Latest news with #techcommunity
CNET
4 days ago
- General
- CNET
This One-Second Fix Fixed All My Roku Freezing Issues
I've been using Roku devices for years. They're simple, reliable and great for streaming all my favorite shows. But lately, my older Roku started acting up. It was freezing, buffering and just generally lagging behind. I thought it might be time to replace it or give up on my built-in smart TV altogether. Turns out, I didn't need to do either. I found a super quick fix that takes less than a minute and made a huge difference. Like phones and laptops, Roku devices store background data to speed things up - but too much of that data can actually slow everything down. Clearing out that hidden clutter sped things up instantly. It freed up memory and made my Roku feel brand new again. If yours is acting sluggish, try this first before spending money on a replacement. Best Affordable Big TVs: More Screen, Less Cost Best Affordable Big TVs: More Screen, Less Cost Click to unmute Video Player is loading. Play Video Pause Skip Backward Skip Forward Next playlist item Unmute Current Time 0:17 / Duration 3:15 Loaded : 33.52% 0:16 Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 2:58 Share Fullscreen This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Opacity Opaque Semi-Transparent Text Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Opacity Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Caption Area Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Opacity Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Drop shadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Close Modal Dialog This is a modal window. This modal can be closed by pressing the Escape key or activating the close button. Close Modal Dialog This is a modal window. This modal can be closed by pressing the Escape key or activating the close button. Best Affordable Big TVs: More Screen, Less Cost How to clear your Roku TV cache This process isn't as straightforward on a Roku TV as it is on other devices. Following these steps will improve your device's performance and clear its cache. Keep in mind that your Roku TV will restart. Reset Roku TV in the settings From the main menu, go to the end of the list and select the Settings menu. Within Settings, find System and open it. Scroll down to Power and select it. Select System Restart and click Restart to confirm. This will turn off your TV and clear the cache, but it will not factory reset it. Your Roku TV should turn back on in about 30 seconds. If this doesn't work, you can try using the hidden remote function to reset the TV instead. Reset Roku TV with remote Sarah Tew/CNET Go to the Home menu and make sure the highlight is over the Home option on the left. On your remote push the Home button five times. Push the Up arrow once. Push the Rewind button twice. Push the Fast Forward button twice. Wait for your Roku to restart. Uninstall the app CNET If resetting the Roku TV doesn't solve the issues with slowing, you may have to uninstall and reinstall the app you believe is causing the issue. As a warning, all users and settings will be removed from the app and you will need to set this back up upon reinstall. Highlight the app, but do not open it. Push the * button on your remote. Select Remove Channel from the popup. How to factory reset your Roku TV For those still having issues, you may be better off doing a factory reset of the whole Roku TV. This will remove all your users, sign-ins and apps, making it the same as if you had just brought it home from the store. From the menu, select Settings. Find System and select it. At the bottom of the System menu, go to Advanced System Settings. Select Factory Reset and enter the code underneath the number pad on the right to confirm reset. For more coverage, read about how you can set up a VPN on Roku and learn how your streaming device might be tracking you.
Geeky Gadgets
26-05-2025
- Geeky Gadgets
STOP! Don't Update to iOS 18.5 Until You Read This!
Apple's iOS 18.5 update has sparked significant discussion among users and industry experts alike. Packed with a mix of new features, performance enhancements, and a few lingering issues, this update has left many questioning whether it lives up to expectations. By examining its key features, performance, and user feedback, you can better understand what iOS 18.5 offers and how it might impact your experience. The video below from Zollotech gives us more details. Watch this video on YouTube. Key Features in iOS 18.5 iOS 18.5 introduces a range of updates aimed at improving functionality and user satisfaction. Some of the most noteworthy additions include: Enhanced Privacy Controls: Apple continues its focus on privacy with improved app tracking transparency and more robust permissions management, giving you greater control over your personal data. Apple continues its focus on privacy with improved app tracking transparency and more robust permissions management, giving you greater control over your personal data. Expanded Customization Options: New tools allow for deeper personalization, including updated widgets, interface adjustments, and more flexible home screen layouts. New tools allow for deeper personalization, including updated widgets, interface adjustments, and more flexible home screen layouts. Upgraded Native Apps: Safari now supports advanced security protocols for safer browsing, while the Messages app features smarter spam filtering to reduce unwanted interruptions. These updates reflect Apple's ongoing commitment to privacy and usability. However, while the features are valuable, they may feel more like incremental improvements than fantastic changes. Whether these additions justify the update depends on your priorities as a user. Performance and Stability: A Closer Look Performance is a critical aspect of any software update, and iOS 18.5 delivers mixed results depending on the device. On newer models, such as the iPhone 15 series, users report noticeable improvements, including faster app launches, smoother multitasking, and slight gains in CPU and GPU efficiency. These enhancements make the update particularly appealing for those with the latest hardware. However, the experience is less consistent on older devices like the iPhone 12. While some users notice minor performance boosts, others report negligible changes, raising concerns about optimization across Apple's entire device lineup. Stability has seen some improvement, with fixes addressing issues like random system reboots and app crashes. Yet, intermittent freezing during resource-heavy tasks remains a problem for some users. This suggests that while iOS 18.5 is more reliable overall, its performance may vary based on your device and usage habits. User Reactions: Divided Opinions The reception to iOS 18.5 has been mixed, with users expressing both praise and criticism. Here's a breakdown of the most common reactions: Positive Feedback: Many users commend the enhanced privacy features, particularly the improved app tracking transparency, which addresses growing concerns about data security. The expanded customization options have also been well-received, allowing for a more personalized experience. Many users commend the enhanced privacy features, particularly the improved app tracking transparency, which addresses growing concerns about data security. The expanded customization options have also been well-received, allowing for a more personalized experience. Negative Feedback: On the downside, some users report increased battery drain, especially on older devices. Others find the new interface adjustments challenging to navigate, citing a steeper learning curve compared to previous updates. While the privacy enhancements are widely appreciated, the mixed reactions highlight the difficulty of balancing innovation with user expectations. For some, the benefits outweigh the drawbacks, but others may find the update less compelling. Bugs and Early Issues As with any major software update, iOS 18.5 is not without its flaws. Early adopters have identified several bugs that may impact the user experience, including: Inconsistent Wi-Fi connectivity, with some devices struggling to maintain stable connections. Glitches in the Photos app, such as crashes or slow loading times when accessing large libraries. Apple has acknowledged these issues and is reportedly working on a patch to address them. However, the presence of these bugs raises questions about the thoroughness of Apple's testing process prior to release. If you rely heavily on affected features, you may want to wait for future updates before upgrading. How Does It Compare to iOS 18.4? When compared to iOS 18.4, the latest update offers a mix of new functionalities and performance tweaks. iOS 18.4 focused primarily on refining existing features, while iOS 18.5 introduces additional tools and enhancements. However, the improvements are most noticeable on newer devices, where advanced hardware can fully use the update's capabilities. For users with older models, the differences between the two versions may feel less significant. While iOS 18.5 brings valuable updates, its impact is limited by the hardware constraints of older devices. This makes it essential to weigh the benefits against potential performance trade-offs before deciding to upgrade. Device Compatibility: What to Expect iOS 18.5 is compatible with a wide range of devices, from the iPhone SE (2nd generation) to the latest iPhone models. However, the update's performance improvements are most evident on newer devices equipped with advanced processors and additional memory. For users with older hardware, the update may still provide access to new features, but its overall impact could be less pronounced. If you own an older device, consider whether the added functionality outweighs potential drawbacks, such as reduced battery life or limited performance gains. Making the Most of iOS 18.5 iOS 18.5 represents a blend of innovation and challenges. It introduces valuable features like enhanced privacy controls and improved app functionality, while also addressing some stability issues. However, it is not without its flaws, including bugs and mixed performance results on older devices. To determine whether iOS 18.5 is right for you, consider your device's compatibility, your reliance on specific features, and your tolerance for potential issues. Staying informed about Apple's updates and patches can help you make the most of this release and ensure a smoother experience moving forward. Uncover more insights about iOS 18.5 features in previous articles we have written. Source & Image Credit: zollotech Filed Under: Apple, Apple iPhone, 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.
Geeky Gadgets
24-05-2025
- Geeky Gadgets
Android 16 QPR1 Beta: Your Guide to the Material 3 Expressive Redesign
Android 16 QPR1 represents a significant evolution in the mobile operating system landscape, with the introduction of Material Design 3 as its centerpiece. This update focuses on improving user experience, enhancing personalization, optimizing performance, and bolstering security. By refining the interface and incorporating thoughtful improvements, it aims to provide a seamless, efficient, and secure experience for users. The video below from Zollotech gives us a look at the new beta. Watch this video on YouTube. Material Design 3: A New Standard for User Interaction Material Design 3 serves as the foundation of this update, redefining how users interact with their devices. With an emphasis on simplicity, adaptability, and personalization, it creates a cohesive and visually appealing experience. By adhering to updated design principles, Material Design 3 ensures consistency across apps, making navigation more intuitive and interactions smoother. Its focus on dynamic design elements allows users to enjoy a more engaging and tailored interface, setting a new benchmark for user interface design. Visual and Functional Enhancements Android 16 QPR1 introduces several user interface upgrades that enhance both aesthetics and usability. These updates are designed to create a more modern and user-friendly experience. Key enhancements include: Dynamic color schemes that adapt to your preferences, creating a personalized visual experience. that adapt to your preferences, creating a personalized visual experience. Improved typography for better readability across the system, making sure clarity in text-heavy applications. for better readability across the system, making sure clarity in text-heavy applications. Streamlined layouts that deliver a cleaner and more organized look, reducing visual clutter. These refinements not only elevate the visual appeal of the operating system but also make everyday interactions more intuitive and enjoyable. Expanded Customization and Personalization Personalization is a central theme of Android 16 QPR1, offering users greater control over their device's appearance and functionality. The update introduces a range of customization tools designed to help you tailor your device to your unique preferences. Key features include: Enhanced theme options that allow you to adjust colors, styles, and overall aesthetics to suit your taste. that allow you to adjust colors, styles, and overall aesthetics to suit your taste. Improved widget customization , allowing better organization and functionality on your home screen. , allowing better organization and functionality on your home screen. Flexible settings that provide more options to fine-tune your device experience. These tools empower users to create a device environment that feels truly personal, enhancing both usability and satisfaction. Performance and Stability Enhancements Android 16 QPR1 places a strong emphasis on performance optimization, making sure devices run smoothly and efficiently. The update addresses key areas to improve overall functionality and reliability. Notable improvements include: Reduced resource consumption , leading to better battery life and improved energy efficiency. , leading to better battery life and improved energy efficiency. Faster response times , delivering a more fluid and responsive user experience. , delivering a more fluid and responsive user experience. Bug fixes and stability enhancements to resolve known issues and improve system reliability. These updates ensure that your device operates at peak performance, providing a seamless and dependable experience. Accessibility Features for Inclusive Technology Android 16 QPR1 introduces new accessibility features aimed at making technology more inclusive for users with diverse needs. These updates are designed to improve usability and ensure that everyone can benefit from the latest advancements. Key accessibility improvements include: Enhanced voice control , allowing hands-free navigation and interaction. , allowing hands-free navigation and interaction. Improved screen reader functionality , offering better support for visually impaired users. , offering better support for visually impaired users. Customizable display settings, allowing users to adjust screen elements to suit their individual preferences. These features reflect a commitment to inclusivity, making sure that Android devices are accessible to a wider audience. Strengthened Security and Privacy Measures In an era where data protection is paramount, Android 16 QPR1 introduces robust security and privacy enhancements to safeguard user information. These updates are designed to provide greater control and peace of mind. Key improvements include: Updated app permissions , giving you more control over how your data is accessed and used. , giving you more control over how your data is accessed and used. Improved encryption methods , making sure sensitive information remains secure. , making sure sensitive information remains secure. Enhanced privacy tools, allowing you to manage your personal data with greater confidence. These measures underscore the importance of security in the modern digital landscape, making sure your device and data are well-protected. Comprehensive Advancements for a Better Experience Android 16 QPR1, anchored by the introduction of Material Design 3, delivers a comprehensive suite of updates that enhance every aspect of the user experience. From its visually refined interface and expanded customization options to its performance optimizations and strengthened security measures, this update addresses critical areas to meet the needs of modern users. Whether you prioritize aesthetics, functionality, or privacy, Android 16 QPR1 ensures your device is equipped to deliver a superior and personalized experience. Here are more detailed guides and articles that you may find helpful on Material Design 3. Source & Image Credit: zollotech Filed Under: Android News, 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.
The Verge
23-05-2025
- Health
- The Verge
the time, so I relate to the anxiety described in this
The dark side of wearable tech. I wear three to five wearables all New York Times article. Managing it is a huge part of my job, which is why I wrote this how-to with a lot of my tips and tricks. And as I've said on many a Vergecast episode, I purposefully break streaks to preserve my mental health. Friendly reminder from your neighborhood wearables expert: you are allowed to take breaks.
Geek Wire
20-05-2025
- Business
- Geek Wire
Seattle startup community Foundations adds more office space, plans expansion in Bellevue
GeekWire's startup coverage documents the Pacific Northwest entrepreneurial scene. Sign up for our weekly startup newsletter , and check out the GeekWire funding tracker and venture capital directory . Inside the Foundations space in Seattle's Capitol Hill neighborhood. (Foundations Photo) The experiment seems to be working. Foundations, the Seattle-based startup community that launched last year, is doubling its physical space in Capitol Hill and is exploring an expansion in Bellevue, just east of Seattle. This wasn't the plan when longtime entrepreneur and investor Aviel Ginzburg founded Foundations in a bid to support early stage founders. But that's part of the point. 'Everything at Foundations is an experiment,' he told GeekWire. There are now 236 total members at Foundations, which includes longtime entrepreneurs and investors from the Seattle tech ecosystem, along with 55 'founders-in-residence' that work with Foundations for six months as part of a lightweight accelerator program until they reach certain milestones. Some of those companies were ready to 'graduate' recently and wanted to stay engaged with the Foundations community. At the same time, 5,000 square feet opened up on the floor below Foundations' existing space — which will now be a co-working office for Foundations members and their companies. 'It's a fun evolution of the program,' Ginzburg said. 'We didn't know what was really going to happen. We thought it was like, 'Oh, you're going to go out on your own.' But it seems like these communities of people still want to be working and building together.' Foundations has emerged as a key support system for founders who can participate in the community without giving up equity or paying fees. 'Foundations was the catalyst that helped us transform what we were building from just a product into a fully-fledged company,' said MediScan CEO Kavian Mojabe, whose health tech startup will work out of the new space. The group also accepts founders at varying levels of their startup journey. 'Foundations meets us where we are, with mentorship, events, and feedback that fits into our chaotic schedules,' said Shawn Ramirez, CEO of EloraHQ. Ginzburg — who launched Foundations with Tyler Brown, Ryan Dao, and Art Litvinau — said his experience building the group has shown the strength of Seattle's startup scene. 'There is a lot more entrepreneurial talent and awesome startups here than people realize,' he said. 'They are just very disorganized, siloed and not properly networked.' Having a community like Foundations is also helpful for founders navigating the AI boom. 'The technology changed so quickly,' Ginzburg said. 'If you're not learning through osmosis and watching others, you're falling behind. So there is this deep desire for all these early stage companies to be physically around each other.' Aviel Ginzburg accepts the 'Geeks Give Back' award at the GeekWire Awards earlier this month in Seattle. (GeekWire Photo / Dan DeLong) Foundations operates as a benefit corporation, a legal distinction designed for entities that want to turn a profit and also prioritize social and public good. The co-working expansion will help provide additional revenue in addition to investment and sponsorships. Ginzburg, a general partner at Seattle VC firm Founders' Co-op who previously ran the Amazon Alexa accelerator, said he's exploring potential partnerships with commercial real estate firms to funnel companies into office space as they scale. 'Our goal here is not to make money,' he said. 'Our goal is to support the community and have this thing keep rolling and keep cranking.' People from other big cities are now reaching out to Ginzburg about how they can launch something like Foundations in their own startup communities. But in a lot of ways, Foundations is unique to Seattle. 'It's about the people and the community,' Ginzburg said. 'The structure and the systems are less interesting than the core group of people coming together.' He added: 'Our mission is to make Seattle a better place to be a founder.' Foundations is filling a gap left by the surprise departure of Techstars Seattle last year. It's one of several startup groups in the Seattle region aiming to help founders, including Pioneer Square Labs, the AI2 Incubator (which just launched the AI House), and others. Plug and Play, a Silicon Valley-based group that operates innovation programs, recently announced two new accelerators in the Seattle region. Other accelerator programs include Creative Destruction Lab, Startup Haven, Maritime Blue, and Jones + Foster.
