuy.com.

Technology

SpaceX’s fifth Starship flight test has launched

Published

2 hours ago

October 13, 2024

Press Room

SpaceX’s fifth Starship flight test has launched

SpaceX’s Starship spacecraft splashed down in the Indian Ocean a little over an hour after its 8:25AM ET launch from South Texas. Almost seven minutes following liftoff, the Super Heavy booster returned to its launchpad, where the launch tower caught it using arms that SpaceX has nicknamed the “chopsticks.”

The remarkable catch was a first for SpaceX and an important step toward making the Super Heavy booster a fully reusable launch system just like SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rockets. The booster completed a similar set of maneuvers to today’s during its previous flight test in June, when it splashed down in the Gulf of Mexico, instead.

SpaceX’s South Texas launch tower catches the Super Heavy booster.

GIF: SpaceX Starship livestream.

Today’s flight test, which was delayed 25 minutes while SpaceX waited for its launch range to be cleared of boats, marks the second full Starship launch, flight, and return to Earth. The craft reentered the Earth’s atmosphere about 45 minutes after liftoff and carried out a “soft” splashdown in the Indian Ocean at 9:30AM ET. An explosion rocked the craft just after that.

SpaceX redesigned Starship’s heat shield for this test after Starship lost fragments of its shielding during reentry in June. The company used new heat shielding tiles and added an extra backup ablative layer, as ArsTechnica described last week.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) gave SpaceX approval for the test flight only yesterday. It had originally expected to clear this launch next month, but the FAA and its partner agencies reportedly carried out their assessments of SpaceX’s preparations faster than anticipated.

Update October 13th: Updated to reflect that Starship has splashed down in the Indian Ocean.

Technology

WordPress.org’s latest move involves taking control of a WP Engine plugin

Published

10 hours ago

October 13, 2024

Press Room

WordPress.org’s latest move involves taking control of a WP Engine plugin

WordPress.org has taken over a popular WP Engine plugin in order “to remove commercial upsells and fix a security problem,” WordPress cofounder and Automattic CEO Matt Mullenweg announced today. This “minimal” update, which he labels a fork of the Advanced Custom Fields (ACF) plugin, is now called “Secure Custom Fields.”

It’s not clear what security problem Mullenweg is referring to in the post. He writes that he’s “invoking point 18 of the plugin directory guidelines,” in which the WordPress team reserves several rights, including removing a plugin, or changing it “without developer consent.” Mullenweg explains that the move has to do with WP Engine’s recently-filed lawsuit against him and Automattic.

Similar situations have happened before, but not at this scale. This is a rare and unusual situation brought on by WP Engine’s legal attacks, we do not anticipate this happening for other plugins.

WP Engine’s ACF team claimed on X that WordPress has never “unilaterally and forcibly” taken a plugin “from its creator without consent.” It later wrote that those who aren’t WP Engine, Flywheel, or ACF Pro customers will need to go to the ACF site and follow steps it published earlier to “perform a 1-time download of the genuine 6.3.8 version” to keep getting updates.

As its name implies, the ACF plugin allows website creators to use custom fields when existing generic ones won’t do — something ACF’s overview of the plugin says is already a native, but “not very user friendly,” feature of WordPress.

The Verge has reached out to Automattic, WordPress.org, and WP Engine for comment.

Update October 12th: Adjusted to add clarity about Mullenweg’s use of the “fork” label.

Technology

Connect in a crisis with iOS 18's new video call feature for emergency services

Published

10 hours ago

October 13, 2024

Press Room

Connect in a crisis with iOS 18's new video call feature for emergency services

Imagine you’re out hiking in a remote area when you suddenly witness a friend take a serious fall. They’re unable to move, and you’re unsure of the extent of their injuries. In the past, you might have had to describe the situation over the phone to emergency services, which could lead to delays in getting the right help.

However, with Apple’s new Emergency SOS Live Video feature, you can now share live video footage of the incident directly with first responders.

This innovative capability, launched in iOS 18, allows iPhone users to stream video and send recorded media during emergency calls, making it easier and faster to get the help you need.

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Emergency SOS Live Video feature. (Apple)

How it works

When you make an emergency call using an iPhone running iOS 18, participating emergency dispatchers will have the ability to send you a request to share live video or photos over a secure connection. This real-time visual information can be crucial in helping first responders assess the situation and provide appropriate assistance more quickly and effectively.

Emergency SOS Live Video feature. (Apple)

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Wide-reaching impact

The integration of Emergency SOS Live Video with emergency response platforms like RapidSOS UNITE is expected to cover 99% of the U.S. population. This widespread availability means that the vast majority of iPhone users will have access to this potentially life-saving feature when they need it most.

IS YOUR PHONE READY FOR AN EMERGENCY? TURN ON THESE LIFESAVING SETTINGS

How to use Emergency SOS Live Video

1. Initiate an Emergency Call:

On an iPhone, you can start an emergency call by either:

Press and hold the side button and one of the volume buttons (left or right side) until the Emergency SOS slider appears.
Then, drag the slider to call emergency services.
Alternatively, if you continue holding the side and volume buttons without dragging the slider, a countdown begins, and an alert sounds.
If you keep holding until the countdown ends, your iPhone will automatically call emergency services.

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Emergency Call. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

2. Share Live Video or Share Photos from your Library request

After making the call, if supported by the dispatcher, they may send a request to Share Live Video or to Share Photos from your Library.

Emergency Call to Share Live Video or Share Photos from Library. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

3. Accepting the request

Once you accept to either Share Live Video or Share Photos from Library, the video stream or photo sharing will start.

4. Network coverage requirement

Live video sharing will only work if your iPhone has a stable connection to a cellular network or Wi-Fi. Without coverage, the video feature won’t function.

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Kurt’s key takeaways

Emergency SOS Live Video in iOS 18 is a game-changer for emergency response. By allowing you to share live video with dispatchers, it provides crucial real-time information that can help first responders assess situations more effectively. With coverage for 99% of the U.S. population, this feature definitely enhances safety and peace of mind for iPhone users.

How comfortable would you feel using live video during an emergency, and what concerns might you have about privacy or security? 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: