News Archives | KnowTechie https://knowtechie.com/tag/news/ Daily Tech News for the Non-Techie Wed, 28 Dec 2022 01:47:56 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.1.1 https://knowtechie.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/cropped-LOGO-ICON-KNOW-TECHIE-FINAL01-01-COLOR-32x32.png News Archives | KnowTechie https://knowtechie.com/tag/news/ 32 32 This mesh office chair is down from its usual $300 to just $167 https://knowtechie.com/this-mesh-office-chair-is-down-from-its-usual-300-to-just-167/ Wed, 28 Dec 2022 01:47:47 +0000 https://knowtechie.com/?p=265196 Say goodbye to uncomfortable seats and hello to ergonomic luxury with this must-have office accessory.

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If you’re working from home and spending long hours at your desk, it’s time to say goodbye to that old, outdated, crusty office chair.

Which is where the SIHOO ergonomic chair comes in.

Right now, you can get one in black for $186, down from its usual $290. They also have one in gray selling for $167, down from $189.

  • SIHOO Ergonomic Mesh Office Chair (Black)

    Normally $290, get the SIHOO chair in Black for $186. Clip the $90 on-site coupon and enter promo code 8HCHKZM3 at checkout

  • SIHOO Ergonomic Mesh Office Chair (Gray)

    Usually $189, get the Gray option for just $167. Clip the $90 on-site coupon and enter promo code 8HCHKZM3 at checkout

To get it, clip the $90 on-site coupon and enter promo code 8HCHKZM3 at checkout. The company tells us this is a limited-time offer and expires on December 30.

This ergonomic mesh chair features an adjustable headrest that lets you easily tilt your neck back and an adjustable lumbar support bracket that can be adjusted to any body type.

The 3D adjustable armrests are perfect for different office uses, and the backrest adjusts from a straight 90° to a reclined 126°.

This chair is perfect for any office setting – feeling like a boss has never been so easy – or comfortable.

The SIHOO chair also comes with a 10cm lift that allows you to switch easily between sitting and standing positions.

office chair on purple background
Image: KnowTechie

On top of that, its 3D handrail allows 360° of freedom to rotate freely and stretch out in any direction – even if you’re working in the corner of your basement.

For $167, you really can’t go wrong. This chair is the ultimate addition to any office setting and will have you feeling like the true king or queen of the workspace in no time.

Just remember that December is the cutoff date for discounts. After that, the price goes back up. Clip the $90 on-site coupon and use promo 8HCHKZM3 code to get your discount.

Say goodbye to uncomfortable seats and hello to ergonomic luxury with this must-have office accessory. Trust us, your body (and your colleagues) will thank you.

  • SIHOO Ergonomic Mesh Office Chair (Black)

    Normally $290, get the SIHOO chair in Black for $186. Clip the $90 on-site coupon and enter promo code 8HCHKZM3 at checkout

  • SIHOO Ergonomic Mesh Office Chair (Gray)

    Usually $189, get the Gray option for just $167. Clip the $90 on-site coupon and enter promo code 8HCHKZM3 at checkout


Editors’ Recommendations:

Just a heads up, if you buy something through our links, we may get a small share of the sale. It’s one of the ways we keep the lights on here. Click here for more.

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post. However, our opinions, reviews, and other editorial content are not influenced by the sponsorship and remain objective.

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How to turn on Google Chrome’s secret Reader Mode https://knowtechie.com/how-to-enable-google-chrome-reader-mode/ Tue, 27 Dec 2022 20:22:00 +0000 https://knowtechie.com/?p=185077 Prefer a more simplified look when browsing the web? Here's how to enable Reader Mode on Google Chrome.

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On the surface, Google Chrome doesn’t appear to have a Reader Mode. But if you dig in, you’ll find that the feature does exist within Chrome’s features.

Reader Mode displays pages in a simplified view for easy reading. The tool works best with articles and other similar content, providing a more digestible format.

Why Google feels the need to bury the feature is unclear. But locating the appropriate settings is straightforward once you know where to look. Here’s how to enable Google Chrome reader mode.

Enable Google Chrome’s hidden reader mode on desktop

google chrome reader mode main
Image: KnowTechie

If you prefer to read news and articles in a more simplified format, here’s how to enable Reader Mode in Chrome on desktop:

  1. Launch Google Chrome and type chrome://flags in the address barchrome flags address

  2. Type Reader Mode in the flags search boxsearch reader mode chrome flags

  3. Click the dropdown that says Default and switch to Enabledenable reader mode chrome

  4. Click the Relaunch button at the bottom of the page to relaunch Chrome with reader mode enabledrelaunch google chrome for flags

READ MORE: How to stop Chrome from saving history on Windows and Mac

Whenever Reader Mode is available, the icon will appear on the right of the address bar (shown above). All you need to do is click the button, and the page will transform for easy reading.

Enable Google Chrome’s hidden reader mode on mobile

viewing simplified pages on chrome app
Image: KnowTechie

READ MORE: How to view and edit saved passwords in Google Chrome

For those of us who prefer to digest content through our smartphones, here’s how to enable Reader Mode in the Chrome mobile app:

  1. Launch Google Chrome and tap the More menu
browser mobile app
Image: KnowTechie
  1. Go to Settings > Accessibility
accessibility settings on browser
Image: KnowTechie
  1. Tick Simplified view for web pages
chrome reader mode on app
Image: KnowTechie

Whenever you visit a compatible page, a prompt will appear asking if you want to switch to a simplified view (shown above). Tapping View when prompted activates the feature.

Why does Google hide its Reader Mode in Chrome?

Locating Reader Mode on most popular browsers doesn’t involve an epic quest into the settings. For some reason, however, Google has decided to hide the feature.

Why? Because sometimes epic settings quests are fun. But once you know where to find it, Chrome’s Reader Mode lets you see a more simplified version of a webpage.

And with easy prompts on both desktop and mobile versions of Chrome, Reader Mode is easy to use after its initial setup.

Have any thoughts on this? Let us know down below in the comments or carry the discussion over to our Twitter or Facebook.

Editors’ Recommendations:

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How to split Xfinity Wi-Fi into 2.4GHz & 5GHz bands https://knowtechie.com/how-to-split-xfinity-wifi-router-into-2-4ghz-5ghz/ Tue, 27 Dec 2022 17:57:00 +0000 https://knowtechie.com/?p=263953 Modern Xfinity routers allow you to split Wi-Fi bands into 2.4GHz and 5GHz. We'll walk you through the process step-by-step.

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Modern Xfinity routers allow you to split the Wi-Fi into two bands: 2.4GHz and 5GHz. Each band offers different capabilities and tradeoffs.

The 2.4GHz band is older and has a better range. It can easily penetrate through walls and other obstacles.

The tradeoff? It faces interference from other devices that might use the same frequency. That includes microwaves, cordless phones, Bluetooth devices, and even your neighbor’s Wi-Fi network.

Having a separate 5GHz band can help reduce or eliminate this type of interference. Plus, high bandwidth devices like consoles and streaming media players benefit from the higher speeds that 5GHz bands offer.

Now that you know the difference between 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands, let’s look at how to split your Xfinity Wi-Fi into two networks. The process is easy and only takes a few minutes to complete.

How to split 2.4GHz and 5GHz networks on an Xfinity router

To create separate channels on your Xfinity router, follow our step-by-step guide below:

  1. Download and open the Xfinity app on Android or iOScomcast xfinity app

  2. Select the Connect icon from the bottom barxfinity app

  3. Tap Wi-Fi Networkswi-fi network option

  4. Next, tap on the edit (pencil) icon in the top-right cornerxfinity edit icon

  5. Tick the box beside Use different names and passwords for 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz Wi-Fixfinity app on iphone

  6. Here you can update Wi-Fi names, passwords, and security protocols – Tap Apply Changes to confirmxfinity wifi settings menu

  7. Finally, power cycle your Xfinity router by unplugging it for 20-30 seconds and restarting it

That’s it, you have now successfully created separate networks for both the bands on your Xfinity Router.

Remember, not all devices support the 5GHz frequency, so it might not appear in the list of available networks on some devices.

Most devices these days support band steering technology which automatically detects the best band for the device and connects to it.

Split your Xfinity Wi-Fi

By splitting your dual-band Xfinity Wi-Fi router into two networks with separate bands, you can take full advantage of the 5GHz band by using it for streaming, gaming, or other high-bandwidth activities.

On the other hand, the 2.4GHz band can be used for general internet usage, like web browsing and checking email. This will help avoid interference and improve your devices’ speeds and performance.

Have any thoughts on this? Carry the discussion over to our Twitter or Facebook.

Editors’ Recommendations:

Just a heads up, if you buy something through our links, we may get a small share of the sale. It’s one of the ways we keep the lights on here. Click here for more.

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What is Elon Musk’s net worth? https://knowtechie.com/what-is-elon-musks-net-worth/ Tue, 27 Dec 2022 17:18:00 +0000 https://knowtechie.com/?p=199432 The answer isn't as clear as you'd expect.

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Quick Answer: Elon Musk’s net worth is estimated to be around $140 billion in December 2022. The figure comprises his investments in Tesla, SpaceX, Twitter, and The Boring Company.

Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla, SpaceX, Twitter, and The Boring Co., is routinely near the top of the Forbes billionaire list. That makes his net worth hundreds of billions of dollars, but is that the whole story?

For background, he almost went bankrupt in 2008, with Tesla’s balance sheets looking terrible and SpaceX having difficulty launching its Falcon1 rockets.

That misfortune changed after a series of big business moves.

NASA decided that SpaceX was exactly what it needed to take supplies into space, and Tesla had a successful initial public offering.

So, crisis averted, but how high is Musk’s net worth nowadays?

So, what is Elon Musk’s net worth?

Short answer: $140 billion

At the end of 2020, Elon Musk had a net worth of $24.6 billion. Tesla’s stock skyrocketed, making his net worth closer to $170 billion a year later.

With the help of Tesla stock, Musk’s net worth peaked at around $320 million in November of 2021. But 2022 hasn’t been as great for Elon’s net worth.

tesla badge on rear of model 3
Image: Kevin Raposo / KnowTechie

As of December 2023, Elon Musk’s net worth is around $140 billion, according to Forbes’ real-time net worth tracker.

READ MORE: How old is Elon Musk?

As Bloomberg notes, Musk’s net worth has decreased by more than $130 billion, or around 48%, in the last year.

Much of that decrease is due to Tesla’s falling stock prices. Musk owns an estimated 25% of Tesla, and he uses many of his stocks as collateral for loans.

He also owns around 47% of SpaceX, which carries a value of about $125 billion. That adds another $50 billion or so to Musk’s net worth after adjustments.

Musk recently purchased a major stake in Twitter for $44 billion. Musk owns an estimated 79% of the company, with much of that value tied to the $44 billion purchase price.

elon musk in front of twitter icon
Image: KnowTechie

Bloomberg includes an estimated $4.6 billion liability in its net worth calculation tied to the Twitter purchase.

That, along with the alleged $17.8 billion cash used in the purchase, technically brings Musk’s net worth down, but that could change as Twitter’s value fluctuates.

As a note, net worth estimates like this are nothing more than estimates. The exact numbers for Elon Musk’s net worth are unknown. These figures are gathered from public information to estimate the number.

Have any thoughts on this? Carry the discussion over to our Twitter or Facebook.

Editors’ Recommendations:

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How to organize your Gmail inbox with folders and labels https://knowtechie.com/how-to-organize-your-gmail-inbox-with-folders-and-labels/ Tue, 27 Dec 2022 15:54:16 +0000 https://knowtechie.com/?p=259500 Gmail users can improve their experience by organizing their inbox with folders and labels. Here's how.

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If you’re an avid Gmail user, you may have experienced moments of inbox overload. When you’ve got messages flying in from all directions, organizing your inbox can help.

Luckily, Gmail offers a useful labeling system you can use to maintain some level of order.

So, what’s a label? It’s basically a folder for your emails. If you’re super serious about organization, you can even automate the labeling process via filtering.

Are you ready to restore order to the chaos of your inbox? Let’s discuss how to create, apply, and automate labels in Gmail

How to create a folder or label in Gmail (web app)

You can create a label, which acts like a folder, in the Gmail web app by following these steps:

  1. Click the Settings icon in the top right corner and select See all settingsGmail all settings screen

  2. Select the Labels tabGmail lables settings

  3. Scroll down to the Labels section and click Create new labelGmal labels screen

  4. Name your label and click Create. If appropriate, you can choose to nest your new label under a parent label that already existsGmail new label name screen

Your new label should now be available for use in your mailboxes.

If you need to modify your label at any time, you can click the remove or edit buttons in the label settings, depending on the action you want to take.

How to create a folder or label in Gmail (mobile app)

If you’re using the Gmail mobile app for iOS, you can create a label by following these steps:

  1. Tap the More (hamburger) button
iPhone hamburger settings tab in Gmail app
Image: KnowTechie
  1. Scroll down to the Labels section and tap Create new
Create new tab iPhone in Gmail
Image: KnowTechie
  1. Name your label and tap Done
Type name for label and click done in Gmail in iPhone
Image: KnowTechie

If you need to edit or delete a label on your iOS device, you can do so within Settings (accessible from the Hamburger menu).

From here, you’ll need to go to Inbox customizations Inbox customizations Labels and select the label you want to modify.

Unfortunately, Gmail for Android doesn’t allow you to create labels, so you’ll need to use the web app or an iOS device to do the job.

How to label emails in Gmail (web app)

If you’ve already got some labels ready to go, you can label emails in the Gmail web app by following these steps:

  1. Select an email and click the Labels icon
Gmail web email select email screen
Image: KnowTechie
  1. Tick the label you want to use and click Apply
Gmail web email apply label screen
Image: KnowTechie

From the labels menu, you’ll also see Create new and Manage labels options, granting you quick and easy access to key settings.

How to label emails in Gmail (mobile app)

You can apply pre-created labels to emails in the Gmail mobile app by following these steps:

  1. On Android, long-press an email to select it. On iOS, tap the sender’s profile picture. If necessary, you can select multiple messages
Gmail Android select email screen
Image: KnowTechie
  1. Tap the More (three dots) button in the top right corner and select Change labels
Gmail Android more menu
Image: KnowTechie
  1. Select one or more labels and tap OK (Android) or Apply (iOS)
Gmail Android labels click ok
Image: KnowTechie

Alternatively, you can open a singular email and follow the same process if you don’t want to work from your inbox.

How to automatically apply labels in Gmail

When it comes to productivity, automation is key. If you don’t want to manually slap a label on every message, you can organize Gmail by using a filter to do the work for you.

Here’s how to automatically label emails in the Gmail web app:

  1. Click the Show search options button in the search bar
Gmail web inbox with arrow pointing to settings in search bar
Image: KnowTechie
  1. Enter the appropriate variables and click Create filter
Gmail web filter variables screen with arrow pointing to create filter
Image: KnowTechie
  1. Tick Apply the label, choose the appropriate label, and click Create filter
Gmail web create filter screen with arrow pointing to create filter
Image: KnowTechie

You can edit or delete your filters by going to Settings See all settings Filters and Blocked Addresses.

Benefits of organizing Gmail

Call them labels, folders, or something else entirely—anything that brings order to an over-stuffed inbox is worth exploring.

As they say, an uncluttered inbox leads to an uncluttered mind. If they don’t actually say that, they should start now. Because only by organizing your Gmail inbox can you know true inner peace.

Have any thoughts on this? Carry the discussion over to our Twitter or Facebook.

Editors’ Recommendations:

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YouTube is now the home of NFL Sunday Ticket https://knowtechie.com/youtube-nfl-sunday-ticket/ Tue, 27 Dec 2022 15:25:00 +0000 https://knowtechie.com/?p=264179 YouTube and the NFL have reached an agreement.

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UPDATE 12/27/22 10:20 AM EST: The NFL has reached a deal with YouTube to bring NFL Sunday Ticket to YouTube TV and YouTube Primetime Channels. The partnership begins in 2023 as an add-on for YouTube TV and a standalone a-la-carte package on YouTube Primetime Channels. The original report follows below.

YouTube is leading the race to snatch exclusive rights for the National Football League’s NFL Sunday Ticket package.

A recent report from The Wall Street Journal claims that the streaming giant is in “advanced talks” with the company for the rights. The two companies could reach an agreement any day now.

The exact terms of the deal are still unknown. For the past 25+ years, DirecTV has owned the exclusive rights for NFL Sunday Ticket.

In contrast, the satellite TV service reportedly pays around $1.5 billion annually for the rights.

Apple and Amazon were also recently linked in talks with the National Football League to stream the NFL Sunday Ticket.

However, Apple recently pulled out of the deal, claiming it doesn’t “see the logic” in Sunday Ticket’s $3.5 billion price tag.

We haven’t heard much from Amazon about a potential deal, but the recent WSJ report suggests that YouTube will end up striking a deal.

NFL Sunday Ticket is the NFL’s yearly subscription service to unlock many weekly games. It lets viewers watch all out-of-market Sunday football games throughout the NFL season.

NFL sunday ticket logo on kt background
Image: NFL

The service has been in the hands of DirecTV since it launched in 1994. But it will move to a streaming service for the 2023 season.

This represents a major shift from sports leagues to focus more on streaming platforms as consumers continue to “cut the cord.”

Amazon has a deal with the NFL for Thursday Night Football. Additionally, Apple recently signed a deal to bring all Major League Soccer games to Apple TV.

We expect more sports leagues will strike similar deals in the near future, and YouTube TV could end up the home for more than just NFL Sunday Ticket soon.

Have any thoughts on this? Carry the discussion over to our Twitter or Facebook.

Editors’ Recommendations:

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Elon Musk says tweet view counts will soon be optional https://knowtechie.com/elon-musk-says-tweet-view-counts-will-soon-be-optional/ Tue, 27 Dec 2022 14:28:39 +0000 https://knowtechie.com/?p=265050 You'll be able to hide the metric if you don't like the way it looks.

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Twitter CEO Elon Musk says the new view count feature on tweets will soon be optional as some users find it messy and unnecessary.

Musk replied to a tweet from a user complaining about the new view count feature. The user said that tweets have become “too messy” with the new metric shoved at the bottom of a tweet.

Musk said that the company plans to clean up the look of tweets with the new view count. He also says that, eventually, users can turn off view counts.

Musk and the engineering team at Twitter recently added the view count feature to tweets. Musk shared plans for the feature on December 22, and most users began seeing view counts shortly after.

A feature traditionally kept for video only, view count shows a user how many times other users have seen their tweets. It shows up at the bottom of a tweet, to the left of the retweets and likes.

twitter view count example elon musk tweet
Image: KnowTechie

Many users are upset with the feature, saying it’s unnecessary and doesn’t fit well in its current iteration.

But it’s hard to argue against the usefulness of the new view count as a metric to measure reach.

It shows how many people have seen the tweet, giving users great insight into what kind of content gains the most traction.

It has become common at Twitter for Musk to launch new features with little to no discussion first. He then gauges user interest in that feature before deciding whether or not to keep the new feature as it is.

We saw this with the launch of paid verification through Twitter Blue and the uproar that came after.

It will be interesting to see what view counts look like after Musk and the Twitter team have time to modify and adjust the new feature.

Have any thoughts on this? Carry the discussion over to our Twitter or Facebook.

Editors’ Recommendations:

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Netflix not working on Xfinity: 3 easy fixes https://knowtechie.com/netflix-not-working-on-xfinity-easy-fixes/ Tue, 27 Dec 2022 13:42:00 +0000 https://knowtechie.com/?p=263969 Xfinity owners with Netflix may run into issues with streaming. We'll break down your three best options to fix Netflix here.

The post Netflix not working on Xfinity: 3 easy fixes appeared first on KnowTechie.

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Quick Answer: If Netflix is not working on Xfinity, you can reset the Xfinity TV box, perform a system refresh, or clear the Netflix app cache. We’ll break down each option below.

Many Comcast Xfinity customers use Netflix with their Xfinity subscription, and the latest set-top boxes have the streaming app preinstalled.

The service works great for those who don’t have a compatible TV. However, some users report that they cannot use Netflix on their Xfinity set-top boxes.

According to those affected, every time they try to launch the Netflix app on their Comcast Xfinity set-top box, it either doesn’t load or gets stuck on the loading screen. Sometimes the app even crashes.

If you’re also encountering this problem, don’t worry, as there are a few things you can do to fix it.

Fix 1: Soft reset Xfinity TV box

Power cycling is a simple yet effective trick to fix many issues with electronic devices, especially software glitches.

To soft reset your Comcast Xfinity set-top box, follow the steps below:

  1. Unplug the power cord of your Comcast set-top box from the power outlet
Comcast set-top box showing on the purple background
Image: KnowTechie
  1. Wait 1-3 minutes
  2. Plug the power cord back into the power outlet

On new Flex & X1 boxes, you can restart using the remote too:

  1. Press the ‘A’ button on the remote to open the Help menu
Flex & X1 boxes remote showing on the background
Image: KnowTechie
  1. Under Troubleshooting, select Restart
Showing instructions on tv screen for restarting the comcast setup box
Image: KnowTechie
  1. Select Restart to confirm
Select Restart using comcast remote to confirm on comcast setup box
Image: KnowTechie

Fix 2: Perform system refresh

On the new Xfinity Flex Boxes, a system refresh option helps you deal with Netflix crashing. Here is how you can use it:

  1. Navigate to the Netflix app using the Flex remote
Navigate to the Netflix app using the Flex remote to perform system refresh
Image: KnowTechie
  1. Press the ‘A’ button as the selection hover over the Netflix icon
comcast setup top box remote showing on the background
Image: KnowTechie
  1. Select System Refresh
select system refresh on the tv screen
Image: KnowTechie
  1. Wait 10-15 minutes
  2. Start the Netflix app and see if it works

If this doesn’t work, continue on below to learn how to clear the Netflix app cache.

Fix 3: Clear Netflix app cache

Netflix app stores some data and files on your Comcast Xfinity set-top box to load content faster. But sometimes, this cached data might get corrupted and cause the app to crash or not work properly.

In this case, you can try clearing the Netflix app cache to see if it fixes the problem. Here’s how:

  1. Press the Xfinity Button or Home Button on the remote
Press the Xfinity Button or Home Button on the remote.
Image: KnowTechie
  1. Select the gear icon on the screen to open Settings
Select the gear icon on the screen to open settings on comcast tv box
Image: KnowTechie
  1. Select Privacy
  2. Navigate to the locally stored data option
  3. Now clear locally stored data
Now clear locally stored data to clear netflix app cache
Image: KnowTechie

A confirmation message will appear on your screen. You will be signed out of the Netflix app and will need to sign in again.

Wrapping up

These three options are your main ways to fix issues with Netflix on Xfinity. If the issue persists, you should contact customer support from both Comcast and Netflix.

Have any thoughts on this? Carry the discussion over to our Twitter or Facebook.

Editors’ Recommendations:

Just a heads up, if you buy something through our links, we may get a small share of the sale. It’s but one of the ways we keep the lights on here. Click here for more.

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BLUETTI’s users always get more than power for their off-grid lives https://knowtechie.com/bluettis-users-always-get-more-than-power-for-their-off-grid-lives/ Mon, 26 Dec 2022 17:02:22 +0000 https://knowtechie.com/?p=264945 BLUETTI always takes its users seriously and strives to improve their experience by offering premium products and thoughtful services.

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Disclosure: This is a sponsored post. However, our opinions, reviews, and other editorial content are not influenced by the sponsorship and remain objective.

BLUETTI’s “Share Your Story” campaign is in full swing. It begins on December 15, 2022, and will end on January 15, 2023.

All participants can win free solar generators, solar panels, outdoor gear, coupons, and BLUETTI Bucks, which can now be used to redeem BLUETTI Lifestyle products.

Share Your Story with BLUETTI

“We’d love to hear from our users, and want to know how our products can make some difference in their lives. Meanwhile, by sharing stories, our global users can be inspired by each other, and unlock more scenarios ”, James Ray explained the motive of this online activity.

All users can participate with a short YouTube video telling their special moments with BLUETTI products.

It only takes two steps to join, firstly make and post a short video centered around experiences with BLUETTI products on YouTube with #BLUETTIstory for its title.

Then, submit the video link on the BULUETTI website. Then, wait for the winner announcement by email and get rewards. 

Bluetti story contest image with a family outdoors
Image: bluetti

Whether it’s a clip from a camping trip, a wilderness expedition, a garden party, or happy family time during a power outage – as long as the story is related to BLUETTI power backup.

Lucky winners will earn a chance to win free solar generators, hand-picked gifts, coupons, and more.

Prizes at a glance: Cash US$100, EB3A, PV120, EB55, BLUETTI T-shirt, BLUETTI Hoodie, BLUETTI mini-fridge, BLUETTI Cap, Coupon US$50, BLUETTI Bucks 3000.

Know more contest details, please click https://www.BLUETTIpower.com/pages/share-your-story 

Since the prizes are quantity-unlimited, every great work may be the next winner of an EB3A.

bluetti power station in home
Image: KnowTechie

Bucks for BLUETTI Lifestyle Products

BLUETTI recently added a BLUETTI Lifestyle section to its website homepage to strengthen its connection with its users and show appreciation for their support and likes. 

For every dollar spent at the BLUETTI official store or other third-party platforms, a BLUETTI Buck is deposited into a user’s account.

Nothing lasts forever, and neither do BLUETTI Bucks. They will expire after 12 months from the day they were earned.

Typically, buyers use the Bucks to offset their next order after redeeming them for coupons or gift cards.

However, during the validity period, those not in demand will see their Bucks wasted.

To make up for this, BLUETTI Bucks are now redeemable for many useful BLUETTI Lifestyle products, including but not limited to the following:  

Outdoor gears 

bluetti outdoors powerstation outside
Image: Bluetti

BLUETTI mini fridge 4999 bucks: 4-liter, it can cool or heat six 12-oz cans and has a movable shelf for separate storage. Two ways to charge: by home outlet or car.

BLUETTI tableware set 4999 bucks: Includes a cooking pot, a frying pan, a teapot, a spoon, a knife, a fork, a lock, and two cups.

Made of hard alumina, they are solid, lightweight, and essential for outdoor activities.

BLUETTI handheld vacuum 5499 bucks: Bottle-shaped, portable, easy-to-use, and has strong suction. It sucks out crumbs or pet hair from hard-to-reach areas between cushions or dirt from under car seats.

BLUETTI camping lantern 1999 bucks: Rechargeable, portable, waterproof, and hangable with a carabiner. It has 3 brightness modes: daylight, warm light, and SOS flash. 

BLUETTI phone tripod 2499 bucks: Scalable, aluminum-alloy-made, portable one-piece design, Bluetooth remote control. It can rotate freely to allow horizontal or vertical camera mode on Android or iOS phones.

BLUETTI power strip 1999 bucks: 3 grounded outlets and 3 USB ports, multiple safety protection features for multiple device charging.

BLUETTI multimeter 1999 bucks: Safe and accurate for professional electrical testing or home use.

BLUETTI brand apparel and other useful gadgets

BLUETTI Hoodie for 3999 bucks, T-shirt for 1499, the cap for 699 bucks, the same amount needed by stickers, key chain.

For more details, check https://www.BLUETTIpower.com/collections/BLUETTI-lifestyle

BLUETTI always takes its users seriously and strives to improve their experience by offering premium products and thoughtful services.

About BLUETTI

With over 10 years of industry experience, BLUETTI has tried to stay true to a sustainable future through green energy storage solutions for indoor and outdoor use while delivering an exceptional eco-friendly experience for everyone and the world.
BLUETTI is making its presence in 70+ countries and is trusted by millions of customers across the globe. For more information, please visit BLUETTI online at https://www.BLUETTIpower.com/

Have any thoughts on this? Carry the discussion over to our Twitter or Facebook.

Editors’ Recommendations:

Just a heads up, if you buy something through our links, we may get a small share of the sale. It’s one of the ways we keep the lights on here. Click here for more.

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post. However, our opinions, reviews, and other editorial content are not influenced by the sponsorship and remain objective.

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Does the Meta Quest 2 require a PC? https://knowtechie.com/does-the-oculus-quest-2-require-a-pc/ Mon, 26 Dec 2022 16:05:37 +0000 https://knowtechie.com/?p=178134 Or is it a standalone VR headset?

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Quick Answer: The Meta and Oculus Quest 2 is a standalone VR headset that doesn’t require a PC. This makes it a versatile and accessible option for anyone looking to get their hands on a top-notch virtual reality experience.

The Meta Quest 2 is one of Meta’s premier virtual reality headsets (not counting the Meta Quest Pro).

The versatile headset is capable of much more than gaming, and Mark Zuckerberg likely has bold plans for the headset involving the metaverse.

With Meta Quest 2, you can do all kinds of activities.

You can watch movies, browse the web, try some of the latest VR games, or even get in an intense workout with games like Beat Saber.

But can Meta’s VR headset do all that by itself, or do you need a PC to hook the headset up for these activities?

Does the Oculus or Meta Quest 2 need a PC?

Short answer: No

The Meta Quest 2 or Quest Pro does not need to be hooked up to a PC or anything else to experience what the headset offers.

It is a completely standalone device, making it a great consumer product that just about anyone can enjoy.

oculus quest 2 controllers
Image: KnowTechie

The Quest 2 comes with a Qualcomm Snapdragon XR2 System built right into it, which has 6 GB of RAM and an Adreno 650 GPU.

This combination is powerful enough to run most games.

In addition to downloading games and apps designed specifically for the Quest 2 through the Oculus Quest Store, players can sideload titles onto the device by transferring them into its storage.

Again, all these games are playable on the headset without using a PC.

READ MORE: Can I use the Oculus Quest 2 with Steam games?

But that doesn’t mean you can’t use the headset with your PC to unlock even more entertainment.

The Meta Quest 2 can wirelessly connect to your PC via Air Link or hardwire using the Quest 2 Link cable.

woman using the oculus quest vr headset with hand tracking
Image: Oculus

READ MORE: Meta’s new parental controls make Quest VR headsets safer for kids

Connecting your Meta Quest 2 headset to your PC will let you use the headset to experience some VR games that aren’t available as a standalone Meta product.

But again, this is just an extra benefit you get with the Meta Quest 2.

You can still get dozens of games and apps on the headset without extra hardware. Alternatively, you can cast Oculus Quest 2 on a TV.

Have any thoughts on this? Carry the discussion over to our Twitter or Facebook.

Editors’ Recommendations:

Just a heads up, if you buy something through our links, we may get a small share of the sale. It’s one of the ways we keep the lights on here. Click here for more.

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Can you see who looks at your Facebook profile? https://knowtechie.com/can-you-see-who-looks-at-your-facebook-profile/ Mon, 26 Dec 2022 08:01:37 +0000 https://knowtechie.com/?p=155917 Many apps claim to offer this function, but are any of them legit?

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Quick Answer: No, Facebook does not let users see who visited their profile or page. While many apps and websites claim they do, Facebook has said there is no way to check who viewed your profile.

Whenever you’re scrolling through Facebook, do you ever think about who is looking at your profile?

We can get a decent idea of some people who see our posts through likes and comments, but what about people who browse through your profile without liking or commenting?

By now, I’m sure we’ve all seen those third-party apps or websites that say they can tell you who’s looking at your profile.

facebook mobile page
Image: KnowTechie

While most of these apps and websites are obviously sketchy, it can lead you to wonder whether or not it’s possible to track the people visiting your Facebook profile.

It doesn’t seem too crazy that it could be possible.

Facebook is notorious for tracking as much of its users’ browsing activity as possible, so why wouldn’t it be possible for a third-party app to track users who click on your profile?

So, is it possible?

Can you really see who looks at your Facebook profile?

Short answer: No

Unfortunately, there’s no way to see who has been visiting your Facebook profile.

While many apps and websites claim they do this, Facebook has said there is no way to check who viewed your profile:

No, Facebook doesn’t let people track who views their profile. Third-party apps also can’t provide this functionality. If you come across an app that claims to offer this ability, please report the app.

facebook blurry background
Image: KnowTechie

Even though the social giant collects and stores all kinds of data regarding users’ social media browsing, the company does not allow any third party to use that information for tracking purposes.

This data is only used for the company’s own advertising platform, and giving third-party access to that data would be a huge privacy risk for everyone on the platform.

Have any thoughts on this? Carry the discussion over to our Twitter or Facebook.

Editors’ Recommendations:

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Can you play Steam games on the Oculus Quest 2? https://knowtechie.com/can-i-use-the-oculus-quest-2-with-steam-games/ Mon, 26 Dec 2022 06:19:00 +0000 https://knowtechie.com/?p=178998 You can connect your Oculus Quest 2 wirelessly with Air Link or wired with the Oculus Quest Link Cable.

The post Can you play Steam games on the Oculus Quest 2? appeared first on KnowTechie.

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Quick Answer: Yes, you can play Steam games using your Oculus Quest 2. Oculus’s Air Link feature lets users wirelessly tether their headset to their PC, allowing players to play games compatible with the SteamVR platform.

Meta’s Oculus Quest 2 is one of the premier consumer brand VR headsets.

With a price starting at just $399, this is the headset that will inevitably introduce a lot of people to the world of VR.

And the Quest 2 is a pretty versatile device. The base model was previously upgraded to feature a 128GB hard drive, unlike the original 64GB.

And it’s standalone, which means you don’t need to hook the headset up to any other hardware to enjoy what it offers.

meta quest 2 headset
Image: KnowTechie

Although the Oculus Quest 2 is a standalone device, it doesn’t have to be confined to its own capabilities.

What about VR games and apps on other platforms? Does the Oculus Quest 2 work with Steam?

Can you play Steam games with the Oculus Quest 2?

Short answer: Yes

Yep, you can play SteamVR games using your Oculus Quest 2. Oculus has a feature called Air Link that lets users wirelessly tether their headset to their PC.

READ MORE: Does the Oculus Quest 2 require a PC?

If you’re not into the idea of using your Oculus Quest 2 wirelessly with your computer, there’s always the option of connecting it with a wire via the Oculus Quest Link Cable or any standard USB-C cable.

That way, you can still enjoy all the same features without relying on a wireless connection

oculus quest link cable
Image: KnowTechie

How to use the Oculus Quest 2 with Steam

If you want to use your Oculus Quest 2 with Steam, first, you’ll need to install the SteamVR app on your Quest 2.

While you’re at it, install the Quest 2 desktop app on your PC if it’s not installed already.

Once installed, connect your headset to your computer using the Quest 2 Link Cable. If you’re connecting wirelessly, skip ahead.

steam vr app logo
Image: Steam

With your headset connected to your PC, launch the SteamVR app from the Quest 2 Home screen.

Launch Steam on your computer and click on the “VR” icon in the top right corner of the Steam window.
Then, follow the prompts to set up your VR headset and controllers.

Once you get your Oculus Quest 2 hooked up to your computer via Air Link or the Link Cable, you are ready to start experiencing what SteamVR offers on your Quest 2.

So whenever you’re ready, select any VR game from your Steam library and dive in.

READ MORE: Does the Oculus Quest 2 support quick charging?

Important to point out: make sure your gaming rig is up to snuff. After all, you’ll rely on your PC to run the games, not Quest 2.

So, make sure your machine has the horsepower to handle the load.

Oh, and don’t forget to have a Steam account, too – you’ll need it to access your Steam library and play VR games.

steam logo with blurred background
Image: KnowTechie

Step up your VR game: play Steam games on Oculus Quest 2

So there you have it; it is definitely possible to play Steam games on the Oculus Quest 2. All you need is the SteamVR app, a compatible PC, and a Steam account.

Just keep in mind that not all Steam games are compatible with Quest 2, so be sure to check the system requirements before you buy.

Have any thoughts on this? Carry the discussion over to our Twitter or Facebook.

Editors’ Recommendations:

Just a heads up, if you buy something through our links, we may get a small share of the sale. It’s one of the ways we keep the lights on here. Click here for more.

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Does the Oculus Quest 2 support quick charging? https://knowtechie.com/does-the-oculus-quest-2-have-quick-charging/ Mon, 26 Dec 2022 04:46:51 +0000 https://knowtechie.com/?p=178214 If your headset is dead and you want to get back to your games quicker, does the Quest 2 feature quick charging?

The post Does the Oculus Quest 2 support quick charging? appeared first on KnowTechie.

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Quick Answer: The Oculus Quest 2 supports quick charging. The included power adapter can charge the device from 0% to 100% in approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes. However, it’s unclear if Meta Quest 2 supports it.

The Oculus Quest 2 is immensely popular and could become the hardware that finally pushes VR mainstream.

Now, you might be wondering if you’ll be able to charge your headset quickly.

With upgraded specs and immersive experiences, you’ll want the battery to last so you can keep playing, right?

Quest 2 quick charging would help, so it’s easy to think that would be an option with the Oculus Quest 2 headset, right?

Well, we have some bad news.

Does the Oculus Quest 2 offer a fast charge?

Short answer: No

How long does an Oculus Quest 2 take to charge?

According to Meta and confirmed by our testing, the Oculus Quest 2 takes about 2.5 hours to fully charge from an empty battery.

READ MORE: Does the Oculus Quest 2 require a PC?

Oculus Quest 2 charger wattage

Quest 2 charger wattage runs at 5V, 2A, which works out to 10W max power charging.

A helpful Redditor on the r/OculusQuest subreddit did some testing and found the max power the Quest 2 draws is 9W.

KnowTechie also confirmed this in our testing. But, sadly, that’s far from a quick charge.

READ MORE: What’s the Oculus Quest 2’s battery life?

With Meta seemingly capping the power input, there’s no point utilizing a higher-wattage charger.

In fact, using an aftermarket Quest 2 adapter or charger might even damage your device, which is what Meta refers to in its support pages.

So there you have it, the Oculus Quest 2 does not offer any fast or quick charging. Maybe we’ll see that in the Meta Quest Pro?

READ MORE: A Quest 2 Pro VR headset might be coming later this year

Have any thoughts on this? Carry the discussion over to our Twitter or Facebook.

Editors’ Recommendations:

Just a heads up, if you buy something through our links, we may get a small share of the sale. It’s one of the ways we keep the lights on here. Click here for more.

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Can you buy a replacement controller for the Oculus Quest 2? https://knowtechie.com/get-replacement-controller-oculus-quest-2/ Mon, 26 Dec 2022 04:33:00 +0000 https://knowtechie.com/?p=177920 If you accidentally break an Oculus Quest 2 controller, can you buy another one?

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Quick Answer: Yes, replacement controllers for the Oculus Quest 2 cost $69 each, and you can buy them directly from Meta. But you might find them cheaper if you shop around.

One of the most important parts of your Oculus Quest 2 is the controllers.

They control your interactions with games, apps, and other experiences, and gesture control helps with your immersion.

You might get too immersed though, and accidentally hit or drop one of your Oculus controllers, breaking it.

If this happens, you’ll need to figure out a solution, as the controllers are a major component of the VR headset.

Here’s what to know about getting a replacement controller for your Oculus Quest 2.

So, does Oculus sell replacement controllers for the Quest 2?

Short answer: Yes

Replacement controllers for the Oculus Quest 2 cost $74.95 each; ideally, you can get them directly from Meta.

Previously, Meta’s Quest store had displayed them as out of stock for months, leaving customers frustrated and disappointed.

But here’s some good news: the stock drought is finally over.

READ MORE: How to switch from a Facebook to Meta account on Quest

Oculus Quest 2 controller replacements are back

Thankfully, The Meta Store now has both the left and right controllers in stock, with delivery dates roughly a week from ordering time.

oculus quest 2 controllers order page on purple background
Image: KnowTechie

They are also available from overcharging third-party sellers on Amazon, but we don’t recommend you do that unless it’s cheaper.

How much are Oculus controllers? Meta Quest 2 controllers normally run $79.95 a pop.

Previously, resellers were charging $200 when Meta had them out of stock, so you might as well buy a full Quest 2 headset pack for $299.

READ MORE: Where are all the Meta Quest 2 controllers?

If you get one from the Meta Quest store, you’ll want to ensure you’re on the correct ordering page for the replacement controller.

That’s because the controller that the Oculus Quest 2 uses isn’t quite the same as the one that came with the original Oculus Quest.

Don’t forget to unpair the old, broken controller (if possible) and manually pair the new replacement when it arrives.

READ MORE: Does the Oculus Quest 2 have expandable storage?

One last note, while the controller for the Oculus Quest 2 is better for battery life than the one that shipped with the Rift CV1; they’re not as robust.

The tracking ring at the top sticks out and isn’t the thickest plastic.

Maybe before you need a replacement controller, consider buying some silicone covers to cushion any inevitable knocks.

Editor’s recommendations:

Just a heads up, if you buy something through our links, we may get a small share of the sale. It’s one of the ways we keep the lights on here. Click here for more.

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Dry your hair in a flash with the lightning-fast Tensky Hair Dryer https://knowtechie.com/tenskys-high-speed-hair-dryer/ Sun, 25 Dec 2022 07:06:08 +0000 https://knowtechie.com/?p=260979 It boasts features like smart induction, a powerful high-speed brushless motor, and 200 million negative ions for smooth, frizz-free hair.

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Disclosure: This is a sponsored post. Our opinions, reviews, and other editorial content are not influenced by the sponsorship and remain objective.

Looking for a hair dryer that is fast, safe, and efficient? Then look no further than the Tensky High-Speed Hair Dryer.

This blow dryer is seriously powerful. But it’s not just about the drying – it’s also got some seriously cool features that’ll blow your mind (and your hair).

This sounds too good to be true, sure, but get ready to be impressed.

Tensky High-Speed Hairdryer
AirPods Pro (2nd Generation)

Who is this good for?

  • People in a rush who need something that can dry their hair super fast (like, in 1-5 minutes fast)
  • Anyone who wants a hair dryer with seriously impressive features, like smart induction and a high-speed brushless motor
  • Somebody who wants a high-performance hair dryer that’s also gentle on their hair and easy to use.
tensky dryer on hardwood floor
Image: KnowTechie

The Tensky High-Speed Hair Dryer is like a Swiss Army Knife for your hair and beauty needs.

Need to dry your hair? It’s got you covered. Need to dry your acrylic nails on the cold shot setting? No problem. Need to defrost some food? Yeah, it can do that too.

And if you’ve got painted nails that need drying, it has your back there, too. Basically, whatever you throw at this dryer, it can handle.

But, its standout features set this blow dryer apart from the competition. This dryer has a lot to offer, from advanced technologies to its sleek design.

Tensky High-Speed Hair Dryer
Sponsored

Tensky High-Speed Hair Dryer

KnowTechie readers can save an insane 48% by clipping the $40 on-site coupon and using promo code TENSKYH3301 at checkout.
Rating
On-Going Offer

Save time and protect your hair with the innovative Tensky Hair Dryer

man holding a hair dryer sideways
Image: KnowTechie

One of the first things you’ll notice about the Tensky High-Speed Hair Dryer is its unique, sleek, and compact design.

This palm-fitting blow dryer easily fits into any hand. 60 percent slimmer and 75 percent lighter, it can also easily fit into your handbag, unlike other bulky blow dryers. 

Aside from its aesthetics, it also has a touch-sensitive grip sensor that makes it super easy to use.

But better, that means no more fumbling for buttons or switches – just grab and go (or don’t go if you’re trying to turn it off). Simply hold it to start and drop it to stop it within seconds. 

Tensky’s High-Speed Hair Dryer offers intelligent heat control

blowdryer on hardwood floor
Image: KnowTechie

Regarding technical specs, it comes with an industry-standard 110,000 RPM high-speed brushless motor that produces wind speeds of up to 23m/s.

This is enough to dry short hair in one minute, medium hair in three minutes, and long and thick hair in five minutes max.

Experience the Benefits of Negative Ions

The Tensky High-Speed Hair Dryer also features 200 million negative ions.

This helps break down the water molecules, speed up the drying process, and leave your hair silky smooth with zero frizz.

💡 Negative ions offer various benefits to hair. They can help seal the cuticle, reduce frizz, and improve overall health and appearance. Some hair dryers, including this from Tensky, feature negative ion tech and help provide these benefits.

tensky dryer smart handle in person's hand
Image: KnowTechie

With its intelligent heat control function, filter, and 0.2mm air inlet, the Tensky High-Speed Blow Dryer helps prevents overheating or accidental burns.

On top of that, the touch-sensitive handle requires a firm grip on the dryer before it can be activated.

Tensky’s hair dryer has another neat feature. How so? It compensates for excessive heat using alternating hot and cold airstreams.

The hair dryer features four temperature modes. The modes include:

  • Alternate airflows (hot and cold from 50°F to 180°F)
  • Cold (at 50°F)
  • Warm (at 140°F)
  • Hot (at 180°F)

It also features dual power/speed settings and a circulating mode function.

The Tensky blow dryer is designed to dry your hair in half the time of most other dryers. But that’s not all – it also runs super quiet.

It operates smoothly and quietly at just 59 dB. In other words, it won’t disrupt your routine or make you go deaf as you use it.

ℹ For context, a whisper is about 35dB, and other hair dryers can reach up to 77 dB.

tensky dryer
Image: KnowTechie

Plus, it’s safe for everyone – kids, pregnant soon-to-be-mothers, and even the elderly can use it without any issue.

What’s more, with a 360o  rotating magnetic nozzle, you can rest assured that it can reach every hair strand on your head.

tensky blow hair dryer on kitchen countertop
Image: KnowTechie

Using it for other purposes can also allow you to blow dry objects at multiple angles, unlike a fixed nozzle.

Dry your hair in record time with the powerful Tensky hair dryer

 For only $189, you can get the amazing feature-rich Tensky High-Speed Hair Dryer with free shipping anywhere in the world.

Now, it costs $189 if you don’t apply the discounts we secured from Tensky for KnowTechie readers.

Again, head to Amazon, clip the $40 on-site coupon and apply promo code TENSKYH3301 at checkout. That gets you this killer hair dryer for half off the usual asking price.

Tensky High-Speed Hair Dryer
Sponsored

Tensky High-Speed Hair Dryer

KnowTechie readers can save an insane 48% by clipping the $40 on-site coupon and using promo code TENSKYH3301 at checkout.
Rating
On-Going Offer

And as a gift item, you can never go wrong getting someone the Tensky High-Speed Hair Dryer.

Sure, the holidays may be over, but gifting one of these is one of the easiest ways to put a smile on a loved one’s face. 

Tensky High-Speed Hairdryer
Tensky High-Speed Hairdryer

Who is this good for?

  • People in a rush who need something that can dry their hair super fast (like, in 1-5 minutes fast)
  • Anyone who wants a hair dryer with seriously impressive features, like smart induction and a high-speed brushless motor
  • Somebody who wants a high-performance hair dryer that’s also gentle on their hair and easy to use.

Have any thoughts on this? Carry the discussion over to our Twitter or Facebook.

Editors’ Recommendations:

Just a heads up, if you buy something through our links, we may get a small share of the sale. It’s one of the ways we keep the lights on here. Click here for more.

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post. However, our opinions, reviews, and other editorial content are not influenced by the sponsorship and remain objective.

The post Dry your hair in a flash with the lightning-fast Tensky Hair Dryer appeared first on KnowTechie.

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5 tips to avoid getting shadowbanned on Instagram https://knowtechie.com/5-tips-to-avoid-getting-shadowbanned-on-instagram/ Sat, 24 Dec 2022 14:35:00 +0000 https://knowtechie.com/?p=264487 Don't let a Instagram shadowban ruin your day. Follow these 5 tips to avoid getting shadowbanned and keep your account in good standing

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Nobody wants to be left out of the Instagram fun, whether you’re an influencer, organization, or any account in between.

Gaining followers and increasing engagement after a well-edited post or strategic campaign is chef’s kiss-level satisfying.

But what happens if you get shadowbanned? It’s not a total ban, but it’s tragic.

This post will cover what a shadowban means and how to avoid one. Ready to jump in?

What does it mean to get shadowbanned on Instagram?

Dark Instagram Logo
Credit: Unsplash/Alexander Shatov

Your Instagram usage may not be bad enough to receive the permanent ban hammer from Meta, so a shadowban is the soft version.

Users can still operate accounts, but your posts have drastically reduced visibility. The algorithm sees shadowbanned accounts and gives them less priority in feeds. 

All your efforts to build an organic cult following or execute an expensive marketing strategy could be all for nothing, so ensure you aren’t already shadowbanned by checking your analytics.

If you’re in the clear, take note of these essential tips so you stay favored by Instagram’s algorithm.

Stop trying to make those hashtags happen

anti-vax hashtags on instagram
Screenshot: Instagram

Banned hashtags exist. Type them into Instagram’s search before committing them to a comment when doing keyword research.

If you don’t see any posts for that hashtag, there’s probably a reason — don’t think you’re setting the trend by being first. It’s better to be safe than sorry.

Another hashtag tip — it’s not ideal to be irrelevant, either.

To expand audiences, some users put popular hashtags in their descriptions that don’t apply to the post to get new eyes on the account.

If Instagram catches you trying to be sneaky this way, that’s a red flag for them to shadowban you.

Read the terms and conditions

The community guidelines are the bread and butter of Instagram life.

Any violation could get you instantly shadowbanned, so if you’re concerned you are or will accidentally break the rules, familiarize yourself with them instead. 

They cover everything from how to foster a fanbase of real people — not bots — and post content that makes viewers happy.

The platform strives to be positive and inclusive, and content that acts as a barrier to that goal will be punished. 

Give credit where credit is due

Many creative, innovative, and hard-working people share content on Instagram.

In a world where giving credit is celebrated, it doesn’t benefit anyone to plagiarize or steal writing or art for a few followers or increased engagement. 

The internet effectively scouts for copied content, and users can also submit reports if they see their posts on an account that isn’t theirs.

Repeated reports are a sign your content shouldn’t be in other feeds.

Original information is where it’s at, and it’s more interactive for the account and its followers because it sparks genuine conversations.

Don’t automate your way to the top 

buy instagram likes

Marketers and internet-savvy people have tried to optimize Instagram since it was born.

You can buy followers, incorporate third-party apps to automate an activity, and join number-hungry engagement pods to create an infinite feedback loop of engagement. 

Spoiler alert — all these strategies can get you shadowbanned.

Anything that signals to the app you’re acting like a bot or a part of groups that exploit users will result in repercussions.

Leave engagement pods, minimize third-party app access, and unfollow and block bots following and interacting with your content.

You don’t want to associate with them, and neither does Instagram.

Remember that content is Instagram royalty

instagram post showing knowtechie profile
Image: KnowTechie

Honestly, the most significant way to stay on Instagram’s good side is to make quality content.

There’s no reason to get followers or be on the platform if nobody cares about your feed.

Posting unique, informative content will keep people interested, regardless of what product you’re promoting. 

There are many avenues to express creative visions, especially since Instagram has expanded its features to include videos, reels, and highlights.

There’s probably still more in the works with future app updates.

Stay out of Instagram’s shadow

instagram social media logo and blurred background
Image: KnowTechie

For most, avoiding a shadowban won’t require extra effort.

However, you might run into some issues if you’re trying to ramp up engagement fast or make it to the top of every hashtag in a split second.

The magic behind social media platforms is data, and that data can recognize suspicious activity like no other.

Engage authentically and creatively. You’ll be fine if you take time to socialize and express yourself on the platform as it was intended.

Have any thoughts on this? Carry the discussion over to our Twitter or Facebook.

Editors’ Recommendations:

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How to set up Dolby Vision on Xbox Series X or Series S https://knowtechie.com/dolby-vision-is-here-for-the-xbox-series-xs-heres-how-to-set-it-up/ Fri, 23 Dec 2022 18:51:20 +0000 https://knowtechie.com/?p=164398 Dolby Vision gives Xbox Series X|S gamers "brighter highlights, sharper contrast, and more vibrant colors."

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Dolby Vision is available on your Xbox Series X or Series S, offering enhanced visuals to compliment your HDR TV. But you’ll need to set it up first to reap the benefits.

So, what is Dolby Vision? Dolby Vision is an HDR standard that uses dynamic metadata to offer “brighter highlights, sharper contrast, and more vibrant colors.”

In other words, paired with a compatible TV, Dolby Vision offers incredible visuals that will take your Xbox Series X|S to the next level.

ℹ A Dolby Vision-capable TV is required if you want to take advantage of the feature on your console.

There’s also a limited list of games that take advantage of Dolby Vision, but that’s something that Microsoft said it is working on.

If you meet the required qualifications, you’ll want to know how to enable Dolby Vision on the Xbox Series X|S as soon as possible.

If you’re ready to take the plunge, we’ll walk you through each step to set it up. Ready to jump in?

How to enable Dolby Vision on the Xbox Series X

First, you’ll want to ensure your television is compatible with Dolby Vision.

You can check your TV’s capabilities within your Xbox by heading to the 4K TV details menu:

  1. Select Settings and then General
xbox general settings
Image: KnowTechie
  1. Navigate to the TV & display options
xbox settings general tv display
Image: KnowTechie
  1. Select 4K TV Details
xbox 4k tv details
Image: KnowTechie
  1. Under Playing Games, confirm that your TV supports Dolby Vision
xbox dolby vision tv setting
Image: KnowTechie

Once you’ve confirmed that your TV is capable of Dolby Vision gaming with your console, we’ll show you how to get Dolby Vision on Xbox Series X.

How to setup Dolby vision on Xbox Series X

  1. Navigate to Settings>General>TV & display options once againxbox settings general tv display

  2. This time, select Video Modesxbox video modes settings

  3. Check the box that says Dolby Vision for Gamingxbox dolby vision for gaming

  4. It might be a good idea to check the Allow auto low-latency mode and Allow variable refresh rate for optimal performancexbox auto low latency and variable refresh

  5. Restart your Xbox Series X|S

And there you go, now you know how to set up Dolby Vision on Xbox Series X or Series S.

Is Dolby Vision not working on your Xbox Series X or S?

If you’re having trouble getting Dolby Vision to work on your Xbox Series X or Series S, here are some things you can try:

  1. Confirm if your TV or display is Dolby Vision-compatible and properly connected to your Xbox.
  2. Enable Dolby Vision in the “Video modes” settings on your Xbox.
  3. Check that the game or app you’re trying to play supports Dolby Vision and is updated to the latest version.
  4. Check the HDMI cable connecting your Xbox to your TV or display for any damage or loose connections.
  5. Restart your Xbox and TV or display to see if that fixes the issue.
  6. Check for any system updates or patches for your Xbox.

If none of these steps help, you might try contacting Xbox Support or the manufacturer of your TV or display for further assistance.

Dolby Vision enhances your HDR viewing experience

Dolby Vision HDR standard allows creators to add enhanced color, contrast, and depth to create more dynamic and clear images on-screen.

With Dolby Vision-enabled games on your Xbox Series X or Series S, you can experience breathtaking visuals and immerse yourself in worlds like never before.

Plus, the stunning graphics and rich, vibrant colors make for a truly next-level gaming experience that you won’t want to miss

Restarting your console isn’t necessarily required to enable the feature. But it’s always a good idea to do a quick reset when changing big settings like these.

Have any thoughts on this? Carry the discussion over to our Twitter or Facebook.

Editors’ Recommendations:

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KnowTechie’s procrastinator-friendly holiday gift guide (2022) https://knowtechie.com/last-minute-gift-guide/ Fri, 23 Dec 2022 16:32:53 +0000 https://knowtechie.com/?p=107746 If you're feeling a little lazy and don't want to put too much effort into your holiday shopping this year, this should help.

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KnowTechie is supported by its audience, so if you buy something through our links, we may get a small share of the sale.

The holidays are (almost) here, and it’s officially the final stretch to Christmas. And if If you’re still trying to figure out what to get – KnowTechie’s procrastinator-friendly holiday gift guide is here to help.

Shopping for friends and family can be tough because spending money on someone other than yourself is harder.

So, with support from KnowTechie, a stable internet connection, and GOD HIMSELF, I’ve put together an exhaustive list of all the best gifts for literally anyone in your life.

We cover home and garden, tech, gaming, and entertainment. We put in the hours, so you don’t have to.

So please, grab a cup of coffee, kick back, and bask in the glory that is this best gifts guide. You’re welcome.

The best gifts you can literally give anyone this holiday season

Amazon Gift Card – $25

amazon gift card
Image: KnowTechie

This will be the bare minimum, the $25 gift you give to someone you… just know.

Not someone you invite to the house, mind you, but that friend or family member you hit up when you are in the area and need to kill an hour.

They probably send you a Christmas card each year with their spouse and dog on it, and after five years of getting these cards, you’ve decided to acknowledge their existence with this gift card.

amazon gift card
Verified
Staff Pick
Amazon Gift Card – $25
This $25 gift will be the bare minimum, but it still shows you care.

Amazon Gift Card – $30

amazon gift card
Image: KnowTechie

The $30 option will be another great choice for an acquaintance. Maybe you went to high school or college with them.

Maybe you used to hang out. Who knows, the point is now that has devolved to nothing more than “yeah, let’s get up soon!” and other empty promises.

You like their family photos on Facebook and laugh and react to their lame memes to make them feel better about themselves.

amazon gift card
Verified
Staff Pick
Amazon Gift Card – $30
This gift is a great choice for an acquaintance or someone you don’t know all that well.

Amazon Gift Card – $40

$40 amazon jeff bezos money
Image: KnowTechie

We’re starting to get serious now; buckle in.

A $40 Amazon gift card teeters on the realm of “you’re a real friend” or “I’m glad you’re my son.”

Mind you, it isn’t quite there and if you receive a $40 Amazon gift card this year, know that you’re almost important to that person.

Almost.

$40 amazon gift card
Verified
Staff Pick
Amazon Gift Card – $40
Feeling a bit more generous and want to show someone you really care? A $40 Amazon gift card goes a long way.

Amazon Gift Card – $50

$50 amazon gift card
Image: KnowTechie

Let a person know that you actually care that they exist with a $50 Amazon gift card.

$50 says “I hope you can get something you actually want.” Anything below $50 is just charity towards something that the person actually wants to buy.

I don’t make the rules.

$50 amazon gift card
Verified
Staff Pick
Amazon Gift Card – $50
Watch out, you absolute big spender. Who are you trying to impress? But seriously, good for you.

Amazon Gift Card – $51+

$100 amazon money
Image: KnowTechie

Anything above $50 is just showing off. We get it; you have money; stop rubbing it in everyone’s face Curtis.

I know Kevin doesn’t pay me; stop reminding me. You’re not my dad.

$100 amazon gift card
Verified
Staff Pick
Amazon Gift Card – $51+
Okay, okay, we get it – you’re rich. Just buy a nice gift and be done with it.

And that’s a wrap for KnowTechie’s 2022 procrastinator-friendly holiday gift guide.

If you’re feeling a little lazy and didn’t want to put too much effort into your holiday shopping this year, we hope this helped. If not, there’s always next year.

What do you think? Is this the best gift guide of all time? Carry the discussion over to our Twitter or Facebook.

Editors’ Recommendations:

Just a heads up, if you buy something through our links, we may get a small share of the sale. Click here for more.

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Review: Qobuz – is this music streaming service better than Tidal? https://knowtechie.com/review-qobuz-is-this-music-streaming-service-better-than-tidal/ Fri, 23 Dec 2022 08:22:25 +0000 https://knowtechie.com/?p=237564 After listening to Spotify for so long, I forgot how uncompressed music sounds. Qobuz is great, but it has a few things holding it back.

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The Good
Amazing sound quality
Availability of rare and hard-to-find tracks
User-friendly interface
It's pretty reliable, having experienced zero downtime
Free 30-day trial
The Bad
No smart speaker integration
The catalog isn’t as exhaustive as Apple Music and Spotify
Prices are a bit higher compared to competitors
8.5
Overall

In the world of hi-res music streaming services, a few big names tend to dominate the conversation.

Tidal, Spotify, and Qobuz are just three of the most popular options, with most music lovers pointing out that Qobuz beats the competition. But is Qobuz really worth it?

Personally speaking, yes, Qobuz is worth it. The streaming service offers a great selection of hi-res music, with a user interface that makes it easy to find the songs you want to hear.

The sound quality is excellent, and the Qobuz app is available for Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android devices.

So, is Qobuz the best music streaming service? Let’s dive in and see how it stacks up against its competition.

👇Short on time? Skip ahead using the jump links below.👇

qobuz free trial
Image: Kevin Raposo / KnowTechie

Qobuz Pros

Qobuz offers many great features that appeal to audiophiles and music lovers alike. Here are some of the service’s biggest selling points:

Hi-Res sound quality: One of the main reasons to sign up for Qobuz is its stellar sound quality.

The company offers lossless FLAC streams at up to 24-bit/192kHz, which is about as good as it gets when it comes to streaming music.

If you have a nice set of headphones or speakers, Qobuz’s hi-res streams will definitely make them sound better.

qobuz music streaming service new releases on web player
Image: Kevin Raposo / KnowTechie

Availability of rare and hard-to-find tracks: If you’re a fan of niche genres or rare tracks, Qobuz is worth checking out.

The company has one of the deepest catalogs of any music streaming service, with millions of songs available to stream and download.

User-friendly interface: Another big selling point for Qobuz is its user interface, which is clean, simple, and easy to use.

The company’s desktop app is especially well designed and makes it easy to find the tracks you’re looking for–whether you’re searching by artist, album, genre, or even mood.

qobuz playlists music hi-fi-streaming
Image: Kevin Raposo / KnowTechie

Reliability: As one of the lesser-known streaming services, Qobuz is seldom overwhelmed with too many users, which means it tends to be extremely reliable.

Other streaming services can often crash due to excessive use. For example, Spotify is often down, which will unquestionably annoy its users. 

Free 30-day trial: Last but not least, Qobuz offers a free 30-day trial to try out the service before you commit to a subscription. That’s a great way to see if Qobuz’s hi-res sound quality is worth the extra money.

Qobuz Cons 

Of course, no review would be complete without mentioning a few drawbacks. Here are some things to keep in mind before signing up for Qobuz. 

No smart speaker integration: Qobuz doesn’t work with any smart speakers, like the Amazon Echo or Google Home.

So if you’re looking fr a music streaming service that you can control with your voice, Qobuz isn’t the right choice. However, it does work with smart TV systems like Samsung TV and Chromecast.

qobuz doesn't work with alexa or google home, but it works on smart tvs like samsung TV or Chromecast
Image: KnowTechie

The audio catalog isn’t exhaustive: While Qobuz has a very deep catalog of tracks, you may miss some of your favorites.

In that case, you may need to check out another music streaming service like Spotify or Apple Music.

All things considered, though, these are relatively minor complaints.

Overall, Qobuz is a great option for anyone who cares about sound quality and loves music, especially if you’re willing to pay a little extra for those perks. 

Why Qobuz Is Worth It

Now that we’ve gone over some of the pros and cons of Qobuz, it’s time to look at why the service is worth your hard-earned cash.

Qobuz Offers True CD-Quality Sound

qobuz streaming quality comparison
Image: KnowTechie

The first reason Qobuz is worth it is that it offers true CD-quality sound. With a bitrate of up to 24-bit/192kHz, Qobuz is on the same level as Tidal’s HiFi subscription.

That means you’ll enjoy your favorite songs in high quality without worrying about sacrificing sound quality for file size. 

Minimal to No Buffering When Streaming Music

Another big selling point for Qobuz is its lack of buffering.

When you stream music from Qobuz, you can be confident that you’re getting a consistent, high-quality stream without interruptions.

Besides, who wants to listen to their favorite songs with pauses in between?

That said, ensuring your internet connection is strong enough to handle high-quality audio streaming is crucial. Otherwise, you may experience some buffering issues. 

Extensive Catalog of Music

hi res library streaming service
Image: Kevin Raposo / KnowTechie

Qobuz also has an extensive music catalog, with millions of tracks available to stream and download.

Whether you’re a mainstream pop or niche genre fan, you’re sure to find something you love on Qobuz. 

To put things into perspective, the streaming service boasts over 80 million tracks, while Tidal and Spotify’s catalogs clock in at 80 – 90 million based on independent estimates by SoundGuys.

That means you’re unlikely to run out of songs to listen to anytime soon.

Besides, the company is always adding new tracks to its catalog, so you’ll never get bored of listening to the same songs over and over again. 

You Get a Free 30-Day Trial

qobuz free 30-day free trial
Image: KnowTechie

As I mentioned, Qobuz also offers free 30-day trials to new users.

If you’re unsure whether or not it’s the right streaming service for you, you can try it out without committing to paying for a subscription.

Simply put, it’s a risk-free way to test out the service and decide for yourself whether or not it’s worth your hard-earned cash. 

Qobuz Integrates With Many Devices

streaming speakers companies that work with hi-fi streaming services
Image: KnowTechie

Qobuz integrates with many devices, including popular brands like Sonos, Bose, and Denon. That means you’ll be able to stream your favorite tunes on your preferred device without any issues. 

It’s also worth noting that Qobuz offers a dedicated app for Android and iOS devices.

So whether you’re using an iPhone or an Android phone, you’ll be able to enjoy your favorite tunes on the go. However, remember that the service doesn’t support smart speakers or game consoles.

So if you’re looking for a streaming service that you can use on your PlayStation 4 or Xbox One, Qobuz may not be the right choice for you. 

Discounts Are Available for Families

Last but not least, Qobuz offers discounts for families. If you’re a parent with young children, you can get a discount on your subscription.

For starters, up to 6 family members can use a single account. That means you won’t have to worry about your kids racking up a huge bill by streaming music all day long.

Plus, each family member will get their own personalized account with their own playlists and recommendations.

That way, everyone in the family can enjoy their listening experience without compromising.

Who Should Get Qobuz?

Anyone looking for a high-quality, comprehensive music streaming service will benefit from Qobuz. The service is worth considering if you’re a lossless audio fan.

Plus, if you often find yourself streaming over mobile data, Qobuz’s Hi-Fi plans let you download tracks and albums for offline playback in high fidelity.

hi-fi music streaming
Image: Kevin Raposo / KnowTechie

Is Qobuz Better Than Tidal? 

Qobuz and Tidal are two streaming music giants, but which one reigns supreme? Here’s a breakdown of the key differences between the two:

Qobuz boasts a larger selection of hi-res audio tracks, but Tidal has some exclusive content from certain artists.

Both services have a similar price point for their premium subscriptions, but Qobuz offers a cheaper option without Hi-Res audio.

tidal free tier
Image: KnowTechie

As for the user interface, it’s a matter of personal preference. Not sure which one to go with? Take advantage of the free trials and see which service floats your boat.

But ultimately, most audiophiles believe Qobuz is better than Tidal. While both services offer high-quality, lossless streaming, Qobuz’s sound quality is generally considered superior.

However, Tidal boasts a slightly more extensive catalog of songs. So, if you’re looking for a particular track that’s not available on Qobuz, Tidal is worth checking out.

Is Qobuz Truly Lossless? 

Qobuz is a truly lossless music streaming service. That means you’ll be able to enjoy CD-quality audio without any compression.

Besides, the company offers a hi-fi plan to stream and download tracks in 24-bit/192kHz quality.

If you’re an audiophile, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a better streaming service than Qobuz.

How Much Does Qobuz Cost?

how much does qobuz cost
Image: KnowTechie

As we mentioned earlier, Qobuz offers a couple of streaming plans. And compared to other music streaming services, the monthly subscription cost is pretty fair.

Here’s a quick breakdown of how much Qobuz costs for a single user:

Studio

$10.83 per month

  • Studio quality streaming (FLAC 24-Bit up to 192 kHz)
  • Over 80 million tracks
  • Original editorial content
  • Offline listening

Sublime

$15 per month

  • Studio quality streaming (FLAC 24-Bit up to 192 kHz)
  • Over 80 million tracks
  • Original editorial content
  • Offline listening
  • Discounts on Hi-Res purchases of up to 60%

The Bottom Line

top metal releases on qobuz
Image: Kevin Raposo / KnowTechie

Qobuz is a great choice for anyone looking for a high-quality, comprehensive music streaming service.

The company offers a wide range of plans to suit your needs and budget. Plus, it provides discounts for families.

With that said, Qobuz is not the right choice for everyone. You’ll need to look elsewhere if you’re looking for a streaming service that supports smart speakers or game consoles.

Nonetheless, if you’re looking for the best possible sound quality, Qobuz is definitely worth considering.

Qobuz

Qobuz and Tidal offer high-quality audio and a solid selection of tunes, but it’s up to you to decide which is the real MVP. Consider the size of the music library, the user interface, the availability of specific songs or albums, the audio quality, the cost, and any additional features or perks before you make your decision. Can’t decide? Try them both out and see which one floats your boat.

Have any thoughts on this? Carry the discussion over to our Twitter or Facebook.

Editors’ Recommendations:

Just a heads up, if you buy something through our links, we may get a small share of the sale. It’s one of the ways we keep the lights on here. Click here for more.

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LastPass reports yet another security breach (updated) https://knowtechie.com/lastpass-is-reporting-yet-another-security-breach-december/ Thu, 22 Dec 2022 21:55:31 +0000 https://knowtechie.com/?p=259527 The company says all your passwords are still safely encrypted.

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UPDATE 12/22/22 4:45 PM EST: LastPass recently updated its blog with information about its ongoing investigation into the recent security breach. The company warns hackers may attempt to brute force users’ master passwords. Users change their master password and enable two-factor authentication. More updates below.

LastPass is warning its customers about a recent security breach. This follows another hacking incident that occurred in August, which looks like the two are related.

Earlier this week, LastPass CEO Karim Toubba shared a message to customers notifying them of the breach. It also sent emails to its customers with the same message.

“We recently detected unusual activity within a third-party cloud storage service, which is currently shared by both LastPass and its affiliate, GoTo,” Toubba wrote in an email. “We immediately launched an investigation, engaged Mandiant, a leading security firm, and alerted law enforcement. 

We have determined that an unauthorized party, using information obtained in the August 2022 incident, was able to gain access to certain elements of our customers’ information. Our customers’ passwords remain safely encrypted due to LastPass’s Zero Knowledge architecture.”

Initially, the company noticed strange activity in its third-party cloud storage service. It immediately began investigating with the help of Mandiant, a leading security firm.

Toubba says the company discovered an ‘unauthorized party’ gained access to certain elements of its customers’ information.

LastPass claims that users’ passwords are safe

The messages confirm that the bad actor accessed this data using information they obtained in the breach back in August. Thankfully, LastPass ensures that users’ passwords are safe, however

“Our customers’ passwords remain safely encrypted due to LastPass’s Zero Knowledge architecture,” reads the statement to customers.

The company is traditionally transparent about breaches and similar activities that could endanger its customers. It will likely update the message page with more information as soon as more details are added.

LastPass didn’t share exactly what kind of information the hacker accessed. But it did confirm that passwords remain safe.

lastpass on iphone
Image: KnowTechie

Additionally, the company recommends following these steps to ensure you use the best practices when setting up LastPass.

Consequently, it’s not a good look for a security-focused company to have multiple breaches as much as LastPass has had in the past few months.

However, the company has been very transparent, and it seems like it’s working hard to overcome and avoid these breaches in the future.

UPDATE 12/22/22 4:45 PM EST: LastPass recently posted an update to its blog with information about its ongoing investigation. The post includes details regarding its findings, customer recommendations, and the actions they’re currently taking.

In a nutshell, the investigation revealed that an unknown threat actor accessed the cloud storage using information obtained from a previous incident in August 2022.

The threat actor successfully copied a backup of customer vault data stored in an encrypted format.

Still, the data remains secured with 256-bit AES encryption and can only be decrypted with a unique key derived from each user’s master password.

The company warns hackers may attempt to use brute force to guess the master passwords and decrypt the copies of vault data, but LastPass’s default master password settings and best practices make this difficult.

LastPass recommends that users change their master password and enable two-factor authentication to protect themselves against attacks.

“We are committed to keeping you informed of our findings, and to updating you on the actions we are taking and any actions that you may need to perform,” writes Karim Toubba , LastPass CEO. “In the meantime, our services are running normally, and we continue to operate in a state of heightened alert.”

Have any thoughts on this? Carry the discussion over to our Twitter or Facebook.

Editors’ Recommendations:

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