All posts tagged: Refresh

How to refresh your phone without upgrading it

How to refresh your phone without upgrading it

Published by Jenni Sidey

Get the Popular Science daily newsletter💡 Breakthroughs, discoveries, and DIY tips sent six days a week. No matter how snappy your smartphone feels when you first buy it, it will inevitably slow down over time. When that happens, you have to decide when it’s time to upgrade. Eventually, an upgrade becomes necessary—especially once your phone stops receiving software updates and becomes more vulnerable to security issues. But you can often delay that moment longer than you might think. If you’d rather avoid the cost of a new phone and get more life out of your current one, try these steps on your device and see how much they help. Remove and limit apps When your phone gets cluttered with too many apps, it starts to impact performance. Getting rid of apps you don’t frequently use can make a difference. Do an audit of what’s on your phone and see how many apps on your device are gathering digital dust. Note that you can always reinstall them later or use the web versions. If you’re on …

I used an monitor with a 144Hz refresh rate for a week – and couldn’t believe my eyes

I used an $80 monitor with a 144Hz refresh rate for a week – and couldn’t believe my eyes

Published by skeptic

MSI Pro MP243W 24-inch monitor pros and cons Pros Incredibly affordable Lightweight, plug-and-play Thin bezels, compact frame 144Hz, adaptive-sync Cons Visual quality for everyday use 300 nits of brightness Built-in speakers are an afterthought more buying choices Follow ZDNET: Add us as a preferred source on Google. As high-end monitors reach for the stars with QD-OLED technology and 1,040Hz refresh rates, products on the opposite end of the spectrum can offer better baseline value for less than a hundred bucks.  Case in point: MSI’s Pro MP243W, a 24-inch monitor for just $84. Budget monitors in 2026 look a whole lot better than they did a few years ago, and after going hands-on with this one, I found it to be a good value for students, kids, and budget-conscious users who use their computers for everyday tasks.  Also: A week with this Samsung smart monitor convinced me I might be done with TVs That said, there are certainly trade-offs with lower-end monitors, and they won’t come as a surprise: less flexibility, less connectivity, and, most importantly, a less vibrant …

Five ways to refresh your spring wardrobe now

Five ways to refresh your spring wardrobe now

Published by Daniella Wilson

Stay ahead of the curve with our weekly guide to the latest trends, fashion, relationships and more Stay ahead of the curve with our weekly guide to the latest trends, fashion, relationships and more Stay ahead of the curve with our weekly guide to the latest trends, fashion, relationships and more Now that the weather has finally started co-operating, it’s time to refresh your wardrobe. The air feels warmer, the days are longer: spring is here, and optimism is the sartorial port of call. But because nobody has the time or energy (or budget!) to reinvent themselves entirely (gone are the days of spending Saturday afternoons trawling the high street), it’s about quick and easy updates that can transform your aesthetic with just a few simple, affordable additions that will leave you feeling very new season, as well as looking bang on trend. So what is setting the sartorial pace this spring? Nineties nostalgia still seems to have us all in a trance (thank you, Love Story), while the Parisian cool girl aesthetic is flooding …

Refresh your PC with a Microsoft upgrade this spring

Refresh your PC with a $13 Microsoft upgrade this spring

Published by skeptic

TL;DR: Give your PC a spring refresh with this Microsoft Windows 11 Pro license, on sale for just $12.97 (reg. $199) until April 12. If you’re cleaning out your closet or getting a fresh haircut for spring, why not do something nice for your computer, too? A new operating system can breathe new life into an old device, and right now, you can secure a Microsoft Windows 11 Pro license for only $12.97 (reg. $199) until April 12. If you’ve got a PC that could use a little TLC, this Microsoft Windows 11 Pro license can give it a total refresh for less than the cost of lunch. This new operating system gives your computer a fresh set of tools, a brand new interface, improved cybersecurity, and much more. Mashable Deals By signing up, you agree to receive recurring automated SMS marketing messages from Mashable Deals at the number provided. Msg and data rates may apply. Up to 2 messages/day. Reply STOP to opt out, HELP for help. Consent is not a condition of purchase. …

Clean, restock, refresh — all with one Sam’s Club membership

Clean, restock, refresh — all with one $15 Sam’s Club membership

Published by skeptic

TL;DR: A $15 Sam’s Club membership can help streamline your spring refresh with bulk essentials and lifestyle finds. Spring tends to bring a long list of to-dos — organizing closets, kitchens, outdoor spaces, and even office setups. It’s also a time when shopping trips can start to add up. A one-year Sam’s Club membership for $15 (reg. $50) through March 29 offers a way to streamline that process by bringing a wide range of essentials into one place. Mashable Deals By signing up, you agree to receive recurring automated SMS marketing messages from Mashable Deals at the number provided. Msg and data rates may apply. Up to 2 messages/day. Reply STOP to opt out, HELP for help. Consent is not a condition of purchase. See our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. Rather than bouncing between multiple stores, members can access groceries, household goods, seasonal outdoor items, clothing, and more in a single trip. For anyone tackling a spring refresh, that convenience alone may help save time and simplify planning. Mashable Trend Report Bulk purchasing …

Five easy ways to give your home decor a spring refresh

Five easy ways to give your home decor a spring refresh

Published by Daniella Wilson

Stay ahead of the curve with our weekly guide to the latest trends, fashion, relationships and more Stay ahead of the curve with our weekly guide to the latest trends, fashion, relationships and more Stay ahead of the curve with our weekly guide to the latest trends, fashion, relationships and more As spring approaches, many are looking to revitalise their living spaces. Alysha Alli, group interior designer at Redrow, offers her expert advice on how to effortlessly transition homes from winter’s embrace to a brighter, more vibrant aesthetic. She suggests that breathing new life into a room can be as straightforward as swapping heavy winter textiles for lighter, more free-spirited decorative accessories and airy accents. Alli emphasises a forward-thinking approach to seasonal decor. “This season is all about embracing new materials, bold designs and sustainable innovations that enhance both style and functionality,” she explains. Her recommendations extend to incorporating eco-friendly elements, experimenting with vibrant colours, and fostering a seamless connection between indoor and outdoor environments. “Whether you’re looking to introduce eco-friendly elements, experiment with vibrant …

23 must-have homeware pieces for an instant interior refresh, starting from £6

23 must-have homeware pieces for an instant interior refresh, starting from £6

Published by Sam Flores

As we breathe a collective sigh of relief that spring has, finally, sprung (double-digit temperatures for the foreseeable, and post-7pm sunsets from the end of this month until October), you may be looking around and sense that the time has come for a seasonal uplift. Your senses are on the money. It’s time to pack away the cosy, heavy, dark homewares we hunkered under all winter to make way for spring’s lighter, brighter, and fresher alternatives. A curb-to-roof makeover is rarely necessary, but a few swaps can make your space feel renewed. You don’t even have to buy anything new: ’shop’ your own house by moving table lamps to new settings, changing rug positions, tweaking furniture arrangements, and rearranging wall art or mirrors to make the most of the glorious spring daylight. If you do fancy investing in new pieces, the nation’s best furniture and homewares stores are only too happy to oblige, with new-in sections loaded with chic textiles, curios, and accessories. What are the notable interiors trends for spring 2026? It may feel …

Ready, set, grow! How to refresh your garden for spring | Gardens

Ready, set, grow! How to refresh your garden for spring | Gardens

Published by Sam Flores

With the first signs of spring and that tantalising sense of sap rising, it’s time to venture into the garden. If it’s looking a mess, then don’t despair: these days the received wisdom is to let it stay scruffy over the winter, providing a much-needed habitat for all kinds of wildlife. So the good news is that you’ve been doing your bit, however unwittingly. The Guardian’s journalism is independent. We will earn a commission if you buy something through an affiliate link. Learn more. Now, though, it’s time to tidy up dead leaves, straggly growth and all those precocious weeds that are trying to get a head start. And if 2026 is the year that you want to up your gardening game – whether that’s planning a new border, or just plugging some gaps – you might be thinking about buying some new plants. We’re here to help. Top of the crops Spring calls for sowing, pruning, chopping and dividing. Photograph: Olga Dobrovolska/Getty Images Whether you’re looking for beautiful perennials or disease-defeating roses, wanting to grow …

Five easy ways to give your home decor a spring refresh

Five ways to refresh your home for spring, according to an interior designer

Published by Daniella Wilson

Stay ahead of the curve with our weekly guide to the latest trends, fashion, relationships and more Stay ahead of the curve with our weekly guide to the latest trends, fashion, relationships and more Stay ahead of the curve with our weekly guide to the latest trends, fashion, relationships and more As spring approaches, many are looking to revitalise their living spaces. Alysha Alli, group interior designer at Redrow, offers her expert advice on how to effortlessly transition homes from winter’s embrace to a brighter, more vibrant aesthetic. She suggests that breathing new life into a room can be as straightforward as swapping heavy winter textiles for lighter, more free-spirited decorative accessories and airy accents. Alli emphasises a forward-thinking approach to seasonal decor. “This season is all about embracing new materials, bold designs and sustainable innovations that enhance both style and functionality,” she explains. Her recommendations extend to incorporating eco-friendly elements, experimenting with vibrant colours, and fostering a seamless connection between indoor and outdoor environments. “Whether you’re looking to introduce eco-friendly elements, experiment with vibrant …

Your Android phone feeling slow? My 4-step refresh routine works wonders every time

Your Android phone feeling slow? My 4-step refresh routine works wonders every time

Published by skeptic

Prakhar Khanna/ZDNET Follow ZDNET: Add us as a preferred source on Google. As a person who covers consumer tech for a living, I get to use a few dozen smartphones every year. While I almost always advise on which is the new best smartphone, the majority of consumers don’t upgrade every year. I have friends and family who tell me they don’t want to upgrade and ask, “How can I make my current phone faster?” I finally have an answer. Also: The best phones to buy in 2026 I don’t get to use review devices for long, but I have picked up tips and tricks from years of experience that can help boost the speed of your old Android phone. Before you ask, it doesn’t involve rooting your device. These tips are easy to implement for both tech-savvy consumers and the average Joe.  If your Android phone has started feeling slow, you should primarily focus on clearing its storage. If you’re unsure about where to start, here are a few steps you can take to make your …