Month: September 2025

Frequent Smart Home Errors to Steer Clear Of: Insights Gained from My Journey

# The Smart Home Journey: Advantages, Errors, and Insights Gained

Smart home innovations have revolutionized our engagement with our residences, providing ease, productivity, and improved oversight of our surroundings. As an enthusiast of smart homes, I’ve reaped various advantages, yet my path has also contained some missteps. Here, I will outline the elements I cherish in my smart home, along with two major errors I encountered along the way.

## Cherished Aspects of a Smart Home

While some contend that a smart home must be predominantly automated, I feel that even features controlled manually can still be deemed “smart.” Nonetheless, I concur that any feature capable of automation should be automated, as these conveniences often become the most treasured components of my dwelling.

One of my preferred automations is the bedroom blinds that open by themselves each morning, permitting sunlight to softly awaken me. Furthermore, my kitchen lights switch on when I enter the area, ensuring a fluid experience. Voice commands are also pivotal in my smart home environment. For instance, the phrase “living room relax” triggers certain ambient lighting while deactivating unnecessary lights, cultivating a warm vibe.

## Errors in Smart Home Configuration

In spite of my successes, I have faced two significant errors in my smart home journey—one being particularly expensive.

### 1. Ceiling-to-Floor Smart Window Shades

While I enjoy the smart shades on regular-sized windows, my experience with floor-to-ceiling glass has been less satisfactory. The first challenge stems from the requirement for several shades to cover the entire window span. With a total of seven shades, they frequently snag against one another due to their width and limited clearance, resulting in misalignment that necessitates manual correction.

The second issue involves the battery-operated nature of these shades. The heaviness of the floor-to-ceiling shades places a burden on the motors, causing the batteries to deplete swiftly. Even with heavy-duty batteries, I found myself constantly replacing them, which became a monotonous chore. Ultimately, I determined that for such large windows, conventional curtains would be a much more sensible option.

### 2. Excessively Complicate Scenes

Scenes rank among the most influential features of smart home technology, enabling the control of several devices at once with a single command. However, I discovered the hard way that complicating these scenes can result in annoyance. For example, I devised a “home alone” scene that would deactivate lights in one room while turning them on in another. Although this seemed practical, it often led to inconvenience when moving between spaces, necessitating continuous adjustments to the lighting.

Now, I prioritize simpler scenes that manage lighting within individual rooms, recognizing that occasionally I need to issue multiple voice commands. This shift has considerably improved the user-friendliness of my smart home experience.

## Conclusion

The process of establishing a smart home is laden with meaningful lessons. While automation and intelligent technology can significantly improve our living environments, it’s crucial to factor in practicality and ease of use. By reflecting on my experiences, I aspire to assist others in their smart home projects, urging them to embrace the advantages while being mindful of possible challenges. What errors have you faced in your smart home experience? Share your thoughts and stories in the comments.

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Reasons Why Capping Your iPhone’s Charge Level at 80% Is Ineffective

enhance the efficiency of the iPhone Air by understanding usage habits. Although the Adaptive Power feature didn’t significantly extend battery life on our device, it might prove useful for you.

Another feature that Apple introduced earlier is the option to restrict the iPhone’s charging capacity, either to 80% or a personalized figure. This should theoretically prolong your device’s battery lifespan since you’re not completing a full cycle every time you charge. Nevertheless, for the second consecutive year, MacRumors opted to limit its iPhone’s charging capacity to 80% to determine if it would have any effects. Spoiler alert: it did not.

Capping the iPhone’s charging limit provided a lesson

Powerbeats Fit Introduced: Three Primary Improvements Compared to Beats Fit Pro

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Beats Fit Pro has debuted, and Beats is now rolling out a rebranding of its well-known earbuds as the Powerbeats Fit. This is not merely the joining of the Fit Pro earbuds with the Powerbeats name; Beats is addressing some shortcomings of the initial generation while still providing the same audio quality, Spatial Audio features, and a relatively budget-friendly price of $199.99.

“Bringing Beats Fit Pro back as Powerbeats Fit, together with Powerbeats Pro 2, has unified our selection under a brand recognized for athletic excellence and offers consumers a clearer option between two unique, fitness-oriented designs,” stated Oliver Schusser, Apple’s vice president of Music, Sports, and Beats. “Powerbeats Fit merges the finest elements of Beats Fit Pro with enhanced comfort, resilience, and portability, making it a significant addition to the Powerbeats line.”

Powerbeats Fit have a more streamlined design than their predecessors, which Beats asserts makes the wingtip more comfortable for prolonged wear while still preserving the impressive battery life of the earbuds. Here’s all that the new Powerbeats Fit has to offer.

Powerbeats Fit are designed for athletes

Zireot USB Heated Portable Electric Blanket

As temperatures drop, nothing is more comforting than wrapping up in a cozy blanket. You can elevate that feeling with this USB-powered electric blanket that will keep you warm and toasty. At $69.99, it may not be the most affordable option, but we believe the benefit it offers justifies the cost. You can select heat levels from low, medium, and high, reaching a peak temperature of 131 degrees Fahrenheit. It operates via the included power bank

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“Pixel 10a Anticipated to Debut Earlier with Vivid Color Choices”

**Google May Alter Its Launch Schedule for Its Upcoming Mid-Range**

Recent speculation indicates that Google could be changing its typical launch timeline for the soon-to-be-released mid-range smartphone, the Pixel 10a. Historically, Google’s mid-range devices have debuted mid-year, yet a recent leak suggests a possible arrival much sooner, potentially by the end of this year.

A report from MysticLeaks on Telegram claims that the Pixel 10a may be released in five color options: black, blue, dark blue, red, and green. These hues are reportedly connected to a series of leaked wallpapers, which showcase elegant, ribbon-like designs and a distinctive brush stroke aesthetic.

There is also considerable speculation regarding the hardware features of the Pixel 10a. It is believed to be equipped with a slightly enhanced version of the Tensor G4 chip, continuing the pattern of Google’s mid-range phones employing the same chip for three consecutive years. Nonetheless, there may be a compromise, as the device might utilize the older UFS 3.1 storage rather than the newer UFS 4.0, which could influence its overall performance.

While the Pixel 10a’s release may arrive sooner than anticipated, it may lack some of the advanced features present in the flagship Pixel 10 series, including the Magic Cue with contextual suggestions. As the tech community eagerly awaits additional information, excitement for Google’s next mid-range product continues to escalate.

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Apple @ Work Podcast: Shifting Back to the Practitioner Position

**Apple @ Work: Returning to IT Practice**

In the ever-changing realm of technology, professionals frequently navigate between positions in IT and vendor sectors. In the newest episode of Apple @ Work, host Tom Bridge shares reflections from his recent return to an IT practitioner role after spending more than four years on the vendor side. This transition underscores the dynamic essence of the tech industry and the valuable insights acquired from both perspectives.

**Mosyle’s Role in Apple Device Management**

Mosyle is integral in assisting organizations that employ Apple devices. As the sole Apple Unified Platform, Mosyle consolidates all required solutions for deploying, managing, and securing Apple devices in an efficient manner. With over 45,000 organizations depending on Mosyle, it has positioned itself as a reliable partner in ensuring millions of Apple devices are ready for use easily and cost-effectively. This functionality is particularly vital for companies seeking to optimize their IT operations while maintaining strong device management.

**Key Insights from the Episode**

1. **Learning from Experience**: Tom Bridge shares the insights gained during his tenure on the vendor side and how they shape his present role in IT. This background offers a distinctive view of the challenges and openings encountered by IT professionals.

2. **Significance of Flexibility**: The tech field is in constant flux, and professionals must remain adaptable to succeed. Tom’s path highlights the necessity for ongoing learning and flexibility in career trajectories.

3. **Collaboration and Community**: Connecting with the broader IT community is essential for exchanging knowledge and best practices. Tom’s observations inspire professionals to engage and collaborate, nurturing a supportive atmosphere for advancement.

**Listen to the Episode**

To explore Tom Bridge’s experiences and insights further, listen to the episode

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Opera Unveils Neon: An AI-Driven Browser with an Integrated Assistant

**Opera Neon: A Revolutionary Chapter in AI Browsing**

After its formal introduction in May, Opera has unveiled Neon, its AI browser based on a subscription model, equipped with agentic features. This groundbreaking browser seeks to establish itself within the competitive landscape of AI-driven browsers, presenting distinct functionalities that improve user experience and efficiency.

### Notable Features of Opera Neon

#### Tasks

Among the key highlights of Opera Neon is “Tasks.” This capability is crafted to comprehend the context of the open tabs—whether they are documents, web pages, or searches. It leverages this context to collect information and execute actions pertinent to the user’s goals. As per Opera, “Tasks are independent workspaces that grasp context and allow the AI to analyze, compare, and act across various sources simultaneously.” Consequently, Neon can create a specialized mini-browser for each task, permitting the AI to assist users without engaging unrelated data.

#### Cards

Another cutting-edge feature is “Cards,” which enables users to save commonly used prompts for repetitive actions. Users can combine Cards to formulate more intricate workflows. Opera likens it to “having a collection of your preferred AI actions ready for use whenever you require them.” For instance, when comparing products across tabs, users can merge specific Cards to simplify the process. Moreover, the Cards repository lets users explore and save Cards uploaded by the community, making it usable for both everyday and professional users.

#### Neon Do

“Neon Do” offers a distinctive take on agentic browsing by functioning within the user’s current browsing session rather than depending on cloud solutions. This feature can navigate on the user’s behalf, gather data from their logged-in accounts, and carry out assigned duties. Opera highlights that this approach enhances security, as it eliminates the necessity of sharing passwords or continuous authentication. Neon Do can pause for user input, granting users control at any stage of the task.

### Further Features

In addition to these core functionalities, Opera Neon comprises features like “Make,” which allows users to create small applications based on their needs, and “Chat,” facilitating interaction with Neon in accordance with the context of the active webpage.

### Privacy Considerations

Opera has prioritized a privacy-centric approach in the creation of Neon. User logins and payment details are stored on-device, and importantly, no data is utilized for AI training, ensuring the preservation of user privacy.

### Subscription Model

Opera Neon is offered through a subscription model at $19.99 monthly. Initial users will gain access today, and those interested can sign up for the waitlist on the Opera Neon website.

### Conclusion

Opera Neon signifies a major leap in the field of AI browsing, merging innovative features with an emphasis on user privacy. As the demand for agentic browsing solutions increases, Opera Neon establishes itself as an attractive choice for individuals seeking to boost their online productivity.

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Opera Neon Introduces Itself as a Subscription-Driven Agentic AI Web Browser

After a preview of Opera Browser Days in Lisbon this year, Opera has rolled out its Opera Neon agentic AI browser. Now accessible to early users, the browser’s creators have aligned themselves with other firms pursuing a fundamentally new method of browsing.

According to Opera, Neon transcends mere web browsing, as the agentic AI embedded within the browser can operate autonomously and tackle intricate projects. It can perform tasks, generate code, and yield results straight within the browser. “We designed Opera Neon for ourselves and for all who extensively engage with AI in their daily activities,” stated Opera EVP Krystian Kolondra. “Today, we invite the initial users who will assist in innovating the future of agentic browsing alongside us.”

The key functionalities of Opera Neon revolve around tasks, cards, and the capability for the browser to take initiative on your behalf. It streamlines processes like opening new tabs and closing others, merging several AI agents to produce accurate responses, initiate a project from scratch, and more.

Discover Opera Neon’s Capabilities

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Xiaomi Pad Mini: The Perfect Substitute for the iPad Mini

With an 8.8-inch display and impressive battery life, the Pad Mini is the compact Android tablet I’ve been eagerly anticipating.

If you’re in search of a quality Android tablet, there are plenty of options available, but most tend to be larger in size. Redmagic’s Astra stood out with its 9.06-inch OLED screen, making it an exceptional device. Personally, I’ve been searching for a small Android tablet since we’ve just relocated, and I wanted to create a smart home dashboard in my living area.

Although I appreciate using the iPad mini, I sought an Android tablet for running Home Assistant, and coincidentally, Xiaomi introduced the Pad Mini right when I needed it. The tablet was revealed alongside the 15T and 15T Pro, and I’ve been testing it for nearly two weeks now. Priced at $429, the Pad Mini rivals the iPad Mini, but this isn’t new territory for Xiaomi; they’ve been doing this for over a decade. Currently, the tablet is restricted to select Southeast Asian countries, though it is expected to reach other markets in the upcoming months.

Similar to the Xiaomi Pad 7 and Pad 7 Pro, the Pad Mini features a metallic body with a sleek design, and its compact size enhances portability. The build quality is solid, and although the grey version I’m using may not be visually striking, I appreciate that Xiaomi kept the design understated.

The Pad Mini has flat edges with slight bevels that make it comfortable to hold, and weighing in at 326g, it’s light enough to handle effortlessly. It is slightly heavier than the iPad mini, but you gain a larger display. The bezels are thicker than typical smartphones, yet they are consistent in size.

Regarding the display, the 8.8-inch IPS LCD can reach up to 165Hz, which seems excessive. The positive aspect is that the interface is smooth, and I experienced no lag during my two weeks with the Pad Mini. The impressive 3K resolution of 3008 x 1880 is more than sufficient, and the tablet operates on MediaTek’s Dimensity 9400+ platform — the same as the Xiaomi 15T Pro. Clearly, it packs a powerful punch, as the few games I played on the Pad Mini functioned flawlessly.

I’m using the 12GB/512GB model of the Pad Mini, but it is also offered in an 8GB/256GB variant. It’s refreshing to see Xiaomi leveraging UFS 4.1 storage technology in the tablet, which comes with a substantial 7,500mAh battery that reliably provides over 10 hours of usage without any issues.

The 8.8-inch display offers vibrant colors and is well-calibrated, and true to most Xiaomi products, there’s a good level of customizability. What I appreciate the most is that Xiaomi’s reading mode is maintained, allowing you to set the display to monochrome; this feature gives the Pad Mini an edge over the iPad mini for reading ebooks on the device.

Another unique feature is the side-mounted USB-C port. The Pad Mini includes the typical USB-C port at the bottom, plus an additional port on the left side, making it twice as convenient to charge the tablet while in use. Xiaomi also includes a 67W charger in the packaging — unlike the 15T Pro.

Using the Pad Mini is a pleasure; the compact tablet is easy to operate with one hand, and the display provides excellent color vibrancy and brightness. It’s just as effective for streaming HDR content as it is for browsing, and the stereo sound enhances the experience while watching videos.

Xiaomi has introduced two accessories intended for use with the Pad Mini; the Xiaomi Focus Pen closely resembles what you receive with the Pad 7 and 7 Pro, and it serves as a decent stylus for note-taking and doodling. It features buttons for easy annotation or quick note-taking in Mi Canvas.

Thanks to the Xiaomi Pad Mini Cover, I can utilize the Pad Mini as my smart home controller. The case features a back strap with built-in rivets, making it easier to grip the tablet. However, its standout function is as a kickstand, allowing the Pad Mini to be positioned on a desk or table for use.

The cover significantly enhances the tablet’s usability and is the main reason I’m opting for the Pad Mini over the Redmagic Astra as my smart home controller. Elsewhere, the software mirrors what you find on Xiaomi’s smartphones, and much like the 15T and 15T Pro, it lacks Android 16 — still operating on Android 15.

While that is somewhat frustrating, it’s clear

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“Presenting ‘Instant Checkout’: Experience Effortless Shopping on ChatGPT”

the blog entry published on Monday indicates that OpenAI asserts more than 700 million individuals look to the AI chatbot for assistance with their daily activities. With upwards of 2.5 billion queries submitted daily, it’s hardly surprising that some utilize the chatbot to discover new items.

Thus, it’s logical for OpenAI to advance its shopping support by enabling ChatGPT users to make purchases directly within the application. Introducing “Instant Checkout,” a new system crafted in collaboration with Stripe, Etsy, and Shopify.

How ChatGPT’s Instant Checkout operates

OpenAI states that Instant Checkout will allow users to maintain full control. Each stage must be explicitly confirmed before any actions are executed, and as it has been developed in conjunction with Stripe, payments are both secure and encrypted. The company further assures that data exchanged with businesses will be kept to a minimum, sharing only essential details with merchants.

OpenAI also disclosed the Agentic Commerce Protocol that enables Instant Checkout transactions. Essentially, users will search for and select the items they desire. Then, upon pressing “Buy” and verifying their payment and shipping information, the AI relays that data to the merchant while ChatGPT generates shipping alternatives for customers to choose from.

ChatGPT will subsequently compute the total cost including tax and shipping details prior to confirming payment. If users opt out of the purchase, they can easily cancel the transaction. If they choose to proceed, the system will produce and compile a secure payment token, send the order and payment data to the merchant, who will then either approve or reject the order. Considering the rapid pace <a href="https://www.bgr.com/1975683

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