Technology

How to Setup External GPU for Laptop (EC)

Last updated on October 16, 2019

Using an external GPU for Laptop is a great way to boost your gaming performance without having to buy a brand new PC. The only issue with external setups is that they are either too expensive or too complicated to use.

In this article, we’ll be guiding you on the second kind: the cheap but complicated method. Our aim is to make it as simple as possible for you to understand. So, without any further ado, let’s get right into it!

Inventory

First things first, let’s see what we’re going to need:

A Laptop with an Express Card slot
A GPU
An ATX power supply
Code 43 fix (If you use an Nvidia 10xx or 20xx series card)
An EXP GDC adapter
And an external monitor

Laptop

Anything that has an Express Card slot should work. It’s an old connector that has gone extinct at this point. But, this article is made to support those who are stuck with an old laptop and don’t wish to pay for a new computer anyway.

If you don’t have an Express Card slot, then you could try using the mini PCI-E slot that is normally occupied by your Wi-Fi adapter. The problem with this is that not only you’ll lose Wi-Fi capabilities, but you’ll also have to get access to the innards of the laptop with no guarantee that this will work in the first place.

Laptops with Express Card connectors, on the other hand, simply require you to take off the dummy, plug in the EXP GDC, and you’re good to give it a try after powering it on. Much easier to work with and more likely to work in the first place.

There’s no guarantee that anything will work. But, you can find a list of laptops that are known for working with the adapter over here.

Those of you who own a newer laptop with a thunderbolt connector should be able to use an external dock without any issues. Though, do keep in mind that this is massively more expensive than the EXP GDC beast.

GPU and Error 43 Patch

Anything will do. But, do keep in mind that older laptops have relatively weak CPUs that can’t compete with their Desktop counterparts.

Powerful GPUs are most likely going to get bottlenecked. So, it would be for the best if you get a budget to mid-range GPU like the 750 Ti up to the RX 570 or something similar.

In our experience, we managed to use a 750 ti on a 3rd gen, dual-core i5, with no bottlenecks. And a GTX 1060 6GB on the same laptop with severe bottlenecks in certain titles like Witcher 3, Dirt Rally, For Honor, and F1 2017.

Speaking of which, if you go with a 10xx or 20xx Nvidia GPU, then do keep in mind that you’ll need the Error 43 fixer or you won’t be able to install the latest drivers.

ATX PSU and EXP GDC Adapter

The last thing that we need to complete our inventory is the EXP GDC adapter to plug in our GPU and an ATX PSU to feed both the card and the adapter.

Regarding the power supply, since you are only going to be powering a GPU and the adapter, we aren’t going to need anything too powerful. Something like a CX 550 should be plenty for most setups.

External Monitor

An external GPU with EXP GDC can only work with external monitors and not with your laptop’s display. Some people have managed to get it working without using a monitor, but they ended up reporting massive performance losses anyway.

Now, since a low to mid-range GPU that’s already bottlenecked by the Express Card interface isn’t going to work well with high-resolution or high refresh rate displays, a standard 1080P 60Hz/70Hz monitorshould be more than enough for you. Size is entirely up to personal preference.

1: External GPU for Laptop: Power Setup

First things first, let’s get power out of the way. Make sure that everything is turned off and unplugged in order to avoid any potential damages.

EXP GDC should come with a 24-pin adapter which will allow you to use the PSU. All you have to do is plug the 8-pin end to the adapter, then connect it to the PSU with the 24-pin motherboard connector and the 4-pin CPU connector (Yellow and black cables) like so.

After that, you’ll also need to feed the graphics card. So, plug it into the EXP GDC and connect it with any 6 or 8-pin cables that it asks for (Directly to the GPU – not the 6-pin of EXP GDC).

Some low-end GPUs like the GTX 750 Ti and 1050 can work without asking for any extra power. So, no need to worry if your GPU doesn’t ask for 6 or 8-pin connectivity.

2: Data Connectivity

All that’s left now is to:

Connect the laptop with the adapter
Connect the GPU to the monitor

And you should be good to go. To connect the laptop with the adapter, you’ll need to use the HDMI to Express Card cable that came inside the box.

The HDMI goes to EXP GDC and the Express Card cable to your laptop. In order to disconnect the dummy or any EC device that’s connected to the laptop, just push a little bit to the inside until you hear a click.

external gpu for laptop — Setup with dedicated power brick (Not ATX)

If you don’t have an Express Card slot, then your only option is to open the bottom of the laptop and get access to a Mini-PCI-E port which will most likely require you to remove the Wi-Fi/Bluetooth adapter. Do keep in mind that you must pick the appropriate EXP GDC version from the very beginning.

After the connection is done, all that remains is to connect the GPU to a monitor with HDMI, Display Port, VGA, or whatever you’ve got, plug in everything, turn on the laptop (Make sure that the PSU is turned on as well), and hopefully, everything will start working.

Some GPUs and PSUs don’t turn on their fans until they reach a certain temperature. So, do keep that in mind as well.

3: Last Touches to Complete the External GPU for Laptop Setup

If everything works as intended, then the only thing that remains is to install the GPU drivers, launch some games, and see how well they run. So, first things first, head over to either Nvidia or AMD, depending on which card you’ve got, find the appropriate drivers, install them, and then come back.

Again, if you own an Nvidia 10xx or 20xx series, then you’ll need to run the core 43 error fix or you won’t be able to get the latest drivers. And that’s about it. Your whole system should be set up and good to go now.

External GPU for Laptop Setup: Wrapping Up

Do understand that this is not a foolproof method. There is no guaranteed that it’s going to work with all laptops – even if they do come with an Express Card slot.

That being said, let us know how things went on your end in the comments section down below. And if you’ve come across any problems, we may be able to help you out!

Force Feedback Wheel Comparison (2019)

Last updated on October 9, 2019

A force feedback wheel is an absolute must-have tool for any sim-racer. Especially when it comes to sims like Assetto Corsa and iRacing that generally don’t play too well with gamepads and cheap wheels.

But, which one should you pick? There are a ton of options out there starting from less than $100 all the way up to the thousands. That’s why we’re here to help you out with the process.

Here are some of the best wheels that you can get in 2019!

1: Logitech G29: Best Budget Force Feedback Wheel

Those of you who have been into sim-racing for a while probably saw this coming from a mile away – and rightfully so. After all, Logitech’s wheels have been an extremely popular option for a long time now.

It definitely struggles to compete with some more expensive wheels. But, for just about 200 bucks, it’s really hard to go with this one.

Covered in leather with a metal frame, the G29 does its best to look like a real driving wheel. And for the most part, it does a rather ok job at it.

That being said, the flashy buttons definitely take away from all that. So, it may be a deal-breaker for some people. While we’re at it, the Playstation buttons are also off-putting for PC gamers who are used to the Xbox layout – but that’s just a minor detail.

What really matters is the feel of the wheel and the force feedback. Thankfully, the force feedback is extremely strong. Probably more than you’ll ever need it to be.

However, the overall feel is a bit weird. It just doesn’t feel as smooth as its competitors like the T300 RS. Then again, both wheels have their own pros and cons which makes it hard to recommend one over the other.

For us, the clutch pedal is enough to go with the G29 over the T300 RS. But, that’s just a matter of personal preference. Speaking of additional features, do keep in mind that the shifter isn’t included with the wheel and actually costs 50 extra bucks or so.

Still, all things considered, finding a wheel that’s as reliable and sturdy at that price point is kind of impossible right now. So, if all you have to spend on a wheel is about $200 or so, definitely consider this one!

Pros:

Great value
Feels sturdy
Has proven to be more reliable compared to its competitors
Compatible with PS3, PS4, and PC
Strong force feedback

Cons:

Force feedback doesn’t feel as smooth compared to other options (Still much better than entry-level options)
The shifter is not included
No support for Xbox One (There is the G920 for that. But, it’s a slightly inferior version)

2: Thrustmaster T300RS GT: Best Mid-Range Force Feedback Wheel

Yet another very popular option. The T300 RS GT is all around a better choice compared to the G29. It looks like a real wheel, feels like a real wheel, doesn’t come with those flashy buttons, and the pedals are also superb.

But, with all of that being said, do keep in mind that it’s also much more expensive. On certain occasions, it asks for twice as much compared to the G29. Does that mean that it’s twice as good? Probably not.

Still, if you want something that’s objectively better than the Logitech G29 without having to spend a fortune, then this is more or less your only choice. It has one of the best force feedback responses that we’ve ever seen and it looks gorgeous as well.

If there’s one downside, then that has to be Thrustmaster’s quality control. It’s not uncommon for some people to report that their wheel stopped working after a couple of years.

On some occasions, it didn’t even last for more than a few months – and that seems to be a recurring theme with Thrustmaster wheels. That’s obviously unfortunate. But, at the same time, there are no better alternatives at this price point.

Pros:

Great force feedback
Feels great
Looks objectively good
Compatibility for both PS4 and PS3 while also being supported for PC

Cons:

Not compatible with Xbox (There is the TMX for that – but it’s a significant downgrade compared to this one)
Generally more expensive than the G29
Also doesn’t include a shifter

3: Accuforce Pro V2: Best High-End/Enthusiast Force Feedback Wheel

Let’s make one thing clear, this is not targeted towards your average consumer. The Accuforce Pro V2 is a direct drive wheel which is mainly made for pros and/or enthusiast sim racers.

To give you a point of reference, just the base with the wheel will cost you a thousand bucks. No shifter, no pedals – just the wheel and the base unit.

If that sounds expensive to you, then do keep in mind that this is one of the cheapest direct drive wheels on the market. By comparison, other direct drive wheels can easily ask for $1400 or more just for the base unit without even a wheel.

In case you’re not familiar with direct drive wheels, then you should know that the reason that they are superior to consumer alternatives is that they are directly connected to the force feedback motors.

See, cheaper wheels like the G29 use a sort of gear system to connect the wheel with the motor. The problem with that is that since there is a medium that needs to transfer the motion over to the wheel, a bit of detail and power always gets lost on the way.

Direct drive wheels, on the other hand, don’t lose any power or detail. After all, they are directly connected to the motor and that’s what makes them so much superior.

Does that mean that you should spend the extra money? Well, if you’re the average sim-racer like us, no. But, if you’re an enthusiast or someone who wants to take every bit of advantage, then do absolutely consider getting one.

Pros:

Amazing feel
Great attention to detail
Easy to use (For a direct drive wheel)
Extremely sturdy
Literally more powerful than you can handle (May even end up breaking your wrists at full power)

Cons:

Way too expensive for your average player
Complicated to use (Compared to consumer wheels)
Add-ons are relatively expensive

Conclusion

At the end of the day, there is no clear winner. Each wheel has its own pros and cons. Overall:

Logitech: Offers better reliability but the force feedback isn’t that smooth
Thrustmaster: Better force feedback but it’s more likely to break down
Accuforce: Surpasses both wheels in every single way but also costs a lot of money and is tougher to setup

What’s The Best Budget 144Hz Monitor?

Last updated on October 4, 2019

Getting the best budget 144Hz monitor is a must for budget gamers. After all, as far as gaming is concerned, there is no doubt that a higher refresh rate makes a world of difference in smoothness – at least as long as your GPU can keep pushing out these extra frames.

But, it goes without saying that when you look for cheaper alternatives, at least some functionality needs to be taken away. All you can do is balance the pros and cons out and pick whatever fits you best. That being said, here are our top picks!

1: ViewSonic XG2401: No Compromises

When we previously talked about our top overall budget monitors, this one got our approval as the best gaming monitor for the price. And it actually still holds that title.

Priced at just about 200 bucks, this is as good as it gets. 1080P, 144Hz, 1ms response time, great stand, FreeSync support, great build quality, and more. Overall, it’s hard to go wrong with it.

At 24-inches, it’s definitely not a large monitor, but it’s not small either. Arguably, this is the sweet spot for competitive gaming.

Since the size is all a matter of personal preference, though, you always have the option of selecting the 27-inch variant as well. Apart from the thinner bezels, slightly different stand, and the extra 30 bucks that it asks for, it seems to be more or less the same deal with our 24-inch recommendation – except it’s obviously bigger.

Do keep in mind that the larger your display is, the higher that the resolution will have to be in order for it to keep on looking nice and crisp. A 1080P display at 27 inches may appear to be somewhat blurry for some people.

With that out of the way, the included DP cable and FreeSync support are amazing at this price point. It’s not uncommon to see many other monitors asking for an extra $100 or more while offering the same specs and no FreeSync.

Our only small complaint are the somewhat thick bezels. Sure, it’s not a massive deal-breaker. But, we’re nearing at 2020 where most modern monitors offer very thin bezels. So, that’s a small shame for Viewsonic. Otherwise, it’s almost perfect.

Pros:

Great value
Offers FreeSync
Adjustable stand (Basic)
Cheap

Cons:

Big bezels

Check out the ViewSonic XG2401 on Amazon

2: Samsung C27JG56: QHD Goodness

As we mentioned above, some people may find 1080P displays a bit blurry. Especially the ones that start from 27 inches and only get bigger without offering a better resolution.

That’s why we thought that it’d be a good idea to mention the Samsung C27JG56 as well. It offers a QHD resolution while still maintaining our much desired 144Hz refresh rate.

The first version of this monitor didn’t come with FreeSync. But, thankfully, Samsung listened to our complaints and released this newer variant that comes with FreeSync enabled with a price tag of around $300.

Sure, it’s not exactly the cheapest monitor. But, as far as high-quality QHD 144Hz panels are concerned, this is as good as it can get without us reaching deep into our pocket. At this moment, this is the best budget 144hz monitor with a 2K display.

Our only complaint isn’t with the monitor, but with Samsung. Their quality control has proven to be mediocre at best. So, there have been quite a few people complaining about dead pixels or even DOA arrivals.

That leaves us playing with our luck and obviously, nobody likes that.

Pros:

QHD
Offers FreeSync
Great value
27-inch panel

Cons:

Samsung’s bad quality control

Check out the Samsung C27JG56 on Amazon

3: Sceptre E255B-1658A: 165Hz on The Cheap

We created this article while aiming to mention 144Hz monitors, but it just so much happens that this one can actually get up to 165Hz. That arguably doesn’t make much of a difference. But, hey, if you can take that advantage without paying more, why not?

Speaking of paying, this is actually the cheapest option so far. These days, it retails for under $180. But, do keep in mind that pricing may fluctuate wildly over time.

At times, many have seen it with a price tag of over $300 which is almost two times the amount that it asks for now. So, don’t blame us if you happen to read this article at a point in time when this will not be such a budget option.

As for features, we’re looking at a 24.5-inch panel, a 165Hz refresh rate, FreeSync support, 1ms response rate, thin bezels, and anti-flicker technology.

Our only complaints are the rather frail-looking stand and the mediocre build-quality control from Spectre. Just like with Samsung’s monitor, there have been quite a few complaints about dead pixels and damages on arrival.

So far, Viewsonic’s offering has been the most reliable out of the bunch. But, it also has thicker bezels and a slightly higher price tag than this one. So, it’s all a matter of weighing the pros and cons and choosing whatever fits you best.

Pros:

Cheapest option
165Hz refresh rate
FreeSync compatible
Thin bezels

Cons:

Spectre’s bad quality control

Check out the Spectre Sceptre E255B-1658A on Amazon

What Does 144Hz Mean?

144Hz stands to represent the refresh rate of a monitor. 60Hz means that it refreshes 60 times per second, 75 means that it refreshes 75 times per second, and 144Hz means that it refreshes 144 times per second.

60Hz is the “casual” refresh rate which is usually more than enough to satisfy non-gamers. But, those of you who own a beefy build that is able to push more than 100FPS can definitely take advantage of a high refresh rate monitor.

If your computer can’t render at least 90-100 frames per second, then buying a 144Hz display is probably not worth it since you’re not taking advantage of that extra refresh rate anyway.

If you bought a 144Hz monitor and just discovered that your PC can’t take advantage of it, then you can either start lowering the resolution of your game and it’s settings, or get a stronger GPU that can render more FPS.

The RX 580 and 1660Ti are good options for those who are targetting 100+ FPS on 1080P while the 5700 XT is more suitable for 1440P.

What’s The Best Budget 144Hz Monitor?

Overall, there is no single monitor that can beat them all. Each one of them have their own pros and cons. Long story short:

Viewsonic: Great option at a great price, but it also comes with thick bezels
Samsung: Higher resolution and thin bezels, but bad quality control
Sceptre: Highest refresh rate and the cheapest option, but the mediocre quality control is something to keep in mind

What’s your best budget 144Hz monitor? Let us know about it in the comments down below!

How to Pair Xbox One, PS4, and Gamesir Controllers With iOS

Last updated on October 2, 2019

Now that Apple Arcade is out, we have one more reason to grab our console or mobile controllers and pair them with our iPhone. It’s an easy way to enhance your overall gaming experience.

That being said, the process of pairing a controller to iOS devices can differ from gamepad to gamepad. It’s no surprise that so many people don’t know how.

So, here’s how to pair an Xbox, PS4, or Gamesir controller with your iPhone!

1: Inventory

First things first, let’s see what we need to have.

An Xbox One, PS4, or GameSir controller
An iPhone
And if possible, the latest version of iOS

But, one thing that may not be so obvious is that your controller needs to support Bluetooth and iOS compatibility. Some older wireless controllers like the Dualshock 3 may or may not work while there is no hope for wired ones.

For example, the older Xbox 360 controller won’t work with our guide. The same thing goes for the Gamesir G3W, Xbox 360, etc.

With that out of the way, let us move on with the guide.

2: How to Pair Xbox One and PS4 Controllers With iOS

To pair an Xbox One controller, all you need to do is:

Turn it on
Press the “Sync” button
Go to the Bluetooth settings of your iPhone
Once there, the controller should appear on the list of available devices
Tap on your Xbox One controller’s name
And that should be it

As for a PS4 controller:

Hold down the PS icon along with the “Share” button until the lights start blinking
Go to your Bluetooth settings
And connect with the PS4 controller that should appear on the list

3: How to Pair A GameSir Controller With iOS

GameSir controllers are designed to work with numerous operating systems. For that reason, you need to know the various combinations that your model uses to connect with each different OS.

For example, if you own the GameSir G3S, you need to:

Hold down the power + Y button
Wait until the Apple icon starts flashing
Head over to your Bluetooth settings
Then connect with the controller

If you see nothing but a serious of numbers with letters, then wait for a few seconds and the name should eventually change to “GameSir G3S”. That being said, the controller doesn’t officially support Apple devices. But, if you own one, you can always give it a try.

Wrapping Up

That’s all for now. If you’ve got any questions, let us and everyone else know about them in the comments section down below! Do keep in mind that not all games support controllers and that not all controllers play well with iOS.

Even some options that are kinda optimized for iOS, like the GameSir G3S, may still not work at all in the end. Still, give it a try and let us know how that worked out for you.

What You Should Not Do on an Airport Wi-Fi Network

Last updated on September 26, 2019

For anyone who travels regularly for business, public Wi-Fi networks provide a vital resource. Without public Wi-Fi networks, many of us would be unable to access business networks and do our jobs while on the go. Given how reliant some people are on Wi-Fi, its security issues are a serious threat we cannot ignore.

If you’re a frequent flyer, for business or pleasure, chances are that you regularly make use of airport Wi-Fi networks. Like any public Wi-Fi network, these networks need to be approached with caution. There are certain things that you should never do while connected to an airport Wi-Fi network, as well as a number of steps you can take to keep you and your data as safe as possible.

Don’t Make Your Device Discoverable

Whenever you connect to a public Wi-Fi network, you are connecting to a network that other people will inevitably use. If you use your home network for file-sharing, make sure that you have this setting off when you are using the airport Wi-Fi, otherwise, other people might be able to access your files.

On a Windows device, you will find the necessary options in the advanced sharing options within the Network and Internet settings section. Look for the ‘File and Printer Sharing’ options and make sure that ‘Network Discovery’ is unchecked. If you’re on a Mac, go to System Preferences and then Sharing.

Don’t Browse Without Protection

Whenever you use a public Wi-Fi network, there is some level of risk involved. If the network you are using hasn’t been set up to use encryption, it is absurdly easy to set up a laptop to capture traffic traveling through the network. There are a number of man-in-the-middle style cyberattacks that exploit unprotected and unencrypted public Wi-Fi networks.

Regardless of the settings that the network is using, you can ensure that any data sent between your device and the internet is encrypted by using a proxy or VPN service. A VPN will encrypt all the data leaving your device before it is sent anywhere, making it all but impossible to read. It will also protect your privacy and security while you browse the internet by placing a buffer, the VPN server, between you and the websites you want to access. If your employee does not provide you with a VPN, the business might be at serious risk.

A proxy service works in a similar way, although a proxy will require more work on your part to set up properly. Both methods will enable you to greatly improve your security.

Don’t Automatically Connect to Open Networks

When it comes to technology, there is almost always a trade-off between convenience and security. The more convenient something is for you, the more likely it is to undermine your security. This is true when it comes to Wi-Fi networks – automatically connecting to open networks makes things easier and more automatic for you, but it also means you might automatically connect to an insecure network.

Worse still, you could potentially end up automatically connecting to a wireless hotspot that has been set up specifically to steal data from unsuspecting users. It is important that you always check the IDs of any network that you are connecting to so you can make sure that it is one that you trust. If your device is set to automatically connect to any open network it can find, you won’t have the opportunity to check.

Make Sure You Use HTTPS

When you connect to the internet, you might have noticed that there is sometimes a padlock icon in your URL bar next to the address of the site you are visiting. This padlock indicates that the site is offering you a secure connection using the Secure Socket Layer protocol – the ‘S’ in HTTPS.

The details aren’t important, what matters is that using the SSL protocol means that your communications with the website will be encrypted. Most websites today utilize HTTPS as standard, but there are still some that only use HTTP. You can find extensions for most browsers that will ensure HTTPS is being used wherever it’s available.

Don’t Do Anything Sensitive

If at all possible, you should avoid doing your online banking or any other sensitive activities while you are connected to a public Wi-Fi network. This is just a matter of good practice. No matter what other steps you might take, unless you control the network that you are connecting to, there is always a level of risk that you can’t control. You should be very careful about doing anything sensitive on a network that doesn’t belong to you, which includes an airport Wi-Fi network.

If such a public network were to be seriously compromised, it may well not be immediately obvious to the airport themselves. To some extent, you should always assume that the public network that you are using has been compromised and that someone is at least trying to snoop on your activities. It’s unlikely that this has happened, but you can’t know for sure until it’s too late.

If you have to do something like online banking, it might be better to set your smartphone up as a wireless hotspot and accessing the internet through that instead of the local Wi-Fi network. This gives you a private wireless network all of your own to use. Just be prepared to pay the necessary data costs.

Whether you are only going to be using an airport Wi-Fi network while you are waiting to catch a flight and go on vacation, or you pass through airports numerous times every month and make use of their Wi-Fi whenever you do, the same rules apply. It only takes one lapse in your security in order to expose sensitive data, or perhaps even your device’s entire file system, to a potential attacker. Fortunately, staying safe is relatively easy once you know what you should and shouldn’t do. If you want to keep your device as safe as possible, regardless of the network it’s connected to, a VPN or proxy service is usually the best way.

Best Kodi Tips You’ll Find in 2019

Last updated on September 20, 2019

Kodi tips are rather underrated. After all, one of the biggest advantages that Kodi offers compared to other players and streaming services is that it’s extremely modular. It can be shaped in any way you want.

So, why not take advantage of that? Here are the best Kodi tips that we can give as of 2019!

1: Use a VPN

Kodi veterans probably saw this coming from a mile away, but one of the most important Kodi tips that we can give you is to use a VPN. More so for security rather than privacy.

See, while Kodi itself is completely legal to use, there are numerous 3rd party add-ons that aren’t. In some places, this can get you into huge trouble. You may end up paying fines or in some other, more severe, but also more rare cases, going to jail.

Using a cheap VPN (Avoid freebies) is an easy way to avoid that. Not only because it conceals your identity, but also because it can make it look as if you’re browsing from another region; preferably one that doesn’t care too much about piracy.

Germany and Japan are two of the most strict countries when it comes to pirating and streaming copyrighted content. So, those of you who live there should definitely use one. As for the rest of us, it’s still a good idea. Just to be safe.

Some of the top choices include:

Express VPN
Surfshark
And Nord VPN

We personally prefer Express VPN since it has been long known as one of the best options and you know what they say: “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it!”.

2: Change The Language

This is quite a simple one, but did you know that Kodi offers multiple languages? It starts off with English, but there are plenty of more options to choose from.

There are 75 options to choose from including:

Greek
Russian
Swedish
Japanese
German
Croatian
Czech
Danish
Dutch
French

And many, many more. So, if you’re not a native English speaker, why not change the language to feel right at home? You can do that by going to:

Settings (Gear icon)
Interface
Regional
Language
And then simply select the language of your choice

Sure, this isn’t anything breathtaking. But, for those of you who are not too good with English, it can definitely make a huge difference.

3: Install Different Skins

Kodi looks beautiful as is. But, did you know that there is also the option of installing custom skins on it? This can change not only your background but the overall feel of the app.

Thankfully, unlike installing 3rd party add-ons, installing skins is as easy as going to:

Settings
Add-ons
Search
Insert the name of the skin that you want
Search
Click on it
Select “Install”

And that’s about it.

Now, of course, the harder part is finding some skins to install in the first place. But, in such cases, Google is your friend. Some of our favorite options are:

Eminence: Very simplistic and elegant
Aeon Nox: SiLVO: Beautiful and transparent
Arctic Zephyr 2: Magical
Atlas: A bit dark
Chroma: Great for TVs
Black Glass Nova: Fancy
Pellucid: As simple and beautiful as it can get
Transparency: Probably the best option for those who are stuck with a remote
Revolve: Practically makes Kodi feel like a different app
Aen Tajo: Abstract themed

With so many options out there, you’re bound to find something that fits your tastes. All of the installed skins can be found at:

Settings
Add-ons
My add-ons
Look and feel
Skin
Select the skin that you want
And pick “Use”

4: Customize Your Skins

Installing skins is one thing; customizing them is another and probably one of the best Kodi tips that we can give you. After all, there are times where the skin hits all the right spots, except one thing.

That thing could be anything. The background, colors, header, etc. To find these options, you simply need to head over to:

Settings
Skin settings

And then adjust anything according to your preferences.

Do keep in mind that your options may vary depending on the skin that’s installed. In any case, this is something that helps us bring everything one step closer towards our taste.

5: Create Separate Profiles

Netflix offers a handy feature which allows you to switch between different profiles for different members of the family or friends who are sharing the account with you. But, did you know that you can also do something similar with Kodi?

If there are multiple people in the house who are using the same machine, then creating a separate profile for each person may be a good idea. Not only for having a bit of privacy, but also for individual preferences like add-on lists, skins, setups, etc.

Creating a profile is as simple as going to:

Settings
Profiles
Add profile

You’re free to add passwords if you want and it goes without saying that there is the option of selecting different profile pictures, default log-ins, etc.

6: Don’t Forget to Adjust the Main Settings

Most of the time, Kodi manages to setup the main settings automatically without any issues. But, if you are experiencing issues with your display or anything like that, then chances are that you’ll have to manually adjust some options.

The main settings can be found at:

Settings
System
And then you can tweak whatever feels wrong

For example, a common issue with Kodi users on PC is that they can’t get audio on their headphones. Especially those who are using a dedicated audio card for it. Fixing that requires you to go to:

Settings
System
Audio
Audio output device

And then you need to select your headset.

As far as basic Koti tips go, this an absolute must. The same thing applies to your display settings. You can change not only the active monitor but also its resolution with the native option being the best.

If you don’t know what your native resolution is, just try out different options until the display feels more natural and crisp.

Wrapping Up

That’s all for now. If you’ve got any other good Kodi tips, then let us and everyone else know about them in the comments section down below.

How to Uninstall iTunes (Windows and Mac)

Last updated on September 19, 2019

Learning how to uninstall iTunes is quite simple. Why do it? Well, that’s up to you to decide, really. But, the truth is that as music streaming apps like Spotify are becoming more and more popular, other apps like iTunes are becoming more and more obsolete. So, we can’t really blame you for wanting to get rid of it.

Other than that, you may also want to simply re-install it or have one less thing to worry about. In any case, here’s how to uninstall iTunes on Windows and Mac!

How to Uninstall iTunes on Windows 10

Uninstalling apps in older versions of Windows was quite a bit tiresome, to say the least. Thankfully, Microsoft heard our pleas and made it much easier to do so in Windows 10.

Here’s how to remove iTunes in the latest version of Windows:

Click on the Windows icon (lower left part of the screen) or hit the Windows icon on your keyboard
Go to settings by clicking on the gear icon
Go to Apps
Scroll down until you find iTunes
Click on “Uninstall”
Confirm and follow any on-screen instructions
Done

In case that there are other Apple apps that you don’t need, you can remove them with the exact same method. Just repeat the uninstallation process and you should be good to go.

If you wish to install iTunes again, all you have to do is head over to its official website, download it, follow the installation instructions (Mostly just pressing on “Next”) and you should be good to go in no time. Just do keep in mind that you’ll need your log-in credentials (Apple ID and password).

How to Uninstall iTunes on Mac

Mac computers come with iTunes pre-installed. It’s considered a vital part of the operating system, so, do not uninstall it unless you absolutely have to. Obviously, that doesn’t apply for Windows.

That being said, if you simply wish to fix something that went wrong and re-install it, try running the installer first and see if that fixes the issue. In case you insist on uninstalling it, keep on reading, but don’t blame us in case that certain functionalities start breaking apart.

So, to uninstall iTunes on Mac, go to:

Finder
Applications
iTunes
Drag it to “Trash”
Click on “Trash” while holding down the “CTRL” key
And click on “Empty trash”

Chances are that you don’t have the required permissions to get rid of iTunes. And in that case, you’ll probably get a warning that looks like this:

In order to bypass that, we need to change iTune’s permissions. And in order to change the permissions, you’ll have to be an administrator (One who knows the password as well).

In order to do that:

Hold down CTRL while selecting iTunes
Click on “Sharing and permissions”
Click on the lock icon
Type in your password (Admin)
Set the read and write permissions to “Everyone”

And now you should be able to uninstall iTunes.

If you’re still unable to uninstall it to system restrictions, then it’s for the best to stop right here. Tinkering with system files is not for the faint of heart. Preferably, only for those who know what they are doing.

Wrapping Up

That’s all for now. Quite simple really. But, again, do be careful with Mac. If you’ve got any questions, let us know about them in the comments section down below and we’ll try to get back to you.

Used iPhone 11 Buying Guide

Last updated on September 18, 2019

There are many advantages to buying a used iPhone 11 as opposed to a new one. You can get it for much cheaper and unlocked out of the box without it being necessarily damaged. In fact, many people sell used phones that are in a brand-new-like condition.

However, buying used electronics also brings a few risks. You may not get what you asked for, you may get scammed, or even worse; you may fall a victim of a cyber-criminal.

This guide aims to explain how to buy a used iPhone 11 while avoiding such things. Let’s get right into it!

Buying Guide: How to Safely Buy A Used iPhone 11

Overall, this is the main guideline that we generally follow regardless of what we want to buy online:

Choose a trustworthy website and seller
Try avoiding credit and debit cards
Keep an eye out for extra import fees and charges
Pay attention to the condition of the phone
Prefer unlocked models when possible

That’s all in a nutshell. If you want the details, then keep on reading!

1: Choose Trustworthy Websites

It’s very important that you’ll only shop from websites that have been known to be trustworthy and reliable for a long time now. That’s because such websites have a significantly lower chance of attempting to scam you or selling something of inferior quality.

Not to mention that the services that popular websites offer are often much better compared to other less known solutions. You get things like insurance, return policy, tracking, refunds in case that something goes wrong, and more.

However, do keep in mind that websites and sellers are often not the same thing. For example, eBay is a popular and trustworthy platform, but that doesn’t mean that all of its sellers are trustworthy as well. In fact, we’ve seen numerous scammers on it before.

So, with that being said, don’t just choose a popular and trustworthy website, choose a good seller as well. Look at his past reviews and remember, if a deal is too good to be true, then it most likely is.

As for the websites, some very popular and trustworthy ones to choose from are:

Amazon
Swappa (Highly recommended and trust-worthy)
eBay

And there a few others to choose from. But, those are some of the most well-known ones. In the case of buying a used iPhone 11, Swappa is a particularly good choice since they are specializing in the specific task of selling used phones and laptops.

2: Try Avoiding Debit and Credit Cards

Credit and debit cards were once traditionally used as the standard online payment method. But, that doesn’t mean that they are safe to use. In fact, it’s quite the opposite.

As mentioned above, even if the website is reputable, the same can’t be said for their individual sellers. And that’s especially true for websites like eBay where more or less everyone can sell.

For this reason, it’s highly recommended to rely on PayPal instead of just providing your credit card information. Because when things go wrong, chances are that you’ll be able to request a refund or found a solution with the seller, even if the website of your choice doesn’t allow for anything like that.

That’s especially useful in cases where you may fall victim to a scam or anything similar. PayPal offers a layer of security that you just don’t get with traditional payment methods. So, do keep that in mind!

3: Keep an Eye Out for Extra Import Fees and Charges

Most people don’t seem to know about this. But, if you’re importing a product from outside of your country, there is a good chance that you’ll have to pay extra fees upon delivery. That’s extra money that you weren’t intending on giving in the beginning.

In the worst-case scenario, you may end up having to pay more than the product’s original price. Best case scenario, all the extra costs are mentioned in the checkout page.

The thing is that in both cases, you’ll end up having to pay extra money and nobody wants that. Now, there are a couple of ways to avoid that. But, in the end, it comes down to your country’s regulations. So, do make your research on that.

Ideally, you should always order items only from websites that are based on your country. For example, those who live in the US may can use Amazon.com while the British can rely on Amazon.co.uk.

Do also keep in mind that as long as a website has warehouses in your country, then chances are that it doesn’t matter where it’s based. For example, Gearbest is based in China, but it also has numerous European warehouses. This allows Europeans to purchase specific items without having to pay anything extra.

There are also some other shady methods like Priority shipping, but let’s not go there since that’s not a reliable solution anyway.

4: Pay Attention to the Condition of Your Used iPhone 11

Another common mistake is that people buy a phone that’s offered in a good price without taking a second to look at the condition that it’s in. This often results in unpleasant experiences where you may get something that’s in terrible shape or outrightly broken.

So, with that being said, it’s terribly important that you pay attention to the condition of the used iPhone 11 that you’re going to buy! After all, every reputable website like Swappa is going to mention the condition of each device.

Now, each website may use slightly different terms to describe the overall condition of a device. But, still, here is our general descriptions that apply on most options out there:

Good/Refurbished/Like New/Grade A: These terms are often used to describe a phone that’s almost brand new without scratches or marks
Mint/Fair/Grade B/C: Scratches and other signs of wear/use may be present, but the device works normally
Bad/Damaged/Parts and Repairs only/Grade D: The phone is damaged to the point where normal operation is tough or impossible

Again, always look for the individual description of a phone on the specific website that you’re shopping from because they may be using slightly different terms.

5: Prefer Unlocked Used iPhone 11 Devices

If you’re going to buy a used iPhone 11, then try getting your hands on an unlocked version. Unlocked phones can work with all carriers and you also won’t have to worry about paying extra for an unlocking service down the line.

In case you don’t know about it, phones that are locked down to a specific carrier will only work with it. For example, if you get a phone that’s locked down to Sprint, then you’ll only be able to use it with a Sprint SIM card as the phone will refuse to “cooperate” with anything else.

So, if you’re going to buy a locked device, then at the very least make sure that it’s locked to the carrier of your preference. Otherwise, this may end up turning into a painful buy.

Again, most reputable sellers will mention if a phone is locked or not. So, keep an eye out for that!

Get your used iPhone 11 from Swappa

iPhone 11 Series Revealed: All You Need to Know About it

Last updated on September 10, 2019

So, we’ve all been reading rumors about the upcoming iPhone 11 series for a while now. Some of them talked about a square camera design with 4 lenses, some talked about a triple-camera setup, others mentioned a zero-bezel design, and more.

Some of these rumors were wrong. But, some of them also turned out to be true. That being said, now that the news come straight from the source, we don’t have to keep on guessing anymore. Here’s the iPhone 11, iPhone 11 Pro, and iPhone 11 Pro Max!

Design

Here is where the first big rumors are proven to be false. The iPhone 11 series isn’t bezel-less. In fact, it shares more or less the same notch that we’ve seen on the iPhone XR.

Some of the biggest changes include the camera housing, which is indeed square, just like the rumors suggested. But, more on that later on in the camera section.

Another somewhat big change is the building materials. The iPhone 11 series made from 100% recyclable stainless steel. So, if you like living green, then that’s definitely something to brag about with your new phone.

Speaking of build quality, Apple claims that the iPhone 11 comes with the toughest glass that we’ve ever seen on an iPhone. Of course, the amount of endurance that this adds in day to day usage remains to be seen.

Regarding the new colors, as you can see in the image above, we’re looking at:

Black
White/Grey
Red
Green
Pink
Yellow

And then there’s also the iPhone 11 Pro which, for some reason, offers a slightly different color palette.

This time, we’re looking at:

A darker green
Grey
Black
Gold

And that’s about it for the design.

Specs

Every new generation of iPhones is expected to be faster and more power-efficient than the last one and the iPhone 11 series is no exception to that rule. Let’s start with something basic: the phone’s display.

This year, we’re looking at a 6.1-inch display which, according to Apple, can reach a 2-million to 1 contrast ratio. Now, let us not forget that even some of the best displays in the market struggle to reach a 5,000/1 contrast ratio. So, take that info with a grain of salt.

Still, that being said, the display is without a doubt an improvement over the last generation. And for that reason, Apple is now calling it the “Super Retina XDR Display.

Moving on to the CPU, the new iPhone 11 series is rocking the A13 chip. Yes, that includes the iPhone 11 Pro as well.

Apple claims that this chip offers not only the fastest CPU that there is for a smartphone – but also the fastest GPU. That makes for a phone that’s not just great for working and browsing social media, but also for gaming.

One of the features that make this possible is extensive machine learning. Thanks to AI, the iPhone 11 is capable of a trillion operations per second.

That sounds like a phone that needs a lot of power, for sure. However, thanks to the 7nm process and the low power design of the CPU cores, the new iPhones can actually last 4 to 5 hours longer compared to the older generation.

Features

Apart from everything that we’ve mentioned until now and excluding the camera features that we’ll shortly mention afterward, one of the biggest new features for the iPhone 11, which is also going to be available for all Apple products is Apple Arcade.

Apple Arcade is a subscription-based service which offers a ton of games that are exclusive to Apple devices only. That includes the iPhone 11 and, hopefully, our older iPhones as well.

Apart from gaming, Apple has also focused on enhancing the audio experience. All of the new iPhone 11 variants come with spatial audio and Dolby Atmos.

In case you’ve never heard about it, that kind of audio technology is designed to give us more spatial awareness. It makes it easier to understand where sounds are coming from.

This is extremely useful. Not only for immersing ourselves in movies and shows, but also for gaming. Actually, especially for gaming. That’s one of the reasons that gaming headsets will every so often advertise their surround audio tech.

Camera

The camera is one of the things that Apple likes to focus on. And you can tell not just from the time that they’ve spent talking about it in the presentation, but also due to the new features that it brings to the table.

The base model comes with a dual-camera setup with one wide lens and another ultra-wide camera. And as you can see above, the Pro variant also offers an additional telephoto lens.

In case you don’t know about it, ultra-wide lenses are used to capture a higher/wider field of view while telephoto lenses can zoom in on a subject without sacrificing image quality.

That being said, the iPhone 11 Pro is able to zoom up to 4x without introducing any blurriness or pixelation while the base variant can only reach up to 2x.

As per usual, Apple didn’t just add an extra camera and called it a day. The new iPhone series also offers:

Improved image processing
Better depth of field control and effects
Night Mode improvements
Very good video image stabilization
Live transitioning between wide and ultra-wide mode while capturing a video
Video recording of up to 4K 60FPS
Slow-mo video capture in selfie mode
Deep fusion
And more

Night mode is without a doubt one of the features that are really impressive. It can change a scene from “Almost pitch Black” to “Acceptable/Good” with the press of a button.

Other than that, there is also deep fusion which takes numerous pictures in a row in less than a second and combines them to create an image that’s vastly more detailed than a normal shot.

Pricing and Availability

iPhones have only been getting more and more expensive through the years. So, many of us were afraid that the bar would only get higher. But, thankfully, that’s not the case. In fact, it’s quite the opposite.

The base model starts at just about $699 while the iPhone 11 Pro comes in at $999 with the iPhone 11 Pro Max asking for $1099. Obviously, do keep in mind that pricing may vary from region to region.

Regarding availability, the iPhone 11 series will go on sale starting on September 20. We assume that Apple is referring to the US launch and that the release will become globally available shortly afterward.

That’s all for now. If we got anything wrong or if there are any questions, then let us know all about that in the comments section down below!

How to Change Netflix Region

Last updated on September 5, 2019

Looking on how to change Netflix region? It’s actually a very easy thing to do. You just need to know how. This guide shouldn’t take any more than 10 minutes to follow, so, keep on reading!

Why? Well, for those of you who don’t know, due to licensing issues, Netflix is not allowed to display all movies and shows universally. Some of them are geo-blocked. For example, “The Office”, which is a very popular show, isn’t available to watch in numerous parts of Europe.

Depending on your region, there is a chance that more than 50% of Netflix’s library is unavailable to watch. So, without any further ado, here’s how to bypass these kinds of restrictions!

1: Choose A Reliable VPN

The easiest and most effective way of changing our Netflix region is by using a VPN (Virtual Private Network). VPNs can be installed as any other software on your device and offer an additional layer of security/privacy while using them.

However, the reason that we truly need one in this particular case is because they also give us the ability to “Disguise” ourselves. A VPN can fool websites; including Netflix; into thinking that you’re browsing from another place in the world.

This feature is extremely useful for bypassing geo-blocked websites and content like movies and shows on Netflix. That being said, this is why our first and most important step of changing our Netflix region is choosing a good VPN.

Normally, a Google search would be more than enough to find a VPN. However, there are tons of them to choose from. So, finding the ideal candidate can become a bit of a pain; which is why we’re here to help you out.

Things to Consider When Choosing A VPN

Most paid VPN apps will work just fine for most applications. But, when it comes to using one for Netflix? Let’s just say that your choice needs to meet some criteria:

Ideally, you want the best bang for your buck: Pretty obvious. Nobody wants to spend more money than needed
Needs to be able to bypass Netflix’s detection system: Netflix has an algorithm which detects if you’re using a VPN or not. You want something that can bypass that
Speed: Streaming high-quality videos is one of the most bandwidth-intensive tasks that one can do. Having a VPN that’s fast enough to stream movies or shows is an absolute requirement
Security and reliability: Using a VPN means that the user is switching from trusting his data to his ISP (Internet Service Provider) over to the VPN provider. So, make sure to choose someone who will surely not sell that data to 3rd parties
Available locations: Most VPN apps allow you to choose from a plethora of virtual locations. Make sure that you can get as many as possible
Cross-platform support: Most of us use at least a phone and a computer. If you’re intending on using the VPN for multiple devices, then pick one that supports multiple platforms (Android, Windows, iOS, Mac, etc)

With all of that being said, we think that Express VPN is a very solid option. It starts at 6.5 euros per month, works with Netflix while also offering the necessary speeds for streaming, and it’s also known as one of the most reliable choices out there.

It’s available for Windows, Android, Mac, iOS, and Linux and gives you a ton of regions to choose from. Overall, it’s a solid choice. Still, if you don’t like it, feel free to make your own choice.

Check out Express VPN on its official website

2: Setup The VPN

At this point, you hopefully understand what a VPN does and why we need it for this to work. So, after choosing a VPN, you need to set it up in order for it work with Netflix.

Guides are usually not necessary for such simple things, but here’s how to do it anyway:

Download and install your VPN from its official website
Select the region of your preference
Wait for the connection to establish
And that’s it

The process may slightly differ from VPN to VPN. But, generally, it’s as simple as opening the app and choosing a specific region to connect to.

When it comes to Netflix, the best choice is usually the US. Still, make your own research on that. If you Google search a show and it shows up on Netflix but you still can’t see it, then chances are that you’re still geo-blocked.

If that happens, just make a Google search, see which regions have access to the show or movie that you are after, and switch to that server with your VPN.

Can I Use My Netflix Account Overseas?

Yes, you absolutely can. If you are using a VPN, then your physical location doesn’t really matter. In the virtual world, you can live anywhere you want.

And if you don’t have a VPN? Well, then the situation slightly changes. Some regions, like Greece, can normally access but with limited content. Others, like China, will not allow you to get in at all.

So, to wrap things up:

For VPN users: doesn’t really make a difference
For non-VPN users: depends on your location

How to Change Netflix Region: Wrapping Up

So, for those of you who are looking on how to change Netflix region, all you basically need is a trustworthy and fast VPN that can bypass geo-restrictions.

90% of the process is all about trying to find the right VPN for the job. After that, it’s all a matter of opening the app and connecting to a location that is not geo-blocked.

Of course, it goes without saying that you’ll need to have a Netflix subscription as well. And it sucks that we need to pay for Netflix AND for a VPN service to access all of the content that we were paying for anyway. But, that’s how it is.

And that’s about it. If you’ve got any questions, you can drop them in the comments section down below and the WTLS team will try to get back to you. Till next time.