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<article on affordable gadgets to enhance your audio, you're aware that there are numerous ways to shape and elevate the sound of your headphones. If you've selected one of our favorite headphone models, you'll certainly want to maximize their potential. So, what if you could enhance the audio quality of your headphones solely with software at no cost? Introducing AutoEQ, a complimentary tool designed to fine-tune the audio output of your headphones with scientific accuracy.

The concept is rather straightforward: AutoEQ is a community-driven, GitHub-released application that features a collection of suggested equalizer (EQ) configurations for hundreds of well-known headphone and earphone models available. However, the software itself isn’t an EQ. It functions primarily as a repository for configurations that can be utilized with an existing equalizer app you might already possess. Therefore, instead of relying on your EQ app to speculate what could enhance your headphones, think about using AutoEQ to genuinely refine the sound.

binge-worthy sci-fi miniseries, these brief episodes come with the benefit of being quite compact. There are various science fiction programs (notably many that are based on other forms of media) that were canceled due to poor viewership or a decision from executives, yet still received enthusiastic critical acclaim or developed a loyal fanbase.

Some of these managed to lead to movies or spin-off series later on (some even debuted through lesser-known, three-season revivals), but numerous others remain dormant in their resting places, hidden jewels that only the most passionate seekers may discover. I aimed to compile a list that not only brings attention to the most obvious canceled treasures but also highlights some of those overlooked gems that time (and the streaming era) has neglected.

Smartphones transformed into smartwatches, watches evolved into smart rings, and it appears the next logical step is smart earrings. An exciting, emerging wearable device is the Lumia 2 smart earrings, which launched on Kickstarter and achieved its funding target in merely three minutes. The campaign has already amassed nearly $1.5 million, significantly exceeding the initial $10,000 target. They pledge “discreet next-gen health tracking,” featuring integrated technology to assess your sleep, activity, blood flow, and more than 20 health metrics. With a single battery charge, they’ll last up to seven days. Additionally, they are expected to come in a range of styles, as would be anticipated from a designer jewelry brand.

The concept of smart earrings isn’t completely novel. Another company, Incora Health, is working on 18-karat gold-over-titanium smart earrings. Peripherii also provides Priamble, which presents a pair of earrings that operate as earbuds instead of a sensor-equipped wearable. What distinguishes Lumia 2 earrings is their unique design that allows feature-rich health tracking. The sensors are positioned directly behind the ear, rather than on a finger or wrist, which grants access to the ear’s shallow blood vessels for accurate readings. This facilitates continuous data streams, such as prolonged heart rate or blood flow measurements, without disruption from abrupt movements during workouts.

Presently, the base price for Lumia 2 is $249, with various styles available at higher prices, alongside premium material options like gold, silver, or titanium. A $20 monthly membership will be required to access the tracking app and features, with discounted annual plans available. While the initial shipments are scheduled for December 2026 for backers, I believe they already deserve a place on the list of futuristic gadgets you can possess now.

What makes wearing smart earrings preferable to other smart wearables?

Certainly, the same inquiries posed regarding smart rings are pertinent here. For instance, what is the benefit of an Oura Ring or similar smart ring if you already have a smartwatch? While I can’t personally vouch for the Lumia 2 earrings, it seems the health tracking might be more comprehensive due to the earrings’ sensors, which are discreetly placed behind the ears. Many functions of a smart ring may surpass those of a smartwatch, given that you wear it on your finger as opposed to your wrist.

One significant advantage is distraction-free tracking, which will also apply to smart earrings like the Lumia 2, possibly even more effectively. Every few minutes, Lumia 2 gathers blood flow and heart rate data, including HRV, and displays this information within the app. You can also choose to trade battery life for increased or customized polling rates for more regular readings if you desire. Wearing something like this continuously throughout the day, in the shower, to bed, at work, at the gym, and everywhere else is a completely different experience. The Lumia 2 is engineered to consistently monitor your crucial health metrics in real-time and over the long haul.

With sensitive health information, concerns regarding privacy and security are always present. Lumia Health was founded by individuals who claim to recognize this issue. Daniel Lee, the co-founder and CEO, has a familial background that drove the creation of Lumia’s devices. Lumia Health also assures that health data will be encrypted, anonymized, and “access-controlled.” It will only be shared with third-party entities, such as AWS, to “securely store and serve” users. Lumia commits to offering an opt-out for those who prefer their data not to “contribute to an aggregated pool of open-source data for leading researchers,” and will “vet” those researchers.

experts suggest frequently cleaning your AirPods. The frequency of cleaning largely depends on usage, but consider it an essential maintenance step that you shouldn’t overlook, as it may help prevent ear infections. Accumulated dirt could be the culprit behind malfunctioning active noise cancellation on your AirPods, and a thorough cleaning may resolve this concern. However, remember that AirPods are sensitive electronic devices, requiring extra caution during cleaning.

If you’re looking for a specific cleaning kit for your AirPods, you’re fortunate. Yesimla’s Cleaner Kit for AirPods is priced at just $4 on Amazon for Prime members. Typically retailing for $7, this cleaning kit is currently available at a discounted price. It boasts excellent reviews on Amazon, averaging 4.4 out of 5 stars from over 9,600 users at the time of writing. Additionally, it has received Amazon’s Choice designation, highlighting its high ratings and reasonable cost.

helpful travel devices to fit in your carry-on that can be used both on the plane and at your destination. You might primarily consider devices for use while traveling once you’re on the move. Tools like a selfie stick for capturing photos, headphones for enjoying music, and a fitness tracker for monitoring your steps and navigation. However, there are compact devices worth taking along to enhance your experience in the hotel room too.

Naturally, you likely aim to minimize your time in the room to explore your surroundings. Whether it’s a business trip, meaning you’re only in the room to sleep, freshen up, and handle work tasks, you can still enhance your hotel room experience during your stay with useful devices that enrich your visit, regardless of whether you’re at a luxury hotel, a short-term rental, or a budget location for resting your head.

**The Emergence of Minimalist Phones: A Fresh Chapter in Mobile Technology**

Can you fathom that prior to the advent of smartphones, we had perfectly compact and functional mobile phones? Almost no remnants of those devices remain today, as the all-touchscreen smartphone has dominated the market and established itself as the global norm, but they did exist. Over the last ten years, despite the diverse needs and preferences of users, we have essentially been limited to a single kind of phone available on the market.

Fortunately, this trend is beginning to shift now. Driven by a shared wish to decrease screen time, new devices known as “minimalist phones” have started to surface. Numerous impressive minimalist phones are already available, showcasing a wide variety as well. You have options that include all-touchscreen models, full keyboard phones, numpad devices, flip phones, and even those with e-ink displays — nearly anything you can envision. Moreover, there are more models expected, like the Clicks Communicator, which is set to release later this year.

It might appear drastic to design products that intentionally restrict user capabilities, but minimalist phones offer various advantages along with numerous motivations for their use. They present enhanced options in pricing, accessibility, operating systems, display styles, and features — and having a greater selection is (almost) always beneficial. Let’s examine some key reasons why a minimalist phone could be advantageous for you.

**1. You’re finding it hard to cut down on your screen time**

This is the primary factor, and the foremost way minimalist phones promote themselves. Recent studies indicate that reducing smartphone use can enhance mood and mental well-being, yet actually putting the phone aside is challenging for many individuals. While attempting to solve our issues through additional purchases isn’t invariably the optimal solution, it remains a worthwhile consideration if the device you’re replacing is causing significant distress.

By transitioning to a minimalist phone, you forfeit instant access to conventional smartphone activities such as social networking, mobile gaming, and online shopping — and this change can be substantial. Each time you might have reached into your pocket for scrolling or playing, you will likely engage in a different activity, although that activity varies from person to person. Some of it may still involve phone usage — many minimalist phones still support music playback, for instance, and e-ink devices excel at reading. You might also focus on communication applications and spend more time conversing with friends on platforms like Discord or WhatsApp.

Additionally, you could start carrying alternative tech gadgets, such as an e-reader, a portable gaming console, or even a music player (yes, they are still available). You can find ultra-compact versions of all this tech as well — like the 4.3-inch XTEINK e-reader or the Playdate handheld console (I own one, and it’s incredibly enjoyable).

**2. You’re fed up with standard Android and iOS systems**

This definitely applies to me. My experience with iOS 26 on my iPhone 13 mini has been disappointing, and I am absolutely tired of it. It’s buggy and sluggish, and its so-called personalization features are all unattractive to me. What are my alternatives — switching to Android? No, thanks; I don’t want all the pre-installed bloatware and uneven software updates.

It’s a frequent dilemma, but the minimalist phone market does present other choices. Many of these devices, like the Light Phone III and the Punkt MC03, operate on custom platforms that utilize AOSP (Android Open Source Project). Although primarily overseen by Google, this is an open-source initiative, allowing anyone to use and build upon it to their liking. This enables minimalist phone brands like Punkt to develop a de-Googled operating system that prioritizes data privacy and offers a completely different appearance compared to standard Android versions.

Some minimalist devices retain the classic app icon appearance, while others fully embrace a stripped-down and text-based interface that distinctly alters the phone’s experience and minimizes distractions. With options that provide full app support, limited app support, and entirely app-free alternatives, you don’t need to be an extreme minimalist to incorporate some simplicity into your life. Isn’t it incredible to finally have diverse options?

**3. You’re weary of touchscreens**

Again, I resonate with this point. Touchscreens have established themselves as the default, yet I personally find them to be less than ideal. Swipe gestures have proven to be incredibly unreliable in my experience, and the user interface design for touchscreen applications is still lacking. I often attempt to tap on text that seems interactable, only to discover that only the small icon adjacent to it is clickable. You don’t need large hands to encounter accuracy issues — I have tiny hands, and I still struggle every time I pick up my phone.

Thus, for those who prefer a physical keyboard and

iPhone 17, Apple Watch, and iPad 11), along with a $100 gift card from the carrier. There is a significant catch involved that regular carrier customers may be familiar with. Such carrier promotions require a minimum contract duration to benefit from the offer. Verizon’s promotion follows this pattern as well. The carrier will provide the three products at no cost if eligible consumers remain with Verizon for 36 months, or three years. An early departure would necessitate the consumer to settle the remaining balance in total, as the cost of the three devices is divided over 36 months, with Verizon granting monthly bill credits that offset the hardware expense throughout the three-year term.

This is the primary catch of the deal, but there are additional factors to take into account. For instance, Verizon markets this offer to new customers. “Switch and get Mom” an iPhone 17, Apple Watch Series 11, and iPad “on us,” states Verizon on its deals website, with the promotion ending on May 13. However, Verizon also extends the offer to current subscribers who add a new line, provided they select one of the three Unlimited plans: Welcome, Plus, or Ultimate. That new line must stay on the selected Unlimited plan for the entire three-year duration.

Lastly, there is another requirement that customers should note. They will be purchasing cellular models of the iPad 11 and Apple Watch, which will necessitate their own data lines.