Tag: Source: Bgr.com

The Advantages and Disadvantages of Utilizing USB Port Wi-Fi Adapters

We may earn a commission from links clicked for purchases.

Using a USB Wi-Fi adapter seems like a reasonable choice. These adapters are compact enough to hold in your palm, and setting them up is just as simple as using a USB stick. More significantly, for those on a tight budget, USB Wi-Fi adapters are an affordable component, which cannot be said for most PC hardware. If your desktop lacks integrated wireless capabilities, opting for a USB Wi-Fi adapter is typically the most economical solution. It’s also appropriate if you’re hesitant to install a PCIe Wi-Fi card, which requires some familiarity with motherboard setups. Furthermore, it may be your only option if your motherboard doesn’t have extra PCIe slots, or if they are occupied by components like your GPU or video capture card. However, if you have the option and the funding, why would you not select the superior alternative?

While USB Wi-Fi adapters function adequately, particularly the Wi-Fi 6 and later models, they cannot match the performance levels of a PCIe Wi-Fi card. There are several reasons for this, but it primarily comes down to key factors like thermal throttling and USB bottlenecking, issues that PCIe Wi-Fi cards avoid. Moreover, numerous PCIe Wi-Fi cards include adjustable antennas connected via cables, which can be arranged further from the computer to mitigate wireless interference. Thus, although USB Wi-Fi adapters serve their purpose, they aren’t a practical choice for serious users.

USB port Wi-Fi adapters present too many drawbacks for serious users

Read More
Utilizing a Soundbar Lacking an HDMI ARC Port: Choices and Substitutes

a budget soundbar priced under $200. Nonetheless, it’s frequently advised to connect a soundbar through the TV’s ARC or eARC port, which is part of the High-Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) found on the majority of contemporary televisions.

Utilizing an ARC or eARC port offers numerous advantages, including compatibility with high-resolution audio and surround sound formats. But what if your television lacks an ARC or eARC port, or if you intend to connect your soundbar to another device, like your computer? You can still utilize it without the HDMI ARC port, and here’s how you can accomplish that.

Alternative wired connections to HDMI ARC

It’s typical for soundbars to come with several input options to cater to various devices and requirements. For instance, the majority of soundbars include an optical input port, often referred to as Toslink or S/PDIF, which generally serves as your second-best option after HDMI ARC or eARC connections. It’s nearly as straightforward to use, requiring only an optical cable. However, the optical connection does not offer as many features as ARC or its more advanced version, eARC. Similar to HDMI, it transmits a digital signal and supports both stereo and 5.1 surround sound formats such as Dolby Digital, yet it cannot transmit uncompressed surround sound or spatial audio formats like Dolby Atmos and DTS:X.

In addition to the optical audio port, you might find a 3.5mm auxiliary port, red and white RCA plugs, or an RCA-style digital coax.

Read More
Typical Household Products That Could Interfere With Your Wi-Fi Signal

Determining what’s wrong with your home Wi-Fi can be quite aggravating since the indicators are often identical. Video buffering, slow downloads, sudden disconnections—they could signal numerous distinct problems. There may be an outage with your internet service provider, your router could be outdated, or perhaps too many devices are competing for the available bandwidth.

If you’ve dismissed the typical culprits and your Wi-Fi continues to misbehave, the solution is likely right before your eyes. Certain items in your home disrupt wireless signals in ways that often go unnoticed. Some are easy to identify once you know where to look, while others can be quite unexpected.

We will examine the top 10 household items that interfere with your Wi-Fi, beginning with the most frequent offenders and progressing to those you might never suspect. By the conclusion, you’ll understand what is really causing your connectivity problems and what steps you can take to resolve them.

Microwave ovens operate on similar frequencies

ChatGPT Set for Major GPT-5.2 Enhancement This Week

a “code red” to implement enhancements to ChatGPT so the chatbot can more effectively compete with Google’s Gemini 3 model that was launched last month. Several reports from early last week indicated that Sam Altman sent a code red memo to staff, encouraging them to focus on ChatGPT advancement over other initiatives. The reports mentioned that OpenAI might unveil a new reasoning model as early as this week. On Friday, The Verge highlighted that the significant ChatGPT update anticipated this week is GPT-5.2, with OpenAI designating Tuesday (December 9) as a possible release date for the new model. Evidently, GPT-5.2 is ready to be launched this week in response to Gemini 3. Nonetheless, the release date is not finalized, and OpenAI could delay the unveiling.

In addition, The Information reported last week about a “Garlic” codename for an apparently forthcoming ChatGPT enhancement. Garlic signifies a new framework for ChatGPT and is expected to contend directly with Gemini 3 and Claude Opus 4.5. The report mentioned that Garlic might be officially released as GPT-5.2 or GPT-5.5, with OpenAI aiming for a launch by early 2026.

What will GPT-5.2 deliver for ChatGPT?

Reasons Vizio TVs Are Affordable

now part of Walmart) offers some of the most affordable TVs available, which might lead you to think they are a Chinese brand. Nonetheless, Vizio is an American enterprise, established in the U.S. in October 2002 in Fountain Valley, California. Since its inception, the company’s primary approach has been to provide budget-friendly TVs.

This is why, a few years after its founding, the company earned the title of the king of inexpensive TVs, and for many years, Vizio was the brand that offered the most value compared to its peers. Although it is no longer the leader in the value for money sector, some of the top budget TVs recommended by experts today come from Vizio. No matter the price range the company aims for, its televisions are generally competitive, particularly concerning pricing.

This raises the question: What makes Vizio TVs so affordable? How can it sell its televisions at such low prices compared to well-known brands like Samsung, LG, and Sony, even in the entry-level market? The answer lies in the company’s manufacturing, distribution, and data collection methods.

What makes Vizio TVs affordable?

How Your Television’s HDMI Port Monitors Your Viewing Patterns

Virtually every action you take online, regardless of the device, is monitored, gathered, shared, and quantified. The clips you view. The advertisements you bypass. The items and services you purchase. Therefore, it shouldn’t be surprising that the majority of smart TVs are also observing your activities on your television and streaming services. However, the technique utilized is distinctive. By employing the integrated HDMI ports, smart TVs can monitor what you and your family are viewing through a system known as Automatic Content Recognition or ACR.

Using ACR, content providers analyze what’s displayed on your screen —via routine screen captures — whether you’re viewing a film, series, or engaging in gaming via a connected console, and subsequently compare it to an online database. This information is utilized to track and confirm statistics such as the number of advertisements you’ve encountered. It operates through HDMI, meaning anything linked to an HDMI port can be recorded, including gaming consoles, mini PCs, and streaming devices.

What exacerbates the situation, in addition to data collection and privacy violations, is that opting out can be quite complicated. Yes, you can sever your TV’s internet connection, but you’ll forfeit access to numerous valuable features. Furthermore, it appears to be lawful for corporations to conduct this activity, especially since you likely consented to it via an end-user license agreement (EULA) upon your initial account registration or when you first utilized the device.

Is it possible to disable ACR HDMI tracking?

Emma Stone’s Celebrated Sci-Fi Miniseries Continues to Be a Leading Netflix Series

top Netflix series in 2025, yet this overlooked treasure first appeared in 2018. It originates from one of the innovative creators behind “True Detective” and features an Oscar-winning actress alongside an Oscar-nominated actor who have shared a connection since 2007. Inspired by a Norwegian TV show from 2015, “Maniac” was transformed into an English-language adaptation by Cary Joji Fukunaga. The skilled director is recognized for directing the critically praised inaugural season of “True Detective” as well as Daniel Craig’s concluding James Bond film, “No Time To Die” (which, along with all other 007 films, is now accessible on Prime Video).

The series brought together “Superbad” actors Emma Stone and Jonah Hill, who returned as Owen Milgrim and Annie Landsberg, respectively, two individuals who join a pharmaceutical research trial. The experimentation propels both into a surreal experience that medical experts might describe as “crazy head trips.” From this point, an astonishing variety of stunning visuals envelop the series, significantly contributing to its critical success, thanks to another production featuring A-list celebrities making the uncommon leap to television.

Maniac was a critical success that’s been easily overlooked

<div class="slide-key image-holder gallery-image-holder credit-image-wrap " data-post-url="https://www.bgr.com/2045670/emma-stone-sci-fi-minseries-maniac-netflix-best-tv-shows/" data-post-title="Emma Stone's Mind-Bending Sci-Fi Miniseries Is Still One Of Netflix's Best TV Shows" data-slide-num="1" data-post-id="204567

Read More
Costco’s Budget-Friendly Answer for Reducing Office Mess

A home office ought to be a serene and productive environment that enhances your brain activity the instant you enter. Unfortunately, these areas of the house frequently become cluttered catch-all zones filled with disorder. However, restoring order is simply a matter of one quality piece of furniture, and the Bayside Furnishings Onin Room Divider with 8 Storage Bins at Costco is priced at just $180, offering a fantastic budget-friendly choice.

Costco patrons have rated this product 4.7 out of 5 stars, based on more than 2,900 reviews, with the majority assigning it a perfect score of 5/5. Commending the item, one user mentioned, “This storage unit accommodates an unexpected volume of items… the bins are roomy and sturdy… One individual can assemble it.” The Onin Room Divider can be configured both vertically and horizontally, utilizing a cam-lock mechanism for fast and easy setup. Each fabric bin features handles and label slots, allowing you to customize your organizational project. Additionally, if you opt for greater height over width, the included anti-tipping hardware secures the furniture to the wall. Whether aiming to enhance efficiency while working from home or simply desiring an organized spot for gadgets that facilitate remote work, the Onin Room Divider is an excellent choice.

Essential tips before purchasing:

Ideal for stowing everything from books and clothes to vinyl records, figurines, and various knickknacks, the Onin Room Divider can also function as an entertainment center for your television and AV gear. Those of us with a wall-mounted TV can store gaming consoles, streaming devices, and other home theater equipment on top of the furniture or within its many compartments, effectively concealing all the cords connected from our devices to the mounted TV.

A couple of considerations: Costco customers have noted that the shipping box is quite heavy, so having an extra set of hands to assist in bringing it inside your home or workplace may be beneficial. Other buyers have also emphasized the necessity of inspecting the box and its contents for any signs of damage.

Bayside Furnishings provides a brief list of cleaning and maintenance recommendations, with two key tips being to utilize a wood conditioning cleaner free of wax or silicones, and to be cautious as substances like medications, perfumes, and alcohol can lead to serious damage if not addressed immediately.

Read More
How to Protect Your Smart Home from Hackers: 5 Proven Tactics

Smart home devices can enhance your daily life, but this convenience is not without its drawbacks. These smart gadgets frequently lack robust authentication methods. They are prone to data breaches, as many do not implement encryption or rely on obsolete software. Such devices make for easy targets for cybercriminals. Gaining access to just one of your connected devices can jeopardize your entire network. Risks like privacy invasion, surveillance, or unauthorized control over smart devices are very real. Your residence could even serve as a launching pad for larger scale attacks, including DDoS assaults. Fortunately, you don’t have to risk your security to relish the benefits of your smart home.

Adopting a few smart habits and protocols can significantly decrease the threat posed by hackers. Ensuring safety can be straightforward, such as using robust passwords or keeping your smart home network isolated from the internet. Regularly updating your devices’ firmware and ensuring that all communications between them are encrypted can provide additional safeguards. Now, let’s delve into five straightforward strategies to bolster the security of your smart home.

Utilize a local network