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8 Hidden MacBook Features Every User Should Know

8 Hidden MacBook Features Every User Should Know

Apple’s MacBooks are among the most sought-after laptops worldwide, with around 100 million active users. They have several cutting-edge features, such as spectacular displays, sufficient storage capacity, and a long battery life. Moreover, they look great and are available in different shades. That said, many users aren’t aware of the hidden capabilities of Apple’s laptops and thus fail to unlock their full potential. Here are eight such lesser-known MacBook features to check out right away.

1. Pin a file or folder to the macOS dock
Besides frequently used apps, users can pin files and folders to the dock at the bottom of the Mac screen. To pin files and folders to the dock, one should locate the element on the Finder app, single-click it, open the “File” menu, and choose “Add to dock.” The “Add to dock” option is hidden; it appears only when one presses and holds the Shift key. One can also complete this action by pressing Ctrl + Cmd + Shift + T simultaneously on the keyboard.

2. Set up hot corners
Hot corners is a feature that enables users to perform specific actions by hovering the mouse over the corners of their MacBook screens. Users can activate this feature by selecting System Preferences > Mission Control > Hot Corners. Hot corners may be used as shortcuts for locking the screen, starting the screensaver, and other tasks.

3. Have a quick glimpse at files and folders
Opening every file and folder to check its contents can be cumbersome. MacBooks make this task easier by letting users preview files and folders from the outside without opening them. One may preview files and folders by selecting the file and pressing the spacebar. This feature can help open any file, including images, PDFs, and Microsoft Office documents.

4. Automatically have apps opened at boot
Some people customarily open certain apps every time they start up their laptops. MacBook users can adjust a few settings so these apps automatically open at boot. This option may be enabled by going to System Preferences > Users and Groups. In this menu, one should click the plus button, select the “Applications” tab, and double-click the program they would like opened on their systems as soon as they log in.

5. Double-click to minimize a window
By default, app windows automatically maximize to fit the screen size when opened. However, MacBook users can simply double-click the window’s title bar to minimize it. This feature isn’t automatically enabled; one may activate it by going to System Preferences > Dock and Menu Bar. Here, users must choose “minimize” from the dropdown menu titled “Double-click a window’s title bar to.”

6. Choose from a range of emojis using the emoji picker
MacBooks are equipped with emoji pickers, which one can easily open by pressing Cmd + Ctrl + Space simultaneously. It can also be pulled up through the menu bar. Users can enable this feature in the menu bar by selecting System Preferences > Input Sources and then clicking the “Show input menu in menu bar” checkbox. Emojis can now be viewed by selecting the “Show Emojis and Symbols” option on the menu bar.

7. Use macOS’s tool to take screenshots and record the screen
Not many know about MacBook’s built-in tool to capture screenshots and record the screen. This tool entails a host of options to take screenshots and record specific parts of the display. Users can also record screen content with the microphone and mouse pointer enabled. This app may be accessed using the shortcut Cmd + Shift + 5.

8. Use Spotlight for conversions
Users who need quick assistance with mathematical conversions need nothing but the macOS Spotlight feature. It may be opened using the shortcut “Cmd + spacebar” or by clicking the magnifying glass icon on the menu bar. Spotlight makes accurate conversions in no time, whether dollars to yen or feet to meters.

Choosing the right macOS device
Individuals can choose from a wide range of Apple laptops and desktops based on their requirements. For instance, a Mac mini is perfect for those looking for a compact but feature-filled desktop. The MacBook Pro is ideal for users looking for powerful, durable laptops for personal and/or professional use. The Mac Pro equipped with the M2 Ultra (a powerful chip 20% faster than the M1 Ultra) is a good choice for professional desktops.

One should also choose a preferred display size based on their requirements and preferences. For instance, a 14-inch MacBook, 15-inch MacBook Air, or 16-inch MacBook may be suitable for gamers requiring larger displays or those intending to watch videos on the device. In contrast, individuals requiring a sleek device for travel would be satisfied with a compact 13-inch MacBook or the Mac Mini (M2 or M2 Pro).

The Mac Studio, a great addition to Apple’s desktop collection, is perfect for a high-performance, lightning-fast experience, thanks to its M2 Ultra and M2 Max chips.

When choosing a macOS device, one must consider their requirements and budget. Learning about the hidden features discussed above is also essential to make life easier and get the most out of the device.

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Top 7 beauty and fashion trends

Fashion trends are dynamic and go through constant change and innovation. While some styles have remained timeless for decades, some trends fail to impress and disappear without making an impact. The approach to beauty today focuses on sustainability, minimalism, inclusion, and no cruelty. The trends in beauty and fashion quite naturally follow similar lines. Based on these factors, some of the top beauty and fashion trends in the coming year are as follows: Skincare The buzzword in the last couple of years has been minimalism, especially for skin care. Women prefer to use lesser products for their skincare routines. Utilizing a bevy of cosmetics for everyday skin nourishment and enhancement is time-consuming, overwhelming, and may affect the skin negatively. Skincare trends focus on improving skin health and reducing the negative impact of long-term use of skin-related products. This move hopes to reduce the overuse of skincare and control the damage caused by chemical products. Microbiome skincare is a new trend, featuring prebiotic and probiotic components that nourish the skin. Hybrid beauty Hybrid cosmetics combine multiple active ingredients that now work both as skin care products and as cosmetics. It reduces the time one spends on beauty routine and the number of products one needs to buy, saving money, effort, and time. Hybrid products not only treat and protect skin blemishes but also enhance the skin as they contain a layer of makeup. Beauty Balm and Color or Complexion correction are two of the early hybrid beauty products. New products that combine skincare and cosmetics to correct acne, pigmentation, and wrinkles are likely to be the trend in hybrid beauty. Wellness products With the rising awareness of the overlapping impact of wellness and beauty on each other, there is a demand for new products and services that care for how one looks and feels. Nail art, manicure, pedicure, and hair care products not only enhance a person's appearance but also offer healthful benefits to a customer. Similarly, new hairstyles can improve a person's appearance, add confidence, and make them feel good about themselves. Products that focus on rejuvenating and repairing scalp and repair balding are likely to trend in the future. Many customers reject chemical applications and treatments and prefer organic, plant-based treatments that are good for both the short and long term. These products are safe for people with allergies and sensitive skin, allowing them to use cosmetics and makeup products without hesitation. Fashion trends Leisure bottoms Joggers, sweats, and comfy culottes are bottoms that provide comfort to men and women. They are available in multiple fabric options, sizes, and patterns. They are mostly elasticized and stretch at the waist and flatter every body shape. It is ideal for relaxing in your home or for casual weekend party wear. You can also find leisure bottoms that you can wear for the office. Cotton and spandex blends are common fabrics for leisure bottoms. Slub jersey blends of tissue jersey, rayon, and bamboo blends are lightweight and ideal for loungewear. We can also expect new blends of cotton and wool that are ideal for winters. Leisure bottoms are versatile as you can match them with tees, blazers, hoodies, and zip-up jackets. Platform heels Platform heels are more comfortable than high heels, and their current popularity is expected to increase. You can expect to see more designs of platform heels in sandals, pumps, and boots. Platform wedges resembling cutout heels could be the rage for young adults and older women. Platform mules that do not have any back constraint around the foot's heel are also expected to come back into trend. Platform boots, too, are beginning to make an impact, and if you are a platform heel lover, you may have plenty of options to choose from big names and brands. The rising demand and popularity have made platform heels a number one option. Pleated skirts Pleated skirts no longer mean school uniforms. The world's leading designers are incorporating pleats in their mini and maxi skirts. Pleated skirts today add elegance and femininity to simple outfits. Tight pleats for maxi skirts and wider pleats on shorter skirts are expected to be more popular than ever. You can pair them with formal, casual, or dressy blouses or shirts based on the occasion you are dressing up for. The cutout trend The interest in wearing cutouts is rising, and new designs and releases from fashion powerhouses confirm that the two-year-old style may peak soon. From modest keyhole cuts to halter neck cutout maxi dresses, bodycon cutout dresses, and back cutout dresses, there is no shortage of options for the size and the position of the cutouts. While minimal cutouts can be worn for formal ceremonies, deeper cuts and waist tie-ups are ideal for casual occasions like a weekend party, a get-together, or hanging out with friends. Fitted cutout tops, mini skirts, pelvic cutouts in pants, and cutout crop tops are all expected to be trendy and best sellers in the fashion industry. Regardless of the outfit you choose, consider accessorizing with jewelry. The allure of jewelry will never fade, regardless of the time, circumstance, or season. Some modern jewelry options include look-at-me earrings, bold cuffs, colored stones, and gorgeous bejeweled purses.

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9 mistakes to avoid while buying a mattress

A healthy sleep schedule has several benefits, such as increased focus, improved immunity, and reduced risk of heart problems. Choosing the right mattress helps one ensure quality sleep after a long day, facilitating physical and mental well-being. Besides, a comfortable mattress can prevent potential postural issues. Engaging in some research can help one shortlist the best mattress out of the various options available. In addition, here are some mistakes to avoid while buying a mattress: Not researching the types of mattresses available Before buying a mattress, it is important to research the different types of mattresses available and the materials they are made of. For example, latex mattresses are the ones in which all the mattress layers are made of latex rubber. These mattresses absorb heat efficiently and are environment-friendly. In contrast, foam mattresses are made entirely of foam and have no coils. These are effective in providing pressure relief, and they feel soft and comfortable against the skin. Hybrid mattresses entail comfortable layers made of foam and latex and may also have short coil layers, known as micro-coils. Understanding the different types of mattresses and the features of each can help one make a suitable decision. Overlooking the bed frame Regardless of the quality of the mattress, it cannot provide sufficient comfort and firmness if its frame is faulty. Thus, one should not only examine the mattress but also its frame carefully, checking for any defects. In case of any sags or loose parts, one should get the bed frame repaired immediately before buying the mattress. Not buying a mattress based on body mass Body weight is another important criterion to consider while buying a mattress. Soft or semi-soft mattresses are better suited to leaner individuals, whereas those with more body mass may do better with firmer mattresses. In general, memory foam mattresses are the best bet for those with a lower BMI, as they have a good skin-to-pressure ratio. In contrast, latex or hybrid mattresses are better options for those with a higher BMI. Overlooking the sleeping position One’s sleeping position also plays a role in one’s decision of buying a mattress. For instance, back sleepers are likely to do best with hybrid or memory foam mattresses, which support the neck, head, and spine. Similarly, foam mattresses typically conform to the sleeper’s shape easily and are well-suited to side sleepers. Finally, stomach sleepers should go for firm mattresses, which ensure spine alignment when asleep. Not setting a budget range It is easy to end up overspending on mattresses if one does not set a definite budget range. This budget range should be established following a careful consideration of one’s mattress requirements, income level, savings, and other financial needs. Researching the price ranges of mattresses by different brands is essential while setting a budget range and limit before buying a mattress. Compromising on quality for price While setting and sticking to a budget limit is essential to avoid a financial crunch, one should avoid going for an economical mattress without evaluating its quality, firmness, durability, and comfort. It is important to spend a certain amount to ensure that the mattress one buys is of superior quality. Buying a mattress based solely on its cover and design An attractive cover and design does not guarantee that the mattress is of good quality. For example, some of these mattresses may not provide adequate pressure relief and back support and may lead to postural issues in the long run. Hence, while visual appeal may be one of the factors to consider when looking for a mattress, it should not be one’s only determining factor. Not trying out the mattress before buying it Just like a test drive is crucial before buying a car, trying out a mattress is important before one buys it. A trial helps one practically gauge the mattress’s quality, comfort level, firmness, and whether it is suited to one’s weight and sleeping position. Thus, buyers should not hesitate to ask sellers to allow them a trial of the mattress. Buying a mattress with several layers Although it is not a drawback for a mattress to have multiple layers, one should not consider the number of layers in a mattress as the only criterion to buy a mattress. In fact, some of the best mattresses out there have only one or two layers. Thus, when buying a mattress, it is a good idea to prioritize other factors that may be more important.

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Top 5 cat foods that are recommended by vets

Cats are strict carnivores by nature, and their bodies cannot digest a carbohydrate-rich diet. And pet parents must feed them a nutritionally balanced diet matching their weight, age, lifestyle, and current health condition. Look for food with animal protein as the prime ingredient and has fatty acids, essential amino acids, and minerals. If you are unsure of what food to choose, you can consider the following vet-recommended food for your cats: Human-Grade Fresh, Wet Cat Food by Smalls Smalls is an ultra-high protein USDA-certified cat food subscription service that uses humanely harvested and human-grade ingredients. Trained chefs prepare the food avoiding cheaper fillers like carbs and grains that add volume and reduce cost. The food does not contain any preservatives. You can choose from chicken, a combination of chicken and turkey, beef, or fish for fresh food. Freeze-dried raw cat food is available in turkey, duck, and chicken flavors. While fresh meals can go to the freezer, freeze-dried raw food can be in the pantry. One package may last five meals, and you must read the instructions to store the leftover package properly to avoid contamination. The approximate cost of Smalls cat food is $2.50 to $3.50 daily. Pro Plan® Focus Adult Weight Management Cat food by Purina® Purina Pro Plan Focus Adult Weight Management Cat food is available without a prescription and is a less expensive alternative for weight loss diets.
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Top 5 luxury watches to check out

Owning a luxury watch is not always a symbol of wealth or power. A handcrafted watch is a work of art, craftsmanship, and precision mechanics. It can be a statement or serve as a family heirloom. Owning a luxury watch is every horologist’s dream. When taken good care of, these watches last incredibly long. If you want to invest in one, you can choose from the world’s leading luxury watch brands like: Patek Phillipe Geneva invented the world’s first wristwatch. Patek Phillipe continues to make the most luxurious watches liked by famous, high-profile men and women. Their expertise lies in making watches with various mechanisms that sometimes may take multiple years to complete. Apart from common complications like date and time zones, some outstanding features include minute repeaters, tourbillons, and split-second chronographs. Their watches contain top-class material for the base and inner mechanics, delicately set precious stones, enamel painting, and engraving. Every watch is sleek, classy, and luxurious. Patek Phillipe does not sell directly but through 78 authorized dealers across the country. Some of the timeless luxury watches from Patek Phillipe include: Nautilus Aquanaut Calatrava Complications Grand Complications Golden Ellipse Vacheron Constantin Vacheron Constantin, based in Switzerland, is the oldest watchmaker and has been in the business since 1755.
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Top 3 types of mattresses to relieve back pain

An extremely soft or firm mattress or one that is worn out can affect sleep quality and make one feel tired the next day. Further, if used for a long period, it can lead to issues with spine alignment and even strain the back muscles. If suffering from back pain, it is important to pick a mattress that helps relieve the ache and provides adequate support to the spine. So here are the best options: Latex Latex is a natural rubber that can be combined with other natural and even synthetic products to create a comfortable and durable mattress. Latex is naturally elastic and buoyant, and in mattresses, it can help support the sleeper’s lower back, weight, shape, and different sleeping positions. It facilitates adequate spine alignment and helps take the pressure off the heavier parts of the body. Latex mattresses bounce back to their original shape pretty quickly, and this factor ensures good support for all sleeping positions, making it ideal for side sleepers, back sleepers, and stomach sleepers. What makes this one of the top mattresses for back pain is that its springy nature enables smoother movement, and sleepers can change their positions without difficulty. The mattress can retain its shape for many years.
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5 foods that help improve lung health

Our lungs help us receive oxygen and release carbon dioxide through breathing. The body’s natural defense system protects the lungs from infections, germs, and other pathogens. But you can also improve lung health by making specific lifestyle changes like following an active lifestyle and breathing fresh air. Further, the right nutrition plan is crucial. The following foods have essential nutrients that keep the lungs healthy and lower the risk of diseases: High-fiber foods Inflammation is among the leading causes of lung diseases like asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and fiber can help fight inflammation. A molecule in the blood called C-reactive protein (CRP) indicates inflammation in the body. Fiber-rich foods can contain CRP levels and protect the lungs. Fiber can also improve gut health by increasing the production of short-chain fatty acids. Some fiber-rich foods that promote healthy lungs are apples, artichokes, beans, berries, brown rice, quinoa, sweet potatoes, peas, cereal, and whole-grain bread. Vitamin C-rich foods Vitamin C is a vital nutrient that protects our cells from oxidative stress. It also has properties that protect the lungs from free radicals. Research shows that people who lack vitamin C may have decreased lung function, which may lead to infections.

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6 of the most recognized running shoe brands

6 of the most recognized running shoe brands

If you want to invest in a pair of good-quality running shoes, choose one from a brand that specializes in making them for professional and casual runners. Look for a manufacturer that offers good arch and pronation support that matches the shape and size of your feet. Generally, a pair of running shoes cost between $110 and $150, while some iconic and popular shoes may cost higher. To help you choose from the top brands, here are the leading running shoe brands that are popular among runners: Brooks Brooks is originally from Canada and operates in the U.S. The brand has been making shoes since 1914 and started making running shoes after the Olympics in 1972. The collaboration of Jerry Turner from Brooks, David Schwaber of a rubber company, and Marty Liquori, a long-distance runner, created a cushiony midsole material from ethylene vinyl acetate. Using this, they introduced the Brooks Villanova in 1975. Their pioneering innovation then became the norm for other brands making sneakers. Some of its other innovations of Brooks include a removable sock line, silicone fluid, GORE-TEX, diagonal rollbar, use of pods on the outsole, and use of flexible material under the ball of the foot. Some of the most well-known running shoes from Brooks include the MOGO series, Green Silence, PureProject, Transcend, and the DNA series.
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4 timeless jewelry pieces every woman must own

4 timeless jewelry pieces every woman must own

Every woman, irrespective of age, uniquely expresses her fashion style. And accessories play an important role in the manner of expression. If you think that classic metal or gemstone jewelry is expensive or unsuitable for everyday use, it’s time to change your opinion. Some must-own timeless jewelry pieces can never go out of style. They instantly amp up your look no matter the outfit and garner eyeballs wherever you go. Make these exquisite jewelry options yours now.  Stud earrings Stud earrings are dainty yet elegant pieces of jewelry. They fit quite well on the top of your ear, emitting the right amount of sheen. It has a singular point with a post that passes through the pierced ear, connected through a backing or a clutch behind the ear. The stud, the main part of the earning, can be made of bare metal like gold, silver, or platinum and/or hold a gemstone like a diamond, ruby, sapphire, emerald, coral, or pearl. The size of the stud and the type of stone could determine the price of the pair of earrings. While stud earrings made with precious stones can be expensive, you can opt for those affordable options with semiprecious stones like turquoise, rose quartz, or garnets.
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5 leading SUVs and useful buying tips

5 leading SUVs and useful buying tips

Sports utility vehicles, or SUVs, have come a long way from being mere large-family vehicles to one of the most versatile and in-demand passenger cars. They are safe, well-designed, spacious, and fun to drive. The large-SUV market segment’s revenue is estimated to reach $148.60 billion in 2022. With increasing interest and demand, many new or redesigned models have entered the market. Here are a few leading SUVs to look for: Hyundai Tucson Hyundai has redesigned the Tucson completely. The 2022 version has multiple trim levels, including a sporty N Line model and a rugged XRT model. It also has three different powertrain options: hybrid, gasoline, and plug-in hybrid. Further, the 2022 Tucson has upgraded infotainment systems, multiple rear USB ports, Wi-Fi hotspot, top-class safety features, and driver-assistance technologies like cruise control, blind-spot collision avoidance systems, and driver attention warning. The price of the 2022 Tucson starts at around $25,350. Jeep Grand Cherokee Jeep Grand Cherokee is a mid-sized SUV. The 2022 variant, redesigned to offer a smoother ride, can accommodate five passengers in its top-class interiors with comfortable and supportive seats. The car has three powertrains: the existing V-6 and V-9 and a 4xe plug-in for the hybrid variant. Rear-wheel drive is standard in all models with V-6.
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Top 5 electric cars to consider in 2022

Top 5 electric cars to consider in 2022

The sale of plug-in electric vehicles is expected to rise to 20.6 million in 2025, making up 23% of new passenger car sales. Battery, plug-in hybrid, and hybrid are the three main types of electric vehicles currently being rolled out. You can choose one from either of these car types on the basis of your driving requirement and budget. Here are some of the top suggestions for electric cars to consider this year: Kia EV6 The EV6 has a stylish exterior and classy interior with hi-tech features like smart parking and vehicle loading capabilities. This five-seater offers 17.6 cubic feet of cargo space even when the seats are not folded. The car’s engine has a 77.4 kWh all-wheel-drive powertrain, 321 bhp, 605Nm of torque from twin motors through a single-speed automatic transmission, and a range of 310 miles. It is quick to power up as a 350kW charger can charge the car from 10%-80% within 18 minutes. The driver assistance feature includes an augmented reality head-up display and remote smart park assist, which helps you park into a narrow space and pull out again when you are back by pressing a few buttons. Nissan Leaf Nissan’s Leaf is one of the cheapest electric cars in the market, costing under $20,000 after taking the tax credit of $7,500.
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3 important factors to consider before buying new tires

3 important factors to consider before buying new tires

New all-season tires last for about six to seven years with minimal use and about three to five years if you drive about 12,000 to 15,000 miles a year. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) estimates that worn-out tires cause 11,000 accidents every year. To ensure your safety and others on the road, you must change your tires as and when required. Before you buy them, keep the following points in mind: Know to read the tire codes Learn about the tire code to know the right tire for your automobile. If you look carefully, you will notice a code with letters and numbers on the sidewall of your tire. Knowing the tire codes is important to buy similar or better tires that fit your wheel. Some of the relevant codes you need to know when you buy a new tire are: Tire type – the first alphabets indicate the tire type P for passenger cars LT for light truck tires ST stands for special trailer tires T for temporary or spare tires Tread width The three-digit number represents the tread width, the distance between sidewall edges in millimeters, followed by a slash and a ratio. Aspect ratio A two-digit number follows the slash and indicates the tire height from bead to tread.
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4 hair styling tools that give a salon-like look

4 hair styling tools that give a salon-like look

If you like to style your hair frequently without having to spend money at salons, you can invest in some basic hair styling tools. These tools can create beach waves or curls or even straighten them out. There are many hair styling tools that are versatile, easy to use, and do little or no damage to your hair. If you want to invest in hair styling tools, here are a few tools to check out: Hair straightener and curler Combining a hair straightener and curler that is suitable for all hair types allows you the freedom to try out trending hairstyles. Look for a professional straightener or curler with a ceramic or copper flat iron. Choose a flat iron that allows you to control the temperature so that you don’t damage your hair. Experts claim that setting the straightener or curler to temperatures as high as 455 degrees can help straighten the most challenging and rigid curls. The copper ceramic tools also ensure that the hair doesn’t break while you are straightening, leaving your hair straight and smooth once you are done. You can also choose regular and smart Bluetooth straighteners to help you choose the best temperature and care settings every time you use the tool.
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