Summary After over a week of the Chromecast (2nd Gen) and Chromecast Audio being completely nonfunctional, Google is finally rolling out a fix for the streaming devices. Here is the full email that hit the inboxes of owners today: Update regarding your Chromecast device Thank you for your patience as we worked to resolve the issue with Chromecast (2nd gen) and Chromecast Audio devices. As of today, this disruption has been fixed....
Summary While we know that Android 16 is coming to your Google TV soon, this week the company shared a few other details about the future, including even cheaper TVs with less RAM. Google plans to partner with “select OEMs to launch affordable and reliable low-RAM TVs,” and that sounds like a terrible idea. When it was known as Android TV, Google constantly improved its performance to make our TVs and dongles run smoother....
Summary Have you ever wondered about the magic behind noise-canceling headphones? It’s an amazing feature to have for headphones, shutting you out from outside noise that can be distracting. The truth is, I can’t ever go back to regular ones anymore. The Audio Experience Is Much Better It’s no secret that the audio experience is a lot better when wearing a pair of quality headphones, especially one that cancels out unwanted noise and sound....
Summary Just because you live in a small space, like a cramped apartment, doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy an expansive surround sound experience. Here’s how to get that big sound. Invest in a Great Soundbar Far more than a rectangular chassis packed with tweeters and woofers, thebest soundbarscan function as complete replacements for a much larger home theater system. For those of us living in apartment buildings, options are limited when it comes to home audio (especially if you want to stay in the good graces of your neighbors)....
Quick Links Wondering about the missing always-on display (AOD) customization features on your Samsung Galaxy phone? You’re not alone. The options aren’t in the AOD settings menu anymore. So where are they? Let’s find out. One UI 6.1 Removed the AOD Customization Features The AOD first debuted on theSamsung Galaxy S7 in 2016. As part of the initial implementation, the always-on screen was treated differently than the lock screen, i.e.,you could customize it independently of the lock screen....
Quick Links Can you enjoy Netflix with your friends without upgrading your subscription plan to support more people? Yes, there are a few ways you’re able to make streaming a social experience without shelling out extra money. Here’s all you need to know. Should You Consider Upgrading Your Netflix Plan? Since Netflix’s plans are made for people who live in the same house, adding people outside your house comes with a few restrictions....
Summary Separating the subject of a photo using a blurry background is a great way to make your images pop. you’re able to achieve this effect on an iPhone using two techniques, each with its own strengths and weaknesses. What Is Bokeh? Bokeh is the name given to the out-of-focus blur that appears in the background of a photo. The wider the aperture of a lens (which refers to the f-stop number, like f/2) then the greater the depth of field....
Summary These days, Facebook Marketplace is my favorite place to sell stuff I don’t need anymore, but it can still present struggles of its own. So, did spending a little money on ads make my life easier? Facebook Lets You Promote Marketplace Listings for Money When you take your photos, fill in all the information, and post your Marketplace ad in the hopes of selling your stuff, you’re given the option to promote the listing so that more people will see it....
Summary So it’s time to buy a new Mac. You want a computer that feels fast, comes with the latest and greatest Apple features, and will last you for years to come. Before you hit checkout, make sure you think ahead. The Importance of Buying Enough Storage Not having enough storage can severely limit the lifespan of your Mac, forcing you to babysit your computer and ensure the main volume always has a buffer of free space....
Summary The Galaxy S21 Ultra is an excellent bang for your buck in 2023, but it’s halfway through its update lifecycle, and you’ll probably have to buy it refurbished. There are a lot of great smartphones available right now or coming soon, from theGalaxy S23 Ultrato thePixel 7. However, older phones like Samsung’s Galaxy S21 Ultra still deliver a ton of value foraround $450, even if it’s not the latest and greatest....
Summary Valve’s Steam Deck is a massive success, and has kick-started an entirely new product category of handheld gaming PCs. But it’s easy to forget that this isn’t Valve’s first attempt at a PC-console hybrid, so perhaps it’s time for them to try again. The Short and Brutal History of Steam Machines Steam Machineswere small form-factor PCs designed to run the Linux-based SteamOS and provide a more console-like experience to players who weren’t into PC gaming....
Quick Links Summary The single most important thing about theJabra Elite 10wireless earbuds is their refined shape for an emphasis on comfort. Are you someone who’s suffered through an earache to keep listening to music? The real revolution listeners are looking for in premium earbuds is unbridled comfort, in addition to luxury features—not one or the other. These Elite 10 excel at their own game by combining an abundance of features, robust sound, and long-term wearability....
Summary As the first AI-powered ThinkPad, theLenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon (Gen 13) Aura Editionmight not sell itself with AI alone. But its high-powered processing, featherlight build, OLED display, and overall performance make it a winning option. Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 13 Aura Edition As one of the first-ever ThinkPads with Microsoft CoPilot AI, this laptop packs a significant punch with features like AI wellness tools, a gorgeous OLED display, and a CPU that can handle multitasking....
