Why I Disabled My Smart TV's Microphone (And You Should Too)

Understanding the Functionality of Smart TV Microphones

Smart TVs today are equipped with microphones that are always listening for voice commands. This feature is designed to make the user experience more convenient, allowing users to interact with their devices without the need for a remote or on-screen keyboard. Whether it's launching an app, searching for content, or adjusting settings, built-in voice assistants enable hands-free control. Some models even integrate with smart home ecosystems like Amazon Alexa and Google Home, acting as a central hub for managing various connected devices.

This level of convenience comes at a cost, however. The microphone must remain active in the background to detect wake words such as "Hey Google" or "Alexa." While this setup allows for seamless interaction, it also means that the TV is constantly listening, even when not actively being used. For many, this trade-off between convenience and privacy is a significant concern.

Why I Disabled My Smart TV's Always-On Microphone

Initially, I didn't give much thought to the always-on microphone on my smart TV. It was just another feature designed for convenience. However, as I reflected on the implications, I became increasingly uncomfortable with the idea of being monitored, even if unintentionally. After careful consideration, I decided to disable the microphone, and my decision came down to three key reasons.

1. Privacy Concerns

One of the main reasons I turned off the microphone was due to privacy concerns. Although these microphones are supposed to activate only when a wake word is detected, they must remain active in the background to function properly. This means that conversations in the home are continuously picked up, even if they aren't acted upon unless the wake word is spoken.

Manufacturers claim that they only record snippets of interactions after hearing the wake word, but as a user, it's difficult to be certain about what is actually being captured. These audio recordings are typically sent back to the manufacturer or third parties for processing, which raises concerns about how the data is stored and used. The possibility of someone reviewing these recordings to improve speech recognition algorithms felt invasive, especially in a space where I should feel safe and relaxed.

2. Limited Use of Voice Commands

Another factor that influenced my decision was realizing how infrequently I used voice commands. While the concept of controlling devices through voice sounded appealing, in practice, it never really resonated with me. My Google TV-powered TCL smart TV offers multiple ways to activate the voice assistant, but I still found myself reaching for the remote instead.

The microphone often failed to understand my commands, leading to frustration and repeated attempts. Additionally, since the TV is located far from where I sit, I had to shout to be heard, which made the feature less practical than it seemed. Considering the minimal benefit I derived from the feature, turning it off felt like a logical choice.

3. Security Risks

The final reason for disabling the microphone was the potential security risks associated with always-on devices. Any device connected to the internet is vulnerable to hacking, and smart TVs are no exception. They run software that can have flaws, making them susceptible to exploitation by malicious actors.

There is also the risk of misuse by manufacturers themselves, including collecting more data than intended or using voice recordings for purposes beyond what users agree to. The idea of unauthorized access to my TV’s microphone was unsettling, and it reinforced the importance of protecting my personal information.

Steps to Disable Your Smart TV's Microphone

Disabling the microphone on your smart TV can vary depending on the manufacturer, but the process is generally straightforward. On my Google TV-powered TCL smart TV, I followed these steps:

1. Open the Settings app.
2. Navigate to Privacy.
3. Select Google Assistant.
4. Under the Google Assistant settings, turn off Hands-free mic and Voice control.

These steps are specific to Google TV, so if you have a different smart TV OS, it’s best to check online for instructions tailored to your model.

Benefits of Disabling the Microphone

After turning off the microphone, I felt a greater sense of peace and control over my privacy. My daily routine remained unchanged—streaming shows, adjusting volume, and browsing apps still happened through the remote. I didn’t miss the functionality because I wasn’t using it anyway. The absence of an always-on microphone removed the nagging worry about who might be listening or how my conversations could be used.

While this change may seem minor, it serves as a reminder that convenience isn’t always worth the trade-off. In a world filled with always-listening and always-tracking devices, taking steps to protect your privacy is a valuable move.

Should You Turn Off Your Smart TV's Microphone?

Whether or not you should disable your smart TV’s microphone depends on how frequently you use voice commands. If you rely on voice control for streaming or managing smart home devices, keeping the microphone on may be beneficial. However, if you rarely use these features, there’s no need to keep the microphone active.

For those who prioritize privacy, turning off the microphone can provide a sense of security and control. It’s a simple action that can make a big difference in how you feel about your digital footprint. Ultimately, the decision comes down to personal preference and comfort with the trade-offs involved.

Intel's Panther Lake-H Appears in Official Listing — DFI Unveils ITX Motherboard for Industrial Use with 25W Chip

Intel's Panther Lake-H: A New Era for Embedded Systems

Intel is currently developing a wide range of processors tailored for different generations and use cases. While the upcoming Nova Lake architecture has captured the attention of many, it's the Panther Lake that stands out as the next major mobile architecture from the company. Recently, this new architecture has made its way into retail form for the first time, spotted by @momomo_us. DFI, a well-known name in the industrial PC hardware industry, has unveiled a new ITX motherboard featuring Panther Lake-H, named PTH171/PTH173.

Unlike traditional desktop configurations, this motherboard does not fall under the MoDT (mobile on desktop) category. Instead, it is designed for embedded systems such as SoMs (system on modules) or SBCs (single board computers). These are integrated into existing pipelines by large businesses. The 25W TDP, which is relatively low, supports this purpose. As a result, the board lacks an x16 PCIe slot for a GPU and instead relies on the integrated graphics of the Panther Lake-H chip. It includes one HDMI 2.0 port, one DisplayPort (version unspecified), one USB Type-C port, and one M.2-A port for video output.

The motherboard also features dual SODIMM slots that support up to 128GB of DDR5 memory running at 7,200 MT/s. There are two M.2 slots for networking and one M.2 slot for an SSD, which is compliant with PCIe 5.0 x4. Connectivity on the back is robust, offering multiple USB ports and Ethernet support. It also includes Intel’s vPro and CNVi technologies, which are commonly used in industrial applications. Additionally, the board supports EXT-OOB, a proprietary carrier board developed by DFI that can connect to motherboards like these to enhance functionality.

Although the price and availability of the motherboard remain unknown, industrial components typically operate on a quote basis. Businesses reach out to companies like DFI, who then compete for contracts by offering competitive pricing. Despite this, some details about Panther Lake-H are known. It is expected to be released in the fourth quarter of this year and will mark the debut of Intel's long-awaited 18A process. These Panther Lake chips will be used across a variety of laptops, handheld devices, mini PCs, and industrial applications, which are often overlooked.

Production of Panther Lake is set to ramp up next year, with most SKUs scheduled for a delayed or staggered launch. DFI claims its motherboard has a 10-year lifespan, lasting until 2036 based on Intel’s roadmap. This revelation coincided with DFI’s own roadmap announcement, which further leaked details about Panther Lake and Nova Lake. Interestingly, the PTH171/PTH173 model is not listed on the roadmap, likely because it is already available for purchase on DFI’s website.

Key Features of the PTH171/PTH173 Motherboard

• Processor: Panther Lake-H with 25W TDP
• Memory Support: Dual SODIMM slots supporting up to 128GB DDR5 at 7,200 MT/s
• Storage Options: Two M.2 slots for networking and one M.2 slot for PCIe 5.0 x4 SSD
• Video Output: One HDMI 2.0, one DisplayPort, one USB Type-C, and one M.2-A port
• Connectivity: Multiple USB ports, Ethernet with support for EXT-OOB, Intel vPro, and CNVi

This motherboard represents a significant step forward for Intel in the embedded systems market, offering a blend of performance, reliability, and advanced connectivity options tailored for industrial applications. As the technology continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how Panther Lake-H shapes the future of embedded computing.

Alligator Approved for Field Recovery Trial at Samphire Uranium Project

Alligator Energy Advances Samphire Uranium Project with Field Recovery Trial

Alligator Energy has received final approval to begin the in-situ Field Recovery Trial (FRT) at the Samphire Uranium Project, located near Whyalla in South Australia. This marks a significant step forward for the company as it moves toward the next phase of development for the project.

The FRT will involve setting up three well-field patterns and installing a containerised pilot processing plant. Equipment necessary for the trial is already on-site at Alligator’s Whyalla yard. The construction of this infrastructure will be handled by the local Whyalla-based Ahrens Group, which has been awarded the contract for civil works and the installation of the pilot plant, reverse osmosis (RO) plant, operations and laboratory units, along with associated tanks and pipework.

Watsons Drilling, the company's drilling contractor, is also preparing to start production well drilling. Ahrens Group plans to use local sub-contractors for specialized tasks, with a mobilization period expected to last between two to six weeks for key staff and contractors. The construction schedule anticipates completion of all work packages within an eight-week timeframe, excluding potential delays due to factors like weather or unforeseen conditions. Following this, there will be a three to four-week commissioning phase.

Once the FRT begins, it will run for three to four months, involving sequential testing of well rings. Inline analysis and on-site lab testing will be conducted to evaluate results quickly. After the trial and any additional testwork, the pilot plant and wellfields will be dismantled, and the area will undergo rehabilitation.

CEO Andrea Marsland-Smith of Alligator Energy commented, “This approval is a pivotal milestone in advancing the Samphire Project toward its next stage of development. The start of the trial represents the culmination of three years of collaboration with DEM and co-agencies, rigorous technical design, and partnerships with technology and engineering firms. It will allow us to validate in-situ recovery (ISR) performance under real-world conditions, gather critical data that will serve as the backbone for a Definitive Feasibility Study, and support future mining lease approvals.”

The FRT will focus on areas within the Blackbush deposit mineral resource estimate (MRE), which was announced in May 2025. This MRE includes a total of 18.0 million pounds of uranium (U3O8), with 14.2 million pounds indicated and 3.8 million pounds inferred. The average grade of the deposit is 676ppm U3O8. Of this, 78% is classified as an indicated resource, making it ready for wellfield design work during the feasibility study.

The trial will provide essential data to support further development of the Samphire Uranium Project. Alligator Energy remains committed to responsible and sustainable practices throughout the process, ensuring that environmental and community considerations are addressed at every stage.

As the project progresses, the company will continue to engage with stakeholders, including local communities, regulatory bodies, and industry partners, to ensure transparency and alignment with best practices. The success of the FRT could pave the way for future exploration and potential mining activities at the site, contributing to the broader uranium market and supporting energy needs both locally and nationally.

Is It Too Late to Join the Nuclear Trend?

The Rise of Nuclear Energy and Its Impact on the Market

The nuclear energy sector is experiencing a significant resurgence, with investors who entered the market early reaping substantial rewards. For instance, Lightbridge (NASDAQ: LTBR), a pre-revenue company, has surged by nearly 202% since its year-to-date low on January 14. Similarly, NuScale Power (NYSE: SMR) has climbed more than 177% from its YTD low on April 4. This upward trend raises an important question for those who missed the initial wave: Is this momentum likely to continue, and how can investors gain broad exposure without betting on individual companies?

The answer lies in the Range Nuclear Renaissance Index ETF (NYSEARCA: NUKZ). This fund offers a diversified approach to the nuclear energy sector, allowing investors to benefit from the industry’s growth without the risk associated with picking individual stocks.

Data Center Demand and the Nuclear Revival

One of the key drivers behind the nuclear energy revival is the increasing demand for data centers, fueled by the rapid development of artificial intelligence (AI). According to Apollo Chief Economist Torsten Sløk, despite a contraction in GDP during the first quarter of this year, data center construction contributed 1% to GDP growth. In early August, Fortune reported that data centers have become the most significant contributor to U.S. GDP, surpassing consumer spending.

This surge in demand is due to the insatiable need for AI technologies, which are creating a growing energy supply gap. As AI data centers consume vast amounts of electricity, many operators are turning to nuclear power, particularly small modular reactors (SMRs). Grand View Research estimates that the global AI data center market was valued at $13.62 billion in 2024, with a projected compound annual growth rate of 28.3% from 2025 to 2030.

The International Energy Agency highlights the potential of AI data centers to transform the energy sector. By 2030, global AI data center energy consumption is expected to reach around 1,000 Terawatt-hours (TWh), up from 250 TWh in 2020. In the U.S., the Department of Energy predicts that domestic energy usage from AI data centers will triple by 2028, rising from 4.4% of total electricity in 2023 to 6.7–12%.

The Role of Small Modular Reactors

Small modular reactors (SMRs) are playing a critical role in meeting these energy demands while supporting net-zero targets. Companies like Amazon (NASDAQ: AMZN) are investing heavily in SMRs as part of their strategy to achieve net zero by 2040. Alphabet (NASDAQ: GOOG) has also announced plans to purchase electricity from SMRs developed by Kairos Power.

As major tech companies pivot toward nuclear energy, the competition to meet AI-driven demand is intensifying. This shift underscores the long-term potential of the nuclear energy sector and presents opportunities for investors looking to capitalize on this trend.

The Range Nuclear Renaissance Index ETF

For those seeking a diversified way to invest in the nuclear sector, the Range Nuclear Renaissance Index ETF (NUKZ) offers a compelling option. While its expense ratio of 0.85% is higher than typical passive funds, it includes some of the leading names in the industry. The ETF's largest holding is Cameco (NYSE: CCJ), the world's largest uranium miner, followed by Constellation Energy (NASDAQ: CEG), which recently signed a 20-year deal with Meta Platforms (NASDAQ: META) to provide emissions-free nuclear energy.

Since hitting its YTD low on April 8, NUKZ has risen nearly 71%, and since its one-year low on September 6, 2024, the fund has gained over 93%. Although these gains may deter some investors, the ETF provides exposure to a high-growth industry that is set to keep pace with AI advancements.

Investment Considerations

Investors considering NUKZ should monitor the ETF’s Relative Strength Index (RSI). Currently, the RSI on the one-year chart reads 49.55, indicating a neutral position. If the ETF experiences a downtrend, it could test support levels around $55 or even $50 before entering oversold territory and potentially reversing.

For those looking for a better entry point, the current market conditions offer an opportunity to participate in the nuclear energy boom. With the right strategy, investors can position themselves to benefit from the sector's long-term growth.

Final Thoughts

The nuclear energy sector is gaining momentum, driven by the increasing demand for AI and the need for sustainable energy solutions. While early investors have seen impressive returns, there are still opportunities for those who enter now. By leveraging tools like the Range Nuclear Renaissance Index ETF, investors can gain broad exposure to the sector and position themselves for future growth.

The AI balloon is deflating rapidly

The Reality of AI's Impact on Businesses

There are three main perspectives when it comes to artificial intelligence. One view sees AI as a revolutionary force that will transform the world for the better. Another sees it as a dangerous threat that could lead to the downfall of civilization. And then there’s the third, more humorous take: “Write an A-Level paper on the themes in Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet.”

But what if there's a fourth perspective? AI is now as good as it's going to get, and that's neither as good nor as bad as its most ardent supporters or critics claim. In fact, you might not even get an A on your report if you rely on it.

As people have started using AI tools for everything from drafting emails to performing basic analysis, they’ve begun to realize that while these tools are fast and occasionally useful, their results are often mediocre at best. This realization has led to some surprising findings.

According to the MIT NANDA (Networked Agents and Decentralized AI) report, 95 percent of companies that have adopted AI have yet to see any meaningful return on their investment. The report highlights a significant gap between the deployment of AI tools and their actual impact. It states that only 5 percent of custom enterprise AI tools reach production. While many employees are using AI tools at work, they’re typically reserved for simple tasks rather than complex, long-term projects.

For instance, 70 percent of users prefer AI for drafting emails, and 65 percent use it for basic analysis. However, when it comes to more complex or long-term tasks, humans still dominate by a 9-to-1 margin. Why? Because chatbots "forget context, don't learn, and can't evolve." Essentially, they’re like an intern who isn’t particularly bright or reliable. While this might be sufficient for $20 a month, the cost of AI is expected to rise significantly by next year. Will bottom-end AI be worth that price tag for your company?

Some businesses that invested heavily in AI are now experiencing buyer's remorse. The Commonwealth Bank of Australia (CBA), for example, has asked former call center employees to return to work. CBA found that the volume of calls increased, and managers had to step in to handle them. The company even apologized to the affected employees. This was unexpected, as many thought AI would easily replace customer service roles.

Despite this, some believe AI is improving. However, recent developments suggest otherwise. AI models have shown signs of collapse, and there's no indication of a groundbreaking new advancement on the horizon. Remember when ChatGPT-5 was touted as the next big thing? OpenAI CEO Sam Altman claimed it would provide "access to a PhD-level expert in your pocket." Unfortunately, it couldn’t even spell "blueberry" correctly, and the mistakes continued.

Reddit users, known for their enthusiasm for AI, have been vocal about their disappointment with ChatGPT-5, calling it "awful." This sentiment is shared by many others who are beginning to question the value of AI investments.

If companies decide that AI isn't delivering real returns, they may start cutting back on their investments. Torsten Sløk, chief economist at Apollo, a multibillion-dollar retirement investment company, noted that the top ten companies in the S&P 500 today are more overvalued than they were during the 1990s tech bubble. This comparison is concerning, especially for those who remember the dotcom crash, where the NASDAQ saw a 77 to 78 percent collapse. Many companies didn’t survive, and even major players like Cisco, Intel, and Oracle lost over 80 percent of their market value.

Today, AI companies are experiencing severe pullbacks. Palantir, for instance, has seen a 17 percent drop in value, and Nvidia has fallen by 3.9 percent. While this isn’t a full-blown bubble burst yet, the signs are there—air is slowly escaping the balloon.

Even Sam Altman, a prominent figure in the AI space, has acknowledged that AI is currently in a bubble. He stated, "Are we in a phase where investors as a whole are overexcited about AI? My opinion is yes." However, he also added, "Is AI the most important thing to happen in a very long time? My opinion is also yes."

While AI is undeniably important, especially in industries like tech and media, the golden promises of AI have proven to be more like fool's gold for many companies. It's only a matter of time before those who placed their financial faith in AI stocks begin to feel the consequences.

Why the $2,000 Google Pixel 10 Pro Fold is a pointless luxury item

The Pixel 10 Pro Fold: A Luxury Item with Little Practical Value

Google’s latest offering, the Pixel 10 Pro Fold, has finally arrived, and while it brings a few notable features, its high price point raises serious questions about its value. Starting at $1,800, this foldable smartphone is not for the average consumer. For those looking to upgrade to a model with 1TB of storage, the cost jumps to an eye-watering $2,149. Even with trade-in deals or carrier discounts, the final price remains steep. For instance, my current Pixel 8 would only fetch around $350 through Google’s trade-in program, making the investment even less appealing.

While it’s common for smartphones to become more expensive over time, the Pixel 10 Pro Fold stands out as an example of a product that doesn’t seem necessary. The rest of the Pixel 10 lineup offers more reasonable pricing, with the standard Pixel 10 coming in at $449 after trade-in. Unless you have significant disposable income, the Pro Fold feels like a luxury item rather than a practical choice.

What’s Inside? Not Much More Than a Regular Phone

Removing the hinge from the Pixel 10 Pro Fold reveals that it’s essentially a Pixel 10 with slightly more RAM. The main selling point of foldable phones—its dual-screen design and hinge mechanism—comes at a premium. However, once the novelty wears off, the folding feature becomes more of a gimmick than a useful tool.

The software support for foldables is still limited, which means users might only use the device for watching videos or multitasking between apps. This raises the question: Is it worth paying an extra $1,000 for a feature that doesn’t perform well?

The internal hardware of the Pixel 10 Pro Fold isn’t significantly different from the regular Pixel 10. It offers 4GB more RAM and the option for expanded storage, but these upgrades don’t justify the massive price increase. Instead, the device gives you a mini-tablet screen that you don’t really need to carry separately.

Samsung and Other Competitors Are No Better

It’s worth noting that Samsung isn’t far behind when it comes to pricing. The Galaxy Z Fold 7 ranges from $2,000 to $2,419.99, while the Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra, which provides a better tablet experience, costs up to $1,319.99. This comparison highlights how foldable phones are often just expensive tech demos, used by companies to show they can keep up with industry trends.

For those seeking a top-tier tablet and phone experience, buying a Pixel 10 and a Galaxy Tab S10+ could be a smarter move. This combo will cost roughly the same as the Pixel 10 Pro Fold (before discounts), but you’ll get a more stable phone and a more powerful tablet.

Innovation Isn’t Always Worth the Price

I’m a big believer in mobile devices that offer something beyond the standard experience. My phone usage hasn’t changed much since I got the Pixel 2 XL in 2017, and I’m always on the lookout for something fresh. The Nothing Phone 3, for example, may not offer flagship hardware, but its unique design and software make it an attractive alternative to the latest Google or Samsung models.

However, there’s a limit to how much value I’m willing to sacrifice for innovation. A phone shouldn’t cost $2,000 unless it truly offers something special. The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra with 1TB of storage costs $1,660, but even that doesn’t feel worth the price. My Pixel 8, which costs just $700, already delivers excellent performance and display quality. At this point, spending $2,000 feels like throwing money away.

Don’t Be Tempted by Flashy Features

Phone manufacturers often try to entice consumers with flashy features and impressive specs. But in reality, many of these features don’t add much value. The Pixel 10 Pro Fold is an impressive piece of hardware, but it’s also a luxury item that lacks real-world utility for most users.

Unless manufacturers introduce radical advancements in the next few years, I believe that mid-range phones will continue to offer the best value. The gap between mid-range and flagship devices is shrinking, and for many users, a $700 phone will perform just as well as a $2,000 one.

In the end, the Pixel 10 Pro Fold is a great example of how expensive technology can sometimes be more about marketing than necessity. For now, I’ll stick to my budget-friendly phone and wait for the next big innovation that actually makes sense.

China Unveils Deep-Sea Robot for 20,000-Foot Exploration

China Advances Deep-Sea Exploration with New ROV

China has made significant progress in deep-sea exploration with the successful first trial of its newly developed remotely operated vehicle (ROV) called Haiqin. The test, conducted in the South China Sea on August 23, confirmed that the system is capable of supporting future missions at depths of up to 6,000 meters (19,685 feet). This achievement highlights China’s growing focus on marine technology as researchers prepare to use the vehicle for long-term scientific projects and discoveries beneath the ocean surface.

A Major Milestone in Deep-Sea Trials

During the initial sea trial, the Haiqin ROV completed multiple dives, with the deepest reaching 4,140 meters (13,582 feet). These dives were designed to test the vehicle's performance in real ocean conditions, including technical parameters, stability, and reliability. The ROV was equipped with high-definition cameras, robotic arms, sonar systems, and sensors, which allowed it to demonstrate strong results in navigation and positioning. It also showcased automatic heading control and precise hovering abilities—critical features for operating in the complex and unpredictable deep-sea environment.

Cui Yunlu, mission leader and chief engineer of detection technology at the Center of Ocean Expedition of Sun Yat-sen University, explained that before the trial, the ROV passed a 6,000-meter pressure test in a land-based testing environment. The sea trial served as a verification process. According to international protocols, once a 6,000-meter ROV passes a 4,000-meter sea trial, it is generally considered capable of meeting full depth requirements.

Designed for Scientific Exploration

The Haiqin system was deployed from the Zhong Shan Da Xue research and training vessel during the mission. Weighing 3.6 tons, it was built for a wide range of scientific applications. The vehicle is capable of locating and observing targets on the seabed while also collecting samples such as biological specimens and sediments. Its functions extend beyond short-term exploration, as it is designed to carry out long-term deep-sea tasks such as biodiversity surveys, studying marine ecosystems, discovering new species, and obtaining genetic material from organisms living in extreme conditions.

The expedition began on August 13 when the vessel set sail from Zhuhai City in Guangdong Province. Planned as a 25-day mission, the project is led by researchers from Sun Yat-sen University and aims to deepen scientific understanding of the South China Sea. During this voyage, Haiqin collected biological samples and sediment from the seabed, which were transferred to the supporting research vessel for further study. This highlights the practical applications of the system in marine science.

A Dual Mission with Haidou-1

One of the most notable developments during this expedition is the joint operation of Haiqin with another advanced vehicle, the Haidou-1. Haidou-1 is a full-ocean-depth autonomous and remotely operated vehicle (ARV) capable of working at the deepest parts of the ocean. This marked the first time two distinct unmanned submersibles were deployed from a single Chinese research vessel. According to the research team, the collaboration allowed for more efficient and wide-ranging data collection.

Haidou-1 will be responsible for multi-disciplinary seafloor sampling and supporting other deep-sea scientific objectives. These include unmanned aerial observation of ocean weather systems, geological process detection, studies of deep-sea biological ecology, and advanced coring tasks that reach as deep as 30 meters (98 feet) into the seabed. Haiqin and Haidou-1 will remain active in the South China Sea as part of China’s growing investment in ocean science and technology. Their missions are expected to support long-term research contributing to global knowledge of deep-sea environments, biodiversity, and marine geology.