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Eka Ventures, a UK impact VC, closes second fund at $107M

When Eka Ventures held the final close of its first fund at £68 million in 2021, the London-based firm staked a claim that few UK VCs were willing to make at the time: that impact investing and venture-scale returns were not a trade-off but a thesis. Five years later, it is doubling down. Eka has […]

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Hands-On Evaluation: OPPO Find X9 Ultra – Possible Camera Device of 2026

The Find X9 Ultra showcases a design that echoes classic cameras, and it appears stunning.

During my review of the Vivo X300 Ultra last week, I mentioned that it would require something exceptional to compete with its cameras. OPPO is striving to achieve just that with the Find X9 Ultra, and although I cannot discuss the cameras at this moment, the fact that the device is making its global debut this year — similar to the X300 Ultra — suggests there are two formidable options for those seeking a camera-centric upgrade in 2026.

I will delve into the Find X9 Ultra’s cameras and its performance compared to the X300 Ultra in my review, but first, let’s examine the design itself. OPPO has demonstrated over the last three years a willingness to explore various styles, and the Find X9 Ultra looks nothing like the Find X8 Ultra or its predecessors. If anything, the striking style is akin to a classic camera, and I appreciate that the brand embraced this aesthetic — I prefer this design over Xiaomi’s tailored 17 Ultra with Leica embellishments.

The back of the Find X9 Ultra is covered in leather, providing a pleasant feel while holding and using it. The phone is robustly constructed, and while it features flat edges, the rounded bevels along the sides ensure comfort during everyday use. In that regard, it resembles the X300 Ultra, and the camera module is even more pronounced.

The camera module prominently features in the design at the rear, and you can easily gauge the type of cameras OPPO has incorporated this year just by the apparent size of the modules. Similar to Vivo, OPPO adopted a design where a ring surrounds the camera module, featuring metallic accents with an orange finish that introduces an appealing contrast.

It’s clear that the camera module protrudes significantly from the body, which is expected with Ultras generally and the substantial cameras they incorporate. Nevertheless, the island’s design and its centered placement minimize any wobbling when placing the Find X9 Ultra on a surface.

I also appreciate that the dedicated camera button on the right features an orange accent, adding to the overall elegant and polished feel of the design. This is the Tundra Umber variant, and while the Find X9 Ultra is also available in an orange shade, that version does not come in leather.

OPPO’s logo is prominently displayed on the back, receiving equal visibility alongside Hasselblad. The combination of the leather back and metal finish works exceptionally well, and while the phone has some weight to it, it remains manageable.

Having recently used the Galaxy S26 Ultra, Xiaomi 17 Ultra, and Vivo X300 Ultra, I believe I prefer the design of the Find X9 Ultra the most. The leather finish significantly enhances this aspect, giving the phone the appearance of a high-end Hasselblad camera, which is likely the goal OPPO sought to achieve. Fortunately, I will be able to share my complete impressions of the Find X9 Ultra very soon; for now, it’s thrilling that the phone is set to be available beyond China.

Four Typical Errors to Steer Clear Of When Cleaning Your Earbuds

The main concern with enjoying music, podcasts, audiobooks, or online classes through your earbuds is that you have to insert them into your ears. You probably don’t need reminding that this can lead to those earbuds becoming quite dirty without ongoing maintenance. Several informal studies and reports suggest that earbuds and headphones can harbor more bacteria than a kitchen sink. While regularly cleaning your earbuds can help with this concern, it’s crucial to avoid specific mistakes during the cleaning process to guarantee effective sanitization.

Improper cleaning of earbuds not only risks leaving them looking filthy or unpleasant. Committing certain mistakes could potentially damage them, forcing you to purchase a replacement pair, which can be quite costly. Prevent this by ensuring you are aware of what to avoid when tidying up these gadgets.

Submerging earbuds in water

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Why It’s Crucial to Clean Your Keyboard More Often Than Your Bathroom

National Center for Health Research. Since this is a surface you probably interact with every day, it is smart to sanitize it consistently.

How frequently should a keyboard be sanitized? Several elements can affect the response to that inquiry, such as how often you operate your keyboard. Nevertheless, according to research published in the African Journal of Microbiology, it is recommended to wipe down your keyboard and associated computer devices a minimum of once weekly. You will comprehend the reason once you learn just how much bacteria your keyboard might harbor.

Why your keyboard might be more contaminated than a toilet seat

How to Supply Power to an Apple TV via Your TV’s USB Port

a solid option for many individuals in 2026, including those who are part of the Apple ecosystem and privacy-aware users who prefer to minimize smart TV surveillance. Nonetheless, unlike certain popular streaming devices, especially those designed in a stick format that can draw power from your smart TV’s USB port, the Apple TV is exclusively dependent on AC power and cannot be powered via a TV’s USB port.

Apple TV is equipped with its own integrated power supply unit (PSU), which receives power from a wall outlet through a barrel plug. It accommodates voltages ranging from 100 volts to 240 volts at 1 ampere, converting that into approximately 13W DC power, which is used by the other components of the Apple TV to provide everything from your favorite streaming platforms to Apple Arcade games on your TV.

In contrast, the majority of TVs feature USB 2.0 or USB 3.0 ports, which can only supply 2.5W or 4.5W of DC power, respectively. Neither of these USB power outputs can meet or fulfill the power demands of Apple TV devices. Consequently, it’s advisable to connect your Apple TV streaming device directly to an AC power outlet. However, accessory manufacturer Mission Cables provides a solution in the form of its <a href="https://r.bttn.io?btn_ref=org-225e4e0aac880b8f&btn_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fdp%2FB0DJDQHHW8%3Ftag%3Dstaticmedia-bgr-custom-20&btn_pub_ref=2137171-in