Author: Richard

    • Richard
    • Comments Off on Starbucks Introduces Budget-Friendly Vintage Camera You’ll Desire to Have
    Starbucks Introduces Budget-Friendly Vintage Camera You’ll Desire to Have

    Starbucks is renowned for its holiday cup selections, with a previous release even sparking political debates. The year 2025 is no exception, as the brand unveils a variety of themed cups, tumblers, mugs, and more for patrons to grab before the festivities begin. The standout item this season is undoubtedly the viral Starbucks Bearista Cold Cup, a glass vessel sculpted like a teddy bear adorned with a green beanie. This playful cup was in such high demand that law enforcement had to intervene due to altercations arising over it.

    Yet, as impressive as the Bearista cup is, it pales in comparison to what Starbucks China is offering for the holiday period. Priced at 198 yuan ($28), the company has introduced the Starbucks Retro Digital Camera. It appears that Starbucks enthusiasts are quickly snatching up these affordable cameras, as evidenced by the soaring resale prices. Current eBay listings for this delightful little camera indicate price points around $130.

    This camera is exclusively available in China. Information about the device itself is scarce, but given its low price, one shouldn’t anticipate exceptionally high-quality photos. Nevertheless, that doesn’t detract from the coolness factor of the Starbucks Retro Digital Camera, which can still capture some amusing moments during the holidays. This budget-friendly gadget boasts two sensors, with one cleverly positioned where the viewfinder is, acting as a built-in selfie camera for capturing memories with friends and family.

    While it doesn’t rival the iPhone 17’s upgraded selfie capabilities, that’s not the main focus. This is meant for enjoying yourself without breaking the bank. Starbucks’ retro camera includes a rear LCD screen and comes with nine overlays to lend your photos that quintessential 2000s vibe. It also evokes a cozy Christmas ambiance, available in red or green, featuring a body that resembles metal and leather. Once you’re finished using it, we have some creative ideas for repurposing your old camera.

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    • Comments Off on 4 Overlooked Android Apps That Merit Greater Recognition
    4 Overlooked Android Apps That Merit Greater Recognition

    Google Play Store logo on a phone screen with a red background

    One Artist/Shutterstock

    After eliminating about half of all applications from its platform, the Google Play Store now boasts nearly 2 million apps for download. Sifting through millions of applications to find the top ones is impractical, but there are several apps that you should consider using more frequently.

    For instance, Blackmagic Camera, which is available for free, improves the filming experience by introducing features like Open Gate recording. While the app may appear intimidating due to its numerous settings and customization options, it’s worth exploring. Another notable mention is Apple TV. Despite being developed by a rival and recently launched on Android, Apple TV is viewed as a spiritual successor to HBO, featuring exceptional series such as Foundation and Slow Horses.

    In compiling this list, we drew upon our experiences as Android users to highlight four apps that we feel embody the essence of this headline. These apps may be somewhat underrated or overlooked, yet they provide significant value. To view the complete list, continue reading below. 

    Nintendo Music

    A desktop PC screenshot of the Nintendo Music app

    agustin.photo/Shutterstock

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    • Richard
    • Comments Off on Wireless Gadget Converts Smartphone into Microscope
    Wireless Gadget Converts Smartphone into Microscope

    exciting new iPhone devices or Android phone accessories, there seems to be no shortage of gadgets available for smartphones. Nonetheless, not every phone accessory is created equal, and some might simply end up being a poor investment. Luckily, this neat little item on Amazon checks all the boxes for being practical, fascinating, and possibly best of all, affordable. If you want to gain a closer look at the minute aspects of the world, the SkyBasic Wireless Digital Microscope could be perfect for you. 

    Presently priced at $28.48, this microscope features a few qualities that render it remarkably versatile, including magnification of up to 1000x. While we can’t guarantee that this device will assist you in discovering microscopic robots invading your body, this wireless gadget would be ideal for anyone with inquisitive children at home, or for those simply seeking a clearer view of the intricate details of common objects. 

    Enlarge your surroundings effortlessly

    Regardless of how sharp someone’s eyesight might be, zooming in on the tiny details of specific objects can still prove difficult. While we anticipate scientists to develop robotic eyes with superior vision for humans, a reliable microscope that connects to your smartphone can be quite handy. SkyBasic’s wireless microscope is compatible with Android 6.0 or later and iPhones running iOS 9.0 or newer, allowing smartphones to connect via Wi-Fi. 

    The microscope also can be linked using an included USB cable. Providing 50x to 1000x magnification, eight built-in LED lights enhance clarity. The microscope delivers images with a resolution of up to 1920×1080 with just a button press, thanks to a 2MP HD CMOS sensor. Over 2,000 of these SkyBasic microscopes have been sold in the last month, earning a 4.2-star rating from more than 9,200 reviews. 

    Customers praise it for its user-friendliness, robust magnification, and the capability to capture clear images. However, some users voice concern that its magnification isn’t as strong as claimed, while others are displeased that the necessary app requires full photo access on their devices. Regardless, this wireless gadget can provide a fun experience for young ones, or it can be useful for getting a closer inspection of various objects.

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    • Comments Off on “Anticipated Enhancements for Fitness Watch Brands in 2026: Tackling Garmin Challenges and Fitbit’s Comeback”
    “Anticipated Enhancements for Fitness Watch Brands in 2026: Tackling Garmin Challenges and Fitbit’s Comeback”

    In 2026, the realm of fitness brands such as Garmin and Fitbit is set for notable transformation. With technological advancements, these brands need to evolve to fulfill the increasing expectations of consumers looking for more from their wearable gadgets. Here are several distinct suggestions on how Garmin and Fitbit can enhance their products:

    1. **Advanced Health Monitoring**: Garmin and Fitbit ought to emphasize the incorporation of sophisticated health monitoring capabilities. This encompasses more precise heart rate tracking, blood oxygen level assessment, and potentially even non-invasive glucose monitoring. These functionalities can deliver users comprehensive health information, assisting them in managing their wellness more efficiently.

    2. **Longer Battery Life**: A frequent concern regarding wearables is battery longevity. By prioritizing investment in more effective battery technology or solar charging options, these brands can produce devices that demand less frequent recharging, thereby improving user convenience.

    3. **Smooth Integration with Other Devices**: As smart home and IoT gadgets gain traction, Garmin and Fitbit should guarantee their devices can effortlessly interconnect with other platforms. This may involve collaborations with tech leaders to facilitate seamless data interchange and control via smart assistants.

    4. **Personalized User Experience**: Customization is essential. Enabling users to modify their watch faces, alerts, and health objectives can enhance the devices’ attractiveness. Furthermore, providing AI-driven insights and suggestions based on unique user data can enrich the overall experience.

    5. **Commitment to Sustainability**: Given the rising awareness of environmental concerns, Garmin and Fitbit should contemplate utilizing eco-friendly materials and establishing recycling initiatives for outdated devices. This not only attracts environmentally-conscious consumers but also aligns with global sustainability objectives.

    6. **Broader Fitness and Wellness Features**: Going beyond standard fitness tracking, these brands can investigate functionalities like stress management, guided meditation, and sleep coaching. By adopting a comprehensive approach to wellness, they can appeal to a wider audience.

    7. **Improved Durability and Repairability**: Enhancing devices to be more robust and easier to repair can prolong their lifespan, providing better value for consumers. This strategy can also minimize electronic waste, supporting sustainability initiatives.

    8. **Attractive Pricing Strategies**: As the market grows more crowded, presenting competitive pricing or subscription models for premium features can draw in budget-minded consumers without sacrificing quality.

    By concentrating on these aspects, Garmin and Fitbit can not only preserve their dominance in the wearable market but also establish new benchmarks for innovation and customer satisfaction in 2026.

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    • Comments Off on Upcoming Smart TVs to Keep an Eye on in 2026
    Upcoming Smart TVs to Keep an Eye on in 2026

    People viewing the LG Signature OLED R rollable televisions at the LG booth during CES 2020

    Mario Tama/Getty Images

    The smart TV scene in 2025 was primarily characterized by minor enhancements, featuring new OLED, Mini-LED, and QLED models from leading smart TV manufacturers. Some of the standout and highly-rated devices from the year comprised Samsung’s S95F OLED TV, deemed the top TV of the year; a reliable high-end OLED TV – Sony Bravia 8 II; and a well-reviewed mid-range option – TCL QM6K.

    Nonetheless, we witnessed a significant breakthrough with the introduction of RGB MiniLED technology. Hisense debuted its inaugural RGB MiniLED TV, the 116UX, recognized as the largest smart TV available for purchase on Amazon. Simultaneously, Samsung incorporated similar foundational technology in its MR95F model, referring to it as Micro RGB. As 2025 nears its conclusion, many may be curious about the future of smart TVs in 2026. Thankfully, manufacturers have begun unveiling their strategies for the upcoming year as they gear up to showcase their products at the CES trade show in Las Vegas next month, indicating that 2026 will be marked by RGB MiniLED and Micro RGB TVs. Here are a few of the most thrilling smart TV models anticipated for the coming year.

    LG Micro RGB evo

    LG is set to embrace the RGB MiniLED technology trend with its forthcoming Micro RGB evo television. Also referred to as the LG MRGB95, this smart TV will launch in 2026, available in sizes of 75 inches, 86 inches, and 100 inches, making the LG RGB MiniLED TV much more suitable for home environments compared to the enormous 116-inch and 115-inch options from Hisense and Samsung, respectively.

    LG has announced that the TV will be equipped with the newly enhanced α (Alpha) 11 AI Processor Gen 3, promising improved upscaling and additional features, assisted by AI. The company has also disclosed that the TV will be capable of covering the complete BT.2020, DCI-P3, and Adobe RGB color spectra, which are quite impressive and yield enhanced color accuracy and far more realistic visuals than current smart TV offerings.

    Among its other features, the TV will include over a thousand dimming zones, which is modest in comparison, as the Hisense 116UX boasts 3,584 dimming zones and the Samsung MR95F has roughly 5,000. The limited quantity of dimming zones may influence the TV’s black levels and HDR capabilities. There are no updates on pricing or additional specifications; however, we

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    • Comments Off on Comprehending the Significance of ‘EPR’ in USB Connectors
    Comprehending the Significance of ‘EPR’ in USB Connectors

    Universal Serial Bus, or USB, is frequently accompanied by acronyms and shorthand when discussing various related technologies that aren’t particularly popular or widely recognized. For instance, it may not be common knowledge what the “C” in a USB-C port signifies. USB PD, which stands for USB Power Delivery, is slightly more familiar but still likely unknown to many individuals. Another abbreviation often linked to USB PD yet not widely recognized is EPR. It refers to Extended Power Range, a specification for power delivery. This denotes that a specific USB port can provide between 101W and 240W of power.

    EPR was introduced in the USB PD 3.1 standard as a successor to the Standard Power Range (SPR), which permits power delivery of up to 100W using USB ports. It has effectively eliminated the necessity for large proprietary power adapters that we typically receive with gaming laptops and other devices requiring similar power, such as e-bikes and power tools. Here’s everything you should know about USB PD EPR (Extended Power Range).

    New voltage tiers for enhanced power delivery

    USB PD has been quite successful in transforming the way we charge and power devices. Nevertheless, its original 100W cap limited its use for high-powered devices. However, EPR has changed that with its 240W cap. It achieves higher power delivery by permitting higher voltage through USB PD connections while maintaining the same 5A current as SPR. EPR has introduced three additional voltage tiers: 28V, 36V, and 48V, which correspond to 140W, 180W, and 240W of power when combined with a 5A current.

    However, EPR isn’t confined to these voltage levels. Just as the Programmable Power Supply (PPS) extension of USB PD allows voltage selection in increments of 20mV for optimal delivery, EPR features an Adjustable Voltage Supply (AVS) that also permits voltage selection in increments of 100m.

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    • Richard
    • Comments Off on Jennifer Connelly’s Apple TV Series Delves into a Frightening Sci-Fi Concept Poised for Timeless Recognition
    Jennifer Connelly’s Apple TV Series Delves into a Frightening Sci-Fi Concept Poised for Timeless Recognition

    Rotten Tomatoes. The creator transformed the series from his own bestselling novel released in 2016 with the same title, showcasing a strong commitment to the original narrative. Crouch undoubtedly possesses a talent for utilizing television as a narrative form — having been a writer for “Wayward Pines” and also co-creating “Good Behavior” before “Dark Matter” — and is adept at leveraging all the tools TV provides to steer clear of genre limitations.

    “Dark Matter” depicts the story of family man and scientist Jason Dessen (Joel Edgerton), his wonderful wife Daniela Dessen (Jennifer Connelly), and their teenage son Charlie (Oakes Fegley). Jason is abducted by an alternate iteration of himself from a parallel universe, referred to as Jason2. Catapulted into a reality where everything has changed, from his profession to his loved ones, Jason gradually discovers a massive metal cube and a chemical substance created by his double that, when merged, enables travel between dimensions.

    Upon realizing what transpired and how, Jason teams up with Jason2’s girlfriend, Amanda (Alice Braga), as he confides in her that he is not the person she adores — at least not internally. Together, they embark on journeys across multiple parallel universes, slowly unraveling the workings of the dimension machine, with the aim of locating the original universe from which Jason was taken. Meanwhile, his counterpart strives to integrate into the life he always dreamed of but never had the opportunity to experience due to his selfish choices and fixation on science.

    The gripping conundrum of the multiverse in ‘Dark Matter’

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    • Comments Off on Indie App Highlight: ‘Cannot Overlook’ Unveils Full-Screen Alerts and Improved Calendar Capabilities
    Indie App Highlight: ‘Cannot Overlook’ Unveils Full-Screen Alerts and Improved Calendar Capabilities

    # Indie App Spotlight: Cannot Overlook

    Welcome to the Indie App Spotlight, a weekly series where we highlight the newest apps in the indie app universe. This week, we shine a light on a distinctive productivity app named **Cannot Overlook**, crafted to elevate your reminder and calendar management experience.

    ## Introduction to Cannot Overlook

    In iOS 26.2, Apple unveiled the option to attach full-screen alarms to reminders. Building upon this functionality, **Cannot Overlook** enhances it by enabling users to synchronize calendar events and receive full-screen alarms, ensuring that significant events are never missed.

    ## Top Features

    ### Calendar and Reminder Synchronization

    **Cannot Overlook** allows users to synchronize any of their calendars or reminder lists, providing full-screen alarms for all reminders or events. Users can opt to sync individual calendar events or entire calendars, offering flexibility for those who prefer not to receive alarms for every occasion.

    ### Customization Features

    The app provides granularity in synchronization, allowing users to choose which calendars they want alarms from. For example, if you wish to receive alarms solely for work-related events, the app can be easily adjusted to accommodate that. It also takes travel time into account, ensuring users get alarms at the right time to depart for in-person events.

    ### Personalized Alarm Tones

    Users can enhance their experience by incorporating custom alarm sounds for various events. This feature lets users have different alarm tones for work and personal engagements, aiding in easy differentiation.

    ### Easy Access to Calendar Links

    One of the prominent features of **Cannot Overlook** is its capability to sync links from calendar events. For instance, if you have a Zoom meeting scheduled, you can directly access the meeting link from the full-screen alarm, eliminating the hassle of navigating through the app.

    ## Download the App

    **Cannot Overlook** is available for only **$0.99 on the App Store**, with no advertisements or additional in-app purchases needed. It is compatible with devices running iOS 26 and above, making it accessible for a broad audience.

    In summary, **Cannot Overlook** is an effective tool for anyone seeking to boost their productivity and ensure they never miss crucial events. With its exceptional features and user-friendly design, it distinguishes itself in the indie app scene.

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    • Richard
    • Comments Off on Expected Enhancements and Gadgets from OnePlus in 2026
    Expected Enhancements and Gadgets from OnePlus in 2026

    In 2026, OnePlus introduced two flagship smartphones that showcased remarkable technological innovations, yet they struggled to attract the market’s focus. Despite incorporating state-of-the-art features like the largest smartphone batteries in North America and sophisticated software integration, these devices encountered difficulties in gaining traction among consumers.

    OnePlus has consistently proven its ability to manufacture high-quality phones, as demonstrated in its 2025 releases. However, the 2026 flagships, while technically outstanding, did not result in significant sales. This may be due to several factors, including a lack of carrier partnerships within the U.S., which restricted their visibility and accessibility to potential customers. The absence of a more budget-friendly Nord series in the U.S. market further limited OnePlus’s reach, as price-sensitive consumers gravitated toward competitors like Motorola and Samsung.

    Moreover, the competitive environment in the smartphone sector, with strong offerings from brands like Google and Vivo, presented a challenge for OnePlus. The company’s emphasis on premium models may have detached a segment of the market seeking more economical options.

    To regain momentum, OnePlus could gain from expanding its carrier partnerships in the U.S., reintroducing the Nord series to provide more affordable alternatives, and enhancing its camera technology to rival leading smartphone cameras. By addressing these factors, OnePlus could bolster its market share and consumer recognition, potentially leading to improved sales performance in the future.

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