All posts tagged: Stick

Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra vs. S25 Ultra: Upgrade or Stick?

Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra vs. S25 Ultra: Upgrade or Stick?

Published by skeptic

The Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra builds upon the foundation of its predecessor, the S25 Ultra, by introducing thoughtful refinements in design, performance, and usability. While it doesn’t transform the smartphone landscape, it offers a polished experience that caters to users seeking modern features and practical enhancements. For those already using the S25 Ultra, the changes may not warrant an immediate upgrade, but for others, the S26 Ultra could be a compelling choice. Let’s explore the details to help you make an informed decision. Design and Build: Subtle Refinements for Everyday Comfort The Galaxy S26 Ultra retains the premium aesthetic of the S25 Ultra while incorporating subtle yet meaningful updates to its design and build quality. These changes focus on improving comfort, durability, and usability: A unified, raised camera housing creates a cleaner and more streamlined back panel, reducing dust accumulation around the lenses. The rounded aluminum frame not only enhances grip but also reduces the overall weight, making the device more comfortable to hold for extended periods. Refinements to the S Pen, including a slanted …

Failed asylum seeker left fake dynamite stick near MI5 HQ | UK | News

Failed asylum seeker left fake dynamite stick near MI5 HQ | UK | News

Published by Sam Flores

MI5 building at Thames House on Millbank, London, UK (Image: UCG/Universal Images Group via Getty Images) A failed asylum seeker has been found guilty of leaving a fake stick of dynamite outside MI5 headquarters a day after being told he would be kicked out of the UK. Brazilian national Julian Valente Pereira, 32, mocked up an explosive device with rolled-up A4 paper, brown masking tape, and string to mimic a fuse, and left it outside Thames House in central London. The incident happened on January 1, the day after Pereira’s final appeal for asylum had been dismissed by a judge. An explosives expert from counter-terrorism policing had to be drafted in after MI5 CCTV operators spotted Pereira dropping the device near the front doors of the building along with a green cigarette lighter, City of London Magistrates’ Court heard. Pereira, who admits he “hates the Home Office”, denied carrying out a bomb hoax – insisting he never intended for anyone to believe the device was real. But Chief Magistrate Paul Goldspring found him guilty, concluding Pereira knew he was being watched – …

This streaming stick breathed new life into my LG TV

This $25 streaming stick breathed new life into my LG TV

Published by skeptic

Maria Diaz/ZDNET Follow ZDNET: Add us as a preferred source on Google. I’ve tried more streaming devices than I can count over the past decade, but the $25 deal on the Roku Streaming Stick Plus is one of the best value for money right now. This is a big statement — yet I’m prepared to back it up. The Roku Streaming Stick Plus is a 4K streaming device currently available at a 38% discount, thanks to a Presidents’ Day deal.  Also: Roku vs. Fire Stick: I compared both streaming devices in 2026, and there’s a clear winner For only $25, you can get a Roku Streaming Stick Plus to upgrade your television to the Roku smart TV platform, widely recognized as one of the most user-friendly interfaces available. This is a deal I’d jump on without a second thought if I didn’t already have one of these very Rokus on my TV at home. The Roku Stick Plus was only released last year, and it’s one of the best streaming devices I’ve ever used.  I have Fire …

Your TV’s USB port is probably killing your streaming stick

Your TV’s USB port is probably killing your streaming stick

Published by skeptic

Everyone wants the best streaming experience they can possibly have. Whether you have a huge smart TV that is mounted on your wall and you’ve perfectly crafted the soundbar or speakers to sync up with the acoustics in your room or you’re watching on your laptop from the comfort of your bed, what matters is that you’re enjoying what you’re watching. It doesn’t have to be overly fancy, but it’s important to be comfortable and work well for you. Many people either buy a smart TV or buy a streaming device to turn their dumb TV into a smart one. Some people also plug streaming devices into their smart TVs because they prefer a different operating system or a faster experience. For those of you using Amazon Fire TV Sticks or Roku streaming devices, it’s important to consider where you’re plugging them into your TV. While a lot of TVs have USB ports, you may want to avoid plugging the device into it. Related Smart TV vs. Streaming Devices: Do You Need Both? Your smart …

Russia says it will stick to limits of expired nuclear treaty if US does | Nuclear Weapons News

Russia says it will stick to limits of expired nuclear treaty if US does | Nuclear Weapons News

Published by Sam Flores

Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov did not say why he believed the US would respect the limits set out in New START. Listen to this article | 3 mins info Published On 11 Feb 202611 Feb 2026 Click here to share on social media share2 Share Russia has said it will abide by limits on its nuclear weapons as set out in a lapsed arms control treaty with the United States, as long as Washington continues to do the same. The New START agreement expired earlier this month, leaving the world’s two biggest nuclear-armed powers with no binding constraints on their strategic arsenals for the first time in more than half a century and sparking fears of a new global arms race. Recommended Stories list of 3 itemsend of list In an address to parliament on Wednesday, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said that Moscow was in no rush to start developing and deploying more weapons – backtracking on comments made by his ministry last week that said Russia considered itself no longer bound by the treaty’s terms. …

The best Amazon Fire TV Stick VPNs of 2026: Expert tested and reviewed

The best Amazon Fire TV Stick VPNs of 2026: Expert tested and reviewed

Published by skeptic

Ever heard of virtual private networks (VPNs)? They allow you to hide your IP address, assign yourself to a different location around the globe, encrypt your data, and help preserve your privacy. In addition to security, signing up for a VPN that works with Amazon’s Fire TV Stick has many benefits. For example, you can often use a VPN to avoid smart TV operating system restrictions and potentially explore more streaming content libraries than those typically available in your home region. Amazon Fire TV Stick VPNs are not all equal, however. Some VPNs excel in terms of speed and stability, while others focus on country and server selection, security features, or affordability. Some of my favorites include ExpressVPN and Surfshark. Get more in-depth ZDNET tech coverage: Add us as a preferred Google source on Chrome and Chromium browsers. Best web services deals of the week Deals are selected by the CNET Group commerce team, and may be unrelated to this article. What is the best VPN for the Amazon Fire TV Stick right now? ExpressVPN is my choice for the best …

How to Stick to a Workout Routine, According to Experts

How to Stick to a Workout Routine, According to Experts

Published by Jenni Sidey

There’s no way around it: working out regularly can be a drag—and knowing how to stick to a workout routine is an entirely different barbell to wrestle with. No matter how strong your resolve, or how many tricks you pull to keep things interesting, hitting the snooze button or watching football on the sofa always seem far more inviting than time spent on the treadmill. The only remedy for this issue is to catch the fitness bug for life. And the good news is there are many infectious ways to make this happen if you ease off the pressure to get ripped immediately. Now that resolution season is pretty much behind us, we hit up an expert duo to share their best self-serving hacks that will keep you showing up, come rain, shine, or the lure of prime time TV. Why most workout routines fail More often than not, people bail because expectations are misaligned with reality. Eloise Skinner, Third Space personal trainer and psychotherapist says that time pressures are a common culprit: “Since it …

The punishments for using a dodgy Fire Stick, explained

The punishments for using a dodgy Fire Stick, explained

Published by Sam Flores

Four people have been arrested as part of a major crackdown on so-called dodgy Fire Sticks that enable users to illegally stream sport, films and paid-for channels. The Police Intellectual Property Crime Unit (PIPCU) at City of London Police said they raided properties in Manchester last week and made the arrests, seizing 10 servers and other equipment totalling £750,000. Officers acted after being tipped off by Sky to “suspicious activity linked to a large scale illicit streaming service”, that was believed to have been supplying millions of consumers across the UK. Police said that one suspect is alleged to have generated over £3m from the operation, which has since been shut down. The four arrested individuals have been released under investigation, the unit added. The raid comes after the Sports Industry Report 2026 reported last month that almost 60% of respondents think illegal streaming is acceptable. This backs up research done last year by Enders Analysis, which found 59% of people who accessed illegal streaming services used a Fire Stick. One of the servers taken …

Dyson’s latest stick vacuum is impossibly thin and lightweight – but is it worth it at 9?

Dyson’s latest stick vacuum is impossibly thin and lightweight – but is it worth it at $599?

Published by skeptic

Dyson Follow ZDNET: Add us as a preferred source on Google. ZDNET’s key takeaways The Dyson PencilVac goes on sale today for $599. It’s the thinnest stick vacuum on the market, with a 1.5-inch-diameter handle. The motor inside is Dyson’s fastest and smallest yet. We haven’t heard much from Dyson about the PencilVac since the company’s showcase event in May 2025. Until now: The Dyson PencilVac has just gone on sale. This is Dyson’s thinnest vacuum to date. There’s no protruding dust canister, as the PencilVac’s dustbin is built into the vacuum’s extension rod. The result: a vacuum that’s lightweight, thin, and not visually cumbersome.  Also: I spent weeks with Alexa on the Echo Show 11, and it was awesome (until I started fact-checking) The PencilVac looks fairly easy to handle for people of different ages and abilities. The vacuum’s cleaning head is also innovative, with what Dyson calls Fluffycones — yes, that is a trademarked name — replacing the traditional roller brush. The four cones counter-rotate to detangle hair while the vacuum cleans, so you don’t have to …

I replaced my streaming stick and instantly noticed better performance

I replaced my streaming stick and instantly noticed better performance

Published by skeptic

Whether you’ve been using Fire OS for years or are just getting started, you’ll eventually face a choice for your streaming entertainment: stick with the Fire TV Stick or jump to the Fire TV Cube. I recently found myself facing this dilemma. Ultimately, I recognized that the Fire TV Cube was a better fit for my household. It might be for you, too. The Fire TV Stick, available in several formats and price points, has long been marketed as an affordable streaming dongle ideal for budget-conscious consumers seeking to upgrade their older televisions with 4K HDR support and basic Amazon Alexa voice control via a remote. By contrast, the Fire TV Cube is positioned for tech-savvy households deeply integrated into the Amazon ecosystem. It does everything a Fire TV Stick can, and it also includes extras such as hands-free Alexa for controlling TVs, soundbars, lights, and Internet of Things (IoT) devices. It’s also packed with better internals for faster performance and more. This product line segmentation allows Amazon to target entry-level streamers with the Fire …