Shira Ovide

New York

Writer of The Tech Friend newsletter

Education: Haverford College; Columbia Journalism School

Shira Ovide writes The Tech Friend newsletter. Sign up here. She is the strategy editor for Help Desk, The Washington Post's team of journalists who focus on the impact of our digital lives and empower us to corral technology to serve our needs. Before joining The Post in October 2022, Ovide wrote the On Tech newsletter for the New York Times. She has also been a technology columnist at Bloomberg Opinion and wrote about technology, finance and the media industry for the Wall Street Journal. Ovide lives in New York.
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Latest from Shira Ovide

7 amazing tech products we’re embarrassed to love

These products are not the best for everyone. They are the perfect things for a handful of peculiar people — one of whom might be you.

August 29, 2023

The completely correct guide to the best social media app for you

Want the best social app for soothing scrolling? Do you love TikTok but your vibe is more Facebook? This expert advice can help you pick the best social app.

August 25, 2023

Not everything is secret in encrypted apps like iMessage and WhatsApp

Read this to find out if Apple, Google, or your phone company might be able to see everything in your family group chat. Spoiler alert: Yeah, maybe!

August 22, 2023

Curious about that TikTok pickle sweatshirt? Here’s how to shop smart.

TIkTok is pushing hard for you to buy products directly from videos. Here’s how to be a savvy TikTok shopper and avoid getting scammed.

August 18, 2023

5 ways to save money as streaming gets more expensive

Peak TV is over. Here's how to save money and your sanity in the new streaming epoch of paying more for less content.

August 15, 2023

How to save money and shop smart for your next computer

Here is how to capitalize on computer sellers’ desperation to shop smart for a new (or used!) computer.

August 11, 2023

    How to prevent fires caused by a lithium-ion battery

    Tech reporter Shira Ovide shares four ways you can reduce the risk of a fire caused by lithium-ion batteries.

    August 8, 2023

    Make it stop! How to handle that one streaming ad playing on repeat.

    This is why you're haunted by that one ad again and again on YouTube, Hulu or Tubi TV.

    August 8, 2023

    Why is Apple’s CEO always giving the peace sign in photos?

    Here are many, many photos of Apple CEO Tim Cook giving the peace sign — for some reason.

    August 4, 2023

    How to reduce the risk of battery fires from EVs and on planes

    How much should you worry about battery fires from electric vehicles, or gadget fires on airplanes?

    August 1, 2023