Technology

Winter storms can knock out your tech fast: Prepare now

Published

3 months ago

January 25, 2026

Winter storms can knock out your tech fast: Prepare now

States prepare for massive winter storm

FOX Weather meteorologist Bayne Froney joins ‘America’s Newsroom’ in Dallas, Texas as the first signs of a massive winter storm begin to show. Texas is preparing accordingly following the devastating winter storm five years ago.

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!

Weather forecasters are warning that a major winter storm is expected to impact large portions of the United States starting Friday. Forecasts call for snow, freezing rain and ice stretching from Texas and the Southern Plains through the Southeast, Mid-Atlantic and into the Northeast. This system is concerning because it combines ice accumulation, gusty winds and plunging temperatures. In many regions, especially across the South and parts of the Mid-Atlantic, infrastructure is not designed to handle prolonged ice events.

That increases the risk of extended power outages and disrupted cell service. When the grid goes down, everyday tech becomes critical. Phones, alerts, vehicles and apps may be your only connection to updates and emergency help. Preparing now matters far more than reacting later.

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RUSSIAN WINTER STRIKE LEAVES NEARLY 800K HOMES WITHOUT POWER AND HEAT IN UKRAINE’S DNIPRO REGION

Ice storms can take down power lines fast, leaving homes without electricity and cell service for hours or even days. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)

Why ice storms are especially disruptive

Ice storms cause more damage than most people expect. Unlike snow, ice sticks to everything and adds significant weight. Ice builds up on trees and power lines, causing branches to snap and lines to fall. Utility crews often cannot begin repairs until conditions improve, which delays restoration. Forecasters at Fox Weather warn that freezing rain across the South and interior Southeast could be particularly damaging, while snow and wind farther north may slow emergency response.

Even if cell towers remain standing, networks often overload during severe weather. When thousands of people try to call at once, connections fail. Texts and alerts usually have a better chance of getting through. That is why you should assume you may be offline longer than expected.

Immediate tech actions to take before the storm hits

These steps are simple, but timing matters. Do them before the weather conditions worsen.

Charge devices and prepare backup power

Charge all phones, laptops, tablets and battery packs
Fully charge wearable devices like smartwatches
Turn on Low Power Mode on phones now
Lower screen brightness to extend battery life, and check out these other tips to keep your phone battery charged longer
Make sure you have a reliable portable charger on hand, like those highlighted in our 5 best portable chargers for emergencies on Cyberguy.com
For outages that could last days in this winter storm, a good generator can keep your home powered the longest and safest
Reliable lighting matters during storms and blackouts. Invest in a high-output flashlight and hats with built-in lights that can be especially useful when visibility is poor
Keep a battery-powered weather radio on hand so you can receive emergency updates even if power and cell service go out

A fully charged phone, smart power settings and a reliable portable charger can keep you connected early in an outage while longer-term home power solutions carry you through the days ahead.

A woman walks with an umbrella in the rain in the Manhattan borough of New York, Feb. 5, 2014. (REUTERS/Carlo Allegri)

Plan for offline communication and limited cell service

Download offline maps for your area.
Save emergency contacts locally on your device.
Write down key phone numbers on paper.
Plan to text instead of calling if networks are congested. Text messages use less bandwidth and often go through when calls fail.
Cold weather can also make phones harder to use. Touchscreen-compatible winter gloves let you stay connected without exposing your hands to the cold.

Set up a family check-in plan before the storm

Agree on specific check-in times
Choose one out-of-area contact everyone can message
Avoid constant calling, which can overload networks

Clear expectations reduce panic and unnecessary phone use

Make sure emergency alerts are enabled

Emergency alerts can reach your phone even when apps and social media cannot. They are designed to cut through network congestion and deliver critical warnings.

How to turn on emergency alerts on iPhone

Open Settings
Tap Notifications
Scroll to Government Alerts
Turn on Emergency Alerts
Enable Always Play Sound
Turn on Imminent Threat Alerts under Enhanced Safety Alerts

US POWER CRUNCH LOOMS AS OKLO CEO SAYS GRID CAN’T KEEP UP WITHOUT NEW INVESTMENT

Ice storms add heavy weight to trees and power lines, causing widespread damage and outages that can overwhelm repair crews and communication networks for longer than expected. (AP/Craig Ruttle)

How to turn on emergency alerts on Android

Settings may vary, depending on your Android phone’s manufacturer

Open Settings
Tap Safety and emergency or Notifications
Select Wireless emergency alerts
Turn on Severe threats and Extreme threats
Enable Allow alerts and Alert sound

On some phones, you may also see options for Public safety messages or Emergency alerts, which should be turned on. These alerts may include evacuation notices, shelter updates and severe weather warnings.

Both iPhone and Android let you preview alert sounds and settings in these menus, so take a moment to test them now and make sure alerts are loud enough before severe weather hits.

Know how to use Emergency SOS on your phone

If you need help during a winter storm, Emergency SOS can contact emergency services even when you cannot unlock your phone or make a normal call. Set this up now. Do not wait until you are stressed, cold or without power.

How to set up and use Emergency SOS on iPhone

Open Settings
Tap Emergency SOS
Turn on Call with Hold and Release or Call with 5 Button Presses
Scroll down and add emergency contacts

To activate Emergency SOS during an emergency, press and hold the side button and a volume button, or quickly press the side button five times, depending on your settings.

How to set up and use Emergency SOS on Android

Settings may vary, depending on your Android phone’s manufacturer

Open Settings
Tap Safety and emergency or Privacy and safety
Select Emergency SOS
Turn on Use Emergency SOS
Choose how SOS is triggered, such as Require to swipe to call
Add emergency contacts and medical information by clicking Emergency sharing settings

On many Android phones, pressing the power button five times will trigger Emergency SOS. Emergency SOS can call for help, share your location and alert emergency contacts when conditions are dangerous.

If cell towers go down during this storm, features like Emergency SOS can still help you reach emergency services. Our guide explains in more detail how these lifesaving settings work.

Apps you should have installed ahead of time

The right apps can deliver critical updates when power is out, cell networks are strained and social media is unreliable. Install and set these up before the storm arrives.

Weather and severe alert apps

Fox Weather app: A trusted option for real-time forecasts, winter storm alerts, radar tracking and location-based notifications. Make sure local alerts are turned on.
MyRadar Weather Radar: A highly rated radar app that shows storm movement in real time and sends push alerts when severe weather is approaching your area.
Storm Shield Severe Weather App: Delivers National Weather Service alerts based on your exact location, similar to NOAA weather radio warnings, with clear push notifications for winter storms and ice events.
NOAA Weather Radio apps (iPhone and Android): These apps stream official NOAA Weather Radio broadcasts, providing continuous updates, watches and warnings directly from the National Weather Service. Weather radio streams often remain available even during major outages.

Using more than one weather app can give you redundancy if one service is delayed or overloaded.

Utility and outage tracking apps

Your local power utility app: Most utilities offer apps that allow you to report outages, view outage maps and track restoration progress in real time.
FEMA App: Provides official weather alerts, disaster resources, shelter locations and safety guidance during severe weather events.

These apps can confirm outages, provide restoration updates and reduce unnecessary calls to utilities when systems are overwhelmed.

Do not overlook vehicle tech and preparedness

Your vehicle may become a critical resource during extended outages.

Prep your car before conditions worsen

Fill your gas tank early. A full tank allows you to run the engine briefly for heat or charging if needed.
Keep a phone charger in the car.
Store a fully charged portable power bank in the glove box or center console. This gives you emergency phone power if your car battery dies or you cannot run the engine.
Download weather and road condition alerts.
Also, consider buying a Snow brush and ice scraper, jumper cables, a set of 6 LED Road Flares Emergency Lights and a First Aid Trauma Pack with QuikCloth, so you will not be caught off guard in an emergency.
There are also portable tech solutions designed to help you stay warm and powered during outages or roadside delays, including heated gear worth purchasing in advance.

Storms also bring scams and fraud attempts

Severe weather creates ideal conditions for scams. Power outages, delayed responses and anxiety make people more likely to trust messages that appear urgent or official.

Fake utility and restoration scams

Scammers often impersonate electric, gas or water utilities.

Texts or calls claiming your power will be restored sooner if you pay
Messages warning service will be shut off unless you act immediately
Spoofed phone numbers that look like your local utility

What to know: Utilities do not charge fees to restore power and do not demand payment by text, gift cards or apps.

Emergency aid and disaster relief scams

These scams spike right after storms hit.

Messages promising emergency funds, fuel vouchers or hotel assistance
Fake charity links claiming to help storm victims
Social media posts asking for donations using stolen images

What to know: Legitimate aid is announced through official government or well-known nonprofit channels, not unsolicited messages.

Fake delivery, fuel and repair service scams

Storms disrupt normal services, which scammers exploit.

Links claiming fuel delivery is available in your area
Messages about delayed packages that require confirmation
Ads for emergency home repairs that ask for upfront payment

What to know: Do not click links or pay deposits without verifying the company independently.

Charging your devices and lining up backup power now can make the difference between staying informed during an outage and being cut off once the storm hits. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

Account takeover and identity theft attempts

Storm chaos makes it easier for attackers to slip through unnoticed.

Password reset emails pretending to be from banks or retailers
Login alerts asking you to “secure” your account immediately
Calls claiming suspicious activity that push you to share codes

What to know: Never share one-time codes or login details, even if the message looks legitimate.

How to protect yourself before and during the storm

Taking a few precautions now can help you avoid costly mistakes when outages, delays and scam messages start piling up.

1) Slow down and verify every urgent message

Scammers rely on panic. If a message pressures you to act fast, stop and verify it through a trusted source.

2) Avoid clicking links in unsolicited messages and use strong antivirus software

Go directly to official websites or apps instead of tapping links in texts or emails. Keep your operating system up to date, and use strong antivirus software to block malicious links and fake websites.

The best way to safeguard yourself from malicious links that install malware, potentially accessing your private information, is to have strong 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 2026 antivirus protection winners for your Windows, Mac, Android and iOS devices at Cyberguy.com.

3) Lock down accounts before outages hit

Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) on email, banking, and utility accounts so stolen passwords cannot be used alone.

4) Reduce your exposure with a data removal service

Many storm scams work because criminals already have your phone number, address or email. Using a data removal service to opt out of data broker sites can reduce how easily scammers target you during emergencies.

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 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, and get a free scan to find out if your personal information is already out on the web by visiting Cyberguy.com.

Get a free scan to find out if your personal information is already out on the web: Cyberguy.com.

5) Never pay to restore power or receive aid

Utilities and government agencies do not charge fees to restore service or release emergency assistance.

When power and internet access are limited, it is harder to verify messages quickly. That makes preparation just as important as awareness. A little skepticism now can prevent financial loss and identity theft when help is hardest to reach.

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

Winter storms can turn small tech decisions into critical ones. Ice, power outages and overloaded cell networks can leave people cut off faster than expected, especially in regions not built for prolonged winter weather. Preparing your devices, alerts, vehicles and accounts ahead of time gives you more control when conditions worsen. It also reduces panic and limits your exposure to scams that thrive during emergencies. A little planning now can make a big difference when help is harder to reach.

Have you taken steps to prepare your tech for this winter storm, or did this checklist highlight something you still need to do? Let us know by writing to us at Cyberguy.com.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP

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.

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Technology

Allow me to explain why I love this camera that can’t shoot color

Published

5 hours ago

April 12, 2026

Press Room

Allow me to explain why I love this camera that can’t shoot color

I love black-and-white photography. I also adore compact cameras you can always have by your side. So I’m a total mark for the Ricoh GR IV Monochrome, a fixed-lens camera that can’t zoom and can’t record color — at all. It’s a formula that makes the average person ask, “Why?”

I’ve tested the GR IV Monochrome for over a month, taking it with me everywhere and photographing everything. Let me explain how this pricey little point-and-shoot is likely to go down as one of my all-time-favorite cameras.

$2197

The Good

Excellent black-and-white image quality
Everything great about the standard GR IV: sharp lens, small size, solid focusing
Fantastic high-ISO noise performance
Limiting yourself to black and white has creative benefits

The Bad

Expensive for a Ricoh GR
Face / eye tracking autofocus pales in comparison to the bigger camera brands
Short battery life (about 200-ish shots)

Ricoh GRs are some of the most unassuming, no-frills cameras around, and they have been since their conception in the film days. In the digital era, they’re pocket-size point-and-shoots with a large APS-C sensor permanently attached to a fixed focal length lens. If you’re familiar with Fujifilm’s popular X100 line, it’s like trimming one of those down to the bare minimum — that means no viewfinder and no fancy aperture ring. The X100 and other coveted street cameras like Leicas offer vintage-style shooting and double as lifestyle accessories or shoulder-carried jewelry (with prices to match). But a Ricoh GR is purely a shooter’s camera, with unabashedly modern methods of being used. Atop the camera is a typical mode dial, with customizable user presets, not an old-timey shutter speed dial.

The GR IV Monochrome takes last year’s Ricoh GR IV, strips out the color filter from the sensor, and replaces its built-in ND filter with a red filter (for one-click contrast adjustment purely using optics). Functionally, the alteration to the sensor gives the GR Monochrome an elevated ISO range of 160 to 409,600 and makes it better in low-light shooting (because color noise looks worse at high ISO than pure luminance grain). It maintains the upgrades established with the GR IV: improved autofocusing for its 28mm-equivalent f/2.8 lens, a 26-megapixel APS-C sensor, and 53GB of internal storage (supported by a microSD card slot).

1/15

The $120 Ricoh GF-2 add-on flash is a great addition for the camera. It’s best for close-up subjects, but it creates a nice high-key look in black and white.

Using the GR IV Monochrome feels just like the standard GR IV, with key functions that help it thrive in impromptu street-style shooting. It powers on and is ready to shoot in less than one second, and at any moment you can quickly full-press the shutter to forgo autofocusing and take a shot at a preset focus distance. Ricoh calls this Snap Focus, and it allows you to easily shoot from the hip with zone focusing — a staple of street photographers. The GR is all about spontaneity. Its autofocus system has face and eye detection, but it’s just a serviceable helper. The main way to use the GR is with single-point focusing and quickly moving it around the touchscreen. Many hardcore photographers will loathe its lack of an electronic viewfinder, but I’ve come to terms with its forgoing one for the sake of size.

But being forced into a black-and-white view of the world through this camera’s LCD is where the real magic happens. Any digital camera can be set to black-and-white mode, but not having the choice pushes you to look more intently at light and tonality. I pay extra attention to my compositions and seek out textures and tones I might ignore when shooting color. I know the camera can’t see color, so I mentally adjust my eye and my creativity to match — knowing there’s no bailout or reverting back to color in post. A more disciplined shooter may not feel they need all that, but I’ve shot enough on the GR IV Monochrome, other black-and-white-only cameras, and film cameras to know that I’m feasting when working with some limitations.

1/23

ISO 8000, 1/200s, f/2.8.

That’s the same ethos that drives people to go back to analog photography and digicams, or use toy-like cameras, but the GR IV Monochrome also unlocks the ability to shoot at extravagantly high ISOs in just about any light. The f/2.8 maximum aperture of the GR’s lens isn’t as fast as the f/1.7 and f/2 lenses of the Leica Q and Fujifilm X100 cameras of the world, but it’s fast enough when you barely notice much noise until ISO 25,600 and even a six-digit ISO is perfectly usable (even before denoising in post-processing software).

The other big way the GR IV sets itself apart from its Leica and Fujifilm competitors is that this camera is actually pocketable. I have ventured out of the house many times with my personal Leica Q2 slung over my shoulder, sans camera bag, ready to go on a little photo adventure or capture memories with family or friends. But it’s even easier to drop a Ricoh GR into a purse, diaper bag, or even a jacket / rear pants pocket. It turns any outing or errand into an opportunity to dabble in your creativity. These are snapshot-y moments that would usually be reserved for the camera you always have with you: your phone. But with the GR IV Monochrome, I feel more empowered and motivated to create something special and purposeful.

1/31

Here are some comparison photos between the GR IV Monochrome and the standard GR IV, including a full-range ISO test. ISO 200, 1/4s, f/5.6.

Am I creating art at the grocery store that’s worthy of the white walls of a Chelsea gallery? No. But seeing my own personal world through a black-and-white lens of such quality is enchanting. And there’s nothing wrong with feeling a little “artsy” sometimes, even if you’re just auditioning for the art critic in your own head.

The mundanity of our humdrum lives feels elevated when given the timeless quality of black and white. Lately, it’s felt even more authentic to me and worthy of appreciation, since generative AI is making so much of our world feel fake. It’s now commonplace to doubt everything we see as a possible deepfake or a dubious con — even from our own government. Black-and-white imagery still feels precious and real, at least as long as the AI-obsessed tech platforms don’t focus their Eye of Sauron of Enshittification on this niche of the medium.

A direct comparison of two images taken from our ISO test gallery. Both are taken at ISO 204800, one with the GR IV Monochrome and one with the GR IV. The Monochrome version is grainy, but it’s a usable image. The color version is a mess, and won’t look as good when converted to black and white.

To be fair, cameras that can’t shoot color aren’t new. Leica has been making its Monochrom variants of Q and M cameras for nearly 14 years. But priced at nearly $8,000 to $11,000 and up, they’re mostly unattainable to an average enthusiast. At $2,199.95, the GR IV Monochrome isn’t cheap but it’s much more grounded and feasible to own one without it being your only possession. And frankly, it’s less hoity-toity and snobbish when your second, third, or fourth camera — the “artsy” one — doesn’t cost more than a used car.

1/34

ISO 320, 1/800, f/3.2.

I’d be lying if I said that’s not part of why I dig the GR IV Monochrome so much. I’d love to one day personally own a Leica Monochrom of some sort, but it’s hard not to opt for the catch-all color camera when you’re spending that kind of money (hence why I own a Leica Q2 and not a Q2 Monochrom). But since my brain was broken by Leica and pro-level mirrorless system prices years ago, I can simultaneously look at the GR IV Monochrome and think, “$2,200? That’s not bad,” and also “GR cameras used to be like 900 bucks — what gives?”

It’s the everyday companion status of the GR IV Monochrome that makes it extra-extra special. With this little guy in your pocket, with that kind of image quality and light gathering potential, it feels like a permission slip to capture a sense of authentic wonder wherever you go. The standard GR IV is the logical version to get, allowing you to capture the vibrancy of your world. But the more hardcore GR IV Monochrome brings the romance, gritty realism, and magic.

Photography by Antonio G. Di Benedetto / The Verge

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Antonio G. Di Benedetto

Technology

Samsung Messages ending? What Android owners must know

Published

5 hours ago

April 12, 2026

Press Room

Samsung Messages ending? What Android owners must know

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You may be hearing that Samsung Messages is going away, and for many Android users, that’s true. Samsung is quietly phasing out its Samsung Messages app and moving people to Google Messages as the default texting platform with a planned cutoff around July 2026 in the U.S.

Newer Galaxy phones already come with Google Messages preinstalled, and Samsung Messages is no longer available to download on many newer devices.

That shift is real. But the way people are finding out about it is causing confusion. For many people, it starts with a text that doesn’t feel quite right. They’re checking their phone, and suddenly a text pops up warning that their messaging app is going away.

That’s exactly what happened to Gilberto of Running Springs, California. He wrote to us saying, “I just received a text on my Android phone advising me that Samsung Messages was going to end on July 6th, 2026, and that I needed to change to Google Messages. Is that true or a scam? I am a fan and enjoy your newsletter.”

MICROSOFT ‘IMPORTANT MAIL’ EMAIL IS A SCAM: HOW TO SPOT IT

Gilberto is not alone. A growing number of Android owners are seeing similar alerts, and they’re leaving people unsure what’s real and what’s a scam. Here’s what’s real, based on Samsung and Google’s latest moves.

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Scam texts like this use urgency and official-looking language to trick you into clicking dangerous links. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

What’s actually happening with Samsung Messages

Samsung says Samsung Messages will be discontinued and is pushing people to switch to Google Messages. Google Messages is already the default texting app on many Galaxy phones.

Here’s what we know right now:

Newer Samsung Galaxy devices already ship with Google Messages as the default
Samsung Messages is still available on many older phones, but it is no longer the focus
Samsung says the app is expected to be discontinued in July 2026 for customers in the United States and advises checking the Samsung Messages app for the exact shutdown date
Some Galaxy phones may show an in-app notification guiding you to switch to Google Messages
Owners of newer Galaxy devices already cannot download Samsung Messages, and all devices will lose access to download it after the July 2026 cutoff

Samsung has not made a dramatic shutdown announcement inside settings or via official alerts. Instead, this is more of a phased shift tied to Google’s push for RCS messaging.

Why Samsung is moving to Google Messages

This change is not random. It’s about standardizing how texting works across Android.

Google has been pushing RCS, which stands for rich communication services. Think of it as the Android version of iMessage.

With Google Messages, you get:

Read receipts and typing indicators
High-quality photo and video sharing
Better group chats
Spam protection powered by Google
Access to newer Google features, including AI tools powered by Gemini, like suggested replies and experimental features such as image generation inside chats
Built-in security improvements, including AI-powered scam detection and stronger spam filtering to help block suspicious messages

Samsung has decided it makes more sense to partner with Google rather than maintain a separate messaging platform.

TAX SEASON SCAMS 2026: FAKE IRS MESSAGES STEALING IDENTITIES

As Samsung shifts to Google Messages, many people are receiving confusing alerts that can be easy to misinterpret. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

So is that text message real or a scam?

Here’s where things get tricky.

The change itself is real
The text message Gilberto received may not be

Samsung does not typically send standalone text messages with links asking you to switch apps. That creates a perfect opening for scammers.

How to tell if the message is legit

Here’s what to look for:

Signs the message could be legitimate

You see a notification inside your phone’s system settings
The alert appears within your existing messaging app
Links go directly to official sources like Google Play

Red flags that point to a scam

A random text with a link
Messages that pressure you to act quickly
Requests for login details or payment
Strange sender numbers or email-style addresses

Scammers know people are already hearing about this change, and they’re using that confusion to make their messages look real.

Taking a moment to verify a message before tapping can protect your data, your money and your identity. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

What you should do right now

You don’t need to panic. You just need to take control of the process.

1) Ignore the link

Even if the message looks convincing, do not tap anything inside it. It could take you to a fake site designed to steal your information. It’s also smart to have strong antivirus software on your phone, which can help block malicious links and warn you about suspicious activity before any damage is done. Get my picks for the best 2026 antivirus protection winners for your Windows, Mac, Android and iOS devices at Cyberguy.com.

2) Check your phone manually

Open the Google Play Store and search for Google Messages. If it is already installed, you are ahead of the game. If you’re using a newer Galaxy phone, you may already have Google Messages as your default and may not see Samsung Messages at all.

3) Switch in a safe way

Open Google Messages. If it is not already installed, download it from the Google Play Store. When you open it, tap “Set default SMS app,” select Google Messages, then confirm “Set as default.”

If you do not see that prompt, go to Settings > Apps > Choose default apps > SMS app (this may appear as “Default apps” on some devices), then select Google Messages.

4) Your existing texts should appear in Google Messages

When you switch your default messaging app, your SMS and MMS message history should automatically appear inside Google Messages. Google and Samsung both indicate that existing conversations transfer during the switch. In most cases, that means you will keep your existing text messages and won’t lose your conversation history when you switch apps. It is still a good idea to open Google Messages after switching and confirm your threads are there before removing or disabling Samsung Messages.

5) Reduce your exposure online

Scammers don’t just guess your number. They often get it from data broker sites and other places where your personal information is already floating around online. That’s why it’s smart to use a data removal service, which can help remove your phone number and personal details from these sites. The less information that’s out there, the harder it is for scammers to target you with texts like this in the first place. 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.

What Samsung and Google are not telling you clearly

Here’s the part that frustrates many people. This transition is not being communicated in a consistent or highly visible way. Some Galaxy phones may show notices inside Samsung Messages or system prompts, but there is no single, universal alert reaching everyone at once. Instead, it’s a gradual shift tied to device updates, software versions and Google’s messaging strategy. That uneven rollout is exactly what creates confusion and gives scam texts an opening.

Who may not be affected?

Some older Samsung phones may continue to use Samsung Messages for now, especially if they are no longer receiving major software updates.

However, Samsung has not given a clear cutoff for the Android version, so the timeline can vary depending on your specific device, carrier and region.

You can check your Android version by going to Settings > About phone > Software information > Android version.

Why this matters for you

This is bigger than just switching apps.

It highlights a growing pattern:

Real tech changes create confusion
Scammers jump in immediately
People get caught in the middle

Right now, this change applies to U.S. customers, and timing may vary elsewhere. That kind of uncertainty is exactly what scammers look for, which is why it’s critical to verify any message before you act. Don’t want to use Google Messages? Here are your options

We’re hearing from readers who don’t trust Google and aren’t sure what to do, especially if family members use iPhones.

Here’s the reality:

Use Google Messages (default option): Works with everyone, including iPhones. No one else has to change anything
Use Signal for privacy: More secure, but only works if your contacts also use it
Apps like WhatsApp or Telegram: Both sides need the app

Best practical setup: Use Google Messages for everyday texting and Signal for private conversations.

Take my quiz: How safe is your online security?

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Kurt’s key takeaways

Gilberto’s instinct to question that message was the right move. The switch to Google Messages is real, but the text he received might not be. When tech companies make quiet changes, scammers step in fast. The safest move is simple. Ignore unexpected links, verify everything yourself and make the switch on your terms, not theirs.

Should Big Tech companies be doing more to clearly warn you about major changes like this before scammers step in and fill the gap? 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.

Technology

The Netherlands is the first European country to approve Tesla’s supervised Full Self-Driving

Published

17 hours ago

April 11, 2026

Press Room

The Netherlands is the first European country to approve Tesla’s supervised Full Self-Driving

Dutch regulators, the RDW, announced that after over a year and a half of testing, it has officially approved Tesla’s Full-Self Driving (FSD) Supervised. This makes the Netherlands the first European country to authorize the use of FSD on its roads. This could open the door to wider adoption throughout the EU. Tesla’s European headquarters is located in Amsterdam, so it’s only fitting that the country is the first to embrace the company’s FSD.

In a statement announcing the approval, the RDW said that, “Using driver assistance systems correctly makes a positive contribution to road safety because the driver is supported in their driving tasks; it is a supplement to the driver. Through continuous strict monitoring of the driver in the vehicle, the system is safer than other driver assistance systems.”

The update implementing FSD Supervised (version 2026.3.6) has started rolling out to a limited number of users. Drivers will need to watch a tutorial and take a quiz before self-driving can be enabled, which reminds people that FSD Supervised “does not make your vehicle autonomous. Do not become complacent.”