User Perspectives on the Durability of Roku Streaming Sticks

where manufacturers deliberately reduce a device’s lifespan to compel consumers to purchase a new one. This can be achieved by causing the device to malfunction or fail frequently, akin to lightbulbs from the 1920s, or through software updates and other gradual modifications. Is this relevant to Roku streaming devices, specifically the Roku Sticks, and what is their actual lifespan? The answer may catch you off guard.

Based on feedback from users and testers, Roku streaming devices do experience a decline in performance over time, but there is a legitimate explanation for this. The software is regularly updated to enhance performance and ensure consistency in media quality, providing upgrades for features like voice search, improvements in 4K performance, support for Bluetooth headphones, and more. As these updates necessitate more advanced hardware, the older hardware in previous models becomes less effective until it eventually requires an upgrade. This does result in a decrease in speed, but it isn’t meant to be intentional.

The typical lifespan for the Roku Express, Streaming Stick, Ultra, and Ultra LT is approximately four to five years, at a minimum. Nonetheless, some users have reported using devices like the Roku 3 for over 10 years without encountering significant performance problems. This does not apply to a Roku TV set, so consider that. This information pertains solely to the standalone Roku streaming devices, but the key point is that Roku streaming devices can feasibly last for over five years (and potentially reach a decade). If you notice any slowdowns, there’s an easy trick that can enhance performance, and it is effective for both Roku TVs and streaming players.

What is the expected lifespan of a Roku if I purchase new or upgrade?

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XGIMI’s MemoMind AI Eyewear Tackles Significant AR Challenges

Before CES 2026 starts, the well-known Chinese projector company XGIMI is ushering in the year with a new AI glasses venture named MemoMind, alongside its initial lineup of wearable devices. Following the trend of AI/AR glasses, which gained traction when Meta collaborated with Ray-Ban, and has expanded with smaller brands like Rokid and L’Attitude during IFA 2025, XGIMI aims to surpass competitors by merging an appealing design, groundbreaking dual-screen technology, and cutting-edge AI. But does it finally render AR glasses practical for everyday use?

BGR received an exclusive preview of the glasses, featuring a complete demonstration of their intended functionality, current performance, and future prospects for the MemoMind brand in the upcoming months. With a focus on design, XGIMI is unveiling these products while simultaneously soft-launching a new company at CES as part of its engineers’ “side project.”

In contrast to many projector manufacturers, XGIMI creates its hardware from scratch, so it’s applying the same philosophy to AI glasses, including the optics. During IFA 2025, I had the chance to test Rokid’s AI glasses, and I was captivated by the innovative display. However, having a single-screen design meant I often had to cross my eyes to decipher what was displayed. This “design flaw” has been rectified in XGIMI’s inaugural AI glasses offering.

Introducing Memo One, XGIMI’s AI glasses

XGIMI asserts that design is central to the Memo One glasses. With eight distinct frame styles and five interchangeable temple designs, the AI glasses will also accommodate prescription lenses and a sunglasses attachment. Consequently, the company aims to create attractive glasses that just happen to be powered by AI.

Featuring a multi-LLM hybrid operating system (initially supporting OpenAI, Azura, and Qwen), the Memo One glasses come equipped with a single button. This allows users to navigate various features typically expected in AI glasses: initiating live translation, recording and summarizing conversations, checking schedules, listening to music, and reading from a teleprompter.

I tested each of these functions, and live translation was the standout feature for me. It quickly translated Mandarin to English in nearly real-time, with the only challenge being striking the right balance between providing useful information and maintaining eye contact. While there are software adjustments that could enhance this, I doubt that XGIMI—or any company—could completely master this new level of interaction just yet.

Nonetheless, the company is outperforming the rest of the market. The innovative dual-eye screen distinguishes it from competitors that utilize a single-eye square display. With two broader screens for both eyes, the text appears crisper and brighter, ultimately simplifying the reading experience.

MemoMind’s upcoming plans

With a projected release in the second quarter of the year and a starting price around $599, the company also intends to launch the Memo Air Display later on, which will be a more affordable pair of AR glasses boasting a more conventional eyewear design. These glasses will not feature the integrated speaker found in the Memo One and will employ a single display instead of dual screens.

What’s notable about XGIMI’s new AI glasses is the absence of a camera in this first batch of wearables. For numerous consumers, the camera has been a significant attraction of smart glasses. Instead, the company is wholly committed to ensuring a reliable, swift, and comfortable AR experience.

For instance, MemoMind’s displays only activate while in use. After completing a task, the AI glasses revert to standard eyewear. As a result, the company can guarantee impressive battery life, lasting up to 16 hours. While the success of XGIMI in the AI glasses arena remains to be seen, the company is not embarking on this journey to establish a sustainable market for smart glasses alone.

The Advantages of Utilizing the HDMI Cable Supplied with Your PlayStation 5

there are “phony” HDMI 2.1 ports in devices because specific features of the latest standard are optional rather than mandatory. That said, HDMI performance is linked to the cable you utilize just as much as it is to the port. The logical question that arises is whether you can rely on the cables that are included with your media devices, such as the HDMI cable packaged with your PlayStation 5. Is it compatible with HDMI 2.1 for supporting high-resolution and high-refresh-rate, or should you replace it with a different one?

The brief response is yes, the PlayStation 5 is equipped with an HDMI 2.1 cable. This allows you to fully leverage your TV’s — and the HDMI standard’s — top features. This is especially crucial for the PlayStation 5 and PlayStation 5 Pro, as you can utilize features like variable refresh rate, high-frame rate modes with 120Hz, 4K and 8K output, optimized HDR and color configurations, and Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM). Additionally, it is significant which HDMI port you select on your TV — ensure it’s connected to the correct one, specifically a port that supports 4K resolution and 120Hz refresh rate.

Why is HDMI 2.1 essential for PS5 users?

5 Essential Windows Applications to Enhance Performance on Aged Computers

reconsider it just now for your upcoming crafting endeavor.

We’ve previously discussed crucial Windows 11 configurations you ought to modify to enhance the operating system’s performance, but there exists a variety of free third-party software that can assist in revitalizing that aging PC that’s starting to lag back into one with a bit more energy. We have thoroughly searched the web to identify several applications that both users and specialists have highly recommended. Additionally, we have explored tools that don’t require a computer science degree to comprehend, enabling you to fully leverage their capabilities.

The applications listed below may aid in boosting your computer’s speed, eliminating unnecessary programs, and addressing concerns that you might not even realize were causing your computer to slow down. Some of these tools can be obtained online, while others are actually included with Windows 11, making their usage quite simple and straightforward.

Startup Programs

Google TV Incorporates Google Photos Connection and Updated Gemini Functionalities

unveiled several new functionalities for Google TV, such as compatibility with the Google Photos app and extra Gemini features that could enhance your viewing experience. The introduction of these features isn’t unexpected, given recent events. Google integrated Gemini into Google TV last year, as it plans to substitute Google Assistant with Gemini across its platforms. The firm has also revamped the Google Photos experience in 2025, introducing new AI functionalities to the mobile application and a completely new video-editing feature. In a related announcement a few days ago, Samsung revealed that certain Samsung TV models will support the Google Photos app, with at least one feature enjoying a short exclusivity phase.

The latest Google TV features announced at CES 2026 will be initially accessible on select TCL TV models, followed by other Google TV devices, including projectors, in the upcoming months. Gemini will provide even more assistant-like functionalities on compatible devices, including the capacity to manage settings. For instance, you could inform the AI that “the screen is too dim,” or “the dialogue is lost,” and Gemini will adjust the brightness and sound levels accordingly. You won’t need to pause your movie or TV show to navigate to the Google TV settings yourself.

Gemini will also be capable of responding to other inquiries in the same conversational manner offered in the Gemini app on mobile or desktop. You may pose questions to the AI regarding specific topics related to Google TV content, such as similar shows to those you’ve recently completed watching. You can inquire about real-world events, like sports, and ask for images when suitable. One of the examples provided by Google is requesting Gemini to display some of Van Gogh’s most renowned paintings.

Top 5 Must-Have Free Apple Watch Applications to Install Initially

The Apple Watch is a top seller in smart wearables for good reason. Despite some significant drawbacks in the Apple Watch Series 10, the device continues to improve with an expanding array of features and applications that cater to diverse requirements. While the built-in apps may already fulfill your needs, various third-party applications can enhance your experience when you opt to download and install them first.

These upcoming applications are designed to assist you in monitoring the weather, enhancing your workouts, and ensuring you remember all the essentials while grocery shopping. All these apps boast favorable ratings in the Apple App Store with numerous reviews, and a few have even received Apple’s endorsement.

Although every application listed here is free to download, we’ve indicated where subscription options or premium tiers exist. Nevertheless, the free versions of all these apps will function as expected on your Apple Watch, eliminating any concerns about needing a subscription to experience them. Considering there are many other free Apple Watch apps available, it’s advisable to give these a shot first to prevent wasting time sifting through the App Store.

CARROT Weather: Alerts & Radar

The standard Apple Watch comes equipped with the company’s Weather app, but many users might seek alternatives that offer more features and flexibility. The third-party application CARROT Weather developed by Grailr LLC provides enhanced capabilities that go far beyond what’s available through Apple. In 2023, we identified it as one of the top weather applications for iPhone, and its compatibility with Apple Watch makes it a worthy download.

CARROT Weather presents meteorological updates in five distinct styles — including a formal tone and another that throws in humor and colorful language to enliven your weather predictions. You can obtain comprehensive weather details right from your Apple Watch, including information on weekly, daily, and hourly forecasts. Additionally, the app prioritizes user privacy by assuring not to sell or share your personal data. You can also select your preferred weather service for CARROT and easily switch between them within the app.

While the fundamental app is free, note that CARROT provides various in-app purchases and subscription options — with monthly fees starting at $4.99 and annual subscriptions at $19.99. Enrolling in the app’s subscription service unlocks further features, including

“Planet of the Apes Film Alleged to Have Borrowed Technology from Cult Sci-Fi Classic”

find an alternative application for an aging computer monitor, Hollywood creators excel at discovering methods to repurpose various items to capture the finest shots for their films. Nevertheless, the outcomes are not always amazing, and some enthusiasts notice when films recycle particular objects. For the 2001 movie “The Planet of the Apes” — a remake generally regarded as one of the less favorable in the series – the film appropriated elements from the cult-classic “Starship Troopers,” and people paid attention.

Although a film that receives high praise and is accurate enough that even NASA acknowledges it can be quite commendable, there’s something about a lighthearted movie taking cues from another film that can provide a unique form of entertainment, even if it might be a bit off-putting. Explore the specifics below, and remember this for your next movie-themed trivia night — we won’t even request you to share your winnings with us if you succeed.

2001’s Planet of the Apes took helmets from a cult sci-fi classic

Reasons Why Certain Individuals Have an Aversion to Roku

Roku TV or streaming stick may be monitoring you via data collection and activity tracking practices. You can restrict the device’s capacity to gather data by modifying your Roku privacy preferences, but it could also be argued that this shouldn’t occur in the first place.

The state of Florida has recently filed a lawsuit against Roku, claiming the company breaches children’s privacy regulations by selling voice recordings, viewing behaviors, and geolocation information — the latter being a significant invasion of user privacy. Personally, I don’t have an issue with Roku devices in my residence, though I have opted out of data tracking and privacy-sensitive features. Additionally, I don’t utilize most of the streaming applications, as I have my own Plex server set up. This allows me to disregard most advertisements, depending on where they appear.

Is Roku truly worse than other streaming devices?

DIY Solution: Remove Patchy Wi-Fi with Your Old Smartphone

enhance your Wi-Fi speed by implementing a mesh Wi-Fi system in your residence. This expands the coverage, including upstairs rooms, and allows you to connect additional devices without fearing performance reductions (commonly likened to a Wi-Fi range extender). But what if your goal is merely to boost your Wi-Fi signal to the adjacent room? In those situations, mesh systems might be excessive, leading to higher costs than necessary. A more fitting option would be a Wi-Fi repeater. This not only tends to be more economical, but you could also create one yourself using an old smartphone. We’ll guide you on how to accomplish this.

Option 1: Utilize your phone’s built-in Wi-Fi sharing capability