software Archives | Cool Mom Tech

The Kindle devices requiring critical software updates, ASAP

Recently, Amazon posted an urgent notice about a critical update for Kindle e-readers. If you have a device from 2012 or earlier, then you need to update your software by March 22 — that’s tomorrow — if you want to continue having access to your...

Office 365 Personal lets you start a doc on your PC, then pick up where you left off on your mobile phone.

by Jeana | Productivity Apps

We have covered cloud-based storage in the past like standbys Dropbox and Google Drive, which are today’s easiest way to access important documents and photos from your mobile devices. But Microsoft software users (um, everyone?) can now benefit from Office 365...

DIY video monitoring that’s smarter (and free-r) than it sounds

by Jeana | Baby Tech, Home Security

There are times as a mom when not only do I wish I had three sets of arms, but three sets of eyes as well. That’s why I was interested in a new DIY video monitoring system called iWatchLife. Especially because it’s completely free. DIY and video monitoring...

Draw, baby, draw

by Jeana | DIY

I’ve always been envious of people who can draw, especially coming from someone whose go-to doodle is a 3D box (and not a very good one at that). Luckily, through the magic of technology, I can use software intervention to help make my drawings look more...

Making Instagram photos into a screensaver? Yes, please

by Jeana | Photo Apps

If you’re an Instagram devotee, you’re going to love a super fun new API that turns your (and your friends’) Instagram feeds into probably the coolest screensaver you’ve ever had. By downloading the Screenstagram file onto your Mac OS (Snow...

Turning home movies into Sundance contenders. (Well, almost.)

by Jeana | Video

I have so many adorable video clips of my kids scattered among my iPhone, laptop, Flip Camera (RIP) and removable hard drive. I dare to dream about turning this jumble of clips into longer movies with real Hollywood-like transitions and effects. The problem is, I...

WordQ makes writing easier

by Jeana | Helpful Services

As a writer, there are several tools I have at my disposal to create good content–my computer, my AP Style Guide, and my Roget’s Thesaurus. When I recently came across a software solution aimed at helping writers create more eloquent copy, I thought...

Internet safety for kids from CYBERsitter

by Jeana | Internet Safety

I’m not quite ready to have all those internet safety for kids discussions. I’m already preparing myself for the moment when my oldest asks if he can set up a Facebook account. Granted, he doesn’t even know what Facebook is, and he’s in...

Dragon Dictation: Do as I say, and as I do

by Jeana | Helpful Services

Ever get the feeling that you’re not being heard? If you have children, you know what I’m talking about. Well if your kid isn’t going to listen, at least you can rely on your faithful computer to do as you say. At least if you’ve got the truly...

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.