Charging Archives

AppWizard

March 27, 2026

I Ran 80 Miles on the Path of the Gods to Test the Garmin InReach Mini 3 Plus

The inReach Mini 3 Plus offers satellite messaging capabilities but has limited mapping features compared to the Garmin Fenix 8 Pro and Garmin Forerunner 970. It provides alerts only if users veer 50 meters off course, unlike the Fenix, which offers upcoming turn notifications. Its notable features include live tracking, SOS emergency capabilities, and voice messaging, allowing users to send 30-second voice notes or longer messages via the Garmin Messenger app. Voice messages are transcribed for recipients, and replies are received on the device. Photos can be sent through Messenger, but satellite transmission can take up to 10 minutes. The battery life claims 55 hours with performance messaging and two-minute location updates, extending to 350 hours in low-power mode. During a test, the device used 68% of its battery over 21.5 hours of continuous tracking and navigation. Charging takes just over an hour. The inReach Mini 3 Plus is durable, user-friendly, and compact, making it suitable for extended adventures, though potential buyers should consider the purchase price, activation fee, and monthly subscription. It is particularly beneficial for those frequently outside cellular coverage.

AppWizard

March 26, 2026

4 Android Auto apps that make EV range anxiety a thing of the past

Owning a Hyundai Ioniq 5 electric vehicle has provided insights into EV charging, particularly with a Level 2 charger installed at home. Key Android Auto applications help alleviate charging anxiety during road trips. Finding public fast-charging stations can be challenging, requiring more planning than traditional gas vehicles. PlugShare is a useful app for locating reliable public EV chargers, providing a comprehensive list of charging stations, user reviews, and average charging speeds. In the Greater Toronto Area, many EV chargers are often out of service, making PlugShare's features valuable. Waze offers navigation with EV charger information, but its updates may lag behind PlugShare. A Better Route Planner (ABRP) helps plan road trips by tailoring recommendations based on specific EV models and factors affecting battery life, though it requires a subscription. FLO EV Charging is the preferred charging network in the Greater Toronto Area, allowing convenient payments through the app and filtering options for chargers.

AppWizard

March 26, 2026

I found the 5 best Samsung Galaxy Buds 4 features you probably aren’t using

The Samsung Galaxy Buds 4 series features a new design and updated charging case, with a price of [openai_gpt model="gpt-4o-mini" prompt="Summarize the content and extract only the fact described in the text bellow. The summary shall NOT include a title, introduction and conclusion. Text: The Samsung Galaxy Buds 4 series has arrived, showcasing a striking new design alongside an updated charging case. This latest iteration marks a significant visual shift from its predecessors, the Galaxy Buds 3 and Galaxy Buds 3 Pro. However, the enhancements extend beyond aesthetics, with numerous software upgrades that elevate the user experience. After extensive testing of the Galaxy Buds 4, I’ve uncovered a range of features that truly maximize their potential. Priced at 0 for the Galaxy Buds 4 and 0 for the Galaxy Buds 4 Pro, these earbuds present an enticing option for Samsung Galaxy phone users. When paired with a Samsung device, users unlock exclusive features, enhancing the overall functionality of the earbuds. Bluetooth Low Energy and Gaming Mode The Galaxy Buds 4 support Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), a standard wireless mode that many earbuds utilize. However, for gamers, latency can be a concern, as real-time sound is crucial for an immersive experience. Fortunately, the Galaxy Buds 4 include a hidden gaming mode designed to minimize latency, ensuring that every sound is heard as it happens. To enjoy the premium 24-bit/96kHz audio quality offered by the Galaxy Buds 4, a Samsung phone is required. This feature, while optional, allows users to toggle on the SSC-UHQ wireless audio codec for an enhanced listening experience, though it may impact battery life. To enable this feature, simply navigate to the Settings app on your paired Galaxy phone, select the Galaxy Buds 4 tab, and toggle on ultra high quality (UHQ) audio under Sound quality and effects. Samsung Find In a world where losing wireless earbuds is all too common, the Galaxy Buds 4 series integrates seamlessly with the Samsung Find app. Setting up this feature is straightforward: open the Settings app, select the Galaxy Buds 4 tab, and enable Find my earbuds. This allows users to track their earbuds' last known location, ring them, and even check their battery life. For those prone to misplacing their earbuds, the lost mode and Notify when left behind toggle are invaluable tools for keeping track of these small devices. Auracast and Audio Broadcasting For users with Android 16-based phones, the Galaxy Buds 4 support Auracast, a cutting-edge wireless technology that enables multiple low-energy devices to connect to a host device for audio broadcasts. This feature opens up exciting possibilities, such as connecting multiple pairs of earbuds to a single tablet for shared movie watching or allowing large groups to hear announcements in public spaces. Users can explore this functionality by accessing the Listen to audio broadcast option in the earbuds' settings menu. Head Gestures The Galaxy Buds 4 introduce a novel feature: head gestures. This functionality allows users to nod or shake their heads to accept or decline calls, a convenience that has previously been seen in other brands like Google Pixel Buds and AirPods. To activate this feature, users can navigate to the Head gestures toggle in the settings and customize their preferences. A tutorial is also available to help users become adept at using this innovative control method. While the Galaxy Buds 4 may not cater to every audiophile or athlete's needs, they strike a commendable balance between features and price, making them a solid choice for everyday use." max_tokens="3500" temperature="0.3" top_p="1.0" best_of="1" presence_penalty="0.1" frequency_penalty="frequency_penalty"] for the Galaxy Buds 4 and [openai_gpt model="gpt-4o-mini" prompt="Summarize the content and extract only the fact described in the text bellow. The summary shall NOT include a title, introduction and conclusion. Text: The Samsung Galaxy Buds 4 series has arrived, showcasing a striking new design alongside an updated charging case. This latest iteration marks a significant visual shift from its predecessors, the Galaxy Buds 3 and Galaxy Buds 3 Pro. However, the enhancements extend beyond aesthetics, with numerous software upgrades that elevate the user experience. After extensive testing of the Galaxy Buds 4, I’ve uncovered a range of features that truly maximize their potential. Priced at 0 for the Galaxy Buds 4 and 0 for the Galaxy Buds 4 Pro, these earbuds present an enticing option for Samsung Galaxy phone users. When paired with a Samsung device, users unlock exclusive features, enhancing the overall functionality of the earbuds. Bluetooth Low Energy and Gaming Mode The Galaxy Buds 4 support Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), a standard wireless mode that many earbuds utilize. However, for gamers, latency can be a concern, as real-time sound is crucial for an immersive experience. Fortunately, the Galaxy Buds 4 include a hidden gaming mode designed to minimize latency, ensuring that every sound is heard as it happens. To enjoy the premium 24-bit/96kHz audio quality offered by the Galaxy Buds 4, a Samsung phone is required. This feature, while optional, allows users to toggle on the SSC-UHQ wireless audio codec for an enhanced listening experience, though it may impact battery life. To enable this feature, simply navigate to the Settings app on your paired Galaxy phone, select the Galaxy Buds 4 tab, and toggle on ultra high quality (UHQ) audio under Sound quality and effects. Samsung Find In a world where losing wireless earbuds is all too common, the Galaxy Buds 4 series integrates seamlessly with the Samsung Find app. Setting up this feature is straightforward: open the Settings app, select the Galaxy Buds 4 tab, and enable Find my earbuds. This allows users to track their earbuds' last known location, ring them, and even check their battery life. For those prone to misplacing their earbuds, the lost mode and Notify when left behind toggle are invaluable tools for keeping track of these small devices. Auracast and Audio Broadcasting For users with Android 16-based phones, the Galaxy Buds 4 support Auracast, a cutting-edge wireless technology that enables multiple low-energy devices to connect to a host device for audio broadcasts. This feature opens up exciting possibilities, such as connecting multiple pairs of earbuds to a single tablet for shared movie watching or allowing large groups to hear announcements in public spaces. Users can explore this functionality by accessing the Listen to audio broadcast option in the earbuds' settings menu. Head Gestures The Galaxy Buds 4 introduce a novel feature: head gestures. This functionality allows users to nod or shake their heads to accept or decline calls, a convenience that has previously been seen in other brands like Google Pixel Buds and AirPods. To activate this feature, users can navigate to the Head gestures toggle in the settings and customize their preferences. A tutorial is also available to help users become adept at using this innovative control method. While the Galaxy Buds 4 may not cater to every audiophile or athlete's needs, they strike a commendable balance between features and price, making them a solid choice for everyday use." max_tokens="3500" temperature="0.3" top_p="1.0" best_of="1" presence_penalty="0.1" frequency_penalty="frequency_penalty"] for the Galaxy Buds 4 Pro. They support Bluetooth Low Energy and include a gaming mode to minimize latency. To access 24-bit/96kHz audio quality, a Samsung phone is required, and users can enable the SSC-UHQ audio codec through the settings. The earbuds integrate with the Samsung Find app, allowing users to track their location and battery life. They support Auracast for audio broadcasting with Android 16-based phones and introduce head gesture controls for accepting or declining calls.

TrendTechie

March 14, 2026

МТС начал взимать ежедневную плату за использование VPN

MTS, a major mobile operator in Russia, has reclassified virtual private networks (VPNs) as equivalent to torrent services, imposing a daily fee of up to 87 rubles for users who wish to engage in private browsing. Traffic routed through VPNs will no longer be included in standard service packages, leading to additional charges for accessing blocked resources or securing connections. The new tariff structure charges users based on their region and plan, with fees ranging from 80 to 87 rubles per day for a quota of five gigabytes of specialized traffic. Users can block this service to avoid charges, resulting in the complete unavailability of VPN connections. This policy is seen as a response to pressures for new monetization strategies and aligns with government efforts to limit internet circumvention. The potential for other major telecom operators to adopt similar practices could impact net neutrality in Russia.

AppWizard

March 11, 2026

New BeatBanker Android malware poses as Starlink app to hijack devices

A newly identified Android malware called BeatBanker disguises itself as a Starlink application on fake Google Play Store websites. It functions as a banking trojan and includes Monero mining capabilities, allowing it to steal credentials and manipulate cryptocurrency transactions. Researchers at Kaspersky traced BeatBanker to campaigns targeting users in Brazil. The latest version uses the BTMOB RAT for remote access, enabling keylogging, screen recording, camera access, GPS tracking, and credential capture. BeatBanker is distributed as an APK file that decrypts and loads hidden code into memory, conducting environment checks before activation. It presents a fake Play Store update screen to trick users into granting permissions for additional payloads. To avoid detection, it delays malicious operations and plays a nearly inaudible MP3 file to maintain persistent activity. The malware uses a modified version of the XMRig miner to mine Monero on Android devices, connecting to mining pools through encrypted TLS connections. It can start or stop mining based on device conditions and uses Firebase Cloud Messaging to relay device information to its command-and-control server. Currently, BeatBanker infections have only been observed in Brazil, but there are concerns about its potential spread. Users are advised to avoid side-loading APKs from untrusted sources and to review app permissions regularly.

BetaBeacon

March 6, 2026

Razer’s latest Kishi V3 Pro USB-C controller grip for Android and iPhone/iPad just hit a new $120 all-time low

An exciting deal on Amazon for the Razer Kishi V3 Pro USB-C game controller grip, now priced at .99 with free shipping.

Tech Optimizer

March 6, 2026

Azure Databricks Lakebase is Generally Available

Azure Databricks Lakebase is a managed, serverless PostgreSQL solution optimized for the Databricks Platform on Azure, announced by Microsoft as generally available. It separates compute from storage, allowing direct writing of operational data to lakehouse storage and bridging the gap between transactional systems and analytics. Lakebase features instant branching and zero-copy clones, enhancing developer productivity by enabling safe testing environments without infrastructure delays. It operates on a serverless model with autoscaling capabilities, ensuring cost efficiency by charging users only for the compute resources utilized. Lakebase is built on standard PostgreSQL, ensuring compatibility with existing tools and libraries, and supports various extensions. It provides unified governance through Unity Catalog, offering consistent access control and auditing across the Azure Databricks data estate. The platform facilitates AI development by enabling real-time operational context access and low-latency feature serving. Azure Databricks Lakebase integrates with Microsoft Entra ID for security and compliance, simplifying the DevOps burden for developers.

BetaBeacon

March 4, 2026

Google settles with Epic Games with offer to lower its app store commissions

Google plans to reduce fees on its Android app store, allowing for alternative payment options and lowering baseline commissions to 10% to 20% for subscriptions and e-commerce transactions. Developers will have the choice to use alternative payment systems, and consumers will be able to download apps from certified alternative stores. The changes are pending approval from U.S. District Judge James Donato and are supported by Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney.

AppWizard

March 3, 2026

The Marathon server slam consumed my weekend: 21 hours later, I’ve gone from ‘meh’ to believer

Last year, Embark and Bungie conducted playtests for their extraction shooters, with Bungie's Marathon being their first project outside the Destiny universe in over 15 years. Arc Raiders, developed by Embark, launched as the first mainstream title in the genre, while Marathon faced delays. The author initially felt indifferent towards Marathon but grew enthusiastic after playing for over four days. The game features a PvP experience with looting mechanics, weapon upgrades, and unique gun modifications. Critics compare Marathon to Call of Duty and Apex Legends, but the author finds its pacing more similar to Halo, emphasizing positioning and timing. The game includes movement shooter elements, allowing creative navigation techniques. Weapon designs are visually appealing and feature a variety of modifications. The game's progression system encourages experimentation with builds, and the vendor system aids in resource management. The upcoming full version will include a third map, Outpost, and additional content like the Cryo Archive.

Winsage

February 28, 2026

Microsoft confirms a wider roll out of Windows 11’s new colourful battery icons on the taskbar

Windows 11 users will see colorful battery icons on the taskbar as Microsoft rolls out updates, including the new Start menu, with the update KB5077241. The vibrant battery icons have been in development for nearly two years, with initial testing starting in late 2024. The rollout began last year but was limited to select PCs. An optional update in February 2026 will further expand the availability of these icons and the updated Start menu. The new battery icon replaces the plain white bar with a green icon when charging, featuring a charging bolt during the process. The icon changes color based on battery levels: it turns orange at 30% and red below 6%. Users can display the battery percentage on the taskbar by enabling it in Settings > System > Power & Battery. Recent improvements to the Windows taskbar include the return of drag-and-drop functionality, the ability to resize the taskbar, and potential options to reposition it. Microsoft is also updating Secure Boot certificates, set to expire in June 2026, and distributing new certificates issued in 2023 to more PCs. A tutorial is available for users to verify the application of these new Secure Boot certificates.