From Engadget · 40 stories
How to Manage YouTube Autoplay Settings on Mobile and Desktop
This guide explains how to enable or disable YouTube's autoplay feature across various devices, including mobile phones, tablets, and computers. Managing autoplay allows users to control their viewing experience and prevent unwanted videos from playing automatically.
Android setting change can make phones feel faster by adjusting animation scales
Android users can adjust animation scale settings in Developer Options to make their phones feel faster. Changing Window, Transition, and Animator duration scales to 0.5x makes system animations play twice as fast, creating a perception of increased speed.
Guide to Safely Debloat Windows 11 by Removing Unwanted Software and Settings
A guide outlines a method for debloating Windows 11, focusing on manual uninstallation, settings modification, and custom debloating tools. This process addresses pre-installed software, user tracking, and data collection to improve system performance and user experience.
How to set up Amazon Alexa's price drop alerts and auto-buy feature
Amazon Alexa for Shopping allows users to set price drop alerts and automatically purchase items when they reach a specified price. This feature uses AI to track product price history and execute purchases for eligible Prime members.
Tips to improve call sound quality on Android phones using VoLTE and Wi-Fi calling
Android users can improve call sound quality by enabling features like Voice over LTE (VoLTE) and Wi-Fi calling. These settings route calls over high-speed data networks or Wi-Fi, offering clearer audio and faster connections compared to older cellular networks.
Petlibro Launches Granary 2 Series AI-Powered Dry Food Feeders for Pets
Petlibro has released its Granary 2 series of automatic dry food feeders, which include models with AI cameras for tracking individual pet eating habits and built-in scales to measure food consumption. This new series aims to provide pet owners with detailed insights into their pets' dietary patterns, offering features like intake tracking and individualized portioning for multi-pet households.
Guide to Converting an Old MacBook into a Home NAS Server
This guide details how to repurpose an old MacBook into a Network Attached Storage (NAS) server using built-in macOS features or Linux-based solutions. It outlines steps for setting up the hardware and software to create a home media library, collaboration hub, or backup storage. This provides a practical use for older Apple hardware, extending its lifespan beyond typical use.
How to use Android's Desktop Mode on Pixel 8 and newer phones
The Android 16 March Pixel Drop update introduced Android Desktop Mode for Pixel 8 and newer Google phones, allowing users to connect their device to an external monitor for a desktop-like interface. This feature enables a mobile workstation setup with windowed apps and external input devices, providing a PC-like experience from a smartphone.
How to Improve Router Security by Changing Default Settings
This guide explains how to enhance home router security by modifying default settings. It covers changing login credentials and Wi-Fi network names to prevent unauthorized access and protect the network.
Unplugging PCs during power outages prevents damage from voltage spikes
Unplugging a PC during a power outage protects sensitive components from voltage spikes that occur before, during, and after power restoration. Even a powered-off PC remains vulnerable to these electrical fluctuations, which can cause permanent damage to hardware and corrupt data.
PC Floor Placement Can Lead to Dust Buildup and Thermal Issues
Placing a PC directly on the floor can cause significant dust accumulation, leading to overheating and reduced component lifespan. This practice forces fans to work harder and can trigger thermal throttling, impacting performance and longevity.
Guide to Using Live Text Feature on iPhone
This article provides instructions on how to use the Live Text feature available on iPhones running iOS 15 and later, which allows users to interact with text through their device's camera. It explains how to activate the feature, select text, and perform actions like copying, translating, or looking up information.
How to Run Android Apps on Windows PCs Using Emulators or Google Play Games
This article explains how to run Android applications on a Windows PC, primarily through emulators like BlueStacks and MuMuPlayer, or via the Google Play Games app. This functionality is useful for mobile gamers, content creators, developers, and DIY tinkerers who want to use Android apps on a larger screen with PC peripherals.
iPhones lack wired printer support due to absence of native printer drivers
iPhones cannot print directly via a wired connection because iOS and iPadOS lack native printer drivers. This design choice avoids the complexity of managing diverse printer drivers on mobile devices, necessitating wireless solutions like AirPrint or third-party apps that often require a computer intermediary.
How to Factory Reset Google Home Mini and Nest Mini Devices
This guide provides instructions on how to factory reset Google Home Mini and Nest Mini devices. Resetting these devices can resolve issues like connectivity problems or prepare them for a new owner.
Steam from hot showers can damage 'water-resistant' smartphones, voiding warranties
Hot shower steam can damage smartphones, despite their IP ratings, because heat and humidity degrade seals and cause condensation. Manufacturers like Apple and Google explicitly state that liquid damage from steam is not covered under warranty. This information is important for smartphone users to understand the limitations of water resistance.
Repurpose an old laptop as a Home Assistant smart home hub
An old laptop can be used to run Home Assistant, an open-source platform that unifies smart home devices from different brands. This approach allows users to create a local control center without purchasing new dedicated hardware like a Raspberry Pi or mini PC. It provides a way to experiment with smart home automation and reduce reliance on manufacturer-specific apps and cloud services.
Guide to Cleaning Laptop Fans for Improved Performance
This guide details how to clean laptop fans to prevent dust buildup, which can lead to thermal throttling and reduced performance. It outlines methods ranging from external cleaning with compressed air to internal cleaning requiring laptop disassembly.
Upgrading Turntable Stylus Improves Vinyl Audio Quality
Upgrading a turntable's stylus, or needle, is an effective way to improve vinyl record audio quality. Different stylus shapes, such as elliptical and microliner, offer varying levels of detail and performance for record enthusiasts.
Samsung Galaxy Devices Feature Built-in Diagnostic Tool for Hardware Health Checks
Samsung Galaxy phones running Android 12 or later include a built-in diagnostic suite within Device Care, allowing users to test various hardware components. This tool helps users assess phone health before seeking repairs or upgrades, providing insights into issues like battery degradation or component malfunctions.
Console Orientation: Vertical vs. Horizontal Placement Considerations
Modern gaming consoles like the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S are designed to operate in both vertical and horizontal orientations. The primary considerations for placement are airflow, stability, and available space, rather than disc drive functionality.
Troubleshooting iPhone Always-On Display Issues
This article explains common reasons why an iPhone's Always-On Display might turn off and provides solutions. It details how to check settings and addresses scenarios like Low Power Mode and Focus modes affecting the feature.
How to Improve Windows 11 Experience by Adjusting Settings
This guide details how to customize Windows 11 settings to enhance user experience. It covers changing default applications, enabling clipboard history, and other adjustments to improve productivity and convenience.
Samsung Galaxy Triangle Symbol Indicates Data Saver, Errors, or Roaming
The triangle symbol on Samsung Galaxy phones can indicate Data Saver is active, an error warning, or cellular roaming. Data Saver restricts background app data usage to conserve mobile data, which can be managed in the phone's settings.
Anti-Aliasing in PC Games: Methods and Performance Impact
Anti-aliasing techniques smooth jagged edges in PC game graphics, but different methods have varying impacts on GPU performance and image quality. Techniques range from computationally intensive supersampling to post-processing filters and temporal methods, each offering trade-offs between visual fidelity and frame rates.
Troubleshooting Grayed-Out Songs on Apple Music
Songs on Apple Music may appear grayed out due to offline status, licensing restrictions, or technical sync issues. Users can resolve these problems by checking cloud status, restarting devices, re-downloading tracks, or toggling the Sync Library setting.
Ethernet Splitters vs. Switches: Understanding Network Connectivity Options
The article explains the differences between Ethernet splitters and switches, detailing how passive splitters work and why they are generally not recommended for modern network setups. It clarifies that passive splitters only support older, slower Ethernet standards and require two units to function.
Guide to improving Roku TV image quality through settings adjustments
A guide details how to adjust Roku TV settings to improve picture quality beyond default factory settings. Users can achieve a more accurate and lifelike image by selecting appropriate picture modes and customizing individual settings like brightness and contrast.
Understanding USB Extenders: Types, Limitations, and Safe Usage
USB extenders work but vary in type, affecting speed, power, and features. Passive cables are suitable for short distances, while active repeaters or CAT/fiber extenders are needed for longer runs to maintain signal integrity. Proper selection based on distance and device requirements is crucial for optimal performance and safety.
NVMe vs. SATA SSD: Understanding the Differences in Drive Types
This article explains the differences between NVMe and SATA SSDs, focusing on their communication protocols and performance capabilities. NVMe offers significantly higher speeds due to its PCIe interface, while SATA remains a viable option for certain use cases despite its lower theoretical maximums.
Guide to Setting Up and Using SteamVR for Virtual Reality Gaming
This guide outlines the steps to set up and use SteamVR for playing virtual reality games on Steam. It details the installation process, hardware connection requirements, and initial room setup for various VR headsets.
Guide to converting an old PC into a media server using Plex or Jellyfin
An article details how to repurpose an old PC into a media server, offering a private streaming solution for media files. It explains that common media server software like Plex and Jellyfin can run on most PCs, with options for both Windows and Linux operating systems.
Guide to installing ChromeOS Flex on older PCs to extend their lifespan
This guide details how to install Google's ChromeOS Flex on older Windows PCs, offering a way to repurpose hardware that no longer receives security updates. ChromeOS Flex requires fewer resources than Windows, potentially improving performance on older machines and extending their useful life.
Guide to disabling Google Maps location history and timeline features
Google Maps offers a location timeline feature that logs user travel history, which can be disabled for privacy concerns. Users can turn off this feature globally or on specific devices, and also manage auto-delete settings for historical data. This provides users with more control over their location data stored by Google Maps.
Understanding USB-A and USB-C: Differences and Adapter Selection
USB-A and USB-C are distinct connector types with different physical characteristics and capabilities. USB-C is a newer standard compared to USB-A, which was part of the original USB 1 specification. Understanding these differences is crucial for selecting appropriate cables and adapters to ensure correct power delivery and data transfer speeds, preventing issues like slow charging or port damage.
Video Streaming and Calls Are Top Smartphone Data Consumers
Video streaming services and video calls are the primary consumers of smartphone data, with usage varying significantly based on resolution settings. Global mobile data consumption is projected to more than double by 2031, with the average smartphone now using over 20GB monthly.
Guide to Using an iPad as a Second Screen for Mac or Windows PCs
This guide details methods for using an iPad as an external display for Mac and Windows computers, including Apple's built-in Sidecar and Universal Control features. It explains how to set up these functionalities to expand screen space and improve productivity for users with both devices.
Repurpose an old Android tablet as an Android Auto head unit using Open Headunit app
The Open Headunit app allows users to convert an old Android tablet into an Android Auto head unit, providing a car-friendly infotainment system. This offers a solution for vehicles lacking built-in Android Auto support, especially as some automakers reduce support for the feature.
Guide to Enabling and Using Xbox Mode on Windows 11
Windows 11 introduced Xbox mode in May 2026, which provides a controller-friendly interface for PC gaming by replacing the taskbar with a redesigned Xbox app. This feature aims to offer a console-like gaming experience on Windows PCs, similar to Valve's SteamOS. This guide details how to enable and access Xbox mode.
Benefits of Keeping Smart TVs in Standby Mode
Keeping a smart TV in standby mode allows for faster startup times, background software updates, and critical panel maintenance for OLED displays. This mode consumes minimal power while enabling essential functions that improve user experience and display longevity.