Friday, October 28, 2022

Twitter Acquired by Elon Musk for 44 Billion

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In a seismic shift that reverberated across the tech world, Twitter, the social media giant known for shaping global conversations, found itself under new ownership on October 28, 2022. The surprise acquisition saw none other than Elon Musk, the visionary entrepreneur behind SpaceX and Tesla, step into the spotlight as the new steward of the platform, marking a significant turning point in the company's history.

The deal, valued at a staggering $44 billion, sent shockwaves through financial markets and social media circles alike, as speculations ran rampant about the potential implications of Musk's ownership. Known for his unorthodox approach and bold vision for the future, Musk's entrance into the realm of social media promised to inject fresh energy and innovation into Twitter's DNA.

For Musk, the acquisition represented a strategic move to expand his influence in the digital sphere and leverage Twitter's vast reach to amplify his message on topics ranging from space exploration to cryptocurrency. With his unparalleled ability to disrupt industries and drive change, Musk's involvement sparked both excitement and apprehension among Twitter users, who pondered the implications of his leadership.

Under Musk's helm, Twitter was expected to undergo a series of transformations aimed at enhancing user experience, combating misinformation, and fostering a more vibrant and inclusive online community. His ambitious vision for the platform included exploring new monetization strategies, integrating cutting-edge technologies, and reimagining the way people interact and engage with content.

However, the acquisition also raised concerns about potential conflicts of interest, privacy issues, and the delicate balance between free speech and content moderation. As one of the most influential figures in the tech world, Musk's every move was scrutinized under a microscope, with stakeholders closely monitoring his decisions and their impact on Twitter's future trajectory.

Despite the uncertainties and challenges ahead, the acquisition heralded a new chapter for Twitter, one defined by innovation, disruption, and the relentless pursuit of progress. As users braced themselves for a wave of changes and adjustments, one thing remained certain: with Elon Musk at the helm, Twitter was poised to chart a course into uncharted territory, reshaping the digital landscape in its wake.

Sunday, August 14, 2022

Reviving Old Windows PCs with Chrome OS Flex

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As technology continues to advance at a rapid pace, older hardware often gets left behind, struggling to keep up with the demands of modern software. However, with the introduction of Chrome OS Flex by Google, there's newfound hope for those aging Windows PCs gathering dust in the corner.

Chrome OS Flex is Google's latest offering, aimed at breathing new life into older computers by transforming them into Chrome OS devices. With its lightweight and streamlined design, Chrome OS Flex offers a fresh alternative to traditional operating systems, providing users with a fast, secure, and easy-to-use computing experience.

One of the key advantages of Chrome OS Flex is its compatibility with a wide range of hardware, making it an ideal solution for repurposing old Windows PCs. By installing Chrome OS Flex, users can enjoy the benefits of a modern operating system without the need for expensive hardware upgrades.

In addition to its compatibility, Chrome OS Flex offers seamless integration with Google's suite of productivity tools, including Gmail, Google Drive, and Google Docs. This allows users to access their favorite apps and services from anywhere, while also benefiting from automatic updates and built-in security features.

Furthermore, Chrome OS Flex is designed with simplicity in mind, making it easy for users of all skill levels to navigate and customize their computing experience. Whether you're a student, professional, or casual user, Chrome OS Flex offers a versatile platform that adapts to your needs.

Overall, Chrome OS Flex represents a game-changer for those looking to extend the lifespan of their aging Windows PCs. By harnessing the power of Google's innovative operating system, users can breathe new life into old hardware, unlocking its full potential and enjoying a modern computing experience without breaking the bank.

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Monday, July 11, 2022

Sync Bookmarks with DuckDuckGo Browser

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DuckDuckGo Browser

DuckDuckGo now lets you sync passwords and bookmarks across devices—without needing an account. Unlike other browsers that require sign-ins, DuckDuckGo’s system is end-to-end encrypted, ensuring only you can access your data.

How to Sync

Syncing works across Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android:

  1. Open DuckDuckGo browser
  2. Go to Settings > Sync & Backup
  3. Select Sync with Another Device
  4. Scan the QR Code or use the Text Code

Your bookmarks and passwords will now stay updated across devices. Save your recovery code in case you need to restore your data.

Extra Features for Mobile

  • Auto-download icons for synced bookmarks
  • Option to sync favorites (disabled by default)

Get the Browser

Try DuckDuckGo’s private and seamless sync experience! Download it from DuckDuckGo’s site today.

Have you tried the new sync feature? Share your thoughts!

Sunday, June 19, 2022

AmazonFire TV Stick Lite is better than the regular one

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Don't be fooled by Amazon's naming scheme

The Fire TV Stick Lite is better than the regular one

Amazon offers two models of its popular Fire TV Stick: the regular one with Alexa Voice Remote (3rd Gen) and the Lite one with Alexa Voice Remote Lite (2022 Edition). Both devices let you stream your favorite shows and movies in full HD resolution, with support for Dolby Atmos, Dolby Digital, and Dolby Digital Plus audio formats. They also have the same storage capacity, CPU speed, and connectivity options. However, there is one key difference that might surprise you: the GPU.

Amazon Fire TV Stick with Alexa Voice Remote (3rd Gen):

  • Resolutions: 1920 x 1080p at 60 fps
  • Dolby/DTS Support: Dolby Atmos, Dolby Digital, Dolby Digital Plus
  • Storage Capacity: 8 GB
  • CPU: Quad-Core, Up to 1.7 GHz
  • GPU: PowerVR GE8300
  • Average Price: $50 USD

Amazon Fire TV Stick Lite Streaming Media Player (2022 Edition):

  • Resolutions: 1920 x 1080p at 60 fps
  • Dolby/DTS Support: Dolby Atmos, Dolby Digital, Dolby Digital Plus
  • Storage Capacity: 8 GB
  • CPU: Quad-Core, Up to 1.7 GHz
  • GPU: PowerVR GE9215
  • Average Price: $40 USD

The regular Fire TV Stick has a PowerVR GE8300 GPU, while the Lite one has a PowerVR GE9215 GPU. According to the benchmarks12, the GE9215 is a newer and more powerful GPU than the GE8300, despite having the same number of execution units and core speed. The GE9215 belongs to the Series9XE family of GPUs, which are designed for high-performance and low-power consumption. The GE8300, on the other hand, belongs to the Series8XE family, which are more suitable for entry-level devices.

This means that the Lite Fire TV Stick can handle more demanding graphics tasks, such as gaming, video editing, or VR applications, than the regular one. It also means that the Lite Fire TV Stick is more future-proof, as it can support newer graphics APIs, such as Vulkan 1.1, while the regular one is limited to Vulkan 1.0. The Lite Fire TV Stick also has a newer Android version (10 vs 9) and a lower price ($40 vs $50).

So, if you are looking for a Fire TV Stick, don’t be fooled by Amazon’s naming scheme. The Lite one is actually better than the regular one in terms of GPU performance, and it costs less. The only reason to choose the regular one is if you prefer the slightly different design of the remote control, which has a few more buttons and a LED indicator. Otherwise, the Lite one is the clear winner.

Wednesday, December 1, 2021

Risky HolaVPN extension removed from Google Chrome-Webstore

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The Hola VPN Chrome extension was removed from the Google Chrome web store in September 2021 due to safety concerns. It was found to contain malware that could hijack users' devices and expose them to man-in-the-middle attacks...

Hola VPN: A Risky and Unreliable Service That You Should Avoid

Hola VPN is a free VPN service that claims to make the internet faster and more open. However, it is not really a VPN, but a peer-to-peer proxy service that shares your idle bandwidth with other users. This means that you have no control over who uses your IP address and what they do with it. You could be unknowingly involved in illegal or malicious activities, such as spreading malware, injecting ads, or accessing restricted content.

Hola VPN has a history of security and privacy violations that have put its users at risk. In 2016, it was found to be a vehicle for malware that hijacked users’ devices and turned them into a botnet.

Sunday, November 7, 2021

The Benefits of Google TV over Android TV

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Google TV is a new version of Android TV that offers a more personalized and intuitive interface, better content recommendations, and more integration with other Google services and devices. Some of the features that Google TV has over Android TV are:

  • - A new home screen that puts content first, instead of apps. You can browse movies and shows from different streaming services in one place, and see suggestions based on your preferences and watch history.
  • - A new Watchlist feature that lets you save titles to watch later, across devices. You can add titles to your Watchlist from the Google TV app, the Google Search website, or from your phone or tablet.
  • - A new Live tab that shows you live TV channels from your connected services, such as YouTube TV or Sling TV.
  • - A new For You tab that shows you personalized recommendations from different genres and categories, such as comedy, drama, or family.
  • - A new Library tab that shows you your purchased or rented titles from Google, as well as your personal videos and photos from Google Photos.
  • - A new Ambient Mode that lets you turn your TV into a smart display, showing you your photos, the weather, the time, and more.
  • - A new Google Assistant that lets you control your TV and other smart devices with your voice, search for content, get answers, and more. You can also use the Assistant to make video calls with Google Duo, or cast your phone screen to your TV.

Google TV is currently available on the Chromecast with Google TV, which was launched in September 2020, and on some smart TVs from Sony and TCL, which were launched in 2021. Google plans to bring Google TV to more devices and platforms in the future, including existing Android TV devices...

Monday, October 18, 2021

Unlocking Facebook with "fb://" URI Scheme

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In today's digital age, accessing Facebook content seamlessly is paramount for billions worldwide. The "fb://" URI scheme simplifies this process by bridging external applications with the Facebook mobile app, facilitating direct access to specific content within the platform.


Here are some key uses of the "fb://" URI scheme:

  1. Profile Access: "fb://profile/{profile_id}"
  2. Page Viewing: "fb://page/{page_id}"
  3. Post Navigation: "fb://post/{post_id}"
  4. Group Exploration: "fb://group/{group_id}"
  5. Event Access: "fb://event/{event_id}"
  6. Messenger Interaction: "fb-messenger://user-thread/{user_id}"
  7. App Launch: "fb://home"

The "fb://" scheme streamlines access to Facebook content, enhancing user experience and efficiency in navigating the platform.

Monday, May 31, 2021

Google Play Movies & TV App Removed from Roku TVs

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Google Play Movies & TV on Roku

June 2021 — Google has officially removed the Google Play Movies & TV app from Roku devices and select smart TVs. This change affects users who previously accessed their purchased or rented content directly through the app.

Why It Was Removed

Google is streamlining its video services and shifting focus toward YouTube as the primary hub for digital content. Instead of maintaining separate apps, users are now encouraged to access their movies and TV shows on the YouTube platform.

How to Watch Your Content

  • Via YouTube: Your purchased titles appear under the "Purchases" tab in the YouTube app.
  • Screen Mirroring: Use your smartphone or tablet to mirror Google Play content to Roku.
  • Mobile & Desktop: The Google Play Movies & TV app still works on mobile and desktop, allowing content access and casting.

The Bigger Picture

This move signals a broader trend in streaming: fewer standalone apps, more integration. As services consolidate, platforms like YouTube become central hubs for digital entertainment.

Before your next movie night, make sure your YouTube app is up to date!