From Engadget · 40 stories
AirTag Water Resistance Explained: IP67 Rating and Limitations
AirTags are water-resistant with an IP67 rating, meaning they can withstand immersion in 1 meter of water for up to 30 minutes. This rating indicates protection against water intrusion but does not make them fully waterproof, as no device is completely impervious to liquid damage under all conditions.
How to Hide and Lock Apps on iPhone and iPad with iOS 18
iOS 18 introduces new features allowing users to hide and lock apps on their iPhone and iPad, enhancing privacy and security. This functionality enables users to remove apps from the Home screen and require Face ID or a passcode for access, preventing unauthorized use and decluttering the interface.
Optimizing Battery Life for Retro Handheld Game Consoles
This guide details how to improve battery life for retro handheld game consoles like the Game Boy and Game Gear by using modern rechargeable batteries. Utilizing rechargeable batteries reduces waste and long-term costs compared to disposable alkaline batteries.
USB-C Port Capabilities Beyond Charging on Smartphones
USB-C ports on smartphones offer functionalities beyond charging, including power delivery to other devices, connecting flash drives and memory card readers, and enabling external keyboards. This versatility stems from USB-C's role as a universal connector across various mobile devices.
How to Limit Roku's Data Collection and Tracking Features
Roku devices collect user viewing data, including what, when, how, and where content is watched, similar to other connected devices and services. Users can adjust privacy settings to limit this data collection, such as disabling Automatic Content Recognition and personal advertising. This allows individuals to manage their data sharing preferences on Roku devices.
New TVs May Ship with "Store Mode" Enabled, Affecting Picture Quality
New televisions often ship with a "store mode" or "demo mode" enabled, which optimizes settings for retail environments but can degrade picture quality in a home setting. Disabling this mode is a simple step to improve the viewing experience on a new TV.
How to use Android Auto with an active VPN via split tunneling
Android Auto often fails to connect when a VPN is active, displaying a "Communication error 21." This occurs because Android Auto requires a direct local Wi-Fi link, which VPNs can interfere with. The issue can be resolved by configuring split tunneling in the VPN settings to exclude Android Auto from the VPN tunnel.
Car USB Ports Insufficient for Laptop Charging; Alternative Solutions Recommended
Most car USB ports do not provide enough power to charge laptops effectively, as they are typically designed for lower-wattage devices like phones. To properly charge a laptop in a car, users should opt for a 12V USB-C PD charger, a power inverter, or a laptop-compatible power bank.
Understanding exFAT and NTFS File Systems for Drive Formatting
exFAT and NTFS are Microsoft-developed file systems with distinct uses: exFAT is designed for cross-platform compatibility and large files on external drives, while NTFS is optimized for Windows-only systems requiring advanced security and reliability features. Choosing the correct format prevents compatibility issues, data corruption, and failed transfers. The optimal choice depends on the drive's intended use and operating system environment.
Tips for Optimizing Headphone Bass Performance Through Fit and EQ Settings
This guide provides advice on improving headphone bass quality without purchasing new hardware. It focuses on ensuring a proper fit and correctly adjusting equalizer settings to achieve deeper, punchier bass.
Bluetooth Multipoint: A Key Feature for Modern Wireless Headphones
Bluetooth multipoint allows wireless headphones to connect to multiple devices simultaneously, enabling seamless audio switching without manual re-pairing. This feature addresses the inconvenience of manually switching Bluetooth connections between devices, which is a common frustration for users with multi-device setups.
Preventing Phone Overheating in Cars to Avoid Component Damage and Battery Issues
Smartphones can overheat in cars due to enclosed spaces and direct sunlight, potentially damaging internal components or causing battery thermal runaway. Users can mitigate this risk by adjusting the phone's environment and reducing internal heat generation. This information is important for smartphone users to prolong device lifespan and prevent safety hazards.
Guide to Sideloading Android APKs on Chromebooks Using ADB
This guide details how to sideload Android Package Kits (APKs) onto Chromebooks using Android Debug Bridge (ADB), offering an alternative to the Google Play Store for app installation. This method allows users to install apps not available through official channels, expanding the functionality of their Chromebooks.
USB-C to USB-A Adapters and USB-C Hubs Remain Essential for Device Compatibility
USB-C to USB-A adapters and USB-C hubs are important for maintaining device compatibility in 2026 due to the continued presence of both USB-A and USB-C ports on various devices. These adapters allow users to connect newer USB-C accessories to older USB-A ports and vice versa, addressing the mixed port landscape in consumer electronics.
Troubleshooting Common Bluetooth Speaker Connection Issues
This guide outlines common problems encountered with Bluetooth speakers, such as connection failures or audio issues, and provides steps to resolve them. It details troubleshooting methods like restarting devices, re-pairing, and re-establishing connections to address wireless interruptions.
Guide to USB Tethering for Mobile Hotspot on Android and iPhone
This guide explains how to use USB tethering to share a smartphone's cellular internet connection with a computer via a cable. USB tethering offers a more stable connection and can charge the phone, making it an alternative to wireless hotspots in specific scenarios.
Guide to Creating and Deleting Stickers on iPhone
This guide details how to create and manage custom stickers on an iPhone using existing photos and Live Photos. Users can make personalized stickers directly from the Photos app or Messages app, and these stickers are saved for reuse in conversations.
Guide to Decluttering Old Cables: Which to Keep, Recycle, or Sell
This guide advises on which old cables to keep, recycle, or sell, focusing on common types like FireWire, SCSI, coaxial, RCA, XLR, and Apple 30-pin connectors. It helps users clear out unused cables while identifying those still valuable to niche markets or legacy equipment users.
Router Tweaks to Improve Wi-Fi Speeds and Reduce Bufferbloat
This article provides tips for optimizing Wi-Fi router performance to address slow download speeds and network lag. It explains how physical placement, Wi-Fi band selection, and enabling SQM can improve internet experience, especially when multiple devices are active.
Google Voice Paid Subscriptions Offer Advanced Features Beyond Basic Phone Number Service
Google Voice offers paid subscription tiers that provide additional features beyond the free basic service, including AI-powered spam blocking and voicemail transcription. These paid plans cater to individuals and businesses needing more robust communication tools, integrating with Google Meet and Calendar.
Guide to Screen Mirroring Android Phones to Roku Devices
This guide details how to screen mirror an Android phone to a Roku device, focusing on devices that support the Miracast protocol. It explains the setup process on Roku and addresses compatibility issues with certain Android phones, such as Google Pixels. The information helps users display local media, presentations, or video conferences from their phone onto a larger screen.
Guide to accessing free local TV channels without a cable subscription
This guide details methods for streaming local TV channels for free, offering alternatives to costly cable subscriptions and premium streaming tiers. It explains how to utilize digital over-the-air broadcasts, free streaming platforms, and local news aggregators to access local news, sports, and entertainment. The information helps cord-cutters find budget-friendly options for local programming.
Regular Phone Reboots Offer Minor Performance and Security Benefits, Not Always Necessary
Routinely restarting smartphones can offer minor performance improvements and, in rare cases, security benefits, though modern mobile operating systems are designed for long uptimes. While Android devices may see more benefit than iPhones, most users do not need to reboot on a fixed schedule.
Understanding the 60-60 Rule for Safe Headphone Listening
The 60-60 rule, developed by the audiology community, recommends listening to audio at no more than 60% of maximum volume for no longer than 60 minutes at a time to prevent noise-induced hearing loss. This guideline is supported by organizations like WHO and Mayo Clinic, addressing a public health concern where over a billion young people are at risk of permanent hearing damage from recreational sound exposure.
Repurposing Old iPhones for Continued Use
Old iPhones, even those no longer receiving software updates, can still be repurposed for various functions such as music players, gaming devices, or alarm clocks. This approach extends the device's lifespan and prevents electronic waste.
Swimming Headphones Differ from Regular Headphones in Water Resistance, Sound Conduction, and Storage
Swimming headphones are distinct from regular headphones due to their waterproofing, built-in storage for music playback underwater, and use of bone conduction technology. These features address the challenges of water interfering with Bluetooth signals and traditional air-vibration sound transmission. The differences matter for users seeking to listen to audio while swimming, as standard headphones are ineffective in water.
Distinguishing Between USB 2.0 and USB 3.0 for Peripheral Connections
USB 3.0 offers significantly faster data transfer speeds and higher power output compared to USB 2.0. Understanding these differences helps users connect peripherals to the appropriate port for optimal performance, reserving faster ports for bandwidth-intensive devices.
How to Clear Cache on Roku Devices to Improve Performance
Roku devices do not have a dedicated cache-clearing option, but users can clear cached data through a remote shortcut, a system restart via settings, or by power cycling the device. This process can help improve app loading speeds and overall device responsiveness by removing accumulated or corrupted temporary data.
Samsung offers Watch Face Studio for custom Galaxy Watch designs
Samsung provides a free design tool called Watch Face Studio, available for Windows and macOS, allowing users to create custom watch faces for Wear OS-powered Galaxy Watches. This tool enables deeper personalization beyond pre-made options from the Play Store or Galaxy Wearable app.
How to Improve YouTube Music Audio Quality to 256 kbps
YouTube Music users can increase their audio streaming and download quality to 256 kbps from the default 128 kbps by adjusting settings within the app. This higher quality setting is only available to YouTube Music Premium or YouTube Premium subscribers. The change can result in cleaner audio, especially with quality headphones or speakers, but uses more data.
Guide to Safely Cleaning USB Ports for Device Functionality
A guide details methods for safely cleaning USB ports to resolve issues like unstable connections or charging problems. It recommends using plastic or wooden toothpicks and compressed air, while advising against WD-40 or Q-tips.
Accessing Android Auto's Hidden Developer Menu for Advanced Settings
Android Auto includes a hidden developer menu that provides access to advanced settings like a wireless toggle and an "Unknown Sources" option. This menu allows users to customize their Android Auto experience beyond the default settings, enabling features such as sideloading non-Play Store apps for in-car entertainment.
The 20 Percent Rule for Solar Panels Can Help Save Money Long-Term
The "20 percent rule" for solar panels suggests oversizing a system to produce 20% more energy than a home consumes, providing a buffer for seasonal variations and potential cost savings. This approach ensures consistent power supply during less optimal conditions and allows for banking excess energy with utility providers.
Methods to Expand Android Storage Without a MicroSD Card
This article outlines methods for Android users to increase their device's storage capacity without relying on microSD cards. It details using cloud storage services and external USB-C drives as alternatives for managing larger files and applications.
Key Differences When Switching from Android to iPhone
Users transitioning from Android to iPhone will encounter differences in notification management, navigation gestures, and typing experiences. These changes stem from fundamental platform distinctions, requiring adaptation for new iOS users.
Guide to programming Roku remotes for voice control of non-Roku TVs
This guide explains how to configure a Roku remote to control basic functions and use voice commands on a non-Roku television. The process involves navigating Roku settings and ensuring the TV supports HDMI-CEC.
Charging a phone in a car consumes negligible fuel, impacting mileage by 0.03 MPG
Charging a smartphone in a car uses a minimal amount of fuel, approximately 0.03 miles per gallon, because the charger draws a small amount of electricity from the alternator. This impact is significantly less than other car functions like air conditioning, which can reduce fuel efficiency by up to 10%.
Understanding Risks Before Disabling Google Play Protect on Android
Google Play Protect is Android's built-in security system, scanning for malicious apps and providing privacy alerts. Disabling it removes these safeguards, increasing the risk of malware infection and data theft, especially for users who sideload applications.
Understanding Disc Rot Risks for CD and Blu-ray Collections
Disc rot, a degradation of compact discs due to environmental factors, can render CDs and Blu-rays unreadable. While relatively rare, collectors should be aware of its signs, causes, and preventive measures to protect their media collections.
Scanning saved QR codes on iOS and Android made simpler
Both Android and iOS devices now support scanning QR codes directly from screenshots. This functionality streamlines the QR code scanning process, enhancing user convenience by allowing access to previously saved codes without needing the camera.