Ask The Techspert: TechBytes Episode 6 - Senior Planet from AARP

In my regular Techspert column, I usually answer questions on a single tech topic, but in my TechBytes episodes, I answer multiple questions from my readers on different topics.From smartphones to smart TVs and computers, this column has it all.If youd like your question answered in the next TechBytes column,submit it on this form.Now, lets get started, shall we?Question #1: Is Google Reading My Emails?I keep hearing that companies are using artificial intelligence to learn from peoples information.

I use Gmail every day for personal messages, bills, and important emails.Is Google reading my emails and using them to train its AI? Should I be worried about my privacy?Techsperts Answer:What a great question, and a topic thats been causing a lot of confusion lately.Lets break it down:Does Google read your emails? Yes, but not in the way most people imagine.

Gmail does scan the contents of your messages, but computers, not people, do this, and for very practical purposes, like detecting spam and malware, organizing your inbox, suggesting quick replies, and facilitating features like tracking packages or adding events to your calendar.These conveniences are part of Gmails smart features, which analyze email content to make the service easier and safer to use.Are your emails being used to train Googles general AI models, such as Gemini? According to Google,no, your personal emails and attachments are not used to train its public AI systems.The company has denied recent claims, explaining that Gmails smart features have existed for years and operate to personalize your experience, such as spam detection and quick replies, and do not feed data into broader AI training.

Pro tip:You can disable smart features if you want Gmail to stop analyzing your messages beyond basic spam and security protections.To do this, openGmail>Settings>See all settings>General, then turn off options likeSmart features,Smart Compose,Smart Reply,Nudges, andPackage tracking.Be sure to clickSave Changesat the bottom of the page and reload Gmail for the updates to take effect.Question #2: Guest Checkout vs.

Account LoginI do a lot of shopping online.Does signing in as a guest provide any more security than as a returning member?Techsperts Answer:Shopping as a guest can sometimes feel safer, but it isnt always more secure.Guest checkout means the store doesnt save your information for future visits, which can reduce the risk if that store ever has a data breach.

On the other hand, having an account often gives you added protections, like order history, easier refunds, and fraud alerts.The most important safety step isnt guest versus account checkout, its shopping only on trusted websites, and if you do create accounts, consider using a password manager so you dont reuse the same password everywhere.Question #3: Using Your Phone as a RemoteHow do I turn my phone into a remote?Techsperts Answer:Easier than you might think.Most smart TVs and streaming devices offer full remote control through their official apps.If you have a Roku, Apple TV, Fire TV, or a smart TV from brands like LG or Samsung, download the matching app from the App Store or Google Play.

As long as your phone and TV are on the same home Wi-Fi network, you can change channels, adjust volume, navigate menus, and even type using your phones keyboard (which is easier than typing with a regular remote).Pro Tip:Many streaming apps also work as mini remotes.Apps like YouTube, Netflix, Hulu, and Spotify let you pause, play, and control whats on your TV directly from your phone once youre signed in.Question #4: Decluttering Files Across DevicesIm trying to clean things up, but Im confused about where to start.

I have files in OneDrive, on my current PC, and on an old computer.Which one should I clean up first?Techsperts Answer:Start withyour current PCbecause thats the device you use most and the one causing the most day-to-day frustration.Then, move on to OneDrive.

Since OneDrive often copies or backs up files from your PC, cleaning your computer first can make the cloud cleanup much easier.Save the old computer for last.Think of it like an attic: you dont want to sort it until your main living space is in order.Before deleting anything on the old PC, make sure theres nothing important you still need, and consider copying key files to an external drive or OneDrive for safekeeping.

And while youre in the decluttering mindset, you can take it a step further with my Techsperts Guide to digital decluttering.If youd like your question answered in the next TechBytes episode, submit it on this form.Got a tech question that just cannot wait? Join theEverything Tech andAsk a Tech Expert groups on the Senior Planet Communityplatform to ask any tech questions you might have and discuss technology trends with other like-minded individuals.You can also call our free Senior Planet Tech Hotline at888-713-3495.Your TurnLeave a comment below with any questions or input that you might have!Techspert Jonathan is Senior Planets Sr.Digital Community Relations and Product Specialist and a former Senior Planet San Antonio technology trainer.

He is also an iOS developer with a background in Information Systems and Cyber Security.Have a tech question thats got you stumped? Send your tech questions to Techspert Jonathan using THIS FORM.Hell be tackling one question a month from readers.The content on the Senior Planet website is intended strictly for general informational purposes and does not constitute an endorsement or warranty regarding privacy, security, app permissions, or changes in the apps terms of service.Please scrutinize each apps privacy policy, terms of use, data collection or other permissions before downloading or using the app.