Author: Richard

12 Budget-Friendly and Dependable Drones Highly Praised by Amazon Customers

Holy Stone HS110D ranks among the top-rated drones within its price category and is perfect for beginners. It features a 1080p camera boasting a 120-degree field of view that captures clear video, and the wide-angle lens allows you to encompass more of the landscape without distortion. The live feed can be directly viewed on your smartphone, making it simpler to frame shots and explore different angles without depending on guesswork.

It includes several advantageous features, such as altitude hold, which aids in keeping it stable at a fixed height. When paired with the headless mode that eases navigation as the drone moves further away

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Four Legendary Windows Applications That Have Vanished Over Time

Since its debut in 1985, Windows has emerged as the leading operating system for desktops and laptops. Its intuitive interface featured well-designed windows, icons, and menus that greatly facilitated the advent of personal computing.

However, Windows’ popularity extends beyond just the operating system. The accompanying software provides users with tools for communication, creativity, entertainment, and productivity, all readily available. Naturally, technology evolves rapidly, and with each software upgrade and major Windows iteration, beloved apps face the danger of being replaced. Over time, numerous applications have been retired despite their popularity, and many have merely been refreshed or rebranded with little acknowledgment. Below are four iconic Windows applications that now only exist in the annals of history.

MSN Messenger

Availability of Non-Smart TVs in the Market

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Dumb TVs, which are often referred to as non-smart models, are simpler versions of smart TVs that lack apps or intelligent features. Non-smart TVs are challenging to find, and those that are available tend to be underwhelming. Dumb TVs not only miss essential modern functionalities but often serve as budget-friendly options that offer little beyond basic viewing. These models may feature poor picture clarity, sluggish response times during gaming, and inferior audio quality. Although they might be priced attractively, the compromises may not justify the choice.

Instead of stressing over locating a non-smart TV, it might be advisable to avoid connecting a smart TV to the internet if you’re concerned about privacy and internet connectivity. Alternatively, if the TV is already online, you can simply remove it from Wi-Fi settings, effectively turning it into a dumb TV.

However, if you’re still interested in acquiring a dumb TV, there are a few possibilities available to you.

Dumb TVs remain available for those who seek them

Reasons Why Opting for a Lower-Cost Phone Instead of the Google Pixel 10 Could Be Smarter

Google Pixel 10 is an outstanding smartphone, yet the wiser choice would be to opt for an alternative, specifically the prior-generation Google Pixel 9a. It remains a relevant phone, equipped with the identical primary rear and ultra-wide cameras, and provides access to AI functionalities. Admittedly, it falls short in other aspects, such as materials, processing power, RAM, and charging speeds. However, for typical users, it is probably more than sufficient.

The Pixel 9a is an impressive smartphone

The Google Pixel 9a may be one generation older, but it is significantly more affordable, continues to receive six years of software and security upgrades, and does not represent a substantial downgrade. While it features a less robust processor and reduced RAM compared to flagship Pixels, it’s still a formidable device. The glass back has been substituted with plastic, but it’s likely (and advisable) that you’ll use a protective case on either phone.

Its display is slightly dimmer, yet more than adequate for bright situations, and it has only a dual rear camera setup compared to the Pixel 10’s triple camera system. However, the main and ultra-wide cameras maintain the same resolution of 48MP and 13MP, respectively. The only thing it lacks is the 10.8MP telephoto lens found in its pricier counterpart.

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Seven Crucial CISA Security Recommendations for Android Users

Anti-Phishing Working Group (APWG) disclosed approximately 1,003,924 phishing incidents. The U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), the leading organization tasked with safeguarding against cyber threats, revised its Mobile Communications Best Practice Guidance in November 2025 in response to heightened espionage activities, particularly from the People’s Republic of China (PRC), along with an uptick in cyber assaults.

CISA offers broad advice for users, including the use of end-to-end encrypted (E2EE) messaging. It encourages the activation of passwordless FIDO authentication for logging in, a more robust, phishing-resistant login option, and suggests avoiding SMS-based multi-factor authentication, which attackers can more easily intercept. It’s also recommended to update your device regularly and utilize a password manager to enhance security. In addition to general guidance, CISA has issued specific recommendations for Android that it advises implementing immediately. Due to the rising malware threats on Android – which surged by 151% in the first half of 2025 (according to Malwarebytes) — CISA is now advocating for more stringent protections. Let’s examine seven CISA security configurations you should adjust now to safeguard your Android device against contemporary cyber threats.

Opt for a device with robust security updates

The Genuine Expense of the Steam Machine: A Comprehensive Examination

the Steam Machine. It assures sufficient capability to run its own collection of games through the SteamOS operating system. While this has generated excitement among numerous PC gamers and piqued the interest of the gaming community at large, there are apprehensions regarding the actual cost.

Gaming has progressively become more costly over the years, with consoles becoming increasingly intricate and games more detailed. As the Steam Machine balances between a gaming console and a computer, discussions about the eventual price of the device have flooded online communities.

Valve, the organization responsible for the Steam Machine, views this product as a rival to PCs rather than other gaming consoles such as Xbox or PlayStation. This suggests it will likely be priced higher, akin to a computer. Additionally, the current rises in prices for internal memory systems, which the Steam Machine will undoubtedly require, are concerning. Once Valve finally announces the price, it could be met with frustration from a public already weary of paying exorbitant amounts for gaming products.

What will the cost of the Steam Machine be?

A contributing factor to the expected high cost of the Steam Machine is the memory shortage. Fueled by AI advancements, this shortage will likely impact the pricing of smartphones and various other electronics. Major tech companies that have heavily invested in AI, like Google and Microsoft, are dominating the memory chip market for their own technologies. With supplies decreasing swiftly, prices might escalate. This strain on vital components could be mirrored in the high cost of the Steam Machine, as its launch coincides with this challenge.

Typically, when a new gaming console is launched, companies set a lower initial price, aiming for high sales to compensate for that cost and to achieve profitability over time. Valve, however, does not plan to adopt this practice of subsidizing the Steam Machine. If the Steam Machine underperforms, this could provide a greater sense of stability for Valve. Nevertheless, it might also deter potential buyers who would

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Complimentary App Enables Any Automobile to Access Apple CarPlay Functions

With the arrival of CarPlay Ultra, it appears that Apple’s vision for advancing its vehicle software into future iterations is progressing well.

But what if you find yourself driving a vehicle that fulfills all the essential criteria — fuel efficiency, comfort, and drivability — yet lacks CarPlay functionality, whether wired or wireless? One developer has devised a smart, app-based workaround that requires simply an iPhone or iPad, along with possibly a phone or tablet mounting solution for your car, truck, van, etc. The app in question is named Car Play Connect Sync AutoLink. Developed by Ahmed Mucahid Bozkurt, Car Play Connect is available for free download and necessitates iOS 17.6 or newer.

The functionality is straightforward: You install the app on your iPhone or iPad and place your device horizontally for landscape view. At this stage, you should see the Apple CarPlay interface, complete with infotainment applications such as Apple Maps, Spotify, Find My, and more.

Personalized Customization for Car Play Connect

Assessing the Efficiency of Gold-Plated HDMI Cables

HDMI eARC socket. Whether you’re connecting a gaming console, Blu-ray player, or streaming device, an HDMI cable is essential for linking all your gadgets together. However, if you have searched for an HDMI cable online or in retail, you’ve probably observed an intriguing pattern: Some cables feature a gold coating and are more expensive than their regular counterparts.

Producers frequently assert that these gold-plated HDMI cables provide enhanced picture clarity, improved signal stability, or greater longevity compared to their less expensive alternatives. The gleaming connectors and high-end packaging certainly give them a more favorable appearance, but does their visual appeal equate to enhanced functionality?

The brief answer is no. Gold plating may assist in preventing corrosion at the connector tips, but when it comes to passing a digital signal, there’s hardly any distinction in quality between a $10 plastic-wrapped HDMI cable and a $50 gold-plated variant. The key factors in determining the best HDMI cables are cable length, construction quality, and appropriate certification per the HDMI standard in use.

Therefore, prior to spending extra on gold-plated HDMI cables, it’s helpful to understand that their advantages are largely superficial and related to durability rather than enhanced performance. In simpler terms, the visuals on your display won’t appear any clearer solely due to having a gold cable.

What do gold-plated HDMI cables accomplish?

Apple Wallet Improves Order Tracking in iOS 16, Although Certain Features Are Still Missing

# Apple Wallet Order Tracking: An Encouraging Functionality with Constraints

With the launch of iOS 26, Apple unveiled a notable upgrade to the order tracking capability within the Wallet app. By employing on-device Apple Intelligence models, the company set out to simplify the order tracking experience by extracting details from users’ emails, thus minimizing dependence on merchants to provide dedicated tracking options. Nevertheless, after several months of utilization, many perceive this advancement to be more of a cosmetic enhancement than a solid resolution.

## Evolution of Apple Wallet Order Tracking

The path of order tracking in Apple Wallet commenced with iOS 16, allowing users to monitor orders only if affiliated merchants facilitated the feature. Transactions made via Apple Pay would automatically populate the Wallet app with order information. With the rollout of iOS 17, Apple introduced a manual integration alternative, yet the core issue persisted: the insufficient support from merchants limited the feature’s practicality.

The unveiling of iOS 26 heralded a change in this scenario. By harnessing Apple Intelligence to gather order data from emails, users would no longer be restricted by a limited number of participating merchants. However, the actual performance of this function has turned out to be less advantageous than expected.

## The Limitations

The main limitation of the updated order tracking system hinges on its reliance on email analysis for information. Rather than merely pulling tracking numbers and supplying real-time updates, the system necessitates that merchants dispatch multiple emails for each major order notification. This can create a frustrating scenario, particularly if a merchant communicates solely when an order is shipped and when it is received, leaving users with scant information during the interim.

Moreover, the dependence on background refreshes from the Mail app can lead to an excessive number of notifications, particularly when several packages are intended to arrive on the same day. Users have also expressed confusion regarding in-store pickup orders, where the system mistakenly suggests that items have been shipped when they are actually available for pickup.

## Conclusion

While the idea of tracking packages through email confirmations is progressive, the implementation has fallen short of expectations. Instead of leveraging established package tracking APIs to deliver precise tracking information once a tracking number is obtained, Apple selected a route that feels less efficient and more burdensome.

Consequently, numerous users have opted to switch off order notifications in the Wallet app due to the intrusive nature of the alerts. It seems that Apple may have refrained from fully integrating with package tracking applications to evade allegations of “sherlocking” those services, but the current execution feels inadequate and not reflective of Apple’s typical standards.

In summary, although the order tracking functionality in Apple Wallet holds promise, its present limitations obstruct its usability, resulting in disappointment for many users regarding the experience.

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