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How to Improve Your Exercise Routine Utilizing Your Treadmill’s USB Port: 4 Impactful Techniques

how you can leverage your TV’s USB ports to energize streaming devices — as well as the kinds of gadgets you can connect to your phone’s USB ports — but what can you really accomplish with the USB ports on a treadmill? Aside from charging a mobile phone or power bank, there are additional ways to transform the USBs on our fitness equipment into genuine workout allies and entertainment hubs

Whether you’re a frequent treadmill user or simply seeking the right inspiration to resume exercising, we’ve devised four methods to utilize your treadmill’s USB port to enhance your workout experience. From powering handy workout gadgets to downloading essential software updates for your equipment, these suggestions are intended to make each workout more fulfilling.

Stay refreshed with a USB-operated fan

Perspiration is a normal aspect of the exercise routine, but that doesn’t imply you have to enjoy it. If you think you could benefit from a gentle breeze to help cool off while using the treadmill, consider getting a compact USB-operated fan. There are various models designed to attach and clamp onto the arms and other parts of your treadmill, and one of our top picks is the Gaiatop Mini Portable Stroller Fan. Offered in six different colors, the fan features a 2,000-milliamp rechargeable battery built in. When fully charged, you will receive

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The Must-Have $9 USB Device Endorsed by Amazon Shoppers

**The Fundamental USB Device: Safeguarding Your Information with a USB Data Blocker**

In our modern digital environment, protecting personal information is more important than ever. A typical morning scenario highlights the possible dangers: in a hurry to make a flight, you discover your phone’s battery is running low. At the airport, you locate a public USB charging station for your device. Yet, this seemingly innocent act could put your personal information at risk from cyber thieves. To mitigate such hazards, purchasing a USB data blocker is a prudent choice.

USB data blockers are compact, cost-effective accessories, usually available for under $15, crafted to shield your devices from juice-jacking attacks. These cyberattacks happen when harmful software is downloaded onto your device via hacked USB ports. The JSAUX USB Data Blocker and the Afterplug USB-C to C Data Blocker are favored options for safe charging in communal settings.

The Afterplug Data Blocker, boasting a 4.5-star rating on Amazon, is recognized for its robust data-blocking features and sleek design. With a width of merely 0.44 inches and a height of 0.89 inches, it’s roughly the size of a quarter. When plugged in, it stops data transfer while enabling device charging. Offered in both standard and L-shaped formats, it fits devices even with protective cases.

With support for up to 240-watt fast charging, the Afterplug Data Blocker is perfect for mobile gadgets and laptops. For best results, utilizing a USB-C to USB-C cable is suggested, though USB-C to USB-A cables are also compatible, though they may face speed constraints.

As warnings grow from authorities like the TSA regarding the risks of wired devices, safeguarding your data is crucial. Hackers constantly devise new strategies to access private information, making it vital to remain one step ahead of their methods. A USB data blocker, priced as low as $9, provides reassurance when charging devices away from the security of your home.

Considering their low cost, think about acquiring several USB data blockers. Store one in your vehicle, another in your travel bag, and a spare at home to ensure you’re always ready. In a reality where data safety is critical, a USB data blocker represents a minor expense for considerable protection.

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iPhone 17 Attains Major Wi-Fi Speed Enhancements in Relation to iPhone 16

Ookla discloses that Apple’s latest N1 chip for Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity has enhanced the internet speeds of the iPhone 17 in comparison to the iPhone 16 and various high-end Android devices. According to Ookla, the median download and upload speeds on the N1 were each up to 40% greater on the iPhone 17.

What stands out in the report is that, on paper, Apple’s N1 chip and Broadcom’s Wi-Fi components were comparable, notwithstanding the upgrade from Bluetooth 5.3 to Bluetooth 6. However, Apple’s more refined hardware-software integration allows the N1 chip to excel on the iPhone, not just for functionalities like AirDrop and Personal Hotspot, but also in enhancing Wi-Fi speeds.

Initially, Ookla suggested that the increase in Wi-Fi speed on the iPhone 17 might have been linked to more developed markets having superior Wi-Fi networks, thus explaining why the new iPhones have faster speeds than their predecessors. Nevertheless, the reliability observed over the past few weeks led the company to conclude that Apple’s N1 chip represents a substantial advancement over the prior generation.

iPhone 17 vs. iPhone 16 internet speeds

Based on Ookla’s Speedtest evaluation, the iPhone 17 series exhibited enhanced download and upload speeds on Wi-Fi compared to the iPhone 16 across all markets. The global median download speed of 329.56 Mbps was 40% higher than that of the iPhone 16 series, which recorded 236.46 Mbps. Median upload speeds for the iPhone 17 models have also increased from 73.68 Mbps to 103.26 Mbps.

In addition, the N1 chip seems to provide a more stable experience across a broader array of devices, even under difficult Wi-Fi conditions. Ookla notes that North American users are experiencing the highest download speeds at 416.14 Mbps (vs

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Mophie Unveils Four Fresh Charging Stands for iPhone Enthusiasts

Mophie is consistently broadening its range of charging products with four new Qi2-certified wireless charging stands. These items are designed to assist Apple users in fast-charging their iPhone, Apple Watch, and AirPods at the same time. “Consumers seek charging solutions that are quick, dependable, and that smoothly fit into their daily lives,” stated Ekshita Kumar, Mophie’s vice president of strategy and growth. “With Qi2 technology and an emphasis on smart design, our latest wireless charging stands provide a premium experience that is both functional and elegantly straightforward.”

This new series offers up to 15W of wireless fast charging, and Mophie claims that its compact design is ideal for desks, nightstands, and work environments. With these new charging stands, users can select accessories that enable charging one, two, or even three devices simultaneously. Mophie also states that all stands come equipped with magnetic alignment, adjustable viewing angles, and integrated cable management. The launch of this new collection will occur in two phases, with the standard wireless charging stand and 3-in-1 options already available, while the 2-in-1 model is set to arrive in early December.

Mophie’s new charging stands: specifications and pricing

For $44.95, Mophie’s Wireless Charging Stand can charge a single Qi2-compatible phone, such as the newest iPhone or Pixel device. The alternative available is the 3-in-1 Wireless Charging Stand, which can charge three devices—iPhone, AirPods, and Apple Watch—priced at $79.95. In early December, Mophie will introduce two 2-in-1 Wireless Charging Stand options—one for charging an iPhone and AirPods, and another for charging an iPhone and an Apple Watch. The AirPods version retails for $59.95, while the Apple Watch version is priced at $79.95.

The multi-device models come with a 40W wall adapter that has an integrated USB-C cable. All devices are MagSafe-compatible and are backed by a two-year warranty. Customers can find these latest accessories on Mophie’s website. The Mophie charging stand undoubtedly appears to be one of the top accessories for iPhone 17 available, due to its adaptable nature.

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Google Play Unveils Its 2025 Best Apps and Games Selection

The conclusion of 2025 is drawing near, which signifies the emergence of the “best of the year” compilations. The Google Play Best of 2025 compilation will actually be released on Tuesday, as Google has identified this year’s champions across various categories, as detailed below. In a blog entry, Google mentioned that the Best of 2025 accolades “honor the exceptional apps, games, and books that have dazzled us with their brilliance, creativity, and quality.” The company further remarked that this “excellence reflects our relentless effort to transform Google Play into more than just a store, but into an experience completely tailored to you.” However, the primary importance for users and developers lies in the actual list of outstanding apps, games, and books that the company has disclosed. Owners of Android devices can download some of the following applications if they aren’t already using them, while developers can study them to gain insights into what captivates consumers and Google regarding app design and content.

The top app of 2025 is Focus Friend by Hank Green, an application designed to assist you in finding your concentration. “It’s the crucial, beneficial (and adorable!) app we all required this year,” Google states. The leading overall game of 2025 is a Pokémon title, Pokémon TCG Pocket. Google clarifies that the game “surpassed expectations” to provide a genuine digital rendition of the legendary trading card game.

Luminar, an AI application that enables users to generate “breathtaking, high-quality images,” is deemed the best multi-device application of 2025, according to Google. The racing game Disney Speedstorm has been recognized as Google Play’s best multi-device game of 2025. “From its stunning visuals to its responsive controls, every aspect has been fine-tuned for seamless play across PC, tablet, or mobile,” Google asserts.

Google’s top apps and books of 2025

Alongside the four major victors mentioned above, Google has also identified the top apps and games of 2025 for specific categories, as follows:

Best apps of 2025:

Best games of 2025:

In addition to apps and games, Google has selected the best books of 2025 that are available on Google Play, featuring fiction, nonfiction, and children and teen titles. Here are two picks for each category, with additional selections available in Google’s blog post:

Fiction:
– Favorite fantasy: “The Raven Scholar” by Antonia Hodgson (ebook)(audiobook)
– Favorite thriller: “Famous Last Words” by Gillian McAllister (ebook)(audiobook)

Nonfiction:
– Favorite memoir: “This American Woman” by Zarna Garg (ebook)(audiobook)
– Favorite business book: “The Ambition Trap: How to Stop Chasing and Start Living” by Amina AlTai (ebook)(audiobook)

Kids & Teens:
– Favorite picture book: “Wind Watchers” by Micha Archer (ebook)
– Favorite middle-grade book: “Very Bad at Math” by Hope Larson (ebook)

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9 Top Suggested Ikea Smart Home Electronics

essential smart home devices that you ought to incorporate into your setup. The wonderful aspect of Ikea is that it displays customer feedback on its main website, which is ideal for understanding what others are utilizing and their experiences to date. Fortunately for you, we’ve conducted the research and discovered nine Ikea smart home gadgets that users highly recommend.

Symfonisk Sonos Wi-Fi Bookshelf Speaker

The Symfonisk Sonos Wi-Fi Bookshelf Speaker presents a compact yet robust option for anyone aiming to enhance their home audio experience. It combines a sleek design with Sonos’ renowned sound quality, establishing it as an excellent choice within the speaker selection of Ikea smart home gadgets. Offered in both black and white, it integrates perfectly on shelves or desks without occupying excessive space. Additionally, it is compatible with all major music streaming platforms, allowing you to delve into a significantly larger library.

This speaker is available for $179.99

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New Legislation in California Expected to Change Online Browsing Habits

already provides a similar option in the user settings of Firefox, so it isn’t exactly a new feature. However, despite the fact that Google’s new desktop web search application isn’t a conventional browser, it still allows web searching, making it intriguing to observe how user data will be managed there.

What alterations does this new legislation bring?

Gemini 3 Pro Benchmark Results Unveiled Before Release

the timeline for when Google will reveal Gemini 3 Pro remains uncertain, yet the next-gen Gemini AI model has surfaced in online leaks for the past few weeks, sparking theories that a launch could be on the horizon. Recently, there have been claims that Google might debut Gemini 3 Pro together with Nano Banana 2, the upcoming AI image model also disclosed in leaks. Fast-forward to mid-November, and details about the Gemini 3 Pro model card have emerged online, featuring benchmark tests that assess Google’s latest models against its prior version, Gemini 2.5 Pro, and its chief competitors, Anthropic’s Claude Sonnet 4.5 and OpenAI’s recently launched GPT-5.1 model, which is currently the standard in ChatGPT.

The document seems to be authentic, with user cheaty sharing a screenshot of the benchmark, a link to the Google page where the Gemini 3 Pro model card was located, and an archived download link for anyone to use to view the model card. The benchmark is

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Users Recommend This Complimentary Substitute for Adobe Photoshop

Adobe’s Photoshop is a remarkable tool for photo editing and visual design with virtually no real competitors. While there are other options available, none quite rival the extensive array of features, user-friendly interface, and comprehensive tools that Photoshop offers. However, Adobe’s fees can be quite steep, and the company has made some frustratingly anti-consumer choices in recent years. This has led to actions from the FTC against the company. Therefore, it’s refreshing when new competition emerges, such as Affinity, a free Photoshop-inspired alternative now owned by Canva. It claims to provide genuine creative freedom with a multitude of photo editing and design tools within a single app. But is it worth trying?

Both regular users and reviewers appear to be fond of it; some are contemplating abandoning Photoshop entirely. Available for Windows and macOS as a desktop application rather than a web app, Affinity offers integrated professional-quality photo-editing tools organized into distinct palettes. The application features separate workspaces or desktops for vector, pixel, and layout editing, allowing flexibility to use multiple tools simultaneously. Additionally, the interface can be customized to include all your preferred and frequently used features. An iPad version is expected to be released soon, and Affinity incorporates optional AI tools from Canva. In other words, you can choose to edit manually and completely avoid using the AI if you prefer. The primary requirement is that you must have a Canva account to access it and will need to log in to start the app.

Is Affinity genuinely free, and will it remain free to use?

Apple Faces Exit of Another Prominent Product Designer After Jonny Ive’s Departure

Bloomberg. Chowdhury’s exit is viewed as particularly significant due to his “increasing visibility within the design team.” Apple’s industrial design group, which was previously led by Jony Ive, is among the most esteemed and vital teams in the organization. The team, by its very nature, is limited in size. Therefore, the departure of even one designer can lead to a substantial effect.

Chowdhury first came on board at Apple as an industrial designer in January 2019. Throughout his nearly six years with the company, he likely contributed to the design of many Apple products. Bloomberg reports that he was instrumental in the creation of the iPhone Air. Importantly, reports of disappointing sales had no bearing on Chowdhury’s choice to leave the company. It is also noteworthy that the iPhone Air, from a design standpoint, ranks among the most remarkable products we’ve seen from Apple in quite a while.

Apple’s design department has experienced numerous exits in recent years