Eliana Willis

More stories

  • 100 Shares149 Views

    in Robotics

    The best Roku VPNs in 2025: Expert tested

    Method 1: Using a routerWe have our dedicated page on how to set up a VPN on a router. However, the procedure will differ slightly depending on the router model and the VPN service. So be sure to check your provider’s website on how to best install the software router devices. Typically, the steps are as follows; Subscribe to a VPN service of your choice.Access your router’s admin panel and sign in to the network.Go to “Advanced settings” or “WAN” and locate VPN settings where you can enter the credentials. Once the VPN is configured on your router, connect your Roku TV or streaming player to the Wi-Fi.A VPN alone won’t change your location on Roku. You will also have to update the location from your Roku account. See the detailed guides on how to change location on any Roku device.Method 2: Via a virtual router (Windows and Mac)You can share a VPN connection with Roku from your computer as follows:-Install the VPN app on your computer and sign in to the app.-Connect to a server location or streaming service, specifically where you want to watch content.-Set up a mobile hotspot. On Windows:Go to Settings > Network & Internet > Mobile hotspot. Turn on this setting and create a network name and password.Scroll down to “Related settings” and click “Change adapter settings.”Right-click your VPN service adapter and navigate to “Properties” then “Sharing”.Check the box next to “Allow other network users to connect through this computer’s internet connection”.Select your virtual hotspot adapter from the dropdown and click “OK”.On MacGo to System Preferences > Sharing > Internet Sharing.Choose to share your connection over Wi-Fi (from Ethernet or VPN adapter).Create a hotspot name and password.-With your VPN connected, open the Roku streaming app and access the content you want to watch. Press play and watch it on the large screen.Method 3: Mirroring or casting to Roku with a VPNYou can run a VPN on your smartphone or computer and mirror or cast content to Roku with these simple steps;-Launch the VPN app on your phone or laptop and connect.-Enable screen mirroring on Roku under Settings > System > Screen mirroring.-Mirror or cast your screen.On Android: Find the cast or mirroring option from the quick settings and choose your Roku device from the list.On Windows: Search for “Projection settings” and select “Connect to wireless display,” then find your Roku device.On iOS and macOS: Use the AirPlay feature to mirror your screen.-On Roku, go to Settings > Network > Set up connection, then connect to the virtual hotspot you’ve created. More

  • 200 Shares189 Views

    in Information Technology

    These 6 gadgets got me through college – here’s why they make such a big difference

    Wireless earbuds are popular purchases for many, but are certainly a staple for college students. Remember when I said we’d come back to the campus never being quiet bit? Well, here we are. Not only did I attend the University of Alabama, which is full of lots of noise generated by a bustling campus, a large Greek community (the music from Fraternity Row rarely ceases), and constant traffic, but I also spent two years living next to Bryant-Denny stadium, which notably can reach volumes of over 90 dbs often. The point here is that a pair of noise-canceling earbuds is essential because, on most campuses, the noise never stops, and you’ll want a way to cut it out when you need to sleep, study, work, or relax. I upgraded to these AirPods Pro only recently this year, but I used various other noise-canceling alternatives during my four years as a student. I use my AirPods Pro to listen to music during my commute, watch videos and shows, and simply drown out the outside sound of the train and daily hustle, which makes them also perfect for dulling the noise of any busy college or university. Also: The best earbuds of 2025: Expert testedThese AirPods have two times more noise cancellation than the previous version and feature an upgraded adaptive transparency mode, which automatically lowers the volume of harmful noises above the 85dB threshold. I enjoy using all of these features and especially appreciate conversation awareness, which makes it easy to talk to friends without taking my earbuds out. Redditors said the AirPods Pro (2nd Gen) are the best buy out of the entire AirPods lineup currently, thanks to the upgraded features, new chip, and new USB-C charging option. One truck driver on Reddit who describes himself as an audiophile said the improvements of the 2nd Gen Pros were noticeable, to the point where he couldn’t even hear his truck’s engine running like usual. Other Redditors said these AirPods provided pretty good noise cancellation and overall value for using on airplanes and long flights  More

  • 213 Shares129 Views

    in Information Technology

    I found a video doorbell that records in 2K – and it comes with zero monthly fees

    Lorex 2K Wi-Fi video doorbell <!–> ZDNET’s key takeaways The Lorex 2K Wi-Fi video doorbell is available for $189. The doorbell comes in wired and wireless installations, communicates reliably, and includes a preinstalled 32GB microSD card for local storage to bypass subscription fees. Although it has a 2K resolution, the image is so wide angle […] More

  • 188 Shares169 Views

    in Information Technology

    This waterproof speaker floats with you in the pool, but that isn’t its best feature

    Soundcore Boom 3i Waterproof Bluetooth Speaker <!–> ZDNET’s key takeaways The Soundcore Boom 3i is available now on Amazon for $110. With some EQ tweaking, it produces better sound than you’d think for a waterproof speaker. The Boom 3i does float, but playing music while half-submerged doesn’t sound the best. –> Vacation time is in […] More

  • 213 Shares159 Views

    in Information Technology

    Your Samsung phone has a hidden Wi-Fi menu that’s seriously useful – how to turn it on

    Kerry Wan/ZDNETDid someone on Reddit just uncover one of the best-kept secrets of Samsung Galaxy phones? OneUI, the software launcher that powers Samsung phones, is best known for its abundance of features — so much so that you’ll either never use some of them because there’s simply too much, or they’re just hidden from plain sight.Also: How earthquake alerts work on Android – and how to make sure they’re enabled on your phoneA recent discovery may take the crown for best hidden feature. The feature is called “Connectivity Labs,” and it’s only accessible with a secret gesture within your phone’s Wi-Fi settings. Cool, right? The capabilities within Connectivity Labs are even cooler; they include a home Wi-Fi inspection tool, AI-powered mobile data switching, developer options, and more. Here’s how to access them, which Samsung models are compatible, and some of the best features you should start using.How to turn on Connectivity Labs on a Samsung phoneWhat you’ll need: A Samsung phone running OneUI 6 or newer (anything after the Galaxy S20 series). More