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How Your Roku TV Streaming Stick Might Be Tracking Your Actions

Roku streaming sticks aren’t precisely free, but they are remarkably inexpensive given their capabilities. During promotional events, you can acquire one for just slightly more than the cost of a meal at your nearby chain eatery. They open up a vast array of streaming options through vital Roku applications and offer a user-friendly interface. While they can transform any older television equipped with an HDMI port into a smart device, many individuals opt to insert a Roku streaming stick into a television that is already smart.

They favor the interface and appreciate access to extra content, like Roku Channels. However, this ease of use and cost savings come with a price if certain features aren’t disabled. When utilizing a Roku streaming stick — and even some budget-friendly smart TV brands – your viewing habits are monitored.

This includes how you interact with applications, any purchases made directly from the television (in this instance, a streaming stick), and the types of content you view or engage with. Subsequently, the data, although anonymized, is sold to external companies for various purposes, ranging from marketing to research. Nevertheless, there is a method to deactivate this to guarantee a more secure, private experience.

What happens in the background of a Roku streaming stick

As you interact with content, the streaming stick becomes acquainted with your viewing patterns and those of your family. It tracks the amount of time spent watching television, the timings of your viewing, and the nature of the content you interact with. It can even detect demographics and interests — such as if you’re a true crime enthusiast — and identify if there are young children present. It will record your purchases, the streaming services you access most frequently, and even which advertisements you skip or, on the other hand, watch.

Roku’s privacy policy specifies that it gathers your search history and outcomes, voice commands, channels you visit, including the timing and duration of your viewing, your interactions with content and advertisements, and even

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How Portal Systems Intends to Utilize Sunlight for Spacecraft Propulsion

Amazon’s forthcoming Project Kuiper, the International Space Station, and other entities in orbit. Managing spacecraft and sustaining operations in the diverse orbits surrounding Earth has become a more intricate and bustling area. Currently, an emerging startup named Portal Systems aims to innovate that sector by providing a different energy source: sunlight.

Established in 2021 by Jeff Thornburg, an Air Force veteran with experience at Amazon, SpaceX, and NASA, Portal Systems asserts that its spacecraft, referred to as Supernova, will exhibit excellent maneuverability, capable of delivering payloads and swiftly adapting to evolving demands. It will also be equipped to conduct maintenance and eliminate debris. This is all powered by a solar propulsion system.

Supernova will utilize mirrors to focus sunlight onto a thermal battery. The thermal energy can subsequently be utilized by a proprietary 3D-printed integrated heat exchanger and thruster (known as a HEX thruster by Portal Systems). Ammonia will then flow through the HEX thruster, expanding due to the absorbed heat, which will be employed to maneuver the satellite. Portal Systems is confident that this method will position Supernova as a revolutionary factor in inter-orbit mobility. A launch is anticipated in 2026, and although this isn’t the first instance of considering sunlight as a power source for spacecraft, not everyone concurs that this represents the path forward for space.

The ambitious plans of Portal Systems

Users’ Top 4 Most Disliked iOS Features

$4 trillion market valuation akin to Apple. While iPhone sales keep experiencing remarkable growth, not every aspect of the device is guaranteed to provide a completely seamless experience. In fact, if you consult the internet, several features are regarded as outright disappointing.

Scouring the vast expanse of the web, users have identified some of the most criticized iOS features, including Apple Intelligence & Siri, Image Playground, Freeform, and the Journal app. Regarding these applications and functionalities, it’s not merely about many of them providing inadequate performance; some leave users perplexed concerning their intended use.

Of course, just because the internet doesn’t favor something does not mean it should be taken as irrefutable truth. While the following list encapsulates the most criticized offerings currently from Apple, it doesn’t imply you won’t discover the positives among them. Contrary to common belief, features like Apple Intelligence and Journal could indeed have some benefits for you. Additionally, depending on your perspective, you might wish for Apple to enhance some of these features’ treatment moving forward.

Apple Intelligence & Siri

Crucial Sci-Fi Films from the ’70s You Should See

free streaming platforms and applications, discovering the ideal show or film to view can leave you endlessly scrolling. Even though your preferred streaming service may have recommendations for you, it might not fully satisfy that craving. Luckily, we’ve fine-tuned our focus on entertainment, and we have a number of recommendations that will set the mood for some classic sci-fi.

Sci-fi from the ’70s can occupy a unique spot in the hearts of many. With their emphasis on practical effects and laying the foundation for some beloved sci-fi content today, there’s much enjoyment to be had from winding down with the lights dimmed while watching some of the key classics from the past. The films listed below will take you on adventures with aliens, battling dystopian police robots, journeying to chaotic amusement parks, and putting everything on the line in a high-stakes race.

Even if you’re not the greatest sci-fi enthusiast, every film on this list is worthy of at least one watch, as many of these movies have inspired the content that fills our screens weekly. We’ll also let you know where you can find each film, although keep in mind that some of these titles require rentals. However, a few are also accessible for free, so there’s no excuse not to indulge in some classic sci-fi thrills.

THX 1138 (1971)

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Grasping the Idea of ‘Proto-Earth’

a series of intense occurrences, transformed it into the planet we recognize today. In essence, proto-Earth represented the initial phase of our world, prior to the moon-creating impact.

The crust of the planet was volatile, there were no oceans, and life had yet to arise from the primordial sludge. It is estimated that proto-Earth was around for merely a fleeting moment in geological terms. It was a desolate molten mass for approximately 100 million years until the catastrophic impact with Theia. This event is believed to have eradicated all remnants of primordial Earth. It changed the makeup of our planet, sending a significant amount of debris into space, which eventually formed the moon as we know it. Consequently, scientists could only speculate about proto-Earth and its possible appearance. Until now, that is.

The recent discoveries regarding proto-Earth

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How to Properly Clean Your Computer Screen

television displays must be cleaned with caution, since both excessive pressure and strong chemicals can harm them irreparably.

Cleaning an LCD screen is often more laborious than polishing the solid glass or plastic surface of a CRT monitor, but it is not exceedingly difficult. Maintaining your monitor free of accumulated dust and the occasional streak is typically just a matter of lightly wiping it with a soft, LCD-compatible microfiber cloth. If the cloth alone doesn’t suffice, you can apply monitor-safe cleaning solutions to enhance your cleaning effectiveness without harming your display’s surface.

A gentle microfiber cloth is your primary cleaning tool

Top 5 Electric Cars for Winter and Snow, Advised by Specialists

choosing the appropriate EV for usage in winter conditions involving snow necessitates careful consideration of certain technical and performance aspects. Cold temperatures affect driving behavior due to slippery surfaces, snow, and ice, but battery performance is just as crucial. Lithium-ion batteries show decreased chemical reactions in low temperatures, which leads to diminished energy availability and slower charging speeds. Moreover, heating the cabin in EVs directly utilizes battery power, further diminishing the effective driving range.

In addition to reduced range, winter driving requires excellent traction, either all-wheel drive (AWD) or four-wheel drive capability, a well-designed stability control system, and tires suitable for snowy and icy conditions. When assessing EVs for use in winter, important factors should consist of: the extent of range reduction in cold weather (the durability of the battery and thermal systems), whether the vehicle incorporates a heat pump or other effective cabin and battery heating methods, the strength of the driveline and AWD systems in low-grip scenarios, as well as cold weather charging efficiency.

Research indicates that in freezing conditions, many EVs generally operate at 75% to 85% of their optimal temperature range. Vehicles featuring a heat pump generally experience less range loss. In snowy areas, vehicles with a lower center of gravity (due to ground-mounted battery packs), improved chassis stability, and specialized winter/traction models perform better. Let’s examine five EVs that excel in winter and snowy conditions, combining range durability and effective traction.

Audi e-tron (premium plus)

Guide to Keeping Your Steam Deck Touch Screen Clean

Steam Deck modifications and enhancements can further boost its capabilities. However, like any electronic gadget, it is crucial to maintain and clean your Steam Deck periodically to prevent the accumulation of oil and grime. This is particularly important for the Steam Deck’s touchscreen, which you’ll likely be engaging with frequently as you browse your library and games. Keeping the screen clean is essential to prevent scratches and ensure smoother interactions. Although it may be tempting to grab Windex or your usual lens cleaner for the touchscreen, this has been widely discouraged on various forums and websites.

Instead, Valve advises a straightforward approach to maintain the cleanliness of the Steam Deck’s touchscreen display. According to the official Steam Support Care and maintenance guidelines for the Steam Deck, Valve suggests that Steam Deck users utilize a dry microfiber cloth for display cleaning. Furthermore, if liquid is necessary, Valve recommends applying a small amount of isopropyl alcohol on the cloth before gently rubbing the screen. Directly applying alcohol to the screen can lead to damage, which Valve states will not be covered under the handheld’s warranty.

Reasons to avoid using cleaning products on your Steam Deck

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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