Okay, so we have to talk about the winget upgrade --all command… This is the most useful little thing in the Windows command line that I discovered in a long time.
With just approximately 27 key strokes, this brilliant little command does something that (1) would take me hours to do manually and (2) something I would probably never otherwise do because it would take me hours to do it.
We all (probably) know that an up-to-date Windows OS is a happy Windows OS is a safer Windows OS. But what about all of the apps that you have installed along the way? For best possible security, they also need to be up to date.
Up until now, for me to ensure that my applications were up to date would involve me opening each application individually, hitting the help menu and clicking check for updates. (Or something similar – not all apps put the update option there, so it invariably would involve digging around.)
Fair to say, that means I would generally never do this because it would take me like forever. So I’ve been doing the next best thing, which has been to always update apps when prompted to do so.
Of course, that means, most apps on my computers do not get very frequent updates as I don’t use everything all the time.
CMD winget to the rescue
So, what’s this incredibly wonderful alternative then, which is so great that I’m even resorting to cheesy Lord of the Ring references in the heading?
My friend, meet winget!
This golden little nugget will – in one fell swoop – update most of your applications to their latest versions in the space of approximately 27 keystrokes and three clicks of the mouse.
Here’s how to update almost all of your Windows apps in one go:
Click the Windows start button, type cmd and click the option to Run as administrator. This will open the Command Line tool in administrator mode.
Click Yes to allow CMD to make changes to your computer.
Type winget upgrade --all and hit enter. This will launch winget and start the update process.
Type Y and hit Enter when asked to accept terms and conditions.
Watch winget search for updates to almost all of your Windows apps and then install them in short order.
After a few seconds or minutes or hours (depending on how many apps were in desperate need of updating) your Windows computer will now be kitted out with all shiny, new applications and you’re ready to move on to bigger and better things knowing your computer is safer today than it was yesterday.
A few notes about using winget
Anytime anyone asks you to launch anything in administrator mode on your computer, be very sure about what you are doing. Don’t blindly follow such instructions, even if those instructions come from GoodGeeky. Do your own research about what you are about to do actually means for your computer. We recommend starting with this Microsoft Learn page.
One the update process gets underway, you will notice that the occasional updater window for various applications will show up to display the install process. Mostly, you will not need to do anything with these windows – they will simply pop up when the app starts updating and close down when the app has been updated. But sometimes, a post-update window might stay open and block or terminate the update process for the rest of the apps. If an update window requires input to either get started or finish up, do whatever clicks necessary to keep the process moving along. If the update process times out because an update window stayed open for too long, simply run the winget upgrade –all command again.
Why run CMD in administrator mode? Because that way, the above mentioned updates will move along smoothly without any input being required from you. If you do not run CMD in administrator mode, then you will need to allow each individual update package to make changes to your computer. That will be more time consuming and will require your ongoing involvement in the update process.
The Ricoh GR IIIx is a compact digital camera that’s garnered a bit of a cult following among photographers who prioritise portability and want to do away with AI-hijinks without sacrificing image quality. Released in September 2021, it’s an evolution of Ricoh’s GR series, designed specifically for street, travel, and everyday photography, that still kicks butt in 2025.
I picked one up in June this year and have been using it extensively, including a one-month trip to Australia. I’m super happy with it to the point where it’s become my go-to for capturing city life on the move.
This review reflects our independent and honest opinion. We were not compensated for this review, and we covered all the costs to try the product or service ourselves.
With a price tag around US$1100/€1000/AU$1,500, it features a 24.2-megapixel APS-C sensor, a fixed 26.1mm f/2.8 lens (equivalent to 40mm in full-frame terms), and in-body image stabilisation that offers up to four stops of shake reduction. Unlike bulkier DSLRs or mirrorless systems, the GR IIIx is built for discretion, measuring just 109.4 x 61.9 x 35.2mm and weighing 262g with battery and SD card included.
I decided to buy the Ricoh GR IIIx because I wanted a camera that’s great for city photography, easy to carry, takes great pictures, has near pro-level features, and isn’t a mobile phone. Smartphones are convenient, but they lack the tactile control and optical quality.
After researching options (watching hours and hours of YouTube reviews), the GR IIIx stood out for its reputation in street photography circles, where quick, unobtrusive shooting is key. Ricoh has refined this model with a lens that’s sharper at the edges compared to its older sibling, the Ricoh GR III, which has a wider 28mm equivalent focal length. The 40mm equivalent suits my style perfectly, allowing for more intimate compositions without the distortion of ultra-wide angles. If I need wider or longer reach, I fall back on my DSLR with a 24-105mm G lens.
In this Ricoh GR IIIx review
Portability and Build Quality
One of the Ricoh GR IIIx’s biggest selling points is its pocketable design. It’s small enough to fit in my pocket—definitely not as tiny as a mobile phone—but it slips in comfortably unless you’re wearing skinny jeans, in which case you’ll struggle. It’s nicely weighted, heavy enough to lie steady in your hands but not so much that it’s hard to hold or carry. This makes it ideal for everyday use, whether wandering urban streets or hiking in Australia’s outback. During my trip, I carried it everywhere without feeling burdened, unlike larger cameras that demand a bag.
The build quality is wonderful for such a compact design—it feels very solid. However, the magnesium alloy body is not weather sealed, so keep that in mind. I’m a bit worried about the USB port cover potentially failing over time, and the lens ring comes off easily even after tightening the little screw meant to hold it in place. Beyond that, I love the build. There are also widespread reports of dust ingress issues in the GR series, which could affect the sensor over time, and I hope mine avoids this fate.
Image Quality and Lens Performance
The image quality from the Ricoh GR IIIx is amazing—the lens is super sharp, delivering professional-grade results from a pocket camera. It boasts a 24.2MP APS-C CMOS sensor without an anti-aliasing filter, which enhances detail and sharpness, especially in RAW files.
I find the RAW files look great and are easy to work with, both in-camera and in Lightroom. The JPEGs, particularly with recipes (Ricoh’s take on film simulations) applied, are so good that I very rarely need further adjustments before using a photo. These recipes allow customisation of colour tones, grain, and contrast, mimicking analogue film looks, and there are countless user-shared options online.
The 26.1mm (40mm equivalent) f/2.8 lens is a standout for city life photography. It’s not for everyone—I like the 40mm equivalent because I’m not a big fan of wide-angle. It lets me compose slightly more intimate or cropped scenes, perfect for isolating subjects in bustling environments like Sydney’s streets or Melbourne’s laneways. The lens has nine elements in seven groups, including two aspherical elements to reduce distortion, and it focuses as close as 12cm in macro mode.
Speaking of macro, it works alright, but it’s not true macro—the minimum focus distance is about 12cm, making it more of a very-close-up mode. For low-light scenarios, the maximum aperture of f/2.8 helps, though it’s not the widest in its class.
Focusing and Usability
Focusing on the Ricoh GR IIIx is known as a bit of a mixed bag, but it shines in practical use. The autofocus system doesn’t feel fantastic straight out of the box—it can be a little hit and miss at times. But it works well most of the time, with phase-detection and contrast-detection hybrid AF covering 425 points. Features like Snap Focus and Snap Distance Priority are invaluable in real-world shooting situations. Snap Distance Priority is great when you know your conditions—if shooting landscapes, set it to infinity for worry-free focus. In the city, preset to 2.5 or 5 metres for near-instant snaps on subjects at that distance.
For the best of both worlds, Snap Focus lets you half-press the shutter for autofocus or full-press for the preset distance, providing near-instant focus in a pinch. The touchscreen tap-to-focus-and-shoot is also brilliant, allowing quick subject selection with an instant photo. Overall, these features make the camera highly usable for street photography, where speed is essential.
In low light, the autofocus struggles a bit, which is a common complaint. But again, Snap Focus and Snap Distance Priority will help you out here too.
Sensor and Performance in Challenging Conditions
The 24.2MP APS-C sensor performs reasonably in low light or high ISO conditions, but it’s not a standout for minimal noise. ISO ranges from 100 to 102,400, with good results up to ISO 6400 before noise becomes noticeable. That said, for street, city, or retro-style photography—which is what draws many to this camera—a bit of noise isn’t an issue; it can even add character. If needed, AI noise removers like DxO work wonders.
I’m blown away by the level of customisation—the Ricoh GR IIIx has pro-level DSLR capabilities. Every button and dial is customisable, you can save presets with different shooting settings and controls, and custom recipes let you dial in the exact look without needing Lightroom. The camera also has three-axis in-body stabilisation, which helps with handheld shots at slower shutter speeds, up to 1/15 second or so.
Display, Controls and Connectivity
The 3-inch touchscreen is user-friendly and responsive, with 1.037 million dots for clear viewing. Some people complain it’s hard to see in bright light. Upping the brightness works, though it drains the already so-so battery. Controls and menus are intuitive—I picked them up quickly without much adjustment time. However, I’m concerned about the rear wheel failing; it feels fragile and doesn’t turn smoothly, so I’ve adapted to using other dials. The joystick dial on the back is easy to bump accidentally, leading to a few over- or under-exposed shots when I had exposure mapped to it.
Connectivity is solid via Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, allowing image transfer and remote control. Wi-Fi spins up its own network for phone connection, but I’m not a fan of the original Ricoh app—it’s not intuitive. Instead, I paid a couple of Euros for the GRImageViewer app, which is much better for viewing and downloading.
Extras like photo recipes stand out, similar to Fuji’s film simulations, with community-driven options. Recipes apply to JPEGs, leaving RAWs untouched. About 99% of the time, JPEGs are ready to use straight out of camera, but I shoot RAW+JPEG just in case I do want to do a bit of editing later on. There’s also a small internal memory (about 2GB) for emergencies if you forget your SD card, enough for a bunch of JPEGs. Video mode, however, is terrible—limited to 1080p at 60fps with no stabilisation or advanced features—so forget it if you want video capabilities.
Battery performance (and cost-saving tip)
Being a small camera, the Ricoh GR IIIx uses a small 1350mAh battery pack. Consequently, you will only get a modest 150-200 shots per charge in real-world conditions. It’s not too much of a problem to carry a spare battery though, given the small size.
The only issue is, the Ricoh DB-110 is not cheap. But, I have a little savings tip for you, which I’ve taken advantage of myself. The OM System (formerly Olympus) LI-92B battery is the same as the Ricoh DB-110, but can normally be had cheaper. So if you want to save a few euro or dollars or other currency of choice, but don’t want to risk ruining your camera with bargain-priced rip-off batteries, the LI-92B is probably (I can’t guarantee this, of course) going to be a safer yet somewhat lower-cost option.
Overall Experience and Recommendation
The main strengths of the Ricoh GR IIIx in daily use are its small size—it fits in your pocket and is easy to take anywhere—yet it delivers photo quality and performance rivaling high-end APS-C cameras, or even low-end full-frame setups in sharpness. The 40mm prime is perfect for me, but if you prefer wider, consider the GR III or add-on converters for wide-angle or telephoto options.
Drawbacks include the fragile rear wheel, with reports of failures, and dust issues that plague the series. Battery life could be better, and video is a non-starter. Would I recommend it for street or everyday photography? Absolutely—it’s great for city and casual shooting. But it’s not for everyone. Don’t buy if you’re just starting out; use a phone or cheaper camera to learn composition first. Once you’re serious and want a small camera with tons of customisation, tack-sharp images without AI gimmicks, this is fantastic.
In summary, the GR IIIx has transformed how I approach photography on the go. It’s not perfect, but for enthusiasts seeking a discreet, capable companion, it’s hard to beat. If Ricoh addresses the durability niggles in future models, it’d be even better.
AI generated image (obviously) of what the iPhone 17 will hopefully NOT look like!
While the tech giant remains characteristically tight-lipped, a wave of leaks from the past few weeks suggests that the Pro models might be getting the most significant camera upgrades in years.
As always with Apple rumours, these claims should be taken with a healthy dose of scepticism. The information comes from anonymous sources and unverified tipsters, meaning what sounds promising on paper might not translate to reality. But if even half of these rumours prove true, iPhone photographers could be in for a treat.
AI generated image (obviously) of what the iPhone 17 will hopefully NOT look like!
Table of Contents
The Big Three Camera Claims
The most eye-catching rumours centre around three major camera enhancements for the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max models. These claims first surfaced when an anonymous tipster contacted MacRumors, claiming to have inside knowledge of an iPhone 17 Pro advertisement in production.
8x Optical Zoom: Getting Closer to the Action
The standout claim is that Apple plans to bump up the telephoto lens from the current 5x optical zoom found on the iPhone 16 Pro models to an impressive 8x optical zoom. If true, this would put the iPhone ahead of most flagship Android competitors, which typically max out at 5x zoom.
What makes this rumour particularly intriguing is the suggestion that the lens would be physically moveable, allowing for continuous optical zoom across different focal lengths. This would be similar to what Sony offers on its Xperia smartphones and would mark a significant departure from Apple’s traditional fixed zoom levels.
For everyday users, this could mean capturing distant subjects with much greater clarity. Whether you’re trying to photograph wildlife from afar or get a close-up shot of your child’s school play from the back row, 8x optical zoom would provide significantly better image quality than the current 5x maximum.
However, some experts remain sceptical about this claim. As 9to5Mac points out, such a dramatic hardware change would be difficult to keep under wraps so close to launch, especially given that physical component leaks typically surface much earlier in the development cycle.
A Second Camera Control Button
Perhaps the most surprising rumour is the addition of a second Camera Control button, positioned on the top edge of the device. This would complement the existing Camera Control button that Apple introduced with the iPhone 16 series, which sits on the right side of the device.
The rationale behind a second button isn’t immediately clear, especially since Apple only recently added the first Camera Control button. Some speculate it could be designed for specific functions like zoom control, or to make landscape photography more comfortable by allowing users to operate camera functions with both hands.
Again, this claim faces considerable scepticism. Case manufacturers typically leak details about new button placements well in advance, yet there’s been no evidence of cutouts for an additional button in leaked case designs.
A Professional Camera App
The third major rumour suggests Apple is developing an entirely new professional camera application for both photos and videos. This app would reportedly compete with established third-party options like Halide, Kino, and Filmic Pro, offering advanced manual controls that serious photographers crave.
The tipster was less certain about this claim, suggesting it might instead be a major upgrade to Apple’s existing Final Cut Camera app rather than a completely new application. It’s also unclear whether such an app would be exclusive to Pro models or available across the entire iPhone 17 lineup.
For photography enthusiasts, a first-party professional camera app could be game-changing. Current iPhone users often turn to third-party apps for features like manual focus, exposure control, and RAW shooting capabilities. Having these features built into iOS would streamline the shooting experience and potentially offer better integration with the iPhone’s hardware.
Design Changes on the Horizon
Beyond the camera rumours, multiple leaks suggest significant design changes across the iPhone 17 lineup. The most consistent reports point to a redesigned camera module that extends horizontally across the back of the device, similar to Google’s Pixel phones.
This horizontal camera bar would house the same triangular arrangement of lenses found on current models but with additional space for sensors like the LiDAR scanner and flash, which would move to the right side of the bar rather than being clustered with the cameras.
Recent alleged sightings of iPhone 17 Pro test units in San Francisco appear to support these design changes. Photos shared on social media show a device in a thick protective case with repositioned sensors, lending some credibility to the horizontal camera bar rumours.
The Anti-Reflective Display Question
Another significant rumour concerns the iPhone 17 Pro’s display technology. Reports suggest Apple has overcome production challenges to include an anti-reflective coating on the Pro models’ screens. This technology, similar to what Samsung offers on its Galaxy S24 and S25 Ultra phones, could reduce screen glare by up to 75% and improve visibility in bright conditions.
Earlier this year, reports indicated Apple had cancelled this feature due to manufacturing difficulties. However, recent claims suggest the company has resolved these issues and will include the anti-reflective coating exclusively on the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max models.
For users, this could mean much better outdoor visibility and reduced eye strain when using their phones in bright environments. Anyone who’s struggled to see their screen clearly in direct sunlight would appreciate such an improvement.
The iPhone 17 Air: A New Category
While the Pro models grab headlines with camera improvements, Apple is rumoured to be introducing an entirely new device category with the iPhone 17 Air. This ultra-thin model would reportedly measure just 5.5mm thick—thinner than the iPhone 6, which held the previous record at 6.9mm.
The iPhone 17 Air would feature a single rear camera in a horizontal camera bar design, positioning it as a premium device focused on portability rather than photography prowess. Despite its slim profile, the device is expected to include high-end features like a 6.6-inch OLED display and Apple’s latest A19 chip.
Reality Check: Treating Rumours with Caution
While these rumours paint an exciting picture of iPhone 17’s potential, it’s crucial to approach them with appropriate scepticism. The sources for many of these claims are anonymous and lack established track records in Apple leaks. As several tech publications have noted, some of the rumoured changes—particularly the hardware additions like a second button—would be difficult to hide from the extensive network of suppliers and manufacturers involved in iPhone production.
The timing of these leaks, just weeks before Apple’s expected September announcement, also raises questions about their authenticity. Major hardware changes typically leak much earlier in the development cycle through supply chain sources and case manufacturer preparations.
Furthermore, the sheer number of claimed upgrades for a single generation seems unusually ambitious, even for Apple. While the company regularly introduces significant improvements, implementing all these rumoured changes simultaneously would represent one of the most dramatic iPhone updates in recent years.
Looking Ahead to September
Apple is expected to announce the iPhone 17 series in early September 2025, likely during the second week of the month following the company’s traditional post-Labour Day timeline. The official announcement will finally reveal which of these rumours hold water and which were merely wishful thinking from the Apple enthusiast community.
Until then, iPhone users and photography enthusiasts will have to content themselves with speculation and mock-ups. While it’s natural to get excited about potential improvements, the smart approach is to wait for official confirmation rather than making purchase decisions based on unverified leaks.
The Broader Context
These iPhone 17 rumours emerge at a time when smartphone photography has largely matured. Most flagship phones now take excellent photos in good lighting conditions, pushing manufacturers to focus on specialised features like improved zoom capabilities, better low-light performance, and professional-grade controls.
If the iPhone 17 Pro does receive the rumoured camera upgrades, it would represent Apple’s continued commitment to positioning the iPhone as a serious tool for content creators and professional photographers. The company has increasingly marketed recent iPhone models to filmmakers and photographers, and enhanced camera capabilities would support this positioning.
However, it’s worth remembering that great photography depends more on the photographer’s skill and vision than on having the latest technology. While improved zoom and professional apps could certainly help, they’re tools that enhance capability rather than guarantee better results.
The Bottom Line
The iPhone 17 camera rumours present an intriguing glimpse of what might be Apple’s most photography-focused iPhone update in years. From 8x optical zoom to professional camera apps, the rumoured features would address many long-standing requests from iPhone photography enthusiasts.
Yet these remain rumours, and past experience suggests that reality often falls short of the most optimistic leaks. Apple’s actual iPhone 17 announcement in September will reveal which of these features make it to the final product and which were merely hopeful speculation.
For now, iPhone users should approach these rumours with interest but not expectation. The current iPhone 16 Pro already offers excellent camera capabilities, and any improvements Apple does introduce with the iPhone 17 will likely be welcome additions rather than revolutionary changes.
The photography smartphone market continues to evolve, and whether Apple delivers on these rumoured features or takes a different approach entirely, the iPhone 17 series will likely represent another step forward in mobile photography. We’ll just have to wait until September to see exactly what that step looks like.
Here’s an open secret for Tesla owners who balk at yet another monthly subscription: you can use your iPhone’s hotspot to bring internet into your car and get nearly the full Tesla premium connectivity experience—without handing over more money to Tesla.
Let’s run through how this works, what you’ll miss without Tesla premium connectivity, and how you can automate your iPhone to smooth out the fiddly bits.
Table of Contents
How using your iPhone hotspot with Tesla works
In the land of Tesla ownership, cars come with two main connectivity options. Pay for premium connectivity, and your Tesla’s inbuilt modem unlocks streaming, live traffic, web browsing and rich maps over cellular networks. Don’t pay, and you’re relegated to the basics—unless you bring your own Wi-Fi via a trusty mobile hotspot.
Simply put, your Tesla can connect to your iPhone’s hotspot, just like any other Wi-Fi network. This lets you:
Stream music and video via apps like Spotify or Netflix (your own subscription still applies).
Access the web browser and Caraoke.
Download software updates.
That’s the power of Wi-Fi—almost anything goes, except where Tesla’s locked features strictly to subscribers.
The Tesla premium connectivity features you still won’t get
Before marching onto digital glory, a reality check: connecting via Wi-Fi—even with 5G speeds—won’t entirely replace premium connectivity. Here’s what you’ll still miss out on:
Feature
iPhone Hotspot (Wi-Fi)
Premium Connectivity
Satellite-view maps
No
Yes
Live-traffic map visualisation
No*
Yes
Live traffic data on your route
Yes*
Yes
Web browser
Yes
Yes
In-car video/music streaming
Yes
Yes
Caraoke
Yes
Yes
Sentry Mode live camera
No
Yes
Over-the-air updates
Yes**
Yes and no***
*You get rerouting using live data for navigation, but you won’t see the red/yellow traffic overlays on the map. **Beware of large updates chewing up your mobile data allowance quickly. ***You must be connected to wifi (any internet-enabled wifi connection) to get over-the-air updates. Your car won’t download updates over the air unless connected to wifi.
Automating your hotspot with Shortcuts
It’s 2025. If you’re still manually switching on your iPhone’s hotspot every time you get in the car, there’s hope. Apple’s Shortcuts app will do the hard work for you. (This process is tested on iOS 17 and iOS18.)
1. Create a Shortcut to toggle your iPhone’s hotspot
Open the Shortcuts app on your iPhone.
While in the Shortcuts tab, tap + to create a new shortcut.
Search for and select the action Set Personal Hotspot.
Set the action to Turn Personal Hotspot On.
Name the shortcut something obvious, like “Turn Hotspot On”.
Repeat this process for a second shortcut to turn your hotspot off.
2. Create automations to run those shortcuts based on Bluetooth connection
In the Shortcuts app, switch to the Automation tab.
Tap + to create a new automation.
Scroll down and select Bluetooth, select your Tesla bluetooth connection from the list, and choose Is Connected as the event.
For the action, select Run Shortcut and pick your previously created Turn Hotspot On shortcut.
Save and ensure Ask Before Running is toggled off.
Repeat for a disconnect automation, using the Turn Hotspot Off shortcut.
Now, every time your phone connects to the car’s Bluetooth, the hotspot should fire up and give you a Tesla premium connectivity-like experience without you needing to do anything.
But, a word of warning: Apple occasionally tweaks how Shortcuts and automations work, so check after iOS updates to ensure your digital butler is still on duty.
Similarly, sometimes your Tesla may not play nicely with connecting to wifi – I seem to get this happening sometimes after software updates. A quick reboot of the car (press and hold both steering wheel knobs until the screen goes black and a Tesla logo appears) and your phone (quickly press the volume up button, then volume down button, then press and hold the on/off button until the screen goes black and an Apple logo appears) tends to fix this.
Tips for reliable Wi-Fi in your Tesla
Connect while parked: Tesla’s software often drops Wi-Fi as soon as you move from park to drive, particularly if it hasn’t properly connected to a network yet. Best practice? Wait for your car to connect to your iPhone’s hotspot before switching from park to drive.
Keep Wi-Fi live in Drive mode: In your Tesla’s Wi-Fi settings, ensure there’s a tick next to “Keep connected in Drive”. This stops the car ditching the Wi-Fi mid-journey, keeping your precious connection alive.
Voice commands for Wi-Fi: Forgot to enable Wi-Fi and already driving off? You can use the voice command “enable Wi-Fi” (or “turn on Wi-Fi”), and your Tesla will switch Wi-Fi back on and connect without you needing to take your eyes or focus off the road.
What can go wrong (and how to fix it)
Hotspot not showing up? Open your iPhone’s hotspot settings and stay on that page until you see it on your Tesla’s screen.
Wi-Fi disconnects after starting to drive? Make sure you’ve enabled “Keep connected in Drive” in Wi-Fi settings.
Connectivity drops out unpredictably? Sometimes, iPhones with “Maximise Compatibility” turned off struggle to maintain a connection. Try toggling this setting under your hotspot options.
Tesla refuses to reconnect automatically? Delete the old Wi-Fi profile from your car and set it up again from scratch.
Exhausting your mobile data allowance? Relatively giganormous software and navigation updates may chew up in the vicinity of 6 to 8 gigabytes of data during a quick drive.
Finally
Using your iPhone as a hotspot is a great way to dodge yet another subscription and get Tesla premium connectivity features for free, provided you’re willing to tinker a little and accept a handful of limitations (no satellite maps or Sentry Mode streaming for you, sorry).
Automation with Apple Shortcuts ensures your phone and car talk to each other with as little fuss as possible—so you can spend your time focusing on more important matters, like plotting the next charging stop or, ideally, driving.
And if all else fails? At least you’re not paying for features you don’t need. In a world overrun with monthly fees, that’s practically a revolution.
Creators who rely on conveyor-belt footage or cookie-cutter AI voice-overs are discovering that YouTube ad revenue now drains faster than a laptop on a long-haul flight. Yet the sky has not fallen—channels that add genuine commentary, storytelling or craft still earn their slice of the ad pie.
The boom that became slop
Generative tools have made it embarrassingly easy to pump out videos. Entire true-crime channels concocted phantom murders, amassing millions of views before anyone noticed the victims never existed, a mess now dubbed “AI slop”. Advertisers smelled risk, viewers complained about déjà-vu playlists, and YouTube’s patience snapped.
The update renames “repetitious content” as “inauthentic content” and brands it ineligible for ads if it looks mass-produced or template-driven. Slideshows with stock images and robotic narration, cloned listicles, or bulk-uploaded near-duplicates now trip the demonetisation wire. Reaction or compilation formats survive, but only when they add “significant commentary, modifications or value” beyond the source clip.
The income illusion
Social-media gurus still flog courses promising six-figure passive income from faceless channels. Reality bites harder. Roughly 85 percent of such creators make under US$2,500 a year, while a slim 15 percent crack the big league by investing in research, scripting and distinctive visuals. YouTube’s crackdown widens that gap. Channels once buoyed by sheer upload volume are watching AdSense dashboards plunge to zero as enforcement tightens.
Advertisers prefer ads beside trusted voices, not a slideshow that could have been spat out by a bargain-bin bot. AI content lacking human fingerprints tanks audience retention and brand safety scores, throttling CPM rates. Conversely, educational outfits like Kurzgesagt—heavy on animation polish and meticulous sourcing—report CPMs up to €18 per 1,000 views, roughly four times higher than generic entertainment fare.
Staying human in the machine age
AI remains welcome in the toolkit; the new rules target laziness, not the tech itself. Script assistants, automatic captions and colour grading all pass muster when the final product shows unmistakable human craft. The safest channels follow three guardrails:
Show receipts. On-screen citations or research screenshots reassure viewers—and algorithms—that facts were checked, not hallucinated.
Pace the pipeline. Weekly deep-dive videos earn higher retention than hourly spam, a metric the algorithm now rates above raw upload counts.
Spread the risk. Affiliate links, digital products and memberships cushion creators from AdSense swings; some channels under 50 k subscribers earn more from ebooks than ads.
Appeals still exist. Creators mistakenly labelled “inauthentic” can submit a human-review request, often by filming a behind-the-scenes walkthrough that proves the editing process. Success hinges on clear evidence of value—think custom animations, expert interviews or original analysis.
For viewers, the clean-up knifes through low-effort clones, lifting engagement with creators who actually know their stuff. For aspiring moguls of the faceless variety, the message is blunt: raise the bar or watch monetisation vanish.
The verdict
YouTube’s policy tweak might be billed as “minor”, but its impact on wallets is major. Automation alone no longer cuts it. The algorithm now rewards originality, context and human flair. The AI party is still raging, yet the bouncer has tightened the dress code. Wear something original—or expect to queue outside in the cold.
With this simple little registry tweak, you bypass the checks for an approved processor and TPM 2.0 in order to upgrade your old Windows 10 PC to Windows 11.
But, you might still see a warning telling you your PC is unsupported. Some security updates or future features might not work. Microsoft could deny you support if things break.
Of course, we cannot promise that it’s safe to install Windows 11 on an unsupported PC, but as of July 2025 it definitely works. Just remember by doing so you are moving off the beaten path, so don’t complain to Microsoft or us or your legal team if your PC gets confused down the line.
Prerequisites
In order to upgrade your old and unsupported PC from Windows 10 to Windows 11 you will need the following:
A computer that has at least TPM 1.2 (instead of TPM 2.0, which is required for your computer to upgrade to Windows 11 without sneaky registry tweaks).
A full backup of your files. This process isn’t supposed to delete data, but surprises happen.
The Windows 11 Installation Assistant or a Windows 11 ISO, both from Microsoft’s website.
A dose of caution: don’t poke around in the registry unless you know what you’re doing.
The step-by-step process
Open the Registry Editor: Press Windows + R, type regedit, and hit Enter.
Go toHKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE > SYSTEM > Setup > MoSetup
Create the special value:
Right-click in the right pane.
Select New > DWORD (32-bit) Value.
Name it: AllowUpgradesWithUnsupportedTPMOrCPU
Set its value to 1 in the Value Data field.
Press OK
Close Registry Editor and reboot your computer
Launch the installer: Run the Windows 11 Installation Assistant or just double-click setup.exe inside your Windows 11 ISO. Follow the prompts and let the installer do its thing.
That’s all. One key, one value. AllowUpgradesWithUnsupportedTPMOrCPU. No labyrinth of settings, no wild heap of DWORDs. Just a little registry edit and you’re ready for Windows 11, even with hardware that’s been around the block a few times.
Bird photography is a rewarding pursuit that allows you to capture the beauty and behaviour of our feathered friends. This guide offers practical advice for beginners looking to start their journey in bird photography. From choosing the right lens to understanding the best times to shoot, you’ll find essential tips to improve your skills.
We’ll explore techniques for taking sharp photos and composing interesting images that showcase birds in their natural habitats. The guide also touches on post-processing in Adobe Lightroom, helping you enhance your bird photos after the shoot.
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What to look for in a bird photography lens
The best focal length for bird photography can vary depending on the specific situation and the type of bird you are photographing. Generally, a long telephoto lens with a focal length of 300mm or more is considered ideal for bird photography. This allows you to capture close-up shots of birds while still maintaining a safe distance and not disturbing them.
For full-frame cameras, a popular focal length is 300mm to 500mm, although some photographers prefer even longer focal lengths of 600mm or 800mm for even more reach. For crop sensor cameras, a popular focal length is 200mm to 400mm, although some photographers prefer even longer focal lengths of 500mm or 600mm for even more reach.
The most important aspect of the lens for bird photography is the aperture. Aperture refers to how wide the lens can open to let in light. For bird photography, you’ll want a lens with a wide aperture (f/2.8 or wider) to allow you to shoot in low light conditions and achieve a shallow depth of field which helps to isolate the bird from the background.
Another important feature in lens for bird photography is Image stabilization (IS) which helps to reduce camera shake and improve sharpness. This is especially useful when hand-holding the camera or working with long focal lengths.
When is the best time to photograph birds?
Time of day
The best time of day to photograph birds can vary depending on the species and location, but there are certain times that are generally considered to be the best for bird photography.
Early morning and late afternoon, also known as the “Golden Hour,” are considered the best times of day for bird photography. During these times, the light is softer and more diffuse, which can help to create a more pleasing and natural-looking image. Additionally, many birds are most active during the early morning and late afternoon, making these times more likely to yield interesting and dynamic images.
Another advantage of shooting during the early morning and late afternoon is the opportunity to capture the birds in the warm and soft light, this can help to create a more intimate and pleasing image. Furthermore, the sun is lower in the sky during these times, creating long shadows and adding depth to the image.
Midday, on the other hand, is usually not the best time for bird photography. The light is harsh and direct, which can cause strong shadows and highlights on the bird’s feathers, making it harder to achieve a pleasing image. Additionally, many birds are less active during the middle of the day, which can make it more difficult to capture interesting and dynamic images.
Time of year
One of the best times of year to photograph birds is during their migration season. Many birds migrate during the spring and fall, and these seasons can be ideal for bird photography. During migration, birds are on the move, and this can provide opportunities for dynamic and interesting images. Additionally, many migratory birds are in their breeding plumage during these seasons, which can make for beautiful and colorful images.
Another great time of year to photograph birds is during their breeding season, which typically takes place during the spring and summer. During this time, many birds are in their breeding plumage, which can make for beautiful and colorful images. Additionally, many birds are more active during the breeding season, which can provide opportunities for dynamic and interesting images.
Furthermore, during the breeding season, it’s also a great opportunity to photograph nesting birds and their young. This can provide a unique perspective and a chance to capture intimate and emotional images.
How to take sharp bird photos
Use a fast shutter speed: To freeze the motion of a bird in flight, use a fast shutter speed of at least 1/1000th of a second. This will help to ensure that the bird is captured sharply, without any blur caused by movement.
Use a tripod or a monopod: A tripod or a monopod can help to steady your camera and reduce camera shake, which can cause blur in your images. This is especially important when using a long telephoto lens or working in low light conditions.
Use a high ISO: In low light conditions, using a high ISO can help to increase the shutter speed and reduce camera shake. However, high ISO can also introduce noise to the image, so it is important to find a balance between shutter speed and ISO that works for you.
Use a wide aperture: A wide aperture (f/2.8 or wider) can help to isolate the bird from the background and create a shallow depth of field. This can help to draw attention to the bird and make it stand out from the background.
Use autofocus and continuous shooting: To capture birds in flight, use autofocus and continuous shooting mode to take multiple shots in quick succession. This will increase your chances of capturing a sharp image of the bird in flight.
Pre-focus: If you know where the birds will be, use the autofocus to pre-focus on that point before the bird arrives. This will allow you to take the photo as soon as the bird arrives without having to wait for the autofocus to adjust.
Use image stabilization: Image stabilization can help to reduce camera shake and improve sharpness, especially when working with long focal lengths or hand-holding the camera.
Be patient and persistent: Bird photography requires patience and persistence. Take your time and wait for the perfect moment to capture the bird in the perfect position.
Composition techniques for more interesting bird pictures
Composition is an important aspect of bird photography and can help to make your images more visually appealing and impactful. Here are some tips for composing your bird photos:
Use the rule of thirds: The rule of thirds is a basic composition technique where you divide the image into thirds horizontally and vertically, and place the main subject of the image on one of the intersections of these lines. This can help to create a balanced and visually pleasing image.
Use negative space: Negative space refers to the empty areas around the main subject of the image. Use negative space to create a sense of balance and to draw attention to the bird.
Use leading lines: Leading lines are lines in the image that lead the viewer’s eye towards the main subject. Use leading lines, such as branches or lines in the water, to guide the viewer’s eye towards the bird and create a sense of movement in the image.
Use a shallow depth of field: A shallow depth of field is achieved by using a wide aperture, which helps to blur the background and make the bird stand out. This can help to isolate the bird from the background and draw attention to the bird.
Use the background to tell a story: The background can be used to tell a story about the bird and its habitat. Use the background to provide context and to show the bird in its natural environment.
Use different angles: Try to take your photos from different angles, such as high or low, to add visual interest to your images and to show the bird in a new way.
Use bird’s natural behavior: Try to capture the bird in its natural behavior, such as feeding, hunting, and flying, this will give a sense of action to the image and make it more interesting.
How to improve your bird photos in Adobe Lightroom
Adobe Lightroom is a powerful tool for editing and enhancing bird photos. Here are some tips for improving bird photos in Adobe Lightroom:
Adjust exposure: Use the exposure slider to adjust the overall brightness of the image. This can help to bring out details in the bird’s feathers and make the bird stand out from the background.
Adjust contrast: Use the contrast slider to increase the difference between the light and dark areas of the image. This can help to make the bird’s feathers appear more defined and add depth to the image.
Adjust white balance: Use the white balance sliders to adjust the color temperature of the image. This can help to remove any unwanted color cast and make the colors of the bird’s feathers appear more natural.
Adjust saturation: Use the saturation slider to increase or decrease the intensity of the colors in the image. This can help to make the bird’s feathers appear more vibrant and colorful.
Adjust sharpness: Use the sharpness slider to increase the overall sharpness of the image. This can help to make the bird’s feathers appear more defined and improve the overall clarity of the image.
Adjust noise reduction: Use the noise reduction sliders to reduce any unwanted grain or noise in the image. This can help to make the bird’s feathers appear smoother and more detailed.
Use the selective adjustments tool: Use the selective adjustments tool (brush or gradient) to selectively adjust specific areas of the image. This can be particularly useful for bringing out details in the bird’s feathers or making the bird stand out from the background.
Use presets: Lightroom presets can be a great way to quickly apply adjustments to your image. There are many presets available specifically for bird photography that can help you to achieve the desired look for your image.
It’s important to note that the final result depends on the original quality of the image. These adjustments are just to enhance the image but not to fix a bad image.
When it comes to cooking, the potato is an incredibly versatile ingredient. There are 100s of ways to prepare and eat a potato. Boil it, steam it, mash it, fry it, bake it, drown it in cream… It’s not the tastiest, most fantastical ingredient in the world. But it’s nowhere near the worst one either.
This review reflects our independent and honest opinion. We were not compensated for this review, and we covered all the costs to try the product or service ourselves.
Now, imagine a digital device that lets you dive into Dune during your morning commute, jot down meeting notes by lunch, catch up on news articles that you stored in Pocket over a coffee break, sketch a sunset (in greyscale) over Sydney Harbour by evening, pull up some sheet music for piano practice, and borrow an ebook from your local library for the weekend trip—all without switching gadgets.
That’s the Kobo Elipsa 2E for you… Your digital potato!
This hybrid e-reader and digital notebook has become my go-to for both reading, note taking, planning, sketching and writing. It’s not the best device ever for any of these tasks, but it’s pretty darn good at all of them.
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Design: Function Over Flair
Let’s address the elephant in the room: the Kobo Elipsa 2E won’t win beauty contests. Compared to the ReMarkable 2’s minimalist chic or the iPad’s gloss, Kobo’s offering feels like a sturdy librarian—practical, unpretentious, and built to last (despite its plastic body).
The 10.3-inch display is framed by bezels thick enough to grip without accidental taps, though they do give the device a slightly dated look. At 390 grams sans cover, it’s lighter than most hardcovers but still hefty enough to notice in a tote bag.
The real letdown? The optional SleepCover. While made from 97% recycled ocean plastics (kudos for sustainability), its magnetic alignment feels like solving a toddler’s shape puzzle—nudge it left, shimmy it right, and pray it magnetically snaps into just the right place. Once attached, it adds noticeable bulk. If you’re after sleekness, go naked—just mind the screen and keep the stylus under lock and key somewhere else.
Kobo Elipsa 2E with Sleep Cover attachedKobo Elipsa 2E – rubbery back, nice to holdThe Kobo Elipsa 2E adds considerable bulk to the device
Display: E-Ink Magic With a Quirk
The 10.3-inch E Ink Carta 1200 screen is where the Kobo Elipsa 2E shines. Reading under the midday sun or in a dimly lit café? No glare, no eye strain, just crisp text that mimics paper flawlessly. With 227 PPI, fonts remain sharp even at larger sizes—ideal for graphic novels or PDFs.
Note-taking, however, reveals a tiny gremlin. When viewed at an angle, the stylus tip appears slightly offset from its mark, like a ghostly afterimage. It’s barely noticeable during furious scribbling but becomes apparent when precision-drawing flowcharts.
Kobo’s Stylus 2 (included) partly compensates with a grippy texture and eraser cap. It’s nice to use, although once in a blue moon the highlighter button tends to get pressed accidentally. Another small point of contention is that there is no wireless charging on the stylus. You will have to plug in a USB-C cable to top it up.
Kobo Stylus 2 – highlighter button on the leftKobo Stylus 2 – note the USB-C port
Performance: Speed Demon With Stamina
Powered by a 2GHz processor, the Kobo Elipsa 2E flips pages and opens notebooks faster than its predecessor. Highlighting a paragraph in Project Hail Mary? Instant response. Switching between a novel and your grocery list? A slight delay—acceptable, though iPad users might scoff.
Battery life? Immaculate. After two weeks of daily use—2 hours of reading, 30 minutes of note-taking, and the occasional audiobook—it dropped to 15%. That’s 31.5 hours of mixed usage, or roughly a month for casual readers. Charging via USB-C takes 2.5 hours, perfect for topping up during a Bluey marathon.
Note-Taking: Surprisingly Competent
Forget the Kindle Scribe’s barebones doodle pad—Kobo’s MyScript-powered Nebo integration turns chicken scratch into typed text with eerie accuracy. Elipsa decodes my unconventional handwriting flawlessly, superscripts and all. Templates range from Cornell notes to music staves.
Annotations feel natural. Highlighting PDFs or adding margin notes to EPUBs works seamlessly, though exporting marked-up files requires a Wi-Fi tango with Dropbox or Google Drive.
Pro tip: Even though the $99 SleepCover isn’t optimal, it’s a must if you want to keep your stylus safe. I wouldn’t trust the stylus to stay put on the Elipsa 2E’s magnetic zones while walking up the stairs in my home, let alone on a crowded commuter train.
Ecosystem: Kobo’s Quiet Superpower
Where the Kobo Elipsa 2E truly outshines rivals is integration. Borrow library books via OverDrive, sideload EPUBs without Calibre gymnastics, or binge Kobo Plus titles—all within a few taps. Sync notes across devices? Check, though inexplicably absent from Kobo’s mobile apps. Audiobook support exists but feels tacked on; you’ll need Bluetooth headphones and patience for the sparse Kobo Store selection.
Adobe Lightroom has evolved into the virtual darkroom where photography magic happens, with presets (or filters) playing the leading role.
These digital editing shortcuts transform hours of meticulous slider adjustments into single-click operations that breathe new life into otherwise forgettable snapshots.
While smartphone photographers rely on basic Instagram filters that offer all the subtlety of a sledgehammer, Lightroom presets provide the fine-tuned precision of a master jeweller’s tools.
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What are Lightroom presets and why photographers can’t get enough
Lightroom presets, sometimes accidentally called filters, are essentially saved editing recipes that can be applied to any photo with a single click. Unlike basic mobile app filters, Lightroom presets are sophisticated combinations of numerous adjustments working in harmony. Each preset contains settings that simultaneously modify exposure, contrast, colours, tone curves, and dozens of other parameters.
These digital editing formulas work much like a chef’s signature recipes – they combine multiple ingredients in exact proportions to achieve a specific result. The magic of presets lies in how they maintain image quality while completely changing the mood of a photograph, turning a drab landscape into a dramatic vista or a standard portrait into a magazine-worthy image.
For photographers who shoot hundreds of images per session, presets become the difference between spending days editing and finishing the job before the kettle boils. They’re less like Instagram’s one-size-fits-all filters and more like having a professional photo editor living inside your computer, ready to apply your favourite editing style in milliseconds.
Using Lightroom presets like a pro, not a try-hard
Applying a preset is straightforward – select your image, find the Presets panel, and click your chosen style. However, using presets effectively requires understanding they’re more like a starting point than a final destination.
After applying a preset, savvy photographers make adjustments in the Basic panel to optimise exposure, highlights, and shadows for each specific image. The Tone Curve panel allows for fine-tuning contrast, while the HSL panel enables targeted colour adjustments to ensure elements like skin tones don’t end up looking like a fake tan gone wrong. And Photoshop is also on hand for pixel-precision edits.
A classic rookie mistake involves cranking presets to maximum intensity, resulting in photos that scream “heavily filtered” louder than a teenager’s first Instagram account. Professional photographers use presets more subtly, adjusting their impact to complement each image’s unique qualities rather than overwhelming them.
Remember to adjust the intensity of the presets you apply!
Another common error involves ignoring the original conditions of the photo. Applying a sun-drenched beach preset to a moody forest scene will likely produce results about as natural as a koala in Antarctica.
Understanding which presets work with different photography styles helps maintain consistent, high-quality results that don’t look like they’ve been attacked by a random filter generator.
Creating your own Lightroom presets without breaking a sweat
Creating custom Lightroom presets begins with editing a photo until it reflects your preferred aesthetic. This process starts by selecting a representative image and making adjustments in the Develop module. These adjustments should capture your personal style, whether that’s bright and airy like a summer’s day or dark and moody like a Tim Burton film set.
Getting started with Lightroom presets is easy!
To save these settings as a preset, locate the Presets panel on the left side and click the plus icon. A dialog box appears where you can name your creation and select which adjustments to include. Including most adjustments is typically best, though excluding specific image-dependent settings like exposure corrections helps create more versatile presets.
Your Lightroom presets can contain lots of adjustments, or just a few
When crafting presets, developing a consistent theme or style helps build a recognisable brand. Many preset creators develop their signature style through unique combinations of colour grading and tone curves, much like how a musician might be recognised by their distinctive sound regardless of which song they’re playing.
Turning preset wizardry into cold hard cash
The market for Lightroom presets has exploded faster than a smartphone release day queue, with some photographers earning substantial passive income from selling their editing formulas. According to one photographer in our research, preset sales generated over 100,000 in revenue even with minimal marketing effort.
The business model appeals to photographers because it creates genuine passive income – once developed, the same digital product can be sold repeatedly without additional work, unlike photography sessions that require showing up with camera in hand. Many established photographers discover followers who admire their distinctive editing style are eager to achieve similar results, creating a ready-made market.
Successful preset sellers focus on creating distinctive, high-quality editing formulas that produce consistent results across various images. They typically package these presets into themed collections with catchy names that would make a marketing executive proud, such as “Summer Glow,” “Moody Minimalist,” or “Vintage Film Vibes”.
These collections often price anywhere from $10 for a single preset to $200 or more for comprehensive packages that promise to transform ordinary photos into social media gold.
Selling your Lightroom presets: A step-by-step guide
The journey from preset creator to digital entrepreneur begins with developing a marketable product. This means creating presets that not only look good on your portfolio images but work effectively across diverse photos. Testing presets on various subjects and lighting conditions helps ensure customers won’t feel like they’ve bought a digital lemon.
After perfecting your presets, exporting them from Lightroom is the next step. Navigate to your preset folder (Lightroom helpfully hides this in different locations depending on your operating system, because why make things simple?). Select the presets you want to sell and package them into a ZIP file for easy distribution, including clear installation instructions that even your technology-challenged relatives could follow.
When choosing selling platforms, creating your own website gives maximum control and profit margins. Services like Sellfy make setting up a digital product store simpler than assembling flat-pack furniture, with none of the leftover mystery screws.
There’s a lot of competition in the Lightroom presets space, so you need to stand out!
Effective marketing requires showcasing before-and-after examples that demonstrate your presets’ transformative powers. Instagram serves as the natural habitat for such demonstrations, where visual content thrives like bacteria in a petri dish.
Creating tutorials that walk potential customers through the transformation process can also drive interest and convince fence-sitters that your presets offer more value than their morning coffee habit.
Mind you, this is what everyone else does. If you want to really stand out in a crowded field, you will need a marketing strategy that is uniquely you.
The finishing touches: Building a preset business that lasts
Setting the right price point requires balancing perceived value against market expectations. Researching competitors helps establish a benchmark, though undercutting solely on price rarely proves sustainable long-term.
Most successful preset sellers compete on quality and uniqueness rather than attempting to win a race to the bottom on pricing.
Presentation matters almost as much as the presets themselves. Professional-looking preview images, well-designed packaging graphics, and clear documentation separate premium products from amateur offerings. Including bonus content like video tutorials or complementary assets can increase perceived value and justify higher price points.
For photographers looking to diversify their income, preset sales offer an attractive opportunity with relatively low barriers to entry. The initial investment involves primarily time rather than money, making it accessible to photographers at various career stages.
With strategic marketing and quality products, what begins as a side project can potentially grow into a significant revenue stream that pays bills long after the initial creation work is complete.
PS: Not ready to invest in Lightroom just yet, and you just want something simple to edit your photos with? Check out these free Lightroom alternatives.
YouTube’s “Stats for Nerds” feature might sound like something exclusively for the technically inclined, but this unassuming diagnostic tool offers content creators a treasure trove of information that can help refine videos and enhance viewer experience. Despite its playful name, this built-in feature provides crucial insights into video playback that can help creators optimise their content, diagnose issues, and better understand how their videos perform in real-world conditions. Behind those cryptic numbers lies valuable data that could give creators an edge in the increasingly competitive YouTube landscape.
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What Stats for Nerds actually is
Stats for Nerds is YouTube’s behind-the-scenes diagnostic tool that opens a window into the technical aspects of video playback. By default, this feature remains disabled, keeping these technical details hidden from the average viewer. When activated, a small overlay appears during video playback, displaying a collection of metrics that reveal everything from your video’s unique identifier to its buffering health and much more.
The feature essentially functions as debug information that YouTube’s own engineers might use to troubleshoot platform issues. It doesn’t contain any personally identifiable information but instead focuses entirely on the technical performance of the video currently playing. For content creators, this represents an opportunity to peek under the hood and understand how their creations perform in various conditions and on different devices.
This tool gained popularity among technically savvy YouTubers who wanted to understand why videos might be stuttering, why quality seemed reduced, or simply to satisfy curiosity about the inner workings of the world’s largest video platform. While YouTube doesn’t actively promote this feature in their marketing materials, it has become a valuable resource for creators looking to deliver the best possible viewing experience to their audience.
Understanding the numbers: What each stat actually means
When you first enable Stats for Nerds, the array of technical information might appear overwhelming – rather like reading the Matrix if you’re not familiar with video encoding. However, understanding these metrics can provide valuable insights for content creators who take the time to learn the language.
Video ID/sCPN represents the unique identifier for your video in YouTube’s vast database along with a code for the specific playback instance. Think of this as your video’s digital fingerprint combined with a serial number for the current viewing session. This information becomes particularly useful when reporting issues to YouTube support, allowing them to track down the exact version of your video being referenced.
Viewport/Frames shows the resolution of the video player window (not the video itself) and the current frame being displayed. This helps creators understand how their content is being framed and if viewers are seeing the video as intended. If viewers frequently watch in smaller viewports, you might consider optimising your visual elements to remain effective at reduced sizes.
Current/Optimal Res displays the resolution at which the video is currently playing compared to its original uploaded resolution. This comparison reveals whether viewers are experiencing your content at its intended quality or if it’s being downgraded due to connection issues or viewer settings. Consistently seeing lower-than-optimal resolutions might suggest reconsidering your production quality to better match typical viewing conditions.
How the stats can improve your content strategy
Beyond satisfying technical curiosity, Stats for Nerds offers practical applications that can significantly impact a creator’s content strategy and technical approach to video production. These insights allow for data-driven decisions rather than shooting in the dark.
For starters, monitoring the Current/Optimal Res stat across multiple videos and viewing sessions provides insight into how YouTube’s algorithms are treating your content. If you consistently see your meticulously produced 4K footage being downgraded to 720p, you might reconsider the resources invested in ultra-high-definition production. Alternatively, you could investigate why the downgrading occurs—perhaps your bitrate is too high, or the content type doesn’t benefit significantly from the higher resolution.
The Buffer Health metric serves as an early warning system for potential playback issues. Content that consistently struggles with buffering might need technical optimisation. Perhaps the encoding settings used during export are creating unnecessarily large files, or the type of content (like fast-moving scenes with complex details) requires more bandwidth to stream smoothly. Creators can experiment with different export settings to find the sweet spot between visual quality and streaming performance.
Codec information helps creators understand how YouTube processes their videos. Different types of content—such as gameplay, animations, or outdoor footage—might benefit from specific optimisation strategies based on the codecs YouTube applies. For instance, knowing that your tutorial videos with static screens are being compressed with a particular codec might inform your decisions about text size, colour contrast, and motion frequency.
Finding technical insights for better audience reach
The Volume/Normalised stat offers insights into audio production quality. If YouTube consistently needs to apply significant normalisation to your audio, it suggests opportunities for improvement in your audio mixing and mastering process. Creators can use this feedback to develop better audio practices that require less algorithmic intervention, resulting in more consistent sound quality across different playback environments.
Network Activity data helps creators understand the bandwidth demands they’re placing on viewers. This becomes especially important when creating content for international audiences or regions with limited internet infrastructure. Balancing quality with accessibility ensures your content reaches the widest possible audience without frustrating viewing experiences. The days of one-size-fits-all video production are long gone for serious creators.
The Connection Speed indicator reveals the viewer’s network connection quality. While this primarily reflects the viewer’s internet situation rather than anything about your content, it provides essential context for interpreting other metrics like buffer health and resolution. Creators targeting emerging markets might find this particularly valuable when determining appropriate quality settings for their target audience.
How to enable stats for nerds on different platforms
Accessing this wealth of technical information requires just a few simple steps, with slight variations depending on your device. The process is straightforward regardless of whether you’re on desktop or mobile.
On desktop computers, start by opening any YouTube video in your browser. While the video is playing, right-click anywhere on the video player to bring up the context menu. From there, select the “Stats for Nerds” option to display the overlay with all the technical metrics. The stats window can be moved around the screen if it obscures important content, and you can close it by clicking the X in the corner of the overlay.
For Android users, begin by opening the YouTube app and tapping your profile picture in the top right corner. From there, tap the gear icon to access Settings, then select “General.” Scroll down to find and enable the “Stats for Nerds” toggle. Once enabled, play any video, tap the three-dot “More” button in the player, and select the “Status” button to display the stats overlay.
iOS and iPad users follow a similar process to their Android counterparts. Open the YouTube app and go to Settings by tapping your profile picture and then the gear icon. Enable the “Stats for Nerds” option in the settings menu. After enabling, play a video, tap the “More” button in the player, and select the “Status” icon to view the stats.
Turning off the feature when you’re done
To disable the feature when you no longer need it, simply retrace your steps through the same menus. On desktop, the overlay disappears when you close the video or refresh the page, but on mobile devices, you’ll need to return to Settings > General and toggle off the “Enable Stats for Nerds” option. The stats won’t appear during playback once this setting is disabled.
Some users may find the overlay distracting during normal viewing, so it’s worth remembering how to toggle it off when you’re not actively using it for analysis. The feature is designed to be non-intrusive when disabled, ensuring it won’t impact your regular YouTube experience once you’ve finished your technical investigation.
Practical applications for content optimisation
Armed with an understanding of what these statistics mean, creators can implement practical strategies to enhance their content and viewing experience based on the insights provided. These technical details, once demystified, become powerful tools in a creator’s arsenal.
Video resolution stats can inform production decisions about camera equipment, rendering settings, and export parameters. If analytics show that the majority of your audience watches on mobile devices at 720p regardless of the uploaded quality, you might reconsider the time and storage invested in 4K production. Alternatively, you might identify opportunities to optimise elements like text size and visual details to remain effective at lower resolutions.
Buffer health metrics provide feedback on how streamable your content is across different network conditions. Creators can use this information to experiment with different encoding settings that maintain visual quality while improving playback reliability. For content destined for regions with limited internet infrastructure, these insights become invaluable for ensuring accessibility.
Using technical data for creative advantage
YouTube’s Stats for Nerds feature, despite its technical nature, offers valuable insights that content creators can leverage to enhance both their production process and the viewer experience. By understanding the numbers behind video playback, creators can make informed decisions about everything from camera equipment to export settings, ultimately delivering content that performs reliably across diverse viewing conditions.
While not every creator needs to become a technical expert, a basic understanding of these statistics may provide a competitive edge. The feature functions as a direct line of feedback from YouTube’s delivery system, offering actionable data that can guide technical optimisations and content strategy.
As viewers’ expectations for quality and reliability continue to rise, creators who understand and respond to these technical aspects of content delivery position themselves for greater success. YouTube’s Stats for Nerds, far from being just for the technically inclined, represents an opportunity for any serious creator to refine their craft and better serve their audience through informed technical decisions. Sometimes the difference between good and great content comes down to these seemingly small technical details that viewers might never consciously notice – but will certainly appreciate.
