Comprehending the ‘IP Rating’ of Your Android Device
Toshe_o/Getty Images
A mobile device’s ingress protection (IP) rating pertains to its defense against both dust and moisture. This rating starts with “IP” and is followed by either two digits or a single digit with an “X” in one of the positions. Understanding this information is crucial as it will (or should) guide how and where you utilize your device. There are significant differences between the values. A typical rating is IP68, representing the utmost level of safeguard against dust particles as well as the capability for the device to be submerged in a specified depth of water for a defined period.
An essential detail to recognize regarding a water-resistant rating is that it applies to freshwater sources, like a bathtub at home or a swimming pool with a moderate level of chlorine. However, this rating does not safeguard the phone against saltwater, which may damage electronic parts. Therefore, taking it into the ocean could potentially nullify the warranty. Only the highest ratings address temperature variations and high-pressure sprays. Additionally, water resistance diminishes with time, meaning a device you’ve owned for several years won’t maintain the same level of protection as when it was brand new.
What do IP ratings signify?
How Owners of Samsung Smart TVs Can Unlock Hundreds of Free Channels
Built-in FAST (Free Ad-Supported Television) channels on smart TVs are increasingly prevalent among manufacturers of televisions and streaming devices, aimed at enhancing revenue and attracting more customers. The Google TV platform offers Freeplay, LG TVs are equipped with LG Channels, and Roku TVs showcase the Roku Channel. Samsung, recognized as one of the most dependable smart TV brands according to Consumer Reports and rated highly for customer satisfaction, was a pioneer in launching a FAST service through Samsung TV Plus.
Introduced in 2015, it enables owners of Samsung smart TVs to watch almost 700 live TV channels and access over 1,000 movies and TV shows on demand without any cost. This service is preinstalled on all Samsung smart TVs manufactured since 2016. It can also be accessed via Galaxy devices, Samsung smart monitors, and other Samsung gadgets. Here’s how you can enjoy Samsung TV Plus and what it provides.
### How to access Samsung smart TV free channels
If you possess a Samsung smart TV that was launched post-2016, the Samsung TV Plus app will be preloaded on your television. You simply need to launch the app to begin viewing the available live TV channels and on-demand content. There are no fees, subscriptions, requirements to input payment information, or the necessity to create a Samsung account. All that’s needed is an internet connection, and you’re all set. The Samsung TV Plus app features an intuitive interface similar to other streaming platforms, with various sections, top-ten lists, content categories, and more. Additionally, it offers AI-driven personalization, adapting to your viewing trends and engagement habits.
The live TV segment encompasses well-liked channels for anime, national and local news, films and music, reality shows, sports, children’s content, and more. You can find the complete list of live channels on the Samsung website. More than 100 of these channels are exclusive to the service, unavailable on other FAST platforms. Regarding the on-demand selections, you’ll find an ever-evolving array of TV shows and movies. For instance, in December 2025, Samsung TV Plus is streaming films like “Die Hard”, a holiday classic, “Step Up”, “Now You See Me”, and “Crazy, Stupid, Love”. The FAST service is also showcasing the first season of the Prime Video post-apocalyptic thriller “Fallout” until December 25.
Read More
Aqara Presence Multi-Sensor FP300 Unveils Motion Automation and Thread Capabilities for HomeKit Smart Homes
### Aqara FP300: The Next Generation Presence Sensor for HomeKit Users
Aqara has introduced the FP300, a state-of-the-art presence sensor specifically engineered for HomeKit users desiring dependable automation without relying on cameras. This groundbreaking device merges mmWave presence sensing technology with a conventional PIR sensor, while also delivering measurements for light, temperature, and humidity. Notable features for Apple users include compatibility with Thread and Matter, facilitating smooth integration with the Home app for effective, room-aware automations.
#### What Makes FP300 Interesting for HomeKit
Presence detection is fundamentally different from simple motion detection. Conventional PIR sensors sense motion and cease operation once that movement stops. In contrast, mmWave technology can detect whether an individual is present in a room, even if they are stationary, such as working at a desk. The FP300 utilizes both technologies, enabling the PIR sensor to trigger quick wake-ups while the mmWave technology keeps automations active when someone remains in the room.
This integration boosts the consistency of automations linked to lighting and temperature management. The FP300 guarantees that lights do not switch off while someone is still in the room, only directing HomeKit to turn off once the room is truly vacant.
Moreover, the FP300 communicates light, temperature, and humidity levels, functioning effectively as a small brain for a room. This functionality enables smarter automations, as a single accessory can notify you of presence, brightness, and air quality.
#### HomeKit Automations You Can Build
Though the FP300 has yet to undergo testing, its features hint at various beneficial automations:
– **Smart Room Lighting**: Instantly illuminate lights upon detecting presence, dim them after a brief period of inactivity, and only switch them off once the room is vacant.
– **Bedroom Comfort Control**: If an individual is present and the temperature increases, activate a fan or decrease the thermostat. The fan will automatically shut off once the room cools down.
– **Office Lighting**: When presence is recognized and light levels dip, illuminate a desk lamp with a cooler white tone. Shift to warmer lighting in the evening if someone remains in the room.
– **Humidity-Based Automations**: If humidity levels surge while presence is identified, engage a HomeKit exhaust fan. The fan will turn off once humidity declines and the room is unoccupied.
– **Nighttime Hallways**: From sunset to sunrise, activate soft night lights in hallways or children’s rooms based on presence detection.
#### Thread and Matter Support
Thread support is a vital component of the FP300’s attractiveness. Presence sensors demand responsiveness, speed, and reliability, and Thread offers low-power, low-latency communication that isn’t reliant on Wi-Fi range. If you possess a modern Apple TV or HomePod, your HomeKit configuration likely already supports Thread.
Matter support is equally crucial. The FP300 appears in the Home app like any native accessory, removing the necessity for an extra bridge or hub (beyond an Apple TV or HomePod). Users can integrate it into scenes and automations, rename it, assign it to rooms, and utilize its data without depending solely on the Aqara app.
#### Where FP300 Fits in a HomeKit Setup
The FP300 is flexible enough to be employed in multiple rooms, including:
– **Living Room**: Maintain lamps on while individuals are present.
– **Kids’ Rooms**: Track motion, temperature, and humidity.
– **Entryway**: Take advantage of quick PIR wake-up to activate lights and mmWave technology for timely shutdown once the room is empty.
Presence sensors like the Aqara FP300 offer a beneficial solution for identifying people without the requirement for indoor cameras. The integration of mmWave and PIR technologies allows for efficient presence detection without infringing on privacy. This sensor enhances the smart home experience by enabling responsive lighting, effective fan management, and thoughtful automations.
#### Aqara FP300 Specs
Key specifications for Apple enthusiasts include:
– mmWave and PIR presence detection
– Built-in light, temperature, and humidity sensors
– Matter support over Thread
– Battery-operated design with a multi-year lifespan
– Compatibility with Apple HomeKit, Amazon Alexa, Google Home, and more
– Installable on walls, corners, or ceilings with included bracket
#### Wrap Up on Aqara FP300
The Aqara Presence Multi Sensor FP300 is set to be a great addition for HomeKit users seeking innovative motion sensing functionalities. With Thread support ensuring rapid and stable performance, alongside additional environmental sensors, the FP300 unlocks numerous possibilities for tracking and automations. On paper, it distinguishes itself as one of the most feature-packed presence sensors available for HomeKit users.
You can acquire the FP300 from
Read More
Robert Downey Jr. Rejected a Part in an Oscar-Winning Science Fiction Movie After Iron Man
**Robert Downey Jr. Turned Down An Oscar-Winning Sci-Fi Film Following Iron Man**
Alfonso Cuarón’s “Gravity” is not just one of the sci-fi films endorsed by Neil deGrasse Tyson, but it also enjoyed tremendous popularity with the general audience. The film secured seven Oscars out of 10 nominations, including Best Director, Cinematography, and Visual Effects, grossing nearly $725 million at the box office (via Box Office Mojo). The plot revolves around two astronauts who face debris during a mission and must devise a plan to survive and return to Earth. Sandra Bullock (Ryan Stone) and George Clooney (Matt Kowalski) headline the film. Initially, however, Cuarón had a different pair in mind for the project.
Robert Downey Jr. was first approached to co-star in “Gravity” alongside Angelina Jolie. While “Gravity” was released on August 28, 2013, Cuarón filmed the project in 2011. At that time, Marvel was busy producing “The Avengers,” the inaugural crossover movie for the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Robert Downey Jr. played a pivotal role in this film after establishing himself as the face of the still-nascent MCU in “Iron Man” (2008), the movie that launched Marvel’s universe, with RDJ’s portrayal being crucial to that triumph. The sequel, “Iron Man 2,” debuted in 2010, a year preceding the commencement of “Gravity.”
The actor would have needed to balance both Cuarón’s film and the first “Avengers” outing if all parties had permitted him to shoot both concurrently. However, the conflicting schedules were not the primary reason Downey Jr. declined the role of Matt Kowalski. The actor clarified in a conversation on The Howard Stern Show, years after “Gravity’s” release, that the real challenge lay in the limitations of filming the space movie as Cuarón envisioned.
**RDJ on Being Comfortably Uncomfortable**
“Everyone ends up doing what they’re meant to do, and sometimes, someone has a motorcycle accident, and then the person who takes over the role [nails it], and you think, ‘I couldn’t have pictured anyone else in that role,'” RDJ shared with Stern in an interview in October 2022. He noted he was brought on board early in the project, even before Jolie was cast. He connected well with Cuarón and appreciated the concept. Stern pointed out that Downey Jr. had previously mentioned his inability to work within the cramped confines required by the “Gravity” sets. It was then that the actor elaborated on the filming experiences Cuarón was seeking, which he found uncomfortable.
“What I can let you know is I went in to do a test with a new kind of multi-spherical camera setup they were experimenting with for the CGI,” RDJ remembered. “I’m the type of person who can be comfortably uncomfortable pretty easily. I went in the morning to do that testing, and we lasted about 20 minutes. I asked, ‘This is insane; how much longer will it be?’ They replied, ‘It’ll be another two to four hours.’ I said, ‘No way!'” The actor further mentioned, “You’ve got to set boundaries. You’ve got to exit before you lose it,” implying that claustrophobia might have played a significant role in his decision to walk away from the sci-fi film.
**Cuarón Confirms RDJ Would Not Have Thrived in Gravity**
In a separate instance, Cuarón recounted a similar narrative to The Hollywood Reporter in 2014, discussing Downey Jr.’s withdrawal from the film, though the director provided less context than the actor did during his conversation with Stern. “It became increasingly clear that, as we started to hone the technology, that was going to be a significant hurdle for his performance,” the director explained. “I find Robert to be incredible if you grant him the latitude to fully breathe, improvise, and adapt. [However] we experimented with one of these technologies, and it just wasn’t suitable. After that, we
Read More
Uncover the Ease of Apple Gift Cards for Utilizing Apple’s Premier Services
# Grasping Apple Gift Cards and Services
If you’re a supporter of Apple, it’s likely you received at least one Apple Gift Card during the holiday season. These gift cards are applicable for purchases in the App Store, Apple Store, and various Apple services such as Apple Music and Apple TV.
## Overview of Apple Services
Apple presents a range of services that can be utilized with Apple Gift Cards. Here’s a brief overview of the services currently offered:
– **[Apple Music](https://apple.co/48lJx2o)**: A music streaming service that provides access to over 100 million tracks.
– Cost: $10.99 per month
– **[Apple TV](https://apple.co/4qXELj0)**: Provides access to popular television series and films like *Ted Lasso*, *Severance*, and *Pluribus*.
– Cost: $12.99 per month
– **[Apple Fitness+](https://apple.co/4pm7D34)**: A digital fitness platform featuring video workouts in 12 distinct workout categories.
– Cost: $9.99 per month
– **[Apple Arcade](https://apple.co/3XAbEEZ)**: A gaming subscription service with over 200 games, completely free of in-app purchases or advertisements.
– Cost: $6.99 per month
– **[Apple News+](https://apple.co/4i7bY7v)**: Offers access to leading stories and publications, daily puzzles, and comprehensive recipes.
– Cost: $12.99 per month
– **
Read More
Top 5 Essential Steam Deck Applications for 2026
extend the lifespan of your equipment with some fantastic applications. Now that the Steam Deck has established its position in the market, numerous applications have been launched to enhance the handheld’s gaming experience. The question arises, which applications are genuinely worth utilizing? Well, that’s exactly our purpose today: We’ve compiled a list of the top five applications every Steam Deck gamer ought to install on their device. From consolidated game launchers to game streaming applications, BGR has your needs covered.
Heroic Games Launcher
The Steam Deck provides a fairly simple user interface, and while you can sideload applications and games to access from your Steam library, there are more efficient methods to keep everything organized in one location.
The Heroic Games Launcher is among the top selections to manage your multi-store game collection. Not only is the app open source (similar to the other software integrated into the Steam Deck), but it also accommodates software from various stores. From Steam to GOG to Epic to Amazon Prime Games, the Heroic Games Launcher includes them all.
Utilizing a third-party launcher like Heroic to consolidate everything in one place is convenient, but it’s also the ideal launcher to compile the free games you’ve been accumulating from sources like Epic and Amazon. Both companies provide free titles every month, and a lot of gamers frequently leave those freebies unused. This no longer has to be the situation with the Heroic Games Launcher: It’s the perfect opportunity to stop letting your backlog sit and start gaming, with the assistance of a launcher that supports all of the
Read More
Samsung Galaxy Chromebook Plus: Sleek, Powered by Google AI, Now $150 Discounted at Best Buy
This holiday discount is still available.
Exploring the Development of Irradiated Dogs in Chernobyl
how radiation present in the CEZ could influence the evolution rate of animals, humans, and vegetation. A significant factor contributing to the CEZ’s status as a center for these hypotheses is the dramatic surge in animal and plant life following humanity’s departure from the region, which remains contaminated nearly 40 years on.
As time progress, scientists have grown increasingly eager to explore the potential evolutionary consequences that might be unveiled in the CEZ. A 2025 study has delved into the possible impacts of radiation on both plants and animals, shedding light on how these organisms have reacted to prolonged radiation exposure. Although there have been notable findings of genetic damage overall, there also seem to be adaptive responses that have been observed. Given that Chernobyl is frequently regarded as one of the worst nuclear catastrophes globally, researchers have consistently monitored the aftermath of the disaster.
Moreover, another 2024 study highlighted distinct genetic variations between dogs living inside versus outside the CEZ, yet the researchers indicate that we have merely begun to explore the potential for witnessing rapid evolution in real-time.
Uncertain findings are still a foundation
<div class="slide-key image-holder gallery-image-holder credit-image-wrap " data-post-url="https://www.bgr.com/2057390/dogs-chernobyl-evolving-study-explained/" data-post-title="Are
Read More
Costco Reveals Seven Significant Modifications Planned for 2026
gifts priced below $50 for the gadget lover in your life has exciting updates for shoppers. Those with a membership should be aware of the upcoming changes before they start considering all the Costco tech products that could be worthwhile purchases.
In 2025, Costco introduced significant modifications that customers might have observed throughout the year, such as increasing its store locations, adding Coca-Cola to the food court, and enhancing the number of membership scanners at the entrances of its outlets. Nevertheless, the company has even more ambitious plans for 2026, which include further expansions, additional improvements to the food court and pharmacy, quicker lines and exit times, a broader range of potentially lower-priced signature merchandise, and improved wages for staff.
Few places offer an affordable smart TV that customers endorse, a slice of pizza, and an electric vehicle, which are likely two reasons why Costco remains a favored shopping choice. It’s worth noting while you read this that Costco’s fiscal year commences in September, so some of these updates may already be happening at a store near you. With that in mind, let’s explore this retailer’s upcoming developments.
What’s on the horizon for Costco in 2026
Durable Tablet Featuring 24% Off After Christmas: Designed to Withstand Tough Environments
The Samsung Galaxy Tab Active 4 Pro is a resilient powerhouse crafted for individuals who require a sturdy device in tough settings. This rugged tablet is protected by a hard plastic shock-resistant exterior, providing resistance to water and dust, making it perfect for outdoor and industrial applications. It includes a programmable side button for instant commands and is equipped with the Samsung S Pen for enhanced functionality.
The Active 4 Pro features enhanced performance and multitasking abilities, a detachable battery, and a mode for operation without a battery. It supports LTE connectivity, ensuring versatility for usage on the move. The present offer on Amazon provides a 24% discount, lowering the price to $460.87 for the LTE-enabled variant with 64GB of storage, which can be expanded via a microSD slot.
This tablet is ideal for those in search of the top rugged tablet that offers extended battery life and compatibility with Microsoft, Google, and various workspace applications. Nevertheless, it may not suit individuals who favor a lightweight, performance-centered device for simple activities. The Samsung Galaxy Tab Active 4 Pro is engineered to endure drops and extreme temperature conditions, guaranteeing dependability in challenging environments.
Read More