Author: Richard

    • Richard
    • Comments Off on Reasons Your Apple TV Needs to Be Connected to the Right HDMI Port
    Reasons Your Apple TV Needs to Be Connected to the Right HDMI Port

    a well-reviewed streaming gadget that allows you to enjoy popular applications like Netflix, Hulu, and HBO Max, in addition to the features of the Apple ecosystem that work harmoniously with iPhones, MacBooks, and Apple HomeKit devices. However, if your aim is to achieve the finest picture and audio quality while streaming with your Apple TV, ensure the device is linked to your TV’s HDMI Audio Return Channel (ARC) or Enhanced Audio Return Channel (eARC) port. It is also advisable to utilize an Ultra High Speed HDMI cable capable of handling up to 48Gbps transfer speeds.

    As the term suggests, eARC is an “enhanced” variant of ARC, but what does that precisely mean? Similar to various data types, the distinction arises from bandwidth and velocity. An eARC port can handle significantly greater bandwidths, allowing for more data and less compressed audio. While it’s possible to connect your Apple TV to any of your TV’s HDMI ports, plugging into HDMI ARC/eARC on your television guarantees that your Apple device can manage lossless audio streams up to 48kHz.

    Bear in mind that none of the previous, non-4K Apple TVs are compatible with the HDMI ARC or eARC features, and the first-generation Apple TV 4K, which was launched in 2017, does not support these functionalities either.

    ARC/eARC: The enchanted route for your streaming gadget

    <div class="slide-key image-holder gallery-image-holder

    Read More
    • Richard
    • Comments Off on Clear Away Tech Clutter with an Adorable Dollar Tree DIY Fix
    Clear Away Tech Clutter with an Adorable Dollar Tree DIY Fix

    When you possess a work desk at home or in the office, it’s just a question of time before it becomes filled with various bits and bobs. While numerous individuals succeed in maintaining a form of organized chaos, it may be advantageous for you to tidy things up — at least to some extent. There are multiple strategies you can apply to achieve this, such as utilizing some intricate work-from-home gadgets or buying a wire organizer from Amazon. However, if you desire to infuse some character into your desk affordably, you can create a neat little storage box for yourself using basic wooden materials from your local Dollar Tree.

    Minimizing clutter on your desk can be as straightforward as having a designated space for all random cables, notes, and stationary. YouTube creator Crafting with JC offers a step-by-step guide for crafting a simple storage and organization box using small wooden slices and pallets, all obtained inexpensively from Dollar Tree. Although this box is technically intended for decorative use, like housing succulents, it would also serve excellently in reducing the clutter on your desk.

    A few wooden pieces create a clever storage box

    To put together this uncomplicated box, you can gather nearly all the supplies you need at Dollar Tree. The key components are the wooden slices, which Dollar Tree offers in various shapes and sizes. You need two of approximately the same dimensions for them to fit well together. You can also find the small wooden pallets required for the ends of the box at Dollar Tree. Additionally, you’ll just require a tube of wood glue, some square dowels, and craft sticks to form the base of the box.

    Simply use pliers and a staple remover to detach the hangers from the wooden slices, and arrange the slices lengthwise, with the pallets — positioned vertically — flanking them. All of these wooden parts have been pre-treated, so there’s no need for sanding or buffing, although you can add some paint or wax if you wish to give it some flair. Otherwise, just apply the wood glue on the narrow outer face of both pallets, stand them up, and press the wooden slices into them to establish the walls of the box.

    Gather the square dowels and craft sticks, and apply some additional wood glue to the inner bottom edge of the pallets. Insert the dowels so they’re flush with the bottom edge, then put some glue on top of the dowels and press the craft sticks into them to finalize the base. Just like that, you have a handy box for your desk, prepared for decorating, organizing, or gifting to your favorite remote worker.

    Read More
    • Richard
    • Comments Off on “Nothing Phone 3a Gets Android 16 Update, Showcasing Prompt Support for Affordable Devices”
    “Nothing Phone 3a Gets Android 16 Update, Showcasing Prompt Support for Affordable Devices”

    Nothing has just equipped its latest budget smartphones with their finest software to date.

    (Image credit: Harish Jonnalagadda / Android Central)

    Essential information

    • Nothing is rolling out the stable update for Phone 3a series, featuring Android 16 alongside Nothing OS 4.0, marking a significant boost in performance and stability.
    • This update enhances system animations, refines background task management, and improves battery efficiency.
    • An updated AI Usage Dashboard within Essential Space now precisely monitors LLM activity, indicating when AI functionalities are active.

    Notice

    Read More

    • Richard
    • Comments Off on iOS 26.2 Brings Three New Personalization Features for iPhone Users
    iOS 26.2 Brings Three New Personalization Features for iPhone Users

    iOS 26.2 is set to roll out to all users shortly, bringing several fresh options to tailor the appearance and functionality of your iPhone. Here’s what to expect.

    ## #1: Enhanced Liquid Glass slider for Lock Screen clock

    The Lock Screen serves as one of the prime avenues for personalizing your iPhone’s aesthetics and experience. With iOS 26, Apple introduced the capability to utilize a Liquid Glass design for the Lock Screen’s clock. Now, with iOS 26.2, the slider for modifying the clock’s opacity has been improved, allowing for greater transparency or opacity than previously. Ensure your clock is set to the ‘Glass’ option, rather than ‘Solid,’ and experiment to achieve the ideal appearance for your Lock Screen. This upgraded slider can be accessed regardless of the font choice you’ve made, though enlarging the clock can only be done with the default font.

    ## #2: New screen flash option for notifications

    Notifications have historically included a unique accessibility feature that offers an additional visual alert. You can configure your iPhone’s camera flash to activate upon receiving an alert. This feature is beneficial for those with hearing impairments and also serves as a great way to enhance notification visibility. In iOS 26.2, a new option has been introduced. Navigate to Settings ⇾ Accessibility ⇾ Audio & Visual ⇾ Flash for Alerts to find a new ‘Screen’ choice. With the ‘Screen’ feature enabled, notifications will make your iPhone’s screen brighten fully for a short duration before dimming back to the regular brightness. You can also combine it with the camera flash for a more pronounced effect.

    ## #3: Reminders alarm settings

    iOS 26.2 introduces a new ‘Urgent’ toggle for time-sensitive reminders within Apple’s Reminders app. It stands out as one of the most appreciated new features in the update. By default, when an ‘Urgent’ reminder is due, an alarm will activate on your iPhone’s Lock Screen, offering ‘Snooze’ and ‘Stop’ options similar to your morning wake-up alarm. However, under Settings ⇾ Apps ⇾ Reminders, you have the option to modify this setting to swap the ‘Snooze’ selection with a ‘Complete’ button instead. The ‘Complete’ button not only silences the alarm but also immediately marks that reminder as completed.

    For more upcoming features arriving on your iPhone in iOS 26.2, explore additional coverage.

    Read More
    • Richard
    • Comments Off on “Safeguard Your Personal Information: Ways Incogni Assists You in Regaining Your Privacy”
    “Safeguard Your Personal Information: Ways Incogni Assists You in Regaining Your Privacy”

    **What Portion of Your Data Did You Provide Today?**

    Chances are, much more than you are aware of. The multi-billion-dollar data brokerage sector is built on your information, regardless of your permission.

    That’s where [Incogni](https://bit.ly/4iHVNxV) steps in. It seeks out and eliminates your personal data from numerous sources, spanning from ChatGPT to the dark web, ensuring continuous protection.

    ### Keep Your Social Security Number Off the Dark Web

    Each day, data brokers gather and trade millions of personal records to the highest bidder. This encompasses phone numbers, home addresses, dates of birth, and even Social Security numbers. Once your information enters these databases, you lose track of who accesses it, when it is resold, or if it has been compromised due to a data breach.

    [Incogni](https://bit.ly/4iHVNxV) cleans that data from the internet by tackling data brokers directly, guaranteeing that your private information is permanently eliminated from all broker categories, including questionable People Search Sites.

    If you’ve ever looked for your own data online, you likely discovered more than you expected. Information such as your name, phone number, and home and work addresses can reveal insights about:

    – Family members and personal connections
    – Employment history
    – Health indicators
    – Financial accounts
    – Social Security number-related information

    With [Incogni’s Unlimited](https://bit.ly/4iHVNxV) plan, you can reclaim authority over your online privacy, shielding yourself from scams, identity theft, financial fraud, and other dangers to your personal and professional life.

    A Reddit user recently shared a frightening scam incident:

    > “Someone called me, my ex, his girlfriend, my brother, my cousin, and my parents asking for me. He knew everyone’s names and even my workplace.”

    Scammers can uncover your phone number, home address, and even your mother’s maiden name in just two clicks. Your data doesn’t disappear when you relocate or shift jobs; unless erased online, it gets collected, stored, sold to data brokers, and may end up in the hands of scammers.

    That’s why it’s time to explore [Incogni](https://bit.ly/4iHVNxV). From social media to genealogy websites, [Incogni](https://bit.ly/4iHVNxV) hunts down and removes your personal information for good.

    [Get Incogni Unlimited](https://bit.ly/4iHVNxV) and take charge of your data today. 9to5Mac readers can benefit from an exclusive 55% discount with the code

    Read More
    • Richard
    • Comments Off on Apple TV Subscriptions Spike Attributable to Sports Programming Until 2025
    Apple TV Subscriptions Spike Attributable to Sports Programming Until 2025

    Apple TV is Apple’s acclaimed streaming service subscription. Over six years, Apple original films, documentaries, and series have amassed 640 wins and 2,872 nominations. Therefore, it’s reasonable to conclude that major shows like “The Morning Show,” “Ted Lasso,” “Foundation,” and others contribute significantly to Apple TV subscriptions.

    Nevertheless, Bloomberg indicates that sports have been the key factor behind new subscribers for Apple TV. Utilizing data from Antenna, the publication demonstrates that Major League Baseball attracted more sign-ups for the streaming platform than popular series like “The Morning Show” and “Your Friends & Neighbors.”

    From April to September, Major League Baseball games were the primary source of subscriptions. For instance, the Dodgers vs. Yankees game in May generated 722K new subscribers, followed by Yankees vs. Phillies in July (698K), and Phillies vs. Mets in June (631K). In comparison, the comeback of “The Morning Show” attracted over 524K subscribers.

    Apple TV could achieve even greater success by 2026.

    With Apple maintaining its partnership with Major League Baseball and also offering Major League Soccer for free, this will certainly make the $12.99/month subscription more appealing. Furthermore, Apple may benefit from a surge of interest in soccer due to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

    Additionally, Apple recently declared its status as the official Formula 1 partner in the U.S., providing some content for free, including selected races and all practices. Consequently, it is highly probable that sports will continue to enhance subscriptions throughout 2026.

    With Major League Baseball games delivering hundreds of thousands of subscriptions over the analyzed months, another significant contributor was Apple Original’s Stick (over 443K new subscribers), featuring Owen Wilson as a former renowned golf player mentoring a newcomer. BGR will keep you updated as we discover more about Apple’s efforts to enhance its sports offerings, along with other updates regarding the streaming service.

    Read More

    Eliminate objects and backgrounds from images in the Photos app

    Erase and Background tools showcased in Photos app on Windows 11

    Marinel Sigue/BGR

    If you find yourself needing to remove an object or the background from a picture, your initial thought might be to use Photoshop. However, you don’t have to buy third-party software to make these adjustments. Windows 11 has a free alternative to Photoshop that you may not be aware of — the Photos app.

    Photos is not just an image viewer. It includes a simple editor, equipped with features for removing objects and backgrounds. Both tools are driven by AI, making them fast and user-friendly, with minimal manual effort needed. To delete specific items and the background from your photos on Windows 11, follow these steps:

    1. Launch the image in Photos.
    2. Click the Edit button at the top left corner.
    3. To eliminate an object from the picture:
      1. Select Erase.
      2. Adjust the brush size to a smaller value if you’re dealing with tiny items, or increase it for larger areas.
      3. Brush over the object you
        Read More
    • Richard
    • Comments Off on Why TCL Televisions Are Affordable
    Why TCL Televisions Are Affordable

    a large-display option from TCL — frequently found alongside premium brands like Samsung and LG, yet priced as if it were entry-level — you might naturally question: How can the TCL TV be so affordable? It’s the same inquiry many have posed regarding Hisense, and the answer primarily hinges on intentional business tactics, production scale, and cost-versus-prestige compromises.

    A key factor in why TCL is capable of offering TVs at a relatively low price point revolves around strategy. TCL heavily relies on high-volume production, vertical integration, and stringent cost management, which allows it to manufacture panels and components on a large scale while sidestepping many of the costs that inflate prices for high-end brands. By possessing substantial portions of its supply chain, the company lowers dependence on external vendors and can swiftly adapt to new technologies without the conventional markups linked to third-party sourcing.

    Furthermore, pricing is affected by how TCL decides to distribute its resources. Rather than emphasizing ultra-luxurious design elements or state-of-the-art flagship features, TCL focuses on providing robust baseline performance, bright displays, reasonable contrast, and vibrant colors, all coupled with Roku TV or Google TV software that keeps overall product costs manageable.

    How TCL’s business model sustains low prices

    <source media="(max-width: 428px)" srcset="https://www.bgr.com/img/gallery/the-reason-why-tcl-tvs-are-so-cheap/how-tcls

    Read More
    • Richard
    • Comments Off on Discover and Disseminate Your Apple Music Replay 2025 Customized Listening Summary
    Discover and Disseminate Your Apple Music Replay 2025 Customized Listening Summary

    ### Apple Music Replay 2025: A Year in Summary for Subscribers

    Apple Music subscribers can now immerse themselves in their customized year in music with the introduction of Apple Music Replay 2025. This yearly feature provides a detailed overview of listening patterns, highlighting the distinctive musical journey each user has experienced in the last year.

    #### Main Features of Apple Music Replay 2025

    Apple Music Replay is well-regarded for its captivating insights, which include:

    – **Total Listening Duration**: Find out how many minutes you dedicated to music over the year.
    – **Leading Artists**: Discover which artists were the most prominent in your playlists.
    – **Preferred Genres**: Investigate the genres that resonated deeply with you.
    – **Longest Artist Streak**: Identify which artist was your most continuously listened-to over time.

    In addition to these highlights, Apple Music Replay 2025 rolls out three new features:

    1. **Discovery**: Showcases new artists that captured the interest of listeners throughout the year.
    2. **Loyalty**: Spotlights artists that users have consistently returned to annually.
    3. **Comebacks**: Highlights artists who made a significant return to playlists.

    #### Ongoing Updates and Accessibility

    Apple Music Replay playlists receive updates throughout the year, but the release in December is especially thrilling for users who love to share their musical experiences with friends and family. Subscribers can access their Replay insights directly from the Home tab within the Apple Music app.

    #### Insights for Musicians

    Simultaneously, Apple Music has refreshed Replay 2025 for Artists, offering musicians and their teams valuable analytics, which include:

    – Overall listener and engagement statistics.
    – Geographic information regarding where listeners are tuning in from.
    – Insights into the most streamed songs and Shazam mentions.
    – Data on radio plays, chart positions, and playlist placements.

    This year, the artist version also features metrics on listener growth and year-over-year performance summaries.

    #### The Replay Gallery at Miami Art Week

    To mark the debut of Replay 2025, Apple Music is presenting The Replay Gallery at Miami Art Week. This exhibition displays multi-format artwork inspired by the year’s pivotal musical moments, created by prominent artists such as Angel Otero, Calida Rawles, and Jeremy Deller. The gallery seeks to connect digital and human experiences, inviting visitors to explore themes of listening, reflection, and connection.

    #### Subscription Details

    Apple Music is priced at $10.99 for individuals, $16.99 for families, and is included in the Apple One bundle. Subscribers can access their Apple Music Replay insights starting today.

    For additional information, visit

    Read More
    • Richard
    • Comments Off on Apple Lowers Security Bounty Incentives Due to Escalating Mac Malware Risks
    Apple Lowers Security Bounty Incentives Due to Escalating Mac Malware Risks

    ### Apple Security Bounties Reduced: Consequences for macOS Vulnerability Reporting

    A recent article from a well-known security researcher has drawn attention to a marked decrease in Apple’s bounties for identifying vulnerabilities in macOS. Numerous bounties have been halved, with certain rewards, such as those for full Transparency, Consent, and Control (TCC) bypasses, dropping from over $30,000 to merely $5,000. This action occurs amid a noticeable increase in malware aimed at Mac users.

    #### Summary of the Adjustments

    Csaba Fitzl, a leading macOS security researcher at Iru, has expressed concerns about Apple’s dedication to macOS security. He proposes that the lowered bounty amounts reflect Apple’s diminished regard for the security of their platform. Fitzl’s remarks, made on LinkedIn, highlight that individual TCC category bounties have also seen a significant decline, shrinking from between $5,000 to $10,000 to as little as $1,000.

    This drop prompts inquiries about Apple’s priorities, especially considering the company’s public position on privacy and security. Fitzl’s insights suggest that these modifications might result in fewer security researchers concentrating on macOS, as the financial motivations to report vulnerabilities fade.

    #### Comprehending TCC and Its Significance

    The Transparency, Consent, and Control (TCC) framework is essential for protecting user privacy on macOS. It guarantees that applications can only access sensitive personal information with the user’s explicit consent. A complete TCC bypass would enable malicious programs to obtain private data without authorization, representing a serious danger to users.

    TCC safeguards several sensitive domains, including:
    – User files and directories
    – Contents of Apple applications, like Contacts, Calendars, and Health
    – Access to webcams, microphones, and screen recording functions

    In the past, severe vulnerabilities within the TCC framework have been uncovered, involving techniques that allow attackers to manipulate the consent database or take advantage of permissions assigned to legitimate applications.

    #### The Danger of Black Market Exploits

    Fitzl’s worries encompass the potential ramifications of these lowered bounties. With fewer researchers motivated to report vulnerabilities, there is a heightened chance that those who find exploits might opt to sell them on the black market rather than inform Apple. This transition could amplify security threats for macOS users, particularly as malware targeting the platform continues to escalate.

    #### Final Thoughts

    The choice to reduce security bounties raises substantial issues regarding Apple’s commitment to macOS security and user privacy. As the landscape of malware dangers shifts, it remains uncertain how these modifications will influence the overall security of the macOS platform. The decline in financial incentives for security researchers might result in a drop in vulnerability reporting, potentially leaving users more susceptible to attacks. Apple has yet to address these concerns, and further updates will be carefully observed.

    Read More