Debt collectors get a new harassment tool, Microsoft fixed Windows 11, Pixel smartwatch, and more

December 3, 2021

I think it’s fair to say debt collectors are a scourge against humanity. I’m not even getting into the complicated and hairy topic of unpaid debts, school loans, bank loans, and predatory lending. I want to focus on debt collectors, especially those who just don’t care. You know what I’m talking about. The type of debt collector who will keep calling you even though you have no debts. They don’t have the right person, you’ve told them a dozen times you’re not the person they’re asking for, and they keep calling. They don’t care about who really owes them money; their only concern is getting the money they want, no matter who pays for it.

What could be worse than that? Well, a lot, as it turns out. Just as we feared and previously warned, debt collectors have a new tool in their hands to harass you. It’s legal, obnoxious, and will make the whole problem a lot worse. Find out all the details in the top story. But if you can’t tell, I think it’s awful, and I’m not going to apologize for that.

Other Highlights: 

• Could it be? Microsoft finally got its head on straight and is doing something right with Windows 11? It’s true!
• I’m pretty proud of this one: we put together a list of the best board games you can gift friends and family, and I’m almost certain there’s at least one entry you haven’t heard of before.
• Oh boy, a bunch of really popular wi-fi routers are security nightmares.
• …and more! Keep scrolling!

-Josh

Thanks to new financial regulations passed November 30th, debt collectors can now slide into your DMs, shoot you a text message, or email you to collect an unpaid bill. Creditors can report you if you fail to pay up after receiving a notice on social media, even if you think it’s spam. Read More »

After working with Samsung to develop a new, less-sucky version of Wear OS, it seems that Google is finally working on its first Pixel Watch. The device likely features a rounded, bezel-less display, the Wear OS 3 operating system, and integration with Fitbit services. Read More »

Over the last year, Motorola has launched a series of devices that absolutely dominate the sub-$300 smartphone market. But Samsung wants a piece of the pie. Its latest device, called the Galaxy A13 5G, costs just $250 but features 5G connectivity, a 90Hz display, and of course, Samsung camera technology. Read More »

Back in November, we received both good news and bad news from GM, depending on which side of the situation you’re on. The company confirmed that production of the new Chevy Bolt EV and Bolt EUV vehicles will remain down, with production entirely halted until sometime in 2022. So if you were looking to get a new 2022 Bolt, you might be waiting a while. Read More »

Security researchers from IoT Inspector teamed up with CHIP Magazine to test nine of the most popular home Wi-Fi routers for exploits and vulnerabilities. The results are stunning—not only are these routers poorly secured, but they suffer from vulnerabilities that security researchers first identified months or years ago. Read More »

Bulky wallets are so last year. Do yourself a favor and upgrade to a slim RFID-blocking wallet, like this one! It measures 3.3 x 4.1 x 0.12 inches, and can easily be stored in either your front or back pocket comfortably. The wallet has six card slots for your most commonly used cards and gives you room to store your cash. Plus, it’s available in over 20 great colors—all of which are made from gorgeous leather—so you can get one for everyday use and another for when you go to nicer events.

Get it at Amazon →

Tesla has quietly announced an all-electric Cyberquad ATV for kids, not to be confused with the full-size adult ATV shown off back in 2019, and it’s available to buy right now. Unfortunately, this means parents who are patiently awaiting the Cybertruck are still out of luck, and your kid may get a Tesla before you. Read More »

Microsoft has spent the last few years chipping away at Windows’ default browser settings, forcing users to manually pick which URLs and file types (HTM, HTML, HTTP, HTTPS, PDF, etc) open in their browser of choice. That changes with the latest Windows 11 Insider build, which lets you set a default browser with a single click. Read More »

If you’re looking for a rugged case for your phone or tablet, you’ve probably seen the terms MIL-SPEC or MIL-STD. But what do they mean? It’s a simple standard, but its appearance on product packaging is a complex topic. Read More »

Every holiday people love to give digital picture frames to relatives and the truth is… they’re just not that great of a gift. Here’s why (and why the Google Chromecast is the perfect digital picture frame gift). Read More »