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OnePlus 15, 16GB RAM + 512GB Storage, Dual-SIM, Unlocked Android Smartphone, Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5, 7300mAh Battery, Infinite Black

Unlocked Android Smartphone with Galaxy AI

Samsung Galaxy S26 (512GB, Black)

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Samsung Galaxy S26 512GB + $100 Amazon Gift Card (Black)

$1,099.99 Save $100.00

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<p class="syndicationauthor">Posted by Emily Long</p><p class="ljsyndicationlink"><a href="https://lifehacker.com/tech/10-hacks-every-android-auto-user-should-know?utm_medium=RSS">https://lifehacker.com/tech/10-hacks-every-android-auto-user-should-know?utm_medium=RSS</a></p><p>We may earn a commission from links on this page.</p><p>Android Auto isn't perfect, but it is a powerful and highly customizable vehicle infotainment system with quite a few hidden features and settings. If you're using Android Auto in your car, these are the top tips and tricks to maximize its navigation, entertainment, and communication capabilities.</p><p></p><div class="shadow-b-2 mb-12 mt-10 rounded-md border-2 border-[#F0F0F0] px-6 py-2 shadow-lg md:px-12" role="region" aria-label="Products List" x-data="{ showMore: false }"> <a href="https://cc.lifehacker.com/v1/otc/06ZVRiLmglGs4QA6plTXzTC?merchant=05kie42h3YvHwjr4G1w80Qq&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FGoogle-Pixel-Smartphone-Assistant-Fast-Charging%2Fdp%2FB0FFTQF4Q6%2F&template=Hacks&module=product-list&element=offer&item=offer-btn&position=1&element_label=Google+Pixel+10+%28256GB%2C+Frost%29&u=https%3A%2F%2Flifehacker.com%2Ffeed%2Frss&product_uuid=06s82r7IuS1Ep18PJjlpe7R&offer_uuid=04RLD5iVDTidHFmTgmCbJiE&pageview_type=RSS&object_type=04RLD5iVDTidHFmTgmCbJiE&object_uuid=06s82r7IuS1Ep18PJjlpe7R&data-aps-asin=B0FFTQF4Q6&data-aps-asc-tag=lifehack088-20&data-aps-asc-subtag=04RLD5iVDTidHFmTgmCbJiE" data-commerce="1" target="_blank" rel="nofollow sponsored" data-parent-group="affiliate-link" title="(opens in a new window)" class="flex flex-col py-8 gap-5 border-dotted border-[#CFCFCE] cursor-default no-underline md:flex-row md:gap-y-2 md:py-7 border-b-2" data-ga-click="data-ga-click" data-ga-module="product-list" data-ga-element="offer" data-ga-item="offer-btn" data-ga-label="Google Pixel 10 (256GB, Frost)" data-ga-position="1" aria-label="Google Pixel 10 (256GB, Frost) Product Card" x-cloak="x-cloak" x-show="showMore || 0 < 3"> <div class="flex w-full gap-x-5"> <div class="flex w-full flex-col flex-nowrap justify-center gap-2 text-black no-underline md:order-2 md:gap-y-6"> <div class="flex flex-col justify-between gap-y-2 md:w-full md:gap-y-1"> <div class="block font-sans text-xs font-semibold capitalize leading-3 text-gray-900 md:leading-4">Unlocked Android Smartphone (2025 Model) </div> <div class="block w-fit cursor-pointer font-akshar text-lg font-medium leading-5 text-brand-green duration-200 ease-in-out hover:text-brand-green-700 md:text-xl md:leading-6"> Google Pixel 10 (256GB, Frost) </div> </div> <div class="hidden md:flex md:justify-between md:gap-x-4"> <div class="w-full mb-0 md:flex md:flex-col md:justify-center font-sans leading-4 text-black"> <div class="flex flex-wrap items-center justify-center gap-1 md:justify-start"> <span class="font-bold"> $649.00 <span class="font-medium">at Amazon</span> </span> </div> <div class="flex items-center justify-center gap-x-1 font-bold md:justify-start"> <span class="text-sm line-through">$899.00</span> <span class="text-sm text-brand-green">Save $250.00</span> </div> </div> <button class="flex justify-center items-center w-full bg-brand-green text-white text-base font-sans font-medium rounded-md hover:bg-brand-green-700 hover:cursor-pointer md:text-sm hidden self-end h-12 max-w-[10rem] duration-200 ease-in-out hover:bg-brand-green-700 md:flex md:h-10"> Get Deal </button> </div> </div> <div class="flex aspect-video h-[90px] shrink-0 items-center justify-center self-center md:order-1"> <img class="m-0 max-h-full max-w-full rounded-md" src="https://lifehacker.com/imagery/product/06s82r7IuS1Ep18PJjlpe7R/hero-image.fill.size_autoxauto.v1756390700.png" alt="Google Pixel 10" width="auto" height="auto" loading="lazy"> </div> </div> <button class="flex justify-center items-center w-full bg-brand-green text-white text-base font-sans font-medium rounded-md hover:bg-brand-green-700 hover:cursor-pointer md:text-sm w-full h-12 duration-200 ease-in-out hover:bg-brand-green-700 md:hidden md:h-10"> Get Deal </button> <div class="flex flex-col items-center w-full md:hidden font-sans leading-4 text-black"> <div class="flex flex-wrap items-center justify-center gap-1 md:justify-start"> <span class="font-bold"> $649.00 <span class="font-medium">at Amazon</span> </span> </div> <div class="flex items-center justify-center gap-x-1 font-bold md:justify-start"> <span class="text-sm line-through">$899.00</span> <span class="text-sm text-brand-green">Save $250.00</span> </div> </div> </a> <a href="https://cc.lifehacker.com/v1/otc/06ZVRiLmglGs4QA6plTXzTC?merchant=05kie42h3YvHwjr4G1w80Qq&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FOnePlus-Dual-SIM-Unlocked-Smartphone-Snapdragon%2Fdp%2FB0FSCVPZ5W%2Fref%3Dsr_1_5_sspa%3Fcrid%3D3P2GZEM7EE5RS%26dib%3DeyJ2IjoiMSJ9.G-y2dldyOkWuad9PcC4C3T5nLEF7Wr-bTU__c5-aym05bJtMLEIk2FkhviKBeXqG67IpavYlpZJb81OgYb7kcAiq8jKHEDO9_sU0yPBbSvUriWSWvLgq8QAZaP0z2pzdquw7WphJzVNtfq3zoEsQEM-XTnk-cTyvD75rW8gh-jBp1ka2MTQpTXG5E--jJKKMLcVvy_D_QhWgi45AqM7Vs3B_ts_tBwQTpTFWKXEK7i0.SyA3qPiXm44bHK9ph4EbwkkW6c7esK6dI08iNOFmYck%26dib_tag%3Dse%26keywords%3Dsamsung%252Bsmartphone%26qid%3D1774512148%26refinements%3Dp_n_deal_type%253A23566065011%26rnid%3D23566063011%26sprefix%3Dsamsung%252Bsma%252Caps%252C330%26sr%3D8-5-spons%26sp_csd%3Dd2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9tdGY%26th%3D1&template=Hacks&module=product-list&element=offer&item=offer-btn&position=2&element_label=OnePlus+15+%28512GB%2C+Infinite+Black%29&u=https%3A%2F%2Flifehacker.com%2Ffeed%2Frss&product_uuid=03GAgZyXP6dumrclWB7QnkQ&offer_uuid=06D6GdGQu4BumRNgnO9mytB&pageview_type=RSS&object_type=06D6GdGQu4BumRNgnO9mytB&object_uuid=03GAgZyXP6dumrclWB7QnkQ&data-aps-asin=B0FSCVPZ5W&data-aps-asc-tag=lifehack088-20&data-aps-asc-subtag=06D6GdGQu4BumRNgnO9mytB" data-commerce="1" target="_blank" rel="nofollow sponsored" data-parent-group="affiliate-link" title="(opens in a new window)" class="flex flex-col py-8 gap-5 border-dotted border-[#CFCFCE] cursor-default no-underline md:flex-row md:gap-y-2 md:py-7 border-b-2" data-ga-click="data-ga-click" data-ga-module="product-list" data-ga-element="offer" data-ga-item="offer-btn" data-ga-label="OnePlus 15 (512GB, Infinite Black)" data-ga-position="2" aria-label="OnePlus 15 (512GB, Infinite Black) Product Card" x-cloak="x-cloak" x-show="showMore || 1 < 3"> <div class="flex w-full gap-x-5"> <div class="flex w-full flex-col flex-nowrap justify-center gap-2 text-black no-underline md:order-2 md:gap-y-6"> <div class="flex flex-col justify-between gap-y-2 md:w-full md:gap-y-1"> <div class="block font-sans text-xs font-semibold capitalize leading-3 text-gray-900 md:leading-4">Unlocked Android Smartphone</div> <div class="block w-fit cursor-pointer font-akshar text-lg font-medium leading-5 text-brand-green duration-200 ease-in-out hover:text-brand-green-700 md:text-xl md:leading-6"> OnePlus 15 (512GB, Infinite Black) </div> </div> <div class="hidden md:flex md:justify-between md:gap-x-4"> <div class="w-full mb-0 md:flex md:flex-col md:justify-center font-sans leading-4 text-black"> <div class="flex flex-wrap items-center justify-center gap-1 md:justify-start"> <span class="font-bold"> $999.99 <span class="font-medium">at Amazon</span> </span> </div> </div> <button class="flex justify-center items-center w-full bg-brand-green text-white text-base font-sans font-medium rounded-md hover:bg-brand-green-700 hover:cursor-pointer md:text-sm hidden self-end h-12 max-w-[10rem] duration-200 ease-in-out hover:bg-brand-green-700 md:flex md:h-10"> Shop Now </button> </div> </div> <div class="flex aspect-video h-[90px] shrink-0 items-center justify-center self-center md:order-1"> <img class="m-0 max-h-full max-w-full rounded-md" src="https://lifehacker.com/imagery/product/03GAgZyXP6dumrclWB7QnkQ/hero-image.fill.size_autoxauto.v1774514010.jpg" alt="OnePlus 15, 16GB RAM + 512GB Storage, Dual-SIM, Unlocked Android Smartphone, Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5, 7300mAh Battery, Infinite Black" width="auto" height="auto" loading="lazy"> </div> </div> <button class="flex justify-center items-center w-full bg-brand-green text-white text-base font-sans font-medium rounded-md hover:bg-brand-green-700 hover:cursor-pointer md:text-sm w-full h-12 duration-200 ease-in-out hover:bg-brand-green-700 md:hidden md:h-10"> Shop Now </button> <div class="flex flex-col items-center w-full md:hidden font-sans leading-4 text-black"> <div class="flex flex-wrap items-center justify-center gap-1 md:justify-start"> <span class="font-bold"> $999.99 <span class="font-medium">at Amazon</span> </span> </div> </div> </a> <a href="https://cc.lifehacker.com/v1/otc/06ZVRiLmglGs4QA6plTXzTC?merchant=05kie42h3YvHwjr4G1w80Qq&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fdp%2FB0GH33YP71&template=Hacks&module=product-list&element=offer&item=offer-btn&position=3&element_label=Samsung+Galaxy+S26+%28512GB%2C+Black%29&u=https%3A%2F%2Flifehacker.com%2Ffeed%2Frss&product_uuid=067qcUV4bBoxVgg03gQ2fFi&offer_uuid=01RaVSr9FaF0Pf9GRiLiEXn&pageview_type=RSS&object_type=01RaVSr9FaF0Pf9GRiLiEXn&object_uuid=067qcUV4bBoxVgg03gQ2fFi&data-aps-asin=B0GH33YP71&data-aps-asc-tag=lifehack088-20&data-aps-asc-subtag=01RaVSr9FaF0Pf9GRiLiEXn" data-commerce="1" target="_blank" rel="nofollow sponsored" data-parent-group="affiliate-link" title="(opens in a new window)" class="flex flex-col py-8 gap-5 border-dotted border-[#CFCFCE] cursor-default no-underline md:flex-row md:gap-y-2 md:py-7" data-ga-click="data-ga-click" data-ga-module="product-list" data-ga-element="offer" data-ga-item="offer-btn" data-ga-label="Samsung Galaxy S26 (512GB, Black)" data-ga-position="3" aria-label="Samsung Galaxy S26 (512GB, Black) Product Card" x-cloak="x-cloak" x-show="showMore || 2 < 3"> <div class="flex w-full gap-x-5"> <div class="flex w-full flex-col flex-nowrap justify-center gap-2 text-black no-underline md:order-2 md:gap-y-6"> <div class="flex flex-col justify-between gap-y-2 md:w-full md:gap-y-1"> <div class="block font-sans text-xs font-semibold capitalize leading-3 text-gray-900 md:leading-4">Unlocked Android Smartphone with Galaxy AI</div> <div class="block w-fit cursor-pointer font-akshar text-lg font-medium leading-5 text-brand-green duration-200 ease-in-out hover:text-brand-green-700 md:text-xl md:leading-6"> Samsung Galaxy S26 (512GB, Black) </div> </div> <div class="hidden md:flex md:justify-between md:gap-x-4"> <div class="w-full mb-0 md:flex md:flex-col md:justify-center font-sans leading-4 text-black"> <div class="flex flex-wrap items-center justify-center gap-1 md:justify-start"> <span class="font-bold"> $999.99 <span class="font-medium">at Amazon</span> </span> </div> <div class="flex items-center justify-center gap-x-1 font-bold md:justify-start"> <span class="text-sm line-through">$1,099.99</span> <span class="text-sm text-brand-green">Save $100.00</span> </div> </div> <button class="flex justify-center items-center w-full bg-brand-green text-white text-base font-sans font-medium rounded-md hover:bg-brand-green-700 hover:cursor-pointer md:text-sm hidden self-end h-12 max-w-[10rem] duration-200 ease-in-out hover:bg-brand-green-700 md:flex md:h-10"> Get Deal </button> </div> </div> <div class="flex aspect-video h-[90px] shrink-0 items-center justify-center self-center md:order-1"> <img class="m-0 max-h-full max-w-full rounded-md" src="https://lifehacker.com/imagery/product/067qcUV4bBoxVgg03gQ2fFi/hero-image.fill.size_autoxauto.v1773055570.jpg" alt="Samsung Galaxy S26 512GB + $100 Amazon Gift Card (Black)" width="auto" height="auto" loading="lazy"> </div> </div> <button class="flex justify-center items-center w-full bg-brand-green text-white text-base font-sans font-medium rounded-md hover:bg-brand-green-700 hover:cursor-pointer md:text-sm w-full h-12 duration-200 ease-in-out hover:bg-brand-green-700 md:hidden md:h-10"> Get Deal </button> <div class="flex flex-col items-center w-full md:hidden font-sans leading-4 text-black"> <div class="flex flex-wrap items-center justify-center gap-1 md:justify-start"> <span class="font-bold"> $999.99 <span class="font-medium">at Amazon</span> </span> </div> <div class="flex items-center justify-center gap-x-1 font-bold md:justify-start"> <span class="text-sm line-through">$1,099.99</span> <span class="text-sm text-brand-green">Save $100.00</span> </div> </div> </a> <button class="mb-4 mt-6 pr-4 font-akshar text-sm font-medium text-gray-900 hover:cursor-pointer hover:text-brand-green md:pr-8" x-cloak="x-cloak" x-show="!showMore && 3 > 3" x-on:click="showMore = !showMore" x-on:keydown.enter.prevent.stop="showMore = !showMore"> SEE 0 MORE <svg class="-mt-[2px] inline-block size-3 fill-current text-brand-green"> <use href="https://lifehacker.com/images/icons/spritemap.svg#sprite-chevron-down"></use> </svg> </button> </div> <p> </p><h2 id="customize-the-notifications-you-receive-while-driving">Customize the notifications you receive while driving</h2><p>Getting too many notifications on your Android Auto screen while you're driving can be distracting (and potentially dangerous), but you also don't want to miss important and time-sensitive calls and texts. You can customize what alerts pop up—and how—when you're on the road and even disable message notifications entirely. You can make changes like disabling group chat alerts while driving, customizing how your phone's display behaves when connected to Android Auto, and even adjusting how your phone recognizes when you're driving. This one will be dependent on the type of Android you have, so <a href="https://lifehacker.com/tech/how-to-customize-notifications-on-android-auto" target="_blank">follow Lifehacker's guide to managing notifications</a> on Android Auto, especially if you have a Google Pixel or Samsung Galaxy. </p><h2 id="use-customize-launcher-to-reorganize-apps">Use "Customize Launcher" to reorganize apps</h2><p>If the default view on Android Auto has apps you never use, you can rearrange or remove them in favor of those you rely on every time you drive, like your preferred map, music, and messaging apps. This makes your interface less distracting and eliminates the need to scroll the screen to find what you are looking for. On your phone, open <strong>Settings > Connected Devices > Connection Preferences > Android Auto > Customize Launcher</strong>. Uncheck any apps you don't need, and tap and drag to reorder the ones you keep. </p><h2 id="set-up-shortcuts-with-custom-assistant">Set up shortcuts with Custom Assistant</h2><p>Another launcher customization is the ability to <a href="https://lifehacker.com/tech/android-autos-best-kept-secret-is-a-programmable-shortcut" target="_blank">program shortcuts</a>. These use custom commands for actions <a href="https://www.howtogeek.com/i-stopped-wasting-time-in-my-driveway-after-setting-up-these-android-auto-routines/" target="_blank" title="open in a new window" rel="noopener">and routines</a> like navigating to the nearest gas station, sending a message, calling a contact, or running a series of home automations when you're en route. Once programmed, these one-tap shortcuts are added to your Android Auto home screen and can be rearranged using the steps above. To create a shortcut, go to <strong>Settings > Connected Devices > Connection Preferences > Android Auto > Customize Launcher</strong> on your phone and tap <strong>Add a shortcut to the launcher</strong>. Then, select an Assistant action, type the command, and press <strong>Save</strong>. You can also test a shortcut from this screen. </p><h2 id="move-media-controls-to-the-drivers-side-for-easier-access">Move media controls to the driver’s side for easier access </h2><p>Android Auto puts media on the right side of the display, so you have to reach across the screen to control your music apps. However, you can move media to the left (driver's) side, making them just a little bit easier to access. You can also put maps on the driver's side if you prefer. Go to <strong>Settings > Connected Devices > Connection Preferences > Android Auto</strong>, where you can set the driver seat location and select whether to place media or navigation closer to the driver. You can also find these options in your Android Auto unit settings under the <strong>Display</strong> section. </p><h2 id="customize-your-android-auto-wallpaper">Customize your Android Auto wallpaper</h2><p>Unlike Apple CarPlay, which doesn't support user-added wallpapers without a third-party app, Android Auto allows you to add a photo to your display—though it is limited to the same wallpaper you have on your phone. To set an image as your Android Auto background, go to <strong>Settings > Connected devices > Connection preferences > Android Auto</strong> on your phone and select <strong>Use Phone's Wallpaper in Android Auto</strong>. Open the image, tap the three dots, and select <strong>Use as > Photos Wallpaper</strong>. </p><h2 id="choose-your-preferred-digital-assistant">Choose your preferred digital assistant </h2><p>Google started <a href="https://blog.google/products-and-platforms/platforms/android/android-auto-gemini-tips/" target="_blank" title="open in a new window" rel="noopener">rolling out Gemini on Android Auto</a> late last year, and while the upgrade is intended to bring more conversational AI capabilities to your drive, it hasn't been smooth sailing. <a href="https://www.androidauthority.com/android-auto-gemini-problems-3657698/" target="_blank" title="open in a new window" rel="noopener">Some users have reported</a> that Gemini talks too much and gets too many things wrong, and is ultimately more distracting than helpful. While this is likely to improve with future updates, you can switch back to the classic Google Assistant instead. To do so, go to Android Auto settings on your phone, then head to <strong>Manage Your Digital Assistant > Digital Assistants from Google > Google Assistant</strong>. Note that this will apply globally, not just on Android Auto. </p><h2 id="install-aa-browser-for-video-playback">Install AA Browser for video playback</h2><p>Android Auto doesn't have a web browser installed by default, but you can add one yourself. <a href="https://lifehacker.com/tech/android-auto-web-browser-installation" target="_blank">Take the open-source AA Browser for instance</a>, which lets you search Google or play videos on your Android Auto screen. Of course, you should only stream content when you're safely parked—AA Browser will actually disable itself if your vehicle is moving. To get it, you'll have to enable developer mode on your Android phone and open the Android Auto Apps Downloader (AAAD) APK, which grants you access to a number of non-Play Store apps. Once installed, you can launch AA Browser from the main apps list on your Android Auto interface. </p><h2 id="add-wireless-capabilities-to-your-wired-android-auto">Add wireless capabilities to your wired Android Auto</h2><p>Plugging your phone into Android Auto every time you get in your car can be a pain, especially when wireless Android Auto exists. Wired certainly has its place (as I'll get to in the next hack), but if you want to add wireless capabilities to your wired unit, you need an adapter. Dongles from <a href="https://zdcs.link/zj8DNv?pageview_type=RSS&template=content&module=content_body&element=offer&item=text-link&element_label=AAWireless&short_url=zj8DNv&u=https%3A%2F%2Flifehacker.com%2Ffeed%2Frss" rel="sponsored" target="_blank" title="open in a new window">AAWireless</a> and <a href="https://zdcs.link/z7RKZ4?pageview_type=RSS&template=content&module=content_body&element=offer&item=text-link&element_label=Carlinkit&short_url=z7RKZ4&u=https%3A%2F%2Flifehacker.com%2Ffeed%2Frss" rel="sponsored" target="_blank" title="open in a new window">Carlinkit</a> are frequently recommended by both users and <a href="https://www.pcmag.com/picks/the-best-wireless-adapters-for-carplay-and-android-auto" target="_blank" title="open in a new window" rel="noopener">testers alike</a>. </p><div class="pogoClear mb-12 mt-10 rounded-md border-2 border-gray-100 py-7 shadow-xl md:py-6"> <a href="https://cc.lifehacker.com/v1/otc/06ZVRiLmglGs4QA6plTXzTC?merchant=05kie42h3YvHwjr4G1w80Qq&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FCarlinkit-CarPlay-Adapter-2-Dual-Convert-Wireless%2Fdp%2FB0CDKRXLY4&template=Hacks&module=shop-card&element=offer&item=offer-btn&position=1&element_label=Carlinkit+2Air+5.0&u=https%3A%2F%2Flifehacker.com%2Ffeed%2Frss&product_uuid=02k0PQG75TcZOTAyd5MhmGj&offer_uuid=03ETARtZWSvu16kzs9V54zG&pageview_type=RSS&object_type=03ETARtZWSvu16kzs9V54zG&object_uuid=02k0PQG75TcZOTAyd5MhmGj&data-aps-asin=B0CDKRXLY4&data-aps-asc-tag=lifehack088-20&data-aps-asc-subtag=03ETARtZWSvu16kzs9V54zG" data-commerce="1" target="_blank" rel="nofollow sponsored" data-parent-group="affiliate-link" title="(opens in a new window)" class="cursor-default no-underline" data-ga-click="data-ga-click" data-ga-module="shop-card" data-ga-element="offer" data-ga-item="offer-btn" data-ga-label="Carlinkit 2Air 5.0"> <div class="flex flex-wrap justify-between px-7 text-black no-underline md:flex-nowrap md:px-8"> <div class="order-1 mx-auto flex flex-col justify-center md:order-2 md:ml-4 md:w-full md:grow"> <div class="block cursor-pointer text-center font-akshar text-2xl font-medium leading-7 text-brand-green duration-200 ease-in-out hover:text-brand-green-700 md:text-left md:text-xl md:leading-6">Carlinkit 2Air 5.0 </div> <div class="mt-4 hidden md:flex md:justify-between"> <div class="self-end"> <div class="mb-0 h-11 md:flex md:flex-col md:justify-center"><div class=" font-sans leading-4 text-black"> <div class="flex flex-wrap items-center justify-center gap-1 md:justify-start"> <span class="font-bold"> $55.99 <span class="font-medium">at Amazon</span> </span> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="w-44 self-end"> <button class="flex justify-center items-center w-full bg-brand-green text-white text-base font-sans font-medium rounded-md hover:bg-brand-green-700 hover:cursor-pointer md:text-sm h-11"> Shop Now </button> </div> </div> </div> <div class="order-2 mt-5 h-auto w-full md:order-1 md:mt-0 md:hidden"> <div class="flex aspect-video items-center justify-center"> <img class="m-0 max-h-full max-w-full rounded-md" src="https://lifehacker.com/imagery/product/02k0PQG75TcZOTAyd5MhmGj/hero-image.fill.size_autoxauto.v1776799828.jpg" alt="Carlinkit 2Air 5.0 CarPlay Adapter,2-Dual-Convert Wired CarPlay to Wireless & Wired Android Auto to Wireless,for Wired CarPlay and Android Auto Car" width="auto" height="auto" loading="lazy"> </div> </div> <div class="order-2 ml-2 hidden w-32 shrink-0 items-center md:order-1 md:ml-0 md:flex"> <div class="flex aspect-video items-center justify-center"> <img class="m-0 max-h-full max-w-full rounded-md" src="https://lifehacker.com/imagery/product/02k0PQG75TcZOTAyd5MhmGj/hero-image.fill.size_autoxauto.v1776799828.jpg" alt="Carlinkit 2Air 5.0 CarPlay Adapter,2-Dual-Convert Wired CarPlay to Wireless & Wired Android Auto to Wireless,for Wired CarPlay and Android Auto Car" width="auto" height="auto" loading="lazy"> </div> </div> <div class="order-3 flex grow flex-wrap md:hidden md:grow-0"> <div class="mt-4 w-full"> <button class="flex justify-center items-center w-full bg-brand-green text-white text-base font-sans font-medium rounded-md hover:bg-brand-green-700 hover:cursor-pointer md:text-sm h-11"> Shop Now </button> </div> <div class="mx-2 mt-4 w-full"> <div class=" font-sans leading-4 text-black"> <div class="flex flex-wrap items-center justify-center gap-1 md:justify-start"> <span class="font-bold"> $55.99 <span class="font-medium">at Amazon</span> </span> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </a></div> <h2 id="disable-wireless-android-auto-to-save-your-phones-battery">Disable wireless Android Auto to save your phone’s battery</h2><p>On the flip side, there may be times when you want to rely on wired Android Auto and prevent your phone from trying to connect wirelessly. Google <a href="https://9to5google.com/2023/01/24/android-auto-wireless-turn-off-setting/" target="_blank" title="open in a new window" rel="noopener">removed this toggle</a> from the main settings a few years ago, but <a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/VWiD4Owners/comments/1kbevmy/disabling_wireless_android_auto_and_doing_wired/" target="_blank" title="open in a new window" rel="noopener">there's a workaround</a> in your device's developer settings. To <a href="https://developer.android.com/training/cars/testing" target="_blank" title="open in a new window" rel="noopener">enter Android Auto developer mode</a> on your Android phone, go to <strong>Settings > Apps & notifications > See all apps > Android Auto > Advanced > Additional settings in the app</strong>, scroll down to <strong>About</strong>, and tap <strong>Version > Version and permission info</strong> 10 times. Tap <strong>OK</strong> when the dialog box appears, then tap the three-dot menu and uncheck <strong>Wireless Android Auto</strong>. </p><h2 id="change-this-setting-to-improve-your-screen-resolution">Change this setting to improve your screen resolution</h2><p>While you're in developer mode, take a look at your default video resolution <a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/AndroidAuto/comments/17s7zse/aawireless_dpi_settings/" target="_blank" title="open in a new window" rel="noopener">and DPI settings</a> (also in the three-dot menu > <strong>Developer settings</strong>). If your screen looks blurry, low-res, or oddly scaled, you may be able to increase the resolution for a sharper picture and smaller app icons, making for a more efficient use of space. Note that <a href="https://www.talkandroid.com/523836-unlock-android-autos-hidden-setting-that-transforms-your-car-display-quality/" target="_blank" title="open in a new window" rel="noopener">the effects of these changes vary by display</a>, as some older systems have limited resolution. </p><p class="ljsyndicationlink"><a href="https://lifehacker.com/tech/10-hacks-every-android-auto-user-should-know?utm_medium=RSS">https://lifehacker.com/tech/10-hacks-every-android-auto-user-should-know?utm_medium=RSS</a></p>

https://lifehacker.com/tech/10-hacks-every-brave-browser-user-should-know?utm_medium=RSS

Posted by Pranay Parab

If you like the idea of using Chrome extensions with a browser that's not made by Google, Brave Browser is a great choice. This Chromium-based browser is designed with user privacy in mind, and comes with a number of quality-of-life perks as well. The thing is, not all of these features and options are enabled out of the box, or are even all that obvious. If you use Brave, you'll want to know about these 10 hacks:

Use these options to get rid of Brave’s own ads

Brave Browser's business model includes pushing its own services, including a VPN service and a search engine. The browser's default settings push ads for these services on the home page, and you can easily get rid of most of them while, at the same time, customizing the overall look and function of the browser.

Open a new tab in Brave and click the gear icon in the top-right corner of the page. This will reveal customization options. You can start by disabling Show new tab page ads, which removes ads from the Brave Rewards program, where you earn small amounts of cryptocurrency for watching ads. (On the same page, you can upload your own image to use as a wallpaper, if you like.) Go to the Cards option in the left pane and disable Brave stats, Brave VPN, Brave Rewards, Brave Talk, and Brave News. This should clean up the new tab page, but to complete a minimalist look, go to the Top sites option, and turn off Show top sites too.

Now, click Search in the left pane of this settings window, and select the search engine of your choice. Uncheck Brave to replace the default search engine on the new tab page. Note that this doesn't replace Brave as the default search engine in the address bar. To do that, click the three-lines button in the top-right corner of the browser's window, and go to Settings > Search engine. You can click the Change buttons on this page to replace Brave Search with other options in the normal and private windows of the app.

Use Shields' content filters to block annoying website elements

Credit: Pranay Parab

While uBlock Origin remains my favorite ad blocker, you may not need to install it in Brave Browser, which has a competent ad blocker of its own called Brave Shields. Shields blocks ads, hides cookie notices, and removes a bunch of YouTube-specific annoyances, too. Shields is enabled by default, but it can do so much more if you enable additional features in settings. Go to Brave settings first (three-lines button > Settings), and open the Shields tab from the left pane. Go to Content filters > Show full list. Go through this list and enable all the options that appeal to you. I recommend the following:

Cookie notice blocker
Annoying distractions blocker
AI suggestions blocker
Newsletter popup blocker
YouTube Shorts blocker
YouTube thumbnail image blocker
Tracking URL blocker
Paywall blocker (a way to bypass some paywalls)

Turn off AI features

Brave ships with a built-in AI bot called Leo. While the company claims it's a privacy-first AI service, I'd personally rather disable the features altogether. If you feel the same way, you can go to Brave settings > Leo, and disable all the options on this page. While you're at it, you can also remove a bunch of these features from the address bar. Right-click the icons in the toolbar, and hide the following:

Brave Rewards (this icon is in the address bar)
Brave Wallet
Leo AI
Brave VPN

This will disable unwanted features and leave you with a clean address bar. You should also go to Brave settings > Appearance, and disable Leo AI assistant under "Show autocomplete suggestions in address bar."

Use "Memory Saver" to improve performance

Brave has a feature called Memory Saver to improve performance by suspending inactive tabs. You can enable this if you frequently open a lot of tabs and find your computer slowing down as a result. Go to Brave settings > System, and enable Memory Saver. Click the Add button below this feature to keep certain websites from being suspended in Brave.

Use Vertical Tabs to free up screen real estate

I prefer stacking the list of tabs vertically in most browsers, particularly when I'm using a larger display. This leaves more room for content, with a single toolbar up top and a vertical tab bar on the left. You can enable vertical tabs in Brave by going to Brave settings > Appearance > Tabs, and enabling Use vertical tabs. Once you do that, you should disable Show title bar to remove the extra horizontal bar from the top menu. This option merges the minimize, maximize, and close buttons with the toolbar for a streamlined look. Don't forget to click the minimize tabs button at the top of the tab bar to reduce the tab bar to a slim vertical column.

Use Brave’s task manager to hunt down power-hungry tabs

Credit: Pranay Parab

If your browser is being slowed down by rogue tabs, you can use Brave's built-in task manager to sort things out. Press Shift-Esc with Brave open to access it and weed out resource-hungry tabs. If the keyboard shortcut doesn't work, click the three-lines button in the top-right corner, and go to More Tools > Task Manager.

Use “Copy Clean Link” to remove tracking data from URLs

A lot of links on the internet come with an unhelpful string of characters that can track your activity when browsing. Brave has a feature to help block this tracking data. Right-click any hyperlink in Brave, and select Copy Clean Link. This will remove tracking information from most types of links, but be aware that it won't be able to fix tracking via shortened links. You can also use Brave Shields to remove tracking parameters from links you click. To do this, go to Brave settings > Shields > Content filters > Show full list, and enable Tracking URL blocker.

Use "Force Paste" to get past copy-paste blocks on the web

Some websites block your ability to copy and paste information, which is extremely annoying. I'm still not sure why my bank thinks that stopping me from pasting my username or password is a great security feature. When you encounter such a site, you can right-click the form, and select Force Paste to bypass the block. Some sites go one step further and disable right-clicks too. You can get past that by using an extension like Enable right click.

Get YouTube Premium features for free

Brave blocks YouTube ads by default on both desktop and mobile. Since YouTube's ads are harder to block on mobile, I think the feature is much more valuable on Brave for iOS and Android. As such, I highly recommend switching from the YouTube app to Brave whenever you want to watch a video. While you're at it, you'll also notice that it lets you watch YouTube videos in picture-in-picture mode, and that you can play them in the background too. All of these are YouTube Premium features that you can get for free just by using Brave's mobile app.

Use Brave’s hidden dark mode

Much of the internet is still stuck in light mode, even for users with devices running in dark mode. While you can use a browser extension to force websites to use dark mode, Brave has a hidden feature that accomplishes the same. You can open brave://flags/#enable-force-dark using the address bar, and enable the flag to change all websites to a dark theme. This is better than using a browser extension: It uses fewer resources and is less of a privacy issue since no third-party companies can access your tabs. Note that you'll have to restart Brave once to start using the feature.

https://lifehacker.com/tech/10-hacks-every-brave-browser-user-should-know?utm_medium=RSS

sage

The Vampire Lestat new trailer

Watch on YouTube

gnu MinoanMiss/Rubynye
update on Ny's cause of death: she had an asymptomatic covid infection, which caused the heart attacks, which caused the brain edema.
Covid: Speaking Out About Rubynye (1268 words) by werpiper
Chapters: 1/1
Fandom: Original Work, Public Health - Fandom
Rating: General Audiences
Warnings: Major Character Death
Characters: Me | Fanwork Creator(s), Rubynye
Additional Tags: COVID-19, Death
Summary:

Dearly loved fandom artist and author Rubynye died of covid, at age fifty.

She was a precious friend to me, and I talked about this at a memorial held for her online six weeks after. These are my notes.

GNU Ny.

( books (Cline, Cline, Jackson Bennett, Puhak, Kingfisher, Wodehouse) )

yarning
2 kickbunny orders! one green and one gray. Discovered late Saturday that I didn't have enough light green or enough gray yarn to finish either bunny. I got the green at walmart, but I had to order the gray from Amazon. (Evil empires either way, but cheaper than any other option.) Still putting them together, slower than usual, due to busted thumb.

healthcrap
Tendinosis in my left thumb again, from distal all the way to the wrist. Really super annoying. Almost as annoying as going to the allergist for a shot and being denied one because I'm having to use albuterol with my symbicort at night to stop me from coughing all night. And there was no earlier appt for me to move mine to (a month out), so I guess I'm not getting back to maintenance dose after all. She did prescribe me some nasal antihistamine I forget the name of, and they're delivering it, so I don't have to drive all the way over there again. SIGH.

( astrology )

#resist
May 1: No Kings 4: the general strike

I hope all of you are doing well! Happy Earth Day! I hope y'all can enjoy a bit of nature today! <333

copperbadge_feed

https://copperbadge.tumblr.com/post/814631176418525184

I kind of had the feeling! I've been seeing the little red Ski Queen package in more cheese cases, and I know more people who have tried it. Fun that South Korea's been enjoying it -- I'd be interested to see what dishes they're serving up with brunost, or if they treat it like I would, as a charcuterie thing.

https://copperbadge.tumblr.com/post/814631176418525184

Here are the character notes for "When You Learn to Read" Part 1: Sanon Family.

( Read more... )

Current Mood: busy

schneefink

I planted two wild strawberry plants in my living room window box today :)

Last year I was lazy and didn't plant anything after the many herbs I had before all died (after I barely used most of them.) But this weekend I visited a botanical garden ~fair with a friend and she convinced me to get the strawberries, fingers crossed they'll grow and I can eat some. Apparently they can have fruits the whole summer.

I want to put some sage with the strawberries, and some flowers in the box of the window that is hard to open, and some herbs in the box on my kitchen window sill but I haven't decided yet which ones of parsley, chives, basil, and mint. Maybe all four will fit, even, if I can put them close together? Maybe I'll just go to the once-a-week-every-spring gardening stand nearby and see what they have/say.

xkcd_feed

https://xkcd.com/3236/

Thanks to differences in logging regulations, the messages actually turned out to be visible from the air.

https://xkcd.com/3236/

https://lifehacker.com/tech/apple-signal-notifications-iphone-bug?utm_medium=RSS

Posted by Jake Peterson

Earlier this month, 404 Media broke a fascinating, complex, and concerning story: The FBI had successfully retrieved incoming Signal messages from a defendant's iPhone, despite the fact that those messages were set to self-destruct within the famously secure chat app. Though it's easy to assume Signal would be to blame, it turns out the fault was with iOS—and Apple may have just fixed the problem.

To recap: 404 Media spoke to someone who attended the trial in question, where the court learned that all iPhone notifications are stored in a database on the device. So even though the Signal messages were deleted, their notification data remained in this database, from where the FBI was able to obtain them. (The defendant's own messages weren't present, since only incoming texts would generate notifications.)

The story generated buzz across the tech community. Many of us who have used iPhones since their inception 20 years ago were surprised to learn about this "notification database," a revelation that prompted discussions of the best way to shore up iPhone notification security. Based on the information revealed in the court case, the best course of action seemed to be to block sensitive data from showing up in notifications—if you stop Signal from revealing message info in its alerts, then an intruder accessing your notification database would only see you received a Signal notification, and not what the message said or who it was from. Still, there were unanswered questions: Do notifications remain in the database after you clear them? And if you don't, how long do they stay there?

iOS 26.4.2 might offer a fix for this Signal issue

While we don't exactly have answers to those questions, we're perhaps a bit closer to them. On Wednesday, Apple dropped iOS 26.4.2. This update doesn't include any new features or changes, so don't expect your iPhone to look any different after you install it. In fact, the vague release notes only offer that the update "provides bug fixes and security updates for your iPhone." However, click through to Apple's security releases site, and you'll find the official security notes for 26.4.2. Here, we can see one bug fix for Notification Services: "Notifications marked for deletion could be unexpectedly retained on the device."

There's no easy way to confirm that this fix was issued in response to the Signal news, but the timing is curious, to say the least. What are the chances that, just weeks after the disclosure that the FBI had accessed a user's "notification database" to retrieve deleted messages, Apple would issue a fix for a bug that left deleted notifications somewhere on the device? Even still, there are lingering questions: Did the defendant in the case delete the notifications from their iPhone, or just the messages? Did the notifications appear to clear on their own after the messages self-destructed? For what it's worth, Apple also released iOS 18.7.8, which fixes the same Notification Services bug for the older build of iOS. I've reached out to Apple for clarification and will update this piece if I hear back.

How to install iOS 26.4.2

If this update does indeed prevent actors from obtaining previously deleted notifications from our iPhones, it's a good idea to install it ASAP. To do so, head to Settings > General > Software Update, then follow the on-screen instructions to download and install the update. The same applies if you're on iOS 18 trying to install iOS 18.7.8.

https://lifehacker.com/tech/apple-signal-notifications-iphone-bug?utm_medium=RSS

https://lifehacker.com/tech/hisense-class-u8-tv-deal-april-2026?utm_medium=RSS

Posted by Daniel Oropeza

We may earn a commission from links on this page. Deal pricing and availability subject to change after time of publication.

QLED TVs are, in my opinion, a perfect sweet spot between budget TVs and OLEDs—they're a huge improvement in video quality without having to pay the thousands required for an OLED. And honestly, most people can't tell the difference between an OLED and a QLED anyway, but most people see the difference between a budget TV and a solid QLED. If you're looking for a steal on one of the best QLED TVs, the Hisense 75" Class U8GQ is $1,249.99 (originally $1,698) after a $450 discount, bringing it down to its lowest price ever, according to price-tracking tools. The other sizes are also seeing great discounts right now.

Hisense 55" Class U8 Mini-LED

Hisense 75" Class U8 Mini-LED

$1,249.99 at Amazon

$1,698.00 Save $448.01

$1,249.99 at Amazon

$1,698.00 Save $448.01

Amazon

Hisense 85" Class U8 Mini-LED

$1,797.99 at Amazon

Amazon

Hisense 100" Class U8 Mini-LED

$2,997.96 at Amazon

$3,997.99 Save $1,000.03

$2,997.96 at Amazon

$3,997.99 Save $1,000.03

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<p class="syndicationauthor">Posted by Daniel Oropeza</p><p class="ljsyndicationlink"><a href="https://lifehacker.com/tech/hisense-class-u8-tv-deal-april-2026?utm_medium=RSS">https://lifehacker.com/tech/hisense-class-u8-tv-deal-april-2026?utm_medium=RSS</a></p><p>We may earn a commission from links on this page. Deal pricing and availability subject to change after time of publication.</p><p>QLED TVs are, in my opinion, a perfect sweet spot between budget TVs and OLEDs—they're a huge improvement in video quality without having to pay the thousands required for an OLED. And honestly, most people can't tell the difference between an <a href="https://lifehacker.com/tech/oled-vs-qled-differences" target="_blank"><u>OLED and a QLED</u></a> anyway, but most people see the difference between a budget TV and a solid QLED. If you're looking for a steal on one of the best QLED TVs, the <a href="https://zdcs.link/a56e2k?pageview_type=RSS&template=content&module=content_body&element=offer&item=text-link&element_label=Hisense%2075%22%20Class%20U8GQ&short_url=a56e2k&u=https%3A%2F%2Flifehacker.com%2Ffeed%2Frss" rel="sponsored" target="_blank" title="open in a new window"><u>Hisense 75" Class U8GQ</u></a> is $1,249.99 (originally $1,698) after a $450 discount, bringing it down to its lowest price ever, according to <a href="https://lifehacker.com/best-price-tracking-tools-1692745053" target="_blank"><u>price-tracking tools</u></a>. The other sizes are also seeing great discounts right now.</p><div class="shadow-b-2 mb-12 mt-10 rounded-md border-2 border-[#F0F0F0] px-6 py-2 shadow-lg md:px-12" role="region" aria-label="Products List" x-data="{ showMore: false }"> <a href="https://cc.lifehacker.com/v1/otc/06ZVRiLmglGs4QA6plTXzTC?merchant=05kie42h3YvHwjr4G1w80Qq&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fdp%2FB0F1DRNWP7%3Fth%3D1&template=Deals&module=product-list&element=offer&item=offer-btn&position=1&element_label=Hisense+55%22+Class+U8+Mini-LED&u=https%3A%2F%2Flifehacker.com%2Ffeed%2Frss&product_uuid=00ecpzBPhtEzddCpRKkyFLU&offer_uuid=01nh6ZAUaUuQNfqsWckiACD&pageview_type=RSS&object_type=01nh6ZAUaUuQNfqsWckiACD&object_uuid=00ecpzBPhtEzddCpRKkyFLU&data-aps-asin=B0F1DRNWP7&data-aps-asc-tag=lifehack088-20&data-aps-asc-subtag=01nh6ZAUaUuQNfqsWckiACD" data-commerce="1" target="_blank" rel="nofollow sponsored" data-parent-group="affiliate-link" title="(opens in a new window)" class="flex flex-col py-8 gap-5 border-dotted border-[#CFCFCE] cursor-default no-underline md:flex-row md:gap-y-2 md:py-7 border-b-2" data-ga-click="data-ga-click" data-ga-module="product-list" data-ga-element="offer" data-ga-item="offer-btn" data-ga-label="Hisense 55" Class U8 Mini-LED" data-ga-position="1" aria-label="Hisense 55" Class U8 Mini-LED Product Card" x-cloak="x-cloak" x-show="showMore || 0 < 3"> <div class="flex w-full gap-x-5"> <div class="flex w-full flex-col flex-nowrap justify-center gap-2 text-black no-underline md:order-2 md:gap-y-6"> <div class="flex flex-col justify-between gap-y-2 md:w-full md:gap-y-1"> <div class="block w-fit cursor-pointer font-akshar text-lg font-medium leading-5 text-brand-green duration-200 ease-in-out hover:text-brand-green-700 md:text-xl md:leading-6"> Hisense 55" Class U8 Mini-LED </div> </div> <div class="hidden md:flex md:justify-between md:gap-x-4"> <div class="w-full mb-0 md:flex md:flex-col md:justify-center font-sans leading-4 text-black"> <div class="flex flex-wrap items-center justify-center gap-1 md:justify-start"> <span class="font-bold"> $747.99 <span class="font-medium">at Amazon</span> </span> </div> <div class="flex items-center justify-center gap-x-1 font-bold md:justify-start"> <span class="text-sm line-through">$898.00</span> <span class="text-sm text-brand-green">Save $150.01</span> </div> </div> <button class="flex justify-center items-center w-full bg-brand-green text-white text-base font-sans font-medium rounded-md hover:bg-brand-green-700 hover:cursor-pointer md:text-sm hidden self-end h-12 max-w-[10rem] duration-200 ease-in-out hover:bg-brand-green-700 md:flex md:h-10"> Get Deal </button> </div> </div> <div class="flex aspect-video h-[90px] shrink-0 items-center justify-center self-center md:order-1"> <img class="m-0 max-h-full max-w-full rounded-md" src="https://lifehacker.com/imagery/product/00ecpzBPhtEzddCpRKkyFLU/hero-image.fill.size_autoxauto.v1749475126.jpg" alt="Hisense 55" Class U8 Series Mini-LED ULED 4K UHD Google Smart TV (55U8QG, 2025 Model) - QLED, Native 165Hz, Game Mode Ultra VRR 288, Dolby Vision IQ � Atmos, Full Array Local Dimming, 4.1.2 Ch" width="auto" height="auto" loading="lazy"> </div> </div> <button class="flex justify-center items-center w-full bg-brand-green text-white text-base font-sans font-medium rounded-md hover:bg-brand-green-700 hover:cursor-pointer md:text-sm w-full h-12 duration-200 ease-in-out hover:bg-brand-green-700 md:hidden md:h-10"> Get Deal </button> <div class="flex flex-col items-center w-full md:hidden font-sans leading-4 text-black"> <div class="flex flex-wrap items-center justify-center gap-1 md:justify-start"> <span class="font-bold"> $747.99 <span class="font-medium">at Amazon</span> </span> </div> <div class="flex items-center justify-center gap-x-1 font-bold md:justify-start"> <span class="text-sm line-through">$898.00</span> <span class="text-sm text-brand-green">Save $150.01</span> </div> </div> </a> <a href="https://cc.lifehacker.com/v1/otc/06ZVRiLmglGs4QA6plTXzTC?merchant=05kie42h3YvHwjr4G1w80Qq&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FHisense-Class-Mini-LED-Google-75U8QG%2Fdp%2FB0F1DV1Z1X&template=Deals&module=product-list&element=offer&item=offer-btn&position=2&element_label=Hisense+75%22+Class+U8+Mini-LED+&u=https%3A%2F%2Flifehacker.com%2Ffeed%2Frss&product_uuid=05t4xsxSMEA2nIUZKrKGhbo&offer_uuid=03iZ7PGlMqj3O2LLucAmb9e&pageview_type=RSS&object_type=03iZ7PGlMqj3O2LLucAmb9e&object_uuid=05t4xsxSMEA2nIUZKrKGhbo&data-aps-asin=B0F1DV1Z1X&data-aps-asc-tag=lifehack088-20&data-aps-asc-subtag=03iZ7PGlMqj3O2LLucAmb9e" data-commerce="1" target="_blank" rel="nofollow sponsored" data-parent-group="affiliate-link" title="(opens in a new window)" class="flex flex-col py-8 gap-5 border-dotted border-[#CFCFCE] cursor-default no-underline md:flex-row md:gap-y-2 md:py-7 border-b-2" data-ga-click="data-ga-click" data-ga-module="product-list" data-ga-element="offer" data-ga-item="offer-btn" data-ga-label="Hisense 75" Class U8 Mini-LED" data-ga-position="2" aria-label="Hisense 75" Class U8 Mini-LED Product Card" x-cloak="x-cloak" x-show="showMore || 1 < 3"> <div class="flex w-full gap-x-5"> <div class="flex w-full flex-col flex-nowrap justify-center gap-2 text-black no-underline md:order-2 md:gap-y-6"> <div class="flex flex-col justify-between gap-y-2 md:w-full md:gap-y-1"> <div class="block font-sans text-xs font-semibold capitalize leading-3 text-gray-900 md:leading-4">Amazon</div> <div class="block w-fit cursor-pointer font-akshar text-lg font-medium leading-5 text-brand-green duration-200 ease-in-out hover:text-brand-green-700 md:text-xl md:leading-6"> Hisense 75" Class U8 Mini-LED </div> </div> <div class="hidden md:flex md:justify-between md:gap-x-4"> <div class="w-full mb-0 md:flex md:flex-col md:justify-center font-sans leading-4 text-black"> <div class="flex flex-wrap items-center justify-center gap-1 md:justify-start"> <span class="font-bold"> $1,249.99 <span class="font-medium">at Amazon</span> </span> </div> <div class="flex items-center justify-center gap-x-1 font-bold md:justify-start"> <span class="text-sm line-through">$1,698.00</span> <span class="text-sm text-brand-green">Save $448.01</span> </div> </div> <button class="flex justify-center items-center w-full bg-brand-green text-white text-base font-sans font-medium rounded-md hover:bg-brand-green-700 hover:cursor-pointer md:text-sm hidden self-end h-12 max-w-[10rem] duration-200 ease-in-out hover:bg-brand-green-700 md:flex md:h-10"> Get Deal </button> </div> </div> <div class="flex aspect-video h-[90px] shrink-0 items-center justify-center self-center md:order-1"> <img class="m-0 max-h-full max-w-full rounded-md" src="https://lifehacker.com/imagery/articles/01K3RRYBXWQW081EAW6S0J9ZT3/images-3.fill.size_autoxauto.v1769721304.jpg" alt="Hisense 75" Class U8 Mini-LED" width="auto" height="auto" loading="lazy"> </div> </div> <button class="flex justify-center items-center w-full bg-brand-green text-white text-base font-sans font-medium rounded-md hover:bg-brand-green-700 hover:cursor-pointer md:text-sm w-full h-12 duration-200 ease-in-out hover:bg-brand-green-700 md:hidden md:h-10"> Get Deal </button> <div class="flex flex-col items-center w-full md:hidden font-sans leading-4 text-black"> <div class="flex flex-wrap items-center justify-center gap-1 md:justify-start"> <span class="font-bold"> $1,249.99 <span class="font-medium">at Amazon</span> </span> </div> <div class="flex items-center justify-center gap-x-1 font-bold md:justify-start"> <span class="text-sm line-through">$1,698.00</span> <span class="text-sm text-brand-green">Save $448.01</span> </div> </div> </a> <a href="https://cc.lifehacker.com/v1/otc/06ZVRiLmglGs4QA6plTXzTC?merchant=05kie42h3YvHwjr4G1w80Qq&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FHisense-Class-Mini-LED-Google-85U8QG%2Fdp%2FB0F1DTP5WY&template=Deals&module=product-list&element=offer&item=offer-btn&position=3&element_label=Hisense+85%22+Class+U8+Mini-LED&u=https%3A%2F%2Flifehacker.com%2Ffeed%2Frss&product_uuid=03gY19fQZG3vn44knn7Tez3&offer_uuid=046Qwksc4BQGyLpvJjRqJ9k&pageview_type=RSS&object_type=046Qwksc4BQGyLpvJjRqJ9k&object_uuid=03gY19fQZG3vn44knn7Tez3&data-aps-asin=B0F1DTP5WY&data-aps-asc-tag=lifehack088-20&data-aps-asc-subtag=046Qwksc4BQGyLpvJjRqJ9k" data-commerce="1" target="_blank" rel="nofollow sponsored" data-parent-group="affiliate-link" title="(opens in a new window)" class="flex flex-col py-8 gap-5 border-dotted border-[#CFCFCE] cursor-default no-underline md:flex-row md:gap-y-2 md:py-7 border-b-2" data-ga-click="data-ga-click" data-ga-module="product-list" data-ga-element="offer" data-ga-item="offer-btn" data-ga-label="Hisense 85" Class U8 Mini-LED" data-ga-position="3" aria-label="Hisense 85" Class U8 Mini-LED Product Card" x-cloak="x-cloak" x-show="showMore || 2 < 3"> <div class="flex w-full gap-x-5"> <div class="flex w-full flex-col flex-nowrap justify-center gap-2 text-black no-underline md:order-2 md:gap-y-6"> <div class="flex flex-col justify-between gap-y-2 md:w-full md:gap-y-1"> <div class="block font-sans text-xs font-semibold capitalize leading-3 text-gray-900 md:leading-4">Amazon</div> <div class="block w-fit cursor-pointer font-akshar text-lg font-medium leading-5 text-brand-green duration-200 ease-in-out hover:text-brand-green-700 md:text-xl md:leading-6"> Hisense 85" Class U8 Mini-LED </div> </div> <div class="hidden md:flex md:justify-between md:gap-x-4"> <div class="w-full mb-0 md:flex md:flex-col md:justify-center font-sans leading-4 text-black"> <div class="flex flex-wrap items-center justify-center gap-1 md:justify-start"> <span class="font-bold"> $1,797.99 <span class="font-medium">at Amazon</span> </span> </div> </div> <button class="flex justify-center items-center w-full bg-brand-green text-white text-base font-sans font-medium rounded-md hover:bg-brand-green-700 hover:cursor-pointer md:text-sm hidden self-end h-12 max-w-[10rem] duration-200 ease-in-out hover:bg-brand-green-700 md:flex md:h-10"> Get Deal </button> </div> </div> <div class="flex aspect-video h-[90px] shrink-0 items-center justify-center self-center md:order-1"> <img class="m-0 max-h-full max-w-full rounded-md" src="https://lifehacker.com/imagery/articles/01K3RRYBXWQW081EAW6S0J9ZT3/images-4.fill.size_autoxauto.v1769721304.jpg" alt="Hisense 85" Class U8 Mini-LED" width="auto" height="auto" loading="lazy"> </div> </div> <button class="flex justify-center items-center w-full bg-brand-green text-white text-base font-sans font-medium rounded-md hover:bg-brand-green-700 hover:cursor-pointer md:text-sm w-full h-12 duration-200 ease-in-out hover:bg-brand-green-700 md:hidden md:h-10"> Get Deal </button> <div class="flex flex-col items-center w-full md:hidden font-sans leading-4 text-black"> <div class="flex flex-wrap items-center justify-center gap-1 md:justify-start"> <span class="font-bold"> $1,797.99 <span class="font-medium">at Amazon</span> </span> </div> </div> </a> <a href="https://cc.lifehacker.com/v1/otc/06ZVRiLmglGs4QA6plTXzTC?merchant=05kie42h3YvHwjr4G1w80Qq&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FHisense-Class-Mini-LED-Google-100U8QG%2Fdp%2FB0F1DW6YSH&template=Deals&module=product-list&element=offer&item=offer-btn&position=4&element_label=Hisense+100%22+Class+U8+Mini-LED+&u=https%3A%2F%2Flifehacker.com%2Ffeed%2Frss&product_uuid=03QvS6afOaDNUALC7D551lI&offer_uuid=04lR3Quf8z314yvUjdhrXnZ&pageview_type=RSS&object_type=04lR3Quf8z314yvUjdhrXnZ&object_uuid=03QvS6afOaDNUALC7D551lI&data-aps-asin=B0F1DW6YSH&data-aps-asc-tag=lifehack088-20&data-aps-asc-subtag=04lR3Quf8z314yvUjdhrXnZ" data-commerce="1" target="_blank" rel="nofollow sponsored" data-parent-group="affiliate-link" title="(opens in a new window)" class="flex flex-col py-8 gap-5 border-dotted border-[#CFCFCE] cursor-default no-underline md:flex-row md:gap-y-2 md:py-7" data-ga-click="data-ga-click" data-ga-module="product-list" data-ga-element="offer" data-ga-item="offer-btn" data-ga-label="Hisense 100" Class U8 Mini-LED" data-ga-position="4" aria-label="Hisense 100" Class U8 Mini-LED Product Card" x-cloak="x-cloak" x-show="showMore || 3 < 3"> <div class="flex w-full gap-x-5"> <div class="flex w-full flex-col flex-nowrap justify-center gap-2 text-black no-underline md:order-2 md:gap-y-6"> <div class="flex flex-col justify-between gap-y-2 md:w-full md:gap-y-1"> <div class="block font-sans text-xs font-semibold capitalize leading-3 text-gray-900 md:leading-4">Amazon</div> <div class="block w-fit cursor-pointer font-akshar text-lg font-medium leading-5 text-brand-green duration-200 ease-in-out hover:text-brand-green-700 md:text-xl md:leading-6"> Hisense 100" Class U8 Mini-LED </div> </div> <div class="hidden md:flex md:justify-between md:gap-x-4"> <div class="w-full mb-0 md:flex md:flex-col md:justify-center font-sans leading-4 text-black"> <div class="flex flex-wrap items-center justify-center gap-1 md:justify-start"> <span class="font-bold"> $2,997.96 <span class="font-medium">at Amazon</span> </span> </div> <div class="flex items-center justify-center gap-x-1 font-bold md:justify-start"> <span class="text-sm line-through">$3,997.99</span> <span class="text-sm text-brand-green">Save $1,000.03</span> </div> </div> <button class="flex justify-center items-center w-full bg-brand-green text-white text-base font-sans font-medium rounded-md hover:bg-brand-green-700 hover:cursor-pointer md:text-sm hidden self-end h-12 max-w-[10rem] duration-200 ease-in-out hover:bg-brand-green-700 md:flex md:h-10"> Get Deal </button> </div> </div> <div class="flex aspect-video h-[90px] shrink-0 items-center justify-center self-center md:order-1"> <img class="m-0 max-h-full max-w-full rounded-md" src="https://lifehacker.com/imagery/articles/01K3RRYBXWQW081EAW6S0J9ZT3/images-5.fill.size_autoxauto.v1769721305.jpg" alt="Hisense 100" Class U8 Mini-LED" width="auto" height="auto" loading="lazy"> </div> </div> <button class="flex justify-center items-center w-full bg-brand-green text-white text-base font-sans font-medium rounded-md hover:bg-brand-green-700 hover:cursor-pointer md:text-sm w-full h-12 duration-200 ease-in-out hover:bg-brand-green-700 md:hidden md:h-10"> Get Deal </button> <div class="flex flex-col items-center w-full md:hidden font-sans leading-4 text-black"> <div class="flex flex-wrap items-center justify-center gap-1 md:justify-start"> <span class="font-bold"> $2,997.96 <span class="font-medium">at Amazon</span> </span> </div> <div class="flex items-center justify-center gap-x-1 font-bold md:justify-start"> <span class="text-sm line-through">$3,997.99</span> <span class="text-sm text-brand-green">Save $1,000.03</span> </div> </div> </a> <button class="mb-4 mt-6 pr-4 font-akshar text-sm font-medium text-gray-900 hover:cursor-pointer hover:text-brand-green md:pr-8" x-cloak="x-cloak" x-show="!showMore && 4 > 3" x-on:click="showMore = !showMore" x-on:keydown.enter.prevent.stop="showMore = !showMore"> SEE 1 MORE <svg class="-mt-[2px] inline-block size-3 fill-current text-brand-green"> <use href="https://lifehacker.com/images/icons/spritemap.svg#sprite-chevron-down"></use> </svg> </button> </div> <p>The Hisense U8QG is a mid-tier QLED TV that was released in April of 2025, and it's still on my list of the <a href="https://lifehacker.com/tech/best-budget-qled-tvs" target="_blank"><u>best budget QLEDs</u></a>. It's a solid, well-rounded TV that will work well in bright rooms and excels for watching sports, movies, and playing video games. The brightness, black levels, and colors are its most impressive specs, as <a href="https://www.pcmag.com/reviews/hisense-65u8qg?test_uuid=04IpBmWGZleS0I0J3epvMrC&test_variant=A" target="_blank" title="open in a new window" rel="noopener"><u>PCMag noted in its "excellent" review</u></a>.</p><p>This TV also has a Hi-View AI Engine Pro processor, HDMI 2.1 bandwidth on all three ports, and a USB-C display port that PC gamers can use to play directly on the TV. It can handle 4K resolution at a 165Hz refresh rate and 1080p at 288Hz. It also has support for arguably the most important HDR formats: Dolby Vision and HDR10+. The TV OS, Google TV, is my personal favorite because it lets you seamlessly cast your phone or computer directly to the TV. It also supports voice controls.</p><hr><div class=" relative flex justify-center py-16 md:left-1/2 md:w-[780px] md:max-w-max md:-translate-x-1/2" x-data="{ showAll: false }"> <div class="w-max text-center sm:text-left"> <div class="custom-gradient-background mb-6 rounded-md p-[2px] sm:rounded-tl-none"> <div class="flex flex-col rounded bg-white sm:rounded-tl-none"> <span class="-mt-4 block w-fit max-w-[calc(100%-1rem)] self-center bg-white px-3 text-center font-akshar text-xl font-medium capitalize text-gray-800 sm:max-w-[calc(100%-2.5rem)] sm:self-start sm:px-10 sm:text-left sm:text-2xl">Our Best Editor-Vetted Tech Deals Right Now</span> <div class="flex flex-col gap-3 p-3 pb-4 text-sm sm:p-10 sm:pt-6 sm:text-justify sm:text-base"> <div x-show="1 || showAll"> <a href="https://cc.lifehacker.com/v1/otc/06ZVRiLmglGs4QA6plTXzTC?merchant=05kie42h3YvHwjr4G1w80Qq&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fdp%2FB0DGJ7HYG1&template=article&module=offer-group&element=offer&item=offer-group-item&position=1&element_label=Apple+AirPods+4+Wireless+Earbuds+With+Active+Noise+Cancellation&u=https%3A%2F%2Flifehacker.com%2Ffeed%2Frss&offer_uuid=02SF0HcWI2ONIXEgbggdebL&pageview_type=RSS&object_type=02SF0HcWI2ONIXEgbggdebL&object_uuid=01LWnNr3HlocJSrZC2UZTJe&data-aps-asin=B0DGJ7HYG1&data-aps-asc-tag=lifehack088-20&data-aps-asc-subtag=02SF0HcWI2ONIXEgbggdebL" data-commerce="1" target="_blank" rel="nofollow sponsored" data-parent-group="affiliate-link" title="(opens in a new window)" class="font-semibold text-brand-green no-underline hover:text-brand-green-700" data-ga-click="data-ga-click" data-ga-item="offer-group-item" data-ga-label="Apple AirPods 4 Wireless Earbuds With Active Noise Cancellation" data-ga-element="offer" data-ga-module="offer-group" data-ga-position="1"> Apple AirPods 4 Active Noise Cancelling Wireless Earbuds </a> <span class="text-black"> — <span class="font-bold">$148.99</span> <span class="!text-xs italic sm:!text-sm"> (List Price $179.00) </span> </span> </div> <div x-show="1 || showAll"> <a href="https://cc.lifehacker.com/v1/otc/06ZVRiLmglGs4QA6plTXzTC?merchant=05kie42h3YvHwjr4G1w80Qq&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fdp%2FB0DGQZ8JZK&template=article&module=offer-group&element=offer&item=offer-group-item&position=2&element_label=Blink+2nd+Gen+Doorbell+With+Sync+Module+Core+%28Black%29&u=https%3A%2F%2Flifehacker.com%2Ffeed%2Frss&offer_uuid=04jMdtCxKkzvBrzWHA8eatJ&pageview_type=RSS&object_type=04jMdtCxKkzvBrzWHA8eatJ&object_uuid=05cuFDkLL3qBgJxlwmfjzXU&data-aps-asin=B0DGQZ8JZK&data-aps-asc-tag=lifehack088-20&data-aps-asc-subtag=04jMdtCxKkzvBrzWHA8eatJ" data-commerce="1" target="_blank" rel="nofollow sponsored" data-parent-group="affiliate-link" title="(opens in a new window)" class="font-semibold text-brand-green no-underline hover:text-brand-green-700" data-ga-click="data-ga-click" data-ga-item="offer-group-item" data-ga-label="Blink 2nd Gen Doorbell With Sync Module Core (Black)" data-ga-element="offer" data-ga-module="offer-group" data-ga-position="2"> Blink Video Doorbell Wireless (Newest Model) + Sync Module Core </a> <span class="text-black"> — <span class="font-bold">$35.99</span> <span class="!text-xs italic sm:!text-sm"> (List Price $69.99) </span> </span> </div> <div x-show="1 || showAll"> <a href="https://cc.lifehacker.com/v1/otc/06ZVRiLmglGs4QA6plTXzTC?merchant=05kie42h3YvHwjr4G1w80Qq&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fdp%2FB0CD31RLDK&template=article&module=offer-group&element=offer&item=offer-group-item&position=3&element_label=Ring+Indoor+Cam+2nd+Gen+1080p+Camera+With+Cover+%28White%2C+2-Pack%29&u=https%3A%2F%2Flifehacker.com%2Ffeed%2Frss&offer_uuid=00N8uyxGvFBa4iNo2IQXxuF&pageview_type=RSS&object_type=00N8uyxGvFBa4iNo2IQXxuF&object_uuid=00mSP8Nk3t8InwZTkEeSOIV&data-aps-asin=B0CD31RLDK&data-aps-asc-tag=lifehack088-20&data-aps-asc-subtag=00N8uyxGvFBa4iNo2IQXxuF" data-commerce="1" target="_blank" rel="nofollow sponsored" data-parent-group="affiliate-link" title="(opens in a new window)" class="font-semibold text-brand-green no-underline hover:text-brand-green-700" data-ga-click="data-ga-click" data-ga-item="offer-group-item" data-ga-label="Ring Indoor Cam 2nd Gen 1080p Camera With Cover (White, 2-Pack)" data-ga-element="offer" data-ga-module="offer-group" 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https://lifehacker.com/five-common-mistakes-when-checking-for-ticks?utm_medium=RSS

Posted by Beth Skwarecki

We may earn a commission from links on this page.

As tick populations grow (thanks, climate change) and tick-borne diseases like Lyme become more widespread, tick checks have become routine for many of us. But do you really know what it means to “check yourself for ticks”? Chances are, you’re missing some important parts of the process.

You only need a tick check when you've been in the woods

Are you conscientious about tick checks when you're camping, but only when you're camping? Ticks live in more places than just the woods, and most parts of the U.S. are home to at least one tick species. Check these tick maps from the CDC to get a sense of whether they’re in your area and which tick species to look out for. Dog ticks are found just about everywhere. Some tick species are only found in the eastern half of the country, while Rocky Mountain ticks and western blacklegged ticks are generally found out west.

Ticks live in grassy, brushy, and wooded areas, the CDC notes. Growing up in Pennsylvania, I always thought of the woods and farm fields as the places you pick up ticks. But years later, I now know there are ticks in my own backyard, as well as parks and other areas that don’t fit the stereotype I had in my head. I’ll do a tick check whenever I’ve spent time near tall grass, leaf litter, woods, or brush—which includes pretty much anywhere I go in the summer. Don’t forget to check your kids for ticks, too.

Skipping the shower

If you think of a "tick check" as an isolated chore, it's easy to forget. But if you make sure to take a shower after you've been outdoors, it gives you an opportunity for a thorough check as you're undressing, and will possibly wash off ticks even if your check wasn't so thorough (or if you forgot to do it entirely). The CDC points out that taking a shower within two hours of getting home from an outdoor outing has been shown to reduce your chances of getting Lyme disease, and probably also reduces your chances of other tickborne diseases as well.

Ticks crawl around for a few hours before they find a place to attach, so there’s a good chance that unattached ticks will wash off during the shower, whether you see them or not. As a bonus, you also have several hours to wash off the oils from poison ivy before it triggers a rash. A shower is always on my to-do list after coming home from a trail run. The other benefit of taking a shower after you get home is that it gives you a chance to get naked—and that’s when the real tick check begins.

Missing critical areas of your body

The first place I always check is my lower legs. Ticks need to stay close to the ground while they’re waiting for a person to walk by, so you won’t find them climbing trees and dropping down from above—that’s a myth. They chill on the ground, then climb a stalk of grass. If they haven’t found a victim, they will return to the ground to rehydrate for a bit. That means they’ll usually contact your lower legs first, so if you just got back from your hike, check your ankles, shins, and knees right away.

Over the course of the next few hours, they’ll climb upward. It’s not uncommon to find ticks on your upper body, or even in your hair, if they've had enough time to climb. So check these harder-to-see spots, which I’ll list from bottom to top:

The backs of your knees
Between your legs (use a mirror...sorry!)
Inside your belly button
In your armpits
Behind your ears
In your hair

A mirror or a partner can help you to see those out-of-the-way places. If you have kids, check them over while you help them get ready for a shower, or when you change their diaper.

Not knowing what you're looking for

Look up the species of ticks that live in your area, and make sure you know how big they are and what they look like. Ticks grow as they go through their life cycle, with the smallest being about the size of a poppyseed. Adult ticks can be anywhere from the size of a sesame seed to the size of a corn kernel, depending on the species and whether they have fed.

Before ticks attach, they crawl around, and you might mistake them for other kinds of bugs (and vice versa). There are lots of little bugs you can pick up from outside that aren’t ticks. If you want to take an educated guess at whether the little guy you found is a tick, check the number of legs. Ticks are arachnids, so they have eight legs.

You may find an attached tick during your check—or, if you’re unlucky, sometime the next day after you should have done your check. An attached tick doesn’t usually hurt. You might just notice a little scab or mole where there wasn’t one before, and when you take a closer look at it, you discover it’s got legs. Ew. Go get the tweezers or your handy-dandy tick removal device. (I’m partial to the TickKey.)

Jotovo Tick Remover Tool 3-Pack

Once a tick is done feeding, it will drop off. If you have a pet dog and don’t keep up with their flea and tick medication, you may occasionally find what looks like a gray or green corn kernel in the dog bed. That’s what this is. A tick that is not attached to you isn’t usually a health risk if you find it in your house; chances are, it will dry out and die. But just to be safe, you can launder any clothes or bedding in hot water and/or put them in the dryer on high. Next time, keep your pet up to date on tick control medication, and do those tick checks on everyone when you get home.

Not having a plan for what to do when you find a tick

If you find a tick crawling on you, that's easy—wash it off, brush it off (if you're outside), or squish it and throw it in the trash. But what if you find one that's already attached? That's when you have to know the right way to remove a tick.

Forget the blown-out matches, soap, or alcohol—you don't want to do anything that makes the tick release itself, since they'll vomit their stomach contents into your bloodstream, which worsens the risk of catching a tick-borne disease. Instead, pull the tick off your skin with fine-tipped tweezers, or with a specialized device like a TickKey or Tick Twister. I keep a TickKey in my bathroom at home, and bring another with me when I travel. You slip the little keyhole slot over the tick, and pull—something even most squeamish folks can probably handle.

https://lifehacker.com/five-common-mistakes-when-checking-for-ticks?utm_medium=RSS

oursin

What I read

Finished The Tortoiseshell Cat, which was Royde-Smith's first novel, and rambles around a bit before it gets going, and the protag is really somewhat unbelievably naive about the world and its ways, but it's still pretty good and readable. Okay, there is character who turns out to be a Predatory Lesbian with a backstory of relationships with other women with masculinised names, and it got namechecked by Lilian Faderman for being bad representation of the period (1920s) but there is a certain ambivalence (VV is awful but is the sapphic desire itself bad? Gill seems to feel a certain reciprocity.). And there is a certain amount of evidence that Royde-Smith had leanings at least, and did write another novel with v sympathetic lesbian lead. Anyway, quite aside from Here Is A 1920s LGBTQ Pioneer Who Is Not Radclyffe, would read more of her if it was only available.

Some while ago picked up Le Guin's The Books of Earthsea omnibus as a Kobo deal and while I think I have all except maybe some short stories on my shelves or somewhere, it's handy to have them all together with Ursula's commentaries. Made my way through the initial trilogy, found the narrative style rather reminded me of the various myths and legends recounted in works of my youth (and probably hers too). I do wish, see earlier post, she had had some contact with Mitchison's works but I don't know if they were even published in N Am.

On the go

Took a break from going straight on to Tehanu to do my re-read of Dorothy Richardson, The Tunnel (Pilgrimage, #4) (1919) - the text I originally downloaded from Project Gutenberg was no longer playing nicely with the ereader but I downloaded the most recent version and it's fine. This is the one that is embedded in bits of London very very familar to moi - even if Euston Station looks quite different these days.

Up next

Probably back to Le Guin and Earthsea.

https://copperbadge.tumblr.com/post/814613571584540672

This poem is spillover from the August 5, 2025 Poetry Fishbowl. It was inspired by prompts from

dialecticdreamer,

rix_scaedu, and

jake67jake. It also fills the "Somebody at the Door" square in my 8-1-25 card for the Crime Classics Bingo fest. This poem has been sponsored by

janetmiles. It belongs to the Big One thread of the Polychrome Heroics series. It is the second in a triptych, between "Where You Find Light" and "No Faster or Firmer Friendships."

( Read more... )

Current Mood: busy

copperbadge_feed

adventurelandia:

“Return To Oz” Promotional Stickers, 1985

Oooh I just realized I have a laser printer and adhesive paper.

https://copperbadge.tumblr.com/post/814613571584540672

Bruce the Parrot Landed Atop the Pecking Order, Without a Beak

In 2021, a disabled parrot named Bruce made headlines worldwide for creating his own prosthetic beak. He didn’t stop there: Scientists reported on Monday that Bruce has now become the alpha male of his group.

And he did it by learning to joust.

I had heard about the prosthetic beak, but the jousting is new. :D

Current Mood: busy

Today is sunny and warm.

I fed the birds. I've seen a few house finches. Red-winged blackbirds are singing in the trees. I've seen others at the drainage ditch, so I wonder how long these will stick around.

I put out water for the birds. Honeybees have been draining the birdbaths.

I set out my small flats of seedlings.

EDIT 4/22/26 -- I planted 4 snapdragons and a yellow-and-orange lantana in the barrel garden. I realized that I forgot to pick up the firecracker plant for hummingbirds that I meant to get yesterday. >_< I may get back to DeBurh's another day, or somewhere else might have it.

EDIT 4/22/26 -- I planted a pineapple sage besides the barrel garden.

EDIT 4/22/26 -- I planted a Yellow Pear tomato, a Santa (a red grape tomato), a Cherokee Purple (a slicing tomato), a Mr. Stripey (a sweet yellow-and-red slicer), and an Old German (a slicer, mostly yellow with a bit of orange or red inside) in the new picnic table garden.

EDIT 4/22/26 -- I planted 4 'Safari Yellow' marigolds around the 'Santa' tomato. I need to watch for more marigolds; my attempts at sprouting them from seeds didn't produce many this year.

EDIT 4/22/26 -- We picked up sticks from the west end of the south lot, so that can be mowed later today. There is a big patch of ground there which is either bare or growing weeds from having the big branch on it for several years. So it needs to be mowed close, then raked and sown with grass seed. Friday looks like rain.

EDIT 4/22/26 -- I watered the newly planted things.

EDIT 4/22/26 -- I buffed the apothecary cabinet, so that part is done. A couple of the hanging pegs on the bottom are loose, so I want to put wood glue on those before we hang it.

EDIT 4/22/26 -- I planted a fennel, a sweet marjoram, a curry plant, and a dill in the large trough pot on the old picnic table garden.

EDIT 4/22/26 -- I raked the west end of the south lot.

EDIT 4/22/26 -- I did a bit of work around the patio.

EDIT 4/22/26 -- I did more work around the patio.

I planted the Forever Purple heuchera in the forest garden and watered it.

As it is now dark, I am done for the night.

Current Mood: busy

https://lifehacker.com/health/garmin-venu-3s-sale-april-2026?utm_medium=RSS

Posted by Daniel Oropeza

We may earn a commission from links on this page. Deal pricing and availability subject to change after time of publication.

For their fitness and health-tracking features, Garmin smartwatches are beloved by the health-conscious and sports enthusiasts alike. The Garmin Venu 3S, released in late 2023, is one of the company's premium models, and it's a great choice for beginners and more advanced athletes alike thanks to its customizable, user-friendly fitness tracking. Right now, you can get the 41mm Venu 3S starting at $339.99 (originally $449.99), its lowest price ever, according to price-tracking tools.

Garmin Venu 3S

Operating System: Android, Memory Storage Capacity: 8 GB

$339.99 at Amazon Amazon Prime

$449.99 Save $110.00

Garmin - Venu 3S GPS Smartwatch 41 mm Fiber-reinforced polymer - Stainless Steel and French Gray

$339.99 at Amazon Amazon Prime

$449.99 Save $110.00

The Venus 3S offers Android and Apple users a long battery life of up to 10 days, depending on your use and settings, 8GB of storage, built-in GPS, and a 1.2-inch AMOLED touchscreen. This 41mm size is perfect for people with smaller wrists. If you need the bigger size, the 45mm is available for $348.95 (originally $449.99).

The Venus 3S is user-friendly, with three buttons and a touchscreen to navigate its features while avoiding accidentally stopping your workout. It has a speaker and microphone so you can take calls directly from your watch. You can also use it to listen to its guided meditation feature or your playlists from Spotify and Amazon music; just keep in mind there is no LTE support, so you'll need to be within Bluetooth or wifi range of your phone to use these features.

If you're looking for a smartwatch to do trail runs, this is not it, since there's no such feature. However, you can make use of stats on your recovery time after workouts, a morning report of your health status, heart rate monitoring, stress tracking, on-screen workouts, and Body Battery Energy Monitoring that shows you how much or little energy you might have left in the tank, plus a Sleep Coach feature that helps you improve your sleep. In short, it's a great all-around fitness and health-tracking watch, now available at a great price.

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https://lifehacker.com/health/garmin-venu-3s-sale-april-2026?utm_medium=RSS

osprey_archer

Books I've Given Up On This Week

I regret to admit (or rather admit without regret) that I got deeply bored about a quarter of the way through Jean-Paul Sartre's Nausea, and have therefore taken it back to the library. Sorry, Jean-Paul! This is simply not a season of my life where I am interested in you.

What I’ve Just Finished Reading

While looking for more Penelope Farmer books, as one does, I discovered that the author of Charlotte Sometimes also occasionally moonlighted as a translator from Hebrew. Specifically, she and Amos Oz teamed up to translate Oz’s book Soumchi, a wistful childhood journey through British-occupied Jerusalem between the world wars.

This is an adult book about children rather than a children’s book - the tip-off lies in the prologue, a melancholy reflection about how everything is changing all the time which is very “adult looking back at childhood.” A gentle period piece about a boy with a massive crush on his classmate Esthie and also absolutely zero common sense, as evidenced by the fact that he keeps making trades where he is fairly obviously getting the worse end of the deal.

Also continuing my Vivien Alcock explorations with A Kind of Thief, a contemporary novel about a girl whose father is arrested for theft. But before he’s marched off by the police, he manages to sneak her the information to pick up a bag at the railroad station. Does receiving these presumably stolen goods make her… a kind of thief?

I think Alcock’s work is stronger (or at least more tailored to my interests) when she’s exploring a fantastical premise. This is fun but not something I would suggest seeking out unless you’re an Alcock completist. (If you are an Alcock completist, I do own a copy and I would be happy to send it to a new home.)

Also zipped through Dorothy Gilman’s Kaleidoscope, the sequel to The Clairvoyant Countess, which I probably should have read first as Kaleidoscope is chock full of spoilers for the earlier book. On the other hand, I’ll probably have forgotten all the spoilers by the time I mosey around to The Clairvoyant Countess, so it’s fine.

Always love Gilman’s older heroines. This book is aptly named, a kaleidoscope of different fractured glimpses of other people’s lives, some of which appear once and some of which are threaded throughout the book. No strong through-line but lots of fun little interweaving stories.

What I’m Reading Now

Grace Lin’s Chinese Menu, a lavishly illustrated compilation of the legendary origin stories of many classic Chinese dishes. Just about the embark on the story of spring rolls.

What I Plan to Read Next

I know I keep saying I’m going to read E. F. Benson’s Queen Lucia, but I’m going to read Queen Lucia for real this time.

https://lifehacker.com/entertainment/whats-new-on-netflix-in-may-2026?utm_medium=RSS

Posted by Emily Long

Netflix's May slate is heavy on sports and comedy, including live events and documentaries in both categories. The streaming service will carry the full lineup of F1 Canadian GP weekend events, starting with spring qualifying on May 22 and ending with the race on May 24. Netflix will also host its first live MMA broadcast—Ronda Rousey vs. Gina Carano—on May 16.

Ahead of the 2026 World Cup this summer, there are also a handful of soccer documentaries: USA 94: Brazil's Return to Glory (May 7) covers Brazil's World Cup run, while The Bus: A French Football Mutiny (May 13) looks at the controversy surrounding France's 2010 bid. Several football-focused Untold UK episodes are dropping in May as well. Finally, Rafa (May 29) is a documentary series about Rafael Nadal's tennis career and final season.

On the comedy side, competition series Funny AF with Kevin Hart will wrap up live on May 5. Also live is The Roast of Kevin Hart, airing on May 11 as part of the Netflix Is A Joke Festival. Wanda Sykes has a new standup hour (Legacy, May 19), and the month wraps up with AFI Life Achievement Award: A Tribute to Eddie Murphy (May 31), a ceremony honoring the comedian's life and work.

Other highlights in May are the debut of Mating Season (May 22), a new adult animated comedy series from Big Mouth creator Nick Kroll about love, sex, and relationships in the animal world; and Ladies First (May 22), a comedy film starring Sacha Baron Cohen and Rosamund Pike. Tina Fey's comedy series The Four Seasons (May 28), in which she stars alongside Steve Carell, also returns for a second season.

Here's everything else coming to Netflix in May, and everything that's leaving.

What's coming to Netflix in May 2026

Available soon

Jae-seok's B&B Rules!—Netflix Series

Available May 1

Glory—Netflix Series
My Dearest Señorita—Netflix Film
Son-In-Law—Netflix Film
Swapped—Netflix Family
13 Going on 30
48 Hrs.
Airport
Airport '77
Airport 1975
Bad News Bears
The Boss
The Breakfast Club
Burn After Reading
Den of Thieves
Domestic Disturbance
Eat Pray Love
Fried Green Tomatoes
Green Book
Hitch
Home
Jennifer's Body
Jumanji
Jumping the Broom
La Brea: Seasons 1-3
The Land Before Time
Meet the Parents
Meet the Fockers
Little Fockers
National Lampoon's Animal House
Ouija
Ouija: Origin of Evil
Pretty Woman
The Proposal
Schindler's List
Starship Troopers
Trainwreck
Under the Skin
Veronica Mars
Waterworld

Available May 4

Dr. Seuss’s Horton!: Season 2—Netflix Family
Funny AF with Kevin Hart—Netflix Live Event
Lord of the Flies—Netflix Series

Available May 5

Funny AF with Kevin Hart—Netflix Live Event

Available May 6

Countdown: Rousey vs. Carano—Netflix Documentary
Love is Blind Poland—Netflix Series
Worst Ex Ever: Season 2—Netflix Series

Available May 7

The Chestnut Man: Hide and Seek—Netflix Series
Legends—Netflix Series
My Dearest Assassin—Netflix Film
USA 94: Brazil's Return to Glory—Netflix Documentary

Available May 8

My Royal Nemesis—Netflix Series
Remarkably Bright Creatures—Netflix Film
Thank You, Next: Season 3—Netflix Series

Available May 10

The Roast of Kevin Hart—Netflix Live Event

Available May 11

Mrs. Harris Goes to Paris
Pop Culture Jeopardy!—Netflix Series

Available May 12

Devil May Cry: Season 2—Netflix Series
Marty, Life Is Short—Netflix Documentary
Untold UK: Jamie Vardy—Netflix Documentary

Available May 13

Between Father and Son—Netflix Series
The Bus: A French Football Mutiny—Netflix Documentary
Perfect Match: Season 4—Netflix Series
Roosters: Season 2—Netflix Series

Available May 14

Nemesis—Netflix Series
Soul Mate—Netflix Series

Available May 15

Berlin and the Lady with an Ermine—Netflix Series
The Crash—Netflix Documentary
The WONDERfools—Netflix Series

Available May 16

Black Phone 2
Ronda Rousey vs. Gina Carano—Netflix Live Event

Available May 18

Abraham Lincoln: Season 1
FDR: Season 1
Grant: Season 1
The Great War
Law and Order: Season 23-24
Navy SEALs: America's Secret Warriors : Seasons 1-2
Nope
Theodore Roosevelt: Season 1
Thomas Jefferson: Season 1
Washington: Season 1

Available May 19

Untold UK: Liverpool's Miracle of Istanbul—Netflix Documentary
Wanda Sykes: Legacy—Netflix Comedy Special

Available May 20

Carizzma—Netflix Series

Available May 21

The Boroughs—Netflix Series
James.—Netflix Documentary

Available May 22

Canada: Sprint Qualifying—Netflix Live Event
F1 Canadian Grand Prix: Practice 1—Netflix Live Event
Gabby's Dollhouse: The Movie
Ladies First—Netflix Film
Mating Season—Netflix Series

Available May 23

F1 Canadian Grand Prix: Qualifying—Netflix Live Event
F1 Canadian Grand Prix: Sprint—Netflix Live Event

Available May 24

F1 Canadian Grand Prix: Race—Netflix Live Event

Available May 30

K-Pops!

Available May 31

AFI Life Achievement Award: A Tribute to Eddie Murphy—Netflix Comedy Special
The Theory of Everything

What's leaving Netflix in May 2026

Leaving May 1

Blue Mountain State: Seasons 1-3
Blue Mountain State: The Rise of Thadland
Focus
Hell or High Water
How to Train Your Dragon
How to Train Your Dragon 2
Joy Ride
Lee Daniels' The Butler
Sicario
You've Got Mail

Leaving May 2

Peninsula
Train to Busan

Leaving May 9

Documentary Now!: Seasons 1-4
Sing Street

Leaving May 16

Widow Clicquot

Leaving May 20

The Addams Family
The Addams Family 2

Leaving May 21

Crossroads

Leaving May 26

Pig

Leaving May 31

Dirty John: Betty Broderick
Dirty John: John Meehan
Your Honor: Seasons 1-2

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susandennis

Yesterday afternoon Erica sent out the note that the pool was open again. It was too late for swimming - I'm a morning only swimmer - but not too late for anticipating this morning's swim. Which I did. And it was glorious.

Although, I do have to say that my skin really enjoyed dry dock. Spending 1/2 to 2 hours in water every day can dry out this old shell.

The Mariners lost again - sigh. Today is an afternoon game so at least we will get the loss out of the way early. And they have tomorrow off. I wonder when management heads will start to roll on down the road.

I have about a half dozen large flour tortillas that are really just too big. I was thinking yesterday, I need to go to the store and get some of the smaller ones to put my egg in for breakfast. Then, this morning, I spied the scissors and BAM! tortilla the perfect size. Ha!

I'm really into this book The Correspondent by Virginia Evans. It's kind of like a car wreck. I can't not read it but the main character is pissing me off. I'm not a letter writer. I receive very few letters which is good because they require a return letter and I find that annoying. I very much appreciate emails and texts over all other forms of communications. But reading someone else's letters is delicious. Especially someone my age. I spent a few hours yesterday listening while I knitted. I could repeat today. But that would finish it off and I'm not sure I'm ready for that.

They have started making and selling these great quiche tarts down in the Bistro. They are the perfect size and quite tasty and they freeze beautifully. So that's been my dinner for a few nights. Very excellent. I have half of yesterday's lunch for lunch today. And since I've solved the tortilla problem, breakfast is sorted for the rest of the week. nice.