John Cox

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6 creative ways to use NFC tags that feel like magic

NFC tags are cheap programmable stickers ($15–$20 per pack) that can be placed around your home to automate repetitive phone tasks with a single tap, eliminating friction from daily routines like bedtime sequences, work focus modes, cooking with recipes, guest Wi-Fi sharing, laundry reminders, and car music setup. The author argues that while individually small, these automations collectively reduce phone unlocking and task-switching throughout the day, and the physical tap provides psychological satisfaction that voice assistants don't match. At roughly $1 per tag, the low cost makes experimentation practical for identifying which automations would most benefit your personal habits.

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How to Connect Your New Turntable to Any Audio System

Connecting a modern turntable to contemporary audio systems requires understanding the phono preamp, a specialized component that processes the turntable's signal before it reaches speakers or headphones. The specific connection method depends on your equipment: receivers and some powered speakers have built-in phono preamps for direct connection, while Bluetooth turntables offer wireless streaming, and Wi-Fi speakers require either analog connections or additional devices like music streamers to avoid costly intermediaries. The article walks through each scenario—from traditional receivers to wireless headphones to Sonos systems—explaining which components you need and where potential bottlenecks occur, such as needing a standalone phono preamp when neither your turntable nor speakers have one built in.

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