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How to Resolve the 5 Most Frequent Issues with the Steam Deck

its astonishingly diverse applications, extending even past gaming. Naturally, no technological device is entirely free from issues. While the Steam Deck has gained significant popularity, it remains prone to common nuisances such as joystick drift, power malfunctions, and connectivity issues.

The challenge with a handheld gaming PC compared to a conventional gaming PC tower is that, similar to a laptop, it presents greater difficulty when it comes to opening up and diagnosing physical issues. Nonetheless, the Steam Deck is designed with advanced users in mind, incorporating a range of failsafes and techniques that might assist you in addressing the most frequent problems. Ideally, you won’t have to disassemble your Steam Deck to resolve these specific quirks, particularly as doing so would invalidate its warranty. Before resorting to modifications, consider these easier solutions for the common challenges.

The Steam Deck is completely unresponsive

Amazon Provides 20% Off on Well-Liked Color Kindle E-Reader

Amazon’s Kindle Colorsoft is now available for $50 less, perfect for those in search of an ad-free color e-reader.

Snagging a great price on an e-reader can be a challenge, so it’s wise to remain vigilant whenever Amazon has a sale. For example, today, consumers can take advantage of 20% off the Amazon Kindle Colorsoft, translating to a $50 reduction on our top pick for color e-readers.

This specific offer for the Kindle Colorsoft applies to the no-ad version. Even as a color model, it delivers a reading experience akin to high-contrast paper, similar to some of the finest E ink tablets, while boasting 16GB of storage. Additionally, it provides various contrast modes for reading, allowing you to personalize the display settings to your preferences.

<pAs one of Amazon's premium e-readers, the Colorsoft showcases impressive battery performance with every charge. When you factor in water resistance, an extensive library of titles, and a 7-inch screen, you’re looking at an excellent discounted deal on a reliable device.

✅Recommended if: you seek the finest color Kindle, equipped with numerous page customization options and reading modes; you desire an e-reader that delivers enduring battery life without compromising bright, high-contrast page visuals; you prefer a device with a screen around 7 inches suitable for various indoor and outdoor lighting scenarios.

❌Skip this deal if: a color display doesn’t matter to you and you’d rather save an additional $100 on a black and white option; you’d rather opt for an inexpensive tablet for reading instead of investing more in the Kindle lineup’s paper displays; you’re looking for an e-reader with a different screen size.

The Amazon Kindle Colorsoft stands out as an excellent color e-reader, offering a 7-inch color screen, an IPX8 waterproof rating, wireless and USB-C charging, and a battery life of up to eight weeks. The display offers 150 ppi in color and 300 ppi in black and white, along with a 16-level gray scale brightness. At its usual price, the Colorsoft might seem a bit costly for those unsure about needing a color display, but the $200 price point appears considerably more enticing.

Although the retailer provides a “Signature Edition” Colorsoft model with added storage and enhanced features, this promotion is for the ad-free version with 16GB of internal storage. Still, it’s a pretty attractive price for the standard model, making it suitable for either first-time e-reader purchasers or those seeking an upgrade from a budget option.

Employing a Bluetooth Sleep Speaker Beneath My Pillow Improves Nighttime Listening in Contrast to a Phone

This device utilizes the technology found in bone-conduction headphones and places it underneath your pillow for unobtrusive sleep listening.

In recent years, one thing audio consumers have demonstrated is their preference for experiencing sound without having devices inserted into their ears. Consequently, bone-conduction headphones, open earbuds, and even smart glasses equipped with open-air speakers have gained popularity. Presently, audio brands are exploring how to leverage these technologies to improve the listening experience during sleep.

It may seem peculiar to those who haven’t experienced it, but a significant number of individuals take pleasure in listening to white noise, podcasts, audiobooks, or music as they drift off to sleep. Some attempt to use their regular earbuds for this purpose, which can be uncomfortable for those who sleep on their sides. Others invest in specialized sleep earbuds, like the excellent Soundcore Sleep A30 that I tested earlier. A few simply utilize their phone speaker placed under their pillow, hoping for satisfactory results.

While none of these alternatives is flawless, Jabees aims to offer a different solution with a Bluetooth speaker intended for placement under your pillow. I’ve tried it, and while it’s not without flaws, it appears to be the best option for side sleepers unwilling to wear earbuds to bed.

How the Jabees Peace Pillow Speaker operates

The Jabees Peace Pillow Speaker is compact enough to fit in your hand, which may come as a surprise. This was not what I anticipated when the audio accessory arrived. After using it, I realized that the pillow speaker’s small and portable size could be its most significant advantage. I often struggle to sleep while traveling because my internal clock gets disrupted, and having a small pillow speaker for white noise or music while on the go seems appealing.

It operates using a type of bone conduction similar to that found in bone-conduction headphones. Though marketed as a bone-conduction pillow speaker, that description isn’t entirely accurate. Bone conduction headphones transmit sound vibrations through the bones in your cheek, which are then detected by your inner ear. In contrast, this pillow speaker transmits sound vibrations through your pillow, which can then be heard by your ear.

Disregarding the marketing misrepresentation, the key point is that it functions effectively. With the speaker positioned under your pillow, it amplifies the vibrations, making them easily audible at medium-to-high volumes. You should place the speaker under the section of your pillow where your ear rests for the best experience.

It’s a Bluetooth speaker, but this device can also operate independently with audio files stored on a microSD card. The “plus version” includes a 1GB card with eight white noise and nature sounds. The standard version is only about $4 less expensive, so opting for the plus bundle is advisable if you intend to use the white noise feature. Those who wish to merely connect to their phone can forgo the microSD card and save some money.

There are three high-visibility yellow buttons for turning the device on/off and adjusting volume. Some buttons have multiple functions; for instance, the power button is also used for pairing, and the volume up button can activate a sleep timer. Speaking of which, this feature is useful if you don’t want your music playing throughout the night — it can automatically stop after 30 minutes, one hour, or two hours.

The battery can last up to 10 hours, ensuring you’ll receive a complete night’s sleep from the speaker, though not significantly more. Utilizing the sleep timer may extend its use over a week. Recharging via USB-C is quite simple: just connect the pillow speaker where your phone charges overnight and you’re good to go.

It’s superior to your phone, but inferior to sleep earbuds (for certain users)

The price is an important consideration here — it’s $36 for the standard version or $40 for the plus bundle inclusive of a microSD card. This should give you an idea of the sound quality of the Jabees pillow speaker. While the quality isn’t exceptional, it far surpasses a phone speaker. This is because a phone speaker projects sound downwards, while this pillow speaker transmits vibrations upwards through your pillow.

When using it, you’ll need to determine whether you prefer the pillow speaker to be discreet or loud. At a volume I find comfortable, it is sufficiently loud that someone beside you may be able to hear it. Lower volumes are less disruptive to sleeping partners, but are more effective for background white noise than for music and podcasts that require attention.

When comparing a phone speaker to the Jabees Peace, I would opt for the dedicated pillow speaker. As a side sleeper, I benefit from louder volumes and improved clarity compared to my phone, without the discomfort of earbuds. Additionally, I appreciate being able to use my phone or place it on a nightstand while still enjoying music playing beneath my pillow. However, it may not suit everyone.

Sleep earbuds remain the superior choice for individuals requiring high volume without

New Leak Uncovers Essential Information Regarding the OnePlus Open 2

Following two years of speculation, new information suggests we may have to say goodbye. The highly awaited OnePlus Open 2, a foldable smartphone that had generated significant buzz, might never be released. Recent reports indicate that OnePlus has supposedly canceled the global debut of this device, which was anticipated to include an 8.1-inch 2K resolution primary display, a 50MP camera, and a 32MP front-facing lens. The OnePlus Open 2 was rumored to feature a sleek chassis and support for wireless charging, positioning it as a sought-after successor to the initial OnePlus Open launched in late 2023.

The news of the cancellation is a letdown for many who had been looking forward to the device, particularly after leaks pointed to it being in an advanced testing phase. The OnePlus Open 2 was predicted to be equipped with the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5, offering options for 1TB of storage and 16GB of RAM. However, rising RAM costs and other factors might have played a role in the decision to cease production.

In spite of this setback, some fans remain hopeful that OnePlus may revisit the endeavor down the line. The brand is recognized for its innovative smartphone designs, and the OnePlus Open 2 was projected to surpass rivals like the Honor Magic V3 in terms of slimness and aesthetics. As supporters come to terms with the news, the chance of a future launch remains unclear, prompting many to ponder if they will ever experience what could have been a revolutionary foldable device.

Apple Podcasts Sets New Popularity Record

### Apple Podcasts Celebrates ‘Best Year Yet’ in 2025 Despite Strong Competition from YouTube and Spotify

In a recent announcement, Apple revealed that 2025 represents a record year for Apple Podcasts, achieving unmatched levels of listeners, plays, and subscribers. This revelation comes as a surprise to many, considering the mounting competition from platforms like YouTube and Spotify, which have notably influenced the podcasting landscape in recent years.

Traditionally, Apple Podcasts has been a leading entity in the podcasting realm. The platform originated from iTunes, where podcasts first surged in popularity, and the term “podcast” itself is taken from Apple’s iPod. However, the emergence of competitors has altered the market dynamics. YouTube and Spotify have acquired significant market share, especially with the advent of video podcasts, which have drawn in a new audience and spurred growth in the podcasting industry. Entities like Netflix are also putting resources into podcasting, further escalating the competition.

In spite of these hurdles, Apple Podcasts documented record figures in 2025. This milestone can be linked to the overall expansion of the podcasting market. While Apple may hold a smaller portion of the market than in the past, the cumulative audience for podcasts has broadened considerably, enabling Apple Podcasts to flourish within this larger framework.

Even though Apple Podcasts has yet to fully adopt video podcasting, recent enhancements to the app, including features rolled out in iOS 26.2, imply that the company is taking steps to improve user experience. As the podcasting sector continues to progress, it remains to be seen if Apple will initiate a more extensive video redesign to compete with its competitors.

The achievements of Apple Podcasts in 2025 prompt inquiries about the platform’s future and its capability to adjust to evolving market circumstances. As the podcasting domain grows, Apple Podcasts might discover new avenues to innovate and reach a broader audience.

9to5Mac Daily: January 12, 2026 – Formal Announcement of Apple’s Agreement with Google Gemini

**9to5Mac Daily: Your Hub for Everyday Apple News and Insights**

In the rapidly evolving sphere of technology, keeping abreast of the latest developments is crucial, particularly for Apple fans. 9to5Mac Daily acts as a trustworthy source for daily summaries of notable news concerning Apple, its offerings, and the wider tech scene. This enlightening podcast aims to keep listeners updated and involved with succinct and pertinent dialogues.

**Podcast Accessibility**

Listeners can tune into 9to5Mac Daily on multiple platforms, making sure that new episodes are merely a click away. The podcast can be found on:

– [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)
– [Dedicated RSS feed](https://feedpress.me/9to5macdaily) for Overcast and various podcast players

Fresh episodes are recorded every weekday, ensuring that subscribers get prompt updates on the latest news within the Apple realm.

**Sponsorship and Promotions**

The podcast is backed by Stuff, a productivity application designed to assist users in efficiently organizing their ideas and assignments. By using the code 9TO5 at checkout, listeners can benefit from a 50% discount on their first year, making it an appealing deal for individuals looking to declutter their minds.

**Content Highlights**

Every episode of 9to5Mac Daily encompasses dialogues on multiple subjects, including:

– Recent product unveilings and updates from Apple
– Insights into software enhancements and features
– Examination of market trends and consumer behavior
– Interviews with industry professionals and thought leaders

Listeners are encouraged to subscribe to the podcast to gain additional perks, such as ad-free episodes and exclusive bonus material.

**Engagement and Community**

9to5Mac Daily nurtures a community spirit among its audience. Feedback is invited via email, allowing fans to express their opinions and recommendations. Furthermore, listeners can support the podcast by rating it on platforms like Apple Podcasts and Overcast, contributing to its visibility and reach.

**Conclusion**

For anyone keen on Apple-related news and technological trends, 9to5Mac Daily is an indispensable resource. With its captivating format, varied content, and availability across numerous platforms, it shines as a primary podcast for daily news and insights in the tech domain. Whether you’re a casual user or a devoted Apple enthusiast, tuning into 9to5Mac Daily is an excellent method to remain informed.

Anticipated Smart TV Developments for 2026

new vacuum cleaners capable of ascending stairs and performing dance moves. XGIMI’s MemoMind AI along with AR glasses is paving the way for dual-screen technology. However, the true excitement, particularly for home entertainment, lies in LG’s latest ultra-slim OLED TVs, which are set to revolutionize your living space — or any area they occupy, to be honest. This raises one pivotal question: What can we anticipate from smart TVs in the upcoming years? What innovative features are on the horizon, similar to LG’s Wallpaper series?

With advancements in display technologies and AI integrated into both software and hardware, the consumer tech landscape is bustling. It might surprise you to learn that this is the year of the art TV, showcasing a carefully designed and elegant aesthetics for televisions — take a look at Samsung’s The Frame series. This is also the year when OLED is not the reigning champion anymore. OLEDs remain popular and successful, so fans need not fret, yet other technologies are making significant waves at the electronics showcase. Let’s delve into this.

Ultra-slim, chic, art-oriented TVs

Samsung’s The Frame Series has long been at the forefront of blending art with television, offering direct access to fine art displays along with a variety of distinctive design and technological features. They continue to be available, and Samsung is enhancing the original models, yet there is increasing competition in recent times. Amazon has introduced its Ember Artline series, a comparable lifestyle-oriented TV with a matte finish that provides access to 2,000 free art pieces.

LG’s latest Wallpaper series, <a href="https://www.lg.com/global/newsroom/news/media-entertainment-solution/lg-electronics-unveils-the-wallpaper

Apple Unveils Second Beta of iOS 26.3 for iPhone Users

### Apple Unveils Second iOS 26.3 Beta for iPhone

Apple has recently introduced the second beta iteration of iOS 26.3 for iPhone users. This update succeeds the first beta, which brought several noteworthy features designed to elevate user experience.

#### Highlighted Features of iOS 26.3 Beta

The initial beta of iOS 26.3 aimed at facilitating the transition for users migrating from Android to iPhone, simplifying the process of transferring data and settings. Furthermore, it provided updates to the Astronomy and Weather wallpaper selection, broadening the available choices for customization.

#### Recent Modifications and Additions

This beta release follows the official launch of iOS 26.2 in December, which delivered considerable enhancements, including new personalization options for Liquid Glass design elements and expanded functionalities for CarPlay. These updates demonstrate Apple’s continual dedication to enhancing the iOS experience and offering users greater control over their devices.

#### Expected Release Schedule

The completed version of iOS 26.3 is anticipated to be released to the public by late January or early February. As Apple persists in fine-tuning this operating system, users can anticipate further features and enhancements.

#### Looking Forward

Beyond iOS 26.3, excitement is building around iOS 26.4, which is anticipated to deliver a much-anticipated upgrade to Siri. This improvement could greatly enhance the performance and responsiveness of Apple’s virtual assistant, meeting user expectations for smarter and more intuitive technology.

#### Summary

As Apple advances with the iOS 26 series, users are encouraged to stay updated on the latest features and improvements. The continuous development and refinement of iOS highlight Apple’s commitment to improving user experience and adapting to the evolving demands of its customer base.

Speechify Unveils Voice AI Assistant for iOS Gadgets

**Speechify Enhances Its AI Functionality with Voice AI Assistant on iOS**

Following the successful debut of Voice Typing Dictation on Mac, Speechify is expanding its range beyond being solely a text-to-speech service. The company has unveiled its Voice AI Assistant on iOS, which was previously accessible only on Chrome and the web, representing a notable advancement in its progression.

### Speechify’s Aspirational Objectives

With the launch of its versatile Voice AI Assistant, Speechify intends to rival established services such as ChatGPT, Gemini, Perplexity, Siri, and Alexa. The firm employs a combination of third-party models and its own proprietary models crafted by a dedicated group of over 40 researchers and engineers in its applied AI research laboratory.

### Capabilities of the Voice AI Assistant

The new application enables iPhone users to communicate using natural language for a variety of tasks, including:

– Surfing the internet
– Participating in discussions based on document content
– Producing podcasts from these documents
– Quizsetting, lecturing, and summarizing data through multi-turn conversations

### Insights from Speechify’s CFO

Pankaj Agarwal, CFO of Speechify, highlighted the application’s features, noting, “Speechify is now an AI Assistant that can research for you, converse with you, compose for you, create for you, entertain you, quiz you, browse the web for you, instruct you, summarize for you, and read for you.” He anticipates that the future of AI Assistants will be predominantly voice-driven, positioning Speechify to thrive in this arena. The company’s goal is to improve productivity and happiness across different facets of life.

### Prospective Enhancements

At present, the Voice AI Assistant functions in the cloud, but Speechify is set to implement on-device models in upcoming updates. These updates will also strive to facilitate more intricate commands, handle notifications, and automate processes such as making and answering calls based on user-defined instructions.

### Final Thoughts

With this launch, Speechify aims to become the most widely used AI Assistant worldwide, addressing a diverse array of use cases from professional and educational purposes to entertainment. The Speechify app is available for download [here](https://apple.co/49hJfKF).

Have you begun utilizing voice interactions with AI services? Share your thoughts in the comments.

Five Important Yet Underappreciated Windows Programs You Need to Explore

When considering Windows applications, the first ones that likely pop into your mind are Notepad, Microsoft Excel, and Paint. These are among the most widely used and user-friendly apps individuals utilize on their PCs; they’ve effectively established themselves as icons by now. However, while they are certainly beneficial for daily activities, they are not the comprehensive list of what you can install on Windows.

In reality, there exists a subtle collection of lesser-known Windows apps that may not feature on everyone’s favorites list but are equally valuable. These applications provide access to a wealth of functionalities on your PC that you might not even realize exist. From an app that adapts your screen’s color temperature according to the time of day to a flexible toolkit brimming with various niche utilities, here are five obscure Windows apps worth trying today. Most are sourced from third-party developers and are free to download and utilize.

To change wallpapers dynamically: WinDynamicDesktop

Regarding desktop personalization, Mac computers include what’s known as Dynamic Wallpapers. These wallpapers generally maintain a similar appearance but become lighter or darker throughout the day. For example, you can see a bright mountain scene in the morning, a sunset-lit mountainside in the afternoon, and a mountain landscape illuminated by the Aurora at night. These dynamic wallpapers animate your computer, providing a subtle visual variation without the abrupt shifts of a photo slideshow.

Unfortunately, Windows users currently lack a built-in Dynamic Wallpaper feature on their PCs. The next best alternative is the lesser-known Windows app WinDynamicDesktop. WinDynamicDesktop mimics a macOS-like dynamic wallpaper system on Windows. Similar to macOS’ Dynamic Wallpapers, it automatically modifies the wallpaper based on your local time. You can even synchronize it with local sunrise and sunset times, either determined automatically using your location or manually set by you. The app includes several themes that you can download and use immediately, featuring default wallpapers from macOS versions such as the Big Sur Abstract and Mojave Desert. There’s also the option to import a theme you’ve acquired from another source.

WinDynamicDesktop is open-source, making it free to download and use. However, the drawback is that the in-app theme choices are limited, so you’ll need to search online for new favorites. Expanding the app’s functionality may also require working with PowerShell scripts, which might be too complex for some users.

To adjust your screen color temperature: f.lux

Research indicates that blue light emitted from electronic devices adversely affects sleep quality. So, if you find yourself working on your computer late into the night, your sleep is likely suffering. Additionally, your eyes may be strained by the bright screen, making it challenging to concentrate. This is why a crucial Windows app to install right away is a screen color-temperature tool like f.lux.

f.lux adjusts your screen’s color temperature from cool to warm, similar to Windows Night Light. However, instead of a sudden activation that creates a jarring transition, f.lux gradually modifies the color temperature. This occurs automatically in the background throughout the day and is hardly noticeable. By the time you’re ready for bed, your screen appears warm and comfortable for use.

In comparison to Windows’ Night Light, which only features a basic intensity slider and scheduler, f.lux offers a range of integrated features. You can select from modes and effects such as Movie Mode, Darkroom Mode, Recommended Colors, and Soft White (which gives your screen a soft glow without reducing the color temperature). If you desire a more tailored appearance, you can also set the temperatures manually. The app operates system-wide like Night Light, but with greater versatility. You can deactivate it for specific applications, disable it until sunrise, or allow it to pause when utilizing full-screen applications. f.lux can even integrate with Philips Hue smart lights, so your smart bulbs change colors in accordance with your screen’s display.

However, some limitations of f.lux are that it lacks brightness control and can only modify the screen’s color. It may also vary in appearance from one monitor to another.

To automatically switch between light and dark modes: Auto Dark Mode

Everyone enjoys dark mode, and it has emerged as one of the most sought-after features in modern software. Yet, dark mode has its appropriate times, and for convenience, you may prefer light mode in the morning and dark mode in the evening. The challenge is that Windows doesn’t provide a feature to automate this transition — you must choose either light mode or dark mode constantly, without any in-between. A straightforward solution is a lesser-known Windows app called Auto Dark Mode.

As its name implies, Auto Dark Mode automatically activates dark mode or light mode based on the time of day. It allows you to establish a customized schedule.