how to stop steam from tracking game time
Steam is a popular online gaming platform developed by Valve Corporation that allows users to purchase and play a wide variety of video games. One of the features of Steam is the game time tracking, which keeps a record of how long a user has played a particular game. While this feature can be useful for tracking progress and setting personal goals, some users may want to disable it for various reasons. In this article, we will discuss how to stop Steam from tracking game time and the reasons why someone might want to do so.
Reasons to Stop Steam from Tracking Game Time
Before we delve into how to disable game time tracking on Steam, let us first understand the reasons why someone might want to do so.
1. Privacy Concerns
One of the main reasons why someone may want to disable game time tracking on Steam is privacy. Steam’s game time tracking feature displays the amount of time a user has spent playing a particular game, which can be seen by anyone on their Steam profile. This can be a concern for some users who value their privacy and do not want others to know how much time they spend on a particular game.
2. Avoid Judgment or Criticism
Another reason why someone may want to stop Steam from tracking game time is to avoid judgment or criticism from other players. Some users may feel self-conscious about the amount of time they spend playing a particular game, and having it displayed on their profile can lead to unwanted comments or comparisons with other players.
3. Avoid Addiction
Gaming addiction is a serious issue that affects many people worldwide. For some users, seeing the amount of time they have spent playing a game can be a trigger for their addiction. By disabling game time tracking, users can avoid constantly being reminded of how much time they have spent playing and focus on managing their addiction.
4. Offline Play
Steam’s game time tracking feature only works when the user is online. If a user wants to play a game offline, their game time will not be tracked. This can be an issue for some users who want to keep track of their playtime accurately. By disabling game time tracking, users can avoid this issue and have a more accurate record of their gameplay.
5. Restarting a Game
Some games may require users to restart the game to apply changes or updates. This can result in an inflated game time on Steam, as it will count the time spent restarting the game as well. Disabling game time tracking can help prevent this issue and provide a more accurate record of gameplay.
Now that we have discussed the reasons why someone might want to stop Steam from tracking game time let us move on to the steps to disable this feature.
How to Stop Steam from Tracking Game Time
There are a few different methods to disable game time tracking on Steam. Here are the two most common ways:
Method 1: Using the Steam Interface
1. Open the Steam client on your computer and log in to your account.
2. On the top left corner of the screen, click on “Steam,” and a drop-down menu will appear.
3. From the drop-down menu, click on “Settings,” and a new window will open.
4. In the “Settings” window, click on the “In-Game” tab located on the left side of the screen.
5. Under the “In-Game” tab, you will see an option that says “Enable the Steam Overlay while in-game.” Uncheck this option.
6. Next, click on the “Steam Cloud” tab located on the left side of the screen.
7. Under the “Steam Cloud” tab, uncheck the option that says “Enable Steam Cloud synchronization for applications which support it.”
8. Click on “OK” to save the changes.
Method 2: Using the Steam Launch Options
1. Open the Steam client on your computer and log in to your account.
2. On the top left corner of the screen, click on “Steam,” and a drop-down menu will appear.
3. From the drop-down menu, click on “Library,” and a list of all your games will appear.
4. Right-click on the game you want to stop tracking the time for and click on “Properties.”
5. In the “Properties” window, click on the “Set Launch Options” button located on the bottom left corner of the screen.
6. A new window will open, where you can add commands to modify the game’s launch options.
7. In the text box, add the following command: “+steam_no_overlay 1” (without the quotation marks).
8. Click on “OK” to save the changes.
By following these methods, you can disable game time tracking on Steam for a particular game or for all the games on your account.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Steam’s game time tracking feature can be useful for some users, but it may not be suitable for everyone. Whether it is privacy concerns, avoiding judgment, managing addiction, or having a more accurate record of gameplay, there are many reasons why someone may want to stop Steam from tracking game time. The methods mentioned in this article are simple and effective ways to disable game time tracking on Steam. By following these steps, users can enjoy their gaming experience without the added pressure of keeping track of their playtime.
kindle fire tips and tricks 2016
The Kindle Fire is a popular tablet device that offers a variety of features and functions to enhance the user’s experience. Whether you are a new owner or have been using the device for some time, there are always new tips and tricks to learn to make the most out of your Kindle Fire. In this article, we will explore some of the top tips and tricks for the Kindle Fire in 2016.
1. Organize Your Home Screen
The home screen of your Kindle Fire can quickly become cluttered with apps and widgets, making it difficult to find what you need. To better organize your home screen, press and hold on an app or widget, and then drag it to where you want it to be. You can also create folders by dragging one app on top of another. This will help you keep your home screen neat and organized.
2. Use Parental Controls
If you have children who use your Kindle Fire, setting up parental controls can help you restrict access to certain apps and content. To set up parental controls, go to Settings, then Security & Privacy, and select Parental Controls. You can then set a password and choose which apps and content are accessible for your child’s profile.
3. Take Advantage of the Mayday Button
The Mayday button on the Kindle Fire allows you to connect with an Amazon support representative via video call for any technical issues or questions you may have. To access this feature, swipe down from the top of the screen, tap on Mayday, and then follow the prompts. This is a quick and convenient way to get help with your device without having to leave your home.
4. Customize Your Reading Experience
One of the main features of the Kindle Fire is its ability to serve as an e-reader. You can customize your reading experience by adjusting the font size, line spacing, and background color. You can also access the X-Ray feature, which provides you with information on characters, places, and events in the book you are reading.
5. Use Offline Reading
If you are going to be without an internet connection for a while, you can still access your downloaded books and other content on your Kindle Fire. To do this, go to Settings and turn on Airplane Mode. This will disable all wireless connections, but you will still be able to access your downloaded content.
6. Utilize Alexa
The Kindle Fire is equipped with Alexa, Amazon’s virtual assistant. You can access Alexa by holding down the home button. You can ask Alexa to set reminders, play music, answer questions, and even control smart home devices if you have them connected to your Kindle Fire.
7. Take Advantage of Free Apps and Games
The Amazon Appstore offers a wide selection of free apps and games for the Kindle Fire. You can find everything from productivity apps to popular games. To access the Appstore, tap on the shopping bag icon on your home screen. From there, you can browse through the different categories and search for specific apps.
8. Sync Your Kindle Fire Across Devices
If you have multiple Kindle devices, you can sync your content and progress across all of them. This means you can start reading a book on your Kindle Fire and then continue where you left off on your Kindle e-reader. To enable this feature, go to Settings, then Device Options, and turn on Whispersync for Books.
9. Use Immersion Reading
If you enjoy listening to audiobooks, you can use the Immersion Reading feature on your Kindle Fire. This feature synchronizes the audio version of a book with the text, highlighting the words as they are being read. This can be a great tool for those who struggle with reading or have difficulty concentrating.
10. Take Advantage of Prime Benefits
If you are an Amazon Prime member, you can access a variety of benefits on your Kindle Fire. This includes borrowing books from the Kindle Owners’ Lending Library, accessing Prime Video content, and getting one free pre-release book per month through the First Reads program.
11. Utilize the Split-Screen Feature
The Kindle Fire offers a split-screen feature, allowing you to view two apps side by side. This can be useful if you want to watch a video while browsing the internet or taking notes. To access this feature, swipe down from the top of the screen and tap on the Split-Screen icon.
12. Use the Blue Shade Feature
If you like to read on your Kindle Fire before bed, the Blue Shade feature can be helpful. It filters out blue light, which can affect your sleep patterns, and gives the screen a warmer, orange tint. To enable this feature, swipe down from the top of the screen, tap on Blue Shade, and adjust the settings to your preference.
13. Access Your Content on Amazon Cloud
If you have a large library of books, music, or videos, you can access them on your Kindle Fire through the Amazon Cloud. This allows you to save storage space on your device and still have access to all of your content. To access the Amazon Cloud, go to Settings, then Apps & Games, and tap on Amazon Cloud Drive.
14. Use the Kindle Fire as a Second Screen
If you have a Fire TV, you can use your Kindle Fire as a second screen for a more immersive viewing experience. To do this, open the Fire TV app on your Kindle Fire and select the Second Screen option. You can then choose which content you want to display on your Kindle Fire.
15. Customize Your Notifications
If you find yourself being bombarded with notifications, you can customize which notifications you receive on your Kindle Fire. Go to Settings, then Sound & Notification, and tap on App Notifications. From there, you can choose which apps you want to receive notifications from and which ones you want to block.
In conclusion, the Kindle Fire offers a variety of features and functions to enhance your user experience. By utilizing these tips and tricks, you can make the most out of your device and discover new ways to use it. So go ahead and try out these tips and see how they can improve your Kindle Fire experience in 2016.
how to close apps xbox one
The Xbox One is a popular gaming console developed by Microsoft, and it offers a wide variety of features and applications for users to enjoy. With its powerful hardware and user-friendly interface, the Xbox One has become the go-to entertainment hub for many gamers. However, with so many apps and games running simultaneously, it is essential to know how to close apps on the Xbox One to ensure optimal performance and avoid any potential issues. In this article, we will guide you through the process of closing apps on your Xbox One, so you can make the most out of your gaming experience.
Before we dive into the steps of closing apps on the Xbox One, it is essential to understand why it is necessary to do so. Like any other electronic device, the Xbox One can also experience performance issues if too many apps are running in the background . This can lead to lag, freezing, and even crashes, which can be frustrating for users. Closing apps on the Xbox One can help free up system resources and improve the overall performance of the console. Additionally, it can also help save battery life and prevent unnecessary data usage. Therefore, knowing how to close apps on the Xbox One is essential for any user.
Now, let’s take a look at the steps to close apps on the Xbox One. The process may vary slightly depending on the type of app you are using, but the basic steps are the same. The easiest way to close an app on the Xbox One is by using the controller. Simply follow these steps:
Step 1: Press the Xbox button on your controller to open the guide.
Step 2: Navigate to the app you want to close using the D-pad or left thumbstick.
Step 3: Once the app is highlighted, press the Menu button on your controller (the button with three horizontal lines).
Step 4: A menu will appear on the right side of the screen. From this menu, select “Quit” to close the app.
Alternatively, you can also use the voice command “Xbox, close app” to close the app you are currently using. This method is especially useful if you are using a Kinect or a headset with a microphone.
If you have multiple apps running in the background, you can follow the same steps to close them one by one. However, if you want to close all the apps at once, there is a quick and easy way to do so. Here’s how:
Step 1: Press and hold the Xbox button on your controller until a menu appears.
Step 2: From the menu, select “Restart console.”
Step 3: A confirmation message will appear on the screen. Select “Restart” to close all apps and restart your Xbox One.
Once your console restarts, all the apps that were running in the background will be closed, and you will have a clean slate to start your gaming session.
Now that you know how to close apps on the Xbox One let’s take a look at some additional tips to help you manage your apps more efficiently.
1. Use the Task Manager
Similar to a computer, the Xbox One also has a Task Manager that allows you to view and manage all the apps running in the background. To access the Task Manager, follow these steps:
Step 1: Press and hold the Xbox button on your controller until a menu appears.
Step 2: From the menu, select “Task Manager.”
Step 3: A list of all the apps currently running on your console will appear on the screen. You can use the D-pad or left thumbstick to navigate through the list.
Step 4: Once you have selected the app you want to close, press the Menu button on your controller and select “Quit.”
Using the Task Manager can be helpful if you have many apps running in the background, and you want to close them without restarting your console.
2. Enable Automatic App Closure
If you find yourself constantly forgetting to close apps on your Xbox One, you can enable automatic app closure in the settings. Here’s how:
Step 1: Press the Xbox button on your controller to open the guide.
Step 2: Navigate to the “System” tab and select “Settings.”
Step 3: From the settings menu, select “Ease of Access.”
Step 4: Scroll down and select “Xbox button.”
Step 5: Under “Double tap the Xbox button to open,” select “Turn off.”
Once this setting is enabled, you can close an app by double-tapping the Xbox button on your controller instead of holding it down. This can be a convenient option for those who want to quickly switch between apps without having to worry about closing them manually.
3. Use the Xbox App
If you have the Xbox app installed on your smartphone or tablet, you can also use it to manage your Xbox One apps remotely. Simply follow these steps:
Step 1: Open the Xbox app on your device and sign in with your Microsoft account.
Step 2: Tap on the “My Games & Apps” tab.
Step 3: Select “See all” to view all your installed apps.
Step 4: From the list of apps, select the one you want to close.
Step 5: Tap on the “More” icon (three horizontal dots) and select “Quit.”
The app will be closed on your console, and you can continue using your device without having to turn on your Xbox One.
In conclusion, knowing how to close apps on the Xbox One is essential for maintaining the performance of your console. By following the steps mentioned above, you can easily close apps and manage your system resources efficiently. Additionally, using the tips and tricks we have shared can help you save time and ensure a smooth gaming experience. So, the next time you finish using an app, make sure to close it to keep your Xbox One running at its best. Happy gaming!