Category: Technology News

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Windows QR Code Scanning Made Simple: Step-by-Step

Scanning QR codes on your Windows computer is a straightforward process that doesn’t require a smartphone. Windows provides multiple options, including using the native Camera app for live scanning and external services for image-based QR code recognition. Additionally, dedicated apps like Codex offer a user-friendly experience for both live camera scanning and extracting QR codes from existing images. This guide simplifies the methods, making QR code scanning accessible to users on Windows 10 and Windows 11.

1. Using the Windows Camera App
– Click the magnifying icon on the taskbar or press Win + S to open the search menu.
– Type “camera” and choose the first result.
– Click on the arrows to reveal the Barcode button.
– Place your QR code in front of the computer’s camera, and it will be scanned automatically.

2. Scanning QR Codes from an Image
– Use an online QR code scanning service like ScanQR.
– Visit the ScanQR website and click Drag & Drop or Browse.
– Select the image with the QR code, and the website will scan it, showing the result in the Scanned Data box.

3. Using the Codex App
– Download and install the Codex app on your PC.
– Open the app and click the Scan QR Code button.
– Choose the Camera option and allow camera permissions.
– Place the QR code in front of the camera for automatic scanning.

If you want to scan a QR code from an existing image
– Open Codex, select Scan QR Code, and choose File.
– Click Select Image, locate the image with the QR code, and open it.

Now, let’s break down each method:

Using the Windows Camera App
Microsoft has added a QR code scanner to the native camera app on both Windows 10 and Windows 11. You can easily access it by searching for “camera” in the taskbar. Once open, click on the Barcode button and position your QR code in front of the camera. The app will scan it automatically.

Scanning QR Codes from an Image
While the Windows Camera app is handy, it can’t scan QR codes from existing images. To do this, use an online service like ScanQR. Visit their website, upload the image with the QR code, and let the website scan it for you. Copy the result from the Scanned Data box if needed.

Using the Codex App
Codex is an app available on the Microsoft Store for scanning QR codes. Download and install it, then open the app and click on Scan QR Code. Choose the Camera option, grant camera permissions, and place the QR code in front of the camera for scanning. If you want to scan a QR code from an image, follow the steps provided within the app.

January 13, 2024
Affordable Gaming: Top Budget Motherboards for 2024

Choosing a good and affordable motherboard for gaming in 2024 is important. Building a gaming computer can be expensive, but the motherboard doesn’t have to be. You can save money on the motherboard and use that budget for a better GPU and CPU. Even budget motherboards come with features like the latest Intel and AMD sockets and Gen 5 M.2 slots.

The MSI MAG B760 Tomahawk is a great budget motherboard for gaming. It has many features without major drawbacks. While having Gen 5 M.2 sockets would be nice, Gen 4 is still good. It provides three sockets, giving you plenty of space. The motherboard also has a PCIe 5.0 x16 slot for your GPU, capable of handling full-sized GPUs without sagging. The LGA 1700 socket is perfect for budget builds, allowing you to start with an entry-level CPU and upgrade later with just a BIOS update.

The Gigabyte A620I AX is another budget motherboard that is easy to work with, making it ideal for those new to PC building. It supports AMD’s Ryzen 7000 series processors and comes with the Q-Flash Plus feature. This feature lets you update the BIOS with just a USB drive, power support, and the press of a button. The EZ-latch ensures a snug fit for your GPU and makes it easy to eject when upgrading your rig. While limited to PCIe 4.0 GPUs, it still works well with modern GPUs.

For those who want to overclock their Intel processor on a budget, the ASRock B760M PG Riptide is a good choice. It supports 12th, 13th, and 14th Gen Intel processors. Overclocking can provide extra power, especially when combined with proper cooling like an AIO cooler. The motherboard also supports PCIe 5.0 GPUs, allowing for future upgrades. The slot has anchor points and a strong latch to hold heavy graphics cards securely.

On the AMD side, the ASUS TUF B650-Plus is a budget motherboard with an unlocked AM5 socket, perfect for overclocking AMD processors. It supports DDR5 and overclocking, providing a performance boost. The motherboard features heatsinks for the VRM and M.2 slots to manage heat generation. It also has RGB and ARGB headers for personalization, allowing you to sync colors using ASUS’s Polychrome Sync software.

Finally, if you want personalization without breaking the bank, the ASRock B760M Steel Legend is a budget-friendly motherboard. It features RGB and ARGB headers for customizable lighting. The LGA 1700 socket, DDR5 support, and PCIe 5.0 graphics card support make it a solid foundation for your gaming build. While limited to Gen 4 M.2 speeds, it provides three slots for big SSDs.

January 13, 2024
Avoiding Scams: Understanding Phishing, Smishing, and Vishing

Scams want your money, and they come in different forms. Have you ever got strange emails, texts, or calls asking for money or personal info? Scammers use tricks called phishing, smishing, or vishing to get you. How can you know and avoid falling for these tricks? Let’s break down the differences between phishing, smishing, and vishing:

Phishing
Phishing usually comes through emails. Scammers send emails that look like they’re from your bank, a store, or a government agency. They make it seem urgent, like a problem with your bank account or an order from Amazon. They want you to click on a link that seems real but takes you to a fake page. When you enter your login info there, they can access your account and cause trouble.

Smishing
Smishing is like phishing but through text messages on your phone. Scammers send texts that look real, maybe from your bank or a friend. They include links for you to click. If you click and give your login details, you fall into their trap.

Vishing
Vishing is voice phishing over phone calls. Instead of emails or texts, scammers call you. They might use tricks like saying your Social Security number is in trouble or you owe money to the IRS. They create fear to make you share personal info.

Phishing Emails
Bad people send fake emails, pretending to be your bank or others. They make you click on links to steal your info.

Smishing Texts
Scammers send tricky texts, acting like your bank or a friend. They want you to click links and share your info.

Vishing Calls
Bad guys call and tell scary stories, like problems with your Social Security. They make you share personal info.

How to Spot These Scams
Look for signs like strange sender addresses or emails about things you didn’t sign up for. If it seems odd, it probably is.

Example
I got an email that looked weird and claimed to be from Cash App. I don’t use Cash App, and the sender’s address seemed fake. They wanted me to click a link, but I deleted the email because it felt wrong.

Tips to Stay Safe
1. Don’t click on strange links.
2. Check sender details.
3. If it seems urgent, double-check with the real company.
4. Delete suspicious messages.
5. Don’t share personal info over the phone unless you’re sure.

Remember, scammers want to trick you, but being careful keeps you safe!

January 12, 2024
Franz Beckenbauer: Football Legend’s Journey from Munich to World Cup Glory

Franz Beckenbauer grew up in Munich, Germany, after World War II. As a kid, he loved playing football against the front wall of his house. The wall became like a good friend; if he kicked the ball well, it would bounce back, so he didn’t have to run after it.

Even as a youngster, Franz was energetic and loved football. People thought he was a bit wild when playing. Once, when he complained about being fouled in a game, he got slapped. This incident changed football history.

Later on, Franz joined Bayern Munich, a famous football club. Because of his great contributions, the team got to play in the Bundesliga. He played really well, and Bayern Munich won the BFB Pokal Cup and the UEFA Cup Winners’ Cup.

Franz Beckenbauer was often put in the position of a defensive midfielder by his German coach. He had a special skill for scoring goals late in the game. In the 1966 World Cup, he scored four goals. After many tries, he finally led West Germany to victory in the 1974 FIFA World Cup.

Franz Beckenbauer’s team was exceptional in a style of play called total football. They dominated the game. He also secured victories in the European Cup in 1974, 1975, and 1976. He even won the Euros before the World Cup.

During this time, he was considered the best footballer in German history. He was not just a great footballer; he also appeared on TV, singing and modeling. He didn’t stick to one area of the field; he moved freely around.

He earned the nickname ‘Kaiser da Empire.’ Besides playing, he also did fantastic work as a coach for the German national team and as a manager for football clubs. German football owes a lot to him because he is the greatest figure in German football history.

January 12, 2024
Breakthrough Study Reveals High Levels of Nanoplastics in Common Bottled Water Brands

Scientists found almost 250,000 tiny nanoplastic particles in a liter of bottled water, using a special microscope with dual lasers for the first time. The researchers at Columbia and Rutgers universities discovered these microscopic plastic pieces in five samples each of three common bottled water brands. The particle levels ranged from 110,000 to 400,000 per liter, with an average of around 240,000, as reported in Monday’s Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

Nanoplastics are less than a micron in size, which is much smaller than previous studies on slightly larger microplastics. The study found 10 to 100 times more nanoplastics than microplastics in bottled water. The plastic seems to come from the bottles themselves and the reverse osmosis membrane filter used to keep out contaminants.

The researchers are uncertain about the health effects of these nanoplastic particles, and further studies are needed to determine if they are harmful. The International Bottled Water Association and the American Chemistry Council emphasized the lack of standardized measuring methods and scientific consensus on the health impacts of nano- and microplastic particles.

Plastic pollution is a significant global issue, with more than 430 million tonnes of plastic produced annually, leading to microplastics in oceans, food, and drinking water. The United Nations Environment Programme notes efforts for a global plastics treaty, which has faced challenges in recent talks. The study’s co-authors have reduced their bottled water use after conducting the research, recognizing the impact of plastics on the environment and potential health concerns.

While the danger of plastics is still uncertain, experts express concern about additives in plastics, as nanoparticles can be internalized into cells, potentially causing cell stress, DNA damage, and changes in metabolism or cell function. The study introduces a new tool for detecting nanoplastics, and experts recommend further research to replicate the technique and results.

January 12, 2024
CES 2024 Smartphone Roundup: From Gaming Titans to Budget-Friendly TCL

Let’s talk about the best smartphones we saw at CES 2024. CES is a big tech show in Las Vegas where companies show off new gadgets. We usually see cool TVs and car stuff, but this year, there are also awesome new smartphones. Here are some of the best ones!

First, we have the Asus ROG Phone 8 Pro. Asus is famous for gaming, and this phone is like a gaming beast. It runs on Android 14 and has a super-fast chip inside. The phone comes with 16GB of memory and 512GB of storage, but you can get an even fancier version with 24GB of memory and 1TB of storage.

The screen is big, 6.78 inches, and it can refresh really fast, especially when playing games. The display is also bright and clear. The phone is tough too – it can handle water and dust. The cameras on this phone are top-notch, with a 50MP main camera and other cool features. The battery is huge, 5,500mAh, and it won’t overheat even if you play games for a long time. It charges really fast, either with a wire or without wires. Plus, there’s a little LED display on the back that shows fun animations.

They also have a special edition called the ROG Phone 8 Pro Edition. This one has a cooling fan to keep it from getting too hot during intense gaming. It even has a headphone jack!

Now, Asus has another good phone, the ROG Phone 8. It’s almost the same as the Pro version but without the cool LED animations on the back. It’s still a great gaming phone with a big screen and powerful features.

Next up, TCL. TCL is known for affordable phones, and at CES 2024, they introduced seven new ones! Let’s focus on the TCL 50 XL 5G. It has a huge 6.8-inch display with great sound. The phone starts with 8GB of memory and has a big battery, 5,010mAh, so it lasts a long time. It’s a good choice for people who are always on the move.

TCL also has something unique – NxtPaper smartphones. These phones have screens that look and feel like paper, so there’s no glare, especially when you’re outside. TCL didn’t share all the details, but it sounds interesting and different.

January 12, 2024
Saudi Arabia Introduces New Categories for Premium Residency: What You Need to Know

Saudi Arabia has introduced new ways for people to apply for its Premium Residency, making it easier for residents who wish to get this special visa. The Premium Residency allows foreign nationals to live, work, own businesses, and property in Saudi Arabia without needing a sponsor.

Before, there were no specific categories for people to apply under the Premium Residency. But now, the Saudi government has created five new categories to make the application process more straightforward.

These new categories are for skilled individuals (like specialists and executives), talented individuals (in areas like culture and sports), business investors, entrepreneurs, and property owners.

Holders of the Premium Residency can live in Saudi Arabia for an extended period, either for one year (which can be renewed) or for an unlimited duration, depending on the plan they choose when applying.

The unlimited plan costs $213,320 (800,000 SAR), and the one-year plan is $26,665 (100,000 SAR), which must be paid upfront. For those applying under the new categories, the Premium Residency costs $1,066 (SAR 4,000).

The Premium Residency, similar to a Green Card, was introduced in 2019 to attract wealthy foreigners and investors to Saudi Arabia, aiming to boost the country’s economy.

Holders of the Premium Residency can also bring their immediate family members to live in Saudi Arabia without paying the dependent fee. These family members can live, work, and invest in the country and can easily change jobs while residing there.

Under this special scheme, individuals can own property, such as homes and businesses, anywhere in Saudi Arabia except in Mecca, Madina, and the border regions. Premium Residency also allows individuals to own and license vehicles and other modes of transportation in the country.

Moreover, Premium Residency holders can freely enter and exit Saudi Arabia as often as they want. They also have the right to invest in the Saudi Capital Market. These new categories and benefits are part of Saudi Arabia’s efforts to attract skilled individuals, investors, entrepreneurs, and property owners to contribute to the growth of the country’s economy.

January 11, 2024
How to Fix Uneven Earbud Volume: Simple Solutions

Dealing with one earbud being louder than the other can be really annoying. Luckily, there are easy fixes you can try right now. One common reason for this issue is earwax. Our ears produce earwax to keep them clean, but it can affect earbuds. To clean them, remove the silicone tips and use cleaning putty to gently remove built-up dirt. Avoid using liquids like alcohol, as they can damage the earbuds.

If the problem persists, you can remove the mesh covering the earbud and clean it with putty. Be gentle and avoid piercing the earbud. Ensure the mesh is securely glued back after cleaning. Another unconventional trick is gently sucking on the earbud to dislodge internal dirt. It might sound strange, but it can be surprisingly effective.

Ear tip size matters. The tips create a seal in your ears, blocking external noise. Experiment with different tip sizes to find the perfect fit. Also, consider that ear canals may not be symmetrical, leading to differences in volume perception. On Android devices, absolute volume can cause issues.

Disable it in the developer options to separate earbud and phone volume controls. Ensure your earbuds have separate volume adjustments for this to work.

Check for firmware updates through the manufacturer’s app. Firmware updates can improve functionality, add features, and fix issues. Keep your earbuds’ firmware up-to-date regardless of volume problems. These simple solutions should help you enjoy balanced volume on both earbuds again.

January 11, 2024
Razer’s Latest Blade 16: A Gaming Powerhouse with Cutting-Edge Display

Razer, known for gaming accessories and sleek PCs, unveiled its updated Blade laptop series at CES 2024. These laptops are not only popular among gamers but are also appreciated for their performance, making them suitable for office use. Let’s take a closer look at the refreshed Razer Blade lineup for 2024.

The spotlight of the new lineup is on the Razer Blade 16, featuring the world’s first OLED 240Hz 16-inch display. This promises to deliver one of the finest laptop screens available. Powered by the Intel Core i9-14900HX processor and NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4090 graphics card, the Blade 16 is designed to handle demanding tasks and provide exceptional performance.

With an aluminum unibody design and advanced cooling using vapor chamber technology, this laptop aims to stay cool while looking stylish – earning it the nickname of the “MacBooks of gaming laptops.”

The Blade 14 is a more compact option at 14 inches, targeting gamers who are often on the move. Equipped with the AMD Ryzen 9 8945HS processor and NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070 graphics, this laptop maintains a slim and lightweight profile at 0.71” thin and 4.05 lbs.

It boasts up to 10 hours of battery life, making it suitable for portable gaming sessions. The 16:10 QHD+ 240Hz display, upgradable DDR5 memory, and modern connectivity options like USB4 and Wi-Fi 7 add to its appeal.

Razer offered a sneak peek at the upcoming Blade 18, set to release later in the year. Positioned as a large and powerful gaming laptop, the Blade 18 aims to feature the world’s first 18-inch 4K 165Hz display and Thunderbolt 5 for high-performance connectivity. While specific details are yet to be revealed, this model is expected to cater to gamers seeking a robust and immersive gaming experience.

January 11, 2024
Top Picks: Dell Laptops for Business Professionals in 2024

Dell is a well-known laptop brand that many people trust. They make laptops for students, everyday users, and especially for businesses. Dell has different kinds of laptops like Latitude, Vostro, Inspiron, and XPS, and each of them is good for different reasons. We picked some Dell laptops that we think are the best for businesses. If you’re looking for a new business laptop, keep reading to find out which Dell laptop might be perfect for you.

Dell Latitude 5540: The All-in-One Business Laptop
The Latitude 5540 is our top pick for business because it’s like an all-in-one package. It does a lot of things really well, and the price is reasonable. It has a good camera for video meetings, and the battery can last up to 11 hours. Plus, it charges really fast, going from 0% to 35% in just 20 minutes.

Dell Inspiron 14 2-in-1: Versatile and Comfortable
The Inspiron 14 2-in-1 is special because it can transform into four different modes. You can use it like a regular laptop or flip it around to use it as a tablet. The large touchpad and Full HD touchscreen make it easy to work or play for hours comfortably.

Dell XPS 17: Perfect for Content Creation
If your business involves creating content, the Dell XPS 17 is a great choice. It’s a strong competitor to popular laptops like the MacBook Pro. The big 17-inch display can be upgraded to 4K resolution, making it excellent for video editing. With four Thunderbolt 4 ports, you can connect other devices easily.

Dell Inspiron 16 Plus: Ideal for Remote Work
The new Inspiron 16 Plus is perfect for remote work. Dell managed to fit a big 16-inch display into a size similar to the old 15-inch model, giving you more screen space. It’s powerful with an Intel Core Ultra 7 processor, making it one of the best laptops for its price. The 16-inch screen has Full HD resolution for a clear and vibrant display.

Dell XPS 13: Budget-Friendly Business Companion
If you’re on a budget, the Dell XPS 13 is a great choice. It’s a popular laptop that’s been around for a while, and it still offers good portability and power. The InfinityEdge screen has Full HD resolution, and it has cool security features like a fingerprint reader. Even though it’s not the newest, the Dell XPS 13 can still get your work done well.

January 11, 2024