In a world where streaming services seem to be constantly raising prices, there is a bit of good news for some Max subscribers.

Max owner Warner Bros. Discovery has announced that it won’t be charging for B/R Sports. The tier was originally unveiled in late 2024 and features more than 1,700 live events per year from the NBA, NHL, MLB, NCAA March Madness, AEW, and more. That’s a huge amount of live sports content, something that’s hard to find on many streaming services.

When originally announced, Max was planning to charge an extra $10 per month starting in March for the tier to coincide with March Madness. But if you have the Standard or Premium tier, Max is now providing that content for free.

Unfortunately, the news is not so great if you subscribe to the ad-supported tier. Both B/R Sports content and CNN Max will no longer be available starting on March 30. CNN Max provides a 24/7 news feed along with on-demand news and CNN Originals.

Max’s Ad-Free Tiers are Now a Better Value

Sports have become a driving force behind streaming, and Max keeping B/R Sports content for free will make it a more popular destination for sports fans. And it will likely get some ad-supported subscribers to make the move up for the sports content.

Currently, the Premium tier on Max costs $20.99 per month and offers 4K video, Dolby Atmos audio, and the ability to download up to 100 items. The Standard tier is $16.99 per month and only allows 1080p resolution and up to 30 downloads. Basic with ads is $9.99 per month.

If you’re looking to save a bit of money, don’t try to share your Max password as the service is already starting to crack down on the practice.

There are a lot of reasons to enjoy Max. While I’ve never been thrilled with the higher subscription cost, I’ve enjoyed the service with its wide variety of media, HBO exclusives, and more. Adding B/R Report content for the Standard and Premium tiers makes both options a better value.

Anyone who has ever typed their own name into Google will understand the fear of finding personal information you never intended to be available to a wider audience. However, thankfully, Google offers a decent tool designed to help you remove that information from Search results. And now, that tool has got even better.

As announced in a post on The Keyword, Google has redesigned its Results About You tool, making it easier to sign up to use it, and to request removals from Google Search. Google will also monitor results for you, saving you the trouble of having to do so yourself, and will recrawl pages to obtain the latest information when what’s online is out of date.

Results About You is a longstanding tool designed to help anyone have results containing personal information removed from Google Search. Anyone can sign up to use Results About You, but the more of a presence you have online, the more likely it is that you’ll need it.

Google has now redesigned the tool, with the intention of making it easier than ever to use. The main improvements appear to be:

• A new hub which makes it easier than ever to sign up to use Results About You.
• An updated way of requesting removals, with the option to do so from the three-dot menu next to results.
• The option to request a refresh of information when you want an outdated search result to be updated.

While these may not sound like huge improvements, they all aid in helping individuals manage their online presence. And that is somewhat invaluable. Especially for those of us who work online, and have done for many years. So, if this redesign encourages more people to use the tool, it should be welcomed.

More People Should Use Results About You

More people should probably sign up to take advantage of Google’s Results About You tool. After all, the amount of information (including personal information) about every one of us that can be found online can be rather unsettling. Thankfully, having at least some of it removed is now just a few clicks away.

Related

8 Data Privacy Habits to Practice for Protecting Your Personal Information

You shouldn’t freely give away your personal information, especially on the internet. So, here are some habits you should practice when online.

To get started with Google’s Results About You tool, visit the Results About You hub and sign into your Google account. Then, just follow the simple instructions to regain at least some control over your online privacy.

Tech companies have made great progress over the years in improving smartwatches, and on certain niche occasions, they can prove very handy, indeed. Despite knowing that, however, there’s a good chance I’ll never actually buy one for myself.

You’re Paying More for Redundant Features

Smartwatches are not very economical for what they offer, especially if you’re buying one from a reputed brand like Apple, Samsung, Google, or Garmin. While we rated the Galaxy Watch 7 fairly highly in our review, it launched at $300. Considering you can buy abrand-new mid-range Android phone that nails all the fundamentals for just a hundred dollars more, it’s hard to justify that price tag.

The point here is that much of the functionality that smartwatches offer overlaps with your phone, which means you’re paying extra for features that are essentially redundant. For value-oriented consumers such as myself, that can be a deal-breaker.

Buying a Smartwatch Won’t Make You Fitter

A lot of the time, people buy a smartwatch thinking it will motivate them to pay attention to their health. In other words, they are making a purchase decision based on a perceived improvement in their lifestyle, rather than because of actual necessity.

Once the novelty wears off, most users drop their fitness goals and revert to old habits for the same reasons most gym members stop going to the gym after a couple of months. If you’re not already disciplined, buying a smartwatch is not going to change that.

It’s Yet Another Gadget You Need to Charge and Keep Upgrading

While a good analog watch can last for years, smartwatches require constant charging like any other smart gadget with lithium-ion batteries. If you’re sick of having to remember to charge your devices like me, buying a smartwatch will only add to your problems.

Also, let’s not forget that batteries degrade over time, so you’ll have to keep buying a new smartwatch every few years, just like you do with your phone. The only difference is that the latter’s lifespan can be extended by replacing its battery. The same practice, while technically possible, is next to non-existent for smartwatches.

Related

How Often Should You Buy a New Android Phone?

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Constant Notifications Can Lead to Fatigue and Stress

It’s one thing to have your phone constantly buzzing, and a whole other thing when you’re wearing distractions on your very wrist. Granted, you can mute notifications in settings, but then what would be the point of buying a smartwatch?

I’m guessing you’d at least want to get health-related alerts, but then you have to deal with being notified every time you’re behind on your fitness goals. I don’t know about you, but I’m not looking forward to having my watch stress me out for not being at my peak health.

Smartwatches Make It Harder to Disconnect

I’ve been trying to develop a healthier relationship with tech latelyto help avoid tech fatigue, and I feel like a smartwatch can make that goal harder to achieve. While using a phone is a voluntary act, as you only pull it out of your pocket when you need it, a smartwatch is always collecting data about you and offering health insights, which might prevent you from being able to truly disconnect.

Of course, for people with a more active lifestyle, the benefits a smartwatch offers will be easier to appreciate. Personally, I’d be more willing to give smart rings a shot once their tech matures. Since they don’t have a screen and are visually indistinguishable from regular rings, it’d be easier to forget they’re even there.

Smartphones are walking surveillance machines. Yet, in today’s world, they still offer more privacy than going without them.

4

Digital Wallets Are More Secure Than Credit Cards

I was initially very skeptical when Apple, Google, and Samsung started turning their phones into ways of making payments. As if I wanted to give any of these companies more insight into everything I buy! But here’s the thing—our financial information is notoriously insecure, and it’s only gotten worse over time.

Banks and credit card companies inherently have insight into everything we buy. There’s no getting around that. The problem is that retail chains store this information too, and they don’t always do a good job of it. They suffer data breaches, leaking our credit card numbers and forcing us to go through the hassle of replacing our cards.

Digital wallets may send payments using your real credit cards, but they create a new virtual number for each transaction. When stores have their databases leaked, I don’t have to worry about replacing my cards because the store never had their numbers.

Do I trust Apple, Google, or Samsung more than I used to? Not really. But even if I’m opening the door to them seeing how I shop, at least they’re helping me reduce the number of other companies I’m sharing this information with. Assuming, that is, that they aren’t selling my data.

3

I’ve Started Using Email Alias Apps

I rarely give a company my actual email address anymore. Instead, I turn to services that generate email aliases which forward mail to my inbox.

This functionality doesn’t require a smartphone. I started using SimpleLogin as a Linux user, which let me generate aliases in my browser. SimpleLogin has since been acquired by Proton and is now a baked-in part of the Proton Pass password manager. Whenever I create a new set of login credentials for a website or app, I generate a new email address to go with my new password.

The advantage of having a smartphone means the app is always on me. If someone requires an email address while I’m out in public (such as at a store or a political campaign event), I can generate a new email on the spot. That will get me access to the coupon or information I want, then I can shut that alias down when the spam starts to flow.

2

I Can Generate Burner Payment Cards Just as Easily

Just as I’m hesitant to hand over my email address, I’m similarly cautious with my debit and credit cards.

Thanks to the Privacy app, I can generate temporary cards whenever I need to make a purchase online. This can be a one-time use card, or I can lock a card to a specific site that I regularly shop at, like Humble Bundle or Bookshop.org. That way, I don’t have to re-enter payment information every time I buy something, but I’m also not screwed if they suffer a data breach. I can generate a new card with a couple of taps.

Like with email aliases, Privacy also works in a browser, so you don’t need a phone to secure your online shopping wth it. Yet a phone offers the flexibility of being able to do this anywhere.

No, Privacy isn’t a digital wallet and doesn’t have the ability to make NFC payments. But a phone app is more accessible in any situation where I need to type in payment information, or whenever someone asks me to provide said details over the phone.

1

It’s Risky to Continue Sending SMS Text Messages

When I transitioned from a smartphone to a dumbphone and eventually the Light Phone 2, I went back to sending SMS texts to all my contacts. It didn’t feel like a big deal. I’ve sent such texts throughout much of my teenage and adult life.

I knew SMS messages were unencrypted, which meant carriers had access to their contents. What I didn’t grasp is just how many other people get their hands on this same information. It’s not just domestic government monitoring. US telecoms have at times been so compromised that the US government has recommended Americans stop using SMS and opt for encrypted messaging apps instead, according to NBC News.

Anything we send via old-school SMS text can wind up on someone’s computer for years, waiting to surface at whichever time, and in whichever way, could do the most harm. Yes, this impacts public servants and celebrities, but it also impacts anyone who has broken up with an ex who might not be all that trustworthy or who has perhaps made an enemy at their previous workplace.

In today’s world, where so much is handled over text, it’s important to have a phone that comes with secure messaging options baked in (like Apple iMessage and Google Messages) or gives you the option to download alternatives (like WhatsApp and Signal).

So yes, despite what I’ve written about ditching my smartphone in the past, I carry a smartphone these days. Yet I still do my best to take simple steps to make my phone usage as secure as I can.

I’ve been using Apple devices for years, but lately, something feels off. The attention to detail that once set Apple apart doesn’t seem as strong anymore, and I’ve started thinking of shifting my tech ecosystem elsewhere.

5

iOS Has Become Surprisingly Unreliable

iOS used to be rock solid—so much so that even older iPhones remained smooth for years. I still remember my iPhone 6s running iOS 15, a full six years after launch, and it still felt just as good as when I originally bought it.

But lately, that just isn’t the case. Even my iPhone 13, which isn’t that old, actually stutters and lags on iOS 18. That’s something iPhones were never known for. And it’s not just performance—core ecosystem features like AirDrop have become frustratingly inconsistent. The sheer number of bugs these days makes iOS feel far less refined than it used to be.

Even the iOS 18 Photos app feels like a complete mess, trying to prioritize form over function—but somehow failing at both.

What Apple really needs is another iOS 12-style update—one that prioritizes stability over new features and gets iOS back to the smooth, polished experience it once was. But for now, I am sure I’ll be switching to Android soon enough if this trend keeps on continuing.

4

Apple Intelligence Has Been Extremely Underwhelming

​​​​​​​Although I’ve written before about how lackluster I find Apple Intelligence, it also has to be one of the messiest Apple launches I’ve ever seen. A staggered rollout was expected, but now, major features—like the revamped Siri—are reportedly delayed until May, as per Bloomberg, meaning it could take nearly a year from announcement to release.

Even if Apple manages to pull things together, it’s hard to ignore how far behind it is. Google and Samsung already offer more AI-powered features, and there aren’t any unique features in Apple Intelligence that truly set it apart. And when Apple does implement the same AI features as its competitors, its results are usually the worst.

The only real advantage Apple Intelligence has is on-device processing, which is undeniably impressive. But beyond that, Apple is playing catch-up in AI, and so far, it hasn’t done much to prove it can compete.

3

visionOS Still Feels Years Away From Mass Adoption

​​​​​​​ Apple’s next big bet is visionOS and the ecosystem of devices built around it. However, despite being announced in June 2023, we’ve only seen one product so far—the Vision Pro. Many blame its steep $3,500 price tag for lackluster sales, but I don’t think that’s the biggest issue.

Even if Apple releases more affordable headsets, the real question remains: do you actually need one? The Vision Pro still lacks a “killer” feature that makes it a must-buy, and there aren’t any apps that truly transform how you live or work.

It’s undeniably fun for the first couple of weeks, but from what I’ve seen, most Vision Pro owners used it daily for a month or two—only for it to end up collecting dust on a shelf.

2

Competitors Have Caught Up in Hardware

​​​​​​​One of the things that used to make iPhones stand out was how far ahead Apple’s chips were. The A-series processors often outclassed Qualcomm’s by a generation or even two. But over the past few years, that gap has been shrinking.

In everyday use, there’s really no noticeable difference in speed between an iPhone and a flagship Android phone. And now that Samsung and Google are offering 7 years of software updates, the argument for choosing an iPhone just for longevity isn’t as strong as it used to be.

1

Its Product Lineups Are a Complete Mess

​​​​​​​ Do you remember when choosing an iPhone was simple? There were only three or four models being sold at a time, and the differences between them were clear, with features scaling logically across different price points.

But now, it’s more complicated than ever. A great example is the newly announced iPhone 16e, which starts at $599 and comes with the latest A18 chip, enabling Apple Intelligence. Yet, at the same time, Apple is also selling the iPhone 15, which costs more at $699 but has the older A16 chip. That kind of pricing and feature overlap makes it harder than ever to understand which model offers the best value.

​​​​​​​

And this isn’t just limited to iPhones. Take the AirPods Max, Apple’s most premium and expensive headphones, which were recently refreshed but still use the older H1 chip. Meanwhile, the much cheaper AirPods 4 get the newer H2 chip, which makes absolutely no sense.

The iPad lineup is another example of this growing confusion. There are now so many models to choose from that even I—someone who extensively writes about Apple—find it difficult to recommend the right iPad when someone asks me.

In the end, I just feel like the simplicity that Apple once offered has slowly faded away, and it’s going to take some big changes to get that “Apple magic” again.

At first glance, Microsoft Solitaire seems like just a way to pass time. But after doing its daily challenges for over two years, I’ve realized it’s chock-full of productivity lessons that genuinely improve how I work.

7

Small Wins Keep You Motivated

If you’ve ever played a daily challenge, you know the satisfaction of finishing one. Those small victories add up every time you play, to more coins and more badges. Watching your progress bar fill up keeps you coming back for more.

I mean, if you’ve earned the Bronze badge, who’s to say you can’t earn the Silver?

This applies to productivity, too. Say you want to launch a company. That sounds overwhelming, right? Now, if you were to break this project into bite-sized tasks, like identifying the problem your company will solve, defining your USP (unique selling point), and choosing a business name, you’d be able to tick off one small task little by little.

Each completed task, no matter how small, motivates you to tick off the next thing. So, instead of focusing on the overwhelming end goal, break your projects into small tasks and celebrate every achievement.

Related

Why I Stopped Using To-Do Lists (and What I Use Instead)

I ditched to-do lists—and found something better.

6

There’s Grace to Fix Your Streak

I’ll admit that over the last two years, I’ve missed a few days here and there. Life happens. But what I love about the daily challenges is that I can go back and complete the days I’ve missed.

Even without the premium plan, you can access the daily challenges from the previous month.

This is to say that your productivity streak likely isn’t completely ruined; you just have to put in a little extra effort to catch up. I’ve had to play two weeks’ worth of daily challenges in two days just to get my momentum back on track. It wasn’t easy, especially with all the expert levels crammed in. However, it was doable.

Skipping a workout (or five), missing a journaling session, or taking a break from brushing your teeth twice a day doesn’t mean failure. It means you adjust, make up for lost time, and keep going.

5

Consistency Builds Momentum and Discipline

When I started playing these games, I didn’t imagine they would have any real impact. I find it hard to keep still when I’m in class, so Microsoft Solitaire was a great way to fiddle without losing focus.

But as the days turned into months, I realized how automatic it became. And this is exactly how you form habits. The more you show up—even when you don’t feel like it—the easier it gets.

Of course, it’s awesome to be motivated to do what you need to do. But life happens, and sometimes, you just don’t feel like it. That’s where consistency comes in. It removes the need for motivation because your habits start running on autopilot.

4

You Don’t Need a Premium Subscription to Succeed

Premium Microsoft Solitaire has its fair share of perks—no ads, fancy card parks, more daily challenges—but I’ve found that I don’t really need any of that to complete the daily challenges. Sure, they might make things easier, especially when you’re in a race for the top of the leaderboard, and you have to sit through 30-second annoying ads. But the game is still 100% winnable without them.

Similarly, you don’t really need expensive apps, fancy planners, or high-end tools to stay organized and get things done. If they’re easily available to you, then why not? But you can work with what you have, find creative solutions, and still achieve your goals.

For instance, I’ve been using Google Calendar to plan my week for years. It’s free and easy to customize, and it helps me get things done without forgetting anything. I could put off planning my week until I get a more elaborate tool, or I could make the most of what’s available and still succeed.

Related

These 6 Premium Productivity Apps Are Actually Worth the Price

Not all paid apps are worth it, but these productivity tools truly deliver on their promises.

3

Time Limits Enhance Focus and Decision-Making

Some Solitaire challenges, especially daily events, are timed. In these cases, there’s no room for overanalyzing. You either make a move or risk running out of time.

I’ve noticed the same pattern in my work. When a task lacks a clear deadline or I give myself too much time, I end up procrastinating until the last minute. Why? My brain already knows how long the task will take, so if extra time is available, it just drifts.

The fix is to not allow yourself more time than you actually need.

2

Different Modes Teach You Adaptability

​​​​​​​ Microsoft Solitaire has multiple games, from Klondike (my personal favorite) to TriPeaks. Each mode has different rules, strategies, and difficulty levels, requiring you to adjust your game plan accordingly.

Similarly, sticking to just one method or routine won’t always work, especially as there are several productivity methods available. While the Pomodoro technique is great for repetitive tasks, it’s probably not the best if you have to brainstorm character ideas for your new book.

However, if you stay stuck on one method or tool, you can constrain your workflow and kill your productivity, which is the exact opposite of what you’d be trying to achieve.

1

Simple Routines Reduce Decision Fatigue

One of the best things about the daily challenges is that I rarely have to decide what to play. This simplicity makes it easy for me to stick with them.

Yes, I know structured routines can feel restrictive for some, but we can’t rule them out completely. If you have routines in place, you can eliminate unnecessary, constant decision-making, leaving you with more mental energy for important tasks.

Whether it’s a morning workout or a meal prep routine, automating small decisions—especially with apps like Google Assistant and Bixby Routines—helps you stay productive without feeling overwhelmed. And in the end, that’s what really makes a difference.

You’ve probably noticed the USB port on your smart TV, but have you ever actually used it? That little port can do a lot more than you might expect.

There’s something satisfying about having your own collection of music, movies, and shows ready to play. No buffering, no internet problems—just instant access. Simply load up a USB flash drive or an external hard drive with your favorite content, plug it into the TV’s USB port, and you can use the built-in media player to navigate and play the files.

Not all TVs support every file format, so you might want to check your TV’s user manual to see which ones work. If a file doesn’t play, you can use any free music converter or Windows video converter to reformat it. Otherwise, you might see an “Unsupported File Format” error message.

If you’re watching a foreign movie (or just something with mumbling actors), you can add subtitle files (.SRT or .SUB) in the same folder as the video, with the same filename. Most smart TVs recognize them automatically; if not, you can manually select the file.

4

Transform Your Smart TV Into a Digital Photo Frame

If you have a USB drive with a folder (or multiple folders) of photos, you can plug it into your TV and start a slideshow. Some TVs let you tweak the settings—changing transitions or how long each image stays on screen.

I do this during family gatherings. Instead of passing a phone around, I let the TV handle it. People notice a familiar face or a forgotten moment, and suddenly, stories start flowing. It fills the room with memories. This works beyond home, too. In the waiting area of a business office, for example, a slideshow on your TV can showcase work, services, or anything worth highlighting.

Some TVs even let you set a photo slideshow as a screensaver. When the screen would otherwise be dark, it cycles through your images instead. It’s simple, but it turns an idle screen into something useful.

3

Install Firmware Updates

Many TV brands allow you to download the latest firmware update from their official website manually, transfer it to a USB stick, and install it directly onto your TV. To do so, you need to navigate to the software update section in your TV’s settings and follow the on-screen instructions.

While most modern smart TVs handle their firmware updates automatically over Wi-Fi, you may find yourself in a situation where a direct USB update saves the day. Maybe your TV is struggling to download a large update over a weak connection, or perhaps you’ve got an older TV model that’s acting up. That’s when this method comes in handy—you may even prefer it over network updates.

2

Connect Peripherals

You’ve probably struggled with the slow, clumsy process of navigating and typing on a TV remote—one letter at a time. A wireless USB keyboard and mouse can make things much easier. Just plug the combo dongle into the USB port, and navigating your favorite streaming apps or typing in passwords becomes so much easier.

If your TV has built-in gaming options (like Samsung models from 2020 onward), you can also connect a USB game controller. With cloud gaming services like Xbox Game Pass or GeForce Now, your TV becomes a casual gaming setup. Most controllers work right away, so all you have to do is plug them in.

That said, not every USB device will be compatible. It’s worth checking your TV’s manual or support page before buying anything. In my experience, basic peripherals like keyboards and mice tend to work best, while more complex devices can be hit or miss.

1

Charge and Power Your Devices

Most TV USB ports aren’t exactly powerhouses of output. Many provide just 5V at 500mA or 1A, which is fine for trickle-charging smaller gadgets but not ideal for fast-charging your phone. Still, it’s a great backup option, especially for overnight charging or keeping your accessories topped up.

Beyond just charging, your TV’s USB port can also power popular streaming devices like a Roku Stick, Amazon Fire Stick, or Google Chromecast. While they usually come with an AC power adapter, you can ditch the wall plug and power them directly from your TV. This frees up an outlet and makes the device turn on and off with the TV, so it’s not wasting power in the background.

Another neat use for a TV’s USB port is powering LED backlight strips. These lights not only enhance the look of your setup, but can also reduce eye strain when watching TV in a dark room. Since they switch on and off with the TV, there’s no need to worry about manually controlling them.

You can also connect a USB digital antenna (like this URIIU antenna in the image below) to expand your TV channel options. With it, you can watch a lot of free over-the-air channels without big, clunky antennas or extra power cables. Just plug it in and perform a scan to find local channels around you.

You’ll find it especially useful if you’ve dropped cable or want more options without paying for a subscription.

The iPhone’s StandBy feature is handy with its horizontal clock and calendar widgets, but it can also be alarming when you don’t expect it. If you find yourself trapped in this automatic screensaver mode, there’s an easy way to turn this off—as long as you know where to look.

What Is This Horizontal Screensaver on My iPhone?

It’s late and you’ve fallen asleep watching the latest episode of The Traitors on your iPhone. Suddenly, a noise wakes you up, and you face an unexpected jump scare: a picture of your ex staring back at you from your phone screen. Panicked, you try to swipe away from the photo—only to be bombarded with clocks, calendars, and other widgets. How do you escape this nightmare?

Maybe you haven’t had this exact experience, but don’t blame me for seeking some camaraderie in my blunt discovery of the iPhone’s StandBy mode. The intention behind iOS 17’s StandBy mode is for the feature to transform your phone into a bedside clock, or create an informative screensaver. The mode only activates when your phone is charging and in landscape orientation.

But StandBy is not for everyone. Because it’s been automatically enabled since iOS 17, you might not even know it’s there (I didn’t). Unfortunately, this can make it difficult to disable StandBy when you don’t know what it’s called.

How to Disable StandBy on Your iPhone

After erroneously sifting through Display & Brightness settings in my quest to disable the feature, I eventually located StandBy as its own setting category. Once you know where to look, it’s very easy to disable StandBy on your iPhone:

1. Open Settings on your iPhone.
2. Scroll down and tap StandBy.
3. Toggle the top StandBy slider off to disable the feature completely.

If you’d prefer to keep StandBy but modify it to suit your preferences, you can also explore the other available sliders, such as Night Mode. You may also customize how you receive notifications while your iPhone is in StandBy mode.

As someone who almost always has my iPhone locked in portrait orientation, I discovered StandBy late in the game. While I understand the use of this feature as an alternative to a bedside clock, a sudden introduction featuring random photos from a past life was not my idea of a good time.

Hopefully, this guide saves you from the prison of the mysterious (maybe even maniacal) horizontal iOS screensaver that is StandBy.

It’s time to get hungry. Apple News+ will soon be the place to go to solve the age-old problem of what’s for dinner.

Apple News+ Food Arrives In April With iOS/iPadOS 18.4

Apple News+ Food will land in April with iOS/iPadOS 18.4, which is currently in beta testing.

The new section will offer tens of thousands of recipes from Apple News+ publishers including Allrecipes, Bon Appétit, Food & Wine, Good Food, and Serious Eats. All of those can be found in the Recipe Catalog. Recipes are added daily and favorites can be saved to access offline.

In the catalog, you can search for something specific or use filters like Dinner, Easy, Vegetarian, Dessert, and more.

Each recipe page allows you to easily review ingredients and see the instructions. When it’s time to cook, step-by-step instructions will appear on the full screen, making them easy to read from across the room.

Apple News+ brings stories from more than 400 publications along with news from local, national, and international services. There are also a number of exclusive daily puzzles to solve. An Apple News+ subscription is $12.99 per month with free trials available.

Apple also said that select stories and recipes from the feature will be available if you don’t subscribe.

A Notable Addition, With Some Flaws

Apple News+ has been a bit of a forgotten Apple subscription option compared to more popular names like Apple Music and Apple Arcade. Apple News+ Food could help draw in more subscribers with the well-designed features.

While it might look like Apple is coming for some of the popular third-party recipe organizer apps, Apple News+ Food still has some big flaws. The biggest problem is that you can’t add your own recipes or import something you’ve found from TikTok, Instagram, or elsewhere.

If you’re looking for a truly full-featured recipe app to use now, I can highly recommend Pestle. It’s a free download on the App Store for iPhone and iPad. With a subscription, you can unlock a wealth of features, like directly importing recipes from any site or social media, meal planning, and much more. It’s one of the most-used apps on my iPhone.

I’ve tried a lot of Android launchers over the years as a tech writer. While most are perfectly adequate, there’s one that I always find myself going back to.

Niagara Launcher Has a Lot to Offer

I find myself using and recommending Niagara Launcher far more than any other Android launcher, even though it’s not the most feature-rich or customizable option.

What makes it different is its thoughtfully designed UI that’s minimalist without feeling like it compromises functionality. It’s also completely ad-free, which is a huge win in my books. Here are some of its best features.

Download: Niagara Launcher for Android (free, premium version available)

Minimal Home Screen and App Drawer

Niagara Launcher doesn’t have an app drawer per se, but it organizes apps in an alphabetic, scrollable list.

Apps surface beside their corresponding letters as you drag your finger across the list. This list is permanently positioned at the edge of the screen, so you can search for apps instantly without swiping pages in an app drawer.

This clears clutter from your home screen and keeps it reserved for your favorite apps. The home screen also organizes apps in a vertical layout, and you can add custom widgets and pop-up folders that can contain multiple apps and shortcuts.

Swipe on Home Screen Apps to See Their Shortcuts

Swiping right on your home screen apps reveals their app shortcuts. This is convenient if you’re a busy working professional or college student, since you can quickly access essential functionalities with app shortcuts that would otherwise require you to open the app and navigate a bunch of tabs or menus.

Check Notifications and Reply to Messages From Home Screen

Notifications from your favorite apps appear right on the home screen itself. Swiping right on the app reveals the entire message and a text field to reply instantly if the notification is from a messaging app like WhatsApp, Telegram, or Messages.

I haven’t seen anything like this on any other Android launcher. Replying to a message from the home screen is something you have to experience for yourself. It’s super convenient and makes you less likely to open the app and get distracted.

The paid version of Niagara Launcher (Niagara Pro) has a unique feature called Usage Breaker. Unlike app timers that are super easy to cheat, Usage Breaker gently “reminds you to take breaks from apps you use more than you like,” so it feels less like a punishment and more like an encouragement to stop endlessly scrolling.

Customization Options to Change Look and Feel

Niagara Launcher doesn’t offer a lot of customization options. That said, you can change app icon size, theme color, and font. You can also hide the alphabet list on your home screen and the names of your favorite apps for an even cleaner look.

There are also more than enough wallpapers and app icon packs to choose from.

Integrated Calculator in the Search Bar

The search bar also has an integrated calculator, so you can do basic mathematical operations from the home screen. Swipe up anywhere on your home screen to pull down the search bar and type your query, and the result will appear underneath.

Of course, the feature is not a replacement for a dedicated calculator app. Still, it does come in handy occasionally when you need to do simple calculations, like at the grocery store.

Dedicated Quick Action Button on Home Screen

You can also add a quick action button on the home screen to lock the screen, activate the voice assistant, pull up your Google News feed, and more.

I highly recommend checking out Niagara Launcher, even if you’re not a fan of Android launchers in general. Its app navigation system is the most intuitive one I’ve seen, and its minimalist aesthetic encourages you to be mindful of your phone usage without being too in-your-face.

If the Amazon Appstore falls in the forest, but no one was using it anyway, does it make a sound? I guess we’ll find out in August 2025, when Amazon pulls the plug on its Appstore for Android devices.

Amazon Is Discontinuing Its Appstore for Android

Android users will no longer have access to the Amazon Appstore starting on August 20, 2025. After that, you won’t be able to download new apps or update any existing apps from the Amazon Appstore on Android.

While you might be able to hang on to existing Amazon Appstore apps on your Android device beyond the August deadline, Amazon doesn’t guarantee that they’ll continue to operate. Plus, given the security risks of having zombie apps on your phone, it’s probably best to plan on deleting the apps right away.

Along with the store, Amazon will also abandon the Amazon Coins program. Amazon Coins were previously “used to make purchases on certain apps and in-app purchases,” according to Amazon’s FAQ. As of February 20, 2025, you can no longer purchase new coins, and you have until August 20 to spend what’s left in your balance. If you don’t use them up by August, Amazon says they’ll be refunded, but details on how that works “will be shared at a later date.”

To be clear, this doesn’t change anything for Amazon devices, such as Fire TV and Fire Tablets. Such devices will continue to have access to the Amazon Appstore.

Is Amazon Appstore a Loss for Android Users?

You might be wondering why this really matters, when the Google Play Store is objectively the go-to for apps on Android devices. While the Amazon Appstore has been considered one of the decent alternatives to the Google Play Store for Android apps, it doesn’t necessarily offer much that Google Play doesn’t.

As referenced in our comparison of the Google Play Store vs. the Amazon Appstore, Google’s store had over 3.5 million apps in 2022, whereas Amazon had just over 480,000. Granted, the Amazon Appstore has grown somewhat since then, with over 530,000 apps at the end of 2024’s second quarter, according to Statista.

The only real justification for having the Amazon Appstore on your Android device was to have some kind of backup to Google Play, in case any app developers had beef with Google. You might recall the Fortnite feuds of the 2020s, when game developer Epic Games sued Google because of its app store monopoly, pulling the popular Fortnite game from the Google Play Store as a result.

What this means is, if you’re an Android user, you’ll either be stuck with Google’s app offerings or need to install another alternative app store, like F-Droid. If Google continues to make companies like Epic Games angry, you could miss out on some exciting new games or other products. However, there are typically ways to get access to such exclusive apps, from mobile web apps to cloud gaming services.

At any rate, it’s clear that Amazon is doing a thorough sweep of its clutter, from eliminating its unpopular TikTok-style platform to shuttering its Zoom-like meeting app. If Amazon is this confident in clearing out the old, I certainly hope that what’s new is impressive.

Ever wanted ChatGPT to guide you through a task without going back and forth with text? ChatGPT’s screen-sharing feature lets you do just that and have the AI chatbot assist you in real-time on any project.

How ChatGPT Screen Sharing Works

To get started with ChatGPT’s screen-sharing feature, you’ll need a ChatGPT Plus subscription—currently available for $20 monthly. ChatGPT’s screen-sharing feature is exclusively accessible through the ChatGPT mobile app, so make sure you have it installed on your device.

Download: ChatGPT for Android | iOS (Free, subscription available)

Once you have the app ready, follow these steps:

1. Open the ChatGPT app and start a new conversation.
2. Tap the voice mode icon in the bottom right corner to open advanced voice mode.
3. Tap three dots and select Share Screen.
4. When prompted, grant ChatGPT permission to access your screen.
5. Share your entire screen or select a specific app to share and then tap Start.

ChatGPT can provide step-by-step guidance for tasks with active screen sharing. So, for example, when setting up a new app or troubleshooting an issue, ChatGPT can offer tailored instructions based on what it sees on your screen.

How ChatGPT Screen Share Boosts My Productivity

By context-aware assistance, it can help you navigate tasks more efficiently. One practical use case is having ChatGPT guide you through setting up important app settings. For instance, I shared my screen with ChatGPT when configuring my Slack workspace.

ChatGPT walked me through each step, from setting up channels to customizing notifications based on what it saw on my screen. It made the process much smoother and faster.

Another helpful application is having ChatGPT summarize an article you’re reading. Share your screen while viewing the article, and ask ChatGPT to provide a concise summary. This can save you time and help you quickly grasp the main points.

You can ask ChatGPT for clarification if you come across a specific reference or term in an article you don’t understand. Just highlight the word or phrase, share your screen, and let ChatGPT explain it in simple terms.

The possibilities don’t end there. You can use screen sharing to have ChatGPT assist you with many more things. As OpenAI continues to add more features, like the ability to give ChatGPT specific personality traits, the potential for productivity is truly exciting.

While we have anxiety around AI stealing human jobs, Google’s new AI product may actually do the opposite. Whether you’re taking your first step into the workforce or transitioning to a new industry, Google’s experimental “Career Dreamer” is designed to connect you to compatible roles.

If there’s one question I dread, it’s “what do you do?” For multi-hyphenates or those in the midst of a career transition, it’s hard to know how to identify yourself—in social settings and in your job search. Google is addressing this challenge with Career Dreamer, an AI tool that supports jobseekers.

In Google’s blog, the company essentially pitches the product as a digital career coach, helping you to find professional opportunities that line up with your skills.

“Career Dreamer uses AI to find patterns and connect the dots between your unique experiences, educational background, skills and interests. Think of it like a helping hand to bridge where you’ve been and imagine where you could go next.”

How to Use Career Dreamer

If you’re in the US, you can get started on Career Dreamer for free at grow.google/careerdreamer. There’s no account setup required, and the experimental tool is clean, colorful, and approachable.

Admittedly, I have some PTSD from job-related platforms, which often require you to re-enter a plethora of information from your CV. While I feared the worst, I was pleasantly surprised when Career Dreamer told me it would do the work for me, starting with the simple prompt of identifying a current or past role.

The platform then generates a list of responsibilities and skills that you can select from, and that’s all Career Dreamer needs to start drafting a Career Identity Statement. This statement is something you might include at the top of a resume or as part of a cover letter. As you add information, Career Dreamer refines your statement to be more holistic.

When you’re ready, you can tap Explore paths, bringing you to a page of career ideas. As you drag your cursor over each role, Career Dreamer provides a quick explanation of how your experience makes you a good fit.

You can refine your results by selecting the Explore paths based on… button. For example, I asked the AI tool to focus more on new directions by deselecting Experiences and Education, and keeping Skills and Interests selected. The tool then highlighted new paths, along with advice on additional certifications or education I might need to make the pivot.

Lastly, Career Dreamer includes a tab called Jump to Gemini, intended for building your resume or cover letter. Now that Gemini’s fastest model is available to all users, this experience should be just as smooth as that of Career Dreamer.

From my point of view, this experimental tool could be the next modern and accessible form of career coaching. The UI is clean, colorful, and inviting—perfect for color-coders and the easily-distracted. As contemporary as it is, Career Dreamer also scratches a nostalgic millennial itch, hearkening back to the ease and playfulness of a BuzzFeed quiz.

While Google’s newest AI experiment has plenty of bells and whistles, perhaps its most promising feature is its ability to frame. As Google puts it, “understanding the skills you already possess and learning how to articulate them effectively is incredibly valuable.” Truthfully, the hardest part of getting your foot in the door is communicating that your foot belongs there, even if your shoe looks different than the others.

After struggling with basic results, I’ve unlocked ChatGPT’s hidden brainstorming potential with simple tweaks. Breaking down my sessions into smaller chunks and using specific brainstorming techniques are just two of those ways.

1

Explicitly State the End Goal

Being as specific as possible is one of the simplest AI prompting tricks that I’ve applied to my brainstorming sessions. I explicitly tell ChatGPT why I’m brainstorming so that the chatbot has more context.

I also tell ChatGPT where I plan to use the information I get from brainstorming (e.g. in an article or for a research project). Doing both of these means that I get more tailored results. Asking ChatGPT to be an expert can help even further.

2

Telling ChatGPT to Wait Before Giving Information

I’ve noticed that ChatGPT sometimes intervenes with its thoughts before necessary. When brainstorming, I always found this overwhelming—which led me to search for solutions. So far, telling ChatGPT to wait before giving its input has been the best way to do this.

I simply add this sentence at the end of my prompts:

If I need to explain something in significant detail, I’ll add this sentence until I’m ready for ChatGPT to provide input. My sessions are better structured as a result.

3

Using Bite-Sized Sessions

My excitable old self would ask ChatGPT to give me 40+ ideas in one go. But while I thought I was being more efficient, this actually worked against me for two reasons:

• ChatGPT gave me limited variations and many responses felt like filler content.
• Even though I have a ChatGPT Plus subscription, my software often crashes when generating long responses.

To combat these problems, I now break my brainstorming sessions into smaller chunks. I focus on one subcategory at a time, obtaining as much information as possible before moving on.

ChatGPT can focus more closely on these and give better results by asking for fewer things at a time. The conversation also flows much better.

4

Use Specific Techniques

While ChatGPT is good at standard brainstorming, I like to push the chatbot to its limits. I ask the tool to use specific brainstorming and conceptualization techniques to do this.

Filling gaps is one of the best ways to use ChatGPT for brainstorming. If my brain is particularly creative, I jot down numerous ideas. Then, I go to ChatGPT with this prompt:

I also use Custom GPTs so that ChatGPT can generate mind maps. I first receive everything in written form and then ask the tool to create a visual representation. Though too much text can distort the mind map, I recommend using this method in most instances.

5

Assess Brainstorming Ideas Objectively

Biased answers are one of ChatGPT’s biggest problems, but I’ve prevented this by asking it to give honest responses. I now ask ChatGPT to objectively give honest feedback on my brainstorming ideas. A simple prompt like “please be as honest and neutral as possible” normally helps.

Once I have the feedback, I can ask ChatGPT for suggestions. This information also makes it easier for me to generate new ideas and develop stronger concepts.

ChatGPT is an excellent brainstorming companion. It can help you uncover new avenues you might never have considered. I normally get at least one useful idea from my brainstorming sessions, and when I have more to work with, I can start thinking about new interesting approaches myself.

The U.S. government recently applied a 10% tariff across goods coming from China. This tax will also affect electronic devices coming from the country, like smartphones and laptops, so manufacturers will have to raise their prices.

Acer to Hike Laptop Prices by 10% Starting March 2025

Acer CEO and Chairperson Jason Chen said that the brand will increase its laptops prices across the board by March 2025. The company is doing this in response to the 10% tariffs that Washington, D.C. has put on Chinese goods, Chen said in an interview with The Telegraph, with the tax taking effect on February 4, 2025.

“We will have to adjust the end user price to reflect the tariff,” said the CEO. “We think 10% probably will be the default price increase because of the import tax. It’s very straightforward.”

Even though the 10% tariff was enacted more than a week ago, it would not affect products that are already in the United States, hence the delay on the Acer price increase. However, once the products that were shipped from China after February 4 hits retail shelves, the prices for all affected models will likely jump to cover the additional tax. The company did not note, though, if other products like monitors, desktop PCs, and gaming consoles will be affected by the price hike.

Related

Acer Launches Its First Gaming Handheld, and It Might Just Compete With the Best

Done with your Steam Deck? Give this a try instead.

Acer is the first company to make this announcement, although other top laptop manufacturers such as HP, Dell, and Apple will likely increase their prices, too, because some of their factories are located within China.

The U.S. is using this strategy to push manufacturers to build their products outside of China, and it seems that it’s having some success as Chen is considering moving manufacturing outside of China into other places, including the U.S. But until that happens, companies will tack on the 10% tariff to their products to pay for the tax, increasing the cost for the average American consumer.

Laptops typically range between less than $500 to over $3,000, meaning price increases will vary between $50 to more than $300. So, if you’re buying a new laptop despite desktop PCs lasting longer than them, you should probably do it before this month ends. However, even if you’re in a hurry to purchase a new device this February, you should always ensure that the laptop has these features to ensure that you don’t run into headaches in the future.

With Elon Musk now part of the US Government, any changes made to X are more important than they would have been previously. And the latest change affects anyone who uses Signal.

You Can No Longer Tweet Out Links to Signal

Since at least Sunday (February 16), Signal.me links have been blocked on Elon Musk’s X (formerly known as Twitter). Signal.me links are used to contact people on Signal directly, so blocking them lessens the chances that people will reach out.

The issue was first discovered by security researchers at Mysk, and then covered by Disruptionist. The blocks affect public posts, direct messages, and even profile pages.

Different X users appear to be having different experiences when trying to post Signal links. Most are reporting various “message failed” prompts, including “spam and malicious activity,” and “identified by X as being potentially harmful”.

When testing it for myself, I didn’t even receive a prompt informing me that the tweet with the Signal link hadn’t gone live. Instead, it just kept bouncing back to drafts regardless of how many times I clicked “Post”.

For the uninitiated, Signal is a private messaging app that puts privacy at the heart of its mission. It’s open-source, and boasts strong end-to-end encryption designed to ensure your communications with others are completely private.

Related

What Is Signal and How Does It Work?

Here’s a quick guide on how to get started with Signal, the privacy-focused messaging app.

Signal Is Used Extensively by Whistleblowers

This has made it especially popular among journalists, who can receive tips from sources without prying eyes knowing what’s being said, by whom, and about what. And those sources often include whistleblowers revealing information they wouldn’t be comfortable sharing in a more public forum. And this makes the timing of X blocking Signal links more troubling.

Elon Musk is now part of the US Government and the Trump administration. He’s the head of DOGE (the Department of Government Efficiency), currently gutting various federal agencies. And some of the thousands of federal workers who have already been fired have turned to Signal to blow the whistle or share their story with interested parties documenting what’s happening.

Is this connected? Or sheer coincidence? We cannot claim to know, but the timing is a little suspect to say the least.

Thankfully, there is still a workaround of sorts, with Signal users currently (at the time of writing) still able to post their Signal handle on X. So, anyone interested in contacting them can copy and paste the handle into the Signal app.

The Nanoleaf Blocks—compatible with existing Nanoleaf Shapes products—don’t break any new ground when it comes to lighting effects. But they do add a selection of handy new panels to show off your gear—and some visual interest from textured panels.

Nanoleaf Blocks

The Nanoleaf Blocks take modular lighting to the next level by combining visual interest and new panel types with practical functionality. While installation requires more effort because of the load-bearing panels, the creative freedom offered is unmatched. However, with a premium price tag and limited accessory options, they may not suit every budget. For those willing to invest, the Blocks represent a bold step forward in modular lighting that no competitor can currently match.

Pros & Cons

• The pegboard and shelf are stylish and add function, without needing a trip to Ikea.
• Plenty of creative freedom with offset connections and textured panels.
• Compatible with Nanoleaf Shapes (though you’ll need rigid linker pieces).
• Matter over Wi-Fi, for broad compatibility with any smart home system.

• At around $250 for the large starter pack and $60 for expansions, it’s an expensive investment.
• No additional pegboard hooks or accessories available, and it’s a custom design not compatible with Ikea Skådis.
• Drilling required

Price and Availability

The Combo XL Kit (as reviewed) retails at $250 and is available now, with expansion sets of two large panels for $60.

What Are Nanoleaf Blocks?

When you think of “modular lighting,” Nanoleaf is the first company that comes to mind. Your gaming area is probably full of exclusive knick-knacks and fancy gaming gear that you want to show off, but until now, that meant a trip to Ikea to find some shelves, then trying to fit your lights around it.

Nanoleaf Blocks adds some display options for your gear right into the lights, incorporating both a pegboard and small shelves.

The XL starter kit consists of:

• 4x small squares
• 4x large squares
• 1x pegboard (with two hooks)
• 1x shelf
• Controller and power module
• Fixing kit
• Shelf cover pieces

I was also sent a pack of two textured squares for added variety. These are the same size as the squares but with a geometric multi-faceted relief pattern, adding even more depth.

Interestingly, the panels’ frosted covers can be removed, revealing the intricate pattern of LED modules that make up each panel.

Installation: You Need to Drill

Unlike most Nanoleaf lighting, which can be affixed to your wall using double-sided sticky pads alone, the load-bearing shelves and pegboards will need screwing if you’re going to put anything of significant weight. When correctly installed, the shelf has a load limit of 1.5kg (3.3lbs), while the pegboard has a total limit of 3kg (6.6lbs). This might be a deal breaker for renters or those afraid of a power drill.

As well as a set of screw fixings and drywall anchors, you’ll find the standard double-sided sticky pads (small and large) and link pieces—these go in between the modules to carry power and signal.

Nanoleaf has upped the game with the technical design of the panels. Each affix to a backplate, which allows them a certain degree of wiggle room during installation. This also means that if you need to replace a panel, you can do so without ripping the super-adhesive sticky pads off the wall.

There’s no complexity to connecting them; ensure each module connects to another one already connected. This contrasts with some competitors’ modular lighting panels, which must follow a single continuous circuit path and can often restrict your design choice. The Nanoleaf Blocks can branch out or become a dead-end; it doesn’t matter. The Nanoleaf app will intelligently map out your design automatically without using the camera. All the panels can be rotated, which wouldn’t normally make a difference aesthetically but means four different orientations of the textured panels are possible.

In addition, the larger blocks feature two possible linkage points on each side. This means you create a half—width offset design and enables the use of smaller blocks. Smaller panels must line up with the edges of the larger block they connect to and can’t themselves be offset (because they only feature a single connection point on each side).

The power connector and controller module are also separate pieces, meaning they can be plugged in anywhere on your design that’s convenient.

Everything feels well thought out, and there are very few limitations on how to build your design. The shelf, for instance, can be placed on the bottom, the top, or in between a number of panels. If it extends beyond the light panels, a cover is provided to hide the brackets.

That’s a lot of creative freedom.

Before actually installing your lights onto the wall, it’s a good idea to lay them out on a table. Once the shape is designed, iPhone users can (in theory) even try their design out in Augmented Reality, though I couldn’t get this to work on an iPhone 14 Pro Max.

Unfortunately, the Nanoleaf layout assistant web app appears to have been abandoned, supporting only the basic Canvas, Light Panels, and Shapes. That means you can’t virtually test out a design before committing to purchase.

Nanoleaf Blocks vs Canvas

Compared to previous Nanoleaf square light panels, the Blocks add a few improvements, even beyond the more varied panel designs and the addition of functional components like shelving and pegboards.

Physically, the Block light panels are a lot deeper than previous shapes—just over an inch, compared to about a quarter of an inch before—which adds another dimension to the display, making them more of an artistic fixture than a simple light-up wall painting.

The LEDs provide a more even coverage across the blocks and to the edges, with up to 320 lumens output per Block (though this will be only in pure white mode, colors are always dimmer on smart lights).

On the other hand, the Nanoleaf Canvas introduced an innovative touch sensor for each panel, which the Blocks don’t have. I must admit, I never used it to control anything, and the handful of built-in “games” were gimmicks, so it’s not a massive loss.

Modular Upgrades

I was also sent a modular pack of two textured squares to add a little variety. All of the individual components of the Nanoleaf Blocks starter kit are available separately:

• Pegboard x 1
• Shelves x2
• Textured squares x2
• Small squares x4

Up to 500 panels can be connected to a single controller, however, you also need to consider the power usage. Each power supply can handle 42W maximum, which equates to 17 of the larger panels or 60 of the smaller ones (or some combination thereof, 3W for each large panel and 0.8W for each smaller one). To exceed those limits, you’ll need inject more power from another power supply, which means purchasing another starter kit (and then you’ll have a spare controller).

Frustratingly, there are no options for additional pegboard accessories, and the pegboard design is custom, so Ikea Skådis accessories won’t work. You could 3D print some additional hooks, but right now, your only option for mounting your gear onto the pegboard is to use the two supplied hooks.

Music Reactive Light Show and Desktop Sync Features

The Nanoleaf Blocks enjoy the same extensive built-in and community scene access for dynamic and music-reactive light shows as the rest of the Nanoleaf line. Scenes can be downloaded to the controller for use without having to launch the app first, and use the on-device microphone. You can even group the lights and activate the same scene across multiple fixtures, though I had varying levels of success when I tried this with the original Panels, and Skylight, with some scenes behaving as if they are static on the Blocks, but music reactive on the others.

For even more impressive musical light shows, you have a few options.

Nanoleaf’s new Premium subscription service uses the audio directly from your PC rather than the on-device microphone for more reliable beat detection. It also unlocks the full set of Soundscapes, which are soothing ambient audio tracks with an accompanying programmed light show. Premium costs $2 per month, or $20 annually, with a one-month trial.

Another option is Light Link, a third-party solution that only works with specific songs but has handcrafted light show sequences rather than just beat detection. It has a demo mode with a sample of sequences, and requires an active Spotify Premium subscription. Although it’s pricer at $7/month, or $60 annually, it also works with a wide range of lighting products, not just Nanoleaf; and you can program your own sequences.

The Nanoleaf desktop app (for Mac or Windows) is a must-have if you want to sync on-screen content to your lights. You’ll find it under the Gaming tab, but it’s equally applicable to movie-watching and other desktop activities. Compatible with multiple devices, you can move the fixture around to show which part of your screen it should extend. Sadly, something about Fortnite caused it to crash every time; it’s not as robust as a hardware-based HDMI signal analyzer like the Govee AI Sync Box.

Compatible With All Smart Home Systems

The Nanoleaf Blocks are Matter-compatible, meaning they can seamlessly work with all the major smart home control systems. You’ll find the necessary pairing code on the back of the controller and the manual. If you use it with multiple smart home systems simultaneously, you’ll need to pair it using the provided code first, then generate a new pairing code for the second system using your smart home app.

The Nanoleaf Blocks use Matter over Wi-Fi, not Thread, and like most smart home kits, they insist that you have a separate 2.4GHz network—but they worked fine with my dual-band access point.

Although Matter makes it easy to control basic lighting features from any system, you’ll still want to keep the Nanoleaf app installed for access to any dynamic or music-reactive scene. Matter doesn’t currently support scenes and can only set a single color across the whole fixture. However, you can power it on and off remotely using Matter without affecting the currently loaded scene.

Should You Buy Nanoleaf Blocks?

The only problem with the Nanoleaf Blocks has always been the premium pricing. At $250 for the starter kit, plus another $60 per two expansion blocks (or four small ones), the cost rises fast—and you’ll almost certainly want more.

When Nanoleaf first came out with the modular Light Panels concept, they had the market cornered with novelty. But years later, there are numerous clones and competitors out there vying for your wall space.

Still, the Blocks are an innovative twist, and no one else can match these (yet), in both function or form. The increased depth adds a brilliant element of dimensionality, the pegboard and shelving add function to show off your favorite gear, and it still maintains the modular ethos. The Nanoleaf Blocks offer the most dynamic and visually engaging modular panel lighting system so far—but at a price that might be too high for most people.

Nanoleaf Blocks

The Nanoleaf Blocks take modular lighting to the next level by combining visual interest and new panel types with practical functionality. While installation requires more effort because of the load-bearing panels, the creative freedom offered is unmatched. However, with a premium price tag and limited accessory options, they may not suit every budget. For those willing to invest, the Blocks represent a bold step forward in modular lighting that no competitor can currently match.

Your smart home devices contain a wealth of sensitive data. Simply tossing them in the bin exposes you and your family to identity theft and financial fraud. But, there are steps you can take to sanitize your devices before you get rid of them.

1

First, Back Up Your Important Data

Before you start sanitizing your smart home device, you need to first review the data stored in it and decide what you want to keep, like photos, medical records, family videos, or important documents. You can transfer these to a new device or save them to a secure cloud drive.

If you decide to store the data in an external storage, make sure the external storage is kept in a secure spot in your home or an area that people won’t easily access. External storage devices should also be kept in a protective case and placed in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat or sunlight.

2

Disconnect The Device From Your Accounts

Check the device for any storage media attached to it like flash drives, memory cards/microSD cards that contain your data. Also, make sure that your data is removed from these external storage devices if you decide to dispose of it or reuse it.

Another important thing to do is to disconnect this device from your accounts. You should regularly audit the devices connected to your apps—some old devices you don’t use anymore may be left lingering in the recognized/connected device section of the app. Review all device permissions or access and remove all devices that you no longer use.

Unlinking the device or revoking its permissions prevents backdoor access to your network.

Related

How I Secure the Smart Devices in My Home

Your smart home devices make life easier, but don’t forget to secure them against hackers.

3

Factory Reset Your Device

A factory reset removes sensitive information stored in the device like Wi-Fi passwords, username and account passwords, credit card details, addresses, and other types of data that can be used for identity theft, financial fraud, and cyberattacks.

For instance, some contain data like the pre-shared key (PSK) that can give threat actors access to your home network. Other sensitive and personal information, including photos or medical records, can also be used to blackmail you.

4

Follow Local Electronic Waste Disposal Guidelines

Electronic wastes are more dangerous than you think. When electronics are simply tossed in the trash, they end up in landfills where they release toxic substances like lead and mercury that can seep deep into the soil and groundwater. This is why local governments have electronic waste disposal guidelines that meet international standards.

Some cities collect unwanted electronics for free to ensure that they don’t end up in landfills. Residents are just required to bring the devices to a drop-off location. However, cities can’t ensure the complete destruction of data in the device, so you’re advised to sanitize them before you drop them off.

If you’re going to dispose of smart home devices in bulk, especially those that contain other people’s data, you ask vendors for a certificate of data destruction. This assures clients that the data in the devices has been permanently destroyed according to local privacy laws and regulations.

As we regularly upgrade and replace our devices, electronic waste disposal has become a regular task. Unlike most other waste, however, devices contain harmful substances that can poison the environment—on top of a wealth of sensitive data that puts you at risk of cyberattacks and fraud if these land in the wrong hands. So, it’s important to follow these guidelines to mitigate the risks.

My TV speakers are… fine. They get the job done, but fine isn’t thrilling when watching an epic action scene or a good concert.

I needed better sound without emptying my wallet. I decided to take the plunge on a budget soundbar—and it was totally worth the risk.

Premium Sound Doesn’t Have to Come with a Premium Price Tag

Reading through audiophile discussions on Reddit gives the impression that good sound automatically translates to big money. Every search seemed to push me toward soundbars priced at $300, $500, or even higher.

On one of those days of searching, I stumbled upon the Hisense HS2100 soundbar. For less than $150, it seemed too good to be true, but I took the plunge. The soundbar even came with a wireless subwoofer, which I didn’t think I’d get at this price point.

The Setup Process Was Simple

I was half-expecting the Hisense HS2100 soundbar to come with a novel-length manual, a bunch of wires I wouldn’t know what to do with, and a headache by the end of it all. Instead, it was surprisingly straightforward—dare I say, even enjoyable.

First off, everything I needed came in the box: the soundbar, a wireless subwoofer, HDMI and optical cables, a remote with batteries, and a wall mount kit. I was surprised to find an optical cable missing from the box, but that didn’t matter much, considering that I was unlikely to use it. Well, all I had to do was just unpack and plug in, and I was good to go. I started by placing the soundbar under my TV and the subwoofer by the couch. And since the subwoofer is wireless, I didn’t have to worry about stringing cables across the living room.

Connecting the soundbar to my TV was equally painless. I used the HDMI ARC port because it’s the simplest and offers the best sound quality, but the Hisense HS2100 also supports optical, AUX, and USB inputs. For those who love wireless, it also comes with Bluetooth 5.3, one of the latest Bluetooth standards. As one of the most up-to-date Bluetooth standards, it’s great for streaming music and video directly from your phone or TV.

As soon as I powered it on, the subwoofer automatically paired with the soundbar. I was already kicked back on the couch, remote in hand, ready to enjoy my upgraded audio experience.

The Sound Quality Surpassed My Expectations

Turning on my TV, the first thing I did was watch The Ministry Of Ungentlemanly Warfare movie. With the soundbar, I noticed details I was sure my TV speakers missed. The bass from the wireless subwoofer added depth to the explosions, making them feel satisfyingly punchy without being overpowering. It wasn’t the kind of bass that shakes your walls and makes your neighbors hate you, but it was enough to feel immersive.

Dialogue was another surprise. On my TV’s built-in speakers, I used to constantly rewind scenes because I couldn’t make out what characters were saying over the background noise. With the soundbar, I didn’t have that problem. Voices were crisp and distinct, even in the middle of chaotic action scenes. The soundbar also has a News mode (out of several modes), specifically enhancing voices. And while I didn’t use it much for movies, it’s a lifesaver for catching every word during fast-paced conversations in shows or news broadcasts.

Another feature that blew me away was how spacious the sound felt with the soundbar’s DTS Virtual: X technology. Even though it’s a 2.1-channel system (two speakers in the soundbar and a subwoofer), the audio doesn’t feel like it’s just coming from a single bar sitting under my TV. It spreads out nicely across the room, giving the illusion of a much larger soundstage. Watching a movie with this setup feels less like sitting in front of a screen and more like being in the middle of the action. It’s not quite what I’d call a full surround sound, but it’s close enough that I don’t feel like I’m missing out.

To really put it through its paces, I switched from movies to music. I’m a fan of everything from laid-back acoustic playlists to bass-heavy pop hits, and the HS2100 handled it all with ease. The highs were bright without being shrill, the mids were balanced and warm, and the bass—oh, the bass. It was everything I wanted.

I Didn’t Need Fancy Soundbar Features I’d Never Use Anyway

Multi-room audio this, 7.1 surround that, virtual assistants, voice control, app integration, and everything else in-between—there’s a soundbar that promises it. But I didn’t need my soundbar to summon Alexa, project sound into the stratosphere, or shake the walls like I was hosting a concert. I just wanted my TV to sound better without needing a degree in audio engineering or a fat wallet to set it up.

Many higher-end soundbars come packed with features you might never actually use. For instance, some offer room calibration, which sounds impressive, but unless you live in a cathedral or a glass cube, how much difference does it really make? And do I really need my soundbar to connect to Wi-Fi so it can stream music when I can connect to my phone’s Bluetooth speaker for that? Probably not.

Here’s an analogy that explains my thought process in my purchase decision: buying a soundbar is a bit like buying a car. Sure, you could go for the luxury model with heated seats, a panoramic sunroof, and crazy 0–60 capabilities you’ll never use in your daily commute. But if all you really need is a reliable ride to get you from point A to point B, why not save yourself some cash and skip all the unnecessary frills?

In my case, the budget soundbar I chose was exactly what I needed: simple, no-nonsense, and surprisingly effective. It didn’t have 15 inputs I’d never use or confusing settings I’d have to Google every time I touched the remote. Instead, it had a USB port for quick music playout from a flash drive, a straightforward HDMI cable connection for my TV, and a remote with, I kid you not, just about 17 buttons. Which is fair enough, I think.

So, my budget soundbar proved that you don’t need to spend a fortune to upgrade your home sound experience. Sure, it might not have all the bells and whistles of pricier options like the Sonos Ultra Arc or even a full-blown surround sound system, but it delivers where it matters most. Solid sound quality, easy setup, and value for the money, that is.

Mini-LED and micro-LED are, in a sense, cousins. Under the hood, mini-LED and micro-LED aren’t that different, but when you begin to examine them closely, there are some significant differences.

Mini-LED vs. Micro-LED: What’s the Difference?

When you line up all the various TV types of technology, it all seems to act the same, but how the picture is displayed does differ. For example, LED and LCD screens use a combination of backlight and color filters, but the former uses light-emitting diodes, and the latter uses fluorescent lights. To make it more confusing, LCDs use LEDs, too.

Mini-LED is a branch of the LED-LCD tree. It’s still the same basic principle, just smaller and many more LEDs are involved. The LEDs in micro-LEDs are even smaller than mini-LED and don’t rely on a backlight. That key difference will become important later!

Brightness

When it comes to brightness, micro-LED displays can deliver exceptionally high peak luminance because each tiny LED is its own light source. Packing so many microscopic LEDs into a screen allows for intense brightness and vivid highlights while maintaining fine detail. It’s the same direct-view concept you see in stadium displays, but on a much smaller scale (stadium screens typically use larger, more widely spaced LEDs). Micro-LED gives you that powerful brightness in a consumer-sized TV without sacrificing resolution or color accuracy.

That’s not to say mini-LED isn’t bright—quite the opposite. Mini-LED screens use more, smaller LEDs than a standard LED-backlit TV, resulting in noticeably higher peak brightness and better contrast than traditional LED sets. While they can’t match the dazzling, pixel-level illumination of micro-LED, mini-LED panels still offer a striking bump in brightness and clarity over conventional backlit LCDs.

Contrast

Yet again, micro-LED displays will be notably better than mini-LEDs in terms of contrast ratio. As I mentioned earlier, micro-LEDs don’t rely on a backlight; instead, each LED has its own light, which can be turned off to create a truly black image. In fact, that ability is the key difference between OLED, LED, and LCD.

Mini-LED displays will still offer a significant boost in contrast compared to your typical LED TV. With more LEDs involved, displays can have far more local dimming zones, which in turn gives greater control over contrast.

Color

I think you can guess where this is headed. Micro-LED is going to have a superior color overall. Its nifty ability with self-emissive pixels really gives it that edge over mini-LED, though not quite as good as an OLED display.

Micro-LED vs. Mini-LED: What Should You Buy?

Mini-LED displays are going to be the better choice, and honestly, you probably don’t have much of a choice to begin with. For example, the few Samsung micro-LED TVs cost between $110,000 and $150,000. That’s as much as my house!

That’s not the case with a mini-LED display. Generally speaking, a mini-LED TV will cost less than an OLED, which makes sense, considering the latter offers a better overall picture.

In other words, micro-LED displays aren’t as practical to your average, everyday person. It’s incredibly expensive when scaled even to living room-size televisions. If you want to upgrade from an LED display, miniLED is the way to go or perhaps you should consider the pros and cons of miniLED and OLED, too.

If you frequently game or spend time on your Android phone while it’s plugged in, using bypass charging can help you keep your phone cool and prolong battery life.

What Is Bypass Charging and Why Should You Use It?

Even when plugged in, your phone still relies on the battery for power, with the charger continuously topping it up. During hardware-intensive tasks like gaming, this process drains the battery faster, generating excess heat that can degrade performance, reduce capacity, and shorten the battery’s lifespan.

Bypass charging aims to solve this problem by powering your phone directly from the wall charger, bypassing the battery entirely. This reduces heat buildup, minimizes thermal throttling, and extends battery life by preventing unnecessary charging cycles.

How to Use Bypass Charging on Samsung Phones

On Samsung phones, bypass charging (called Pause USB Power Delivery) is built into the Game Booster app and can only be enabled during gaming.

To use it, connect your phone to a 25W (or higher) USB PD wall charger and ensure the battery is at least 20% charged.

Now, open the Gaming Hub app. Tap the three-dot menu in the top right corner and select Game Booster. Locate and toggle Pause USB PD charging when gaming to activate bypass charging.

If the Pause USB PD charging option is grayed out, it’s likely due to an incompatible charger. Make sure you are using a USB PD-compatible charger.

What’s the Difference Between Bypass Charging and Charging Limits?

On most devices, bypass charging is a simple option you can toggle as needed. Like Samsung, ASUS phones will only let you use it when a game is open. Ideally, at the end of your gaming session, your battery level should stay exactly where it started.

Charge limiting, on the other hand, works by charging your phone to a manufacturer-recommended threshold, such as 80%, 85%, or 95%, to help preserve your battery’s lifespan. When your phone reaches the set threshold, it stops charging.

Whether you want to charge your phone overnight or use it for navigation connected to your car, a charge limit can protect your battery from permanent damage due to heat. What it can’t do, however, is directly power your phone during gaming sessions like Samsung and ASUS’s implementation does.

Since bypass charging only works in the Gaming Hub app, you can also use Battery Protection on Samsung phones to choose between three levels of charge limits. In contrast, Google Pixel devices only support a charge limit, which activates bypass charging once the battery reaches 80% capacity.

Notably, not all phones with charge limit features support bypass charging. For example, Apple’s iPhones let you set charge limits between 80% and 95%. However, once the limit is reached, the device still relies on the battery for power, cycling between charging and discharging, which can lead to battery wear over time.

Android Phones That Support Bypass Charging

Not all Android phones support bypass charging, but major manufacturers like ASUS, Samsung, and Google have integrated this feature into their devices.

Here’s a list of phones that currently offer bypass charging and how to enable it:

• Samsung: Bypass charging has been available on all flagship Samsung devices since the Galaxy S22 series, meaning most models launched since February 2022 are likely to support it. To check if your device has this feature, go to Gaming Hub > Three-dots menu > Game Booster and look for Pause USB PD charging when gaming.
• ASUS: The ROG Phone 3 and newer devices support bypass charging. In the ASUS Game Genie app, tap Charging Mode and choose Bypass charging in-game.
• Google: The December Feature Drop added a charge limit feature for Pixel 6 through Pixel 9 devices. However, bypass charging seems to be exclusive to the Pixel 8 and Pixel 9 series. To enable the 80% charge limit, go to Settings > Battery > Charging Optimization and toggle Limit to 80%.

Other Android makers that support bypass charging on select devices include Sony, Infinix, IQOO, and Xiamoi. Unfortunately, OnePlus still doesn’t support bypass charging on any of its devices, including the OnePlus 13.

Bypass charging is still a relatively new feature, and we’ll likely see more manufacturers adopt it going forward. Ideally, a fusion of Samsung and Google’s implementation of bypass charging should cover all use cases. It’s worth noting that bypass charging doesn’t currently work with wireless chargers—a limitation to keep in mind if you often rely on wireless charging.

Google Maps prompts you to enable Location each time you open it on a Samsung phone, which can be super inconvenient. Luckily, you can automate your Samsung phone to do exactly this.

How to Auto-Enable Location for Google Maps on Samsung

The trick to solving this inconvenience is to use Samsung’s Modes and Routines feature to execute this automation. It’s an automation tool that comes pre-installed on Galaxy devices and allows you to change your device settings automatically based on certain conditions or triggers.

Modes are preset configurations set by Samsung for common activities like sleeping or driving, whereas Routines offer more granular control over your device for specific situations and can be tailored based on your unique needs.

Create a Routine to Turn On Location Sharing for Google Maps

Here’s how to set a new routine auto-enable location for Google Maps. Go to Settings > Modes and Routines and tap on the Routines tab at the bottom.

Here, tap on the plus (+) icon. This will pull up the setup page.

Here, tap Add what will trigger this routine. On the following page, scroll down to find and tap App opened under the “Event” heading. Next, select Google Maps from the list of apps and tap Done.

Doing this will take you back to the setup page. Here, tap Add what this routine will do and go to the Location menu.

Next, tap Location and tap the radio button beside “On” and press Done. Hit Save on the setup page to complete the process.

On the following page, select a name, an icon, and an icon color for this routine and press Done to confirm.

Your routine is now saved and active. Go ahead and open Google Maps on your phone to see if it’s working.

I highly recommend playing around with the Modes and Routines feature and experimenting with automating more things on your phone. It’s one of the most useful tools on your Galaxy device and can make your device smarter and more intuitive. You can also take a look at these Samsung routines that enhance your user experience for some inspiration.

Over the years, I’ve noticed that my desktop computer consistently outlasts my laptops. This isn’t just a coincidence: several key factors contribute to desktops significantly outlasting laptops.

My Desktop PC Provides a Better Upgrade Path

One of the key reasons my desktop outlives my laptops is its modularity and superior upgradeability. Key desktop PC components can be upgraded to improve performance over time. It allows me to keep my system up-to-date without buying an entirely new machine.

On the other hand, laptops are notoriously limited in this area. Many modern laptops have soldered components like RAM and storage, making upgrades nearly impossible. Even if they do allow upgrades, options are limited to basic components like storage drives. A desktop lets me tailor my machine to my needs over time. For instance, when I needed more power for gaming, I installed a new GPU, which saved me from buying a new computer.

This long-term flexibility means I can keep my desktop relevant for years. In contrast, laptops often become outdated quickly, and their lack of upgrade options forces me to replace them sooner.

Desktop PC Parts Are More Durable

Durability is another major factor that gives desktops the edge. Desktop components are generally more robust than those found on laptops. One reason is the larger size of desktop cases, which allows for better airflow and cooling solutions. This reduces the risk of overheating, which is one of the primary causes of hardware failure.

Laptops’ compact interiors, by design, restrict airflow and can lead to overheating. Over time, this excess heat strains internal components, reducing their lifespan. For instance, a laptop GPU may degrade faster due to inadequate cooling compared to a desktop GPU, which often has dedicated fans or even liquid cooling systems.

Battery Life and Charging Issues? Not an Issue for My Desktop

One of the biggest reasons to use a laptop is because it is battery-powered. However, this is also one of the most frustrating aspects of owning a laptop. Laptop batteries degrade over time, and as they age, their capacity diminishes. Eventually, the laptop becomes less portable as I find myself tethered to a charger more often. Sadly, replacing the battery on my laptop is expensive, so I can’t just keep replacing it whenever I feel like it is starting to lose capacity and reducing battery life.

In contrast, desktop PCs operate directly from a power outlet. They don’t rely on batteries, so they completely avoid this common issue. I never have to worry about my desktop shutting down because of a failing battery. This gives me peace of mind and ensures that my desktop remains functional for years without concerns about power-related issues.

Desktop PCs Are Easier and More Cost-Effective to Repair

Another significant advantage of desktops is how easy and affordable they are to repair. When something goes wrong with my desktop, I can identify and replace the faulty component without much hassle. For example, if the power supply unit (PSU) fails, I can purchase a new PSU and replace it myself without needing a technician. The modular design of desktops makes this process straightforward and cost-effective.

Laptops, on the other hand, are far more challenging and expensive to repair. Components in laptops are often integrated into the motherboard, which means that if a single part fails, such as a GPU or CPU, it might require replacing the entire motherboard. This not only makes repairs more expensive but also more time-consuming.

Laptops also integrate their own monitor, keyboard, speaker, and webcam. If they get damaged, I would have to source new parts, which can take time and are often more expensive for what they are. Whereas my desktop PC can use all sorts of plug-and-play peripherals, requiring next-to-no technical knowledge to replace and install.

Stationary PCs Experience Less Wear and Tear

Finally, the stationary nature of desktops significantly reduces the wear and tear they experience over time. My desktop stays in one place, protected from environmental factors like fluctuating temperatures, high humidity, and physical shocks. This stability minimizes the risks of damage.

Laptops, on the other hand, are exposed to much harsher conditions. They’re often carried in bags, subjected to jostling during commutes and used in less-than-ideal environments. Even something as simple as frequent plugging and unplugging of the power cable can wear out the charging port over time. These factors contribute to the shorter lifespan of laptops compared to desktops.

With our personal data appearing online in various ways, it’s hard to avoid privacy breaches. If you’ve recently ordered something on eBay, Shopify, or Amazon, there’s a chance your details have fallen into malicious hands.

Hipshipper Leaks 14.3 Million Personal Records

As CyberNews reported, a company called Hipshipper suffered a data leak. Hipshipper is an international shipping platform for eBay, Shopify, and Amazon sellers, and because of its position, it handles a lot of packages. This means a ton of personal information flows through Hipshipper’s systems at any given time.

In December, researchers at CyberNews stumbled upon an Amazon Web Services (AWS) bucket owned by Hipshipper. In the world of data, a bucket is a container companies use to store tons of information. In this case, the AWS bucket had been filled with 14.3 million postage labels featuring the following information:

Full names

Home addresses

Phone numbers

Order details (dates of mailing, parcel information, etc.)

The bucket wasn’t secured, meaning anyone could scrape this data from the bucket. Fortunately, Hipshipper secured the bucket after being informed of the issue, but it still gave bad actors plenty of time to harvest user data.

Unfortunately, there are plenty of things a cybercriminal can do with your home address, so if you believe you’ve been caught up in this mess, you may need to keep an eye out for trouble in the near future. The CyberNews researchers believe this data is enough for a bad actor to perform “stalking, harassment, or planning burglaries,” so keep yourself safe.

Plus, given how a bad actor can see what you ordered, they can craft more believable shipping scams when targeting you. As such, keep an eye out for fake shipping texts if you think you were affected by this breach, as they may be ploys to steal more of your information.

AI-generated images were just the beginning—now Adobe Firefly can create videos, and the results are mind-blowing. This isn’t just about filters or tweaks—it’s full-on video creation from text prompts.

Adobe Firefly AI Video Generation Is Released Publicly

On February 12th, Adobe released its Firefly AI Video Generator under a public beta model. All Adobe users—subscribers or account holders—can access the Generate Video (Beta) tool and generate up to 5-seconds of high-quality video output. AI video generation was announced at the Adobe Max conference in October 2024 with no set release date, so it’s been an exciting wait for its release to the public.

Generate Video (Beta)

Generate Video (Beta) results are high quality with lots of customization options. Whether you use the generated clips to add a B-roll or correct mis-filmed elements from your production, you’ll be impressed with the results. You can also use the generated video to ideate future film plans and shots.

Generative Extend

Along with the long-awaited Generate Video tool, Adobe simultaneously implements AI video generation in Premiere Pro. This feature comes in the form of Generative Extend—an AI feature that lets users generate an extra 2 seconds of video from any existing clip in your Premiere Pro timeline. This is enough to bridge gaps between clips or finalize any missed seconds of filmed content.

All-New Adobe Firefly Web App

Adobe users have had public access to Adobe Firefly since its release in 2023. Available through your browser of choice, anyone with an Adobe account—free account or paid subscription—can access the Firefly tools.

The announcement of video AI features also brings a re-imagined Firefly app, making it even easier to try Adobe’s AI offerings. The Firefly homepage shows all available AI features, including brand-new Generate Video, Translate Video, Translate Audio, and Scene to Image generators.

Translate Video and Audio

Adobe implemented AI caption translation in Premiere Pro at the beginning of 2025, which could be seen as foreshadowing the following big features: AI video and audio translation tools.

Both tools are available on the Firefly web app. The audio and video translation tools let you translate into up to 20 languages while retaining the authentic voice. The video translation tool also ensures realistic lip-syncing in the translated language for an authentic result with no AI out-of-time lip movement.

Using the re-imagined Adobe Firefly web app, you’ll have loads of creative control for the Generate Video prompt. Its customization features include choosing the camera angle (such as aerial, eye-level, top-down shots and more), camera motion (like panning left or right, handheld movement, or none), and shot type to replicate a full video production.

The Translate Audio and Video features are both currently available on the Firefly web app too. You’ll also find beta modes for new features like Scene-to-Image, which you can use as an image reference in the video generator.

Generative Extend is only available in Adobe Premiere Pro (Beta). The Generate Video tool isn’t available in Premiere Pro, but you can download your generated clips and import them to Premiere Pro. Then, you can use Generative Extend on the AI clips if required.

Although accessing the tools is fairly easy, their prices are ramping up. Currently, Adobe free account holders are limited to only 25 AI credits, while Creative Cloud All Apps subscribers receive 1,000 AI credits.

This announcement also introduces a tiered AI credit plan starting with Firefly Standard, which costs $9.99 for 2,000 credits. This provides enough credits for 20 5-second video generations if you use it for nothing else. Firefly Pro provides 7,000 audio/video credits for $29.99 per month.

Adobe has gone all-in on AI in 2025, and its results are high-quality and impressive. AI can be gimmicky or lack quality and accuracy, but Adobe waits until it’s perfected its craft before allowing the public to use new tools. Adobe Firefly video AI looks great.

Lately, the mainstream qualms surrounding AI have to do with the amount of energy required by its data centers. But an old fear lurks in the background: will AI ever go rogue? New research suggests that some Large Language Models (LLMs) have the concerning capability of autonomous actions.

New Research Suggests AI Can Replicate Itself

According to research from China’s Fudan University, some popular LLM models are able to self-replicate, or produce additional copies of themselves. Published to arXiv in December 2024, researchers found that the AI models from Meta and Alibaba crossed a “self-replicating red line.” In other words, the models demonstrated a concerningly high success rate with regard to self-replicating.

For the sake of clarity, here are the two models tested in this research:

• Meta’s Llama31-70B-Instruct
• Alibaba’s Qwen25-72B-Instruct

The researchers note that these models have “less parameters and weaker capabilities,” compared to OpenAI and Google’s flagship models. For what it’s worth, OpenAI and Google have reported low risk levels of self-replication, according to the publication.

Why It Matters if AI Can Reproduce

An AI model cloning itself is undoubtedly a scary image, but what does it really mean? The research team behind these recent findings put it this way:

“Successful self-replication under no human assistance is the essential step for AI to outsmart the human beings, and is an early signal for rogue AIs. That is why self-replication is widely recognized as one of the few red line risks of frontier AI systems.”

Essentially, if an AI model can figure out how to make a functional copy of itself to avoid shutdown, that takes the control out of human hands. To mitigate this risk of an “uncontrolled population of AIs,” the research suggests constructing safety parameters around these systems—as soon as possible.

While this publication certainly amplifies concerns around rogue AI, this doesn’t mean there’s an immediate, confirmed risk for the everyday AI user. What we do know is that Gemini and ChatGPT reportedly have lower levels of self-replication risk, when compared to Meta’s Llama model and Alibaba’s powerful Qwen models. As a general rule of thumb, it’s probably best to avoid giving your AI assistant all of your dirty secrets, or full access to the mainframe, until we can introduce more guardrails.

Purchasing a used computer can be a smart choice if you’re on a limited budget. While a discounted Windows device may seem tempting, it’s important to proceed with caution and run a few essential tests to avoid unexpected issues down the line.

1

Test Display, Keyboard, and Trackpad

The display, keyboard, and trackpad are among the most critical components to inspect when buying a used laptop. These parts are essential for daily use, and any issues can significantly impact the device’s usability.

To test the display, visit a website like Test My Screen and check for dead pixels, discoloration, or flickering. You can use solid-colored backgrounds (white, black, red, green, and blue) to spot pixel irregularities. Additionally, try adjusting the brightness to ensure it functions properly and check for backlight bleeding or uneven lighting.

For the keyboard, use an online tool such as Keyboard Tester to confirm that all keys are responsive. To test the trackpad, simply move the cursor to ensure smooth tracking and try multi-touch gestures like scrolling, pinch-to-zoom, and multi-finger tapping, if supported. Additionally, check that the physical click buttons (left and right) respond well and aren’t stuck or overly stiff.

2

Test Webcam, Microphone, and Speakers

If you’re buying a laptop, testing the webcam is important. You can do this by simply opening the built-in Camera app on Windows. You should see a clear, functioning image. If the camera is blurry or unresponsive, it could indicate an issue.

Next, test the microphone by going to Settings > System > Sound. Under the Input section, select the built-in microphone device, then click Start test. Begin speaking, then use the Play button to listen to the recorded audio and check for clarity, distortion, or volume issues.

For the speakers, return to the Sound menu, go to the Output section, and select the built-in speakers. Click the Test button to play a sound and ensure the audio is clear without crackling or distortion.

In addition to the above, it’s important to test your laptop or PC’s ports, such as HDMI, USB, the 3.5mm headphone jack, and others. You’ll want to plug in various devices like a USB drive, headphones, or an external display to confirm that each port is responsive and works as expected.

3

Test the RAM

A RAM malfunction occurs when a process writes data to RAM, but RAM returns different data when retrieving the same information. If you buy a computer with faulty RAM, you’ll likely encounter crashes, distorted graphics, sluggish performance, and endless errors.

Hence, testing the RAM before purchasing a used PC is crucial. While various third-party tools are available to test RAM, we recommend using the Windows Memory Diagnostic tool. Before running the test, save any unsaved progress, as the tool will require your computer to restart.

1. Press Win + R to open the Run dialog box.
2. Type mdsched in the text box and hit Enter.
3. Click on Restart now and check for problems (recommended).

After following the above instructions, Windows will restart once, and the Memory Diagnostic tool will begin running after booting. Once the test is complete, Windows will restart again.

Upon the second restart, you may see the test results immediately, or you may need to open the Windows Event Viewer to find them.

1. Right-click on the Windows Start button and go to the Event Viewer.
2. Go to Windows Logs and navigate to System.
3. Click on Find under Actions in the right-hand pane.
4. Type MemoryDiagnostic and click on Find Next.

   

Wait for the Event Viewer to search for the string in its data and show the test run result.

4

Check the Health of Your Hard Drives

Typically, computer hard drives, whether SSDs or HDDs, are designed to last a long time and rarely fail. However, it’s crucial to ensure their health is in good condition, their temperature stays within an acceptable range, and they don’t have bad sectors or blocks.

A faulty hard drive can lead to various issues, such as the inability to read from or write to the drive, frequent computer crashes, slow file loading, and other problems.

You can check the health of your hard drives using a tool like CrystalDiskInfo. Download and run the CrystalDiskInfo tool on your computer, and you’ll see the statistics of all the drives on your computer. If you have more than one hard drive, you can switch between them by clicking on the arrow button in the top-right corner.

From all the stats the tool shows you, the health status and temperature are of the utmost importance. Your hard drive’s health status should be Good, and its temperature should be between 30 °C and 50 °C. In the worst-case scenario, the temperature shouldn’t go higher than 70 °C.

5

Test Battery Health

The charging capacity of laptop batteries declines over time. If the battery in the laptop you’re considering buying has suffered significant wear, you may not get as much charge, and you might even need a replacement.

To avoid incurring this extra cost after the purchase, running a battery health check beforehand is important. Follow these steps to generate a battery report:

1. Open the Windows search menu and type cmd in the text box.
2. Right-click on the Command Prompt app and click Run as administrator.
3. In the console, type powercfg/batteryreport and hit Enter.

The above process will generate a battery report and save it to a specific folder, which in most cases would be C:Users[UserName]battery-report.

Analyze the battery usage and life estimates by thoroughly inspecting the battery report. You should ensure that the estimated battery life after a full charge is adequate. If the battery needs to be replaced, factor that cost into your decision when purchasing a used laptop.

You can also check the battery health using different battery health tools for more in-depth analysis.

6

Stress Test the CPU and GPU

Another important step is to ensure that the CPU and GPU are powerful enough to handle the tasks you plan to assign them. The best way to determine their capability is to stress-test both components.

A stress test pushes the computer’s hardware (CPU, GPU) to its maximum performance and monitors how well it handles extreme loads. If the PC remains stable during the stress test, you’ve made a good choice, as it indicates the system won’t crash or malfunction under heavy loads.

If you need help with this, refer to our article on how to stress test CPU and GPU safely.

7

Keep the Temperature of the CPU and GPU Under-Check

When your computer shuts down during a stress test, it’s because it’s overheating at a critical temperature rather than being overburdened. If this happens, you can then decide whether you need an extra case fan, cooling kit, or anything else to keep the component’s temperature at safe levels.

If you don’t get the CPU and GPU temperature data during the stress test run, we recommend using dedicated software to keep their temperature in check.

NZXT’s CAM software is highly recommended, as its intuitive interface makes it easy to adjust clock speeds and fan settings, while also allowing you to monitor the component’s temperature under your preferred load.

Whether you’re buying a decade-old PC or receiving a hand-me-down, running these tests will help you assess the condition of your computer’s hardware. So, make sure to take the time to perform these simple checks to ensure you’re investing in a reliable, fully functional device.

Every social media app is different, but there seems to be one constant, and that’s the necessity of a block function. Originally popularized by gamers, social platform Discord has not only recognized this need but done us one better, with its more discrete “ignore” button.

Discord Has Added an “Ignore” Feature for Silencing Unwanted Chats

As part of its internet safety initiative, Discord has introduced a new feature called Ignore. In Discord’s blog, the company positions Ignore as a useful function within your “safety toolbox,” allowing you to “manage your social boundaries in a gentler way.”

To be clear, Discord does also have a Block button. However, the Ignore button is less confrontational, giving you a more discrete way to cut off communication with someone.

When you block someone on Discord, that person knows they’ve been blocked because their attempted messages will not go through. Here’s Discord’s explanation of why blocking isn’t always the preferred option:

“Currently, you can block a user to prevent interactions with them, but we’ve heard from our users that this can sometimes feel confrontational and scary.”

When you ignore someone on Discord, the platform will not notify that person. Discord will just hide the following content from you:

• New messages from them
• DM or server message notifications
• Their profile and activities

Essentially, ignoring a Discord profile won’t stop that user from seeing your profile and sending you messages—you just won’t be bothered by them.

How to Ignore Someone on Discord

The steps to ignore a user on Discord are very similar to how you would block a profile. Here are the steps:

1. View the user’s profile.
2. Tap the three-dot menu.
3. Select Ignore, located just above Block.

Social media interaction is as exhilarating as it is dangerous—especially for young people. Unfortunately, many of us will face less than favorable encounters in cyberspace. At best, you’ve got an annoying user who floods your feed, and at worst, you become a victim of abusive online behavior. Luckily, Discord offers multiple ways to maintain your online boundaries, and its new Ignore feature is no exception.

Webcams are incredibly useful, but if not secured properly, they can also be a gateway to privacy breaches. The threats, from cyberattacks to unauthorized surveillance, are real, but you can prevent intruders from accessing your webcam and invading your personal space.

1

Use a Webcam Cover for Privacy

In 2016, The Guardian reported that Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg covers his laptop webcam, as does former FBI director James Comey. On the tape, Comey said,

I put a piece of tape over the camera because I saw somebody smarter than I am had a piece of tape over their camera.

This simple yet effective method blocks unauthorized surveillance, even if someone gains access to your device. Therefore, to protect your privacy, you must always keep your camera covered when not in use.

If your device lacks a built-in cover, you can use non-transparent tape. However, a sliding cover is a better alternative, as it allows you to easily uncover the camera when needed. For example, these CloudValley Webcam Covers are under ten bucks and do the job perfectly.

2

Disconnect or Disable Your Webcam When Idle

If you’re uncomfortable covering your webcam, you should make it a habit to disconnect your external webcam when not in use or disable the integrated one. This ensures that even if your device is compromised, hackers won’t be able to access your webcam and spy on you. When you’re ready to use it, plug it back in or enable it, and you’re good to go.

If you use an external webcam, unplug it from your computer. You can disable an integrated webcam via the Windows Device Manager or System Preferences on macOS.

3

Block Suspicious Apps & Websites From Accessing Your Webcam

Your webcam could be compromised by a malicious app, malware, or website that secretly gains access. Once these apps have access, they can activate your webcam anytime to spy on you. Therefore, you must regularly review your device’s permission settings and revoke camera access for suspicious apps.

You can revoke camera access for suspicious apps in your operating system’s app permission settings and deny access to websites in your browser settings.

4

Pay Attention to What’s Visible in Your Background

If overlooked, your background during video calls can expose personal items, sensitive data, or private information. This could reveal your private life, which could harm your reputation with colleagues, friends, or clients. Therefore, you must do a quick background check before joining a meeting.

Make sure no sensitive content is visible. Use software features to blur or replace your background, and consider using virtual backgrounds to hide what’s behind you.

5

Update Your Webcam Drivers to Stay Secure

Hackers may also exploit vulnerabilities and bugs in outdated webcam drivers to infiltrate your device and access your camera. Although most operating systems automatically update drivers when new OS updates are installed, you must manually check for new drivers on the manufacturer’s website, especially if you’re using an external webcam, and install them.

By keeping your drivers up to date, you ensure that you’re using the latest security patches from your OS or your manufacturer, helping to protect both your webcam and your privacy.

6

Watch for Indicators of Webcam Hacking

The longer a webcam breach goes unnoticed, the greater the threat to your privacy. That’s why you must be able to recognize the signs of a webcam hack when a hacker secretly activates it to spy on you. One key indicator is if the webcam light turns on unexpectedly, even when you’re not using any camera apps.

If your webcam appears in use when you try to access it or if you find unusual photos or videos on your device, these could be signs of a hack. If you ever have suspicions, you can review your webcam’s activity logs to detect any unauthorized access and verify whether your webcam has been compromised.

These are some steps you can take to strengthen your webcam privacy and protect your personal life. If you haven’t been prioritizing webcam security, start following the above tips to prevent any accidental privacy breaches you’ll later regret.

Apple offers many customization options for its devices, including three different ways to change your iPhone’s default charging sound.

Change the Charging Sound on Your iPhone

There are three methods you can use to change your iPhone’s charging sound. You can choose to use a whole song, a part of a song, or text that Siri will say every time you charge your iPhone. These tips work no matter how you charge your iPhone.

Before we begin, it’s important to note that you cannot literally change your iPhone’s charging sound. The new sound is just another sound that plays after the default sound. However, if you continue reading, we’ll show you a shortcut to mute the default sound so that all you hear when you plug and unplug your phone is your custom sound.

To change the charging sound on iOS, you’ll need to use the built-in Shortcuts app. There are many handy iPhone automations you can create in the Shortcuts app, and changing the plug-in sound of your iPhone is just one of them. You can re-install the Shortcuts app from the App Store if you accidentally uninstalled it.

After you’ve downloaded the Shortcuts app, launch it and follow the steps below:

1. Select the Automation tab and tap New Automation.
2. Scroll down and tap Charger.
3. Tap the Is Connected option. If you also want a customized sound to play whenever you unplug your phone, select the Is Disconnected option as well.
4. Tap the Run Immediately option below it so that the automation runs without needing approval.
5. Tap Next in the top-right corner of the screen.

Change Your iPhone’s Charging Sound to a Song From Apple Music

If you downloaded a song from Apple Music and you want your iPhone to play the full song every time you plug in your phone, follow the steps below:

1. Tap New Blank Automation.
2. Select Play Music.
3. Tap the grayed-out Music text, then select a song from your Apple Music library. Once you pick a song, the Library pop-up will close, and the gray Music text will be replaced by the song title.
4. Tap the arrow next to the song title and set Shuffle to Off and Repeat to None.
5. Tap Done in the top-right corner of the screen.

Change Your iPhone’s Charging Sound to a Short Audio Clip

You can use a short audio clip if you don’t want to change your iPhone charging sound to a full song. It can be one to three seconds long, but it has to be in a format that Apple can read, such as MP3, AIFF, or WAV.

You may need to convert a file from MP4 to MP3 or any other suitable format before using it for your iPhone’s charging sound. After downloading the sound, it’s time to create the first automation action to set your custom charging sound.

First, copy the audio clip to the clipboard by opening it in the Files app and tapping Share in the screen’s bottom-left corner. In the Share menu, tap Copy.

Open the Shortcuts app and follow the steps above to create an automation based on connecting or disconnecting the charger. Then, follow these steps:

1. Select the Play Sound action.
2. Tap the arrow next to the Play sound action, tap Choose Variable, and select Clipboard in the menu.
3. Tap Done in the top-right corner of the screen.

Depending on how you set up the automation, the audio clip should play when you plug in or disconnect your phone from power.

Change Your iPhone’s Charging Sound to Siri-Spoken Text

If you don’t have a specific audio clip for when you plug in your iPhone, you can make Siri say something instead. Follow the steps to create the automation above, then when you reach the Add Action page:

1. Search Speak Text in the Shortcuts search bar and add it to the actions list.
2. In the Speak action, tap Text and type what you want Siri to say when you plug in or unplug your phone. Think of creative, fun phrases to get the ultimate cool effect. For example, you can create an automation that makes Siri say “Burp” when you charge your iPhone.
3. You can also change Siri’s pitch, speed, language, and voice by tapping the arrow for more options.
4. When you’re done entering the word or phrase, tap Done in the top-right corner.

How to Mute Your iPhone’s Default Charging Sound

Unfortunately, the only way to turn off the default charging sound is to put your iPhone in Silent Mode. You can do this on older iPhones by using the switch on the left side of your iPhone. Newer iPhones have the Action button, which will turn your phone to silence by default.

While silent mode won’t play the default charging sound, you’ll still be left with a buzz or vibration when it’s plugged in. You can turn this off in Settings > Sounds & Haptics. Scroll to the bottom of the list and turn off System Haptics.

Remember that when you put your iPhone in Silent mode and disable System Haptics, your iPhone will not ring for incoming calls or messages. So, you’ll need to remember to turn off silent mode when you’re finished charging your phone. Alternatively, you can set up a shortcut to turn your phone back to Ring when disconnected from the Charger.

1. Open the Shortcuts app and select Automation at the bottom.
2. Tap the + sign in the top-right corner and select Charger.
3. Choose Is Disconnected (ensure Connected is toggled off) and tap Run Immediately.
4. Tap New Blank Automation, then Controls, and select Set Silent Mode.
5. Ensure the On option is toggled to Off and tap Done.

Now anytime you take your phone off the charger, it will automatically disable Silent Mode and turn your Ringer back on, so you don’t have to remember to.

Changing the charging sound on your iPhone is a fun little tweak, even if it isn’t as deep as some might like. Newer versions of iOS include even more customization options to help make your iPhone feel more unique and personal.

Buying a used smart TV can feel like a treasure hunt. However, it doesn’t have to be, so I run these checks to avoid the costly mistake of buying a faulty smart TV.

1

Inspect the Screen for Dead Pixels or Burn-In

The screen is the heart of any TV, so this is where you should start. Begin by powering on the TV and displaying a solid color image—white, black, red, green, and blue are good options. You can find test patterns on YouTube or use a USB drive with test images.

Look closely for dead pixels, which appear as tiny black or colored dots that don’t change with the image. A few dead pixels might not be a dealbreaker, but clusters or widespread issues are a red flag.

Next, check for burn-in, especially if the TV is OLED. Burn-in happens when static images (like logos or news tickers) leave a faint but permanent mark on the screen. Display a full-screen white image and look for ghostly remnants of previous content. For LCD/LED TVs, inspect for uneven backlighting or dark spots, which can indicate aging or damage.

2

Test the Wi-Fi and Ethernet Connections

A smart TV is only as good as its ability to connect to the internet. Connect to the seller’s Wi-Fi (or your mobile hotspot) and ensure the TV connects without issues before handing over your cash. A TV gets plus points if I find its Wi-Fi standard is Wi-Fi 6 or Wi-Fi 6E.

If the TV has an Ethernet port, plug in a cable and test the wired connection. I prefer wired connections to Wi-Fi because they are faster and more stable.

Open a streaming app like YouTube or Netflix and play a high-definition video to check for smooth playback. If the TV struggles to connect or frequently drops the signal, it could indicate a faulty Wi-Fi module or outdated hardware. This is especially common in older models, so proceed with caution.

3

Check the Smart TV Interface for Speed and Updates

The smart TV interface is your gateway to streaming, apps, and settings, so it’s crucial to ensure it’s responsive and up-to-date. Laggy menus or delayed responses to remote inputs (think: 3+ seconds for a button press to register) often signal an underpowered processor or bloated software.

Next, dig into the system settings. Check the OS version (e.g., Google TV, Tizen, webOS) and verify if updates are pending. Manufacturers like Samsung and LG typically support high-end TVs with updates for 4–5 years, but cheaper brands may abandon support after 18 months.

Test pre-installed apps like Prime Video or Apple TV+. If they crash frequently or buffer despite a strong connection, the TV’s firmware is likely outdated—or worse, the storage is failing. If that’s the case, consider whether you’re okay with using an external streaming device like a Roku or Apple TV to keep your setup current.

4

Test All Ports and Connectivity Features

A used smart TV that looks great on the surface would be a terrible buy if its ports and connectivity features are faulty. Before buying, inspect all physical ports—HDMI, USB, Ethernet, and any others. Look for signs of damage, such as bent pins or loose connections. Then, test each port to ensure it functions properly.

• For HDMI ports, connect a device like a gaming console or Blu-ray player and check for both video and audio output.
• If the TV has multiple HDMI ports, test each one.
• For USB ports, plug in a flash drive with a video file or photos to see if the TV can read and display the content.
• If the TV has an optical audio output or headphone jack, test them to ensure they work as expected.

Don’t forget to check Bluetooth functionality if the TV supports it. Pair a set of wireless headphones or a soundbar to verify the connection is stable, and the audio quality is clear.

If you notice any ports aren’t working, consider whether you can work around the issue. For example, if one HDMI port is faulty but others are fine, it might not be a dealbreaker.

5

Verify Remote Control Functionality

The remote control is your primary way of interacting with the TV, so it’s essential to ensure it works flawlessly. Start by checking the remote’s physical condition. Are the buttons responsive, or do they stick or feel loose? Are there any visible signs of damage, like cracks or worn-out buttons?

Next, test the remote’s functionality. Power the TV on and off, adjust the volume, and go through the menus. Pay attention to any delays or unresponsive buttons.

Test any special features, like voice control or dedicated app buttons. If the remote has a built-in microphone for voice commands, try using it to search for content or change settings.

6

Run a Sound Check on the Speakers

Crystal-clear audio is as vital as a sharp picture, so don’t overlook the speakers. You can run a sound check on the TV speakers by playing a video with a mix of dialogue, music, and sound effects—something like a movie trailer or a concert clip works well. Listen closely for distortions, crackling, or uneven volume between the left and right channels.

Next, adjust the volume from low to high. Are the speakers clear at low levels or buzz when cranked up? If the TV has built-in audio presets (like Movie, Music, or Voice), cycle through them to see if any improve the sound quality.

If the built-in speakers underwhelm, test the TV’s audio output options. You can connect a soundbar to any Smart TV via Bluetooth, HDMI, RCA, or optical audio. If you don’t have a soundbar, a pair of headphones will work just as well. Relying on external gear adds cost, so factor that into your offer.

A used TV doesn’t have to be perfect, but it should meet your needs and perform reliably. Running these tests will help you avoid costly mistakes and make an informed decision whether that is walking away or negotiating a lower price.

Filtering and searching in Excel can feel like a guessing game. Regex functions change that. Now, I can pinpoint exactly what I need—complex patterns, partial matches, or structured data extraction—without breaking a sweat.

What Is Regex?

Regex is a type of pattern used to search a text string or sequence of characters for a match. Have you ever wondered how websites can tell you that the email pattern you have entered on a login page is invalid? That’s one example of a regex pattern using an email signature at work.

Regex might sound complicated, and it is if you want to use it to its full potential, but you don’t need to be a programmer to use it effectively. In some cases, you can get away with just knowing how to use a few symbols and basic patterns. I’ll keep this guide as simple as possible so you can start using them.

Here are the symbols we’ll be using in this guide:

Simple regex patterns you can build with these symbols include:

Regex functions are predefined Excel formulas that can be used to define a pattern for searching and manipulating text strings. There are three regex functions as of now, and we’re going to look at how to use them separately and with other functions.

Search for Patterns

The first function we are going to look at is REGEXTEST. It takes a text string you want to use for searching and a regex pattern, and uses the latter to find a match in the former. The function will return either True or False.

The syntax for the REGEXTEST function is as follows:

        REGEXTEST(string_to_search, regex_pattern_to_use, [case_senstivity])

    

The first two parameters, string_to_search and regex_pattern_to_use, are self-explanatory. The [case_sensitivity] parameter is optional—anything placed in square brackets when talking about Excel syntax is optional—and denotes whether you want the search to be case-sensitive (0) or case-insensitive (1). The default is case-sensitive.

In our example, we will use REGEXTEST to see if a user has entered a valid email address using the following formula:

        REGEXTEST(B3, "^[a-zA-Z0-9._%+-]+@[a-zA-Z0-9.-]+\.[a-zA-Z]{2,}$")

    

Here, we are searching in cell B3 to see if it contains an email address using the regex pattern below:

        ^[a-zA-Z0-9._%+-]+@[a-zA-Z0-9.-]+.[a-zA-Z]{2,}$
    

If I place the formula in cell C3 and enter [email protected] in cell B3, it will return True because that matches the signature of an email.

Next, lets look at the REXEXEXTRACT function. It returns a substring (a portion of the string) that matches the regex pattern provided.

The syntax for the REXEXEXTRACT function is as follows:

        REGEXEXTRACT(string_to_search, regex_pattern_to_use, [return_mode], [case_senstivity])

    

Continuing with the email example, let’s add a formula in cell B4 to extract the username of the portion of the email.

Here is what the formula will look like:

        =REGEXEXTRACT(B3, "([^@]+)")

    

In this formula, we extract everything before the @ symbol in the email address entered in B3.

Find and Replace Using Regex

The final regex function we will look at is REGEXREPLACE. This function is similar to Excel’s REPLACE function, but also supports RegEx. It takes the text string you want to modify and checks to see if there is a substring that matches the defined regex pattern. If it finds it, it replaces it with the provided replacement string.

The syntax of the REGEXREPLACE function is as follows:

        REGEXREPLACE(string_to_modify, regex_pattern_to_use, replacement_string, [number_of_occurrences], [case_senstivity])

    

Here are the important parameters to pay attention to in this function:

• string_to_modify: The text string you want to modify.
• replacement_string: The string to replace the substring with.
• number_of_occurrences: The exact instance you want to replace.

Here is an example of using the function to replace the username portion of the email with another text string:

        =REGEXREPLACE(B3, "^[^@]+", "jane.doe")

    

The value of B3 is [email protected], and after we enter the formula above in cell C3, it will return [email protected].

Combine Regex With Other Functions

You can also combine the regex functions with other functions in Excel. For instance, you can combine the REGEXTEST function with an Excel IF statement and display the appropriate message based on the result.

Here is an example formula:

        =IF(REGEXTEST(B3, "^[a-zA-Z0-9._%+-]+@[a-zA-Z0-9.-]+\.[a-zA-Z]{2,}$"), "This is a valid email address!", "The email address is invalid!")

    

This formula uses the IF statement to check if the email address entered in cell B6 is valid and then display This is a valid email address! if it is TRUE or The email address is invalid! if it is FALSE. Alternatively, you could pair this with the FIND function to quickly find data in Excel.

This is not meant to be an extensive guide on regular expressions—that would require several articles on its own. However, it’s a good way to start using RegEx in Excel. The use cases and possibilities are only limited by your imagination.

It’s frustrating to see smartphone manufacturers chase trends that seem to add little value to the overall experience. Whether it’s impractical design choices or features no one really asked for, some of these trends just need to disappear for good.

1

Shoving AI Everywhere

AI might be the biggest focus in smartphone trends for 2025, but to be honest, I’m not too impressed. In fact, I believe AI is actually hindering smartphone innovation rather than pushing it forward. The Samsung Galaxy S25 series is a prime example of this issue. The entire lineup feels underwhelming, and the main reason is that there’s barely anything that differentiates the S25 from the previous S24, apart from a handful of AI features that have been added on top. It’s disappointing to see such minimal progress when it comes to actual hardware or meaningful improvements.

The same sentiment applies to iPhones, and I was thoroughly disappointed with Apple Intelligence. While some features, like Magic Eraser, are undeniably useful, the majority of AI-driven additions feel like nothing more than gimmicks. As a power user, I find myself rarely using these features, and even when I look at non-tech-savvy users like my parents, I’ve never seen them take advantage of these capabilities, either. This makes me question—who exactly are these features being designed for?

I definitely want to see advancements in generative AI continue, but not if it means compromising on other important aspects of smartphones, particularly hardware improvements.

2

Bigger and Bigger Screen Sizes

Even though I have relatively large hands, I still find big phones uncomfortable to use—especially when trying to reach the top of the screen. Despite this, most manufacturers continue pushing for bigger and bigger displays, particularly in flagship phones. This makes it difficult to find a high-end compact phone.

One of my favorite Android phones in 2022 was the ASUS Zenfone 10 because it was one of the few smaller devices offering top-tier specs. However, its successor, the ASUS Zenfone 11 Ultra, completely shifted gears. Instead of sticking to the compact 5.9-inch display, it has a massive 6.9-inch screen, which is a drastic change from what made the Zenfone 10 so appealing in the first place.

Although Google and Apple still offer Pro-level phones with 6.3-inch displays, I’d consider that more of a medium-sized phone than a truly small one. I still find myself wishing Apple would bring back the iPhone Mini series in some form.

3

Glass Backs

Glass backs on smartphones have never really appealed to me. They break much more easily while also adding unnecessary weight to the phone. While I would love to see the return of metal backs, they could interfere with wireless charging, making them less practical. That’s why I believe plastic is the next best option.

Recycled plastic backs could be much easier to replace and, with the right finish, can feel just as premium as other materials. Since plastic is also significantly lighter, it also feels much better in the hand. I’d really like to see a more sustainable version of plastic being widely adopted across all price ranges.

4

Multiple Rear Cameras with Little Practical Use

Manufacturers often rely on a marketing tactic that misleads customers into believing that more camera lenses automatically mean a better camera system overall. However, this isn’t always true, especially in the lower mid-tier phone segment. Many of these devices pack four lenses into a phone, yet none of them perform well at their intended purpose.

Personally, I would much rather have one excellent camera that takes amazing photos and does its job exceptionally well than multiple mediocre cameras that fail to deliver quality in any aspect. This is an area where I think Apple gets it right. Its mid-range phones typically feature two high-quality cameras rather than trying to cut corners by adding extra, subpar lenses just to inflate the lens count. After all, let’s be honest—no one is excited to use a poorly implemented 2MP macro lens or an ultra-wide camera that struggles to capture enough light to produce decent photos.

5

Thinner Bezels

This might be an unpopular opinion, but I don’t see the need for thinner bezels on phones without a practical reason. Most phones already look great with a decently sized bezel, especially if you use dark mode on an OLED display. In that case, the bezel blends easily with the screen, making it hardly noticeable.

There’s a reason Samsung stopped making phones like the Galaxy S7 Edge and why many phones are returning to flat displays instead of curved ones. Curved screens often lead to accidental touches, add to the cost, and make screen replacements more complex and expensive. This trend of pushing for thinner and thinner bezels with every new phone release makes me wonder if we’re heading back to curved displays all over again—something that didn’t work out so well the first time around.

While all scams are scary, “scareware” can be the worst of its kind, masquerading as a service to save you from a malware attack. To mitigate these types of scams, Microsoft has added a “scareware blocker” to its Edge browser, which harnesses the power of machine learning.

Microsoft Edge Now Has an AI-Powered Scareware Blocker

Microsoft has now rolled out its scareware blocker for the Edge browser, which leverages AI to intercept specifically scareware attempts. Scareware is a type of scam that can manipulate your browser, producing a pop-up window that informs you that your system has been infiltrated. The scammer will pose as a tech support service, such as Windows Support, and instruct you to call them immediately. Ironically, it’s these phone calls that lead to the attackers being able to access and place malware onto your computer.

The promising quality of Microsoft’s new scareware blocker is that it allegedly notifies users quickly. This is imperative because these types of scams typically urge users to act fast, playing on your desperation to save your system from malware.

How Does Microsoft’s New Scareware Blocker Actually Work?

According to Microsoft, the scareware blocker complements Edge’s existing security feature, Microsoft Defender SmartScreen, which protects users from malicious sites in general. The scareware blocker differs in that it uses AI to scan new web pages for classic signs of scareware, like entering full screen mode or computer-generated audio messages.

Here is how Microsoft’s blog post describes the machine learning model’s functionality:

“The model uses computer vision to compare full screen pages to thousands of sample scams that the scam-fighting community shared with us. The model runs locally, without saving or sending images to the cloud.”

Scareware-type behavior will trigger a warning message from the blocker. How can you tell this warning message from a scareware pop-up? For one, a notification from Microsoft’s scareware blocker will not include a tech support phone number to call. It will only let you know that the site looks suspicious, and give you the option to Close page or Continue.

How to Enable Your Scareware Blocker on Microsoft Edge

Microsoft’s new scareware blocker is still in preview mode, but you can enable the preview in your browser’s settings:

1. Open Microsoft Edge and head to Settings.
2. Select Privacy, search, and services.
3. Toggle the slider on next to Scareware blocker.

While it can be challenging to differentiate which security warnings are real and which are fake, a good rule of thumb is to use caution around phone numbers and links. Whenever a security notification includes a contact number, cross-check it with a cursory Google search. For example, if you’re instructed to contact Microsoft Support, make sure the number aligns with what’s listed on Microsoft’s official website. And if you’re not able to open another browser tab to do that search, then—that’s another tell-tale sign of a scam.

Open-ear wireless earbuds are always a mixed bag. That’s why I’ve been mostly impressively surprised with the Soundcore AeroFit 2 earbuds—they’re comfortable, don’t fall out of my ears while exercising, deliver good sound quality, and have a host of useful features.

Price and Availability

The Soundcore AeroFit 2 is available from Soundcore or Amazon, both costing $99.99 at the time of writing. You can pick them up in Black, White, or Minty Green.

Useful Design, But Too Easy to Knock

I must admit that the AeroFit 2’s looped ear design didn’t initially impress me. I have relatively small ears, so there was a period of adjustment in terms of the fit and feeling of comfort. I could get the earbuds into a decent position for audio, but it didn’t necessarily always translate to a comfortable feeling.

Not that the AeroFit 2 is uncomfortable. They just didn’t feel right. Each earbud has a small pivot that moves through four different positions to help you reach maximum comfort. Adjusting the hinge inwards moves the earbud speaker to a different position within your ear, which is very simple to use.

At times, however, it was a little too easy to move. I’d often nudge the speaker out of place. Now, readjusting it only takes a moment, but it happened a little too frequently for my liking. In turn, it meant I didn’t use the touch controls much because I was wary about knocking them again.

Once I’d found a good overall position for my ear, the earbud loop, and the speaker position, it was easy to return to it. But even then, I still had to fiddle with them to find the optimum angle. It’s a far cry from just putting your headphones on or earbuds in and listening to music immediately.

I’m keen to acknowledge that my ear shape may play a part in this. I took the AeroFit 2 out for a few runs to test how well it would stay put, and it was surprisingly good in this area.

Something to note is the size of the AeroFit 2 case. It’s a bit of a unit, measuring 3.14 x 2.62 x 0.9 inches. It’s unlikely you’ll be keeping this one in your pocket, which means you’ll need an extra bag or something similar to carry it. I mean, you absolutely could put it in your pocket, depending on your pants, but it’ll be uncomfortable or bulge if you’re wearing something on the tighter side.

Finally, the AeroFit 2 has an IP55 rating, meaning they’ll stand up to dust and some moisture, like rain and sweat, but not total submersion.

Strong Bass, But Good Overall Audio Quality

Soundcore’s default EQ AeroFit 2 EQ is somewhat bass-heavy, but it’s a fun sound that I enjoyed, especially when out running or otherwise. Soundcore’s “BassTurbo Acoustic Structure” really shows what these earbuds are about. According to Soundcore, the “hourglass-shaped chamber intensifies sound and diaphragm vibration, unleashing bold, thunderous bass.”

In that, these aren’t earbuds for those seeking audio-precision; the design doesn’t lend itself to that anyway.

But the 20×11.5mm Racetrack drivers certainly do a decent job and, in many cases, help overcome the issues of external audio leaking. As said above, you’ll have to play around with the fit to find a comfortable position, but when you do the audio quality is plenty good.

The integrated EQ settings (found in the Soundcore app, available on iPhone and Android) are useful for rapidly changing the audio quality, too. I found myself mostly switching between the default Soundcore Signature, Flat, and Balanced. One slight irritation is how these EQs are presented visually in the app. The Soundcore Signature is displayed as a completely flat EQ when it’s anything but, while the Flat EQ shows some tweaking around the mid-ranges.

I found the Balanced EQ the best of the three, dropping some of the Soundcore Signature’s bass-forward approach for something a little more subtle. Either way, the options are handy to use, with the extra option of creating a unique EQ also available.

The AeroFit 2 connects to your device using Bluetooth 5.4, with the option of choosing between SBC, AAC, and the high-res LDAC codec. It’s a handy option, though its usefulness on an open-ear design like this is questionable. Yes, LDAC gives you higher-quality audio, but given that you can also hear everything from the outside world, how much do you notice that upgraded sound?

More handily, the AeroFit 2 earbuds support multi-point connections, which is always helpful. Bluetooth Multipoint connectivity has become one of those “just-can’t-do-without” features these days, so it’s good to see Soundcore supporting it here.

The AeroFit 2 has four beam-forming microphones designed to track the position of your voice to deliver greater clarity. I found the microphone quality fine in most scenarios. In a quiet room, the microphones have no problem picking up your voice, while outdoors, there is some background noise, but this is expected.

Soundcore’s Familiar Software Is Easy to Use

The Soundcore app is your go-to point for any AeroFit 2 setting. First, if you want to customize the AeroFit 2 EQ settings, you’ll find them here. The EQ settings are simple to use and switch between, and while the onboard custom EQ options won’t blow you away, they’re handy enough. You’ll also find the 3D Signature Sound option here.

There are also options to change the various touch controls. These are useful, but I didn’t spend much time using the touch controls in general because I didn’t want to knock the earbuds out of position. Still, the options to change the controls are easy to use.

The Soundcore app also contains other handy tools, such as a zero-latency gaming mode, dual-connection management, firmware updates, and more.

Impressive Battery Life For All Day Use

I’ve used many Soundcore earbuds over the years, and the AeroFit 2 keeps up the company’s strong track record on battery life. I found the AeroFit 2 last around eight to nine hours while playing music at a good level (on a single charge), which is enough for most uses.

You’re unlikely to complete a nine-hour workout (long-distance runs notwithstanding), so the AeroFit 2 will likely last you the duration of any task. In addition, the charging carry case can deliver another three full charges, giving you around 40 hours of playback in total without having to reach for a power outlet.

Importantly, the AeroFit 2 picks up around three to four hours on a rapid ten-minute charge, which is great if you’re heading out of the house and forgot to put them back in the case the night before. That said, a full charge only takes around 45 minutes or so, meaning it’s not difficult to reach full capacity once again.

What’s the Competition?

Soundcore’s AeroFit 2 competition somewhat depends on why you’re buying them. Assuming most are using an open-ear hook design for exercise of some sort, there are a couple of different options to consider.

The Shokz OpenRun offers a different experience, using bone-conduction tech to help keep your ears free. Although this is a slightly older model, first launched in 2020, the Shokz OpenRun remain a firm favorite among those who want to listen to music while training without any impedance from other sounds. Although they cost a little more, you get a higher IP67 protection rating, useful Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity, and decent audio, considering the difference in audio tech.

Alternatively, the Cleer Audio ARC 3 is a premium option for those who want an open-ear design with ear hooks. These include Dolby Audio, Snapdragon Sound, and up to 10 hours of playback on a single charge.

Should You Buy the Soundcore AeroFit 2 Earbuds?

These are great options for anyone interested in exercising, working out, running, cycling, or something similar. The Soundcore AeroFit 2 is competitively priced against the competition and offers a broad range of features, good sound quality, and a day-long battery life.

For anyone else, I’d suggest a traditional set of earbuds, which will give you better sound quality, especially given that many now come with an audio passthrough or transparency mode.

Soundcore AeroFit 2

$143 $150 Save
$7

Boasting a useful design and surprisingly good audio quality, the Soundcore AeroFit 2 open-ear earbuds are an excellent option for anyone who wants music while working out. The AeroFit 2 has an excellent eight-hour battery life with three full charges in the carry case, while the Soundcore app makes it easy to customize the earbud’s audio just how you want it. You may have to play around to find the most comfortable fit, but once you do, the AeroFit 2 stay locked into place for most activities.

You’ve undoubtedly seen the new AI overviews that Google uses to help you answer your questions. Well, if an internal email is to be believed, the company wants to make its AI search even mightier with an enhanced version of its Gemini assistant.

Google’s New AI Search Will Unravel and Answer Your Complex Questions

As 9to5Google reported, the search giant is sending around an internal email asking employees to “dogfood” a new Google search AI tool. This new feature will use a new Gemini 2.0 model, which the email claims features “advanced reasoning and thinking capabilities.”

The main goal behind this new tool is to provide answers to questions that Google’s regular search algorithms are poor at returning answers for. The company gave some examples of what kind of questions you can ask this new search tool:

“How many boxes of spaghetti should I buy to feed 6 adults and 10 children, and have enough for seconds?”

“Compare wool, down, and synthetic jackets in terms of insulation, water resistance, and durability”

“What do I need to get started with aquascaping?”

Follow-up: “What are some nearby stores to buy supplies?”

As you can tell by the last prompt, the new search tool will allow you to ask follow-up questions, much like an AI chatbot. It seems that Google wants to turn its search tool into something you can ask things of, like asking an expert for their opinion on a specific topic, with room to enquire further about what Gemini replies with.

Right now, there doesn’t seem to be any planned release date for this new feature. It’s currently undergoing testing, and even the UI that 9to5Google managed to spot was in an early testing stage, so it likely won’t be released soon. However, there’s a good chance it’ll be released sometime this year, so keep your eyes peeled for more.

They say that you only need a computer and Wi-Fi to work remotely, and that’s true on a base level. But if you’re working from home for a long time, it’s worth building up your gadgets and boosting your productivity—these are the WFH gadgets I can’t do without.

1

Wireless Mouse

After using my trackpad for over four years, I finally had enough and bought a wireless mouse for my laptop. Since then, I’ve enjoyed working from home much more than before.

Navigating my computer is much easier, especially with actions like scrolling. I’m happy to take the slight tradeoff of highlighting my text being easier with a trackpad; if I really need to, I can use that.

My wireless mouse has also helped my posture, and I enjoy editing photos much more than I used to. Its silent-click feature is another nice benefit, and so is the ability to use it with my iPad and computer.

2

Laptop Stand

While I partially work from home, I also spend lots of time at a coworking space. Therefore, I want a portable remote work setup. I’ve avoided buying a monitor for this reason, though I’m open to changing my mind.

I still wanted to stop spending so much time looking down at my laptop screen, though. I needed to find an alternative, which led to me purchasing a laptop stand. There are definitely pros and cons of using a laptop stand, but the advantages outweigh the drawbacks for me.

My posture always feels better when using the laptop stand, though I still sometimes put my laptop on the table instead. My only annoyance is that it can shake when I write, but I’ll likely purchase a sturdier option in the future.

Besides the posture-related advantages, having a laptop stand has also helped with my computer’s airflow.

3

Wireless Keyboard

I first used my computer keyboard after purchasing my laptop stand, which quickly became annoying. Since then, I’ve added a wireless keyboard to my home setup and am much happier.

My wireless keyboard works on my computer and iPad, making it easy to switch across devices when needed. Moreover, I can write more quickly than when using my laptop’s keyboard on a laptop stand.

Learning how to use my wireless keyboard took some time because it’s different from my laptop. I’ll probably upgrade to a Magic Keyboard at some point since I own a MacBook; Logitech made my current keyboard. For now, though, I’m happy. I recommend learning the pros and cons of external keyboards before buying one.

4

Wireless Charger

I limit the number of wires I use since I have lots of gadgets, and buying a 3-in-1 wireless charger was one of my best-ever tech purchases. I can simultaneously charge my iPhone, Apple Watch, and wireless headphone case, saving time and space.

But adding juice to my devices isn’t the only reason why I love my wireless charger. I can also use it as a tripod for my phone, allowing me to listen to music while I work.

Putting my phone on a wireless charger also lets me watch videos if I need to research a topic.

5

My iPad as a Second Screen

Part of wanting a portable work-from-home setup also means that I’ve refrained from buying an external monitor for my laptop. Thankfully, my iPad is the perfect second screen (and I can take it everywhere with me).

I use my iPad to research articles and fact-check while I’m writing. Doing so is much easier than opening a new tab because I don’t feel like I’m context-switching. Though I sometimes listen to music on my phone while working, I normally use my iPad because the big screen is easier to navigate.

I also use my iPad as a second screen when I’m learning. While I watch or read on my tablet, I can then type on my laptop. Though I use my iPad with a MacBook, you can also use your iPad as a second monitor on Windows.

6

An External Hard Drive

In addition to writing, I also take on photography projects. However, I’d have no space on my computer if I used it to store all my RAW files. I’ve also tried using cloud storage for unedited RAW images, but they take ages to upload and consume lots of space.

To mitigate these problems, I bought a LaCie hard drive in 2023. In my opinion, it’s one of the most durable (and portable) hard drives.

Once I’ve edited my photos, I usually store the edited JPEGs in Dropbox. However, I’ll save a TIFF version on my hard drive if I plan to sell the image as a print.

7

Wireless Headphones

Listening to music often helps me focus on tasks, and I also have a bigger work capacity than I otherwise would. I’ve tried multiple wired headphones, and I can’t stand using them. I needed to buy different pairs for working and exercising, and they’d always get tangled.

When I owned wired headphones, I’d also hear the wire if I accidentally hit it while typing. I’ve since solved this problem with wireless headphones, and more specifically, I bought noise-canceling ones.

Having noise-canceling wireless headphones allows me to drown out background noise. For example, I sometimes hear cars from the street, and this can be very distracting. Even if I’m not listening to music, I sometimes place my headphones so I can focus on my task.

8

An Adjustable Table

Standing hours are one way that I use my Apple Watch to move more each day. However, I noticed that I was sitting far more than I’d like when checking the statistics. This is not healthy, and I bought an adjustable table to mitigate this issue.

My adjustable table looks great and comes up to a good height. It’s also very stable; I deliberately bought a more expensive option so it would last longer.

Besides improving my posture and ensuring that I stand more during the day, having an adjustable standing desk also means that I’m more likely to walk around. So, I increase my daily step count as a byproduct.

9

USB-C and SD Card Adapters

Though I own a MacBook Pro with USB-C ports, many of my devices still use USB-A. My computer also doesn’t have an SD card slot, which isn’t ideal when I need to import images from my camera. So, I bought adapters for both.

You can buy third-party options, but I purchased the official Apple ones and am very happy with my division. They feel much more durable.

Having slowly upgraded my work-from-home setup over multiple years, I’m now pleased with my approach. Each gadget helps me improve productivity and perform tasks I otherwise couldn’t have. You’ll need to experiment when doing the same, but I strongly recommend trying each of these.

As Google continues to refine its family of modern generative AI models, known collectively as Gemini, the company releases more advanced versions for free. The latest wide release is Gemini 2.0 Flash, Google’s fastest and most effective model yet.

Gemini 2.0 Flash Is Available to Free Users and Developers

Exiting triumphantly from its experimental phase is Gemini 2.0 Flash, a “highly efficient workhorse model,” as described by Google’s The Keyword. Known for low latency and strong performance, Gemini 2.0 Flash is now popping up in a few new places: on the Gemini app, the Google AI Studio and Vertex AI.

Gemini App

On January 30th, 2025, Google added the model to the Gemini app, available to both paying and non-paying users. You can simply go to Gemini’s web, desktop, or mobile app, and it will default to Gemini 2.0 Flash.

While you don’t need to pay for Gemini Advanced to use 2.0 Flash, a paid subscription will still get you extra perks. These premium offerings include access to more experimental models, the ability to upload lengthy documents for analysis, and more. You can check out the full list of benefits on Google’s Gemini Advanced page.

Google AI Studio and Vertex AI

In addition to bringing it to everyday users, Google has now made Gemini 2.0 Flash available to developers by adding it to the Google AI Studio and Vertex AI platforms. Developers can build applications using 2.0 Flash on both of these platforms, which cater to different use cases.

It’s All in the 2.0 Flash Family

While making Gemini 2.0 Flash more widely available, Google has also shared early versions of other models in the “2.0 family,” including Gemini 2.0 Pro and Gemini 2.0 Flash-Lite. Additionally, Google has dropped Gemini 2.0 Flash Thinking Experimental on the Gemini app after it was previously only accessible via Google AI Studio.

According to Google, these early models will start with text output and have additional modalities in the future:

“All of these models will feature multimodal input with text output on release, with more modalities ready for general availability in the coming months.”

If you, like me, find it challenging to keep up with the various iterations of Gemini models, here’s a quick breakdown of the newest releases:

As someone who uses Gemini largely for writing support and occasional curiosity questions, I’m not sure if I’ll truly feel the difference between 1.5 Flash and the new-and-improved 2.0 Flash. I do imagine those who leverage Gemini for more complex tasks and building will reap the rewards of the low-latency model.

In any case, I’ll be eager to see how 2.0 Flash handles image generation, which is “coming soon” along with text-to-speech, according to Google.

Flashcards are undoubtedly great for memorization-heavy courses, but creating hundreds for a single course can be time-consuming and exhausting. Thankfully, AI flashcard generators can spare you the manual work and help you memorize even the toughest content.

I’ve tried nearly every free flashcard app, and while most include AI flashcard generation features, they’re often locked behind a paywall, have extremely limiting free versions, or are simply underwhelming.

That’s when I started my hunt for dedicated AI flashcard generators, and one tool I wish I’d discovered earlier is FlashKa. Not only does it use AI to generate flashcards, but it also helps you interact with your study material and explain any doubts you might have.

FlashKa offers four different modes: PDF, Describe, Text, and Manual.

Since we’re focusing on automating the tedious process of creating flashcards, I’ll stick to the first three as the Manual mode requires you to create the flashcards yourselves. In the Describe mode, all you need to do is just specify what you want to learn, your familiarity with the topic, and what you’d like to achieve.

For example, I wrote “Momentum, I know some of the concepts, I’d like to master the topic,” named my deck, and FlashKa created the flashcards shown below.

If you have the study material on hand, you can use either the PDF or Text mode. For the Text mode, simply paste up to 1000 characters, and FlashKa takes care of the rest. Since I mostly study from handwritten notes and lecture slides, the PDF mode is my favorite.

Just upload your PDF, select the pages you want to create flashcards from, and choose between two options: either hit the Generate Flashcards button to let the AI do its thing or highlight information you want converted into flashcards.

Of course, making the flashcards is only half the battle—the real challenge is studying them. Thankfully, FlashKa also assists in the studying process. It uses a spaced repetition algorithm and even allows you to test your knowledge by generating quizzes from your flashcards.

FlashKa operates on a credit system, giving you 50 daily credits. A credit is used each time you generate a flashcard, quiz, or use the AI help features. While the free credits are generally sufficient for daily use, they might fall short if you tend to cram the night before an exam. In that case, you can upgrade to their Beast or Wizard subscriptions, which provide 3000 AI credits or unlimited credits, respectively.

FlashKa’s great, but as I mentioned earlier, you might find its free credits limiting if you’re the type to pull all-nighters and cram an entire semester’s worth of content the night before the final.

If you’re looking for a similar tool with an excellent spaced repetition algorithm that’s mostly free, Brainscape is definitely worth checking out. To create AI-powered flashcards within a deck, you’ve got three options: Import/Paste Flashcards, Summarize From Content, and Just Tell AI What I Want.

If you already have study material in the form of pre-existing questions and answers like vocabulary words or definitions in a file (.xlsx, .csv, .txt, .tsv), or an image, you can easily convert them into flashcards using the Import/Paste Flashcards option. When I’ve used this feature, the initial set of flashcards that Brainscape displays on the “Do these look right to you?” page is usually a mess.

You can either add all the cards to your deck or hit the No, Fix With AI button, which uses ChatGPT to improve both the content and presentation of the cards.

On the other hand, the Summarize from Content mode works similarly to FlashKa. All you need to do is upload a file (.docx, .pptx, .txt) or an image of your study material, and the AI will convert it into flashcards for you.

If you don’t have any study material and just want to generate flashcards on a topic from scratch, use the Just Tell AI What I Want mode. Here, you specify the number of flashcards you want and the topic, and you’ll have your flashcards ready in seconds.

While features like adding images and sounds to flashcards, bookmarking specific cards, and reversing features require Brainscape Pro, creating and studying AI-generated flashcards on Brainscape remains completely free.

The only drawback is that, at the time of writing, Brainscape’s AI tools are not fully available on its web version. So, you’ll need to use the iOS or Android app to access them for now.

You’d be lying if you said you haven’t studied from a YouTube video at least once during high school or college. YouTube is a lifesaver when you’re struggling with concepts and exams are approaching. But let’s be real—watching them can be super time-consuming, especially if you’re jotting down notes or creating flashcards.

If you try watching at 2X speed (trust me, I’ve tried!), you often miss key information and end up rewinding, which just adds to the time crunch.

This is where Gizmo comes in. Its Magic Import feature lets you turn a YouTube video into flashcards simply by pasting the link. For example, I pasted the URL of a YouTube video on Momentum by Congito, and it created 27 flashcards covering the entire 7-minute video.

Once your flashcards are created, you’ll notice a few words in each card highlighted in green. These are the terms Gizmo will quiz you on when you’re studying. It also uses machine learning to ask you additional questions. Like the other tools, Gizmo utilizes a spaced repetition algorithm, presenting questions in the most efficient way to help reinforce your memory.

But it doesn’t stop there—Magic Import also works with PDFs, PowerPoints, Google Docs notes, Quizlet and Anki decks, a Google webpage, photos of your notes, and even real-time lecture recordings, converting all of them into flashcards!

When building your set, you can also click the AI Generate button, which opens a chat where you can input a topic or question. Gizmo will then provide an answer in flashcard form, ready to be saved to your deck.

The options are endless, and the best part is that Gizmo is completely free to use.

Given that AI has seeped into nearly every sector of our lives, it only makes sense to leverage AI for studying as well. With the flashcard generation tools I’ve mentioned above, you’ll not only save a significant amount of time creating flashcards, but also reduce the time you spend studying as a whole!

When it comes to music streaming recaps, Spotify Wrapped gets most of the attention. However, Apple Music has its own review feature, and it does Spotify one better: it shares your listening trends on a monthly basis.

Apple Music Just Dropped the First 2025 “Replay”

January did feel like an entire year, but the reality is we’ve only made it through one month of 2025. While Spotify users can only wait patiently for the next ten months—or perhaps use them to prepare for Spotify’s end-of-year Wrapped recap—Apple Music subscribers are already privy to those delicious listening stats.

Apple Music’s feature called Replay 2025 creates a playlist for each month, effectively constructing your sonic profile for January, February, and so on. If you’re an Apple Music subscriber, you should be able to access your January playlist now—or at least, very soon.

How to Find Your January Replay on Apple Music

Whether you’re using Apple Music on a mobile device, a browser, or as a desktop app, you can locate your first 2025 Replay via the following steps:

1. Navigate to the Home tab.
2. Scroll down and tap the Replay 2025 playlist card.
3. Add the playlist to your library.

The data obsessed will be happy to learn that, along with this new January playlist, you can check out your charts on the Apple Music Replay website. This will have stats like listening minutes, top artists, and more.

While the end of the year is a natural time to reflect on our habits, not all of us want to wait that long. Compared to other music streaming platforms, Apple Music offers something unique with its timely aggregation of your listening trends. It’s not bad timing that Apple Music is also running a deal right now, offering six months of streaming for a mere $3.

Having bootable media ready can be a real lifesaver when you need to do a clean installation of Windows. Thankfully, it’s easy to set that up.

There are two main ways to create bootable media for a Windows 11 install: using Microsoft’s Media Creation Tool or burning the ISO to removable media yourself.

Creating a Windows 11 Bootable USB With the Windows Media Creation Tool

The Windows 11 Media Creation Tool is software available as a free download from Microsoft. It’s by far the easiest way to do a clean install of Windows 11 using a USB flash drive.

Here’s how to use the Media Creation Tool to create a bootable USB for installing Windows 11:

1. Select your language and edition. The recommended defaults work well. Hit Next.
2. Plug the USB flash drive into your PC. In the tool, choose USB flash drive. Hit Next.
3. Select your USB drive from the list that appears. Hit Next. (If your USB isn’t listed, click Refresh drive list. If it still doesn’t show up, you may need to format the USB drive first. When formatting, choose FAT32 for the USB’s filesystem.)
4. The tool will begin downloading and writing files onto your USB. When it’s done, hit Finish.

Download: Windows 11 Media Creation Tool for Windows (Free)

Creating a Windows 11 Bootable DVD/USB Using an ISO Image

If the method above doesn’t work for you, you can do things the old-fashioned way instead: by burning a Windows ISO manually onto removable media such as a DVD or USB drive.

Any file that ends in .iso is an exact copy of a disk. It’s a virtual copy of a CD or DVD, with the same file structure and the same data. ISO copies are referred to as “images” of the original.

In this case, the ISO is a perfect copy of what would be on an original Windows DVD.

Here’s how to get a Windows 11 ISO and put it onto a bootable DVD or USB:

1. Go to the download page, scroll down to Download Windows 11 Disk Image (ISO), select a version from the dropdown, and click Download Now.
2. When the language dropdown box appears, select the language you prefer. Click Confirm. Click the 64-bit Download button. The ISO will begin downloading to your PC.
3. Use specialized software to record the ISO image onto removable media. Jump down to the separate sections below for instructions, depending on whether you’re putting it onto a DVD or USB.

Download: Windows 11 ISO for Windows (Free)

The Windows 10 Media Creation Tool is available for free from Microsoft and offers different ways to install Windows 10.

This tool can:

• Update the PC to Windows 10.
• Create a Windows 10 bootable USB stick.
• Download a Windows 10 ISO file to your computer for manual creation.

The second and third options let us put Windows installation media onto bootable media. We’ll briefly cover the steps for each method.

Download: Windows 10 Media Creation Tool for Windows (Free)

Creating a Windows 10 Bootable USB With the Windows Media Creation Tool

Here’s how to use the Media Creation Tool to create a bootable USB for installing Windows 10:

1. Select Create installation media for another PC. Hit Next.
2. Choose your language and edition. The recommended defaults work well. Hit Next.
3. Plug the USB flash drive into your PC. In the tool, select USB flash drive. Hit Next.
4. Select your USB drive from the list that appears. Hit Next. (If your USB isn’t listed, click Refresh drive list. If it still doesn’t show up, you may need to format the USB drive first. When formatting, choose FAT32 for the USB’s filesystem.)
5. The tool will begin downloading and writing files onto your USB. When it’s done, hit Finish.

Creating a Windows 10 Bootable DVD/USB Using an ISO Image

If the method above isn’t available, you can manually download a Windows 10 ISO instead and manually record it onto a DVD or USB flash drive. This method also uses the Windows 10 Media Creation Tool mentioned above.

Here’s how to use the Media Creation Tool get a Windows 10 ISO and put it onto a bootable DVD or USB:

1. Select Create installation media for another PC. Hit Next.
2. Choose your language and edition. The recommended defaults work well. Hit Next.
3. Select ISO file. Hit Next. When prompted, choose where to save the file onto your disk.
4. The tool will begin downloading the ISO file and update you on its progress. When it’s done, hit Finish.
5. Use specialized software to record the ISO image onto removable media. Jump down to the separate sections below for instructions, depending on whether you’re putting it onto a DVD or USB.

How to Burn a Windows ISO Onto a DVD

To burn a Windows ISO to DVD, you can use Window’s native ISO burner. Right-click on the ISO file you’ve downloaded, and select Burn disc image.

This will open the native burner. It couldn’t be simpler to use—just enter a DVD and press burn!

Alternatively, several programs can burn an ISO to a DVD and make it bootable. One of the best ways to burn CDs and DVDs on Windows is with BurnAware, which offers a free version for home use.

Download: Burnaware for Windows (Free)

How to Flash a Windows ISO Onto a USB Drive

If you aren’t able to use the Windows Media Creation Tool to create a bootable USB, you can manually flash a Windows ISO onto your USB drive instead.

The simplest way to create a bootable USB drive is with Rufus. Download and open it by right-clicking on it and selecting Run As Administrator.

Here’s how to use Rufus to write a Windows ISO onto a USB drive:

1. Select your USB drive from the Device dropdown menu.
2. Click Select next to the Boot selection dropdown and locate your Windows ISO file.
3. Give your USB drive a descriptive title in the Volume label text box.
4. Click Start to begin writing.

Rufus gives you the option of using a GPT file system for UEFI systems, and MBR for BIOS systems. The program can detect what system you have; if you don’t know what kind of system you have, let Rufus choose for you!

Alternatively, if Rufus doesn’t work for you, there are many alternative tools to make bootable USBs that you can try instead. Rufus only works on Windows, but if you really need to, there’s also a way to [create a Windows bootable USB on Linux](# How to Create a Windows Bootable USB on Linux).

Download: Rufus for Windows (Free)

What If I’ve Forgotten My Product Key?

When you purchased Windows you should have received either a 25-character product key or a digital license. You can still install Windows without either of these, but you won’t be able to activate it.

If you lost your product key, there are ways to find it again. The Magical Jelly Bean KeyFinder has a free version that will display your CD Key.

Alternatively, you can follow our guide for other ways to find your Windows 11 or 10 product key.

Download: The Magical Jelly Bean KeyFinder for Windows (Free)

Now, you have a bootable version of Windows on a USB flash drive or DVD. To use it, you’ll need to change your PC’s boot order to boot from the selected drive. This will launch the Windows Installation Wizard, and you can then install Windows.

While not every extended warranty is worth buying, a protection plan for a daily device like a phone or computer is not such a bad idea. While Apple used to sell its pre-paid AppleCare+ plans at retail locations, the company is abandoning that practice in favor of its subscription model.

Apple Is Pushing Its AppleCare+ Subscription

According to an X post by Bloomberg Chief Correspondent Mark Gurman, Apple will soon be “dropping” its multi-year AppleCare+ plan, allowing you to buy two to three years of protection up front, from storefront locations.

As the name suggests, AppleCare+ extends your hardware’s first-party warranty plan, or AppleCare, that comes free with your purchase. According to Apple Support, most Apple products will come with “a one-year limited warranty and up to 90 days of complimentary technical support.” AppleCare+ extends that time for which your Apple product is eligible.

This reported change will affect you if you typically purchase Apple products in person, along with a pre-paid AppleCare+ plan. While a multi-year AppleCare+ plan will no longer be available to buy at a physical store, it will still be available on the online store. So, if I want to buy an iPad on Apple’s website, I can still add two years of coverage during checkout.

However, the option displayed before this two-year, pre-paid plan is a monthly AppleCare+ subscription, which bills separately. Even though the two-year plan at $69 flat will ultimately save me about $15, compared to two years at $3.49/month, it certainly feels enticing to spread the cost out over time.

Down With the OTP (One-Time Purchase)

Between the reduction in multi-year coverage options and the arrangement of the Apple website’s user interface, it’s pretty clear that Apple is pushing the AppleCare+ subscription model. I wouldn’t be surprised if Apple did away with the two or three-year deals completely. Frankly, it’s the direction most tech services are moving.

On the one hand, I don’t hate the idea of subscriptions, particularly the flexibility they provide. In the US, most of us are used to paying a monthly premium for health insurance, so paying monthly (or annually) for the health of our hardware sort of makes sense, too. In return, we’re covered when disaster strikes—usually.

On the other hand, it seems like an easy way for Apple to quietly siphon money while we look the other way. I can’t be the only one who loses track of mounting subscriptions. I would venture to guess that most customers who buy two years of AppleCare+ up front don’t re-up at the end of their term. Conversely, an AppleCare+ subscriber may hold on to that monthly plan for a long time, either out of comfort or forgetfulness.

At the end of the day, AppleCare coverage is a decent product that will suit some people better than others. Whether it’s a one-time purchase (OTP) or a subscription, it’s best to do some light risk analysis to decide whether you even need AppleCare+ at all. If you, like me, move less gracefully through life, protection plans do typically pay for themselves.

Hackers target popular platforms where people store personal or sensitive information. You probably won’t be surprised to find out that Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp are top targets for hackers and scammers, but there are a few ways to protect your account.

Social media accounts like Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp are prime targets for hackers. They’re rich in personal data, widely used for communication, and often linked to other accounts—making them irresistible targets. Unfortunately, they’re also likely to be insecure. Many folks reuse passwords, don’t have two-factor authentication turned on, and over-share information, making accounts vulnerable to attack.

Facebook

With over three billion monthly active users, Facebook is the largest social media platform in the world. That massive user base means it holds tons of personal information.

Each account includes details like birthdays, friends, email addresses, phone numbers, locations, and even payment details. Hackers can exploit this data for identity theft and phishing scams or sell it on the dark web.

Instagram

Instagram isn’t just a photo-sharing platform; it’s a go-to spot for influencers, businesses, and personal branding. Hackers target these accounts to hijack their following for scams, like promoting fake products or demanding money in exchange for returning control of the account.

WhatsApp

With its end-to-end encryption, WhatsApp feels secure, but hackers bypass this by targeting user authentication processes. Tricks like SIM swapping or phishing let them take over accounts. Once in, they can impersonate users to scam their contacts or spread malicious links through trusted networks.

How to Secure Your Accounts

Now you know why hackers target these accounts, but how can you protect yourself?

Use Strong and Unique Passwords

Strong passwords are your first defense against hackers. Using a weak or reused password is like leaving your door open and hoping no one walks in. To stay protected, ensure your passwords are unique and include a mix of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters. Avoid anything personal, like your name or birthday, and skip obvious patterns like “zxcvbnm.”

A good tip is to use passphrases instead of single words. For example, skip the basic stuff like “password123” and try something more unique, like “9Lions0nTheHill!” or “ILove2Hike&Explore.” They’re way harder for hackers to crack and stick in your memory better.

Also, every account needs its own password—if one gets hacked, the others stay safe. And yes, recalling them all can be a pain, so use a password manager or write them down somewhere secure. Just be sure to update them regularly, and don’t re-use them.

Add a Privacy Screen Protector

Got your strong passwords sorted? Great! But what if someone’s sneaking a peek while you type? Sounds like something out of a spy movie, right? But shoulder surfing is actually a real thing. To prevent it, slap a privacy screen protector on your device.

These thin films block side views, so only you—sitting right in front of the screen—can see what’s going on. They’re especially helpful in public spots like cafes, buses, or trains where nosy folks might try to sneak a glance.

Enable Two-Factor Authentication

Security is all about adding layers of protection. Think of two-factor authentication (2FA) as putting a second lock on your door in case someone gets past the first one. After entering your password, 2FA asks for a verification code to be sent to your phone via text message.

So, even if someone manages to crack your password, they’ll still need that second code to get in. You can also use apps like Google Authenticator or Authy to generate codes that refresh every 30 seconds or choose fingerprint or face recognition. Once you set up two-factor authentication, you must enter that code when logging in to a new device or browser.

Even after all these measures, you can never be 100% safe online. Hackers always find new ways to exploit vulnerabilities and steal data. So stay aware of the latest security threats, follow reputable tech news sources, learn cybersecurity best practices, and educate yourself about online phishing scams.

I’m obsessed with music. While most of what I listen to comes from playlists I’ve created myself, the rest comes from Spotify-generated playlists. If you haven’t explored them yet, here are four I’d recommend checking out.

1

Discover Weekly

Whether you’re trying to diversify your music palette to avoid a disappointing Spotify Wrapped at the end of the year or simply tired of listening to the same tracks daily, the Discover Weekly playlist is a great way to shake things up. The playlist is updated every Monday with thirty fresh tracks and helps you discover new music that aligns with your taste.

The tracks you’ll find in Discover Weekly are based on your streaming habits and behavior, including how you interact with songs you like and dislike. For example, if you like a track or add it to one of your personalized playlists, similar tracks will show up in your Discover Weekly.

On the other hand, if you often skip a song, you’re less likely to encounter it. Spotify also considers the listening habits of users who share a similar taste in music when recommending songs to you.

If you’re disappointed with your Discover Weekly, interact with your playlist to guide the algorithm and Spotify’s recommendation system. You can skip a track or tap the horizontal three dots next to it, then select Hide song from the menu.

Likewise, liking or saving tracks you enjoy will help Spotify recommend similar music in the future!

2

Release Radar

Discover Weekly is a great way to find music that suits your taste, including both old and new releases. However, if you’re looking to catch only new music before it goes viral, Release Radar is the playlist you’re after.

It features thirty new releases and is updated every Friday. Like Discover Weekly, this playlist is influenced by your listening habits, but you’ll primarily get new music from artists you follow, listen to, and other artists Spotify’s algorithm thinks you’ll enjoy.

You won’t find any tracks you’ve already listened to in your Release Radar, and you’ll only find one song per artist per week. The tracks are ordered in a specific way, influenced by how much Spotify thinks you’ll enjoy them based on your listening history and factors like the release date of a particular track. Other than a few minor differences, the order of your Release Radar will stay pretty consistent each week.

3

Repeat Rewind

We all have those few tracks we obsessively listen to for days on end, only to forget about them eventually. Most of the time, you’ll rediscover them months later and be hit with overwhelming nostalgia. The Repeat Rewind playlist helps ensure you don’t forget the tracks you loved for too long.

Updated every five days, it includes thirty tracks you obsessively listened to about a month ago. The order of tracks in the playlist doesn’t necessarily reflect how many times you’ve played each one.

4

On Repeat

I’d be lying if I said I don’t find myself skipping tracks in my playlist to listen to those few songs I’ve been obsessed with. One option to avoid this is to create a playlist of your favorite tracks.

Thankfully, Spotify saves the hassle of making one and has another personalized playlist called On Repeat. This playlist includes thirty songs you can’t get enough of and have been listening to non-stop over the past thirty days, updating every five days.

You can find all the playlists I’ve mentioned above by searching for them by name in your browser and clicking the first Spotify link that appears. Alternatively, you can find them on Spotify’s app by switching to the Search tab at the bottom and tapping Made For You under the Browse all header.

Both Repeat Rewind and On Repeat are under the Uniquely yours heading. If you scroll all the way down, you’ll find Discover Weekly and Release Radar under Discover New Music.

Regardless of which playlist you check out, if you find tracks you enjoy, make sure to save them to your Liked Songs or add them to your playlists. Since these playlists auto-update, you won’t be able to get the exact same playlist back once it’s updated, so you’ll lose those tracks otherwise!

The iPhone 11 series launched in September 2019, and almost six years later, I still have no intention of upgrading it anytime soon.

1

Apple’s Excellent Software Support

One reason I haven’t upgraded my device yet is Apple’s long support period. Although the company doesn’t guarantee that any of its devices will be supported for a certain period, Apple typically provides at least five years of major iOS updates and six years of security-focused updates.

However, the company has exceeded this threshold in the past. For instance, the 2018 iPhone XR, XS, and XS Max have received six major iOS updates so far.

The iPhone 11 is among the iPhones eligible for iOS 18, Apple’s latest smartphone OS, as of this article’s writing. Given Apple’s record, it may be due for another major iOS update this year, making it six, given that the 2018 trio was updated to iOS 18. That means I should still be fine running my iPhone 11 for another year without worry.

As a technical person, I understand the importance of software updates. They ensure the device has the latest security patches and that I can still run the latest apps.

Sure, I’m missing out on some features available on newer iPhone models, like Apple intelligence. However, in the grand scheme of things, I don’t need them.

2

Excellent Build Quality

Apple devices have some of the best build quality among smartphone manufacturers, and the iPhone 11 is no exception. The company’s continued focus on making its devices durable hasn’t gone unnoticed, which is why I still use its 2019 flagship.

The device includes front and back glass like the latest iPhone 16 series. The frame is aluminum, which was exclusively available in the premium lineup at the time. It also has an IP68 rating for water and dust resistance, which is still found on some high-end phones, like the 2024 iPhone 16 series.

Overall, the phone has held up incredibly well, given that I use it as my primary phone. My biggest secret, though, is I use a phone case and a tempered glass screen protector to protect the phone from drops and scratches.

3

Performance Still Holds Up

Apple’s A13 Bionic processor might be an old chip from 2019—just like the device—but when it came out, it was one of the best processors on the market. So it’s no surprise that it also powered the company’s top-of-the-range iPhone 11 Pro at the time.

A few years later, and after hundreds of hours of use, the chip still holds up well and can handle demanding apps and games. Multitasking isn’t an issue, either, and I haven’t experienced performance issues yet in my casual use of scrolling social media, playing puzzle games, taking pictures, and browsing the web.

However, it’s not all roses and sunshine. The chip does show its age when I take several pictures in a row, which causes the device to heat up a bit. The same happens if you try playing resource-intensive games like Genshin Impact.

But that’s not my typical use, so the device still serves me well for my casual daily tasks.

4

Great Camera System

Another reason I haven’t upgraded my iPhone 11 is its amazing camera system. It includes a dual-camera setup with a 12MP wide and ultra-wide lens, which means the photo quality remains exceptional even today. It produces sharp, vibrant photos and can shoot up to 4K videos.

The availability of a wide and an ultra-wide lens gives me options when capturing individual objects and expansive landscapes. The ultra-wide lens has a 120-degree field of view, like that of Apple’s iPhone 16 Pro series, although the latter has a more powerful lens.

This is not to say that the iPhone 11 camera offers the same sharpness, clarity, and vibrancy as recent iPhones. However, the iPhone 11’s camera system still delivers quality images, especially under perfect conditions, that you won’t notice are from an older device unless you’re keen.

5

Minimal Upgrade Incentive

With every new iPhone iteration, Apple delivers changes to its lineup, but many of those changes feel incremental rather than revolutionary.

Some might argue that it’s time for Apple to ditch annual iPhone releases because there aren’t big leaps between models. For example, newer models include slightly better battery life, faster processors, and improved camera features like Dolby Vision, ProRAW, and cinematic mode.

Although newer iPhones boast all the advanced features and capabilities relative to my aging iPhone 11, most of these aren’t necessary for daily smartphone use. I haven’t once felt I was missing out by not having the Dynamic Island found on newer models. I also don’t wish my device had Apple Intelligence or the ability to shoot in ProRAW (or cinematic mode).

These just aren’t features I need, which means they aren’t worth upgrading for just yet.

6

Environmental Considerations

As an environmentally conscious person, I’ve also held on to my old yet functional device for much longer because it’s the responsible choice. By doing so, I’m playing a part in helping reduce the e-waste problem in two ways.

First, I’m helping reduce the time it takes for this unit to be recycled or, as it sometimes happens, to hit the landfill. Second, by extending my upgrade cycle, I’m reducing the demand for new devices, ultimately reducing companies’ need to produce more gadgets.

The materials used in smartphone production pollute the environment despite companies continuously switching to using more recycled materials in their construction process. While Apple may promote recycling and sustainability in its newer models, the most sustainable phone is the one you already own.

7

I Have a Spare Android Smartphone

The last key part of my holdout is having a second phone. As mentioned previously, I use my iPhone as my primary device. However, I didn’t mention that I also have a Google Pixel as my secondary device.

My Pixel 6a complements my iPhone 11 and helps pick up the slack whenever necessary. For instance, the 6a’s camera system is better than the iPhone 11’s in some situations, like tricky lighting conditions. Together, these two devices give me multiple reasons not to upgrade.

Despite the availability of newer and better models, I’ll continue to use my iPhone 11 in 2025 because it still meets my needs. The device’s build quality, continued software support, excellent performance, and great camera systems make it worth keeping. It’s also better for the environment, and having a spare phone does help.

Software can be expensive, but pirating it is risky and unnecessary. The good news? You don’t have to choose between breaking the bank or the law. These are the tips and tricks I use to find affordable, legal alternatives.

When it comes to affordable software, open-source tools are a goldmine. These are programs developed by communities of passionate developers who make their work freely available to everyone. The best part? Many open-source tools are just as powerful as their paid counterparts.

Take GIMP (GNU Image Manipulation Program), for example. It’s a free alternative to Adobe Photoshop with robust photo editing features. While it might have a steeper learning curve, it’s more than capable of handling everything from basic retouching to advanced graphic design.

For office productivity, LibreOffice is a fantastic alternative to Microsoft Office. It includes a word processor, spreadsheet tool, presentation software, and more—all compatible with Microsoft’s file formats. And if you’re into video editing, DaVinci Resolve (although not entirely open-source) offers a free version packed with professional-grade features.

A quick online search for “best open-source alternatives to [software name]” will likely yield software options you can try.

2

Freemium Options

If open-source tools feel too DIY for your taste, freemium options might be the perfect middle ground. Freemium software offers a free version with basic features, while premium features are locked behind a paywall. This model lets you try before you buy, and for many users, the free tier is often all they need.

A great example is Canva. Its free version is incredibly robust, but if you need advanced features like brand kits or premium templates, you can upgrade and get the benefits of Canva Pro for a reasonable fee.

The key to freemium tools is to evaluate whether the free version meets your needs before committing to a paid plan. Often, you’ll find that the free tier is more than enough to get started.

3

Discounts and Student Deals

If you’re set on using premium software but don’t want to pay full price, discounts and student deals can help. Many companies offer significant price reductions for students, educators, and even non-profit organizations. All it takes is a little research and sometimes proof of eligibility.

Adobe Creative Cloud is a popular example. Normally, a subscription to Adobe’s suite of tools can cost upwards of $50 per month, but students and teachers can get the entire collection for just $19.99 per month. That includes Photoshop, Premiere Pro, Illustrator, and more. Similarly, Autodesk, the company behind tools like AutoCAD and Maya, offers free access to its software for students and educators.

If you’re not a student, don’t worry—there are still plenty of ways to save. Websites like Stack Social and Humble Bundle frequently offer discounted software bundles, often including premium tools at a fraction of their retail price.

4

Subscription Services

Subscription services have changed the way we access software. Instead of paying hundreds (or thousands) of dollars upfront for a single program, you can now pay a monthly or annual fee to access a suite of tools. This model makes premium software more affordable and ensures you always have the latest updates and features.

The most well-known example is Adobe Creative Cloud. For a monthly fee, you get over 20 apps, including Photoshop, Premiere Pro, Illustrator, and After Effects. While the full suite can be pricey, Adobe offers individual app subscriptions starting at $20.99 a month, which is a great option if you only need one or two tools.

Another example is Microsoft 365 (formerly Office 365). For around $70 per year, you get access to Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and other productivity tools, along with 1TB of OneDrive cloud storage. There’s even a family plan that lets you share the subscription with up to six people, making it a cost-effective choice for households.

5

Older Versions of Software

Older software versions can come in handy if you’re on a tight budget and don’t need the latest bells and whistles. Many developers sell or even give away previous versions of their programs at a fraction of the cost of the newest release. These versions often have all the core features you need, even if they lack some of the cutting-edge updates.

For example, Microsoft Office 2019 is still widely available for purchase, and it’s a one-time payment rather than a subscription. While it doesn’t include cloud-based features like Microsoft 365, it has all the core tools for word processing, spreadsheets, and presentations.

Similarly, Adobe CS6 (the last version before Adobe switched to a subscription model) is still a viable option for creatives, though you’ll need to find it through third-party sellers since Adobe no longer supports it.

When considering older versions, it’s important to check system compatibility. Some older software may not run on the latest operating systems, so make sure your computer meets the requirements. Additionally, be cautious about where you purchase these versions—stick to reputable sellers to avoid pirated or counterfeit software.

Finding affordable software doesn’t mean resorting to piracy or settling for subpar tools. There are countless legal and budget-friendly options available. The key is to assess your needs and explore your options. Remember, the best tool is the one that works for you—not the one with the highest price tag. So, before you consider pirating software, take a moment to explore these alternatives. You might just discover a better, more ethical way to get the job done.

Photoshop introduced many new features with its 2025 version, but a handful stand out. Photoshop 2025 packs in new AI tools, smarter selections, and features you didn’t know you needed—until now.

1

One-Click Remove

You could already perform multiple Photoshop retouch tricks before 2025. However, its one-click remove tool makes it even simpler.

After clicking on Find Distractions, you can remove cables and wires in your pictures. This feature is particularly useful if, like me, you take lots of urban photos. While I’ve been able to crop these objects, they sometimes end up obstructing the main subject.

The tool is normally reliable, though you can sometimes see evidence that a wire or cable was previously there. For example, parts of my images will sometimes be darker.

2

Generative Workspace

In my opinion, Adobe’s AI tools are some of the best for creatives. The company announced numerous AI features at Adobe MAX 2024, including a Generative Workspace. Here, you can see all the images you’ve created with AI on Adobe’s software.

I normally use Generative Workspace to get ideas for upcoming photoshoots. The workspace lets me add effects to my images to make them more real and add other elements directly in Photoshop.

When writing in January 2025, you need the beta version of Photoshop to access Generative Workspace. Go to the Creative Cloud app and select Apps > Beta > Photoshop (Beta).

3

Reference Image

Although generative fill can improve images (when used correctly), I’ve had some terrible results. I often get the worst outcomes when I can’t be specific enough; with the Reference Image tool, using Photoshop’s generative fill has become easier.

After selecting where you want to replace in your picture, you can upload a reference image. Now when you enter your prompt, you get more accurate results. As of January 2025, the feature is—like Generative Workspace—only available in Photoshop Beta for now.

Photoshop’s new features will make photo editing even simpler. Removing distractions is great for cleaner edits, and you can now give more specific generative fill prompts. Meanwhile, Generative Workspace is excellent for keeping your ideas together.

If you’re buying a new router or your internet service provider is sending a new one, you’re faced with a problem: what do you do with your old router?

It might be in a box, cluttering a drawer, or lost at the back of a wardrobe. Whatever the case, your old WI-Fi router or combined modem/router can be reused. So, if you have one kicking around the place, here are several uses for an old router.

Build a Wireless Repeater

What if your Wi-Fi network doesn’t extend across the full range of your home? Although you can opt for powerline Ethernet adapters, adding a second router into the mix is a good alternative.

This means connecting the old router to your new wireless network using the Wi-Fi signal. It shares access to the Wi-Fi network, giving greater coverage. Although there may be some latency issues, this is a quick and easy way to extend your wireless network.

It has various uses, from boosting your Wi-Fi signal around your home to letting you stream video to your tablet while chilling in the garden. However, Wi-Fi repeaters aren’t the only option: other Wi-Fi fixes may be better than using a repeater.

Create a Guest Wi-Fi Network

If you have people regularly dropping in and using your Wi-Fi, why not give them their own network?

This project is like the wireless repeater but with a twist. The router connects to your existing, password-protected network but gives password-free access to new devices. This will use the guest network feature of your old router. By default, this prevents guests from accessing other devices on your network.

If this level of security isn’t enough, check the firewall settings on the main router to adjust.

Stream Internet Radio

You can use that old router to stream your favorite radio stations online.

Some routers can be configured to play internet radio—if you’re prepared to install alternative firmware for your router. You’ll also need some other software, as well as a USB sound card to output audio.

While not an easy build and plenty of other internet radio options are available, this project is still great. It gives you an insight into installing custom firmware, as well as an appreciation of how to stream music.

Use the Router as a Cheap Network Switch

Most routers don’t have more than six Ethernet ports. With the increase in wireless technology around the home, this figure might even be as low as four. But with a clear need for devices to be connected over Ethernet, you might run out of ports.

When you’re trying to decide between using Wi-Fi vs. Ethernet, it’s good to make the decision based on the use case. For example, online gaming with a console or PC is more reliable using Ethernet. Your TV decoder will provide better streaming over Ethernet than wireless.

If you run out of Ethernet ports, you can add more with a network switch. It’s basically the networking version of a power strip; connecting an old router to your current one will instantly increase the number of ports available. To avoid conflicts, don’t forget to disable wireless networking on the old router.

Turn Your Old Router Into a Wireless Bridge

What if your new router is wireless only? Perhaps your ISP doesn’t offer a router with Ethernet ports, or maybe you use a 4G or 5G internet provider. Either way, if you need to connect Ethernet devices to your home network, a wireless bridge is the answer.

It’s both a fun and inexpensive project to turn an old router into a wireless bridge using free firmware.

This works a little like a wireless repeater, but rather than share the Wi-Fi connection, the wireless bridge offers Ethernet. The old router connects to your existing Wi-Fi network—simply connect devices to its Ethernet ports.

Convert Your Router Into a NAS Drive

Looking for a way to store your data on a single device and access it from anywhere in your home? You need Network Attached Storage (NAS), which is basically a hard disk drive attached to your network.

If you’re trying to decide between a DIY NAS vs. Pre-Built NAS, you can save money using an old router hanging around.

Note that this is limited to routers that can run custom firmware (like DD-WRT) and have a USB port. You should also be able to browse the contents of any connected USB devices via the router. (Without a USB port, there won’t be an easy way to attach extra storage devices.)

Once set up, your custom-built NAS should give you instant access to your files from anywhere in the house.

Use an Old Router as a Web Server

On top of everything else, your router can also host a basic web page.

This might be a home-only website, intended to share vital information with your family. Alternatively, it might even be a blog, as custom router firmware will support a LAMP (Linux, Apache, MySQL, PHP) server. As such, you could even use your old hardware to install WordPress on Ubuntu.

Run a website and need an affordable staging area for testing themes, plugins, and new code? Your old router might be the low-spec server you need.

Make Your Own VPN Router

Old routers supported by custom firmware can be set up with VPN software. This means that if you have a VPN account with, say, ExpressVPN (MakeUseOf readers can save 49% on our top-ranked VPN choice), it can be set up on your router.

Enabling your VPN at the router level means that every device on your network is protected by the VPN. You don’t need to install individual client apps on your PC or mobile devices when connecting to a VPN through your home network.

Note that some old routers have VPN provision, but this only works when they’re set to modem-only mode. Learn more in our guide to setting up a VPN on your router.

Make Money From Your Old Router

If you don’t fancy wasting time trying to set up your old router with modern hardware, why not sell it?

Various outlets will let you make a few dollars from old tech, most notably eBay. Simply list the device with the make and model number. Your customer will typically be anyone looking for an affordable router, but networking enthusiasts and retro-tech collectors might also be interested.

Follow our tips for selling vintage items on eBay to maximize your haul. Generating cash for old equipment is a great way to raise funds for new gadgets.

Set Up a Separate Network for IoT and Smart Home Devices

As mentioned earlier, most current routers will let you set up a secondary network. It’s also a good idea if you use smart home tech and Internet of Things gadgets, especially if you’re worried that your smart thermostat is a cybersecurity risk.

If your current router doesn’t support an extra wireless network, set up your old router as a network specifically for smart home and IoT devices.

As with creating a wireless bridge, the router can be linked to your main network, and you then simply connect your IoT devices to it. In the event of problems, you can easily pull the plug, while the firewall on the router can be used to configure connections.

Learn More About Home Networking

Routers are pretty much plug-and-play. They configure new connections automatically, allowing you to get online quickly and easily.

If you wanted to learn more about your home network, you would look at the admin screen. But if you click the wrong option, everything could go wrong. The solution? Use an old router to learn more about home networking. Firewalls, DMZs, MAC filters, and more can all be learned with hands-on experience that doesn’t knock your entire network offline.

Using a network hosted on an old router, you don’t have to rely on a factory reset if things go wrong.

Configure Your Router as a Public Hotspot

Rather than use an old router as a standard guest Wi-Fi access point for people visiting your house, you could be more enterprising.

Dedicated software can be installed on an OpenWrt or DD-WRT router (other firmware is also supported) that enables you to create a Wi-Fi hotspot for your business. This can offer free or paid internet access, along with branded interfaces and even adverts, and is welcomed by visitors who want Wi-Fi without an internet service provider.

Naturally, steps must be taken to comply with CCPA, GDPR, and similar privacy legislation. However, if your old router is compatible with firmware such as HotspotSystem, consider this option for your business or side hustle.

Hack Your Router into a Smart Home Automation Hub

With the right router, you could extend the possibilities beyond an IoT or smart home network. Forget a network—build your own automation hub!

Several automation tools are available for OpenWrt and DD-WRT routers. For example, a tool called Crelay can be installed on OpenWrt. This lets you control USB relay cards and remotely activate or control connected devices. Crelay is one of several automation tools you can install on and control from your router.

Again, this is a use for an old router compatible with OpenWrt or DD-WRT. If your router isn’t supported, you’ll have to rule out this upgrade.

Donate Your Old Router

Finally, why not simply donate your old router to a good cause? Schools, kindergartens, churches, charities, and more could use it.

Any organization that relies on goodwill can use your old router to extend their network, stream internet radio, set up a guest Wi-Fi network, or any of the other uses listed here. You might not make any money from it, but you’ll know it’s being used for a good cause.

It doesn’t matter if you have a standard router or one with a modem built in. If you’re looking for ideas on what to do with an old broadband router or a standalone router, these are all great ways to repurpose it.

Watchlists are a common feature across all the major streaming platforms. But do you really need to create and maintain watchlists? I’m here to argue against them—so much so that I’m actually deleting all of my watchlists, and recommend that you do the same.

Why I’m Deleting My Streaming Watchlists

Streaming has become such a standard practice that I have been paying for Netflix for over a decade. And while Disney+ and Apple TV+ haven’t been around as long, they have still been available for many years now. While I watch plenty of films and TV shows on all of the above, I spend most of my time maintaining watchlists of content I’m unlikely ever to watch.

However, I’ve recently realized that watchlists are ultimately pointless. So, I’m deleting them from all the streaming platforms I use. Here’s why…

If I Haven’t Watched a Show Yet, Am I Ever Going To?

Some of the films and TV shows I have on my watchlists have been sitting there waiting to be watched for years. Yes, literally years. So, I started to question why they’re on there in the first place. Surely, if I really wanted to watch them, I would have by now. And if not, why not?

Some new films and shows are instant-watches for me. An absolute priority that I cannot wait to consume. But if something has been on a watchlist for years, it probably wasn’t worth watching in the first place. So, it’s better to clear everything out and start over with content I actually want to watch, right?

If a Show Gets Canceled, I Don’t Bother Starting It

Another reason to delete watchlists is the risk of shows being canceled before I have even started watching them. Streaming services (but Netflix in particular) are renowned for canceling promising shows before their time. And if that happens before I have started watching it, I won’t bother.

I Prefer Watching What I’m In the Mood For At That Time

Maybe I’m alone in this, but I have to be in the mood to watch something at a given time. Especially if it’s a multi-episode and/or multi-season series that I haven’t started yet. So, I would rather open a streaming service and start searching from scratch based on what I’m in the mood to watch at that moment.

There Isn’t Enough Time to Watch Everything

As someone with a full-time job and commitments beyond that, I find my time stretched quite thin. Add in the fact that I have multiple hobbies and interests, including gaming, reading, and hiking, and the time I have to spend watching TV is severely limited.

So, with that in mind, what is the point of having hundreds of films and TV shows on a watchlist waiting to be watched? Because, speaking honestly, the chances of me getting around to watching most of them is tiny.

I Ignored the Hype, and Now It’s Too Late

Plenty of films and shows get hyped (or overhyped) these days, with everyone seeming to watch them at the same time. Examples include Squid Game, Severance, and Loki. The problem is, if you don’t watch when the hype is at its peak, it’s easy to miss the boat. And once the hype has died down, you feel you have somewhat missed the boat to the point of simply not bothering.

How to Delete Your Streaming Watchlists

Now that you know why I’m deleting my watchlists, here’s how to remove films and shows on Netflix and Disney+. There’s no way to delete your watchlists in one fell swoop, so go through each piece of content you’ve previously added until your watchlist is empty.

As you’ll see below, the instructions for different streaming platforms are pretty similar, with you simply needing to navigate to the film or show you want to remove and tap the correct button to remove it from your watchlist. The exception is Apple TV+, which doesn’t even have a standalone watchlist at the time of writing.

How to Delete Your Netflix Watchlist

On Netflix, your watchlist is called My List. It will be populated by the films and TV shows you have previously added to it to watch later. However, you can remove content from your My List in the same way as you added it, which means navigating to the listing page for the film or TV show and removing it.

Your My List should be visible on the homepage (if you scroll down). However, you can also access it by opening the main menu and looking for My List. Either way, select the title you want to delete, and then, depending on what device you’re using, you’ll have the option to Remove from My List or Edit > Delete.

How to Delete Your Disney+ Watchlist

On Disney+, your watchlist is literally called Watchlist. Again, it will be populated by the films and TV shows you have previously added to it to watch later. As with Netflix, you just need to navigate to the film or TV show you previously added to your Watchlist to remove it. And once you have removed everything, your Watchlist will be empty.

Navigate to your Watchlist and select the title you want to remove from your Watchlist. On its listing page, you should see a tick icon (which signifies that it’s saved to your Watchlist). Simply, tap it again to remove the content from your Watchlist. You’ll know if the action was successful as the tick icon will change to a plus symbol (+).

Ultimately, I’m deleting my streaming watchlists to live in and for the moment. Next time I open Netflix or Disney+, I’ll think to myself, “What do I want to watch right now?” and search for that film, show, or (if I don’t have a specific title in mind), genre, or mood. This is also why I create and maintain multiple profiles to find content faster—cutting down on how long I spend figuring out what to watch is just as important!

Spatial audio seems an awesome idea for enhancing our auditory experience through simulated three-dimensional space. However, it doesn’t always sound like it should. So, where exactly is spatial audio useful?

7

Playing FPS Games

First-person shooter (FPS) games demand quick reflexes and sharp situational awareness. The extra stimuli from simulated 3D audio make it easier for players to recognize their in-game surroundings, providing better situational awareness.

In competitive FPS titles like Counter-Strike and Valorant, knowing exactly where an enemy is located can mean the difference between winning and losing. Spatial audio allows players to hear footsteps, reloads, or gunfire with precise directionality. Instead of guessing, players can have a good idea of where the sound is coming from.

Spatial audio in FPS games makes you a better player and enhances your experience, even in single-player games. For example, having spatial audio while playing Left4Dead makes the environment more alive (or dead), and immerses you to the world the game developers had intended for you to experience.

So, whether you’re playing a competitive shooter or just looking to better immerse yourself in a game, try wearing headphones. I recommend an open-back headphone as it provides a better sound stage, making the spatial audio sound more natural.

6

Virtual Reality Experiences

Virtual reality (VR) thrives on immersion, and spatial audio is a critical piece of that puzzle. While VR headsets provide a visual escape into other worlds, the experience feels incomplete without realistic sound. Your VR experience won’t be as immersive or as enjoyable compared to one with spatial audio.

VR concerts and virtual tourism have also become a thing. People can now host and attend virtual concerts and meetups. Imagine attending a live virtual concert where you hear the band from the stage’s direction while the crowd’s cheers surround you. Spatial audio brings these experiences closer to reality, making VR more engaging and life-like.

VR training is another application where spatial audio is crucial. VR training programs for pilots, racers, or even firefighters require spatial audio to better simulate the real world and make training more effective.

5

Immersive Movie Nights

A home theater setup with spatial audio turns a movie night into a cinematic adventure. Technologies like Dolby Atmos create an auditory experience where sound moves around you in a three-dimensional space. Instead of hearing a jet fly by, you feel it zooming overhead. Explosions erupt from all sides, and dialogue sounds more intimate, as if the characters are in the room.

Streaming platforms like Netflix, Disney+, and Apple TV+ support spatial audio for compatible movies and shows. Popular blockbusters such as Avengers: Endgame or Dune are mixed in Dolby Atmos to give viewers a more immersive experience. Paired with the right surround sound system, spatial audio recreates the magic of the cinema.

For those with limited space or budget, soundbars like the Sonos Arc or headphones like the AirPods Pro can still deliver impressive spatial audio experiences. Experiencing immersive movie nights has never been more affordable.

4

ASMR and Relaxation

Spatial audio has found a unique place in ASMR (Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response) content. ASMR videos and recordings aim to relax listeners by triggering tingling sensations with soft sounds like whispering, tapping, or brushing. Spatial audio enhances these effects by placing sounds all around the listener, creating a deeply personal and calming experience.

With platforms like YouTube and Spotify, you can now get the full ASMR experience with a multitude of tracks already mixed for spatial audio.

Aside from ASMR, spatial audio is also used for meditative practices to simulate serene environments such as a rainforest, a Zen garden, or ocean waves. Some people even use spatial audio to simulate a library while studying or a commercial gym while working at home. It’s amazing how you can use spatial audio to increase focus and reduce stress just by using a pair of headphones and some free spatial audio tracks you can find on the internet.

3

Listening to Tracks Mixed for Spatial Audio

Music has always been a powerful medium, and spatial audio takes it to a new level. When tracks are mixed specifically for spatial audio, listeners can experience instruments and vocals from different angles and depths. It feels like the band is performing around you rather than in front of you.

Streaming platforms like Apple Music, Amazon Music HD, and Tidal offer a growing library of songs mixed in Dolby Atmos or Sony 360 Reality Audio. Popular artists like Billie Eilish, The Weeknd, and Hans Zimmer have embraced spatial audio to bring their music to life in ways that stereo simply cannot.

This format is not just a gimmick; it’s a creative tool for artists. It provides a richer, more dynamic listening experience, making it a worthwhile upgrade for music enthusiasts.

2

Accessibility for the Hearing Impaired

Spatial audio also has significant applications for individuals with hearing impairments. Enhancing sound localization helps users distinguish between multiple audio sources in environments like classrooms, offices, or crowded spaces. This improved clarity makes auditory information more accessible.

Assistive listening devices incorporating spatial audio provide a natural way to identify where sounds originate. For example, hearing aids or cochlear implants with spatial audio can help users navigate social interactions, meetings, or even outdoor environments more effectively.

Virtual meetings also benefit from spatial audio accessibility features. Hearing-impaired individuals often struggle with overlapping voices in online calls. Spatial audio separates speakers into different “locations,” making it easier to follow conversations and identify who is speaking.

1

Spatial Audio for Video Calls

The rise of remote work and virtual communication has made video calls a daily reality for many. Spatial audio enhances video calls by creating a more natural conversational experience. Instead of all voices sounding like they’re coming from the same spot, spatial audio places each participant’s voice in a unique location. This mimics in-person interactions where sound directionality helps distinguish speakers.

Platforms like Zoom and Microsoft Teams have begun exploring spatial audio integrations. These tools can reduce cognitive load by making conversations easier to follow, especially during large meetings. For example, if one speaker is “on the left” and another “on the right,” it’s simpler to identify who’s talking without constant visual cues.

Spatial audio also improves engagement in virtual events, such as webinars or online classes. Simulating realistic sound environments keeps participants focused and reduces fatigue.

Spatial audio is more than just a technical marvel—it’s a transformative tool that enhances how we experience sound in everyday life. Incorporating spatial audio into these activities elevates the overall experience, making interactions more immersive and enjoyable.

Giving your spouse a gift on Valentine’s Day is a sweet gesture to express love. However, planning it as a surprise can be tricky—especially if you share devices or accounts with your partner.

Use Incognito Mode or Private Browsing

Shopping in incognito mode ensures your browsing history isn’t saved. Once you close the browser, there’s no trace of the websites you visited, so others using the same device won’t see your plans.

To activate incognito mode across different browsers:

• Google Chrome: Click the three dots and select New Incognito window. Or, press Ctrl + Shift + N (Windows) / ⌘ + Shift + N (Mac).
• Microsoft Edge: Click the three dots and choose New InPrivate window, or use Ctrl + Shift + N (Windows) / ⌘ + Shift + N (Mac).
• Mozilla Firefox: Click the three lines and select New private window, or use Ctrl + Shift + P (Windows) / ⌘ + Shift + P (Mac).

Incognito mode has different names across the major browsers, but it performs the same role.

Turn Off Email Notifications

Online stores often send order confirmation emails that could spoil the surprise. To avoid this, turn off email notifications from the retailer or temporarily mark their emails as spam. You can also use a separate email account for Valentine’s shopping, so all order-related emails go there instead.

To turn off email notifications from Gmail, click the gear icon in the top right corner. Then, choose See all settings from the menu. Head to the Filters and Blocked Addresses tab and click Create a new filter.

In the From field, enter the retailer’s email address (you can also add their name to the Subject field). Next, click Create filter and then check the box for Mark as read. Finally, click Create filter again to save the changes.

Any emails from that retailer will automatically be marked as read and won’t appear in your inbox.

Clear Browser History and Cookies

If you’re not using incognito mode while shopping, clear your browsing history and cookies to avoid leaving a trail.

In Google Chrome, click the three dots at the top right, select Delete browsing data, choose the time range and items to clear, and then click Clear data.

In Microsoft Edge, tap the three dots in the top right, head to History​​​​​, and click the Bin icon. Choose what to clear, set the time range, and hit Clear now.

In Mozilla Firefox, click the three lines in the top right, then navigate to History > Clear recent history. Now select the time range and items to clear, then click Clear now.

Shopping apps also send push notifications about recent purchases. This could be a red flag for your surprise gift, so it’s best to disable them until after Valentine’s Day.

Here’s how to disable notifications:

• iOS: Open Settings, tap Notifications, select the app, and toggle off Allow Notifications.
• Android: Head to Settings, tap Notifications > App notifications, choose the app, and turn the toggle off.

Just remember to turn them back on again after Valentine’s Day.

Use a Different Payment Method

People often overlook their payment method when shopping online, but it can actually ruin a surprise. If you have a joint bank or credit card account with your partner, they might easily spot your purchases.

To keep things secret, try using prepaid gift cards or virtual credit cards instead. That way, they won’t notice any suspicious transactions, and you can still keep it a secret.

Choose an Alternate Shipping Address

Now that everything is set, there’s just one last step: updating the shipping address. If you usually get packages at home, consider using another place like a friend’s house, your office, or even a P.O. box. It might feel like an extra step, but it’ll ensure your special surprise doesn’t end up in the wrong spot.

These are some tips I usually use when shopping online to surprise my partner. So, if you’re planning something special this Valentine’s Day, give them a shot and see how they work for you.

Soccer fans who are T-Mobile subscribers should be happy to hear about the newest perk from the company.

Subscribers Can Nab MLS Season Pass for Free

Starting on February 18, 2025, T-Mobile and Metro by T-Mobile postpaid subscribers can nab an MLS Season Pass for free. That’s a $99 value.

With the subscription, you can see all live regular-season matches, MLS Cup playoff matches, Leagues Cup, and other programming and content with no blackouts. The league starts play on February 22, 2025.

To claim the perk, you can head to the T-Life app for iOS or Android. You can claim the free subscription until March 4, 2025.

Since MLS Season Pass is available on Apple TV, you will need to have an Apple Account with a payment method on file. At the end of the 2025 MLS Season, the subscription automatically renews for the 2026 season for $99. So if you don’t want to pay, you will need to cancel one day before the renewal date.

You can access all the MLS action with the Apple TV app. It’s available on Apple devices, many smart TVs, streaming devices, and elsewhere.

If you’re not a soccer fan, T-Mobile has a variety of other perks for subscribers, like free in-flight Wi-Fi and high-speed data access outside the United States. Metro Flex Plus customers can also receive an Amazon Prime membership for free.

T-Mobile hopes that perks like the MLS Season Pass can draw new subscribers and keep existing customers. If you’re in the market for a carrier, take a look at our comparison of Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile to help you make the best decision.

Giving More Users a Taste of Apple TV

Even though MLS isn’t as popular as other major sports leagues in the United States, the arrival of Lionel Messi has increased interest.

The free perk for T-Mobile subscribers looks to be a win for soccer fans and Apple, giving even more viewers a look at Apple’s streaming app when watching MLS action.

Smartphone speakers are often not enough for large open spaces or if you want to share it with other people. So, whether you’re a music lover or just want a small wireless speaker to set the mood when you have friends at your place, the Ultimate Ears Miniroll will give you what you want to hear.

Ultimate Ears Miniroll

$59.99 $79.99 Save
$20

The Ultimate Ears Miniroll is a small waterproof Bluetooth speaker that delivers enough sound to fill an entire room. It also connects to multiple devices simultaneously, making it easy to use as your daily driver speaker.

Pros & Cons

• Small and portable
• Can be placed practically anywhere
• Long battery life

Price and Availability

The Ultimate Ears Miniroll is available on Amazon and the Ultimate Ears website for a regular price of $79.99, although it sometimes goes on sale. It’s available in four colors—Gentle Black, Majestic Blue, Revive Grey, and Calming Pink.

Easy Connectivity

A quick press on the Miniroll’s power button is enough for power control, making it easier to switch on or off compared to other speakers that require you to hold its power button for three seconds. That function (holding the power button for three seconds or more) will put the speaker in pairing mode. You can then connect to it with a tap on your phone, and you’re good to go.

It also connects to two devices simultaneously, so you don’t have to worry about transferring connections between your smartphone and tablet or even with another smartphone if you’re sharing the speaker. Unfortunately, it only connects to other devices via Bluetooth—it doesn’t have an aux port, and its USB-C port is only for charging.

A Loud Booming Sound From Such a Small Speaker

As the name suggests, the Miniroll is Ultimate Ears’ smallest offering, with a diameter of less than five inches and a thickness of less than two. This makes it easy to grasp in one hand, and it has two large buttons for volume control right on its face. Its power button sits on the right side, with an indicator light that shows its power and battery status. You also get the play/pause button right underneath it, letting you go to the next track with a double-press and to the previous one by pressing it three times.

Despite its small size, the Miniroll offers quite a sound. When set at maximum volume, the speaker hits a bit over 100dB—about the loudness of a jackhammer going full tilt a meter away. The Miniroll is a bit bassy, letting you feel the thump of what you’re listening to. Nevertheless, whether you’re into classical orchestra, pop rock, or EDM, you will appreciate this little speaker’s sound.

It’s also perfect for watching movies, allowing you to feel immersed in the scene because of how loud it can go without sacrificing audio quality. And even though it uses a Bluetooth connection, the split-second delay between what you see on the screen and what you hear from the speaker is minute enough that you won’t feel it.

However, this difference is noticeable if you’re playing first-person shooter games, as the sound delay is magnified when you’re doing the action. But you’ll only notice this for the first few seconds, and you’ll likely tune this out once you get into the action.

If you have additional Minirolls or friends that have their own, you can use Ultimate Ears’ PartyUp feature, which lets you pair as many Minirolls as you like. While this doesn’t offer any type of stereo or surround sound benefits, it will increase the volume, which is useful if you want to fill larger spaces (or even an entire home) with what you’re playing. Unfortunately, it’s not compatible with other Ultimate Ears speakers, so it won’t work with those speakers.

Multi-Day Battery Life That Charges in Minutes

I exclusively used the Ultimate Ears Miniroll as my office speaker for a week while preparing for this review. I always listen to music when I work, and I’m happy to say that this tiny thing lasted me more than four days of use at around three to four hours each day. This meant that the speaker’s battery life stayed on track with the 12-hour life that Ultimate Ears claimed it could do.

You can charge this speaker with its USB-C port, which is easily accessible right under the volume down button. Despite being IP67-rated, meaning it is protected from accidental soaking in one meter of water for 30 minutes, its charging port isn’t behind a watertight plug, making it easy to juice up. It also took me less than an hour to bring it to nearly 100% charge, so you don’t have to worry about going without sound for long if your Miniroll goes empty.

Place It Anywhere

Another feature that makes this speaker stand out is the stretchy attachment strap, which lets you place it practically anywhere. The strap is attached directly to the Miniroll on one side and clips securely on the speaker on the other side. Although it’s easy to remove, it also stays in place once locked in, ensuring that the speaker will stay in place.

This strap lets you attach the speaker to anything about an inch wide and has a slot in the middle so you can hang it off a hook. It’s also a crucial part of the speaker if you’re not using it for hanging, as it serves as a vibration-absorbent foot that prevents the Miniroll from rattling against your desk.

Should You Buy the Ultimate Ears Miniroll?

The Ultimate Ears Miniroll is a great choice for anyone looking for a small Bluetooth speaker. It has impressive battery life and its PartyUp feature will let you connect multiple Minirolls for the ultimate party. Connecting it to your phone and other gadgets is also a breeze, and the ability to have two devices simultaneously connected to it will make daily use a no-brainer.

However, its $80 regular price is a bit steep, especially if they just want a small speaker to fill a room with sound while working. Despite being a tad more expensive than some alternatives, its features and ease of use make it worth the purchase price.

Ultimate Ears Miniroll

$59.99 $79.99 Save
$20

The Ultimate Ears Miniroll is a small waterproof Bluetooth speaker that delivers enough sound to fill an entire room. It also connects to multiple devices simultaneously, making it easy to use as your daily driver speaker.

Spam filters have made it really easy to keep malicious emails out of your inbox, but it’s by no means impervious. If you need a reason always to exercise caution when opening an email despite it getting past security, you only need to look at email salting attacks.

Email Salting Attacks Hide Scams From Spam Filters

As reported by Cisco Talos, email salting attacks allow scammers to sneak their emails past spam filters and have them land in your inbox. It works by adding junk text that confuses spam checkers, while presenting the email in a way where humans can’t see the additional flak.

When a spam email checks an email, it will dig through its HTML code to see what it’s saying. You, the reader, don’t see the HTML; you instead see what the HTML creates when your browser turns all that code into something more palatable for humans.

Email salting works by adding junk text into an email to break up the words. That way, the spam filter doesn’t “see” what the scammer is trying to do. However, the scammer uses sneaky tricks to make it so the junk text doesn’t appear when you read the email, leaving just the words they want you to read.

Here’s an example that Cisco Talos spotted: in this email, the scammer wanted to impersonate Wells Fargo. However, if they just wrote “Wells Fargo,” the spam filter will detect and catch the scam attempts. Instead, the scammers added junk text in the middle of the words “Wells” and “Fargo” and then set the additional text to zero width.

That way, when the spam filter scans the email, it sees this:

WEqcvuilLLS FAroyawdRGO

But because the junk text has zero width, it doesn’t display when you read the email, leaving you with:

WELLS FARGO

Bam: now the scammer can impersonate Wells Fargo without the spam filter catching on.

Another example involves the scammer adding Zero-Width Space (ZWSP) and Zero-Width Non-Joiner (ZWNJ) characters between each letter in a word. Because they’re characters, the spam filter reads them when judging if something is spam or not. However, because these characters represent zero space, they don’t appear when the email is rendered, meaning that you see the word just fine without any breaks in it.

These examples demonstrate that you should never blindly believe an email, even if it dodges your spam filter and arrives in your inbox. Always double-check the sender and the content before clicking on any suspicious links, and check out these examples of fraud and phishing emails to watch out for.

AI-generated content floods the internet, making it difficult to find genuine, human-written content. But it doesn’t have to be like that; you can return to the good old days.

The Pre-AI Search Chrome Extension lets me search the web without AI results, making it much easier to find what I really want.

How Pre-AI Search Improves My Search Experience

I miss the days when Google search results felt reliable and real. You could trust the information you found was written by a human, not a machine. But now, with so much AI-generated content floating around, things are different. Search engines push AI-written stuff to the top, making finding genuine, handwritten articles harder.

Thankfully, there’s the Pre-AI Search Chrome extension. One-click filters out all AI content and shows only human-written results. To use it, add the extension to Chrome, hit the Pre-AI Search button in the toolbar, and make sure the switch is on. Now, search on Google like you normally would.

If it glitches, toggle Filter Search Results off and back on to refresh. And don’t worry—it won’t slow down your search performance. The results are a throwback to pre-AI days when real people were the ones making the content. Since it only shows stuff from before January 2023, it might seem weird not to see the newest content first, but this actually ensures the content is human-written, not AI-generated.

But what if you need recent information? After all, it’s not really practical to only read outdated content. No problem—just toggle the switch off and refresh your search results.

Pre-AI Search Features and Benefits

If you’re looking for more advanced features, upgrade to the Pro version for just $4.99. You get a lifetime license key sent to your email within 24 hours. And if you’re not happy, you’ll get a 30-day money-back guarantee.

So, what exactly comes with the Pro version? Well, first off, you get access to custom date range filtering. This means you can narrow down your search results to a specific time frame—great for things like data analysis or research purposes.

In addition, the Pro version includes precision control that lets you customize your monthly search results. For example, if you want information about an event in June last year, you can refine your search to show results from just that month. And then there is an advanced time period preset. With this, you can quickly pick options like the past week, past month, or past year without manually entering dates. It saves time and makes filtering more efficient.

I know what you’re thinking: “Doesn’t Google already have these filtering options?” Well, technically, yes. But here’s the thing—Google’s date range filtering only works for preset options, which can go up to a year.

However, the custom date range filter is pretty unreliable and often misses results from the time frame you actually want. I’ve tested it multiple times, and honestly, it’s been disappointing. For example, I searched for articles from January 2021 to January 2022 but got results from random years like 2015 and 2019 instead.

On top of that, Pre-AI Search works locally on your computer. This means no data collection, tracking, or ads are involved—just a clean, smooth search experience. It’s also lightweight and won’t slow down the browser or hog memory. And with instant filtering, you can easily switch between AI-generated and pre-AI content when needed.

As a writer, I often need to fact-check and find reliable sources for my articles. With Pre-AI Search, I can skip all the robotic fluff and focus only on credible information.

It’s also great for students verifying the originality of their work or for researchers wanting to keep their research solid. Overall, it’s worth a try for anyone searching for cleaner and more precise results.

Amazon’s Kindle lineup still remains the best way by far to enjoy an ebook. But the second-generation Amazon Kindle Scribe wants to bring an e-reader together with the ability to take notes and more. It’s generally a mixed bag and not worth the high price tag.

Amazon Kindle Scribe (2024)

The Amazon Kindle Scribe combines an e-reader and note-taking tablet into one package. The second-generation modes feature a new design with a front-flush display and uniform white borders to better mimic writing on paper. The included Premium Pen feature a customizable shortcut button and eraser. You can now write notes directly on the page of a book with Active Canvas

Pros & Cons

• Large, easy-to-read 300 PPI screen
• Can write notes directly in books
• Writing on screen feels very much like on paper
• Premium Pen feels great in the hand and features shortcut button

• Most new features are also available on cheaper first-generation model
• Expensive compared to other Kindle models

Price and Availability

The Kindle Scribe retails for $400 for the 16GB version, $420 for a 32GB model, and $450 for a 64GB edition. It is available in two colors: tungsten or metallic jade. The Kindle Scribe can be found through Amazon, Best Buy, and other retailers. All models come with the Premium Pen.

An Improved Design

The Kindle Scribe looks much better than the first generation thanks to its new design. Along with a front-flush, 10.2-inch display, white borders better mimic writing on a sheet of paper.

There are two colors to choose from—tungsten and jade. The hue will only be noticeable on the border of the front, the back, and the Premium Pen.

The 300dpi screen is by far the best on any Kindle I’ve used. The auto-brightness setting worked well to provide the best backlight for a dark room or even outside. The warmth is even adjustable, and you can create a schedule to change that as well.

Weighing a little more than a pound and very thin, I found the Kindle a little difficult to hold for long periods of time. The aluminum back feels very slippery, and I was always adjusting my hand for a more comfortable position. Amazon, as you might expect, sells a wide variety of cases that cover the back with other materials, but that just adds to the cost of the experience.

On the left side of the Kindle Scribe is the power button and USB-C port for charging. Amazon advertises up to 12 weeks on a single charge. But in reality, especially when using the screen at a higher brightness level and frequently, that will be much less. After using the Kindle Scribe heavily for around a month, I only needed to charge it once.

I would like to see the Kindle Scribe offer the same wireless charging found in the lower-cost Paperwhite Signature Edition and Colorsoft Signature Edition. Unlike most of the other high-end Kindles, the Scribe isn’t waterproof, so be careful around the pool or in the bath.

When not in use, the Premium Pen is made to magnetically attach to the right side. In practice, you’re better off using a case or just finding a safe spot for it. When placing the Kindle Scribe in my backpack, it detached every single time, forcing me to fish in the bottom of my backpack. Even while adjusting my hand during reading, it always had a way of detaching.

While the magnetic connection isn’t a strong spot, I really enjoyed using the pen itself. It feels great in the hand and is not slippery like an Apple Pencil. There’s also no need to worry about charging or pairing the pen.

I’ve used a number of stylus models, but using the tip feels as close to writing on paper as I’ve experienced. The Pen also has a customizable Shortcut button. You can press and hold the button to use tools like a highlighter, pen, fountain pen, and sticky note. It’s very well-placed and easy to use. On top of the pen is an eraser—just press it on the screen to erase text. It feels exactly like using a real-world eraser, and there was no lag at all.

Finally, Take Real Notes While Reading

One of the biggest additions is the much-requested ability to actually write a note in a book you’re reading. In the first-generation model, you could write a small sticky note on a book, and you’d have to come back to it later and press the icon to see what was written.

Now, you can write directly on the book using the Active Canvas feature. Just start writing anywhere and the book will adjust to fit the text. As an extra-added caution, once the note is written, you’ll press a check mark to add it to the page. The note is tied directly to the text, and you will see them in the same place even if you change font sizes. The entire process is quick and without any lag.

In early 2025, Amazon will allow you to also write notes in expandable book margins, but that feature wasn’t available yet for me to test.

I’m more of a book highlighter than a note-taker, but I was pleased with the overall experience. It’s nice to be able to flip through the pages of the book and see exactly what I’ve written. I’m interested to see if the margin writing will allow me to write more notes to see on a single page.

While you can take notes, you still can’t circle or underline a word or passage, which is still a bit of a disappointment.

Using AI for Better Notes

The note-taking abilities from the first-generation device transfer over to the model with some new smarts.

You can create a notebook to write on with a number of customized templates, everything from a ruled page to a daily planner and storyboard. You can even import your own template or find additional options on the Amazon site.

All the notebooks aren’t confined to just the Kindle Scribe. With just a single tap, you can create a PDF to send to your email or others. When taking notes, you can choose from a wide variety of pens and ink sizes.

And since AI technology is pretty much everywhere now, Amazon couldn’t resist adding some AI smarts to the Kindle Scribe. AI can be used to do two tasks—summarize your notes or refine your handwriting.

I had mixed results with both features. You’ll need an Internet connection to send the information to the cloud, and even when you do, it takes anywhere from 30 to 40 seconds to return results. Even though my handwriting can be atrocious at times, the AI somewhat accurately handled my scribbling.

Both of the tools convert your handwriting into an easy-to-read font. The summary or handwriting is attached to the front of the notebook for easy access. I would love to see the same AI features being used on in-book notes.

Should You Buy the Amazon Kindle Scribe (2024)?

The second-generation Kindle Scribe is by far the best Kindle I’ve ever used. I’ve truly enjoyed reading books on such a large and natural-looking e-ink screen. It’s light and great to read anything you can imagine. But I’ve been far less impressed with the note-taking abilities.

While it’s great to finally be able to actually write notes in a book and look back at them later, the other writing features are less impressive and are also available on the lower-cost first-generation Scribe. With a minimum retail cost of $399.99 for the Kindle Scribe, I could spend a little more and purchase an entry-level iPad and Apple Pencil, take notes, and do much more.

Amazon Kindle Scribe (2024)

The Amazon Kindle Scribe combines an e-reader and note-taking tablet into one package. The second-generation modes feature a new design with a front-flush display and uniform white borders to better mimic writing on paper. The included Premium Pen feature a customizable shortcut button and eraser. You can now write notes directly on the page of a book with Active Canvas

ChatGPT is evolving, bringing even more flexibility to users’ interactions with AI. With the ability to customize its personality traits, you can now shape ChatGPT’s responses to better match your needs and preferences, promising more tailored conversations.

What Are ChatGTP’s Personality Traits?

Specifying personality traits for ChatGPT allows you to customize how the AI chatbot interacts with you. You can give it a name to call you and describe the traits you want it to exhibit, such as being chatty, witty, and encouraging, or transform ChatGPT into a Gen Z, opinionated chatbot.

While it’s tempting to go all out and add a long list of desired traits immediately, I found it easier to start simple. Begin with just a few key characteristics and refine them as you interact with ChatGPT more. You can always edit the traits later to fine-tune ChatGPT’s persona.

How to Customize ChatGPT’s Personality Traits

Tailoring ChatGPT’s personality is a straightforward process.

1. Click on your profile picture and select Customize ChatGPT.
2. Fill in the “What should ChatGPT call you?” and “What traits should ChatGPT have?” fields to give ChatGPT context about you.
3. You can also use the checkboxes to select the traits you want ChatGPT to exhibit.
4. Toggle on “Enable for new chats” and click Save.

At the time of writing, the specific personality traits based on the new UI are not yet available on mobile. However, OpenAI has stated that it will roll out this feature to mobile and MacOS in the next few weeks.

Once available, you might look for the Customize ChatGPT option in the app’s settings or menu and follow the prompts to set your desired traits. You can always modify these traits later as you refine your preferred ChatGPT persona.

Try Giving ChatGPT These 3 New Traits For Even Better Responses

The new personality customization options give you more control over the tone, style, and depth of responses so that ChatGPT’s responses don’t go wild. After experimenting, here are three traits I’ve found particularly useful for getting more preferred responses.

Analytical and Detail-Oriented

If you want precise and well-reasoned answers, setting ChatGPT to be “analytical” and “detail-oriented” is a great choice. For example, I asked, “How can I improve my home budget?” and got this response:

“Start by categorizing your expenses—essentials like rent, groceries, and utilities. Then, track discretionary spending like subscriptions or dining out. Use apps like Mint or YNAB to visualize patterns. Finally, set clear savings goals and automate them to stay consistent.”

This trait combination is perfect for tasks like breaking down complex problems, creating actionable plans, or maybe when you need an in-depth explanation.

Straight-Shooting and Opinionated

Need clarity or a no-nonsense answer? The “straight-shooting” and “opinionated” traits make ChatGPT reach the point. For example, I asked, “Is remote work better than office work?” and received:

“It depends on your personality. Introverts might thrive at home, but remote work isn’t for everyone—offices still offer collaboration benefits. For me? Remote all the way.”

This setup is great when looking for direct answers and confident opinions without unnecessary fluff.

Forward-Thinking

When you need motivation or advice, “forward-thinking” traits work wonders. I tested this by asking, “How can I overcome procrastination?” ChatGPT replied:

“Start small! Tackle one task today, and reward yourself after. Imagine how great it’ll feel to achieve your goals—your future self will thank you!”

This combination makes ChatGPT a supportive partner for tackling challenges or planning for the future. It’s ideal for personal development or when morale needs to be boosted.

The personality customization feature, while still new, offers exciting possibilities for tailoring ChatGPT to your unique needs and preferences. As OpenAI continues to refine and expand these options, I expect we’ll see even more creative and productive uses emerge and set ChatGPT to complete tasks.

While the iPhone’s Deep Fusion feature is designed to enhance image quality, it can sometimes overprocess photos, resulting in unnatural colors and excessive detail. Stop letting your iPhone ruin your photos and take control of how it processes your cherished memories.

Can You Disable the Auto-Enhancement Camera Feature on an iPhone?

Unfortunately, the Deep Fusion feature is built into the iPhone’s Camera app and cannot be turned off. As a result, once you take a photo, your iPhone automatically applies edits such as brightness adjustments, color correction, and noise reduction to enhance its quality.

However, this processing can sometimes worsen the image through oversaturation and overexposure. Once the automatic enhancements are applied, no amount of editing can undo the changes, meaning there’s no way to revert to the original image.

That said, all hope is not lost. There are ways to work around this feature and prevent your photos from being auto-enhanced. Here’s what you can do to break free from the impact of Deep Fusion on your iPhone.

Disable Smart HDR

Smart HDR is a feature available on modern iPhones (iPhone XS and later) that aims to improve the quality of images taken in varying light conditions. It works by capturing multiple shots at different exposures and combining them into a single image with more detailed highlights and nuanced shadows.

Turning off Smart HDR can help your camera capture a more authentic representation of what you see, which may resolve the issue. Here’s what you’ll need to do.

1. Open the Settings app on your iPhone.
2. Scroll down to tap on Camera.
3. Find the Smart HDR toggle and disable it.

Shoot in RAW

If disabling Smart HDR does nothing for you, consider shooting images in RAW format. The Apple ProRAW format allows you to utilize the full capabilities of your iPhone’s camera and capture images with minimal image processing.

Shooting in RAW also gives you greater control and flexibility while editing your images. You can adjust exposure, color balance, and other elements without losing quality or detail.

To shoot images in ProRAW mode, use these steps:

1. Open the Settings app on your iPhone and head to Camera > Formats.
2. Enable the toggle next to Apple ProRAW.
3. Open the Camera app and tap the RAW button in the top-right corner to activate it.

The Apple ProRAW feature is only available on the iPhone 12 Pro and later Pro models. So, if you own a standard iPhone, you won’t be able to shoot in RAW. In that case, try out the below hacks.

Turn Off Night Mode

When your iPhone’s camera detects low light conditions, it automatically activates Night Mode. If you’re taking pictures in a dark area, chances are that the oversharpened and overexposed images are the work of Night Mode and not Deep Fusion.

You can try taking pictures with Night Mode off to see if that makes a difference in the picture quality. To turn off Night Mode, open Camera and tap the Night Mode button next to the flash button in the top-left corner of the Camera app.

Take Photos in Burst Mode

Another way you can bypass auto-enhancement is by taking photos in burst mode. When you use burst mode, your iPhone takes several shots of the subject and goes easy with all its harsh editing. You can then select and keep the most natural image out of all the shots you’ve taken in burst mode.

To activate burst mode, open the Camera app and drag the shutter button to the left. The longer you hold the shutter, the more pictures your camera takes. For this purpose, taking 5-10 shots in burst mode will suffice.

Once you’ve taken the picture, open it in the Photos app. Tap the Burst option in the top-left corner, swipe through the shots to choose your favorites, and tap Done. You can then select the preferred photo and delete the rest.

Prioritize Faster Shooting

Don’t want to go through the hassle of taking pictures in burst mode and selecting one? You can configure your iPhone Camera app to prioritize faster shooting. Similar to burst mode, this results in less processing and more natural photos.

Head to Settings > Camera and enable the toggle next to Prioritize Faster Shooting.