Mobile games based on randomly pulling digital items—called gacha games—deploy psychological tricks that keep you playing every day while making it increasingly difficult to quit. It’s hard to tell when you’re wrapped up in this vice-grip, and even tougher to disentangle from it. I’ve been there, so I know the signs to look for that it may be time to quit. If any of these seven situations resemble what you’re experiencing, consider changing your relationship with the game or uninstalling it altogether....

AI chatbots like ChatGPT have taken education by storm, and schools and colleges have been caught off-guard. Students, and even some educators, have embraced this new technology with enthusiasm, but it’s still the Wild West out there. So if you’re thinking of using ChatGPT (or something like it), in your new semester or year of study, there are some essential things you should know to avoid gettig into serious trouble, or simply doing more harm than good to your own educational journey....

Quick Links Robot vacuums have come a long way, but they still seem to have trouble with lots of things around the house. Physical obstacles, pathing issues, and user error can all minimize the effectiveness of a robot vacuum, so here are some tips to combat those shortcomings. 7Turn on Lights and Open Doors There are many different types of robot vacuums out there. Some are more advanced than others, but nearly all of them go through apathing phase where they first start to figure out the layoutof your home....

In the early days of the smartphone revolution, Android owners used to envy the look and feel of the iPhone. But things have changed since a lot. I am a longtime iPhone owner who has been increasingly looking at the other side of the fence with envy, all because of Apple’s stagnant innovation when it comes to its most prized and supposedly innovative product. 7The iPhone Has Looked the Same for Almost a Decade It used to be that getting a new iPhone felt like getting a brand-spanking new iPhone....

Quick Links You probably use your Mac to check the date and time regularly, whether to schedule a meeting or glance at the clock on your lock screen. So it can become an inconvenience if either is wrong. Luckily, there are a few things you can attempt to fix it. Set the Date and Time Automatically The first fix you can try is ensuring your settings are configured correctly. Apple’s date and time server will always be right, so making sure you’re using it is the easiest way to get the info displayed correctly....

Summary While most third-party Apple Watch bands try to stand out during the day, in the light, Nomad is taking the opposite approach with itsGlow in the Dark Sport Band. Whether for safety or personality, this watch band is certainly unique. Nomad Glow in the Dark Sport Band Glow in the Dark Sport Band transitions from an off-white daytime color to a captivating glowing green in darker conditions. This remarkable FKM is finished with a subtle microtexture for a smooth satin finish....

Quick Links Hey Google voice commands let you do all kinds of things, like getting the current weather information to finding flights to a specific destination—allwithout touching your device. Here, we list some of the useful commands that you can use withGoogle Assistanton your phone, tablet, or hub. Call, Text, or Email People With Hey Google Voice Commands The next time you want tocall someone, don’t manually open the Phone app and dial the number or select a contact....

Summary The Apple Watch is often overshadowed by the iPhone since it has to share the stage with Apple’s best-selling device. Once again Apple has rolled out a new Watch for 2024, so what’s new and is it worth the upgrade? The Series 10 Gets a Facelift Apple has been slowly increasing the size of the Apple Watch over time, and the Series 10 takes this even further. The Series 10 is available in two new sizes: 46mm (up from 45mm) and 42mm (up from 41mm)....

Summary TheArcade1Up X-Men ’97 Arcade Machineis just as magical in person as it appears online. While it might not be quite full-sized or have functioning coin slots, it still managed to transport me back to middle school within minutes of turning it on. Arcade1Up X-Men ‘97 Arcade Machine The Arcade1Up X-Men ’97 Arcade Machine has online multiplayer capabilities, a light-up marquee, and 3D-molded coin doors. The more-than-five-foot tall cabinet with a 17-inch screen feels like an authentic arcade machine....

Summary Thanks to game streaming, you can now play your favorite console games right from your smartphone—provided, of course, that you have a good Internet connection so that the stream actually works well. If you want an actual console controller on your phone, Backbone’s latest offering might just be what you need. Backbone has just released the Backbone One Xbox Edition, a version of the Backbone One controller that is themed to look like an Xbox controller for the most part....

Summary Want to learn coding without endless tutorials or costly courses? You might be tempted to skip the grind by using ChatGPT as your tutor. While it can assist in gaining development skills, there are a few things to know. The Search for a Coding Tutor As someone who’scoded an entire game using ChatGPTas a tool, I realized there are a lot of things it can do, and a few things it can’t....

Quick Links Summary To check 5G support on your iPhone, navigate to Settings > Mobile Data > Mobile Data Options > Voice & Data. If you see 5G as one of the options, then your phone is 5G. Similarly, Android users can navigate to Settings > Network & Internet > SIMs > Preferred Network Type to find out about 5G support. With 5G frequently being portrayed as a game-changer in cellular technology, you may wonder: is my phone 5G?...

I’ve been flying RC helicopters and drones for a long time now, and while I’ve come and gone from the hobby as a casual participant, there’s always been something new and fun to pull me back in after a while from the world of drones. These days, I’m thinking of buying a drone again at some point, but the more I look around, the less interesting modern drones seem to be....