However, numerous USB products are available on the market, and you can be easily perplexed by the many types of ports with different color. These variants of USB drives have emerged almost every year, all having their structure or use specific case. The most prevalent versions are USB-A, USB-C, and USB-C Micro-USB.

In this post, we’ll discuss everything you need to know about USB Type A.

What is USB Type A?

USB-A is the classic plain and rectangular connection that no one has ever gotten to work right on the first attempt. These wires are always USB-A on one side and a specific port style on the other, and they may be used to charge devices and send and store data.

USB-A has still been commonly used and may be seen on PCs, game consoles, televisions, and many accessories. USB Type-A connections, also known as Standard-A connectors, have a flat and rectangular design.

What is the Use Case of Type-A Connectors?

Most current PCs, laptops, gaming consoles (such as the PlayStation 5, Xbox, and Nintendo), Smart Televisions, Media Streaming Players, as well as other gadgets include USB Type-A connectors. Such USB Type-A ports are indeed referred to as receptacles.

You can use a USB thumb drive, mouse, keyboard, disk drives, video cameras, camcorders, gaming systems, portable devices, and a variety of other external gadgets and accessories that frequently feature USB Type-A connections (also known as plugs) to insert into Type-A ports.

USB Type-A Backward Compatibility

This long-standing physical link helps USB maintain backward compatibility. If you have a current computer that allows USB 3 and a recent USB device that accepts USB 3, you also can attach it to an older system that only supports USB 1.1 or USB 2.0 using the same USB connection.

In simple words, any USB Type-A plug may be plugged into any USB Type-A port, and it will work. If the gadgets are of different generations — for instance, if you insert a 20-year-old Flash drive into a new PC—they may operate slower, but they will function.

USB Type-A ports are compatible with all USB versions, including USB 1.1 and 1.0, 2.0, as well as USB 3.0.

In the next section, we will take a look at USB 2.0 and 3.0.

What is USB 2.0 Type A?

These are the precisely rectangular USB connections seen on most non-mobile electronics and are known as USB 2.0 Standard-A.

USB 2.0 Type A interfaces are technically equivalent to USB 3.0 and USB 1.1 connectors.

What is USB 3.0 Type A?

USB 3.0 Type-A connections feature 9 pins, which is significantly more than the four pins of USB 1.1 and USB 2.0 Type-A connectors.

These extra pins are employed to allow the greater data transmission rate seen in USB 3.0, but they’re put in the connections in a strategy that allows them to physically operate with prior USB standards’ Type-A connectors.

Micro USB Type A

These connections, particularly the plugs, resemble small USB 2.0 Type-A connectors. USB 2.0 Micro-A plugs are interchangeable with USB 2.0 Micro-AB and USB 3.0 Micro-AB receptacles. However, USB 3.0 Micro-A plugs can only be used in USB 3.0 Micro-AB receptacles, but earlier USB 2.0 Micro-A plugs can be used in USB 3.0 Micro-AB receptacles.

Newer USB 3.0 Micro-A connectors, on the other hand, will not operate in USB 2.0 Micro-AB sockets. USB 3.0 Micro-A connections are rectangular, “two-part” plugs that are often seen on smartphones and other portable devices.

Now, let’s look at some main features that differentiate these USB types.

Speed

If you look at the speed of the USB Type A, there is USB 3.0, which is faster than others. This USB’s blue interior The Type-A connection denotes that it supports USB 3.0 speeds (probably.) USB Type-A connections and ports that enable higher USB 3.0 speeds have blue on the inside more frequently than not.

Type-A ports that only support slower USB 2.0 or USB 1.1 speeds have black on the inside most of the time (but not always).

Power Delivery

Certain USB cables can just give power or share files, although the majority are capable of both. Power delivery (PD) standards are classified into three types: slow charge, voltage only, and quick charge.

It is feasible to utilize a USB-A connection to give more than the conventional 5V from the perspective of the physical connector rating. When connected to the phone via a USB-A to USB-C connection, it can deliver 5V at 3A, 9V at 1.7A, or 12V at 1.25A.

USB 2.0 allows 2.5W, and USB 3.0 allows for 4.5W charging. To keep things in context, 10W is plenty of energy to charge your phone slowly, while 18W is enough to recharge your smartphones quickly or power a laptop or equivalent bare-bones laptop.

Price

Price is still a major consideration here. Many USB 2.0 flash drives are quite inexpensive; for example, an 8 GB USB 2.0 flash drive costs less than $10 on Amazon. 4 GB flash drives are frequently on sale for $5.

USB 3.0 drives, on the other hand, are more costly. The costliest USB 3.0 drives will also be the quickest. You may need to spend $40 or more to notice a big speed boost.

Do you only need a tiny, inexpensive drive to move papers around on occasion? USB 2.0 is sufficient for this purpose. However, if you need a drive for frequent usage and speed is crucial, such as when transferring huge files, you’ll probably want a USB 3.0 drive.

Note: USB 3.0 enables substantially quicker transfer speeds. However, not all drives will support it. Other aspects, such as the speed of the drive’s flash memory, are crucial.

Conclusion

Now that you know everything there is to know about USB Type A, you know that it is still the most often used connection, and it is very easy to use, but there is another version of USB called USB Type C, which is already ubiquitous on new gadgets.

Some current products even feature both USB Type-A and USB Type-C connections, making them universally interoperable. You may always use a “dongle” that serves as an adaptor. A USB-A device, for example, might be linked to a Type-A-to-Type-C adapter, allowing it to be plugged into a USB-C port.

TVs are no longer as basic as they once were. TVs now have the potential to open applications, search the web, function as digital assistants, and much more thanks to the advancement of smart technology.

Smart televisions can interpret data in the same way that PCs and smartphones do, but with that power comes all of the same problems that smartphones and PCs do, such as viruses.

In this article, we will answer the following question: Can you get a virus on your smart TV? And if you do, then how to protect your TV.

Can a Smart TV Get a Virus?

Yes, a smart TV can become infected with a virus or malware. Most of us are unaware that our smart home gadgets are just as susceptible to spyware and viruses as our smartphones and laptops.

In reality, two separate television models were claimed to be affected by smart TV spyware and viruses in 2019.

In a tweet that’s since been removed, Samsung encouraged Smart TV owners to check their devices for security flaws and malware. This was not taken lightly, as many flew into a frenzy on Twitter, asking whether the TVs had been hacked or if anything awful had occurred.

A further case in point was the Amazon Fire TV bug, which exposed viewers to a cryptocurrency-mining Android infection.

Sideloading an external program, putting a contaminated USB stick into the TV, or an application file being changed with ransomware via a man-in-the-middle type of assault are all methods your TV may receive a virus, resulting in your TV locking up.

Furthermore, built-in capabilities on your smart TV, such as the microphone, might be hacked and utilized to spy on your chats.

Fishing for Trojans

According to Tom’s Guide, in 2015, a user stated that he unwittingly turned his Samsung TV into a breeding ground for trojans. According to the tale, the user inserted a USB stick into the TV without realizing it was infected with win32.waldek.ACL. This is a trojan known for its ability to modify the victim machine’s DNS and limit access to certain websites.

Nothing appeared to have occurred to the TV, but when the user examined the thumb drive on a computer, he discovered that it was infected with that same malware. His anti virus had no trouble breaking the win32 variation.

However, every time he plugged the USB into his TV and afterward returned to the PC, his antivirus software detected an infection.

Netflix is Obnoxious

Darren Cauthon, a software developer, stated that his Google Android-powered smart TV caught up with a bug in 2015 while attempting to download a movie-streaming application.

Cauthon remembered watching a movie when the screen suddenly froze. Naturally, he attempted to restart the television. The software developer was notified that the device had been frozen owing to certain “suspect files.”

How to Prevent your Smart TV from Viruses?

While your smart TV might appear to be resistant to infection, this does not imply it is not vulnerable. Indeed, several smart TV models are vulnerable to remote hacking, which enables attackers to manipulate the TV and potentially upload malware or viruses depending on security weaknesses.

If you’re concerned about just a potential infection by malware, viruses, or hackers, you may still secure your smart TV by adopting the following precautions:

Scan your Smart TV

Most modern smart TVs have in-built antivirus software. Sure, it’s signature-based and wouldn’t make much of a difference in the case of Advanced Persistent Threats, but still better than nothing.

If your device’s manufacturer has a native virus scan option, you can run it from the TV’s settings menu and scan your TV regularly.

Firmware Update

Update the firmware, applications, and any linked devices on your TV. Attackers and malware authors hunt older firmware and programs with vulnerabilities, but upgrades provide security fixes that really can avoid such attacks.

Keep your network Secure

As your smart TVs access the internet, make your house connection safe. A firewall and antivirus on your network are fantastic ways to keep your smart TV safe from hacker attacks or malware outbreaks. You may also use a complex router password, maintain the router firmware up to date, disable remote administration, connect the TV to a guest network, or create a new network for it.

Don’t use a Web browser on your Smart TV

Don’t use the smart TV’s built-in browser to access the web. Most do not provide the required security features to keep you safe. If you still want to surf, avoid dodgy websites that are often infected with malware, and also don’t get software from websites that the TV maker has not allowed.

Do not Connect an Infected USB drive

Do not connect infected USB drives to your smart TV. Scan them first using your PC to make sure they are not infected before plugging them into your TV.

Conclusion

As usual, keep your apps and Smart TV up to date, run frequent scans, avoid shady USB sticks, and stick to software you know.

Even though it is uncommon for a smart TV to be attacked with malware, it is not fully risk-free. If you are concerned that it may be infected or has already been infected, you can do a factory reset to restore it all to default settings as a last resort.

In this article, we have compiled a comprehensive list of the top iPads. Rather than settling on a particular iPad and declaring it the finest, we’ve selected the best iPads in a variety of areas.

So, whether you’re searching for an iPad with the most excellent user experience out there, a budget iPad, or the best iPad with a tiny screen, don’t worry; we have got you covered.

What iPad Do You Need?

Choosing the best iPad might be difficult, particularly if you don’t invest your days in studying tech news.

Apple presently sells in four main categories:

• the iPad Pro
• the iPad Air
• the iPad Mini
• the standard iPad

When you include in possible improvements like a bigger screen on certain versions and cellular network compatibility, there are over a dozen distinct iPads to pick from, and even more when you consider older versions that are still on the market.

Anyway, let’s discuss the four main types with a focus on specs, features, and price.

iPad Pro

With the release of the fifth-generation 12.9-inch iPad Pro in 2021, Apple’s most costly tablet received a major upgrade. Let’s see its primary specs and features.

Specifications and Features

• M1 processor
• Pro camera system: Wide and Ultra Wide cameras. Wide: 12MP, ƒ/1.8 aperture. Ultra Wide: 10MP, ƒ/2.4 aperture, and 125° field of view
• 12.9-inch display with a resolution of 2732 x 2048 pixels
• Storage options are 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, and 2TB.
• USB-C port
• 1.5 pounds in weight
• 802.11ax Wi-Fi 6 with optional 5G

A large number of users have it as their leading choice. The iPad Pro 12.9-inch is the iPad to have if you like huge screens, and it’s the one we suggest if you need one for whatever reason.

The 12.9-inch screen has a resolution of 2732 x 2048, but the true advancement in the display is now in the underlying technology.

The huge iPad 2021 features mini-LED technology in its display, which means it can emit richer tones and darker blacks by providing more backlights.

It is powered by Apple’s M1 chip, a laptop-grade CPU first seen in last year’s MacBook Pro.

iPad Pro 12.9-inch is expected to be capable of doing whatever a current laptop can, like gaming, video editing, streaming, and so on.
However, the larger size means this won’t become as portable as the 11-inch model.

Price

The 12.9-inch iPad Pro is available in silver or space grey, with memory options of 128Gigabytes, 256Gigabytes, 512GB, 1TB, or 2TB.

These versions are priced at $1,099, $1,199, $1,399, $1,799, and $2,199, in that order.

11-inch vs. 12.9-inch iPad Pro

The iPad Pro is also available with an 11-inch display, and it is at least $300 cheaper than 12.9-inch iPad.

When it comes to the display, there are two differences: size and brightness. While the 11-inch iPad Pro features Apple’s Liquid Retina LCD, the 12.9-inch iPad Pro features Apple’s “Liquid Retina XDR” display. It employs an array of thousands of micro-LED backlights grouped in 2596 lighting zones to give it outstanding brightness and contrast.

iPad Air

The 5th-generation iPad Air was revealed on March 8, 2022, with a March 18 release date.

Specifications and Features

• M1 processor
• Pro camera system: Wide and Ultra Wide cameras. Wide: 12MP, ƒ/1.8 aperture. Ultra Wide: 10MP, ƒ/2.4 aperture, and 125° field of view
• 10.9-inch (2360 x 1640 pixels) Liquid Retina
• 64GB/256GB
• USB-C port
• 1 pound in weight
• Wi-Fi 6, optional 5G

The iPad Air does not support a 120Hz refresh rate, which is a minor but visible distinction between both the iPad Pro as well as the iPad Air.

Despite this, at 10.9 inches and a resolution of 2360 x 1640 pixels, it has the same number of pixels per inch — 264 — as the Pro. You’ll like watching movies and TV shows and browsing the site’s data.

Nonetheless, with a terrific CPU, slimline attractive aesthetics, and excellent usability, the iPad Air achieves the sweet spot between top performance and cost.

Price

The iPad Air isn’t as cheap as the entry-level iPad, which receives our vote in the “Greatest Budget” category, but if your budget can stretch beyond $600, it’s the best iPad you can purchase right now.

iPad Mini

The 6th-generation iPad Mini, which was announced and released in September 2021, is the most recent model.

Specifications and Features

• A15 Bionic processor
• Camera 12MP resolution (front and rear)
• 8.3-inch display (2266 x 1488 pixels) Retina Liquid
• Storage capacities: 64GB and 256GB
• USB-C port
• 0.7 pounds in weight
• Wi-Fi: Wi-Fi 6, with the option of 5G. (Sub-6)

The iPads described above are really likable, and many users buy them, but none of them is as transportable or light as the newest iPad mini (which, to be truthful, should be named the iPad Air mini). It boasts the small bezels & thin sides of an iPad Air, as well as compatibility with the second-generation Apple Pencil and USB-C.

Furthermore, its A15 Bionic CPU is lightning quick, and its battery capacity is astonishingly long for a tablet this compact. It is also used with just one hand. Some other iPads are more difficult to use with one hand.

Best Portability

The iPad Mini 2021 is Apple’s most recent tablet. If you’re looking for the ideal traveling companion, this is our top selection.

Gaming iPad

If you want something a bit smaller, the iPad Mini is one of the ultimate gaming tablets available. It’s small but strong, and it can run the most recent releases as well as movies or TV shows.

Price

The iPad mini 6 is priced at $499 for the Wi-Fi alone device and $649 again for Wi-Fi + Cellular model. The Wi-Fi-only & Cellular iPad mini 6 models both include 64GB or 256GB of non-expandable memory.

It’s also worth mentioning that the Cellular iPad mini 2021 versions include 5G connectivity.

Standard iPad

The standard Apple iPad is in its 9th generation, with the most recent model being released in September 2021.

Specifications and Features

• A13 Bionic processor
• 8MP (rear), 12MP (front) camera resolution (front)
• 10.2-inch display with a resolution of 2160 x 1620 pixels
• Storage capacities: 64GB and 256GB
• USB-C port
• 1.07 pounds in weight
• 802.11a/b/g/n/ac Wi-Fi with optional LTE

We enjoy the new 9th Generation iPad since it accomplishes everything you would expect from a standard iPad. Excellent screen, excellent audio and battery power, and sometimes even quicker speed than ever before. Yes, even if it looks identical to previous generations, the iPad 2021 still seems to be worth considering.

If you make a lot of video calls, you’ll notice how much clear this iPad looks compared to previous generations, thanks to Apple’s increase of the 1.2MP front-facing camera to a 12MP sensor.

The A13 Bionic chip is a nice performance boost, as iPad OS 15 becomes smarter and services like Live Text (which allows you to copy/paste texts from photos) benefit from a quicker CPU.

Price

It’s Apple’s cheapest tablet, starting at $329, yet it comfortably outperforms Android versions that cost significantly quite so much.

Conclusion

Now you understand what iPad is right for you. If you want an iPad which is easily portable, then you should buy an iPad Mini (which is also best for gaming).

However, if you want an iPad which is better in the display department, then the best choice for you is the iPad Pro-12.9-inch which has the best-LED technology on show.

Lastly, if you are on a budget, buy the standard Apple iPad. It does most of what the other iPads do at a fraction of the cost.

One of them is the power surge! It occurs when your home’s electric connection experiences a sudden and severe power surge. It is harmful to your household appliances.

In this post, we’ll look at what a surge protector is, what it does, and how it works. Read on to find out!

What is a Surge Protector?

Surge protectors are tiny appliances or devices that serve two purposes.

• The first is to allow several components to be plugged into a single power socket.
• The second and more crucial role is to safeguard your electronic gadgets from high-voltage power surges, such as your television or computer.

A rise in voltage over the specified level in the flow of electricity is known as a power surge or spike.

Reasons for a Power Surge

When you turn on high-powered electronic items like your air conditioner or refrigerator, you may experience a power surge. To switch on, they need extra power. They can cause an electric current surge to obtain that power supply.

A power surge might also be caused by a problem with your home’s electrical system. During maintenance and repair operations, your electric company may inadvertently cause a surge. Lightning strikes are also an uncommon cause of power surges. It is the most lethal, despite its rarity.

Power Surge is Dangerous

Your electronic household gadgets are usually built to work with 120 volts of AC electricity (if you are in the US, this may vary for other regions). The reason for this is because standard electrical outlets can offer that much power with ease.

The voltage ranges from 120-169 volts during a power surge, though. When electrical gadgets are exposed to such a large quantity of electricity, they are bound to be harmed. For other regions where normal voltage ranges may be higher, the voltage during a power surge will be higher than the standard operating range.

This spike has the potential to develop a deadly arch if it is not contained. Other appliances and wiring may be heated, melted, or eroded as a result of this high voltage arch. In the worst-case situation, they may catch fire.

In Comes the Surge Protector

Surge protectors can be found in control systems, industries, communication structures, and power distribution panels, among other places.

Surge protectors are designed to protect your computer and other complex and costly high-powered equipment from current spikes and power surges.

How Does a Surge Protector Work?

Note: Once again, the remainder of the article is based on US voltages. The actual values of the voltages may vary depending on where you live, but the underlying principles of surge protectors and their functions will be the same no matter where you live.

When the voltage surpasses 120, it switches the connection to ground voltage or stops the extra current. Your household appliances will not be affected by a power spike in this way.

A metal oxide varistor, or MOV, is the most common surge protection utilized in surge protectors. A MOV is formed of a semiconductor. Only particular conditions allow semiconductors to conduct electricity.

No electricity can travel through the semiconductor unless these requirements are met.

The particular criterion for a MOV is a high amount of voltage. Basically, the MOV accomplishes nothing if the voltage, or flow of electricity, is standard.

When there is a surge of power in the line, the MOV is able to conduct electricity and so siphons off the excess power, securely transporting it away from the device and into the earth.

The MOV only sucks up out power above the typical level, allowing the TV or computer to continue operating during the surge. The surge protector-connected equipment is completely unaware that there was a surge in the line. It keeps running as if nothing occurred.

The fundamental difficulty with MOVs is that they can wear out due to all of the little surges that occur all of the time. Most surge protectors feature several MOVs. However, if the MOVs fail, all surges will flow straight to the devices connected to the protector.

That’s why it’s crucial to find a protector with an indication that tells you when the MOV protection has failed, so you know when to cease using it. An LED light or an audio buzzer can be used as indications.

As a backup, some surge protectors have fuses in them. Only a particular amount of voltage may be handled by these fuses. When the voltage climbs over that point, the fuse melts, cutting off all current to the linked devices.

What is a Surge Protector Used For?

Surges of electricity can happen at any time. It may have occurred in your house, but since nothing was damaged, you didn’t notice.

As a result, it’s critical to maintain your electronic gadgets always linked to a surge protector socket, primarily to safeguard your expensive electronics from harm caused by power fluctuations.

Do You Need One?

Surge protectors will not assist older homes with ungrounded outlets or incorrect wiring and grounding unless the appropriate changes are made.

Even the most potent surge protector will fail if there is no way for excess power to escape via grounding.

If your house has grounding difficulties, have them fixed as soon as possible, as the cost of wiring repair or upgrade will be minor compared to the expense of replacing fried items.

Conclusion

A surge protector may not be effective against a lightning strike since the impact is measured in thousands of volts, if not more.

All other types of fluctuations may be handled using a surge protector plug.

Get a decent quality surge protector immediately to safeguard your electronics and avoid an explosion and fire in your household.

However, many IP cameras on the marketplace are susceptible to digital spying. Thus security aspects are essential to consider while purchasing and using these devices.

For many people, deciding whether to install a single camera standalone or a comprehensive home security system can be a complicated process. There are simply too many alternatives to consider. They come in a variety of forms, sizes, and rates, ranging from simple to elaborate. Even the terminology is confusing to a first-time buyer.

In this post, we will answer a frequently asked question on the internet by the users, and that is: What is an IP camera? Or what is an IP camera system? We will discuss everything there is know about IP cameras. Let us start!

What is an IP Camera?

An Internet Protocol Camera (IP camera) is a digital video camera that works similarly to webcams and broadcasts and receives information via a network and the internet.

It’s not like a regular webcam in that it’s a standalone device with its own IP address that just needs a network connection to send images. The IP camera links to a network in the same way that any other network device, such as laptops, tablets, or smartphones, does.

Surveillance is a typical application for them. Unlike conventional closed-circuit television cameras (CCTV), IP cameras do not require a local recording device; instead, they just need a local network.

It’s gotten straightforward to check in on your kid from your office desk or to watch your organization from your home laptop in real-time. You can connect to the internet over a broadband network and see live video from any browser, anywhere in the globe, using an IP camera.

The only thing you will need after your device is fully operational is Internet connectivity. You may even use your tablet or smartphone to watch numerous video cameras or DVRs.

Some IP cameras need a wired connection, while others are wireless and send data through radio frequency (RF) waves or local Wi-Fi channels.

How does an IP Camera Work?

Suppose you want to send footage to a digital video recorder (DVR). In that case, analog-over-digital security cameras need a coaxial video connection. An IP security camera, on the other hand, may provide video through a wireless network.

Mainly, IP cameras link to a network video recorder (NVR) via an Ethernet cable, USB, or Wi-Fi. An IP camera that captures clips in full HD can be as high as 16 megapixels.

What exactly does that imply? The more data each video capture includes, the greater the camera resolution.

High-resolution pictures demand extra storage space and data transmission bandwidth than lower-resolution ones. IP cameras must compress or shrink the data to prevent wasting too much bandwidth while transmitting HD photos across a network.

When the film eventually reaches your smartphone or computer, modern compression standards like h.264 and MPEG-4 ensure that the frame rate and resolution are either unchanged or very slightly reduced.

Here are a few more advantages of IP cameras over CCTV cameras:

• Two-way audio is available. A camera owner can use the camera’s speaker to listen to and speak to a subject. This feature is available on some doorbell cameras.
• Remote access is supported. From any smartphone, laptop, or computer, authorized individuals may see live security camera footage.
• Improved resolution. The resolution of IP cameras may be up to four times that of analog cameras.
• There are fewer cables and wires. Power over Ethernet allows the camera to function without a separate power supply by supplying power over the Ethernet connection.

Consider IP cameras to be little computers with advanced optics embedded in them. These devices come with their own software and must be connected to a network before they can be used.

While certain models do need a basic understanding of Internet technology in order to get them up and to operate, this is increasingly the exception rather than the rule. Many IP cameras now come with their own applications, making it even easier to capture and view the video on the internet/web.

These adaptable gadgets are available in a variety of models. Consumers have requested disguised cameras, also known as nanny cams with webcam capabilities, and the marketplace delivered.

Internet cameras are now available in various resolutions (megapixels), shapes, sizes, and can be hidden inside an air freshener to a portable speaker to a smoke alarm.

How to Keep an IP Camera Safe?

Set up your IP camera with security measures in place once you’ve purchased it. Here’s how to do it:

• Make sure the software is up to date. The software that came with your IP camera will need to be updated on a regular basis. To keep the software up to date, register your IP camera or log in for updates. Visit the product’s website to see whether a new version of the software is available for download before installing your new camera. After you’ve installed the camera, make sure to download the updates as soon as they become available.
• Check the password settings on your camera. Get your IP camera password-protected. You can disable the camera’s password requirement on some IP cameras. But don’t do it unless you want to share your camera’s feeds with the world. Directions may be found in the camera’s user manual.
• Create a secure password. Instead of utilizing the camera’s default username and password, choose a strong password that would be tough for a stranger to guess. Those preset settings may be known to the general public.
• Enable the security features on your camera. Turn on the encryption option on your camera if it supports data transmission over the internet. Your camera’s login page should have a URL that starts with HTTPS. Otherwise, the login and password you provide will not be encrypted, and others may be able to see them. The URL of your camera’s website page should still say HTTPS after you’ve signed in. When it doesn’t, your feed is still not encrypted, and others might view it.

Conclusion

You’ll be all set once the security camera and Wi-Fi are safe. Wi-Fi Protected Access is a data encryption technology used by modern wireless modems (WPA). WPA requirements have strengthened over time.

WPA3 is the most secure, and it comes standard on certain modern modems. WPA will strengthen your security cameras’ defenses against hacking and other forms of unwanted access.

IP security cameras provide more functions than analog cameras and are ideal for any house or company. You can’t go wrong with IP cameras, whether you only need one or thousands.

When sensitive information is revealed, it may cause major problems for corporations, the government, and people. Hackers can access you via Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, texts and emails, or the online services you use, whether you are offline or online.

A tiny flaw can lead to a large data breach if it is not addressed properly.

Many people do not pay enough attention to contemporary security risks because they are uninformed of how they function. We’ll go through data breaches, how to prevent data breaches, and what to do after a data breach.

What is a Data Breach?

A data breach occurs when classified, sensitive, or secured information is exposed to an unauthorized individual. Without authorization, files from a data breach are accessed and/or transferred.

A data breach may affect everyone, from individuals to large corporations and governments. More significantly, if someone is not protected, they can endanger others.

In general, data breaches occur as a result of flaws in:

• User behavior
• Technology

There are more ways for data to leak through as our computers and mobile gadgets become increasingly connected. New technologies are being developed at a quicker rate than we can manage them.

Internet of Things devices demonstrates that we are constantly prioritizing convenience over security. Many smart home gadgets have major weaknesses, such as a lack of encryption, which hackers are exploiting.

How Do Hacks Take Place?

What may lead to hacks when technology appears to promise to keep us safe? It’s a complex topic that includes:

• There are several access points. People and businesses may access data via various devices, such as desktop computers, smartphones, and tablets. They share stuff on Bluetooth. All of them are possible to access points for hackers, making data breach prevention more difficult.
• There is a lot of harmful behavior. In 2020, almost 268,362 pieces of malicious software were found, totaling over five and half-billion assaults, making it impossible to keep up with every new threat.

We will continue to see this problem develop since new digital goods, services, and technologies are being employed with less security testing.

Even if the backend technology is flawless, some consumers will most likely continue to have terrible digital habits. One person is all it takes to breach a website or network.

You’re virtually always at risk if you don’t have complete security both at the user and corporate levels. Learning how a data breach happens is the first step to protect yourself and others.

How to Prevent Data Breaches?

There are a variety of actions you may take to protect yourself from data breaches:

• Make sure your passwords are secure. Numbers, letters, and special symbols must all be used in your passwords. You should also avoid using the same password across different sites or logins. Finally, never reveal your credentials to anyone.
• When surfing the web, use HTTPS. HTTPS guarantees that you connect to websites in a safe manner. This makes it more difficult for hackers to get your information.
• Keep an eye out for spam, spoofing, and other potentially harmful messages. Ping spoofing is very common in online gaming. Be cautious about what you click on, especially if you got an anonymous email or are visiting a shady website.
• Keep the most recent versions of your devices and software. It’s a headache to keep operating systems and other software up to date. However, it is a critical technique to defend yourself from assaults. When a security issue is discovered, firms will update their software to defend themselves from the problem. If you don’t upgrade, you’re leaving a huge security vulnerability on your system.
• Check the credit reports on a frequent basis. If you suspect your data has been stolen, you should be aware that it might be used to obtain a credit card in your name. As a result, you might wish to consider using a credit monitoring service. If the business identifies unusual behavior on your accounts, you will receive notifications.

What To Do After a Data Breach?

Breach of data is a very regular event. Mass data breaches may happen at any time, and even extremely huge organizations like Yahoo and Facebook can be victims.

You may or may not be affected as a user of such platforms. It is, however, critical to understand exactly what actions you should take to guarantee that your data is kept as secure as possible.

With so many organizations experiencing data breaches, there’s a good chance you’ll be one of them. As a result, the website HaveIBeenPwned is a wonderful place to go to see whether your information has been compromised. You may use this site to discover if a data breach has impacted you by entering your email address.

Don’t be alarmed if your personal information has been compromised in a data breach. To begin, determine which sites are to blame for the breach. Go to each of those sites right now and update your password. In most instances, this should suffice to keep you safe.

You may need to take more extreme measures at times. It would be the case if the breach had an impact on your bank or if highly sensitive information such as your Personal Information had been exposed.

In these situations, you may want to consider freezing your credit, signing up for a credit monitoring service, and/or checking your credit reports to ensure that no one is acting suspiciously in your name. If you suspect someone else has created an account in your name, report it to the bank’s fraud department.

Conclusion

All of us at all levels, from end-users to IT workers, and everything in between, must be involved in data breach protection.

When it comes to preventing data breach assaults or leaks, security is only as good as the weakest link. Every individual who interacts with a system has the potential to be a security flaw. Even toddlers using a tablet connected to your home network pose a security concern.

You may be prepared for the potential of a data breach if you have this knowledge. Furthermore, by following the measures described above, you may reduce your chances of becoming a victim of a data breach in the future.

In an age where smart devices appear to be everywhere, it is critical to take measures to help protect your vision, even if it is as simple as turning on the dark mode on your cell phone. Is dark mode better for your eyes?

On most apps and devices, the default setting is for black text on a white backdrop. When you set your device to dark mode, it will show white text on a dark background.

Many people enable dark mode on their Windows or YouTube, among other apps and operating systems.

The dark mode is designed to limit blue light exposure and relieve eye strain caused by lengthy periods of screen time.

So, it effectively lowers glare and blue light, both of which are beneficial to your eyes. Dark mode, on the other hand, is not for everyone. In some circumstances, it can actually cause more issues than it resolves.

Let’s delve into the specifics below: what is dark mode, what are its benefits, and is dark mode better for your eyes?

What is Dark Mode?

Many smartphone models, Windows, and upcoming applications have a setting called dark mode.

In Dark Mode, the color scheme is inverted, with light-colored text and icons on a dark background. The default setting on most mobile devices is the light mode, which displays dark text on a white or light background.

To put your device into a dark mode, go to the display and brightness options in your device’s settings. You will be able to switch to dark mode from here. Most apps also have a dark mode that can be enabled in the app’s settings.
You can enable it on your web browsers like Google Chrome as well.

Is Dark Mode Better for Your Eyes?

Although dark mode provides many benefits, it may not be the best option for your eyes. The dark mode is beneficial since it is less taxing on the eyes than a sharp, gleaming white screen.

On the other hand, using a dark screen causes your pupils to dilate, making it more challenging to focus on the screen/display.

Your eyesight becomes blurry when your pupils dilate. Your vision sharpens as your pupils constrict in solid light. A smaller aperture, just like a camera, allows for more depth of focus. As a result, some people may find it more challenging to discern screen details in dark mode.

Dark mode reduces the amount of blue light emitted by the screen of a smart device, but not to the point where it has any effect on the macula.

The macula, which is located in the middle of your retina, is critical for good vision. One of the most common causes of visual loss is age-related macular degeneration.

In terms of the danger of retinal damage or macular degeneration, the average amounts of blue light emitted by consumer devices are negligible.

Furthermore, there is still no scientific evidence that dark mode helps to minimize eye strain. With the usage of smart devices, severe eye damage or problems are not a concern.

Why Dark Mode Is Better?

Dark mode has a number of benefits, including increased battery life and lower glare and blue light exposure. Let us discuss the prevalent ones.

Increases the Battery Life

Using dark mode can prolong your battery life by up to 30%, allowing you to charge your phone less frequently. It is useful when you do not have time to charge your phone over and over again. This is especially true for OLED displays, where the screen turns itself off on the part where black is supposed to be shown.

If you find it difficult to read in dark mode, you can extend your battery life by decreasing the brightness in regular mode.

Blue light has been linked to symptoms of digital eye strain, such as dry eyes, headaches, and blurred vision, despite the fact that most research contradicts this theory.

It has been shown to disrupt sleep cycles, making it harder to get enough rest if you are exposed to too much blue light close at night time.

Helps to Avoid Screen Glare

When you are watching your display in a dark room, the bright light from standard display settings might induce glare, which is an uncomfortable amount of contrast between the display and the rest of your environment. Dark mode reduces glare on your display and allows for better viewing.

Reduces the Blue Light Exposure

Using dark mode on your smartphone will help you cut down on blue light exposure.

A blue light filter feature is now found on many smartphones. You can see the difference it brings in the picture with Filter On and Filter Off.

You may modify the quantity of blue light emitted from your screen using the filter, which should also be found in display settings. It is an excellent choice for folks who can’t see well in dark mode but still want to be protected from blue light.

In light mode, you may also dim your screen manually and adjust your brightness to adapt automatically according to the ambient lighting. If you don’t want to use dark mode, either choice will successfully reduce glare.

However, these anecdotes about blue light and eyes aren’t always backed up by study or professional opinion.

Conclusion

For those who spend a lot of time looking at a computer display in their offices or playing video games for hours, the dark mode may help reduce eye strain and dry eye.

However, there is no solid evidence that dark mode does anything other than lengthen your device’s battery life.

Although the dark mode is a personal choice for some, it isn’t always better for your eyes. It’s also not a replacement for more effective methods of reducing eye strain.

Giving dark mode a try will not cost you anything and will not harm your eyes.

Many phones have built-in chipsets that support a wide range of wireless technologies, including Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and FM radio.

Technology companies disabled the feature until a few years ago, typically at the request of wireless carriers who wanted users to stream music and podcasts and consume more bandwidth. A consumer-activated system like FM radio could provide a free alternative.

Let’s look at the technology that powers this functionality and see how FM radio works on a cell phone.

How Does FM Radio Work on a Cell Phone?

Your device must have an FM chip installed to play an FM signal. This chip can process incoming FM radio waves. Some Android phones currently available on the market have these chips, allowing them to receive FM radio.

Suppose your phone has an inbuilt chipset and the circuitry to link that chip to an FM antenna. In that case, you can quickly turn it into an FM radio.

All you will need is an application like TuneIn Radio or Next Radio to tune in to the signal and an antenna. Headphones or a non-wireless speaker system can also act as an antenna for the FM radio.

Is There an FM Radio Application on My Phone?

Checking the apps that came with your phone is the easiest way to see if it includes FM radio. As part of the process of getting the FM chip functional, the phone’s manufacturer may have built an application for the radio. This application is usually named FM Radio on your phone by the manufacturers.

You can load it and tune the app like a traditional radio if you have it.

Besides that, this radio application plays music without using any cellular data. As a result, the FM radio app is an excellent way to listen to music without spending money. Extremely convincing, isn’t it?!

What is the best way to listen to music without using data on a phone? Consider all the radios that have been installed in automobiles for years, long before cellular data was a thing, and you have your answer!

Some Phones Don’t Have an FM Radio

If you can’t get FM radio on your phone, it is probably because of one of these issues.

I. There is no FM chip in the phone.

You may recall that we stated before that many Android phones include an FM chip. It is due to the fact that not every tech giant includes it. Apple, for instance, has never had the option of FM radio on its phones.

II. The Phone isn’t set up to receive FM radio signals.

Even if a phone has an FM radio chip, it may still be unable to function. It might be because the phone companies failed to set up the necessary link or because the carriers refused to allow the feature to function on our phone.

Companies have been criticized for this due to the fact that radio signals for phones are a useful function. It’s thought that companies do this because it forces individuals to use cellular data, forcing them to pay for music, podcasts, and even internet radio.

Why Do I Need Headphones To Listen to FM Radio on My Phone?

It is possible that when you listen to FM radio on your phone, it will prompt you to plug in headphones. However, this isn’t a choice; if no headphones are detected, the phone will not play the radio.

Why can’t the phone simply play the FM radio through its speakers?

The lack of an antenna on the phone’s FM chip compels the use of wired headphones. As a result, it requires an additional antenna to pick up radio signals.

Your wired headphones, it turns out, can actually take up radio signals mainly because your phone must take up the signal through the cables in your headphones. It must be connected via a cable. Your Bluetooth or TWS earphones will not work with it.

What Devices Are Capable of Receiving FM Radio?

FM radios have been enabled in the chipsets of many tech giant manufacturers, including Samsung, LG, and Motorola.
Next Radio, an FM radio app, has provided a list of devices and carriers that are compatible with its software, which you can download from here.

The software is capable of detecting the FM chip once you have downloaded it to your phone.

Conclusion

Numerous new technologies have emerged in recent years. Radios with built-in antenna are now available, as well as radio channels that may be streamed over the Internet (internet radio is a very old technology, but only recently has the idea of internet radio achieved mass-market penetration).

Surprisingly, the technology required to create and transmit radio waves is relatively inexpensive. Radio transmission technology is an excellent example of cost-effectiveness. As such, while fewer and fewer phones utilize FM radio in modern times, that doesn’t mean that it’s going anywhere.

Previously, only removable batteries used to exist for mobile phones and laptops. However, non-removable batteries are now providing competition to their removable counterparts.

So, what are removable and non-removable batteries?

Removable batteries are batteries that can be taken out of a mobile/laptop while non-removable batteries are batteries integrated within the mobile/laptop that cannot be taken out.

Having to pick between these two forms of batteries can be tricky and that is just the reason why we have curated this guide below. It will get you up to speed with all the advantages and disadvantages of both so that you can pick.

Removable Battery vs. Non-Removable Battery – All that You Need to Know!

Let’s take a look at each of these batteries, weighing their pros and cons against each other to see which one is best for you.

Removable Battery

Pros

There are many upsides to having a removable battery.

The first and very important one is that in case your phone becomes waterlogged, you can simply take off the back cover, pull out your battery and let it dry before any damage is done to it.

Having a spare battery can also come in handy as in case your battery does get harmed, you can easily replace it with a new one without having to go to a repair shop.

Also, if your phone doesn’t respond or starts to lag and you are having trouble rebooting it, all you need to do is to take out the battery from your phone and it will shut down. Then, you can turn it on by long-pressing the side button.

The same is the case with your laptop – if you happen to spill something on it, take off the battery along with any other peripheral devices and let them dry to avoid any major damage.

Furthermore, if you are a frequent traveler, then a removable battery can simply be exchanged for a fresh one once it is drained.

As you may have already figured out, for most removable batteries (not all), you can change the battery of your mobile or laptop without any assistance from an IT professional.

Lastly, mobile phones and laptops with removable batteries are generally much cheaper than their non-removable counterparts.

Cons

The most significant disadvantage of a removable battery – whether it is for your mobile phone or laptop – is that it starts to deteriorate in less than two years. Of course, this applies to all Lithium-Ion batteries, regardless of whether they are removable or not.

Furthermore, not only does the removable battery steal the glamour from your mobile phone and laptop and make them look thicker but also, their compartments allow dirt to get accumulated within them. In the long run, this can prove to be detrimental to the internal components of these devices.

Also, finding a spare battery for your smartphone or laptop is not as easy as it seems. There is a good chance that you won’t be able to find an additional battery unless you have a device that is mainstream.

In addition to this, most of the modern-day laptops and mobile phones with an array of exciting features are coming into the market with non-removable, sealed batteries. As such, finding a robust device capable of satisfying your needs with a removable battery may be difficult.

Non-Removable Battery

Pros

The most standout feature of the non-removable battery both for your mobile phone and laptop is that its life expectancy is far greater than its removable counterpart. However, remember that this will vary by the kind of battery used.

For instance, according to Apple, their non-removable batteries lose only about 20% of their charge holding ability after 1,000 discharges while the users who fully charge and discharge their laptop battery once per day continue to avail the full capacity of the battery for up to 3 years.

Furthermore, mobile phones and laptops with non-removable batteries have a sleek design; the batteries are part of the inner electronics of these devices. As a result, their appearance is slimmer and more attractive.

In addition to this, if your mobile phone with a non-removable battery ever gets stolen, you will most likely be able to track your phone.

In the case of a removable battery, removing the battery would simply make it impossible to track the device.

Due to less interaction with the non-removable battery, there are also lesser chances of damage to the internal components of your laptop, especially the battery pins.

The internal components are also prevented from getting in contact with the foreign particles which can dismantle them, especially the display screen.

Moreover, the fact that the non-removable batteries can only be replaced with the original branded product of the manufacturer’s company means that their quality is maintained at all costs. (Note that you can replace them with non-branded batteries. However, that carries a lot of risk).

Better still, mobile phones and laptops with non-removable batteries generally weigh less and are more portable.

Cons

Non-removable batteries are placed in laptops and mobile phones in such a way that for a user with no or little expertise in computer electronics, it is impossible to be able to remove or switch it in case a problem arises. As such, the user has to pay the repair shop a visit or two.

Now, this is not feasible, especially if you need your mobile phone and laptop for academic or work purposes. Not only will you have to spend some cash to fix your issue, but also, a lot of your important time will waste away.

On top of that, if your smartphone’s non-removable battery gets wet, unlike in the case of the removable battery, there are chances of short circuit and permanent damage to the mobile hardware.

Also, with no external battery for back up, the use of devices with non-removable batteries is strictly limited in areas where there are no charging points.

Finally, non-removable batteries are usually costlier than removable ones.

Which Battery Should You Choose?

Whether you want a laptop/mobile phone with a removable or a non-removable battery completely depends on your budget and requirements.

If your budget is a bit tight, go with the removable battery as not only the initial cost will be lower, but you will also save yourself a lot of visits to the repair shop in the long run.

However, if you have some flexibility in your budget and you’re looking for a stylish device with cool features, then a laptop/mobile phone with a non-removable battery is your best bet.

You may be wondering whether wireless charging has some inherent advantages over wired charging. It does, but there are also advantages to using a plain old wired charger. Here, we explore some of the key differences between the two and tell you the advantages and disadvantages of both.

Wireless Charging vs Wired Charging: How do They Work?

Wired charging is quite simple. Electricity from the outlet is used to fill up the charge in the battery. That charge is then slowly depleted through use.

Wireless charging works similarly, but the method of filling up the charge is different. Instead of electricity being transferred to the battery through a port and a wife, it is transferred through electromagnetic induction.

In simpler terms, coils at the back of your phone line up with the coils in the charger to create a magnetic field that transfers electricity.

Does Wireless Charging Damage the Battery?

No, it does not. This is a common misconception in the wireless vs wired charging debate. There are other disadvantages to using a wireless charger as we discuss later, but damaging the battery is not one of them.

People often assume since peripherals are left on wireless charging pads for longer periods, the battery experiences increased stress and goes through more cycles. However, your phone’s battery isn’t being drained when charged wirelessly, debunking this myth.

There are other reasons to not consider using wireless chargers. Let’s look at some of them:

Advantages of Using Wired Charging vs Wireless Charging

There are quite a few reasons why you should not ditch your wired charger and the bag of USB cables you have lying around just yet.

Wired Charging is Faster

The biggest advantage of using a wired charger is speed. Some USB-C chargers can go right up to a 100W, allowing you to fast-charge two devices simultaneously. Remember that although there are chargers that can allow you to charge at speeds faster than 100W, you will not be allowed to take them with you on a plane. For this reason, they are not very popular.

Wireless charging is becoming faster with each passing day, but it is still a lot slower when compared vs wired charging.

Wired Charging Has Compatibility

As of now, almost every single device in the world is compatible with wired chargers. Wireless charging, on the other hand, is absent from most budget devices.

On top of that, wired charging also allows your charger to be compatible with all legacy devices. Even if you find your mp3 player from 2010 and want to listen to some of the tracks on it, all you will need is a compatible USB cable and your wired charger. If you have a wireless charger, you are almost certainly out of luck.

You Can Use Your Device When Charging with a Wire

Wireless chargers usually come in the form of a dock or a pad. As such, you need to remove your device from the charger before you use it (unless you are willing to bend your body into an unnecessarily uncomfortable position).

Wired charging does not restrict you in this manner. Want to use your device while charging? Keep it plugged in and pick it up from the table. As long as the wire’s long enough, you will have no trouble using it.

Advantages of Wireless Charging vs Wired Charging

Now, let’s look at a few ways wireless charging is better than wired charging.

Wireless Charging is Convenient

With no wires to plug in, wireless charging is extremely easy. Simply place your device on the pad and it begins to charge.

This is also great for people who forget to charge their devices and find them out of battery at the worst possible times. These people can purchase a dock, place their device on the dock when they get home and have it charge in the background.

If it is convenience that you are looking for, then you might also want to take a look at some of the solar chargers out there. These chargers are perfect for people that go on camping regularly or live in areas where the electricity is not reliable (e.g. an area frequented by storms).

Wireless Charging is Safer

Wireless charging is safer in two main ways. First, it is impossible to damage your device due to a power surge. The magnetic field that is created due to the coils is only able to carry a specific amount of power in it, thus making sure that your device is protected from subpar electrical equipment.

Secondly, since you are not using a port, you cannot damage it. If your phone only has wired charging and you end up damaging the port, then you will have to get it repaired or replace your phone. Phone repairs are expensive, especially if you want to get yours repaired from the manufacturer. Wireless charging can prevent this from happening.

Wireless Charging Requires Less Maintenance

A good quality wireless charger is often able to charge multiple devices. As long as you only purchase devices that have the option of utilizing wireless charging, you will be able to use the same charger to charge multiple devices.

On top of that, since there are no cables, there is no way for you to damage them. Cables often stop working after some time due to wear and tear from normal use. This requires replacement that can be expensive (especially if you use fast-charging cables).

Although the cost of a decent wireless charger vs wired chargers is greater initially, the running cost may be much lower.

Currently, there are no clear answers in the wireless vs wired charging debate. It seems likely that wireless charging will eventually replace wired charging completely. However, there are advantages and disadvantages to both. As such, what you use should depend on what you value most: Practically and speed (wired) or convenience and safety (wireless).

Let’s look at each USB standard on its own first and understand what these names mean. The USB standard itself was released in 1996, and we have so far seen three generations of this standard: USB 1.0, USB 2.0, and USB 3.0. USB 1.0 is more or less obsolete at this point, so the latter two are commonly used in modern electric devices.

USB 2.0

This came out in the year 2000 and is quite often called the High-Speed USB. USB 2.0 was the most common USB standard for years. However, many high-end motherboards are now replacing it with USB 3.0.

USB 3.0

This USB standard came out in 2008 and has slowly been taking over USB 2.0 as the most popular USB standard. Much of its popularity can be attributed to the improvements it makes over USB 2.0.

USB 3.0 vs 2.0

Now we will explore the differences between both standards.

USB 2.0 vs 3.0: Physical Differences

It is not difficult to tell both standards apart because their physical appearance is more or less similar. The connectors for USB 2.0 are either white or black on the inside, while those for USB 3.0 are usually blue inside.

Apart from color difference, the only other noticeable one is the number of wire connections – USB 2.0 has 4 connector wires in total and also supports half-duplex communication. In contrast, USB 3.0 has 9 connector wires in total and the addition of five extra wires gives it increased bandwidth and allows simultaneous two-way communications.

USB 2.0 vs 3.0: Speed

In terms of speed, USB 3.0 is much, much faster. While USB 2.0 has a transfer speed of merely 480 megabits per second, USB 3.0 has a much higher transfer speed of 4,800 megabits per second. In other words, USB 3.0 is about 10 times as fast as USB 2.0. The latest USB 3.1 is much faster than these two – it has a transfer speed of 10,000 megabits per second.

USB 2.0 vs 3.0: Charging

Charging speed depends on how much power a USB standard can deliver, as well as how efficient its power management is. In short, USB 3.0 provides much more efficient power management than USB 2.0 and delivers increased power.

While USB 2.0 can provide power up to 500 mA, USB 3.0 can go up to 900 mA, which thus results in higher power delivery. This means that when it comes to USB 2.0 vs 3.0 charging, devices that use USB 3.0 will charge much faster, and USB 3.0 ports will be able to support higher power-consuming devices.

Power management is better in USB 3.0 because these devices can provide more power when it is needed, and conserve it when a device is connected but idle. This is far more advanced power management than that provided by USB 2.0 devices.

USB 2.0 vs 3.0: Backwards Compatibility

Backward compatibility can be important for users that own a large number of devices that could have differing USB ports. The good news is that all USB 3.0 ports are backward compatible, meaning that if you connect a USB 2.0 device to a USB 3.0 port, it will work fine. So you can easily use USB hubs for your devices no matter if they are USB 2.0 or 3.0.

USB 3.0 devices themselves are also backward compatible, which means that if you plug a USB 3.0 device into a USB 2.0 port, it will still be read. The problem, however, is that it will be read at the speed of the USB 2.0 port – you will not be able to take full advantage of the high speeds offered by your USB 3.0 device.

In Conclusion: Which is better?

After having looked at USB 2.0 vs 3.0 in from different aspects, it becomes quite obvious that USB 3.0 is superior (and USB 3.1 is even better) – not only does it offer higher speeds and better power management, it is also backward compatible. The only disadvantage that USB 3.0 has is that it is a bit more expensive than USB 2.0.

What is AirPlay?

AirPlay debuting originally as AirTunes in 2004. AirPlay is a wireless protocol, owned and designed by Apple, which allows you to transmit audio and video signals from one Apple device to another, although some other devices now are AirPlay-enabled as well. Essentially, AirPlay allows you to stream content ranging from photos and music to screen sharing while allowing every type of content to retain its metadata.

For instance, you can cast a video from your iPhone to your TV if you want to watch it on a larger screen. You can also stream from an iPad, iPod touch, or MacBook. If you want to stream from a Windows PC, you do that through iTunes. You just need to make sure that your device has a relatively recent operating system.

The general requirements are as such. For an iPhone, it needs to be 3GS or a later model, you can use iPod Touch only for iPods, and for computers, you need to have iTunes 10.2 or later. All of these devices must have iOS 4.2 or higher. For the devices that you will be streaming to, you can use Apple TV or AirPort Express. You can also use any other speakers or consoles that are AirPlay-enabled. Lastly, remember that AirPlay needs Wi-Fi as it uses your local network.

What is Airplay 2?

AirPlay has a successor has well – the latest version called AirPlay 2 – which allows you to stream audio to multiple rooms at the same time, or just one of these rooms; you can decide which. It also allows you to pair speakers.

AirPlay 2 vs Bluetooth

Bluetooth is what usually comes to most people’s minds when it comes to listening to music wirelessly. And why not? After all, Bluetooth is built into almost every smartphone on Earth, as well as a large number of tablets, PCs and, laptops. But get this, AirPlay 2 actually does a lot more than Bluetooth. The differences are subtle though, and once you learn how to use AirPlay and AirPlay 2, you’ll understand.

How to Use Airplay

Whether you use AirPlay via a Mac or an iPhone, the process is more or less similar, so we’re going to look at it in terms of the different situations in which you could use AirPlay – after all, streaming audio and video sounds pretty vague on its own.

Here are some things you could do with AirPlay: watch Netflix by using the app on your phone and streaming it to you Apple TV using AirPlay, or watch YouTube with better sound by again streaming from the app on your phone to an Apple TV that gives you a more immersive experience. You can use AirPlay 2 when you’re with friends – stream content directly to a larger TV instead of having a bunch of people huddle around a laptop screen, or if you’re having a party you can hook up every room with music using AirPlay 2 and the Spotify or Apple Music app on your phone; given that you have wireless speakers in every room.

Now let’s look at the instructions for these examples specifically.

Streaming From Your iPhone to your Apple TV

This is simple enough. Just swipe up to the iOS Control Center on your phone and tap the Screen Mirroring icon. The window that pops up will let choose your target, which is your Apple TV in this case. That’s pretty much it; your iPhone’s screen will now be displayed on your TV. You can turn your phone sideways to change the vertical orientation displayed on your TV and vice versa.

Streaming Music to a Wireless Speaker

You can try this using the Apple Music app or, again, another one like Spotify. Once you’ve picked a song or album to play, you can tap the AirPlay Audio icon that appears on the Now Playing screen. Next, pick your speakers as the target audio device and hit the play button. The AirPlay Audio icon will show you which room you’re connected to. You can adjust any setting you want by going to the AirPlay icon in the Control Center.

Streaming Audio to Speakers While Watching YouTube on your iPhone

You can keep watching videos on your handheld device and only stream the audio from them to external wireless speakers – this will create a more immersive experience. Once you have the YouTube app open and have picked a video to play, you can tap the AirPlay Video icon that appears in the bottom right corner of the video window, and choose your speaker or speakers as the target audio device. You can again change or adjust settings for this from the Control Center.

Streaming Audio from an Apple TV to Wireless Speakers

This category is different from the others because here, you can use an Apple TV or an Apple TV 4K as a sender for AirPlay instead of as a receiver, although this only works for audio. You’ll be using AirPlay 2 for this most likely, so it’s best to have some AirPlay 2 compatible speakers like Apple’s HomePod. Once you’ve selected the movie or show you want to watch, swipe down on your Apple TV remote and select Audio. You can now select the speaker or speakers that you want to stream the audio to.