Tag: Source: Bgr.com

Smart Home Device Available for $24 Could Lead to Savings of Several Hundreds of Dollars

With energy prices soaring for various reasons, it’s prudent to minimize unnecessary or extravagant energy consumption as much as possible. Enter the contemporary smart plug, such as this $24 Kasa smart plug four-pack currently on sale for a 20% discount. Utilizing the mobile companion application or IFTTT, you can completely automate or schedule devices that are connected. Additionally, you can power them on or off using your voice through Alexa or Google Home by either pressing the built-in buttons or remotely via the app.

Smart plugs enable you to swiftly toggle a coffee maker or other small electronics on and off when they are not in use. If a smart bulb isn’t your preference, you can also link them to lamps for automation purposes. You can create numerous scenarios through Alexa and similar services. In my residence, I have “TMNT” and “Mortal Kombat” arcade cabinets powered by Kasa smart plugs, and when I say “game time” to Alexa, she activates them. Silly? Perhaps. Cool? Certainly.

Aside from the entertainment setup, they serve as a fantastic method to automate various electronics. Schedule and manage Christmas lights, decorations, appliances, lamps — you name it. They connect to your home network using 2.4GHz Wi-Fi and are very simple to install and set up — I use Kasa’s larger plugs, which are also on sale. However, the U.S. may potentially ban TP-Link routers from American households, and the fate of its smart home products remains uncertain.

Why would you desire Wi-Fi-enabled smart plugs?

With Kasa smart plugs, you can set specific on and off schedules, allowing devices or lights to activate and deactivate at particular times throughout the day. This feature enables you to create a routine that automatically turns something on in the morning as you’re waking up or when you arrive home from work. It’s also useful when you go on vacation and want lights to turn on and off to give the appearance of someone being home. An Amazon smart plug is suggested in our essential smart home gadgets list, and although this isn’t Amazon’s brand specifically, the Kasa plugs are compatible with Alexa.

Through the Kasa app, you can also manage the plugs remotely, utilize your voice with Alexa, Google Home, and linked platforms, or automate them in other, more intricate ways through IFTTT.

BGR’s top recommendations for smart plugs feature Kasa and TP-Link options, even if not specifically the mini versions. Furthermore, out of nearly 26,000 reviews on Amazon, they boast 4.4 stars, with 77% of those reviews being five-star ratings. Users seem to genuinely appreciate them. Comments describe the Kasa mini as an “outstanding product,” assert that they deliver “great value,” and highlight that they’re “simple to set up and operate.” One thing is clear: this sale price is a bargain for a sought-after accessory.

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Top 8 Password Management Tools Favored by Users

near any of the most insecure passwords of 2025. As password management tools grow in prevalence, selecting the right program for your requirements can be difficult. They generally perform similar functions, yet there are notable distinctions that may be challenging to discern, such as the choice to transition to using passkeys instead of traditional passwords.

We have investigated various password manager application websites, evaluations, and forums where users have voiced their thoughts on the leading services. After narrowing it down to eight, we identified the top password managers that users suggest you contemplate for safeguarding your online identity and securing your passwords.

1Password

1Password is a prominent password management service compatible with various browsers and operating systems. It can be utilized on Windows, Android, iOS, Mac, or Linux environments, automatically logging you into a site while running, or offering to remember any new account details you plan to enter. The service provides much more than merely safeguarding your passkeys. It also enables you to secure your credit cards, important documents, and other sensitive information from other websites or services that attempt to access it while you’re browsing. There are different plans to choose from, including a monthly individual plan priced at $2.39, scaling up to a small business plan for $7.99 monthly, complete with a 14-day free trial. For those interested in exploring additional AI features, 1Password offers a browser extension for the AI-enabled Perplexity browser.

Users advocate for 1Password because it’s handy to have their details saved whenever they establish a new account. The service operates across platforms, allowing users to effortlessly

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Four Frequent Errors in Desk Sitting Posture

If you experience discomfort in your back, neck, arms, or hands after spending a lengthy period at work, it may be linked to excessive sitting. It’s often said that sitting is akin to smoking. But it could also be that your desk posture is incorrect. In addition to taking breaks to stretch or move around at least hourly, you can reduce some of the pain by making sure that you’re sitting correctly when you are at your desk. There is indeed a proper and improper way to sit while working.

This begins with utilizing appropriate furniture, such as an ergonomic, adjustable chair, and possibly an adjustable-height desk to support ideal body alignment while working. Take advantage of all the adjustment features available, including lumbar support and armrest level. There are numerous ergonomic support accessories, like wrist rests, but not every accessory functions as you might expect. Ultimately, the most detrimental way to sit at your desk is by remaining seated for extended periods. Stand up, move around, and change your position to feel better by the end of your workday.

Incorrect posture

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The Function of USB Ports on Backpacks

Your preferred USB-C power bank for swift charging on the go should ideally have a designated home.

Similar to backpacks designed with openings for headphone cables, a number of contemporary backpacks incorporate USB ports. While your initial thought might be that these features are somewhat advanced, the truth is much more practical. These backpacks merely offer a handy location to keep a portable charger for rapid smartphone recharges. A power bank is among the most essential travel tools you can possess, and these backpacks present a straightforward method to utilize them.

The ports serve to connect to a portable charger

Martin Scorsese Wants to Watch This Timeless Movie in IMAX Format

with IMAX Movies, the official YouTube channel of IMAX, various actors were posed the question: if they had the chance to revisit any film, from any era, in full IMAX splendor, which one would they choose? Scorsese mentioned “The Red Shoes” from 1948, stating it would be “incredible” to view it in the expanded format.

Inspired by the timeless fairytale by Hans Christian Andersen, “The Red Shoes” is a British dance drama that centers around a beautiful ballerina named Victoria Page — portrayed by the youthful Moira Shearer. She becomes part of a renowned ballet company known as Ballet Lermontov, where her mentor, the founder and director of the ballet, Boris Lermontov — played by Anton Walbrook — compels her to choose between her path as a graceful dancer and her developing romance with the theater’s composer, Julian Craster — portrayed by Marius Goring. This grand narrative seems like it could rival Nolan’s forthcoming “The Odyssey” if it were to be released in IMAX.

What Makes The Red Shoes Exceptional and the Case for IMAX?

The Ford F-150 Lightning appears to be in a perplexing middle ground. It ranks among the leading electric trucks nationwide, yet frequently finds itself near the lower end of Consumer Reports’ evaluations. This combination isn’t as paradoxical as it might seem. The truck continues to sell well thanks to the reputation of the F Series lineup. Numerous buyers have confidence in that brand; they are aware of what to expect, and the electric models still function like the traditional work trucks they are familiar with. As per Consumer Reports, the Lightning excels in several areas that matter to owners. The reviews from the outlet highlight that the EV’s interior is pleasant, the bed and front trunk can accommodate ample cargo, and the vehicle can even supply power to a home during a blackout — a benefit compared to most electric vehicles.

When Consumer Reports assesses electric vehicles (and cars in general), the focus isn’t on the delight or utility of the truck; it looks into the frequency of component failures and the experiences reported by owners over time. Many electric trucks face difficulties in this regard due to factors like inadequate drivetrains and electronic systems. The Lightning occupies a central position in this complexity, so despite its strong sales, the electric truck is still plagued by numerous challenges that accompany being an early iteration of an electric pickup.

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Significantly Lower Your Phone Bills with This Easy Method

T-Mobile increasing rates. When you are bound by a contract with a mobile service provider and covering the cost of your smartphone alongside the monthly usage fee, it’s easy to feel exasperated by the total monthly expense. Nonetheless, there is a method to not only reduce your monthly phone costs but also more conveniently capitalize on the various promotions carriers provide.

Cutting down your phone expenses is straightforward when you take advantage of the numerous bring-your-own-device (BYOD) offers. The simplest way to employ this option is by acquiring an unlocked phone and bringing it to your desired carrier. An unlocked phone is not restricted to a particular service and can be utilized anywhere. 

When you obtain a device directly from a mobile carrier via a monthly installment plan, the phone is likely to be locked, meaning it is tethered to that provider and cannot be changed until it is fully paid. The advantage of adopting an unlocked phone with a BYOD plan is that you can alter your service whenever you discover better offers, rather than being trapped under a contract with ongoing price hikes.

Acquiring an unlocked phone for a BYOD plan

iFixit Launches Complimentary App to Help Users Repair Apple Products and Various Other Devices

A decade after Apple removed iFixit from the App Store and prohibited its developer account, iFixit has made its comeback with a fresh app offering repair guides, a repair workbench, and a battery lifespan predictor. The application features FixBot, an AI repair assistant shaped by user experiences. A notable attribute is Battery Health Intelligence, which tracks battery capacity in real time and forecasts when a replacement is necessary. This feature is currently in beta due to inconsistent measurements by manufacturers but provides improved insights compared to existing options.

iFixit has consistently advocated for the right to repair, supporting user autonomy in device upkeep. Apple has slowly adjusted to new repair regulations, yet obstacles persist. The iFixit app’s FixBot, informed by successful community repairs, assists users in overcoming these obstacles. Additionally, the app encompasses a pocket repair guide that logs devices, pinpoints essential tools, and offers installation instructions. While some individuals may opt for professional repair services, the iFixit app serves as an invaluable tool for DIY enthusiasts. The app is accessible for free on Google Play and Apple’s App Store.

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Assessing the Security of Google’s Password Manager

Google’s password manager application is not exclusively essential for usage within Google Chrome, but it’s an option you can consider. Alternatively, you may opt to utilize the integrated version and follow the auto-fill prompt to generate a robust password and save it when indicated.

At times, a widely used and user-friendly feature may not be the most secure or optimal choice, based on its intended application. Relying on Google’s password manager won’t necessarily jeopardize your data immediately; however, there are several points to be aware of before you proceed with its use.  

The response hinges on your definition of safety