Cordless, handheld, robot, and traditional—we tested them all to find the vacuum that’s fantastic for fur.

The slim and convenient magnetic wallets you’ll actually want stuck to the back of your phone.

The post The UK Shopper’s Guide to Choosing the Right Nicotine Pouch appeared first on IGeeKphone China Phone, Tablet PC, VR, RC Drone News, Reviews.

When we think about independent living communities, the usual perks like maintenance-free living and social activities come to mind. But let’s dive into some surprising advantages that often fly under the radar.

Becoming a Trendsetter in Your Golden Years

You might not realize it, but moving into an independent living community can actually put you ahead of the curve. Many residents living independently find themselves exploring new fashion styles, trying out the latest tech gadgets, and even becoming social media savvy thanks to their tech-friendly neighbors. It’s amazing how many grandparents have become TikTok famous after moving into these communities!

The Accidental Food Critics Club

One of the most delightful surprises of independent living is becoming part of an unofficial “food critics” circle. With diverse dining options and regular outings to local restaurants, many seniors discover a newfound passion for culinary exploration. They’re not just eating meals – they’re comparing notes, sharing recommendations, and even influencing local restaurant menus.

Unexpected Health Benefits That Nobody Mentions

• Less time spent climbing stairs or doing home maintenance often leads to better joint health• The absence of yard work ironically increases gardening enjoyment when it becomes a hobby rather than a chore• Better sleep patterns due to the natural social rhythm of community living• Reduced stress from not having to remember trash day, utility bills, or home repairs• Improved posture from walking to community activities instead of driving everywhere

The “Grandparent Upgrade” Effect

Here’s something fascinating: many residents report their relationships with grandchildren actually improve after moving to independent living. Why? They’re no longer the “babysitters by default,” which means time with grandkids becomes quality time rather than obligation time. Plus, many communities offer amazing spaces for entertaining young visitors, from game rooms to pools.

The Second Career Renaissance

Without the burden of home maintenance, many seniors discover time to pursue money-making hobbies they never knew they had. From online tutoring to crafting custom jewelry, residents often find themselves launching successful side gigs or small businesses. Some communities even have informal marketplaces where residents sell their creations to each other.

The Environmental Champion Factor

Nobody talks about this, but moving to independent living often dramatically reduces your carbon footprint. Shared resources, communal spaces, and organized transportation mean you’re accidentally becoming more eco-friendly. Many residents find themselves naturally adopting more sustainable practices simply because it’s easier in a community setting.

The Romance Revival

Let’s talk about something that often gets overlooked – independent living communities can be fantastic for your love life! Whether you’re single or married, the combination of organized activities, stress-free living, and a community of peers can spark new relationships or reignite existing ones. Many residents report feeling more romantic and socially confident than they have in years.

Memory Enhancement Through Community Living

This is fascinating: living in a community with consistent layouts and familiar faces actually helps maintain cognitive function. The regular social interaction, combined with the need to navigate community spaces and remember activity schedules, creates a natural brain-training program that many seniors don’t realize they’re participating in.

The Ultimate Plot Twist

Perhaps the most surprising benefit? Many seniors discover they actually have more independence in independent living than they did in their previous homes. Without the constraints of home maintenance, yard work, and household chores, they’re free to truly focus on what they want to do rather than what they have to do.

The post Discovering Hidden Gems: The Unexpected Benefits of Independent Living for Seniors appeared first on IGeeKphone China Phone, Tablet PC, VR, RC Drone News, Reviews.

Your computer’s processor, or CPU, is the brain of your machine. Knowing your CPU model can help you understand your computer’s performance capabilities, troubleshoot issues, or decide whether it’s time for an upgrade. The good news? Finding out which CPU you have is quick and easy. Here’s a simple one-click guide to checking your computer’s processor.

Why Knowing Your CPU Matters

Your CPU affects everything from running applications to gaming performance. Different CPUs have different speeds, core counts, and architectures. By knowing your processor model, you can:

• Check if your computer meets software requirements
• Optimize system performance
• Compare it with newer CPUs for potential upgrades
• Understand your computer’s multitasking and gaming capabilities

Method 1: Using System Information (Windows)

1. Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog.
2. Type msinfo32 and press Enter.
3. In the System Information window, look for Processor. You’ll see the exact CPU model and speed listed.

This method works on all versions of Windows and provides detailed system specs in addition to your CPU.

Method 2: Using Task Manager (Windows 10/11)

1. Right-click on the Taskbar and select Task Manager.
2. Go to the Performance tab.
3. Click CPU on the left. You’ll see your CPU’s name, cores, threads, and current speed.

This method is quick, visual, and useful if you want to monitor CPU usage in real time.

Method 3: On Mac Computers

1. Click the Apple menu in the top-left corner.
2. Select About This Mac.
3. In the Overview tab, you’ll see your Mac’s processor listed, along with memory and macOS version.

Method 4: Using Terminal (Advanced Users)

• Windows: Open Command Prompt and type wmic cpu get name
• Mac: Open Terminal and type sysctl -n machdep.cpu.brand_string
• Linux: Open Terminal and type lscpu

These commands display your CPU model quickly and are useful for scripting or remote troubleshooting.

Conclusion

Checking your CPU model doesn’t have to be complicated. Whether you prefer a graphical interface or command-line approach, these one-click or one-command methods give you all the information you need. Knowing your processor is the first step to optimizing performance, installing compatible software, and planning future upgrades.

The post What does Your Processor Look Like? A One-Click guide to Checking your Computer’s CPU Model. appeared first on IGeeKphone China Phone, Tablet PC, VR, RC Drone News, Reviews.

If you prefer not to have cameras in and around your home, try one of these more private, WIRED-tested security devices.

If you prefer not to have cameras in and around your home, try one of these more private, WIRED-tested security devices.

Apple’s next iPad lineup refresh could begin this fall with a new iPad mini, followed by updates across the rest of the tablet family during 2027. The reported schedule would give Apple a rolling series of launches rather than one event covering every iPad at once.

Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman reports that Apple is preparing replacements for the iPad mini, entry-level iPad, iPad Air and iPad Pro. The compact model is expected to arrive first, potentially as early as October, while the remaining tablets would follow over the next several months.

Apple has not announced any of the devices, and release timing can change. The report nevertheless gives prospective buyers a clearer picture of where each current model sits in its cycle. The first update could also bring one of the most requested display improvements to Apple’s smallest tablet.

iPad Lineup Refresh Starts With the Mini

The iPad lineup refresh is expected to begin with the iPad mini, which has received fewer updates than Apple’s larger tablets. The current design remains popular because it offers an 8.3-inch screen in a device small enough to hold comfortably with one hand, place in a small bag or use as a portable reading and note-taking tool.

The next model is reportedly moving to an OLED display. That would give the iPad mini deeper black levels, stronger contrast and more vivid color than its current LCD panel. OLED would be particularly noticeable when reading in dark environments, watching video or working with images.

The new display is expected to measure approximately 8.4 inches without producing a major change to the overall design. Apple may retain a 60Hz refresh rate rather than bringing the 120Hz ProMotion technology used by the iPad Pro. That could disappoint buyers hoping the mini would become a compact Pro model, but OLED alone would represent a visible upgrade.

Reports have also pointed to an A19 Pro chip. That would give the smaller tablet more performance for games, creative apps, Apple Intelligence and longer-term software support. The current iPad mini already occupies an unusual position between a reading device and a compact professional tool. A stronger chip and OLED screen would push it further toward the second category.

Price may become the less attractive part of the update. Apple could raise the starting cost as display and memory expenses increase. Buyers interested mainly in portability may accept a higher price, but the iPad mini would need to avoid moving too close to the iPad Air.

The Entry-Level iPad May Stay Familiar

Apple’s least expensive iPad is expected to receive a more modest update in early 2027. The company reportedly plans to preserve the current design while replacing the processor with a newer chip.

That would fit the role of the entry-level model. Apple uses it for education, families, basic productivity, streaming, games and first-time tablet buyers. A dramatic redesign could increase the cost without improving the tasks most customers use it for.

The processor update could bring Apple Intelligence compatibility, depending on the chip and memory configuration Apple chooses. The current model’s position outside some advanced AI features creates an increasingly visible separation from the rest of the lineup.

A newer chip would also extend the useful life of the device. Entry-level iPads are often kept for several years, passed between family members or deployed in schools and businesses. Long software support can be more valuable in that segment than a thinner body or new camera arrangement.

Anyone considering the current base iPad should decide whether price or longevity has greater value. The current model remains suitable for ordinary use, particularly when discounted. Buyers who want the longest possible support window may prefer to wait.

iPad Air Could Receive the Larger Display Upgrade

The iPad Air is also expected to receive an update in 2027, with OLED display technology reportedly planned for the range. That would narrow one of the most obvious visual differences between the Air and the iPad Pro.

Apple currently positions the Air as the balanced choice: stronger than the entry model, less expensive than the Pro and available in 11-inch and 13-inch sizes. It supports Apple Pencil Pro and Magic Keyboard while offering M-series performance for demanding apps.

An OLED display would make that value proposition more aggressive. The Air could offer improved contrast and image quality without requiring buyers to move to the Pro tier. Apple would still have several ways to distinguish the Pro, including ProMotion, brighter displays, thinner hardware, advanced cameras and newer processors.

The processor is likely to receive another M-series upgrade as well, though the exact chip remains uncertain. For most users, the Air already has far more processing power than routine tablet work demands. The screen may provide the stronger reason to wait.

The risk for Apple is pricing. OLED panels could push the Air upward, especially in the 13-inch configuration. If the gap between Air and Pro becomes too narrow, buyers may move directly to the flagship. Apple will need to preserve a convincing middle tier.

iPad Pro May Focus on Power and Accessories

The next iPad Pro is reportedly planned for spring 2027. Apple may use a new M-series processor while leaving the current thin design largely intact.

That would make the Pro refresh more evolutionary than transformative. The current generation already includes OLED displays, high-end performance, Face ID, ProMotion and support for Apple Pencil Pro and Magic Keyboard.

Apple is also reportedly preparing two updated Apple Pencil models. Those accessories could arrive alongside the next iPad Pro, with changes potentially related to battery design and regulatory requirements.

The larger question is what additional processor power will do for the tablet. iPadOS 27 has expanded multitasking and window management, but buyers continue to evaluate the Pro against MacBook models at similar prices. A faster chip alone will not settle that comparison.

Apple may rely more heavily on AI, professional applications and accessory integration to justify the update. The Pro has become a platform for illustration, video editing, music production, 3D work and specialized enterprise apps. New hardware needs to strengthen those uses rather than simply win another benchmark.

Should Buyers Wait?

The answer depends on the model. Prospective iPad mini buyers have the strongest reason to pause because the reported fall update could introduce a substantially better display within months.

Entry-level buyers can still consider the current iPad when pricing is attractive. Its expected replacement appears focused on performance rather than design. Waiting becomes more sensible for anyone who wants Apple Intelligence support or maximum longevity.

The current iPad Air remains a capable option, particularly for users who need a tablet now. OLED would improve the experience, but a 2027 release leaves a longer wait. The same logic applies to the iPad Pro. Its successor may be faster, though the existing model already covers demanding work comfortably.

Apple’s gradual schedule could keep the iPad in the hardware conversation from fall through spring. It also means there will be no single perfect moment when every model is equally new.

The iPad mini may open the cycle because it has the most obvious opportunity for visible improvement. After that, Apple can use the base iPad for reach, the Air for broader OLED adoption and the Pro for its latest silicon and accessories.

The tablet lineup is not expected to change all at once. It may instead evolve model by model, giving buyers repeated reasons to reconsider which iPad fits their needs.

The post iPad Lineup Refresh Could Start This Fall appeared first on AppleMagazine.

Get ready to crush your coursework or scoot to class in style with these back-to-school gear picks.

Get ready to crush your coursework or scoot to class in style with these back-to-school gear picks.

I tested REI’s best new and revamped outdoor gear of 2026. Here’s what’s worth buying, from tents and sleeping bags to coolers and bikes.

I tested REI’s best new and revamped outdoor gear of 2026. Here’s what’s worth buying, from tents and sleeping bags to coolers and bikes.

Looking to add a smart speaker to your house? Here’s which to choose, whether you’re an Alexa, Siri, or Gemini fan.

Looking to add a smart speaker to your house? Here’s which to choose, whether you’re an Alexa, Siri, or Gemini fan.

From the best air fryer to frying pans to knife sharpeners anyone can use, these ideas will keep the curious home chef in your life tinkering away.

Call forwarding on iPhone is a simple feature with a specific job: it sends incoming calls from your iPhone number to another phone number. That can be useful when you are traveling, using a temporary phone, separating work and personal calls, covering a business line or making sure important calls reach someone else when you cannot answer.

The feature is built into iOS, but it depends on carrier support. Apple notes that call forwarding can be set up on iPhone if cellular service is through a GSM network. If the service uses a CDMA network, users may need to contact the carrier for setup details. That means the option may not appear for every user, every carrier or every plan.

For most supported iPhones, the path is quick:

Settings > Apps > Phone > Call Forwarding

Turn on Call Forwarding, then enter the phone number where calls should be sent. When call forwarding is active, an icon appears in the status bar so the user can see that incoming calls are being routed elsewhere.

Call Forwarding on iPhone Sends Calls Elsewhere

Call forwarding on iPhone does not move messages, FaceTime calls, app notifications or voicemail settings by itself. It only redirects standard cellular phone calls. If someone calls your iPhone number, the carrier routes that call to the number you entered.

That distinction is important. If you forward calls to another phone, text messages still arrive on the original iPhone unless other settings or services are involved. FaceTime calls may still ring on Apple devices signed into the same Apple Account. Messaging apps such as WhatsApp, Signal, Telegram or Messenger are unaffected.

Call forwarding is also different from Silence Unknown Callers, Focus modes or Do Not Disturb. Those features control how calls appear or interrupt you. Call forwarding changes where the call goes.

This makes the feature useful in a few common situations. A business owner can send calls to an office line. A traveler can forward calls to a local number. Someone with a damaged iPhone can temporarily send calls to another device. A freelancer can route calls to a partner during time off. A parent can forward calls to a spouse for a short period.

How to Turn On Call Forwarding

To turn on call forwarding:

• Settings > Apps > Phone > Call Forwarding
• Turn on Call Forwarding
• Tap Forward To
• Enter the phone number
• Go back to save the setting

Use the full phone number, including area code. If forwarding to an international number, include the correct country code. After setting it up, test the feature from another phone. Do not assume it works until a test call rings at the forwarded number.

To turn call forwarding off:

Settings > Apps > Phone > Call Forwarding > Turn off

After turning it off, test again. A quick call from another phone confirms whether incoming calls are back to normal.

If the Call Forwarding menu spins, fails to load or does not save the number, restart the iPhone and check cellular service. If the problem continues, contact the carrier because the setting depends on the carrier network.

Why the Setting May Be Missing

Some users look for call forwarding and cannot find it. That usually means one of three things: the carrier does not expose the feature in iPhone settings, the plan does not support it, or the network requires carrier codes or account-level setup.

Apple’s guide says CDMA users should contact their carrier for call forwarding information. Some carriers also use special dialing codes for forwarding all calls, forwarding when busy, forwarding when unanswered or forwarding when unreachable. Those codes vary by carrier and country, so guessing is not a good idea.

The best path is to check the carrier’s support page or app. Many carriers let users manage forwarding from the account dashboard, especially for business lines or multi-line plans.

If the option is missing, the iPhone is not necessarily broken. The carrier may simply handle forwarding differently.

What Happens to Voicemail

Call forwarding can affect voicemail behavior depending on the carrier and destination number. If the forwarded phone does not answer, the call may go to the voicemail of the forwarded number instead of the original iPhone voicemail. In some cases, carrier rules may still send it back to the original mailbox, but users should not assume that.

This is another reason to test. Call the iPhone from another number, let it ring, and see where the missed call lands. If the goal is to preserve the original iPhone voicemail, carrier support may be needed.

For work numbers, this can be especially important. A forwarded business call going to a personal voicemail greeting can look unprofessional. A personal call going to a shared office voicemail can create privacy problems. Check before relying on it.

Call Forwarding and Dual SIM

iPhone users with Dual SIM or eSIM setups should pay attention to which line is being forwarded. A personal line and business line can have separate carrier settings. Forwarding one does not automatically forward the other.

To check lines:

Settings > Cellular > Select the line you want to manage

Then return to:

Settings > Apps > Phone > Call Forwarding

The available settings may vary by carrier and line. If one line supports call forwarding and the other does not, that is usually a carrier difference, not an iPhone problem.

Dual SIM users should also test both numbers separately. Call the personal number, then call the business number, and confirm each behaves as expected.

When Call Forwarding Is Useful

Call forwarding works best when the goal is temporary coverage. It is useful during travel, device repairs, vacations, business handoffs, office moves, event coverage or times when another person needs to answer calls.

It can also help people who use a landline or desk phone during work hours. Calls can be forwarded from the iPhone to the office line, then turned off at the end of the day. The reverse can also work if the carrier supports it.

For small businesses, call forwarding can help avoid missed calls without adding a full phone system. A company can route calls to whoever is available. For individuals, it can be a quick fix when an iPhone battery is failing, a device is being repaired, or cellular reception is better on another phone.

The feature is less ideal as a permanent business phone solution. If multiple people need to answer calls, if calls need menus, if calls need recordings, or if voicemail needs to stay organized, a dedicated phone service may be better.

Privacy and Cost Considerations

Call forwarding may create charges depending on the carrier, plan and destination number. Forwarding calls to an international number can be expensive. Forwarding to another domestic mobile number is usually simpler, but users should still check the plan.

Privacy also deserves attention. Once calls are forwarded, the person or device receiving them may hear personal, business or sensitive conversations meant for the original number. Do not forward calls to a shared phone unless that is intentional.

Before forwarding a work line to a personal number, check company policy. Some organizations do not allow business calls to be routed to unmanaged personal devices.

How to Troubleshoot Call Forwarding

If call forwarding does not work, start with the basics. Confirm the iPhone has cellular service. Restart the device. Check that the forwarding number is entered correctly. Turn call forwarding off, wait a few seconds, then turn it on again.

Then test from another phone. A test call is the fastest way to know whether the carrier accepted the setting.

If calls still do not forward, check whether the carrier supports call forwarding through iPhone settings. Some carriers require account-level activation, carrier codes or a business calling feature. If the iPhone setting is missing or stuck, carrier support is usually the right next step.

Also check Focus modes and blocked numbers if the issue is not forwarding but missed calls. A call may fail to ring because of Focus, Silence Unknown Callers, a blocked contact, poor signal or voicemail settings rather than call forwarding.

A Simple Feature Worth Testing

Call forwarding on iPhone is easy to use when the carrier supports it. Open iPhone settings, turn on Call Forwarding, enter the destination number and test it. Turn it off when the temporary need is over.

The feature is most useful when it is deliberate and short-term. It can keep calls moving during travel, repairs, work coverage or busy periods, but it should be checked carefully because voicemail, costs and privacy can change once calls are routed to another number.

The iPhone makes the setting simple. The carrier decides how far that simplicity goes.

The post Call Forwarding on iPhone: How It Works appeared first on AppleMagazine.

RGB TVs are the latest hotness in the world of televisions, and I’ve tested many of the latest models to see which you should buy.

Network-attached storage (NAS) provides accessible shared space on your home network. After testing, these are my favorite NAS devices.

Network-attached storage (NAS) provides accessible shared space on your home network. After testing, these are my favorite NAS devices.

I did the research and taste-testing to find the best greens powders worth your money. Bloom Nutrition’s Superfood Greens Powder is my tried-and-true pick.