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How AirPods Identify When You Drift Off to Sleep

Apple has rolled out a handy new feature for iOS 26 that automatically halts your audio after you’ve dozed off. 

The aptly titled “Pause Media When Falling Asleep” option is simply a quick toggle on your iPhone or iPad. This setting is also accessible on macOS Tahoe and tvOS 26, for those of you with MacBooks and Apple TV devices. Currently, the Pause Media feature is exclusively available for the AirPods 4, AirPods Pro 2, and AirPods Pro 3. 

Before we guide you on how to activate this new AirPods feature, ensure your iPhone, iPad, Mac, and/or Apple TV streaming device is up to date with the latest firmware. Now place your compatible AirPods in your ears, and let’s begin. 

How to activate Pause Media When Falling Asleep

Review of Pitaka Cases: Elegant Safeguarding for Your iPhone 17

iPhone 17 Pro Max.

Naturally, there is greater competition in the case market than ever. Apple’s official cases seem to be much improved this year compared to last, owing to the introduction of the TechWoven fabric that came out with the 2025 iPhone models. Additionally, Pitaka’s cases are not exactly budget-friendly. With this in mind, are the Pitaka Ultra-Slim, Aramid ProGuard, and Aramid UltraGuard cases worth the investment? I’ve been testing them to see.

Pitaka Ultra-Slim Case

How Homeowners Are Transforming Old iPads to Save on Smart Home Technology

upgrade to a more recent model, there’s no reason to throw that sluggish, outdated iPad into a drawer never to be seen again. There are numerous ways you can utilize one, particularly for the smart home.

Before smart homes became widely available and tablets were popular, premium automation brands provided integrated systems that could be managed from a single panel on a wall or table. These panels closely resemble tablets and, in fact, function similarly to simpler versions of the iPad. It goes without saying that with the abundance of DIY smart home systems today, it is logical to create your own smart home hub and utilize an iPad as a shared interface for device management. You can also save your smartphone battery and not have to stress when you inevitably misplace the TV remote.

Utilizing Apple HomeKit to begin

To begin, transfer your data to a new iPad such as the iPad Pro and reset the old iPad to initiate with a fresh device. Configure it with your Apple ID, but refrain from copying all information over. Connect to Wi-Fi, then launch Apple HomeKit, which is already pre-installed on the iPad. HomeKit, which many anticipate will eventually transform into HomeOS, functions like Amazon Alexa and Google Home as a central hub for managing compatible HomeKit and Matter smart home devices. Add your compatible smart home devices one at a time if they aren’t already loaded in the app. These may include smart lights, smart security cameras, speakers, thermostats, video doorbells, and more.

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Explore 5 Unknown Smart Home Gadgets Offered at Costco

purchase new televisions from Costco alongside a variety of technology and electronics ranging from appliances to smart home gadgets. If you’re aiming to enhance your home’s technology arrangement, you can discover a multitude of helpful systems such as surveillance cameras and intelligent thermostats. In true Costco style, however, this barely scratches the surface of what is on offer. While exploring the entire online selection of smart technology products, you’ll find an array of intriguing items you might not even be aware existed, and here are five of the most captivating.

Black+Decker Smart Portable Air Conditioner

We are privileged to live in a time when air conditioning is broadly accessible, particularly on sweltering summer days. Nonetheless, not everyone has the opportunity for central air or even a smart window AC installation, and at times an oscillating fan simply won’t suffice when temperatures hit 93 degrees. If you’re seeking a cooling option that is portable around the house, you can acquire Black+Decker’s Smart Portable Air Conditioner at Costco.

This compact, stool-sized cooler on wheels is simple to move around the home and is ready to deliver a refreshing, cool breeze. Its main role is to function as an air conditioner, though it can also serve as a standard fan if cooling isn’t required, in addition to acting as a dehumidifier. It includes a remote for basic functionalities, but if you’re after a more customized cooling experience, you can connect the unit to your smart home system through the Black+Decker app available on iOS or Android. With complete support for Amazon Alexa and Google Home, you can adjust temperature settings, establish cooling schedules, and set timers from your smartphone, along with issuing voice commands.

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Crucial Affordable Devices for Every Audiophile’s Residence

AirPods Pro 3 and Sony’s WH-1000XM6 dominated the headlines this “Techtember” launch period, enticing audiophiles with premium specifications for an impulsive buy. Nevertheless, their exorbitant prices might deter many. You don’t need to splurge excessively, particularly on headphones alone, to achieve an excellent audio setup. Sony’s WH-1000XM6 retail at $399; within that price range, you can create your own home setup using some intriguing devices. Whether you are passionate about clear sound, robust bass, a rich soundstage, and aesthetics, there are undiscovered gems that satisfy all your requirements.

From retro-style vinyl players and compact Bluetooth speakers to in-ear monitors (IEMs) that provide studio-quality detail, these five gadgets (all priced under $100) deliver exceptional performance, and in some instances outshine pricier rivals. Whether you’re a vinyl lover, a newcomer to IEMs, or an individual assembling their first serious audio environment, here are five devices for those who are particular about audio intricacies and quality.

FiiO Snowsky Melody

If in-ear monitors pique your interest, or if you seek greater performance from your wired headphones, the FiiO Snowsky Melody digital-to-analog converter (DAC) could be the ideal $40 device to enhance your audio experience. Many Bluetooth earphones frequently diminish the listening pleasure due to latency problems and intermittent connections, and the need for regular charging is an added inconvenience. As a result, numerous individuals are transitioning to wired IEMs for superior sound production, but connecting them directly to smartphones is difficult as flagship devices have mostly abandoned the beloved 3.5mm jack in favor of a USB-C port.

The Snowsky Melody addresses both challenges: You can relish a detailed output while retrieving your 3.5mm jack, along with a 4.4mm jack for connecting additional devices. It also reduces background noise, which sensitive IEMs typically uncover in lower-quality converters, with its

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Halo Launch Date Revealed for PS5

If you’ve been delaying and anticipating Halo Studios (previously 343 Industries) to introduce its cherished “Halo” franchise to PlayStation consoles, it seems your wait won’t be overly long. On October 24, Halo Studios revealed that “Halo: Campaign Evolved” — a total remake of the original “Halo: Combat Evolved” campaign — will be launched on PlayStation 5 in 2026. While there’s no confirmed release date yet, it will be available “day and date” on Sony’s console.

The game is also slated for release on Xbox Series X|S, Xbox on PC, and Steam. Additionally, the remake will be accessible through Xbox Play Anywhere and Xbox Cloud Gaming. Nonetheless, the prospect of the new remake arriving on PS5 is sure to thrill numerous gamers, with Brian “ske7ch” Jarrard, the Community Director of Halo Studios, sharing the announcement on the PlayStation Blog.

“For nearly 25 years, Halo has provided players with an incredible sci-fi universe to delve into, unforgettable characters to encounter, and thrilling gameplay to experience together. From large-scale battles to friendships formed during late-night co-op sessions, Halo has always transcended being just a game – it’s about the players who’ve woven it into their lives. From the onset, we aimed to create a world filled with stories and experiences that unite people. And now, for the first time, PS5 players will also be able to partake in that journey.”

What is Halo: Campaign Evolved?

From all the footage and information Halo Studios has revealed, “Campaign Evolved” will offer more than a straightforward 1:1 remake of the original title. We have already witnessed this with the launch of “Halo: The Master Chief Collection,” which provided graphical enhancements for the second game while merging other “Halo” titles like “Halo: Reach” and “Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary” into a single offering.

“Halo: Campaign Evolved has been constructed from the ground up to pay homage to the original while modernizing the experience.” Jarrard mentioned in the PlayStation Blog entry. Moreover, the missions have been revamped with high-definition visuals and entirely new cinematics. Enhanced controls and movement are also pivotal to the growth of “Halo: Campaign Evolved,” and a fully remastered soundtrack will accompany players as they embark on Master Chief’s first adventure once more.

Among the “surprises” fans can look forward to are three new prequel missions, along with nine additional weapons. It appears these weapons have been sourced from throughout the series, making it unlikely for any entirely new items to be introduced. Players will also have the option to engage in four-player online co-op, as well as classic couch co-op with just two players. The game will also facilitate cross-play and cross-progression between both console and PC, allowing more players than ever to explore the Halo universe together.

Halo’s future remains uncertain

It’s intriguing to observe Microsoft bringing one of its flagship franchises to the PlayStation, though it seems a clever strategy given the recent challenges surrounding Xbox Game Pass and its price increases. Certainly, Microsoft has been making significant advancements in recent years, emphasizing its desire for players to enjoy its games regardless of their chosen platform. In that light, introducing Master Chief to PS5 — particularly with fresh visuals that could attract a new generation of Halo fans — appears to be a beneficial move for the company’s bottom line.

And while multiplayer won’t be included in this release, the launch of “Halo: Campaign Evolved” may just signify the beginning of a brighter future for the alien-fighting Master Chief as he explores new territories by settling into the living rooms of PlayStation fans. Judging by how Jarrard concluded his PlayStation Blog post, it certainly seems there are more developments on the horizon.

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YouTube TV May Risk Losing ESPN Because of Contract Conflict with Disney

YouTube TV nearly lost 14 channels due to a contract disagreement with NBCUniversal. This situation reoccurred earlier this month when YouTube TV and NBCUniversal reached an agreement at the last minute. More recently, YouTube TV is embroiled in yet another contract conflict, this time with Disney. Consequently, YouTube TV subscribers may potentially lose access to ESPN and ABC.

“This is yet another instance of Google taking advantage of its position to the detriment of its customers,” stated a Disney representative in a comment to Variety. “We make substantial investments in our content and anticipate our partners to offer reasonable rates that reflect that value. If we don’t come to an equitable agreement soon, YouTube TV subscribers will no longer have access to ESPN and ABC, along with our premier programming — including the NFL, college football, NBA and NHL seasons — and much more.”

YouTube TV, on the other hand, maintains that it has been negotiating in good faith. It claims that Disney is pursuing advantageous terms that are economically unviable and would eventually lead to an increased cost for a service that already charges $82.99 per month. Interestingly, YouTube TV hints that Disney is at ease with taking a hardline negotiating stance due to its “own live TV offerings – such as Hulu + Live TV and, soon, Fubo.” The existing deal between YouTube TV and Disney is scheduled to end on October 30, which means we will soon find out if ESPN will continue on the platform.

Disney and YouTube TV are clashing again

Contrasting HDMI with DisplayPort: Selecting the Ideal Connection for Your Requirements

support for features such as ARC, eARC, and Dolby Audio formats.

In the end, there isn’t one definitive choice — it primarily depends on the device you’re connecting and the level of performance you require. If you’re curious about which option suits you best, you’re in the ideal spot. I’ll clarify where each interface excels, detail their bandwidth and refresh rate distinctions, and assist you in determining which port is the most suitable for your configuration.

What is HDMI, and what is its primary purpose?

Ongoing Issue Remains to Influence Google’s Pixel Smartphones

issues with batteries that affected previous Samsung models, glitches and other complications can be quite bothersome. Nevertheless, not every issue poses a real threat to the user, which is why a specific persistent bug in Pixel devices stands out as a significant exception.

This bug has allegedly been a nuisance for Pixel users for several years, as reported by individuals on Reddit. Reflecting on the core issue — the reality that calls occasionally fail when trying to contact 911 on Pixel devices — it raises serious concerns that Google’s smartphones appear to still be wrestling with this same challenge after 10 generations.

Pixel’s 911 issue makes its unwelcome return

Apple and SpaceX Partner to Launch 5G Satellite Internet on iPhone 18 Pro

The Information reports that Apple’s iPhone 18 Pro might include complete 5G satellite connectivity. Should this speculation prove true, it would significantly benefit users located in regions with unreliable carrier coverage. While existing iPhones offer an Emergency SOS via satellite capability that enables users to reach emergency services when outside cellular coverage, this function has limitations by design. It permits only text messaging and does not allow internet access. In contrast, 5G satellite connectivity would grant users full broadband capabilities in locations lacking Wi-Fi or cellular service.

To facilitate the introduction of this capability, Apple is said to be collaborating with SpaceX, which manages Starlink. Interestingly, the report mentions that SpaceX has recently incorporated support for the same radio spectrum utilized by Apple for its Emergency SOS feature. Nonetheless, it’s crucial to remember that Starlink, in its present form, necessitates a dish to receive and transmit satellite signals. Every Starlink user receives a hardware kit to ensure connectivity. This setup is clearly not the most user-friendly, indicating that Apple might be attempting to incorporate this feature directly into the iPhone itself. However, this would present an intriguing engineering challenge for a portable device.

Apple and SpaceX have been in discussions for several years