Apple news Archives | Cool Mom Tech

11 cool features we’re looking forward to in the new iOS 14

Apple’s all set to release the new iOS 14 sometime this fall. And since an operating system update is the only way I’m marking time these quarantine days (Kidding! Mostly.) I was pretty stoked to explore the new features in their preview. And wow,...

The new parental controls on the latest iOS 13.3 update are what you might have been waiting for.

by Liz Gumbinner | Family Safety Apps, Internet Safety

If you’ve got a kid on an iPhone or an iPad, this week’s iOS 13.3 update (as well as iPad OS 13.3)has some serious parental controls that we think you’ll be happy to know about. Introducing Communication Limits Starting his week, there’s a new...

Here’s what you need to know about the new Apple AirPods Pro

by Kristen Chase | Audio

Breaking news! Apple just announced the new AirPods Pro bluetooth earbuds, and well, let’s just say if you’re already an AirPods fan, you’re going to be pretty excited. And if you’ve been waiting for them to add a few new features before taking...

This might make you think twice about getting AirPods

by Kristen Chase | Audio

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...

Apple Event 2019: Here’s the quick and dirty on the iPhone 11 Pro, Apple Arcade, and everything else they announced

by Kristen Chase | Cell Phones

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...

Parents beware: The Siri 911 prank is going around again.

by Kristen Chase | Tips and Tricks

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...

How to keep your AirPods from falling out? You need EarHooks.

by Kristen Chase | Cell Phone Accessories

I worship regularly at the church of AirPods, but I’ve heard from several of my friends who ask me how to keep the AirPods from falling out. Maybe they need bigger ear holes like me? Or, better, these EarHooks. Related: I tried AirPods for a week and...

Mac users: Do you know these important macOS privacy settings?

by Kristen Chase | Internet Safety

I’ve been a Mac convert for many years now, and one of the big reasons I switched was due to all the Malware issues I was experiencing with my PCs. Macs are safer! You’ve probably heard someone tell you that, right? But if you’re under the impression...

15 big new Apple announcements that parents will actually care about: Privacy, organization, photo editing and more

by Liz Gumbinner | Best Apps, Cell Phones, Home Security, Internet Safety, Smart Appliances, Tips and Tricks

Yesterday, I spent a good two hours live tweeting the bigger Apple announcements at their 2019 developer conference that would be of interest to parents. Like, news about parental controls, photo sharing, and home security? Yes please! News about the 28-core Xeon...

What you need to know about the new iPod touch. Yes, you read that correctly.

by Kristen Chase | Cell Phones

Just when you might have thought Apple was done with the iPod touch, they announced a brand spankin’ new one. You’re not alone in the head scratching because they haven’t updated the iPod since 2015. That’s like 20 years in Apple years! But...

NEW: The podcast that helps you be a savvier digital parent in under 15 minutes a week

Hi! We’re Kristen + Liz

Kristen Chase + Liz Gumbinner of Cool Mom Picks

We started Cool Mom Tech in 2010 to help make our increasingly digital lives easier, more organized, more meaningful, and more fun, however old your kids may be.

We love that it's grown to become the go-to source for millions of parents who want commonsense info about tech delivered with a smile.

We even have the privilege of sharing our tips + tricks with The TODAY Show, CNN, HLN, GMA, Nightline, newspapers and magazines around the country, and our favorite -- regular parents who stop us at PTA meetings and ask us how old kids need to be to get a smartphone, and whether they really need to panic about Snapchat.

(Answer: It's complicated.)

We're so glad you're here! And we hope we can help you too.