Tech addiction isn’t just a buzzword; it’s a real concern that affects many of us, millennials especially. From memes that tickle our funny bone to gripping TV series that keep us binging all night long, screens have become our gateway to instant gratification. It’s no secret that tech giants design their platforms to keep us hooked. They use clever algorithms and notifications to keep us coming back for more. And trust me, they’re masters at their game. There is nothing like that dopamine rush when your latest Instagram photo or story receives hundreds of likes. Or, the delicious constant reward from scrolling to the next TikTok. Just a few more, and then two hours have passed.

Too much screen time has caused us to neglet other important aspects of life. When was the last time you hang out with friends without feeling the constant need to check your phone every 5 minutes? Now, our dopamine receptors are pretty much fried. We seek that constant gratification. BUT, It is crucial to strike a balance and reclaim those moments that truly matter.

How to regain control:

So, how do we navigate this digital landscape without getting lost in the whirlwind of tech addiction? Here are some strategies that have helped me find my digital equilibrium:

Set Boundaries: Establish designated tech-free zones (e.g., in your home office or at the family table) and set specific times in your day when you should care about looking at a screen (during meals, before bedtime, or when spending quality time with loved ones). Trust me, those moments are precious.

Unplug and Reconnect: Take breaks from your devices to immerse yourself in the present moment. Engage in activities that rejuvenate your soul, like going for a walk, practicing mindfulness, or pursuing a hobby.

Curate Your Digital Space: Clean up your social media feeds and unfollow accounts that don’t add value to your life. Surround yourself with people and content that inspire you and bring out your best self.

Embrace JOMO (Joy of Missing Out): It’s easy to fall into the FOMO trap, fearing that we’re missing out on something exciting. Instead, embrace the Joy of Missing Out and relish the moments of peace and solitude.

Set Screen Time Limits: Many devices now offer built-in screen time management features. Take advantage of these tools to set limits and track your usage.

Remember, technology is a tool, and like any tool, it’s all about how we use it. Let’s be mindful of our digital habits, maintain control over our screens, and embrace the wonders that technology brings to our lives. By navigating the digital rabbit hole with intention and awareness, we can make technology an ally rather than a distraction.

The post Solving Tech Addiction: Are We Losing Ourselves to Screens? appeared first on BadFive.

Questing towards Goals

Just like a skilled gamer embarking on thrilling quests, set clear goals in your daily life. Break them down into achievable milestones, and voilà, you’ve created your very own questline! Tracking your progress along the way adds an extra dose of satisfaction, like filling out a quest log with completed missions.

Power of Rewards

Who doesn’t love the sweet satisfaction of earning rewards in games? Well, why not bring that feeling into reality? Celebrate your achievements with tangible treats, like treating yourself to a delicious meal or getting that long-desired item. And don’t forget about intangible rewards – give yourself a pat on the back or relish the praise from friends and family.

Friendly Rivalries and Collaborations

Games have an enchanting way of bringing people together, right? So, why not infuse your real-life situations with that same social magic? Challenge your friends to friendly competitions, whether it’s a fitness challenge or a creative contest. But don’t stop there! Team up and collaborate on projects to unleash the power of collective creativity.

Adventures in Mundane Tasks

It’s time to sprinkle some pixie dust of fun onto your everyday routines! Gamification can turn the most mundane tasks into thrilling adventures. Turn household chores into time trials, or transform your daily commute into a space odyssey. Embrace your inner hero, and watch how gamification transforms ordinary activities into extraordinary experiences.

The post How can we apply game mechanics to real-life situations? The power of gamification appeared first on BadFive.

As our previous article on Google search algorithms shows, there are over 150 million active websites on the internet. Fortunately, Google’s algorithm does the legwork when searching web pages that contain the keywords you need, then assigns a ranking per page based on relevancy.

New algorithms are being developed on a daily basis. Online, there are more than half a million users learning algorithms on Udemy — covering topics from algorithms in JavaScript, to algorithms in Python. Indeed, knowing how to use these formulas is a skill worth having. And while it all sounds very complex, the simplest place you can start is by knowing how to refine your searches.

With the formula already readily available, all that’s left is for you to use the right strategies so you can yield the most meaningful answers.

Here are some tips to get you started.

Advanced searches

Even just using the advanced search filters puts you ahead of the game. These filters can be found under the “Advanced search” section of the Settings tab, which you’ll be able to find on the search homepage. Advanced searches allow you to filter results by region, language, and date, as well as allowing you to refine your keywords further.

Phrase your search items properly

Like we mentioned, Google’s algorithm works by searching keywords and phrases, so the key to better results often lies in your phrasing. Rather than searching for “what do I do if I have cramp,” for example, you might want to enter “cramp relief” or “cramp remedies.” The latter suggestions are typical phrases you’ll find on websites, which makes it easier for Google to pick up.

Use Boolean searches

As a way to help Google look through similar keywords, an article on Lifewire recommends using Boolean searches. Essentially, this type of search focuses on the terms “AND” and “OR”. “AND” tells Google that you want results with all the keywords, while “OR” can be used when you’re searching for something that has a similar keyword (for example: ‘primal’ and ‘paleo’ diets). Moreover, it’s important to use capital letters when typing the conjunctions. If you type them in lower case, Google will assume that these words are just part of your search term.

Search within a website

Before you conduct a search, you may already have an idea of websites whose information you trust. You can cue Google to check for particular websites by using the “site:[website name]” syntax function in the search box. Searching for “site:cnn.com” alerts Google to do an internal search on CNN, so you can do a more thorough search for the keywords you need.

Reverse image search through your phone

You’ve probably already heard of reverse image searches, as it’s a useful way to get information on a photo or a higher resolution alternative. PC Mag notes that this can be done even on your phone, simply by accessing the desktop version of Google on your phone’s web browser. Those who have the Chrome app on their phone can just press and hold an image until a menu appears with the “Search Google for This Image” option.

Author Bio

Jonathan Hearth is a technology writer who’s obsessed with the world-changing potential of current e-learning and distance education platforms. His hobbies include stalking the social media accounts of Google execs, trying to predict the next big disruptive tech trend by following news and reviews, and finding new toys for Scott, his beloved 6-year-old Siamese cat.

The post Tips for Smarter Google Searches appeared first on BadFive.

But did you know that you don’t always have to rely on expensive hardware to maximize your computer’s performance? There are several ways to optimize your computer for gaming, without spending even a dollar. 

If you’re using a Windows 10 computer, this operating platform provides a great opportunity for gamers to enjoy their favorite video games. You can adjust some of the settings to enjoy the best gaming experience this operating system has to offer. 

Let’s look at some of these tweaks one by one.

1. Use Gaming Mode. 

If you want to squeeze the best gaming performance out of your computer, the best way to do so is by turning Game Mode on. The latest versions of Windows 10 include a Game Mode feature with built-in optimization options for PC gamers. 

To access this feature, follow the steps below: 

• Press Windows + I keys together, then type game modein the search box. 
• Click Game Mode Settingsfrom the search results. 
• On the Gaming panel, click Game Modefrom the options on the left. 
• Switch Game Mode to On to take advantage of the tweaks designed to give you the best possible gaming experience. 

What does Game Mode do? When this feature is enabled, your operating system prioritizes processor, graphics card, and other computer resources to your game. Game Mode also prevents background processes from running, such as Windows Update installing driver updates and displaying notifications during gameplay. This ensures that you have the best gaming experience. 

2. Schedule Automatic Update and Restart.

Windows regularly releases updates for its operating system and Windows 10 keeps itself updated by turning on the Automatic Update and Restart option. This automatically installs all updates to your apps and OS, then schedule a restart without your permission. This feature doesn’t activate often, but it can be annoying when your system suddenly decides to update when you’re in the middle of a game. 

This feature not only restarts your computer without warning, downloading the updates in the background will also affect your network connectivity.

Unfortunately, Automatic Update and Restart cannot be disabled. What you can do is just to delay it so that it does not affect your game.

To schedule your automatic updates and restart, do the following:

• Press Windows key + I to access the Settings app. 
• Go to Update and security > Windows Update.
• Click Advanced options > Update Options.
• Make sure Automatically download updates, even over metered data connections (charges may apply) is turned off. This reduces the chance of Windows Update downloads interrupting your games.
• Turn on Show a notification when your PC requires a restart to finish updating. This would alert you when the system is going to restart after an update.
• Go back to the main Windows Update screen, and edit the Change active hours feature.
• Specify the hours when you’ll be using the computer so that Windows Update won’t download and install updates during those active hours.

3. Stop Steam From Auto-Updating Games.

Steam is one of the most popular game vendors for PC, PlayStation, and other gaming platforms. If you’re using Windows to play video games, then you’ve probably bought or installed a few games via Steam.

Steam is great, but its update feature can be frustrating. You won’t be able to prevent automatic updates across all your games, which can eat up computer resources or limit your network connectivity with background updates.

To prevent Steam from running updates in the background, follow the steps below. 

• Open your Steam client and go to Steam > Settings > Downloads to access your update options.
• Uncheck Allow downloads during gameplay to stop Steam from updating games while you’re playing.

• If you want to prevent Steam from updating games you don’t always play, right-click on the game installed in your Library, then click Properties. 
• Look for Automatic Updates, then tick off Only update this game when I launch it.

Adjusting these settings would give you more control over which Steam updates you want to run and when to install them.

4. Turn Off Nagle’s Algorithm.

Nagle’s algorithm was designed to make TCP/IP networks by limiting the transmission of small data packets and controlling the size of the Transmission Control Protocol (TCP) sending window. This leads to a smoother internet connection. 

However, if you have Nagle’s algorithm enabled on your computer while playing, this may contribute to latency issues when you’re playing games online. 

You can improve latency and gaming performance on Windows 10 by disabling Nagle’s algorithm through the Windows Registry.

To do this, you’re going to need your IP address. If you don’t know your IP address, go to Windows key + X > Windows PowerShell and type in ipconfig. Look for the value next to IPv4 address to identify your IP address. 

Once you have your IP address, follow the steps below:

• Go to Start, then type regedit in the search box. Press Enter to open the Windows Registry. 
• Copy and paste this path in the address bar:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\Tcpip\Parameters\Interfaces.

• In the left-hand pane, find the folder that matches your IP address.
• Right-click on that folder and choose New > DWORD (32-bit) Value.
• Create two DWORD Values: TcpAckFrequency and TCPNoDelay. 
• Once you’ve created these values, double-click on each one of them and set their parameters to 1.

Close the Registry editor, then restart your computer. This should activate the two parameters and disable Nagle’s Algorithm. If you encounter any problems, just set the parameter value of TcpAckFrequency and TCPNoDelay to 0 to disable them.

Close the Registry editor, then restart your computer. This should activate the two parameters and disable Nagle’s Algorithm. If you encounter any problems, just set the parameter value of TcpAckFrequency and TCPNoDelay to 0 to disable them.

5. Edit Windows 10 Visual Effects. 

By default, Windows 10 appearance settings are designed to impress. But these impressive graphical user interfaces (GUI) can greatly hinder your processing power. For example, games running in the foreground may not run well with your custom GUI running in the background. 

To optimize Windows 10 for gaming performance, you can adjust your GUI settings so they don’t conflict with your games. To do this:

• PressWindows key + I to open the Settings app. 
• Type performance in the search box, then choose Adjust the appearance and performance of Windows.
• Click Adjust for best performance > Apply > OK.
• Click on the Advanced tab and set Adjust the best performance of Programs.

6. Maximize Your Power Plan.

Some gamers believe that the computer’s power options have negligible effect on the gaming performance. On the other hand, some gamers believe that adjusting for higher performance works. 

The only way to know if it works for you is to test it out on your computer. To edit your power settings, follow the instructions below: 

• Open the Settings menu by pressing the Windows key + I.
• Type in power in the search box and click Power and sleep settings.
• Click Additional power settings.

Try out the different power plans to see which one boosts your game performance. You can also create your own power plan to make your PC perform better during games. 

7. Update Your Drivers. 

Your Graphics Processing Unit or GPU is critical to your PC gaming experience. It requires the latest Windows driver to make it work faster and smoother. 

To check your GPU, right-click anywhere on the Desktop and

click Display settings > Advanced display settings > Display adapter properties.But  in some cases, the GPU is already accessible in the right-click menu. 

To update your graphics card driver, just click Properties > Driver > Update Driver from the Display adapter properties window above. 

If this doesn’t work, you can check your GPU manufacturer’s website to make sure that you have the latest driver installed. 

Aside from the GPU, you also need to update the chipset and LAN drivers for your motherboard. Check your chipset drivers by typing the following command in Command Prompt:

wmic baseboard get product,Manufacturer,version,serialnumber

This command should give you your motherboard’s manufacturer and product name. You can search online for the latest drivers based on this information. 

8. Install DirectX 12. 

DirectX 12 is the latest version of Microsoft’s popular API tool, which is a key element of Windows 10 gaming. It provides support for multiple GPU and CPU cores, improves frame-rates, lowers power consumption, and enhances graphical effects.

Most Windows 10 computers are installed with DirectX 12, but you can check if you have the latest version installed by using the DirectX Diagnostic Tool. Press Windows key + R, then type dxdiag in the dialog box. Hit OK to open the DirectX Diagnostic Tool.

If you don’t have DirectX 12 installed, you can fix this by running Windows Update. Press Windows key + I, then go to Update and security > Windows Update > Check for updates. Once all the updates have been installed, check your DirectX version again.

9. Clean Up Your Computer. 

Unused applications, download files, and other junk files can eat up your computer resources without you even knowing it. Aside from cleaning up your Recycle Bin, you also need to delete those apps that you don’t need and clear your junk files using a PC cleaning tool. Once your system has been cleaned up, you will notice the improvement in game performance. 

Summary

You don’t always need to spend hundreds of dollars by upgrading your hardware just to get the best gaming experience on Windows 10. Sometimes, tweaking some of your settings can make a huge difference in your game performance. So, before you shop for new hardware, try the steps above first to optimize your Windows 10 for gaming.

Author Bio

As a Journalist by profession, April Reyes has extensive experience in writing about various topics under the sun, including technology, gadgets, travel, social media, and digital marketing. If she’s not writing articles for Software Tested and Outbyte, she’s either watching her favorite TV series or playing video games.

The post How to Optimize Your Computer for Gaming Without Spending a Dollar appeared first on BadFive.

Whoever says “don’t judge a book by its cover” – especially online – is delusional. I hate to say it and seem shallow, but aesthetics matter. Especially when the average attention span these days is 8 seconds long.

And there’s a good reason we use Instagram daily – to be inspired by the beauty and curious perspectives others have on the world. If you’d love to be one of those instagrammers who charms with amazing content, this post is for you. You’re going to learn to develop a cohesive visual style and tell stories that captivate viewers and make them want to follow
you.

So… what is a visual style?

Basically, a style is a consistent and cohesive look of your account. A unique feel that creates a specific set of emotions that your brand is recognized by. Think of it as a mix of personality, visual appeal and promise.

To refine your visual style on Instagram, you must answer these questions:

• What do you want to photograph / communicate?
• How do you want to photograph / communicate?
• Why do you love to do it?

These are the core elements of your visual style. The clearer you answer these questions, the better you distill your unique style.

Developing your style

Here are four IG account examples to help you get started:

As you can see, each of these feeds has a unique feel and vibe to it that is easily recognizable. You “know” what each account is about. The easier you can figure the theme out, the stronger that account’s style is. So basically, what style really is just a signature look that is immediately recognized among hundreds of other images.

Here are three simple steps to help you develop your own unique style:

1. Set the visual tone.

Take a look at some of your best pieces of content and naming 2-3 visual and emotional adjectives. Some visual attributes could be neutral, warm, saturated, minimalist, dark. Some emotional characteristics could be playful, curious, dreamy, mysterious.

Analyze your existing content and chances are you’ll identify a few patterns you can use from now on. How does your feed to look like? Dark, playful, minimalist, dreamy? The tone and mood you want to communicate will dictate the color palette and type of content you’ll be using.

2. Choose your color palette.

Choose 3 – 5 colors and stick to them. This is going to be your color palette. Take another look at the four feeds above. You’ll see that they all have a very distinct color scheme and vibe. You can notice the same color palette in all of their photos. This is how you too can achieve a cohesive look and feel for your Insta feed.

From now on, pay more attention to the colors in your photos, the textures in the background, the light, the outfits, the lines and shapes. In terms of a color palette, the easiest to get started is to just use the same filter over and over again, to create a unified look for your feed.

3. Pick a theme.

A theme is somewhat similar to the visual tone, but it’s a bit more palpable in the sense that you pick a handful of topics to cover and stay away from everything else. Ask yourself:

• What do you want your Insta feed to be known for?
• What do you find yourself attracted to the most?
• What are you most curious about?

Choose 3 – 5 topics you enjoy most and make your posts about these things only. When someone scrolls through your feed, they must immediately “get it”. You want them to perceive your feed as a whole, not just as a bunch of random shots thrown together.

Stories matter

Another strong reason why everyone loves Instagram is because it’s a very slick storytelling platform. It allows you to share your stories in a super creative way. When designing your Insta Stories, keep your brand’s personality in mind, meaning the theme, the color palette and the overall vibe. Remember, you want to create a unified experience for your audience.

The easiest way to do that is to use the same colors as in your daily posts. If the preset IG colors don’t match your palette, use the eyedropper tool lets you access every color within your Instagram Stories photo, so you can easily match your text or doodles to your brand
colors.

Conclusion

Hopefully, by now you’ve come to realize how important style is on Instagram. To successfully promote yourself or your brand on a visual platform such as Insta, you absolutely must build an instantly recognizable presence. From your overall feed to the individual pieces of content that you share, each one should speak the same visual language and help you and your brand become memorable.

Your overall feed, follower engagement and loyalty are only as strong as the content you publish. That’s why it’s crucial to develop your own Instagram visual style and make no exceptions. Use these guidelines to start creating an Insta feed that not only engages your audience, but also reflects your style, values and passions

Sarah Williams is an online entrepreneur from Berlin, Germany. She also works as a lifestyle blogger, helping men to achieve their highest potential in social interactions and work. Check out her blog Wingman Magazine and become one of over half million monthly readers!

The post How to Develop Your Unique Style on Instagram appeared first on BadFive.

One of the new fads sweeping across the gaming industry is the use of video walls. These are simply an assortment of smaller screens arranged to form one large screen. They offer an immersive gaming experience via the large images and great in-game detail. Though the gaming experience is not anywhere near VR, they offer a huge boost in entertainment compared to conventional systems that utilize a single monitor or Television. Though it is highly recommended to seek professional installation services, it is also possible to install one by yourself. However, before switching to gaming on the wall, the following are the procedures to follow.

Planning

As with any project, planning is a key process in ensuring everything goes as planned. Therefore, before you need to adequately make plans on the location, budget and available space. Your wall needs to be located in a location that does not have a lot of lighting that will interfere with viewing. If so make plans on how to limit excessive light. Second, depending on the screen sizes you will use, you need adequate space for the hardware. Another important aspect is the number of screen you need. Larger screens will save you the hassle of having to mount numerous screens and they also limit bezel interference. Remember, the main goal is make the appearance be as close as possible to one large screen.

Purchasing the hardware

While purchasing the hardware, you need to ensure that the screens have a good resolution that would meet your requirements. However, viewing distance will also affect the level of detail a gamer sees on the screen. But generally the higher the resolution the better the experience. So depending on the budget, this is a choice solely based on the gamer’s financial state and gaming preference. The screens should also be of the same size to ensure a uniform gaming wall. Preferably, buy screens of the same make and model. Thin bezel monitors are the best since they will limit bezel interference. You do not want a video wall with thick grids running across.

Your screens should also have high refresh rates typically above 120 Hz, but around 144 Hz would be quite ideal. Screen response time is also an important factor you will need to consider. Video games are highly sensitive to latency; therefore, the screen response time is an important factor to consider. The response time should be less than 2 milliseconds and there are numerous low-budget ones that offer 1ms response. So this will not be much of a problem for a prospective buyer.

Next, you will require multiple top-notch video cards. These are required to deliver the best video quality at good framerates. The most ideal framerates for gamers is 60fps and the most common resolution is 1080p, though 4k gaming is steadily on the rise. But these will depend on the monitor’s native resolution. All these factors combined will put any graphics chip to the test. Therefore, the cards need to provide enough juice for the task. what’s more, you will need multiple cards for each screen as one will likely not handle all the displays effectively.

Finally depending on the desired connection method, you can either purchase a video wall converter, daisy chain or a graphic board. More about these devices will be discussed below.

The setup

Once you have purchased everything it’s now time to get started with the assembly. Most screens have mounts designed for single use. It is quite difficult to find mounts designed for video walls. Therefore, to create the perfect video walls, the available mounts might need some modification or precise configuration. The downside to this process is that you run the risk of damaging the mounts or having an improper alignment. Even a small miscalculation in the level of millimeters can misalign the entire wall. So the best option would be to construct your own mounts to meet the specific need.

Once everything is mounted and all is set, you can go ahead with the connection process. Attach the necessary wiring ensuring that all the cables are of the same type. These can either be VGA, DVI or HDMI. Some monitors support all the three types but ensure the option you take is uniform across all screens. you have three choices of connecting your wall to the gaming device. They are as follows:

The video wall controller
This is the most basic connection method. It typically utilizes a connection box that has one input and multiple outputs. Each screen gets connected to a single output and when the gaming device gets connected on the other end, the video box distributes the signal to the screens. Video connection boxes come in different configurations. Some are 4×1, 3×3, 2×2 and so on. Therefore, the choice of box depends on the number of screens as well as the alignment.

Daisy-chain
This connection method is majorly used in digital ad-board monitors. The principle behind this technique is that a serial connection gets made across all monitors. The main connection is done on the first monitor with a specific connection type. It can either be HDMI or DVI and this process is called daisy-chaining. Thereafter the configuration is automatically done based on the position of each monitor. In this process tiles usually appear on the monitors and each monitor will highlight the corresponding tile.

Graphic boards
Though a bit costly, graphic boards promise the potential of giving the best quality images as well as gaming experiences. A graphic board is composed of multiple graphics cards with each connecting to a specific screen. you can either utilize ordinary screens, but the professional ones would be of greater benefit. Both AMD and NVidia have quality budget and high-end cards. But NVidia cards bead AMD’s in most benchmarks across all budget categories. Some graphic boards can support well up to 12 cards. This method is commonly used by professional gamers or commercial gaming lounges.

Software configuration

After completing all the above steps you now need to configure your software. This will assist in the management and operation of the wall. First you need to configure the desktop and if you are using a windows machine you can go to the Onsign TV windows application. Here the app will guide you through the proper setup procedures. Other similar software includes Eyefinity, and Mosaic as well as a range of third party applications. Both open source and proprietary software exist, but enterprise software promise more stability and less bugs. All in all, this software is generally simple software with user-friendly interfaces.

So, if you are considering setting up a video wall, the above procedures will guarantee the perfect setup and a wonderful experience.

Mia Clarke is part of the content and community team at Userful.com, experts in all things video wall and display solutions. When Mia is not spreading the word about video walls she is often found discovering the great outdoors, walking or cycling.

The post How to build a video wall for gaming appeared first on BadFive.

With General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) on sight, every company that’s affected is rushing to comply with all the rules that it enforces. Many companies that once recklessly collected massive amounts of your personal information without showing you the full picture, are now obligated to disclose exactly what they have on you.

Google ofcourse is no exception to the rule. After the recent massive backlash on Facebook and it’s surveillance like data collection, internet users now demand to know exactly what other companies know about them.

Here’s how to download your Google archive

Step 1:

Head on to: https://takeout.google.com/settings/takeout

Step 2:

Select the information that you want to download and click “NEXT”. You have plenty to choose from since Google appears to know way too much about you and your whereabouts.

Step 3:

After selecting your desired delivery method, click “CREATE ARCHIVE”.

The amount of data stored by Google is massive,therefore you can expect your archive many hours or even days after your initial request.

The post How to download an archive of everything Google knows about you appeared first on BadFive.

Its been less than a month since the iOS 11 came out on Sept 19, 2017. It is packed with hundreds of new features and a new redesign for both iPhone and iPad. There have been mixed feelings about the looks of the iOS 11 and especially the  customizable Control-Center .

One thing that seems to bother many people though, is that when toggling WiFi and Bluetooth from the Control Center it doesn’t really deactivate the actual modules on the device. It just disconnects it from the network.

According to Apple’s documentation:

“In iOS 11 and later, when you toggle the Wi-Fi or Bluetooth buttons in Control Center, your device will immediately disconnect from Wi-Fi and Bluetooth accessories. Both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth will continue to be available…”. Instead the user has to go in the Settings app and switch-off the WiFi and Bluetooth radios accordingly.”

PSA: iOS 11 new control center WiFi and Bluetooth toggles don’t actually turn off their respective radios.

— Andrea Barisani (@AndreaBarisani) September 20, 2017

There is a workaround

Last night I was playing around with the Settings of my iPad and I found a way to actually turn off the WiFi and Bluetooth antennas when toggling them from the Control Center. I just turned on “Airplane Mode” and then toggled on again the WiFi. My iPad was connected to the internet. Then I toggled off the WiFi again and when I checked it from the Settings app. Surprisingly the WiFi radio module was off!! Then I tried it with Bluetooth and it worked there too.

Of course this disables the Cellular connectivity. This means that if the user is on an iPhone or on an iPad with cellular, they wont be able to receive or make phone-calls and text messages. They will also not be able to use Cellular Data at all. Therefore, I would say that this workaround is only for iPads and iPod touches.

The post iOS 11 | How to Turn off Bluetooth & WiFi from the Control Center | Workaround appeared first on BadFive.

Felix Kjellberg ( a.k.a PewDiePie) has the most subscribed channel on YouTube with more than 56 million subscribers. He recently made a video explaining how to get started on YouTube, which a lot of people appreciated. Since his previous video was met with a lot of love from smaller YouTubers, he decided to make another one where he elaborates some points on how to grow your YouTube channel.

Just like we did with his first one, we analyzed his video and kept the main points.

What we learned:

Don’t Imitate Current Felix

“Don’t look at anything that I’m doing right now.. ” ~Felix

Felix makes it clear right from the beginning that you shouldn’t try to imitate what he is doing with his channel right now. According to him, he stopped trying to grow his channel because he’s happy with the audience he has.

Having said that he continues by saying that he understands the struggle of making content that no one is watching.

I’m making good content, Why is noone watching it?

The answer is quite simple. If you want more people to watch your content you have to grow your audience. To do so, follow Felix’s advice on the subject:

Mention People to Subscribe

Obvious as it may seem, simply telling people to subscribe at the end of each video helps bring a lot more subscribers to the channel. Reminding people to subscribe will most certainly help grow your audience, but you shouldn’t overdo it. For example, telling everyone to subscribe to your channel both at the beginning and the end of your videos might get you more subscribers, but people won’t like you in the long term.

Don’t copy the style of big YouTubers

It’s important to understand that people are already subscribed to the big guys. Following the exact same style of other big YouTubers won’t get you far.You need to find your own style. If you choose to do the same thing everyone else is doing, you’re not filling any need in the community.You’re not offering a new “product” to the market. If you really care about acquiring your own audience you must eventually carve up your own style.

Be Unique

Following the previous point, you need to answer a set of very important questions when you’re making the content of your channel. What makes you different? What makes you unique? Finding the answer to those questions can prove extremely hard. Although it is difficult to create unique content, you must try and do things differently from the rest of the YouTube community. If you really want to grow your channel you need something to set you apart.

Having Content is not enough

Your content alone is not enough to grow your audience. After you create a video you must spend quite some time trying to get it out there. If your content isn’t easily consumable, maybe it is a good idea to create small compilations of your work. Using compilation videos for promotional purposes can help bring new sets of eyes to your channel. When creating this compilations it is important to leave the viewers wanting more by the end of the video. This will make a lot people curious and will most probably lead some of them to subscribe to your channel.

Thumbnails and Design

Most new YouTubers make the huge mistake of neglecting the thumbnails of their videos. It’s important to put time on creating beautiful and descriptive thumbnails since they can have a huge impact on your video. Using tools like photoshop might help with the process.

“It’s like entering a store. You feel a lot better entering a store with a nice front and nice interior design. Doesn’t necessarily have to do with the product they sell, but as a consumer you feel better entering there”. ~Felix

This goes for YouTube as well. You need to take care of how your channel looks and feels.It is important to put the effort in making it look better. Designing your YouTube channel to look appealing and presentable will get you a lot more new subscribers. Beautifully designed content is going to make people want to click on your videos and channel.

Proper Naming

Giving a proper name to your videos is important. Your titles need to be clear and descriptive but at the same time make people ask a question. The title must not expose the answer. People are going to want to watch the video just to get their answer.

Change constantly

Don’t be afraid to switch up. Test out different things and see the response from the people. If the audience likes it then go with the flow. Make more of that type of content. Make little changes overtime to keep improving your videos. Unfortunately, every YouTuber has a lifetime. If you keep doing the same thing over and over again, your audience will eventually lose interest in your content.

Original Video:

The post How to get big on YouTube according to Felix Kjellberg (PewDiePie) appeared first on BadFive.

There are a lot of questions you need to answer before you get started on YouTube, like: What camera should you use? Does sound quality really matter? What video editing software gets the job done?

Felix Kjellberg ( a.k.a PewDiePie) has the most subscribed channel on YouTube with more than 56 million subscribers. He recently made a video where he explains how to get started on YouTube, from his perspective of course.

The key points taken from his video are:

Equipment

Don’t spend money on equipment. It doesn’t have to be expensive at all. It takes practise to make good videos and it doesn’t hurt to get started with what you have. High quality is nice to have but it doesn’t automatically get you subscribers.

Budget setup according to Felix:
http://textuploader.com/don8z

Be original

If you do what everyone else does, your channel won’t grow. Do your own thing. Be different. It’s not until you make something different that your YouTube channel will really begin to grow. The beauty of YouTube is that there is always something different to watch.

All about Personality

“You need personality. People will find your video but they are not gonna stay unless they care about you as a person”

YouTube is all about personality. People stay subscribed on a channel and follow a YouTuber not only for his content but also because they care about who he is as a person.

Hobby and a Job

YouTube is a hobby and a job at the same time. You need to set your own pace and decide which part of the day will be dedicated to YouTube. Having an uploading schedule most certainly helps. Finally, you should try and separate YouTube with your personal life.

Market yourself

The hardest part of YouTube is to establish your first audience. That’s why seeking help when you’re getting started will make YouTube a lot more easier for you. Although getting help from other YouTubers might give you some initial subscribers, the only way to build your first audience is by making interesting content. Finally, don’t forget to market yourself using several methods if you really care about growing your channel.

Networks

Networks are useless for smaller channels. All they do is take a portion of your revenue without giving anything in return. You should probably stay away unless you get a really fair deal.

Lawyer Up

Get a lawyer before you sign up anything. This will help reduce the paperwork and keep you away from bad contracts but most importantly, you will know exactly what you are getting yourself into.

The full video

The post How To Get Started On YouTube according to Felix Kjellberg (PewDiePie) appeared first on BadFive.