From Engadget · 24 stories
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.
Optimizing Router Antenna Position Improves Wi-Fi Coverage
Proper positioning of router antennas can enhance Wi-Fi coverage and signal strength in homes. Adjusting the antenna direction and router placement based on home layout is crucial for reducing dead zones and improving internet performance.
Using Bluetooth Headphones with Roku for Late-Night Viewing
Roku supports Bluetooth headphone connectivity for nighttime viewing, enabling users to watch without disturbing others. While newer Roku devices can connect directly, most require a smartphone and the Roku app as intermediary during setup.
Understanding Android Status Bar Icons and Their Meanings
A guide explains the meanings of various icons in the Android status bar. Familiarity with these icons helps users efficiently recognize network, battery, call, and device statuses, reducing confusion and troubleshooting time.
Tips for Protecting Electronics from Lightning Strikes
Lightning can cause significant damage to electronic devices through power surges. Proactive measures, such as unplugging devices and using surge protectors, can help prevent costly losses during storms.
Steam Autumn Sale offers discounts on Resident Evil Requiem, 007 First Light, and other titles
The Steam Autumn Sale is active until October 8, featuring discounts on various PC games. Notable titles like Resident Evil Requiem and 007 First Light are 30% off, reducing their prices to under $50.
Google offers college students a free year of AI Pro plan, including 5TB cloud storage
Google is providing eligible US college students with a free one-year subscription to its AI Pro plan, which includes quadruple Gemini usage limits, Spark agentic platform access, Gemini integration in Workspace apps, and 5TB of cloud storage. This initiative aims to increase engagement with Google's AI services and provides substantial cloud storage benefits.
Nimble SharePower: A 10,000mAh battery pack that splits into two 5,000mAh units
Nimble released the SharePower, a portable battery pack designed to split into two independent 5,000mAh power banks from a single 10,000mAh unit. This product offers a flexible charging solution for multiple devices or users, particularly in travel scenarios.
Google distributes Pixel 11 discount codes ahead of launch event
Google is sending out emails with discount codes ranging from $100 to $250 for the upcoming Pixel 11 lineup. These codes can be applied to pre-orders following the Made By Google event on August 12, where the new devices will be unveiled.
Indie Game Sales and Updates, Including Cyberpunk Fest and Kitfox Games Discounts
Several indie game sales are currently active, including Steam Cyberpunk Fest offering discounts on titles like Cyberpunk 2077 and RoboCop: Rogue City, and a Kitfox Games sale. Additionally, the publisher JandoSoft stated that Nintendo did not approve a Switch 2 version of the game Turnip Mountain, and the Overcooked series has surpassed 100 million players.
Samsung's Fold Inn pop-up pub in London featured themed decor and non-alcoholic beers
Samsung opened a foldable-themed pop-up pub called the Fold Inn in Soho, London, to promote its new foldable phones, smartwatches, and upcoming smart glasses. The pub featured themed decor and served non-alcoholic beers, which were described as tasting terrible by a visitor. This promotional event aimed to create a unique brand activation around Samsung's latest product launches.