Latest news with #multitasking
Gizmodo
6 hours ago
- Business
- Gizmodo
Hardly Any Thicker Than Paper, This 15-Inch Portable Screen Is Now 50% Off on Amazon
Using only one laptop screen can be helpful but some situations can frustratingly limit this valuable platform especially when you need to multitask, edit, or keep up with your productive life in today's modern world. Constant window switching can easily drive you to madness and, worse, keeping two important documents locked in a tedious back-and-forth. For this reason, it's hard to return to a single laptop screen after a dual screen experience. The only unintended problem is you probably want that second screen to be just as convenient as your laptop screen whether it sits aiming at the wall on your desk for more productivity or it carries around your life without anchor to a desk. This is exactly what KYY portable monitor has to offer. Right now, the KYY portable 15.6″ 1080P FHD monitor is on sale the unbelievably low price of $69, which is a 46% drop from its original list price of $129. This is a real nice price for a monitor which offers the ability to enlarge your workspace, plus a built for portability and compatibility. See at Amazon Perfect For Travel and Home This portable monitor has a 15.6 inch advanced IPS screen providing a beautiful crisp 1920×1080 Full HD resolution, and a 178-degree viewing angle. With the HDR technology and excellent color reproduction, images and videos look crisp, smooth and visually stunning for almost any activity from office work to gaming or streaming your favorite videos. The monitor is made with eye-care in mind, and reduced blue light radiation and no flickr so you can enjoy watching for hours and hours without strain on your eyes. The KYY Monitor has two USB Type-C ports and a Mini-HDMI port, which makes it easy to connect a variety of devices whether it's from a laptop, smartphone, PC, PS4, Xbox, or Switch. Just make sure that your device supports Thunderbolt 3 or USB Type-C and you can enjoy a simple setup with just one cable connection. The monitor is plug and play, with no drivers needed. Out of the box, you can now enjoy your content, and with your preferred hardware utilizing 3.5mm audio input and stereo speakers built-in, you will now have a seamless entertainment experience. At just 0.3 inches in profile thickness and a weight of 1.7 lbs., this portable monitor is hardly thicker than a sheet of paper and easily fits into your laptop bag or backpack. The ultra-slim (and ultra-light) construct of this monitor makes it perfect for on-the-go dual-monitor setups. As this portable monitor is designed to work with any laptop or PC and also utilizes The monitor also comes with a built-in smart cover to protect the monitor when it's not in use. The smart cover is made of scratch-proof PU leather and acts as a case when folded and also a stand when opened. The magnetic and frameless design is stylish yet functional, while the liquid base has two grooves that offer adjustable angles for comfortable viewing. Don't miss this opportunity to upgrade your setup with the use of a second screen regardless of the location for work or play! See at Amazon
Daily Mail
13 hours ago
- Health
- Daily Mail
Mists are having a moment! ROSIE GREENS's best sprays for summer, from an £11 skincare buy to an anti-frizz hair hero
Mists are having a moment and, reader, I am here for it. Just as climbing temperatures mean I've swapped red for rosé and lambswool for linen, I'm also ditching unctuous creams and rich oils, replacing them with a slew of new multitasking sprays. While mists have always been a good hot-weather option, recent innovation in formulation means they now do much more than just refresh. Rejuvenating, hydrating, tanning, detangling – their lightweight feel belies their heavy-hitting delivery. I think their triple threat of efficacy, ease and enjoyment is why Space NK has seen a 48 per cent increase in face-mist sales over the past year. Here's my pick of the spritzes (below, from left). Good hair day spray Flare-up fighter Fast faux glow Fragrance refresher Spray-on zen Make-up prolonger Skin pick-me-up SPF in seconds
Geeky Gadgets
2 days ago
- Business
- Geeky Gadgets
Stop Everything: The 5 Android 16 Features You NEED to Know Now
Android 16 brings a collection of carefully crafted updates aimed at enhancing customization, interactivity, and visual appeal. Built on the Material 3 Expressive design framework, this release focuses on refining the user experience through thoughtful improvements rather than introducing dramatic overhauls. In the video below, Marques Brownlee explores the top five features that define this update and how they contribute to a more polished Android experience. Watch this video on YouTube. 1. Enhanced Lock Screen Customization Android 16 offers a more personalized lock screen experience, giving you greater control over its appearance and functionality. Key updates include: Adjustable Clock Fonts: Choose from a variety of font styles and thicknesses to match your aesthetic preferences. Choose from a variety of font styles and thicknesses to match your aesthetic preferences. Notification Display Options: Customize how much information is visible on the lock screen, balancing privacy with convenience . Customize how much information is visible on the lock screen, balancing with . Customizable Shortcuts: Add quick-access tools or frequently used apps directly to your lock screen for faster navigation. These updates transform the lock screen into a functional and visually appealing space, reflecting your personal style while improving usability. 2. Smarter Multitasking Multitasking becomes more seamless and intuitive with Android 16, thanks to several key enhancements: Streamlined Split-Screen Mode: A simplified dropdown menu in the recent apps view makes launching apps side by side quicker and easier. A simplified dropdown menu in the recent apps view makes launching apps side by side quicker and easier. Smoother Transitions: Improved animations and physics create a fluid experience when switching between tasks. Improved animations and physics create a fluid experience when switching between tasks. Reactive Haptics: Subtle vibrations provide tactile feedback, making interactions feel more responsive and engaging. These improvements ensure multitasking is not only faster but also more user-friendly, allowing you to manage multiple apps effortlessly. 3. Home Screen and Wallpaper Upgrades Android 16 introduces new customization options for the home screen, blending functionality with aesthetic appeal: Slimmer 'At a Glance' Widget: A more compact design frees up space for additional icons or widgets without compromising on useful information. A more compact design frees up space for additional icons or widgets without compromising on useful information. Dynamic Wallpaper Effects: Live weather animations and cinematic 3D motion effects bring your wallpaper to life, adding a touch of vibrancy. These features allow you to create a home screen that feels uniquely yours, offering a balance between practicality and visual sophistication. 4. Refined UI Physics and Haptics The user interface in Android 16 feels more natural and responsive, thanks to improvements in UI physics and haptics: Dynamic Interactions: Menus and notifications now behave more realistically, mimicking real-world physics for a smoother experience. Menus and notifications now behave more realistically, mimicking real-world physics for a smoother experience. Enhanced Swipe Gestures: Gestures are more precise and fluid, with subtle haptic feedback enhancing the sense of control. These refinements make everyday interactions more intuitive and satisfying, elevating the overall user experience. 5. Redesigned Quick Settings and Notification Panel The quick settings and notification panel have been revamped to improve usability and adopt a more modern design: Transparent Background: A sleek, minimalistic look that integrates seamlessly with the rest of the interface. A sleek, minimalistic look that integrates seamlessly with the rest of the interface. Improved Brightness Slider: A larger slider makes adjusting brightness more precise and accessible. A larger slider makes adjusting brightness more precise and accessible. Enhanced Bluetooth Button: Combines toggling functionality with direct access to device settings, reducing unnecessary steps. These updates make accessing essential settings faster and more intuitive, streamlining your interactions with the device. Additional Updates Worth Noting Beyond the headline features, Android 16 includes several smaller but impactful updates that contribute to a more cohesive experience: Notification History Button: Quickly access past notifications, helping you stay organized and avoid missing important updates. Quickly access past notifications, helping you stay organized and avoid missing important updates. Reorganized Settings App: A simplified layout makes it easier to navigate and find specific settings. A simplified layout makes it easier to navigate and find specific settings. Transparent UI Elements: Features like the app drawer and volume slider adopt a cohesive, modern design language for a unified look. Features like the app drawer and volume slider adopt a cohesive, modern design language for a unified look. Upcoming Features: The 'Find Hub' aims to centralize device tracking, while persistent notifications mimic iOS-style updates for ongoing tasks. These smaller changes, while subtle, collectively enhance the overall usability and visual consistency of Android 16. Final Thoughts Android 16 exemplifies the value of thoughtful refinement. By building on the Material 3 Expressive framework, this update prioritizes customization, interactivity, and aesthetics. From the lock screen to multitasking and quick settings, every feature is designed to make your device feel more personal and responsive. While not innovative, these updates collectively elevate the Android experience, making sure it remains intuitive, engaging, and tailored to your needs. Enhance your knowledge on Material 3 Expressive Design by exploring a selection of articles and guides on the subject. Source & Image Credit: Marques Brownlee Filed Under: Android News, Guides, Mobile Phone News, Top News Latest Geeky Gadgets Deals Disclosure: Some of our articles include affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, Geeky Gadgets may earn an affiliate commission. Learn about our Disclosure Policy.
Android Authority
2 days ago
- Business
- Android Authority
3 things I love about the One UI 8 beta, and one thing I hate
When I woke up yesterday morning, I didn't expect the One UI 8 beta to be waiting for me on my Galaxy S25. Yet, that's precisely what happened. So, with my coffee in one hand and my S25 in the other, I spent my Wednesday morning downloading Samsung's latest beta software. One UI 8 isn't nearly as drastic an update as One UI 7 is, but that's not to say there aren't any significant new features. In the 24 hours I've been using the beta, I've found a handful of pretty fantastic changes. Here are a few things I love about the One UI 8 beta, plus one thing I hate. Do you think One UI 8 is a good update so far? 2 votes Yeah, I like the changes I'm seeing. 0 % It's OK, but I'm curious to see how it progresses in future betas. 50 % No, I was hoping for more change. 50 % Other (let us know in the comments). 0 % The wonderful 90:10 multitasking UI Joe Maring / Android Authority Without a doubt, my number one favorite new feature in the One UI 8 beta is the new 90:10 split screen option for multitasking. This is technically an Android 16 feature rather than something specific to One UI 8, but since it isn't present in the Android 16 QPR1 beta, it's the first time we've had hands-on experience with it. One UI 7 already offers a lot of freedom for how you want to split two apps you're running simultaneously, though the furthest you can go is a 70:30 split. It's not horrible, but it can still make some apps feel squished and difficult to navigate. With the new 90:10 option in One UI 8, you can now run one of your apps in a mostly full-screen view, while your other app is hidden as a small sliver at the top or bottom of the screen — and you can quickly change that app to the full-screen view just by tapping on it. This is virtually identical to how Open Canvas works on OnePlus phones, and I couldn't be happier with it. Now, I can use one app without compromising its UI while still having another application just a tap away. It's far and away my favorite way to use split-screen multitasking on Android, and I'm thrilled to now have it on Samsung phones with One UI 8. The new Samsung Reminder app is excellent Joe Maring / Android Authority For the past few months, Google Tasks has been my go-to reminder and to-do list app. I don't see that changing any time soon, but the new Samsung Reminder app in One UI 8 is tempting me. Samsung has completely overhauled the app's homepage, with the most significant change being the addition of new categories at the top. Previously, One UI 7 showed your custom reminder categories at the top, while categories like Today, Scheduled, Important, and Place were tucked away in a side menu. Now, all of those are front and center at the top of the Reminder app, allowing you to immediately see how many reminders are in each of those categories. Samsung Reminder in One UI 8 Samsung Reminder in One UI 8 Samsung Reminder in One UI 7 Samsung Reminder in One UI 7 The UI for adding a new reminder is better, too. There are more reminder options, adding a time to a reminder is much simpler, and the location UI is also improved. Additionally, if you use the Samsung Calendar app, you can now create a new reminder from there. It's a lot of smaller tweaks, but I think they all come together to make Samsung Reminder a far more enjoyable experience than it used to be. As someone who doesn't live that deep in the Samsung ecosystem, the broader availability of Google Tasks will likely keep me there for the time being. Still, this is a substantial update on Samsung's part, and I hope it motivates Google to give Tasks similar attention. A much-needed Quick Share update Joe Maring / Android Authority This is a relatively minor change compared to the multitasking and Reminder updates, but it's still one that I appreciate. If you're running the One UI 8 beta and share something via Quick Share, you'll notice that there's now a completely new interface. In One UI 7, tapping the Quick Share toggle from the quick settings merely displayed a pop-up menu for you to change who can share files with you. However, in One UI 8, tapping the same Quick Share toggle now takes you to a brand new interface that's split into dedicated Receive and Send pages. Additionally, from the Send page, you can select files you want to share right there, rather than having to do so through Android's regular sharing menu. The tech behind Quick Share is great, but its user-facing presence on Android has always felt severely lacking. This is a massive step in the right direction, and I honestly think it'll get me to use Quick Share more often. This is something we expect all Android phones to eventually get, but if you want to try it now, you'll only find it in the One UI 8 beta. What I hate about the One UI 8 beta Joe Maring / Android Authority In my limited time with the One UI 8 beta, I haven't found anything outright broken or a change that's been made for the worse. If anything, it feels a lot like One UI 7, just with some extra features and a bit of extra polish. If that's the case, what is it about One UI 8 that I hate? It's what's not here. One of the biggest changes in Android 16 is Google's new Material 3 Expressive design. Having played with it in the Android 16 QPR1 Beta, I'm thrilled with how it's coming along. It makes Android feel alive and responsive in a way Google has been working toward since Android 12, but that vision feels like it's finally 100% realized in Android 16. Now that I've experienced Google's new design language, I sorely miss not having it in One UI 8. Whether it's the lovely animations with notification cards or the recent apps page, the gorgeous blurred UI elements, or the enhanced haptic feedback throughout the interface, none of those elements from Android 16 QPR1 are present in One UI 8. And if you ask me, One UI 8 isn't nearly as enjoyable because of it. To be clear, none of this is surprising. Samsung has its own distinct software identity with One UI, and we knew the company wouldn't ditch it in favor of what Google has cooked up with Material 3 Expressive. Still, now that I've experienced how good Google's new design language is, I sorely miss not having it in One UI 8. A nice evolution for One UI Joe Maring / Android Authority Hot on the heels of an update as revolutionary as One UI 7, I can see some people looking at One UI 8 and finding it a bit boring. But that was always going to be the case. Samsung was never going to give us two back-to-back updates on that scale. Instead, One UI 8 is an evolution of what Samsung started with One UI 7, and if you ask me, it's (almost) everything this update should be. All the best changes from One UI 7 are still here. Samsung is making small but helpful tweaks to some of its first-party apps, and adding other Android 16 features to the mix, like improved multitasking, results in One UI 8 being a pretty solid update in my book. Would it be even better with Material 3 Expressive? Absolutely. But even without that, I'm happy to see where Samsung is headed with One UI 8.
Fast Company
3 days ago
- Business
- Fast Company
AI is here—can we finally rethink our tired beliefs about work?
For decades, we've been caught in the busyness trap, confusing being overscheduled and highly in demand with creating value. A recent report by technology company Visier coined the term ' productivity theater' to describe the performative tasks that employees engage in to look busy. They report that 43% of workers spend over 10 hours a week trying to look productive rather than engaging in value-creating work. This isn't occurring because employees are lazy or trying to cheat the system. They are acting rationally in response to the signals that are all around them. They see colleagues proudly wearing their busyness badge of honor. They receive emails at all hours of the day and night, contributing to a sense of needing to be 'always on.' They get a text five minutes after someone sends an email asking, 'Did you get my email?' They hear co-workers boasting that 'multitasking is a survival strategy' for keeping up with their work. It is utter madness. Meanwhile, AI tools are rapidly taking on the administrative tasks—drafting and filtering email, quickly summarizing lengthy or complex reports, sending meeting recaps, scheduling—that easily consume hours a week. And that's just the tip of the iceberg in terms of what's quickly to come. Unfortunately, the temptation will be to fill this growing blank space with more noise. What if, instead, organizations prepared to take full advantage of the extra time and capacity afforded by these new tools? The key is providing knowledge workers with the direction and empowerment to make good choices about how to invest their time. Start by clarifying how each function creates value for the enterprise overall, and which performance attributes are most important in delivering it. For example, in a professional services firm, the client-facing roles need to be proactive as well as expert in the issues that impact clients. Marketing teams need to serve as a knowledgeable bridge between customer needs and product design teams. Procurement and supply chain teams need to be well-informed negotiators. In each case, the best use of worker time varies based on role. Once the team has clarity on what it's optimizing for, they can engage in an exercise to design the ideal allocation of work each week. What percentage of time should be optimally spent engaging with customers, reading up on industry reports, or collaborating with other functions? Comparing that ideal versus members' actual calendars usually produces some abashed insights into how big the gap is. From here, the team can be relentless about eliminating low-value work. In their book, The Friction Project, Stanford professors Robert Sutton and Huggy Rao suggest creating a RidicuList—a ledger of everything ridiculous that workers have to deal with in service of getting their job done—and be merciless in eliminating the items on the list. An easy place to look is recurring meetings. In our experience, they often start out valuable and lose momentum over time. If your calendar is full of them, it's time for a trim. You can also invest in establishing collaborative norms for the team—shared expectations for how to use each collaboration medium, expected response times to communication, and where and how documents are stored. This eliminates frequent guesswork and dramatically cuts down the effort required to even get started on the work. The goal is to claw back a meaningful amount of time each week that can be reinvested in things that improve the human performance of the system. Things such as building relationships with clients and colleagues, learning a new skill or experimenting with an AI tool, or taking the time to think through strategy or generate innovative solutions. Make a list of the things you should be doing with your thinking time specific to your role so that when you have it, you put it to good use. Believe it or not, sitting still and thinking is real work. That's the block we must overcome: our beliefs about what constitutes work. It's not looking busy. It's engaging with the tough questions, leaning into the future, and challenging ourselves to rise above the status quo.
