Four Kindle Features You Can Only Find on the Colorsoft

Did you know you can customize Google to filter out garbage? Take these steps for better search results, including adding Lifehacker as a preferred source for tech news.


Since Oct. 2024, you've had the option of getting an Amazon Kindle in color in the form of the Colorsoft model. The original Signature Edition with 32GB of storage was recently also joined by a cheaper 16GB edition for your consideration, though it's questionable whether the $30 saving is worth it, as you lose wireless charging and the auto brightness setting, as well as half the storage.

In our Amazon Kindle Colorsoft review, you'll see there's a lengthy debate over whether the price premium you pay for a color e-reader screen is worth it, compared to the perfectly capable black and white models. For many people monochrome is fine—but if you've splurged on color, or you're wondering if you should, these are the extra tricks you've got access to.

Highlight in color

This is one of the most useful extra features you get with a color screen: the ability to use different colors when you're highlighting blocks of text. You could use different colors for quotations from different characters, for example, or for different highlight categories.

Highlighting is done in the same way as it is on any other Kindle—by pressing and holding on a specific word, then dragging out the handles to the left and right and choosing Highlight. Press and hold on the highlight again to choose from four different colors.

Switch between color styles

Kindle Colorsoft
You've got two color style options. Credit: Lifehacker

The Colorsoft comes with a choice of two color styles, which you can switch between depending on the ambient light levels or how saturated you want the colors to be—though neither of the available modes are anywhere close to what you get with a phone display.

From the home screen, tap the three dots (top right), then Settings. Under Screen and brightness, you'll find the Color Style option, with the option to switch between Standard (for "everyday reading") and Vivid, which boosts the color saturation levels on screen.

Open documents and articles in color

Your Kindle can be used as a general purpose document and article reader, too. You can transfer files over to these e-readers in several different ways, including via USB transfer or by emailing them to your own unique Kindle email address.

You can do this on any Kindle, but only the Kindle Colorsoft will show images, charts, diagrams, fonts, etc. in color. While e-books tend to be largely black and white once you get past the front cover, your documents and saved articles might not be.

Show a color cover on the lock screen

Admittedly, you can do this on black and white Kindles as well, but with a color screen it's a bit more worthwhile.

From the home screen, tap the three dots (top right), then Settings. Tap Screen and brightness, then Show covers on lock screen and presto—whenever your device is locked, you'll see the cover of the book you're currently reading in glorious color.



from News https://ift.tt/u4YONXg
via IFTTT

You Can Get This iPhone 15 Pro Max on Sale for $770 Right Now

We may earn a commission from links on this page. Deal pricing and availability subject to change after time of publication.

It’s not the newest iPhone on the block, but the iPhone 15 Pro Max still has plenty of life left in it, and right now, StackSocial is offering the 256GB Black Titanium model—unlocked and premium refurbished—on sale for $769.99. That’s not exactly a budget buy, but considering this phone originally launched at over $1,000 just last year, it lands in that practical middle ground for someone who wants a top-tier experience without paying full flagship prices. It’s been rated “Grade A,” so while it’s not fresh from the factory, it should arrive looking close to new, with just the slightest signs of use. It’s built with a titanium frame that feels surprisingly light for its size, and the 6.7-inch OLED display holds up beautifully with smooth scrolling and sharp visuals.

This is the kind of phone that makes sense if you’re not fussed about having the absolute latest camera or chip generation. That said, the 15 Pro Max runs on Apple’s A17 Pro chip, which is fast enough to handle console-level games and high-end creative tasks. And with 256GB of storage, you’ll have plenty of space for your apps, photos, 4K videos, and anything else you need. It’s also IP68-rated for water and dust resistance and supports MagSafe and Qi wireless charging for added convenience.

As for the camera, the 48MP main sensor captures detailed shots in all lighting conditions, and the 5x telephoto lens gets you closer than ever—great for concert shots or unexpected wildlife moments. It also supports USB 3 for faster wired transfers, which is useful if you’re into shooting video or regularly backing things up. And while the move to eSIM only might be a minor adjustment depending on your carrier, it also makes switching between plans more seamless.

This phone isn't for someone chasing iPhone 16 headlines, but if you’re upgrading from an older model or just want something reliable and powerful without getting pulled into Apple’s yearly refresh cycle, this iPhone 15 Pro Max sale could be the right balance of value and longevity.



from News https://ift.tt/6sbkB8D
via IFTTT

This App Can Actually Keep You From Using Your iPhone

Did you know you can customize Google to filter out garbage? Take these steps for better search results, including adding Lifehacker as a preferred source for tech news.


The problem with distraction-blocking apps is how easy they are to turn off. But what if you needed to access a physical object to unblock distractions? That way, you could leave the object at home, or give it to someone who can keep you accountable. That's the basic idea behind Foqos, an iPhone app by developer Ali Waseem, that's open source, completely free, and works really well.

At first, Foqos may seem similar to other focus apps for blocking distractions. You can select a set of applications and websites you'd like to block, then turn on the blocker. The difference comes when it's time to turn that distraction blocking off. To do so, you have to scan a "key," either an NFC chip or a QR code.

Three screenshots of Foqos in action
Credit: Justin Pot

If you're looking for the simplest option, go with the QR code: You can print out the code on a piece of paper and place it somewhere in your house. I, personally, set up a QR code and taped it to the back of a desk drawer. The NFC chip, on the other hand, is a little more nerdy. You'll need to buy a blank one and set it up yourself. Such chips are extremely affordable and have all kinds of other users, from automating routines to sharing your wifi passwords.

The setup process is straight forward. First, you need to give the application permission to access your Screen Time settings—this is used to enable the blocking. Next you can create profiles. I made one for blocking social media applications as a category, then added the web versions of Reddit so I didn't have a workaround. After doing this, you can choose which key you want to use. You can use your key of choice—the NFC chip or the QR code—to both trigger blocking and end it. Alternatively, you can start the blocking manually and require the key to stop it.

However you set this up, there are all kinds of ways you can use it. You could leave the key at home before a night out, making it easier to focus on the people around you. Or, during the workday, you could give the key to a friend and instruct them not to give it back until you're done with the current project. I've been trying this for a couple days, leaving my phone without the ability to access Reddit or Bluesky. My hope was that I'd spend time reading instead of scrolling, and it seems to be working. Even if the key is only across the room, there's enough friction to keep me from scrolling.

The app, as mentioned, is completely free, though the developer asks that you chip in a few bucks if you find it helpful.



from News https://ift.tt/ReSB1km
via IFTTT

Four Kindle Features You Can Only Find on the Colorsoft

Did you know you can customize Google to filter out garbage? Take these steps for better search results, including adding Lifehacker as a p...