Author: sparta

    • sparta
    • Comments Off on Who Produces Vizio TVs and Where They Are Made
    Who Produces Vizio TVs and Where They Are Made

    major television brands available in 2025. What differentiates the company’s smart TVs from other well-known names like Samsung and LG is their pricing. Historically recognized as the leader in affordable TVs, the company’s primary approach since its 2002 entry into the U.S. TV market has been to provide TVs at a more economical rate compared to rivals. This strategy proved successful, as just a decade after its establishment, the company was already distributing over a million units quarterly.

    While it currently contends with brands like Hisense and TCL in the budget TV segment, Vizio’s strategy appears to have paid off, with the company now regarded as one of the top TV brands by consumers in a 2025 survey by Lifestory Research. Even in 2025, experts still recommend Vizio’s models as some of the best affordable smart TVs. However, its pricing approach isn’t the only element contributing to the company’s success. Among various factors, Vizio has also fine-tuned its manufacturing processes to ensure it can provide its products at competitive rates.

    The key? Managing design internally while outsourcing production to third parties, according to Paul Gagnon, former director of North America TV research at NPD Group’s Displaysearch, in an interview with Fortune in 2012. That tactic wasn’t common at the time, Gagnon noted, as companies usually managed everything from design to production and sales. Consequently, if Vizio does not manufacture its TVs but merely outsources to original device manufacturers (ODMs), then who is accountable, and where are the TVs produced?

    Who truly makes Vizio TVs?

    <div class="slide-key image-holder gallery-image-holder credit-image-wrap " data-post-url="https://www.bgr.com/2039452/vizio-tvs-who-makes-where-assembled/" data-post-title="Vizio TVs: Here's Who Makes Them And Where They're Manufactured" data-slide

    Read More
    • sparta
    • Comments Off on Crucial DIY Tools Offered at Costco for Every Aficionado
    Crucial DIY Tools Offered at Costco for Every Aficionado

    like inexpensive electronics and even whole electric vehicles. To illustrate, if you’re a fan of DIY projects, you can discover a robust assortment of tools and gadgets such as scrubbers, lights, and screwdrivers.

    Among the numerous sections available at Costco, there exists a specialized home improvement area, where you’ll come across an assortment of hand and power tools, home assistance devices, and task aids. While the range at Costco may not rival that of a specialized hardware store, you might still uncover your next go-to tool there at a great price.

    All the following items can be found at Costco, whether shopping in-store or online, and have received favorable reviews from hardware enthusiasts on platforms such as YouTube and Instagram.

    CAT LED Neck Light

    Regardless of the type of DIY activities you undertake at home, it’s essential to see what you’re working on to achieve the best results. Quality flashlights are readily available, but a more convenient option might be one that doesn’t require you to hold it yourself. In that case, consider the CAT LED Neck Light, offered in a two-pack at Costco for $29.99.

    This device provides a straightforward, hands-free lighting solution crafted from durable, work-ready materials. Simply place it around your neck, insert a couple of AA batteries, and switch it on for all the illumination you require. You can adjust the brightness level between 100 and 200 lumens as needed, and the light heads can pivot up to 90 degrees, making it ideal for tight spaces or when you need a broader light spread. The neck strap is adaptable

    Read More
    • sparta
    • Comments Off on “Google Play Books Celebrates 15th Anniversary with Thrilling Deals for Readers”
    “Google Play Books Celebrates 15th Anniversary with Thrilling Deals for Readers”

    Google is organizing a festive occasion for Android users this weekend, commemorating the 15th anniversary of Google Play Books. From December 5th to 7th, readers have the opportunity to earn 15 times the standard Play Points on their book purchases. This celebration is part of Google’s continuous initiatives to boost user involvement and reward fidelity.

    Since its inception in 2010, Google Play Books has grown to more than 75 countries, providing an extensive collection of over 10 million ebooks and audiobooks. The platform enables users to categorize their collections by genre or author and facilitates smooth access across various devices. Features such as book samples and alerts for new releases in preferred series enrich the reading experience.

    This event continues Google’s custom of marking milestones, following the recent 10th anniversary of Google Photos, which unveiled AI editing suggestions and QR codes for sharing albums. As Google Play Books commemorates its anniversary, users can take advantage of the heightened Play Points, creating an exhilarating opportunity for book lovers.

    Read More
    • sparta
    • Comments Off on The Significance of Engaged Parenting in the Digital Era: Why Australia’s Social Media Prohibition Is Not the Answer for Kids’ YouTube Consumption
    The Significance of Engaged Parenting in the Digital Era: Why Australia’s Social Media Prohibition Is Not the Answer for Kids’ YouTube Consumption

    I’ll be raising my own children, thank you.

    (Image credit: Jason England / Android Central)
    Android & Chill

    (Image credit: Future)

    As one of the internet’s most enduring tech columns, Android & Chill serves as your Saturday conversation about Android, Google, and every tech topic imaginable.

    Beginning December 10, Google plans to <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.androidcentral.com/apps-software/youtube/youtube-cut-off-aussie-teens-are-losing-logins-under-new-age-law" data-mrf-recirculation="inline-link" data-before-rewrite-localise="https://www.androidcentral.com/apps-software/youtube/youtube-cut

    Read More

    Raycast

    Raycast is an essential application that everyone should have on a Mac, designed for both productivity and convenient navigation. This app is specifically developed for Mac and offers a wealth of functionality right from the start. Beyond its numerous features, what sets it apart is the ability to access all of the app’s functionalities using solely your keyboard. Firstly, it offers a clipboard history, which is useful if you need to copy and reuse particular text. Secondly, there is a window management tool that helps you efficiently manage several windows on your Mac. The app comes with built-in commands to assist you in organizing your windows and even resizing them without the need to use your touchpad. Additionally, it provides search functionality that serves as an alternative to Spotlight, which can occasionally be inconsistent.

    Other useful features consist of Snippets for saving your commonly used text, Focus for eliminating distractions, Notes for taking down information, and Quicklinks for quickly accessing frequently visited websites. Raycast also features a store where you can download various extensions compatible with applications like Asana and Jira. With the Jira extension, for instance, you can create an issue and even modify its status directly from Raycast’s interface. You can download Raycast free of charge, but a fee is required to access its complete capabilities.

    Read More
    • sparta
    • Comments Off on How to Properly Clean the USB-C Port of Your Phone
    How to Properly Clean the USB-C Port of Your Phone

    its USB-C charging port may collect undesirable particles such as dust and grime. Fortunately, just like removing dust from various electronic devices, getting rid of these particles is fairly straightforward, often needing nothing more than a few quick bursts of compressed air.

    The USB-C port on your phone is quite fragile, and if you jab it aggressively with a sharp object, you risk causing irreversible damage instead of cleaning it. Therefore, the most effective cleaning technique involves minimal physical contact, namely compressed air. A brief spray into your phone’s charging port every so often will help prevent any issues with damaged pins or charging difficulties. If you’re not currently charging your phone or utilizing your USB-C port, you can also place a cover (or plug) over it to prevent any additional dust from entering.

    Compressed air effectively eliminates the majority of built-up dirt and debris

    <source media="(max-width: 428px)" srcset="https://www.bgr.com/img/gallery/the-best-way-to-keep-your-phones-usb-c-port-clean/compressed-air-will-remove-most-accumulated-dirt-and-debris-1764357235

    Read More
    • sparta
    • Comments Off on Chic and Compact Chromebook Now $170 Discounted at Best Buy After Cyber Monday
    Chic and Compact Chromebook Now $170 Discounted at Best Buy After Cyber Monday

    The Samsung Galaxy Chromebook Go notebook is now priced at only $160.

    (Image credit: Samsung)

    Although Cyber Monday and Black Friday laptop discounts are largely finished, there are still opportunities for those in search. Even post-sale, purchasers can enjoy a $170 reduction on the Samsung Galaxy Chromebook Go at Best Buy, representing more than half off the original price, now set at just $160.

    Samsung designed the Chromebook Go to be its thinnest and lightest model to date. This offer is for the variant with 128GB of storage, and features a 14-inch display, 4GB of RAM, and an Intel Celeron processor.

    Read More
    • sparta
    • Comments Off on iOS 26.2 Update Will Bring Two New CarPlay Features in December
    iOS 26.2 Update Will Bring Two New CarPlay Features in December

    CarPlay has undergone several significant enhancements with iOS 26. After years of being overlooked, Apple has not only introduced the completely new CarPlay Ultra experience but also enhanced it with the latest software update. Additionally, the company continues to upgrade the fundamental experience, which remains prevalent among its users. With iOS 26.2, Apple will enhance CarPlay further by introducing two fresh features: the capability to unpin messages via the infotainment display and the choice to add more widgets.

    Pinned messages and group conversations have been accessible for iPhone users for several iterations now. However, management was previously restricted to Apple’s primary operating systems, including iOS, iPadOS, and macOS. With iOS 26.2 for CarPlay, users can now easily unpin messages, providing them with an enhanced level of control over their devices.

    In addition, Tom Warren from The Verge observed that in some CarPlay infotainment systems, iOS 26.2 allows users to add three widgets, whereas previously only two were visible simultaneously. He illustrates how users could seamlessly have a clock, the weather widget, and the Spotify widget displayed together. However, it appears that utilizing Live Activities is not feasible when three widgets are configured at the same time.

    New CarPlay functionalities in iOS 26

    As noted earlier, iOS 26 introduces numerous new capabilities to CarPlay. One of the most remarkable updates is the introduction of the Liquid Glass design language. This results in a glossy appearance for app icons, notifications, and the overall UI, as well as the inclusion of new wallpapers that align with iOS 26’s visual style.

    Apple has also revamped notifications to lessen unnecessary distractions while driving. As a result, incoming calls no longer occupy the entire display, as the company has implemented a new compact view that presents the caller in a narrow strip at the base of the screen. iOS 26 is also capable of filtering unknown calls or messages so that these do not appear during driving.

    Another impressive enhancement to CarPlay in iOS 26 is the combination of Live Activity and widgets. This allows users to view two widgets simultaneously—such as the music they’re currently playing alongside the weather—while Live Activities keep them informed about the status of an Uber Eats delivery, flight tracking, or the opening of the garage door. These are just a few of the features available in CarPlay with iOS 26. We will keep you updated once Apple launches iOS 26.2.

    Read More
    • sparta
    • Comments Off on Leak Indicates Honor’s Soon-to-Be-Released Mid-Range Smartphone Will Include a Substantial Battery
    Leak Indicates Honor’s Soon-to-Be-Released Mid-Range Smartphone Will Include a Substantial Battery

    There have been whispers about this possibility, and it appears that an enhancement is imminent.

    (Image credit: Apoorva Bhardwaj / Android Central)

    Essential Information

    • Honor’s forthcoming mid-tier model, the rumored X80, has been allegedly seen in a Chinese certification database.
    • The listing purportedly contained information regarding its battery, which may come in with a remarkable 10,000mAh.
    • Speculations from last summer suggested that Honor was intending to enhance the battery capacities of its flagship and mid-range devices.

    Notice

    Read More

    • sparta
    • Comments Off on Aspiring Sci-Fi Director Turned Down Chance to Helm Steven Spielberg’s Ready Player One
    Aspiring Sci-Fi Director Turned Down Chance to Helm Steven Spielberg’s Ready Player One

    predicting future technology with unsettling precision in Minority Report, Steven Spielberg appeared to be the ideal director for adapting Ernest Cline’s book, “Ready Player One.” Oddly enough, he was not the initial choice for bringing Halliday’s Easter Egg Hunt to fruition. Instead, a younger director was contemplated for the task, just before the rising filmmaker found himself in a predicament in Hollywood. Prior to Spielberg taking on Cline’s novel for adaptation, Josh Trank was contacted to helm “Ready Player One.” The proposal came after buzz began to circulate about Trank’s found-footage superhero film, “Chronicle,” featuring Michael B. Jordan and Dane DeHaan.

    Having candidly mentioned that video games played a significant role in inspiring his directorial debut (via IGN), it created a fitting match between the director and the forthcoming adaptation. Nevertheless, per GQ, Trank declined the offer on two occasions before Spielberg came aboard the project in 2015. While it’s clear that Warner Bros. secured a more than suitable alternative, it could have easily ended up being yet another project that fell through following Trank’s rapid decline in reputation. After receiving accolades from critics and audiences, Trank’s subsequent effort was nearly a career-ending venture, and what many consider one of the worst comic book films ever produced.

    Ready Player One might have ended up as yet another loss for Josh Trank

    <picture id="p6ebd8fbcb

    Read More