Gadgets

  • What’s the difference between battery capacity and battery life?

    Battery capacity is the amount of energy a battery can store, while battery life is how long a device runs before needing a recharge. Understanding the distinction helps people compare devices, estimate charging needs and recognise when an ageing battery may need replacing. Capacity is usually measured in milliampere hours for phones and power banks,…

  • Pink MacBook buyers have just one option, Apple’s entry-level Neo

    Apple’s MacBook Neo is currently the only Mac computer sold in pink, a colour the company calls “Blush”. The article argues that this leaves buyers who want a more powerful laptop with little choice, as Apple’s higher-end MacBooks stick to subdued finishes. The Neo is positioned for casual use and note-taking rather than demanding creative…

  • Why this ancient cable still connects to modern TVs with a simple adapter

    DVI cables, an industry standard from the late 1990s, can still be connected to modern TVs and displays using inexpensive HDMI adapters. This is possible because DVI-D (Digital) and DVI-I (Integrated) share the same underlying digital video protocol as HDMI, meaning the adapter simply reroutes the pins without requiring complex conversion or power. DVI ports…

  • How to improve your laptop’s webcam quality

    Laptop webcams often produce blurry, grainy or washed-out images because their small sensors have to fit inside thin lids and capture less light. The article says lighting and simple maintenance can make a noticeable difference, offering lower-cost fixes before buying an external camera. Clean the lens with a microfibre cloth, face a window or place…

  • ICE is reportedly using a Palantir database to compile dossiers on protestors

    Unsealed court documents reportedly indicate that Department of Homeland Security agents compiled dossiers on people accused of observing or protesting Immigration and Customs Enforcement in Maine. The alleged files, held in a Palantir-built system, have raised concerns among the plaintiffs’ lawyers that monitoring and intimidation could discourage people from exercising their First Amendment rights. The…

  • Ethernet cables can do more than just improve home internet

    Ethernet cabling can carry more than network data: with suitable equipment, it can also transmit video, audio and electrical power. These uses can help make use of existing wiring or reach devices far from a router or power socket, though category cable is not always the best choice. For long-distance video, HDMI extenders send a…

  • Tailor your iPhone’s Camera Control button to your shooting habits

    Apple’s Camera Control button can be customised to fit how someone takes photos and uses their iPhone. Adjusting its launch action, gestures and settings can make one-handed camera use more convenient and reduce accidental presses. In Settings > Camera > Camera Control, users can choose which supported app opens, configure light presses and swipes, and…

  • iPhone Duo vs. iPad Mini: Which Apple device is right for you?

    Apple’s forthcoming foldable iPhone Duo could cover some of the same ground as the iPad Mini, but whether it can replace a tablet depends on how people use their devices. The comparison highlights a trade-off between the Duo’s stronger hardware and convenience, and the Mini’s larger screen, fuller multitasking and separation from phone distractions. The…

  • Google Docs still lacks web dark mode, but browser extensions fill the gap

    Google Docs lacks dark mode on its web version despite the feature being available on mobile since 2020. This is a notable gap in functionality, as many users find dark mode essential for comfortable viewing during extended work sessions. Google released dark mode for Docs mobile beginning in 2020 with Android, followed by iOS, accessible…

  • How fused deposition modelling builds affordable 3D-printed objects

    Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) is one of the most popular types of 3D printing technology used by both professionals and hobbyists. The method builds three-dimensional objects by layering thermoplastic filaments that fuse together, making it an accessible and affordable entry point for those interested in 3D printing. FDM works by converting computer-aided design files into…