Tag Archives: suddenly

Streaming Devices, TVs

Hands-Free Entertainment: Getting The Most Out Of Amazon Fire TV Voice Search

The only weakness of the Fire TV remote is that, if you lose the remote, it suddenly becomes much harder to control your TV. Even this, though, is not an unsalvageable situation. 

If you have a standalone Alexa device in your home, you can use its voice command function to continue controlling your TV. A Fire TV, much like any Amazon-made device, can be synced up with existing Alexa devices in your home, allowing you to control it with voice commands even without your remote.

If you’re within audible range of an Alexa speaker, you can get its attention by saying “Alexa,” then following up with a command like “pause,” “rewind five seconds,” or “watch from beginning.” As long as your Fire TV is synced up to your Alexa network, Alexa will automatically forward commands to the TV to control playback. 

While it’s a bit unwieldy, you can also command Alexa to navigate through apps with commands like “scroll up” and “select.” Incidentally, all of these commands also work with your remote’s voice command button.

Technology

This Halloween, Scare Your Friends with This Raspberry Pi Project

Introducing the Living Portrait, a fascinating artwork that comes alive with a spooky twist. As soon as someone approaches the portrait or motion is detected nearby, it transforms from a static, ordinary-looking person into a horrifying zombie-like figure. Complete with eerie movements and bone-chilling scream sound effects, this project is guaranteed to give unsuspecting viewers a fright.

The backbone of the Living Portrait consists of two key components: a Raspberry Pi and a Passive Infrared (PIR) Motion Sensor. The PIR sensor scans the area for any movement within a range of up to 20 feet. When motion is detected, it sends a signal to the Raspberry Pi. Using this input, the Raspberry Pi triggers a pre-installed media player to start playing a haunting video.

This Raspberry Pi project is beginner-friendly and requires only four hardware parts: a Raspberry Pi, a PIR sensor, a monitor or TV display, and a frame to encase the display. The creator originally used an UnLiving Portrait video from AtmosFX for the content. However, you have the option to create or find your own media. Just make sure to choose a video that allows for the same effect when paused, as the Python code used in the project pauses the video before the transformation, revealing the normal-looking portrait.

Cars

Understanding the Messages in the Color of Your Engine Oil

When you check the color of your engine oil and notice that it has turned milky white, foamy, sludgy, or light brown, it is an indication that something might be seriously wrong. A visual inspection of the underside of your oil cap may reveal milky oil, which is usually thicker than regular engine oil. This milky appearance suggests that there is moisture or some undesirable liquid present in your oil system.

In the worst-case scenario, this could be a sign of a blown head gasket. The head gasket prevents coolant from entering the engine’s cylinders. When it fails, coolant leaks into the oil and mixes with it, resulting in the milky appearance. Other causes of milky oil include the formation of sludge in the crankcase when an engine remains idle for an extended period and the mixture of oil with humidity in a humid climate. Additionally, driving through deep water can also contribute to this issue. If you suspect water has entered your engine, it is recommended to avoid driving your vehicle.

Milky oil cannot perform its intended function effectively. If left untreated, it can negatively impact engine performance, cause corrosion, and damage various components. Therefore, it is crucial to consult a mechanic as soon as possible to determine the underlying cause and proceed with the necessary repairs. Once the cause is identified, the engine will need to be drained and flushed to remove the contaminated oil before fresh oil can be added.