In today’s society, it’s rare to spot an iPhone user without their device, given its multifunctionality beyond mere calling. With an app available for nearly every purpose, from checking the weather to streaming videos, iPhones have become indispensable tools. Whether you need a note-taking app or wish to engage your mind actively, there’s a plethora of options to choose from.

1. Elevate

In 2014, Elevate clinched Apple’s prestigious App of the Year accolade, and since then, its momentum has remained unwavering. Garnering an impressive 4.8 out of 5 rating from a staggering 400,000 users, it remains accessible without cost. Users can opt to engage in gameplay or utilize its study feature, particularly beneficial for addressing shortcomings in specific subjects such as writing, speaking, reading, math, and memory.

Each subject encompasses multiple subtopics, ensuring a continual stream of learning material. Tailored to individual usage patterns, personalized daily games are provided, with the first three offered at no charge. Users are presented with a choice between two session styles for each game. However, accessing all five daily training slots necessitates a subscription upgrade. Subscriptions are available at three tiers: $9.99 per month, $39.99 per year, or a lifetime option priced at $399.99.

2. Impulse

Impulse stands as a well-received brain-training application, boasting a commendable 4.7/5 rating from an extensive user base of over 500,000 individuals. Employing a badge-based reward system, it incentivizes users to maintain engagement and advance through various levels of puzzles and free games. Moreover, the app offers a range of tests assessing cognitive abilities such as left or right-brain dominance and IQ levels. However, to unlock the full array of features, including additional games, users must opt for a subscription, available at $6.99 weekly or a $99.99 lifetime option.

Notably, Impulse also presents challenges designed to pique the interest of competitive individuals, such as The Artist Challenge held in February 2024, which entailed completing 100 levels in the Draw One Line game. Furthermore, the app supports multiple languages, making it highly inclusive and accessible to a diverse audience.

3. Brain Test

Brain Test is an app that you can download and enjoy without any cost. While there are optional in-app purchases available for upgrades or ad removal, they’re not obligatory for gameplay. With a remarkable rating of 4.8/5 from a vast user base, the app’s appeal is evident. Unlike other brain-testing apps with various categories, Brain Test offers a straightforward experience where you progress through levels, each presenting a new puzzle. Furthermore, it’s convenient for offline play, not relying on internet connectivity.

However, one drawback is its initial complexity, which may confuse users due to its highly interactive nature. While it begins with simple questions, subsequent challenges may require moving pieces around without clear instructions provided by the app. Though hints are available, players need to use them judiciously to avoid exhausting their resources prematurely.

4. Peak

Peak is a brain training application renowned for its stimulating exercises and challenges, boasting an impressive rating of 4.7 out of 5 from a vast user base exceeding 140,000 individuals. While the free version offers a restricted range of games, opting for the subscription unlocks all 48 games, tailored Pro workouts, and an ad-free interface. Subscription options include $8.99 per month, $34.99 annually, or a one-time payment of $99.99 for lifetime access.

Customization is a key feature, allowing users to tailor their training sessions according to their preferences. Upon initial setup, users are prompted to select areas for improvement, such as memory, language proficiency, cognitive agility, and emotional intelligence, among others. An assessment follows to gauge proficiency levels in chosen subjects.

Moreover, the app seamlessly integrates with Apple Watch, although the games are simplified to accommodate the smaller screen size.

5. Duolingo

Chances are, you’re familiar with Duolingo, but if not, it’s a language-learning application. Keeping your mind sharp doesn’t always require solving little math problems or spelling tests; dedicating a few minutes each day to learning a new language can achieve the same effect. Duolingo boasts a remarkable 4.7/5 rating from 2.5 million users, offering a variety of languages to learn. Whether you’re aiming to converse in Spanish at your next meal or greet someone in Japanese, Duolingo has you covered. Additionally, the app now offers courses in math and music, which is particularly beneficial for schoolchildren seeking extra assistance with their studies.

The app itself is free to download, allowing users to enroll in as many courses as they desire each day. However, there’s a catch with the free version: after missing five questions, users must wait until their chances are replenished. Subscribing, on the other hand, provides unlimited attempts, enabling users to dedicate entire days to mastering their chosen language. The subscription fee is $83.99 per year or $9.99 per month.

6. Words With Friends 2

Many brain-testing applications typically include a section focused on language or vocabulary. However, have you considered engaging in a popular word game that not only connects you with people worldwide but also enables interaction with your family and friends? Words With Friends has been a longstanding favorite, and in 2017, Zynga released an enhanced version titled Words With Friends 2, which garnered significant praise and popularity, evidenced by its impressive 4.6/5 star rating from over 670,000 reviews—far surpassing the original game’s acclaim.

Engaging in word games has been shown to offer numerous cognitive benefits. Beyond strategic thinking, playing such games enhances attention, language proficiency, memory, and processing speed. With the updated features in Words With Friends 2, players can now enjoy more than traditional Scrabble-style gameplay against opponents. The app introduces solo challenges and crossword puzzles, expanding the range of brain-stimulating activities available. Thus, not only does playing these games provide mental exercise, but it also promises enjoyment and entertainment.

How we selected these brain-training iPhone apps

The iPhone cognitive enhancement applications mentioned in this piece were carefully chosen following extensive technological evaluation. Furthermore, personal encounters with these applications and positive feedback from users who have installed and utilized them were factored in. Each of these applications has garnered a rating of at least four out of five stars and can be downloaded for free. Nonetheless, certain apps may necessitate a subscription for access to all or additional features. We recommend conducting further research to ascertain whether these applications align with your preferences before committing to any subscription fees.

The best free video editing software lets you make great home movies for little investment

1. HitFilm Express

Hitfilm Express is one of the best value packages among the best video editing software, not just because it’s free to start, but also because you can add on more features at reasonable prices. The program is compatible with both Macs and PCs, and also supports discrete Nvidia and AMD GPUs for threaded rendering and decoding. 

Our favorite new tool of Hitfilm Express is auto-stabilization, which helps smooth out shaky footage. Other new features include WAV audio exports, a crop and pan/zoom effect, a GoPro FX reference effect, a color adjustment effect. While Hitfilm Express can be a little intimidating for beginners, we like its low cost to entry and affordable and scalable features.

2. DaVinci Resolve 17

A powerful pro-level, cross platform app, you’ll want to use DaVinci Resolve on a system with discrete graphics to get the most out of this video editor. The latest version of DaVinci incorporates Fusion, previously a stand-alone application, which brings with it four high-end video-production modules for editing, color correction, audio production, and video effects and motion graphics. 

DaVinci is quite powerful, but has a bit of a learning curve. If its 256-page manual doesn’t intimidate you, high-level enthusiasts will find a lot of tools at their disposal.

DaVinci Resolve is now on version 17, and the latest build includes a major upgrade to Fairlight, its audio editing workspace. It also gives free users the ability to collaborate on a project simultaneously — something that you previously had to pay for. Previous versions have included the addition of a Neural Engine that uses machine learning for such things as facial recognition and speed warp and it also has a new Cut Page, a streamlined interface for editors who need to turn projects around quickly.

3. Lightworks

If you want proof of the regard in which Lightworks is held, consider that the Pro version has been used to create multiple award-winning movies including Pulp Fiction, The Wolf of Wall Street and Jerry Maguire.

Even the free version has a wide range of fairly advanced tools, including some impressive audio-editing options, VFX, color adjustments and more. Against that, output maxes out at 720p — which may work if you’re just making a home movie to share with relatives, but not for anything more serious. 

Upgrade to the Pro version for $24/month or $240/year and you’ll unlock 4K output plus a raft of other features including to the Boris Graffiti plugin, extra import features, advanced project sharing, timeline rendering and more. Or, for a one-off fee of $390, you can buy it outright and get all of the above plus Boris FX. 

The interface may take a little getting used to compared to some programs, but it’s still simple enough for a novice to master with a little help from the many tutorials and as a further bonus it works with almost every platform, including Windows, Mac and Linux.

4. Apple iMovie

Apple iMovie is the best video editing software for novice filmmakers on Macs, combining professional trailers and themes, abundant special effects and an easy-to-learn interface. In addition, it’s free, so this is a great place to start, or if you need to do simple video edits. iMovie now supports 4K editing and sharing, as well as extended handling to video shot at 1080p and 60 fps. Recent updates tweaked the interface and added Touch Bar support for the latest MacBooks.

One of the other benefits of iMovie is that you can work on the same project on either a Mac laptop or desktop, then switch over to your iPad to continue your editing. It’s a very handy feature for those who need the flexibility.

5. VSDC

VSDC has a hybrid layout that incorporates controls for both creating and editing video projects, along with links to instructional videos, which are a big help when navigating through its interface. VSDC is a non-linear editor, which gives you some more flexibility when editing, but that means it has a bigger learning curve than more traditional video editing software.

VSDC is not bad for basic edits, but its interface has a learning curve, and it lacks a few popular features. VSDC is also a Windows-only program. If you upgrade to the pro version of VSDC for $20 (good for one year for two machines), you get additional features such as technical support, a full multimedia suite, advanced settings, hardware acceleration, sub-pixel resolution, a masking tool, chroma key functionality and a visible audio waveform. The latest version, VSDC 7.1, upgrades the GUI and LUT editors and adds new effects and custom shortcuts, among other things.

6. Shotcut

Shotcut is a free, open-source, cross-platform video editor for Windows, Mac and Linux that works with a variety of video resolutions and more esoteric codecs. The platform-agnostic Shotcut appeals to prosumer and enthusiast filmmakers with its broad format support and abundant audio and video effects and editing features. However, its learning curve might be a bit much for novice users, and it lacks an easy way to share videos to popular social media sites.

We like that Shotcut’s interface starts out sparsely populated; you can add windows as you see fit, though it can get cluttered quickly. In addition to being cross-platform, Shotcut also works pretty well on systems that don’t have discrete graphics, making it more accessible to those who don’t have thousands to spend on the latest GPUs. 

It’s also regularly updated with new features. Recent updates included a 15-band (graphic) equalizer plus notes and voiceover options, so updates aren’t just big fixes.

7. Movie Maker online

Movie Maker Online is just that: a web-based video editing program, which means that you can use it on any computer with a web browser. That gives it an advantage over some of the best free video editing software packages, as there’s no need for you to have a super-fast machine or lots of hard drive space. 

It also includes free music and stock photos you can add to your video, plus there’s the ability to add transitions and some basic effects. But don’t expect HitFilm levels of sophistication. Movie Maker Online’s interface is a bit confusing — for instance, the timeline runs vertically rather than horizontally — and there are other restrictions, such as the fact that you can only export in MP4 format. The ads are intrusive, too, but for making short films without much fuss it’s certainly worth a look.

Paid , the best video editing software lets you make great home movies for little investment

Best paid video editing software in 2024 : Accessing top-tier video editing software is crucial for regular video content creators, whether you’re a novice filmmaker, a seasoned hobbyist, or a professional cinematographer. Having the appropriate tools is essential for achieving desired results.

Today’s best video editing software offerings are more robust than ever, offering comprehensive features necessary for crafting professional-grade videos. Moreover, even the most advanced software is designed to be user-friendly, with tutorials and intuitive interfaces catering to beginners. Additionally, cost shouldn’t deter you, as many options are affordable, with most on our list priced under $100, and there are excellent free packages available as well, which we’ve outlined below.

After thorough testing, we believe that Adobe Premiere Elements stands out as the top choice for most users. While it may lack some advanced functionalities, its user-friendly interface and gentle learning curve make it ideal for both beginners and professionals who value ease of use. Nevertheless, it’s not the sole option available, so to aid you in making an informed decision, we’ve assessed various products based on their features, ease of use, and value for money. Without further delay, delve into our selections for the best video editing software.

THE BEST VIDEO EDITING SOFTWARE YOU CAN BUY TODAY

These are our top three picks for the title of best video editor in 2024. However, there are more to choose from than just these three, and others may suit your needs better. Read on to see the whole list.

1. Adobe Premiere Elements 2022

When considering user-friendliness, advanced functionalities, and options for video output, Adobe Premiere Elements emerges as the top choice for most users across platforms. This software utilizes Adobe’s Sense.ai artificial intelligence, streamlining the editing process. Its Guided Edits feature is particularly beneficial for newcomers, providing clear guidance through the editing process. Additionally, it offers support for 4K resolutions and stabilized video, along with tools for selective edits, double-exposure video, and real-time effects. Output options include social media formats, video reframing, and compatibility with vertical videos.

Despite its strengths, Adobe Premiere Elements does have some limitations, such as the absence of 360-degree video editing and multicam editing support. Nevertheless, it stands out as the most comprehensive option among the video editing software we’ve assessed.

2. CyberLink PowerDirector 365

Finally, CyberLink PowerDirector is now compatible with Mac operating systems in addition to Windows, offering an impressive range of innovative video editing features presented in an intuitive and visually appealing interface to a broader audience.

CyberLink provides various versions of PowerDirector: PowerDirector Ultra ($99) and PowerDirector Ultimate ($139) are available as one-time purchases, whereas PowerDirector 365 ($69.99/year) operates on a subscription basis, incorporating Shutterstock integration, along with unlimited access to CyberLink’s background music and video editing plugins. (A detailed comparison can be found here).

While Mac users might consider exploring alternative software options, as the Windows version of PowerDirector 365 boasts a more extensive set of features and tools compared to its Mac counterpart, such as the absence of support for importing 360 photos and videos, there are still plenty of compelling features to captivate many users.

3. Corel VideoStudio Ultimate

For a while now, Corel has stood as a competitor to Adobe in the realm of video editing software. This rivalry persists with VideoStudio Ultimate, a top-notch editing package tailored for beginners using the Windows platform.

VideoStudio presents a robust yet user-friendly application suitable for those seeking to craft straightforward videos efficiently, avoiding the complexities of intricate controls. Its streamlined interface, though minimalistic, hosts a vast array of features, including 4K support, 360-degree video editing, multicam support, over 2,000 effects, advanced lens-correction tools, and 3D text editing capabilities. One notable drawback is its exclusivity to Windows, and customization of the workspace isn’t as seamless compared to other software options.

4. VideoPad

VideoPad stands out among top-tier video editing software by being compatible with both Mac and PC systems, expanding its accessibility. However, it’s worth noting that the Windows version offers more features compared to its Mac counterpart.

Although you can obtain a free non-commercial version of VideoPad, it comes with bothersome notifications, making the paid versions preferable. The Home Edition ($39) and Master’s Edition ($69) eliminate these notifications while also unlocking additional features like unlimited audio tracks and plugins.

Despite lacking the flashy appeal of some commercial alternatives, VideoPad remains a dependable choice for basic video editing needs. It supports various resolution options for platforms such as YouTube, Facebook, Flickr, Dropbox, and Google Drive, catering to diverse user preferences.

5. Final Cut Pro X

Final Cut Pro X and Adobe Premiere Pro are closely matched in terms of their extensive features and suitability for professional video editing. Both are widely recognized in the industry, making it challenging to declare one superior to the other overall. However, notable distinctions exist between them.

One significant difference lies in their pricing structures. While Adobe Premiere Pro operates on a subscription basis, Final Cut Pro does not. Nevertheless, Final Cut Pro comes with a relatively high initial cost. Although it may prove more economical in the long term compared to monthly subscriptions, some users may hesitate to invest such a substantial sum upfront. Fortunately, Final Cut Pro offers a complimentary 90-day trial period, allowing users ample time to explore its capabilities before committing.

While Adobe Premiere Pro seamlessly integrates with Creative Cloud, making it an ideal choice for those working primarily within that ecosystem, Final Cut Pro aligns seamlessly with the broader Apple environment. It leverages the power of Metal for exceptionally fast graphics processing and is optimized for Mac Pro.

Final Cut Pro boasts a plethora of advanced features, such as the Magnetic Timeline, extensive range-of-effect options, and intelligent Smart Conform cropping, which intelligently follows the dominant motion on the screen to preserve essential content. It is designed to be intuitive, efficient, and tailored for Mac users. Unless users are strongly committed to Creative Cloud, Final Cut Pro presents a compelling array of advantages.

6. Pinnacle Studio

Pinnacle Studio, developed by Corel, the same company behind VideoStudio Ultimate, earns its place among the top video editing software options. Catering to a more professional user base compared to VideoStudio, Pinnacle offers extensive features including multicam video support, stop-motion animation, motion tracking, 360-degree VR, and 4K video capabilities.

Recent updates have significantly improved the user interface, making the software more intuitive and enjoyable to work with, although occasional bugs or sluggish performance may still arise. The Home screen provides access to tutorials, news, feature updates, and add-ons, aiding users in getting started. Import, Edit, and Export modes encompass all necessary tools for creating high-quality videos.

Pinnacle excels in rendering speed and boasts a rich library of effects along with robust audio editing capabilities. Advanced features such as video masking, clip nesting, LUT presets, and batch processing cater to the needs of professional editors.

For enthusiasts of Corel’s products, Pinnacle’s refined appearance and comprehensive set of professional-grade features will feel familiar and welcoming.

7. Filmora9

Filmora9 by Wondershare stands out as an excellent choice for aspiring video editors and beginners dipping their toes into the craft. Its interface is refreshingly straightforward, facilitating easy comprehension and navigation, while boasting a wide array of effects and filters that can effortlessly enhance footage (much to the delight of YouTubers). Additionally, its royalty-free sound library, featuring a plethora of effects and music, empowers users to infuse their projects with emotion and creativity.

While it may not offer the advanced functionalities present in Final Cut Pro or Adobe Premiere Pro, such as motion tracking, multicam support, or VR capabilities, it’s important to note that Filmora9 caters to a different audience and skill level. Furthermore, it remains accessible with its affordable pricing structure – a fully-featured free version (albeit with a watermark) and a watermark-free full version priced at just $59.99, inclusive of full user support.

For newcomers seeking a user-friendly yet potent editing tool that won’t break the bank, Filmora9 emerges as a compelling choice to kickstart their journey in video editing.

How to unsubscribe from emails in Gmail

If you’re seeking information on how to stop receiving emails in Gmail, it’s likely that you’re bothered by persistent messages from various companies. It’s possible that you unintentionally subscribed to newsletters during the sign-up process for a service or product purchase. Perhaps you overlooked deselecting the marketing preferences option, granting permission for the sender to inundate you with promotional content.

No need to fret—Gmail offers a remarkably swift method to unsubscribe from emails with just a single click or tap. This is a fundamental skill to acquire when familiarizing yourself with Gmail. Below, you’ll find instructions on unsubscribing from emails in Gmail, covering both the desktop browser site and the smartphone app.

How to unsubscribe from emails in Gmail

We’ve completed the following steps on an iPhone 15 Pro using the Gmail iOS app, although the steps are exactly the same if using the Android app or the desktop website.

1. Open an email

In the Gmail app, open an email you want to unsubscribe from.

2. Tap the Unsubscribe button

Now simply tap the unsubscribe button. Whatever platform you’re on, it’ll be next to the sender’s contact information at the top of the email. Note that not all emails can be unsubscribed from — only the ones Gmail deems to be from mailing lists.

3. Tap Unsubscribe again

Now tap Unsubscribe again when prompted.

This portable printer delivers great photo quality and is friendly on the pocketbook.

The Canon Pixma TR150 is a compact, portable inkjet printer offering basic features and solid performance. The TR150 is a single function printer; it does not copy or scan. What it does offer, however, is a compact size that can be carried in a standard backpack.

The printer alone uses a standard wall outlet. For off-the-grid printing, you can purchase the bundle with printer and mobile battery for under $250. The battery should last up to 330 sheets on a full charge.

Canon Pixma TR150 review: Design

The TR150 is small, measuring 12.7 x 7.3 x 2.6 inches, when closed for travel. The lid lifts up to serve as a 50-sheet input paper tray, dropping a front flap to reveal the output slot. The vertical paper tray increases the depth to 12.1 inches, and the height to 9.7 inches.

At 4.5 pounds, the printer is rather lightweight for a portable model. Attaching the optional battery to the back of the unit increases the weight to 5.1 pounds. By comparison, the HP OfficeJet 250 weighs 6.7 pounds, with battery.

Opening the lid reveals the control panel on the top of the body. There is a four-way control, a small 1.4-inch monochrome OLED display, and a wireless connectivity button. 

There are no memory card slots. The USB port is on the right panel, near the back, next to the power port.  It offers Wi-Fi and Wi-Fi Direct support, and comes with a USB-C cable. In addition to AirPrint, Google Cloud Print, and Mopria support, the TR150 also offers support for voice commands via Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, and supports the pairing of devices using IFTTT (If This Then That).

Canon Pixma TR150 review: Print speed

The Pixma TR150 performed well in our testing, printing a five-page text document in 40.5 seconds. or 7.4 pages per minute (ppm). The average for portable printers is 6.9 ppm. By contrast, our top-ranked portable printer, the HP OfficeJet 250, was faster, printing text at 9 ppm.

The TR150 was quick to print text from an iPhone 7, turning in the fastest times we’ve recorded on this test. The TR150 printed a single page in just 10.3 seconds, and a five-page document in 38.7 seconds, or 7.8 ppm. Other portable models averaged 14.6 seconds on a single page, and 1 minute and 3 seconds (or, 4.8 ppm) on the five-page document. By comparison, the HP Tango X printed a page of text in 11.3 seconds. Several other models were significantly slower to print the five-page text document, such as the Epson WorkForce EC-C110, at a much slower 54.3 seconds, or 5.5 ppm.

The TR150 was slightly faster than the average on mixed text and color graphics. It printed our six-page PDF in 2 minutes and 22 seconds, or 2.5 ppm. That’s just a hair faster than the category average (2.4 ppm), but lagged behind the  HP OfficeJet 250, which printed the same document in just under 2 minutes, at 3.1 ppm.

Photo printing speed also was faster than the category average. From a Windows PC, the TR150 made a 4-by-6-inch glossy photo print at default settings in 1 minute and 4.8 seconds, versus the average of 1 minute and 11 seconds. Printing at high resolution, the TR150 made the same glossy print in 1 minute and 45 seconds, which was significantly faster than the category average of 2 minutes and 6 seconds. The HP OfficeJet 250, however, was twice as fast at default and high-resolution settings, making 4-by-6-inch glossy prints in 37.6 and 49.5 seconds, respectively.

Printing from an iPhone 7, the TR150 printed at comparable speed to printing from a PC, making a 4-by-6-inch glossy at default settings in 1 minute and 5 seconds. The Canon iOS app did not offer a high-resolution setting.

Canon Pixma TR150 review: Print quality

Text printed a little on the light side, rather than in a rich black. Edges of letterforms looked a little rough, and not razor sharp. Color graphics printed on plain paper looked a little washed-out, and banding was visible. The graphics also lacked the sharper details, stronger contrast and richer color saturation of better-looking prints, such as from the HP OfficeJet 250. Pixels were more visible in the TR150’s graphics prints.

Glossy photo prints, however, were top-notch. Details looked very sharp and color saturation was very pleasing. In particular, the colors in our landscape photo looked very natural. By comparison, the same print made by the HP OfficeJet 250 looked a little unnatural due to hyped-up yellow shades.

Canon Pixma TR150 review: Ink cost and yield

The printer takes two ink cartridges: A dye-based ink cartridge with three colors (cyan, magenta, yellow), plus black. The second cartridge holds a pigment-based black ink.

The Pixma TR150 offers low ink costs for a portable printer. At 7.5 cents per text page, it is well below the 8.9 cents category average. By contrast, the HP OfficeJet 250 offers an estimated cost of 9 cents per text page. 

The same is true for color pages: At 14.8 cents, the TR150 offers the lowest color page cost of the portable printers we’ve tested. Buying an ink cartridge bundle should lower that cost to roughly 12.7 cents. By comparison, the HP OfficeJet 250 has the highest estimated color page ink cost we’ve seen, at 23 cents, and only lowers that cost per page to 17.3 cents when using high-yield cartridges (which are not available for the TR150).

Canon Pixma TR150 review: Setup and software

Setting up the TR150 was simple. You only need to remove a couple pieces of packaging tape. You lift the lid to reveal the cartridge bay, and first install the print head, which you insert in a similar way to the two ink cartridges, which follow. You download the software online, or insert the installation disc in your PC. I used my iPhone to capture the included QR code in order to launch the online setup instructions. After the printer performs a print head alignment, and you print a test page, you’re ready to go. 

To ease the wireless setup, the TR150 has a dedicated wireless connect button on its control panel. Following menu instructions on the 1.4-inch OLED screen, I used the WPS connect method; pressing the WPS button on my wireless router put the TR150 on my network.

Alternatively, you can use Wi-Fi Direct and setup the TR150 as the wireless network connection on your mobile device. I had trouble with my first attempts to do this with my iPhone 7; one possible culprit is that my home wireless network was set to “auto join” and thus interfering with the printer connection. After turning off “auto join”, I connected successfully and printed to the TR150 over Wi-Fi Direct.

The TR150 starts up quickly, displaying its home screen menu in just 4.2 seconds.

Canon Pixma TR150 review: Verdict

The Canon Pixma TR150 performed solidly across our tests. Text printing, in particular, was fast—both from a PC and an iPhone. Color graphics and photo print speeds were faster than the average, and a quick startup time under 5 seconds will get you working quickly. Low ink costs make this portable Pixma very attractive to the pocketbook, and the high quality of the photo prints is tough to match. Text and color graphics quality on plain paper, however, left a little bit to be desired. 

By comparison, the top-ranked HP OfficeJet 250 is faster, makes copies and scans, and offers superior plain-paper print quality—but it’s also larger and much more expensive.

Apple could enter the foldable race very late

An iPhone Flip or foldable iPad could be with us as soon as 2027. Rumors about the possibility of an Apple foldable have been circulating for a while now, but new information might give us our most solid release prediction yet.

According to a post on X from @Tech_Reve, one source has confirmed that the first Apple foldable could be released in 2027. They also claim that panels for the rumored foldable iPad mini are set to be mass-produced in 2026, which means a possible release for the product in 2026, although 2027 seems more likely.  This new information matches the information we have heard from other sources about this date.

Apple was originally rumored to be holding off on creating any form of foldable iPad until they had finished switching over to OLED screens. This led to many sources stating that we would not see any foldable iPad for at least a few years. Meanwhile, there were rumors that we would see a foldable phone in 2025 (via @mingchikuo) that could be a mix of both an iPad and an iPhone, but that seems unlikely now. 

However, according to Tech_Reve, this 2027 schedule could be moved up due to several factors. The main reason is the recent drop is Apple’s revenue projections, which were lower than Wall Street’s forecasts (via Barrons). Apple also experienced a revenue drop in China, where it faces serious competition from Huawei. As such, the release of a foldable model could be the push that Apple needs to increase sales again. 

We have also had some other information regarding how the phone would work. Supposedly Apple would use an 8-inch screen, similar in size to the 8.3-inch iPad mini, but larger than the 7.6-inch inner display of the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5, which offers a 7.6-inch display when it’s opened up. There are also rumors about a feature that will allow the phone to close slightly if it is dropped, thus protecting the inner screen.

Apple’s plans to launch a foldable phone don’t appear to be fully solid yet, and we don’t have much idea of what such a device would actually look like. There’s even a recently discovered patent that suggests Apple is considering an extendable display device instead of a foldable one. However, the existence of a patent does not mean a device using the idea will ever be made.

However, at the moment all we know about Apple’s overall plan for a foldable phone is based on rumors. We’ve seen leaks of how it might be designed and heard reports of a partnership with Samsung for the manufacturing of flexible screens. But we won’t know anything for certain until Apple formally announces such a device, and this new rumor makes it seem like it’s at least two years away in the best-case scenario.

AdSense is updating its revenue share-structure and moving to per-impression payments for publishers.

Two decades ago, Google AdSense was created with the goal of assisting publishers of all scales in earning revenue from their websites. Our user-friendly ad network simplified the realm of digital advertising by facilitating the connection between publishers and advertisers worldwide, enabling them to sell their advertising space. Presently, we distribute billions of dollars each year to our ad network’s publishing partners. This empowers content creators to focus more on their core strengths, which is crafting exceptional content.

As the advertising industry has progressed, so too have the monetization options available to publishers. Nowadays, website owners employ a combination of direct sales, ad networks, and sell-side platforms to market their ad space, often utilizing multiple technologies simultaneously.

Hence, we’re introducing two modifications: revising AdSense’s revenue-sharing model and transitioning to a payment model based on impressions. These adjustments will offer publishers a consistent means of comparing the diverse fees associated with the technologies they utilize for monetization. Additionally, they will enhance transparency in the media-buying process.

Our testing indicates that these updates are unlikely to affect publishers’ earnings.

Updating the AdSense revenue share structure

AdSense has maintained transparency regarding its service fee, which aligns with industry standards. When content creators opt for AdSense to monetize their content, they retain 68% of the generated revenue.

Previously, AdSense processed fees in a single transaction. Now, they have divided the revenue sharing into distinct rates for the buy-side and sell-side. For displaying ads with AdSense for content, publishers will receive 80% of the revenue after the advertiser platform, be it Google’s buy-side or third-party platforms, deducts its fee.

For instance, if Google Ads buys display ads on AdSense, Google Ads will typically retain around 15% of the advertiser’s spending. There may be variations because Google Ads charges based on user actions like clicks or conversions, rather than a fixed per-impression fee. In the end, publishers will continue to receive approximately 68% of the revenue.

When advertisers utilize a third-party platform to purchase display ads on AdSense, publishers will keep 80% of the revenue after the third-party platform subtracts its fee. It’s important to note that Google has no control over, nor insight into, the fees these third-party platforms charge advertisers or their fee calculation methods.

Moving to per-impression payments for publishers

In addition to revising our revenue-sharing structure, AdSense is set to shift from primarily compensating publishers based on clicks to align with the industry standard of paying per ad impression. This modification aims to create a consistent payment method for publishers across Google’s offerings and third-party platforms, facilitating comparisons with other tech providers they utilize.

It’s essential to emphasize that this adjustment won’t impact the type or quantity of ads that publishers can display on their websites. Publishers within our ad network must adhere to our AdSense policies and the Better Ads Standards, which prohibit practices such as pop-ups or intrusive ads that dominate the screen.

We anticipate these changes to be implemented early next year, and they won’t require any action on the part of publishers.

Advertising technology plays a crucial role in supporting the diverse and creative content we all enjoy online. That’s why we have dedicated years to enhancing AdSense, making it easier for publishers of all sizes to generate revenue and expand. As the internet continues to evolve, our commitment remains firm in contributing to the open web and maintaining access to content, which is sustained by advertising, all while simplifying and offering transparency throughout the process.

According to Dan Taylor, Vice President of Global Ads, these alterations will establish a uniform method for publishers to evaluate varying charges associated with the diverse technologies they employ for revenue generation.

Google is implementing two important modifications to its digital advertising service, AdSense, set to become effective early next year. According to Dan Taylor, Vice President, Global Ads, in a recent blog post, these alterations aim to establish a consistent method for publishers to compare the various fees associated with the technologies they use for monetization. Additionally, they seek to enhance transparency in the media-buying process.

Nonetheless, Google does not anticipate that publishers will notice a change in their earnings due to these updates.

AdSense will soon transition from its primary payment method of per-click to the industry-standard practice of per-impression payment. This transition is expected to create a more uniform way of compensating publishers for their ad space across Google’s products and third-party platforms, facilitating comparisons with other technology providers they employ.

Furthermore, there is a modification to the AdSense revenue structure, wherein fees are no longer processed in a single transaction. Previously, when publishers opted to use AdSense for monetizing their content, they retained 68% of the revenue, with the Google AdSense network processing all fees in one go.

Now, the AdSense revenue sharing model is split into distinct rates for the buy-side and sell-side. For displaying ads using AdSense for content, publishers will receive 80% of the revenue after the advertiser platform deducts its fee, whether it’s Google’s buy-side or third-party platforms.

Taylor clarifies this with an example, stating, “For instance, when Google Ads purchases display ads on AdSense, Google Ads will, on average, retain 15% of the advertiser spend. There may be variations because Google Ads doesn’t charge a fixed, per-impression fee, as many advertisers opt for payment based on user actions, such as clicks or conversions. Overall, publishers will still retain around 68% of the revenue.”

When advertisers employ a third-party platform to acquire display ads on AdSense, publishers will keep 80% of the revenue after the third-party platform has accounted for its fee. Google does not have control over or visibility into the fees charged by these third-party platforms to advertisers or their calculation methods.

In summary, the change in the AdSense revenue structure implies that publishers will now receive a larger share of the ad revenue (80%) after the advertiser’s platform deducts its fee, in contrast to the previous 68% when fees were processed as a single transaction. This adjustment is aimed at benefiting publishers by increasing their earnings from displaying ads within their content.