Category: Tips & Tricks

HDMI Cables

6/12/2025

Ahh HDMI cables…

In a world full of 4K, 8K, and high-fidelity audio, choosing the right HDMI cable can feel like a confusing and expensive trap. But a key takeaway from tech experts is simple: all modern, certified HDMI cables are essentially the same, regardless of price, if they meet the same specifications.

The crucial factor is not brand or price, but the HDMI version number printed on the packaging, which determines the maximum speed and capabilities.

Why the Version Number Matters

The biggest myth to ignore is that a gold-plated connector or a $50 price tag will improve your picture quality—it won't. Unlike old analog cables, HDMI is a digital signal: it either works perfectly, or it doesn't work at all. The real performance bottleneck is the cable's bandwidth, which is tied directly to the version.

The current widely adopted standard is HDMI 2.1.

HDMI 2.0	18Gbps	4K 60fps	(audio compressed)
HDMI 2.1	48Gbps	4K 120fps	(audio uncompressed - lossless)
HDMI 2.1	48Gbps	8K 60fps	(eARC=enhanced audio return channel)

What Consumers Need to Look For

If you have a modern device and a 4K 120Hz or 8K TV, you are likely leaving performance on the table unless you specifically use an HDMI 2.1 cable.

Instead of looking for a high price, look for these three things:

The Label: Look for cables marked as "Ultra High Speed" or "High-Speed Ultra-HD." These labels confirm the cable can handle the 48 Gbps bandwidth of the HDMI 2.1 specification.
Avoid Gold: Gold plating is purely for looks and corrosion resistance, offering zero performance benefit.
Mind the Distance: While short cables are fine, if you are running a cable longer than 25 feet (about 7.6 meters), you run the risk of signal degradation. For these longer distances, you should opt for active fiber optic HDMI cables from a reputable brand, which are designed to maintain the signal over long runs.

In short, buy a reputable but inexpensive cable that is clearly marked as HDMI 2.1—it's the only performance metric that truly counts.

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Google Wallet's Everything Else Option

24/9/2025

The "Everything else" feature in Google Wallet is designed to help you digitize physical cards and documents that don't fit into the standard categories like payment cards, loyalty cards, or tickets. This feature essentially lets you take a photo of a pass, and using AI, Google Wallet can convert it into a digital item you can store and access in the app.

What the "Everything else" feature does:

Digitize any pass: It's a way to add a digital version of almost any physical card. This could include a gym membership, a library card, an insurance card, or any other type of pass that doesn't have an existing digital format supported by Google Wallet.
Uses AI to scan: The feature uses your phone's camera and AI to detect and pull information like a barcode or QR code from the photo you take.
Stores as a private pass: If the document contains sensitive information (like health or government ID data), it's classified as a private pass and is not synced to other devices for security.

Try it!
Wallet -> tap + -> Select Everything else -> scan your Driver’s License or something.

If you don’t have it yet, it’s coming soon 🙂

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Image Source: https://wallet.google/

AI Followup Prompts

24/9/2025

If you use AI much, followup suggestions can be both a blessing and a curse, depending on your state of mind 🙂 Good news is there is usually a way to turn it off.

Gemini

ChatGPT

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Image Source: Screenshot taken by MITE Radio

iPad Battery

29/8/2025

Do you have an older iPad and are struggling with battery life?

iPads have a fairly big battery and in their prime you could get a full day of screen time without needing a recharge.

All batteries age and lose capacity, so before you are forced to replace the battery or ultimately your entire device, consider some power saving tips.

Here are 6 quickies:

1 Screen brightness. They are big screens and chew through batteries
2. Location services
3. Wireless when using local apps or not connected
4. Notifications - vet them
5. Background app refresh rather than always on
6. Screen lock time or press sleep when you’re not actually using it.

Also check Battery Usage in Settings to see the heavy hitting apps.

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Basic Battery Checker

29/8/2025

Few things are more frustrating than a device going dead when you least expect it, especially when you're rummaging through a bag of old batteries, unsure which ones still hold a charge. But what if there was a simple, instant way to tell a live battery from a dead one without needing a tester? According to PCWorld's Australian Editor Dominic Bayley, there is – and it's a neat trick involving a quick drop.

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:

Find Your Surface: Locate a flat, firm surface. A sturdy table or even a thick book will work as your test platform.
The Drop: Hold the battery (typically an AA or AAA, though the principle applies to others) vertically above the surface.
Release and Observe: Drop the battery straight down onto the surface from a height of approximately 8 inches (about 20cm).

The Key Observation:

The magic lies in how the battery reacts upon impact:

A fully charged battery will tend to fall with a duller thud, tipping over and staying put on the surface, or bouncing minimally before settling.
A flat or dead battery, however, will often bounce back up a few centimeters or more, indicating it's no longer worth using.

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.

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Image created by AI

Basic Battery Checker

12/6/2025

Few things are more frustrating than a device going dead when you least expect it, especially when you're rummaging through a bag of old batteries, unsure which ones still hold a charge. But what if there was a simple, instant way to tell a live battery from a dead one without needing a tester? According to PCWorld's Australian Editor Dominic Bayley, there is – and it's a neat trick involving a quick drop.

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:

Find Your Surface: Locate a flat, firm surface. A sturdy table or even a thick book will work as your test platform.
The Drop: Hold the battery (typically an AA or AAA, though the principle applies to others) vertically above the surface.
Release and Observe: Drop the battery straight down onto the surface from a height of approximately 8 inches (about 20cm).

The Key Observation:

The magic lies in how the battery reacts upon impact:

A fully charged battery will tend to fall with a duller thud, tipping over and staying put on the surface, or bouncing minimally before settling.
A flat or dead battery, however, will often bounce back up a few centimeters or more, indicating it's no longer worth using.

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

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Search Google Photos with Words

12/6/2025

For anyone (like me) who's ever scrolled endlessly through thousands of digital memories, desperately searching for that one specific photo containing a street name, a recipe, or a crucial piece of information, Google Photos has just delivered a new solution: the ability to search for specific words within their photos using quotation marks.

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.

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Wiki for Extensions

12/6/2025

Your web browser is your gateway to the internet, and while extensions can be incredibly useful, they also pose a significant security risk. In case you’re wondering: an extension is a small software program that you can install into your web browser (like Chrome, Firefox, or Edge) to add new features, customize its behavior, or integrate with other services - Think of it like an "app" for your browser.

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:

In-depth Risk Assessments: Get a clear understanding of the potential dangers an extension might pose.
Unified Risk Scores: A simple score helps you quickly gauge the overall security risk.
Granular Permission Breakdowns: See exactly what permissions an extension requests (e.g., access to your Browse history, ability to read all website data). This helps you understand if an extension is asking for more access than it truly needs.
Detailed Reputation Analyses: Learn about the developer's history and any reported issues or vulnerabilities associated with the extension.

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/

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Notification Cooldown

7/6/2025

Do you ever feel like your phone is constantly buzzing, dinging, and lighting up, turning into a digital Christmas tree of alerts? You're not alone. While notifications are essential for staying connected, they can quickly become overwhelming. Thankfully, Android users have a new secret weapon against notification overload: Notification Cooldown.

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.

Open your phone's Settings app.
Navigate to the "Notifications" section.
You'll find "Notification Cooldown" listed there.
Toggle it on.

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Google Lens Any Webpage

2/6/2025

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.

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Image Source: Screenshot taken by MITE Radio

Check Reviews

2/6/2025

You know how when you're shopping online, especially on Amazon, you sometimes look at the reviews and think, "Are these real? Or are they all from people who got a free product?"

Unfortunately, there are no longer automated tools that do the hard work for you like there once was. These have been shut down by the big boys and it kinda makes sense I suppose.

You can look at online groups, google reviews and local review sites like TrustPilot in Australia for some help, but you really need to vet things for yourself. Local retailers often have reviews from customers that are largely unedited so there’s that I suppose. Youtube is another good one.

Some red flags:

1. Manual Inspection: Your Best Tool for Spotting Red Flags

This is your primary defense. By carefully reading and analyzing reviews, you can often spot inconsistencies:

Look for Sudden Review Spikes: If a product suddenly gets a massive influx of 5-star or 1-star reviews in a very short period, especially if it's not a brand-new product, that's highly suspicious. Real reviews tend to trickle in more gradually.
Generic or Overly Enthusiastic Language:
- Too perfect/vague: Be wary of reviews that are exceptionally positive but offer no specific details about the product's features, how it was used, or its actual performance. They might use a lot of generic superlatives ("amazing," "perfect," "best ever") without substance.
- Repetitive phrasing: If multiple reviews use the exact same or very similar wording, or if they all follow an identical structure, it strongly suggests they were copied, pasted, or generated by the same source.
- Unnatural tone: Sometimes, the language just doesn't sound like a real person talking. It might be overly formal, stilted, or have awkward phrasing.
Examine Reviewer Profile History:
- New accounts / One-hit wonders: Check if the reviewer has only ever left one review (for that specific product) or if their account is very new with no other activity.
- Reviews for unrelated products: A reviewer who leaves dozens of reviews for completely disparate products (e.g., car parts, baby toys, and anti-aging cream) all within a very short timeframe is a major red flag.
- All 5-star (or 1-star) reviews: A reviewer who exclusively leaves perfect scores (or always the lowest) for everything they review might be biased, paid, or part of a coordinated effort.
Lack of Specificity: Genuine reviews usually mention specific features, pros, cons, or personal experiences. Fake reviews often lack this detail because the reviewer hasn't actually used the product.
Poor Grammar or Spelling: While not always a giveaway (everyone makes typos!), a high number of reviews with consistent grammatical errors or awkward phrasing can be a sign they're not from native speakers or are AI-generated.
Timing and Context:
- Reviews posted before product launch: This is a clear giveaway of a fake.
- Incentivized reviews without disclosure: If a review clearly sounds like the person received something for free or at a discount, but they don't explicitly disclose that (which is often a platform's policy), that's a problem.
Look for the "Verified Purchase" Badge: Most major retail sites (like Amazon) have this. While not foolproof, reviews from "verified purchasers" are generally more trustworthy as it means the platform confirmed they actually bought the item. A product with many glowing reviews but few "verified purchases" should make you cautious.

2. Cross-Reference and Consult Independent Review Sites

Don't just rely on reviews from the site you're buying from. Expand your search:

Other Major Retailers: If you're looking at an item on one site (e.g., Amazon), check if it's also sold on other big retailers (e.g., Walmart, Best Buy, Target in the US; JB Hi-Fi, Big W in Australia). Compare the overall star ratings and read a selection of reviews there. Wildly different sentiments can indicate review manipulation on one platform.
General Service/Business Review Platforms:
- Trustpilot.com: This is a prominent platform focusing on consumer trust and transparency. While primarily for service-based businesses, many product companies also have profiles here. You can see how a company responds to feedback, which indicates their customer service commitment.
- Google Business Profile (Google Reviews): For local businesses, checking their Google reviews is crucial. Look for patterns like many reviews coming from new accounts or generic names.
- Yelp: Best known for restaurants and local services, but also covers other businesses.
Industry-Specific & Expert Review Sites: These are often the most reliable sources for product quality and performance:
- Consumer Reports (US), Which? (UK), CHOICE (Australia): These are independent, non-profit organizations that conduct their own rigorous, unbiased product testing. They don't accept advertising or free samples, making their reviews highly trustworthy, though often subscription-based for full access.
- Tech & Electronics: CNET, Wirecutter (owned by The New York Times), PCMag, TechRadar, RTINGS.com (excellent for TVs, monitors, headphones with detailed testing).
- Software/B2B: G2.com and Capterra.com are widely used for software reviews. While they do have vendor engagement, they generally strive for verified reviews and often require professional credentials or proof of use. Look for detailed reviews that highlight specific pros and cons rather than generic praise.
- Home & Appliances: Good Housekeeping Institute, The Spruce.
- Automotive: Edmunds, Kelley Blue Book.
- Travel/Hospitality: TripAdvisor (for hotels, restaurants, attractions).
Video Reviews (YouTube): Many YouTubers review products. Look for channels that seem unbiased, show the product in detail, demonstrate its features, and discuss both the good and bad aspects. Be wary of channels that seem to only promote products without critical analysis.

By combining these methods, you significantly increase your chances of making well-informed purchasing decisions, cutting through the noise to find genuinely useful feedback.

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Duck Duck Go Search

29/5/2025

Do you feel that every time you search the internet using Google, you’re getting a biased set of search results and may be missing important or less known information. Well, you are!. Google is a great search engine, but they are ultimately focussed on their bottom line, so results are aggregated and promoted accordingly. Wouldn’t it be nice to get a less stacked set of results? Well you can with Duck Duck Go.

DuckDuckGo is an American software company founded in 2008 by Gabriel Weinberg, primarily known for its privacy-oriented search engine. Its core mission is to provide a search and Browse experience that protects user privacy by not tracking personal information or search history.

Search Result Sources: DuckDuckGo compiles its search results from "over 400" sources, including Bing, Yahoo! Search BOSS, Wolfram Alpha, Yandex, and its own web crawler (DuckDuckBot). It does not use Google for its results.

Here's a breakdown of DuckDuckGo:

Core Principles & Privacy:

No Tracking: The most significant differentiator of DuckDuckGo is its strict "no tracking" policy. Unlike many mainstream search engines (like Google), DuckDuckGo does not:
- Store your IP address.
- Save your search history.
- Use cookies to track you.
- Create detailed profiles of users based on their online activity.
Unbiased Search Results: Because it doesn't track your history, DuckDuckGo's search results are not personalized or influenced by your past activity. This means every user searching for the same term will get the same results, avoiding the "filter bubble" often associated with personalized search.
Blocking Trackers: DuckDuckGo's browser and extensions actively block most third-party trackers from advertisers and websites, aiming to prevent companies from profiling you and serving targeted ads.
Enhanced Encryption: It automatically upgrades connections to HTTPS (encrypted) whenever possible, enhancing security.
Global Privacy Control (GPC): DuckDuckGo's browser has GPC enabled by default, signaling to websites that you don't consent to the sale or sharing of your data.

Key Features:

Search Engine:
- Instant Answers ("Zero-click Info"): Displays relevant answers directly on the search results page, often from sources like Wikipedia, to provide information without needing to click through.
- "Bangs" (!): These are shortcuts that allow you to directly search on other websites from the DuckDuckGo search bar (e.g., typing "!a" for Amazon, "!yt" for YouTube).
- Contextual Data: Uses contextual data based on Internet Service Providers (ISPs) to generate more specific results without using personal data.
Web Browser and Extensions:
- Tracker Blocking: Built-in tracker blocker.
- Cookie Consent Pop-up Management: Automatically handles cookie consent pop-ups, setting privacy-maximizing preferences.
- Email Protection: A forwarding service that removes hidden trackers from emails before sending them to your usual address.
- Fire Button: A one-click button to clear all tabs, Browse history, and cookies.
- Duck Player: Allows you to watch YouTube videos without YouTube tracking your activity or showing personalized ads.
- Password Manager: Built-in password manager with note-taking capabilities.
- Multiplatform Compatibility: Available as a browser on Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS, with sync capabilities.
- Duck AI: Allows anonymous chats with various AI chatbots without requiring an account or saving chats.

How DuckDuckGo Makes Money:

DuckDuckGo has been profitable since 2014, and its business model is not reliant on tracking user data. Its primary revenue sources are:

Private Search Ads: The majority of its revenue comes from contextual advertising. This means ads are shown based on the keywords you type into the search bar, not on your personal profile, search history, or Browse habits. For example, if you search for "cars," you'll see ads related to cars. These ad clicks are often managed through partnerships with networks like Microsoft Advertising, which also commit to not associating ad-click behavior with user profiles.
Affiliate Marketing: DuckDuckGo participates in affiliate programs with major e-commerce sites (like Amazon and eBay). If a user clicks on an affiliate link through DuckDuckGo and makes a purchase, DuckDuckGo earns a small commission.
Subscription Fees (Privacy Pro): DuckDuckGo also offers a subscription service called "Privacy Pro," which includes a VPN, a personal information removal service (to get your data off data broker sites), and an identity theft restoration service.

Considerations:

Search Result Sources: DuckDuckGo compiles its search results from "over 400" sources, including Bing, Yahoo! Search BOSS, Wolfram Alpha, Yandex, and its own web crawler (DuckDuckBot). It does not use Google for its results.
Smaller Index: While it strives for quality, DuckDuckGo's search index may not be as extensive as Google's for certain niche queries.
Microsoft Partnership (2022 Criticism): In 2022, DuckDuckGo faced criticism when it was revealed that its browser (but not its search engine) allowed some Microsoft sites to bypass its tracker-blocking features due to a syndicated search content contract. DuckDuckGo stated that these Microsoft trackers collect only anonymized data and do not apply to their search engine.

In essence, DuckDuckGo presents itself as a strong alternative for users who prioritize privacy and wish to avoid the extensive data collection practiced by other major tech companies.

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Image Source: https://duckduckgo.com/about

Close Active Window

29/5/2025

Just a quickie. If you need to close your current open window on a Windows PC, the keyboard shortcut CTRL+ F4 should do the trick. Sometimes your mouse might not be responding or you might get a full screen popup or you can’t see the X in the top right corner. Give it a go and see if things go back to normal. If all the Windows are closed and you do it again, you will be prompted to shutdown, which might get you out of trouble too.

If you have a laptop and F4 doesn’t work as expected, you might need to turn on Function Lock or Press Alt + Fn + F4.

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Google Magic Portrait

23/5/2025

Google has always offered fantastic ways to personalize your Android device, from a vast library of wallpapers to tools for creating entirely new looks. "Magic Portrait" takes this a step further, offering a subtle yet impactful way to elevate your lock screen aesthetics.

Here's how "Magic Portrait" will transform your phone:

Framing Your Focus: The core of Magic Portrait allows you to select an existing still image from your gallery and apply a unique frame to the main subject. This isn't just a simple border; these frames are designed to subtly highlight the person or object you want to emphasize, providing a fantastic contrast that draws the eye.
Customizable Flair: Don't settle for a generic look! Magic Portrait lets you customize these frames with different shapes and colors. This means you can truly tailor the effect to match your personal style and the mood of your photo, making your lock screen uniquely yours without being overly flashy.
Dynamic Weather Effects (or Your Own Personal Forecast): This is where "Magic Portrait" truly comes alive. You'll have the option to add real-time weather animations to your lock screen, reflecting your current local conditions. Imagine looking at your phone and seeing gentle rain falling over your favorite photo if it's raining outside. Alternatively, if you just fancy a perpetually snowy scene, you can set a default weather effect to suit your preference.

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Tame App Icons

23/5/2025

If everytime you excitedly explore the world of new apps on the Google Play Store and install something, you will likely find it dropped on your well sorted and precious Home Screen.

You then will likely need to make some decision about moving it, if indeed it proves to be an app worthy of this cherished home screen space.

Well, why not turn the auto add option off and test the app form the app tray and only then, when you’re ready, move it to somewhere more useful or delete it.

If this excites you, then adjust the setting and stop the icon invasion.

Find an Empty Spot: On any of your home screen pages, locate an area where there are no app icons or widgets.
Long Press: Place your finger on that empty area and hold it down for a brief moment. This action usually brings up a context menu with customization options.
Dive into Settings: Look for an option labeled Settings. Tap on it. The exact wording might vary slightly depending on your phone's manufacturer and Android version, but it's usually towards the bottom of the menu.
Toggle the Magic Switch: Within the Home screen settings, look for an option with a name similar to:

Add icon to Home Screen
Add new apps to Home Screen
Automatically add apps to Home Screen
Place new apps on Home screen Once you find this toggle, simply turn it off.

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Battery Life Tips

19/5/2025

This question comes up all the time. How can I increase the battery life on my phone?

Firstly, battery life will wane after the first few months of usage and over a couple of years, you will likely notice your phone doesn’t stay charged all day any longer.

You may find usage patterns to be a big factor - the more you use it the quicker it depletes.

That said, you can be a bit smarter with battery life:

1.Turn the brightness down. Train auto-brightness that less is more - use manual control.There’s even a super dim option for night time on some devices. Use quick access (swipe down) to change with minimal fuss.

2. Let Your Phone Learn. Modern smartphones are smart! Features like Adaptive Battery and Battery Optimization learn your usage patterns to intelligently manage power consumption.

Use Adaptive Battery and Optimisation in Settings -> Battery
These features monitor which apps you use, how often, and when. They then optimize background activity and battery allocation to prioritize your most important apps

Use adaptive charging if available
This intelligent charging method learns your overnight charging habits and slows down the charging speed as it approaches 100% to help preserve the long-term health of your battery.

3. Use Dark Mode and set it up always or on a schedule.
Dark mode isn't just a stylish aesthetic; it can also contribute to better battery life, especially on phones with OLED displays (which includes most flagship devices).

Small Changes, Big Impact

Implementing these simple settings can have a noticeable positive impact on your phone's battery life. By taming screen brightness, letting your phone intelligently manage power, and embracing the darkness, you can spend less time hunting for an outlet and more time enjoying your device. Give these tips a try and reclaim your phone's battery power!

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Windows Emergency Restart

15/5/2025

If your PC stops responding but still gives you access to the 3 finger salute… well

It turns out, there might just be a "secret" emergency restart method hiding in plain sight, seemingly unearthed from the depths of Windows history! While Microsoft hasn't exactly shouted this from the digital rooftops, a Reddit user stumbled upon it, and whispers suggest it might even date back to the Windows XP era.

So, how do you access this "last resort" restart? It's surprisingly simple:

The Emergency Restart Sequence:

Press the Familiar Trio: Just like you would to open the Task Manager or lock your screen, press the CTRL + ALT + DEL keys simultaneously.
Hold CTRL and Click Power: Here's the twist! While still holding down the CTRL key, look to the bottom-right corner of your screen. You'll see the familiar power button icon. Click on this power button.
Confirm the Emergency: A message will appear, clearly stating: "Emergency Restart. Click OK to immediately restart. Any unsaved data will be lost. Use this only as a last resort."
Click "OK": If you're sure you want to proceed with the forced restart, click "OK". Your computer will then shut down and restart.

Emergency vs. Regular Restart: What's the Difference?

Think of Emergency Restart as a slightly more controlled alternative to a hard reset. When your system is completely frozen and not responding to normal commands, even the standard restart options might be inaccessible. This method seems to bypass some of those frozen processes, offering a cleaner way to force a reboot without simply cutting the power. As BetaNews aptly put it, it's "an alternative to a hard reset" and "the closest thing to holding down the on/off button on your PC without having to press it."

When is Emergency Restart Your Go-To?

Total System Freeze: If your mouse cursor won't move, keyboard inputs are ignored, and CTRL + ALT + DEL is the only thing that elicits a response, this method could be your savior.
Laptops Without a Physical Power Button: While less common, some modern laptops might have unconventional power button arrangements. This on-screen option provides an alternative.

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Image Source: Screenshot taken by MITE Radio

Chrome Inbuilt PDF Reader

13/5/2025

In the latest Google Chrome update, they have added an inbuilt PDF reader - meaning if you click a PDF online it will automatically open in the browser. The unintended side effect for me is that my existing file association for PDF which was ADOBE PDF reader was automatically changed to Chrome. Confusingly it now identifies the files in File Explorer as text files.

I did a bit of digging and to encourage users to utilize this functionality, the update reset the default PDF file association to Chrome. This is a common strategy software developers use to promote new or improved features within their applications.

Anyway, if you’re happy with the change (or didn’t really notice) then forget me and go on with your life, but, if it bothers you, click a PDF file -> Open with -> change the association to one of the installed options or choose another app.

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Image Source: Screenshot taken by MITE Radio

Where is Your Router?

13/5/2025

It's tempting to banish that blinking box to the shadows – tucked behind the sofa, shoved under a shelf, or even imprisoned inside a cabinet. After all, let's face it, routers aren't winning any beauty contests. But this desire for a clutter-free aesthetic could be the very reason your streaming stutters and your downloads drag. Obstructing your router's signal with everyday household items and enclosed spaces creates a barrier, weakening your connection and significantly slowing down your internet speeds, especially in rooms further away.

"The main factor you have to consider is that Wi-Fi travels very well over open air, and it travels very poorly through hard material. The best place to put a router is centrally located out in the open away from any cabinets, kitchen, plumbing, walls, things like that."

5 worst places:

1. Down on the Floor: Losing Elevation, Losing Signal

2. Trapped Behind the Couch: Soft Obstructions Still Matter

3. Banished to the Basement: Out of Sight, Out of Range

4. Locked Inside Cabinets: A Recipe for Overheating and Weak Signals

5. Nestled Near Another Router: Wi-Fi Interference Wars

The Simple Solution: Open and Elevated

Move it around and run a speedtest to see what the results are like.

Ep326

Image created by AI

Broadcast in Your Smart Home

5/5/2025

If you have a couple of smart home devices around you home, using the broadcast command with Alexa, Google Home, and Apple (HomePod) allows you to send voice messages to all or specific smart speakers and displays within your household.

You can use the wake words Announce or Broadcast then say what you want. The systems will then record what you’ve said and play it out on all connected devices.

Great for “Dinner’s Ready!”

There are preset commands that use the device voice.
Google Assistant has preset messages for common announcements like "Hey Google, broadcast wake up" ("It's time to wake up") or "Hey Google, broadcast dinner" ("Dinner is served").

You can reply using the reply command.

You can talk to specific devices or all devices as you wish.

Ep324

Image created by AI

Windows Clipboard

5/5/2025

You may not know about a handy Windows feature called Clipboard History. It essentially keeps a record of multiple items you've copied (text, images, links, etc.) instead of just the most recent one. This allows you to paste something you copied earlier without having to go back and copy it again.

You need to turn it on. Search for Clipboard Settings and toggle on Clipboard History.

Now every time you copy something it goes on the list.

You view and select from the list using [Windows + V] keys.

You can also Pin items to keep them until you unpin or delete.

Ep323

Image Source: Screenshot taken by MITE Radio

Windows 11 Upgrade

16/4/2025

Check out if your PC qualifies. Even if you’ve done the check before, check again as things may have changed.

Type Update in the search box and click Check for Updates (if you don’t see any pending updates).

Google search Windows 11 (Download Windows 11)

Ep322 - Image by MITE Radio (screenshot).

Live Caption

12/4/2025

Live Caption is an Android accessibility feature that provides real-time captions for any audio playing on a device. It's designed to make audio content more accessible for users who are deaf or hard of hearing, but it can also be useful in noisy environments or when you need to watch or listen to something in a quiet space.

Here's a breakdown of Live Caption and its implementation:
Core Functionality:

Real-time Captioning: Live Caption automatically generates captions for speech in any audio playing on your device, including videos, podcasts, phone calls, video calls, and audio messages.
On-Device Processing: All captioning is processed locally on the device, meaning no audio or captions are sent to Google or stored externally. This ensures user privacy.
Language Support: The availability of languages varies depending on the Android version and device. Newer Android versions and Pixel phones support a wider range of languages.
Expressive Captions: On Android 14 and above, "Expressive captions" can provide additional context by indicating tone and non-speech sounds like laughter, applause, and music.

Implementation on Android Devices:

Pixel Devices: Google Pixel phones have the most comprehensive and consistent Live Caption support. Newer Pixel models (Pixel 6 and later) have the most advanced features, like "Type responses during calls" and broader language support.

Other Android Devices:
- The availability of Live Caption on other Android devices varies significantly depending on the manufacturer and Android version.
- Some manufacturers may include their own customized versions of Live Caption or similar accessibility features.
- To check for Live Caption, users can:
  - Look for "Live Caption" in the device's Accessibility settings.
  - Try pressing the volume buttons and looking for the Live Caption toggle in the volume controls.
  - Search for "Live Caption" in the device's main Settings menu.
- Android 10 and later versions generally provide some level of Live Caption support, but the features and language availability can differ.
- It is very important to check with the device manufacturer if live caption is not found.

Language Pack Downloads: When using Live Caption for the first time, a Wi-Fi connection is required to download the necessary language packs.

Key Features and Settings:

Caption Box Adjustment: Users can move, resize, and expand the caption box to their preference.
Language Settings: Users can select preferred caption languages and enable automatic language detection.
Call Captioning: Live Caption can be used during phone calls, and on newer pixel phones, users can even type responses that are read aloud.
Customization: Users can customize caption appearance (size, style, color) and enable or disable features like profanity filtering and sound labels.

Important Notes:

Live Caption can increase battery usage.
It works best with clear speech and minimal background noise.
It's not intended for group calls or music.

In summary, Live Caption is a valuable accessibility feature that is most consistently implemented on Google Pixel devices. Its availability and functionality on other Android devices can vary, so users should check their device's settings or contact their manufacturer for specific details.

Ep321 - Image by MITE Radio (screenshot)

Mobile phone tethering for internet

12/4/2025

A friend told me that their phone plan had a clause that they weren't allowed to use the phone data as a modem for his PC or laptop. Is that a common clause?
Yes, that's actually a fairly common clause in some mobile phone plans — especially older ones or those with “unlimited data” offers.

This restriction is usually listed under terms like:

"No tethering"
"Hotspot use not allowed"
"Data for use on device only"

The reason providers include it is to prevent excessive data usage from devices like PCs or laptops, which can chew through data much faster than a phone typically would. Tethering can also enable multiple devices to connect and use one data source, putting more strain on the network.

However, many modern phone plans do allow tethering or hotspot use, but:

Some may limit the hotspot data to a certain amount (e.g. 10GB/month), even if your phone data is unlimited.
Others may throttle the hotspot speed after a threshold.

If your friend is on a budget or older plan, it might be worth checking their provider's current terms — they might now allow it or have better options. Want me to help check typical rules for Aussie telcos like Telstra, Optus, or Vodafone?
Here's an overview of tethering (using your phone as a hotspot) policies for major Australian mobile providers:
Telstra:

Telstra permits tethering on their mobile plans. They provide guides on how to set up your phone as a Wi-Fi hotspot. Telstra.com+6Vodafone Australia+6Vodafone Australia+6

Optus:

All current Optus postpaid smartphone plans include tethering as a feature, regardless of the handset type. Optus+1Whirlpool Forums+1

Vodafone:

Vodafone allows tethering on their plans. However, certain plans may have specific conditions:
- The Ultra+ Plan includes an extra 30GB for hotspot use. Once this is used, hotspot speeds are capped at up to 2Mbps.Vodafone Australia
- Vodafone's plans are intended for personal mobile use and are not suitable for use with modems or as a substitute for home internet services. Vodafone Australia

General Considerations:

Data Usage: While tethering is permitted, be mindful of your data allowance. Tethering can consume data quickly, especially when using laptops or streaming services.
Plan Terms: Always review your specific plan's terms and conditions to understand any limitations or restrictions related to tethering.
Fair Use Policies: Even with tethering allowed, providers may have fair use policies to prevent excessive usage that could impact network performance for others.

For the most accurate and up-to-date information, it's advisable to consult directly with your mobile provider or review your plan's terms and conditions.

Ep320 - Image by AI

Go Live with Gemini

10/4/2025

"Hey Gemini, We're Going Live!": Unlock Interactive AI Experiences (And What to Watch Out For)
Want to experience the future of AI interaction right now? Try saying, "Hey Gemini, Let’s Talk" and witness the dynamic, real-time engagement that's already here. This isn't just about getting answers; it's about creating interactive experiences. Here's how you can dive in and some things to keep in mind.

Try These Interactive Gemini Experiences:

Live Learning Adventures:
- Ask Gemini to "go live" and explore a historical event or scientific concept. See how it can provide instant context and answer your questions as you "explore" together.
- Want to practice a language? Tell Gemini, "let's go live" for a conversational session, getting instant feedback on your pronunciation and grammar.
Creative Collaborations:
- Feeling inspired? "Go live" with Gemini to brainstorm ideas, write a poem, or even generate musical melodies. Experience the AI's real-time creative input.
- Describe a scene, and see how Gemini creates a visual representation, refining it as you give feedback.
Enhanced Event Exploration:
- During a live sports event or news broadcast, ask Gemini to "go live" for real-time analysis and background information.
- If you are attending a conference, ask gemini to go live and summarize key points, or even translate sections.

Instant Assistance:
- Stuck with a technical problem? Say "go live" and ask Gemini to walk you through the solution.
- Cooking a new recipe? "Go live" with Gemini for real-time guidance and ingredient adjustments.

Important Limitations to Remember:
While the "go live" experience is impressive, it's crucial to understand the current limitations:

Real-time Data Access:
- Gemini's access to truly live data can be limited. Don't expect perfectly up-to-the-second information on rapidly changing events. It's more about interactive, dynamic responses based on its existing knowledge.
- Therefore, real time sports scores, or extremely recent news events might have some limitations.
Creative Interpretation:
- While Gemini can generate creative content, it's still an AI. Its interpretations and creative outputs might not always align perfectly with your expectations. Be prepared to provide clear and detailed instructions.
Contextual Nuances:
- While Gemini excels at understanding context, it might still miss subtle nuances in conversation or complex scenarios. Be patient and provide clear, concise prompts.
Evolving Technology:
- This is a rapidly evolving area. Expect improvements and new features as Gemini continues to develop.

Why You Should Try It:
Despite these limitations, experiencing "Hey Gemini, we're going live" is a glimpse into the future of AI interaction. It's a chance to:

See how AI can be a dynamic, collaborative partner.
Explore new ways to learn and create.
Experience the potential of real-time AI engagement.

So, go ahead, try it out! Explore the possibilities and see how "going live" with Gemini can transform your interactions. Just remember to be mindful of the current limitations, and enjoy the exciting journey.

Ep319 - This image is used under the Fair Use provision for the purpose of review and commentary. Source: https://gemini.google.com/