Author: Press Room

This Spotify feature ruined every other music app for me

While this might be concerning (and maybe an indirect cry for help), the first thing I do these days isn’t scroll through Instagram or TikTok. Instead, I plug in my earbuds and put on some music. Honestly, it’s the best way to set the mood for the day. The only time my earbuds really come off is when I’m about to head to bed. That’s all you really need to know when I say I live and breathe music. I’ve tried a lot of music streaming apps over the years, and Spotify’s still my go-to. And honestly, there’s one feature…

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You probably already have a media server with emergency power backup lying around in your house

If you’re struggling to keep up with your ever-growing media library, setting up your own media server is a wise move. However, when it comes to creating one, most of us dismiss the idea immediately, thinking it’s an expensive or overly complicated affair. In reality, though, it’s a different story, as you don’t need expensive hardware to have your own media server. Your old laptop lying around at home is a capable media server, and it basically also has its own emergency power backup. Convenience, flexibility, cost savings, and more Image by Jayric Maning –no attributions requiredCredit: Jayric Maning / MakeUseOf…

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The plug-in Alfa Romeo Tonale gave me (most of) the thrills I expect from an Italian brand

Introduction Looking for a premium crossover SUV that’s a little different from the myriad Audi Q3s filling our roads? Try the distinctive Alfa Romeo Tonale. I’ve been driving the Sport Speciale launch edition in resplendent metallic Brera Red, and there’s no denying this car has a stronger personality than most of its rivals – petrol or electric. Alfa has also given the Tonale a whole new lease of life with a plug-in hybrid powertrain that offers sprightly performance and economy in equal measure. There’s a standard issue (but pokier in the power department) petrol version, but the four-wheel drive PHEV…

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6 most exciting sci-fi and fantasy films to look forward to for the rest of 2025

2025 has been a good year for movies: the new DC Cinematic Universe got off to a great start with Superman, original films like Sinners and Weapons have kept people talking, and we even got an arthouse epic in One Battle After Another, which has done a lot of good for Hollywood. And a lot of the heaviest hitters have yet to arrive. In particular, the remainder of 2025 has some huge sci-fi, fantasy, and horror films that are sure to tear the roof off the theater and pack the box office. We wouldn’t want you to go in unprepared.…

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This app made me love owning my music again

I’ve been a streaming addict for years, bouncing between Spotify, YouTube Music, Apple Music, and just about every other music app with a play button. But somewhere along the way, all those subscriptions and algorithm-picked playlists started to wear me out. I began to miss the old-school joy of actually owning my music and building a library that reflected my own taste, not some algorithm’s. That’s when I stumbled on Musicolet, a really good free Android offline music player that brings back that sense of control. It has a clear purpose: to play your local files, and only your local…

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The smartest sci-fi series on Netflix right now isn’t the one you think

There’s no shortage of good sci-fi series on Netflix. Black Mirror has been scrambling people’s brains for over a decade now, Dark is so dense you need to make a spreadsheet to even keep track of what’s happening, and the final season of Stranger Things is about to become one of the most-watched shows in the streamer’s history, regardless of how long it took to get here. But if you’re looking for a sci-fi series that will make you think, you need to check out 3 Body Problem. It’s not the biggest sci-fi series on the service, but it may…

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I used Jellyfin for a week and realized I don’t need Plex on my TV anymore

I’ve been running an experiment with Plex for a good while, taking my small collection of DVDs and Blu-rays, ripping them, and hosting them on a separate computer of mine. I even tried using Plex for audiobooks, and it was very successful. But now I’ve set my sights on a new goal: downgrading my collection for Jellyfin. Essentially, I don’t want to fill my home with rows of hard drives—the original scope of my idea was too big. And the way I see it, Plex offers a lot of neat features that I do enjoy, but aren’t necessary for my…

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Spotify isn’t perfect, but here’s why I won’t leave it

I remember being amazed when I first tried Spotify on a friend’s computer in 2011, shortly after it launched in the US. Being able to choose any song you wanted was so much better than the Pandora model of hearing music similar to an artist. I joined Spotify in 2012, then subscribed to Premium in 2013 and have been using it ever since. While no service is perfect, I’m happy with it and plan to keep sticking with Spotify for the long run. It holds over a decade of my music history Unless I have a major problem with an…

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Best watches for men in 2025 for every style and budget

A watch isn’t just about telling the time. It says something about who you are, connects you to tradition, and, for many people, becomes a piece they’ll keep for life. Slip one on and it can change how you feel – whether you’re in work mode, out exploring, or suiting up for a big event. In this guide, we’ve pulled together some of the best watches for men. You’ll find famous names that have shaped watchmaking history, along with designs that balance style, engineering, and heritage. There’s something here for every taste – from clean, understated dress pieces to tougher…

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Ikea’s tiny bed for your smartphone isn’t as stupid as it sounds

Ikea – of flat-pack furniture fame – has created a new object of joy: a tiny bed. Not for your child. Not even for your much-loved pet. But for your smartphone. Assuming it isn’t a slice of viral satire (leading to panic when Ikea realises it actually has to make the thing), the bed is modelled on one of the company’s own. It even has a little duvet. The reaction online has, predictably, been a perfect blend of confusion, ridicule and “AWW, CUTE!” Honestly, though, I think Ikea’s smartphone bed is genius. Because, let’s face it, most of us are useless at…

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