Bayley, like many of us, recounts the common struggle of cycling through partially used batteries, often storing them for recycling or "just in case." The real headache, he notes, comes when a device unexpectedly dies, forcing a frustrating trial-and-error search for a viable replacement. His solution? A surprisingly effective "bounce test." Here's how to perform this quick test at home:
The Key Observation: The magic lies in how the battery reacts upon impact:
This simple physical reaction provides a quick and clear indicator of a battery's remaining charge, saving precious time and effort. It's a handy piece of everyday science that can help anyone quickly sort through their battery stash, ensuring you grab a good one when you're in a pinch. So next time you're unsure, just drop it and watch. Ep341 Image created by AI
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The core appeal of the Wyze Bulb Cam lies in its discreet design and ease of installation. It screws directly into any existing light fixture, instantly providing both illumination and surveillance without the need for additional wiring or complex setups. The camera itself, cleverly positioned below the lightbulb, boasts a 2K resolution and a 160-degree field of view, offering a wide perspective of your chosen space. Even in low-light conditions, the Bulb Cam features color night vision, a significant upgrade from traditional black-and-white infrared, allowing for clearer identification of subjects after dark. As a smart light, the Bulb Cam is no slouch either, capable of reaching up to 800 lumens and offering customizable dimming options through the Wyze mobile app. This dual functionality means you're not just adding a camera; you're also upgrading your lighting. Sounds good, but it is manually adjusted only and will not track movement. There is no AI to distinguish between people, pets and objects, but for $50 it will give you basic camera and local recording so not too bad in my book. Ep341 Image Source: wyze.com.au
The benefits are simple: Phishing Resistant: Passkeys are inherently resistant to phishing. Since you're not typing a password, there's nothing for a fake website to steal. The authentication happens directly between your device and the legitimate service. Simpler Login: No more typing complicated passwords or struggling with autofill. A quick glance or touch is all it takes. More Secure: Cryptographic keys are far more robust than even the strongest human-created passwords. Device-Linked Convenience: Your passkeys are often synced across your devices, making it easy to log in from anywhere you trust. While passkeys are rapidly gaining traction, they're still a relatively new technology, and not every website or service has implemented them yet. This can leave users wondering: "Where can I actually start ditching my passwords?" This is where passkeys.directory steps in. This site helps: Discover compatible services: Easily find out which of your favorite apps and websites now offer passkey login. Learn how to enable passkeys: Many entries on the directory might include quick guides on setting up passkeys for specific services. Stay updated: As more companies roll out passkey support, the directory will provide a live overview of the expanding ecosystem. Ep341 Image created by AI
Launched in 2022, ANZ Plus has already onboarded over one million customers, steadily building out new features and products. A key upcoming innovation for the platform is the rollout of fully password-less web banking, promising a more secure and streamlined online experience. The ambitious long-term goal is to run the entire retail bank on Plus by 2029, a move that will encompass not only the six million existing ANZ customers but also the 1.2 million customers recently acquired from Suncorp Bank. For existing ANZ customers, the migration to the Plus platform will be a gradual process over the coming years, though a precise timeline for individual customers has not yet been provided. However, ANZ has reassured customers that vital details such as existing BSB and account numbers, credit card numbers, and direct debits will be retained, aiming for an experience akin to a seamless app upgrade. ANZ Plus offers a suite of modern banking tools designed to help customers manage their finances more effectively. These include smart saving features like "roundups" (where spare change from transactions is saved) and predictions for upcoming bills, moving towards a more proactive and digitally-driven banking experience. So if you’re an ANZ customer, be ready for the change. Ep341 Image created by AI
Yes, they exist. No, they're not just for stunt performers anymore. Companies are now marketing these sartorial safety bubbles to the general public, promising to cushion your every fall, trip, and potentially, your dignity. Imagine strolling down the street, enjoying a leisurely afternoon, when suddenly, you stumble on a rogue pebble. WHUMPFF! Your stylish new vest (or belt, or even, dare we say, a full-body suit?) instantly inflates, transforming you into a human marshmallow, mid-air. The official spiel touts "advanced sensors" and "milliseconds-fast deployment," detecting everything from a gentle wobble to a full-blown face-plant. They're primarily aimed at the elderly for fall prevention, or extreme sports enthusiasts who apparently view broken bones as an inconvenient interruption to their adrenaline fixes. But the logical conclusion, as always at The Tech Absurd, is a world where everyone, from toddlers to octogenarians, is perpetually encased in a pre-inflated cocoon of caution. Picture this: your morning commute. The bus comes to a sudden stop. Instantly, the entire carriage becomes a sea of rapidly expanding nylon, passengers gently bouncing off each other like human bumper cars. Or a bustling supermarket, where a misplaced banana peel triggers a chain reaction of spontaneous inflation, turning aisle five into an impromptu bouncy castle. The sheer logistics of everyday life become a comedy of errors. And what about the re-inflation process? Do we carry spare CO2 cartridges in our pockets, ready to re-arm ourselves after every minor mishap? Is there a roadside assistance service for prematurely deployed airbags? The thought of awkwardly waddling to the nearest "re-inflation station" after a minor trip over your own feet is enough to induce a collective sigh of existential defeat. While the intent is undeniably noble – reducing injuries is a worthy goal – the practical absurdity of ubiquitous wearable airbags is undeniable. We're hurtling towards a future where the fear of a scraped knee or a bruised hip might just outweigh the desire for spontaneous movement. Soon, perhaps, walking will require a pre-flight checklist, and every public space will resemble a giant, human-sized ball pit. So, the next time you see someone waddling around in what appears to be a personal cloud of inflated fabric, remember: it’s not just about safety. It’s about the hilariously over-protective, utterly absurd direction our technology is taking us. Just try not to laugh too hard; you wouldn't want to trigger their shoulder pads. Ep340 Image created by AI
This update significantly enhances Google Photos' already powerful search capabilities. While the platform has long used AI to recognize objects and faces, this new functionality allows for much more precise textual searches embedded within the images themselves. Here's how it works: If you're looking for a photo that contains a particular word, you can now simply type that word enclosed in quotation marks into the Google Photos search bar. For instance, a search for "passport" will now specifically show you only those photos in your library that visibly contain the word "passport" in them. This cuts down dramatically on irrelevant results, helping you pinpoint exactly what you're looking for with unprecedented speed. Imagine trying to find a snapshot of a business card, a Wi-Fi password written on a coffee shop wall, or a handwritten note with a specific term. This new exact text search feature turns your photo library into a searchable document, making it far more practical and efficient. It's important to note that while incredibly powerful, the feature performs best with clear, legible text. It might encounter challenges with highly stylized fonts, words that are partially obscured, or text in certain less common languages. However, for everyday use with clear text, it stands to change how we interact with our vast digital archives. NOTE: This precise text search feature is rolling out gradually to Google Photos users, so keep checking. Ep340 Image created by AI
Whether it's a PIN, password, pattern, fingerprint, or facial recognition, enabling a screen lock on your phone, tablet, or laptop is your first and most essential line of defense against unauthorized access. It’s the digital equivalent of locking your front door; without it, anyone can simply walk in. The Risks of an Unlocked Device:
Choosing the Right Screen Lock: Modern devices offer various options, each with its own balance of convenience and security:
So, make it a habit: Enabling a screen lock takes mere seconds to set up in your device's security settings. Most devices allow you to choose how quickly the screen locks after inactivity (e.g., immediately, after 30 seconds, 1 minute). For optimal security, set it to lock almost instantly. In an age where our devices are extensions of ourselves, protecting them is paramount. A simple screen lock isn't just a recommendation; it's a fundamental pillar of personal cybersecurity. Don't leave your digital life exposed – lock it down. Ep340 Image created by AI
The most noticeable change for many will be the personalised homepage, tailoring content to individual user preferences and habits. Complementing this, the Store's search function has become far more intelligent and intent-aware, leveraging signals like app updates and ratings to deliver more relevant results and better address language-specific nuances. For users in the United States, (and soon to be released everywhere) a standout addition is the integration of Copilot, now accessible directly from product pages to answer questions as you browse. Discovery is also getting a major uplift. A new “Discover More” section on product pages will surface related content, helping users find complementary apps and games. Furthermore, new product page badges will clearly indicate apps boasting AI features and those specifically optimized for the new generation of Copilot+ PCs, making it easier to identify cutting-edge software. Beyond new features, Microsoft has made substantial strides in performance and reliability. The Store now launches an impressive two times faster than it did just six months ago, and installation reliability and speed have seen significant improvements. Gamers will particularly appreciate the new ability to install individual components for games, offering greater control over downloads. Everyday conveniences include faster in-app rating dialogs and a new field on product pages indicating when an app or game was last updated, providing crucial transparency for users. Perhaps one of the most streamlined features is the ability to install apps directly from Windows Search. Users can now search for an app or game from the Windows search bar, and if available in the Store, quickly initiate the installation without needing to fully open the Store application. These comprehensive updates underscore Microsoft's ongoing commitment to refining the Windows experience, making the Microsoft Store a faster, more intuitive, and more secure hub for digital content. Ep340 Image created by AI
Many users unknowingly install extensions that can track their data, display unwanted ads, or even contain malicious code. The problem? App stores often provide only a superficial review of these add-ons, leaving a dangerous gap in your online protection. But now, a new tool is here to help you navigate this digital minefield. Cybersecurity company LayerX has launched ExtensionPedia, a platform being dubbed the "Wikipedia for extensions." Its mission is simple: to make your web browser far more secure by exposing dangerous browser extensions and providing transparent, in-depth risk assessments. What is ExtensionPedia and How Does it Help You? ExtensionPedia offers a comprehensive database of over 200,000 browser extensions across popular platforms like Chrome, Firefox, and Edge. Unlike basic app store descriptions, this free-to-use tool gives you crucial insights into the security posture of any extension you're considering or already have installed. Here’s what ExtensionPedia provides:
ExtensionPedia achieves this by pulling anonymous data from millions of browser sessions, aggregating it into a searchable, public-facing tool. This means you can quickly look up an extension and get a clear picture of its security profile. Your Simple Tip for a More Secure Browser: Before you install any new extension, or to audit your existing ones, make it a habit to check it on ExtensionPedia. Simply visit the platform, search for the extension by name, and review its risk assessment. If an extension demands excessive permissions or has a low reputation score, it's a strong indicator that it might be a privacy risk or worse. By leveraging tools like ExtensionPedia, you can take a proactive step in safeguarding your online activity and ensuring your browser remains a secure environment for all your digital tasks. Don't let a convenient extension become a backdoor for cyber threats. https://layerxsecurity.com/extensions/ Ep339 Image created by AI
Cybersecurity experts are increasingly sounding the alarm, highlighting the inherent cyber risks that come with such highly sensitive data, particularly the danger of this collected information falling into the wrong hands through data breaches or misuse. This raises a crucial question: are we trading too much privacy for the convenience of knowing exactly where everyone is? For many families, apps like Life360 embody the promise of constant connection and safety – real-time location tracking, crash detection, and emergency alerts. The idea of always knowing where your loved ones are can be incredibly reassuring. However, cybersecurity experts are increasingly highlighting the inherent cyber risks that come with such highly sensitive data, citing past incidents and persistent privacy concerns surrounding these omnipresent tools. These "family safety" applications typically operate by continuously monitoring GPS signals, often enhancing accuracy with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth data. Users form "Circles" to share their whereabouts with chosen contacts, receiving automatic notifications for arrivals and departures from designated locations. While some premium features even extend to identity theft protection and dark web monitoring, the core function—constant location data collection—creates significant vulnerabilities. Reports and analyses have consistently pointed to several critical areas of concern:
While location-sharing apps undoubtedly offer a sense of security, users must critically evaluate the privacy trade-offs and cybersecurity risks involved. It is paramount to meticulously review an app's privacy policy, configure permissions to the absolute minimum required, employ robust and unique passwords, enable multi-factor authentication whenever possible, and remain perpetually vigilant for any suspicious activity linked to your accounts. For families weighing the benefits against the potential perils, exploring alternatives with stronger privacy guarantees or engaging in transparent conversations about data sharing boundaries is crucial. Ep339 Image created by AI
Behold, the Blaster. It’s not merely a child’s toy; it’s a tactical, battery-powered liquid assault system that feels less like fun and more like a preparatory drill for a highly specialized fire department. The product page, a veritable shrine to over-engineering, boasts of its “powerful motor” and a design that makes it "the most technologically advanced water gun on the market." Because, apparently, our backyard water fights were suffering from a severe lack of cutting-edge innovation. Gone are the days of manual pumping, the satisfying thwack-thwack that built anticipation. Now, the future of hydration-based combat is automated. Press a button, and a relentless stream of H2O erupts, likely leaving your opponent drenched before they can even comprehend the sheer absurdity of your firepower. This thing boasts a level of precision and power usually reserved for pressure washers, making you wonder if it's meant for soaking siblings or power-washing stubborn patio stains. While the "Ultimate Water Battle Blaster" proudly proclaims its battery-powered might, one can't help but envision the frantic scramble for AAAs mid-battle, or the existential dread of a low-battery indicator during a critical ambush. What happens when your ultra-advanced blaster dies, and your foe is armed with a simple, reliable bucket? The shame. The absolute, unadulterated shame. In an age where technology aims to solve increasingly complex problems – climate change, disease, sending tourists into space – Linnaco has bravely tackled the most pressing issue of our time: the inefficient drenching of loved ones. It’s a testament to humanity’s boundless creativity, or perhaps, its boundless capacity for inventing things nobody truly asked for. So, if your summer water fights feel too primitive, too manual, or simply lack the cold, unfeeling efficiency of a precision-engineered liquid delivery system, then the Ultimate Water Battle Blaster is your absurd solution. Just don't accidentally power-wash your pet or trigger an international incident with its unforeseen aquatic might. The future, it seems, is surprisingly wet and wonderfully ridiculous. Ep339 This image is used under the Fair Use provision for the purpose of review and commentary.
Source: https://linnaco.com/products/ultimate-water-battle-blaster
While schools commonly deploy robust firewalls and content filters to block social media, chat apps, and unauthorized websites, the integrated collaboration tools within popular productivity suites like Microsoft 365 often slip through the cracks. These features, designed for legitimate co-editing and project work, allow users to chat in real-time within a shared document or spreadsheet. "We first noticed it when a teacher caught two students giggling while 'working' on a shared history project," explained one school IT administrator, who requested anonymity due to the sensitive nature of the discovery. "On closer inspection, their 'edits' were minimal, but the chat pane was filled with rapid-fire messages discussing everything from weekend plans to exam answers. Our usual filters don't flag internal chat within a Word document as 'social media' traffic." The technique is simple yet ingenious. Students create a new, often meaningless, Word document or Excel spreadsheet, then share it with their intended recipient(s) within the school's network. Once the document is open, they use the built-in chat function (often found in the top right corner, usually with a speech bubble icon) to exchange messages. Because the communication is embedded within a Microsoft application and routed through the school's legitimate network traffic for Microsoft 365 services, it largely goes undetected by standard web filters looking for external chat applications. The messages are typically ephemeral, as the chat history might only persist as long as the document is open or within a recent activity log. However, for quick, real-time exchanges during class, it proves to be a surprisingly effective loophole. Ep339 Image created by AI
Do you shop at Bunnings? There is an app specific for Bunnings that has some pretty cool options including whether they have stock, finding items located in specific isles and at specific stores.   Ep338 This image is used under the Fair Use provision for the purpose of review and commentary. Source: Bunnings website
The Cyrillic alphabet has significant relevance for hackers, primarily because of a tactic known as homoglyph attacks (also sometimes called homograph attacks or script spoofing).  Here's why it's a valuable tool for cybercriminals:
So basically, in the past the links were obvious to detect as they go to unexpected addresses. Now they actually look correct but the changes font for particular letters can completely change the destination. How to Protect Yourself
Ep338 This image is used under the Fair Use provision for the purpose of review and commentary. Source: Facebook
If you’re a Mac user and you want to upgrade to a new iMac or MacBook, you can use several methods to get your data across and basically pick up where you left off and keep working. The easiest method is to use Migration Assistant.
Migration Assistant can also transfer from a Time Machine backup or transfer from a Windows PC.
This may take some time depending on how much data you need to transfer. Ep338 Image Source: Screenshot taken by MITE Radio
This service leverages the advanced "direct to cell" capabilities of new SpaceX Starlink satellites. While only 25-30 percent of Australia currently boasts traditional mobile coverage, Telstra's new offering aims to bridge this vast communication gap. How do you turn it on?..."As long as your phone has a direct line of sight to the sky, your phone will show 'Telstra SpaceX' as the mobile network, with a Satellite icon in the signal strength area" This seamless connection allows Telstra customers on an upfront plan to send text messages to any Australian mobile number, regardless of their location, from the remotest outback to the most isolated coastal stretches. The service's initial rollout is exclusively for the latest Samsung Galaxy S25 with the newest software update. However, hints from testing in the USA suggest broader device compatibility is on the horizon, with older Samsung phones, recent iPhones (from the last 3-4 years), Google devices, and Motorola's foldable Razr potentially gaining access via future software updates and Telstra network validation. Telstra's move places it ahead in the satellite-to-phone race in Australia. While Optus had an earlier deal with SpaceX, certification delays allowed Telstra to swiftly capitalize on the technology. Vodafone is also reportedly testing similar capabilities with an alternative satellite provider (I think Lynk Global and AST SpaceMobile) While the service is currently limited to SMS, making it unsuitable for Triple Zero emergency calls, its implications for safety and connectivity are immense. Users can now communicate with friends and family from previously unreachable areas, offering peace of mind for adventurers, remote workers, and residents alike. Looking ahead, Telstra plans to introduce voice calling capabilities in 2026, with slow data access for messaging applications also on the roadmap. For a nation defined by its vast and often uninhabited landscapes, Telstra Satellite Messaging represents a revolutionary leap forward, fundamentally altering how Australians connect in the bush, on remote roads, and in any location far from traditional mobile towers. Ep338 Image created by AI
In today's connected world, a truly reliable internet connection is crucial. Traditional speed tests often miss the full picture. Orb, from the creators of Speedtest and Downdetector, offers a new approach, focusing on your overall "Internet Experience" rather than just raw speed.  What is Orb? Orb is a free app from Orb Forge Inc. that continuously monitors your internet performance. Unlike typical speed tests, it runs lightweight, ongoing tests in the background. It's available on iOS, Android, Windows, macOS, and Linux, and can even be used on devices like Raspberry Pis for dedicated monitoring. Key Features and Functionality Orb evaluates your internet with three main metrics, contributing to an "Orb Score" (out of 100):
Additional features include:
User Experience Orb's has an intuitive interface and clear scores, making it easy to understand complex network information. The multi-device monitoring is cool. Performance and Accuracy Orb's continuous, lightweight testing provides a more accurate view of real-world internet experience, especially for sensitive activities like gaming or video calls. Its focus on responsiveness metrics (latency, jitter, packet loss) and minimal data consumption (around 10MB for continuous tests) makes it less intrusive than repeated traditional speed tests. Cloudflare provides the underlying data. Pros and Cons Pros:
Cons:
Who is it for? Orb is ideal for:
Conclusion The Orb internet test app is a significant advancement in internet monitoring. By prioritizing responsiveness and reliability alongside speed, it offers a much more accurate reflection of your actual internet experience. Despite being relatively new, its continuous monitoring, multi-device support, and helpful insights make it a highly recommended tool for optimizing your online life. If traditional speed tests leave you wanting more answers, Orb is worth exploring. Ep337 Image Source: https://orb.net/
This smart new feature, which has been making its way to Pixel phones and is expected in the upcoming Android 16, is designed to give you a much-needed break when your phone is bombarded with alerts. It's incredibly simple and, best of all, entirely automatic. What is this magic I hear you ask? Imagine this: your phone suddenly gets a flurry of messages, emails, or app updates all at once. Instead of each one blasting through with full volume and vibration, Notification Cooldown steps in. According to Google's description, if you receive "many notifications within a short time," your device will automatically lower its volume and minimize alerts for up to one minute. Think of it as an intelligent, temporary mute button that flips on and off without you lifting a finger. It doesn't block notifications from appearing on your screen; it simply quiets the storm of sounds and vibrations. Crucially, important alerts like phone calls, alarms, and messages from your priority contacts will still come through at their normal volume, ensuring you don't miss anything critical.
Ep337 Image created by AI
The latest tool in the hacker’s arsenal is the SVG file. We should all be wary of email attachments and really be sure of their legitimacy before attempting to open them. There's a new and sneaky way hackers are trying to trick people, and it involves something you might think is harmless: image files. Cybersecurity experts recently discovered a new wave of phishing emails that are using special image files called SVGs to sneak past your email security and steal your information. Think of an SVG file like a super-smart picture. Unlike regular photos you take with your phone, SVGs are actually based on text. This means they can do more than just show a picture; they can also contain hidden instructions, like tiny computer programs. This makes them great for websites because they can look good on any screen size and even be interactive. But now, bad guys are using this clever feature against us. Here's the trick: hackers are putting secret instructions inside these SVG image files. When you open the SVG file (which might look like a simple invoice or a document), those hidden instructions kick in. They tell your computer to automatically send you to a fake website that looks exactly like a real one, perhaps your bank or a well-known online service. Their goal? To get you to type in your usernames and passwords, which they then steal. What makes this so tricky is that many security tools are designed to spot typical dangerous files like Word documents with tricky macros or PDF files. But because SVGs are often seen as innocent image files, these tools might not look inside them for hidden dangers. Watch out for Phishy emails especially as specific events are nearing. Tax time is a good one.   Ep337 Image Source: Screenshot taken by MITE Radio
These are the chips used in mobile phones and other portable devices… The unveiling of the Xring 01 signals a bold shift in technological power dynamics, a testament to years of intense development and a substantial financial commitment from the company. Lei Jun, Xiaomi’s founder and CEO, lauded the processor as "the fruit of four years of development," emphasizing that this is just the beginning of a much larger semiconductor endeavor. The development of the Xring 01 was no small feat, involving over 2,500 engineers and an initial investment of around 3 billion $AU over four years. Xiaomi has also announced plans to inject an additional 10.5 billion $AU over the next decade, further solidifying its ambitious semiconductor strategy. Making their own chips is a big deal and although existing partnerships are currently stable, this may change as the USA changes things to be more inwardly facing. Ep337 Image created by AI
If you open a website in Chrome then you can tap in the URL banner to see the Google Lens icon. You can search from anywhere on the page.   Ep336 Image Source: Screenshot taken by MITE Radio
Your main email account with Google, Microsoft, Apple may be pretty robust, but what if you connect your email to other services like a calendar, to-do list, CRM system. These third party systems may provide hackers a back way into your accounts. So be aware of what's in your email and maybe file some things elsewhere as well as deleting them if they have served their purpose. Consider encrypted cloud storage (Google Drive) or perhaps Vaults Apps like OneDrive and Dropbox. Oh, don’t forget to empty the trash. Ep336 Image created by AI
So you clip this thing on the back of your phone so when your phone is on a tripod, you can use the rear facing camera and this display shows you what the rear camera can see. So, it basically mirrors your phone's screen instantly, allowing you to use your best camera while still seeing yourself. MagSafe Compatible: Attaches magnetically to iPhones or MagSafe-compatible cases. Crisp Display, Pocket-Size Design: Features a high-resolution screen in a lightweight, portable form factor. Adjustable Brightness: Includes 3 brightness settings controlled by a dedicated button. Reliable Connection: Maintains a stable connection from up to 100 feet (30 meters) away. No Apps, power on, pair, shoot! Use it with a remote BT shutter release and you’re set to move around. A tad of AU$100. Ep336 This image is used under the Fair Use provision for the purpose of review and commentary. Source: snaplylens.com
The first line of defense for your email, social media, and other online accounts is often woefully inadequate as we are generally not implementing good password hygiene. Make them long and strong… and… if there’s a MFA option, use it! Two-factor authentication adds an extra layer of security beyond just your password. When you log in, in addition to entering your password, you'll need to provide a second piece of verification, such as a code sent to your phone via text message. This dramatically increases security, as even if a criminal manages to guess or steal your password, they still can't access your account without that second factor. 2FA works by providing a critical second layer of security before someone can access an account. This can be done through an authenticator app, SMS message, hardware security key or biometric verification (using facial scans, eye scans or fingerprints). These verification factors are often time-sensitive, ensuring they cannot be reused. By reducing reliance on passwords alone, 2FA effectively protects against phishing and other common cyber threats, making it a simple yet powerful tool for enhancing online security. How to Set Up 2FA Securely Most online platforms, including email and social media, offer the option to set up 2FA. Look for it in your account's "Settings," "Security," or "Privacy" sections. You can typically choose between receiving codes via email, SMS, or using a dedicated authenticator app. Pick an option that is easily accessible for you. When you attempt to log in, you'll either receive a text or email with a 2FA code, or an alert from your authenticator app requiring you to enter a code. This crucial step locks out attackers, even if they have access to your email, and significantly deters automated or mass attacks. Can You Still Be Hacked with 2FA? While 2FA makes it significantly harder for cybercriminals to breach your accounts, it's not entirely foolproof. Not all 2FA methods offer the same level of security. Text message codes, for instance, are considered less secure than other methods because criminals can sometimes intercept these codes or even trick phone network employees into creating a SIM card with your number. "While 2FA offers an important layer of protection against credential theft and breaches, not all 2FA methods are equally secure – SMS-based codes can be intercepted by bad actors, so authentication apps offer stronger protection," Using two-factor authentication makes it more difficult for hackers to get into your account. It’s still worth ensuring that all passwords are strong, secure and unique – particularly for your email account, as criminals can use this to reset other passwords. Use a password manager app to store passwords, making it easier to use unique passwords for each account. And even if you use 2FA, stay alert, "2FA alerts on a smartphone can serve as a critical warning sign that your account’s credentials have been compromised, providing an opportunity to update your password before the account is breached." Ep336 Image created by AI
We've all grappled with the limitations of the smartphone flashlight. That tiny, aggressive beam – perfect for locating rogue Tim Tams under the couch, but less ideal for, say, creating a romantic mood or reading without feeling like you're interrogating your book. Enter the Silicone Travelamp, a… well let’s say a mildly inventive device designed to liberate us from the tyranny of the tiny torch. This, my friends, is a light diffuser for your phone, a snug little silicone hug that transforms that harsh glare into something resembling, dare I say, ambiance.
Molded in silicone – which, let's be honest, is the duct tape of the 21st century – this lamp-ish thing fits most smartphones, especially the small and medium-sized ones. So, unless you're rocking a phone the size of a small brick, you should be good to go. Imagine: capturing photos with a light that doesn't make everyone look like they've just seen a ghost, or using it to navigate to the fridge for a midnight snack without blinding yourself (and potentially waking the kookaburras). Now, here's where it gets a touch… whimsical. You can choose between a model that vaguely resembles a "cozy home bedside lamp" (picture a very squishy, minimalist version) and one that aspires to be a "traditional oil lantern" (minus the actual fire hazard and, presumably, the smell of kerosene). Whether you can actually read by these ethereal glows is debatable. Maybe for a very short text message? But for serious literature? Probably stick to the bedside lamp, mate. However, for setting a mood, illuminating your nocturnal wanderings (within the confines of your home, ideally), or even as a surprisingly non-threatening night light for the little tackers, the Travelamp shines (pun intended!). And let's be honest, the darn thing looks kind of cute and goofy. It’s the kind of gadget that makes you chuckle slightly every time you use it. So, if you're tired of your phone's flashlight acting like a tiny spotlight in a dark theatre, the Silicone Travelamp offers a softer, sillier, and altogether more agreeable alternative. It brings a touch of cozy, almost absurdly gentle light wherever you need it – from your bedroom to your next camping trip (just don't expect it to ward off any actual drop bears). For those of us who just need a bit of extra, less intense glow, this could be the delightfully quirky answer. Ep335 This image is used under the Fair Use provision for the purpose of review and commentary. Source: Amazon.com.
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AuthorDelve into the world of MITE Radio through our captivating blogs. From music and tech to community news, our articles offer fresh perspectives and behind-the-scenes glimpses. Stay informed, connect with our community, and explore MITE Radio in a new way today! Archives
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