Author: Richard

Roku’s Backdrops Mode Changes Your Television into a Gallery Showcase

Roku streaming devices and smart televisions provide a broad range of features and personalization options, including a capability known as Roku Backdrops, which converts your TV into an art showcase. This function enables users to display fine art and personal images on their screens. The Backdrops application is complimentary and can be located in the Streaming Store. To enable it, go to Settings > Home Screen Menu > Backdrops > Open Backdrops app. Users have the option to present entire art collections or individual images, with settings available for adjusting image duration.

Formerly referred to as Roku Photo Streams, the Backdrops app also permits users to upload their own images. This is achievable by opening the app, selecting Add your photos > Upload photos, and following the prompts after scanning a QR code. Users can create up to 10 albums containing 100 photos each, accommodating formats such as JPG, PNG, HEIC, and WEBP. Furthermore, users can link their Roku account to Google Photos for additional options.

For individuals deliberating between a Roku Streaming Stick or a Roku-enabled smart TV, employing Backdrops with a Roku TV provides the convenience of managing the app using the remote’s power button, facilitating easy start and stop features.

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Top 5 Applications That Greatly Deplete Your Mobile Device’s Battery

enhance your smartphone’s battery endurance. If you notice that your device’s battery seems to deplete quicker than expected, you’re not alone.

A study carried out by the U.K. telecoms and network firm Elevate (via Yahoo) shows that many devices now require daily charging, in contrast to 2019 when most could last at least a day and a half before needing a charge. While heavy usage contributes to this battery depletion, the apps you have can also impact battery life due to background processes.

Naturally, you can easily identify which apps are causing your phone’s battery to drain by checking your phone’s Settings app. However, it may surprise you to find that some of your favorite installed apps appear high on that list, as they are known to consume more battery. If any of these applications are present on your device, you might want to think about uninstalling them or at least limiting their background activity, as they have been identified as significant battery drain offenders.

Netflix

Netflix’s Significant Mistake: Terminating the Celebrated Sci-Fi Show

“The OA” is notable due to Netflix’s choice to discontinue the show after two seasons, even though “Part II” concluded with a remarkable cliffhanger that the series’ fanbase longed to see resolved.

Immediately, fans of “The OA” began protesting, imploring Netflix to rethink its decision. The outcry wasn’t confined to the internet, as some supporters rallied in person outside Netflix’s headquarters following the cancellation of Season 2 in 2019. Nonetheless, Netflix remained steadfast. Although there were discussions about producing a film to wrap up “The OA” narrative, it ultimately did not happen, despite enthusiasm from fans and the creators.

While “The OA” was canceled, Netflix brought other projects back to life. It revived shows like “You” (Lifetime), “Manifest” (NBC), and “Lucifer” (Fox) between 2018 and 2021. These are merely a few instances of canceled television series that Netflix opted to revive and provide a new opportunity on its service. This further solidifies why the cancellation of “The OA” is easily regarded as one of Netflix’s greatest blunders to date and continues to be one of the company’s most perplexing choices, even after an executive disclosed how Netflix selects shows for cancellation.

Why did Netflix cancel The OA?

Copilot Money Introduces Web Edition to Improve Financial Transparency

# Copilot Money: An In-Depth Guide to Financial Management

Copilot Money is a distinguished application crafted to offer a personalized approach to handling finances. It consolidates your entire financial ecosystem into an elegantly designed platform, which has been acknowledged by Apple numerous times for its exceptional quality.

## Functionality of Copilot Money

Copilot Money links with thousands of financial institutions, featuring customized integrations for platforms such as Venmo and Amazon. By leveraging Apple’s FinanceKit framework, it enables users to monitor their Apple Card and Apple Card Savings Account data in real-time, setting it apart from other budgeting tools.

### Main Features

The application categorizes your financial information into several intuitive tabs:

– **Dashboard**: Provides a snapshot of spending, earnings, recent transactions, monthly achievements, upcoming recurring expenses, and popular budget categories.
– **Transactions**: Lists all transactions across various accounts with options to filter by account, category, and month.
– **Investments**: Supplies a unified interface for tracking all investments.
– **Accounts**: Delivers a comprehensive overview of all financial accounts, sorted by type.
– **Categories**: Segments expenditures by category.
– **Recurrings**: Enumerates all recurring transactions and impending payments.
– **Goals**: Aids in reserving funds for significant objectives, with recommendations based on cash flow and spending habits.
– **Cash Flow**: Provides a transparent analysis of income, expenditures, and net earnings.

Users enjoy complete autonomy over their financial oversight, permitting custom categories, adjustable income tracking, and transaction labels.

## Now Available on the Web

Copilot Money has recently launched a web version, allowing users to oversee their finances from any location. The web interface reflects the app’s design and features, ensuring seamless integration across devices while upholding strict privacy and security policies.

## Why You Should Use Copilot Money Now

With 2026 on the horizon, it’s a perfect moment to reevaluate your financial state. Copilot Money strives to alleviate monetary anxiety and improve transparency, offering users a complete perspective on their finances. The app negates the necessity for spreadsheets or multiple applications, centralizing everything within a single accessible platform.

## Special Savings

Copilot Money is endorsed by many, including the 9to5Mac team. The app enjoys a remarkable App Store rating of 4.8 from 25,000 reviews and has garnered several awards:

– **App Store Awards**: Editor’s Choice
– **Apple Design Awards**: 2024 Finalist
– **App Store Awards**: 2023 Finalist
– Highlighted in various Apple categories for its design and performance.

Privacy is fundamental to Copilot Money, with no advertisements, data selling, or undisclosed collaborations.

For 9to5Mac readers, Copilot Money is offering an extended two-month free trial with the code **9TO5MAC** and a 26% discount on the annual plan for new users who subscribe through the provided link.

In summary, Copilot Money emerges as a comprehensive tool for managing personal finances, making it an essential resource for anyone aiming to take charge of their financial life.

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Preferred Attributes for Apple CarPlay in 2026

CarPlay has achieved significant progress since its debut ten years ago. Over the last few years, Apple has enhanced this experience with new additions and CarPlay Ultra, ultimately revamping both iterations with the launch of iOS 26.

With the introduction of iOS 26, Apple has provided a fresh look to CarPlay featuring Liquid Glass, reorganized notifications and calls to prevent them from dominating the entire display, enhancing driver focus on the road. The novel CarPlay Ultra experience utilizes all vehicle displays to deliver optimal synergy between the car and Apple’s software.

Nonetheless, several features remain absent from CarPlay that users would eagerly welcome in 2026, whether via forthcoming iOS 26 updates or the next significant release, iOS 27. While details regarding the features arriving with iOS 27 are limited, there are a few consistent requests from drivers regarding CarPlay. Here are some of those wishes.

Apple should introduce video applications

Samsung’s Affordable Collection Progresses with Galaxy A17 5G and Tab A11 Plus

Samsung’s newest budget offerings, the Galaxy A17 5G and Galaxy Tab A11 Plus, are creating a buzz by featuring specifications usually associated with high-end devices. The Galaxy A17 5G, following in the footsteps of 2025’s best-selling Android smartphone, presents a single variant with 4GB RAM and 128GB storage, straying from the multiple configurations of its predecessor. Nonetheless, Samsung assures users of six years of Android updates and security patches, a considerable benefit for those looking for longevity.

The A17 5G flaunts a 6.7-inch FHD+ Super AMOLED screen with a 90Hz refresh rate, driven by the Exynos 1330 chipset and a 5,000mAh battery that supports 25W fast charging. It is equipped with a 50MP primary camera featuring Optical Image Stabilization for improved low-light shots, along with a 5MP ultrawide lens and a 2MP macro camera.

On the other hand, the Galaxy Tab A11 Plus features an 11-inch LCD display with a 90Hz refresh rate, quad speakers enhanced by Dolby Atmos, and a 3.5mm headphone jack. It is available in 6GB/128GB and 8GB/256GB configurations, powered by a MediaTek MT8775 processor, coupled with a 7,040mAh battery and the option for 5G connectivity.

Both gadgets come equipped with sophisticated AI functionalities such as Circle to Search and Google’s Gemini assistant, enabling users to execute tasks like product identification or email drafting without the necessity for a top-tier device. The Galaxy A17 5G is priced at $200 and will be available in black, blue, and gray starting January 7, while the Galaxy Tab A11 Plus begins at $250, offered in gray and silver from January 8.

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Choosing the Perfect HDMI Cable for Your Smart Television

Selecting the appropriate HDMI cable for your smart TV or devices linked to your television should be a simple task. While there are various types of standard HDMI cables, with the most recent being HDMI 2.2 unveiled at CES 2025, you don’t need to stress too much about them.

In fact, as long as you don’t have a very outdated device at home, all your devices should feature the same HDMI port. Additionally, there typically isn’t a significant price difference among the different versions, which allows you to indulge in the latest technologies without excessive costs.

That said, even though the general recommendation is to opt for the latest HDMI cable version available, it ultimately depends on the technologies supported by your TV. You can determine this by checking the manual or searching for your TV model online. Once you have this information, you’ll have a clearer understanding of which cable to choose. Nonetheless, here are a few more tips before you rush to your Amazon cart to purchase your new HDMI cable.

Up-to-date is advantageous, but perhaps you don’t need much more

VSCO Capture Unveils Video Recording Functionality in Anticipation of New Year’s Festivities

### Live Video Camera Filters: An Innovative Addition to VSCO Capture

VSCO has recently rolled out an update for its VSCO Capture app, introducing an exhilarating feature that enables users to film videos alongside taking photographs. This enhancement broadens the app’s creative potential, allowing users to utilize and modify over 50 iconic VSCO filter presets in real-time while they record their videos.

#### Improved Creative Control

The newly added video functionality in VSCO Capture is tailored for photographers and videographers who wish to convey their artistic vision during shooting. Users can now set up their scenes with the app’s celebrated presets, guaranteeing that the aesthetic they intend reflects in their creations. As VSCO emphasizes, this feature gives users the ability to realize their creative concepts instantly, facilitating easy style adjustments on the go.

#### Live Camera Filters

With the launch of live camera filters, users can now capture both images and videos with a diverse range of presets. Ranging from timeless film aesthetics to contemporary, creator-driven styles, these filters permit real-time modifications, allowing users to craft and hone their visual style as they document moments.

#### New Film Grain Filter

Besides the video recording capability, VSCO Capture has also introduced a new photo filter known as Film Grain. This filter grants users dynamic control over texture, enabling adjustments in settings such as Strength, Size, and Colors. The Film Grain filter is aimed at producing a vintage look that can vary from subtle to bold, enhancing the genuineness of the captured photos.

#### Merging Filters for Distinctive Styles

VSCO members can amplify their creative expression by blending the Film Grain texture tool with over 40 Film X preset filters. These filters draw inspiration from legendary films that have influenced the evolution of photography. Users can personalize their appearances and save these customized combinations as film Recipes, providing a distinctive way to achieve their preferred aesthetic.

For further details regarding the VSCO Capture app and its features, you can check out the official

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9to5Mac Daily: December 31, 2025 – Upcoming Innovations for Apple Fitness+

**9to5Mac Daily: Your Go-To for Daily Apple News and Insights**

In the rapid-paced realm of technology, keeping abreast of the latest news and trends is crucial, particularly for Apple fans. 9to5Mac Daily acts as an indispensable resource, delivering daily summaries of the most important stories in the Apple ecosystem. This podcast is tailored for listeners aiming to remain informed while on the move, making it an ideal addition to your daily schedule.

**Podcast Access**

Listeners can conveniently tune into 9to5Mac Daily across a variety of platforms, including [iTunes and Apple’s Podcasts app](https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/9to5mac-daily/id1331816080), [Stitcher](https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/9to5mac-daily), [TuneIn](https://tunein.com/radio/9to5Mac-Daily-p1089524/), [Google Play](https://play.google.com/music/m/I5d4dzs7dauazmfxvvrynyiuram?t=9to5Mac_Daily), and via a [dedicated RSS feed](https://feedpress.me/9to5macdaily) for Overcast and other podcast applications. New episodes are produced every weekday, guaranteeing that subscribers receive the freshest updates swiftly.

**Key Content**

Each episode of 9to5Mac Daily includes discussions on the most urgent topics concerning Apple, such as product launches, software updates, and market trends. The podcast strives to furnish listeners with thoughtful commentary and analysis, facilitating a better understanding of the news’s implications.

**Advantages of Subscription**

For individuals seeking to amplify their listening experience, subscribing to 9to5Mac Daily Plus provides several benefits. Subscribers enjoy ad-free episodes and exclusive bonus content, enhancing their experience without interruptions.

**Listener Engagement**

Listeners are invited to express their opinions and feedback. They can get in touch via email at [[email protected]](mailto:[email protected]) or rate the podcast on platforms like [Apple Podcasts](https://geo.itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/id1331816080?at=10laZc&pt=11l8808) and

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Amazon’s Proposed Modifications for 2026: Important Updates to Observe

Prime, with its remarkable benefits accessible to users, has experienced significant growth since its launch. Amazon holds the largest U.S. market share in e-commerce, surpassing rivals like eBay and Walmart. Its earnings have surged year-over-year, generating billions of dollars in sales annually. This remarkable growth and achievement have allowed it to look forward to 2026 with a visionary perspective. Its objectives for the upcoming year focus on broadening its services, enhancing customer options, and consistently attracting consumers in the e-commerce landscape.

Grocery delivery and robotaxis