How your Amazon Echo can help with your kids

                                                                                                                                              Plus, how to scan a QR code on your phone [PocketLint Logo](%2F%2Fwww.pocket-lint.com%2F%3Futm_medium=newsletter%26utm_campaign=PL-202312141648%26utm_source=PL-NL%26user=dHJpc3RyYW1iYWxkd2luODZAZ21haWwuY29t/1/0100018c6a52603a-f41c8947-3a40-41ba-a35c-1f601ded306b-000000/kp8NImpJhwyNIF_dPOZeYYtRj0s=352) December 14, 2023 Customize your content preferences and share our newsletter with friends [here](%2F%2Fwww.pocket-lint.com%2Fpage%2Fnewsletter%2F%3Futm_medium=newsletter%26utm_campaign=PL-202312141648%26utm_source=PL-NL%26user=dHJpc3RyYW1iYWxkd2luODZAZ21haWwuY29t/1/0100018c6a52603a-f41c8947-3a40-41ba-a35c-1f601ded306b-000000/cQ-u_IH9rk-sf7QQ7saCXQU7FNQ=352)! [Meta's Threads is finally available in the EU starting today](%2F%2Fwww.pocket-lint.com%2Fmetas-threads-available-in-eu%2F%3Futm_source=PL-NL%26utm_medium=newsletter%26utm_campaign=PL-202312141648%26user=dHJpc3RyYW1iYWxkd2luODZAZ21haWwuY29t/1/0100018c6a52603a-f41c8947-3a40-41ba-a35c-1f601ded306b-000000/Mr7Bb0sCyV4MvlNY2fv6PIP3gUg=352) It arrives more than five months after debuting in the US and other parts of the world. [threads app showing the following feed on an iphone](%2F%2Fwww.pocket-lint.com%2Fmetas-threads-available-in-eu%2F%3Futm_medium=newsletter%26utm_campaign=PL-202312141648%26utm_source=PL-NL%26user=dHJpc3RyYW1iYWxkd2luODZAZ21haWwuY29t/1/0100018c6a52603a-f41c8947-3a40-41ba-a35c-1f601ded306b-000000/HNYKiHFmxWrHtT07fdDn1w3i08c=352) With Threads, Meta has sought to fill the vacuum left by Elon Musk's takeover of X, the social network [previously known as Twitter](%2F%2Fwww.pocket-lint.com%2Fwhat-is-x-twitters-rebrand-explained%2F%3Futm_medium=newsletter%26utm_campaign=PL-202312141648%26utm_source=PL-NL%26user=dHJpc3RyYW1iYWxkd2luODZAZ21haWwuY29t/1/0100018c6a52603a-f41c8947-3a40-41ba-a35c-1f601ded306b-000000/X2dIMm-bm30zJtWuaWh6GGMISug=352), but limited availability has slowed those ambitions. Previously only available in the US, UK, and other select countries across the globe, Meta reportedly delayed releasing Threads in the European Union to ensure the app would be in compliance with the bloc's upcoming [Digital Markets Act](%2F%2Fwww.pocket-lint.com%2Fapps%2Fnews%2Fapple%2F160548-eu-s-digital-market-act-to-force-apple-and-google-to-open-up-their-platforms%2F%3Futm_medium=newsletter%26utm_campaign=PL-202312141648%26utm_source=PL-NL%26user=dHJpc3RyYW1iYWxkd2luODZAZ21haWwuY29t/1/0100018c6a52603a-f41c8947-3a40-41ba-a35c-1f601ded306b-000000/lySwA_8FOEhfmC83XcFT4jqAb7E=352). Now, more than five months later, the app is available to those who live in EU member states. [Read More »](%2F%2Fwww.pocket-lint.com%2Fmetas-threads-available-in-eu%2F%3Futm_source=PL-NL%26utm_medium=newsletter%26utm_campaign=PL-202312141648%26user=dHJpc3RyYW1iYWxkd2luODZAZ21haWwuY29t/2/0100018c6a52603a-f41c8947-3a40-41ba-a35c-1f601ded306b-000000/zKAqkPWkHHTfedOCJLGgCWxvYyM=352) [How I take astrophotography with my phone and 4 gadgets that help](%2F%2Fwww.pocket-lint.com%2Fhow-to-take-astrophotography-with-your-phone-with-tools-and-tips-to-help%2F%3Futm_source=PL-NL%26utm_medium=newsletter%26utm_campaign=PL-202312141648%26user=dHJpc3RyYW1iYWxkd2luODZAZ21haWwuY29t/1/0100018c6a52603a-f41c8947-3a40-41ba-a35c-1f601ded306b-000000/RjglVn-3oFVGg8rUXfYAWM2Ql0E=352) Capturing the night sky with a phone might seem impossible, but there are a few tricks that can make it happen. Here, we present our expert insights. [Unsplash Astrophotography with phone image](%2F%2Fwww.pocket-lint.com%2Fhow-to-take-astrophotography-with-your-phone-with-tools-and-tips-to-help%2F%3Futm_medium=newsletter%26utm_campaign=PL-202312141648%26utm_source=PL-NL%26user=dHJpc3RyYW1iYWxkd2luODZAZ21haWwuY29t/1/0100018c6a52603a-f41c8947-3a40-41ba-a35c-1f601ded306b-000000/GumTouk3oeiGfyW-ht0EDznraRw=352) We've all seen those epic photos of the Milky Way streaking across the sky, or the moon and all its features captured in high-res glory. It's hard not to yearn to [snapshots like those on your own](%2F%2Fwww.pocket-lint.com%2Fphones%2Fnews%2Fapple%2F146898-the-best-apple-iphone-photos-ever-taken%2F%3Futm_medium=newsletter%26utm_campaign=PL-202312141648%26utm_source=PL-NL%26user=dHJpc3RyYW1iYWxkd2luODZAZ21haWwuY29t/1/0100018c6a52603a-f41c8947-3a40-41ba-a35c-1f601ded306b-000000/yPcEjYf8JcuqCKTXxi36v4yy7ZY=352), yet most astrophotography equipment is stupendously expensive and complicated. But lament not. You can take astrophotography (photography in astronomy) right from your phone, as long as you employ a few tricks of the trade. [Read More »](%2F%2Fwww.pocket-lint.com%2Fhow-to-take-astrophotography-with-your-phone-with-tools-and-tips-to-help%2F%3Futm_medium=newsletter%26utm_campaign=PL-202312141648%26utm_source=PL-NL%26user=dHJpc3RyYW1iYWxkd2luODZAZ21haWwuY29t/2/0100018c6a52603a-f41c8947-3a40-41ba-a35c-1f601ded306b-000000/HNzoNITWaoHUt8-DuES3Sj8lhAs=352) [7 ways to use your Amazon Echo to get your kids to sleep](%2F%2Fwww.pocket-lint.com%2F7-ways-to-use-your-amazon-echo-to-get-your-kids-to-sleep%2F%3Futm_source=PL-NL%26utm_medium=newsletter%26utm_campaign=PL-202312141648%26user=dHJpc3RyYW1iYWxkd2luODZAZ21haWwuY29t/1/0100018c6a52603a-f41c8947-3a40-41ba-a35c-1f601ded306b-000000/ZdZyq7bmPoXHzqalgJ0c8Wf26zE=352) Alexa can't put your kids to bed for you, but she can help to get them to drop off. [Amazon Echo Dot Kids photo 4](%2F%2Fwww.pocket-lint.com%2F7-ways-to-use-your-amazon-echo-to-get-your-kids-to-sleep%2F%3Futm_medium=newsletter%26utm_campaign=PL-202312141648%26utm_source=PL-NL%26user=dHJpc3RyYW1iYWxkd2luODZAZ21haWwuY29t/1/0100018c6a52603a-f41c8947-3a40-41ba-a35c-1f601ded306b-000000/h42hCfjdxooz-_6biFnXvNfR-8c=352) After a hard day of parenting, there's nothing quite like that moment when your kids are asleep at last, and peace finally descends upon your home. You can collapse onto the sofa and try not think about the fact that you have to do it all again tomorrow. The trouble is, in order to reach this blissful state, you have to get them to sleep in the first place. [Read More »](%2F%2Fwww.pocket-lint.com%2F7-ways-to-use-your-amazon-echo-to-get-your-kids-to-sleep%2F%3Futm_source=PL-NL%26utm_medium=newsletter%26utm_campaign=PL-202312141648%26user=dHJpc3RyYW1iYWxkd2luODZAZ21haWwuY29t/2/0100018c6a52603a-f41c8947-3a40-41ba-a35c-1f601ded306b-000000/2X_lrhPn3ksoBbZfqbviT0tZ6Jk=352) Deal of the day [Save on a 4-pack of Kasa Smart Plug HS103](%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FTP-Link-Kasa-Smart-Wifi-Plug%2Fdp%2FB07RCNB2L3%2F%3Ftag=newsletter039-20/1/0100018c6a52603a-f41c8947-3a40-41ba-a35c-1f601ded306b-000000/ggoImzk9R9B2HQhu5lNUAiORHTY=352) In case you missed it [How to add alt text on Instagram (and why you may want to)](%2F%2Fwww.pocket-lint.com%2Fhow-to-add-alt-text-on-instagram-and-why-you-may-want-to%2F%3Futm_source=PL-NL%26utm_medium=newsletter%26utm_campaign=PL-202312141648%26user=dHJpc3RyYW1iYWxkd2luODZAZ21haWwuY29t/1/0100018c6a52603a-f41c8947-3a40-41ba-a35c-1f601ded306b-000000/HWM0pjCnR7TriAnAghfHBLW-sbo=352) [Best turntables under $500: Music-lover recommended](%2F%2Fwww.pocket-lint.com%2Fbest-turntables-under-500%2F%3Futm_source=PL-NL%26utm_medium=newsletter%26utm_campaign=PL-202312141648%26user=dHJpc3RyYW1iYWxkd2luODZAZ21haWwuY29t/1/0100018c6a52603a-f41c8947-3a40-41ba-a35c-1f601ded306b-000000/3EJVmQUcblGXubaY3gR4VmmRC44=352) [Best holiday Apple TV deals — Save $65 on one of Apple's most popular models](%2F%2Fwww.pocket-lint.com%2Fbest-apple-tv-deals%2F%3Futm_source=PL-NL%26utm_medium=newsletter%26utm_campaign=PL-202312141648%26user=dHJpc3RyYW1iYWxkd2luODZAZ21haWwuY29t/1/0100018c6a52603a-f41c8947-3a40-41ba-a35c-1f601ded306b-000000/padYZCjxXG7gVi91GAzx0-WiK6c=352) [What is Instagram Threads and how does it work?](%2F%2Fwww.pocket-lint.com%2Fwhat-is-instagram-threads-how-does-it-work%2F%3Futm_source=PL-NL%26utm_medium=newsletter%26utm_campaign=PL-202312141648%26user=dHJpc3RyYW1iYWxkd2luODZAZ21haWwuY29t/1/0100018c6a52603a-f41c8947-3a40-41ba-a35c-1f601ded306b-000000/4SCkkJG6cwYpaoFx8RH1Uzcw2rg=352) [Alexa, show me the front door: How to connect a Ring camera to the Echo Show](%2F%2Fwww.pocket-lint.com%2Fhow-to-connect-your-ring-cameras-with-your-echo-show%2F%3Futm_source=PL-NL%26utm_medium=newsletter%26utm_campaign=PL-202312141648%26user=dHJpc3RyYW1iYWxkd2luODZAZ21haWwuY29t/1/0100018c6a52603a-f41c8947-3a40-41ba-a35c-1f601ded306b-000000/Wxge72CzQfxbOiQJ5UXPQrot9MA=352) And finally... [How to scan a QR code on your phone](%2F%2Fwww.pocket-lint.com%2Fphones%2Fnews%2Fapple%2F153361-how-to-scan-a-qr-code%2F%3Futm_source=PL-NL%26utm_medium=newsletter%26utm_campaign=PL-202312141648%26user=dHJpc3RyYW1iYWxkd2luODZAZ21haWwuY29t/1/0100018c6a52603a-f41c8947-3a40-41ba-a35c-1f601ded306b-000000/EHKDpnSOOMbdYludPM-dvE9WR0U=352) QR codes are increasingly popular ways to scan menus, tickets, and other apps. Here's how to do it straight from your Android handset or iPhone. [How to scan a QR code photo 1](%2F%2Fwww.pocket-lint.com%2Fphones%2Fnews%2Fapple%2F153361-how-to-scan-a-qr-code%2F%3Futm_medium=newsletter%26utm_campaign=PL-202312141648%26utm_source=PL-NL%26user=dHJpc3RyYW1iYWxkd2luODZAZ21haWwuY29t/1/0100018c6a52603a-f41c8947-3a40-41ba-a35c-1f601ded306b-000000/QPHG062Dz8pFs0C1zEPshvSwL1Y=352) You've likely seen a QR code before. It's a black and white matrix-style bar code that contains some information that you're supposed to access from a phone, tablet, or anything with a camera attached to it. [Read More »](%2F%2Fwww.pocket-lint.com%2Fphones%2Fnews%2Fapple%2F153361-how-to-scan-a-qr-code%2F%3Futm_medium=newsletter%26utm_campaign=PL-202312141648%26utm_source=PL-NL%26user=dHJpc3RyYW1iYWxkd2luODZAZ21haWwuY29t/2/0100018c6a52603a-f41c8947-3a40-41ba-a35c-1f601ded306b-000000/AskN8Y3tSaZzNNiAIKRMVwqawls=352) 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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