Issue: 036

Tech Tips, Tricks & Cybersecurity Advice – No Jargon, Just Help

Hey Techie,

Welcome to the first issue of the new year! January is the perfect time to refresh your digital habits, simplify your devices, and set yourself up for a more organized, safer, and calmer tech life. Here are some practical, real world tips to start 2026 strong.

📱 Quick Tech Tip

Turn On “Scheduled Summary” to Reduce Notification Overload (iPhone)

If you’re starting the year wanting less digital chaos, Scheduled Summary batches non-urgent notifications and delivers them only at times you choose.

How to turn it on:
Settings → Notifications → Scheduled Summary

A cleaner, quieter iPhone = a calmer mind for the new year.

🔒 Cybersecurity Tip

Enable Auto Update for All Apps + Your OS

A surprising number of cyber incidents happen because apps or devices are running old versions with known vulnerabilities. One of the simplest, most effective cybersecurity habits is turning on automatic updates everywhere.

Do this in the new year:

• iPhone/iPad: Settings → General → Software Update → Automatic Updates

• Android: Settings → System → System Update → Auto

• Apps: App Store / Google Play → Enable Auto-Updates

• Browsers: Make sure Chrome, Edge, or Firefox auto-update

This small step closes security gaps instantly without you doing anything else all year.

🎉 New Year Mini-Guide

3 Tech Resolutions Worth Making

Easy, impactful, and doable for everyone:

1️⃣ Back Up Your Photos Automatically

Use iCloud, Google Photos, or Amazon Photos so nothing gets lost this year.

2️⃣ Start a Password Refresh Cycle

Pick a few accounts each month and update them to strong, unique passwords or passkeys.

3️⃣ Uninstall 10 Apps You Never Use

Free storage, reduce background battery drain, and speed up your phone instantly.

🕹️ Gadget of the Week: The Collapsible Umbrella Funnel

Here’s a fun twist: an umbrella that doesn’t keep water out — it helps you pour it in. This tiny, collapsible silicone funnel pops open like a little drink-loving parasol, ready to guide red wine, juice, milk, or whatever liquid you’re wrangling exactly where it needs to go. No more “Oops, half the bottle is on the counter now” moments.

When you’re done, it folds flat into a pocket-friendly disc, like a secret kitchen sidekick waiting for its next mission. It’s quirky, it’s practical, and it’s one of those gadgets that makes people ask, “Wait… why don’t I already have one?”

Stay safe and savvy,
—Your Grandson Techie