Happy New Year 2025

Tag: apps

Top translation apps for travelers

Traveling abroad can be an incredible adventure, but the language barrier can make even the most intrepid explorer nervous. The fear of being unable to communicate or understand signs and menus keeps many would-be travelers from ever leaving their home country. But fear not. With the rise of powerful translation apps, you can harness the latest technology right on your smartphone to bridge the language gap wherever your journey takes you.

I’ve tested out the top contenders to bring you my picks for the best translation apps for global travelers. Whether you have an iPhone or an Android, these apps have got you covered with features like live speech translation, text input and even AI-powered sign and menu translation.

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A man using a translation app on his cellphone (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

The best overall translation app

Google Translate

Google Translate (Google) (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

Google Translate is the best translation app for most people. It supports the most languages, with 133 languages supported. It also features an incredibly user-friendly interface and design, and best of all, it’s completely free. There are multiple ways to translate languages with Google Translate, be it by typing text into the translation box or utilizing text-to-speech translation, and you can even take advantage of Google’s AI translator, which can translate text from photos that you take.

If you are using an iOS device, you can download Google Translate here. If you are using an Android-based device, you can download Google Translate from the Google Play Store here. Additionally, you can access Google Translate in your web browser from any device by going to translate.Google.com.

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The best free translation app for iOS users

Apple Translate

Apple Translate (Apple) (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

If you’re an iOS devotee, you may have already encountered Apple Translate, which comes pre-installed on all iOS devices. This powerful translation app is one of the best available exclusively to iOS users, capable of translating written text and images of text and facilitating direct speech translation to help you converse with speakers of other languages. Apple Translate currently supports 19 languages, including popular options like Spanish, French, German, Chinese and Arabic, making it a valuable tool for planning international vacations or communicating while traveling.

Additionally, the Translate app is available on the Apple Watch, allowing you to access your favorite translations on the go. With its seamless integration across Apple devices, you can easily switch between your iPhone and Apple Watch for quick and convenient translations. Whether you’re navigating a foreign city or engaging in conversation with locals, Apple Translate is designed to enhance your travel experience.

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The best translation app for professionals

Microsoft Translator

Microsoft Translator (Microsoft) (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

Microsoft Translator is a totally free-to-use translation app that is popular with business professionals. Featuring over translation for more than 120 languages, this is one of the most robust free-to-use translation apps. You can translate via text, spoken word or images with Microsoft Translate, and where the app really stands out is its ability to be used with multiple devices. You can create translation groups with Microsoft Translator and everyone can talk and translate together. The Microsoft Translator is available for both iOS and Android devices.

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The best paid translation app

iTranslate

iTranslate (iTranslate) (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

With over 500,000 reviews on the Apple App Store, iTranslate is one of the most popular translation apps for travelers. It offers translation options for more than 100 languages, and its premium features make it well worth the cost of the app. You can use iTranslate for free, but you will be limited to just text translations. With the paid option, you can access both voice translations and text-via-camera translations. For those willing to pay $6 per month, users can save their translations and dictionaries offline, so you can use them from anywhere, even without service. iTranslate is available for both the iOS platform and the Android platform.

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Kurt’s key takeaways

There are a lot of different translation apps out there on the market aimed at travelers, and we highlighted our favorites today. While the majority of the apps in this list are free-to-use, and all the apps in this list have a free-to-use mode, you will need to pay for additional features from apps such as iTranslate.

What challenges have you faced while communicating in a foreign language during your travels? Let us know by writing us at Cyberguy.com/Contact.

For more of my tech tips and security alerts, subscribe to my free CyberGuy Report Newsletter by heading to Cyberguy.com/Newsletter.

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Copyright 2025 CyberGuy.com. All rights reserved.

Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson is an award-winning tech journalist who has a deep love of technology, gear and gadgets that make life better with his contributions for Fox News & FOX Business beginning mornings on “FOX & Friends.” Got a tech question? Get Kurt’s free CyberGuy Newsletter, share your voice, a story idea or comment at CyberGuy.com.

February 11, 2025
Top 20 apps tracking you every day
If something is free, you’re the product being sold. This is especially true for most online services we use. For example, Google’s primary source of revenue is ads. They make money by collecting data about you and me and selling targeted advertising to companies, which then show us products relevant to our interests.

You might have noticed that the moment you search for a product on Google, you start seeing ads for it on Facebook. The same applies to apps like Instagram, Threads and LinkedIn. In fact, research shows that the apps collecting the most data about you are also among the most widely used.

Let’s look at the top 20 of them and explore how you can take control of your personal information.

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A man scrolling through his apps on his phone (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

The most invasive apps you’re probably using

Apps collect all sorts of data about you, but let’s get one thing straight. Not all data collection is bad. Some apps genuinely need access to certain information to function properly. For example, Uber stores your location data to help you find a ride faster, while WhatsApp requires access to your contacts so you can send messages.

The real issue is data collection that serves no purpose other than showing you ads or selling your information to third parties. According to Marin Marinčić, head of IT Infrastructure at Nsoft, the top 20 most invasive apps collect data that is not necessary for their core functions.

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Leading the list is Meta with all four of its major apps. Facebook, Messenger, Instagram and Threads share 68% of collected data with third parties while also using it for targeted ads. LinkedIn follows, sharing around 37% of user data, with Amazon in third place, followed by YouTube.

What makes this concerning is how deeply embedded these apps are in our daily lives, making it nearly impossible to find alternatives or avoid data collection altogether.

The list also includes Elon Musk’s X at No. 5, followed by Uber Eats, PayPal, Uber, Google and Amazon Prime Video. TikTok, despite ongoing scrutiny over its data policies, ranks 14th. While many of these names were expected, one surprising entry is the mobile game Candy Crush, which uses 28% of collected data for ads. You can find the full list in the image below.

The top 20 most invasive applications (Nsoft)

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Looking for alternatives is the only solution

Avoiding data collection is nearly impossible if you use the apps above. The only way to dodge these invasive apps is to switch to apps that respect your privacy. While it may seem impossible to replace some of the biggest platforms, there are alternatives that collect little to no unnecessary data.
- For messaging, Signal is one of the best options. Unlike WhatsApp, it does not store metadata or share information with third parties. If you need a search engine that does not track your activity, check out these options instead of Google.
- When it comes to social media, Mastodon and Bluesky offer decentralized alternatives to Twitter.
- For those looking to replace YouTube, PeerTube and Nebula are worth exploring.
- If you shop frequently on Amazon, consider smaller online retailers or direct brand websites that may be less likely to track your every move.
- Instead of Google Drive, consider these solutions which offer cloud storage with strong encryption.
Switching to these alternatives may require some effort, but it is the best way to limit how much of your personal data is being collected. Taking control of your privacy starts with making conscious choices about the apps you use.

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Apps on the home screen of an Android phone (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

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5 ways to reduce data sharing

If you’re not able to delete the apps listed above, follow the simple steps below to minimize how much information is being collected and shared.

1. Review app permissions: Most apps request access to data they do not actually need. Go to your phone settings and check app permissions on your iPhone and Android. Disable access to location, microphone, contacts and other sensitive data unless absolutely necessary.

2. Turn off ad personalization: Many companies track your online activity to show targeted ads. You can limit this by disabling ad personalization in Google, Facebook, and other accounts. This reduces the amount of data collected about your interests and behavior.

3. Limit social media tracking: Social media platforms track your activity even when you are not using them. Adjust privacy settings to restrict data collection.

4. Avoid signing in with Google or Facebook: Many websites offer login options using Google or Facebook. While convenient, this shares even more data with these platforms. Instead, create separate accounts using email whenever possible.

5. Use a Virtual Private Network (VPN) and private browsing mode: A VPN hides your IP address, helping to obscure your location and online activity, making it harder for websites to track you. Combined with private browsing or incognito mode, this reduces the amount of data companies can collect about your online activity. Using a VPN service can also enhance your privacy by encrypting your internet traffic, making it harder for hackers and third parties to intercept your data, especially on public Wi-Fi.

While VPNs don’t directly prevent phishing emails, they reduce the exposure of your browsing habits to trackers that may use this data maliciously. With a VPN, you can securely access your email accounts from anywhere, even in areas with restrictive internet policies. For the best VPN software, see my expert review of the best VPNs for browsing the web privately on your Windows, Mac, Android & iOS devices

6. Regular app cleanup: Uninstall apps you no longer use to reduce passive data collection.

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App-specific suggestions to safeguard your digital footprint

Protect your personal information across the popular platforms mentioned above with these essential privacy adjustments.

Facebook/Instagram/Threads:
- Disable activity tracking by going to Settings > Privacy > Activity Tracking.
- Turn off “Apps, Websites and Games” to limit third-party data sharing.
LinkedIn:
- Turn off ad targeting in Settings > Advertising preferences.
- Disable profile viewing history.
Amazon/Prime Video:
- Opt-out of personalized ads in your account settings.
- Limit sharing by disabling Alexa voice data storage (if applicable).
YouTube/Google Products (e.g., Gmail, Google Maps):
- Disable ad personalization under Google Account > Data & Personalization > Ad Settings.
- Turn off location history and web/app activity tracking.
Uber/Uber Eats:
- Use the app only when needed, and avoid storing payment methods if possible.
- Disable tracking after rides/deliveries are complete.
PayPal:
- Restrict sharing under Settings > Privacy & Security by opting out of data sharing for marketing purposes.
Snapchat:
- Disable location sharing via Snap Map and turn off ad personalization under Ad Preferences.
TikTok:
- Restrict personalized content recommendations in Privacy > Personalization and Data.
- Avoid posting unnecessary personal information.
Spotify:
- Adjust data sharing preferences in Account Settings > Privacy Settings.
- Opt out of tailored ads.
Roblox:
- Set strict privacy controls in the account settings, especially for children.
- Use a separate, disposable email for account registration.
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Kurt’s key takeaway

The best way to reduce companies from collecting your data is to remove invasive apps from your phone. Many apps request unnecessary permissions that can track your activity, so deleting them limits exposure. Instead of downloading standalone apps, try using the browser versions of popular social media platforms, as they typically have fewer permissions.

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However, web tracking still exists through cookies and fingerprinting, so using a privacy-focused browser like Brave, Firefox with enhanced tracking protection, or Safari with Intelligent Tracking Prevention (ITP) can further reduce data collection. However, some apps are so deeply integrated that replacing them is difficult. For example, if you use an Android phone, avoiding Google’s ecosystem is nearly impossible. Apple, on the other hand, offers more privacy controls, giving users better options to limit data collection.

Do you check app permissions before installing? How do you decide which permissions are acceptable? Let us know by writing us at Cyberguy.com/Contact

For more of my tech tips and security alerts, subscribe to my free CyberGuy Report Newsletter by heading to Cyberguy.com/Newsletter

Ask Kurt a question or let us know what stories you’d like us to cover

Follow Kurt on his social channels

Answers to the most asked CyberGuy questions:

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Copyright 2025 CyberGuy.com. All rights reserved.

Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson is an award-winning tech journalist who has a deep love of technology, gear and gadgets that make life better with his contributions for Fox News & FOX Business beginning mornings on “FOX & Friends.” Got a tech question? Get Kurt’s free CyberGuy Newsletter, share your voice, a story idea or comment at CyberGuy.com.
February 9, 2025
5 best home inventory apps to protect your property in case of emergency
The recent disasters sweeping the nation, from the torrential floods in North Carolina to the fires still raging in Southern California, showed how vital it is to have an evacuation plan because you might only have mere seconds to determine which items to take with you as you evacuate.

While caring for your loved ones during this extremely stressful time should be a top priority, it is unavoidable that you must rebuild your home and life, which can mean having to provide detailed accounts of what you lost to your insurance provider.

Trying to figure out what to take when you are given seconds or minutes to evacuate or having to file detailed insurance claims afterward can be a painful and confusing process.

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Firefighters at a house fire (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

Why keeping track of your home inventory matters

Home inventory and restoration apps can provide you with a tool to itemize and track every item in your home. Not only can these apps help you stay organized and fiscally responsible for everyday home projects, but they can also help you easily determine what you need to grab and where it would be when you have limited time to grab items to take with you when you evacuate. It is important to determine where and what to prioritize, especially if your home is at risk.

These apps can centralize all your home information so that you can stay within budget for home projects and maintenance work, and they can help you should you ever have to submit a claim after any disaster. It can also help you keep your home safer with routine maintenance. Additionally, creating a home inventory can help you determine if you have the appropriate amount of insurance coverage. Some apps allow you to upload important documentation for your home in general or specific items. This means if you ever deal with the worst-case scenario and cannot grab all the important home documents, your apps will have them stored for you and accessible by phone or computer.

Here are the top picks for apps that are best at keeping track of your home before or after a disaster.

A family watching their home go up in flames (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

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Top 5 apps for home inventory & management

1. HomeZada

A comprehensive home management platform, HomeZada, helps homeowners manage all aspects of their home, including but not limited to: maintenance, finances, inventory and improvement projects. Because it acts as a central hub to organize and track important home-related information, it will help you track, locate, rescue important items and make filing insurance claims easier.

Key features of HomeZada
- Home maintenance tracking: Create and schedule maintenance tasks such as HVAC servicing or gutter cleaning; get reminders for routine upkeep so it is one less thing for you to have to remember and prevent early replacement costs, as well as keep your home running more safely and smoothly
- Home inventory management: Ability to categorize inventory for all your indoor and outdoor spaces in a streamlined fashion with its established template so you do not have to start from scratch; assign photos, videos, receipts and warranty information for inventory items by room; critical for insurance purposes and disaster recovery
- Home improvement projects: Helps you create a budget, organize and track the progress of projects of all sizes around your home; store ideas, costs and documentation in one place to assist with tax and resale purposes
- Finance and property insights: Track home equity and overall property value by monitoring mortgage payments, utility bills and other home-related expenses
- Document storage: Employs key security features in storing important documents like purchase agreements, blueprints and appliance manuals
- Mobile access: Access available via web and mobile app makes it easy to manage your home wherever you are and however you want
Pricing

HomeZada offers both free and premium plans. Premium plans features include providing additional tools for inventory management, financial tracking and project planning.

Website

For more information or to sign up, click here.

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2. Centriq

While not as comprehensive as Homezada, Centriq has a strong focus on home management, which centralizes everything you need to organize, troubleshoot, operate and maintain your home.

Key features of Centriq
- Manage paperwork: Scan barcodes of appliances and purchases in the home, which allows you access to manuals and warranty information; photograph product receipts along with photos and video
- Maintenance tracking: Add tasks with a reminder along with any item in the app
- Mobile access: Access available via web and mobile app makes it easy to manage your home
- Troubleshoot with ease: Input product name or barcode with Centriq and get relevant troubleshooting videos to help you solve your problem
- Replacement and repair ease: Centriq will lead you to the correct replacement parts and accessories by simply inputting your model number
Pricing

Centriq offers both free and premium plans. Some of the extra features of the Premium plan include interactions between multiple properties and shared access for multi-users.

Website

For more information or to sign up, click here.

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3. NAIC Home Inventory

NAIC Home Inventory app (NAIC)

The National Association of Insurance Commissioners created the NAIC Home Inventory app to help you if you need to file a claim, as well as provide expert tips. The app showcases a simple, clean design of the inventory section with built-in room suggestions. Though a bit more generic than some of its competitors, this app helps you create an itemized list of your home should you need to file an insurance claim in the future.

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Key features of NAIC home inventory app
- Pro-tip access: Access informative guides from experts regarding insurance claims and disaster mitigation
- Home inventory management: Add or delete rooms suggested under the inventory section; use the barcode scan feature to easily pull up an item’s serial number; add photos and video with items
- Mobile access: Access available via web and mobile app makes it easy to manage your home
- Information access: Allows you to export inventory as a .CSV file without photos or as a PDF with photos
Pricing

NAIC Home Inventory app is free.

Website

For more information or to sign up, click here.

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4. Itemtopia

Itemtopia app (Itemtopia)

Unlike its namesake, Itemtopia actually goes beyond itemizing your belongings. Available in over 170 countries worldwide, the app allows you to manage services, warranties as well as medical records. A rich and interactive app helps you start with ease by incorporating AI intelligence.

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Key features of Itemtopia
- Home inventory management: Add or delete items under “Locations” or “Item Collections”; add photos and video with items along with warranties and receipts
- Life management tools: Add medical records by individual, receipts by service and even manage pet’s vet appointments through the app
- Mobile access: Access available via web and mobile app makes it easy to manage your home
- Information access: Allows you to share export inventory as a .CSV file without photos or as a PDF with photos via email, text and other channels
Pricing

Itemtopia offers both free and premium plans. Some of the extra features of the Premium plan include larger storage (up to 2 GB or approximately 3,000 items), the option to add more users and the ability to showcase items for sale with a shareable link.

Website

For more information or to sign up, click here.

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5. Encircle

Created originally for home restorers and insurance adjusters, Encircle is a professionally geared app that can help homeowners stay disaster-ready. This app helps you record items around your home quickly. Because of its focus on industry professionals, some of the features and terminology might be confusing or unnecessary for an average homeowner.

Key features for Encircle
- Home damage assessment: Document damage and progress of restoration jobs easily, collaborate with contractors and report a complete picture of a property loss
- Inventory management: Take photos, video and notes and organize by room; generate reports to instantaneously detail the story of loss; ensure the highest level of accuracy with time/date, user and GPS metadata info
- Mobile access: Access available via web and mobile app makes it easy to manage your home
- Information access: Share a link to your Encircle inventory through text or email; access spreadsheet view by logging into the web version of Encircle; create a PDF version of your inventory with photos by using the app’s “generate report” feature
Pricing

Encircle offers both free and paid plans. Users can use the home inventory app for free for up to two houses. Encircle’s restoration software has a free 14-day trial but is otherwise a monthly or annual paid membership.

Website

For more information or to sign up, click here.

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Kurt’s key takeaways

It’s easy to feel chaotic and overwhelmed when disaster strikes or when friends or family members are grappling with huge losses in home and security. There are, however, home apps that can help you create a plan before and after disaster strikes so you can have one less problem to manage while grieving your losses. While the hope is that disasters will not happen to you, these apps I mentioned will help you know, organize and restore your home should disaster strike. With some of the easiest and best ways to create a home inventory, it will give you peace of mind and a proactive way to respond during an emergency.

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Are you prepared for possible evacuation in an emergency? Have you survived a disaster? What did you learn, and what would you do differently? Let us know by writing us at Cyberguy.com/Contact.

For more of my tech tips and security alerts, subscribe to my free CyberGuy Report Newsletter by heading to Cyberguy.com/Newsletter.

Ask Kurt a question or let us know what stories you’d like us to cover.

Follow Kurt on his social channels:

Answers to the most asked CyberGuy questions:

New from Kurt:

Copyright 2025 CyberGuy.com. All rights reserved.

Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson is an award-winning tech journalist who has a deep love of technology, gear and gadgets that make life better with his contributions for Fox News & FOX Business beginning mornings on “FOX & Friends.” Got a tech question? Get Kurt’s free CyberGuy Newsletter, share your voice, a story idea or comment at CyberGuy.com.
January 22, 2025