When setting up a TV or similar devices, you may have noticed an HDMI port called ARC (Audio Return Channel).

The ARC standard was designed to reduce cable clutter, streamline your setup and make your audio and video devices play nicely together.

HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface) is an audio and video equipment cable standard.

This popular and well-supported standard introduced the ARC protocol in HDMI version 1.4 in 2009. 

While ARC is not necessary, it makes setting up and using your equipment more convenient. It can also take advantage of newer audio formats such as Dolby Atmos and DTS HD.

So, do you want to improve your home theater’s audio and video quality without adding extra cables or complexity?

HDMI ARC might be the answer. If this sounds good to you, we’ll explain what HDMI ARC is and how it can benefit you. Keep reading to learn more.

HDMI ARC: A quick overview

What should HDMI ARC be used for?

ARC and eARC (enhanced audio return channel) take advantage of the extra bandwidth available in HDMI cables to transfer audio signals from one device to another.

Previous to ARC, HDMI cables could only transfer audio in a singular direction.

Until the ARC standard was created, transferring sound from your TV to your audio equipment took multiple cables.

With HDMI ARC, you now only need one cable to achieve this. The HDMI cable is capable of sending and receiving audio from both directions.

ARC can transfer stereo and compressed 5.1 audio formats to and from your devices. It has a maximum bandwidth of about 1 Mbps per second.

The enhanced version is more capable but not nearly as common.

EARC supports the ARC audio formats and uncompressed 5.1, uncompressed 7.1, Dolby Atmos, and the DTS: X audio formats.

Furthermore, it can transfer significantly more data simultaneously with its 37 Mbps per second transfer rate.

Do I need HDMI ARC for a soundbar?

You don’t need HDMI ARC to connect to a soundbar. While ARC is useful and reduces the cables you need, there are various ways to connect to a soundbar.

If your soundbar supports it, you can connect external devices directly to it via HDMI cables and bypass the need for ARC altogether.

If your TV and soundbar both support Bluetooth audio, you can connect the two wirelessly and achieve similar results to ARC while keeping your cable usage down.

You can also connect your TV to the soundbar using an optical cable. This method isn’t as convenient but does a good job of getting sound from your TV to your audio equipment.

Do I need a special HDMI cable for ARC?

Fortunately, just about any HDMI cable you have lying around will work with ARC and eARC.

While ARC may have been introduced in HDMI version 1.4 and eARC was introduced in HDMI version 2.1, those refer to the ports themselves.

The cables haven’t changed all that much over the years, so you shouldn’t have any issues getting your old cables to work with ARC. 

Is HDMI ARC better than optical?

While optical is capable of getting sound from your TV to your audio equipment, it is not as good as HDMI ARC.

First, it has a maximum bandwidth of 384Kbps, less than half of the HDMI ARCs bandwidth.

Additionally, it does support the same stereo sound and compressed 5.1 audio formats as the standard ARC but doesn’t come close to matching eARC. 

Optical can’t handle various audio technologies such as Dolby Atmos, TrueHD, DTS HD, and Dolby Digital Plus. However, you lose out on potential other benefits of the ARC standard by using an optical cable.

HDMI ARC has an optional feature (which is required on eARC) to sync your audio and video for you. This auto-syncing feature is not available on the optical standard.

Optical is fine for use with older equipment or setups. If you choose between these two, there is almost no reason not to choose ARC.

HDMI ARC is the way to go

Hopefully, you now understand HDMI ARC and how it can benefit you.

Whether you’re looking to simplify your home theater setup or improve your devices’ audio and video quality, HDMI ARC can be a great solution.

Just be sure to check that your TV, receiver, and other devices are HDMI ARC-compatible before you start using them.

With HDMI ARC, you’ll enjoy a seamless and hassle-free home entertainment experience like never before.

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

Editors’ Recommendations:

• Vizio sound bar HDMI ARC not working? Here’s how to fix it
• How to connect a Vizio sound bar to a Samsung TV
• Vizio Sound Bar turning on or off by itself? Here’s how to fix it
• How to connect Harman Kardon speakers to TV?

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.

The post What’s HDMI ARC? appeared first on KnowTechie.

We received a set of teasers from Asus regarding a potential 3D OLED laptop, with each teaser revealing a bit more about the product.

The first teaser is a video with the word “Asus” written in 3D. As the words lift off the page, they flip to “CES, Jan. 5.”

The second teaser is a 3D image with a hidden message.

This is where you get the first indication that the announcement will have something to do with an Asus laptop, as there are various images on the page itself.

If you stare at the image long enough, you will eventually see the message ‘3D OLED’ pop out.

The third and final teaser is another video and the most exciting.

The video shows 3D images coming out of a laptop display. It ends with ‘A NEW DIMENSION FOR OLED’ written under the laptop screen.

While the teaser seems pretty obvious, it may be teasing multiple products simultaneously.

We can’t rule out the possibility that Asus will launch a 3D OLED display and a new line of laptops at CES. Only time will tell, and we can’t wait for January.

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

Editors’ Recommendations:

• Apple reportedly working on OLED MacBook Air and iPad Pro
• What is OLED burn-in and how can you avoid it?
• Classic PC game Portal is getting an RTX release in December
• Is Steam Deck better than PC?

The post ASUS teases new laptop with 3D OLED display appeared first on KnowTechie.

There are various reasons for Twitter to lock an account, and they aren’t all bad. If you have been following the rules set forth by Twitter, you will usually get back into your account.

There are a few types of restrictions that can happen. You need to figure out which one is affecting your account before you can rectify the situation.

Types of account restrictions

With Twitter, there are multiple types of restrictions. These usually result in the same thing, but the type of restriction matters when trying to get back into your account.

Locked Twitter account

If Twitter detects unusual login activity, they will place a lock on your account. There are many things that can trigger this.

Too many failed login attempts, higher than normal activity levels, or too many third-party services are some of the ways that can result in Twitter logging you out of all your devices.

Once this happens, you’ll have a lock on the account.

Limited Twitter account

If you become too active on Twitter or violate certain rules, you may accidentally trigger the social media giant to limit your account.

It does this to prevent an account from spamming people on the network. A limited account will restrict your ability to like, tweet, or retweet content until your status returns to normal.

Some guidelines for you are to not follow more than 400 accounts, send more than 2,400 tweets, or write more than 1,000 DMs per day.

You also don’t want to follow (or unfollow) more than 16 accounts, send more than 100 tweets, or write more than 41 DMs in any given hour.

Suspended Twitter account

Getting suspended is the most restricting and the toughest to resolve. A suspension is essentially a ban from the service. Twitter accounts are normally suspended for blatantly breaking the rules.

Typical scenarios are sending spam, being a fake account, impersonating someone, harassing others, or consistently violating Twitter rules.

How to get resolve a locked Twitter account

Getting back into your Twitter account varies based on which restriction Twitter has placed on your account.

A suspended account can be either temporary or permanent. If it is permanent, you will have to appeal the decision to try and get it overturned.

A limited account can be resolvable in one of two ways. The limit will either be for a period of time (up to 7 days), or you can follow the same steps as a locked Twitter account.

Regardless of which type of restriction was placed on your account, you will always get an email and a DM from Twitter to let you know what happened.

Remember that it’s usually reversible

Logging into your Twitter account only to find a restriction in place is not fun. You can feel helpless and become filled with anxiety.

Remember to keep calm and know that you will get your account back in most cases. Unless you actively participate in bad behavior (impersonating someone, for example), your restriction will be reversible.

If facing a suspension, then maybe you are better off without Twitter. Just make sure you understand what you did and avoid doing it on an alternative social account.

Luckily, being suspended isn’t common practice. Just follow the steps provided here, and you will be tweeting again in no time.

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

Editors’ Recommendations:

• Here’s how to edit a tweet
• How to create a Twitter List
• How to block words and phrases on Twitter
• How to download all your tweets from Twitter

The post How to get back into a locked Twitter account appeared first on KnowTechie.

This portable 15.6-inch 300-nit display comes in 4K, 2K, and 1080p variants and supports up to a 165Hz refresh rate.

The display is touch-enabled and supports 10-point touch.

Connectivity comes in the form of a USB-C or HDMI connection. It supports various devices, including PCs, Macs, consoles, and Android devices.

The Spectrum Nano has a 5000mAh battery which Tech Armory claims can last up to 5 hours per charge. It has a built-in stereo speaker and weighs just under 2 pounds (900 grams).

The Spectrum Nano accepts a Vesa mount for those interested in mounting options. The display can even charge your phone if you are in a pinch.

With 27 days left on Indigogo, this device sits at 149% of its $2,000 goal. It currently has almost $3,000, with half the backers opting for the 4K display.

The 2.5K display (165Hz refresh rate) is especially intriguing. It would strike a great balance for extending a laptop display while allowing for some serious portable gaming.

The 2.5K version is currently $290 on Indigogo as an early bird special. The 4K variant is $300, the 1080p/120Hz is $225, and the 1080p/60Hz is $200.

Learn more at Indieiegogo.

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

Editors’ Recommendations:

• Dyson’s air-purifying headphones are a wallet killer
• You can now use Amazon’s Echo Show 15 as a Fire TV
• This portable monitor brings 4K graphics wherever you go
• Review: Lepow C2S 15.4-inch portable monitor

The post The Spectrum Nano is a vibrant, versatile portable 4K display appeared first on KnowTechie.

If you spend a lot of time posting on social sites like Instagram, it’s possible some of your followers have you muted. But is there any way to tell if someone has muted you on Instagram?

We have all been there, stuck listening to someone’s incessant jabbering on social media, wishing we could stop the madness.

You may feel it’s too harsh of punishment to outright unfollow or block someone and long for a more humane way to fix the situation.

Instagram heard these calls and created the ability to mute someone. Getting muted on Instagram is a silent event, with no obvious way to figure out if you have been muted or not.

Before we try to figure out if someone muted you, we need to discuss what the mute button actually does.

What happens when you get muted on Instagram

When someone mutes you on Instagram, nothing obvious happens. You can still see their posts and stories, and they can see yours. You can access their page, and you won’t be notified of any changes.

What will happen is the person who muted you will no longer get your content in their feed. If they muted your direct message (DM), they will not be notified of that either.

They can still keep up with your posts, however, just on their own terms.

How to tell if you were muted on Instagram

There is no telltale sign that you have been muted on Instagram. Instagram deliberately made it difficult to tell if you were muted.

There are some indicators to see if you have been muted, but the only true way to know is to confront the person and risk a potential confrontation.

Any one of these by themselves does not outright show that you have been muted. If you notice most or all of these happening to you, then you have most likely been muted.

Sometimes you just have to move on

Finding out someone has muted you on Instagram may sting a bit. No one likes rejection, and finding out you got muted won’t leave you jumping for joy.

Take some time to evaluate why you may have been muted in the first place. Did you do something to offend the person, or maybe you have been extra obnoxious lately?

Maybe you went through a difficult time and were killing their mood, so they temporarily muted you. Whatever the reason, it’s going to be alright.

If you do know why and it’s bothering you, change up your posts. If you aren’t sure why and they aren’t close to you, keep being you. You aren’t going to make everyone happy; just enjoy the follows and move on.

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

Editors’ Recommendations:

• How to post on Instagram from a desktop
• How to contact Instagram customer support
• Here’s how to add pronouns to your Instagram profile
• How to block words, phrases, and emojis on Instagram

The post How to tell if someone muted you on Instagram appeared first on KnowTechie.

The tech industry has an identity problem. When a company hits on a product that becomes so successful, every other tech company rushes to mimic it.

While slight tweaks are made to the various styles, they usually follow a similar pattern. This phenomenon has been in full swing within the earbuds market for some time.

That was the case until HHOGene entered the market with the GPods.

Review

Learn More

Quick Verdict

The $139 HHOGene GPod earbuds set themselves apart from the pack with a unique design, great sound quality, and decent battery life. They are a bit bulky and can’t be easily transported in their case, but the featured light-up design is what truly shines here.

HHOGene is a new company, and after a successful crowdfunding campaign on Indiegogo, the GPods were born.

The HHOGene GPods take traditional earbuds’ design and add something unique to the space: customization. They come in black or white, with a unique light-up design.

So, do GPods live up to the hype, or are they just a gimmick? I spent the past few weeks figuring that out. Let’s dive in and see what they’re all about.

Specifications

Light-up design

The GPods stem, or ‘shell’ as HHOGene refers to it, has fully adjustable LED lights.

HHOGene says these earbuds display over 300,000 color combinations in addition to four lighting modes: ripple, pulse, bright, and breath.

Each lighting mode causes the lights to display in a different pattern or static color.

The lights are fully adjustable within the app. You even have the ability to create a custom color profile from a photo.

Customizable

To make the earbuds even more customizable, the company offers snap-on shells

GPod shells are little plastic caps that cover the LED lights to create various designs. The shells included are: Tiger Stripes, Dare to Shine, The Ripples, and The Skull.

You can buy these and FIFA World Cup shells separately for $20 each. HHOGene includes four shells in the GPods Premium Set.

Sound quality and features

GPods are solidly built and sound fantastic. They include four different gel tips for the perfect fit. Even after extended play sessions, they never felt uncomfortable.

The 10mm high-definition drivers do a great job of delivering punchy bass while producing crisp and clear sound. These earbuds support SBC and AAC audio codecs.

Listening modes

You get a few different listening modes with the HHOGene GPods.

For instance, there is active noise cancellation (ANC), capable of reducing background sound levels up to 25 decibels. ANC on these earbuds is good but not great.

I could make out some noise around me, but the earbuds were able to suppress it a bit. Don’t expect the GPods to drown out the sound around you completely, however.

You can also enable transparency mode if you want to hear the world around you. This allows ambient noise to come in, keeping you in tune with your surroundings.

Transparency mode worked well enough for my use. I did have trouble understanding others around me if the volume was too high, though.

If I set the volume mid-way or lower, I could have a full conversation with someone without pausing my content.

Touch controls and IPX4 rated

GPods feature touch controls to answer and reject calls, skip tracks, pause and play content, or change ANC settings.

In addition, they are IPX4 rated, which means they can withstand a splash of water in any direction.

I wish they were IPX5 for better protection, but IPX4 should be enough to take them out in the rain without worrying about ruining them.

Battery life

HHOGene rates the GPods battery life at five hours (four with ANC active) with another 15 hours from the charging case.

During my testing, these numbers proved accurate. With a combination of ANC on and off, I got about four hours and 15 minutes before I had to charge them.

If your GPods battery is running low, a 10-minute charge is good enough for an additional two hours of listening.

Pocketability

The charging case is pretty large and hurts the overall pocketability of these earbuds. At 65mm x 39mm, the case doesn’t easily fit into your pocket.

Large, loose pockets can fit them, but it won’t be comfortable. You can forget about putting this case into tighter pockets. GPods are best carried by hand or tossing it into a bag.

HHOGene GPods app

The HHOGene app is where all the customization lives. It’s laid out well and offers an intuitive way to change your settings quickly.

The top of the app features a live view of your current selection, letting you see what your GPods look like without having to take them out of your ears.

The default page is where you adjust GPods lighting colors. You get a selection of preset colors at the bottom of the page, or you can follow a link to see additional color profiles.

Selecting the Light tab lets you change the brightness level, turn the lights on or off, and adjust its lighting modes.

The Hear tab lets you turn on ANC, transparency mode, or turn off noise control altogether. The Shell tab lets you preview various shells and see what they would look like on the GPods.

Hitting the menu at the top left brings you to the HHOGene Shop, where you can leave feedback or get any product help. You can also disconnect GPods from this menu.

Alternative options worth checking out

Imageㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤ	Product	Price
	Oddict Twig ProBest Traditional Design Premium sound Traditional design Good battery life	Learn MoreRead the Reviews
	Bose QuietComfort EarbudsBest Premium Earbuds Great sound quality Great battery life Good ANC	Learn MoreRead the Reviews
	Shockz OpenRun ProBest Bone Conduction Headphones Surprisingly good sound quality Great for running Excellent battery life	Learn MoreRead the Reviews

Final verdict

The HHOGene GPods aren’t cheap, with a base price of $139 and the premium set costing $200.

Initially, I was skeptical that the price was inflated due to its unique light-up design. Those worries melted away the moment I began to use them.

These earbuds sound great, fit in my ear well, and last a decent amount of time without having to charge them. I had no issues taking them out on a run or wearing them around the house.

My preferred setting is to enable transparency mode and to keep the lighting at a steady glow.

The GPods truly stand out from the crowd, so don’t be surprised if people stop to ask you about them once in a while.

Where to find GPods

As of now, the only place you can find GPods is directly from HHOGene’s website. They cost $139.99 and come in black or white.

Review

HHOGene GPods

GPods are the world’s first true wireless earbuds with light, featuring a unique shell design, active noise cancellation, and powerful 10mm drivers. The combination of these features separates GPods from the rest of the pack.

See at HHOGene

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

Editors’ Recommendations:

• Review: Lockly Vision Elite smart lock
• Review: AGM H5 Pro smartphone
• Review: INNOCN 27 4K mini LED monitor
• Review: Nuphy Air60 wireless mechanical keyboard

Just a heads up, if you buy something through our links, we may get a small share of the sale. KnowTechie was provided with a unit for this review.

The post Review: HHOGene GPods light earbuds appeared first on KnowTechie.

If your device thinks you were in a severe car accident, you will receive a message allowing you to call emergency services quickly.

If your iPhone or Apple Watch doesn’t get a response within 20 seconds, it will automatically alert emergency services of your location.

While this new feature has the potential to save your life, it can also be prone to false alarms.

For activities that cause abrupt stops, such as riding a rollercoaster, you may want to disable this feature to prevent accidentally triggering Crash Detection.

How to turn off Crash Detection

Crash Detection is available on all iPhone 14 models, Apple Watch Series 8, Apple Watch SE 2nd gen, and the Apple Watch Ultra. This feature is on by default but is quickly disabled with a few quick taps.

Turn off Crash Detection on the iPhone

Before you proceed, remember that disabling this feature will prevent the automatic calling of emergency services in the event of a car crash.

Disabling the setting on your iPhone will also disable the feature on the Apple Watch.

Turn off Crash Detection on Apple Watch

If you are going somewhere and decide to leave your iPhone behind, you may want to disable Crash Detection only for your Apple Watch.

1. Open the Watch app

2. Scroll down and select SOS

3. Scroll down and select Crash Detection

4. Toggle off Call after Severe Crash

These steps will only disable Crash Detection for the Apple Watch. If you need to turn the feature off on the iPhone, please follow the steps listed above.

Proceed with caution

Some iPhone features are worth disabling, while others are designed to potentially save your life. You can disable the Crash Detection feature, but you should do so with caution.

If you decide to turn it off temporarily, always remember to enable it after you finish the activity that could have accidentally set it off.

Apple has said that this feature will become better over time. As Apple collects more data from actual accidents and false alarms, it will be able to make this feature more reliable.

Until then, you may want to disable Crash Detection before getting on a rollercoaster.

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

Editors’ Recommendations:

• How to force restart an iPhone 13 and enter recovery mode
• How to disable the always-on display on iPhone 14 Pro
• Here’s how to use the Walkie-Talkie feature on Apple Watch
• How the Apple, Pixel, and Galaxy watches compare in automation

The post How to disable Crash Detection on iPhone appeared first on KnowTechie.

The Lockly Vision Elite provides the convenience of a smart lock and the security of a smart doorbell system.

This all-in-one package brings these features to those who don’t have the space or don’t want more than one smart device attached to their front door.

It is also for those who prefer the convenience of having everything located in a single app.

As the successor to the Lockly Vision, the Vision Elite takes Lockly’s game to the next level.

Lockly packed this device with many features, including HD video, multiple unlocking methods, a doorbell with 2-way audio, night vision, motion sensing capabilities, and solar-powered rechargeable batteries.

At $500, this two-in-one device looks to be your go-to smart lock and video doorbell system. But does it succeed in integrating the two devices into one cohesive package?

I spent the past few weeks figuring that out. So let’s dive in and see if it’s a good fit for your needs.

Lockly Vision Elite

Learn More

Quick Verdict

The Lockly Vision Elite combines a smart lock and video doorbell system into one unit. It’s great for people who don’t have the space or don’t want multiple smart devices attached to their homes. At $500, it is a bit pricey, but its features justify the cost.

Product specs

Installing the Lockly Vision Elite

The actual installation process was much easier and, in some ways, more complicated than I anticipated.

As a result, I felt a bit overwhelmed when I pulled all the parts out of the box and checked the installation instructions.

Luckily for me, that wasn’t the case, but I did run into some issues during the process.

Installation issues

I ran into my first problem almost immediately. The door I was installing this on is relatively old, and so is the hardware.

The Vision Elite utilizes a modern rectangular latch system (square cut-out on the inside of the door). Unfortunately, the latch on my older door had a round ring around the latch.

To get the lock to install correctly, I had to make a square cutout on the inside of my door. I don’t fault Lockly for this, as all modern latches are designed this way.

I can’t blame them for using industry standards, but it is something to keep in mind. Once I got the latch inside the door, I put the screws in to hold it in place.

The instructions then have you test the fit of the main lock assembly. Again, it didn’t fit and brought me to my next major issue.

While the latch system fit in my door, it was at its extended length and didn’t align correctly with the hole in the door for the rest of the lock.

This turned into another headache. Adjusting the latch is a simple twist to make the latch shorter.

But I had to take the latch out of the door. I then realized I should not have used a power drill to install the screws.

Upon trying to remove the latch, the screw got stripped. It was so bad that I broke the head off the screw to get the latch out.

Unfortunately, I was unsuccessful in removing that screw, so I proceeded with the installation with just one screw.

Lesson learned here, don’t use power tools to install the Lockly Vision Elite. Maybe that’s my fault, but I wish the instructions were more straightforward.

Smooth sailing

After the initial installation problems, it was clear sailing.

The main locking mechanism fits in the door like a glove and is easily attached to the door with some screws and pre-installed tape.

The interior panel is also attached to the door with ease.

Four cables need to be attached between the interior and exterior assembly. Two of the wires look the same.

However, one of those two cables has a red dot on it and goes into the corresponding connector with a red dot on it.

The cable installation was easy, but keep a lookout for that dot. Also, be sure to charge the batteries before installation.

I charged them the day before, so I had no issues, but I can see people missing this step only to have a lock that doesn’t work right away.

It would be best if you also plugged a hub into your router to get the lock onto your home network.

It was as simple as plugging it in and walking away from it. The hub did its thing and connected to the network.

All in all, if I didn’t run into hardware problems, the whole process would have taken me 15 minutes. But my issues took my installation time to over an hour.

Multiple ways to unlock the Vision Elite

The Lockly Vision Elite has multiple entry methods. For example, you can unlock the door using the app, enter a pin, fingerprint scanner, or physical keys.

You can set up multiple users in the app, and each person can have their own pin and fingerprint. However, entering your pin is a slightly different experience on this lock.

To prevent someone from figuring out your pin, Lockly created something called Pin Genie.

Pin Genie groups the numbers into three buttons, which change every time. So no one can guess your pin just by watching you unlock your door.

App and lock performance

When you first open the app, it walks you through the initial account setup and connects to the lock.

Once I finished creating my account, which included setting my pin, everything just worked.

The app is also easy to navigate. I had no issue changing the options to meet my preferences or setting up my fingerprint.

The lock can pair with Google Assistant or Alexa. Unfortunately, while it works for voice controls, you can’t pull up the video feed on other devices like the Google Nest Hub.

Motion detection is somewhat unreliable

It has motion-sensing capabilities and can be set up to alert your smartphone or to auto-record whenever motion is detected. However, in my testing, motion detection was a bit spotty.

Moving objects didn’t always trigger the lock to record, so I wouldn’t rely on the lock’s motion detection feature. Instead, it can record the video for you to view later when it detects motion.

Lockly includes a 32GB memory card with the device, which is enough storage for up to 91 hours of recordings.

The video stream is reliable and clear

What was reliable was the video stream. The video could see at all times of the day thanks to the infrared night vision.

With fall in full swing and the days becoming shorter, this will be particularly useful. For example, when someone uses the doorbell, it immediately prompts the app to let me know someone is at the door.

I could then open the app to see the video stream and communicate with them.

Another thing I like is the auto-locking feature. Put simply, the lock can automatically lock itself upon closing the door.

Auto-lock is useful when leaving the house and your hands are full or if you are someone that routinely forgets to lock your door.

Battery life

You get two batteries with the Lockly Vision Elite, and both can be charged via USB-C.

In addition, if you install the lock in a location where the sun hits it, the batteries trickle-charge via solar power.

I couldn’t test the battery life, but Lockly recommends charging it every three months.

If you ever find yourself in a position where the battery has died, and you don’t have the physical key, they include an area under the lock to attach a 9V battery.

A 9V battery will power the lock long enough to let you unlock the door.

Alternative options to consider

While it is nice to have a smart lock with the feature set of a video doorbell system, it may be too much for what you need.

However, they can be purchased separately if you only want a smart lock.

But if Lockly Vision Elite doesn’t check off all the boxes, here are some of the best alternative options:

Imageㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤ	Product	Price
	Lockly Secure PlusBest Smart Latch Available as a latch and deadbolt Fingerprint unlock Manual unlock	Learn MoreReviews
	August Wi-Fi Smart LockBest Budget Pick Small size Built-in WiFi Easy to use	Learn MoreRead our Review
	EOS Smart LockEditor’s Pick Fingerprint reader Doesn’t need a hub Remote Access	Learn MoreRead our Review

Final verdict

My time with the Lockly Vision Elite began in frustration but ended positively.

As a smart lock, this device is fantastic. As a video doorbell system, it performs adequately enough for my liking.

Just note that there are better dedicated smart doorbell systems on the market. The $500 price tag can be tough to swallow.

Knowing that this is essentially a two-in-one device makes it easier to take in.

It also doesn’t have any subscription costs associated with it. As a result, this device is handy for people who don’t have a doorbell or don’t want multiple devices attached to the front of their house.

The door I installed this on doesn’t have its own doorbell; for me, it added functionality that I didn’t know I needed.

Nevertheless, I enjoyed the Lockly Vision Elite, which I can wholeheartedly recommend.

Where to buy

The Locky Vision Elite is available exclusively at Best Buy.

Review

Lockly Vision Elite

The Lockly Vision Elite combines a smart lock and video doorbell system into one unit. At $500, it is a bit pricey but justifies its cost with a ton of features.

Buy Now

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

Editors’ Recommendations:

• Review: AGM H5 Pro smartphone
• Review: INNOCN 27 4K mini LED monitor
• Review: Nuphy Air60 wireless mechanical keyboard
• Review: Unihertz TickTock 5G smartphone

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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It also offers a variety of social features, such as sharing music with your friends or playing music with them remotely. But not everyone wants to share their music preferences with those around them.

These individuals will benefit from turning off their Spotify listening activity within the settings. Luckily it is a simple and painless process.

How to turn off Spotify listening activity

Hiding your listening activity is a straightforward process. Remember that these settings aren’t available in the Spotify Web Player, they can only be accessed from the app.

On iOS and Android devices

We will start by disabling your Spotify listening activity on mobile devices.

Keep in mind that the settings menu is slightly different between iOS and Android. On Android, you are presented with a list of settings and must scroll down to the correct one.

With iOS, finding the Social section is a little easier. You will get to choose from a few categories, with the Social section being one of them.

On your computer

If you are using Spotify on your computer, the process is relatively the same. The biggest difference is that you will find the settings menu by clicking on your username instead of a gear icon.

1. Open Spotify on your computer and select your username located in the top-right corner
2. Click Settings

3. Scroll down to the Social section

4. Toggle off listening activity – this will turn off sharing with your followers

5. Toggle off recently played artists – this will turn off displaying your recently played artists from within your public profile

Alternatively, you can toggle Private Session from within the social section. This will automatically disable your Spotify listening activity.

You can think of private sessions as Spotify’s version of incognito mode for your web browser.

How to make your playlists private

If you aren’t looking to completely hide your listening activity, you can hide specific playlists you have created.

On iOS and Android devices

Hiding individual playlists on mobile devices takes an extra step compared to doing it on your computer. You must go into the actual playlist instead of just selecting it.

1. Open the Spotify app and select Your Library

2. Find the playlist that you would like to hide and open it
3. Click the three vertical dots

4. Select make private

Hiding your playlists is only needed if you have made your own custom ones. You will not be able to hide playlists made by other people.

If you don’t want people to see what you are listening to, you will need to turn off your Spotify listening activity.

On your computer

Making your playlist private is slightly easier on your computer. You don’t have to go into the playlist itself. A simple right-click on the playlist will give you the option you need.

1. Open Spotify and select Your Library

2. Find the playlist that you would like to hide
3. Right-click the playlist and select make private

You will not be able to hide playlists made by other people. You can only hide your custom-made playlists.

Your privacy matters

Following the directions above will go a long way to preventing other users from seeing your Spotify activity. You can take it further by preventing Spotify from seeing your data, as well.

Enjoy listening to your Spotify content with peace of mind knowing that other listeners can’t view your listening habits.

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

Editors’ Recommendations:

• How to create and share a Spotify playlist
• How to make collaborative playlists on Spotify that your friends can add to
• Here’s how to delete a playlist on Spotify
• Apple is hiking up prices on Apple Music, TV+, and more

The post How to hide your Spotify listening activity appeared first on KnowTechie.

Getting a brand-new iPhone 14 is an exciting and expensive purchase. Finding the best case for your iPhone 14 is necessary to keep your investment in pristine condition.

We have put together a list of the best iPhone 14 cases on the market designed to keep your iPhone looking fresh and new.

While looking at the best iPhone 14 cases, you will see MagSafe-compatible cases.

Introduced on the iPhone 12, MagSafe is made up of magnets that allow you to connect various accessories to your device.

These accessories include items such as chargers and stands. But not all MagSafe cases are the same. The best MagSafe cases have built-in magnets to ensure a great experience.

Some manufacturers claim its cases are MagSafe-compatible but don’t include magnets.

While these cases technically work because they are so thin, it usually results in a weak magnet connection and a poor experience.

The best iPhone case is the one that provides your device with the most protection in the style that you want. All types of case designs tend to come in various colors.

Whether you are looking for an ultra-thin case, one built like a tank, or something in between, there is no shortage of cases on the market.

Here are our top picks for the best cases for the iPhone 14.

The Apple Silicone Case with MagSafe is a great thin-style case from Apple. It features a silicone exterior with a microfibre-lined interior to give your iPhone the protection it deserves.

In my opinion, it’s arguably the best iPhone 14 Pro case out there.

This case has built-in magnets within the case to securely hold your MagSafe accessories. It also comes in a variety of colors to suit your needs.

The smooth exterior can be slightly slippery initially but will become less slippery over time. The biggest issue with this case is that it can get dirty quickly.

The silicone does attract dirt and pet hair, so it may need routine cleaning. It’s available for purchase from Apple or Amazon for $49.

Mkeke’s range of iPhone 14 cases features a thin and stylish design. It has a 3.5mm raised bezel to protect the camera housing and a 1.9mm bezel to protect the screen from directly contacting surfaces. 

This Mkeke case, in particular, is made from a blend of TPU and Acrylic materials. This durable blend of materials is designed to give you military-grade drop protection and to prevent the case from yellowing over time.

The blend of materials creates a great grip, so you can be confident your phone won’t fall out of your hand. You can get the Mkeke iPhone 14 case from Amazon.

Additionally, the company has a variety of some of the best iPhone 14 cases out there. Check out their Amazon store for more options.

The CASETiFY Essential Case is another thin case with excellent grip.

With a clear back and colored edges, you can show off the beauty of your device. The backplate consists of hard plastic, and the sides consist of TPU.

The front of the case and around the camera ring have 1.2mm raised edges to protect those areas. The raised edges also do wonders for keeping your display from coming in contact with surfaces.

This case is not MagSafe compatible but is thin enough to support wireless charging.

The clear plastic back can scratch easily, and I’m not in love with the CASETiFY branding around the camera ring.

It is available exclusively from Amazon for $35.

The Classic Charm Mag is a unique case from Cyrill. Cyrill is the sister brand to Spigen. Its main feature is that it has two hooks on the bottom of the case where you can attach a shoulder strap.

It has built-in magnets to ensure great MagSafe compatibility. The case is made from Polyurethane Leather (PU Leather or vegan leather).

Depending on pocket size, the shoulder strap hook can become annoying if you put this case in your pocket. Other than the shoulder strap, there isn’t much personalization going on. It only comes in black.

You can get the case from Cyrill and Amazon.

The Gear4 Crystal Palace Clear Case by Zagg is built well to show off the full style of your iPhone 14. It’s constructed with D30, which is a thin and lightweight material.

It is military drop-tested and can withstand up to a 10-foot drop. The case has a beveled edge to keep your screen and camera lenses off the surface. The case supports wireless charging

The Gear4 isn’t MagSafe compatible. It also tends to get dirty and lose its clearness over time.

You can get the case from Zagg.

The Lupa Legacy Wallet Case is a high-quality case made from PU leather with handcrafted stitching. It can hold up to four cards and has an additional spot to hold your cash.

The case has a 0.5 mm raised edge around the camera, and a 1.6 mm raised edge around the main display to offer greater protection.

Unlike many wallet cases, this one supports wireless charging compatibility. This wallet case has a magnetic clasp to keep the case closed.

This case isn’t MagSafe compatible. You can get the case from Lupa and Amazon.

Mujjo hit it out of the park with its leather wallet case. This case leaves no edges exposed, can carry up to 3 cards, and features premium Ecco leather.

The buttons are made from machine metal, died to match the rest of the case. The camera lens and screen edges are raised and wrapped in leather.

Being made of leather, this case can show marks and scuffs that develop over time. The leather can stretch if more than one card is placed in each slot. This can loosen the card slot and make holding your cards less secure.

You can find the Mujjo Full Leather Wallet Case at Mujjo and Amazon.

Otterbox is known for its indestructible cases. The Defender Series Pro XT lives up to that reputation and can withstand 5 times more drops than the military standard.

This two-piece case has a polycarbonate shell and synthetic rubber slipcover. It has port covers to block dirt, dust, and lint from getting into the jacks and ports.

The outside of the case has an antimicrobial additive that prevents the growth of bacteria. It has built-in magnets to work with MagSafe chargers and accessories.

You can get the case from Otterbox and Best Buy.

The OtterBox Symmetry Series+ is a thinner case compared to traditional OtterBox cases. This case is designed to withstand 3 times more drops than the military standard.

The case has an antimicrobial coating to prevent the growth of bacteria. It has built-in magnets, allowing it to utilize MagSafe accessories and chargers.

You can get the Symmetry Series+ from OtterBox and Best Buy.

The Spigen Ultra Hybrid MagFit case is made from a blend of PC and TPU for increased durability. It utilizes Air Cushion technology to provide military-grade drop protection.

This case is infused with blue resing to keep the case looking clear. It has raised edges to keep your screen off of any surface. This case is wireless charging compatible and has built-in magnets for MagSafe accessories.

You can get the Ultra Hybrid MagFit case from Spigen and Amazon.

The Guardian Shockproof is a slim profile case from Torras. The sides feature a soft bumper for enhanced grip and a nano-oleophobic coating to endure a silky smooth touch without being sticky.

Torras designed this case for ultimate protection. It is rated to keep your phone safe with up to three times more protection than standard military-grade protection.

This is not a MagSafe case, but it is wireless charging compatible. You can get it from Torras or Amazon.

Totallee iPhone 14 case is an ultra-thin case with a minimalistic design. At just 0.02-inches thin, Totallee claims that it is the world’s slimmest iPhone 14 case.

Its color cases and clear hard cases are made of polypropylene, while its clear soft cases are made of TPU. These can have MagSafe built-in, or you can get it without it (although they are so thin, it will technically still work).

These cases are thin but don’t offer the best drop protection. Totallee says it designed them to offer everyday protection from bumps, scratches, dirt, and minor drops.

You can get the Totallee iPhone 14 case directly from Totallee.

UAG built the Monarch case like a tank, rated to keep your phone safe from a 20 ft drop. It is comprised of five layers to keep your iPhone protected.

You get a shock-resistant core, signature armor frame, a layer of leather, kevlar, or carbon fiber, a polycarbonate plate, and impact-resistant rubber sides.

Somehow UAG kept this case relatively thin. It is capable of wireless charging, but don’t expect any MagSafe products to work. You can get the UAG Monarch from UAG and Amazon.

What type of iPhone case should I buy?

Buying the best iPhone case is a personal choice based on your lifestyle and preferences.

If you work in construction or engage in activities that can destroy your iPhone, you may want to check out the OtterBox or UAG cases.

Maybe if you like to take your phone running or don’t want the bulk in your bag or pocket, something from Torras, Totallee, or Spigen might do the trick.

If you want functionality, then a wallet case can protect your device and double as your wallet.

Do I need a case for my iPhone 14?

No matter how careful you are, the odds are you will drop your iPhone at some point. A case will likely be the differentiating factor if the device remains unscathed or a spider web of cracks.

Apple has done a remarkable job engineering the iPhone. But it still has glass on the front and back of the device and is susceptible to cracking.

These devices tend to hold their value incredibly well. When it comes time to upgrade your device, you may choose to sell your current one to lower the cost of the new one.

The best way to keep your resale value high is to protect it with a case. Keeping your device looking fresh and new.

Is a MagSafe case the best for my iPhone 14?

MagSafe cases may or may not be a necessity for you. You may not have any MagSafe accessories, but you may look into them in the future.

So getting a case today that includes MagSafe may be the future-proofing you are looking for. MagSafe is a critical component of many of the best accessories available for these devices.

You may not use the feature now, but you very well could in the future.

A case doesn’t need to be MagSafe Compatible to be a great case. If MagSafe does not interest you, then your options for a great case expand considerably.

The hallmark of a great case is how well it protects your device, not how well accessories attach to it.

Are iPhone 13 and 14 cases the same? Does an iPhone 13 case fit on an iPhone 14?

Sure, the iPhone 13 and 14 are basically the same size. They both have a 6.1-inch screen and are about 5.78 inches tall and 2.82 inches wide.

The difference in depth is only 0.01 inches, so you don’t need to buy a new case if you don’t want to.

Will the iPhone 13 Pro case fit iPhone 14 Pro?

However, the iPhone 13 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro is another story.

The iPhone 13 Pro and 14 Pro are different enough that they can’t use the same case.

The 14 Pro has a bigger camera, and the buttons are in different places, so an iPhone 13 Pro case won’t fit. So if you’re getting the 14 Pro, you’ll need to get a new case

The best iPhone 14 case for you

Any of the cases in this list can be at the top of our best iPhone 14 cases list. The truth is that the best case is one that fits your specific needs.

Just because I prefer a slim case that I can easily slip into my pocket doesn’t mean your tank-like case isn’t just as good.

A case is also a great opportunity to add your personal touch to your device. The list here represents the best cases we have found and the ones we recommend.

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

Editors’ Recommendations:

• The best Steam Deck accessories
• The best mechanical keyboards (2022)
• iPhone Clean Energy Charging: what is it and how does it work?
• New Best Buy program lets you get a new MacBook every three years

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.

The post The best iPhone 14 cases appeared first on KnowTechie.

While you may not care if prying eyes can see your to-do list, it may make you angry if someone “stumbles” onto your private thoughts. Luckily Apple has made it easy to lock your iPhone notes.

If you want to make your iPhone notes private, we’ll walk you through the process below.

How to lock iPhone notes

Before iOS 16, you had to create a password to lock your notes. Having yet another password to remember is annoying, and Apple must agree with that sentiment.

Beginning with iOS 16, you can unlock your notes using your passcode, password, Face ID, or Touch ID.

That’s all there is to locking individual notes.

If you are using iOS 16 or above, I suggest hitting Select iPhone Passcode, so you don’t have to remember another password. This will allow you to use Face ID or Touch ID.

Opening a locked note on iPhone

Being able to lock individual notes is great, but it won’t help you if you aren’t sure how to unlock them. Luckily, unlocking your notes is even easier than locking them.

1. Open Notes and select the locked note

2. Tap View Note

3. Use Face ID, Touch ID, or enter your password

Your locked notes will remain open for a few minutes. This is done so you can jump around or copy and paste items.

If you close the Notes app, wait a few minutes, or your device goes to sleep, your note will automatically lock.

How to remove the lock on a Note

Sometimes you only need to lock a note if you put something temporary in there and want it to be secured. Once you no longer need a lock on a particular note, you can easily remove the lock.

1. Open your locked note

2. Tap the three horizontal dots

3. Select Remove

If you want to lock the note again, you will have to follow the steps above to lock it.

Resetting your password

It is pretty easy to forget passwords, especially if you haven’t used them in a while. This is particularly true for something like Notes, where you may not enter the app for an extended period.

Once again, this is a straightforward fix. We’ll walk you through the steps below:

1. Open the Settings app and select Notes

2. Select Password

3. Select the Notes account and hit Reset Password

4. Enter your Apple ID password and hit OK

5. Tap Reset Password

6. Use Face ID, Touch ID, or enter your password

Resetting your password is only needed if you set a custom password. If you have iOS 16 or above, choosing Face ID or Touch ID should alleviate most password-related issues.

The beauty is in the simplicity

Apple takes create care in crafting a great user experience for its users. That concept is beautifully demonstrated when you need to lock your iPhone notes.

After the initial setup, it only takes a quick tap to lock or unlock your notes.

Even more, your notes will automatically lock if you forget to do. While Apple isn’t perfect, its stance on privacy should be commended.

Now you can pour your heart out into your notes without the worry of anyone stumbling on it.

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

Editors’ Recommendations:

• What does the “i” in iPhone (or iPad) mean?
• How to change iPhone alert sounds and ringtones
• Here’s how to update your iPhone
• iPhone Clean Energy Charging: what is it and how does it work?

The post How to lock your iPhone notes in iOS 16 appeared first on KnowTechie.

A keyboard is a crucial but often overlooked component of your PC setup. Besides using a mouse or trackpad, the typing experience is the only other tactile part of using your computer.

The keyboard has the capability to help boost your productivity. This is even more true for gamers, coders, writers, or anyone that uses their computer to create professional work.

The Das Keyboard 6 Professional was built for the go-getter, the gamer, and those that love great design and build quality. This mechanical keyboard is an absolute joy to use, but does it justify its $199 price tag?

Editor’s Choice

Learn More

Quick Verdict

The Das Keyboard 6 Professional has been, hands down, the best keyboard I have used to date. The typing experience is second to none. Additionally, the build quality is outstanding, and the inclusion of the media controls and the 2-port USB-C hub round out a complete package.

Design of the Das Keyboard 6 Professional

The Das Keyboard 6 Professional is built with high-quality components and an aluminum enclosure, leading to a hefty 2.89 pounds.

The keyboard uses premium components, and you can really feel the build quality as soon as you pick it up.

Between the rubber feet and the weight, this keyboard will stay firmly planted on your desk. You also get two removable screw-on feet if you want to lift the keyboard to tilt it slightly towards you.

It plugs into your computer with a USB-C cable, but Das Keyboard includes a USB-C to USB-A adapter if you need it.

This mechanical keyboard is full-sized, with 104 keys. I have a relatively small desk, and I loved the compactness of the design, measuring only 17.5 inches long and 5.31 inches wide.

The keys feature a white LED backlight with multiple brightness levels. Some might be disappointed with the lack of RGB lighting, but I love the white backlight. The white backlighting looks premium and professional.

Something that should be noted is that you won’t find any type of palm rest with this keyboard. While that is something I am used to, it may bother some potential customers.

Extra features

The Das Keyboard 6 Professional has a few extra features tucked away nicely in the top-right corner of the keyboard.

You get media controls, which include a play/pause button, a skip button, and an oversized volume control knob.

You also get a button that controls the backlight brightness and another to put your computer to sleep quickly. Just over the edge of the sleep key is where you will find the built-in 2-port USB-C hub.

Initially, I wasn’t sure how I felt about the oversized volume knob. It looked out of place and wasn’t something I was used to.

That went out the window the first time I had to adjust the volume on my computer.

I no longer have to look to adjust the volume, which is great if you ever find yourself on a video call. The size of the knob is easy to locate, and each turn of it results in a satisfying click.

Performance

Depending on your preference, the Das Keyboard 6 Professional comes with Cherry MX brown or blue switches. The brown switches have a 2.0 mm pre-travel, with a total travel of 4.0 mm.

The brown switches have an operating life of 100 million actuations. The blue switches have a 2.2 mm pre-travel, 4.0 mm of total travel, and an operating life of 50 million actuations.

Both types of Cherry MX switches come with full NKRO. As a quick refresher, NKRO allows each key press to be registered independently.

Full NKRO means that every keypress results in the corresponding keys displayed on the screen, regardless of how many you press at once.

My review unit came with the Cherry MX brown switches, and they have been an absolute joy to use. Every keypress registers with zero lag and has the perfect amount of travel.

I haven’t had any issues typing on the Das Keyboard 6 Professional. In fact, I have been more accurate and less error-prone with this keyboard.

The sound of the brown switches reminds me of typing on a typewriter. This nostalgic feeling makes me want to write more and truly elevated the experience for me.

Alternative Options to Consider

This brings me to the real question, is the Das Keyboard 6 Professional worth its $199 price tag? If you are a professional or use your computer to get work done, then it is absolutely worth it.

If you are looking for a random keyboard just so you can type a URL into your web browser, then no, this keyboard will be way more than you need.

But, you do have some viable alternatives worth checking out.

Imageㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤ	Product	Price
9.6	Logitech G610 mechanical keyboardBudget Conscious Cherry MX switches White LEDs Full-sized keyboard $79.99	Learn MoreRead the Reviews
9.7	Corsair K70 MK.2 mechanical keyboardOne for the Gamers Cherry MX switches Full RGB and wrist rest Profile storage options $159.99	Learn MoreRead the Reviews
9.2	Eagletec KG010 mechanical keyboardAll Business Dust-proof Brown switches No RGB or LEDs Aluminum ABS construction $36.99	Learn MoreRead the Reviews

Final verdict on the Das Keyboard 6 Professional

The Das Keyboard 6 Professional has been, hands down, the best keyboard I have used to date. The typing experience is second to none.

On top of that, the typewriter sound of the brown switches delighted me more than I thought it would.

Additionally, the build quality is outstanding, and the inclusion of the media controls and the 2-port USB-C hub round out a complete package.

If you are a professional looking for the best typing experience, you don’t have to look further than the Das Keyboard 6 Professional.

The Das Keyboard 6 Professional can be found on their website or on Amazon.

Editor’s Pick

Das Keyboard 6 Professional

The Das Keyboard 6 Professional has been hands down the best keyboard I have used to date. The typing experience is second to none.

See at Amazon

See at Das Keyboard

Editors’ Recommendations:

• Review: SteelSeries Apex Pro Mini mechanical keyboard
• Review: Truly Ergonomic CLEAVE keyboard
• Review: Akaso Brave 8 action camera
• Review: Cooler Master CK721 gaming keyboard

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.

The post Review: Das Keyboard 6 Professional mechanical keyboard appeared first on KnowTechie.

If you tap the search button, it will launch Spotlight. Spotlight will bring up a search box, allowing you to quickly find something on your device.

Before iOS 16, you had to swipe down from the middle of your screen to access Spotlight. It worked well but may not have been as intuitive as Apple hoped.

To remedy that, Apple added it to everyone’s home screen.

How to get rid of the iOS home screen search button

If you find the presence of the new search button distracting or annoying, Apple made it super easy to turn off.

After turning off the search button, you can still access Spotlight the old way by swiping down from the middle of the screen.

If at any point you change your mind, just follow the steps again and toggle Show on Home Screen.

That’s it, you’re done. A nice, quick, and painless fix to rid yourself of the search button and to get your clean home screen back.

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

Editors’ Recommendations:

• How to set up a dynamic weather Lock Screen wallpaper in iOS 16
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The post How to remove the home screen search button on iPhone appeared first on KnowTechie.

In addition to helping you play music or make a phone call, Alexa is capable of playing your favorite podcast from your favorite provider.

Podcasts are a great way to listen to topics that are important to you. Amazon acknowledges this by enabling Alexa to connect your Echo to podcast services from Amazon Music, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Pandora, iHeartRadio, SiriusXM, Tidal, and TuneIn. 

The process for setting up your podcasts is simple and pain-free. Let’s get your Echo ready to stream your favorite podcast content.

Connect your podcast services to your Echo through Alexa

The first thing you are going to have to do is link up your podcast service(s) to your Echo. Here’s how:

Now all you have to do is say something like, “Alexa play (podcast name) on (podcast service).” If you were looking for the Huberman Lab on Spotify, you would say, “Alexa, play Huberman Lab on Spotify.” 

How to listen to podcasts on Amazon Echo – set a default provider

What if you have more than one service linked and you don’t feel like specifying the service each time you want to listen to podcasts on Amazon Echo?

A quick change to the settings will set your default podcast service, allowing you to forgo mentioning the service by name.

1. Open the Amazon Alexa app and select More

2. Click or tap on Settings

3. Select Music & Podcasts

4. Click Default Services from the top of the list

5. Select the default app within the podcast section and choose your service

Now when you want to play a podcast, you only have to specify the podcast name and it will default to your selected service.

Continuing from the previous example, now you would say, “Alexa, play Huberman Lab.” This time it will play from your selected default podcast service.

Controlling your podcasts from your Echo device

Alexa makes controlling your podcasts a breeze. Some examples are: 

• “Alexa, play Huberman Lab.”
• “Alexa, pause Huberman Lab.”
• “Alexa, play Huberman Lab.” – This will resume the paused podcast
• “Alexa, stop Huberman Lab in five minutes.” 
• “Alexa, play the next (or previous) episode.”
• “Alexa, fast forward (or rewind) by two minutes.”
• “Alexa, turn the volume up (or down) by 10%.”
• “Alexa, stop Huberman Lab in three minutes.”

Amazon makes speaking to your Echo an intuitive and easy way to control your favorite content. 

Enjoy your content

Now that Alexa is linked to your favorite podcast service, you can easily control your Echo to play what you want, when you want.

If you have more than one Amazon device, you can even use your voice to move your content from device to device as you move around your home. Enjoy listening to your podcasts.

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

Editors’ Recommendations:

• Do you need an Amazon account to use Alexa?
• How to use Alexa to move music to different Amazon Echo devices
• Here’s how to redeem Amazon Prime Gaming rewards on Twitch
• How to stop Alexa’s Amazon shopping notifications

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.

The post How to listen to podcasts on Amazon Echo appeared first on KnowTechie.