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Google Pixel Now Works as Nintendo Switch 2 Webcam for GameChat

A silent update has enabled the use of a Pixel phone in USB webcam mode with the Switch 2.

What you should know:
– Google Pixel phones inherently function as USB webcams, but this capability was not compatible with the Nintendo Switch 2.
– Now, after a subtle update, you can utilize your Pixel phone as a webcam for the Switch 2.
– The webcam functionality on the Switch 2 enhances the GameChat feature, allowing users to video call and share gameplay screens with friends.

Google provides a variety of useful features on Pixel phones, including the functionality to serve as USB webcams. This feature was initially introduced in Android 14 QPR1, but Google Pixel devices remain the sole Android phones that support it. By adhering to the USB Video Class webcam standard, you can connect a Pixel to a host device and use its camera as a webcam. Currently, this capability is functional with the Nintendo Switch 2.

As noticed by user Nadir92 on X (previously Twitter) and reported by Android Authority, the GameChat feature on the Switch 2 now functions with Pixel phones. By linking a USB-C cable between your Switch 2 and a Pixel phone, you can make use of the phone’s live camera feed for GameChat.

Nintendo’s innovative GameChat feature is a significant addition to the Switch 2, facilitating gameplay in an engaging group setting with friends. Once connected to a webcam, users can enter a group video call and share their screens. This function is compatible with various games, providing an ingenious approach to playing Switch 2 games remotely with others. However, there is one drawback — the Nintendo Switch 2 lacks a built-in camera.

Nintendo states that the Switch 2’s GameChat feature supports most USB webcams. The company even offers a first-party camera accessory for $50 explicitly designed for Game Chat. Nonetheless, this accessory is relatively large and is more suited for a home gaming setup rather than portability.

Hence, utilizing a smartphone — a gadget equipped with multiple cameras and a USB-C port that most individuals already have on hand — is ideal for GameChat functionality on the Switch 2. Regrettably, the Google Pixel USB webcam mode was not compatible with GameChat at the Switch 2’s launch. This issue has now been rectified, providing Pixel phone users with a convenient GameChat webcam that is always accessible.

It remains uncertain whether an update from Google or Nintendo enhanced the compatibility between these devices. Regardless, it’s a positive development for Switch 2 owners who also possess a Pixel, as they have just discovered a new way to utilize GameChat.

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Unpacking the Galaxy Z TriFold: A Comprehensive Examination of Samsung’s Most Recent Breakthrough

Unboxing and testing the Samsung Galaxy Z TriFold!

(Image credit: Samsung)

Essential information

  • The Galaxy Z TriFold from Samsung showcases a 10.1-inch screen with a unique U-shaped tri-fold construction.
  • Mrwhosetheboss provides in-depth hands-on feedback, highlighting the device’s design, software, and overall user interface.
  • This gadget features standalone Samsung DeX and is launched in Korea with a price point of $2,400.
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Galaxy Watch 5 and Pro Users Await One UI 8 Watch Update After Beta Wrap-Up

The moment is nearly here.

(Image credit: Michael Hicks / Android Central)

Essential information

  • One UI 8 Watch has been released for Galaxy Watch 8, 7, and 6 series
  • Galaxy Watch 5 series is anticipated to get the stable One UI 8 Watch update shortly
  • This significant update includes enhancements to Wear OS 6 and introduces features like Running Coach

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Possible Hold-up in the Deployment of Nothing OS 4 Based on Android 16

Users of the Nothing phone who have yet to install Nothing OS 4 may face a slightly extended wait.

(Image credit: Apoorva Bhardwaj / Android Central)

Essential information

  • It seems that Nothing has halted the distribution of the Nothing OS 4 update, which is built on Android 16.
  • A post on Reddit has purportedly shared an email from Nothing support confirming that the Nothing OS 4 update is on hold.
  • Nothing is reportedly developing a fixed version of the update that will be released after it passes internal evaluations.

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Top 9 Unique Electronics Offered Exclusively at Walmart

Onn 50-inch 4K smart TV demonstrates precisely why Walmart established the brand to begin with. At only $178, you receive a 50-inch 4K UHD television featuring HDR capabilities and built-in Roku.

The image quality surprisingly holds up well for its affordable price, delivering sharp 2160p resolution that enhances the streaming experience. Regarding streaming, the Onn smart TV is compatible with numerous streaming services, such as Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Disney+, and HBO Max. Additionally, you gain access to the Roku Channel, which is complimentary and filled with movies and shows you can enjoy without needing another subscription (but with

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NASA’s Selections for the Most Scientifically Precise Science Fiction Films

in the medical series “The Pitt,” which effectively reveals the physical and psychological challenges faced by healthcare professionals. 

In terms of science fiction, NASA researchers have categorized both unrealistic and plausible films during a gathering at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (as reported by Smithsonian Magazine). They should be the experts, right? Here’s the complete list of the most credible and likely films:

  1. “Gattaca” (1997)
  2. “Contact” (1997)
  3. “Metropolis” (1927)
  4. “The Day the Earth Stood Still” (1951)
  5. “Woman from the Moon” (1929)
  6. “The Thing from Another World” (1951)
  7. “Jurassic Park” (1993)

The most credible film is “Gattaca,” from 1997, which is so well-crafted in its representation of modern genetics that scientists have built upon the concept with a insightful 2022 publication. Additionally, “Contact,” featuring Jodie Foster, is inspired by a novel authored by Carl Sagan, a genuine astronomer and scientist. It appears he delayed the production as he desired it to be highly precise (via <a href="https://faroutmagazine.co.uk/how-scientifically-accurate-is-contact-according-to-nasa/" target="_blank

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Refresh firmware and drivers

The Security of Applying WD-40 on Electronic Gadgets

If you’ve ever found yourself needing to remove a stubborn screw or lubricate the track of a sliding-glass door, it’s likely you’ve reached for a can of WD-40 to accomplish the task. A versatile solution, WD-40 is frequently utilized as a lubricant, but it’s also effective in preventing rust, corrosion, and moisture. This practical product serves well for home, garden, and automotive uses, and even casual tech enthusiasts can discover multiple applications for a can of Water Displacement, 40th Formula (the full meaning of the acronym).

However, DIY computer assemblers and vintage radio restorers should take caution: the conventional WD-40 Multi-Use Product is not meant for use on electronics. You might be wondering what the issue is. Regular WD-40 is highly flammable, and the residue it leaves can conduct electricity.

Even if you spray it on a power supply or exposed circuits and everything appears to operate normally at that moment, the leftover residue is essentially a ticking time bomb. After a few days or weeks, it can cause a short circuit, damage the entire component, or— in the worst-case scenario— ignite an electrical fire.

Maintenance that doesn’t lead to malfunction

We comprehend why you might have assumed it was acceptable to use WD-40 on your tech device— after all, how else could you remove all the dust and grime from your electronic components? Beyond the fire and electrical risks posed by WD-40, that oily film it leaves behind may disturb the dirt you’re trying to clean in the short term, but it can also serve as a magnet for future debris to adhere to.

Fortunately, various products tailored for deep-cleaning electronics are available on the market, including one made by the WD-40 brand itself. Introducing WD-40 Specialist Contact Cleaner, a spray-on solution specifically designed for use with circuit boards, electric panels, and control interfaces. The red precision nozzle allows you to spray oil and dirt from hard-to-access areas, and the product dries quickly, leaving no residue.

Alternatively, you can purchase a bottle of 90% isopropyl alcohol or higher for cleaning electronics. It’s generally safe as the liquid evaporates rapidly and does not leave any residue behind. Avoid anything 70% or lower, which contains a lot of water, persists on surfaces, and takes a long time to evaporate— not ideal for sensitive electronics.

Keep your tech clean without damaging it

There are additional brands that create safe and reliable contact cleaners for electronic devices, many readily available on Amazon. This CRC QD Electronic Cleaner is among the top-rated contact cleaners on the site (4.8 out of five stars, based on more than 14,000 reviews), and it’s designed to leave zero residue while protecting against contact failures.

We recognize the importance of keeping your electronics free from dust and lint. Our guides on safely cleaning your computer’s USB ports and effectively deep cleaning your iPhone highlight tools such as cotton swabs, microfiber cloths, and isopropyl alcohol— all equally effective at eliminating dirt and grime from circuit boards and other sensitive electronics.

Additionally, we provide guidance on how frequently you should clean your computer, recommending the use of a soft-bristled brush to remove dirt and dust clumps. This is another excellent accessory to include in your toolkit— ideal for not only clearing crud from your laptop or desktop, but also for giving all your other electronics a well-deserved cleanup.

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Comprehending the Black Dot on Your iPhone Display and How to Turn It Off

Staying updated with your phone’s software is one of the top methods to guarantee that your device performs at its best. Occasionally, an update can bring features and settings you’ve never encountered before, similar to those seen on iPhones with the launch of iOS 18.4 earlier this year. Alongside the standard bug fixes and system enhancements, this iOS version also introduced a new UI feature: a black dot located to the right of the Dynamic Island.

Surprisingly, the black dot is simply a visual upgrade for two privacy indicators that debuted with iOS 14, namely the orange and green dots. A green dot signifies that an iPhone app is accessing your camera, while an orange dot indicates that an app is utilizing your phone’s internal microphone. In iOS 18.4, developers relocated the indicators from the Dynamic Island and added a black background to both, improving their visibility.

To remove the green or orange dots with a black background, you just need to close the app that is accessing your iPhone’s camera or microphone. If you’re uncertain which software is causing these indicators to appear, swipe down from the top-right corner of the screen to access Control Center. Here, you will find usage details for active apps, including which software is using the camera or microphone.

You cannot turn off the dots, but you can manage your privacy.

When looking for privacy indicators on phones, such as the green dot on Android devices, it is wise also to monitor which apps your phone is operating. Regardless of whether you’re using an iPhone or Android, a privacy indicator might be your sole warning of potential malware running in the background, especially if you are confident that your apps are not causing it.

How might it have appeared initially? There are numerous ways, one of which is through a compromised connection. This is why it’s advisable to steer clear of public USB charging stations, or at the very least, use a protective accessory like JSAUX’s USB Data Blocker if you absolutely need to charge your device and lack a portable charger.

Regrettably, if the green or orange dot bothers your iOS experience, there’s no universal off switch for the indicators. However, you can individually grant and revoke camera and microphone access. To do this, go to Settings, tap Privacy & Security, and select Camera or Microphone. Once you revoke an app’s access to the camera or microphone from the list, the indicator dots should no longer show up when you use that software, and they will remain off for any apps you have not authorized.

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