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Taron Egerton is a multifaceted Welsh actor who achieved global recognition for his leading role in the “Kingsman” films. More recently, he showcased his ability to portray a chilling antagonist in the 2026 Netflix original thriller “Apex.” Egerton has a knack for action, comedy, and even horror, excelling in all three genres. If you were enthralled by Taron Egerton’s intense performance in “Apex,” your next viewing should be the nine-episode series “Smoke” available on the Apple TV platform.

“Smoke” narrates the tale of an arson investigator (Taron Egerton) and a police officer (Jurnee Smollett) who join forces to apprehend a pair of serial arsonists. In this crime drama, Egerton’s character is the hook that draws you into the storyline. It becomes clear that there is tension between the main characters and that hidden secrets and conspiracies lie beneath the surface. Taron Egerton was even nominated for a BAFTA for his role in “Smoke,” making it a must-watch for his performance.

An engaging police drama shrouded in secrets

“Smoke” is more than just a clever title for an arson tale; it’s also an apt description of the elusive essence of this series. As Alan Sepinwall noted in his Rolling Stone review of “Smoke,” it “begins as a clichéd cop drama.” Only after sticking with it for a few episodes do you realize how truly engaging it becomes. It’s as if a layer of proverbial smoke is hiding the main mysteries, requiring time for it to dissipate.

Episodes six and seven of the show’s sole nine-episode season boast the highest ratings on IMDb. This is logical, as the latter half of “Smoke” transitions from a standard police drama into a distinctive tale with a premise that genuinely stands out. And, as is the case with any excellent character-driven drama, our protagonist is at the heart of it all. Fans of Taron Egerton will appreciate witnessing how his character reacts to pivotal revelations as they unfold.

With the premiere of Netflix’s “Apex,” now is an opportune moment to revisit the entire Taron Egerton portfolio. If you enjoyed “Smoke,” you’ll also be captivated by the Apple TV series “Black Bird.” These two series collectively justify at least one month of the subscription service, even after the price hike last year.

If you often use YouTube TV, you may have realized it’s been enhanced with recent updates. As Google promised, significant changes are being introduced to YouTube TV, influencing various aspects of the service’s functionality. For instance, there are now additional premium plan options, we’ve observed some design and UI modifications, and YouTube TV has rolled out a groundbreaking new feature: multiview customization. Previously, multiview — the proprietary version of picture-in-picture that allows viewing multiple streams concurrently — had limited compatibility with live channels; however, you can now fully personalize what appears in each panel. You can display nearly every live channel available in one of four multiview panes.

You can catch live sports games, include a TV show or movie in the lineup, and monitor other content you’re interested in — such as a channel displaying live financial tickers. Customization is now available, it operates smoothly, and it certainly enhances multiview’s satisfaction compared to before. Nonetheless, there are still restrictions, which raise questions about potential improvements with a few adjustments. To begin with, only live content is supported, meaning DVR or on-demand content cannot be watched simultaneously. Furthermore, some devices won’t support the updated functionality. Google states that “less than 5%” of devices are incompatible, but that number is not negligible.

I can’t help but envision one significant way to make multiview even more beneficial. The ability to select additional TV inputs on supported devices. This may not be feasible, and it wouldn’t apply to mobile, but watching live sports alongside content from another video source in a separate window would be fantastic.

How does the YouTube TV multiview customization truly function?

Once you utilize the feature, adjusting the viewable content in each pane is quite easy. On a compatible YouTube TV device, with content playing, press down on your remote, select the multiview option, and in the feature panel that appears, simply choose which channels you want to watch at the same time. Google refers to this feature panel as the Multiview Builder. You’ll also receive several suggestions, such as “Top Picks for You,” “Watch in multiview” channels, and categories like Sports, TV, and more.

It’s disappointing that you can’t use pre-recorded, DVR content or on-demand selections with multiview. You’re restricted to live channels only, which somewhat constrains your choices. It’s not entirely unreasonable to expect future enhancements. YouTube TV overall has been consistently improving. The TV app recently integrated the Ask feature, which has been accessible on mobile for years, in addition to all the recent updates. With that, you can now request AI assistance to search and discover more about content. Moreover, the new multiview functionality is vastly superior to what it was before, so there’s that.

more potent than Valve’s own portable gaming device. These alternative models provide various features and are frequently more accessible than the Steam Deck, which has seen stock issues in recent months. One such model is the MSI Claw, a series launched in March 2024, utilizing Intel Core Ultra processors in the majority of its variants and operating on Windows 11. The latest Claws have incorporated Copilot AI and enhanced specifications, but the MSI Claw A1M-051US still stands out with its Ultra 7-155H processor as a reliable device.

Priced at $699, the MSI Claw A1M is marginally pricier than the Steam Deck OLED’s 1TB variant, which retails for $649. However, it compensates for its lower built-in storage of 512GB with superior technical specifications. Nevertheless, if the cost had previously seemed a bit steep, it’s important to mention that the MSI Claw A1M is currently available at Walmart for $598.95—a reduction of over $100.

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many uneasy realities regarding the use of Spotify as your main music platform is that it’s becoming increasingly inundated with AI-generated content. While Spotify committed to reducing AI material on the streaming service, that hasn’t truly halted the influx of new media. This newly introduced verified badge will assist users in distinguishing between what they might view as genuine artistry and artificial identities. Upon release, this feature will aid in identifying 99% of artists that Spotify listeners commonly search for, encompassing “hundreds of thousands of artists.”

The badge will start showing up on artist profiles and alongside artist names in search results over the upcoming weeks, according to Spotify. Both the “Verified by Spotify” label and a corresponding green checkmark icon will provide clear recognition. Verified artists exhibit “consistent listener activity and engagement,” indicating they maintain popularity over an extended period, uphold a solid reputation on Spotify’s platforms, adhere to service guidelines, and possess an “identifiable artist presence both on and off-platform.”

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**5 Of The Most Notable Tech Repair Misunderstandings You Should Disregard**

When a device malfunctions or a certain part fails, like a laptop that won’t charge because of a drained battery or won’t power on at all, you typically face the choice between repair and replacement. For a considerable period, repairs seemed to be a favorable option, then replacing devices became increasingly prevalent, but recently, repairs have gained traction once again. Nonetheless, many individuals continue to believe the most significant tech repair misunderstandings. While exceptions will always exist, these misconceptions should not deter you from pursuing repairs or even contemplating the concept.

Many of these misunderstandings arise from aggressive marketing strategies by manufacturers, while others stem from personal experiences. For example, repaired devices might sometimes fail again shortly after, or people may experience data loss during repairs; however, these occurrences are not as common as suggested. Companies profit when you replace devices that have one defective part, while with repairs, you usually save time, money, and effort.

Keep in mind that repairs can often be a smart decision in numerous cases, while being outright impractical in some. To grasp how that operates, you first need to recognize the prevalent repair myths. This will empower you to make an educated decision based on the device’s condition and other pertinent factors.

### Repairs Aren’t Effective Over Time

A prevalent myth regarding tech repairs is that they aren’t effective, especially long-term. Many assume that the device will fail sooner if the defective part or the entire device isn’t replaced. While this might have been true for some, it cannot be deemed fact. The effectiveness of repairs is largely determined by the quality of the work conducted and the severity of the issue. For instance, low-quality repairs typically lack effectiveness, and the problem is likely to resurface. Similarly, if the issue is too intricate and threatens other components, such as a motherboard problem, replacing that part might be the wiser choice.

Conversely, there are problems that are straightforward to resolve. For instance, if your system is overheating, just cleaning the PC to eliminate dust buildup can help lower temperatures to safe levels. On older laptops with removable cases, this often doesn’t even necessitate professional assistance. Likewise, there are moments when repairs or workarounds are financially viable. For example, if your laptop has broken or damaged hinges, they can be fixed at a fraction of the cost of a new device. Similarly, if a USB port is malfunctioning, you can utilize a USB hub or docking station.

As long as you have the repairs performed by the OEM or a professional, this generally poses no issue. Additionally, some providers offer warranties on repairs, ranging from 3 to 12 months. Confirm that, and if feasible, choose those options for superior work quality.

### Older Devices Are Not Worth Repairing

Another misconception that people often believe is that fixing older devices is not worthwhile, especially when newer models are accessible. This is primarily based on the belief that older devices are susceptible to problems, and even if one is repaired, another component will eventually fail. However, this is far from accurate, particularly for devices that have been well maintained.

For instance, if you own a 5 to 7-year-old laptop that has poor battery life and has slowed down over time, replacing the battery and upgrading from an HDD to an SSD will enhance performance. Adding more RAM could also make it feel faster. These are significantly more cost-effective alternatives compared to acquiring a new laptop. Another drawback with modern laptops is that many now come with soldered RAM, which, while faster, isn’t upgradeable. Furthermore, with the increasing prices of RAM and SSDs, computer costs have surged in recent years, making repairs increasingly practical and financially sensible.

Of course, for certain older devices, repairs may not be advisable. For example, a laptop or smartphone that no longer receives updates poses a security risk, and obtaining one that is still supported is a better option. Nevertheless, there are workarounds. Recently, users of devices that didn’t meet the requirements for Windows 11 transitioned to alternatives like Linux or ChromeOS Flex to ensure continued functionality and long-term software support.

### Third-Party Repairs Are Inferior and Void Warranty

While this may have held true a decade ago, the current landscape is quite different. Numerous professional third-party repair centers now exist, providing the same quality of service and products as OEMs. Therefore, third-party repairs are no longer inferior.

Moreover, the concern of voiding warranty is another frequent misconception. However, not every repair from a third-party professional will void your device’s warranty, as long as it remains relatively new and covered under the warranty program. To determine the types and extent of repairs permitted by the manufacturer, refer to the device’s manual or the OEM’s website. Additionally, with stricter laws being enforced and the Right-to-Repair Movement gaining traction, manufacturers are being compelled to simplify repair processes. Furthermore, companies like Framework are now advocating for modular designs.

inexpensive smartwatches that exceed expectations in their price range perform effectively. They utilize the smartphone’s GPS while offering a more budget-friendly design. However, if you prefer to leave your phone behind, watches with standalone support are the preferable choice. Authentic GPS provides greater accuracy, but it does consume battery life more quickly during operation. This could pose a challenge if you’re adventuring in the secluded wilderness and lack a battery backup option — such as a portable charger.

The subsequent inquiry is whether you genuinely need GPS in a smartwatch. The response is contingent on how and where you plan to use the watch and what you aim to monitor. If your workouts are primarily indoors at a gym and you don’t engage in much running or cycling, you can certainly manage without it. For activities where tracking your route or distance is desirable, you’ll require some variation of GPS.

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