Latest news with #11Pro
Mint
25-06-2025
- Mint
This built-in Windows tool lets you try out apps or open unknown files without worrying about viruses or system damage
Most people have never heard of Windows Sandbox but it is one of the simplest ways to stay safe when you want to open a file or try out a new app. This tool is built into many Windows 10 and 11 Pro computers. What it does is give you a clean, temporary version of Windows that is completely separate from your main computer. You can open files, test software, or browse websites inside this space. When you are done, you close the window and everything inside it disappears. Nothing you did in the Sandbox can affect your real files or settings. You do not need to be a tech expert to use it. You just turn on the feature in your computer's settings, then launch it like any other app. The Sandbox opens up a fresh Windows desktop, ready for you to use. You can copy files into it or download things right inside the Sandbox. If you are ever unsure about a file or a programme, this is the safest way to check it out. There are a few reasons people are starting to use Sandbox more often than ever. The biggest is peace of mind. You can open anything that looks suspicious without worrying about viruses or malware messing up your main computer. If you want to try out a new program, you do not have to worry about leftover files or changes to your system. The Sandbox always starts clean and ends clean. It is like having a reset button for your computer experiments. Some people use it to keep their Downloads folder tidy. They set up the Sandbox so it can see their Downloads, but only as read-only, which means nothing inside the folder can be changed or deleted by accident. Others use it for browsing websites they do not trust, knowing that no cookies or history will stick around after they close the Sandbox. If you want extra safety, you can even turn off the internet inside the Sandbox, so nothing can sneak out. The best part is how simple it is. There are no complicated steps, no extra software, and no risk to your real computer. You just open the Sandbox, do what you need, and close it when you are done. Everything you did inside is wiped away. For anyone who wants to be careful with files or apps, or just wants to keep their main computer running smoothly, Windows Sandbox is a tool worth knowing about.
Economic Times
20-06-2025
- Economic Times
EU launches radical smartphone labels to expose flaws and features — here's what you need to know
What does the new EU smartphone energy label actually show? Energy efficiency class: Rated from A (most efficient) to G (least efficient). Battery endurance per charge: Shows how long a phone lasts on a full battery. Drop test durability: A rating from A to E based on repeated free-fall tests. Battery life cycle: Number of full charge-discharge cycles it can handle. Repairability rating: A to E scale showing how easy the device is to repair. Ingress protection (IP rating): Resistance to dust and water. Product registration: All details are stored in the EPREL (European Product Registry for Energy Labelling). Which phones and tablets are affected by the EU energy label rule? Smartphones (on cellular or satellite networks) Tablets with screens between 7 and 17.4 inches Cordless landline phones Feature phones (without internet or third-party apps) Live Events Devices released before June 20, 2025 Phones with rollable displays High-security smartphones (for government or defense use) Tablets with full-featured desktop OS (like Windows 10/11 Pro) What are the new eco-design rules that every phone must follow? Durability: Must survive accidental drops and meet dust/water resistance standards. Battery longevity: Batteries need to last at least 800 full cycles and still retain 80% of their original capacity. Repairability: Brands must offer spare parts within 5–10 working days, for at least 7 years after the device is off shelves. Software support: Operating system updates are now required for 5 years from end-of-sale date. Repair access: Independent repair shops must get equal access to software tools and firmware. How is battery life measured under this new EU regulation? What does this mean for consumers and the smartphone industry? A new era of smartphone transparency FAQs: (You can now subscribe to our (You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel Starting June 20, 2025, all new smartphones and tablets sold in the EU must now include an official energy efficiency label inside their packaging. This is part of a sweeping new regulation from the European Commission, aimed at making the tech industry more transparent and sustainable. Just like refrigerators or washing machines, mobile devices will now come with a clear ENERGY label, giving users key information about durability, battery life, and repairability. For millions of users across Europe, this marks a major shift in how we compare and shop for phones and new EU energy label for smartphones includes seven key pieces of information to help consumers make smarter, greener choices:This helps users understand how long the phone will last, how tough it is, and how eco-friendly its design is—before they even power it rule applies to a wide range of devices sold in the EU/EEA market:These exceptions will not carry the new just the label, every new smartphone and tablet must now meet five mandatory eco-design standards:These rules push smartphone brands to build longer-lasting, more sustainable devices—and make it easier for people to fix their phones instead of replacing interesting detail is that the battery endurance rating in the new labels is tested using the same software used by many tech reviewers: SmartViser. This French automation company works with labs and manufacturers to simulate real-world usage. So now, the battery performance you see on the label is based on consistent, lab-tested data, not just marketing means when you see a phone rated for 15 hours per charge, you can trust it's been tested in a fair, comparable way across shoppers in Europe, this label makes it easier than ever to compare phones based on more than just camera specs or price. It gives visibility into how sustainable and durable a device is, and whether it will be supported and repairable for years to manufacturers, it's a strong push toward eco-friendly product design, longer software support, and better repair practices. And for the environment, this move aims to cut down on electronic waste and reduce CO₂ emissions across the could even influence markets beyond Europe, as global smartphone brands are now designing their devices to comply with these new EU energy labelling law marks a major step forward for consumer rights and environmental responsibility in the mobile industry. With clearer data, better standards, and more durable devices, the EU is setting a bold example for the rest of the the next time you pick up a new phone in an EU store, take a good look at that ENERGY label—it could save you money, time, and help the planet, all at EU smartphone energy label shows how energy efficient, durable, and repairable a phone is before you buy new smartphones and tablets sold in the EU must include this energy label, except for a few special-use or older devices.
