
Unlock hidden power of your phone's charging port by connecting these 8 handy gadgets you probably already have at home
If your phone is running low on space, just plug in a pen drive or an external hard disk. Many pen drives now come with USB-C or Lightning connectors, so you can move photos, videos, and files without any fuss. For bigger hard disks, a powered USB hub may be needed.
Touchscreen controls can be tricky for gaming. You can connect a PlayStation or Xbox controller, or even a mobile gaming controller, using a simple OTG cable. Most popular games support these controllers, and it makes gaming much smoother.
When you want to type long emails or work on documents, plugging in a keyboard and mouse is very handy. With an OTG adapter, you can use most USB or wireless keyboards and mice. This setup turns your phone into a mini computer, perfect for work or study.
Wi-Fi is not always reliable. If you want a stable internet connection, use a USB-to-Ethernet adapter to connect your phone directly to your broadband cable. This is useful for video calls, large downloads, or online games.
For sharing photos, videos, or presentations, you can connect your phone to a projector. Phones with USB-C can use a USB-C to HDMI adapter to mirror the screen. This is good for movie nights or meetings.
If you like photography, you can transfer photos from your DSLR to your phone with a USB adapter. This makes it easy to edit or share pictures quickly, without waiting to use a computer.
Printing from your phone is simple. Connect your phone to a USB printer with the right adapter, and you can print documents, tickets, or photos directly. Many printers work without extra setup, and apps can help if needed.
For better sound in videos or voice notes, plug in an external mic. There are USB-C and Lightning microphones available, and you can use a 3.5mm mic with the right adapter. This improves the quality of your recordings.
Your phone's charging port can do much more than just charge. With a few accessories, you can connect to many devices at home, making your phone more helpful for work, play, and daily tasks.

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Time of India
17 hours ago
- Time of India
How Sony might double down on their anti-consumer practices as PlayStation becomes the only hardware in console space
(Image via Getty Images) As Xbox pivots to a multiplatform strategy, and Nintendo carves a unique niche, PlayStation might expectedly cement its position as a primary hardware in the console market sooner. The possibility of such an unprecedented market position being enjoyed by Sony has raised some serious concerns—without any fierce competition, could Sony intensify its anti-consumer practices that have priority over profits and not player choices? Historical evidence suggests a troubling path forward. Sony might double down on anti-consumer move: What does its playbook suggest? With the company's past as a prologue, there's a pattern of Sony leveraging market control to restrict user freedom while maximizing revenue. Sony is popularly known for blocking cross-platform for many years. It was only after being under pressure, as Microsoft supported and promoted the feature, that the company gave in. As the data reveals, Sony got exposed demanding royalties from the publishers just to enable the online cross-play. It was a clear tactic for protecting the walled garden revenue. Why Sony STILL won't allow cross-play! Further, Sony has even aggressively locked users into the ecosystem. The company enforced a near-total monopoly on PlayStation Store's digital game sales, prohibiting any third-party retailers from selling the digital codes, unlike its competitors. Popularly known as Sony Tax, this move allows the company to artificially inflate prices. This was clearly evidenced during the UK £5 billion ($6.35 billion approx.) lawsuit. Therein, it was alleged that digital games cost 47% more than the PlayStation's physical copies. Additionally, Sony was even fined €13.5 million ($14.85 million approx.) previously by the French regulators. It was due to their deliberate attempt to sabotage the third-party PS4 controllers via software updates, while continuing to maintain an opaque licensing program, which stifled the entire competition. When any licensing dispute arises, like 2023's removal of the purchased Discovery content, users even lose access entirely. It even highlighted Sony's ownership fragility within the digital domain, serving as one of the most egregious examples of how Sony handheld digital purchases. The entire case was highlighted as Warner Bros. Discovery content got pulled in 2023, from user libraries, without any offered refunds. PlayStation DELETING 1200 Titles - NO REFUND 🤯 (All Discovery Content) With all being said and considered, the past trends clearly show that Sony is not the one to back down. It will continue to push its anti-consumer policies as and when it gets a chance. Especially with major competition from the console market, it's highly likely to see that such practices are repeated or, probably, soon, there will be some new way to own a monopoly. Why does PlayStation stand alone in shifting the Console landscape? Controversial Xbox Strategy: Moving Exclusive Games to PlayStation The console landscape has dramatically shifted, and the traditional console war is now dynamically crumbling. Microsoft has already made a fundamental shift in strategy, moving some major exclusives, including 'Indiana Jones and the Great Circle' and 'Sea of Thieves,' to PlayStation. The company is now heavily promoting Game Pass accessibility across varied devices—mobile and Fire TV. They are signaling to a future that is beyond pure hardware sales. Xbox now competes within an ecosystem, not just the consoles. Meanwhile, Nintendo is thriving on a unique hybrid model and the family-friendly IP. It's operating in a distinct market segment instead of directly competing for hardcore gamers. Its lower price point is a huge appeal to a broad and casual audience. While some of the franchises here, like Zelda, Mario and Animal Crossing, cater to different demographics than the cinematic and mature exclusives of PlayStation. The focus of Nintendo on affordability and portability, together with its reluctance to engage in a hardware arms race and subscription wars, means it can coexist with PlayStation instead of directly opposing it. Not to mention, as Sony continues to chase high-fidelity graphics and the live-service dominance, Nintendo thrives on nostalgia and accessibility. It ensures Nintendo remains insulated from any cutthroat competition between PlayStation and Xbox. With the changing dynamics, PlayStation now seems to be the only major player that's solely focused on publishing premium-priced and dedicated console hardware. With Xbox 'embracing the multiplatform strategy' and Nintendo 'doing its own thing', Sony now faces diminished pressure from competition, for giving priority to consumer-friendly policies. The company's dominance within traditional console hardware is now looking to be increasingly uncontested. Sooner, it might allow Sony to enforce some policies, like raising PS Plus subscription price without any addition of meaningful value. It could be riskier in the contested market. Sony's digital dominance and ownership erosion Sony's control over PlayStation Store is the cornerstone of a potential exploitation in the future. Inability to purchase digital games from third-party retailers, including CD Keys like PC platforms or Xbox, creates a captive audience. Such a monopoly would allow Sony to set high prices and resist discounting pressures. The threat extends much beyond pricing. The terms of service of the company explicitly state that users only license the digital content. 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Mint
17 hours ago
- Mint
Unlock hidden power of your phone's charging port by connecting these 8 handy gadgets you probably already have at home
While your smartphone may be a standalone powerhouse of computing, did you know that it also works with many tech devices easily found in your home? The charging port on your phone is not just for charging, it can connect to a surprising range of gadgets if you have the right cable or adapter. Here are eight devices you can plug into your smartphone's charging port, making your phone even more useful in daily life. If your phone is running low on space, just plug in a pen drive or an external hard disk. Many pen drives now come with USB-C or Lightning connectors, so you can move photos, videos, and files without any fuss. For bigger hard disks, a powered USB hub may be needed. Touchscreen controls can be tricky for gaming. You can connect a PlayStation or Xbox controller, or even a mobile gaming controller, using a simple OTG cable. Most popular games support these controllers, and it makes gaming much smoother. When you want to type long emails or work on documents, plugging in a keyboard and mouse is very handy. With an OTG adapter, you can use most USB or wireless keyboards and mice. This setup turns your phone into a mini computer, perfect for work or study. Wi-Fi is not always reliable. If you want a stable internet connection, use a USB-to-Ethernet adapter to connect your phone directly to your broadband cable. This is useful for video calls, large downloads, or online games. For sharing photos, videos, or presentations, you can connect your phone to a projector. Phones with USB-C can use a USB-C to HDMI adapter to mirror the screen. This is good for movie nights or meetings. If you like photography, you can transfer photos from your DSLR to your phone with a USB adapter. This makes it easy to edit or share pictures quickly, without waiting to use a computer. Printing from your phone is simple. Connect your phone to a USB printer with the right adapter, and you can print documents, tickets, or photos directly. Many printers work without extra setup, and apps can help if needed. For better sound in videos or voice notes, plug in an external mic. There are USB-C and Lightning microphones available, and you can use a 3.5mm mic with the right adapter. This improves the quality of your recordings. Your phone's charging port can do much more than just charge. With a few accessories, you can connect to many devices at home, making your phone more helpful for work, play, and daily tasks.
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Business Standard
19 hours ago
- Business Standard
OnePlus Bullets Wireless Z3 review: Neckband-style earphones on budget
If you are looking for a neckband-style earphones with modern features and great audio, the Bullets Wireless Z3 from OnePlus should be in your list New Delhi OnePlus has refreshed its neckband lineup in India with the launch of Bullets Wireless Z3, aimed at budget buyers who still expect quality audio and reliable performance. Priced at Rs 1,699, the Z3 sticks to the basics – there's no active noise cancellation or flashy premium materials, but what it does offer is a balanced mix of comfort, features, and sound quality. With large 12.4mm drivers, and support for 3D Audio, the Z3 looks to be a strong contender in the affordable wireless audio space. I've been using it for the past few weeks and here's how these fared. Design The design of the OnePlus Bullets Wireless Z3 retains the lightweight, neckband-style build seen in previous generations. The construction primarily uses plastic, with a standard non-braided wire for the cable. While it doesn't feel particularly premium, this design choice keeps the headset lightweight and comfortable, even during long listening sessions, it's easy to forget you're wearing it. The Z3 carries an IP55 rating, making it resistant to sweat and light splashes. The in-ear fit is reasonably secure and comfortable out of the box, and OnePlus includes additional silicone ear tips to help users find a more personalised fit. Charging is handled via USB-C, though it's worth noting that OnePlus no longer includes its signature red cable in the box. Audio The OnePlus Bullets Wireless Z3 neckband features 12.4mm dynamic bass drivers that deliver solid sound output for its price segment. Vocals come through clearly, and the overall sound signature leans slightly toward the bass-heavy side, though not to the point of overwhelming the mids or highs. Instrument separation isn't especially precise, but that's expected given the price. The Z3 gets impressively loud, though this focus on volume does compromise clarity at higher levels. Personally, I found that keeping the volume below 80 per cent helps maintain a cleaner listening experience, as distortion and muddiness become more noticeable beyond that point. The Z3 is compatible with OnePlus' HeyMelody app, available on both Android and iOS. While it doesn't offer advanced features like a fully customisable equaliser, it does include a handful of preset EQ modes such as Balanced, Serenade, Bass, and Bold. These can noticeably change the sound profile. Among these, the standout is the BassWave mode. Even though the Bass preset already boosts low-end frequencies, BassWave takes it a step further by enhancing the bass response with finer control. You can even customise its intensity across 10 levels, allowing you to fine-tune the output based on your preference. Another notable inclusion is OnePlus 3D Audio, a spatial audio mode that creates a broader, more immersive soundstage. While not as advanced as Dolby Atmos implementations, it works surprisingly well and adds depth to certain types of content. Calling experience The OnePlus Bullets Wireless Z3 holds up well when it comes to voice calls, even in less-than-ideal environments. The microphone quality is commendable for the price, effectively capturing your voice while minimising background noise. It even manages to suppress wind interference to a noticeable extent, which is impressive in this segment. Another highlight is the solid Bluetooth range. The stable connection allows you to move freely around your home or workspace without needing to carry your phone – making it convenient for attending calls while multitasking. Battery and charging Battery performance continues to be a strong suit for the OnePlus Bullets series, and the new Z3 model doesn't disappoint. OnePlus claims up to 36 hours of continuous music playback at 50 per cent volume, and while I didn't test it nonstop, the Z3 easily lasted nearly four days of regular use. This included music streaming, watching videos, and light gaming, all without needing a top-up. Charging is equally convenient. The neckband supports fast charging and can go from near empty to around 60 per cent in just 15 minutes – enough to comfortably get through two days of use with minimal downtime. Verdict Priced at Rs 1,699, the OnePlus Bullets Wireless Z3 delivers great value for budget-conscious buyers seeking a bass-forward audio experience. The sound signature leans toward heavier lows, which, when paired with the standout BassWave mode, makes it especially appealing to those who enjoy thumping beats. The call quality is solid too, with reliable noise suppression and stable Bluetooth connectivity that allows you to move around freely during conversations. Battery life is another highlight. Support for Google Fast Pair is a nice touch, although the lack of multipoint connectivity might disappoint users who juggle multiple devices. If you are looking for a feature-rich neckband with solid audio performance, great bass, and excellent call handling at an affordable price, the Bullets Wireless Z3 makes a strong case for itself.