Computers are a significant investment, especially for those on fixed incomes. Fortunately, with proper care and maintenance, older computers can remain secure and functional for years. Let's address a concern from Connie in Rochester, Minnesota, who wrote to us about her older computer's vulnerability to hackers:

"I'm still using Windows 7 on my 2013 computer. It says I have Security Essentials, but I saw somewhere that it ended in 2023? When I click on it, it says it's scanning, but am I protected or not? I pay yearly for MSN extra and use an iPhone 14. All the worrisome reports make a senior citizen a little nervous. What's your advice? A new computer? Will your virus protection be compatible with my old computer? I'm not keen on spending more on a new computer on a fixed budget."

This question is relevant to many users with older computers. Let's dive deeper into the situation and provide some comprehensive advice for Connie and others in similar situations.

I’M GIVING AWAY A $500 GIFT CARD FOR THE HOLIDAYS - Ends today at 3 pm ET

Enter by signing up for my free newsletter.

Using Windows 7 does pose significant security risks. Since Jan. 14, 2020, Microsoft has stopped providing security updates and technical support for Windows 7. This means that any new vulnerabilities discovered in the operating system will not be patched, leaving your computer exposed to potential attacks.

Since the start of 2023, 47 vulnerabilities have been discovered in Windows 7. Cybercriminals actively target outdated operating systems because they're more likely to be unpatched and vulnerable. Without official support, Microsoft is no longer compelled to disclose formal vulnerabilities, making it harder for users to stay informed about potential security risks.

Connie, you mentioned that you have Microsoft Security Essentials installed. Unfortunately, this software also stopped receiving updates on January 14, 2020. While it may still scan your computer, it's not providing up-to-date protection against new threats.

TOP WAYS TO OPTIMIZE YOUR PC AND MAC DEVICES

Given the security risks, it's advisable to take action. Here are some options to consider:

1) Upgrading your operating system or computer: While it’s possible to continue using Windows 7 with a third-party antivirus, it’s generally recommended to upgrade to a newer operating system for the best security. If your current computer meets the system requirements, you could consider upgrading to Windows 10 or even Windows 11. However, if a new computer isn’t in your budget right now, using a supported antivirus on your Windows 7 machine is a good step.

2) Install strong antivirus software: If upgrading isn't possible immediately, install a strong, reputable, up-to-date antivirus software that's compatible with Windows 7. However, keep in mind that this is a temporary solution and doesn't address all the vulnerabilities in the operating system itself. There are several antivirus programs that continue to support Windows 7. Get my picks for the best 2024 antivirus protection winners for your Windows, Mac, Android and iOS devices.

3) Consider a new computer: While it's understandable that you're on a fixed budget, investing in a new computer might be the most cost-effective solution in the long run. New computers come with the latest operating systems and security features, providing better protection against current threats. You can see our picks for a variety of laptop computers and desktop computers (at a variety of price ranges). If you decide to upgrade and get a new computer, check out how to securely get rid of your old PC or Mac.

HOW TO SAFEGUARD YOUR OLDER PC

You might be wondering if it's really that dangerous if you're careful about what you download. The truth is, even if you're cautious, you're still at risk. Modern malware can be incredibly sophisticated. There's a type of threat called a "persistent threat" that can hide on your machine indefinitely, continuously monitoring your computer and stealing information without you even knowing it.

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.

Let's address two other points you made in your email to us. Your iPhone 14 is not affected by the Windows 7 issue. Apple regularly updates its iOS software, providing security patches for supported devices. So, make sure your iPhone's software is up to date to ensure you have the latest security features. Here's how:

As for MSN Extra, while it may provide some additional features, it doesn't compensate for the lack of operating system security updates.

10 TIPS TO SPEED UP YOUR PC'S PERFORMANCE

Look, Connie, I know all this tech stuff can be overwhelming, but here's the deal: While we can't make your computer 100% hacker-proof, these steps will definitely up your security game. Keep your eyes peeled when you're checking emails or downloading stuff, especially if it's from someone you don't know. Now, about getting a new computer. I get it, it's not cheap. But think about it this way: It's like insurance for your digital life. The headache and costs of dealing with a hacked computer? Trust me, that's way worse. In this day and age, when we're all connected 24/7, keeping your digital self safe is super important. So, if you can swing it, seriously think about upgrading your system or getting a new computer with all the latest security bells and whistles. Bottom line? Taking these steps isn't just about protection. It's about giving yourself peace of mind every time you hop online. And let's face it, that's pretty priceless.

What are your biggest challenges when it comes to maintaining your devices and why? Share your tech hacks by writing to 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.

Phone hacking is a bigger deal than most of us realize, and it's something we all need to be aware of. Just the other day, Dennis sent an email sharing that he had a pretty unsettling experience with a suspicious text message that seemed to come from a friend's number. His story is a wake-up call for all of us to stay alert and informed. By understanding the signs of potential hacking, we can better protect ourselves and our loved ones from cyber threats.

ENDS TOMORROW: I’M GIVING AWAY A $500 GIFT CARD FOR THE HOLIDAYS
Enter by signing up for my free newsletter.

Dennis received a text from a friend that was unusually brief and out of character, simply asking, "Would you like to chat?" This raised immediate concerns, especially since the number appeared to be his friend's but wasn't recognized by Messenger as being in his contact list. Such scenarios often suggest phone number spoofing or hacking, where cybercriminals disguise their identity by using someone else's number.

HOW TO STOP ANNOYING ROBOCALLS

Understanding the signs of a compromised phone number is crucial for protecting your personal information and that of your friends. Here are some indicators that your friend's number might be hacked:

Unusual messages: If your friend starts sending texts that seem out of character – such as odd phrasing, unexpected links or requests for personal information – it could indicate their number has been hacked.

Unknown contacts: If Messenger says the number is not in your contact list when it actually is, it might indicate a problem.

Unexpected phone behavior: If your friend mentions their phone is acting strangely, they should look out for:

Unauthorized charges: If your friend’s phone bill shows unexpected charges, it can result from premium SMS services or calls made by malicious apps.

Spam sent from your friend's number: If you or other contacts receive spam or suspicious messages from your friend's number, it's a strong sign that their phone might be compromised.

KURT’S BEST NEW CYBER MONDAY DEALS

WHY AM I GETTING SPAM FROM MY OWN EMAIL ADDRESS AND HOW TO STOP IT

If you suspect your friend's phone number has been hacked, consider these actions:

1) Verify with your friend: Contact them through another method to confirm if they sent the message.

2) Check for malware using strong antivirus software: Advise your friend to use strong antivirus software to scan for malicious apps or malware on the device. The best way for them to safeguard from malicious links that install malware, potentially accessing their private information, is to have antivirus software installed on all their devices. This protection can also alert them to phishing emails and ransomware scams, keeping their personal information and digital assets safe. Get my picks for the best 2024 antivirus protection winners for your Windows, Mac, Android and iOS devices.

3) Change passwords: If your friend suspects their phone number has been hacked, they should change their passwords for all accounts linked to their phone number. They should consider using a password manager to generate and store complex passwords.

4) Contact service provider: Your friend should contact their mobile service provider to report the issue. The provider can help secure their account and prevent further unauthorized access.

5) Enable two-factor authentication: Encourage your friend to enable two-factor authentication nn their accounts for added security.

6) Monitor accounts: Advise your friend to regularly check their bank statements and credit reports for suspicious activity.

Phone hacking is a bigger issue than most people realize, and Dennis's recent experience is a stark reminder of that. It's crucial for all of us to stay vigilant and informed about the signs of potential hacking. By recognizing these warning signs and taking proactive steps, we can better protect our personal information and our loved ones from cyber threats.

Have you ever experienced a suspicious message or a potential hacking incident? Share your story with us and let us know how you handled it by writing to 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:

Try CyberGuy's new games (crosswords, word searches, trivia and more!)

Enter CyberGuy's $500 Holiday Gift Card Sweepstakes

Kurt’s Best New Cyber Monday Deals

Copyright 2024 CyberGuy.com. All rights reserved.

Ready to make your iPhone even smarter? With the latest iOS 18.1 update, Apple Intelligence brings many powerful new features to your fingertips. 

Before you dive into these exciting tools, let’s get your device updated and set up. 

Don’t worry — it's a quick and easy process. And once you're all set, you'll be amazed at how these features can transform your day-to-day interactions with your phone. Let's get started.

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

First things first, you'll need to update your iPhone to iOS 18.1 or later. Here's how:

Open the Settings app.

Tap General.

Select Software Update.

If iOS 18.1 or later is available, tap "Download and Install."

HOW TO PROTECT YOUR IPHONE & IPAD FROM MALWARE

Once you're on iOS 18.1 or later, enabling Apple Intelligence is a breeze:

Go to Settings.

Tap Apple Intelligence & Siri.

Toggle on Apple Intelligence.

Your iPhone will then download the necessary AI models. You'll get a notification when it's ready to roll. Currently, Apple Intelligence is only available on iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max, and newer iPads and Macs with M1 chips or later.

WHICH IPHONE 16 IS RIGHT FOR YOU? DISCOVER YOUR PERFECT MATCH

Now for the fun part. Let's check out some of the coolest new features:

You can use Apple Intelligence to summarize messages and mail and get the key details at a glance. Here's how it works:

In your mail app, tap an email message or thread.

Now, tap the summarize button in the top right corner.

An animation appears as Apple Intelligence analyzes the text, and a summary will appear above the email.

IS IT TIME FOR ME TO UPGRADE TO A NEW IPHONE?

Siri's gotten a major upgrade and is now supercharged by Apple Intelligence. When you talk to Siri, you'll notice an elegant glowing light around the edge of your screen that shows that Apple Intelligence is working for you.

It now can handle those "umm" moments we all have. For example, try saying, "Hey Siri, set a 10-minute, no, 15-minute timer." Siri will understand and set the 15-minute timer.

If you don't want to ask Siri out loud, you can now type to Siri. Just double-tap at the bottom of the screen, and you can quickly and quietly type your Siri request.

Apple Intelligence has your back when it comes to writing. Here's how to use it:

Select any text in an email or document by double-tapping on the text and dragging the cursor over the text you want help with.

Then, the selection handles will appear. Tap the Writing Tools icon that appears above the selected text.

Choose from options like "Proofread," "Rewrite," "Friendly," "Professional," "Concise," "Summary," "Key Points," "List" or "Table." Here's what each does specifically:

Proofread: Checks for grammar and spelling errors.

Rewrite: Offers alternative phrasing for the selected text.

Friendly: Makes the text more casual and approachable.

Professional: Adjusts the tone to be more formal and polished.

Concise: Shortens the text to be more direct.

Summary: Provides a brief overview of the selected text.

Key Points: Highlights the main ideas.

List: Converts the text into a list format.

Table: Organizes the text into a table.

Once you've made your selection, you can either tap Done or Revert to what you had.

Your photo library just got a lot more searchable:

Open the Photos app.

Tap the search icon at the top of the screen.

Try natural language queries like "dog sitting on the couch."

Click Search, and you'll be amazed at how accurately it finds your photos.

Tap Done 

Want to remove unwanted objects from your photos? Here's how:

Open a photo in the Photos app.

Tap the Edit button below the picture.

Select the Clean Up tool in the bottom right of the screen.

Circle or tap the object you want to remove.

Apple Intelligence will work its magic to erase it seamlessly.

Then, click either done or cancel.

Create custom photo slideshows using natural language prompts. Here's how to use this feature:

Open the Photos app.

Scroll down to where it says Memories.

Click where it says Create to Create a Memory Movie.

WHAT IS ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI)?

Enter a text prompt describing the theme or content you want and then tap the up arrow.

Apple Intelligence will work its magic to Create a Memory Movie seamlessly.

Tap the three horizontal dots at the top of the screen to Edit Move Timeline, or you can tap Share Movie to share it via Messages, Mail or Social Media.

Tired of notification overload? Apple Intelligence now provides smart summaries for your emails and messages. Just swipe down from the top of your screen to see condensed versions of your notifications.

GET FOX BUSINESS ON THE GO BY CLICKING HERE

Remember, to access these features, you'll need a compatible device (iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 16 series or newer iPads/Macs with M1 chips or later) running iOS 18.1 or later. You'll also need to enable Apple Intelligence in your device settings.

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

While these features are exciting, Apple has even more in store. We're still waiting on some promised capabilities like emoji creation, image playground and ChatGPT integration. Apple hasn't given us a firm timeline, but stay tuned — the AI revolution on your iPhone is just getting started.

What feature of Apple Intelligence are you most excited to try out on your device, and why? 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:

Try CyberGuy's new games (crosswords, word searches, trivia and more!)

Enter Cyberguy’s $500 Holiday Gift Card Sweepstakes

KURT’S HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDES 

Deals: Unbeatable Best Black Friday deals | Laptops | Desktops | Printers 

Best gifts for: Men | Women | Kids | Teens | Pet lovers 

For those who love: Cooking | Coffee | Tools | Travel | Wine

Devices: Laptops | Desktops | Printers | Monitors | Earbuds | Headphones | Kindles | Soundbars | Vacuums | Surge strips and protectors

Accessories: Car | Kitchen | Laptop | Keyboards | Phone | Travel | Keep It Cozy

Can’t go wrong with these: Gift Cards | Money-saving apps | Amazon Black Friday insider tips  

Copyright 2024 CyberGuy.com. All rights reserved.

Too many people share just about everything online. That’s a one-way ticket to Scamtown. Some info makes you an especially prime target. Keep these close to the vest.

I’m giving away an iPhone 16 Pro with Apple Intelligence. No purchase necessary; enter now!

1. Your relationship status

Widows and widowers are big targets. Crooks want to get their grimy hands on inheritance money. Take Rosalie Douglass, who tried her hand at online dating and listed "widow" as her relationship status. Two different scammers connected with Rosalie and swindled her out of a staggering $430,000.

HOW TO (KINDLY) ASK PEOPLE NOT TO POST YOUR KIDS' PHOTOS ON SOCIAL MEDIA

Pro tip: If you're a widow or widower, keep it off your dating and social media apps. You never know who's watching.

2. Your vacation plans

Tiffany posted about her family’s upcoming Carnival cruise on Facebook by sharing shots of her tickets. She didn’t think about the fact her booking reference number was included. The same day, a scammer created a new Carnival account using Tiffany's confirmation number. The scammer canceled her booking and ruined her $15,000 trip.

Pro tip: Announcing your vacation plans before or during your trip screams "Rob me!" Take tons of pics on your vacation, but don't share them until you're home.

3. Videos of you talking

Artificial intelligence tools make it cheap and easy for anyone to create a deepfake video. Recently, on TikTok, a woman named Sam said a shady brand stole her face and used it to promote a product. The brand did it all with a video from her social media account and some deepfake software.

BIOMETRIC DATA: IS IT SAFE TO HAND IT OVER TO ANY COMPANY THAT ASKS?

Pro tip: Limit the personal information you share online, especially high-quality photos and videos of you talking. For most folks, setting your social media accounts to "private" is the way to go.

4. Expensive electronics you’re selling

A South Carolina man listed a limited-edition PlayStation on a Facebook buy-sell-trade group. The "buyer" he met up with pulled out a gun and made off with the PlayStation, plus the man’s phone, wallet and watch. Scary.

Pro tip: If you’re selling anything pricey, meet in a public space during the day and bring a friend. Your local police department’s parking lot should scare off anyone who intends to rob you.

5. Personal walking, hiking and biking routes 

Fitness apps with GPS track way more than workouts. I told you about the Secret Service agents who spilled the locations of President Biden and the first lady, President-elect Trump and his wife and Vice President Harris. In case you missed it, the agents used Strava to track their movement and apparently didn’t realize anyone could see those routes.

HOSPITALS FACING UNPRECEDENTED THREATS; YOU MUST SECURE YOUR HEALTH RECORDS TODAY

Pro tip: If you use a fitness app, change your settings to private. You can disable GPS altogether, but that shuts off the functionality you use the app for in the first place.

6. Your kids' school or activities

You’re proud of your kiddos and want to share their milestones online. Sorry, but posting photos in front of your kid’s school or sharing their weekly soccer schedule is not smart. You truly never know who is watching.

Pro tip: Don’t post specifics about your kids’ schools, day care centers, sports teams or even the clubs they attend. When you do share, keep it vague and avoid anything identifiable in the background.

7. Your work details

The real danger here is setting yourself up for a scam. Spear-phishing scams target one person with highly personalized information. Mid- and high-level employees are big targets since they may have access to a company’s finances.

The more specific details you post, the more fuel you give a scammer. This includes where you work, your role, projects you’re working on or really anything else.

Pro tip: Limit the details you share about your job. Keep posts about career achievements vague or share only with friends and family.

Award-winning host Kim Komando is your secret weapon for navigating tech.

Copyright 2025, WestStar Multimedia Entertainment. All rights reserved. 

Imagine strolling through the bustling streets of Tokyo ordering a delicious bowl of ramen or navigating the charming alleyways of Rome all while effortlessly communicating with locals in their native tongue. 

Thanks to the latest update in WatchOS 11, your Apple Watch has transformed into a powerful translation tool, breaking down language barriers with the Translate app.

Gone are the days of fumbling with translation books or frantically typing into your smartphone. With the new Translate app on Apple Watch, you can have live, two-way conversations in up to 20 different languages right from your wrist. It's like having a personal interpreter always at your service.

6 DAYS LEFT! I’M GIVING AWAY A $500 GIFT CARD FOR THE HOLIDAYS

Getting started with this feature is a breeze, but first, ensure your Apple Watch is running WatchOS 11 or higher. To do this:

HOW TO MONITOR BLOOD PRESSURE WITH YOUR APPLE WATCH

HOW TO REMOVE YOUR PRIVATE DATA FROM THE INTERNET 

WHAT IS ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI)?

GET FOX BUSINESS ON THE GO BY CLICKING HERE

THE APPLE WATCH COULD HELP YOU UNCOVER HIDDEN SLEEP APNEA

To get the most out of your new linguistic superpower, remember to:

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

With the Translate app on Apple Watch, the world truly feels smaller and more connected. Whether you’re exploring new cities, mingling with locals or conducting business abroad, this feature allows you to communicate naturally and confidently across languages. No more frantic searches for translations or misunderstandings over key phrases; your Apple Watch makes it simple.

What other features would you like to see added to translation apps to enhance your communication experience? 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:

Try CyberGuy's new games (crosswords, word searches, trivia and more!)

Enter CyberGuy's $500 Holiday Gift Card Sweepstakes

KURT’S HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDES 

Deals: Unbeatable Best Black Friday deals | Laptops | Desktops | Printers 

Best gifts for Men | Women | Kids | Teens | Pet lovers 

For those who love: Cooking | Coffee | Tools | Travel | Wine

Devices: Laptops | Desktops | Printers | Monitors | Earbuds | Headphones | Kindles | Soundbars | Vacuums | Surge strips and protectors

Accessories: Car | Kitchen | Laptop | Keyboards | Phone | Travel | Keep It Cozy

Can’t go wrong with these: Gift Cards | Money-saving apps | Amazon Black Friday insider tips

Copyright 2024 CyberGuy.com. All rights reserved.

A 27-year-old grad student was just caught using pictures of real kids on the internet to make AI child porn for pedophiles. Even more disgusting? He worked by request. This story made my skin crawl, and it brings me to a question I’ve been asked more and more often.

"Kim, I don't want pictures of my kids on social media. How do I tell friends and family not to post them without sounding preachy?"

I’m giving away an iPhone 16 Pro with Apple Intelligence. No purchase necessary; enter now!

You’re totally justified in wanting your kids’ faces off the web. It's a fact that creeps scan public accounts looking for kids to prey on. It's also easier than ever for pedophiles to pose as a kid and groom your child on Snapchat, Roblox — you name it.

BIOMETRIC DATA: IS IT SAFE TO HAND IT OVER TO ANY COMPANY THAT ASKS?

Posting your kids to Facebook or Instagram basically gives Meta the thumbs-up for using those images to train its AI models. The law is way behind here. As a parent, it’s up to you to protect your kids.

Related: Stop Facebook from using your data to train AI

Save yourself an awkward situation by telling people before a big get-together. Most folks mean well, but they might not know the risks of sharing kids’ photos online, especially if they’re not parents themselves. 

SMARTPHONE TRICKS EVERY IPHONE AND ANDROID USER SHOULD KNOW

I wrote up an example you can copy:

"Hey, I wanted to let you know ahead of time we’d like to keep photos of the kids off the internet for privacy and safety reasons. (We saw some stories that really spooked us!) If you could avoid putting pics of them on social media, we’d really appreciate it!"

Related: The secret to get better pics of you and your family

Don’t panic. Reach out ASAP and ask them to remove it with a link to the specific post. I’d go with a text. A comment on a public post feels like you’re calling them out.

Use this: "Hey, I totally forgot to mention this, but we're keeping pictures of the kids offline for now. Could you take this post down or repost it with their faces hidden? An emoji works great! 

Related: Posting pics of kids on social media: Do’s and don’ts

Not sharing photos of your kids publicly doesn’t have to mean not sharing at all. My suggestion: Make an invite-only album for close family and friends. 

In Google Photos: You can do this on your phone or computer. Just open the Google Photos app or website.

THE $40K SCAM THAT ALMOST GOT ME + 3 MORE SPREADING NOW

Final step: Make sure the Link Sharing toggle is off for maximum privacy, so only invited users can view the album.

In Apple Photos: You can create and share on your iPhone, iPad or Mac using the Photos app. First, you need to enable Shared Albums.

Now create and share your album.

Award-winning host Kim Komando is your secret weapon for navigating tech.

Copyright 2025, WestStar Multimedia Entertainment. All rights reserved.

For years, iPhone users have relied on Voice Isolation to block out background sounds during calls, a handy feature for noisy environments or busy homes. However, with the iOS 18 update, things have shifted a bit.

Here’s a question from Debbie in Half Moon Bay that sums up the experience of many users: "Since I updated Apple software to iOS 18.0.1, I can no longer remove background noise while on the phone. This used to be in the Control Center. Have you figured out how to do this?"

That’s from Debbie, a fan of the Voice Isolation feature that used to let her chat on the phone with her dog barking in the background without her callers hearing the noise.

Good news, Debbie. With iOS 18, Apple introduced a smart new feature called Automatic Mic Mode, which adapts to your surroundings to automatically enhance call quality. Voice Isolation is still available, but now it’s part of a more intelligent, hands-free experience.

I’M GIVING AWAY A $500 GIFT CARD FOR THE HOLIDAYS
Enter by signing up for my free newsletter.

Automatic Mic Mode builds on the Voice Isolation and Wide Spectrum features that Apple introduced in iOS 15. Now, the mode can intelligently sense your environment and select the best microphone setting for clearer, more natural communication.

HOW TO PROTECT YOUR IPHONE & IPAD FROM MALWARE

This feature isn’t limited to the newest iPhones. If your device supports iOS 18, you can experience the flexibility of Automatic Mic Mode, from iPhone XR to the latest models. Not sure if you're running the latest iOS? No worries. Here are some quick steps to update your iPhone:

In a Noisy Place? If you’re on a work call in a bustling coffee shop, Automatic Mic Mode will default to Voice Isolation, blocking out background noise so that the other person hears only your voice.

On Speakerphone for a Group Chat? Switch to speakerphone for a group chat, and Automatic Mic Mode may shift to Standard Mode, creating a more open, natural sound that’s perfect for group conversations.

With Automatic Mic Mode, you no longer need to go into settings for most calls; your iPhone now makes those decisions for you. But don’t worry, Debbie, Voice Isolation is still available for manual selection if you prefer.

HOW TO EASILY RECORD PHONE CALLS ON YOUR IPHONE

For those who want to choose Voice Isolation themselves, here’s how to access it in iOS 18.0.1.

1) During a call: Swipe down from the top-right corner of your screen to open the Control Center.

2) Access Mic Mode: Tap on the app controls for your current call near the name of the app (like Phone or FaceTime).

3) Select Voice Isolation: Under Audio & Video, you’ll see options like Automatic, Standard, Voice Isolation and Wide Spectrum. Tap Voice Isolation to reduce background noise. Here's a breakdown of those options:

Your selection will only affect the app you're using to make the call. Mic Modes will remain active for that app until you choose a different one.

LET YOUR IPHONE READ ALOUD WHAT YOU CAN'T SEE

With the shift to Automatic Mic Mode, Apple is keeping up with our fast-paced, mobile lives. From noisy environments to quiet settings, your iPhone now ensures crystal-clear calls automatically. And for users like Debbie, who often multitask during calls, it’s a game-changer. Debbie, give it a try! Whether you’re handling household tasks or taking a call on a crowded street, your iPhone will adapt so you can focus on the conversation.

What features would you like to see added to future iOS updates to enhance your calling experience further? 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:

KURT’S HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDES 

Deals: Unbeatable Best Black Friday deals | Laptops | Desktops | Printers

Copyright 2024 CyberGuy.com. All rights reserved.