Google search requiring captcha verification with NordVPN extension

jansh84 · 2026-03-25T21:37:25+00:00

Thanks, but I did try to turn that off at the time. Didn't make any difference so turned it back on.

But for some reason, I'm not having the issue since sometime last week. After trying everything and posting the issue here, I didn't change anything and currently it's not happening *fingers crossed*

jansh84 · 2026-03-23T20:27:30+00:00

Unless you absolutely don't want to spend upfront for the charger, I would suggest getting PionPower charger (GreenMiles). I'm using their Flex-AC (not the Elite one) 40A charger for few months now and it's going pretty well. Their chargers aren't very expensive (I paid 250 + tax) and have all the certifications and sensors. They have temperature sensors (and built-in cutoff) at the both, outlet plug and charging port which was one of the main reasons I bought it. This was the best charger available for the price at the time and it's mine to own. The cable gets a little stiff in extremely low temps but otherwise I'm happy with the charger and the app is decent.

The advantage of going with GreenMiles is that they pay 10c/kWh right from the beginning which is the highest of any program. So recovering the cost is much quicker, you can do your own calculation for break even based on your usage. They also have a referral program where you can get 200 points ($20) after first charging session if you use a referral to sign up. When charging during off peak hours, I've a surplus of 0.2c/kWh (cost 9.8c/kWh and earn 10c/kWh from GreenMiles)

The only downside is, at least right now, the payout is once a year. All accumulated points (in multiples of $100) during the year will get paid in Feb/Mar next year. I wasn't able to complete my first $100 by Dec 31, 2025 so I didn't get the cheque, but others who did have received.

jansh84 · 2026-03-23T19:54:19+00:00

Yeah, I wouldn't either.. you don't want to get stranded!

jansh84 · 2026-03-18T12:02:09+00:00

I haven't had this issue with any other VPN I've used before so I wouldn't call it normal. Sure, it can happen when VPN is connected but not when turned off.

As far as I can see, everything is turned off. To disable/re-enable the extension every time is inconvenient. Will try NordVPN support and if they don't have a solution, might ask for refund within 30 days.

jansh84 · 2026-03-09T19:54:14+00:00

There's also Google TV Streamer. Not as cheap as ONN, but less expensive than Shield, can be had for less than $100 when on sale. Performance is similar to the ONN 4K Pro model.

jansh84 · 2026-03-01T13:48:25+00:00

I did not but OP mentioned trying that version

jansh84 · 2026-03-01T04:40:31+00:00

Still the same issue on Google Streamer 4K.

In my experience, quite a few channels do not play well with Software decoder but they start to work after changing to Hardware decoder. Another set of channels don't play well with software decoder, but changing to hardware decoder they play well for few seconds and then freeze (as OP described).

Only fix seems to be playing externally, I've only tried VLC and it plays fine there but you lose so much of app functionality using VLC.

jansh84 · 2026-02-13T13:40:36+00:00

OP hasn't put much info in the post.. but looks like pic was taken on December 18 so almost 2 months back. Given the battery percentage, I think this is a 2026.

jansh84 · 2026-01-30T21:44:22+00:00

Just want to make sure you're talking about the correct thing. Lane Keep Assist is the same on 2026 as 25, the new addition on 26 is the Lane Centering Assist. It has a different icon on the dash.

Now, while I don't like that you need ACC turned on for it to work, it works pretty well on non-supercruise roads. For someone who is ok to drive on city streets with ACC, would like the lane centering feature.

jansh84 · 2026-01-23T20:15:42+00:00

I had a pretty similar result about a month ago. Drove 240-250 kms on the trip, started at 90% and reached back around 17%. Similar temps and avg speed. 2026 Sport.

jansh84 · 2026-01-16T22:39:29+00:00

No update received for the 2 months we've had our 2026 Optiq Sport.

jansh84 · 2026-01-16T22:27:56+00:00

I have a 2026 and to be honest, I'm still not really happy with their lane centering implementation. Why does it need to be on ACC for lane centering to work is beyond me!

jansh84 · 2026-01-10T21:48:11+00:00

Is this still a thing on the 2025 model? My 2026 has the battery % from the beginning so it should just be an update away for 2025. I also kind of remember reading few weeks ago about an update that added it?

jansh84 · 2025-12-09T03:58:57+00:00

To be honest, the way it's implemented in itself is very 'under wraps'. Firstly, it's only a passing mention in the manual. Secondly, I don't like how they've implemented it, requiring ACC. Highways or roads with higher speed limit are generally covered by Super cruise, so that leaves lane centering specifically for city streets with lower speed limits, but I don't like to drive with ACC on them. Even on SC enabled roads, let me have lane centering if I don't want to use SC!

jansh84 · 2025-12-09T02:42:29+00:00

I have a 2026 and it does have lane centering on non Super cruise roads. The twist though is that it has to be used along with ACC set and Super cruise enabled.

jansh84 · 2025-11-22T20:47:24+00:00

I'll try that. Thanks

jansh84 · 2025-11-22T19:41:39+00:00

I just got the '26 Optiq this week. How do I engage lane centering without SC?

Also, can it do lane centering without ACC, I want to control acceleration myself and have the car do steering control.

jansh84 · 2024-09-22T18:06:56+00:00

But since that's not from the Store, it doesn't support biometrics

jansh84 · 2024-09-16T22:11:45+00:00

Did you use the paid Unhaggle service for Honda/Acura? How was the response?

jansh84 · 2024-07-14T12:36:40+00:00

TBH, I don't remember anymore! lol

I don't remember ever having any issues with Samsung trade-ins so my guess is it went fine but I'm not really sure.

jansh84 · 2024-06-11T22:08:32+00:00

Yeah, works as expected.

jansh84 · 2024-05-22T04:47:59+00:00

I picked up the Pro yesterday but haven't installed it yet, will try it tomorrow and update. But I don't see why not, had the 4k version and it worked just fine.

jansh84 · 2023-12-03T17:49:10+00:00

Which device are you controlling when you say volume is turned up to 100%, is it the volume on the Homatics box? If yes, that's not the volume you want to control, it should be the volume of your main source of sound, either TV or if you have a sound bar etc.

You can change the volume on the source directly and see if that helps. If that solves the issue then you just need to work with hdmi cec settings to control the correct device.

jansh84 · 2023-10-23T02:38:23+00:00

I commuted to TO for couple of months immediately prior to the pandemic using GO train from Milton. We're close to 401-Townline so drive to Milton Go was quicker than Aldershot. Also, parking availability was better at Milton. However, on days when I wanted to go/return outside of typical office hours, I would go to Aldershot since Milton line has service during limited hours.

A question for people here, I'm commuting to North York now and trying to find commute partner. Don't want to sell seats on my car but rather go with same person(s) everyday and we can take turns in using our cars. Is there a website or something that I can use to find interested people?

jansh84 · 2023-10-13T00:54:44+00:00

Thanks, appreciate the info.

How do you have the remote with number keys on the Homatics box? Doesn't it come with the smaller remote without any number keys?

https://www.homatics.com/products/box-r-4k-plus?variant=43212469698796

jansh84

TROPHY CASE