Select your Settings app on your iPhone.

Scroll down your iPhone’s Settings, until you see Siri & Search. Select it.

In this menu, you can turn off Siri by toggling off all of the buttons, or you can toggle on and off the individual Siri features that are giving you trouble.

Here’s what each one means:

1. This command allows you to verbally say “Hey Siri” to activate Siri. Siri will then respond to the next set of commands your speak after that.
2. This allows you to press and hold the right button of your iPhone to activate Siri.
3. This feature allows you to activate Siri even when your phone is locked.

I recommend you deactivate #3. This will make it so that Siri will not just turn on randomly when you’re not using your phone. I like keeping on #1 because I use my phone when running, and I can use Siri to adjust the volume of my AirPods.

While listening to your music or any audio with the AirPods Pro, press the force sensor twice to skip ahead to the next track.

On the original AirPods, you double-tap the AirPods to control Siri and tell her to skip ahead.

While listening to music or audio, press three times on the force sensor of your AirPods Pro to skip back one track.

On the original AirPods, you double-tap the AirPods to control Siri and tell her to go back one track.

The easiest way to get your hands on Illustrator for free is to use the 7-day free trial. This is provided by Adobe as an official avenue for users to try Adobe Illustrator at no cost.

At the end of the trial, you can choose to activate a monthly subscription for access or a yearly subscription. Visit the Illustrator free trial page on the official Adobe website for more details and signup options.

Another way to get more without overpaying is to bundle Illustrator in with a Creative Cloud subscription. This is definitely ideal for anyone interested in multiple Adobe applications.

How much is Adobe Illustrator?

The Adobe Illustrator app by itself costs $239.88 per year. When you bundle it with Creative Cloud, it’s $599.89 but you also get access to almost every other app Adobe has to offer.

If you’re a student or a teacher, you can currently save over 60% on a Creative Cloud subscription. This is definitely ideal for anyone in the education field looking to save money on access to Illustrator and other Adobe applications.

If free trials won’t cut it, we hear you loud and clear. Sometimes you need to get the job done but don’t have the extra funds to spend on a regular subscription (even at a discount). So here are a few apps you can take advantage of that have many of the capabilities you’ll find in Adobe Illustrator that cost absolutely nothing.

Inkscape – This application has pen tools necessary for creating vector art and .svg files. It also has a robust online community with plenty of useful extensions and addons.

Gimp – This is a tool I’ve personally used for years (more than a decade). I find it useful to have on hand as it provides not just Illustrator tools but ones similar to Photoshop as well.

Boxy SVG – As the name suggests, this tool can be used to create .svg files. However, this tool works in browser and doesn’t require any installation.

Price: $20

This is the most affordable HAT in the relaunch, providing 24‑bit 192kHz high-resolution digital audio output support.

Price: $25

The DAC Pro provides the highest-fidelity out of the bunch. To improve the signal-to-noise ratio, it uses a Texas Instruments PCM5242 DAC.

Price: $30

This HAT is built using a Texas Instruments TAS5756M digital-input amplifier. This module can output to two 35W speakers.

Price: $20

The IQaudio Codec Zero was designed to suit the Pi Zero form factor. It adds support for both output and input devices. It even has a built-in MEMS microphone.

All of the modules are ready to ship, except for the IQaudio Codec Zero HAT which is intended to ship early next year. For more details, check out the full post on the official Raspberry Pi blog.

First things first, you need a GameCube controller (we’re assuming you’ve already got the Switch but you definitely need that, too). You can buy an original GameCube controller used if you don’t have one already or look for third-party alternatives like this GameCube controller by Cippon.

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GameCube Controller by Cippon

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The original wireless controller for the GameCube was known as the WaveBird. You can also use this version to play games on the Nintendo Switch.

The big question I’m sure you’re asking yourself is, “Where do I plug this thing in at?”

Well, you don’t. At least, not yet. You need a special adapter that converts GameCube controller input into a readable USB signal that the Switch can understand. There are plenty of adapters on the market but this GameCube controller to Switch adapter at Amazon also supports the Wii U and desktop PCs.

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GameCube Controller to PC/Switch/Wii U Adapter

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You can shop around for a different one but definitely check reviews before buying from a third-party. Make sure the adapter you buy is Nintendo Switch compatible.

Connecting everything should be straightforward but we’ll break it down to be extra clear:

• Connect the adapter to the Nintendo Switch using an open USB port on the console.
• Connect the GameCube controller to the adapter.
• Set the adapter to Nintendo Switch mode.

At this point your controller should be detected and responsive to input. Try using it in a game that works with classic style controllers.

If something isn’t working right, don’t worry! We’ve been there before and we have a few tips to get you back on track and gaming within minutes. Here are the most common issues that occur when using a GameCube controller on the Switch.

• No input from the GameCube controller

• Double-check the check adapter settings and make sure it’s set to Switch. If it is, unplug and replug all of the connected cables. You may need to test the controller on another console to make sure it’s still working.

• No response from the WaveBird

• If your WaveBird isn’t working, double-check to make sure the batteries are fresh. Verify the channel on the controller matches the receiver. Worst case, test it using another console or system.

First things first, you need a GameCube controller (we’re assuming you’ve already got the Switch but you definitely need that, too). You can buy an original GameCube controller used if you don’t have one already or look for third-party alternatives like this GameCube controller by Cippon.

Used here

See all

GameCube Controller by Cippon

Check Price on Amazon

The original wireless controller for the GameCube was known as the WaveBird. You can also use this version to play games on the Nintendo Switch.

The big question I’m sure you’re asking yourself is, “Where do I plug this thing in at?”

Well, you don’t. At least, not yet. You need a special adapter that converts GameCube controller input into a readable USB signal that the Switch can understand. There are plenty of adapters on the market but this GameCube controller to Switch adapter at Amazon also supports the Wii U and desktop PCs.

Used here

See all

GameCube Controller to PC/Switch/Wii U Adapter

Check Price on Amazon

You can shop around for a different one but definitely check reviews before buying from a third-party. Make sure the adapter you buy is Nintendo Switch compatible.

Connecting everything should be straightforward but we’ll break it down to be extra clear:

• Connect the adapter to the Nintendo Switch using an open USB port on the console.
• Connect the GameCube controller to the adapter.
• Set the adapter to Nintendo Switch mode.

At this point your controller should be detected and responsive to input. Try using it in a game that works with classic style controllers.

If something isn’t working right, don’t worry! We’ve been there before and we have a few tips to get you back on track and gaming within minutes. Here are the most common issues that occur when using a GameCube controller on the Switch.

• No input from the GameCube controller

• Double-check the check adapter settings and make sure it’s set to Switch. If it is, unplug and replug all of the connected cables. You may need to test the controller on another console to make sure it’s still working.

• No response from the WaveBird

• If your WaveBird isn’t working, double-check to make sure the batteries are fresh. Verify the channel on the controller matches the receiver. Worst case, test it using another console or system.

Even if your loved one in the hospital doesn’t normally paint or draw, this can be a great occasion for them to try something new. And just think of all the time they’ll kill learning the basics of watercolor painting. Just make sure they have the mobility to do this and have lots of paper towels handy!

Art as therapy

It’s well known that making art is a great form of therapy for patients in the hospital. It allows them to express themselves and deal with some of the anxiety and grief they may be experiencing.

Get the whole family in on a custom blanket that includes a portrait of the various family members wishing their loved one to get well. It serves so many purposes:

• It will show the support of the entire family.
• It will be something they can use to keep warm in the hospital.
• It will remind them how loved they are and encourage them to get better.

It may take a little time for the blanket to get made and shipped, so this would be great for someone who will have a prolonged stay in the hospital or who just got out.

By popular demand!

There isn’t one person I’ve known who didn’t request socks when they were staying in the hospital. The thin socks that the hospital provides just aren’t very warm or comfortable. And often patients have to walk around on the cold hospital floor to get to the bathroom or move about.

Just make sure you get socks with some tread on the bottom, such as the ones I’ve included here, to prevent your loved one from slipping while walking in the socks.

Bonus: you could also consider a pair of slippers for them to wear!

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Slippers

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This is a great hospital gift for a young person or even an older one who still enjoys games. While many people play games on their phones, a handheld gaming device or retrogaming device can be a great way for them to put the phone down and kill some time. And if they’re old enough, then a retro gaming device will allow the patient to play some of the older games that they remember fondly.

To take it up another notch, we’ve listed here the RetroFlag GPi Case with a Raspberry Pi Zero W. This will allow them to spend some time setting up the case as a project and even download some ROMs for it. To read more about it, see our review of the GPi case.

We live in our phones, and there are tons of great games and apps for someone in the hospital to download to pass the time. Getting a gift card from Apple (if they have an Apple phone or iPad) or from Google Play (for other devices) gives them the option to choose what they want to try.

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Apple App Store Gift Card

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Google Play Gift Card

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This one is a no brainer, and can even be sent via email. Sending the gift card via email allows them to use it right away.

This is the exact puzzle that took days of my life a few years ago. They’re frustrating in the best way, particularly when you need to kill time. And that’s really the best thing you can do for someone in the hospital—help them to pass the time with something engaging.

I guarantee that a tavern puzzle will be a hit, and they’ll be thanking you (and cursing you) for this one.

Finally, a gift that costs nothing except for the logistics of producing the video. Get the family together and shoot a short video of everyone sending their best get-well wishes to your loved one.

This is a great option when it’s not possible to actually visit the person in the hospital too.

Note: be sure to keep it short, in case your loved one’s phone can not handle a long video that is a large file size.

Nurses generally don’t like the patients to play anything loud, so as not to disturb the other patients on that particular floor. (That’s why the remotes have those terrible, little speakers built-in.)

A good pair of headphones allows someone to watch movies at a good volume or listen to their favorite songs without disturbing anyone else on the floor. (And the sound quality will be better than the speaker in the room.)

It’s a great time to get some Bluetooth headphones, too, for that special someone. They’ll likely be on the phone a lot with family and friends, so not having to hold the phone up to the ear will be nice. These Apple AirPods Pro are a luxury gift for sure, but there are cheaper options available too.

(If you want, check our review to learn more about the AirPods Pro.)

Snacks.

If you’ve ever tasted hospital food, then you know what I mean. Food from home tastes so much better!

Of course, you could bring any of your homemade cookies to your loved one—or try one of our easy ones, like our 3 ingredient Nutella cookies or our 3 ingredient peanut butter cookies.

But if you really want to make them smile, get this DIY Fortune Cookie set and personalize it with get-well messages from the entire family!

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DIY Fortune Cookie Kit

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Depending on the situation, someone in the hospital might not be able to take a shower regularly or easily. That’s where a good dry shampoo can help them wash their hair and feel as clean as possible. Most people I’ve talked to swear by Batiste as a solid dry shampoo that actually works.

Just make sure that they’re allowed to use it in the hospital.

There’s no better time to learn the craft of knitting!

A knitting kit will keep the person in the hospital occupied while they watch TV or just relax. I recommend a kit like this one that comes with instructions if you’re buying this for a knitting beginner. Learning how to knit will definitely pass the time.

They may even leave the hospital with a new knit hat or pair of socks that they can use!

You know the kind of person that would appreciate something like this. It adds a little decoration to their room and provides some comfort and hope for them as they recover. Best of all, they can keep the figurine after they get well and return home.

Just be sure they won’t mind having to pack this up when they leave the hospital.

When selecting a board game for someone in the hospital, think about the space constraints and mobility issues that they may have. You’ll also want to consider who will be there to play with them and whether they are well enough to really play a board game.

My suggestion would be to keep it simple. Large, complicated games will likely be tiring for them to really engage in. One of my all-time favorites for quick, simple gameplay is Boggle. As a writer, of course, this makes sense!

What I like about Boggle, too, is that it’s small and easy enough to leave in the hospital room for return visits.

If you can’t visit

If you can’t visit them in the hospital, then consider playing an online game remotely, like Jack Box Party Pack. We even have a guide on how to play Jack Box Party Pack via Zoom, in case you’d like to try it.

Of course, you can always buy your someone books to read while they are in the hospital or bring them magazines.

I’ve found, however, that the act of reading can actually be tiresome when you’re not feeling well. It’s much easier to play an audiobook from your phone and just sit back and relax. This gift card from Audible lets someone in the hospital choose their next read and have it read by a professional actor (sometimes really famous ones)!

If you want a recommendation, I recently finished listening to Margaret Atwood’s The Testaments, which was read by the same actresses from the show The Handmaiden’s Tale. It was excellent.

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The Testaments audio book

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Expression is an innate healing tool. A writing journal allows someone in the hospital to record their thoughts and feelings during that trying time. It can be the start of a new diary that may continue well after they recover and come home from the hospital. Or maybe they use it as a sketch pad to draw doodles of the nurses! (Just make sure they keep it hidden!)

Either way, they can look back on the time they spent there later and reflect based on what’s inside their writing journal.

When you’re in the hospital, often you don’t have the luxury of a regular sleep schedule. You might be woken up in the middle of the night by noises or nurses coming in to check on you. And you’ll find you really want a nap during the day.

A sleep mask blocks the light that comes through the curtains or from the hallway. It will help someone in the hospital stay asleep even when someone comes into the room. Combine this with the earplugs, and you’ve got a thankful, rested loved one.

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Ear Plugs

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There are so many noises in the hospital room, and many of them are coming from the machines meant to monitor your vitals. There’s the sound of beeping, the sound of nurses coming and going, and a whole host of other distractions.

Earplugs like these will help block out the sounds of the hospital, so they can get a good sleep. This material also happens to be very comfortable to wear.

Don’t go out and buy one of those model airplanes that require lots of glue and tools to put together. It’s likely that whoever is in the hospital will not have the mobility or want to smell the fumes from those kinds of models.

This one, however, requires no tools and can be constructed by hand. A project like this can help pass the time and can be therapeutic to help someone who is recovering from an ailment.

Other ideas: we put together a list of projects for the Raspberry Pi, some of which would be great for someone who loves computers and is stuck in the hospital.

The holiday season has to be the worst time to be stuck in the hospital. You don’t get to experience all the joys that come with the time of the year, like lights, family, and of course the tree.

Try to bring some of that joy to their room. One way is with this mini Christmas tree that fits easily on a windowsill or table.

Bonus project gift: if your special someone in the hospital likes tech-related things or doing projects, then this cute 3D Raspberry Pi Christmas tree is perfect! It would be a simple project for them to complete while in the hospital and bring some circuit board-style cheer to the room!

Combine necessity with a treat, and get that special someone in the hospital a nice personal care set that they can use while they’re there. If they will be in the hospital for a period of time, it’s likely they’ll want to keep clean and make sure they don’t neglect their personal hygiene.

This Burt’s Bees set has a nice mix of necessities and niceties that will make them feel good and allow them to pamper themselves a bit.