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lundi 3 octobre 2022

Valve’s Steam Deck Client beta update brings improved boot video experience

As Valve heads into the last quarter of pre-order shipments for its Steam Deck console, it keeps things moving on the software side of things with the release of another Client beta update. The latest update isn’t the largest by any means, but it does bring some welcome improvements, along with some quality of life improvements.

Valve has taken notice that some users in the Steam Deck community have been making custom boot videos for the console. In order to make the process easier, it has made a special folder, one that will remain even if you update your console. The console has also been updated to look for custom boot and suspend animations in a dedicated folder, which it will now play in full screen for maximum effect.  Furthermore, going forward, there will be a toggle to control the resolution when outputting to a display, maximizing performance when in higher resolutions, and a haptic issue when booting has also been fixed.

Now, in order to take advantage of this update, you need to be in the Steam Deck Beta and Preview channels. Both of these channels include features that are still being tested. By default, the console is set to the stable track when it comes to updates. The beta channel offers users the opportunity to test new features, giving them access to the latest Steam Client beta and the latest stable version of SteamOS. The preview channel is a bit more experimental and allows users to test system-level features and access the Steam Client beta and SteamOS beta.

If you want to try the new features mentioned above, you will need to opt into these channels, but be warned, you do so at your own risk. You can opt into the channel of your choice by heading into the Settings menu, going to System settings, and then changing the Steam Update Channel. If you have yet to secure a Steam Deck and are interested, you can head to the Steam Store to pre-order one. Currently, Valve is fulfilling Q4 pre-orders. If you order now, you can expect the wait to take about a month. The console starts at $399 for the base model and can go as high as $649 for the top-end unit.


Source: Steam Deck 

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Google debuts Pixel Collection design video ahead of October 6 event

Leading up to the release of the Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro, Google has been teasing the world with its carefully crafted design videos, giving us a closer look at the devices it has in store for its Made by Google event. This time, Google is bringing the whole Pixel family into the mix, offering a video that shows off the design of its whole collection.

The video is a mishmash of products, showing off the Pixel 7, Pixel 7 Pro, Pixel Watch, and the Pixel Buds Pro. As for the Pixel 7 devices, we get to see the exclusive Lemongrass colorway of the Pixel 7 and exclusive Hazel variant of the Pixel 7 Pro. Plus, we get treated to extreme close-ups of the phone’s camera visors, and the refined bezel and digital crown of the Pixel Watch. Google also gives us a couple of shots of the Pixel Buds Pro, along with an x-ray view of its internals. Despite the video being short, it does give fans a lot to see, and certainly builds anticipation.

While Google has shown off pretty much everything about the phones, there are still some details about the Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro that we know very little about. The Pixel series has never just been about hardware, with Google’s added features through software making it special, standing out amongst its peers. Hopefully, it will have some interesting surprises to share at its Made by Google event taking place on October 6. Luckily, we know that Google will offer pre-orders for the phones on the same day of the event. While we don’t have official pricing of the devices straight from Google, they should be comparable to last year’s models. Furthermore, there have been rumors and leaks suggesting some excellent promotional pushes will be involved, so we can look forward to that if they are true.


Source: Google (YouTube)

The post Google debuts Pixel Collection design video ahead of October 6 event appeared first on XDA.



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PlayStation 5 jailbreak for older firmware released

After nearly two years on the market, modders have been able to jailbreak the PlayStation 5. While this is exciting news for some, the exploit is still in its infancy which means there is still a lot of work to be done to make it stable. The news was announced by security researcher SpecterDev, who has, in the past, released firmware exploits for the PlayStation 4. The new experimental WebKit-based kernel exploit currently works with firmware version 4.03 for the PlayStation 5. It is not compatible with newer firmware versions, though it is possible that it will be backported to older ones.

According to the GitHub page, the exploit was created using previous work by the TheFloW, otherwise known as Andy Nguyen, who has in the past contributed to exploits for the PlayStation 4 and is better know for his contributions to the PlayStation Vita community. The new exploit will grant users root access and also to the console’s debug menu. With both of these options unlocked, those that are curious are now free to tinker with the console’s inner workings. For the time being, due to the limitations of the exploit, users will be able to install but not run PKG files.

If you’re curious about the exploit, but you don’t have a PlayStation 5 to test it on, you can check out the video above. Modder Lance McDonald showcases the exploit by going through the installation process, showing off the debug menu, and installing a PKG file for a game. But the video concludes prior to the modder running the game because, as mentioned before, that is not possible at this time. But, this is just the first step, and now, with the gates open and the research available to the public, it will only be a matter of time before more and more exploits for the console start surfacing. Sony will no doubt be keeping an eye on this. There are still a number of limitations though, according to SpecterDev:

  • The exploit is unstable and doesn’t work all of the time. It will take several attempts to get it to run properly, and once it does, make sure you exit using the circle button instead of the PlayStation button.
  • The exploit provides read and write access, but no execution access. This means it’s not possible to run applications currently, though memory manipulation is currently possible.

In light of this news, it might be an interesting time to pick up the new console, but Sony has recently announced that it was raising the price of its consoles in some regions. While this was a surprise to many, the company stated that it was a “necessity” due to global inflation and currency fluctuations having to do with exchange rates.

XDA Senior Technical Editor Adam Conway‘s take: While this exploit is currently limited in nature, it is often the case that this additional access gained on an older firmware version can open the door for exploits in later versions of the firmware, or can at least show modders some of the secrets of how things work under the hood. The same happened on the Nintendo 3DS, where exploits found in older firmware versions allowed modders better access to the inner workings of the system. From there, the floodgates were opened, even if it took some time.

If you have a PlayStation 5 on a newer firmware version and you want to emulate games or run homebrew, don’t lose hope just yet. As the PlayStation 5 scene advances, efforts on older versions will help further an overall understanding of the console’s inner workings. There are still things that modders don’t understand about the system yet, which is why even this exploit is so limited. With time, understanding of the system will only grow.


Source: GitHub
Via: Lance McDonald (Twitter)

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iPhone 14: 3 better alternatives to Apple’s wall chargers

The new iPhone 14 is already out and while we’ve been somewhat impressed with the phone’s stats, we were left annoyed and disappointed to find out that the box features no charger. You’ll find a charging cable but no wall charger.

That is incredibly annoying and definitely something you wouldn’t expect with such a high-end product. Alas, that’s where we are right now – with Apple assuming everyone already has a wall charger for their new phones. Even worse, perhaps, is if Apple simply doesn’t care and just wants you to shell out dozens more dollars on one of their chargers. 

Thankfully, we know even better chargers than whatever Apple has to offer. Not only are they generally cheaper, but they’re also smaller and have a longer lifespan. Coming from Spigen, these GaN wall chargers have various outputs and multiple ports so you can charge more devices at the same time. 

The Right Wall Charger for Your Device

Regardless if you’ve been left without a charger with your new iPhone 14, or you have a different device, having a sturdy and compact charger is great for a speedy refill of your battery. 

Let’s see a few of our favorite Spigen wall chargers that may be exactly what you were looking for.

Spigen ArcStation Pro GaN 352 Dual USB-C Wall Charger (PE2104)

This particular wall charger can charge up to 35W via its two ports. Not only is this charger about the size of an AirPods Pro case, but it can fill up both your iPhone and AirPods at the same time. 

The Spigen charger is about 40% smaller than the one that comes with Apple devices, mostly thanks to the 3D PCB Technology it uses to reduce the size of the transformer and increase the energy density. 

Once more, this is a GaN charger, which means it can minimize ripple noise and provide stable maximum current, which translates into a longer lifespan for the charger and your device.

The charger will automatically detect the product it is charging to provide the best charging speed for your device. Also, as mentioned, it features two ports, so it can charge two devices at the same time just as efficiently, thanks to the Intelligent Power Diffusion. By comparison, an Apple 30W charger only features one port.

The Spigen charger is also about 50 degrees F cooler than a regular charger, providing more safety in usage. 

Spigen ArcStation Pro GaN 452 Dual USB-C Wall Charger (PE2105)

This next wall charger is also quite small, about a quarter smaller than a regular Samsung charger, but it can charge up to 45W through its two ports. Of course, when you’re charging two things at once, the power splits, so you’ll get 20W and 25W output. 

The charger will adapt the output based on your device’s needs, so you’ll get the best charge. For instance, if you’re plugging in a smartphone and your smartwatch, the smartphone will get the faster charge since it needs more juice. 

You can plug in your phone, your earbuds, tablet, or anything else you need charging. Since it features USB C, you should have no issues with any of the charging cables you have available in your home.

The GaN technology enables this charger to be smaller than others, but also to produce less heat, therefore cutting down on potential security issues in your home. 

Spigen ArcStation Pro GaN 652 Dual USB-C Wall Charger (PE2106)

If you want even more power for your favorite devices, then the Spigen ArcStation Pro GaN 652 may be the right answer. This particular wall charger has a maximum output of up to 65W, which is excellent for those looking for a super fast charge. 

In order to reach this maximum output, you’ll need to use a single port, of course. If you want to charge multiple devices at the same time, one of the ports will go up to 40W while the other will get the other 25W. That’s still enough for a fast charge on your brand new iPhone, new tablet, or whatever else you may have on you that needs some more battery juice. 

The Spigen ArcStation Pro GaN 652 is also super compact. Thanks to the technology used, the charger is about half the size of other similar ones.

Unlike other fast charging tools, this one features IntelligentSafety Technology, ensuring that users and devices are safe when using it since it won’t overheat. 

This charger will work with more than just your iPhone and iPad, as it will also work just well with MacBooks, Samsung Galaxy devices, and any other smartphone you can think of. 

Spigen wall chargers are pretty great because of their size, the technology used, and the fact that they feature an additional port, even when compared to similarly powered chargers from other brands. 

Replacement Cables for Your New iPhone

One thing that has always made Apple stand out in a negative way has been the tendency to overprice its accessories. Whether we’re talking about wall chargers or cables, you know an Apple-branded version will cost you dozens of dollars more than a regular brand. 

If you want an extra lightning cable, then Spigen has a few options. The Spigen ArcWire USB-C to Lightning cable (PB2200) has an MFi certification, which means that it can perfectly replace the original charging cable used with iPhones and AirPods. 

The Spigen version isn’t just compatible; it uses the same materials as Apple does. However, this one also uses a technology called Dura Bend, which ensures your cable will survive getting twisted and bent for a long time. After all, we’ve all seen what happens to Apple lightning cables after a while. 

We’re also going to throw in that this is a 6.6ft/2m long cable, which is pretty awesome since you’ll get to use the device while it’s charging. 

Another cable that can come in handy with your Apple devices is the Spigen DuraSync 60W. This one can support charges of up to 60W, so you’ll have to ensure you use an appropriately powerful wall charger. Also, it can be used to transfer data with a speed of 480 Mbps. This is a 5.3mm-thick cable that will last you for a very long time. The cotton braided layer will ensure it doesn’t get tangled all the time.

Update Your Gear, But Be Smart

We understand the need to update your smartphone, laptop, tablet, and other gadgets. While shelling out the money for a new phone or tablet makes perfect sense, it doesn’t always make sense to buy same-brand accessories like wall chargers and cables, especially when other companies offer the same or better quality for less money. 

Furthermore, when the company misses the mark by completely ignoring the need for a wall charger with your (very) expensive new phone, it’s probably a good idea to further consider whether or not giving them extra money is something you want to do. The Spigen wall chargers offer better technology at a better price, so that’s definitely something you should be considering. 

The post iPhone 14: 3 better alternatives to Apple’s wall chargers appeared first on XDA.



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These are the best Google Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro cases to buy in 2022

The Google Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro are two of the best flagship smartphones Google has ever produced. Both phones come with the company’s in-house Tensor chip and brand-new camera hardware. If you’ve been waiting to get your hands on the Pixel 6 or Pixel 6 Pro, we urge you to check out the best Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro deals before buying the phone. If you’ve already placed your order, you might want to get a case to protect your brand-new phone. Both the Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro have glass backs so it’s wise to protect the phones with a good case. Here are some of the best Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro cases that you can buy across various categories.

Pixel 6 Android 12 leaked image

From thin and light cases to rugged cases or even cases that can replace your wallet, we’ve got them all covered. The Pixel 6 Pro comes in a variety of beautiful colors so if you want to protect your phone while showing off those colors, you can pick up a clear case too. We’ve divided the list into multiple categories to make it easier to find the right kind of case for you. We will be adding more case options to each category once they’re available.

Navigate this article:


Top cases for the Pixel 6 and 6 Pro

There is no shortage of amazing cases for the Pixel 6 and 6 Pro, but if we had to choose, these would be our top picks.

    Spigen Liquid Air Armor

    Slim and form-fitting

    If you like using thin phones, then the last thing you’d want is to buy a bulky case that makes it chunky. Spigen’s Liquid Air Armor has you covered with this sleek case that combines hard and soft materials to make for a flexible, lightweight case that protects the important bits — the screen, the corners, and the camera module.
    Supcase Unicorn Beetle Pro

    Built-in screen protector

    If you're looking for a case that will give you the best protection even against harsh drops, the Unicorn Beetle Pro from Supcase is something you must consider. This case even has a built-in screen protector, a belt holster, and even a kickstand with the help of which you can enjoy hands-free media consumption.
    Caseology Parallax

    Flexible design

    Caseology’s Parallax features a nice hexagonal pattern texture for added grip and a rubber bumper that wraps around the volume buttons and power button nicely. Yet it’s slim and lightweight and will ensure your phone survives a drop or two — or three.

Many of us here at XDA like the Spigen Liquid Air case as it offers a good level of protection without adding extra bulk. The Supcase Unicorn Beetle Pro is for those who want the ultimate all-around protection while the Caseology Parallax is a stylish-looking case that provides military-grade drop protection.

Best clear cases for the Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro

Clear cases are generally silicone cases that are best used if you want to show your phone off while still protecting it. Some silicone cases are pretty flexible, while some adopt some rigidity in their build. Some cases even have extra reinforcement on the borders and the corners, so browse through your options below

    Ringke Fusion

    Clear and protective

    If you're looking for a thin and light case that's also clear and protective, the RIngke Fusion fits the bill perfectly. The Pixel 6 series comes in a variety of beautiful colors and this case shows them off really well.
    Spigen Ultra Hybrid

    Hybrid design

    Spigen’s Ultra Hybrid combines both hard PC (polycarbonate) and soft TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane) to provide great protection for your Pixel 6 and 6 Pro. Raised bezels protect the phone’s screen and camera lenses from touching the surface when you put the phone face up or down on a table.
    Crave Clear Case

    Smoky finish

    This case from Crave is for those who want a clear case with a slight smoky finish. It gives the case a nice dark look which is a great fit if you have the black color of the phone.
    Ghostek Covert

    Matte clear case

    If you're not a fan of glossy clear cases that attract a ton of fingerprints and tend to get yellow over time, this matte case from Ghostek is a great alternative. It offers a good amount of protection and shows off the color of your phone in a subtle manner.
    Ferilinso Shockproof Case

    Reinforced corners

    This is a clear case that's quite thin but has reinforced corners for added protection. if you want to show off your phone but also drop it often, the bumpers on the corners might come in handy.

This is a different kind of clear case that has thick bumpers on the corners to protect the device in case you drop it. It’s completely transparent too show it will show off the actual color of your phone.


Best thin cases for the Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro

Thin cases are cases recommended to people who do not want to add too much bulk to their existing device. These are meant to be minimal in their existence, offering some protection against the elements and also complementing your style quotient.

    Spigen Thin Fit

    Basic protection

    Spigen is one of the most reputed case manufacturers and the quality of their cases are generally very good. The Spigen thin fit case is quite slim like the name would suggest and gives you bare minimum protection against scratches. You cannot expect the case to protect the phone against drops, though.
    X-level Ultra-thin Case

    Minimalistic

    This case uses liquid silicone for that soft to the touch feel. While not as protective as other cases listed here, it's one of the slimmest and lightest cases possible while still wrapping the entire phone.
    Carbon Fiber Case

    Carbon fiber design

    Some people don't prefer using a case because it adds a lot of bulk to the phone. However, a thin case like this can provide some basic protection while improving the look and feel of your phone. Here's a carbon fiber case that looks stealthy and doesn't add any sort of bulk.

Best rugged cases for Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro

Rugged cases are exactly what they sound like — they are bulky and are expected to be able to handle a fall or two with minimal damage reaching your phone. While it is difficult to completely guarantee no damage at all, a rugged case minimizes the probability of damage as well as the extent of the damage. So while these cases may not be the best looking, they do serve their purpose very well.

    upcase Unicorn Beetle Pro without Screen Protector

    Solid all-around protection

    If you're looking for a case that will give you the best protection even against harsh drops, the Unicorn Beetle Pro from Supcase is something you must consider. This is the version without a built-in screen protector.
    Spigen Tough Armor

    Air cushion technology

    Spigen's Tough Armor provides overall protection against drops, bumps, scratches -- whatever you throw at it. It has air cushions on the inside that provide a good amount of protection during falls.
    Tudia Dualshield

    Dual-layer design

    If you're looking for a protective case that looks simple and sober but also provides a good amount of protection, this case from Tudia might just be the perfect fit for you. It's a dual-layer case so if you drop your phone often, you can feel safe with this case.

Best kickstand cases for Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro

If you watch a lot of content on your phone, your hands may start to feel tired after a while if you hold the phone in your hand for an extended duration. That’s where kickstand cases come in. If you have a kickstand at the back of your case, you can rest your phone on a table or any surface while you continue to enjoy your content. Here are some of the best Pixel 6 Pro cases that have a built-in kickstand.

    Poetic Revolution

    Dual-layer design

    Here's a rugged case with ultimate protection for the phone that also has a kickstand built right onto the back
    Urbanite Shockproof Case

    Shockproof

    This is a rugged case with extreme protection that also happens to have a kickstand built-in. It's thick and bulky though so it's going to adda considerable amount of weight to the phone.
    Androgate Shockproof Cover

    Shockproof

    This is an all-in-one solution that can protect your phone from all possible angles. It's a rugged case so the edges and the back are protected. There's a free screen protector to guard the display. And then, of course, you get an integrated kickstand at the back.
    Clear Case with Kickstand

    Built-in kickstand

    This case is transparent which means you can show off your gorgeous Pixel 6 colors while also having grippy sides. The back has a foldable kickstand that you can use to rest the phone on a table while watching videos or movies

Best wallet cases for Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro

Wallet cases extend the functionality of your phone case by allowing you to store cards, cash, or just about anything you might need on a regular basis. It eliminates the need to carry an additional wallet and makes your phone an all-in-one tool. Here are some of the best wallet cases for the Pixel 6 Pro.

    Spigen Slim Armor CS

    Sliding window

    The Spigen Slim Armor CS not only protects your smartphone with little-added bulk, but it has a card holder too. It can hold up two cards with ease.
    Foluu Wallet Folio Case

    Magnetic flap

    This is a simple fabric folio case that can store a few cards and some cash. It comes with a magnetic flap to prevent the case from opening accidentally.
    VRS Design Damda Glide Pro

    Store up to four cards

    You can store up to four cards in this case from VRS Design and it even has a nice slide-out mechanism to reach those cards. Protection is also ensured with this case since it's quite thick.
    Teelevo Wallet Case with Kickstand

    With a built-in kickstand

    This case has not one, but two tricks up its sleeve. First, it's a wallet case so you have slots on the bottom to store your cards. The other trick is that the flap securing the card slots can be used as a kickstand when opened. It's a great multi-purpose case!

Best colorful cases for Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro

If you like adding a dash of color to your phone, then a nice colorful case will go a long way in increasing your style quotient. The Pixel 6 Pro is available in multiple fun color options but you can take it up a notch by adding a case with a nice colorful accent or a funky design.

    i-Blason Cosmo

    Colorful and protective

    This case gives you a nice and funky design on a case that gives you a great deal of protection. The case doesn’t add a lot of bulk and comes with a front panel that even has a built-in screen protector.
    SunStory Shiny Case

    Glittering particles

    If you want to add a bit of shine and glitter to your phone, no better way than doing it with this glitter case. It also comes in different colors and shapes.
    Rosebono Hybrid Gradient Case

    Glittering particles

    This case from Rosebono adds a shimmer to your iPhone with a gradient pattern on the back of the case. You can get it in multiple different colors too.
    Kanghar Black and White Case

    Unique black and white fininsh

    This case has a unique look to it with a black and white finish on the back. If you’re a fan of colorful cases with unique designs, this case will surely appeal to you. It gives your phone a completely different look.

Official cases for the Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro

Google generally makes some nice cases available with every phone release and that’s the case this time too. However, the iconic fabric case for the Pixel seems to have gone now and there’s just a single official case with a translucent design.

    Official Google Case
    A nice translucent case for the Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro that comes in different colors. It's quite thin though so it doesn't seem like it's going to provide a huge deal of protection against drops.

Google has released just one type of official case this time for the Pixel 6 series. It’s a translucent case that looks quite nice and is available in multiple colors. It’s not as protective as the fabric cases from back in the day though so if you want something that adds more protection, you might want to check out some of the rugged cases in this list.


    Google Pixel 6
    The Pixel 6 comes with Google's new Tensor chip, a modern design, and flagship cameras.
    Google Pixel 6 Pro
    The Pixel 6 Pro comes with Google's new Tensor chip, a modern design, and flagship cameras.

These were some of the best Google Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro cases that you can buy across various categories. If you’re looking for a case to show off the new design of the Pixel 6 Pro, we suggest getting a clear case like the Spigen Ultra Hybrid. If you don’t want to add a lot of bulk and only protect the phone against scratches, a thin case should do the job. If you regularly drop your phone and want the best protection, you can pick up a rugged case since it will protect your phone from dents and cracks as well.

The post These are the best Google Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro cases to buy in 2022 appeared first on XDA.



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dimanche 2 octobre 2022

How to clean and maintain your mechanical keyboard

You’ve done your research, compared them all, and finally settled on a new mechanical keyboard that offers a great experience. Great! Buying a new mechanical keyboard, however, is just the beginning. It’s important to clean and maintain your new keyboard to keep it going for a long time in good condition. But like a lot of other peripherals, it’s not particularly easy to keep your keyboards clean at all times. Between greasy fingers, sweaty palms, and dust particles (to name a few culprits) your brand new keyboard can quickly turn into a dusty, grimy mess. This post aims to help you avoid that by giving you simple instructions on how to clean and maintain mechanical keyboards.

We recommend you perform a quick clean-up of your keyboard at least once a week. Even a quick wipe with a microfiber cloth will do, but it’s recommended you do it as often as you can. Besides that, we also recommend properly cleaning your keyboards once every few weeks. The gap between your cleanups can be increased or decreased depending on factors like dust accumulation, how much hair/skin you shed, whether you have pets, how much food you eat while sitting at your PC, and so on. So what kind of clean-ups are we looking at?

Simple Cleaning

Keyboard maintenance and cleaning Corsair K100

There are a couple of ways to clean your mechanical keyboard, but let’s take a look at the simple cleaning technique first. Before you begin, disconnect the keyboard every time you’re about to perform any kind of clean-up to avoid accidental key-presses or pulling the cable, among other things. When it comes to simple cleaning, you’re essentially just removing dust, crumbs, hair, or other debris that settles on the keyboard surface, and between the keycaps.

You can use a simple air blower to blow off the particles or loosen the debris that may have settled and then gently shake the keyboard after turning it upside-down to remove the loose debris from the surface. We don’t recommend using compressed air from a can to remove the debris, as we’ve seen cases where it can lead to condensation that can damage your keyboard.

    Silicone Air Blower
    Blow dust and debris off your mechanical keyboard with this air blower.

You can also use a cleaning brush to remove dust and debris stuck between the keycaps or corners that are hard to reach. To remove sweat stains and smudges, especially ones on the keycaps or wrist rest of the keyboard, use a clean damp cloth. And that’s pretty much it when it comes to simple cleaning. It may not be enough if you haven’t cleaned your keyboard in months, but a simple cleaning process every few days is enough to avoid cumbersome deep cleaning.

    Keyboard cleaning brush
    This handy keyboard cleaning brush comes with a built-in keycap puller.

Deep Cleaning

If you’re somebody who hasn’t cleaned their keyboard in a very long time or you accidentally dropped something on your keyboard, the cleaning steps mentioned above won’t be enough. You’ll have to perform a deep clean and the first thing you need to do for that is to remove the keycaps from the board. You can do that by using a keycap puller, a tool that’s usually bundled with a lot of keyboards. If yours didn’t come with one, use the link below to buy one from Amazon. The keycaps should come off easily, but be more careful while removing larger keys like Spacebar, Enter, Backspace, etc. as they have stabilizers for support and you can damage it if you’re not careful.

    Keycap and switch puller
    Remove the keycaps with this tool to give your mechanical keyboard a deep clean.

It’s also a good habit to organize the keycaps as you remove them. Alternatively, you can take a picture of the keyboard layout before taking the keycaps off. This will allow you to easily reassemble the keyboard once you’re done cleaning.

After removing the keycaps, clean the entire deck using a cleaning brush or an air blower. If you spilled something on the keyboard in the past, like coffee or soda (hopefully not), use a damp cloth to wipe off the stains. For more stubborn stains, we recommend using isopropyl alcohol. Make sure you don’t pour any liquids directly on the keyboard, though. Instead, apply some on a cleaning cloth and use that to wipe the board. This ensures no liquid enters the internals, which could potentially damage the PCB. Do check the keyboard feet for any grime or dust buildup and give the cable a quick look to ensure there’s no damage.

Enthusiasts with prior experience in building mechanical keyboards can further dismantle the board for a thorough cleanup, but it’s not a necessity. Much of the dust and debris stays on top of the keyboard deck, so you can avoid this. We DO NOT recommend dismantling the keyboard if you’re not familiar with the process.

Gateron red mechanical switches

Once you think you’ve done enough, you can drop the keycaps back on the switches. Keep a damp cloth handy and clean each keycap before placing it on the board to remove any remaining dust or grime. Ensure everything is completely dry and in place before plugging the keyboard to your PC.

How to clean and maintain your Mechanical Keyboard: Final Thoughts

That brings us to the end of this guide. You can easily keep your keyboard nice and clean if you follow the steps mentioned above. Just make sure you clean your mechanical keyboard as often as you can to avoid spending an absurd amount of time on a deep clean. Good luck!

The post How to clean and maintain your mechanical keyboard appeared first on XDA.



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Does the Apple iPhone 14 series have satellite connectivity?

The divide between the standard iPhone and the Pro models is wider than ever this year, with Apple keeping many marquee features exclusive to the iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max. But there’s one feature that binds the new lineup together: satellite connectivity.

All four models in the iPhone 14 series feature basic satellite connectivity. We have been hearing rumors about Apple working on integrating the satellite connectivity feature into the iPhone since last year, and the feature is finally here with the iPhone 14 series. Of course, there are many limitations and caveats here. Nevertheless, Apple has achieved the feat of being the first to offer such a feature on a smartphone. So what does the satellite connectivity exactly do?

For now, not much. The iPhone 14’s satellite connectivity is basically a safety feature that lets you get in touch with emergency services when you find yourself stuck or lost without any cellular or internet connectivity. In such situations, your iPhone 14 can use a satellite connection to get a message out to emergency services. Apple calls this feature Emergency SOS via satellite.

How does Emergency SOS via satellite work?

A featured image showing iPhone 14's Emergency SOS via satellite feature

Using Emergency SOS via satellite requires that you’re in an open space with a clear view of the sky and horizon. The iPhone 14 will show onscreen instructions to establish a connection with a satellite. Once connected, you’ll be asked to answer a series of emergency questions to best describe your current situation. Your iPhone then starts a chat with emergency responders by sharing your Medical ID, emergency contact info, current location and elevation, remaining battery life, and the emergency questionnaire answers. In ideal conditions with a clear view of the sky, it can take 15 seconds to send a message. However, it can take more than a minute if you’re under trees with light foliage.

    Apple iPhone 14
    The iPhone 14 is powered by A15 Bionic chipset and offers improved cameras.

The satellite connectivity feature isn’t available on the iPhone 14 series at launch. It will be rolled out via a software update in November to users in the US and Canada. There’s no word on whether it will be expanded to other markets later on.

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