Blog Posts

Blog Posts

Meta Will Sabotage Its Smart Glasses by Being Itself

Whenever I write about Meta’s Ray-Ban smart glasses, I already know the comments I’m going to get. Cool hardware, but hard pass on anything Meta makes; will wait for someone else to come along. It’s hard to imagine that sentiment changing anytime soon after The New York Times reported that Meta mulled launching facial recognition […]

Five Creative Methods to Reuse Your Old Amazon Fire TV Stick

Streaming sticks, due to their affordable pricing, often feel like disposable items, similar to an old mouse or keyboard that you replace without second thoughts.

Interestingly, an aging Amazon Fire TV Stick can still prove to be a useful device, even if its speed has diminished over time. Naturally, it may not serve as your main streaming device, but it can address various issues around the household, assist you during travels, or even find a role in a small business environment.

The advantageous aspect is that repurposing a used Amazon Fire TV Stick requires minimal time, effort, or financial investment. There’s no need to modify the hardware or purchase additional accessories. Here are straightforward ways to repurpose the streaming stick, save some money, and reduce e-waste simultaneously.

Utilize it as a travel companion

Samsung Unveils One UI 8.5 Beta 5 Before Galaxy S26 Debut

Final tweaks before we head out.

(Image credit: Andrew Myrick / Android Central)

2.1-Channel Audio HAT for Raspberry Pi Features Texas Instruments TAS5825M Class-D Amplifier

Louder Raspberry Hat Plus

Previously, we wrote about the Louder Raspberry Pi, an open-source media center that integrates the Louder Raspberry Hat based on a 25W TAS5805M Class-D amplifier. Now, the developer has introduced the Louder Raspberry Hat Plus, upgrading from the TAS5805M amplifier to the more powerful TAS5825M, capable of driving up to 53W in mono (PBTL) mode while offering improved efficiency and thermal performance. The Louder Raspberry Hat Plus is compatible with all Raspberry Pi models and comes in 1X and 2X variants. The 1X version delivers up to 2×32W at 8Ω or 2×45W at 4Ω, the 2X version, on the other hand, supports 2×32W plus a dedicated 53W subwoofer channel, with bridge mode available for higher mono output. The board also integrates a DSP with 15-band parametric EQ per channel, 128-tap FIR filtering, 3-band DRC, selectable LF/HF crossovers, digital volume and gain control (32-step analog gain), selectable modulation schemes, adjustable switching […]

The post 2.1-channel audio HAT for Raspberry Pi features Texas Instruments TAS5825M class-D amplifier appeared first on CNX Software – Embedded Systems News.

Galaxy Wearables App Revamped with Contemporary Design, Removes Support for Legacy Devices

Samsung is preparing for its highly awaited announcements next week, setting the groundwork for the introduction of new updates and products. The technology leader is reportedly refining its Galaxy Wearable app for the major reveal of One UI 8.5, which will deliver notable user interface enhancements and support for new devices.

As per a report from SamMobile, Samsung is releasing an update for the Galaxy Wearable app, featuring the One UI 8.5 upgrades. This update is especially thrilling as it incorporates support for the forthcoming Galaxy Buds 4 and 4 Pro. There is much speculation that these new earbuds will be officially announced during Samsung’s Galaxy Unpacked event next week, heightening excitement.

However, the update also brings some unwelcome news for users of older devices. Samsung has indicated that the Galaxy Fit and Galaxy Fit e will no longer receive support, reflecting a shift towards newer technologies. While the update is being rolled out in specific regions, users in others, including the U.S., may need to wait a little longer to access it.

The mention of support for the Galaxy Buds 4 and 4 Pro has become a significant topic of discussion, with rumors about these earbuds having been in circulation for months. Recent leaks point to a redesign that abandons the pointed, triangular stem shape of the previous model, favoring a more rounded appearance. The Buds 4 are anticipated to omit silicone eartips, a modification that may split opinions among users.

Samsung has confirmed that its Galaxy Unpacked event is set for February 25, 2026, in San Francisco, California. The event is expected to unveil the next generation of Samsung products, including the Galaxy S26 series, which already has a reserve program in place.

As Samsung continues to advance its software and product innovations, anticipation is growing around what the Galaxy Buds 4 and 4 Pro will deliver in terms of audio quality. The previous versions, especially the 3 Pro, received acclaim for their rich and intricate sound, and expectations are elevated for the upcoming series to maintain or even improve this benchmark.

Will Stancil: Champion of the People or Just a Nuisance?

I met Will Stancil two days before he got booted from his neighborhood Signal chat. We were at the Uptown Minneapolis VFW at an event hosted by Rep. Ilhan Omar, a thank-you party for Minnesotans who fought ICE in ways big and small. There were tacos and drinks, and dancing, though I never saw Stancil […]