How to stop accidentally making audio recordings in Messages

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Messages has the capability to record audio you don’t want to send to anyone.

Audio recordings are a convenient feature in iMessage that can potentially lead to embarrassing message misfires. Here’s how to take control of audio recordings in the app.

Messages is a great app for short text messages and iMessages. It also has a built-in dictation feature in the keyboard, or you can hit the microphone icon in the message composing field for those who want to speak a message and send it out.

It even works with RCS messaging for better communication across platforms.

There’s a somewhat hidden way to send audio messages rather than text in Messages, called Raise to Listen. It’s on by default on iPhones, but depending on your messaging style, you may want to turn it off.

We’ll tell you how it works, where it might get you into trouble, and how to turn it off if you want to.

Playing and recording messages

The "Raise to Listen" feature in Messages allows you to raise your iPhone to your ear to play the most recent message within a couple of minutes of it arriving. You can also raise the iPhone again to dictate a reply without having to press any buttons.

This can be ideal if you get a notification that a new audio message has arrived in the Messages app, but aren’t able to read it at the moment. For example, you’ve received an audio message from someone, and you need to speak at length in your reply.

Despite texting being a primarily keyboard or dictation-based system, there are times when you want to send an audio recording in Messages rather than making a phone call.

Some people prefer to send audio messages due to having difficulty using the iPhone’s keyboard, and not having to keep the iPhone to their ear or use earphones.

There are also times when a sound or audio message can convey emotion or tone that is harder to put into words.

How it works

When a new audio message arrives in Messages, you can simply raise your iPhone to your ear to hear it. This works within two minutes of the message arriving by default, but you can change that to never expire:

  1. Open Settings and select Apps.
  2. Select Messages and scroll down to Audio Messages.
  3. Tap Expire, then select Never.

After hearing the incoming audio message, lower the iPhone and then raise it again to your ear if you want to send your own return audio message. When you’ve finished speaking, lower the iPhone again, and the recording you just made is ready to be sent.

If you want to make an audio message to initiate a conversation or to reply to an audio message after the predetermined response time, you can do that.

Rather than hitting the microphone icons located in the text bubble or the on-screen keyboard, tap the plus (+) button to the left of the text entry bubble.

This launches a list of other options for sending in Messages. You can open the camera, select a photo to attach, use stickers, send Apple Cash, set a timed sending, and various other non-text options.

One of the options is "Audio," and pressing that will immediately start an audio recording in Messages.

How to stop accidental recordings in Messages

Because the "Raise to Listen" feature is on by default, it can, in certain circumstances, unintentionally start recordings you didn’t intend to start. Because you have raised the iPhone to your ear to hear the audio message sent to you, if you put the phone down and pick it up again, you might trigger an audio recording.

Three smartphone screens show Settings menus on iPhone with Steps to access Messages app, highlighting the 'Raise to Listen' toggle option turned on.
How to navigate to turn off "Raise to Listen" on iPhone.

Depending on how you hold or carry your iPhone, you may be unaware that Messages is now recording an audio message. This can pick up benign or unintended sounds, and will continue recording for some time.

If you look at the Messages app after an accidental recording has occurred, you’ll see the recording waiting to be sent.

You can play it back to check it if you want to, or delete an audio or text message without sending it by double-tapping the message to select it, and then hitting the onscreen delete key to delete it.

If you accidentally sent a message, whether text or audio, you can "unsend" it if you press and hold on the message within a short period of sending it.

The receiving person might still see or hear it, but after you unsend it, the message will no longer appear in their Messages app. So long as you catch it in time.

Given the possibility of accidentally sending an unintended recording as a message, users might consider disabling the "Raise to Listen" feature altogether. This still lets users send audio messages intentionally, but reduces the risk of sending unintended audio messages.

How to disable Raise to Listen in Messages

  1. Open Settings and select Apps.
  2. Select Messages and scroll down to Audio Messages.
  3. Tap the toggle next to Raise to Listen.

Disabling Raise to Listen still allows you to receive audio messages, but you now have to manually press the play button on them to start and pause them playing.

Since audio messages can sometimes contain sensitive information, it is a good practice to wear earphones when listening to or recording audio messages.

That way, the incoming messages are not heard by others, Your outgoing message can also be spoken softly to avoid bothering nearby people.

AppleInsider News

The Golden Age of Small Arms Ammunition? ~ The Part of Trump’s Big Beautiful Bill No One Is Talking About

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Opinion

The ammo market can be tough. Prices for .223 and 5.56 NATO have calmed down since the wild days of 2020–2022, but finding cheap ammo still feels like a treasure hunt.

The One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBB), or H.R.1 from the 119th Congress, is a much-discussed and huge new funding bill signed into law by President Trump that’s getting attention for its defense spending.

But there’s a part no one’s talking about: it could flood the market with small arms ammo and keep prices low.

The OBBB is too new to change prices yet, but it could kick-start a golden age for ammo. Let’s break down the key parts, quote the bill, and see how they might make ammo cheaper and easier to get.

Gun owners hoped the Hearing Protection Act would make suppressors easier to own and the SHORT Act would simplify short-barreled rifle rules, but those didn’t pass. Instead, the OBBB delivered a $0.00 tax stamp fee for suppressors, and short-barreled rifles, removing the $200 ATF tax—a big win for Second Amendment fans.

Still, the real game-changer might be the ammo provisions, which could make range days cheaper and easier by boosting ammunition manufacturing and supply.

One Big Beautiful Bill Act H.R.1 Page 111
One Big Beautiful Bill Act H.R.1 Page 111

The OBBB’s Ammo-Boosting Parts

The OBBB’s Ammo-Boosting Parts

The OBBB funding, found in the bill, covers tons of stuff, from defense to roads. In Title III (Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 2026), four parts could ramp up small arms ammo production—like 5.56mm, 7.62mm, and .50 BMG—and send more to gun stores. Here’s what they are, what they do, and why they matter.

1. $100 Million for Small & Medium Ammo

Lake City Army Ammunition Plant
Lake City Army Ammunition Plant

“(39) $100,000,000 for the production of small and medium ammunition;” (page 111 of the pdf.)

What It Means: This part gives $100 million to make more “small and medium ammunition,” like .223 Remington and 5.56 NATO. Places like Lake City Army Ammunition Plant in Missouri, the biggest maker of small arms ammo for the U.S. military, will likely get some of this cash. Lake City makes 1.4–1.6 billion rounds a year, with half sold to civilians, covering ~30% of the 5.56mm market. This $100 million could add 200–333 million rounds a year, with 50–100 million going to stores.

*NOTE: while “small and medium ammunition” likely includes 5.56x45mm NATO and .223 Remington, the exact calibers are not specified in the OBBB, and some funds could support related components (e.g., propellant powder) or other facilities. Funding Uncertainties: The $100 million’s allocation to specific facilities like Lake City is assumed but not confirmed, as funds could partially go to other sites like St. Marks Powder for propellant production.

Why It Matters: More ammo means more supply, which can stop price spikes when everyone’s buying. The OBBB doesn’t limit Lake City’s commercial sales, so brands like Federal, Winchester, and Hornady (which sell Lake City ammo) could have more stock. This is a quick boost, so shelves might see more rounds by late 2025 or 2026.

2. $1 Billion for High-Tech Ammo Factories

“(35) $1,000,000,000 for the creation of next-generation automated munitions production factories;” (page 111 of the pdf.)

What It Means: This drops $1 billion to build new, high-tech ammo factories with robots and smart tech. “Munitions” is a broad word, but it likely includes small arms ammo since the bill focuses on military needs. These factories could upgrade Lake City or start new plants, making more rounds.

Why It Matters: High-tech factories can produce ammo faster and cheaper. If they make 5.56mm or .223, extra rounds could hit the civilian market, like Lake City does now. This takes years to build, but it could mean a future with tons of cheap ammo. Think 1000-round cases of M193 for under $300.

3. $2 Billion for Ammo Materials

“(40) $2,000,000,000 for additional activities to improve the United States stockpile of critical minerals through the National Defense Stockpile Transaction Fund, authorized by subchapter III of chapter 5 of title 50, United States Code;” (page 111 of the pdf.)

What It Means: Ammo needs stuff like copper for bullet jackets, lead for cores, and antimony to make them tough. This $2 billion boosts the National Defense Stockpile to keep these materials ready. It cuts reliance on foreign countries (like China for antimony), avoiding shortages that raise prices.

Why It Matters: With steady materials, factories like Lake City, Winchester, or Sig Sauer can keep making ammo without delays. This supports the $100 million and $1 billion parts by giving them what they need to produce more. It means more ammo in stores and lower prices!

4. $10 Million for More Ammo Workers

“(41) $10,000,000 for the expansion of the Department of Defense armaments cooperation workforce;” (page 111 of the pdf.)

What It Means: This $10 million hires more people, and likely ones to manage ammo production, like planners and quality checkers. They’ll keep places like Lake City running smoothly and make sure the other parts ($100 million, $1 billion, $2 billion) work well.

Why It Matters: More workers mean fewer delays at ammo plants, so more rounds get made. It’s a small piece, but it helps the bigger parts deliver. If Lake City can make an extra million rounds a day, that’s more for our rifles.

How This Could Change Ammo Prices

The OBBB hasn’t affected prices yet—data from WikiArms shows .223/5.56 at ~$0.36/round for bulk buys or ~$0.40/round on average across listings. But based on supply and demand, here’s what could happen when these parts start working.

*NOTE: that price drops depend on military demand and political factors, while increased supply could lower prices to $0.30–$0.35/round, high military needs or new restrictions might limit commercial availability, keeping prices closer to the current $0.36–$0.40/round range.

Short-Term (2025–2026): The $100 Million Boost

The $100 million for small and medium ammo is the fastest to help. Lake City, making ~4 million rounds daily, could use this to add equipment or workers, possibly adding 50–100 million rounds to stores each year. With more supply, prices could drop to $0.30–$0.35/round for bulk 223/5.56 FMJ. You might see 1000 rounds of 5.56 M193 for $300–$330, down from $360–$400 now.

Long-Term (2027+): New Factories and Materials

The $1 billion for high-tech factories and $2 billion for materials are bigger but slower. New factories could make billions more rounds a year. If half go to civilians, like Lake City’s model, hundreds of millions of rounds could hit stores. With steady materials, prices might fall to $0.25–$0.30/round for 5.56 NATO by 2030. The $10 million for workers keeps these projects on track.

Things to Watch

  • Military Needs: The OBBB focuses on military readiness. If wars heat up, the military might take most of the ammo, leaving less for us and keeping prices high.
  • Politics: Some have criticized Lake City’s civilian sales because of mass shootings. The OBBB allows these sales, but new laws could limit them, cutting supply.
  • Timing: Factories and material stockpiles take years. The $100 million will help soonest, but bigger changes might wait until 2027 or later.
223 556 ammo ammunition Cartridges pile bulk ammo iStock-johnaudrey 527840839
iStock-johnaudrey 527840839

Why This Could Be a Golden Age

Ammo shortages and high prices have been a pain in the wallet. The OBBB could fix that. The $100 million for production can fill shelves fast, while the $1 billion and $2 billion in infrastructure and materials could set up a future where ammo is everywhere. The $10 million workforce keeps it all smooth. Together, they could make this a golden age for small arms ammo—when range days are cheap and we can stock up without going broke.

Imagine walking into a gun shop in 2027 and seeing a stack of Lake City M855 for $250 per 1000 rounds. Weekend shoots with friends won’t hurt your wallet. That’s what the OBBB could do. While all the talk is about military funding, it could trickle down, making shooting easier and cheaper for everyone.

The Bottom Line

The OBBB’s ammo parts—$100 million for production, $1 billion for factories, $2 billion for materials, and $10 million for workers—are a big deal for gun owners. They’ll boost supply at places like Lake City and others, likely dropping prices and making ammo easy to find. Prices haven’t changed yet in July 2025, but a future with cheap 5.56 is coming. Keep checking AmmoLand News for deals, grab ammo when it’s cheap, and get ready for a golden age of shooting. The OBBB might be the best thing for our range bags in years.

What do you think? Do we have it wrong? Excited for cheaper ammo? Share your thoughts, and let’s talk about where you think ammo prices are headed!

Reconciliation Bill Passes Making Tax Stamps for SBRs, SBS, & Suppressors $0

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AmmoLand Shooting Sports News

Let’s Encrypt Rolls Out Free Security Certs For IP Addresses

Let’s Encrypt, a certificate authority (CA) known for its free TLS/SSL certificates, has begun issuing digital certificates for IP addresses. From a report: It’s not the first CA to do so. PositiveSSL, Sectigo, and GeoTrust all offer TLS/SSL certificates for use with IP addresses, at prices ranging from $40 to $90 or so annually. But Let’s Encrypt does so at no cost. For those with a static IP address who want to host a website, an IP address certificate provides a way to offer visitors a secure connection with that numeric identifier while avoiding the nominal expense of a domain name.


Read more of this story at Slashdot.

Slashdot

Let’s Talk About Amazon’s USB-Charged Cordless Mini Chainsaw

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WorkProX USB Recharged Cordless Chainsaw

The WorkProX cordless mini chainsaw, which looks to only be available at Amazon, comes with a battery pack that at this time can only be charged via USB.

We’ve seen another tool brand switch to USB-charged power tool batteries, but it looks like the WorkProX cordless power tool battery can only be charged in this manner.

Isn’t this what users have asked for, a universal way to charge cordless tool batteries?

WorkProX Cordless Power Tool Battery Bank

The WorkProX 18V/20V 2Ah battery can serve as a power bank for charging personal electronic devices on the go. It has a digital fuel gauge, with the remaining charge capacity displayed as a percentage.

It features USB-A and USB-C ports, and is said to fully recharge in 1.5 hours.

WorkProX 20V tools and batteries are NOT compatible with WorkPro 20V tools and batteries.

WorkProX Cordless Chainsaw Kit Contents

On one hand, this a name-brand cordless mini chainsaw for very cheap, and you don’t need to find a place to store yet another charging dock.

On the other hand, cordless outdoor power tools don’t often pair well with 2Ah batteries, and 90 minutes is a bit long of a recharge break.

There are other WorkProX cordless outdoor power tools, with most being even more continuous use-type than the chainsaw, such as a hedge trimmer, string trimmer, and leaf blower. Some of those are bundled with a 4Ah battery.

Amazon has additional WorkProX battery packs sold separately, for $3 less than the price of this kit. Correction – WorkPro changed the price today, as they tend to do a lot – and so the price of the kit is now just $1 more than for the battery.

Price: $38 to $40 for the kit

Your Thoughts on the Approach?

Skil Cordless Nailer with USB Charger

Skil has also went down the USB charging route, such as with their cordless nailer kits.

WorkProX does not include a power brick with their cordless tool kits, only a charging cable. And as mentioned WorkProX 20V batteries won’t charge on WorkPro 20V chargers. I have not yet seen any WorkProX charging docks – maybe that’s something we’ll eventually see.

I think that USB charging is a good idea for DIY-grade tools. For Pros, the charging times aren’t fast enough, or at least faster charging rates aren’t being utilized yet.

Despite being exclusively USB-recharged (for now?), at least you can still swap or batteries as needed.

The pricing is unusual; at this time you can buy 2x cordless mini chainsaw kits, each with a tool, charging cable, and battery, for just $1 more than the price of 1 kit and 1 spare 2Ah battery.

How do you feel about USB-recharged cordless power tools? Cordless outdoor power tools?

ToolGuyd

How to Buy a Suppressor with a Trust

Purchasing a suppressor involves navigating federal regulations that can seem daunting at first glance. The National Firearms Act (NFA) requires extensive paperwork, background checks, and a $200 tax stamp for each purchase of a suppressor. This process also involves submitting fingerprints and photographs as part of the background check. While individuals can buy suppressors directly, … Read more

The post How to Buy a Suppressor with a Trust appeared first on The Truth About Guns.

The Truth About Guns

The Game Is On in the First ‘Running Man’ Trailer

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Last year, we learned Edgar Wright was helming a remake of Stephen King’s The Running Man with Glen Powell (Twisters) in the lead role—and that it would be released during the year the original book is set: 2025. After a small sampling to press during CinemaCon, Universal’s first trailer sets the stage for what’s coming this fall.

Powell plays Ben Richards, the latest contestant in a reality game show where people avoid bounty hunters sent to kill them. Like in the 1982 novel and 1987 film, Richards is in the games to win money and pay for his kid’s medicine. There’s a lot of bounty hunters, and they ain’t letting up on him or his fellow runners played by Daniel Ezra and Katy O’Brian, but it’ll be worth it if he can get that cash prize at the end.

Much to the delight of the show’s producer, Killian (Josh Brolin), and host, Bobby (Colman Domingo), Richards is a ratings hit. But the longer he toughs it out, the more of an inspiration he becomes to fellow working-class people watching him on TV, which starts looking like a problem to the wealthy.

Also starring Michael Cera, Jayme Lawson, and William H. Macy, The Running Man releases in theaters November 7.

Want more io9 news? Check out when to expect the latest Marvel, Star Wars, and Star Trek releases, what’s next for the DC Universe on film and TV, and everything you need to know about the future of Doctor Who.

Gizmodo

Man In Search Of New Church After Finding Out His Pastor Likes The Disney Star Wars Movies

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BATON ROUGE, LA — Sources close to Gene Vickers say that the 34-year-old is now searching for a new church after finding out that his pastor likes the Disney Star Wars movies last Sunday.

According to Vickers, it is impossible for him to continue to sit under the teaching of a pastor who holds such heterodox views as liking The Force Awakens or The Last Jedi.

"I’ve been a bit worried about Pastor Frank in the past, but I’ve always just stayed at the church because I don’t want to judge him too hastily," Vickers said sadly. "But at this point, I’m not sure that I can continue to condone his beliefs, let alone be taught by them. I mean, the Scriptures say that those who teach will be judged with greater harshness — I’m not sure how Pastor Frank intends to avoid the divine wrath of God for liking the Disney Star Wars movies. Those films don’t even make any sense. Rogue One had literally one job, and it totally failed to properly set up A New Hope!"

While Pastor Frank was personally unavailable for comment, his wife says that he is "saddened" by Vickers’ turning away from the church.

"I pray that he will be quickly restored to fellowship with us," the pastor reportedly told his wife. "In the meantime, boot up Solo: A Star Wars Story, will you?"

At publishing time, Vickers had found a new church, only to be unimaginably disappointed when the pastor there compared the Holy Ghost to the Force.


These British police officers are keeping the streets safe from dangerous weapons.

Babylon Bee

What Suppressor Does SOCOM Use? Meet the SureFire SOCOM556-RC2

When it comes to gear trusted by America’s most elite special operations units—Delta Force and SEAL Team 6—there’s no room for compromise.  Every piece of equipment must earn its place through brutal, real-world use. So when these units reach for a suppressor, more often than not, they grab the SureFire SOCOM556-RC2. The SOCOM556-RC2 has become … Read more

The post What Suppressor Does SOCOM Use? Meet the SureFire SOCOM556-RC2 appeared first on The Truth About Guns.

The Truth About Guns

A Compilation of 1960s Factory Films

https://theawesomer.com/photos/2025/06/1960s_factory_films_t.jpgEnjoy watching how things are made? British Pathé gathered 10 short clips from their film archive, showcasing how factories produced electric guitars, wallpaper, parking meters, candies, and more. It’s amazing how much handwork went into making eyeglass lenses back in the day. For more vintage factory footage, check out Pathé’s 1950s compilation.The Awesomer