Evaluating Tech Gifts

Are you looking for some assistance in determining whether or not a particular tech device might be an appropriate gift this holiday season? I'd like to recommend a couple of websites that can provide useful information for your decision making process.

Wirecutter https://thewirecutter.com/

Wirecutter is from the New York Times and provides reviews of a wide variety of items. They're also known for evaluating deals and recommending best deals on big shopping days like Black Friday and Cyber Monday.

Mozilla *Privacy Not Included https://foundation.mozilla.org/en/privacynotincluded/

Mozilla, the people who brought us Firefox also bring us a website evaluating some of the latest tech devices in terms of privacy. The ratings range from Not creepy! to Super creepy! They rate in terms of what they deem Minimum Security Standards - Five basic steps every company should take to protect consumer privacy.

• Encryption
• Security updates
• Strong password
• Manages vulnerabilities
• Privacy policy

As you might surmise, products rated Not creepy! pass these five standards. As they climb the creepy scale, you'll see where they come up short according to Mozilla's evaluation process. Good to be aware of. And even if you aren't concerned about privacy, you may want to keep in mind your potential gift recipient.