Microsoft’s Phone Link app will soon allow users to select and copy text in images on Android phones.

Spotted by The Verge, the new feature is in testing now in ‘Release Preview Insider’ builds of Windows and could roll out to everyone in the near future.

Phone Link leverages optical character recognition (OCR) technology to detect text in images, which The Verge says is “decent” but more prone to errors than Samsung’s or Apple’s text extraction.

Notably, Windows 11’s ‘Snipping Tool’ recently got text extraction capabilities for images. That enabled a bit of a workaround for copying text from images captured on a smartphone, but the built-in capability in Phone Link streamlines the process.

Microsoft seems to be on a bit of an OCR kick. The company’s recently announced ‘Recall’ feature relies on OCR capabilities to help people look up things in screenshots of their PC activity.

Phone Link is a service that syncs various aspects of users’ smartphones with their Windows PCs. That includes calls, messages, notifications, images and more. However, most of the features are limited to Android phones, though some things still work with iOS.

Phone Link and its smartphone companion app, Link to Windows, are available for free on their respective platforms.

Distributed also on: The Verge

MobileSyrup may earn a commission from purchases made via our links, which helps fund the journalism we provide free on our website. These links do not influence our editorial content. Support us here.

Apple’s AirPods along with its Pro and Max versions are excellent for FaceTime, phone calls, and music playback. The seamless transition between devices, like as your iPhone and Mac when you sit down at your work, is one of its best features. However, they do experience issues sometimes. One of the common problems is that the volume on the AirPods gets too low. We will demonstrate how to resolve that in this article.

Why Is The Volume in My AirPods So Low?

Depending on the gadget you’re using your AirPods with, there are several reasons why they might not be loud enough. For instance, your Mac or iPhone’s accessibility settings may be restricting the volume, or your battery may be almost dead. Additionally, your AirPods’ performance may be unpredictable if you’re getting close to the boundary of their Bluetooth range. This could result in the volume being too low.

One of the following common issues could be the cause of your AirPods becoming quiet:

Accumulation of earwax: It’s unpleasant, but earwax buildup on your AirPods’ mesh might really reduce sound quality.
Poor bluetooth: Your AirPods’ sound quality may be impacted by a weak Bluetooth connection or disturbance from other devices.
Software problems: If your AirPods haven’t received the most recent software update, you will experience low sound levels.
Battery life: Low-level batteries may also have an impact on sound quality.
Configurations: It’s possible that the volume or balance of the audio settings on your device are off.

7 Ways To Fix Quiet AirPods

First, determine if the issue affects all of the devices you use or just one of them. Try them on your iPhone or iPad if you see the issue on your Mac, and vice versa. In this manner, you can determine if your Mac, iPhone, or AirPods are the source of the issue.

There are a few options available if your AirPods are the issue. This is how you should proceed.

1. Clean your AirPods

AirPods occasionally become a bit dirty because of all the debris that gets accumulated in the speaker mesh. So, wipe them down with a soft, wet cloth that is free of lint as soon as possible. Make sure the cloth is only slightly wet. You do not want to get moisture on your AirPods. Use the same method to clean the charging port and the casing. You can take off the silicone ear tips from your AirPods Pro and give them a quick wash in cold water. Before you reattach them, make sure they have dried.

2. Use The Ear Tip Fit Test

After everything has been cleaned, you can confirm that your AirPods Pro fits comfortably in your ears. For this, Apple offers a helpful fit test that can distinguish between muffled and clear music. This way, you won’t need to increase the AirPods’ volume for louder sound and guarantee a better sound quality.

A proper fit could actually make the difference between your AirPods feeling too quiet and just right.

3. Reset and Recharge Your AirPods

Even though your AirPods seem to have a lot of power left, there can be a problem with the battery life display itself. Recharge them and give them another go to be sure that’s not the case.

If the volume of your AirPods is too low on a particular device but not on another, there may be a problem with Bluetooth or your device itself. You can follow these steps to resolve the issue with system reset:

Place your AirPods in their case, then select System Settings>Bluetooth, from the Apple menu on your device.
Click on “Remove” and confirm.
Open the cover of your AirPods case, then hold the setup button until the light begins to flash.
Navigate to System Preferences>Bluetooth, and select “AirPods.”
Check to see if the problem is resolved

4. Check the Volume

It may seem silly, but check sure that the affected device’s volume is up before performing any more actions. In case your Mac is not working with your AirPods, select Control Center and move the slider towards the right. Verify that the app you’re using is not on mute and that the volume is also cranked up.

Apple customers also check if they didn’t turn on any odd equalizer settings by double-checking the settings of their programs. Things may sound much quieter than they actually are if you have adjusted the level sliders partially or completely. This user tip is quite helpful in most situations.

Additionally, some websites, such as YouTube, have volume sliders built right into their playback windows. It would be wise to make sure that all of these are adjusted to a high level before using the Mac’s main volume adjustment.

5. Check Your iPhone Settings

Check the Settings on your iPhone if the volume on your AirPods is only too low when you use them with your phone. Select Sound & Haptics > Headphone Safety after opening the Settings app. Verify that the toggle switch for “Reduce Loud Sounds” is turned off.

Additionally, you should look at the accessibility options, since occasionally they can be set up in a way that makes your AirPods too silent. Navigate to Settings, select Accessibility, then Audio/Visual. Verify that the slider is positioned halfway between L and R. Select Headphone Compatibility. Turn them off and back on if the toggle switch is in the “on” position to avoid the potential issue.

6. Run Maintenance Scripts

There are various reasons why your Mac could be the source of the quiet music coming from your AirPods. Using maintenance scripts is the most efficient way to address multiple issues at once. There are several apps made specifically for that purpose. They can perform a wide range of other maintenance tasks, such as reindexing Spotlight, thinning out Time Machine pictures, and freeing up RAM, in addition to executing maintenance scripts.

7. Check if the Volume On Both Earphones is the Same

It’s possible that one earbud might have ended up being quieter than the other. You’ll need your iPhone close at hand to verify if that is the case:

Launch the Settings application.
Log in to your Apple ID if you’re not logged in.
Click or tap “Accessibility.”
Select “Audio/Visual” under “Hearing.”
Make sure the “Balance” section’s slider is in the middle, then move it back there if necessary.

You may need to get in touch with Apple for support if none of these fixes work to address your loudness problems. Even so, it is worthwhile to experiment with all of the aforementioned settings, in case you happen to miss something simple, like the volume controls. You can also contact community forums to see if you can find any unique information. Your feedback can help others as well so if you want to add your experience to it, that’s helpful as well.

Conclusion

If you’ve performed all the checks above and still don’t see any improvement, it’s time to go to the Apple service store. Just know that you may be saying goodbye to your AirPods if you’ve read this far and you don’t have a fix. You will have to go without them for a short while while they are being fixed or replaced.

The Pixel 9 and Pixel 9 Pro are really all we can think about for tech in 2024. Google’s upcoming design and line-up change for the Pixel 9 series will be major and I would love nothing more than to fast forward to their late fall arrival. The Pixel 9 Pro, even before it is official, is the phone I want in my pocket.

That said, the Pixel 10 might be the true phone upgrade most will end up wanting. The conversation around why that is will be far too nerdy to keep the attention of most of us, so I’ll try and explain as simply as possible.

Ever heard of Samsung Foundry? What about TSMC? It’s OK if you haven’t.

These are two big names in the chipset space that help companies like Qualcomm and Samsung make chipsets like the Snapdragon series or Samsung’s Exynos line. The thing is, TSMC is largely thought to be the gold standard for making chips, while Samsung Foundry is often considered to be steps below. There are few better examples that show this than the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 and 8+ Gen 1, both of which released in 2022 by Qualcomm.

You may recall that the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 was an overheating, battery weak, performance mess of a chip, while the Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 dramatically improved all of those areas only months later. Samsung Foundry made that original 8 Gen 1 chip and Qualcomm then switched to TSMC for the 8+ Gen 1. My review of the Galaxy Z Flip 4 summed up my findings between the two chips nicely.

Qualcomm has since used TSMC for the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 and 8 Gen 3. They are expected to use TSMC for the upcoming Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 as well.

What does all of this mean for the Pixel 9 vs. the Pixel 10? Well, Google’s Tensor chips are made by Samsung Foundry. We’re talking about the Tensor, Tensor G2, and the current Tensor G3. The upcoming Tensor G4 that will land in the Pixel 9 series is once again expected to be a Samsung Foundry-made chip.

As many of you know from owning any of the Pixel phones from the Pixel 6 up through the current Pixel 8, Tensor chips have issues. They tend to get hot, can’t hang with the best performers from Qualcomm, and certainly don’t boast top battery life scores. Their connectivity issues haven’t improved much over the years either, but that’s mostly a modem thing.

Since the Tensor G4 is likely thought to be made by Samsung Foundry, we have no idea if the Pixel 9 will see big improvements over previous Tensor chips. That said, Google is preparing to switch to TSMC for the Tensor G5 and what could be their first truly custom chipset. It could mean big things, assuming TSMC can do for Tensor what it did for Qualcomm’s Snapdragon.

Over the weekend, supposed evidence confirming this change showed up. The folks at Android Authority dug into trade databases that purportedly confirm the switch from Samsung Foundry to TSMC. If you care deeply about the tiny details around that confirmation, feel free to read their story. But for most of us, all we can about is that the evidence continues to point in the direction of a switch to TSMC. This was first rumored in July 2023 and then later backed by a roadmap leak in September 2023. This latest evidence is a good sign of things to come, assuming it holds up.

YouTube has been testing a suite of in-app mobile games for a year or so, and now it’s finally bringing them to the masses. But don’t get your hopes up, there are 75 games, but most are so stale the only other place you’ll probably find them is your grandma’s iPad.

If I’m being lenient, not all games are terrible. Titles like Cut the Rope, Find Out, and Trivia Crack were all very popular at one point or another, but most of the games are pretty basic, like Solitare, chess, and the types of games you see in janky mobile ads.

You might be asking yourself, “Why do I want to play games within YouTube?” And truthfully, there is no answer. You would think that YouTube games would be built to allow you to watch a show and play a game at the same time, but sadly, they’re not. You can only do one thing at a time, and if you have YouTube Premium, the multitasking experience is better outside of the YouTube app.

You can find the games within the YouTube app by clicking on the Explore button and choosing ‘Playables.’

Image credit: YouTube

Distributed also on: YouTube

MobileSyrup may earn a commission from purchases made via our links, which helps fund the journalism we provide free on our website. These links do not influence our editorial content. Support us here.

World of Warcraft: Cataclysm is the third and more expansive installment of Blizzard Entertainment’s highly popular massively multiplayer online role-playing game (MMORPG). The third edition represents a significant cultural shift within the game, proving to be a huge turning point for Azeroth’s landscape, released on December 7, 2010. The biggest key factor behind introducing WoW Cataclysm was the revamped land of Azeroth with a dramatic transformation to the storyline centered around the return of Deathwing the Destroyer, wreaking havoc across Azeroth. 

This edition of World of Warcraft has brought significant changes to Azeroth’s landscape and caused a massive environmental change described as ‘Shattering’. This Shattering revamped the game’s original continents, like the Kalimdor and the Eastern kingdoms, which were pretty familiar to the players and how altered with new quests and updated graphics reflecting the devastation. 

In the following sections, we will discuss WoW Cataclysm and its innovative features, like Cataclysm gold, that can be used by players to benefit from their game progress. Keep scrolling and find out how you can get gold on sale in WoW Cataclysm. 

What is Gold in World of Warcraft: Cataclysm? 

Gold is the primary currency used in World of Warcraft Cataclysm and plays a crucial role in the third edition’s massive expansion. In World of Warcraft Cataclysm, Gold is an essential currency for various in-game activities like purchasing different items such as mounts, repairs, and enhancing the game’s overall experience. In the following sections, we will tell you how Gold influences different items in WoW Cataclysm – 

Inflation and Costs: Inflation was introduced into Azeroth’s gameplay with the launch of WoW Cataclysm, and because of that, prices for goods and services have been high. Another prominent activity, Mount training, also became significantly expensive, especially for flying mounts in Azeroth.

New Crafting Materials: With the introduction of new zones and dungeons in World of Warcraft, many new materials and crafting recipes have also been introduced. These materials, however, can only be accessed by paying higher prices for them. 

Guild Perks: With gold farming, you can also use guilds to unlock new perks, including increased gold drops from monsters and a decrease in repair costs. These changes indirectly affected the players’s in-game performance and gold management. 

Benefits of Farming Gold in WoW Cataclysm

Farming gold in WoW Cataclysm is beneficial for the players as it can help them manage expenses, which is a very important task in the game. Here are a few tips on how gold can benefit players in the game – 

Prioritize Mount Training – You can farm gold to invest in flying mount training, as it is crucial for efficient travel and quests. You can have the convenience of plenty of time saved.

Save for Epic Gear – You can also farm gold to invest in high-level gears, whether they are purchased directly or crafted can be beneficial for progress in both PvE and PvP. If you have gold, you should prioritize investing in gear upgrades for performance enhancement. 

Repair Costs – You can also use gold to opt for regular repairs that are necessary to keep the equipment in top condition. 

Auction House Deals –  Players can also look for epic deals on the Auction house to get materials or items they may need for crafting or progression. You can buy materials at low prices and sell them during high demand to earn more gold. 

How to Get Gold on Sale in World of Warcraft Cataclysm? 

The best way to buy WoW Cataclysm gold in World of Warcraft is by relying on a secure and trusted third-party website like Eldorado. Following are the steps you can easily follow to buy WoW Cataclysm gold with the help of these websites – 

Go to the official website of Eldorado.gg
 If you don’t have an account, make one before jumping to the next step 
Next, you have to click on the three horizontal bars on the left side of the screen 
From the list of options, tap on Currency 
Under Currency, you should search the list for WoW Cataclysm Gold 
Now, from the new screen, select the desired amount of gold you want
Next, click on Buy Now and make the payment through your preferred payment methods, like credit/ debit card, PayPal, etc 
When your payment is registered, a chat box will appear on the main screen where you can talk to the seller 
The seller will inform you about how you can receive WoW Cataclysm gold 
You should follow the instructions to receive the Cataclysm gold easily in no time. 
After receiving WoW Gold, you can mark the order as ‘Received’ on the platform  

Conclusion

In this comprehensive guide, we discussed how earning gold in WoW Cataclysm requires a mix of activities, such as farming, crafting, completing achievements, or simply buying it from a trusted online retailer. You can easily follow any of the methods discussed in this comprehensive guide and easily accumulate gold to enjoy a richer gameplay experience. 

Late last year, YouTube added Playables to its Android and iOS app for Premium subscribers. Playables is a library of gaming titles that you can play within the YouTube app. There are titles like Angry Birds Showdown, Cut the Rope, and many more.

Announced this week, YouTube is expanding its 75+ Playables title library to additional users. These games all feature cloud saves that follow you from device to device, are typically easy to jump in and play, and for the most part are a nice added bonus to using YouTube if you’re bored.

If you haven’t seen Playables in your app yet, you can search for Playables or follow this link on your mobile device.

Go have some fun.

// YouTube

In the pixelated world of Stardew Valley, where crops reign supreme and farmers strive for prosperity, one particular fruit holds a special place of honor: the Ancient Fruit. This crop, being very rare and precious, is much wanted by players. This is because of its high-earning prospects and special features.

This article will focus on everything you should know about the Ancient Fruit in Stardew Valley, from getting the seeds to getting the most out of them.

Introduction to Ancient Fruit

The Ancient Fruit is a rarity; it is the only blue fruit that requires as long as an entire season to fully ripen. While it takes comparatively long to develop, it is worth much more than simple crops. This is why it is so valuable. Many players desire it.

With proper knowledge and strategy, farmers can draw the strength of Ancient Fruit. This will help them increase their income and make their farming business level up.

Acquiring Ancient Fruit Seeds

The road to Ancient Fruit starts by getting Ancient Seeds that give this fruit life. There are several methods to obtain Ancient Seeds in Stardew Valley:

The Traveling Merchant: As you will be moving along the north end of the Cindersap Forest, remember to look for The Traveling Merchant who comes around every Friday and Sunday. Ranging from 100g to 1000g, the merchant might add a pack of Ancient Seeds as part of their inventory.
Donating the Ancient Seed Artifact: Pursue the giant terrain of Stardew Valley to get the Ancient Seed artifact. Should you find one, donate it to the Museum and you will receive a package of Ancient Seeds and the recipe for cultivating more.
Seed Maker: The Seed Maker can be used for all of the processing of crops and with a chance to collect Ancient Fruit Seeds. Even though most crops usually produce seeds similar to the input, there is a small chance of receiving Ancient Fruit Seeds. This makes the process fruit some.

Cultivating Ancient Fruit

After owning the Ancient Fruit Seed, it is time to start the journey to cultivation. Don’t put the seeds of the crop in the ground during the wintertime, because Ancient Fruit needs a good climate. You can do this during any other season.

Please be patient, because it will require nearly 28 days for the seeds to reach full maturity and develop into plants. Nevertheless, it would be worthwhile since it is one of the most profitable crops. As soon as the Ancient Fruit plant matures it will continue to bear fruit every week. An experienced farmer could make a steady living out of it.

For those who want to continue cultivation throughout year-round, use the greenhouse. Here the climate remains ideal, no matter the season. Using the seeds of ancient fruits for the greenhouse gives farmers a continuous harvest. In the long run, it also encourages them to boost their crop output for better economic gain.

Maximizing the Value of The Ancient Fruit

Ancient Fruit holds a significant value. Both as a raw item as well as when processed into various products. Here are some ways to maximize the value of Ancient Fruit:

Selling Raw Fruit: Antique Fruit proves to be a sizable profit, the price depending on the quality. Whether it be for normal, silver, gold, or iridium quality, Ancient Fruit farmers can expect significant profits.
Processing into Wine or Jam: However, the Value of Ancient Fruit can also be improved by processing into the Wine or Jam. The processed Ancient Fruit products are brought higher prices and can also be further aged in the casks to increase their quality
Completing Bundles: donate the Ancient Fruit to fulfill specific Community Center bundles. In return, you will get access to the Movie Theatre or new locations.
Crafting Genie Pants: Get creative by combining Ancient Fruit with cloth at a sewing machine to form dyeable Genie Pants. This adds some flair to the whole ensemble of your character’s clothes. It can also be used as a blue dye in tailoring.

Q&A:

1. What is Ancient Fruit in Stardew Valley?

Ans: Ancient fruit is one of the most valuable produce in Stardew Valley, as it pays the highest and has a relatively long harvest start. It is a particular kind of seed that as long as they are nurtured, they grow into plants that produce Ancient Fruit which can be sold for profit.

2. How do I get Ancient Fruit seeds?

Ans: Stardew Valley provides the players with multiple ways to get the ancestors’ seeds. One of the easiest ways to earn them is to get them as a reward for completing specific tasks or quests. Be on the lookout for a chance to obtain Ancient Fruit seeds as a reward for getting a job well done on the farm.

3. Can I grow the Ancient Fruit on the Nintendo Switch version?

Ans: Yes, these Fruits can be cultivated and grown on every platform publishing Stardew Valley, including the Nintendo Switch. Regardless of whether you play on a PC, console, or mobile, you can have fun growing the Ancient Fruit tree on your farm.

4. Is there any special event or location related to the Ancient Fuirt?

Ans: Yes, during the Winter season, adventurers can check out the Night Market to meet with sellers who probably have Ancient Fruit seeds or other Ancient Fruit items for them. Don’t miss this occasion to add Ancient Fruit seeds and other worthwhile items to your farm.

5. Does the Artisan profession have any advantages in the Ancient Fruit farming?

Ans: The Artisan occupation gives more value to the artisan goods, like the wine made from the Ancient Fruits. Thus, the farmers can earn an even higher fortune by harvesting their crops.