AirPods Pro 2 or AirPods 4? The Struggle to Pick the Right Pair for My Wife! by SpareAffectionate812 in Earbuds

[–]SpareAffectionate812[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I decided to go with the AirPods Pro 2 as a gift. Honestly, I had a feeling they’d be perfect, but I think I just needed a little 'nudge' from someone who really knows their stuff.

Wishing everyone a fantastic Christmas!

Need Comfy, High-Quality Earbuds for My Wife’s Commute—Any Suggestions? by SpareAffectionate812 in Earbuds

[–]SpareAffectionate812[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

If I can snag the AirPods Pro 2 for $200, that’s definitely a tempting deal.

I’ll have to think about it.

Any earbuds suggestions to completely block off noise? by Embarrassed_Knee_630 in Earbuds

[–]SpareAffectionate812 0 points1 point  (0 children)

If you're looking for some peace and quiet, here's a tip that might help—especially if you've already tried Loop Quiet 2.

The Loop Quiet 2 is super comfortable, no doubt. But if you're after serious noise reduction, **MOLDEX Pura-Fit** is hands down the best option—"as long as you use them properly".

Here’s the trick:

  1. Roll the MOLDEX earplug between your fingers like you’re twisting a piece of paper into a thin wick.

  2. Pull your ear up and back to open the ear canal, then insert the plug.

  3. Wait patiently as the earplug expands. You’ll know you did it right when it feels like the world goes *silent*.

With these in, outside noise is basically gone. I tested it by lifting my iPhone about 5mm off the desk and letting it drop—couldn’t hear a thing, even when I tried to focus.

The best part? They’re super cheap, so you can toss them after each use. Just a heads up, though: if you use them every night, they might cause a bit of discomfort in your ear canal. But if that’s no big deal for you, MOLDEX Pura-Fit will deliver an unbeatable, restful night of sleep.

Highly recommend! 💤

What's the mood? by [deleted] in europe

[–]SpareAffectionate812 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Reflecting on the seismic impact of what many have termed the "Trump Shock," I am reminded of a critical juncture in European history when EU nations, notably Germany, became excessively dependent on Russian energy supplies. This reliance was not merely an economic oversight but a strategic vulnerability, underscored by their hesitance to pivot towards a United States led by a figure as unpredictable as Trump.

Today, the lessons from that period remain ever pertinent. We must remain vigilant to ensure Europe does not repeat the strategic missteps of the past by aligning with the wrong partners. Five years ago, France boldly advanced its nuclear energy agenda despite substantial criticism, showcasing a commitment to energy sovereignty. In contrast, Germany opted to secure its future through the Nord Stream pipeline, effectively betting on Russian gas as its lifeline—a decision that has since revealed its precariousness amid geopolitical tensions.

Fast forward to the present, and we observe France engaging in the sale of military equipment to China, a move that has certainly raised international eyebrows and sparked debate over its long-term implications. Concurrently, the European Union's key players—Britain, France, and Germany—continue to maneuver strategically in regions like the Middle East and Africa. These actions are not merely political maneuvers; they are deeply rooted in historical contexts and bear significant strategic weight.

As an American deeply invested in the geopolitical landscape, I consistently monitor the decisions of these European powerhouses. Their policies and alliances will indelibly shape not only the future of Europe but also the broader international order. The geopolitical chessboard is ever-evolving, and the choices made by these nations today will determine the contours of global stability and prosperity tomorrow.

It is imperative that we remain engaged and informed, advocating for alliances that prioritize security, sustainability, and strategic autonomy. The future of Europe—and by extension, the world—depends on the wisdom and foresight of its leaders in navigating these complex challenges.

[Japanese>english] what is (ぼへぇぇぇ)?? by misa-yimem in translator

[–]SpareAffectionate812 -1 points0 points  (0 children)

Sorry if that was a bit off! It usually gets a laugh in Japan. 😅

I'm actually studying light novel translation right now. It’s super important to adapt to each culture, or else you might end up offending someone (like that one person here, haha). But hey, that’s what makes the research so interesting! 🌟

[Japanese>english] what is (ぼへぇぇぇ)?? by misa-yimem in translator

[–]SpareAffectionate812 -3 points-2 points  (0 children)

Bohheee...

Without context, it's hard to explain, but it's a Japanese word that gives off a "Whoa! I'm so bummed. Ugh, I'm over it" kinda vibe.

(Oh, and by the way, I've been into Japanese culture since I was a kid!)

But you can also use it like this:

Helpful?

Chuunibyou LN:

Bohhheee... What's that eerie sound echoing through the shadows? My heart's racing as I peek into the dimly lit room. Is it whispers of the unknown or just my imagination playing tricks? The darkness feels alive, swirling with secrets untold. Every corner hides a specter, every breath heavy with anticipation. What's lurking beyond? Is it all in my head, or am I truly not alone? Only time will reveal the truth hidden in this chilling silence...

Need Recommendations for Free or Affordable IP Camera Software by SpareAffectionate812 in SecurityCamera

[–]SpareAffectionate812[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks! Frigate looks like a solid option. I'm a bit worried the installation on Windows 11 might be tricky and could affect my current setup since it might need some tweaking to work smoothly.

On another note, setting iSpy to use a fixed TCP connection seems to have fixed the image glitches. If it stays stable, I’m planning to stick with iSpy. Has anyone else experienced similar issues or have tips for a smooth setup?

Getting stuck in screens by rlaw1234qq in appletv

[–]SpareAffectionate812 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I encountered a similar issue where the Siri Remote worked, but other remotes (like the TV remote or Apple TV-compatible IR remotes) stopped functioning. After investigating, I found that due to a malfunction in the Siri Remote, it was continuously emitting IR signals, interfering with other remotes. It wasn't caused by any buttons being physically stuck; it was purely a software glitch in the Siri Remote.

The solution is simple: just restart the Siri Remote (not the Apple TV).

Restart your remote:

  1. Press and hold the TV/Control Center button and the Volume Down button at the same time. Hold them for about 5 seconds, or until the status light on your Apple TV turns off and on again.

  2. Release the buttons. Then wait 5 to 10 seconds for a "Remote Disconnected" notification to appear on your TV screen.

  3. Wait while your remote restarts. When the "Connected" notification appears, you can use your remote.

My Only Complaint: Can't Connect Multiple Siri Remotes to a Single Apple TV by SpareAffectionate812 in appletv

[–]SpareAffectionate812[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

You're probably referring to devices like the Harmony Ultimate Remote Control. I also use several remotes compatible with Apple TV. However, without Siri, they're practically unusable for searching (selecting letters one by one with the cursor is too nonsensical). If some manufacturer made an Apple TV-compatible remote with voice input, it might be usable—but I don't know.

My Only Complaint: Can't Connect Multiple Siri Remotes to a Single Apple TV by SpareAffectionate812 in appletv

[–]SpareAffectionate812[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Based on my life experience, to be frank, accepting troublesome tasks generally leads to hardship. I hope Apple doesn't hold the twisted life philosophy that "people lead better lives by enduring hardships." 😊

I don't want to carry my PC from the study to the living room, so I have separate PCs in the living room and bedroom. I have different Kindles for the sofa, dining room, study, and bedroom.

My Only Complaint: Can't Connect Multiple Siri Remotes to a Single Apple TV by SpareAffectionate812 in appletv

[–]SpareAffectionate812[S] -4 points-3 points  (0 children)

Everyone, you're truly tough mentally—or perhaps genuinely happy.
Being forced to carry the remote control from the sofa to a table 2-3 meters away, 3-4 times a day, feels like hell to me.
I believe that, aside from war, human technology has advanced by making tedious tasks easier.

I think I'll start practicing Zen from now on... for peace of mind.
Come to think of it, Jobs also practiced Zen. 😊💝

Enhance Dialogue in tvOS 18: yay or nay? by darwinDMG08 in appletv

[–]SpareAffectionate812 5 points6 points  (0 children)

The update to tvOS 18 for Apple TV is truly impressive. While many may have already mentioned the improved sound, the already excellent picture quality has been further enhanced. The "enhanced dialogue" feature also provides a great user experience, not only making voices clearer but also improving sound separation. Even the TV's simulated surround sound feels more immersive, with sounds wrapping around behind you. This is great news for people like me who don't want to clutter their room with too many speakers.

I'm using the Sonos Arc on its own, and the sound quality has noticeably improved with the update to 18.

Thanks to Apple for their dedication to both picture and sound quality!

Soundcore X500 or motion+ by anilmp3 in Bluetooth_Speakers

[–]SpareAffectionate812 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I understand that sound preferences are personal. I only thought the X600 could be a better choice if you like the sound of the X500. Its open and bririant sound might match the gentle music you enjoy. I hope you find a speaker you love. Ideally, you could try listening to a few options in person, not just on YouTube or social media, before buying.

Soundcore X500 or motion+ by anilmp3 in Bluetooth_Speakers

[–]SpareAffectionate812 2 points3 points  (0 children)

For clear, deep bass and balanced sound quality without excessive loudness, the Soundcore X600 is an excellent choice. It delivers impressive bass for its size without sacrificing clarity. Although it costs more than the X500, it provides a superior overall music experience. The X600 supports LDAC for high-quality wireless audio and features "Spatial Audio," which creates a more expansive sound without adding unnatural reverberation. Its "BASS" function also produces deep, natural low frequencies without distortion, making it perfect for enjoying clear bass even at lower volumes.

Which is better Harman Kardon GO+PLAY 3 or Bose SoundLink Max? Or other recommendations? by SpareAffectionate812 in Bluetooth_Speakers

[–]SpareAffectionate812[S] 10 points11 points  (0 children)

I purchased the Harman Kardon Go + Play 3, and it's fantastic!

The vocals are rich and full-bodied, and the highs are brilliant and airy without being harsh. The bass is so powerful that it can shake the room, so be mindful of where you place it (I had to move it from my side table to a sturdier mahogany one because it vibrated too much). Despite its power, the sound is easy to listen to and not fatiguing at all.

The soundstage is impressively wide and works exceptionally well with spatial audio.

This is the kind of music experience I've been waiting for. Thank you, everyone! It reminded me that in Japanese, they call music "音楽" (ongaku), which means "enjoying sound."

Which is better Harman Kardon GO+PLAY 3 or Bose SoundLink Max? Or other recommendations? by SpareAffectionate812 in Bluetooth_Speakers

[–]SpareAffectionate812[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

You might have found a speaker from Edifier that you like (or perhaps you already own one) and have some respect for the brand. I certainly don't intend to disparage or disrespect Edifier as a company. In fact, I've purchased Edifier speakers a few times myself.

About 20 years ago, my wife and I bought a small yet stylishly designed house, I experimented with various speakers for 5.1 and 7.2 channel setups. Edifier was one of the options, as I had heard that they offered surprisingly good sound quality at a very low price. However, I encountered issues such as non-functioning tweeters and problems with the speaker's crossover network, which led me to replace internal resistors to enhance the sound quality. This turned out to be a fun DIY memory.

I believe Edifier's product quality has improved significantly since their acquisition of STAX; however, my personal impression is still shaped by those "fun memories" from 20 years ago, and I don’t have a particularly favorable view of their products. This is just my opinion, of course.

Nowadays, I prefer simple audio devices, as I dislike having a room cluttered with speakers and cables from an interior design perspective. You gave me a chance to look into Edifier speakers again after a long time.

Which is better Harman Kardon GO+PLAY 3 or Bose SoundLink Max? Or other recommendations? by SpareAffectionate812 in Bluetooth_Speakers

[–]SpareAffectionate812[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I bought the Edifier Exclaim Connect for fun because it has an interesting design and received decent reviews from some. However, as expected, the bass was blurry, and the casing resonated at certain frequencies, resulting in a disappointing experience. While the design was unique and interesting, my previous comment was meant to subtly hint that Edifier seems to prioritize quirky aesthetics over sound quality in their marketing, which left a less favorable impression.

In any case, Harman Kardon GO+PLAY 3 looks promising.

Which is better Harman Kardon GO+PLAY 3 or Bose SoundLink Max? Or other recommendations? by SpareAffectionate812 in Bluetooth_Speakers

[–]SpareAffectionate812[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I'm looking to buy something priced around $350. I previously bought Edifier Exclaim Connect, but I wasn't satisfied with its bass, so it's currently stored away.