AllYouCanTech

How to Resolve Apple CarPlay Problems Following iOS 26 Update

Refrain from turning your iPhone off and on again, as this likely won’t restore Apple CarPlay if it’s become disconnected, particularly if this problem arose after the main iOS 26 update, which many users experienced. TikTok user Charly gained popularity this week by sharing a public service announcement concerning unforeseen CarPlay connectivity issues and potential resolutions. Regrettably, users cannot rectify the bug that hinders a wireless connection, but they can utilize a USB-C cable equipped for data transfer to connect their iPhone to the vehicle and regain CarPlay functionality.

“If your iPhone’s CarPlay has ceased functioning after the latest update, you require a data cable,” Charly stated in a now-viral video, as other iPhone users faced similar dilemmas. She informed Motor1 that she arrived at the solution through “a lot of trial and error.” After discovering online that others were encountering identical issues, she theorized that the problem stemmed from data transfers and attempted to link her iPhone to the car using a data cable.

You might already possess a data cable compatible with CarPlay. Charly’s test was fruitful. She restored the CarPlay connection utilizing a data cable, which is simply a USB-C cable that also transfers data. The TikToker mentioned that she tried every USB-C cable in her possession, but none were effective until she connected a data cable. Other iPhone users experiencing the wireless connectivity issue might find themselves in a similar situation. Since not all charging cables can transfer data, CarPlay will not function if you use a charging cable to connect your iPhone to the car, as it won’t transmit the necessary data to your vehicle’s infotainment system.

If you still have the original USB-C cable that came with your iPhone, you are fortunate to already have a data cable. If your iPhone is from the 11 to 14 series, the original Lightning to USB-C cable included also facilitates data transfer.

You have likely acquired additional USB-C cables if your iPhone isn’t brand-new, thus arbitrarily selecting one does not guarantee CarPlay functionality. While you can test each cable individually, it’s more efficient to look for markings indicating data transfer support (such as transfer speeds). If those markings are absent, you might check if the iPhone initiates a data transfer with your computer when connecting the two devices. If none of these options work, consider purchasing a third-party data cable from an electronics retailer and keep it in your car for emergency CarPlay connectivity.

There are other solutions that might restore your CarPlay connection. CarPlay is meant to “just work,” as Apple often claims when discussing new products and features. The iPhone should automatically and wirelessly connect to your car. It remains uncertain which of the recent iOS 26 updates triggered the CarPlay connectivity issues. Apple launched the new main build in mid-September and subsequently released two smaller updates, iOS 26.1 featuring new additions and iOS 26.2 with further enhancements and adjustments. The beta version of iOS 26.3 is already available for installation. Charly does not specify which software version she’s using. If iOS 26 is the latest update installed, upgrading to iOS 26.2 may resolve the problem. This is also something to consider before opting for the wired CarPlay alternative.

If your vehicle only has USB-C ports and your iPhone has a Lightning port, you will require a USB-C to Lightning adapter, such as the one Apple offers for $29. This particular accessory facilitates both data and power transfer, making it suitable for CarPlay. Apple notes in a support document that “certain combinations of adapters, cables, and vehicle entertainment systems might interfere with the wired CarPlay connection.” Apple recommends USB-A to USB-C cables for such instances. If your vehicle only accepts USB-A cables, an adapter that supports data transfer will be necessary.

10 Elements Depleting Your EV Battery: Problems and Characteristics Clarified

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Will Smith’s Documentary Series Provides Complimentary Episode Streaming

new framework for the Big Bang Theory informed by recent findings.

“One Strange Rock” provides plenty of enjoyment for anyone looking to binge the full series. It features scientific professionals, including astronauts, sharing insights and recounting their journeys. If the complimentary episode piques your interest, there are several options available to view the rest of the series.

The Energy Usage of Every ChatGPT Prompt

reintroducing nuclear energy to support their AI goals, while OpenAI is exploring the concept of establishing data centers in outer space. With such futuristic plans in the pipeline, it’s only natural for individuals to question why major technology firms require significant power and the actual energy consumption of our daily interactions with AI services.

In light of our inquiries, companies like Google have disclosed details this year regarding energy usage and efficiency concerning their AI offerings, with OpenAI following suit shortly thereafter. In June, CEO Sam Altman shared a blog that mentioned the energy consumption of “the average” ChatGPT inquiry: 0.34 watt-hours. Altman compares this to “approximately what an oven would use in just over a second, or what a high-efficiency lightbulb would consume in a few minutes.”

So, does that mean each ChatGPT prompt truly uses 0.34 watt-hours of energy? Regrettably, it’s likely not so straightforward. Although the figure might be precise, Altman provided no context or detail on how it was derived, which significantly hampers our grasp of the scenario. For example, we don’t know how OpenAI defines an “average” ChatGPT inquiry, considering the LLM can perform various tasks, such as responding to general inquiries, coding, and generating images — all of which demand different energy levels.

Guide to Utilizing Google’s Complimentary VPN on Android and Its Advantages

If you have significant worries about privacy while navigating the internet, you might have come across the idea of utilizing a VPN for protection. VPN, which stands for Virtual Private Network, serves as a method to prevent external parties from tracking your online activities and effectively enhances the security of your connection. Setting it up on your mobile device is not overly complex, typically requiring just a straightforward app installation. Interestingly, one of the most dependable free VPNs for Android is actually integrated into the device and developed by Google. Named VPN by Google, this no-cost VPN service is a distinctive feature available on Pixel phones starting with the Pixel 7.

Similar to regular VPN services, VPN by Google establishes an encrypted and private connection via Google’s VPN servers rather than connecting directly to the internet. It masks your true IP address and location, replacing them with the server’s IP and location. This is what shields you from malicious entities and sites that wish to acquire your location information.

However, unlike other VPN platforms, VPN by Google comes with certain restrictions. Firstly, it does not permit you to select which server to link to. For example, you can’t opt for a Japan-based server, so you won’t be able to access content that’s restricted to a Japanese audience. Moreover, a Google account is necessary to utilize the VPN service. VPN by Google is also functional only in 30 designated home countries (the country associated with your Google account). These include the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, Germany, and Singapore. It does function in additional locations while traveling, enabling usage in places like the Bahamas, New Zealand, Puerto Rico, and even Antarctica.

How to activate the free VPN by Google on your Pixel phone

Activating VPN by Google on your Pixel phone is quite fast and straightforward through the Settings on your Pixel device. Follow these instructions:

1. Open the Settings app.
2. Choose Network & internet.
3. Click on VPN.
4. Under the Built-in section, select VPN by Google.
5. Review the permissions.
6. Enable Use VPN on mobile network if you wish to activate VPN while on mobile data.
7. Click Use VPN.
8. Select Allow if you want VPN by Google to send you notifications.
9. Wait for the VPN to establish a connection.

Once you spot the key icon on your Android screen, it indicates that the VPN service is operational, and you’re set to begin browsing. To simplify the process of pausing and resuming the VPN later, you can add it to your Quick Settings. Here’s how:

1. Access Quick Settings by swiping down from the top of the screen.
2. Tap the pen icon.
3. Press and hold the tile for VPN by Google.
4. Move it to your preferred location in the upper section of the screen.
5. Press the back arrow to save your adjustments.

You should now see the VPN tile in your Quick Settings. Long-press on the tile to open the VPN by Google settings page, or simply tap it to pause or resume the VPN service.

How to set up VPN by Google on your Pixel

Although Google’s free VPN service may not be as feature-rich as many other VPNs available, it still provides some degree of customization. Here’s how you can set up VPN by Google to better meet your requirements:

1. Open Settings.
2. Navigate to Network & internet > VPN.
3. Select the gear icon next to VPN by Google.
4. To keep the VPN service perpetually active, enable Always-on VPN.
5. To ensure your device does not go online without initially connecting to VPN, activate Block connections without VPN and press Turn on to confirm.
6. Return to the VPN page.
7. Tap on VPN by Google.
8. To pause the VPN service when you’re connected to specific Wi-Fi networks:
– Under Advanced settings, navigate to Pause VPN on selected networks.
– Tap on the saved networks where you wish to prevent the VPN service from operating.
– Press the trash icon to remove the Wi-Fi network from the “pause” list.
9. To stop certain apps from utilizing the VPN service, allowing them to connect to the internet normally:
– Choose Exclude selected apps.
– Select the apps for which you do not want VPN running.
– Remove any app from the “excluded” list by tapping the trash icon.
10. To check the app information:
– Go to Notifications.
– Adjust the notification frequency under Notifications.
– Modify the permissions via the Permissions option.
– View the amount of mobile data used by the VPN service by tapping Mobile data usage.

Any adjustments made in the configuration will be automatically saved and applied whenever your VPN is active.

Crucial Privacy Configurations for Roku Users to Adjust Immediately

your TV’s HDMI port keeps track of your viewing habits through devices connected, such as game consoles and media players. 

To disable data tracking via HDMI on a Roku smart TV, go to Settings > Privacy > Smart TV Experience. In that section, you will find either “Use info from TV inputs” or “Automatic Content Recognition (ACR),” switch it off. By turning off these settings, you will limit the data being gathered and shared across your Roku streaming sticks and standalone devices.

Reasons Temu Tech Products Are Affordable

shopping platforms such as Amazon Haul, which seeks to go head-to-head with Temu.

A quick price comparison clearly indicates how much more affordable Temu’s merchandise is. Temu’s Android 15 tablet featuring a 10.1-inch display is listed at $60, while a comparable tablet on Amazon costs $90. On Temu, Kvidio’s wireless noise-cancelling headphones are priced at $8.85, but they sell for $17.34 on Amazon. The prices and products mentioned were accurate at the time of this writing. These are appealing offers, assuming the brands are genuinely what Temu claims –- it has faced allegations of selling counterfeit goods before. Such deals might leave customers wondering if Temu’s technology is genuinely worthwhile. Are you really obtaining high-quality items at such reduced rates?

Linking Apple Music with ChatGPT: Advantages and Procedures

announcement that ChatGPT would soon collaborate with Apple Music, the alliance between OpenAI and Apple is now operational. Consequently, ChatGPT now connects with the two leading music streaming services: Spotify and Apple Music. However, the integration between these two platforms differs significantly.

While Spotify grants ChatGPT full access to a user’s data to enhance the integration process between the AI and the streaming platform, Apple Music restricts ChatGPT from accessing a user’s library, playlists, Replay statistics, recently played tracks, or listening history. Thus, ChatGPT can only gauge the preferences of an Apple Music user based on user input, which may affect its accuracy.

With this collaboration now in place, we will walk you through the steps to link Apple Music with ChatGPT, clarify what functionalities are available and what are not due to this integration, and share an anecdote from our own experience of putting together a joint playlist featuring Blossoms and The Vaccines, including the challenges we faced in finalizing the playlist.

Texas Initiates Legal Action Against Five Leading Smart TV Makers for Suspected Privacy Breaches

your intelligent TV is monitoring you and your viewing habits. Realistically, it’s not the sole device or platform where this occurs. What’s more concerning, at least according to a lawsuit from Texas, is that it is allegedly happening without your approval. Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton is filing a lawsuit against five television manufacturers — Sony, Samsung, LG, Hisense, and TCL — asserting that these companies are employing ad-targeted spyware to track what viewers are watching. The lawsuit alleges that, through Automated Content Recognition (ACR) technology, firms “capture images of a user’s television screen every 500 milliseconds,” to monitor what they are viewing or engaging in. Subsequently, TVs “send that data back to the company without the user’s awareness or consent.”

You may recognize ACR as the technology enabling companies to observe what you view on devices connected to your TV’s HDMI inputs. The Texas lawsuit also claims that television companies profit by selling the data they gather to “target advertisements across various platforms.” However, in pursuit of this profit, these companies are accused of jeopardizing user privacy and sensitive information. “This behavior is intrusive, misleading, and illegal,” states Paxton. He emphasizes that individuals’ “basic right to privacy” will be safeguarded in the state. While “Big Tech” is referenced, Paxton specifically calls out corporations “linked to the Chinese Communist Party,” who ought “to have no right to illegally document Americans’ devices within their own residences.” He also notes that Hisense and TCL are headquartered in China.

In light of breaches of the Texas Deceptive Trade Practices Act, the Attorney General is pursuing damages of up to $10,000 for each infraction, and up to $250,000 for violations impacting individuals aged 65 or older. The state is also expressing interest in injunctions to prevent data collection, selling, and sharing while the lawsuits are in progress.