Author: sparta

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    • Comments Off on The Surge of Free Ad-Funded Streaming Services Over Paid Offerings
    The Surge of Free Ad-Funded Streaming Services Over Paid Offerings

    The Television Trend Taking Over Premium Streaming Services

    While cable television has largely fallen out of favor in favor of a more personalized TV streaming experience, a notable issue remains in today’s TV viewing: Prices are on the rise. Numerous streaming services hike their subscription rates year after year. Signing up for a streaming app because of intriguing show selections and pricing can swiftly turn problematic when the service starts to seem pricier than its value.

    This dissatisfaction has resulted in a rising trend of consumers choosing free streaming services as well. A number of free streaming platforms and applications appeal to those seeking entertainment without overspending. For instance, the Roku Channel provides free TV shows, movies, and even TV channels that can easily compete with what paid streaming services deliver.

    Free streaming platforms like these are a breath of fresh air. Take Disney+ as an example of this. When it debuted in 2019, its monthly fee was $6.99. Now, by the end of 2025, it has risen to $12.99 per month. Netflix began at $7.99 monthly, and today the rate can soar up to $24.99. The tendency of these services to provide bundles and various plans, some ad-supported and others ad-free, may further confuse consumers who simply seek an economical, straightforward viewing experience.

    The Streaming Services Gaining Popularity

    The Roku Channel stands out as a widely-used streaming service offering free movies and TV channels. Roku TV supports several top-notch streaming platforms, and its Featured Free section showcases channels like CBS News, NFL, CBS Sports, and Haystack News. Other free movie and show options include “Outlander,” “The Masked Singer,” “2 Broke Girls,” “Yellowjackets,” and numerous others. Although the free offerings may be limited, Roku TV frequently updates them so viewers can anticipate new content in the Featured Free section.

    Tubi is another app available for free on mobile and streaming devices. It boasts hundreds of thousands of free movies and TV series comparable to paid streaming platforms, including unique original shows. Tubi also features Tubi Kids and a Spanish channel. Live TV on Tubi includes channels like NFL, NBA, Dateline, and EbonyTV. Movie highlights encompass “Titanic,” “Coraline,” “Tomb Raider,” and “Spider-Man: Homecoming.” Among its extensive television offerings are “Empire,” “Merlin,” “Master Chef,” and WWE’s “NXT.”

    Kanopy is distinct in that its free film offerings come through collaborations with universities and libraries. You can access Kanopy via the Apple or Google app stores, streaming devices, and smart TV app stores. Some of its films feature “Memento,” “The Truman Show,” “The Mask You Live In,” and various foreign films.

    Alternative Strategies People Are Using to Cut Streaming Costs

    It remains relatively easy to discover free streaming choices if you seek them out, such as the popular Freevee streaming app integrated with Prime Video. These alternatives are appealing due to rising costs and the intricate management of multiple premium services. If free movie and TV streaming options like those mentioned previously do not attract you, there are other methods that others are employing to save money which you might consider.

    One approach is to unsubscribe from a streaming service once the show you wanted to watch has concluded. Therefore, if you’re subscribing solely to catch the latest season of a series, after that season finishes, terminate your subscription to avoid wasting money. You may also opt for lower-priced options within these streaming apps, such as paying less per month and tolerating ads when they appear, rather than spending more to skip them. A third approach is to search for specific streaming services offering bundled options that allow you to save some funds. For instance, Disney+ presents a bundle including Disney+, Hulu, and HBO Max for $19.99 monthly with ads, or another version that includes Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN Unlimited for $29.99 a month with ads.

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    • Comments Off on How to Turn Off Siri Suggestions in Apple CarPlay
    How to Turn Off Siri Suggestions in Apple CarPlay

    one of the most frustrating iOS features — particularly since Apple Intelligence came into play. As a part of iOS, Siri is also integrated into the Apple CarPlay experience. It can help you get directions, check reminders, play a song similar to the one currently playing, and more.

    The Apple assistant additionally provides Siri Suggestions, a functionality that analyzes your iPhone usage to propose activities you might like to pursue. For those using CarPlay, Siri might recommend closing the garage door upon arriving home or prompt you to drive to a meeting. If you prefer to forgo Siri Suggestions while driving, turning off the feature in CarPlay is straightforward: just access the Settings menu and toggle Suggestions in CarPlay on or off.

    But what if you’d like to receive some of the suggestions from Siri, but not all of them? In that instance, keep Suggestions enabled, and try this approach instead. When a Siri Suggestion appears on your CarPlay dashboard that you don’t wish to follow, simply long-press it. A pop-up will show up asking if you’d like to Clear for This Drive or Cancel. Select the first option, and Siri won’t disturb you with that suggestion for the remainder of your drive.

    How to turn off Siri Suggestions with an iPhone

    Although there are many concealed Apple CarPlay features — such as disabling Siri Suggestions — that can enhance your experience, you can also easily enable or turn off Siri Suggestions directly from your iPhone. Simply go to Settings, tap on Siri, and toggle on or off any of the following: Show in App, Show on Home Screen, Suggest App, or Suggest Notifications. To fully eliminate Siri Suggestions in iOS, set all these options to off.

    Alternatively, you can customize Suggestions settings for each app individually by navigating to Settings > Siri and then selecting the desired app to adjust. Here, you can enable or disable it. <a

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    • Comments Off on Testing in Progress for iPhone 18 Pro’s Under-Display Face ID Feature
    Testing in Progress for iPhone 18 Pro’s Under-Display Face ID Feature

    20th-anniversary iPhone, anticipated to avoid any display cutouts in 2027. A source named Smart Pikachu mentioned on Weibo that Apple is actively experimenting with the screen technology necessary for the Face ID sensors to function while situated beneath the OLED panel. As reported by MacRumors, this Weibo account has a history of accurately revealing supply chain insights regarding Android hardware advancements in China.

    In particular, Smart Pikachu states that Apple is evaluating a “spliced micro-transparent glass” window that may be integrated into the display to enable the TrueDepth camera’s infrared sensors to penetrate the panel. The infrared projection needs to reach the user’s face, enabling the Face ID camera to then capture the 3D map of that face for user authentication. The system must operate perfectly, meaning the OLED panel cannot obstruct the infrared transmission. This remains speculation, as Apple has not yet provided details on integrating the 3D face recognition system beneath the iPhone display. Notably, rumors about under-display Face ID emerged several years ago.

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    • Comments Off on iOS 26.2 Launch for iPhone Anticipated Shortly, Based on Insider Information
    iOS 26.2 Launch for iPhone Anticipated Shortly, Based on Insider Information

    ### iOS 26.2’s Release Approaches: Revealed Build Numbers Suggest Launch

    The much-anticipated debut of iOS 26.2 for iPhone seems to be on the horizon, potentially happening today. This conjecture gains traction from a credible leaker who has revealed the build numbers linked to the impending release.

    #### Revealed Build Numbers Suggest iOS 26.2 is Ready for Launch

    Recently, Apple issued the Release Candidate (RC) version of iOS 26.2 to beta testers. The RC typically represents the final iteration of a software update prior to its public release, indicating that the timing of this rollout hints at an upcoming public launch.

    Heightening the anticipation, an anonymous leaker on X, renowned for accurately forecasting iOS software launches beforehand, has shared build numbers for both iOS and iPadOS 26.2. The leaker has pointed out build numbers **23C52** and **23C54** as the official builds for the forthcoming software.

    Notably, the RC version released last week also features the build number 23C52. The rationale behind the two differing build numbers is not clear, but it could be that one is allocated for particular devices. For example, iPhone and iPad models with C1 or C1X modems may receive a distinct build.

    For those who are anxiously awaiting the public rollout of iOS 26.2, which is set to introduce a variety of new features, the wait is anticipated to be over very soon.

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    • Comments Off on Apple Silicon Head Johny Srouji Intends to Stay at Apple for the Foreseeable Future
    Apple Silicon Head Johny Srouji Intends to Stay at Apple for the Foreseeable Future

    **Johny Srouji Reaffirms Dedication to Apple Following Leadership Changes**

    Johny Srouji, Apple’s senior vice president of hardware technologies, has officially stated his intention to continue with the company, quelling speculation regarding his possible exit. This declaration follows rumors reported by Bloomberg, which indicated that Srouji might be considering a departure from Apple for another role instead of opting for retirement.

    In a memo sent to his team, Srouji conveyed pride in the cutting-edge technologies created at Apple, including innovations in displays, cameras, sensors, silicon, and batteries. He highlighted his affection for his team and his position within the company, asserting, “I don’t plan on leaving anytime soon.” This communication was aimed at directly addressing the ongoing speculation about his future at Apple.

    The backdrop of Srouji’s reaffirmation is noteworthy, as it comes after a series of significant departures from Apple’s leadership team. Recently, the firm disclosed the exits of AI chief John Giannandrea, environmental chief Lisa Jackson, and General Counsel Katherine Adams. Moreover, Alan Dye, a key software designer, has moved on to a role at Meta. These shifts have sparked worries about the stability of Apple’s executive team.

    Srouji’s dedication is especially important given the pivotal role he holds in Apple’s chip development, which has been a key aspect of the company’s strategy to enhance its product lines. His leadership in this domain is essential as Apple continues to innovate and compete in the technology sector.

    For more information, the complete Bloomberg report can be found

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    • Comments Off on Android to Notify Users of Possible Scams When Screen Sharing Requests Occur During Calls
    Android to Notify Users of Possible Scams When Screen Sharing Requests Occur During Calls

    improving Android with enhanced security measures — such as advanced features designed to shield you from message fraud — and the company is now advancing further with in-call scam defense that Google claims will assist in identifying if con artists are attempting to gain access to your financial applications. This new feature is included in an expanding pilot initiative, which Google states is now being made available to a larger user base.

    Essentially, when you’re on a call and sharing your screen while launching a financial app like your banking application, the new system will verify if the individual you are conversing with is in your contacts. If that individual is not, your Android device will produce a warning indicating that the call is likely a scam, suggesting that fraudsters might be using the call to compromise your finances. The company detailed the feature in a recent security blog entry, and this latest pilot follows closely on the heels of Google’s newest Circle to Search scam verifier, which enables you to circle elements on your screen to check for scams as well.

    Disrupting the scammers’ influence

    The whole new system is crafted to disrupt the “influence” that fraudsters can sometimes exert with their social engineering strategies. Google notes that once the warning activates, you will be required to wait for 30 seconds before proceeding. During this interval, the sense of urgency often exploited by scammers should ideally be countered by rational thought, giving you an opportunity to refrain from divulging your banking details to a malicious entity.

    As mentioned earlier, the feature initially launched as part of a pilot program in the UK, and Google asserts that it “assisted thousands of users in terminating calls that could have cost them a considerable sum of money.” Certainly,

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    • Comments Off on Five Typical Errors That Drain Your Computer’s Storage Space
    Five Typical Errors That Drain Your Computer’s Storage Space

    cause your SSD to malfunction. Even if everything appears fine, your drive may be suffering from impaired memory cells, overloaded firmware controllers, or mechanical parts that are deteriorating.

    A lot of these problems can be prevented with just a few straightforward regular practices. You only need to cultivate certain habits, such as routinely cleaning your PC, ensuring it has adequate airflow through the case, or frequently updating the drive’s firmware. Extending the lifespan of your storage device can be that easy! The distinction between a robust drive that endures its expected lifespan and one that fails early hinges on a handful of conscious practices.

    1. Overheating

    Laptop with temperature warning sign

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    • Comments Off on The Advantages and Disadvantages of Utilizing USB Port Wi-Fi Adapters
    The Advantages and Disadvantages of Utilizing USB Port Wi-Fi Adapters

    A person's hand holding a USB Wi-Fi dongle with an antenna

    fjr gallery/Shutterstock

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    Using a USB Wi-Fi adapter seems like a reasonable choice. These adapters are compact enough to hold in your palm, and setting them up is just as simple as using a USB stick. More significantly, for those on a tight budget, USB Wi-Fi adapters are an affordable component, which cannot be said for most PC hardware. If your desktop lacks integrated wireless capabilities, opting for a USB Wi-Fi adapter is typically the most economical solution. It’s also appropriate if you’re hesitant to install a PCIe Wi-Fi card, which requires some familiarity with motherboard setups. Furthermore, it may be your only option if your motherboard doesn’t have extra PCIe slots, or if they are occupied by components like your GPU or video capture card. However, if you have the option and the funding, why would you not select the superior alternative?

    While USB Wi-Fi adapters function adequately, particularly the Wi-Fi 6 and later models, they cannot match the performance levels of a PCIe Wi-Fi card. There are several reasons for this, but it primarily comes down to key factors like thermal throttling and USB bottlenecking, issues that PCIe Wi-Fi cards avoid. Moreover, numerous PCIe Wi-Fi cards include adjustable antennas connected via cables, which can be arranged further from the computer to mitigate wireless interference. Thus, although USB Wi-Fi adapters serve their purpose, they aren’t a practical choice for serious users.

    USB port Wi-Fi adapters present too many drawbacks for serious users

    A person connecting a USB Wi-Fi adapter to a laptop

    fjr gallery/Shutterstock

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    • Comments Off on Typical Household Products That Could Interfere With Your Wi-Fi Signal
    Typical Household Products That Could Interfere With Your Wi-Fi Signal

    Frustrated user with laptop facing Wi-Fi disconnection

    ParinPix/Shutterstock

    Determining what’s wrong with your home Wi-Fi can be quite aggravating since the indicators are often identical. Video buffering, slow downloads, sudden disconnections—they could signal numerous distinct problems. There may be an outage with your internet service provider, your router could be outdated, or perhaps too many devices are competing for the available bandwidth.

    If you’ve dismissed the typical culprits and your Wi-Fi continues to misbehave, the solution is likely right before your eyes. Certain items in your home disrupt wireless signals in ways that often go unnoticed. Some are easy to identify once you know where to look, while others can be quite unexpected.

    We will examine the top 10 household items that interfere with your Wi-Fi, beginning with the most frequent offenders and progressing to those you might never suspect. By the conclusion, you’ll understand what is really causing your connectivity problems and what steps you can take to resolve them.

    Microwave ovens operate on similar frequencies

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