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The Role of Streaming Devices for Owners of Smart TVs

Roku’s collection of streaming devices and set-top units — as opposed to the applications and additional functionalities integrated into a web-connected television.

At first glance, this may appear unnecessary, yet many individuals opt for a streaming gadget even when they possess a smart television — and for valid reasons. “Smart” doesn’t inherently imply “quick,” “fluid,” or even “dependable.” Well-known platforms like Fire TV and Google TV are distributed to a variety of different manufacturers, leading to a significant performance disparity from one TV to another. Factors ranging from the processor selection by a company to the software version that ships with the television can greatly influence how effectively the interface operates in everyday use.

Lazy navigation, unhurried app loading, and random crashes are not rare occurrences on smart televisions, particularly in budget and mid-range models that may skimp on internal components. A dedicated streaming unit or stick circumvents this issue by providing a stable, well-supported platform that has been fine-tuned for a singular purpose: streaming your content efficiently and effortlessly.

When your smart television requires some assistance

4 Budget-Friendly Smart TVs Delivering Outstanding Value

smart TV producers are providing models that deliver significantly greater value than their price suggests. Additionally, you can achieve better value by selecting last-generation models.

To assist you in making a more informed smart TV purchase, we have curated four models that are widely regarded as exceptional within their price range. These specific models were selected after thorough evaluation of their features, price-to-performance ratio, and long-term usability. Our suggestions also cover various price segments, ensuring that a suitable option is available for most individuals’ next smart TV investment.

TCL QM6K

The TCL QM6K, which features in our recommendations for budget-friendly TVs that appear upscale, is a cost-effective smart TV that boasts an impressive array of features for its price. It incorporates all the latest TV technologies you desire in a top-notch LED TV, including Mini-LED backlighting and full-array local dimming for high brightness levels and a solid contrast ratio. The television also employs quantum dot technology, resulting in vibrant and realistic colors. Design is another notable aspect of the TCL model, which has a sleek profile and narrow bezels, as highlighted in our TCL QM6K review.

You’ll be pleased to discover it offers 4K resolution for sharp and clear images, and it supports all standard HDR formats, including Dolby Vision and HDR10+, enabling

Samsung’s Latest One UI Function Promotes Family Interaction

Samsung’s One UI 8.5 may persuade you to reach out to your parents.

What you need to know

– Samsung is trying out a reminder that indicates how long it has been since you last contacted a family member.
– The reminder appears in the Now Brief/Now Bar with a day count.
– The feature has a dismiss button, yet it’s unclear if the final version will provide permanent opt-out options.

Samsung’s upcoming One UI update might deliver more than just fresh aesthetics and AI capabilities. It could also serve as a reminder to contact your family if you haven’t done so in a while.

This concept surfaced after a user posted a screenshot on X, which was covered by Android Authority. In the screenshot, the system noted that the user hadn’t communicated for nearly a month.

Shortly after, prominent leaker Ice Universe validated the feature, stating their own device reminded them of a 22-day interval since speaking to their mother.

“Reach out to your family,” the message suggests, accompanied by a contact card and a very specific counter.

One UI 8.5 could prompt you to connect with home

The reminder shows up in Samsung’s Now Brief or Now Bar interface and informs you how long it has been since you last interacted with a particular family member.

This marks a new direction for Samsung. Previously, One UI updates concentrated on usability, customization, and aesthetics. Now, the shift appears to lean more towards emotional engagement than technical enhancement.

Samsung hasn’t clarified how the software determines who qualifies as “family,” but it likely relies on contact information, call logs, or Samsung’s family group functionalities.

Crucially, this isn’t a compulsory action. You can dismiss the reminder and proceed, indicating Samsung aims to strike a balance between being helpful and not overly intrusive.

The family-call reminder is merely one feature within a larger update. One UI 8.5 seems to be a significant release, particularly for Galaxy S25 users exploring the beta version.

Since this remains beta software, not every feature is guaranteed to be included in the final version. However, if Samsung retains this feature, One UI 8.5 may be notable for inspiring users to reconnect.

T-Mobile Provides an Incentive of Up to $800 for Switching from Your Existing Phone Plan: Find Out More Inside

Clear your device payments and receive as many as four new smartphones at no cost.

(Image credit: Android Central)

9to5Mac Daily: January 5, 2026 – Summary of Apple’s January Updates and iOS 27 Speculations

**9to5Mac Daily: Your Destination for Daily Apple News and Insights**

In the rapidly evolving tech landscape, staying abreast of the most recent news and advancements is vital, particularly for Apple fans. 9to5Mac Daily offers a handy platform for listeners to get the top stories of the day concerning Apple and its ecosystem. This enlightening podcast is tailored for those who wish to remain aware without having to wade through numerous articles.

**What is 9to5Mac Daily?**

9to5Mac Daily is a daily podcast that highlights the most important news stories within the Apple realm. Each episode is recorded on weekdays, guaranteeing that listeners obtain timely updates on the latest events. The podcast is available on various platforms, including [iTunes](https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/9to5mac-daily/id1331816080), [Stitcher](https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/9to5mac-daily), [TuneIn](https://tunein.com/radio/9to5Mac-Daily-p1089524/), [Google Play](https://play.google.com/music/m/I5d4dzs7dauazmfxvvrynyiuram?t=9to5Mac_Daily), and via a [dedicated RSS feed](https://feedpress.me/9to5macdaily) for Overcast and other podcast applications.

**Content Overview**

Each episode of 9to5Mac Daily encompasses discussions on a variety of topics, including product launches, software updates, industry trends, and beyond. The podcast aims to deliver listeners a brief yet thorough summary of the day’s most significant news.

Listeners can also opt for 9to5Mac Daily Plus, which provides ad-free episodes and additional content, enhancing the listening experience. This subscription service can be accessed at [9to5mac.com/join](http://9to5mac.com/join).

**Engagement and Feedback**

9to5Mac Daily promotes listener interaction and feedback. Audiences can convey their opinions via email at [[email protected]](mailto:[email protected]). Furthermore, ratings and recommendations on platforms such as [Apple Podcasts](https://geo.itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/id1331816080?at=10laZc&pt=11l8808) and [Overcast](https://geo.itunes.apple.com/us/app/overcast/id888422857?mt=8&at=10laZc&pt=11l8808) assist in enhancing the show’s visibility and reach.

**Conclusion**

For those intrigued by Apple news, 9to5Mac Daily stands as a crucial resource. With its daily updates and engaging material, it guarantees that listeners are consistently informed about the latest advancements in the Apple ecosystem. Whether you’re a casual user or a tech aficionado, tuning into 9to5Mac Daily is an excellent way to stay updated.

Anticipated Launch Date for the Latest Siri This Year

Apple’s long-awaited AI enhancements for Siri are finally set to be released this year. Here’s the anticipated release date for the revamped Siri.

## Major AI Revamp for Siri Anticipated in March with iOS 26.4

Bloomberg has long reported that iOS 26.4 will introduce Apple’s refreshed AI Siri. This timeframe has also been supported by code leaks from iOS 26.

At present, iOS 26.3 is undergoing beta testing, but given Apple’s historical software release patterns, we can estimate when iOS 26.4 might launch.

Here are the release dates for the prior iOS x.4 updates:

– iOS 18.4: Monday, March 31
– iOS 17.4: Tuesday, March 5
– iOS 16.4: Monday, March 27

Following this trend, the debut of iOS 26.4 and the revamped Siri **is anticipated in March**—most likely towards the end of the month.

A late March release would align with the timelines of 2025 and 2023. However, 2024 witnessed an earlier March launch for iOS 17.4, so it remains possible that Apple could unveil iOS 26.4 sooner than projected.

Ultimately, the launch timing will likely be swayed by the release of the initial beta.

iOS 18.4 and iOS 16.4 saw their first betas in mid-February, while the beta 1 for iOS 17.4 was rolled out a few weeks earlier in late January.

If we receive iOS 26.4 beta 1 in January, it could lead to an early March public launch. Conversely, if it gets postponed until mid-February, a late March release becomes more probable.

## Upcoming Features for Siri

Siri is poised for a significant renovation in iOS 26.4. Its outdated underlying framework is being updated with an LLM-based system.

In some instances, changes to the underlying code for software features might not be readily apparent to users. However, the advantages of Siri’s transition are expected to be quite noticeable.

The new LLM-powered Siri should be capable of intelligently assisting users much like chatbots such as ChatGPT and Gemini.

Additionally, it will facilitate a range of robust features that were initially planned for iOS 18 but were postponed. These encompass:

1. App Intents for hands-free operation
2. Personal contextual awareness
3. On-screen recognition

Apple has committed to ensuring that its new Siri will deliver all of this and more, rooted in the upcoming underlying framework.

Given how long it has been since the announcement of Siri’s upgrades, there will be significant anticipation for the new features. Here’s hoping that the additional time Apple is taking results in a Siri that users truly deserve.

Which upgrades for Siri in iOS 26.4 are you most looking forward to? Share your thoughts in the comments.

How the Steam Deck is Improving Ukraine’s Drone Abilities

unexpectedly fascinating applications beyond gaming that often defy expectations for Valve’s proprietary handheld. A notable instance is the use of the Steam Deck as a portable remote controller for drones in Ukraine. While the Steam Deck does not directly power the drones, Ukrainian troops are utilizing it as an economical, battery-efficient handheld controller to manage ground turrets. 

This integrated system is termed Sablya (or Sable), as indicated by images released by the Ukrainian news outlet TPO Media in 2023. The account also disclosed how the operation functions, stating that the remote-operated turrets can be controlled from a distance of at least half a kilometer (500m) and can also be affixed to vehicles. It’s an unconventional application of the Steam Deck, but due to the open-source characteristics of the platform, there is little Valve can do to intervene. Nevertheless, it undeniably highlights the Steam Deck’s abilities as a remote Linux computer capable of running non-Steam games, even if the context of its application is somewhat more precarious than casual gaming.

Understanding Sablya and its significance for Ukrainian forces

Expert Perspectives on the Longevity of OLED Computer Displays

OLED burn-in manifests on displays, giving them an appearance of aging.

The development of OLED technology is progressing rapidly, yet it continues to be significantly constrained by the gradual decline of organic materials, particularly the blue light emitters. This indicates that even the screens rated for high usage hours will ultimately exhibit indicators of deterioration after a few years of consistent use. Nevertheless, the rapid advancement of OLED technology offers optimism. Manufacturers are tirelessly focused on creating strategies for managing burn-in and finding methods to alleviate this issue, potentially even preventing it altogether. Presently, with the emergence of QD-OLED displays, the advantages of this innovative technology surpass its longevity limitations.

The durability of OLED computer displays

“Five Best Productivity Applications for Android Users”

necessary Android applications you must begin utilizing today to enhance your efficiency.

For concentrating on assignments: Focus Friend

CES 2026: Audeze Maxwell 2 Headset Boasts Unparalleled Sound Excellence, Bluetooth 5.3 LE with LDAC, and AuraCast

Audeze, a distinguished name in the audio sector, has once again raised the standard with the launch of the Maxwell 2 gaming headset. This newest version exemplifies Audeze’s dedication to innovation and quality, as it revamps almost every feature to provide a gaming headset that surpasses its rivals.

The Maxwell 2 is crafted with gamers in mind, presenting a multitude of new attributes that improve both audio excellence and user engagement. At the core of this headset are Audeze’s renowned planar magnetic drivers, delivering unmatched sound fidelity. The inclusion of Bluetooth 5.3 LE with LDAC ensures effortless connectivity, while AuraCast integration elevates the entire audio experience.

Comfort is essential for lengthy gaming durations, and Audeze has tackled this with a newly designed ventilated headband and a detachable microphone that boasts double the bandwidth and AI-driven noise cancellation. The physical controls are user-friendly, enabling gamers to concentrate on their gameplay without interruptions.

Personalization is another standout feature of the Maxwell 2, offering choices for distinctive faceplate designs, including 3D-printed options. This degree of customization guarantees that the headset not only excels in performance but also aligns with the user’s personal style.

The versatility of the Maxwell 2 goes beyond gaming. Its exceptional sound quality makes it a fantastic option for enjoying music or using it as a standard Bluetooth headset with a smartphone. The battery life is remarkable, with Audeze claiming up to 80 hours of usage between charges, and rapid charging via USB-C provides minimal downtime.

With a price tag of $329, the Maxwell 2 delivers outstanding value given its features and performance. Whether you’re a serious gamer or an audio enthusiast, the Maxwell 2 is a worthwhile purchase that guarantees to enhance your audio experience to new levels.