It is rare to find high-quality built-in speakers in smartphones, unless it is a device from the premium segment. The speaker system of the gadget is configured to emphasize the mid-frequency range, in which the main part of the human voice is located.
Although in any case, the sound will be better produced by larger external devices. The phone is connected to a portable speaker via a Bluetooth wireless channel or using a wire.
How to connect a portable speaker to your phone via Bluetooth
Standard way for wireless connection. Connecting a portable speaker on Android and iOS phones is the same way:
Turn on your Bluetooth speaker.
On your smartphone, go to the main settings, then to the Bluetooth section.
Activate the wireless connection and start searching for available devices.
From the proposed list, select the one you need.
After a quick connection, you can turn on the music in the application — the sound should now be output from the speaker.
The Bluetooth version does not particularly affect the connection due to backwards compatibility. But older modifications to the standard can affect the range and energy consumption of batteries.
It is especially easy and quick to connect a portable speaker if an NFC chip is installed in the device. Simply put your smartphone on the speaker. Activation will automatically occur and signal transmission will begin. Communication passes through NFC, and music is transmitted via Bluetooth.
How to connect a portable speaker to a phone using an AUX cable
Photo: Anton Martynov / Lifehacker
The speaker is usually supplied with an AUX cable with a 3.5 mm mini-jack connector. Even in the case of wireless devices, this connection option may be more stable, providing high-quality sound.
Connecting your phone to the speaker with an AUX cable is very simple. You need to act like this:
Turn on both devices.
Find the mini-jack input on the speaker and insert the cable that fits the connector.
Connect cable to phone. Depending on the model, this can be done directly through the hole for wired headphones or through an adapter to USB‑C.
Start music and leave the smartphone next to the speaker.
How to connect a portable speaker to a phone via a USB connection
Photo: Anton Martynov / Lifehacker
Complete with the device, in addition to the AUX cable, the manufacturer can add a cable with a USB connector. Typically, such a wire is needed to recharge the speaker, but in some cases it can also be used to transmit sound from a smartphone.
To connect the speaker in this way, you may need an adapter from regular USB or USB-C to mini- or micro-USB if the device model is not the latest. The algorithm of actions is the same as in the previous paragraph.
An electric version of the popular head massager. You don’t have to work with such a gadget with your hands: it starts to vibrate when you press the button. The built-in battery is used for power, which is charged via microUSB. The cord is included.
Price: 1,786 rubles.
Buy
2. Foot massager
The device will help not only to relax, but also to warm the frozen feet. It works in vibration massage mode, relieving muscle tension and stimulating blood circulation. It also supports infrared function.
The top part with a lightning and a fur edge acts in film. The fleece cover, pleasant to the touch, is also detachable — if necessary, it can be machine washed on a delicate cycle. The massager is powered from the mains using a cable 1.7 m long.
Price: 1,909 rubles.
Buy
3. Neck pillow
The headrest pillow easily converts into a 30 × 14 cm cushion, so you can relax and relieve tension in the neck both sitting and lying down. The product has a smooth surface. Inside — a filler made of granules with a massage effect. Due to the small size, the pillow is convenient to take on trips. Or store in a drawer at work to relax between breaks.
Price: 1,272 rubles.
Buy
4. Antistress toy
The plastic caterpillar consists of movable sections, due to which it bends in different directions. And the toy also makes an interesting sound, so it will give not only tactile pleasant sensations. The length of the product is 18 cm.
Price: 399 rubles.
Buy
5. Spinner
Another little thing that will be nice to turn in your hands when you want to relax and get distracted. On the surface of the spinner there are recesses along which metal balls move. The shape of the grooves can be changed by rotating the body of the toy. Available for order in four colors.
Price: 319 rubles.
Buy
6. Bath foam
Lavender oil in the composition of the foam will help to relax and relieve fatigue — just what you need at the end of a busy day. In the reviews, buyers praise the product for its pleasant aroma and large volume, so that one bottle lasts a long time.
Price: 300 rubles.
Buy
7. Bath salt
For those who do not like to take a bath with thick foam, special salt is suitable. Pine resin extract relaxes like lavender. An 800 g bottle is enough for about 20 treatments.
Price: 155 rubles.
Buy
8. Aroma lamp
The lamp will fill the room with a pleasant aroma, creating a soothing and cozy atmosphere in it. In such an environment, it will be easier to relax or meditate. It is not difficult to use an aroma lamp: you need to pour water with a few drops of essential oil into the bowl and light a candle under it.
Price: 1,044 rubles.
Buy
9. Anti-stress coloring book
Coloring mandalas — intricate symmetrical shapes — helps to cope with anxiety and relieve stress. This activity will be an excellent option for a nightly ritual before going to bed.
Price: 355 rubles.
Buy
10. Paint by numbers
Another creative way to take your mind off your worries. Painting by numbers has an added bonus: once the drawing is fully colored, it can be framed and used to decorate walls. The image of the autumn park, made in muted colors, will fit into almost any interior.
Price: 830 rubles.
Buy
Please note: All prices are valid at the time of publication. Stores can update the cost of goods during the day.
Apple introduced iPad Pro with M2 chips and iPad with USB-C
Image: Apple
Last Tuesday, Apple released new tablet models: the powerful iPad Pro in two sizes and a “completely redesigned” base iPad with USB-C and a design to match the iPad Air.
Microsoft releases Windows 11 update with previously promised features
Image: Microsoft
At the end of September, Microsoft announced the release of the first major update to Windows 11. Some of the features announced then did not appear with the update, but are being released now.
Read more →
«James Webb» took an incredible photo of the «Pillars of Creation»
Image: NASA, ESA, CSA, STScI
NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope has captured a detailed image of the «Pillars of Creation» — a collection of interstellar gas and dust in the Eagle Nebula, about 6,500 light-years from Earth.
Read more →
WhatsApp finally has the ability to hide your online status from everyone
Image: WhatsApp, Lifehacker
In early September, a new feature was spotted in the WhatsApp beta that allows you to completely hide your online status. Now, a month later, this feature has become available in the regular version of the messenger.
Read more →
Apple disables smart home control from SberDevices
Image: SberDevices
SberDevices reported that Apple has removed the Salyut and Salyut! apps from the AppStore. Smart home”, therefore, on iOS devices, the ability to control the smart home of the ecosystem has disappeared.
According to the forecasts of designers, in the upcoming winter season, boots with elegant low heels and pointed toes will be very popular. The success of this trend is easily explained. Firstly, with such shoes it is easy to create elegant and elegant looks. Secondly, on a small hairpin it is much more comfortable to move along slippery and snowy streets — your legs will get tired less. However, wearing high thin heels is also not prohibited if you are comfortable in such shoes in winter.
You won’t have to suffer with the choice of material: models from nubuck, suede, matte and patent leather are relevant. The colors should look classic: black, brown, beige, white. If you want to add brightness, you can pay attention to the muted shades of red, green and blue.
What to buy
2. Sports shoes
Insulated sneakers are perfect for creating looks for every day. Due to the variety of models, it will be possible to choose the right pair for dates, and for work, and for walking. To look stylish, pair your shoes with slightly tucked-in trousers or jeans and high socks in a contrasting color.
The most versatile unisex model is white. However, designers offer not to limit themselves only to them and also look at other shades. There is no specifics on this score, which means that you can experiment.
What to buy
3. Metallic shoes
Models with a sparkling metallic sheen can be considered the new classic of the coming season. Despite the “alien” shade, designers offer not to be modest and combine such shoes with clothes and accessories of different colors and prints. Combinations with a strict black coat and a playful flowered down jacket will look appropriate.
When choosing shoes, give preference to models without additional decor and mid-calf high. You can also start by buying metallic laces if a greater presence of this shade seems too extravagant. Add a fashion accessory to your favorite couple to gradually get used to the changes.
What to buy
4. Shoes with buckles
Shoes with buckles are elegant and versatile. Fans and admirers of the classic style will suit monks — boots without lacing with one or more buckles on the straps. If you haven’t found one, don’t worry. Take boots with a neat decor in the form of the same strap on the nose or on the top. A pair of brown or black will be in harmony with a pantsuit and other strict things.
If you want to create a more daring outfit, choose boots with more visible chrome details.
What to buy
5. High boots
Imagine boots that seem to flow smoothly into tights and end at the level of a miniskirt. Or at least cover your knees. Pair it with patent leather and you’ve got the hottest piece on this winter’s trend list. But do not write off shoes with a matte finish, which can be worn every day, and not just on special occasions.
To balance the look with over the knee boots, pair them with a dress with a straight silhouette or a dark turtleneck combined with a minimalist skirt.
What to buy
6. Boots and boots with massive soles
The trend has long and firmly taken pride of place on the catwalks. In past seasons, massive soles with deep treads and a powerful heel were especially popular. In the advancing position, boots and boots on a high solid platform were intercepted. Color, materials, decor of the couple can be selected to your taste.
What to buy
7. Boots in cowboy style
In the near future, we should not expect a decline in interest in cowboy style. And if you’re not ready to wear a hat just yet, try boots first. A pair with a high, wide top, a slightly upturned toe and a stable low heel will successfully fit into the casual style and will look great with clothes made of denim, leather or suede.
Unfortunately, such models are rarely warm and suitable for cold winters. You have to choose: look stylish or not freeze.
What to buy
8. Chelsea boots
An ageless classic looks like this: low-heeled boots with a low top and elastic bands. They make the appearance of the couple not boring and are of practical use. Thanks to such inserts, it is convenient to put on shoes without using a horn, and you don’t even have to tie laces.
As for the color of Chelsea, there are no restrictions or recommendations. These boots go with any wardrobe style, so feel free to wear your favorite pair of jeans, and on top — at least an oversized down jacket, at least an elegant coat or bomber jacket.
What to buy
9. Rough boots
Chains, belts, studs and, of course, a massive sole — all rebellious moods will find an outlet in a new pair of boots. If you want more gloss, choose a lacquered pair. And don’t be afraid to pair it with any style of clothing, eclecticism is in trend now more than ever. For men, the recommendations are the same as for women.
What to buy
10. Caramel coffee shoes
Another fashion trend for the winter of 2022-2023 will be caramel coffee shoes. It is a brown shade with warm undertones. Pretty neutral and versatile, it goes well with clothes and accessories in any other colors — both basic and accent.
Designers give complete freedom in choosing specific models and decor on such shoes.
What to buy
Please note: prices are valid at the time of publication of the article. Stores can update the cost of goods during the day.
According to recent statistics from Canalys, smartphone sales worldwide are falling. Only Samsung and Apple show a slight growth, but in general the situation on the market is comparable to the crisis year of 2014.
Many users now prefer to «wear out» their old devices without spending money on new gadgets. This is influenced by both the unstable economic situation and the banal absence of some cool chips for which I would like to buy a new product.
Tell us, what smartphone do you use now, and does it suit you?
With Infinix HOT 12 PRO, creating content that collects millions of likes is a breeze. The main camera with a resolution of 50 megapixels, phase detection autofocus and f / 1.6 aperture allows you to take high-quality pictures in any light: with the night mode, even in semi-darkness, the photos will be quite clear and detailed.
It is not necessary to set up the camera for each specific situation: the artificial intelligence module will analyze what it sees and focus on what is important. In addition, the camera application has several preset modes, in particular «Portrait». If you like to experiment, you can tweak the settings yourself.
HOT 12 PRO is also suitable for those who like to create videos. In slow motion mode, you can record videos in slow-mo at a speed of 240 frames per second. This option will even turn shots with a stretching cat into something epic. By the way, with the help of a smartphone, it will be possible to create an original musical accompaniment to the video. To do this, go to the Beez application — it’s easy to record your own track there without real musical instruments.
For vivid selfies, HOT 12 PRO has an 8MP front camera with LED flash. With it, you can take photos day and night or write blogs and stories. Thanks to the wide-angle lens, everything important will fit exactly into the frame. There is no need to spend time processing pictures and videos before publishing: before starting, select the filters preinstalled in the camera, and, if desired, turn on the smart beautification mode.
The Infinix HOT 12 PRO is equipped with an octa-core Unisoc Tiger T616 processor with a combination of two main high-frequency cores at 2.2 GHz and six at 1.8 GHz. This combination allows you to maintain high energy efficiency and respond quickly even in heavy load mode, including during the game.
You don’t have to peer at the screen trying to see tiny details — the impressive 6.6-inch HD + display creates a comfortable environment for mobile gaming. The screen refresh rate is 90Hz and the response rate is 180Hz. All this ensures a smooth gameplay without slowing down and freezing at the most crucial moments.
Get the most out of your games and fully immerse yourself in the atmosphere in HOT 12 PRO with smart features. Dar‑Link 2.0 technology with intelligent audio processing mode is responsible for high-quality sound positioning so that the gamer can more easily navigate during the game. And with AVSYNC technology, it’s easy to optimize the picture. You can, for example, turn up the contrast to the maximum and see the playing field in great detail, add saturation to colors or set up a clear detail in the shadows — this way you can quickly find hidden opponents.
With HOT 12 PRO, you can forget about pop-up notifications in the middle of the showdown: a special XArena gaming mode allows you to turn off notifications during the game. To prevent entertainment from harming your eyes, activate the eye protection function — you can play with it for hours on end.
3. Bulk RAM for connoisseurs of speed
Do not wait for applications to load, quickly scroll the screen and do not clean windows before launching heavy programs or games — all this is real with the Infinix HOT 12 PRO. The smartphone is equipped with 8 GB of RAM — and its volume can be easily increased. You do not need to download additional applications for this: just go to the settings and integrate the RAM with the storage. In this way, you can add from 3 to 5 GB, that is, get as much as 11-13 GB of RAM.
The amount of internal memory in HOT 12 PRO is 128 GB. If this seems not enough, you can add free space using a Micro SD card: the smartphone supports flash drives up to 512 GB. This reserve is enough even if you often shoot videos, use hundreds of applications and download content on streaming services for offline consumption.
A smartphone that goes to zero in a couple of hours is not about the Infinix HOT 12 PRO. Its 5,000 mAh battery allows you not to think about charging for a whole day, even if you actively use it to navigate a new city or take cool pictures in a beautiful location.
With such a device, you can safely go to conquer the mountains, feel free to walk all day along the old streets and museums and not look for the nearest places with an outlet on the map. And if the charge is running out, the Marathon Endurance mode will come in handy. It will help increase battery life by almost 25%, you just need to set individual indicators for eight power saving settings. If you want — save battery on navigation, if you want — on background applications or on the mobile Internet.
When the HOT 12 PRO still sits down, 18W fast charging will help replenish the energy supply. It supports Safe Charge technology, which analyzes the voltage stability and temperature of the gadget’s case, which means it will not allow overheating or short circuits. So you can connect to an outlet at the airport, hostel, mall or cafe without worrying about the safety of your smartphone.
A nice feature for travelers HOT 12 PRO is a slot for 2 SIM cards. With it, it is easy to switch between the main SIM card and the card of the local operator. And NFC will come in handy if you don’t want to take a stack of bank cards on a trip.
5. Bright design and smart themes for trendsetters
Often a smartphone is not only a functional gadget, but also a stylish accessory that will help complement the image or make a statement. In the case of Infinix HOT 12 PRO, this also works. The smartphone is available in four colors: electric blue, halogen white, neon green and racing black. By the way, it was racing cars that inspired Infinix designers for bright and dynamic color schemes. You don’t have to worry about fingerprints – the HOT 12 PRO in blue and green has a matte body, on which traces are almost invisible.
The smartphone interface is easy to customize. Infinix HOT 12 PRO runs on Android 12 running XOS 10.6 GUI. It allows you to install smart themes with an expanded color palette. Shades can be changed as many times as you like: “dress up” your phone according to your mood, the weather outside the window, or a new screensaver.
Another HOT 12 PRO feature that will help you stand out is XVocal. This function allows you to change the voice for calls, recording voice, video chats or shooting. It is useful, for example, to prank friends, ensure your safety when talking to scammers, or create a fun video for social networks.
Samsung has expanded its line of smartphones with a very simple technical equipment model Galaxy A04e. She received a plastic case and a 6.5-inch PLS screen with HD + resolution (1600 × 720 pixels).
Inside is an octa-core MediaTek Helio G35 with PowerVR GE8320 graphics. The chip can be supplemented with 3 or 4 GB of RAM and 32, 64 or 128 GB of internal memory. It is also possible to use microSD cards.
Image: Samsung
The main camera is dual, with modules of 13 and 2 megapixels. For selfies, a 5-megapixel sensor is installed in the V-shaped cutout of the screen. A 5,000 mAh battery is responsible for the autonomy of the device.
Galaxy A04e supports 4G VoLTE, Wi-Fi 802.11 ac (2.4 + 5 GHz), Bluetooth 5.0, GPS + GLONASS. The price of the device has not yet been announced, but judging by the characteristics, it will be around $100.
In early September, a new feature was spotted in the WhatsApp beta that allows you to completely hide your online status. Now, a month later, this feature has become available in the regular version of the messenger.
You can hide the status through the settings: “Account” → “Privacy” → “Last visit time and online status”. There you need to configure the ability to view the time of the last visit and then apply the same settings to the status view below by selecting «The same who sees the last visit.»
If you select «No one» in the first list and apply this setting below, then no one will see when you are online.
The WABetaInfo portal also reports that some WhatsApp beta testers on Android and iOS have been able to create polls. This feature may come with the next update.
The backpack with a volume of 24 liters has one roomy compartment with a compartment where the tablet is placed. For small things, external pockets are provided: one with a zipper on the front side and two side pockets without fasteners.
Padded, adjustable shoulder straps allow you to choose a comfortable fit for different heights. There is a carrying handle.
Image: Yandex.Market / Lifehacker
The material is waterproof, wear-resistant polyester. Reinforced bottom provides extra strength at the bottom. Model size: 46 × 26 × 14.5 cm.
Price: 2,349 → 1,879 rubles.
Buy
Please note: All prices are valid at the time of publication. Stores can update the cost of goods during the day.
When preparing reports, pivot tables, and other work with large amounts of data in Excel, you often have to move between cells that are far from each other. To save time, it is convenient to pin certain areas relative to others, and then they will always be visible when scrolling.
Excel features allow you to capture both rows and columns on the screen (one by one or several at once), as well as selected areas. Here’s how to do it.
1. How to freeze the top row in Excel
Most often, you need to fix the table header so that the column names are always in front of your eyes — no matter how much you scroll the content. To do this, Excel has a special button that does exactly what we need.
Go to the View tab and click Freeze Top Row.
After that, the table header will be fixed. To return to the normal mode, click here «Unpin areas».
2. How to freeze multiple rows in Excel
Sometimes the table header starts from the third or fourth line, and the previous ones are occupied by various information such as the name or date of the price list. In this case, you should act a little differently.
Select the desired row by clicking on its number, or place the cursor in the leftmost cell of the row, and then on the «View» tab, click «Freeze Areas».
Now all lines (in our example 1-4) above the one we specified (5) will be fixed on the screen. To undo this, click on the «Unpin regions» button.
3. How to freeze the first column in Excel
Another common situation is to pin the end column. This may be needed to fix, for example, a list of surnames or months when working with large tables. There is also a special function for this case.
Switch to the View tab and simply click Freeze First Column.
The list will be fixed until you click on the same menu «Unpin areas».
4. How to freeze multiple columns in Excel
If you need to fix not one, but several columns at once, then this is also quite easy to do. The main thing is to know which column to specify as a boundary column.
Select the nearest column next to the ones you want to freeze (in our example, column E — to freeze A, B, C, and D). After that, on the «View» tab, click on the already familiar «Freeze Panes» button.
Now you can scroll the table without fear, the specified columns will remain in place. To cancel, as always, you should click the «Unpin areas» button.
5. How to freeze an area in Excel
If you need to keep several rows and columns in front of your eyes at once, they can be fixed at the same time, but only on condition that they are all located side by side. That is, in the form of an area.
Scroll the table to the desired location and place the cursor in the cell that is to the right and below the area to be fixed (in our example, to fix rows 23-30 and columns C-F, you need to select cell G31). After that, click «Freeze panes» on the «View» tab.
Now you can use both vertical and horizontal scrolling — the selected cells will remain in place. To unpin, click «Unpin areas».
