HomePod mini randomly starts playing music — user reports & troubleshooting Summary: Multiple users report that older HomePod mini units sometimes begin playing music unexpectedly — often at night or during quiet work sessions — even when Siri and HomeKit automations were not intentionally triggered. Some say playback starts at full volume. Where reports come from MacRumors forum thread: HomePod mini randomly starts playing music Apple Discussions (user threads): example thread Suspected causes HomeKit automations — arrival/departure or other automations can trigger audio playback unexpectedly. False Siri triggers — ambient noise or misheard audio can cause Siri to start playback. Phantom touch or hardware issues — the touch-sensitive top could register unintended taps. Troubleshooting tips Check the Home app for any automations that might start media playback and disable them…

Apple Watch Series 10 (42mm GPS) — Prime Day Deal Prime Day has pushed the 42mm GPS Apple Watch Series 10 down to a record-low price (reported as $279). With the Series 11 now out, many retailers are discounting Series 10 — a solid choice for first-time buyers or those upgrading from much older models. Why it’s a good deal Regular list price: $399 (42mm Series 11 starts at the same price) Series 10 offers a larger display and thinner frame than older models, making notifications easier to read and the watch more attractive on the wrist. Strong health and fitness tracking; Apple re-enabled the redesigned blood oxygen app after launch. Scored 90 in a full review — still recommended for many buyers who don’t need the absolute latest model.…

Anker Nano 5K MagGo Slim — Prime Day: Record Low $40 Anker's Nano 5K MagGo Slim is on sale for Amazon Prime Day at a new low of $40 (regularly $55). This ultra-slim magnetic power bank is a convenient option for quick top-ups without the bulk of traditional power banks. Quick overview Capacity: 5,000 mAh Thickness: ~0.34 in (about 1/3 inch) Wireless output: Up to 15W (Qi2 / MagSafe-compatible) Compatibility: MagSafe-compatible iPhones and phones with MagSafe-compatible cases (case thickness typically must be ≤2.5 mm) Colors: Black and White Real-world performance In testing, the Nano 5K MagGo Slim was able to charge an iPhone 15 from 5% to 90% in about 2.5 hours, and it can boost an iPhone to roughly 40% in under an hour — ideal for short outings…

Apple’s iOS 26 adds a simple way to choose how Safari displays tabs. You can now pick between three tab styles: Compact — compact tab layout with the address bar at the bottom (default for some users). Bottom — a full-width toolbar at the bottom. Classic (Top) — the traditional tab bar at the top of the screen. To switch layouts: open Settings > Safari > Tabs and select Compact, Bottom or Top (Classic). This lets you revert to the classic top tab layout if you prefer the old design. Why this matters: the change gives users a quick way to choose the UI that feels best for one-handed use or for a more familiar desktop-like layout. Sources and further reading: 9to5Mac: iOS 26 Safari tab layouts Mac Observer: Customize…

Prime Day Deals: Dyson V8 Plus 44% Off — V15 Detect Plus Discount Prime Day brings steep discounts on Dyson cordless vacuums. Highlights: Dyson V8 Plus — 44% off for Prime Day, now $300 (lowest price). 115AW suction, ~40 minutes runtime, captures ~99.9% of dust and particles per Dyson, switches to handheld mode, and includes: Motorbar head, hair screw tool, mini soft dusting brush and crevice tool. Dyson V15 Detect Plus — also on sale (~$570 during Prime Day). Significantly more power (240AW), ~60-minute runtime, more accessories and a Fluffy Optic cleaner head with a built-in light to reveal hidden dust. Quick comparison V8 Plus: Best for small homes/apartments — lighter, cheaper, good runtime. V15 Detect Plus: Best for deeper cleaning and longer runs — higher suction, premium tools, higher…

Prime Day: Best Tech Deals Under $50 (vetted picks) Amazon’s October Prime Day has a bunch of useful tech on sale for under $50 — from MagSafe chargers and earbuds to Blink cams and streaming sticks. These picks come from tested guides and reviews, so they’re products we recommend. Below are quick links to search results on Amazon (affiliate): Apple MagSafe charger (25W, 2m) — https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Apple+MagSafe+Charger+25W+2m&tag=f1rede-20Note: Commonly available on Amazon or via third-party sellers. Anker Nano 30W charger — https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Anker+Nano+30W+Charger&tag=f1rede-20Note: Frequently available and often discounted during Prime Day. Blink Mini 2 — https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Blink+Mini+2&tag=f1rede-20Note: Widely available from Amazon and trusted sellers. Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max — https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Amazon+Fire+TV+Stick+4K+Max&tag=f1rede-20Note: Sold by Amazon and typically in stock. LEGO Star Wars Advent Calendar 2025 — https://www.amazon.com/s?k=LEGO+Star+Wars+Advent+Calendar+2025&tag=f1rede-20Note: Seasonal item — check stock early. Why…

Best Prime Day Speaker Deals — OctoberOctober Prime Day brings steep discounts across portable Bluetooth speakers, smart speakers and soundbars from JBL, Bose, Sonos, Ultimate Ears, Beats and more. Below are curated highlights and quick links so you can shop the most popular models right away.JBL Xtreme 2 (2-pack) — Big portable power and surround options. Shop: JBL Xtreme 2 on AmazonJBL Xtreme 3 — 100W output, 15h battery. Shop: JBL Xtreme 3 on AmazonJBL Flip 6 — All-around portable, 12h battery. Shop: JBL Flip 6 on AmazonBeats Pill — Strong bass, water-resistant design. Shop: Beats Pill on AmazonUltimate Ears Miniroll / Boom 4 / Wonderboom 4 — Pocketable options to party-ready boomers. Shop: UE Miniroll, UE Boom 4, UE Wonderboom 4Sonos Era 100 / Era 300 — Smart speakers…

Prime Day Deal: Roku Streaming Stick Plus for $24 Prime Day brings a standout deal: the Roku Streaming Stick Plus is on sale for $24 (about 40% off). It’s a compact, travel-friendly 4K streamer that supports HDR10+ and comes with Roku’s rechargeable voice remote. Why this is a good buy True 4K streaming and HDR10+ support for better contrast and color Small, stick-style form factor — plugs into your TV’s HDMI port and can be USB-powered (great for travel and wall-mounted TVs) Includes Roku’s voice remote with TV power and volume controls Access to The Roku Channel, which offers hundreds of free live and on-demand channels Limitations Does not support Dolby Vision (upgrade to Streaming Stick 4K or Roku Ultra for that) Menu/app navigation and Wi‑Fi range are solid for…

October Prime Day TV Deals — OLEDs, QD‑OLEDs & Mini‑LEDs on Sale If you need a TV upgrade now, Amazon’s October Prime Day has solid discounts across OLED, QD‑OLED and mini‑LED sets from LG, Samsung, Sony, TCL and Hisense. Below are highlighted deals and quick notes to help you choose. Prices change frequently — check the links for the latest. TCL QM7K 55" — Mini‑LED: https://www.amazon.com/s?k=TCL+QM7K+55-inch&tag=f1rede-20 — A strong midrange mini‑LED with 144Hz and good contrast for the price. Hisense U8QG 65" — Mini‑LED: https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Hisense+U8QG+65-inch&tag=f1rede-20 — Very bright panel, quantum‑dot color, 165Hz; great for bright rooms. Samsung S90F 55" — QD‑OLED: https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Samsung+S90F+55-inch&tag=f1rede-20 — QD‑OLED vivid colors and low input lag; check size-specific panels before buying. LG C5 65" — OLED: https://www.amazon.com/s?k=LG+C5+65-inch+OLED&tag=f1rede-20 — Excellent all‑round OLED with Dolby Vision and solid…

Best Prime Day Camera & Drone Deals — Highlights Amazon Prime Day is offering strong deals across cameras, drones and accessories from DJI, Canon, Sony, Panasonic, Nikon and more. Below are highlights and quick affiliate search links (opens Amazon search results): Top camera & drone picks DJI Neo — beginner drone. Buy: Search DJI Neo on Amazon DJI Mini 4K — 4K, 3-axis gimbal. Buy: Search DJI Mini 4K on Amazon GoPro Hero 13 Black — action cam with modular lenses. Buy: Search GoPro Hero 13 Black on Amazon Sony A7 IV — 33MP full-frame hybrid. Buy: Search Sony A7 IV on Amazon Nikon Z6 III — strong hybrid mirrorless. Buy: Search Nikon Z6 III on Amazon Accessories worth grabbing DJI Mic Mini — compact wireless mics. Buy: Search DJI…