Tag: Phones and Gadgets

  • Pixel Watch 3 Gains Loss of Pulse Feature in the US

    The Pixel Watch 3 brought much needed improvements from the Pixel Watch 2, some of which included a bigger 45 mm variant and slimmer bezels. However, Loss of Pulse is puts the Watch 3 ahead of the previous generation. While EU users have been enjoying the feature for months now, Google has finally started rolling out Loss of Pulse to Pixel Watch 3 users in the US.

    Google received FDA clearance for Loss of Pulse back in February, and the feature is finally rolling to Pixel Watch 3 users in the US. For those unaware, Loss of Pulse will look for no heart beat or a loss of pulse. When detected, it will immediately ring emergency services to maximize the chances of saving the victim.

    Image Credit: Google

    Google claims that it tested the algorithm for 100,000 hours of data to minimize false reporting. The feature is opt-in and if you own a Watch 3, a notification will appear as soon as it’s available. The feature is gradually rolling out and will reach all Pixel Watch 3 units in a few weeks.

    There’s no news on whether the feature will arrive on Pixel Watch 2. Since Google marketed it exclusively for the Pixel Watch 3, it’s unlikely that it comes to the older model. If you don’t see a notification, go to Safety & emergency in Watch settings and enable Loss of Pulse Detection. Pixel Watch users have been eating good recently with the Wear OS 5.1 update. This was followed by a hotfix for notification delays and other bugs.

    Loss of Pulse adds to an already comprehensive list of features in Google’s Safety & emergency suite, like Car Crash Detection and Fall Detection. Do you own a Pixel Watch 3? Have you received Loss of Pulse yet? Let us know in the comments below.

    Abubakar Mohammed

    Abubakar covers Tech at Beebom, with his passion for technology tracing back to 2011 when he received a Dell Inspiron 5100 as a gift. He’s also a passionate advocate for the right-to-repair movement, believing in empowering users to maintain and extend the life of their devices. Outside the tech world, he enjoys watching anime and exploring his newfound enthusiasm for Japanese cars. In his free time, you’ll often find him immersed in Genshin Impact or researching his next gadget purchase. Before joining Beebom, he contributed to leading publications like Android Police, How-To Geek, and Fossbytes.


    Source: Beebom

  • What kind of buffs do the low tiers need in the Street Fighter 6 Season 3 update?











    Capcom Cup 11 came to its riveting conclusion back in early March. As such, it’s a little surprising that we haven’t received any news about the exact release timing of Elena and the Season 3 update. We have to imagine that Capcom will be providing information very soon considering that Evo Japan 2025, the first premier event of the Capcom Pro Tour 2025, is scheduled to kick things off for Season 3 in early May.






    Rooflemonger recently released a video talking about the sort of buffs that he’d like to see implemented for some of the less competitive characters in Street Fighter 6. Though Street Fighter 6 feels fairly well balanced in its current form, some of the lower tiers could clearly use a little help.









    The first character that Rooflemonger talks about is E. Honda. Ironically, E. Honda actually had his Sumo Headbutt special nerfed from Season 1 despite already being considered a low tier since it was giving certain players difficulties.


    Regardless, Rooflemonger mentions how he’d like E. Honda to have greater focus on fundamentals, like in Street Fighter 5. One way of doing this is to allow E. Honda to cancel into his Hundred Hand Slap special (after activating Sumo Spirit) from his forward and heavy kick command normal.


    Jamie’s problem is that his main mechanic, the drink system, actually holds him back. Perhaps the developers could let him keep his drinks between rounds, but this will require adjustments to the drink cap as well as the buffs that Jamie receives as he utilizes the drink system, similar to how Shun Di works in Virtua Fighter 5.


    Throughout the video, Rooflemonger also goes over what type of changes could be good for Lily, Marisa, and Manon. Indeed, these tend to be the characters with the poorest performances throughout Season 2 of Street Fighter 6.


    Check it all out below:









    Source: Event Hubs

  • Honkai Star Rail: All Golden Scapegoat Solutions and Locations

    Honkai Star Rail 3.2 has added two new areas to Amphoreus — “Dragonbone City” Styxia and “Demigod Council” Dawncloud. Both the new areas feature new Golden Scapegoats and solving these will give hefty rewards to the players. With Honkai Star Rail 3.2 banners stacked with amazing characters, you surely don’t want to waste another second on solving these puzzles. So, here are all the locations of Golden Scapegoat with their solutions in Honkai Star Rail 3.2.

    Honkai Star Rail: All Golden Scapegoat in “Dragonbone City” Styxia

    Solution 1 — Ancient City Market Golden Scapegoat

    For the first Golden Scapegoat location in “Dragonbone City” Styxia, head to the Ancient City market. Use Oronyx’s Summon Rune from near the teleport point and head down the stairs past the teleport point. Continue heading straight and cross the river in front until you reach the stairs on the other side. Head up the stairs and turn right on the bend to find the first Golden Scapegoat of Honkai Star Rail 3.2. Follow the solution to complete the puzzle.

    • Solution: Left, Left, Left, Left, Left, Right, Right, Right, Left, Left, Left

    Solution 2 — Ancient City Market Golden Scapegoat

    To find the second Golden Scapegoat, head to the Ancient City market teleport point again. Now, head downwards towards the dock and use the Oronyx Rune to cross the river to the other side. Disable the Oronyx Rune on the other side and then you will be able to see the second Golden Scapegoat in the corner. Now, use the following solutions to complete the puzzle.

    • Solution: Right, Right, Right, Right, Right, Right, Left, Down, Up, Right, Left, Right, Right, Right

    Solution 3 — Treasure Vault Secret Passage Golden Scapegoat

    The third Golden Scapegoat in “Dragonbone City” Styxia is located in the Treasure Vault area. Teleport to the Treasure Vault Secret Passage teleport point and head back towards the vault. The Golden Scapegoat is located on the second floor in Evernight state. So, change the time to Evernight using Oronyx’s miracle, and then use Oronyx’s Rune to reveal the Golden Scapegoat. Once you have found it, here is how you can solve the puzzle:

    • Solution: Right, Down, Left, Down, Left, Left, Right, Left, Up, Right, Up, Right, Right, Right, Right, Right

    Honkai Star Rail: All Golden Scapegoat in “Demigod Council” Dawncloud

    Solution 1 — Demigod Council: Forecourt

    Head to the Demigod Council: Forecourt teleport waypoint and head towards the Garmentmaker. Go past the Garmentmaker to reach the first Golden Scapegoat location in “Demigod Council” Dawncloud. Once you reach there, here is how you can solve the puzzle:

    • Solution: Right, Right, Down, Right, Left, Up, Left, Left, Left, Left, Right, Left, Left

    Solution 2 — Sacred Path of Dawncloud

    Teleport to the Sacred Path of Dawncloud Teleport Waypoint and head straight until you reach an intersection. From there, head left up the stairs, and you will see the second Golden Scapegoat in “Demigod Council” Dawncloud at the very end. Here is how you can solve that puzzle:

    • Solution: Left, Down, Left, Right, Right, Right, Right, Left, Right, Right, Left, Left, Left, Left, Left, Left, Left

    Solution 3 — Worldbearing Altar: Audience Hall

    To find the third Golden Scapegoat location in “Demigod Council” Dawncloud, teleport to the Worldbearing Altar: Audience Hall Waypoint. From there, head back using the lift until you reach the third Golden Scapegoat location. Once you reach it, here is how you can solve it:

    • Solution: Left, Left, Left, Right, Right, Right, Right, Left, Left, Right, Right, Right, Left, Left

    So, these are the solutions and locations of all the Golden Scapegoat added in Honkai Star Rail 3.2. There are a total of six new Golden Scapegoats, split equally in the two new areas. If you are having issues understanding the solution, tell us in the comments and we will help you out.

    Sanmay Chakrabarti

    An old soul who loves CRPGs and Souls-Like to death. Takes pleasure in simplifying “Complex and Hard” games for casual players with tailored guides and videos. He loves to explore new places, read fantasy fiction, watch anime, and create wacky character builds in his off time.


    Source: Beebom

  • Xiaomi Rolls Out Android 16 Developer Preview for Two Smartphones

    Google is running ahead of the usual schedule this year with Android 16. The next big update is set to come earlier than the previous versions, and for that reason, its development is advancing fast. Naturally, the Android OEMs are also getting their “hands dirty” to adapt and develop their Android skins. Xiaomi is the latest to show commitment in this regard by publishing its Android 16 Developer Preview Program for two Xiaomi smartphones.

    The Xiaomi 15 and Xiaomi 14T Pro have been chosen as test subjects. The choice here is quite interesting, after all, we have the brand’s latest flagship from its primary lineup and one device that could be classified as a cost-effective flagship. The choice, however, seems to involve the two phone’s respective chipsets. They represent two major platforms, the Xiaomi 15 has the Snapdragon 8 Elite and the Xiaomim 14T Pro has the MediaTek Dimensity 9300+. MediaTek smartphones have been plagued with a lack of updates in the past. Xiaomi wants to show that this is in the past and the phone will get the promised level of support.

    Xiaomi 14T Pro

    The Xiaomi 15 launched with Android 15, while the 14T Pro arrived with Android 14 and received Android 16 later. With the release, Xiaomi shows its progress in the development of Android 16. However, as the name implies this update isn’t meant for end users. It is there for developers who want to test their apps on Android 16 and try out the new APIs and features.

    How to Flash Android 16 Developer Preview For Xiaomi Smartphones?

    If you still want to try the beta, the Xiaomi 15 needs to be running on running OS2.0.109.0.VOCMIXM or later. The Xiaomi 14T Pro needs OS2.0.103.0.VNNMIXM to be eligible for the update. It is possible to do a local download of the ROM via Xiaomi’s Android Beta Page. After that, go into Settings and pick the ROM to install. Fortunately, the process of downgrading to Android 15 is quite easy since you can download the ROMs and install them the same way.

    The other method involves some technical knowledge. After all, you will need to go through Fastboot and will need an unlocked bootloader. In this regard, the local update method is a better choice. It is worth noting that flashing the update or downgrading back will wipe your storage. So a backup of your data is essential before trying this out. The Developer Preview ROM comes with the Android Beta Feedback app, so if you face any issues you can send a report to Xiaomi.

    Google is expected to launch stable Android 16 in May or June. We expect Xiaomi to share more details of its rollout plan shortly after the official release.

    Disclaimer: We may be compensated by some of the companies whose products we talk about, but our articles and reviews are always our honest opinions. For more details, you can check out our editorial guidelines and learn about how we use affiliate links.Follow Gizchina.com on Google News for news and updates in the technology sector.

    Source: Giz China

  • How to Get Jade Sword in Dead Rails

    Dead Rails has some of the coolest weapons and items in the game that can bring the dead back to life to do all your bidding. Those who’ve kept an eye out know I’m talking about the Jade Sword. While this sword might be hard to obtain, it comes with its unique pros. So brace yourselves and get ready with the best gear as we teach you how to get the Jade Sword in Dead Rails here.

    How to Get the Jade Sword in Dead Rails

    The Jade Sword is located inside one of the secret rooms of the Sterling Mines in Dead Rails. During your run, the Sterling town will come up randomly between 10,000-30,000 metres or between 60,000-70,000 metres. So, ensure that you’re watching for a big town with a banner with the name Sterling on it.

    Image Credit: Dead Rails/Roblox (screenshot by Bipradeep Biswas/Beebom)

    This town won’t have any enemies inside, so you don’t need to worry about entering it. However, the mines themselves are filled with a whole lot of undead monsters. Having entered Sterling, follow the steps below to get the Jade Sword:

    • Head straight to the church at the very back, you will find a Jade Tablet. Store this item in your inventory.
    • Now go to the back of this church, to find the entrance to the mines blocked by four wooden planks.
    • Grab the dynamites beside the minecarts and place one in front of the planks.
    • Use a torch to light the dynamite to make your way inside. If you don’t have one, simply gather one from the Sheriff’s place.
    • As soon as you break through the entrance, you’ll encounter loads of undead enemies coming after you. Grab your gun and annihilate all of them to make walking through the maze inside easier.
    • From the entrance, take the first left and then go on the same path to find a couple of Jade tablets lying on the ground. Store them in your sack and head back.
    • Here, you will find three barrels clumped together. Remove them and you’ll find a small entrance to the secret room.
    • If you head inside, on the left-hand side, you’ll find a huge red-colored button with another Jade Tablet on top of it.
    • Place the rest of the Jade Tablets you collected on top.
    • This will open up the secret passageway in front, and in front of you will lie the highly coveted Jade Sword, along with valuable Gold, Silver blocks, and a few bonds as well.

    All Uses of Jade Sword in Dead Rails

    The most important use of the Jade Sword in Dead Rails is using it to reanimate the enemies by hitting them with the weapon. However, there’s only a 50% chance that the undead will be reanimated.

    Moreover, it’s recommended to use this technique by first weakening the enemies using a gun, and then hit them with a final blow using the Jade Sword. This might help you create an undead army of yourself who will attack other enemies on your behalf.

    Jade Sword Dead Rails
    Image Credit: Dead Rails/Roblox (screenshot by Bipradeep Biswas/Beebom)

    Make sure you reanimate some of the strongest enemies like Werewolves to get the best out of this strategy. In risky areas like the Castle and Outlaw’s Town, the Jade Sword can be of great help.

    Furthermore, unlike the Strange Mask, the enemies reanimated by the Jade Sword won’t harm the animals you’ve tamed.

    Finally, the Jade Sword is one of the most valuable items in the game on the same level as the Strange Mask, the Brain in the Jar and the Unicorn. If you head to the Trade store at a certain checkpoint during the run, it will sell for a whopping 250 cash.

    And that’s how you get the Jade Sword in Dead Rails easily. Did you have a hard time getting this weapon? Let us know in the comments below.

    Bipradeep Biswas

    A Computer Science graduate with a passion for gaming, currently specializing in Minecraft and popular Roblox games.


    Source: Beebom

  • Samsung’s One UI 7: Is Your Device Next in Line for Android 15?

    Samsung used to be one of the best when it came to quickly updating phones and tablets to the latest version of Android. That’s changed with Android 15. Even though Google released Android 15 back in October 2024, many Samsung phones are still running Android 14 with One UI 6.

    Samsung launched the Galaxy S25 series in early February 2025 with One UI 7, but that update didn’t reach older phones. Users have been waiting for months. Now, we finally have a clearer picture of when One UI 7 will reach more devices.

    New Rollout Schedule Shared for Korea

    A user posted a screenshot in the Samsung Members forum that shows the One UI 7 update timeline for Korea. This is useful for users in other countries too. Samsung usually releases updates in Korea first, then follows up in places like the US soon after.

    So while this isn’t the official US schedule, it gives us a fair idea of what to expect.

    Here’s What the Korean Schedule Says

    Already Updated in April 2025:

    • Galaxy S24 series (not the FE model)
    • Galaxy Z Fold 6
    • Galaxy Z Flip 6
    • Galaxy Z Fold Special Edition (not sold in the US)

    Getting the Samsung One UI 7 Update in April 2025:

    • Galaxy Z Fold 5, Z Flip 5
    • Galaxy Tab S10 series
    • Galaxy S23 series (not FE)
    • Galaxy S24 FE

    Getting the Samsung One UI 7 Update in May 2025:

    • Galaxy Z Fold 4, Z Flip 4
    • Galaxy Tab S9 series (not FE)
    • Galaxy S23 FE, S22 series
    • Galaxy Z Fold 3, Z Flip 3
    • Galaxy Tab S8 series
    • Galaxy S21 series (not FE)
    • Galaxy A34, A35, A16
    • Galaxy Quantum 4 and 5

    June 2025 Samsung One UI 7 Update List:

    • Galaxy Tab S9 FE / FE+
    • Galaxy A53, A33, A25, A24, A15
    • Galaxy Tab A9 series
    • Galaxy Tab Active 5, Tab Active 4 Pro
    • Galaxy Wide 7
    • Galaxy Jump 2 and 3
    • Galaxy Buddy 3
    • Galaxy Quantum 3

    What If Your Device Isn’t Listed?Samsung One UI 7

    If your Samsung phone or tablet isn’t on this list, don’t panic. Some models—like the Galaxy S21 FE—aren’t listed simply because they weren’t released in Korea. More info should come soon when Samsung shares an official US rollout plan.

    But for now, this list gives a good look at what to expect and when. If you have a fairly new Galaxy device, your update should be coming soon.

    Disclaimer: We may be compensated by some of the companies whose products we talk about, but our articles and reviews are always our honest opinions. For more details, you can check out our editorial guidelines and learn about how we use affiliate links.Follow Gizchina.com on Google News for news and updates in the technology sector.

    Source: Giz China

  • How to Switch Characters in GTA 5 (PC, Xbox and PS5)

    GTA 5 introduced us to a very unique mechanic that allows you to switch between different characters in the game. You can choose from three characters: Michael, Franklin, or Trevor at a single time, each with their stats, specials, and backstory. This is a never-before-seen mechanic in the GTA franchise, and hopefully, we will also experience this feature in GTA 6. Although the game starts with Franklin, you’ll unlock the other characters gradually as you progress through the main campaign, allowing you to switch between them. So, if you’re curious about how to switch characters in GTA 5, jump right in.

    How to Switch Characters in GTA 5 on PC

    Switching characters in GTA 5 is easy on PC, and all it takes is pressing two buttons. There are two ways to do this. Follow the steps below to do so:

    • Press and hold the Alt Key on your Keyboard while playing as any of the three characters.
    • This will open the character switch wheel at the bottom right of the screen, which is also displayed with the character stats above it.
    • Now either hover your Mouse pointer on the one you want to play with or press the arrow keys to select him. Now release the Alt Key.
    • This will pan out from the one you’re playing with, show the city’s skyline view, and change the camera to the character you selected.
    Image Credit: Rockstar Games/GTA 5 (screenshot by Ishan Adhikary/Beebom)

    Remember that the switch will happen faster depending on your PC specs. So, make sure you have checked the GTA 5 PC requirements beforehand. Once the camera is zoomed in three times, you’ll see a cinematic cutscene showing what the selected character was doing at that moment.

    Among all three characters, you’ll find Trevor doing the most random and hilarious things that often raise the same question in your mind: how does he even end up in these situations?

    How to Switch Characters in GTA 5 on Xbox and PS5

    Thankfully, learning how to switch GTA 5 characters on both the Xbox and PS5 is as easy. Simply follow the steps below to do so:

    • Playing as any GTA 5 character, press and hold the down key on the D-Pad of your controller. This will open the character wheel menu.
    • Use the Right Thumbstick to select the character of your choice and release the D-Pad key.

    This starts a similar animation as mentioned above, allowing you to experience all their personalities. In addition to the three characters, you can experience a variety of iconic NPCs in GTA 5. This is done through Director Mode, accessible by pressing the ‘M’ key on PC, the Touchpad on PlayStation, and the View button on Xbox.

    How to Switch Characters in GTA Online

    Apart from the offline mode, you can switch to an online character of your choice to play in GTA Online mode. The process is the same as switching to another character, and all you need to do is select the down character on the switching wheel. On this wheel, Michael will be on the left, Franklin on top, Trevor on the right, and the GTA Online character at the bottom.

    However, to access other created characters or create a new one, you must go to the game’s menu. Once you are in the menu, go to the Online tab and select the Swap Characters option.

    Switch Characters In GTA 5 Online
    Image Credit: Rockstar Games/GTA 5 (screenshot by Ishan Adhikary/Beebom)

    Let the game load your data, and you will be in the character selection area. You can create a new character or select another GTA Online character here. Finally, do note that switching characters is limited only when you have no ongoing missions and you don’t have any current wanted stars.

    Now that you know how to switch characters easily in GTA 5, launch the game and start playing with your favorite one. So, whose player-switching animations do you like the most? Let us know in the comments below!

    Ishan Adhikary

    A gaming nerd who cover all thing video games. Spending time looking through the games and gaming industry was always a dream. Thanks to Beebom, I live it. Once I am done gaming, I write. Once I am done writing, I game.


    Source: Beebom

  • President of Nintendo of America finally comments on the controversial pricing for Switch 2 games











    Nintendo finally revealed details about the Switch 2 during their latest Nintendo Direct presentation. Unfortunately, a lot of the hype for the console and its revealed games thus far was mostly overshadowed about news of what sort of prices we should expect, which was information that got conveniently left out of the livestream itself.






    The Nintendo Switch 2 is set to launch for $449.99 while games like Mario Kart World and Donkey Kong Bananza will be available for $79.99. Things only seem to be getting worse as it was recently announced that Nintendo would be delaying their preorder date (originally set for April 9, 2025) due to the potential impact of tariffs recently announced by the United States. This suggests that the prices could end up rising even more than what was originally reported.









    At long last, the President of Nintendo of America Doug Bowser recently commented on the price controversy relating to Switch 2 games in a discussion with the Washington Post (via Wario64).


    “We’ll look at each game, really look at the development that’s gone into the game, the breadth and depth of the gameplay, if you will, the durability over time and the repeatability of gameplay experiences.” — Doug Bowser


    “What you see right there is variable pricing,” stated Bowser. “We’ll look at each game, really look at the development that’s gone into the game, the breadth and depth of the gameplay, if you will, the durability over time and the repeatability of gameplay experiences.”


    Of course, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe will go down in history as the Switch’s best selling game. To date, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe has sold over 67.35 million units worldwide. Meanwhile, Animal Crossing: New Horizons and Super Smash Bros. Ultimate have sold 47.44 million and 35.88 million respectively.


    Needless to say, Nintendo’s decision to push the next entry in the Mario Kart lineup, Mario Kart World, as a launch title for the Switch 2 makes a lot of sense.


    With the success of Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, it’s reasonable to assume that Mario Kart World is the type of game that feature a lot of these “repeatable gameplay experiences” that Bowser alluded to. We can also assume that Nintendo has put a lot of resources into making Mario Kart World as good as it can be.


    “So I think you can anticipate that there will be variable pricing, and we haven’t set a benchmark.” — Doug Bowser


    However, these sort of costs have gamers worried that if consumers buy games at these prices, it will lead to more developers releasing games at these sort of retail prices. From this, Bowser then went on to talk about how other games might end up being priced differently depending on the circumstances.


    “Those are all factors, and there’s many more that go into consideration of what is the right price point for the game,” continued Bowser. “So I think you can anticipate that there will be variable pricing, and we haven’t set a benchmark.”


    This suggests that there could be a number of games that are set at the prices that consumers tend to be more comfortable with. Of course, it also means that there will probably be more games also priced at $79.99.


    Should another Super Smash Bros. entry ever be released for the Switch 2 (which is a very likely possibility), it will probably also be priced similarly to Mario Kart World due to how insanely successful the last entry was on the Switch.


    On the other hand, Street Fighter 6 was also revealed to be coming to the Switch 2. Players will be able to pick that game up (along with the Year 1 and Year 2 Character Passes) for $59.99 as a launch title for the Switch 2.


    So overall, it seems like the developers will have direct control over how released games are priced when they become available. We’ll just have to see how things work out from here to see just how often that dreaded $79.99 price tag shows up.







    Source: Event Hubs

  • Plane Training Codes (April 2025)

    Update: added new Plane Training codes on April 9, 2025

    You must have flown paper planes in your childhood, right? Well, Plane Training on Roblox brings back that experience and then some. This Roblox simulator game makes players virtual pilots. However, the trick here is to have the fastest plane and win all races. But, starting off with a paper plane will be difficult, and you will need help along the way. Use our list of new Plane Training codes to get rewards like Energy and Potions. You can use these rewards to speed up your training and level up your game quickly.

    All New Plane Training Codes

    • FIRSTFLIGHT: Redeem for 100 Energy (NEW)
    • 3000Like: Redeem for 1 Luck Potion

    Expired Plane Training Codes

    As of writing this, there are no expired Plane Training codes. So we do suggest you hurry up and claim the ones above.

    Furthermore, our Roblox game codes master list is one for those who want more experiences. Gamers looking for titles with a similar system can check out games like Cabin Crew Simulator and Flying Wings Race Simulator.

    How to Redeem Plane Training Codes

    Ready to take to the skies? Before you do, take a moment and learn how to redeem codes for Plane Training by following the steps below:

    • Launch Plane Training on the Roblox platform.
    • Click the Shop icon on the left side of the screen.
    • Now, click on the Codes icon on the new sidebar.
    • Enter a working code in the code box.
    • Click the Redeem button to get the rewards.

    How to Get More Plane Training Codes

    As you must be used to hearing by now, this article is the best place to get the newest Plane Training codes. We add any and all codes as we see them, so ensure you bookmark our page.

    Furthermore, do join the official Plane Training Discord server and follow the ‘game-code’ channel. You can also follow the developer, Sky is Limit’s, Roblox community for the latest news on the game.

    And these are all the new Plane Training codes. So are you having fun flying your planes? Let us know in the comments below!

    Upanishad Sharma

    Combining his love for Literature and Tech, Upanishad dived into the world of technology journalism with fire. Now he writes about anything and everything while keeping a keen eye on his first love of gaming. Often found chronically walking around the office.


    Source: Beebom

  • The TV Setting You Should Disable

    One of the most exciting sporting events of the year, March Madness, showcases exhilarating live sporting events. The charged action, monumental stakes, and enthusiastic attendees all combine as crowds part for the fabled showing. Thanks to modern technology, spectators can almost feel the adrenaline of the sports in real life thanks to high-definition televisions which make every detail vivid and eye-catching. One technology that makes viewing even more life like is motion smoothing.

    The majority of recent television sets integrate a feature called motion smoothing, or motion interpolation. Motion smoothing seeks to make rapidly changing visuals smoother and fluid which adds to the experience in sports and video games. While some may see the surge in quality, others dislike the issue motion smoothing creates. If motion smoothing is adjusted without the correct context, the feature can completely change the look and impression of shows or movies and give it the undesired name of soap opera effect.

    Why You Should (and Shouldn’t) Use Motion Smoothing on Your TV

    In this article, we will describe smoothing motion, its significance, how to manipulate it, and in which cases it is more useful on—off. No matter what your watching, knowing this feature can assist you to enjoy the most vivid picture quality from your TV.

    What Is Motion Smoothing?

    New televisions have the motion interpolation feature (sometimes referred to as ‘motion smoothing’) integrated. It attempts to dynamically improve the frame rate by calculating and adding new frames; for example, it converts 24 frames per second (fps) to 60 or even 120 fps. As a result, blurring during fast movement is reduced, allowing the content to appear crisp and fluid.

    At the very least, it does sound appealing, and in some scenarios—like live sports or fast-paced video gaming—it is appealing. Watching a buzz-beater shot or a swift break in crystal clear smoothness can add to the thrill enhancing the ‘being there’ feel. But to some, smoothing motion might not be that ideal.

    Motion Smoothing Fails

    For everything other than gaming and live sports, motion smoothing can be far too annoying. The brunt of its creation is what is referred to as ‘soap opera effect’, a phenomenon wherein films and TV shows suddenly adopt a hyperrealistic quality, appearing as though they were filmed using a camcorder. Instead of placing the viewer in a cinematic experience, you are taken out of it. Faces tend to look overly sharp, camera pans are jarring, and that atmospheric film quality is replaced with something that feels… cheap.

    It is like seeing a Hollywood film that mistakenly walked on to the set of a daytime soap operas. Capturing a film at a particular frame rate and motion cadence is part of the artistic vision, as many filmmakers do for a reason. Motion smoothing overrides that, relaxing the intended experience.

    Motion smoothing is ideal only for super sports, and while you are playing a high frame rate video game, so if you are a home theater buff or a videophile, consider turning it off.


    How to Turn Off Motion Smoothing on Your TV

    X Smart TV

    The key sport television manufacturers tend to bury under proprietary names allow you change motion smoothing settings to off, making it harder than expected. Check out this guide on how to turn off the motorized functions of some of the most renowned smart televisions.

    Samsung

    • Feature Name: Auto Motion Plus

    • How to Disable: Press the gear button on your remote. Navigate to:
      All Settings > Picture > More Picture Settings > Picture Clarity Settings > Auto Motion Plus

    LG

    Amazon Fire TV (Amazon, Toshiba)

    • Feature Name: Action Smoothing

    • How to Disable: Press the gear button and follow this path:
      Display & Sounds > Advanced Settings > Action Smoothing

    Google TV (Sony, TCL, Hisense)

    • Sony: Look for Motionflow

    • TCL: Look for Action Smoothing

    • Hisense: You’ll need to disable both Motion Enhancement and Motion Clearness

    To access these settings:
    Settings > Display & Sound > Picture > Advanced Settings

    Vizio

    Roku TV (Element, Hisense, RCA, Sharp, TCL)

    Roku TVs handle this a little differently. First, open any app or input, then press the asterisk (*) button. Navigate to:
    Picture Settings > Advanced or Expert Settings and look for the motion smoothing toggle (may vary by brand, e.g., Action Smoothing on TCL).


    When You Should Keep It On

    Most high definition drama series and award winning films are likely to be ruined by chaotically smoothened video. However it looks better when the action is fast paced at high levels, for example, March Madness.

    March Madness highlights disoriented fast action in motion basketball shots alongside smoother and sharper transitions. It does benefit from racing games and blur free violent video games to look more appealing. The important part is the moment the tool gets into action.


    Final Thoughts: Choose Your Own Viewing Adventure

    Motion smoothing isn’t inherently bad—it just needs to be used appropriately. If you’re watching a playoff game or enjoying a Call of Duty marathon, turn it on and enjoy the crisp, clear action. But if you’re settling in for movie night, give the “soap opera effect” a hard pass.

    Thankfully, your TV settings allow you to control the experience. With just a few clicks, you can customize your display based on what you’re watching. Once you’ve lived through enough of March Madness (and maybe another early Louisville exit), take a moment to turn motion smoothing off and rediscover how your favorite shows and films were meant to be seen.

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    Source: Giz China