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USB Port Colors That Remain Constantly Active

USB ports come in various colors, indicating that they serve different purposes. If you’ve plugged your phone into one of your computer’s USB ports and noticed that it was charging, you’ve encountered a USB port that remains powered. These ports keep supplying power to attached devices even when the computer itself is turned off, in sleep mode, or hibernating. The colors that denote USB ports that are always powered are red, yellow, and orange.

These ports offer additional functionalities but fundamentally enable you to charge your phone without needing to power on or wake your computer. In the case of a laptop, it effectively acts as a power bank, ensuring your phone stays charged when a portable charger isn’t available or when no USB outlets are in proximity. They’re also a practical solution for keeping wireless keyboards and mice energized and connected to a computer, allowing you to wake it up (you must enable this feature in settings).

If the concept of always-on USB ports appeals to you and you can’t find any of the aforementioned colors, search for one that features a battery or lightning symbol beside it. If a port bears that symbol, you can configure it to remain powered with some adjustments. Just remember that activating this function will draw power, so only do it when necessary.

Enabling always-on functionality for other colored ports

Top 4 Essential Samsung TV Applications for 2026

recognized as the top major smart TV manufacturer regarding customer satisfaction, as per the American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI). A significant factor contributing to this is the range of Samsung TVs available across various price points and the incorporation of both OLED and LCD technologies within its products. Additionally, the inclusion of the Tizen smart TV OS, which powers all Samsung TVs, is a plus, as it features several captivating functionalities that are not offered by Google TV or other smart TV operating systems. Furthermore, Tizen provides access to an extensive array of smart TV applications that can be enjoyed, such as Samsung TV Plus, allowing you to watch hundreds of channels at no cost.

While many are aware of popular streaming services like Disney+, HBO Max, Netflix, and Prime Video, numerous other valuable smart TV applications tend to be neglected. Here is a selection of such apps that offer distinctive and engaging features, enhancing your TV viewing experience. All of these apps are available for download from Samsung’s integrated app store, eliminating the need for sideloading.

JustWatch

Searching for content across multiple streaming services and applications can be challenging, but JustWatch is designed to assist you. You can regard JustWatch as your streaming content search tool. It informs you of which content is accessible on which service, regardless of whether you are a subscriber to that service. This feature significantly saves time when you receive a recommendation from anywhere or social media and wish to view it. Instead of wasting precious minutes logging into each service and hunting for it, you can instantly search for the content on JustWatch and discover precisely which services offer that content. In a landscape where streaming

$13 Qualcomm QCC74xM EVK Features Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.4, and 802.15.4 Connectivity (Powered by Bouffalo Lab BL618)

The Qualcomm QCC74xM EVK

Back in November 2024, we wrote about Qualcomm’s QCC730M and QCC74xM modules for low-power IoT devices, but at the time, there was no evaluation board EVK for those SoCs. Fast forward to today, and the official development boards for the QCC74x series have finally been released, complete with a surprisingly affordable price tag. The Qualcomm QCC74xM EVK is a tri-radio evaluation board with Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.4, and IEEE 802.15.4 (Thread/Zigbee) with a price tag of just over $13. But what is interesting is that, while it carries the Qualcomm brand, documentation from the Zephyr Project clearly shows that the QCC74x series is actually based on and mostly equivalent to the Bouffalo Lab BL61x series, specifically the BL618. Qualcomm QCC74xM EVK specifications: Wireless Module – Qualcomm QCC74xM LGA Module (QCC743M, QCC744M, or QCC748M depending on the board variant) CPU – 32-bit RISC-V processor (RV32IMAFCP) @ up to 325 MHz with FPU […]

The post $13 Qualcomm QCC74xM EVK offers Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.4, and 802.15.4 connectivity (Bouffalo Lab BL618 inside) appeared first on CNX Software – Embedded Systems News.

How Display Screens Can Damage Your Eyes and Methods to Avoid It

especially when it involves gazing at smartphones and computers. Prolonged exposure can result in digital eye strain (DES) or dry eyes. Fortunately, these effects are temporary. In addition to allowing your eyes to rest, there are several actions you can take to achieve both immediate and lasting relief.

That being said, screen time has been associated with a heightened risk of myopia (nearsightedness) onset and progression in children. This suggests that reducing the little ones’ screen time might be essential for avoiding the need for corrective lenses. Furthermore, the more time children spend outdoors, the more beneficial it will be for their vision.

Ultimately, screen time itself isn’t detrimental. Issues arise when screen usage becomes excessive, which can be difficult to manage for those who work remotely or for busy parents who rely on screens to keep their kids occupied without disruption. However, the adverse effects cannot be overlooked, even if they are not necessarily permanent.

Digital eye strain