author

Uncover the Concealed Helpful Functionality in Your Pixel Phone’s Settings

Google Pixel 10 Pro XL. We will guide you on how to activate and utilize it.

How to configure the back-tap gesture on your Pixel phone

Activating the back-tap gesture on your Pixel phone is quite simple. Here’s the process:

  1. Open the Settings application.
  2. Select “System.”
  3. Tap “Gestures.”
  4. Go to “Quick Tap to start actions.”
  5. Turn on “Use Quick Tap.”
  6. Under “Tap back of phone twice to,” choose your desired action:
    1. Take a screenshot: Captures a screenshot as usual.
    2. Access your digital assistant: Activates Gemini or Google Assistant, based on your initial choice of digital assistant (note: Gemini is set to fully replace Google Assistant in 2026, indicating that the AI assistant may be your sole option moving forward).
    3. Play or pause media: Controls audio and video playback.
    4. See recent apps: Displays the list of recent apps.
    5. Show notifications: Reveals your current notifications.
    6. Toggle flashlight: Activates the LED flash.
    7. Open app: Starts an app of your choice.

If you select “Open app,” press the gear icon to choose your preferred application. Some apps provide multiple actions, which you can explore by tapping the gear icon next to the app. For example, Camera allows you to choose between launching the app, recording a video, or snapping a selfie.

Once you’ve set up Quick Tap, try double-tapping the back of your phone, ideally in the center area. It should automatically execute the action you configured. If you wish to prevent accidental triggering of Quick Tap—such as when you’re simply holding your device or it’s stored in your pocket or bag—you can enable “Require stronger taps” from the Quick Tap menu.

The Way a USB Drive Can Safeguard and Rejuvenate Your Computer

flash drives have mostly been rendered obsolete due to the emergence of cloud backups and portable SSDs that accomplish tasks much more quickly. Moreover, computer manufacturers are progressively transitioning from USB-A to USB-C ports, making many current flash drives incompatible with newer systems.

Nonetheless, there remain some applications for USB sticks in 2026 that everyone should be aware of. An old or new flash drive can be converted into a recovery drive that, should a hardware failure or another significant computer problem arise, can restore your device to its original factory settings. Your recovery drive will house the Windows Recovery Environment, a toolkit utilized for troubleshooting issues that hinder Windows from launching correctly, along with essential Windows files and any updates that have been installed. 

Setting up a recovery drive is quite straightforward, and having one could potentially save your computer from problems down the line.

How to transform a USB flash drive into a recovery drive

Before detailing how to convert your USB stick into a Windows recovery drive, it’s essential to clarify that your drive does not serve as a backup for personal files. Those, along with any installed applications, will be erased when you utilize the recovery drive. You will also require a stick with a minimum of 16 GB of storage, ideally one that is empty, as any pre-existing data will be deleted during the procedure. Thankfully, flash drives of that capacity typically cost around $15, with many options available for an even lower price.

Here’s a guide to configuring your USB stick as a recovery drive:

  1. Look for “Recovery Drive” in the Start menu, or input the command “recoverydrive.exe” to launch the tool.
  2. Ensure “Back up system files to the recovery drive” is checked, then press “Next.”
  3. Connect the USB drive you wish to utilize, select it, and click “Next.”
  4. Choose “Create.”

<

Samsung’s Galaxy Buds 4 Pro are the choice — if you have a Galaxy phone

Samsung promised “more than a design refresh” for its new top-end Galaxy Buds – it added upgraded woofers for improved, dual-amped hi-fi sound, a new blade design, clearer call performance, and better noise cancellation. Ultimately, while the $249.99 Galaxy Buds 4 aren’t a huge leap forward over the previous model, they keep what was good […]

Highly-Rated Indoor Surveillance Camera on Amazon Offered at 50% Off the Price of Google Nest Cam

Home security doesn’t need to be complex or costly. With an internet connection, you can easily integrate top-rated security cameras, floodlights, locks, and sensors into your Wi-Fi network. Simply connect your device (or insert its batteries), download the companion app, go through the setup, and you should be all set. You might also want to consider these nearly undetectable smart home security devices and an excellent indoor security camera priced at just $36. The Tapo C120 2K+ wired indoor/outdoor security camera has previously been offered for as little as $24.

In contrast, the $100 Google Nest wired indoor camera was reduced to $80 at the time of writing. The Tapo camera is less than half the cost of the Nest Cam and stands out as a formidable contender in terms of specifications. Both the Tapo C120 and Google Nest cameras feature 2K resolution, color night footage, two-way audio support, and a wired power connection. However, only the Tapo C120 is weather-rated with an IP66 designation, meaning it is protected against dirt and dust, resistant to water, and suitable for outdoor use.

Tapo’s security camera has won over customers

The Google Nest camera does offer a better field of view than the Tapo C120 — 152 degrees compared to 120 — making it a solid choice for those already utilizing a Google Home setup, particularly if you use Gemini to manage and control specific home security functions. Nevertheless, the Tapo camera is compatible with both Alexa and Google Assistant (but not Gemini), providing greater value for your investment.

Although both systems necessitate a monthly subscription to access recorded videos, the C120 features the option of up to 512 GB of local storage via microSD. The Nest Cam offers up to six hours of 10-second event clips but lacks any form of local storage. Tapo’s camera also surpasses Google’s camera’s 6x digital zoom with up to 12x zoom capability.

Over 13,400 Amazon customers have purchased and reviewed the Tapo 2K C120 camera, which has achieved an average rating of 4.4 stars. The Nest Cam has a slightly higher rating of 4.6 stars, but that is based on just over 400 reviews. It’s important to understand the facts and be cautious of home security cameras that should be avoided. While both the Tapo C120 and Google Nest Cam are well-rated systems, Tapo’s option is significantly more affordable.