Tech Q&A: Fight robocalls, retire old phones, up your photography game and more

Streaming services compared

Q: I am so confused. How do Hulu, YouTube and Sling compare when it comes to shows?

A: At this point, most people are aware of the difference between Netflix and Amazon Prime. But what is the difference between Hulu and YouTube, now that they have both ventured into intensive streaming television? To really appreciate the nuances of each, and to decide which one to commit to, you need to see their attributes side-by-side. Click here to see how different streaming services line up.

Putting the kibosh on robocalls

Q: Robocalls are driving me bonkers. Isn't there anything I can do to stop them?

A: First it was junk mail, then it was telemarketers. The latest flood of unwelcome messaging is the robocall. Whether you are receiving a call from a political campaign, a survey group or a company imploring you to buy its product, robocalls are truly obnoxious — and you don't even have the benefit of a live human being to yell at for interrupting your dinner. Click here for the new government tool that will help stop annoying robocalls.

New emergency tools

Q: My daughter is away at college. I taught her how to call 911 when she was a child. Isn't there anything like that for your smartphone?

A: The short answer is: Yes, there is. Mobile phones have been a boon for people in dangerous situations, and the ability to send GPS coordinates has also helped save lives. Such features are easy to use, but you should take a moment to learn how to use them, just in case something goes wrong while you're stranded somewhere. Like they say on airplanes, "In the unlikely event of an emergency…" Click here to learn about the emergency features that could save your life.

Photos of the future

Q: I am really into taking pictures. What's the next wave?

A: This is a great time to ask that question, because photography is about to make a big leap. Until recently, the ability to take 360-degree panoramic pictures was a novelty that only pros and curious millennials seemed to get into. Wraparound photos beg a lot of questions: How do you get ahold of a 360 camera or app? And how do you print these kinds of pictures on paper? The entire photographic world is gearing up for the revolution. Click here for more information about 360-degree photography.

Retire your old phone

Q: Now that I am buying a new phone, what should I do with the old one? Can I sell it?

A: You can swing by almost any Staples or Best Buy and find a place to recycle your phone. Remember to delete all your personal information and restore factory settings, so nobody can use the phone to invade your privacy down the line. But if your phone isn't very old, you may be able to sell it for cash. Thanks to web-based marketplaces, you can safely hawk your phone, and any number of other gadgets, to the highest bidder. Click here for three ways to make money off of old gadgets.

What questions do you have? Call my national radio show and click here to find it on your local radio station. You can listen to the Kim Komando Show on your phone, tablet or computer. From buying advice to digital life issues, click here for my free podcasts.

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Learn about all the latest technology on the Kim Komando Show, the nation's largest weekend radio talk show. Kim takes calls and dispenses advice on today's digital lifestyle, from smartphones and tablets to online privacy and data hacks. For her daily tips, free newsletters and more, visit her website at Komando.com.

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