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You should probably have the “Improve Siri & Dictation” setting off — here’s why
Apple devices include an “Improve Siri & Dictation” setting that, when enabled, allows Apple to store and review audio recordings and transcripts from Siri, dictation and translation interactions. Many users may have switched this on during device setup years ago without realising the scope of what they were agreeing to, and it remains especially relevant…
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This is a great place to store your old hard drives and keep them safe
This Engadget guide explains how to safely store old hard drives so they remain usable and their data recoverable years later, a growing concern given rising storage costs and how easily neglected drives can fail. Heat, humidity, static electricity and magnets can all degrade a drive over time, and even untouched, properly stored drives can…
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What is a VPN kill switch and how does it work?
A VPN kill switch is a security feature that automatically blocks a device’s internet access if its connection to the VPN server drops, preventing the user’s real IP address, DNS queries or browsing activity from being briefly exposed. This matters because a VPN only protects privacy while it is actively connected; without a kill switch,…
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MediaTek is using TSMC’s cutting edge 2nm process for its latest chip
MediaTek has announced that its new flagship smartphone processor, the Dimensity 9600 Pro, is the first chip to be manufactured using TSMC’s advanced 2-nanometer N2P process, putting it ahead of rival Qualcomm in adopting the technology. Qualcomm is not expected to use the same TSMC process until its Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6 chip launches…
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The pros and cons of using a MagSafe charger
MagSafe charging offers genuine conveniences on both MacBooks and iPhones, but each version comes with trade-offs worth weighing before relying on it exclusively. On MacBooks, MagSafe provides an easy magnetic connection and protects the laptop from being yanked off a desk if someone trips on the cable, but it is a proprietary cable that cannot…
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Uber expands options for riders with seniors accounts
Uber has announced updates to its senior accounts feature, aimed at giving older riders and those with limited mobility greater independence when booking rides. Previously, senior accounts had to be linked to a family member’s standard Uber account for support, but the company is now introducing a self-managed option that lets seniors set up and…
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Yamaha introduces the compact B200A soundbar with Dolby Atmos
Yamaha has launched the B200A, a compact soundbar that supports Dolby Atmos surround sound while remaining small enough to fit under most desktop monitors or be wall-mounted. The device targets budget-conscious buyers who want an entry point into immersive audio without a large footprint or a high price tag, making it suitable for both TV…
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Voicemod’s new pocket-friendly device brings real-time voice changing to your phone
Voicemod has launched the Key Pocket, a small hardware device that brings its real-time voice-changing technology to mobile phones for the first time, expanding on the original Voicemod Key dongle released for consoles in late 2024. Unlike the earlier device, which only used a phone as an interface for Xbox, PlayStation and Switch, the Key…
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The easiest way to find and remove spyware on your Android phone
Spyware infections on Android phones are common because the platform’s openness—allowing sideloading and alternative app stores—makes it a target for criminals seeking to steal banking details or passwords, but Engadget notes that such infections leave detectable traces and are generally straightforward to remove without technical expertise. Recognising the warning signs and knowing the removal steps…
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2 ways Android users can take advantage of Apple’s MagSafe accessories
Apple’s MagSafe magnetic ecosystem, introduced with the iPhone 12 in 2020, has become a defining feature of the iPhone, but it remains rare on Android devices, with only a handful of models such as Google’s Pixel range and the HMD Skyline offering built-in magnets. The article explains that Android users need not miss out, as…