The 7 Most Annoying Windows 11 Default Settings I Always Change

Quick Links Windows 11 has many frustrating and intrusive default settings, but the good news is that you don’t need to put up with them. While I can’t fit them into one guide, I can at least point you in the right direction. Change these right away to avoid the annoyances. Unnecessary Startup Apps Startup apps launch automatically as your computer boots up. While having some apps ready to go from the get-go can be handy, they can slow down the startup process and consume system resources afterward, leading to sluggish performance....

July 30, 2025 · 5 min · 964 words · Diane Cooper

The Android Navigation Bar Has a Weird History

There was a time when phones had buttons for more than just volume. It might be ancient history now, but navigating an Android phone used to be a very different experience. The journey from physical clicks to fluid swipes has been a long one—let’s take a look back. Quick Links Physical Buttons Galore We start all the way back in 2008, when the first Android phones were launched. These devices were bristling with buttons....

July 30, 2025 · 5 min · 965 words · Ross Herrera

The Best Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra Cases of 2024

The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra is expensive, and you’ll want to invest in a case to protect it from damage. If you need help on your search, here’s a look at the best Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra cases. Samsung Vegan Leather Case for Galaxy S24 Ultra What to Look For With a Phone Case in 2024 Clocking in at over $1,000, purchasing a reliable case is a necessity for your Galaxy S24 Ultra....

July 30, 2025 · 10 min · 2070 words · Crystal Brown

The Switch 2 and the End of TikTok: Weekly Roundup

This was a busy week in tech, from the first reveal of the Nintendo Switch 2 to TikTok’s looming ban in the United States. Here are the biggest stories you might have missed. The Big News The Nintendo Switch 2 Is Finally Real Nintendo Switch 2 has been officially announced with a tentative 2025 release date. More details about the company’s next console will follow at an event in April.Continue reading…...

July 30, 2025 · 8 min · 1526 words · Catherine Hernandez

These Are My Best and Worst Smart Home Decisions (and My Plans for 2025)

Summary I tend to use the start of a new year to review past decisions, and make new plans—and that includes my smart home setup. Here are the lessons I’ve learned, and the decisions I’ve made. Annual Reviews Are a Habit I Highly Recommend I’m a great believer in using the new year as a prompt and an opportunity to look at the past and future. Looking back at the previous year, I review key decisions I made, and the progress I’ve made with the plans I had when the year began....

July 30, 2025 · 7 min · 1384 words · Kayla Williams

This 512GB Samsung microSD Card Is Just $30

Samsung Evo Select Micro SD Card you may pick up a 256-512GB SD card that supports the minimum specs of Steam Deck for cheap. And since it’s designed by Samsung, you know it’s reliable and bound to last years without problems. The Samsung EVO Select Micro SD Memory Card plus Adapter, which offers a large 512GB of storage, is now on sale for just$29.99 on Amazon. This is a big 40% discount off its initial price of $49....

July 30, 2025 · 2 min · 395 words · Steve Jordan

This LG 65-inch 4K OLED TV Is $300 Off Today

LG 65-inch C4 OLED 4K TV The LG 65-inch C4 OLED 4K TV has great picture quality, a 120Hz refresh rate, and four HDMI 2.1 ports. Its α9 AI Processor Gen7 improves performance. Despite some minor drawbacks in the remote and potential glare, it’s got Dolby Vision and a sleek design, making it a top-tier OLED. If you want the best screen possible for the NCAA Final Four, or just been waiting for a great deal on a new TV, look no further....

July 30, 2025 · 2 min · 383 words · Michael Smith

Today Is the Longest Day of the Year: How Does That Work?

You’ll hear it called the longest day, the start of summer, or even midsummer. But what is the solstice, really? And why does this one moment affect everything from ancient rituals to your evening sunlight? What Is the Summer Solstice? The word ‘solstice’ is derived from the Latin wordsolstitium, which means “Sun stands still.” This refers to how the Sun momentarily pauses in its apparent northward or southward movement before reversing direction....

July 30, 2025 · 6 min · 1200 words · Joel Bishop

Want More Privacy on Windows 11? Here Are 6 Features I Always Disable

In today’s world, data is currency, and it’s being collected at every turn. Windows 11 is no exception, collecting diagnostic and location data, app usage, and more. As a privacy-conscious person, I’m always looking for ways to limit the amount of data I share. The good news is Windows does have features you can disable that will limit what is collected. These are the settings I always disable. 6Turn Off Your Advertising ID Windows Advertising ID tracks you across the apps and services you use to serve more relevant and targeted advertising....

July 30, 2025 · 4 min · 788 words · Leah Hall

What Does "5G UW" Mean on My iPhone or Android Phone?

Quick Links Summary 5G UW stands for 5G Ultra Wideband. It’s Verizon’s marketing name for its mmWave and mid-band 5G networks. It’s also sometimes referred to as 5G UWB. 5Gcomes in various flavors. As a result, you may notice different 5G icons on your phone. 5G UW is one of these icons. Here’s what it signifies and everything you need to know about it. What Does 5G UW Stand For?...

July 30, 2025 · 4 min · 851 words · David Coffey

What Is "Brainrot"? The Social Media Trend Explained

Summary The word “brainrot” has been around the web for a while, but in recent years it seems to be popping up in mainstream internet culture, So you’re likely to see someone use the word in a comment on social media, or to hear references to brainrot in videos or in articles. So let’s do the opposite of brainrot, and learn you something new. What Does “Brainrot” Mean? The term brainrot has a few connotations, but mainly there are two related uses for it....

July 30, 2025 · 3 min · 602 words · Travis Richards

What Is "Shovelware" and How Do You Spot It?

Summary The term “shovelware” is a negative term often used to describe video games and other software that is best avoided. Here’s how you can spot it so that you don’t waste your money. Shovelware Is Poor Quality Software “Shovelware” refers to software that is “shoveled” out in large quantities, with little care. It’s often used when referring to video games and software tools that are of poor quality, and that provide little value (which is often reflected in the price)....

July 30, 2025 · 4 min · 680 words · Lisa James

What Was the First Planet Discovered With a Telescope?

For hundreds of years, telescopes have allowed us to map the stars and study the great mysteries of the cosmos. Astronomers knew there were other planets in our solar system even before telescopes, but their invention allowed us to discover a particular neighbor for the very first time in 1781. Most Planets Have No Known Date of First Observation Before we begin, I want you to imagine a clear night sky you’ve witnessed before....

July 30, 2025 · 4 min · 798 words · Joshua Joyce