Tag: Source: Bgr.com

Scientific Approaches to Improve and Protect Your Memory

Neuroscience has recently gained deeper insights into the mechanisms of memory, now indicating that memory can be enhanced and safeguarded through specific, evidence-based practices that affect the brain on both cellular and behavioral fronts.

Studies in cognitive psychology also demonstrate that active recall and spaced repetition improve long-term retention by strengthening neural pathways instead of depending on passive review. Simultaneously, certain medical research points out the significant effect of physical health on cognitive performance: Consistent aerobic exercise increases blood circulation to the hippocampus, omega-3 fatty acids aid in preserving neuronal health, and sufficient sleep is essential for consolidating new knowledge.

Collectively, these insights indicate that memory is not just a cognitive ability, but rather a representation of overall brain health, influenced by our methods of studying, nutrition, sleep patterns, and physical activity. Grasping these processes enables anyone to foster a sharper, more resilient memory, whether aiming to master new material or sustain cognitive vitality.

Adopt beneficial habits

London Thieves Favor iPhones Instead of Androids, Returning Android Gadgets to Their Owners

London Centric, the men began to run, but the one who took the phone paused to hand back the device to the astonished victim. Sam’s experience isn’t uncommon, as other Android users in London faced similar treatment after having their devices stolen. The publication provides a few more instances of thieves abandoning stolen Android phones upon realizing they weren’t iPhones. Notably, in the comments section of the article, a user named Sarah mentioned that they had their older Pixel phone stolen on two occasions and discarded twice.

London Centric points out that the UK mobile market is nearly evenly divided between iPhone and Android. Statistically, one would anticipate random phone thefts to affect iPhone and Android users in a similar manner. The total number of stolen devices would be distributed evenly across the two rival platforms. However, that isn’t what is occurring in London, where thieves predominantly favor the iPhone over Android. Last month, the BBC reported that a traced stolen iPhone prompted an investigation which unveiled a large smartphone smuggling operation that authorities believe is responsible for exporting 40% of the phones stolen in London, amounting to approximately 40,000 devices sent to China annually. In July, The Guardian stated that two-fifths of Europe’s mobile phone thefts occur in the UK, with London being the primary center. Data from the Metropolitan Police indicated that roughly 80,000 phones were stolen in the capital last year, with iPhones being the more common target.

Why thieves prefer iPhones instead of Android

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Microsoft Unveils Long-Expected Privacy Update for Teams After 8 Years

Skype has disappeared. Nonetheless, there has been a particular feature absent from the platform since its inception, and it has finally arrived. Prevent Screen Capture is an innovative function that has just been introduced for Windows and Android devices, enabling users to obstruct screenshots and recordings from other call participants.

This feature is disabled by default and can be turned on by the meeting organizer within the Advanced Protection section of the Meeting Options menu. Activating this option prevents standard screen capture methods, such as using the Print Screen key, for attendees in the meeting. However, that is not the extent of it. It also restricts various third-party applications.

<pScreenshots captured through third-party techniques will feature a black rectangle overlaying the Teams window to obscure its content. Additionally, if you attempt to screen record on Android, you will encounter a notification stating that recording is prohibited. It’s important to note that although blocking is in place, you can still capture images with external devices like your smartphone. If you are using a non-supported platform, such as macOS or iOS, you may still enter a meeting with Prevent Screen Capture active, but you will be limited to audio-only participation.

New features arriving for Teams

A multitude of updates arrived in Microsoft Teams alongside Prevent Screen Capture in the November 13 update. Executable files will now be prohibited from sending in chats to safeguard users against malware and other harmful software. Private messages are now routed to a shared mailbox for the entire private channel instead of being sent separately by users. Moreover, users can now organize meetings within private channels, which have seen their maximum member capacity raised from 250 to 5,000.

This update also introduced a significant feature to Teams known as Immersive Events. These events occur in a 3D space that can be personalized with various models, videos, and images, allowing up to 300 participants to join the environment with their…

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Google Maps Will Display Real-Time Availability of EV Chargers for Holiday Trips

Google Maps can be quite useful. It can aid you in discovering a new area or navigating your local city more effectively. This includes helping you with charging your electric vehicle, an essential action to keep you moving.

Beginning next week, Google Maps is set to provide a significant enhancement for EV users regarding their vehicle charging. The application will employ AI to inform you about the number of chargers available at a designated site, catering to hundreds of thousands of charging stations globally. Google Maps already indicates EV availability along your journey, which may involve particular networks (Tesla Superchargers, Electrify America, and others), but that’s insufficient. The chargers could be occupied when you arrive to recharge the battery. The updated feature allows Google to utilize AI to assess historical data and estimate whether your upcoming EV charging location will have available chargers by the time you reach it. As shown above, that data will be presented in Google Maps on Android Auto and vehicles equipped with Google integrated.

New Gemini AI capabilities in Maps and anonymous feedback

Securely Eliminating Dust from Household Electronics

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Dust is the arch-nemesis of any tidy home, manifesting not only as dust bunnies that collect beneath your sofa. Dust tends to build up on and inside various electronic gadgets, whether they are actively used or left unused for extended periods. For the sake of both cleanliness and safe functionality, you are tasked with removing this gathered dust using tools such as microfiber cloths and compressed air canisters.

Dust can coat your flat-screen televisions and computer displays, in addition to accumulating within your computers, gaming consoles, and similar devices. Beyond just appearing unsightly, dust layers pose a greater risk to electronics than ordinary decorations and furniture, as substantial dust buildup can inhibit ventilation and cause increased heat retention. You cannot simply wipe away the dust with a standard cloth or spray water on everything, since either of those methods might cause irreparable harm to the interiors and exteriors of your gadgets. With a careful approach and the appropriate tools, you can effectively eliminate that accumulated dust, maintaining your devices’ performance and aesthetic appeal.

A microfiber cloth will clean the surfaces of your devices

WhatsApp Unveils Multi-Account Functionality for iOS Test Users

working on supporting multiple accounts. Although it took the company considerable time to begin rolling this out for users, a report earlier this year indicated that WhatsApp was testing this feature internally on iOS. Currently, WABetaInfo reports that this feature is now being made available to iPhone testers in the most recent TestFlight build.

As stated by the publication, WhatsApp for iOS version 25.19.10.74 allows beta testers to add various WhatsApp accounts directly from the settings page without needing to log out or restart the app. Notably, each account keeps its own chat history, notification sounds, preferences, and additional settings.

Nonetheless, multiple account support on WhatsApp appears to function similarly to switching accounts on Instagram or Facebook. However, users should temper their expectations for an immediate launch, as WABetaInfo notes that this rollout is currently restricted to a select group of beta testers. Here’s all the information you need regarding this eagerly awaited feature.

Adding an additional WhatsApp account on iOS

Apple Unveils Firmware Update for Magic Keyboard, Magic Trackpad, and Power Adapter

release iOS 26.2 in mid-December, the firm has modified the firmware of numerous accessories. According to Macrumors, Apple has introduced firmware updates for the 140W USB-C Power Adapter, USB-C Magic Keyboard, USB-C Magic Trackpad, and Magic Trackpad 2. This marks the initial update for these accessories since their debut. As usual, Apple has not provided details on what improvements the update entails — whether it’s merely enhanced connectivity, improved battery performance, or a fix for a potential problem.

Nonetheless, if you own any of these devices, it’s advisable to perform the update at your earliest convenience. The new firmware version for the 140W USB-C Power Adapter is now 1.4.84 (increased from 1.4.73), while the USB-C Magic Keyboard and USB-C Magic Trackpad are now at version 3.1.9 (up from 3.1.4 and 3.1.3, respectively), and the Magic Trackpad 2 has updated to version 3.1.8 (up from 3.1.1). Since these devices lack an independent interface, upgrading them can be challenging.

Here’s how to upgrade these accessories

How Your Roku TV Streaming Stick Might Be Tracking Your Actions

Roku streaming sticks aren’t precisely free, but they are remarkably inexpensive given their capabilities. During promotional events, you can acquire one for just slightly more than the cost of a meal at your nearby chain eatery. They open up a vast array of streaming options through vital Roku applications and offer a user-friendly interface. While they can transform any older television equipped with an HDMI port into a smart device, many individuals opt to insert a Roku streaming stick into a television that is already smart.

They favor the interface and appreciate access to extra content, like Roku Channels. However, this ease of use and cost savings come with a price if certain features aren’t disabled. When utilizing a Roku streaming stick — and even some budget-friendly smart TV brands – your viewing habits are monitored.

This includes how you interact with applications, any purchases made directly from the television (in this instance, a streaming stick), and the types of content you view or engage with. Subsequently, the data, although anonymized, is sold to external companies for various purposes, ranging from marketing to research. Nevertheless, there is a method to deactivate this to guarantee a more secure, private experience.

What happens in the background of a Roku streaming stick

As you interact with content, the streaming stick becomes acquainted with your viewing patterns and those of your family. It tracks the amount of time spent watching television, the timings of your viewing, and the nature of the content you interact with. It can even detect demographics and interests — such as if you’re a true crime enthusiast — and identify if there are young children present. It will record your purchases, the streaming services you access most frequently, and even which advertisements you skip or, on the other hand, watch.

Roku’s privacy policy specifies that it gathers your search history and outcomes, voice commands, channels you visit, including the timing and duration of your viewing, your interactions with content and advertisements, and even

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How Portal Systems Intends to Utilize Sunlight for Spacecraft Propulsion

Amazon’s forthcoming Project Kuiper, the International Space Station, and other entities in orbit. Managing spacecraft and sustaining operations in the diverse orbits surrounding Earth has become a more intricate and bustling area. Currently, an emerging startup named Portal Systems aims to innovate that sector by providing a different energy source: sunlight.

Established in 2021 by Jeff Thornburg, an Air Force veteran with experience at Amazon, SpaceX, and NASA, Portal Systems asserts that its spacecraft, referred to as Supernova, will exhibit excellent maneuverability, capable of delivering payloads and swiftly adapting to evolving demands. It will also be equipped to conduct maintenance and eliminate debris. This is all powered by a solar propulsion system.

Supernova will utilize mirrors to focus sunlight onto a thermal battery. The thermal energy can subsequently be utilized by a proprietary 3D-printed integrated heat exchanger and thruster (known as a HEX thruster by Portal Systems). Ammonia will then flow through the HEX thruster, expanding due to the absorbed heat, which will be employed to maneuver the satellite. Portal Systems is confident that this method will position Supernova as a revolutionary factor in inter-orbit mobility. A launch is anticipated in 2026, and although this isn’t the first instance of considering sunlight as a power source for spacecraft, not everyone concurs that this represents the path forward for space.

The ambitious plans of Portal Systems