Month: May 2026

Plex at a Crossroads?

I have spent a significant amount of time covering the evolution of Plex, both as a user of over a decade and as a creator covering the home media space. I got my lifetime Plex Pass in 2015 and have been a user of Plex longer than that.

Recently, the company announced a substantial shift in its pricing model that signals a turning point for its original core product. On July 1, the cost of a lifetime Plex Pass will increase from $250 to $750. This move effectively positions the lifetime license as a deterrent rather than an incentive, clearly designed to steer new users toward recurring monthly or annual subscriptions.

In my latest video, I take a look at this new strategy and provide some of my own analysis on why Plex is doing this. While I have maintained a long-standing sponsorship relationship with Plex, my analysis of this change is based entirely on my own research and opinion – I did not have any input from the company.

It is important to distinguish between the two halves of the current Plex ecosystem: the free, ad-supported streaming side that offers live channels and on-demand content, and the personal media server software that they started with in 2008. This price hike affects only the latter, and specifically the premium features associated with the media server.

When the lifetime subscription was introduced in 2012, it served a specific purpose. As a small startup, Plex needed to demonstrate a paying user base to investors while catering to a community that traditionally avoids subscription models. Plex initially offered the Plex Pass at $3.99 a month, but received backlash from users who preferred on a one-time purchase. So Plex offered a limited time $75 lifetime license that later became a permanent offering.

My own data collection suggests that this early success has created a long-term sustainability issue. In a recent informal poll of my audience, 91% of Plex Pass holders reported being on a lifetime plan, many of whom paid once a 5-10 years ago and have not had to pay more since, despite receiving constant software updates and server maintenance.

Maintaining a modern media server is an expensive endeavor involving a team of developers in a competitive labor marketplace. From a strictly economic standpoint, the lifetime model has ceased to be viable for the personal media server side of the business. While the sky was the limit in 2012 for new users, one could argue that today that potential market is a lot smaller due to most potential users being acquired, and generational differences in how Gen Z and Alpha consume media.

We are seeing Plex react to this by shifting its focus toward the “FAST” (Free Ad-supported Streaming Television) market. Industry data shows these channels now capture nearly 7% of U.S. television viewing, a sector worth billions in potential ad revenue.

A look at the company’s recent history of investment confirms this shift. After years of modest growth, Plex received significant infusions of cash—totaling tens of millions of dollars—starting around 2021. These investments coincided with their pivot toward global streaming and ad-supported video. Today, the Plex homepage barely mentions personal media servers, focusing instead on content discovery and streaming.

This leads to a question about the future of the home server. If the new pricing fails to convert users into recurring subscribers, the company may reach a crossroads. One potential path is the “minimally viable server” model. We are already seeing hints of this through the release of a robust open API, which allows third-party developers to create their own client interfaces. Apps like Plezy are already utilizing this, offering a streamlined, community-driven experience that connects to the Plex backend without the streaming additions.

Ultimately, the personal media server is likely to survive, but its form may change. Whether it remains a primary focus of development or becomes a backend utility for independent developers will depend on how many new users are willing to trade the one-time payment for a monthly commitment. For those of us who have relied on the platform for years, the next year will reveal exactly how Plex intends to balance its roots with its aspirations for the mass market.

Walmart’s Value Packed onn 8.1″ Core Tablet Review!

Walmart’s Onn brand has emerged as one of the leading makers of budget consumer electronics. In addition to making solid TV streaming devices, they also make a line of great Android tablets that deliver a ton of value.

In my latest video, I take a look at their new Onn 8.1″ Core Tablet.

The 8.1″ device bears a clear physical resemblance to the iPad Mini but occupies a much different segment of the market. At a price point of $138 (compensated affiliate link), it aims to provide a functional tablet experience for those who prioritize cost over high-end performance.

The build quality is a notable starting point. The tablet features an all-metal aluminum back, giving it a weight of 10 ounces that feels substantial yet portable. The 8.1-inch IPS display operates at a resolution of 1000 x 1524, which is slightly above 720p. While the brightness peaks around 350 nits—noticeably lower than more expensive competitors—the pixel density remains high enough that text appears sharp and readable. One functional improvement I noticed is the display’s ability to ignore unintended inputs; resting a thumb on the edge of the screen does not interfere with scrolling, a common frustration with previous budget tablets.

Under the hood, the device runs on a Snapdragon 685 processor, a chip that has been in circulation for a couple of years. While this means the tablet will not break any speed records, it is supported by a generous 6 GB of RAM and 64 GB of internal storage. For users who need more space for offline media, there is a dedicated microSD card slot on the side. During my testing, web browsing on sites like NASA’s homepage was efficient, and the device handled split-screen multitasking with YouTube and a browser running concurrently without significant lag.

The software experience is a departure from many budget devices that come pre-loaded with third-party applications. This tablet runs a very clean, “vanilla” version of Android. Aside from the Walmart app, there is no bloatware or intrusive advertising. It also integrates Google’s Gemini AI, allowing for hands-free voice commands that can pull up weather reports or transit information, provided the device is unlocked. However, the lack of biometric security is a drawback; there is no fingerprint reader or facial recognition, requiring a PIN for every unlock.

On the hardware side, the tablet includes stereo speakers that work well in landscape mode, though it lacks a traditional 3.5mm headphone jack. Users will need to rely on the USB-C port or Bluetooth for audio. The cameras are functional but basic: the front-facing 720p lens is enough for video calls, while the 1080p rear camera captures acceptable images and video in a pinch, though the quality is much lower than what a premium device would offer.

Gaming performance varies depending on the demand of the title. For casual “instant games” or web-based applications, the tablet is responsive. More intensive games like Genshin Impact are playable on low visual settings, though they require a lengthy initial download and installation process. In benchmarks, the 3DMark Wildlife test returned a score of 646, which aligns with previous Onn Pro models using the same processor and well behind the more expensive iPad Mini. Battery life is rated at up to 15 hours for basic media consumption, though this decreases during heavy gaming or high-stress tasks.

Once again, Walmart delivers a straightforward option for those who need a portable device for reading, streaming, and basic productivity. It avoids the clutter of many affordable tablets while maintaining a build quality that feels more expensive than its price tag suggests. Keeping expectations aligned with the hardware, it offers a predictable and clean Android experience.

I’ll have a review of their new Pro version once I’m able to acquire one. Stay tuned!

“The Marketplace Took it as Far as it Could” – Broadcasters Admit NextGen TV Defeat

The over-the-air television drama continues as broadcasters continue to stumble rolling out the new ATSC 3.0 / NextgenTV broadcast standard. The original plan involved a market-based transition where both ATSC 1.0 and 3.0 signals would run in parallel, with the hopes that technical advancements of 3.0 would lure consumers to purchase new hardware and adopt the new standard.

But, a decision by major broadcasters to encrypt the new standard has created significant hurdles for both manufacturers and viewers. And now, a major broadcast group admits the market test has essentially failed and a government mandate is needed.

See more in my latest analysis video!

Ahead of this year’s National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) show in Las Vegas, broadcasters touted a new “affordable” tuning box program that they said would accelerate consumer adoption of DRM certified tuners. But as I noted in my prior video, they had very little on display beyond some circuit boards.

In a follow-up interview with TVTechnology.com, broadcast owner association Pearl TV made a stunning admission through their president Anne Schelle :

“We’re in a situation where the marketplace took it as far as it could, and this is what’s needed in order to really fully realize a full transition. So that’s basically my answer to that.”

The industry is now looking for a government mandate to move the transition forward despite consumers rejecting the expensive and limited hardware capable of decrypting their content. Broadcasters are advocating for a sunset of the 1.0 standard by 2028 in major markets, with the rest of the country following by 2030. They are also requesting that the FCC mandate the inclusion of expensive DRM certified ATSC 3.0 tuners in all new television sets. So much for the free market…

Part of the disconnect appears to stem from broadcaster misunderstanding of consumer behavior. Research cited by broadcast advocacy groups suggests consumers are willing to pay $60 for a basic converter box that tunes into a single channel at a time. My own observations of current market trends show a different preference.

Currently, the most popular items on retail platforms like Amazon are $30-40 ATSC 1.0 boxes that include recording and playback features that will be lacking in the new ATSC 3.0 “affordable” program. And selling just as strongly are gateway devices like the Tablo or HDHomeRun (compensated affiliate links). These devices allow users to watch TV on any of their devices (Smart TVs, phones, tablets etc) in the home through a single antenna connection – a level of flexibility that current encryption requirements do not allow.

An Amazon search for ATSC 3.0 tuners ordered by sales popularity shows the SiliconDust ATSC 3.0 compatible gateway that broadcasters refuse to DRM certify is outselling a certified ADTH tuning box by a rate of 10 to 1 !

The DRM encryption is at the center of this friction. When the new standard was unencrypted, there was early interest from various makers of tuning hardware. Now, the technical requirements to satisfy these DRM measures have made it difficult for manufacturers to produce affordable, high-functioning equipment. Even existing products that promised gateway functionality for encrypted signals have seen those features delayed repeatedly.

While broadcasters are waiting for a signal from regulators to force a transition, the current lack of adoption suggests that the existing encryption framework does not align with how people actually watch television in 2026.

This is not a market in need of a government mandate; it is a market that will thrive once large broadcasters stop interfering with it.

2026 Streaming Sticks Compared!

For about sixty dollars, it is possible to purchase the three most prominent budget streaming devices on the market: the Roku Streaming Stick, the Amazon Fire TV Stick HD, and Walmart’s Onn 4K streamer. While these devices provide significant functionality for less than the cost of a modern video game, the landscape of entry-level streaming is shifting. Manufacturers are increasingly relying on ad-supported content and stricter software ecosystems to subsidize these low hardware costs.

In my latest video, I recently spent time testing the latest versions of these devices to see how they manage this balance between affordability and user experience.

Check it out here!

The Roku remains a consistent choice for those who prioritize simplicity. At approximately $29, the 1080p model features an interface that, while getting increasingly cluttered with advertisements and suggested content, remains the most straightforward to navigate. The remote control included with the Roku feels more substantial and premium than those provided by Amazon or Walmart. Roku has also refined its search capabilities, integrating more intelligent results that can better answer more complex queries. While Roku has long moved away from supporting games, its dedicated sections for free, ad-supported content are well-organized and easy to locate.

In contrast, the new Fire TV Stick HD represents a significant departure for Amazon. This device runs on the new Vega operating system rather than the Android-based system used in previous generations. This shift has practical consequences for users who enjoy customizing their devices; because it is no longer Android-based, the ability to sideload third-party applications is gone. It’s game library is limited only to streamed games from Amazon’s servers. I also found the navigation on this 1080p stick to be notably sluggish. The hardware seems to struggle with the demands of downloading thumbnails and advertisements for the home screen. While it integrates well with the Alexa ecosystem and security cameras, finding free content requires more effort than it does on competing platforms.

The Onn 4K streamer from Walmart stands out as the most flexible option for power users. Despite its low price point—often around $40—it offers 4K resolution and runs on the Google TV platform. Unlike the new Fire TV, the Onn device runs with a mature Android ecosystem, allowing for the installation of various apps, emulators for classic gaming, and VPNs. It also incorporates Google’s Gemini AI, which provided the most sophisticated search results during my testing, such as filtering for specific actors across different genres. While the hardware specifications are modest, with 8GB of storage and 2GB of RAM, the device remains responsive and open to user customization.

Each of these sticks serves as a practical tool for travel. They allow users to maintain their own login credentials on a personal device rather than relying on the potentially insecure or logged-in accounts found on hotel or rental property televisions. Most support hotel Wi-Fi portals, though the reliability of these connections can vary.

Choosing between these devices depends largely on the user’s technical comfort level. The Roku is a reliable recommendation for someone who wants a dependable, no-frills experience. However, for those who value the ability to tinker with software or require 4K resolution at the lowest possible price, the Onn streamer has become the primary choice in a market that is otherwise becoming more restrictive.

The era of the open, flexible streaming stick appears to be narrowing. As major players like Amazon transition to proprietary operating systems that limit third-party software, the choice for consumers is no longer just about which remote feels better in the hand, but about how much control they are willing to trade for a lower price tag. The hardware remains inexpensive, but the true cost is increasingly measured in the space occupied by advertisements and the limitations of the software.

Needs More Linux: Lenovo IdeaCentre Mini X with ARM Snapdragon Review!

My latest Mini PC review is of a Snapdragon-powered Windows 11 mini PC from Lenovo, the IdeaCentre Mini X. At a price point hovering around $700 (compensated affiliate link), it features the Snapdragon X1-26-100, an 8-core processor, paired with 32GB of DDR5X RAM.

See my full video review here!

While the memory is soldered and cannot be upgraded, I found that the storage is more flexible; lifting the internal power supply reveals an open NVME slot for those who might want to expand beyond the included 512GB drive or eventually attempt a dual-boot setup.

The build quality of the machine is substantial. The metal frame gives it a sense of durability and weight that keeps it stationary on a desk. Unlike many mini PCs that rely on external power bricks, this model houses its power supply internally. This design choice contributes to the unit’s heft but also introduces a specific acoustic profile. I noticed that the fan dedicated to cooling the power supply remains audible even when the system is idle, producing a constant oscillation that persists regardless of the workload. A second fan on the CPU package only engages under heavy sustained loads, but the baseline noise from the internal power supply is a factor to consider for those seeking a silent workspace.

In terms of connectivity, the IdeaCentre Mini X offers a mix of modern and legacy options. It includes a 40Gbps USB 4 port on the back and several 10Gbps USB-A and USB-C ports. However, there is a lack of support for external GPUs which makes the 40Gbps port less useful. The inclusion of gigabit Ethernet also feels somewhat dated when compared to the 2.5 or 5 gigabit ports becoming standard in the mini PC market. For displays, the device provides both HDMI and DisplayPort outputs, which I found worked reliably for dual-monitor setups.

Testing the software performance revealed the current state of the Windows on ARM ecosystem. Using native ARM applications like the Brave browser resulted in a quick and responsive experience for standard web tasks and document work. However, media performance was inconsistent. While Netflix functioned well through its native app, I encountered a significant number of dropped frames when attempting to play 4K60 video through a browser on YouTube. This suggests that while the hardware is capable, driver optimization for browser-based video playback is still a work in progress.

For more intensive tasks, the results were varied. I tested a native ARM version of DaVinci Resolve and found it could handle basic 4K60 video editing and real-time transitions quite well, often outperforming similarly priced Intel or AMD mini PCs in simple rendering tasks. It is not a professional-grade workstation for heavy effects, but it is functional for clip-stringing.

The 32GB of RAM also proved useful for running local large language models. Using LM Studio, I was able to run a Gemma 4B model with respectable text output speeds. This capability, combined with a low power draw that stays between 5 and 42 watts, suggests the machine could eventually serve as an efficient home server or AI node if Linux support becomes more accessible.

Gaming remains a challenge for this platform. Since many popular titles lack native ARM ports, they must run through a compatibility layer. In my testing with Cyberpunk 2077 at 1080p on the lowest settings, the system averaged only about 20 frames per second. While older titles or less demanding games might be playable, users primarily interested in gaming would likely find better performance from traditional Ryzen or Intel-based systems at this price.

The Lenovo IdeaCentre Mini X feels like a specialized tool rather than a general-purpose replacement for every user. It shows clear potential for corporate environments where the low power consumption and high RAM capacity could offer a better return on investment over a large fleet of power hungry desktops. While the platform is still maturing and certain software hurdles remain, the hardware itself is a solid example of the direction ARM-based Windows machines are taking. I plan to keep an eye on the development of Linux drivers for this unit, as that could unlock an entirely different set of use cases for this hardware in the future.

3 More Awesome Self Hosted Apps!

A few weeks ago, I shared a look at several self-hosted applications that simplify digital workflows. I have three more to discuss today, all of which share a common trait: they can be tested immediately in a web browser without the initial requirement of setting up a private server. These tools focus on utility and privacy by performing most of their tasks locally on the user’s machine rather than on a remote server.

Check them out here!

The first tool is BentoPDF, an open-source PDF toolkit designed for privacy. Unlike many online PDF editors that require you to upload documents to their servers, Bento PDF operates entirely within the browser. If you choose to self-host it, the server merely acts as a repository for the code; the actual processing happens on your computer.

I demoed a few of its many tools in the video. One was its compression utility that I put to work on a 12-megabyte document. By applying the “photon engine” algorithm, the file size was reduced to 2.6 megabytes while maintaining legible text and clear images. I demoed another tool that allows for the creation of fillable forms from static documents. I tested this with a town building permit, adding text fields and checkboxes that functioned correctly when opened in a standard PDF reader. The application also supports annotations, such as highlighting and redactions, though it does not allow for direct editing of existing text or images.

Moving from document management to media, Retro Assembly is a library and emulation platform for retro gaming. It functions as a ROM manager that serves the game files to your browser, which then handles the emulation locally. This architecture allows for a consistent experience across different devices. I tested a game on my computer, saved the state, and was able to pick up exactly where I left off on my mobile phone.

The interface is organized similarly to media managers like Plex, automatically pulling in metadata for a clean visual library. While it supports many 8-bit and 16-bit systems, its performance on higher-end systems like the PlayStation depends on the processing power of the device you are using to play. It does not currently support certain platforms like Sega CD, but for cartridge-based games, the experience is stable.

The third application is Feed Zero, a relatively new open-source RSS reader. RSS remains a practical way to follow multiple websites in a single place, and Feed Zero offers a feature often reserved for paid services: the ability to pull in the full text of an article even if the original feed only provides a short snippet.

The application stores your subscription data and reading history locally in the browser. For those who want to sync their feeds across devices, it offers an encrypted cloud sync option where the data is secured on your device before being sent to their server. Alternatively, it can be self-hosted to keep all data within your own network. While it is still in active development—YouTube integration is currently limited—it is a lightweight and functional alternative to centralized news aggregators.

These applications demonstrate the capabilities of web browsers as application platforms. For those interested in self-hosting, tools like Unraid (compensated affiliate link) provide a straightforward entry point for managing these applications via Docker containers.

See more videos like this here!

New Onn 4k Pro Streaming Box Review – 2026 Version

My latest review takes a look at the new Onn 4K Pro, which serves as the current top-of-the-line streaming device from Walmart. Priced at $60 (compensated affiliate link), this unit represents an update to the model released two years ago. I purchased the device with my own funds to evaluate its performance both as a standard consumer streaming box and as a tool for more enthusiast-level use cases.

Check out the review here!

The hardware features a fabric covering (in light grey or black) intended to help it blend into home decor, a design choice necessitated by the built-in microphones that allow for hands-free operation. On the exterior, there is a physical switch to disable the microphone for those concerned with privacy. The device also includes a remote finder button on the top, which triggers a beep from the remote to help locate it. In terms of connectivity, the back panel houses an HDMI output, a USB 2.0 port for external storage or peripherals, and a 100 Mbps Ethernet jack. While the inclusion of a wired port is useful, I found that the onboard Wi-Fi actually provided significantly faster data speeds, reaching approximately 500 Mbps compared to the 100 Mbps limit of the physical jack.

Internally, the device runs on an Amlogic S905X5M processor with 3GB of RAM and 32GB of storage. During my testing, the interface felt responsive, and navigating through various menus was efficient. The device supports Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos for mainstream streaming services like Netflix and Disney Plus.

The software experience is centered on the Google TV interface and includes a dedicated button for free ad-supported television, which provides quick access to a variety of free streaming channels (including some local NBC affiliates). The integration of Gemini, Google’s AI assistant, allows for more complex voice queries than standard voice search. For instance, the assistant can filter recommendations by specific actors or provide deep dives into educational topics. When the television is off, the box can function as a standalone smart speaker for controlling home automation devices.

For those interested in high-fidelity media playback, the Onn 4K Pro presents some challenges. While it supports frame rate matching in certain apps like Netflix, other major platforms like Disney Plus and Apple TV did not switch to 24p mode during my tests, which can lead to motion jitter. Furthermore, for users with local media libraries, the device does not support Dolby Vision Profile 7 or lossless audio pass-through. This distinguishes it from more expensive enthusiast hardware like the Nvidia Shield, which remains the standard for handling high-bitrate Blu-ray rips.

Although the hardware is 64-bit, the operating system is currently a 32-bit version of Android 14. This prevents certain applications, particularly high-end emulators, from running on the device.

Benchmarks indicate that this processor is roughly three times faster than the previous Onn model and outperforms the current Google TV Streamer, though it still falls significantly short of the aging Nvidia Shield. This puts the device in a specific market position. It is a capable, affordable option for the average user seeking a snappy interface and integrated smart home features, but it stops short of being a comprehensive solution for the most demanding home theater enthusiasts and gamers.

Owners of the previous version may find little reason to switch, as many of the new software features have been backported to the older hardware. Choosing this device ultimately depends on whether the faster navigation and hands-free Google Assistant features outweigh the technical constraints of its 32-bit architecture.

Gadget Haul 15 is Up! Eight More Gadget Reviews !

I accumulated enough stuff to do my next video in my Gadget Haul series! Some of these items were purchased with personal funds, while others were provided by manufacturers for review. No external parties have reviewed or approved these observations prior to publication, and all opinions expressed are my own.

Check out the video here and see the most of the featured items on Amazon (compensated affiliate link).

The first item is the Trustkernel Plugmate (compensated affiliate link). While it resembles a standard memory stick, it is actually a self-contained Android 14 computer on a stick powered by a MediaTek Helio G80 processor with 4 GB of RAM and 128 GB of storage.

It connects to a host device—whether running iOS, Android, Windows, or macOS—via USB and streams its interface through a dedicated app. This setup is designed for privacy, as data remains on the stick rather than the host. It is paired with a host device with a QR code – nobody can pick it up and just start using it. Just don’t lose the booklet the QR code is printed on! In addition to the secure pairing, it requires a pin code to access on the host device. A duress password can also be set that triggers an immediate data wipe.

During testing, the metal casing became significantly hot to the touch, and the USB connection introduced enough latency to make fast-paced gaming difficult. It does not have an internal battery and relies on the host device for power. The Plugmate came in free of charge from the manufacturer.

The Wuben X1 Pro (compensated affiliate link) is a heavy, all-metal tactical flashlight rated at IP65 for water resistance. It features a turbo mode capable of 12,300 lumens, which activates an internal cooling fan to manage heat. The device uses two replaceable lithium-ion batteries and includes a USB-C port that allows it to function as a power bank for mobile devices. It offers both spotlight and floodlight configurations, and the system remembers the last brightness setting used. The flashlight came in free of charge from Wuben.

The next item is the Roku Voice Remote Pro (compensated affiliate link) that I purchased with my own funds. The primary update to this version is a motion-activated backlight for better visibility in dark rooms. It adds physical buttons for a live TV guide and a customizable button for app shortcuts. The remote supports hands-free voice commands, including a remote finder feature, though the microphone can be disabled with a physical switch to extend battery life. It charges via USB-C and is compatible with most existing Roku hardware, including low-end streaming sticks and Roku TVs.

Next up are a couple of USB-C docks. The first is the Beelink Mate Pro (compensated affiliate link), a USB 4 and Thunderbolt-compatible device that serves as a port expander, speaker/microphone and a direct-attached storage array. It contains four NVMe slots supporting up to 32 TB of storage. It also includes an integrated speaker and microphone for conference calls, and it can deliver 96 watts of power to a host computer. However, performance benchmarks showed some limitations: The 2.5 gigabit Ethernet port delivered approximately 1.1 gigabits on downstream tests, and the storage read/write speeds were lower than expected for NVME storage, likely due to the internal configuration of the dock’s USB bus. The dock came in free of charge from Beelink.

Another docking option is the EZQuest 8-in-1 portable hub (compensated affiliate link). While labeled as USB 4 on the casing, its data modes operate at USB 3.0 Gen 2 speeds at 10 Gbps. It successfully supported two 4K displays at 60Hz during testing, but users should note that high-speed Thunderbolt peripherals will not operate at their full potential through this hub and sometimes not at all. But it does provide seven USB-C ports in total and supports 100-watt power delivery pass-through.

For personal cooling, I tested the Dyson Hushjet (compensated affiliate link), a portable USB-rechargeable fan I purchased with my own funds. It operates at 65,000 RPM to move air through a narrow column. While effective at directing airflow toward the face, the fan produces a significant level of noise even on lower settings. It includes an adjustable head and a neck strap for hands-free use.

Finally, I examined two products from OhSnap that you can find here (compensated affiliate link). The first is a magnetic grip and stand designed for MagSafe-equipped phones. It allows for both portrait and landscape orientation and remains thin enough to permit wireless charging without being removed.

The second Ohsnap item is the Snap Pack, a 5,000 mAh battery. It features Magsafe attach points on both the front and back, allowing other accessories—such as the grip stand or a portable hard drive—to be stacked on top of the battery while it is attached to the phone. It supports Qi2 wireless charging at 15 watts and can provide 20 watts of power through its USB-C port. Note that the rear magsafe port does not provide power.

I hope you enjoyed this latest gadget haul! I’ll do another one after I accumulate more stuff ! See my previous hauls here and subscribe to my gadget picks channel for more like this!

Utah Age Verification Law Targets VPN Users

I have been closely following a significant shift in how states are approaching internet privacy and content regulation. This week, a new law takes effect in Utah that requires adult content websites to verify the age of their users. While similar laws exist in states like Texas and Florida, Utah is introducing a provision that changes the technical landscape for both users and website operators.

This is the subject of my latest tech analysis video.

What distinguishes this law is its specific focus on location-masking tools. Traditionally, when a state passes such a mandate, many websites simply block any traffic originating from an IP address within that state to avoid liability. Utah, however, is now asserting that its regulations apply to anyone physically located within the state, even if they are using a Virtual Private Network (VPN) or a proxy server to appear as though they are browsing from elsewhere. This places the burden of identification squarely on the website operators rather than the individuals.

In my review of the legislation, I noticed that it requires operators to employ “commercially reasonable” methods to verify age, such as digitized ID cards or third-party verification services. The challenge here is technical. Experts in the field, including major VPN providers, have pointed out that it is essentially impossible for a website to identify every VPN IP address in real time. Because these addresses change constantly, a website cannot reliably know if a user is appearing from a different state or is a Utah resident using a masking tool. This leads to a scenario where websites might feel forced to require identification from every single visitor, regardless of their apparent location, simply to avoid the risk of heavy fines from Utah.

The law includes language intended to protect bonafide news and public interest organizations, but the definition of what qualifies as “bonafide” remains at the discretion of government officials. This introduces a level of subjectivity that many constitutional rights organizations find concerning. While the current focus is strictly on adult content, the legal framework provides a potential template for future restrictions on other types of controversial material. I have seen how legislative language can be adjusted over time; a few small changes or creative legal interpretations by courts could potentially expand these requirements to any content deemed to lack certain artistic or political value for minors.

This development in Utah reflects a broader trend I have been tracking across the country. There are ongoing discussions in other states about moving age verification to the operating system level. If that were to happen, a user’s computer or smartphone would act as a permanent digital ID, authenticating their identity to every website they visit. This would move the internet away from its historically anonymous roots toward a model of constant authentication.

While the Supreme Court has previously upheld the constitutionality of age verification laws in other states, Utah’s specific attempt to regulate VPN usage presents a new set of legal and technical questions. It remains to be seen how the courts will view a mandate that requires companies to solve a technically intractable problem.

As these laws proliferate, the focus may shift from whether content should be restricted to how the very infrastructure of the internet is being redesigned to enforce those restrictions.

Free App Hidden Gem: Remotion : A Motion Graphics Generator!

As a member of my local school board, I am responsible for delivering an annual budget presentation that explains school costs to the community. While standard presentation software like Apple’s Keynote or PowerPoint handles basic charts well enough, I often find myself wanting to execute specific animations that those programs cannot easily manage. Recently, I began using a tool called Remotion to bridge that gap.

Check it out in my latest video!

Remotion is a framework that allows users to create videos programmatically using React. It is free for individuals and small teams, and while it allows for manual coding, the process becomes more efficient when paired with AI coding agents like Claude, Gemini, or OpenAI’s Codex. In my recent tests, I found that Codex offered a straightforward way to connect the AI directly to the Remotion plugin to generate motion graphics from raw data.

The workflow begins by pointing the AI toward a local project folder containing the necessary data, such as a CSV file. For my presentation, I used data regarding how cost shares shift between the three towns in our school district. I have found that using higher-intelligence models, such as GPT-5.5, tends to yield better visual results on the first attempt, even if it uses more processing credits and uses up usage allocations faster.

By prompting the AI to create an animated pie chart using the supplied data, the system generates the necessary Remotion code and files automatically.

During the initial run, the AI produces preview frames to verify its progress. Once the first iteration is complete, the tool summons Remotion’s a web-based interface where the animation can be viewed in real time. This allows for immediate refinements. For example, in my first version, the labels were marked as “PP” instead of percentages, and the animation paused at the end of every fiscal year. I was able to instruct the AI to update the labels, remove the pauses, and shorten the total runtime from 25 seconds to a more concise 15 seconds. The looping preview updated in realtime as the changes were made.

Beyond simple data visualization, the tool is capable of handling more stylistic requests. I experimented with a dark mode version of my chart that included a glow effect on the moving elements. I also tested its ability to create looping backgrounds for video production. By providing a PNG of my logo, I was able to have the AI generate a tiled, looping animation suitable for a YouTube channel. While this required some additional tweaking, it was significantly faster than building the same asset manually in a motion graphics application like Apple Motion.

When a project is ready for export, the software offers several rendering options via FFmpeg. It can output standard MP4 files or more professional formats like ProRes. This is particularly useful for video editors who need to generate graphics with transparent backgrounds, such as lower thirds or custom overlays. Moving from a raw dataset to a functional, animated graphic now takes roughly 30 minutes of iteration, providing a practical alternative to traditional manual animation methods.

All in, pairing Remotion with an AI coding tool produces some amazing results that will no doubt improve the quality of your presentations. And you can’t beat the price!

See more free app hidden gem videos here!

Disclosure: OpenAI provided some free credits to use Codex for this project but they did not review or approve this content prior to uploading. No other compensation was received and all opinions are my own.