These smart home devices saved my sanity as a new dad

                                                                                                                                              Plus, why your TV has that "soap opera effect" [Pocket-lint Logo](%2F%2Fwww.pocket-lint.com%2F%3Futm_medium=newsletter%26utm_campaign=PL-202404101635%26utm_source=PL-NL%26user=dHJpc3RyYW1iYWxkd2luODZAZ21haWwuY29t/1/0100018ec9bbbb84-2362bb9d-563d-431c-b72d-d97899cb5529-000000/dMdrtbSVRjZG_LVzrcrXVT_aUrY=369) April 10, 2024 Share our newsletter with friends [here](%2F%2Fwww.pocket-lint.com%2Fpage%2Fnewsletter%2F%3Futm_medium=newsletter%26utm_campaign=PL-202404101635%26utm_source=PL-NL%26user=dHJpc3RyYW1iYWxkd2luODZAZ21haWwuY29t/1/0100018ec9bbbb84-2362bb9d-563d-431c-b72d-d97899cb5529-000000/hdOEHJe3bTOtTlsne_q0PTE4pmY=369)! Five smart home devices helped give Chris Hachey peace of mind while raising a newborn daughter. With an endless amount of tasks to juggle in those early days and months, finding any way to make your day-to-day life more simple is a must. See the full story below for all of Chris's genius tips and great parenting/tech advice. 👨‍🍼🍼🧑‍💻😅 Plus -- Anthony Marcusa explains why some films and cinematic TV shows display oddly, giving the screen a "soap opera effect." It's a divisive setting that has major actors, directors, and filmmakers firmly against it, but it does have a place and purpose. He explains why it exists, the steps to turn it off, and when it's best to keep it on. 📺🎭🏈🏁 Be sure to check back tomorrow for fresh, hot takes from our back pocket to yours for more device, entertainment, lifestyle, and audio tech coverage. 😉 [These smart home devices saved my sanity as a new dad](%2F%2Fwww.pocket-lint.com%2Fsmart-home-devices-new-parents%2F%3Futm_medium=newsletter%26utm_campaign=PL-202404101635%26utm_source=PL-NL%26user=dHJpc3RyYW1iYWxkd2luODZAZ21haWwuY29t/1/0100018ec9bbbb84-2362bb9d-563d-431c-b72d-d97899cb5529-000000/P6hR9tlSIs9xYP7vbf--HrBHrnk=369) They've given me peace of mind while raising a newborn daughter. [Amazon echos with #1 dad foam finger](%2F%2Fwww.pocket-lint.com%2Fsmart-home-devices-new-parents%2F%3Futm_medium=newsletter%26utm_campaign=PL-202404101635%26utm_source=PL-NL%26user=dHJpc3RyYW1iYWxkd2luODZAZ21haWwuY29t/2/0100018ec9bbbb84-2362bb9d-563d-431c-b72d-d97899cb5529-000000/JCQIrWMERKaLz2Uok0L1iEoBy3M=369) There are so many feelings that come with being a new dad. Excitement. Anxiety. Bewilderment from the lack of sleep and, of course, unending amounts of love. One thing that you may not think about, because there's so much going on in your life all of a sudden, is "How can I make my life easier?" [Read More »](%2F%2Fwww.pocket-lint.com%2Fsmart-home-devices-new-parents%2F%3Futm_medium=newsletter%26utm_campaign=PL-202404101635%26utm_source=PL-NL%26user=dHJpc3RyYW1iYWxkd2luODZAZ21haWwuY29t/3/0100018ec9bbbb84-2362bb9d-563d-431c-b72d-d97899cb5529-000000/TtHzLn8s_1mA826_eCo87d6FbBU=369) [Why your TV's motion smoothing feature is so polarizing](%2F%2Fwww.pocket-lint.com%2Fwhy-your-tvs-motion-smoothing-feature-is-so-polarizing%2F%3Futm_medium=newsletter%26utm_campaign=PL-202404101635%26utm_source=PL-NL%26user=dHJpc3RyYW1iYWxkd2luODZAZ21haWwuY29t/1/0100018ec9bbbb84-2362bb9d-563d-431c-b72d-d97899cb5529-000000/Wd1YrpDZDEKgfDAsIohtSjljoh0=369) Tom Cruise wants it off, but it does have its place. [Tom Cruise as Ethan Hunt in Mission: Impossible Dead Reckoning Part 1](%2F%2Fwww.pocket-lint.com%2Fwhy-your-tvs-motion-smoothing-feature-is-so-polarizing%2F%3Futm_medium=newsletter%26utm_campaign=PL-202404101635%26utm_source=PL-NL%26user=dHJpc3RyYW1iYWxkd2luODZAZ21haWwuY29t/2/0100018ec9bbbb84-2362bb9d-563d-431c-b72d-d97899cb5529-000000/lUY7oj6s5r9_Zk2I3xBrSAmQ8a0=369) Motion smoothing is divisive. Among its enemies are Tom Cruise, Patty Jenkins, Rian Johnson, and a lot of tech journalists ([myself included](%2F%2Fwww.pocket-lint.com%2Fauthor%2Fanthony-marcusa%2F%3Futm_medium=newsletter%26utm_campaign=PL-202404101635%26utm_source=PL-NL%26user=dHJpc3RyYW1iYWxkd2luODZAZ21haWwuY29t/1/0100018ec9bbbb84-2362bb9d-563d-431c-b72d-d97899cb5529-000000/kNaszvuEKcPL3cPhXn-MR2x2HG8=369)). When turned on for the wrong content, it can ruin the viewing experience and greatly disappoint the filmmakers and actors. [Read More »](%2F%2Fwww.pocket-lint.com%2Fwhy-your-tvs-motion-smoothing-feature-is-so-polarizing%2F%3Futm_medium=newsletter%26utm_campaign=PL-202404101635%26utm_source=PL-NL%26user=dHJpc3RyYW1iYWxkd2luODZAZ21haWwuY29t/3/0100018ec9bbbb84-2362bb9d-563d-431c-b72d-d97899cb5529-000000/sd24wOqoRh3YJgsfDZ4O9fqh8n8=369) [Your iPhone's battery health could be slowing it down, but there's an easy fix](%2F%2Fwww.pocket-lint.com%2Fphones%2Fnews%2Fapple%2F143585-iphone-battery-health-explained%2F%3Futm_medium=newsletter%26utm_campaign=PL-202404101635%26utm_source=PL-NL%26user=dHJpc3RyYW1iYWxkd2luODZAZ21haWwuY29t/1/0100018ec9bbbb84-2362bb9d-563d-431c-b72d-d97899cb5529-000000/zelMF1-bdEbitkcZ47451L_oaPQ=369) Apple will slow down your iPhone if the battery gets too old -- here's how to manage iPhone performance, plus tips for a longer battery life. [iphone-battery-health-1](%2F%2Fwww.pocket-lint.com%2Fphones%2Fnews%2Fapple%2F143585-iphone-battery-health-explained%2F%3Futm_medium=newsletter%26utm_campaign=PL-202404101635%26utm_source=PL-NL%26user=dHJpc3RyYW1iYWxkd2luODZAZ21haWwuY29t/2/0100018ec9bbbb84-2362bb9d-563d-431c-b72d-d97899cb5529-000000/awFUjN0LAjs9T4O6Kwmgw0Q7q3k=369) Rechargeable batteries are not infinite -- and when the lithium-ion battery inside an iPhone is nearing the end of its lifespan, performance suffers. In fact, [Apple intentionally reduces the performance on older iPhones](%2F%2Fwww.pocket-lint.com%2Fphones%2Fnews%2Fapple%2F143179-apple-apologises-for-slowing-iphones-offers-sale-on-battery-replacements%2F%3Futm_medium=newsletter%26utm_campaign=PL-202404101635%26utm_source=PL-NL%26user=dHJpc3RyYW1iYWxkd2luODZAZ21haWwuY29t/1/0100018ec9bbbb84-2362bb9d-563d-431c-b72d-d97899cb5529-000000/O2rYkyO46u5mBtiCUiCAK0cW59o=369) in order to prevent shutdowns of a battery that can no longer keep up. This setting is meant to prevent your smartphone from shutting off in your hand, but the setting will also have a detrimental effect on the device's speed. [Read More »](%2F%2Fwww.pocket-lint.com%2Fphones%2Fnews%2Fapple%2F143585-iphone-battery-health-explained%2F%3Futm_medium=newsletter%26utm_campaign=PL-202404101635%26utm_source=PL-NL%26user=dHJpc3RyYW1iYWxkd2luODZAZ21haWwuY29t/3/0100018ec9bbbb84-2362bb9d-563d-431c-b72d-d97899cb5529-000000/j-47gTySRmoB_MijlgufJF9y9Tg=369) In case you missed it [Best USB-C hub: Less clutter, more connections](%2F%2Fwww.pocket-lint.com%2Fbest-usb-c-dock%2F%3Futm_medium=newsletter%26utm_campaign=PL-202404101635%26utm_source=PL-NL%26user=dHJpc3RyYW1iYWxkd2luODZAZ21haWwuY29t/1/0100018ec9bbbb84-2362bb9d-563d-431c-b72d-d97899cb5529-000000/25VoT-oFjnNkF7HQ12L3O-i3_00=369) [How I properly clean my studio headphones](%2F%2Fwww.pocket-lint.com%2Fhow-to-properly-clean-your-studio-headphones%2F%3Futm_medium=newsletter%26utm_campaign=PL-202404101635%26utm_source=PL-NL%26user=dHJpc3RyYW1iYWxkd2luODZAZ21haWwuY29t/1/0100018ec9bbbb84-2362bb9d-563d-431c-b72d-d97899cb5529-000000/llnxKULVeSxSvf-VWhSXRxh3za4=369) [Kobo's new color E Ink eReaders start at only $180](%2F%2Fwww.pocket-lint.com%2Fkobo-announces-its-first-ever-ereaders-with-color-e-ink%2F%3Futm_medium=newsletter%26utm_campaign=PL-202404101635%26utm_source=PL-NL%26user=dHJpc3RyYW1iYWxkd2luODZAZ21haWwuY29t/1/0100018ec9bbbb84-2362bb9d-563d-431c-b72d-d97899cb5529-000000/6wwCdF8cUB1Nn3hbJYZQelWdWcE=369) [Roku levels up with a new Mini-LED TV series and enhanced features](%2F%2Fwww.pocket-lint.com%2Froku-levels-up-with-a-new-mini-led-tv-series-and-enhanced-features%2F%3Futm_medium=newsletter%26utm_campaign=PL-202404101635%26utm_source=PL-NL%26user=dHJpc3RyYW1iYWxkd2luODZAZ21haWwuY29t/1/0100018ec9bbbb84-2362bb9d-563d-431c-b72d-d97899cb5529-000000/BsGGopDug4lEaZuNFOZEqhQ9KCs=369) [Apple Watch Series 10: What we know](%2F%2Fwww.pocket-lint.com%2Fapple-watch-series-10-what-we-know%2F%3Futm_medium=newsletter%26utm_campaign=PL-202404101635%26utm_source=PL-NL%26user=dHJpc3RyYW1iYWxkd2luODZAZ21haWwuY29t/1/0100018ec9bbbb84-2362bb9d-563d-431c-b72d-d97899cb5529-000000/6r7o1InqD8FYpBpFdXihmqO-FHk=369) And finally... [9 weird and niche simulation PC games you probably had no idea existed](%2F%2Fwww.pocket-lint.com%2Fsimulation-pc-games%2F%3Futm_medium=newsletter%26utm_campaign=PL-202404101635%26utm_source=PL-NL%26user=dHJpc3RyYW1iYWxkd2luODZAZ21haWwuY29t/1/0100018ec9bbbb84-2362bb9d-563d-431c-b72d-d97899cb5529-000000/I8wF3Di3RIwnZUKzrWos0Y3tqiU=369) A rock simulator? Bees? What? I've rounded up some of the most random simulation PC games I could find. [Best simulation PC games](%2F%2Fwww.pocket-lint.com%2Fsimulation-pc-games%2F%3Futm_medium=newsletter%26utm_campaign=PL-202404101635%26utm_source=PL-NL%26user=dHJpc3RyYW1iYWxkd2luODZAZ21haWwuY29t/2/0100018ec9bbbb84-2362bb9d-563d-431c-b72d-d97899cb5529-000000/ouTXjo1dbFKRxnYJPfdFuvQg9Bo=369) The simulation genre has been around for about as long as PC gaming has. Its origins can be traced back to classic games like Flight Simulator and Sim City, but it never really broke into mainstream success. The simulation aspect was a little too complex and intimidating for most gamers [compared to shooters](%2F%2Fwww.pocket-lint.com%2Fbest-first-person-shooters-fps-for-pc-gamers%2F%3Futm_medium=newsletter%26utm_campaign=PL-202404101635%26utm_source=PL-NL%26user=dHJpc3RyYW1iYWxkd2luODZAZ21haWwuY29t/1/0100018ec9bbbb84-2362bb9d-563d-431c-b72d-d97899cb5529-000000/iAr6lmXO7-eoE8pc4jaOAG36FXo=369), platformers, and action games. But for those who click with them, simulation games are some of the [most satisfying experiences](%2F%2Fwww.pocket-lint.com%2Fthe-best-pc-games-to-buy%2F%3Futm_medium=newsletter%26utm_campaign=PL-202404101635%26utm_source=PL-NL%26user=dHJpc3RyYW1iYWxkd2luODZAZ21haWwuY29t/1/0100018ec9bbbb84-2362bb9d-563d-431c-b72d-d97899cb5529-000000/7RvyEh5-7O6U3IZw-mSo9zaXRLA=369)you can get. [Read More »](%2F%2Fwww.pocket-lint.com%2Fsimulation-pc-games%2F%3Futm_medium=newsletter%26utm_campaign=PL-202404101635%26utm_source=PL-NL%26user=dHJpc3RyYW1iYWxkd2luODZAZ21haWwuY29t/3/0100018ec9bbbb84-2362bb9d-563d-431c-b72d-d97899cb5529-000000/uxGuBDeEG1FTLMTjmCTQYlXEdUQ=369) Thanks for reading -- if you're enjoying the email, why not get a friend to sign up too, so they can also be in the know? 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