All posts by Matt Porter

Leading digital lifestyle accessories brand, Trust Electronics Ltd, is pleased today to announce the launch of two new gaming accessories, its Zirox gaming headset and Felox mouse. Essentials for any setup, both products are designed with multiple colour options including some based on their choice of console to allow gamers to express their personality while playing. The two products can be used together to create a cohesive and matching gaming environment. Not only style, both the mouse and headset also offer high quality and useful features, comfort and are available at an accessible price for all.

Trust GXT 415 Zirox Gaming Headset – Available from Amazon for £17.99

The Trust GXT 415 Zirox is available in four bold colours – Booster Black, Winning White, Brilliant Blue and Powerful Pink – providing players with many ways to win in style and options to suit preferences. Its lightweight design of only 244 grams makes it easy to wear for long gaming sessions, whilst powerful 50mm drivers ensure users are fully immersed in the game at all times.

Perfect for social gamers, the Zirox comes with a foldaway microphone built into the design, enabling gamers to chat with friends or move the microphone out of the way when not needed. On-ear volume control and a microphone mute switch make it simple to hear and be heard; and an extra-long 2m cable allows it to be connected to any 3.5mm device, including PC, laptop, and consoles.

In addition to the four colour versions, three further versions specifically designed for consoles have also been released. With a white PS5 edition, black and green Xbox edition, and black and red Switch edition, these headsets have been crafted to offer gamers an accessory that both matches and works in harmony with their console. With a shorter 1.2m cable, they plug easily into the controller or Switch console, making it so easy to get gaming and go.

Trust Felox Gaming Mouse – Available from Amazon for £12.99 (wired) and Amazon for £17.99 (wireless)

Combining cutting-edge design and vibrant colours, the Felox gaming mouse is available as both a wired and wireless version so gamers can make the most of their gaming sessions, whatever their preference. A cool, comfortable and affordable mouse, it is available in four bold colours – Booster Black, Winning White, Brilliant Blue and Powerful Pink – allowing gamers to choose the design that perfectly matches their personality. With included software, users can also fine-tune the mouse’s speed, lighting and macros according to their preferences and game style.

For those seeking the freedom of wireless gaming, the GXT 110 Felox Wireless Gaming Mouse offers a seamless experience. Connectable via a single USB receiver that can conveniently be stored inside the mouse when not in use, the Felox Wireless is incredibly easy to use. With a rechargeable battery, gamers can enjoy up to 80 hours of playtime on a single charge, and even continue playing while charging using the included cable. Also available in Booster Black and Winning White, this mouse makes the perfect match to any gaming setup.

Both Felox mice (wired and wireless) also feature multicolour LED lighting with four settings to fully customise the mouse’s aesthetics to suit players’ individual styles. In addition, they also have six buttons, including a DPI select button for speed adjustment (between 200 to 6400 DPI for the wired and 800 to 4800 DPI for the wireless), offering users control over their gaming experience.

With a unique design, the Felox links perfectly to the new Zirox headsets. Available in matching colours, gamers can create a cohesive and stylish gaming environment that truly reflects who they are.

Cameras, Security

The Next Generation of Indoor Cameras is Here

July 20, 2023 Matt Porter Leave a comment

Introducing the New SimpliSafe® Smart Alarm Wireless Indoor Security Camera

SimpliSafe®, maker of award-winning home security systems, today announced the launch of the Smart Alarm Wireless Indoor Security Camera. The camera is SimpliSafe’s most advanced camera yet and works seamlessly with the award-winning SimpliSafe® Home Security system* to make sure every inch of your home is protected around the clock.

Designed with advanced motion detection with vision AI, it’s the only indoor camera that can trigger an alarm and sound a built-in 80 dB siren for fast intruder deterrence. Instant phone alerts warn you the moment your camera detects unusual activity, so you’ll always know what’s happening at home. It can also tell the difference between people and pets, for fewer false alarms.

With 1536p HD video capture and 10x digital zoom, the new camera allows you to watch over your home in crystal clear detail both day and night. You can live stream, record, and download videos of your home on your mobile device, anytime, anywhere with the SimpliSafe® App.**

The Next Generation of Indoor Cameras is Here

The camera provides privacy when you want it and protection when you need it with the automated privacy shutter. The SimpliSafe® system has three different modes – off, home and away – and this camera will integrate with the system’s modes and automatically adjust the privacy shutter depending on the setting, whist you can also adjust this via the app.

Like the rest of the SimpliSafe® system, the setup is simple. The camera is wireless, so you can easily mount it to a wall or place it on a shelf, giving you the flexibility to get the best vantage point.

A 10-foot USB charging cable is included in the box, giving you the option to have a permanent power source and eliminating any worry about recharging the camera.

The Smart Alarm Wireless Indoor Security Camera is £139.99 and is available from SimpliSafe.co.uk.

The camera launch comes off the heels of the SimpliSafe® Gen 2 Motion Sensor which launched earlier this month. Similar to the camera, the Gen 2 Motion sensor has the advanced ability to distinguish between people and pets, with the aim to reduce false alarms.

Batteries, Chargers, Fire Suppression, Laptops

Lithium-Ion Batteries: Dangers and Safety Measures

July 4, 2023 Matt Porter Leave a comment

Lithium-ion batteries have become ubiquitous in our everyday life, powering everything from our smartphones and laptops to electric vehicles and even some of our home appliances. But like most technological advancements, they come with their own set of risks. In this post, we’ll delve into the potential dangers of lithium-ion batteries and how we can take steps to mitigate these risks and keep ourselves safe.

Lithium-Ion Batteries: Dangers and Safety Measures

Understanding the Risks

Let’s take a closer look at the potential dangers associated with lithium-ion batteries:

1. Thermal Runaway and Fire Risk: This is the most significant danger. Thermal runaway is a chain reaction within the battery that can result in the release of a large amount of energy in a short time. This process can be triggered if the battery is overcharged, physically damaged, or exposed to excessive heat, leading to an internal short circuit. The ensuing heat can cause the battery to ignite or even explode. What’s more, the fires resulting from lithium-ion batteries are notoriously difficult to extinguish because the battery essentially fuels itself.

2. Toxic and Corrosive Materials: Lithium-ion batteries are filled with potentially toxic and corrosive materials. If the battery leaks or is punctured, these substances can escape, leading to burns upon contact and respiratory problems if inhaled.

3. Overcharging and Overheating: Overcharging or charging at a temperature too high can severely damage lithium-ion batteries, increasing the risk of thermal runaway.

4. Environmental Hazards: This may not pose an immediate personal danger, but it’s an important point nonetheless. The extraction of lithium and other metals used in these batteries can lead to environmental degradation, and improper disposal contributes to pollution.

5. Swelling: In certain situations, lithium-ion batteries can experience swelling due to gas buildup triggered by factors such as overcharging, overheating, or physical damage. This swelling can potentially rupture the battery or damage the device housing it.

professional stock photo of an electric bike laying on it's side on a road in London a small lithium-ion fire in it's battery -ar 21:9 — professional stock photo of an electric bike laying on it’s side on a road in London a small lithium-ion fire in it’s battery -ar 21:9

Keeping Safe: Steps to Mitigate the Risks

Awareness of these risks is the first step to safety. Here are some preventive measures we can adopt:

1. Correct Charging Practices: Use the charger that comes with your device whenever possible, as it’s designed to protect your battery. Avoid overcharging your appliances and ensure they are charged at a moderate temperature.

2. Mind the Temperature: Lithium-ion batteries don’t fare well under high temperatures, so keep your devices away from direct sunlight or hot cars. Similarly, extremely cold environments can also affect the battery’s performance and lifespan.

3. Physical Protection: Avoid causing physical damage to the batteries. A puncture or severe impact can lead to internal short-circuiting, increasing the risk of thermal runaway.

4. Regular Inspection: Watch out for any signs of battery damage, such as bulging, excessive heat, or leaking. If you notice anything unusual, stop using the device and contact the manufacturer or a professional.

5. Safe Disposal: Don’t just toss your old devices into the regular trash. Many retailers and local waste facilities will accept old electronics for recycling. This helps to minimize environmental impact.

Lithium-ion batteries have made our life wirelessly efficient, but with this convenience comes responsibility. Following these safety measures can help us enjoy our devices while minimizing potential hazards. After all, as with most things in life, prevention is better than cure.

What steps should be taken when a lithium fire happens?

Dealing with a lithium-ion battery fire requires special precautions due to the intense heat and potentially toxic fumes they can generate. Here are steps to take in case of a lithium-ion battery fire:

Call Emergency Services: The first and most important step is to alert the authorities. Call 999! While waiting for their arrival, try to evacuate the building or area to ensure personal safety.
Evacuate the Area: Lithium-ion battery fires can release toxic fumes. Ensure everyone has evacuated the area and maintain a safe distance from the fire.
Ventilate the Area: If it is safe to do so, open windows or doors to provide ventilation and disperse the fumes.
Do Not Attempt to Move the Battery or Device: A burning or overheating lithium-ion battery can explode, so it’s vital not to move the device or attempt to remove the battery.
Let the Fire Burn Out: Sometimes, the safest action is to let the fire burn out on its own while ensuring it doesn’t spread. This may be the safest option if the fire cannot be extinguished or if it reignites.
Fire Extinguishers: In the event of a lithium-ion battery fire, using a traditional fire extinguisher might not be effective, and could potentially exacerbate the situation. Here’s why:
Electrolyte Spreading: Using a traditional fire extinguisher, which usually expels a forceful stream of extinguishing agent, could spread the burning electrolyte present in lithium-ion batteries, potentially expanding the area of the fire.

Ineffectiveness at Cooling: Traditional fire extinguishers aren’t as effective at cooling the fire down to temperatures where reignition won’t occur. One of the primary dangers of a lithium-ion battery fire is that it can reignite after being initially extinguished if the battery remains above its self-ignition temperature.

Chemical Reactions: Some fire extinguishing agents might not react well with the materials in the battery, potentially leading to harmful chemical reactions.

Remember, never put yourself or others at unnecessary risk. Always wait for professional help if the fire is too large or dangerous to handle.

Finally, prevention is the best approach to lithium-ion battery fires. Always use and maintain devices according to the manufacturer’s instructions, and monitor them for any signs of swelling, overheating, or other unusual behaviour.

Uncategorized

Sinclair ZX Spectrum: The Iconic 8-bit Marvel that Revolutionized Home Computing and Gaming

April 5, 2023 Matt Porter Leave a comment

Welcome to Part 1 of our series on Vintage Computers, where we’ll be taking a nostalgic journey back in time to explore the groundbreaking machines that shaped the computing landscape. In this series, we’ll delve into the origins, innovations, and lasting legacies of various iconic computers, examining their impact on the industry and their influence on modern technology. From the hobbyist programmer to the gaming enthusiast, these vintage machines ignited passions and laid the foundation for the thriving digital world we know today. So, join us as we embark on this exciting trip down memory lane, beginning with the Sinclair ZX Spectrum – the iconic 8-bit marvel that revolutionized home computing and gaming.

The Sinclair ZX Spectrum, initially released in 1982, marked a significant milestone in home computing. As an affordable, accessible computer, it helped democratize technology and spurred the development of the gaming industry. This 8-bit marvel introduced a generation to programming and gaming. This review will delve into the ZX Spectrum’s performance, design, and how it influenced the computing world.

Firstly, the ZX Spectrum’s hardware was quite advanced for its time. Equipped with a Zilog Z80A CPU, it offered processing speeds of 3.5 MHz and memory options of 16KB or 48KB RAM. Although these specifications appear quaint by today’s standards, they were impressive at the time, especially considering the compact design and affordable price point.

The ZX Spectrum’s design is iconic, with a black case and rainbow stripe across the bottom right corner. The compact keyboard, utilizing rubber keys, was a significant departure from the typical clunky computer keyboards of the era. Although the rubber keys were not ideal for typing, they were sufficient for inputting simple programming commands and playing games. The unit’s overall size and design made it an attractive option for many households, as it could be easily integrated into a living room or bedroom setup.

One of the most significant aspects of the ZX Spectrum was its vibrant community of programmers and enthusiasts. They developed a vast array of games and software, showcasing the computer’s capabilities and versatility. Titles like “Manic Miner,” “Jet Set Willy,” and “Elite” quickly became classics, and many developers who started on the ZX Spectrum went on to have successful careers in the gaming industry.

The ZX Spectrum’s programming capabilities were also notable. With Sinclair BASIC as the default programming language, many users found it easy to learn and create their own software. This accessibility led to a thriving ecosystem of hobbyist programmers, who shared their creations with friends and through magazines. The computer also offered expansion options, such as Interface 1 and Interface 2, which allowed for peripherals like printers and additional storage to be connected.

However, the Sinclair ZX Spectrum was not without its flaws. The audio capabilities were limited to simple beeps, and the graphics resolution was relatively low, with a maximum of 256×192 pixels. Additionally, the notorious “attribute clash” occurred when two colours overlapped on the screen, causing colour distortion. Despite these limitations, developers created engaging and memorable games that still resonate with retro gaming enthusiasts today.

In conclusion, the Sinclair ZX Spectrum was a groundbreaking computer that brought affordable home computing to the masses. Its unique design, programming capabilities, and gaming library helped shape the future of the industry. Although it may not hold up against modern technology, the ZX Spectrum remains an important piece of computing history, and its influence can still be felt today.

In retrospect, the Sinclair ZX Spectrum was a game-changer, quite literally. It fostered a new generation of developers and gamers who went on to create the foundation for the thriving gaming and technology industries we know today. For those seeking a nostalgic trip down memory lane or a taste of computing history, the ZX Spectrum is worth exploring.

Business, Helpful Articles, Helpful Guides, Useful Articles

Key Things Businesses With Remote Employees Need To Succeed

March 28, 2023 Matt Porter Leave a comment

Engaging remote employees is both an opportunity and a challenge for businesses in today’s digital world. The modern workplace has evolved significantly to accommodate new technologies, mobile connectivity, and alternative working environments. As such, it’s no secret that many businesses around the world now rely heavily on their remote employees to maintain productivity and keep up with the competition. But what exactly do companies need to ensure success when managing dispersed teams?

Establish Clear Communication Policies & Guidelines

Clear communication policies and guidelines are essential for any business that has remote employees. Without them, it is easy for employees to get confused about deadlines and be unclear about expectations. Having a written set of rules helps everyone stay on the same page and move forward together, no matter where people are located geographically.

Invest In Relevant Technology

Investing in the right technology is essential for businesses with remote employees. Having an IT system that can be accessed from anywhere is crucial for success; this allows workers to remain productive and collaborative even when they are not physically present in the office. Furthermore, depending on the size of their remote workforce, businesses should consider investing in external IT support services. This can help to ensure that any technical issues can be promptly solved without compromising productivity or performance.

Encourage Cross-Team Collaboration

With more remote employees than ever, many businesses are struggling with encouraging collaboration and communication between teams. Keeping everyone on the same page is vital to success, but since people are often physically separated, it can be difficult to ensure that knowledge is shared and everyone feels included. To foster cross-team collaboration virtually, businesses should consider adopting a collaborative project management platform to work together in real-time.

Prioritise Workplace Happiness & Well-Being

Many businesses with remote employees miss out on one key ingredient for success: prioritising workplace happiness and well-being. Feeling appreciated and respected by their employers is the foundation for most employees’ satisfaction and motivation to do their job. Research shows that improving employee well-being leads to higher engagement levels, the feeling of safety at work, increased morale and productivity, reduced conflicts, better problem-solving abilities, and improved performance.

Develop A Remote Work Culture

Knowing how to motivate and engage your remote employees is key for businesses with distributed teams. An important step towards effectively embracing remote work is developing a set of values and protocols to build a company culture based on open communication, trust, accountability, and security. When done right, it results in a workforce that’s more connected than ever before and allows everyone to feel part of the team. Workplace culture doesn’t have to be limited to employees who are physically present; it can be extended to everyone, regardless of where they work.

Working remotely can be a huge benefit, but it may also require some extra effort and management to ensure your remote team works as efficiently as possible. Overall, with the right planning ahead of time, your remote working setup can be extremely successful from day one and give everyone the space they need to do their best work.

Home Appliances, Internet of Things, IoT

Introducing the World’s first ‘out the box’ kettle with Alexa

February 21, 2023 Matt Porter Leave a comment

At the heart of any kitchen, the iconic kettle can now be controlled by voice, using any device, creating personalised commands and routines unique to the user. From the simple task of turning the kettle on, through to changing the temperature of the water, or simply asking Alexa to keep the water warm, this technological evolution and advancement in modernising this most traditional of routines, will be a total game changer for so many.

Controlled by voice or the Alexa app
The kettle can be activated remotely to boil water to the desired temperature the moment a homeowner walks in the door and at any time, in any room, via the Alexa device.

Routines and personalised commands
Designed to fit with the users schedule, the kettle can be activated using favourite phrases and programmed to boil based on routine. A breakfast, mid-morning and afternoon routine could be programmed for example. These can also be duplicated and adjusted, so the weekend breakfast routine is set to go-live at a later time to the weekday settings.

Water levels and descaling
The Alexa app will also advise users when water is running low and a refill is required, plus highlight the number of boils left until the next descale is required.

Sync activation with phone alarms
The Swan Alexa Kettle delivers next generation convenience and can be set to boil automatically as part of the daily morning routine.

So easy to set up in 4 easy steps…

Once the water has reached the selected temperature, the kettle will bleep twice and then automatically keep the water warm for 2 hours… many consumers will simply love the technology and convenience the product delivers…

For others, it will deliver a welcome practicality:

– For heating a baby’s bottle to a specific temperature and not having to wait for it to cool down

– To keep a full kettle heated for when guests are visiting to top-up drinks

– Preparing herbal teas and serving at a recommended temperature

– Avoiding the need to ‘switch on the kettle’ which may be useful for some users

The energy efficient solution for the future of hot drinks… by programming the temperature ‘boil’, users are able to manage exacting amounts of energy usage: an 85 degree boil for a traditional cup of tea, a 90 degree boil recommended for a coffee and there is even the option to boil-up at 60 degrees (or less) to loosen a jar of honey.

The Alexa Swan Kettle comes with a 2 year Guarantee.
SRP@ £99.99

swan-brand.co.uk

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With its cordless base (including cord storage) and dry boil protection with automatic cut-off, there’s no need to worry about safety or cluttering in the kitchen. The Alexa kettle conveniently also has a removable, washable scale filter for easy cleaning, prolonging the kettle through a lifetime of daily use. Its stainless steel inner ensures durability and a 1.5L capacity makes 8-10 cups from just one boil.

Fashioned with a black gloss finish and digital touch panel controls, this stylish and effortless kettle will be a cool, sharp addition to any kitchen.

Chargers

Ugreen launches its 65W Nexode GaN USB-C 3-Port Wall Charger with US, UK and EU Plug

February 8, 2023 Matt Porter Leave a comment

Ideal for use when travelling, it has 3 ports, delivering 65W of charge to up to 3 devices at the same time.

Ugreen, the award-winning manufacturer of quality and affordable electronic accessories and consumer technology products has today announced the launch of its new 65W Nexode GaN USB-C 3 port wall charger. Perfect for use anywhere in the world, it comes with US, UK and EU plugs included which are easily switchable. With a broad compatibility, it can easily charge up to 3 devices at the same time at high speeds. The Ugreen 65W Nexode GaN Charger is available for £49.99/$55.99 on Amazon UK, Amazon US and the Ugreen website.

Featuring two USB-C ports and 1 USB-A port, the Ugreen wall charger is an efficient and useful product. Able to give up to 65W of charge on 3 devices at the same time, it dramatically reduces the time spent waiting for devices to charge and increases the convenience of the experience. Ideal for use when travelling, in the office or even just at home, it means that users are able to have their laptop, phone and earphones recharging at the same time, for example. Not only easier, the Nexode 65W is also powered by GaN chips that provide high-speed power that can charge a 13” MacBook Pro to 100% in less than 2 hours meaning people never have to be out of battery for long.

The perfect companion on holidays or business trips, the lightweight charger comes with a US, UK and EU plug to ensure that it can be used worldwide and also has a very broad compatibility. Able to be used with MacBooks Pro/Air, Dell XPS, iPhones, Galaxy S Series, iPad Pro, Pixel Series, and more, there will always be a quick charging option – even for an Apple Watch or AirPods.

Always aiming to both keep users connected but safe, the Ugreen wall charger has enhanced safety features with GaN to keep devices protected whilst being charged. These include an over-current protection, short-circuit protection, over-temperature protection and over-voltage protection meaning that it can be used without any concerns. Not only that, Ugreen offer a two-year warranty on the product for complete peace of mind.

Features:

Input: 100-240V～50/60Hz 1.8A Max
USB-C1/C2: 5V/3A, 9V/3A, 12V/3A, 15V/3A, 20V/3.25A 65W Max PPS：3.3-21V/3A
USB-A: 5V/3A, 9V/2A, 12V/1.5A, 4.5V/5A, 5V/4.5A; 22.5W Max
Fast Charging Protocol: PD 3.0/2.0; QC 4.0+/4.0/3.0/2.0; 5V/1A; 5V/2.4A; AFC; SCP; PPS
Protection: Short Circuit Protection, Over Voltage Protection, Overheat Protection, Over Current Protection, Power Dispenser System, Overcharge Protection
Plug included: US plug, EU plug, UK plug
Product dimensions: 2.56 x 2.56 x 1.28 inches
Item weight: 12 ounces

Pricing and Availability

The Ugreen 65W Nexode GaN Charger is available for £49.99/$55.99 on Amazon UK, Amazon US and the Ugreen website.

2023, Cameras

Taking pictures in the dark – How to capture 2023 on your phone

January 2, 2023 Matt Porter Leave a comment

Brits are being given tips on how to capture the perfect memories on their mobile phones during 2023!

Photography experts at ParrotPrint.com have named the seven top tips for taking the best low-light pictures as the clock strikes midnight.

The right lighting is key to a good photograph so it can be challenging to capture memories when it’s dark.

By keeping the phone steady, making use of nearby light sources and getting acquainted with some of the smarter mobile phone features, anyone can get closer to capturing the perfect picture going in 2023

A spokesperson from Parrot Print said: “Everyone celebrating the New Year, whether at a party or watching the fireworks or just spending time with loved ones at home, wants to capture that memory on camera – the last second of 2022 and the first memory of 2023.

“Taking a photo on a phone in the dark can be difficult and often leaves us feeling like we can’t quite capture the beautiful moment in front of us.

“It can be hard to take a great picture at night or in darker locations as mobile phone cameras have smaller sensors than traditional cameras leading to blurry or pixelated photos.

“The good news is you don’t necessarily need a professional camera to take great pictures at night. A lot of smartphones these days have features to help us all take better pictures as long as we know where to look.

“You can also make use of the environment around you and set the phone up so it is as steady as you can make it before capturing that perfect nighttime picture.”

Tips for capturing memories on New Year’s Eve:

1. Keep your phone stable

It doesn’t take much for a photo to appear blurry, especially if it’s taken at night so you’ll want to ensure your camera is as stable as possible. You could either invest in a handheld tripod or hold your phone with a tight grip in both hands.

2. Download long-exposure apps

Professional photographers tend to use longer exposure when taking pictures at night. This means the shutter speed of the camera is slower and can capture blurring motions too whilst still getting a sharp and crisp image. Although you can’t physically do this to your phone’s camera settings, you can download an app to help

3. The flash isn’t always the solution

When taking a picture at night or in the dark, a lot of people assume the flash will solve all their problems. Whilst this does do the trick sometimes, it’s not always the answer and can sometimes ruin the picture.

4. Use night mode

The majority of the latest smartphones have night mode to help enhance the pictures we take. Night mode takes several frames and then combines different elements of each to create a crisper image.

5. Adjust the ISO

ISO determines how sensitive to light your camera is and essentially helps brighten or darken an image. Not all phones allow you to change the ISO but it is an option on some. The higher the ISO, the brighter the image will be.

6. Make use of light around you

Depending on where you are and what you’re trying to capture you may be able to use the light around you like a lamppost or a candle. Making clever use of these light sources in a dark setting can create the perfect moody image.

7. Consider using editing apps

If you feel like you still can’t capture the perfect image then there is the option to use an editing app to enhance different elements of the picture to get the result you want.

Gadget Man, Helpful Articles, Helpful Guides, Streaming

Making Streaming Services Not Suck Again

December 17, 2022 Matt Porter Leave a comment

If you have been paying attention to the ways in which we use streaming services, then you might have well noticed that they have changed a lot over the years, and not always (or usually) for the better. Aside from some top-quality shows getting cancelled, it feels like more and more content is getting gated, split off, and otherwise made harder for us to enjoy. We may not be able to return to the peak of online TV streaming, but there are some ways to make it suck less.

Don’t commit to them

Okay, so it might be a little inconvenient to think about which streaming service you’re going to be using each and every month but the truth is that being “loyal” doesn’t pay. You don’t get any bonuses for staying with any particular service for longer and, most importantly, you’re not locked down to any one service for any period of time. Most streaming services operate on a pay-as-you-go monthly basis. As such, you can make sure that you’re subscribed to whatever services are helping you watch whichever shows you’re invested in at the moment, and then, when you’re done with that, use a comparison site to find a service that’s offering a better selection for you next month.

Get access to overseas content

One of the ways that streaming sites have been increasingly gating off the content that they allow us to access is through region-locked content. This can be due to licensing issues, or not getting the rights to broadcast in all countries, but sometimes, it’s literally just because they don’t think certain media will appeal to certain audiences. If you want to learn how to watch Hulu with VPN, it’s super easy to be able to access the roster that some of your overseas friends might be gushing about. This way, you can make sure that you don’t get all amped up to watch something that you heard was available, only for inevitable disappointment when you find out it’s not available in your region.

Consider using some free options

If you’re starting to look at your budget and you’re a little distressed by just how much of it is taken up by subscription services, then it might be time for a detox. While you could switch to a method of switching sites month by month, you should also look at the sheer variety of free streaming services that are still available. Unlike a few years back, piracy isn’t your only option when it comes to watching shows that you can’t otherwise access. Most of these free streaming services do rely on ads, so you might not be getting exactly the same experience, but it’s not that bad a trade-off, overall.

With the increasing move of streaming services to a model that’s closer to traditional cable TV, we might be trying to hold back the tide. However, you can at least ensure that you get to enjoy your streaming services a little better for a little longer with the tips above.

AI, Blog Post, Gadget Man

Using AI to write blog posts

December 9, 2022 Matt Porter Leave a comment

In today’s fast-paced digital world, it’s no surprise that many businesses and individuals are turning to artificial intelligence (AI) to help them with various tasks, including writing blog posts. AI technology has come a long way in recent years, and it has the potential to help bloggers save time and improve the quality of their content.

Using AI to write blog posts - created by Midjourney — Using AI to write blog posts – created by Midjourney

One of the biggest advantages of using AI to write blog posts is that it can help save time. Rather than spending hours researching, outlining, writing, and editing a blog post, you can use AI to quickly generate high-quality content. This can be especially useful if you’re crunched for time or if you need to produce a large volume of content on a regular basis.

Another advantage of using AI to write blog posts is that it can help improve the quality of your content. AI technology can analyze your existing content and use that information to generate new posts that are similar in style and tone. This can be especially useful if you want to maintain a consistent voice and tone throughout your blog. Additionally, AI can use natural language processing to ensure that your content is well-written and easy to read.

Of course, using AI to write blog posts is not without its challenges. One of the biggest challenges is that AI technology is not yet capable of fully replicating human creativity and intuition. As a result, your AI-generated content may not always be as engaging or original as content that is written by a human. Additionally, AI technology is still in its early stages, and it may not always produce error-free content.

Despite these challenges, using AI to write blog posts can be a valuable tool for bloggers who are looking to save time and improve the quality of their content. As AI technology continues to advance, it’s likely that we’ll see even more sophisticated tools that can help bloggers generate high-quality content quickly and easily. In the meantime, it’s worth considering using AI to write blog posts if you’re looking for ways to streamline your content creation process and produce high-quality content on a regular basis.

This post was written by ChatGPT (AI)
Tags produced by ChatGPT (AI)
Images created using Midjourney (AI)
All pasted by Matt Porter The Gadget Man (Human)

Matt Porter, The Gadget Man – AI, Technology News and Reviews