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Have you ever wished you could simply press a button and call everyone in the house for dinner? What if you could wake up all your teenagers so they don’t miss the bus without pounding on every door? You can purchase actual intercom systems for hundreds of dollars, or you can set up an inexpensive home intercom system using only the equipment you have in your home. Here’s how.
Use Your SmartphonesIf you want to create an intercom system at home but don’t want to purchase any additional hardware, using your smartphones may be right for you. More than likely, everyone in your house already has their own phone.
Don’t expect these apps to work as an actual walkie-talkie does. Real walkie-talkies use radio waves to transmit their messages, while these apps use your data connection. They can’t send messages to actual walkie talkie devices, only to other phones.
Some of the most popular apps that you can get for either Android or iOS are Zello, Voxer, and VoicePing.
Once you download the app to the phones, create a group. Then add the contact information for all the owners of the phones. Start a voice conversation with the group by tapping the microphone and talking. Everyone who has the app will receive a notification that they have a new message.
This method of creating an intercom system does allow the recipients to send you a private message back, unlike many of the other systems discussed below.
Use BluetoothAnother way to reach everyone in your house with a message is to set up multiple Bluetooth speakers around the house and use a Bluetooth loudspeaker app to broadcast your voice from your phone.
Bluetooth speakers are so common today that the prices are dropping. You can purchase good quality speakers for as little as $25, and there are opportunities all the time to get them for even less than that.
A downside to this method of creating an intercom system is that it only works one way. So you can announce dinner is ready, but you can’t get a message back.
To send your voice to a Bluetooth device, you need to install one of these apps on your phone.
Bluetooth Loudspeaker for Android
Mic To Speaker
for Android
Microphone Live for iOS
Live Microphone & Announcement Mic for
Android
/ iOS
To broadcast a message, open the app and connect your phone to the speaker you want to use. Then press the button on the app and speak into your phone. Your voice will be broadcast live over the speaker.
Use your Smart SpeakersIf you already have a Google Home or Alexa speaker, you can create announcements that will broadcast out to all the other smart speakers in your home. You don’t need any extra equipment or apps to do this. You use commands to give the speaker instructions.
For Google Home devices, you use the Google Assistant to activate the broadcast. Just say, “OK, Google. Broadcast, it’s time for supper.” Everything you say after the word “broadcast” will repeat through all the speakers.
Alexa has two different commands you can use to broadcast over the system. Both the words “announce that” and “broadcast” will send out your message containing all the words after the command.
Using smart speakers is also a one-way communication. You cannot receive replies. However, users can give Google or Alexa a command to announce, but the response sends to all the speakers, not just the one you used.
There is no one best option for creating an intercom system for your home. It depends on what devices you already own or what you are willing to buy. It’s also important to know if you want to receive private replies or not. Whichever way you choose to create this system, the convenience of getting a message out to everyone in the house without tracking everyone down first may be well worth the effort.
Tracey Rosenberger
Tracey Rosenberger spent 26 years teaching elementary students, using technology to enhance learning. Now she’s excited to share helpful technology with teachers and everyone else who sees tech as intimidating.
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How To Set Up Onedrive Personal Vault
Microsoft rolled out an integrated OneDrive functionality called Personal Vault to add an extra layer of security to your confidential files. In this post, we will show you how to set up and use OneDrive Personal Vault to protect your sensitive data from accidental access.
Read first: How to set up OneDrive on Windows PC.
What is OneDrive Personal VaultOneDrive Personal Vault is a ‘secure’ folder inside your existing OneDrive storage where you can upload or move files and lock them down with 2-factor authentication. Whether if you are free or paid OneDrive storage user, you can make use of this feature without any problem. This security functionality is available on the web version as well as on the OneDrive mobile app.
If you have already uploaded a file, it is possible to move it to OneDrive Personal Vault. You can also directly upload a file to this folder. If you have the OneDrive mobile app, you can scan and upload a document directly to the Personal Vault. OneDrive locks down your vault after twenty minutes of inactivity. Following that, you need to verify yourself with an OTP which would be sent to your registered mobile number or email ID.
What can you upload to the Personal Vault?You can upload anything if it is essential for you. The setup page has given an idea of what you can store in the vault. Some of the suggested file are a passport, driver’s license, birth certificate, financial plan, home insurance, work identification, immigration documents, power of attorney, and so on.
Is OneDrive Personal Vault available to the free users? What is the limitation?Yes, you can use the Personal Vault facility even if you are a free OneDrive storage user. The only limitation is that you can store up to three files without a paid Office 365 subscription.
How to set up and use OneDrive Personal VaultTo set up OneDrive Personal Vault, carry out the following steps:
Verify yourself with an OTP
Start moving important files.
Let us see the procedure in a bit more detail.
Following that, you will see this window-
It indicates that you have successfully set up the Personal Vault in your OneDrive account.
Now you can move your uploaded files, or you can upload to it directly.
By default, your Personal Vault locks down automatically after twenty minutes of inactivity. However, if you want to lock it manually due to any security purpose, find the Personal Vault options icon on your right-hand side, and select Lock.
How to disable OneDrive Personal VaultIf you do not need this security box and you want to disable OneDrive Personal Vault, follow these steps:
Why is there no Personal Vault in OneDrive?
In order to use the Personal Vault in OneDrive, you need to enable it manually. Although some users get this option automatically, you may need to turn it on manually in some situations. Following that, you can use the Personal Value on mobile as well as website without any problem. For your information, you need to open the Settings panel and switch to the Personal Vault menu to find the option to enable or disable it.
I hope this extra layer of security will be helpful for you.
How To Properly Set Up Playstation Vr
How To Properly Set Up PlayStation VR Requirements
Note: PSVR is sold separately from the PS4, you can purchase it from any online or offline store.
Playing area should be of 10 X 10 ft which is recommended but 6 X 6 ft area should also be suffice.
Make sure to clear all the surroundings so that PSVR users do not get tripped.
PlayStation Move controller (Not mandatory but a big plus).
How to Set Up the PSVRIn the box content:
After opening the package and unboxing the PSVR first connect HDMI cable connected to the back of your PS4 to the HDMI TV port located on the back of PSVR processing unit.
Now connect the PS camera using the camera cable that comes with the PSVR bundle to the AUX port on your PS4.
Now connect HDMI cable that comes in the PSVR box to the HDMI PS4 port on the PSVR processing using and other end to the HDMI port on your PS4 to send video from PS4 to PSVR.
Now connect the USB cable that comes with PSVR to the back of Processing unit and connect the other end to PS4
Now it’s time to supply power to PSVR, to supply power to your PSVR connect the AC cord to the adapter and plug the cable to the PSVR processing unit and connect other end to the power outlet.
Now mount the PS camera on your TV using the mount bracket that comes with PS camera.
Note: The camera should be placed in the center and facing slightly downwards.
You can use stereo earbuds provided with PSVR.
Note: PSVR is an individual accessory and needs to be powered on individually, it does not turn automatically with PS4
Must Read: PS4 Accessories that will make you love your console more!
How to properly set up the camera:PlayStation camera comes with Depth-sensing 3D technology that accurately tracks users, its DUALSHOCK 4 controller, and the PlayStation Move controller.
Make sure to position the camera to the angle and height so that it can easily track player and its controllers. Height of the camera should be the same as your head as it will help you to track PSVR. Camera should be able to capture your PSVR and controllers if the camera is set to the higher angle that it won’t be able to track your controllers in your hand.
For the best results camera should be 4.9 – 6.6 ft from your head and there should be no direct lighting to the camera as it may hinder its viewing capabilities.
Tips for a Better PSVR ExperienceSome Tips To Get The Most Out Of Your PSVR
Make sure that PSVR fits comfortably: Use the PSVR adjustment mechanism to properly fit PSVR on to your head.
Make sure to clear your play area: When using PSVR you cannot see your real surroundings and you can trip over if you do not clear your surroundings.
Before putting on your PSVR check the lenses if they are clean. And to clean the lenses use a clean microfiber cloth to avoid any damage.
Charge your DualShock 4 controller and Move controller beforehand to avoid distraction because of battery.
Players generally take some time to get adjusted with PSVR. Therefore, take small breaks in between your gaming marathon.
Gaming is all fun and with the use of PSVR your gaming experience will surely increase.
Next Read: How To Connect PS4 Controller To PC
Quick Reaction:About the author
Kunal Sharma
How To Set Up Apple Tv Parental Controls
Whether you’ve just purchased an Apple TV for the family or are now letting your child watch shows or play games on one, you want to make sure your child is protected.
You can control which types of shows, games, and apps are available to your child. In addition, you can make sure they cannot buy apps or make in-app purchases, don’t see or hear mature content, and keep them from stranger danger for multiplayer games in the Game Center.
Table of Contents
Setting up Apple TV parental controls like these takes only a few minutes. Isn’t it worth the time to keep your little one safe?
Turn on Restrictions on Apple TVTo set up and use parental controls, or Restrictions, on your Apple TV, follow these steps to enable the feature.
Open the Settings app from the Home screen and select General.
Choose Restrictions which shows Off by default.
At the top under Parental Controls, select Restrictions.
You’ll be asked to create a four-digit passcode. Enter the code, re-enter to confirm it, and pick OK.
To access the Restrictions menu or make any changes, you’ll need to enter your passcode. Be sure to keep the code noted in a safe spot.
If you take one of the below actions that have been restricted, you’ll also be asked to enter your passcode.
In some cases, like content you Block, you simply won’t see the option when you select it. In the screenshot below, we cannot access the music videos.
With the Restrictions enabled and passcode set, review the following areas and make your adjustments.
Adjust iTunes Store PurchasesTo disallow purchases, rentals, and in-app purchases, go to the first Restrictions section for iTunes Store (which refers to the App Store).
Select the Allowed ContentThe Allowed Content section is where you’ll spend most of your time. This controls the Apple TV apps, music, shows, and movies you want to allow for your child and adjust content ratings.
Ratings for: If your country or region is not selected, pick this option to choose it. This determines the content ratings available for other items on the list.
Music and Podcasts: Choose Explicit or Clean.
Music Videos: Choose Allow or Block.
Music Profiles: Choose Show or Hide.
Movies: Choose Don’t Allow Movies, Allow All Movies, or pick a specific rating such as G, PG, or PG-13.
TV Shows: Choose Don’t Allow TV Shows, Allow All TV Shows, or pick a certain rating like TV-G, TV-PG, or TV-14.
Apps: Choose Don’t Allow Apps, Allow All Apps, or pick a particular age rating from age 4 and up.
Siri Explicit Language: Choose Show or Hide.
Pick the Game Center SettingsIf you allow your child to play games and use Game Center, you can adjust settings here as well.
Multiplayer Games: Choose Don’t Allow, Friends Only, or Everyone.
Screen Recording: Choose Yes or No.
Nearby Multiplayer, Private Messaging, and the remaining options: Choose Allow or Block.
Decide Which Changes to AllowAlong with the above settings for apps, shows, and games, you can decide if you want to allow changes to particular services.
These include AirPlay Settings, Conference Room Display, Location Services, Background App Refresh, TV Provider, and Remote App Pairing. Each setting is either Allow or Restrict.
Change the Restrictions PasscodeYou can change your passcode for the Restrictions settings anytime.
Return to Settings and select General.
Choose Restrictions and enter your current passcode.
Pick Change Passcode.
Enter your current passcode. Then enter the new passcode, re-enter it to confirm, and select OK.
Turn Off Content RestrictionsYou can always make adjustments to the above settings that you’ve restricted or blocked. However, should you decide to remove all Restrictions and stop using Apple TV parental controls, you can turn off the feature.
Return to the Settings and select General.
Choose Restrictions and enter your current passcode.
Select Restrictions below Parental Controls and your passcode to confirm you want to disable Restrictions.
Taking a few moments to enable Restrictions and set up parental controls can save you from worrying about what your child does on your Apple TV.
How To Set Up, Use, And Troubleshoot Apple’s Universal Clipboard
“Universal Clipboard” was introduced by Apple in 2023 and is a feature as part of “Continuity.” Put simply, Continuity is the set of features allowing for devices running macOS, iOS, watchOS, and tvOS to communicate with each other and complete tasks. One particular feature called Universal Clipboard lets you copy text or other multimedia from one device and paste it on another seamlessly over iCloud. The problem is it isn’t always as seamless as Apple would hope. This article will cover how to set up Universal Clipboard correctly and how to troubleshoot it if it is not working correctly.
Preliminary StepsVerify that the devices you plan on using are signed into iCloud with the same Apple ID. On Mac iCloud settings are located within System Preferences. Likewise on iOS, iCloud settings are located at the top of the Settings app.
Bluetooth and Wifi will both need to be turned on. Now use the following steps to turn on each setting:
iOS
1. Swipe up from the bottom of the display to view the “Control Center”.
2. Tap the Bluetooth and WiFi icons.
Mac
2. Now, launch System Preferences and select Bluetooth.
How to Turn On and Use Universal ClipboardiOS
1. Tap Settings on the home screen.
2. Now, tap General.
3. Tap Handoff.
4. Turn the slider to the “On” position.
Mac
1. Launch System Preferences.
To use Universal Clipboard, simply copy a piece of text or other multimedia from your Mac and paste it on your iOS device, or visa versa. This will work from Mac to Mac, iPhone to iPad, and more – the feature is solely reliant on all devices being logged into the same iCloud account with Bluetooth and WiFi turned on.
TroubleshootingFirst and foremost, check your system requirements. Continuity features (including Universal Keyboard) will work on iPhone 5 or later and other iOS devices with a lightning connector. Any devices with the retired 30-pin charge and sync port do not have a supported version of iOS. In regards to the Mac, any model year 2012 or later will work.
Bugs can be a common thing. To help rule out this as a possible issue, keep all of your devices updated to the most current iOS or macOS, respectively.
It is not necessarily required that all devices be connected to the same WiFi network, but it can help. Also, in my experience, an active VPN can cause issues due to the dropping of connection, reconnection, and changing of regions. Try turning it off until you can rule out the VPN causing the issue.
Lastly, a restart will often do the trick, so it is worthwhile to not overlook this step. Try restarting your iOS and macOS devices.
ConclusionImage Credit: Apple Newsroom
Corbin Telligman
I’m a junior at UT Dallas, a tech enthusiast, an adreneline junkie, and a coffee fanatic.
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How To Set Up And Connect Imessage On Any Mac
iMessage is one of the better reasons to even own Apple products. It integrates seamlessly between iOS and macOS, it has plenty of features, and it works well. You’ll almost certainly use it on an iPhone first, and that’s why you’re here. It’s easy to set up and connect iMessage on Mac. Let’s you set up real quick and on your way.
Read more: How to find out why your iMessage is not working
QUICK ANSWER
JUMP TO KEY SECTIONS
How to connect iMessage to any Mac and sync messages
How to set up iMessage once connected
Next, open the Messages app either from the dock or from Launchpad.
In the top left corner, tap Messages and then Preferences.
Select the iMessage tab in the next window.
Finally, tick the Enable Messages in iCloud box.
Finally, at the bottom, there is a Start new conversations from: dropdown box. You can select your Apple ID email or your phone number. Make sure you look that over before exiting the menu.
Sync messages — If you already use iMessage on other devices, tap the Sync Now button while you’re in the to sync all of your messages.
That should be it, your Messages app is now connected to iMessage.
That should do it. From now on, your Messages app will act as your iMessage client. To turn off iMessage, simply go repeat the steps above and untick the Enable Messages in iCloud box. It’s easy as that.
The first thing it’ll ask you to do is select a photo. You’ll get a couple of suggestions, or you can hit the Customize button to use Memoji, your own photo, or something else.
iMessage will ask if you want to use this photo everywhere. Hit Not Now to decline and Use to make this your default Apple ID profile photo.
On the final page, you’ll get to select your first and last name. Add yours in however you like. For example, I had to change my first name from Joseph to Joe because I go by Joe.
Finally, there is a Share Automatically option. The default, Contacts Only, will only share your name and photo with your contacts. The other option, Always Ask, will ask you every time.
Hit Done to complete setup.
Pro tip — There are some other customization options that may be of interest during setup. For example, the iMessage tab in preferences has a Send Read Receipts option that some people like to use. Under the General tab in preferences, you can decide how long messages are kept, your notification sound, and more. Select the ones you want as needed.
Now, you should actually be set up and ready to go. Simply give your Apple ID email to your contacts, and they should be able to send you messages that you can respond to on your Mac.
Up next: How to unsend a message on iMessage
FAQ
It’s just the way that it is. Your iPhone has your phone number attached to it with your SIM card, so Apple likes you to register your phone number on an iPhone.
We recommend using the email that you use to log into your iPhone or Mac. Whatever you use for your Apple ID is the email you should use.
Generally, the issue can only happen under a few circumstances. Check your Internet connection to make sure you’re reliably connected to the Internet. After that, check the Apple System Status page to see if iMessage is experiencing an outage. If that doesn’t work, try this Apple support page for more ideas.
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