4 Unexpected Uses of Your Phone’s Volume Buttons

Android’s privacy functionality allows you to deactivate all sensors or specific features of the Action Button found on iPhones; there’s always something new to discover on your device.

The same goes for your phone’s volume button. These seemingly simple buttons can accomplish far more than merely adjusting your phone’s audio output. For instance, you can utilize your phone’s volume buttons to perform a forced restart or capture images – although more recent iPhones are equipped with a distinct Camera Control button. On Android devices, you even have the option to create shortcuts for the volume buttons to carry out extra functionalities. 

Personalizing the volume buttons can be vital for enhancing your devices’ privacy and usability without necessitating a steep learning curve. In fact, many of these features have existed for quite a while, and now it’s time to explore some of them thoroughly.

Capture images and videos

Metro Detroit Inhabitants Worried About Privacy with Amazon Delivery Drones

The growth of Amazon’s drone delivery service has ignited some controversy in the metropolitan Detroit region. Reports indicate that residents of Bloomfield Township have started noticing an increase in drone deliveries originating from a local fulfillment center. With over 140 deliveries taking place each day, some individuals are worried about drones frequently flying above their residences.

In a Facebook update posted by the Bloomfield Township Police Department, community members raised questions regarding the drones, including whether Amazon had conducted studies on wildlife impact, how the drones are operated, and who can access the visual data being gathered. This is where the primary concern arises, as local residents are apprehensive about the potential breach of privacy that such a service might entail.

The Bloomfield Township Police Department asserts that privacy should not pose a problem, noting that only two Amazon staff members review footage if a drone fails to complete its delivery. An officer from the department also mentioned that the drones operate at approximately 70 miles per hour, resulting in blurry footage that is exclusively utilized to avoid birds and other obstacles during flight.

Amazon’s drone initiative has elicited mixed reactions.

Launched in 2022, Amazon’s drone delivery service is not unique—Grubhub is also venturing into drone deliveries. However, Amazon’s service has experienced varied outcomes since it began. While some individuals find the concept exciting and advanced, others, like residents of College Station, Texas, have taken steps to ground Amazon’s drones, leading the company to withdraw from the town in favor of more accommodating areas.

In addition to the privacy issues raised in Bloomfield Township, there are broader concerns regarding the failure of automated vehicles potentially causing harm to personal property. In early 2026, an Amazon drone collided with an apartment building, and there have been reports of Waymo driverless taxis narrowly avoiding catastrophe.

Fortunately, no injuries were reported in these incidents, and the damage to the building was minor. Nevertheless, it is clear that consumer fears are not unfounded. Amazon aims to utilize drones for delivering over 500 million packages annually by the end of 2029. Given the ongoing concerns and issues, it remains uncertain whether the company can achieve this goal.

George R.R. Martin’s Sci-Fi Superhero Realm is Worthy of a Television Adaptation

George R.R. Martin is widely recognized as the creator of the acclaimed fantasy book series, “A Song of Ice and Fire,” which inspired the successful HBO television series “Game of Thrones” along with its successor, “House of the Dragon.” Recently, his novella collection, “Tales of Dunk and Egg,” set in the same world, was turned into the exciting “A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms,” but there’s still more “Game of Thrones” content on the horizon — with a number of spin-offs confirmed to be under development. However, the timeline for when (or if) George R.R. Martin will complete the much-anticipated next book in his beloved series, “The Winds of Winter,” remains uncertain.

Despite Martin’s fame as a master of epic fantasy, the celebrated author is also a passionate admirer of comic books and superheroes; in fact, during the 1980s, he created a science fiction superhero shared universe that continues to prosper nearly four decades later: “Wild Cards.” To date, over 33 “Wild Cards” volumes have been published — penned by more than 40 contributing authors — and the franchise has also seen adaptations into various comic books, graphic novels, and tabletop RPGs. It’s a vast universe filled with abundant source material, yet the challenges of adapting it have been significant.

What is Wild Cards?

California City Offers Complimentary Ring Doorbell Cameras to Residents

NeighborhoodScout indicates that the town, which is adjacent to San Jose and situated in the heart of Silicon Valley, experiences a notably elevated crime rate, earning a mere 6/100 on the safety index of the site.

Crimes associated with property such as robbery, burglary, and auto theft make up the majority of the criminal activity, with the theft rate in the town nearly twice the national average. Given such figures, it is clear why residents of Milpitas would be interested in a program like this, yet it is crucial for prospective participants to comprehend precisely what they are committing to.

Milpitas, CA initiative is closely connected to law enforcement

“Five Popular Applications Owned by Google”

Google possesses a brand in nearly every sector of the online world (and beyond) today. While you’re likely acquainted with Google’s most recognized offerings, such as Gmail, YouTube, and Gemini, there are additional popular applications you might have been using for quite some time but may not have realized are also part of the company.

These applications provide excellent tools to assist you with various elements of everyday life, whether you’re commuting, adjusting certain features of a photo, or even connecting your wearable to an Android or iOS device for health tracking. Google has such a significant influence on our digital existence that we occasionally overlook how the company is continually incorporating new assets to strengthen its tech empire and embed itself further into our daily routines.

For instance, YouTube was not a Google application in the past. However, after the company’s acquisition in 2006, it began to thoroughly integrate the platform across its ecosystem in search results, Android (with an application), advertisements, and more. Even what we currently refer to as Google Maps, which recently underwent a redesign in the U.S., was developed through various acquisitions and ongoing enhancements to evolve into what it is today. In that vein, here are some additional popular applications you might not have known were included in Google’s ecosystem … until now.

Snapseed

Samsung Unveils AirDrop-Style Functionality for Older Devices, Users Express Discontent

Google’s introduction of Apple’s AirDrop feature to selected Pixel devices prompted Samsung to similarly incorporate AirDrop support in its newly launched Samsung Galaxy S26 lineup, assuring that additional smartphones would shortly receive support via Quick Share. In late March, the company began providing AirDrop for older Galaxy models operating on the One UI 8.5 beta through Quick Share updates. Although this beta is not a complete software version, it still allows the feature on more devices.

As reported by TechRadar, devices such as the Samsung Galaxy S22, Galaxy S23, Galaxy S24, Galaxy S25, and Galaxy Z Fold 7 have received AirDrop support. However, since the initiation of these Quick Share updates, users have reported that AirDrop has proven unreliable or entirely nonfunctional. Not only do older models struggle to detect iPhone devices, but even the new Galaxy S26 units are experiencing difficulties with AirDrop. In a community forum post, multiple users indicated they were unable to utilize this feature.

Samsung’s AirDrop rollout appears far from complete

Causes for the Prohibition of the Classic Post-Apocalyptic Anime Akira in Russia

incredible combat game “Dragon Ball: Sparking Zero,” which encountered significant censorship due to its highly violent scenes, sexually intricate themes, and explicit nudity. Additionally, “Death Note” (both the initial manga and the adapted TV series) has faced substantial censorship and even prohibition in nations such as China and Russia. Thus, it’s not surprising that Katsuhiro Otomo’s intense 1988 cyberpunk masterpiece, “Akira,” underwent similar censorship in Russia in 2021.

As reported by Vice, a St. Petersburg court in Russia prohibited Otomo’s classic (alongside the widely popular anime, “Attack on Titan”) based on a declaration that asserted the film’s content could “put children’s health and mental development at risk.” According to the Russian news agency RIA Novosti, as translated by Vice, several experts testified that the films might incite “‘violent’ behavior in children” and could potentially result in self-harm.

The Oktyabrsky District Court in St. Petersburg indicated in a statement that graphic content, like that presented in “Akira” and similar works, “undoubtedly jeopardizes young children’s spiritual and moral education and growth, contradicting the humanistic principles of upbringing characteristic of Russia.” It is not surprising that the nation also prohibited other Japanese anime such as “Inuyashiki” and “Tokyo Ghoul” earlier that same year.

Akira is just too dark, violent, and provocative for certain nations

The Significance of Frequently Emptying Your Computer’s Cache

delete your PC’s cache in Windows 11. This can also be accomplished in previous versions of Windows, such as Windows 10, by pressing the Windows Key + X, choosing Disk Management, selecting the drive you wish to cleanse, right-clicking and choosing Properties, and clicking Disk Cleanup in the General Tab. You may also utilize Disk Cleanup in Windows 11 if you prefer to remove the cache that way. This isn’t the sole archive of temporary files that you should clear, but it is the one that can significantly benefit your system.

While you shouldn’t anticipate a drastic performance increase, performing this task periodically can enhance your PC’s optimization. It’s also deemed beneficial digital maintenance with favorable security implications, particularly when the cache holds sensitive login information and personal data. There are applications to tidy up your other devices as well, including methods to erase the Android phone cache, or clear your iPhone’s cache if you use Apple products. The same principles apply there.

What additional caches or temporary files ought you to remove from your PC?