Here’s how to score a free Google Home Mini
If you're a Spotify Premium subscriber or you have been thinking of becoming one, now's the time to do it, because for a limited time, you'll get a free Google Home Mini. Yes, we're serious. Related: Here's why we're loving Spotify Premium subscriber Related: Your...
These beautiful wooden stands give your gadgets a different kind of upgrade
Jealous of everyone around you upgrading to the new iPhone 11? Or the Apple Watch Series 5? Well, you can treat yourself to an upgrade of your very own, at least when it comes to a stand or charging stand that is. These gorgeous handmade stands from Yohann will make...
You won’t believe how easily this CNN reporter was hacked. Here’s how to prevent it.
Our team watched this CNN Business video with our jaw dropped when we saw how easily hacker Rachel Tobac was able to get information about journalist Donie O' Sullivan. Just from looking at his social media, she was able to do everything from get his home address,...
3 affordable Apple Watch alternatives for kids
My sixth-grader has been asking me to splurge on an Apple Watch for her lately, but I don't see that in her future at the moment. The thing is: she doesn't have a phone yet. So I see little value in spending that kind of money on a watch, when she won't get the...
Cases with a cause: Student-designed smartphone cases celebrate women empowerment, sisterhood, and the LGBTQ+ community
The original designs by the two awesome winners of the first annual Make My Case design competition have been released by Speck, BUILT BY GIRLS, and Verizon, and they're all about supporting empowerment, sisterhood, and the LGBTQ+ community. Yeah! Related: 17 awesome...
Does Gmail have parental controls? Well, here’s the deal.
In our Out Tech Your Kids group on Facebook, we've had several questions about parental controls for Gmail, with so many kids needing and using email accounts. We did some research to see what parents can and can't do when it comes to monitoring their kid's Gmail...
Why are kids watching other people play video games? A tech expert weighs in.
So your kids are obsessed with watching other people play video games and you can't quite wrap your mind around it. We decided to ask video gaming expert Dr. Rachel Kowert to weigh in on this phenomenon and tell us what we need to know. We've spoken about video games...
This might make you think twice about getting AirPods
We're pretty much Team AirPods here at Cool Mom Tech. I was the first person to try them and sing their praises (though I don't use them anymore since my dog chewed one up). Then Liz jumped on the AirPods train. Well, after reading this recent article in the...
Instagram launches Restrict to help combat bullying. Here’s how it works.
With someone who's got two teens on Instagram, I was pleased to hear that they recently added Restrict, an anti-bullying feature that, as Instagram describes, "allows users to quietly protect their account while still keeping an eye on their bully." It reminds me a...
The most gorgeous, modern lighting is sustainably made from…corn.
Sometimes I discover a new company at a tech press event that I'm so excited about, I run right over here to tell you about it. And sometimes, that product is so perfect that I first make a quick stop at the company website to buy one for myself. That's just the story...
Our review of the new Nintendo Switch Lite
Over the weekend, my family and I played with the Nintendo Switch Lite, which is Nintendo's newest handheld gaming device. Considering how much we love the Nintendo Switch, we figured this would going to be a pretty popular holiday gift for lots of people. Plus, we...
25 things kids should know before they get a smartphone
Whether your kids have had a smartphone for awhile now, or you're considering getting them started with one, it's important that they understand how to use it. And as we all know, when it comes to a smartphone, it's not as simple as dialing a number or sending a text...
Tips & Tricks to Make Life (Way!) Easier
Why are kids watching other people play video games? A tech expert weighs in.
So your kids are obsessed with watching other people play video games and you can't quite wrap your mind around it. We decided to ask video gaming expert Dr. Rachel Kowert to weigh in on this phenomenon and tell us what we need to know. We've spoken about video games...
25 things kids should know before they get a smartphone
Whether your kids have had a smartphone for awhile now, or you're considering getting them started with one, it's important that they understand how to use it. And as we all know, when it comes to a smartphone, it's not as simple as dialing a number or sending a text...
5 ways to encourage screen-life balance in your kids (and you)
Raising kids in a digital age presents all sorts of parenting challenges. That’s one of the many reasons we started Cool Mom Tech, along with our new Out Tech Your Kids Facebook Group (OTYK). And we talk about it a lot on our Spawned Parenting Podcast. While it can be...
How to raise responsible digital kids
Over the last few weeks in particularly, we've seen our Out Tech Your Kids Facebook community filled with parents who seem panicked — or at least very concerned — about kids and texting and social media. And if you follow us (or are a member of that group), then you...
5 ways to encourage screen-life balance in your kids (and you)
Raising kids in a digital age presents all sorts of parenting challenges. That’s one of the many reasons we started Cool Mom Tech, along with our new Out Tech Your Kids Facebook Group (OTYK). And we talk about it a lot on our Spawned Parenting Podcast. While it can be...
Instagram Stories trick: Turn your Live Photos into Boomerangs!
I often like adding Boomerangs to an Instagram Story to help change things up from still photos. But then, I either have to go shoot a Boomerang in Instagram (and figure out what to shoot) or open the Boomerang app itself. Not one of life's greatest problems, but...
Apple Event 2019: Here’s the quick and dirty on the iPhone 11 Pro, Apple Arcade, and everything else they announced
On Tuesday, Apple hosted their big Apple Event 2019 and announced some pretty exciting new products and services. If you had time to watch it live, this time streaming on YouTube (whoa), then you've probably heard all of this before. But if you're like me (aka a busy...
10 things you need to know before using a school-issued laptop
For lots of middle school kids, back to school means back to tech. Specifically: school-issued laptops. Of course, when we're thinking about our kids and tech that they don't own themselves, but they're responsible for day-in and day-out, that comes with a whole host...
Parents beware: The Siri 911 prank is going around again.
My son just texted me: "Mom, Say 18 to Siri, but then watch your screen." Sure enough, a countdown for calling 911 pops up. Thankfully, I was watching my screen like he told me to and I was able to stop it. Related: The first thing your child should say when they call...
5 of our favorite, fun educational apps to get elementary students excited about learning this year.
Last week, my daughter Sage and I had a great time talking with the crew from News12 (NYC, Long Island, Westchester) about our favorite fun, educational apps for grade schoolers that help your kids make the most out of screen time. I'm glad I had the opportunity to...
The stylish new Bandolier crossbody phone cases. Until women get some clothes with some damn pockets.
Those who know me, know I love my Bandolier. I keep upgrading mine every time I get a new iPhone, that's how much I love it. Especially now that they offer a selection of Bandolier zip pouches that attach to the back, to help you carry more stuff with less hassle....
Popsockets, now with Swarovski level bling
I'm not sure about you, but my kids are obsessed with Popsockets, so when I spotted these Swarovski crystal Popsockets grips, I knew exactly what I was adding to my daughter's birthday list. You maybe a seen a few bling-y versions of Popsocket grips (or similar...
YouTube slated to launch new web platform for kids. But there’s a catch.
YouTube has come under major scrutiny in the last couple of years with inappropriate videos showing up on their popular YouTube Kids apps, from awful parodies to suicide how-to videos. So according to a recent report, they've decided to launch a new web version of...
iPhone cases for food lovers. Donuts, anyone?
With all the back to school shopping we've been doing for our kids, we thought it might be time to do a little for ourselves. Granted, I don't need a new backpack, but a new iPhone case? That I can definitely rationalize, like these fun Sonix iPhone cases for food...
Beautiful vintage camera straps for snapping in style
We've been long time fans of Epiphanie camera bags since they launched, so when founder Maile Wilson shared a link to their gorgeous vintage camera straps, I just had to share. For those of you with a DSLR, these are quite the stylish accessory. Related: This e-book...