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Hisense’s UR9S Smart TV Presents a Possibly Improved Option to HDMI

HDMI technology has been progressing in recent years. It wasn’t too long ago that HDMI 2.0 was the standard port for TVs, projectors, and other devices, and now we are witnessing the emergence of HDMI 2.2. Thus, it was quite surprising when one of Hisense’s flagship TV models defied conventional expectations in 2026. We are referring to the Hisense UR9S, a Mini LED TV with RGB backlighting that features a DisplayPort (DP) connection in addition to HDMI.

Technically, it’s a USB-C port that provides complete DP capabilities, but it is labeled as DisplayPort. Additionally, the TV includes three HDMI 2.1 ports, making it an excellent option for gaming consoles and PCs. While HDMI 2.1 supports 4K/120Hz, the Hisense UR9S is capable of delivering visuals of 4K/170Hz or 4K/180Hz when connected to a gaming PC via DP. Even better, the TV is compatible with AMD FreeSync, and Hisense intends to incorporate Dolby Vision 2 HDR in upcoming firmware updates.

RGB Mini LED TVs are becoming more popular

The Hisense UR9S will come in four sizes: 65, 75, 85, and 100 inches. It’s important to note that the two largest sizes will reach a maximum refresh rate of 180Hz, while the 65 and 75-inch models will cap out at 170Hz. This is thrilling news for dedicated gamers in search of the best gaming TVs and represents a significant advancement in the development of panel technology. RGB Mini LED TVs were demonstrated by several manufacturers at CES 2026, including Samsung, Sony, and LG; thus, Hisense will undoubtedly face competition.

Nonetheless, the TV manufacturer seems ready to target a distinct segment of the market: 4K HDR TVs with DP connectivity as an alternative to HDMI. Historically, DisplayPort is linked with computer monitors. Therefore, if Hisense’s ambitious experiment proves successful, we might start seeing DP connections on a broader variety of smart TVs in the years ahead.

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YouTube Premium Monthly Subscription Cost Rising by As Much As $4

Netflix has recently upped the prices of its plans, and now YouTube Premium subscribers are about to face a similar rise. YouTube is set to boost the subscription fees, with adjustments expected to take place beginning with the next billing cycle. Although Google hasn’t formally announced the price increase in a press release, emails are being distributed to subscribers, and some are already noticing the change when attempting to upgrade to a Family plan.

In general, costs for YouTube Premium will rise across the board, affecting Music Premium as well. The most significant price increase will occur for YouTube Premium Family subscriptions, which will jump from $22.99 to $26.99 a month. Individual subscribers will see their monthly fees increase from $13.99 to $15.99, and Premium Lite users will now pay $8.99 monthly, up from the initial $7.99 set when the service launched in 2025. Subscribers to YouTube Music Premium are also facing an increase, with their monthly rates climbing from $10.99 to $11.99.

In summary, the largest hike is $4 for the Family plan. YouTube last adjusted prices for the Family plan in 2022, making this increase not entirely surprising nearly four years later. The regular Premium subscriptions last saw their prices rise in 2023.

YouTube Premium Lite continues to offer the best value for most

While the YouTube Premium price increase is disheartening, particularly given the lack of significant new value recently, there are alternatives for those looking to economize. For instance, if you’re not on the Family plan, downgrading to YouTube Premium Lite could help you save some cash each month. Lite provides the fundamental ad-free experience that regular Premium includes, along with support for background play and video downloads.

You will forfeit access to YouTube Music and the Jump Ahead feature, which allows users to easily skip the least-watched parts of videos. However, if those features are not a priority for you, switching could save you approximately $7 each month. There are also some additional limitations with Premium Lite that you

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Why a Triple Monitor Configuration Isn’t Justifiable for the Majority of Users

Dell analyzed several studies (including its own research) and concluded that utilizing dual monitors can enhance productivity and elevate the overall user experience for the majority of individuals. Nonetheless, this doesn’t automatically imply that having extra monitors consistently leads to increased output. While there are certainly exceptions, for the typical user, a three-monitor configuration consumes too much time and space to warrant any uncertain advantages it may provide.

Not everyone finds themselves better off without a third monitor. For instance, within the /r/Monitors subreddit, some users claim that employing three monitors in their roles as software developers and in related fields presents certain benefits. However, many users point out that three monitors ultimately turned out to be not worth the trouble. They also noted that, in certain situations, the tasks managed by a third monitor could be handled by alternative methods.

A third monitor is a pricey investment that may not be beneficial

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Assessing the Worth of Acquiring a Refurbished Pixel 8a in 2026

The Google Pixel 8a mobile phone showcased at an electronics shop

Ortho Bro/Shutterstock

Some time has passed since Google began officially retailing refurbished Pixel smartphones on its Google store. Following the successful introduction of the Pixel 7a, Pixel 8, 8 Pro, 7, and 7 Pro in refurbished editions for several months, the company has now included the Pixel 8a in its range. The Pixel 8a is not just the latest addition available refurbished on the Google Store, but it’s only the second Pixel A-series model currently for sale. Therefore, if you’re in search of an economical replacement for your phone and the cost of the latest Pixel devices is hesitating you, it is indeed worthwhile to consider a refurbished Pixel 8a. It’s offered at a comparatively lower price of $339 and is accompanied by the standard one-year warranty, just like any brand new Pixel phone in the U.S.

The Pixel 8a, which was initially revealed in 2024, is still under two years old and is guaranteed to receive Android OS updates until 2031, providing it with an additional five years before it becomes outdated in terms of software. But is the combination of software longevity and lower pricing sufficient to warrant choosing a two-generation-old budget Pixel phone in 2026? Let’s explore further.

Reliable hardware for a phone that’s nearly two years old

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Assessing the Worth of Acquiring a Refurbished Pixel 8a in 2026
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YouTube Refutes Claims of Experimenting with 90-Second Unskippable Ads Despite User Feedback

YouTube has been actively combating the use of ad blockers by encouraging users to either disable these extensions or opt for YouTube Premium subscriptions. Additionally, we’ve observed measures such as temporarily halting playback. The struggle between YouTube and ad blocker users has persisted for some time; meanwhile, its parent company, Google, is also advocating for an increased volume of advertisements, some of them even longer.

In March 2026, Google revealed that YouTube introduced unskippable ads lasting up to 30 seconds on smart TVs to facilitate easier access for advertisers seeking to connect with viewers enjoying the platform in their homes. According to Google, these unskippable ads include either six-second bumpers or 15- and 30-second “CTV-only” (smart TV) non-skippable formats. Predictably, users on the free plan expressed their dissatisfaction regarding this update, with many voicing their concerns online after the announcement. Nonetheless, several users have recently indicated that the unskippable ads have surpassed the initially announced 30-second duration.

Expressing their grievances, numerous users turned to Reddit earlier this week after encountering 90-second unskippable ads, which are significantly longer than the 15- to 30-second ads noted by Google. In spite of these claims, YouTube refutes the existence of 90-second unskippable ads. In response to a post on X discussing the incident, the platform stated, “YouTube does not have a 90-second non-skippable ad format. This isn’t something we are testing right now. We’re looking into this further.”

Users dispute YouTube’s denial of

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YouTube Refutes Claims of Experimenting with 90-Second Unskippable Ads Despite User Feedback
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Alter This Camera Configuration to Safeguard Your Privacy

Mother captures a picture of father holding their daughter on a beach

Onuma Inthapong/Getty Images

If you take and distribute numerous photographs, it is important to understand that there is a setting that records your location, alongside various details such as the date, time, camera type, focal length, shutter speed, or ISO settings. Typically, images taken on Android and iOS devices come with this data embedded, known as EXIF (Exchangeable Image File Format) data or metadata. The location aspect of this metadata is particularly significant.

Remember that this data can be advantageous. It can assist in organizing photos by date or place, or even in identifying duplicate images. However, it can also be exploited to monitor your movements or accumulate personal information. For example, images shared from your residence may provide anyone with a general idea of your home address. If someone is determined, they could easily track your daily routines merely by examining the photos you post at varying times of the day. Given that the metadata contains both GPS data and timestamps, they could ascertain your commute schedule, the route taken, your place of employment, and frequently visited locations.

Although several social media networks, including Facebook and Instagram, eliminate location-related metadata from pictures you upload, it’s unwise to place complete trust in their automatic processes. Even in WhatsApp, GPS data may still be retained. Therefore, it is crucial to either eliminate location-specific data from images prior to sharing or disable geotagging completely.

Removing or turning off location metadata

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Insta360 Device Improves iPhone Self-Portraits, Restricted Compatibility with Android

The iPhone 17 series has brought a selfie camera enhancement through a square sensor, enabling users to capture higher-quality selfies than before. Remarkably, users can take selfies in both portrait and landscape orientations without the need to rotate the phone. This minimizes the hassle of adjusting the device for the ideal shot. However, iPhone users who frequently take selfies and film themselves with the front camera might prefer utilizing the superior main sensor located on the back of the phone instead of the selfie camera. This is where an innovative new accessory from Insta360 proves beneficial. The Insta360 Snap Selfie Screen is a 3.5-inch magnetic display that attaches to the back of the phone, allowing users to employ the rear camera for selfies. Its ability to securely connect to the iPhone’s MagSafe ring is the reason most Android devices can’t easily utilize it.

If the Insta360 Snap seems recognizable, it’s due to a recent viral Kickstarter campaign proposing a similar idea to enhance iPhone selfies. The Selfix case is designed for iPhone 17 Pro users, featuring a small round display on its back. Although the Insta360 Snap is thicker than a case, it is compatible with more iPhone models. This magnetic monitor works with iPhone 15 models or later and is available for immediate purchase, so users won’t have to wait for a crowdfunding initiative to finish.

What can the Insta360 Snap accomplish

The Insta360 Snap will undoubtedly attract content creators, especially those who film themselves. It also appeals to iPhone users who frequently take selfies. Since it doesn’t have its own battery, the Snap draws power from the iPhone while connected. It includes a built-in USB-C cable, which is how it connects to the iPhone once it’s magnetically attached to the back of the device. According to Insta360, the monitor utilizes approximately 6% of battery life during 10 minutes of continuous use, so it’s advisable to turn the screen off or detach it from the phone when it’s not in use.

The Insta360 Snap features a 3.5-inch display with 550 nits of brightness and an 800×480-pixel resolution. The touch screen enables users to operate the camera app just as they would when using the iPhone’s screen. You can switch between cameras, zoom in and out, and take a picture. As the monitor mirrors the iPhone’s display, the Insta360 Snap is compatible with other camera apps as well, not just the iPhone’s pre-installed Camera app. Additionally, the Insta360 Snap comes with a protective cover that can fold over the iPhone display to prevent unintended screen taps.

Insta360 is presenting two variations of the Snap – a basic version and one with a light ring surrounding the display for those who frequently photograph in low-light conditions. The standard model begins at $79.99, whereas the Insta360 Snap Selfie Screen with Light costs $89.99. The more affordable option weighs 75.5 grams and is 7.3 mm thick, while the variant with a light ring is somewhat thicker and heavier at 8.2 mm and 88.6 grams.

What about support for Android?

Insta360’s promotional materials, images, and videos predominantly showcase iPhone devices, indicating that the Snap Selfie Screen is primarily aimed at Apple users. This is due to MagSafe being the crucial iPhone feature that ensures the Insta360 Snap remains securely attached. The monitor needs to be firmly affixed to the rear panel of the handset to allow use without the concern of it shifting. This is why Android devices are not represented in Insta360’s announcements or presentations, as they typically lack magnetic rings on their backs. However, the Google Pixel 10 series supports Pixel Snap, making them compatible.

Nevertheless, Insta360 has devised a solution for Android users who wish to take selfies utilizing the rear camera module with the Snap monitor’s assistance. The device includes a magnetic ring that can be affixed to the back of any Android phone. Alternatively, utilizing a MagSafe-compatible case with your phone is another option. Once properly set up, any phone can connect to the monitor as long as it supports screen casting via USB-C.

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Insta360 Device Improves iPhone Self-Portraits, Restricted Compatibility with Android
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