Isviatkovsky/Getty Images Ads are constantly in our faces and are increasingly present on smart TVs. Companies that own and sell smart TVs, and specifically the operating systems they run on, rely on advertising as a tactic to increase their profits. They make money not only from other companies paying for ad space, but also from people using the TVs. The increased access and versatility of streaming across TVs, devices and apps has increased the need for advertising. The reason your smart TV has so many ads is due to several…
Author: Woozad
Sabriel Smutny/Shutterstock The humble Raspberry Pi can be used for many different projects, but some of the most interesting ones keep your old monitors from becoming electronic waste. From retro gaming to a complete dashboard for you and your family, these are just the tip of the iceberg in terms of what you can do. These are also great Raspberry Pi projects for beginners, allowing you to get familiar with the hardware and software side of Pi. Thanks to the flexibility of the Raspberry Pi, you’re not really limited in…
Wongsakorn 2468/Shutterstock Tablets are one of the most versatile computing options on the market because they offer the portability of a mobile device and performance that can rival Chromebooks and laptops. They can be used for everything from note-taking to mobile photography, social media browsing, and professional video editing. In fact, there’s enough crossover between what a tablet can do and what smartphones and laptops can do to create confusion about which device a user actually needs. The wide range of tablet options available on the market adds to the…
GBALLGIGGSPHOTO/Shutterstock When looking for a receiver, the choice comes down to two basic options: audio-visual (AV) receivers and stereo receivers. To make the best choice, you need to determine where your needs lie. Are you more into music or films? Or do you need a receiver that can handle both? Stereo receivers have two channels (for the left and right speakers) optimized for listening to music played on media such as vinyl, cassettes, CDs or the radio. AV receivers can handle these formats, but they also support home theater setups…
Gorodenkoff/Getty Images We may receive a commission on purchases made from links. The marketing from TV brands like Samsung and LG may make it seem like you have to drop thousands of dollars on mini-LED and OLED technology to get a good picture, but there are just as many cheap TV brands that punch well above their weight class. Unfortunately, one of these companies isn’t as shiny as it used to be, at least according to Consumer Reports. Five or six years ago, one of the most recognizable names in…
Alina Mosinyan/Shutterstock Smart watches have evolved rapidly over the years. When initially released, some might have considered a smartwatch a niche or novelty item. However, it is now clear that these devices offer many practical advantages. In addition to helping users track their health, smartwatches can potentially reduce reliance on smartphones by allowing users to receive notifications without having to check their phone. That said, before investing in a smartwatch, it’s worth considering some of the overlooked potential costs that this purchase could entail in the long run. In general,…
Marinel Sigué/BGR If there’s one useful iPhone feature you probably overlook on a daily basis, it’s Control Center. It’s the easiest and fastest way to access your most needed shortcuts from anywhere on your phone. But the one place where it becomes particularly relevant is your lock screen. The Control Center here saves you a lot of time when you just want to turn on your iPhone’s flashlight or enable cellular data without having to unlock your device. However, whenever you open Control Center from the lock screen, you may…
Epic Games/Disney/Lucasfilm The Mandalorian and Grogu hits theaters Friday, and Fortnite is hosting a special Watch Party Island this Tuesday so players can get in on the hype a little early. After carrying out a few activities, Fortnite players will have access to 10 minutes of the film and hear a message from director Jon Favreau. The Mandalorian and Grogu Watch Party Island opens at 10 a.m. ET on May 19. Here’s how it will work, according to the Fortnite team: “Created with Fairview Portals and Beyond Creative, you’ll be…
Wongsakorn 2468/Shutterstock The latest iPhone models are expensive, unless you opt for the iPhone 17e, which starts at a relatively affordable $599. However, it’s missing some key features from the rest of the lineup. That said, not everyone has the budget to buy the latest and greatest iPhones. Fortunately, this isn’t a major problem, as the company’s older iPhones remain excellent smartphones even after the new ones are released, as Apple not only offers software support for five to seven years, but its A-series chips are also some of the…
Miloscirkovic/Getty Images Smart TVs are now the standard purchase for many people who want a new home device, but you need to know their drawbacks. With access to multiple streaming services, apps, and even integration with other devices in your home, they provide excellent convenience for many people. However, even with all these benefits, there are some limitations that may change your experience. Privacy, security, and even hidden costs can affect your usage. Unlike conventional models, Smart TVs work over the Internet and always collect your usage data to understand…