Top 3 RSS Reader Applications to Utilize in 2026

the enjoyment of engaging with Google Discover while sifting through its advertisements and AI-generated clickbait headlines highlights why Google Reader and its conventional use of RSS continue to be highly valued. 

Numerous AI-powered readers that customize outcomes like Discover often display content you’d rather not encounter, while a standard RSS reader exclusively presents material from the sites to which you’ve subscribed. It appears that entrusting bots with the labor of curating your preferences isn’t always beneficial for you. This is the reason why RSS applications offering a balanced selection of recommended content, curated specifically from your selected RSS feeds, provide a far more reliable method for news consumption.

Rather than depending on bots to deliver your news, you can begin utilizing a standard RSS reader that gives you greater control over your content, which is why we’ve put together a list of the leading RSS readers to help you embark on this journey in 2026. Start the new year with less clutter in your life by taking advantage of these three excellent RSS reading applications.

Inoreader

Crucial Free Android Auto Applications to Retain Installed

Gemini AI in Android Auto will elevate your experience with new, beneficial features. However, much of what you can achieve with Android Auto relies on the apps you have installed.

While key Android Auto apps, such as Google Maps and Gasbuddy, provide an excellent starting point, there is a vast array of apps available in the Google Play Store to explore. Consequently, we have curated some of the most valuable Android Auto apps that certainly deserve a position on your vehicle’s infotainment display. Most importantly, all of our suggestions are free to download and are well-regarded by Android Auto users.

AntennaPod

AntennaPod is essential for anyone who enjoys listening to podcasts while on the road. It provides access to millions of free and paid podcasts and enables you to import your existing libraries from the Apple Podcast database, OPML files, RSS feeds, and other sources. When using AntennaPod through Android Auto, you receive a straightforward interface with basic playback controls, queue access, and the ability to browse through your subscriptions and their episode lists.

It includes all the key features you desire from a top-notch podcast app, such as support for adjustable playback speed, chapters, and password-protected feeds and episodes. You can also mark episodes as favorites, search for specific episodes, and share feeds and episodes through email and social media. Furthermore, the app possesses robust automation controls that let you decide which feeds to download, when, and under which data connections. Most importantly, this open-source app is not just free of ads but also respects user privacy.

Fuelio

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The Location of Returned Apple Merchandise

pre-owned iPhones, reconditioned MacBooks, and beyond. Yet, this retail outlet exclusively offers items that have participated in Apple’s refurbishment process, which only takes place when a product has been returned in an open package and previously used. This refurbishment initiative is thorough and intended to help you sidestep one of the common pitfalls people encounter when purchasing an iPhone, ensuring that the particular device is fully operational.

Returned products have different outcomes based on their condition

How Misconfigured HDMI Settings Can Impair Your TV’s HDR Quality

watch high dynamic range (HDR) films or start your gaming console, the issue might not stem from an error you made during the purchase. Instead, it could be related to your HDMI configurations.

Contemporary televisions promise brighter highlights, more profound contrast, and richer colors with HDR, but these enhancements only manifest when the appropriate HDMI settings are activated. Nevertheless, TVs may come with these configurations turned off by default, even if they entirely support HDR. Some brands hide the essential toggles deep within their menus, labeling them with obscure terms like Enhanced format, HDMI signal format, or Enhanced VRR. Sony’s documentation also states that HDR may not trigger unless the proper HDMI input mode is chosen. This implies that a high-end streaming device, next-generation console, or high-bandwidth Blu-ray player might end up outputting standard dynamic range without your awareness. The picture remains functional, but it falls significantly short of the quality you paid for.

To complicate matters further, HDMI ports are not always equivalent. On certain TVs, only specific inputs can support full-bandwidth 4K HDR at 60 Hz or 120 Hz, and connecting to the incorrect port can silently degrade image quality. So if you’ve been questioning why Dolby Vision appears subdued, why games seem less lively, or why highlights never truly stand out, these two overlooked HDMI settings could be the bottleneck obstructing your HDR experience.

The two HDMI settings you need to adjust

HBO Max’s Celebrated Sci-Fi Pandemic Miniseries Reaches 98% Rating on Rotten Tomatoes

a 98% review score on Rotten Tomatoes from critics, along with a 75% user score, placing it among the elites. Over on IMDb, it garnered a rating of 7.6 out of 10, with critics describing it as “surreal and mysterious,” and “captivating and full of surprises.”

The narrative centers around a wandering group of entertainers who survive by bringing joy to the remaining inhabitants of a devastated world. It unfolds slowly, thoughtfully, and lacks the explosive action typical of many post-apocalyptic tales — but if you stick with it, the payoff is significant. “Station Eleven” certainly “improves over time,” according to one viewer, who noted it as “a mind-bending series that rewards those who are patient.” There might be a cult element at play, similar to the one in “Silo,” a series that likewise boasts an impressive critics’ rating at a flawless 100%. Truth be told, fans of sci-fi television are in for a treat right now. “Pluribus,” from the creator of “Breaking Bad,” is yet another essential sci-fi series that is nearing the completion of its inaugural season.

If you’re interested in viewing “Station Eleven,” you can find it on HBO Max, or on any of the primary streaming services that offer an HBO Max subscription or add-on.

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Uncover 5 Obscure Free Windows Applications That Are Worth Exploring

crucial Windows applications, and programs to prioritize during initial PC setup, we have endeavored to showcase some of the top selections from the realm of Windows. However, we have only just begun to explore the vast Windows app landscape. Therefore, here are five additional Windows applications that may have escaped your notice, yet are excellent for enhancing productivity and improving the overall experience with Windows. More importantly, all our suggested apps are accessible as free downloads, ensuring you won’t need to spend a cent.

EarTrumpet

While Windows 11 naturally offers functionality for controlling volume per app and selecting output devices, the experience isn’t the smoothest, often necessitating multiple clicks. This has led to the creation of EarTrumpet, a free and open-source tool that simplifies the management of your PC’s audio settings without relying on Microsoft’s features.

EarTrumpet encompasses various functionalities, such as per-app volume control, straightforward sound output switching, and audio routing to different devices. You can even configure hotkeys for quick access to the app and its key features, like altering the default audio device. The application also boasts a contemporary design and dark mode support. Most importantly, you can obtain EarTrumpet directly from the Microsoft Store, ensuring easy and secure app updates. Thus, if you find yourself frequently right-clicking that volume icon in the system tray, EarTrumpet is certainly worth a look.

Ditto Clipboard

Comprehending the ‘IP Rating’ of Your Android Device

A mobile device’s ingress protection (IP) rating pertains to its defense against both dust and moisture. This rating starts with “IP” and is followed by either two digits or a single digit with an “X” in one of the positions. Understanding this information is crucial as it will (or should) guide how and where you utilize your device. There are significant differences between the values. A typical rating is IP68, representing the utmost level of safeguard against dust particles as well as the capability for the device to be submerged in a specified depth of water for a defined period.

An essential detail to recognize regarding a water-resistant rating is that it applies to freshwater sources, like a bathtub at home or a swimming pool with a moderate level of chlorine. However, this rating does not safeguard the phone against saltwater, which may damage electronic parts. Therefore, taking it into the ocean could potentially nullify the warranty. Only the highest ratings address temperature variations and high-pressure sprays. Additionally, water resistance diminishes with time, meaning a device you’ve owned for several years won’t maintain the same level of protection as when it was brand new.

What do IP ratings signify?

How Owners of Samsung Smart TVs Can Unlock Hundreds of Free Channels

Built-in FAST (Free Ad-Supported Television) channels on smart TVs are increasingly prevalent among manufacturers of televisions and streaming devices, aimed at enhancing revenue and attracting more customers. The Google TV platform offers Freeplay, LG TVs are equipped with LG Channels, and Roku TVs showcase the Roku Channel. Samsung, recognized as one of the most dependable smart TV brands according to Consumer Reports and rated highly for customer satisfaction, was a pioneer in launching a FAST service through Samsung TV Plus.

Introduced in 2015, it enables owners of Samsung smart TVs to watch almost 700 live TV channels and access over 1,000 movies and TV shows on demand without any cost. This service is preinstalled on all Samsung smart TVs manufactured since 2016. It can also be accessed via Galaxy devices, Samsung smart monitors, and other Samsung gadgets. Here’s how you can enjoy Samsung TV Plus and what it provides.

### How to access Samsung smart TV free channels

If you possess a Samsung smart TV that was launched post-2016, the Samsung TV Plus app will be preloaded on your television. You simply need to launch the app to begin viewing the available live TV channels and on-demand content. There are no fees, subscriptions, requirements to input payment information, or the necessity to create a Samsung account. All that’s needed is an internet connection, and you’re all set. The Samsung TV Plus app features an intuitive interface similar to other streaming platforms, with various sections, top-ten lists, content categories, and more. Additionally, it offers AI-driven personalization, adapting to your viewing trends and engagement habits.

The live TV segment encompasses well-liked channels for anime, national and local news, films and music, reality shows, sports, children’s content, and more. You can find the complete list of live channels on the Samsung website. More than 100 of these channels are exclusive to the service, unavailable on other FAST platforms. Regarding the on-demand selections, you’ll find an ever-evolving array of TV shows and movies. For instance, in December 2025, Samsung TV Plus is streaming films like “Die Hard”, a holiday classic, “Step Up”, “Now You See Me”, and “Crazy, Stupid, Love”. The FAST service is also showcasing the first season of the Prime Video post-apocalyptic thriller “Fallout” until December 25.

Robert Downey Jr. Rejected a Part in an Oscar-Winning Science Fiction Movie After Iron Man

**Robert Downey Jr. Turned Down An Oscar-Winning Sci-Fi Film Following Iron Man**

Alfonso Cuarón’s “Gravity” is not just one of the sci-fi films endorsed by Neil deGrasse Tyson, but it also enjoyed tremendous popularity with the general audience. The film secured seven Oscars out of 10 nominations, including Best Director, Cinematography, and Visual Effects, grossing nearly $725 million at the box office (via Box Office Mojo). The plot revolves around two astronauts who face debris during a mission and must devise a plan to survive and return to Earth. Sandra Bullock (Ryan Stone) and George Clooney (Matt Kowalski) headline the film. Initially, however, Cuarón had a different pair in mind for the project.

Robert Downey Jr. was first approached to co-star in “Gravity” alongside Angelina Jolie. While “Gravity” was released on August 28, 2013, Cuarón filmed the project in 2011. At that time, Marvel was busy producing “The Avengers,” the inaugural crossover movie for the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Robert Downey Jr. played a pivotal role in this film after establishing himself as the face of the still-nascent MCU in “Iron Man” (2008), the movie that launched Marvel’s universe, with RDJ’s portrayal being crucial to that triumph. The sequel, “Iron Man 2,” debuted in 2010, a year preceding the commencement of “Gravity.”

The actor would have needed to balance both Cuarón’s film and the first “Avengers” outing if all parties had permitted him to shoot both concurrently. However, the conflicting schedules were not the primary reason Downey Jr. declined the role of Matt Kowalski. The actor clarified in a conversation on The Howard Stern Show, years after “Gravity’s” release, that the real challenge lay in the limitations of filming the space movie as Cuarón envisioned.

**RDJ on Being Comfortably Uncomfortable**

“Everyone ends up doing what they’re meant to do, and sometimes, someone has a motorcycle accident, and then the person who takes over the role [nails it], and you think, ‘I couldn’t have pictured anyone else in that role,'” RDJ shared with Stern in an interview in October 2022. He noted he was brought on board early in the project, even before Jolie was cast. He connected well with Cuarón and appreciated the concept. Stern pointed out that Downey Jr. had previously mentioned his inability to work within the cramped confines required by the “Gravity” sets. It was then that the actor elaborated on the filming experiences Cuarón was seeking, which he found uncomfortable.

“What I can let you know is I went in to do a test with a new kind of multi-spherical camera setup they were experimenting with for the CGI,” RDJ remembered. “I’m the type of person who can be comfortably uncomfortable pretty easily. I went in the morning to do that testing, and we lasted about 20 minutes. I asked, ‘This is insane; how much longer will it be?’ They replied, ‘It’ll be another two to four hours.’ I said, ‘No way!'” The actor further mentioned, “You’ve got to set boundaries. You’ve got to exit before you lose it,” implying that claustrophobia might have played a significant role in his decision to walk away from the sci-fi film.

**Cuarón Confirms RDJ Would Not Have Thrived in Gravity**

In a separate instance, Cuarón recounted a similar narrative to The Hollywood Reporter in 2014, discussing Downey Jr.’s withdrawal from the film, though the director provided less context than the actor did during his conversation with Stern. “It became increasingly clear that, as we started to hone the technology, that was going to be a significant hurdle for his performance,” the director explained. “I find Robert to be incredible if you grant him the latitude to fully breathe, improvise, and adapt. [However] we experimented with one of these technologies, and it just wasn’t suitable. After that, we [went through] a week pretending nothing was amiss, and then we conversed and concluded, ‘This won’t work. This is challenging.'”

Stern inquired if RDJ would have participated in the movie had he known that “Gravity” would explode in popularity and that he could earn the $70 million Clooney did, but the actor remained firm in his choice. “Any one of us can get something, but we can’t have everything,” RDJ finished.

Bullock received a nomination for Best Actress, ultimately losing to Cate Blanchett (“Blue Jasmine”), while Clooney did not receive a nomination for Best Actor. After passing on “Gravity,” Downey Jr. went on to star in numerous MCU blockbusters, including several sequels in the “Avengers” series. He will still be featured

Top 5 Essential Steam Deck Applications for 2026

extend the lifespan of your equipment with some fantastic applications. Now that the Steam Deck has established its position in the market, numerous applications have been launched to enhance the handheld’s gaming experience. The question arises, which applications are genuinely worth utilizing? Well, that’s exactly our purpose today: We’ve compiled a list of the top five applications every Steam Deck gamer ought to install on their device. From consolidated game launchers to game streaming applications, BGR has your needs covered.

Heroic Games Launcher

The Steam Deck provides a fairly simple user interface, and while you can sideload applications and games to access from your Steam library, there are more efficient methods to keep everything organized in one location. 

The Heroic Games Launcher is among the top selections to manage your multi-store game collection. Not only is the app open source (similar to the other software integrated into the Steam Deck), but it also accommodates software from various stores. From Steam to GOG to Epic to Amazon Prime Games, the Heroic Games Launcher includes them all.

Utilizing a third-party launcher like Heroic to consolidate everything in one place is convenient, but it’s also the ideal launcher to compile the free games you’ve been accumulating from sources like Epic and Amazon. Both companies provide free titles every month, and a lot of gamers frequently leave those freebies unused. This no longer has to be the situation with the Heroic Games Launcher: It’s the perfect opportunity to stop letting your backlog sit and start gaming, with the assistance of a launcher that supports all of the