Last month, Google quietly killed off Google Sky Maps. But there’s still another way to virtually explore most of the solar system a la Google Maps: it’s called Google Maps in Space. Google Maps in Space allows you to zoom over the surface of the Earth like you can in regular Google Maps, except here you can also fly over Mercury, Venus, Mars, plus several moons — not just our own but also Ganymede, Europa, and even Pluto’s moon, Charon. In all, you can explore 21 different heavenly bodies as well as the International Space Station with Google Maps in Space. (Google says that you can add the same interplanetary locations on Google Earth Pro, but I tried and couldn’t find a way to explore them.) Google Maps in Space is a great supplement for any school assignment about Mars or Venus, but it’s also just a fun and educational way to explore our Solar System. If you’ve ever been to a local observatory and wanted a closer look at what you’re seeing through the telescope, then Google Sky Maps is the way to go. With Google’s changes, though, the old way of accessing planets via Google Sky Maps has changed. Google Sky, Google Mars, and Google Moon have all been shut down. Here’s the new way of accessing Google Maps in Space, courtesy of Google. How to use Google Maps in Space First, go to Google Maps in Space. (Note that if you leave off the trailing slash in the URL, you’ll receive an error message. To make sure you arrive at the right site, simply click our link.) Once there, hover over Layers at the bottom-left corner of the screen, which will show Earth by default. When the new options appear, select More, then mark the checkbox for Globe view. Finally, restart Google Maps in Space. Navigate to the “More” tab in Google Earth to turn on the ability to see planets. Navigate to the “More” tab in Google Earth to turn on the ability to see planets.IDG Navigate to the “More” tab in Google Earth to turn on the ability to see planets.IDG IDG You should now see Earth along with a list of planets and moons in the left-hand navigation bar. Clicking any of them will replace Earth with the chosen planet. (As of now, there doesn’t seem to be a convenient way to exit Google Earth to get back to the list of planets, so you’ll have to back out to Google Maps in Space if you get distracted exploring Earth.) You can zoom in closer or farther away by using the mouse wheel. You’ll also notice a toggle between 2D and 3D at the bottom-right corner of the screen. In 3D view, you can adjust perspective by holding Ctrl and using the mouse. Unfortunately, you can’t search for, say, “Vader Crater” on Charon, so you’ll have to search out landmarks for yourself. Peer through a telescope at the Moon… then see what you’re looking at. Peer through a telescope at the Moon… then see what you’re looking at.IDG Peer through a telescope at the Moon… then see what you’re looking at.IDG IDG The only “catch” is the International Space Station, which is (at press time) the site of a bit of drama, as a pair of astronauts have been left there after issues with the Boeing Starliner forced a return to Earth. Google Maps in Space treats the ISS like Street View, which allows you to hopscotch down a street from vantage point to vantage point. The camerawork lacks depth and the interface is a bit wonky. Otherwise, enjoy exploring the Solar System! Read...

New Zealand is littered with cellphone coverage black holes, with one so large it covers a whole town. Read...

Old-fashioned address books and rolodexes are becoming an increasingly rare sight as the world goes digital. What’s more, digital address books are not something you need to buy separately. If you have an email address with Google (Gmail), Microsoft (Outlook), or Apple (iCloud), for example, an address book, or contact list as it’s usually called, is also included. What is Google Contacts? Google Contacts is the service that Gmail uses when you send emails. If a person is entered here, you don’t have to type the full email address manually, it will appear when you start typing their name in the To field. But Google Contacts doesn’t just keep track of email addresses. You can also add things like phone numbers, postal addresses, postcodes, dates of birth, and places of work. The point is that you can keep everything in one place, and you only have to do it once. The data contained in the contact list is used not only by Gmail but also by other services. In other words, you can look up a person’s home in Google Maps and get a reminder of their birthday in Google Calendar. You can also send meeting invitations in Google Meet and share documents in Google Sheets. If you have an Android phone, it will also use the phone numbers in Google Contacts to make calls — and you can see who is calling you in plain text. Because Google Contacts is so widely used, it’s a good idea to make sure it’s always up to date and complete. What are the risks? Your contact list is valuable, and it’s important to be careful about sharing it. This is especially true for mobile apps that often ask for access to your contacts. Of course, you also need to decide whether you want to give Google access to your contacts. Many people see this as a problem from a privacy perspective. As always, there is a trade-off between simplicity and security, and here each user has to choose how to make it. What are the options? In this article, I’m focusing on Google’s contact list, but competitors’ services work in much the same way. For example, if you prefer to use Microsoft’s option, there is an address book called Outlook People. To use it, surf to www.outlook.com and log in. Click on the icon with small squares in the top-left corner. Click on the More apps and select People. You can also browse to outlook.live.com/people. The setup is similar to what we describe here for Google services. Getting started Foundry Foundry Foundry To open your contact list, surf to contacts.google.com and log in. To add new contacts, tap Create contact > Create a contact. Fill in the details shown or select Show more. View and edit Click on the Contacts to view your entire contact list and clicking on a person will display their contact details. You can change these via Edit at the top right and you can also mark someone as a favorite — or delete the contact. You can also add a photo of your contact here. Foundry Foundry Foundry Check interactions By opening a contact, you can also see your interactions in the right-hand column. This shows, for example, your latest emails and files that you have shared with each other. Of course, you can click on these to open them in Gmail or Google Drive, for example. Star your favorites People you contact often can be starred. This means that they appear at the top of various listings. This feature is also called Favorites. To star a person, open their contact card and click on the star at the top right. You can also hover your mouse over a person’s name to display the same star. Click again to remove the star. Group work with labels Foundry Foundry Foundry For those who work together with others, it is smart to create groups in the contact list. A group, or Label as it’s called in the Google world, is a collection of contacts, and the point is that you can interact with all of them in one go. For example, you can create a group for the association board and another for your colleagues. When you want to send emails, you don’t have to type in the addresses one by one. Similarly, you can invite everyone to a video meeting or share files. You can add labels via a person’s “contact card.” Press the Label > Create a label or use an existing one already displayed in the list. Editing the labels All your labels are displayed under the Labels heading in the left-hand menu. Click on a label to see which contacts are included here. You can also rest your mouse on the label name to bring up icons to rename the label and to delete it. Merge Foundry Foundry Foundry If you have accidentally entered the same person twice, it is easy to merge them. Select the duplicates in the contact list and press Merge-icon in the top-right corner. You can also select Merge and fix in the left-hand menu to do this automatically for the whole contact list. Importing contacts Foundry Foundry Foundry If you have an address list from another application, you can press Import > Select the file and locate the list. Follow the instructions to import. You can also select Create contact > Create multiple contacts to add many at once. Hide a contact It can be tempting to delete people you rarely contact, but this is unnecessarily drastic. Instead, choose to hide them. They will no longer be visible in the regular contact list, but you can bring them up at any time. To do this, tap the three dots to the right of a contact and select Hide from contacts. To find hidden contacts, tap Other contacts in the menu on the left. Use Android… Foundry Foundry Foundry You’ll get the best overview on your computer, but Google Contacts is also available as an Android app. The layout is much the same, although it is adapted for a smaller screen. If the app is missing, you can search for Google Contacts via the Google Play Store. … or iPhone The Google Contacts app is only available for Android, but if you have an iPhone or iPad, you can link your Google contacts list to the Apple Contacts app. You do this by opening Settings on your iPhone/iPad. Here you tap on Passwords and accounts > Add account > Google. Enter your email address and password, press Next button and follow the instructions. Use the right phonebook Some mobiles have their own phone book where contacts are stored locally. This means it doesn’t end up in your Google contacts list and can’t be accessed anywhere else. In other words, when you’re asked how to save, make sure you do it in your Google Account. Increase security Foundry Foundry Foundry The more you work with different Google services, the more important it becomes to think about security. You can increase it by switching on so-called Two-step verification. You will need a code delivered to your mobile phone to log in. Switch on the feature by browsing to myaccount.google.com, log in, and select Security, yo log in to Google. Press the button Two-step verification and a wizard will start showing you how to do it. Take control of the automation Does your contact list include people you didn’t add yourself? The explanation is that Google automatically adds people you’ve had contact with. If you want to avoid this, here’s how: Google account. Surf to myaccount.google.com, log in, and select People & sharing in the left menu. Under the heading Contacts you can switch off Contact info from interactions and Contact info from your devices. Gmail. Surf to www.gmail.com and log in. Press the settings icon at the top right and select See all settings > General settings. Go to Create contacts for auto-complete and select I’ll add contacts myself. Print your address book Do you feel insecure just having your contact list in the cloud? You can choose to print it on paper (or as a pdf file). Open the Contacts in the left menu to view your contact list and press Print-button in the top right corner. Now you get to choose what to print — and how to do it. Read...

Microsoft Flight Simulator has etched out a spot in the gaming hall of fame as one of the most popular flight simulators of all time, complete with licenses for numerous real aircraft plus detailed maps of cities. When Microsoft rebooted Microsoft Flight Simulator in 2020, many people thought that would be the version to be perpetually updated — but this year, Microsoft announced they’d be releasing a completely new version called Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024. It’s not just going to be an update; it’s going to include several new features and tons of new content. Here are all the key details you need to know about MSFS 2024. What new content and features will be in Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024? Perhaps the most important new feature in Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 is a new career path called Career in Aviation. You’ll be able to choose between various specializations, with each one helped or hindered by the type of aircraft you fly. The following career paths have been announced so far: Mountain rescue Agriculture Air racing Research flights Firefighting from the air Cargo transport by helicopter Industrial cargo transport Passenger transport by private jet Skydiving operations Aerial construction Low altitude training Glider pilot Photo safari If you found it hard to motivate yourself to explore in Microsoft Flight Simulator, or if you just want more goals and challenges to pursue, then these offerings will keep you busy for a while. Walk around and guide passengers to your aircraft? You can in Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024. Walk around and guide passengers to your aircraft? You can in Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024.Microsoft Walk around and guide passengers to your aircraft? You can in Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024.Microsoft Microsoft Based on the various specializations listed above, you can also expect completely new types of aircraft — including gliders, airships, and hot air balloons — that all handle differently, require greater flying skills, and significantly expand the possibilities for travel. And for the first time in the franchise’s history, you’ll be able to leave the cockpit of your aircraft and walk around the world as your character. You’ll also be able to jump onto the wings of any aircraft or even parachute down to the ground. Other new features include more realistic vegetation and extensive weather effects, including dense snow, tornadoes, and auroras. All four seasons will be simulated in Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024. The first trailer from Xbox Games Showcase 2024. On top of all that, overall engine that drives Flight Simulator will be significantly improved with shorter loading times (thanks to cloud streaming) and lighter system requirements. However, more detailed information isn’t yet available. Which aircraft are available in Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024? Microsoft has yet to announce a full list of the aircraft that will be available in Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024. According to the developers, however, there will be several new airliners that weren’t previously included. We assume that the selection will be huge, also due to the new types of transport. When will Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 be released? According to Microsoft, Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 will be released on November 19, 2024 for PC and Xbox Series X/S. The predecessor Xbox One is unfortunately being left behind. (But you’ll be able to play Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 via Xbox Cloud Gaming!) Related: Which cloud gaming service is right for you? How much will Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 cost? Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 is expected to cost between $59.99 and $69.99 at launch, depending on the platform. However, if you’re subscribed to PC Game Pass or Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, you’ll receive the flight sim free of charge on day one as part of the subscription. Related: Game Pass just got Microsoft 365’d How big will Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 be? According to initial statements by Microsoft Flight Simulator head Jörg Neumann, the 2024 version will only take up 50GB of storage space. That’s tiny when you consider the sheer size of the world. Microsoft will store and process the 2.5 petabytes (that’s about 2,500 terabytes) of pure aerial image data in its own cloud to enable fast loading times on as many systems as possible. Microsoft Microsoft Microsoft What will happen to the current Microsoft Flight Simulator? Since Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 is a new standalone game, the previous version of Microsoft Flight Simulator won’t be required — and if you’re already playing that, you don’t have to worry about losing all the content you’ve purchased for it. Microsoft promises that all official aircraft and airports included in Microsoft Flight Simulator as well as practically all Marketplace add-ons will also be supported in Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 and won’t need to be purchased again. There may be exceptions, particularly when add-on developers aren’t able to port their content to the new version. (Microsoft elaborates in the official FAQ.) But access to all content via the Flight Simulator Content Manager remains guaranteed for the time being. For content that’s already been purchased in MSFS 2020, upgrades to content produced by Microsoft (e.g., Reno Air Races, Local Legends, Famous Flyers, Expert Series) will be free of charge for players. Read...

Black Myth: Wukong immediately appealed to my 1980s nostalgia. Fueled by my memories of the TV show Monkey Magic, I naturally jumped at the chance to play the iconic Monkey (in this case Monke) in a game similarly inspired by the classic Chinese tale Journey to the West. I’m in good company according to the game’s Developer Game Science, which reported initial sales of 10 million downloads in the first three days of its release. That astounding figure even beats sales of FromSoftware’s Elden Ring, which says a lot. If you haven’t bought the game yet, it’s pure magic — from its fast-paced combat to mad boss fights, there are many hours of staff-splitting fun to be had. That said, one thing puzzles me: Why on earth are people calling it a Soulslike? Black Myth: Wukong isn’t a Soulslike, even if it does borrow some of FromSoftware’s game mechanics. It is, however, a refreshing new take on an action game that I really want to see more of. FromSoftware’s brilliant Souls mechanics are diffusing into the broader action category – even into titles that are brave enough to be quite different… What is a Soulslike game? Developer FromSoftware’s games have given rise to the genre “Soulslike,” which is testament to how groundbreaking they really are. I cut my teeth in this genre with Dark Souls, but Elden Ring and Shadow of the Erdtree really refined the experience with their enthralling mix of environments and ghoulish beasts. A whole bunch of other games have followed suit capitalizing on that winning formula, games like Lies of P and Ashen. What makes these games Soulslike is a complex conflagration of FromSoftware-like gameplay mechanics and design. But to name a few of the hard-to-ignore hallmarks, most have large intricate maps with circular pathways, high difficulty, and gameplay that hinges on the use of stamina bars. Their player combat mechanics lean heavily on dodge-and-roll melee attacks, and they also feature tons of boss fights. FromSoftware’s Elden Ring is a true Soulslike that’s been lauded as one of the best games of its kind.  FromSoftware’s Elden Ring is a true Soulslike that’s been lauded as one of the best games of its kind.  FromSoftware FromSoftware’s Elden Ring is a true Soulslike that’s been lauded as one of the best games of its kind.  FromSoftware FromSoftware Adding to that list of mechanics, these games have checkpoint systems with player progression hinging on them reaching set locations. Most also have upgradeable items and player abilities and enemies that respawn. Players also get penalized when they die, either losing loot or XP. Soulslike gameplay, then, revolves around a balance between risk and reward. There’s a lot at stake in venturing out into the world to take on foes, which makes any kind of progression hard but thoroughly satisfying. Why Black Myth: Wukong isn’t a Soulslike Black Myth: Wukong doesn’t thumb its nose at all those mechanics. Rather, it incorporates the best parts of each while forging its own path. That’s refreshing, because it means it appeals to players that love action games but simply don’t like, or are getting a little fatigued with, the sameness of Soulsian mechanics. But how exactly is the game different? Take the boss battles, for instance. Like most Soulslike games, bosses are plentiful, and some are as hard as heck to defeat. But while boss attacks in Soulslikes tends to focus on intensity and high damage in hits, bosses in Black Myth: Wukong have smarter combat mechanics and a greater variety of moves. There’s not as much emphasis on cheaply won attacks either. That keeps gameplay fluid and engaging. It also demands more from you the player. I found myself in deep concentration most of the time, my eyes glued to my screen watching intently for opportunities to deliver my blows — such was the intricacy of battles. In Black Myth: Wukong combat is intricate.  In Black Myth: Wukong combat is intricate.  Game Science In Black Myth: Wukong combat is intricate.  Game Science Game Science If you invest in developing skills, they won’t go to waste as they can in Shadow of the Erdtree, where you could easily run afoul of cheeky area of effect (AOE) attacks from big bosses. You will last a little longer each attempt, which ultimately is more of a kick when you finally take down bosses like Erlang or Supreme Inspector. That doesn’t mean combat is easy. Unlike Elden Ring, in Black Myth: Wukong there are more nuances to combat to learn. There’s no block or parry to lean on, for instance. Similarly, button mashing won’t get you very far. There aren’t as many combos as in the Soulslike Star Wars Jedi Survivor, either. Indeed, rather than just seeming to be cloned from FromSoftware’s master moves archive, like Yaske’s in Assassin’s Creed: Shadows could be — yawn! — Monke’s moves feel new and exciting. To succeed, you must time your attacks and apply special moves. Black Myth: Wukong’s story is inspired by the classic tale Journey to the West. Black Myth: Wukong’s story is inspired by the classic tale Journey to the West. Game Science Black Myth: Wukong’s story is inspired by the classic tale Journey to the West. Game Science Game Science The maps, too, are also completely non-Soulslike, in that they’re not vast open spaces requiring endless exploration. Instead, you must follow a beaten path between bosses. In Black Myth: Wukong linear progression makes complete sense. It syncs nicely with the game’s backstory, one that’s steeped in Chinese mythos and history. You are, in fact, experiencing an interpretation of an ancient tale that you’re invited to get engrossed in. Journey to the West, written in the 16th Century, is one of the most influential stories in East Asia even today, and so it’s a tale worth knowing. It’s also easier to follow than most Dark Souls games. Monke’s moves keep gameplay interesting.  Monke’s moves keep gameplay interesting.  Game Science Monke’s moves keep gameplay interesting.  Game Science Game Science The linear progression also makes comparing and contrasting progress with friends a little easier too. The experience ultimately feels closer to God of War than any Soulslike game I’ve ever played. Checkpoints do play a part in your player’s progression, but while you could get seriously bogged down in Elden Ring or Dark Soul’s III, in Black Myth: Wukong progression doesn’t feel as stagnant or prone to luck. That’s mostly because there is no penalty for dying. It’s also due to the fact that your stamina bar is a little more forgiving. Yes, managing stamina is required to pull off moves in combat but after a few upgrades it has a lot less effect than in some Soulsian titles. One thing I also can’t overlook is the game’s support for Nvidia DLSS Super Resolution and AMD Fidelity FX Super Resolution right out of the box — unlike some janky Souls titles. That may seem trivial to some, but it’s no small thing for us at PCWorld, where we’re forever trying to optimize games for our hardware. Why a mislabel isn’t helpful The fact that Black Myth: Wukong has been mislabeled a Soulslike speaks volumes about what’s happening in the action genre right now. FromSoftware’s brilliant Souls mechanics are diffusing into the broader action category — even into titles that are brave enough to be quite different. While that’s understandable, it’s not helpful to label all of these titles “Soulslike.” Doing so infers that the action genre is somehow static, which is certainly not the case. Black Myth: Wukong proves the action game genre is evolving.  Black Myth: Wukong proves the action game genre is evolving.  Game Science Black Myth: Wukong proves the action game genre is evolving.  Game Science Game Science Black Myth: Wukong proves action games are continually evolving — taking the best parts of what’s come before but adding a whole lot of new and exciting mechanics of their own. That’s an encouraging sign. It’s also testament to Game Science’s development process. The company has obviously put making the best game possible ahead of trying to conform to a formula — one that may have struck a chord in the past, but that some players are getting a little tired of. That’s great news for everyone. Read...

New hazard maps for Nelson`s controversial Plan Change 29 are already causing “panic” for insurers and house buyers, experts warn. Read...

Robot vacuums have become a staple in many homes, offering a convenient way to keep floors clean with minimal effort. But getting the most out of your robot vacuum isn’t as simple as pressing “start” and walking away. A little strategy is needed to enhance its performance, extend its lifespan, and ensure your floors are as clean as possible. Whether you’re a new owner or a seasoned user, these practical tips will help you maximize your robot vacuum’s effectiveness and make it a trusted household helper. Tip #1: Place the charging dock in an accessible location It might seem like a small detail, but the location of your robot vacuum’s charging dock can make a huge difference in terms of battery life and cleaning efficiency. Place the charging dock in an open, accessible area where the vacuum can easily return to recharge. Avoid placing it in tight corners or behind furniture, where the vacuum might struggle to get in and out or find its way back. By giving it a clear path to the dock, you ensure that your vacuum is always charged and ready to go when you need it. Placing your robot vacuum’s charging dock in an open area will help optimize its battery life and ensure it’s always ready to go. Placing your robot vacuum’s charging dock in an open area will help optimize its battery life and ensure it’s always ready to go.Michael Ansaldo/Foundry Placing your robot vacuum’s charging dock in an open area will help optimize its battery life and ensure it’s always ready to go.Michael Ansaldo/Foundry Michael Ansaldo/Foundry Tip #2: Declutter and secure loose cables before cleaning Robot vacuums are designed to navigate around your home autonomously, but they aren’t always adept at dodging clutter. Before you send your vacuum to work, take a few minutes to pick up any loose items like toys, clothes, or cables that might be lying on the floor. These obstacles can cause your vacuum to get stuck or even damage the device. Further reading: From bump to SLAM: Robot vacuum navigation tech explained Securing loose cables is particularly important, as they can easily get tangled in the vacuum’s brushes, potentially causing malfunctions. Decluttering your space before each cleaning will not only prevent interruptions, but it will also allow the vacuum to move more freely, resulting in a more thorough clean. Robot vacuums are designed to navigate autonomously, but they sometimes struggle with obstacles. Decluttering before cleaning can prevent it from bumping into things or getting stuck. Robot vacuums are designed to navigate autonomously, but they sometimes struggle with obstacles. Decluttering before cleaning can prevent it from bumping into things or getting stuck.iRobot Robot vacuums are designed to navigate autonomously, but they sometimes struggle with obstacles. Decluttering before cleaning can prevent it from bumping into things or getting stuck.iRobot iRobot Tip #3: Use virtual barriers and no-go zones Many robot vacuums come equipped with smart mapping technology and the ability to set virtual barriers or no-go zones through their companion apps. These features are incredibly useful for protecting delicate items or keeping the vacuum out of areas where it might get stuck. For instance, if you have a room with lots of tight spaces or fragile objects, you can set up a virtual barrier to prevent the vacuum from entering that area. This not only helps avoid potential mishaps but also ensures that your vacuum can focus on cleaning the areas that matter most without unnecessary interruptions. Tip #4: Schedule strategically for optimal cleaning A convenient feature of most robot vacuums is the ability to schedule cleanings. It works best if you think strategically about when your vacuum should be running. In most cases, the best time to schedule cleanings is during periods when your home sees the least foot traffic—this could be when you’re out of the house for work, or during the night when everyone is asleep. By scheduling your vacuum to clean during these low-traffic times, you minimize the chances of it being interrupted or needing to dodge obstacles, leading to a more efficient and thorough cleaning session. Additionally, if you have pets, scheduling cleanings at times when they’re less active can prevent the vacuum from getting tangled in pet toys or encountering accidents. The key is to align the cleaning schedule with your household’s routine to ensure the vacuum can work uninterrupted, leaving your floors spotless without you even noticing it’s been at work. Tip #5: Adapt cleaning modes to different floor types Most robot vacuums boast cleaning modes that can be tailored to different surfaces, such as carpets, hardwood, or tile. It’s crucial to utilize these modes according to your specific flooring. On carpets, for example, you might want to select a mode with stronger suction to pull dirt and debris out of the fibers. On hardwood or tile, a gentler mode with a slower brush speed might be more appropriate to avoid scratches while still picking up dust and debris effectively. Some advanced models can automatically detect the type of surface they’re cleaning and adjust the mode accordingly. However, if your vacuum doesn’t have this feature, taking a few moments to manually switch modes can make a big difference in cleaning quality. Tip #6: Determine your ideal cleaning frequency Finding the right cleaning frequency for your home depends on several factors, including the size of your household, the presence of pets, and the amount of foot traffic your floors receive. There’s no universal solution, but here are some general guidelines: Daily cleaning: If you have pets, suffer from allergies, or your home experiences high foot traffic, daily cleaning is ideal. This routine helps to keep pet hair, allergens, and dirt at bay, ensuring that your floors are consistently clean, and your robot vacuum doesn’t get overtaxed by high debris levels. Every other day: For homes with moderate activity levels and no pets, cleaning every other day can be sufficient. This schedule helps keep your home clean while also preserving the battery and extending the lifespan of your vacuum. Weekly cleaning: If your home has low activity levels or there are areas that are used infrequently, a weekly cleaning might be all that’s needed. This approach works well for guest rooms, formal living areas, or other spaces that don’t see daily use. Remember, more frequent cleaning doesn’t necessarily mean better. It’s about finding the right balance to keep your home clean without overworking your vacuum. Tip #7: Keep brushes and filters clean It’s important to perform regular maintenance to keep your robot vacuum running smoothly. Over time, the brushes and filters of your vacuum will accumulate dust, hair, and other debris, which can hinder its performance if not cleaned properly. Most manufacturers recommend cleaning the brushes and filters at least once a week, but this can vary depending on how often you use the vacuum and the conditions in your home. Regular maintenance of your robot vacuum’s brushes and other components is essential to keep it cleaning effectively. Regular maintenance of your robot vacuum’s brushes and other components is essential to keep it cleaning effectively.Ben Patterson/Foundry Regular maintenance of your robot vacuum’s brushes and other components is essential to keep it cleaning effectively.Ben Patterson/Foundry Ben Patterson/Foundry Start by removing the brushes and clearing any hair or fibers that have wrapped around them. For the filters, tapping them out to remove loose dust or rinsing them (if washable) can help maintain strong suction power. It’s also a good idea to check the manufacturer’s guidelines for any specific maintenance tips. Further reading: Your Roomba is filthy. Here’s how to get it completely clean Regular upkeep of these components will extend the lifespan of your vacuum and ensure it continues to clean your home as efficiently as possible. Tip# 8: Don’t forget smart mapping and learning features Many of the latest robot vacuums come equipped with advanced smart mapping and learning capabilities. These features allow your vacuum to create a detailed map of your home over time, which it then uses to navigate more efficiently. By taking full advantage of these features, you can significantly enhance your vacuum’s cleaning performance. For instance, once your vacuum has mapped your home, you can set specific cleaning zones or direct the vacuum to clean a particular room or area. This is especially useful if you only need to clean a high-traffic area like the kitchen or living room without having the vacuum clean the entire house. Smart mapping also allows the vacuum to remember obstacles, reducing the chances of it bumping into them or getting stuck. Some models even allow you to save multiple maps, making them ideal for multi-level homes. This way, you can move the vacuum to a different floor, and it will know exactly where to clean without needing to remap the area. The more your vacuum learns about your home’s layout, the better it becomes at navigating efficiently and covering every inch of your floors. The final sweep Embracing the convenience of a robot vacuum is about more than just automating your cleaning routine—it’s about enhancing the way you maintain your home. By approaching your vacuum’s usage with a bit of strategy, you can unlock its full potential and enjoy a home that’s consistently clean without the usual hassle. As you experiment with different settings, schedules, and features, you’ll likely discover new ways your vacuum can work for you and be a better ally in keeping your home tidy. Read...

While using a VPN you may have noticed the option to select a VPN protocol. You know, those weird, seemingly random IT-sounding names that sometimes resemble alphabet soup: OpenVPN, WireGuard, IKEv2, SSTP, etc. So what exactly are those protocols, do they make a difference, and why should you care? Every VPN uses protocols to establish a connection between your device and a VPN server and then securely transmit data. Choosing the right protocol option can have a big impact on the overall speed and security of your connection. Here I’ll explain what a VPN protocol is, discuss the most common protocols you’re likely to come across, and give advice to help you make an informed decision on which to use. Choosing the right protocol can help, but they are only as good as the VPN provider itself. Remember to pair a good protocol with a top VPN service to get the best results. What is a VPN protocol, anyways? Simply put, a VPN protocol is a set of rules that determine how data is encrypted and sent between a device and a VPN server.  All internet-connected devices need a protocol in order to travel between your device and the internet or other devices on a network. They usually follow the Internet Protocol, or IP, which every device already knows and runs. Think of it like the Google Maps of the internet: You provide the source and the destination, then Google Maps finds the route and directs you on how to get there based on predetermined traffic laws. A VPN protocol on the other hand, redirects your data traffic through a secure, encrypted tunnel before reaching its destination. This redirection and encryption requires a different set of rules than the standard IP, and these new rules are the VPN protocol. Since the VPN reroutes your data through its own servers, your device isn’t familiar with it and requires new instructions.  Much like traffic laws, a VPN protocol provides instructions on where to go, how fast to go, and how safely your data travels to its destination. To continue with the Google Maps analogy, a VPN protocol is like a separate, secret GPS that only your device knows and it might take you on a different — likely less efficient — route, but it’ll be safer because only your device knows it. Most common VPN protocols OpenVPN Most VPN providers will allow you to choose your OpenVPN protocol preference. Most VPN providers will allow you to choose your OpenVPN protocol preference. Sam Singleton Most VPN providers will allow you to choose your OpenVPN protocol preference. Sam Singleton Sam Singleton OpenVPN is an extremely popular open-source protocol created back in 2001. It is known for both its security and versatility. This is down to the fact that it can be run on either TCP (transmission control protocol) or UDP (user datagram protocol). Without boring you too much with the details of these two, TCP maintains a strong connection between a receiver and sender and allows for great reliability. UDP, on the other hand, is connectionless, meaning you may lose some data transfer reliability, but the speeds will be faster. OpenVPN is one of the most commonly used VPN protocols due to its mix of security and speed. And due to its open-source nature, the community-supported open source software (OSS) project allows developers to continually examine and update the OpenVPN code for vulnerabilities. It is generally best to use OpenVPN for private web-surfing and other activities, especially when done over unsecure public Wi-Fi networks. Since OpenVPN is one of the most secure protocols, it does a excellent job of keeping you safe when you have to connect to potentially risky networks. IKEv2/IPsec IKEv2 is most often found on mobile VPN apps due to its on the go capabilities. IKEv2 is most often found on mobile VPN apps due to its on the go capabilities.Sam Singleton IKEv2 is most often found on mobile VPN apps due to its on the go capabilities.Sam Singleton Sam Singleton Internet key exchange version 2 (IKEv2) and Internet Protocol Security (IPSec) are often used in tandem. IKEv2 was jointly developed by Microsoft and Cisco and creates a secure tunnel connecting a device to a VPN server. IPSec then provides the encryption and authentication. IKEv2’s best feature is that it can easily and quickly re-establish connections after network disruptions or while switching networks. This advantage allows for seamless switching between different network interfaces, such as from Wi-Fi to cellular. Due to its network switching agility, IKEv2 is best used when you expect to frequently change network connections, such as while traveling or on the move when your mobile device may alternate between Wi-Fi and cellular. WireGuard WireGuard is a lightweight and fast protocol. WireGuard is a lightweight and fast protocol. Sam Singleton WireGuard is a lightweight and fast protocol. Sam Singleton Sam Singleton WireGuard is the newest and fastest protocol currently taking the VPN industry by storm. It uses state-of-the-art cryptography that outperforms even OpenVPN. And just like its forbearer, it is also open-source. Released in 2015, WireGuard emphasizes simplicity making it extremely lightweight, efficient, and easy to build around. The latter has allowed many VPN providers to work off of WireGuard in order to build their own proprietary protocols — looking at you NordLynx.  Since WireGuard is hands down the fastest protocol currently available, it is best used when speed is a priority. Whether you’re streaming, playing online games, or downloading files, WireGuard should be your go-to. SSTP SSTP, or Secure Socket Tunneling Protocol, was created by Microsoft and is primarily available on Windows systems. It provides comparable speed and security to most other protocols on this list, but its lack of compatibility means it isn’t as widely used. SSTP is an absolutely fine protocol to use for Windows users, but Mac and Linux users may need to consider other options. L2TP/IPsec L2TP, or Layer 2 Tunneling protocol, and IPsec are another common protocol duo. L2TP is one of the oldest protocols — developed in the 1990s. It connects a user to a VPN server, but does not encrypt or authenticate. Therefore, it relies on the tools found in IPsec to accomplish these security tasks instead. Despite its wide compatibility, L2TP is one of the slowest protocols still available. L2TP/IPsec isn’t very common among modern VPN providers, but its compatibility and long history of use means that companies often use it to connect separate branches into one network. PPTP PPTP, or Point-to-Point Tunneling Protocol, was developed by Microsoft in the late 1990s and is one of the earliest VPN protocols. It still relies on outdated encryption and is therefore considered to be rather weak and susceptible to security vulnerabilities. It is rarely used by VPN providers today, who instead opt for other protocols with much stronger and more advanced encryption ciphers. I can’t honestly recommend that the average VPN user work with the PPTP protocol. Almost any other option on this list would be better. Besides, you aren’t likely to find PPTP as a protocol option from your VPN provider anyways. Which VPN protocol should you use? If you’re ever unsure of which protocol to use, it’s best to default to WireGuard. If you’re ever unsure of which protocol to use, it’s best to default to WireGuard. Sam Singleton If you’re ever unsure of which protocol to use, it’s best to default to WireGuard. Sam Singleton Sam Singleton The best VPN protocol for you will come down to preference and what you’re trying to do. The context in which you’ll use a VPN is going to ultimately dictate which protocol will be most effective. Each has its own advantages and disadvantages. If you’re feeling the need for speed, then WireGuard should be your go-to protocol. It is currently the speediest protocol on the market and offers quicker connection times than its counterparts. This means that if you’re streaming, downloading large files, or gaming, stick with WireGuard to ensure you’re getting the best performance from your connection. For activities such as online shopping, banking, and other things that benefit from strong security then opt for either OpenVPN or WireGuard. Both of these protocols offer robust encryption and security features. OpenVPN utilizes AES-256 bit encryption, which is deemed so secure it’s currently used by the military. Alternatively, WireGuard uses the comparable XChaCha20 encryption protocol, which is increasingly favored by cybersecurity experts. If you want stability on your mobile network, such as when you’re connected to a VPN on the go, it’s probably best to use IKEv2/IPsec. This is down to the fact that it can seamlessly switch between Wi-Fi and cellular networks without disconnecting from the VPN — disconnections like this can be a security risk as they leave your private data exposed. In the end, each VPN protocol is unique and should be utilized according to your own specific needs and situation. If you’re at a loss for which to choose or uncertain based on your current activity, then you really can’t go wrong with WireGuard. Its lightweight design makes it extremely fast and strong encryption provides excellent security. When in doubt, I usually default to WireGuard. Read...

The smart home trend hasn’t let up as all kinds of internet-connected devices continue to make home life more efficient and convenient. But what happens when these smart gadgets are hacked? In a presentation at the Defcon hacking conference, security researchers showed that it’s possible for malicious actors to exploit the smart vacuums and mowers by Ecovacs to secretly hack their microphones and cameras for spying, as TechCrunch reports. Related: Level up your office with these work-from-home gadgets Ecovacs smart robots are frighteningly easy to hack After analyzing several Ecovacs products, security researchers Dennis Giese and Braelynn found a number of problems that could be abused to remotely hack the robots via Bluetooth and secretly switch on their microphones and cameras. According to the researchers, the main vulnerability is that the Ecovacs robots allow any smartphone owner to connect. Hackers could theoretically take control of the robots from a distance of up to 425 feet (130 meters) — and once that’s done, the hackers could potentially connect to the robots from even greater distances, as the robots are also connected to the internet via Wi-Fi. “Their security was really, really, really, really bad,” Giese said in an interview with TechCrunch before the talk. According to the security researchers, it’s also possible to read Wi-Fi login data and stored room maps as well as access microphones and cameras with little effort, all done directly via the robot’s Linux operating system. Related: Smart tricks to keep your home network secure Robot mowers are more vulnerable than robot vacuums The security researchers clarified that the robotic lawn mowers are more vulnerable because their Bluetooth connections are always on, whereas the robotic vacuums are only Bluetooth-active when first switching on and when automatically restarting once per day for 20 minutes. These smart devices have no hardware light or indicator to show that their cameras and/or microphones are on, which makes it hard to know if they’re spying. Some models technically play an audio file every five minutes to indicate an active camera, but this can easily be disabled by hackers who know what they’re doing. “You can basically just delete the file or overwrite it with an empty file. The warnings are therefore no longer played if you access the camera remotely,” said Giese. More security issues with Ecovacs robots In addition to the above risks, the security researchers also identified other vulnerabilities. For example, data stored on Ecovacs’ cloud servers is retained even after a user deletes their account — and that includes the authentication token, meaning someone could sell their robot vacuum after deleting their account and possibly spy on the next owner. Another example is the anti-theft mechanism, which forces the user to enter a PIN whenever the robot is lifted. This feature has been programmed half-heartedly at best, as the PIN is stored in the device in plain text, making it extremely easy for hackers to read. Incidentally, once an Ecovacs robot is compromised, other Ecovacs robots can be subsequently hacked if they’re within range. The following devices were analyzed by the security researchers: Ecovacs Deebot 900 series Ecovacs Deebot N8/T8 Ecovacs Deebot N9/T9 Ecovacs Deebot N10/T10 Ecovacs Deebot X1 Ecovacs Deebot T20 Ecovacs Deebot X2 Ecovacs Goat G1 Ecovacs Spybot Airbot Z1 Ecovacs Airbot AVA Ecovacs Airbot ANDY The researchers said they contacted Ecovacs to report the vulnerabilities but never received a response. The company also didn’t respond to an enquiry sent to them by TechCrunch. Further reading: Burglars are jamming Wi-Fi security cameras Read...

Yesterday ushered in the start of this year’s QuakeCon, the Dallas gaming convention organized by developer id Software. New editions of the legendary shooters Doom and Doom II were presented there, complete with technical improvements and expanded content. Both games are now available together on all the major digital storefronts — including Steam, GOG, Epic Games Store, and Microsoft Store — for just $10. But if you already own one of the two games? You can upgrade to the new version free of charge. Related: Classic PC games you should play again What’s new in the enhanced games? Both Doom and Doom II have been given prettier looks and boosted performance, able to reach 120 FPS at 4K resolution now. The games now also support cross-play multiplayer, meaning you can play online on any platform and compete against players regardless of their platform (i.e., PC, Xbox, PlayStation). The games also include several new deathmatch maps as well as an extended co-op mode for up to 16 players. Thanks to mod support, you can also create new content yourself. Lastly, you’ll find never-before-seen chapters in the Doom story along with a special episode called Sigil, developed by John Romero himself, that fits into the timeline between Doom and Doom II. Related: Ducky’s Doom keyboard is limited to 666 pieces Play the new Doom and Doom II now This freshly updated Doom + Doom II bundle is available immediately while previous versions will disappear. If you already own either game, you can either keep them as they are or upgrade to their newer versions for free. Of course, all the new content and improvements are only available by upgrading. See publisher Bethesda’s official release notes for more info. These upgraded Doom games were released on August 8, 2024 for PC, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, and Nintendo Switch, more than 30 years after Doom‘s first release in 1993. Read...