News-Technology

 1.Windows 10 Support Ends Today — But You Can Still Extend It for Another Year Free 

*Windows 10 Support is Over: Here's How to Stay Safe with Security Updates**

So, Microsoft has officially stopped providing normal support for Windows 10 as of today. This basically means your computer won’t automatically get free security fixes anymore. That could leave you open to viruses and other bad stuff online. Your Windows 10 PC will still turn on and work, but you've got to take care of keeping it safe now.

Good news! Microsoft has a few suggestions for what you can do:

*   **Upgrade to Windows 11:** If your computer is new enough, you can get Windows 11 without paying anything.

*   **Get a New Computer:** You could buy a new machine that already has Windows 11. Or, if you're feeling adventurous, you could try a different operating system like macOS (if you buy an Apple computer) or ChromeOS (which is common on Chromebook laptops).

*   **Pay for Extended Security Updates (ESU):** This keeps your Windows 10 computer protected for another year, even though regular support is gone.

Let's talk about that third choice which is ESU in more detail! Right now, lots of people in the U.S. and Europe can get it without spending any money. Here's how to sign up and make sure your Windows 10 PC stays safe for one more year.

**Step-by-Step: Getting Windows 10 ESU**

**Step 1: Update Your Computer**

Before you do anything, you have to make sure you have the newest version of Windows 10. Here’s how to check:

*   Click the Start button, then click the Settings icon (it looks like a gear).

*   Click System, then click About.

*   Scroll down a bit, and you'll see your Windows version

If it doesn't say version 22H2, go back to Settings. Click Update & Security, then Windows Update. Install any updates that are waiting. You must be on version 22H2 for the ESU thing to work.

**Step 2: Use an Admin Account**

You need to be logged in as an administrator (someone who has full control over the computer) to do this. Check this way:

*   Go to Settings (like before).

*   Click Accounts, then Your Info.

*   Look under your name. It should say Administrator.

If it doesn't, you need to switch to an administrator account. If you don't have one, ask whoever manages your computer to help you.

**Step 3: See If You Can Upgrade to Windows 11**

Microsoft still thinks upgrading to Windows 11 is the best plan if your computer can handle it. Check like this:

*   Go to Settings, then Update & Security, then Windows Update.

*   See if there's a big button that says you can upgrade to Windows 11. If you see it, you can upgrade without paying.

If your computer isn't able to run Windows 11, then keep going using the steps here to get ESU.

**Step 4: Sign Up for Extended Security Updates**

Here's how to sign up:

*   Go to Settings, then Update & Security.

*   Look around for a link that says Enroll Now in the ESU section.

*   Click that link to start signing up.

If you don't see the link, double-check that your computer is really updated to version 22H2. Try restarting your computer after installing updates to make sure.

**Step 5: Pick How You Want to Sign Up**

Microsoft offers a couple of choices:

*   **Option A: Free with Cloud Backup**

    This one costs nothing, but you have to connect your Windows login to Microsoft's online services (the cloud). If you already use things like:

    *   Copilot

    *   Microsoft 365 (Office)

    *   Xbox Game Pass

    *   OneDrive

    ...then you're probably already set up for this. If you normally log in to your computer with a local account (not a Microsoft account), this will mean switching to a Microsoft account. It will also ask you to back up some of your computer's settings to OneDrive.

    **Important:** The free backup space is only 5 GB. So:

    *   Go to Settings, then OneDrive

    *   Turn off backing up folders like Documents, Pictures, and Videos if you want to stay under the limit and not have to pay for extra storage!

    After you sign in, you should see a window that says something like Add this device to receive Extended Security Updates. Click that, then click Done.

*   **Option B: Pay for It**

    If you don't want to use the cloud stuff, you can pay $30 to sign up without it. This is probably better for businesses or people who just want to keep everything on their computer and not online.

**Where You Live Can Matter**

*   **U.S.:** Free if you use the cloud backup (with that 5 GB limit).

*   **Europe:** Free, and you don't have to use the cloud backup.

*   **Other Places:** It might be different where you live. Check Microsoft's website about ESU to make sure.

**Why Is Windows 10 Support Ending?**

Windows 10 came out way back in 2015, and it's had a good run. Microsoft is trying to get everyone to switch to Windows 11 now, because it thinks it's safer, works better, and makes better use of new computer parts. Stopping support for Windows 10 lets them focus on Windows 11 and get more people to use it.

Even so, there some feel Windows 10 still works just fine, especially on older computers. ESU is like a middle ground it keeps your computer secure without making you change everything.

**What Happens After the ESU Program Ends?**

This ESU thing will only last until October 13, 2026. After that, Microsoft might give another extension, but there's no promise. Here's what you'll probably have to do:

*   Upgrade to Windows 11 (if your computer supports it)

*   Get a brand new PC

*   Switch to a different operating system

Keep an eye out for news next year. Microsoft could always change plans again.

**To Sum Up**

If you don't feel like upgrading yet, ESU is a good idea to keep your Windows 10 PC protected for another year. The free way of signing up makes it easier for everyone, and the instructions above should make it pretty simple to do. Whether you are just waiting for prices on PCs to drop even further, or feel like you going to wait to see what Windows 12 is like, the ESU program will give you enough time.

If you'd rather watch someone do it instead of reading, Explaining Computers on YouTube has a video that shows you how.

2.Apple Teases Upcoming M5 MacBook Ahead of Official Reveal 

Here's the deal with Apple: A new MacBook Pro is likely coming out soon, and everyone thinks it will have the M5 chip.

Apple's being secretive, but it sure seems like a new MacBook is coming. People are pretty sure it'll pack the M5 chip. What's the story? Well, Greg Joswiak, Apple's marketing boss, posted something weird on X (Twitter). It was just like, Mmmmm…, with a bunch of Ms and a coming soon. The video even looked like a laptop shaped kind of like a five. Get it? M5!

This teaser has got everyone online guessing. And things got more interesting when Mark Gurman, the Bloomberg insider, said Apple's planning to drop a standard MacBook Pro with the M5 chip soon. Looks like Jozwiak wasn't kidding.

But here's the thing: the M5 isn't exactly a secret.

Apple's amazing at these games. Jozwiak's post just screams Apple marketing, right? The Mmmmm thing? They're practically telling us it's the M5 chip. That laptop V shape? It's clearly supposed to be a number 5. Oh, and the Apple logo flashed really quick in the video.

Even though Apple hasn't said anything officially, it seems like we're getting a 14-inch MacBook Pro. Gurman says this new one will be the first with the M5 chip. People are also saying that better models with the M5 Pro and M5 Max chips could be coming later.

So, why is the M5 chip such a big deal?

Just think of the M5 chip as a boost for Apple products. We can probably assume it'll be faster, have better battery life, and bring some cool AI features! Testing suggests the M5 will be much better than the M4, mostly for graphics.

Apple probably wants to put the M5 chip on the MacBook Pro first. That makes sense, since they want to attract creative people and those who need power for things like video and games.

Besides the MacBook, what else is getting the M5 chip?

The MacBook Pro isn't the only thing getting an M5 upgrade. Gurman also mentioned that Apple's next iPad Pro models will also have the M5 chip. Some YouTube videos have said the same thing. So, it's not just going into MacBooks.

The new M5 iPad Pro might get a fresh design, a better screen, and Apple Intelligence – which would allow AI on the device. The new tablets will be Apple's best and strongest, thanks to the M5 chip. This is also great for Apple.

What about a new Vision Pro?

Besides MacBooks and iPads, there's talk that Apple might show off some new Vision Pro headsets soon. Gurman says the new version will have a faster chip inside. It could be the M5 or something special for mixed reality.

The next Vision Pro's been in testing, so it's getting closer to release. If Apple shows it off with the new MacBook Pro and iPad Pro, then the family of M5 products will be bigger, and they can make more money, too.

So, when do we see all this new stuff?

Apple doesn't usually say stuff late in the week, so I'm guessing the reveal will be on Wednesday or Thursday. Keep an eye out – it could happen any day now.

I'm guessing the M5 MacBook Pro will be out as soon as they announce it. I wouldn't be shocked to see deliveries happen within the month. It's something that would help Apple's earnings. So, we'll just have to wait and see.

In short:

A new Apple M5 MacBook Pro announcement could be right around the corner. Apple's future looks cool. I think it will be amazing to see what happens! Apple has improved in the last few years.

3.NVIDIA Launches Compact AI PC Bringing Supercomputer Power to Your Desk

**Nvidia's DGX Spark: AI on Your Desk for $4,000**

So, Nvidia has this new thing, the DGX Spark. It's basically a mini AI powerhouse that sits on your desk. Yeah, it's four grand, but it's got some serious guts—one petaflop and 128GB of memory. You can snag one starting October 15, 2025, from Nvidia's site, US stores, or their partners. Nvidia is trying to bring data center-level AI right to your house.

**Great for Big Models**

The DGX Spark solves a simple AI issue. Loads of AI tasks need way more memory and power than your average computer has. Usually, people use cloud services or drop major cash on servers for bigger models. This Spark lets you manage models up to 200 billion parameters locally. You can even mess with models up to 70 billion parameters without having to use remote servers.

It rocks for researchers, startups, or anyone messing around with massive language models, image creators, and AI stuff. Nvidia says to check out Black Forest Labs' Flux.1 for images or create image search tools with their Cosmos Reason model, or mess around with chatbots using Qwen3—all will work on the Spark out of the box.

**Loads of Memory, Small Size**

The DGX Spark is pretty small when you think how powerful it is. This gold box weighs only 2.65 pounds and is about 5.91 x 5.91 x 1.99 inches. It won't hog your desk space. It pulls 240 watts and uses Nvidia's GB10 Grace Blackwell Superchip, which combines the CPU and GPU.

Here's what you get:

*   128GB of memory shared between the system and GPU

*   ConnectX-7 200Gb/s networking

*   NVLink-C2C tech that's 5x faster than PCIe Gen 5

That memory is the best bit. Regular GPUs (like the RTX 5070) usually have like 12GB of memory. The Spark's 128GB means it can actually run models that typically need cloud services. For example, OpenAI's 120 billion-parameter gpt-oss model needs around 80GB of memory, which is too much for most computers.

**Software and OS**

The DGX Spark runs Nvidia's DGX OS, which is just Ubuntu Linux prepped for GPU tasks. It comes with Nvidia's AI software, such as:

*   CUDA libraries

*   NIM microservices

*   It plays nice with other tools

Since it's all set up, developers can jump right in.

**Is It Worth It? Good AI Value**

At $3,999, the DGX Spark seems pricey compared to your standard computer. But for AI stuff, it's not that bad. Check out these prices:

*   RTX Pro 6000: About $9,000 with 48GB of VRAM

*   Nvidia H100 server GPU: Around $25,000 for the low-end version

The Spark's GB10 chip is almost as good as an RTX 5070, but the memory is a game-changer for AI. It might not be as fast as the RTX 5090, but it can run far bigger models, which is what AI people care about.

**Cool Fact: Huang Gave a Spark to Musk**

Nvidia's boss, Jensen Huang, gave one of the first DGX Spark units to Elon Musk at SpaceX's Starbase in Texas. Huang also gave Musk the first DGX-1 system back in 2016 at OpenAI.

Back in 2016, we made DGX-1 to give AI researchers their own supercomputer, Huang said. I gave the first one to Elon at OpenAI (which was tiny back then), which started ChatGPT. DGX-1 got the AI supercomputer moving and showed what AI could be. With DGX Spark, we're doing that again.

**AI on Your Desk: What's Coming?**

The DGX Spark is a new approach to AI that’s pretty powerful without using server rooms or expensive cloud services. Who knows if everyone will want one, since cloud services are all over the place. If you need privacy, control, and stand-alone AI, the Spark is worth a look.

If AI models keep growing, the DGX Spark could become the best choice for researchers and those who like messing around without the cloud.

**Bottom Line**

Nvidia's DGX Spark is a little cube that runs huge AI models on your desk. If you're into chatbots, making images, or just messing with AI, the Spark could be your new go-to thing.

Order one starting on October 15. The future of AI could be on your desk, and it’s almost small enough to hold in your hand.

4.NVIDIA’s Tiny AI Supercomputer Is Coming October 15th — and It’s a Beast 

Nvidia's DGX Spark is coming out soon! It's like a tiny, but strong AI computer for your desk. Check it out at nvidia.com or at US stores and Nvidia partners starting Wednesday, October 15, 2025.

Remember Digits? Well, with the DGX Spark, playing with AI is way easier. It'll cost around $3,999 (even though they said $3,000 at first). Nvidia wants researchers, developers, and students to try all the new AI stuff with it.

🧠 A Neat Little Computer

The DGX Spark can do AI stuff that used to need a whole server room. Nvidia’s CEO, Jensen Huang, said Spark is gonna get AI to everyone—data fans, AI researchers, and students—so they can create the next great AI app.

This thing has pretty good specs:

Nvidia GB10 Grace Blackwell Superchip

128GB of memory

Up to 4TB of NVMe SSD storage

ConnectX-7 200Gb/s networking

NVLink-C2C for quick info sharing

So, Spark can do about one petaflop of AI work and run AI models with around 200 billion parameters. You can do language and image things right on your computer without always needing the cloud.

📦 Small But Powerful

The Spark is super small—2.65 pounds and around 6 x 6 x 2 inches. It fits on your desk and plugs into a normal wall plug. Nvidia says it’s the smallest AI computer that can do this much, and it probably is.

The CPU and GPU can use the same memory, which is good for those huge jobs that normal graphics cards can’t do. An RTX 5070 has 12GB of video memory, but Spark’s 128GB can run OpenAI’s 120 billion-parameter gpt-oss, which needs about 80GB of memory.

🖥️ Custom Versions From PC Brands

Nvidia's getting help from PC makers you've likely heard of. Others are making their own Spark versions, like Acer, Asus, Dell, Gigabyte, HP, Lenovo, and MSI. The Acer Veriton GN100 will be around the same price as Nvidia’s: $3,999.

Because these brands sell the Spark, more people can get it and change its looks, cooling, and other things. Nvidia thinks Spark is just the start for desktop AI setups.

🔍 Who’s This For?

The DGX Spark is good for:

AI researchers who want to run big jobs without spending much on the cloud.

Students and teachers learning about machine learning.

Startups and developers building AI programs that stay off the cloud.

People making things using AI tools.

Cloud services might give you more space, but can cost a lot and might not be safe. Spark sits on your computer, works great, and is small enough to keep at home.

🚀 What About The Station?

Nvidia talked about a bigger Spark called Station. The Station will be stronger with more memory and is for businesses and research labs. No word on when they decide to release it.

📝 Heads up:

We said the DGX Spark was already available. Nvidia says shipping starts October 15, 2025.

🧭 So...

The DGX Spark could be something new for desktop computers. Nvidia got supercomputer power into a small box, which might get everyone to switch to AI that doesn’t need server rooms or subscriptions.

If you're a researcher, developer, or student, Spark might be your way into AI. This desktop AI thing might just be starting, and I bet the rest will start building their own ways to do it.

5.Windows Users at Risk — Two Unpatched Zero-Day Flaws Being Exploited Now 

Alright, so Microsoft dropped a HUGE update this Tuesday – like, 183 fixes! If you're a Windows user, here's what's up: Windows 10 support is over, unless you're paying for Extended Security Updates (ESU). If you're sticking with Windows 10 and skipping the ESU, heads up – your system could be in danger.

Also, there were three zero-day bugs being actively used in the wild. That's why it was really important to grab those updates ASAP. Hopefully, you're already on it.

So, what's in this update? Here’s a quick breakdown:

*   A whopping 165 fixes are marked as Important. Translation: there are actual risks.

*   Only 17 are Critical. The security folks are not happy about this.

*   Just one is Moderate.

*   Eight fixes involved third-party code.

Lots of the fixes focus on stopping unauthorized file access – maybe 84 of them?

That keeps people out of places they shouldn't be. Next, 33 fixes patch remote code issues. That means someone could sneak into your computer over the internet without you even knowing. Plus, 14 fixes prevent identity theft. 11 fixes stop crashes, and another 11 block hackers from bypassing security.

And we're still not done! Last month, Microsoft pushed out *25* security fixes for the Edge browser.

Let's talk about those three zero-day exploits that were already public.

1.  CVE-2025-24990 – Agere Modem Driver Issue

    *   CVSS Score: 7.8 – Not good!

    *   Where's the problem? The ltmdm64.sys file in the Agere Modem Driver.

    *   What's the risk? Someone could gain admin-level access. Turns out this driver's been lurking on Windows machines for ages, even if nobody's using it! Microsoft won't patch it because it's so old.

    Adam Barnett (Rapid7) flagged this issue. If someone gets a toehold in your system, they could become an admin and control everything. Yeah, a bad situation!

2.  CVE-2025-59230 – RasMan issue

    *   CVSS Score: 7.8 – Another actively used bug!

    *   What's the cause? The Windows Remote Access Connection Manager (RasMan).

    *   What could happen? Bad guys exploiting RasMan could also get those sweet, sweet admin privileges.

    Satnam Narang (Tenable) is concerned about this one. Gaining admin access means game over.

3.  CVE-2025-47827 – Secure Boot problem

    *   CVSS Score: 4.6 – Less scary, but still a problem.

    *   The culprit: IGEL OS (older than version 11).

    *   The result: An attacker could bypass security physically, stealing data or messing with systems.

    Zack Didcott reported this. The catch? An attacker needs to be physically at the computer. If that's possible, you've got issues.

    Important: The feds want everyone to fix this ASAP (before November 4th). That shows how seriously they're taking it.

Other Updates To Note:

*   CVE-2025-59287 – Remote Code Thing in WSUS

    *   CVSS Score: 9.8

    *   Attackers might be able to take over WSUS if they can access it.

*   CVE-2025-59295 – Code Executed from Sketchy URLs

    *   CVSS Score: 8.8

    *   Bad URLs could let attackers screw with your system and data. If they get in, they can take control.

    Ben McCarthy (Immersive Labs) warned about this one!

*   CVE-2025-2884 – TPM2.0 Leaking Info

    *   CVSS Score: 5.3

    *   Danger from: Trusted Computing Group (TCG) TPM2.0 CryptHmacSign

    *   It's leaking info, which is bad for security.

Two Issues with a Score of 9.9

*   CVE-2025-49708 – Microsoft Graphics Component

6.Microsoft and Adobe Release October 2025 Patch Tuesday Updates: Here’s What’s Fixed 

**Major Security Alert: Hackers Are Exploiting These Weak Spots Right Now!**

Hey everyone, pay attention! There are some seriously awful security holes that hackers are all over at the moment. You seriously need to know about these, like, ASAP.

Think of it like this: imagine if you left your front door wide open while you were away. Well, these zero-day exploits are kind of like that for computers. They're problems that the software makers didn't even know existed, but the criminals did – and they're fully taking advantage.

Here's the lowdown:

**That Old Modem Driver Issue (CVE-2025-24990 & CVE-2025-24052)**

So, there's this old Agere Modem driver (ltmdm64.sys). It's been hanging about in Windows for ages, even on the server versions. Now, loads of people don't even use dial-up modems anymore, but this driver is still sitting on their systems. This makes it an easy target for criminals because it's just so widespread.

The insane thing? Instead of actually fixing the difficulty, Microsoft just ripped the driver out altogether with the KB5066791 update. It's like fixing a leaky faucet by cutting off the water to the house! What's really worrisome is that if a criminal manages to sneak a little bit into your system, these weaknesses let them rise from being a low-level intruder to a full-blown administrator. That's game over right there.

Someone called Adam Barnett at Rapid7 made a clever note. He mentioned that even if you don't ever use that specific modem, you're still at risk. If a hacker already has a way into your PC, they can use this driver to become the boss.

**Remote Access Problem (CVE-2025-59230)**

This weakness is all about how Windows handles remote access. If a person has already been given permission to be on your system (maybe they stole someone's password), they can take advantage of this to have total control – what's called SYSTEM privileges. It's a difficulty with RasMan (Remote Access Connection Manager). The interesting thing is that it's the first time anyone has seen hackers actively attacking this piece of Windows. Also, they've already taken care of more than 20 difficulties in RasMan since 2022! This shows how tempting this part of Windows is for the bad guys!.

Satnam Narang, who is associated with Tenable, said that lots of companies use RasMan for VPNs and other remote access stuff. That indicates this weakness could touch a lot of businesses.

**Bypassing Secure Boot (CVE-2025-47827)**

This is a problem with older versions of IGEL OS, especially before version 11. A security person, Zack Didcott, talked about this way back in June 2025. If someone can physically get their hands on the computer, they can go around Secure Boot. That allows them to install rootkits, which are incredibly sneaky malware that's really hard to remove.

Kev Breen at Immersive Labs called it an evil maid attack. It's mostly that if a bad actor can access the machine, they can mess with virtual desktops and pinch login info. Think of it like someone sneaking into your hotel room while you're out and messing with your laptop.

Here's the real talk: the US Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) is treating this seriously. They've put all three of these weaknesses on their list of known difficulties that hackers are actively trying to make the most of. That means all federal groups have to patch these things right away – by November 4.

**Other Things To Be Aware Of**

It's not just those three. There's more coming:

*   **TPM 2.0 Mess (CVE-2025-2884):** This is a difficulty with the Trusted Computing Group's TPM 2.0 security component. The Difficulty is a mistake in how they look at things in the CryptHmacSign function. That stands for a pirate could view data which shouldn’t be found

*   **Azure Compute Gallery Issue:** In Azure some gallery problems could let limited peoples get things to wrong place and run code. If the problem is there be safe with the cloud!

*   **Windows 10's Last: KB5066791:** KB5066791 fix problems on windows 10 but support will end and can be on your own!

**What other fixes were found by Microsoft this month?**

Windows found fixes this month within the system.

*   **Windows:** Main files files, graphics,files sharing

*   **Azure:** cloud monitor, machine device

*   **Microsoft office:** share writing charts

*   **Tools:** app programs device control

*   **Secure terms:** linux Sign in control

*   **Gaming:** Live play and Sign in

*   **Browsing application:** About 14 security issues

**Adobe Security found what issues?**

*   **24** danger

*   **12** alerts

*   **36** security breaking

Bad things happen

*   Permissions are granted

*   Security problems happen

*   Run unsafe code

Security changes which app?

*   Chat places

*   Money transfer

*   Cloud storage

*   Edit tools

*   Animation tools

*   Digital help

*   3D movies

*   Creating documents

*   Drawing with computer

*   Creating tools

**The main point: Patch was important!**

Patch fixes fixed a total of 193 problems. Six hackers were working with windows 10 is at its end.

Keep your stuff good if not important. Every adobe tool can be a big problem to your pc.

If you are in a charge of stuff get a cloud and start thinking good.

7.M5 MacBook Pro Teased by Apple Marketing Chief Greg Joswiak Ahead of Launch 

**Apple Drops a Hint: Is a New Mighty MacBook Pro Coming Soon?**

Guess what? Apple's got everyone talking again! They just dropped a little teaser about a new MacBook Pro, and the internet is buzzing.

So, what happened? Greg Joswiak (everyone calls him Joz), who's in charge of all things marketing at Apple, posted a quick message on X. He said, Mmmmm. Something powerful is coming. It came with a dark video clip of a MacBook Pro. You could see the side of it, kind of folded open with the Apple logo shining. And of course, it said, Coming Soon.

Even though it wasn't much, it made everyone go wild. Apple fans and people who follow the tech industry have been waiting for Apple to show them cool products this fall. This could be It.

**Reading Between the Lines: Is M5 the Word?**

That post by Joz might be short, but people think there is a lot happening. The Mmmmm part, with five Ms in a row, seems like a hint that the next MacBook Pro will use Apple's M5 chip. The shape of the MacBook in the video looks like a V, the Roman numeral for five? It seems too obvious! If you see the number 5 it is M5, and M5 is coming is what they want us to think.

Apple hasn't officially said anything at all about the M5 chip, like what it’s called or how it works. But it looks like the next MacBook Pro could have one. They seem to be making new, faster chips all the time.

**What Can People Expect? Probably an Upgrade.**

From what everyone is saying, the MacBook Pro that's coming out will just be the basic 14-inch one. They expect it to be more of an upgrade, not a completely new design. It should look pretty similar to the current M4 model.

But here is what they do expect from Apple

*   **Faster M5 chip:** It should work faster and not use up as much power as the M4.

*   **More storage and Room:** Maybe they will give you more space to start with.

*   **A New Look:** There might be a light blue color, like the MacBook Air.

They did not say a date, but Coming Soon makes it sound like it's going to happen any day now. Stay Tuned!

**What's the Deal with the M5 Chip?**

Apple's M-series chips have always been great for laptops. The M5 chip is probably faster and better in a few ways:

*   The main processor and graphics should be quicker.

*   It should be better at doing things with AI.

*   It shouldn't get too hot.

*   The battery should last longer.

The M5 could use a more advanced way of making chips. That would mean they can put more stuff inside and make it more efficient. That should make the new MacBook Pro even better for people who use them for work.

**What's Up With The Delay?**

Normally, Apple brings out new products twice a year, one in September and then again in October. They released the iPhone 17 ones on time, but some expected announcements like new iPads, updates to the Vision Pro, and MacBooks haven't happened yet.

Maybe Joz's message is just to let people know that they are still coming. The delay might be because of problems getting parts, getting the software ready, or just waiting for the right time to show everything off. You never know with Apple!

**Why This Matters**

The MacBook Pro is an important product for Apple, mainly for serious users. A new one with the M5 chip would make it even faster, which would show that Apple knows what they’re doing when it comes to making their own chips.

The M5 MacBook Pro could be a big deal for:

*   **Developers:** Less waiting for things to finish.

*   **Designers:** Easier to work with big files.

*   **Video Editors:** Faster editing.

Even if it looks the same on the outside, the quicker performance could make a difference, especially if you're still using an older Mac.

**What Are People Saying?**

The response has been quite positive.

**In Conclusion: One Last Hint**

Joz's teaser might have been short, but it said a lot. With those five Ms and the V shape, Apple is saying that the new MacBook Pro is on its way.

We don't have all the details yet, but it sounds like Apple is about to start a new chapter with laptops. Whether you use your computer to do creative stuff, make apps, or just love cool technology, the M5 MacBook Pro is one of this year's most exciting things that could happen.

8.PlayStation 6 Manufacturing Expected to Start in Early 2027 

People are chatting about the PlayStation 6 (PS6) possibly arriving around early 2027. If the chatter holds true, we might see it on store racks later that year. The info's cropping up thanks to Moore’s Law Is Dead (MLID), a hardware leaker known for inside sources. He says he's peeked at private docs that suggest that timeline. While he's keeping them private, he’s spot-on with PlayStation scoops.

MLID was gabbing on a podcast with Dustin Furman about something sacred, apparently, and said, “Listen, I’ve seen the stuff. I'm not showing anyone but Sony is kicking these things into gear around the middle or even start of 2027. That’s when they're going to be mass producing the PS6. [They’ve been plotting this] for ages.”

So, what’s the deal with this whole console cycle?

If that 2027 launch rumor is right, it kinda makes sense. The PlayStation 4 showed up in 2013, and then we got the PlayStation 5 in 2020. That’s roughly 7 years apart. So, if the PS6 lands by 2027, it seems to stick to that pattern.

Another person on the internet, KeplerL2, mentioned Sony’s aiming to drop the new console around 2027, which makes MLID's info seem to come together. These plans might change, sure, but 2027 seems to be where they are aiming.

So, what's with starting so early?

Well, a big take away from the PS5 situation was prepping the supply chain. Things were messy, to put it lightly. The PS5 popped up when the COVID-19 pandemic was in full swing, and the entire globe was feeling the shock. That made grabbing the system from stores tricky, and those scalpers were making a KILLING.

Sony wants to skip all that this time around. By beginning assembly months ahead, they want a pile of consoles ready to go for a smooth opening. Nintendo did pretty well with the Switch 2, launching like crazy 'cause they had piles of stock.

Do we even need the PS6 right now?

Tons of people are doing mid upgrades for their consoles to keep up, but Sony's sticking to the console plan, and they are betting the PS6 will be much better than the older stuff.

The PS5 Pro is supposedly coming in 2025, but the PS6 will have new tech and crazy top-tier graphics. Oh, and of course, better AI. This new console is for both developers and us players. It's one big change.

How much will it cost? Will it be cheap?

MLID also had some thoughts on a potential price tag for the PS6. He's just using common sense but he feels Sony is hunting for parts that will trim costs. Stuff like not as much space and smaller cooling devices. That would cut down on production costs quite a bit.

Despite being maybe stronger than the PS5 Pro, MLID is thinking the PS6 *could* be cheaper – I mean, IF we get inflation staying where we are. If that happens, it could make the console affordable and a strong buyer against the market.

What kinds of parts could be inside?

No one has the exact specs, but here's what the PS6 *could* come with:

*   An AMD APU deal with CPU and GPU cores.

*   8K gaming and ray tracing.

*   Way more SSD storage.

*   Cooler AI stuff.

*   Better energy using.

Sony might keep pushing those PlayStation VR advancements, game streaming, and their digital store.

A solid strategy is important for the market.

Sony’s game plan for launching the PS6 will be tied to learning from the PS5 slip-ups. There's Xbox and cloud gaming platforms to think about, after all. So, Sony will need great hardware, services, and software, all in sync.

This allows Sony to build up inventory and take care of distribution. This also shows fans that there is hope is seeing a new console at launch.

What's the final outcome? Is it coming?

The PS6 is being prepped, so it is planned for release. So, the PlayStation brand gets to keep going.

Whether there are tweaks to the specs, a new look, or a lower price, the PS6 is looking like one of the biggest releases in a while. Time to see what follows.

9.Intel’s Risky Rebuild: How One Factory Could Shape the Future of U.S. Chips 

Intel's got this massive new factory, Fab 52, planted right outside Phoenix, Arizona. We're talking a four-story building that cost them over $20 billion. It’s a huge deal for Intel because they are aiming to find their way back to the top of the chip-making industry. They've definitely been struggling, and the whole world knows it.

What’s interesting about Fab 52 is that they're trying out brand-new ways of constructing chips. The goal is to produce chips that are more durable and don't drain power as quickly. To accomplish this, they're using these incredibly complex machines made by a Dutch company called ASML. This is the first time in about a decade that Intel is focusing on manufacturing its most advanced chips right here in the U.S. For a while, the U.S. has been behind other countries in chip making.

I actually had the chance to look around the factory recently. I saw two of these machines, and I tell you, they cost around $250 million, like, sitting there! ASML's people were all over one of them in full cleanroom suits – super science fiction looking. You can see open space for many more machines, so, clearly, Intel’s hoping this goes well. Their goal is really big, and this factory has to work out to achieve it.

What's going on is Intel’s been showing Fab 52 off to other companies, trying to get them to have Intel make their chips for them. The issue is that most companies want to see Intel make *their own* chips first before letting the company make theirs. That makes sense. If Intel builds their own chips well, companies might consider having Intel produce chips for smartphones, AI, and other tech. But companies are scared of giving Intel manufacturing contracts before seeing that Intel's process is working smoothly. If Intel messes up and the chips are faulty, consumers are going to lash out. It's a high-risk, high-reward game for Intel.

This factory is make-or-break for our company. It used to be that if you thought cutting edge, you thought Intel. They released the fastest, tiniest chips in the world. But not anymore. Now there are many other chipmakers competing with us; TSMC, a Taiwan company. TSMC got ahead because Intel’s tech was not performing as it needed to. Apple even replaced Intel's chips in their laptops as they ate too much battery.

With the pressure increasing, it almost feels like Intel is changing CEOs every day. Lip-Bu Tan is the most recent CEO and took over recently in March, making him the third one in five years. Now, he is running the budget for this incredibly ambitious idea to roll out five new manufacturing methods in four years. He is also trying to turn Intel into a chip-making service for other companies. It's a long road, and they are hoping that it would be beneficial.

Tan did catch a break when the government gave Intel close to $9 billion. That’s one of the biggest investments the U.S. government has made since the 2008 crisis.

The money is going to come from the CHIPS and Science Act.

Back in 2021, Intel originally mentioned they'd invest $32 billion into the factories, Fab 52 and Fab 62, in Arizona.

According to Intel’s technology executive, Sachin Katti, the new methods and the new chip will either make or break the company.

Creative Strategies analyst Ben Bajarin says that Intel became number one by slowly developing these advances. In the past, they would try out a new way to etch silicon with tiny transistors and then improve that method before trying it on something new. But Intel is now trying to take huge steps in both manufacturing and design at the same time. Therefore, mistakes are more likely to happen in general. The method will use equipment to stack chips in general. The overall method should perform better in most situations. Intel’s chip is supposed to perform complicated AI systems with normal tasks.

Since this is all occurring, things could turn out the way it could potentially do. Even a little bit of dust or dirt could ruin the entire chip, which could cost millions of dollars. To make matters a little bit worse, it came to light that its new methods were having problems which showed that 30% was succeeding with its 1 chip.

At the event, the company's members failed to reveal how many chips they made. Experts and critics claim that the data would be the main way to tell how the company is performing.

Producing chips could reduce the expenses.

From the analyst's perspective, some point out that Intel isn't going to be making the chips effectively at the moment. The individual then pointed out that it is like a mall needing a department store.

10.Intel Launches Core Ultra 3 Chips in Crucial Step Toward Revival 

Okay, so Intel gave us a sneak peek at their upcoming Core Ultra series 3 processors, code-named Panther Lake. Why should people be excited? Well, this is the first chip that Intel built using their advanced 18A process. A better process usually means better processing.

These new chips come from Intel's Fab 52 plant in Arizona. Intel says that they're developing, constructing, and assembling this tech right here in the USA. They have stressed the need to keep production in America.

What's next on the agenda? Word on the street is that these Core Ultra series 3 chips should start rolling out before the end of the year. If all goes according to plan, we should see laptops with these chips in stores before the holidays. It will be big news and laptops with these chips could be everywhere.

It looks like this announcement should assist Intel in a number of ways. First, they're shipping products that utilize the 18A process. It hasn't been easy, but they're finally implementing RibbonFET transistors (with PowerVia). The main goal is to create chips that are faster but that use less power.

Second, by making these chips in Arizona, Intel wants to make it clear that they're serious about keeping manufacturing in the United States. They’re clearly trying to show people how dedicated they are to keeping the manufacturing in America.

So, if you decide to buy a laptop with one of these chips, what can you expect? Intel has three main versions planned:

*   A version with 8 CPU cores and can have up to 4 Xe GPU cores. The emphasis is on battery life that can be prolonged.

*   Another with 16 CPU cores and can have up to 4 Xe GPU cores. This one should be the most budget-friendly option, according to Intel.

*   And the high-end model with 16 CPU cores and 12 Xe GPU cores. For users who want the most power that they can get, this is likely the choice.

Each version can support up to 96GB of RAM and can process information at speeds of 180 trillion operations per second (TOPS). TOPS measures the system's AI smarts, and are commonly used by other reviewers.

Intel claims that these Core Ultra series 3 chips can improve multi-core performance by roughly 50%, while single-core tasks should see a 10% improvement. But keep in mind that this data is when compared to older chips. Actual performance might fluctuate depending on the task and workload.

For games and other graphical work, they're aiming for a 50% improvement in screen response as well. But as with all claims, these are benchmarks done in a labatory.

Intel has to make sure not only that these chips are powerful, but also that the laptops using them don't always have to be near a power outlet. They've had challenges with that in the past. AMD has been closing in on them with chips that are powerful and energy-efficient.

Apple's MacBooks, which have their own Arm-based processors, are doing very well in terms of battery life. If a laptop lasts all day, a lot of prospective buyers will want the same.

Even Qualcomm is trying to enter the market, by building Arm-based chips used for Windows PCs. They're trying to provide both great performance and good power efficiency, putting more stress on Intel to keep up.

In addition to the Core Ultra series 3, Intel also presented the Xeon 6+ data center processor. These will make the use of the new 18A tech.

If Intel goes about this the correct way, and these 18A-based chips are what they should be, they could regain some credibility. What remains now is to wait and see if the chips live up to expectations.

11.Motorola Edge 70 Surfaces Ahead of Launch: “Impossibly Thin” Flagship Promises Style and Power 

**Motorola Edge 70: Super-Thin Phone Leaks Before Launch!**

So, Motorola's got a new phone coming out soon—the Motorola Edge 70, which some people are saying will be called the Moto X70 Air over in China. The official reveal is supposed to be November 5th, but guess what? Someone jumped the gun!

A retailer in Poland accidentally posted all the details and pictures online. Oops! But hey, now we get a sneak peek at this impossibly thin phone Motorola's been hyping up. Let's check it out:

**Crazy Thin Design**

Motorola's been pushing design a lot lately, and this phone seems to be no different. They're calling it impossibly thin. The leaked specs say it's about160 x 75 x 6 mm. It is thin if that's true. Comparing it to the Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge and iPhone Air, it looks like it's a little taller and thicker. But I doubt you’d be able to tell the difference just by holding it. It supposedly weighs 170 grams, which is a little heavier than those other phones, but who cares if it means a bigger battery or better materials?

**Nice Screen and Colors**

The front of the Edge 70 is supposed to have a 6.67-inch OLED screen. It’s supposed to have a resolution of 1220 x 2712 pixels, and a refresh rate of 120Hz. So everything should look really smooth. The colors should be pretty bright and the blacks should look dark. Playing games, watching videos, and just scrolling around should all look pretty good. They're claiming it supports HDR10+, and it looks like the edges of the screen are pretty small, so you can really get into whatever you're watching.

Motorola is still working with Pantone for colors.The color models are Pantone Bronze Green, Pantone Gadget Gray and Lily Pad. Hopefully, it'll feel really premium.

**Camera Time**

For the camera, there are three cameras on the back with two 50MP sensors. One is the main camera, and it has OIS (Optical Image Stabilization), which should help with shaky hands. And the other 50MP is for taking wide shots. That should mean better pictures when it's dark.

The front camera is also 50MP. That's a big deal! It could mean really good selfies. Motorola also uses some AI to make the pictures look better, and it connects with Google Photos in Android 16. Photos should be much better now and video calls should look really sharp.

**What's Inside?**

Inside the phone is a Qualcomm Snapdragon 7 Gen 4 chip. It's not the fastest chip out there, but it's good. The phone they tested had 12GB of RAM and 512GB of storage. Plenty of space for everything.

It’s not the most powerful phone, but it's supposed to save you some money. Should still be pretty speedy for most things.

**Battery and Charging**

The battery is supposed to be 4,800 mAh, which is bigger than the batteries in the Galaxy S25 Edge and iPhone Air. Plus, it charges super-fast at 68W with a cable and 15W wirelessly. So you can get it charged up really quickly which is something everyone needs now.

**Software**

The Motorola Edge 70 is going to run Android 16, with Motorola’s Hello UI on top. People say it's similar to normal Android, but with some extra things added. It also has two SIM card slots. It supports 5G, Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4, and NFC.

**What Does It All Mean?**

So, the surprise might be ruined because of the leak, but it shows people are hyped about Motorola. The Edge 70 (or Moto X70 Air) is a thinner phone with good stuff inside.

Motorola wants to be known for phones that look good and can do a lot. It’s against Samsung, Apple, and Xiaomi. If the Edge 70 works as well as it looks on paper, Motorola could be back in the game.

With its good design, good cameras, decent Snapdragon chip, and big battery, the Motorola Edge 70 will change the game for the brand. It's stepping stone for Motorola.

12.Motorola’s Slim Edge 70 Set to Challenge Galaxy S25 Edge and iPhone Air 

**Motorola's New Super-Thin Phone Challenges Samsung and Apple: Is the Slim Phone Back?**

Okay, so maybe foldable phones are cooling off a bit. It looks like super-thin phones could be making a big comeback, and Motorola really wants to be the one leading the way. Their next high-end phone, probably called the Motorola Edge 70, is sounding like one of the most interesting phones coming out. Samsung’s Galaxy S25 Edge and maybe even an Apple iPhone Air are supposed to be going for the same super-slim idea, so what Motorola does next could change what we think of when we say thin phone next year.

**Why Are Thin Phones a Thing Again?**

Yeah, yeah, foldable phones have been all the rage for a few years, but phone companies have also been quietly trying to make phones thinner again. There's just something cool about a phone that's crazy thin but can still do everything you want it to. The hard part is always getting enough power, a good battery, and all the other stuff into a phone that's less than 6mm thick.

Thin phones are often easy to pocket and hold. But, usually, you have to give up something to get that thin size: the battery doesn't last as long, the phone can get hot, and the cameras might not be as good. Most thin phones look good but don't work as well as they should, and it's hard to make a phone that both looks nice and is useful.

That’s why the Motorola Edge 70 is getting so much attention. If what Motorola is saying is true (and the leaked pictures seem to back it up), this could be the phone that gets thin phones right.

**Finally, a Thin Phone With Good Battery Life?**

The biggest problem with super-thin phones has always been the battery. If you don’t have much room inside the phone, the battery is usually the first thing to get smaller. But it sounds like Motorola might have figured out a way around that.

Some pictures and information popped up on Motorola’s website in Poland that suggest the Edge 70 might have a 4,800mAh battery. That would be pretty amazing for a phone that’s supposed to be under 6mm thick! That's way bigger than the battery in Samsung’s Galaxy S25 Edge (3,900mAh) or the iPhone Air (just 3,149mAh).

If these battery numbers are real, Motorola might have a phone that’s thin and lasts a long time. These days, that's pretty rare. Having almost 2,000mAh more than other phones would mean several more hours of screen time. No more battery anxiety if you want both a powerful and easy-to-carry phone.

On top of the bigger battery, there are rumors that the Edge 70 will use 68W fast charging, like the Edge 60. That's way faster than most other high-end phones, which usually charge at 25W to 45W. That probably indicates a full charge in less than 40 minutes, which is about twice as quick as Samsung or Apple’s best phones. Wow, indeed!

**Power and Good Looks?**

We don't know all the details about the Motorola Edge 70, but some leaks suggest it might be similar to the Moto X70 Air, which is only sold in China. If that's true, we can probably expect it to use Qualcomm’s new Snapdragon 7 Gen 5 chip. Maybe even the Elite version, which is supposed to use less power and be better at things that use AI. It will probably come with lots of storage and memory.

That would make the Edge 70 more than just a pretty phone. It could be a really good performer, too. If you add in 12GB of memory and Motorola’s simple Hello UI (which is close to regular Android) on Android 16, this phone could be really smooth and easy to use. Something that's hard to find on Android these days.

**Motorola's Chance to Shine**

Motorola used to be a big name in phones, but they’ve been trying to get back on top for the last ten years or so. The Edge series has been a big part of that, with good specs, nice designs, and decent prices.

The Edge 70, with its super-thin design and powerful parts, feels like the high point of that comeback. It shows that Motorola still knows how to take chances and do them right.

If they can actually make a phone that's under 6mm thick, has a 4,800mAh battery, and charges super-fast, Motorola might not just compete with Samsung and Apple. They might actually beat them at their own game.

Everyone's watching Motorola as they get ready to release the phone on November 5. The foldable phone trend might not be over, but if the Edge 70 is as good as it sounds, next year could be when thin phones come back, but this time, done the right way.

13.  The Best Prime Day Apple Deals: MacBooks, iPads, AirPods, and More 

Prime Day's here, and I'm stoked! You almost never see Apple products get discounts, so this is like Christmas for me. I’ve been planning to snag a MacBook for work, an iPad for when I’m traveling, and some new AirPods. I'm crossing my fingers that I can finally grab them without emptying my bank account. Being the researcher I am, I checked various sites. First, I checked Amazon, then I went to Best Buy, after that I quickly went to Target and Costco. I just wanted to make sure that the deals were actually good, not some fake price increase thing before the sale.

So, here's what caught my eye this Prime Day:

**Apple MacBook Air (13-Inch, M4, 2025, 16 GB RAM, 256 GB SSD) – My Absolute Favorite**

*   Amazon: $800 (usually $850)

*   Best Buy: $800 (usually $850)

*   Costco: $800 (Costco is great!)

If you are searching for a laptopthat's both light and powerful enough for your daily work, the 13-inch MacBook Air with the M4 chip is amazing. That M4 chip makes everything respond so fast. Whether you're just binge-watching videos, streaming your shows, or even getting into 4K video editing, this thing will manage it.

The webcam on this model is now 12 megapixels. No more potato quality when you're on those Zoom calls. And the screen is so bright. You'll love how everything looks on it. It also has the keyboard and trackpad that everyone seems to love. It also has Thunderbolt 4 ports, a headphone jack, and the awesome Magsafe charger that snaps on.

This one has 16GB of memory. If you ask me, that's important. It also comes with 256GB of storage. which is ideal for most people. Now, if your computer is filled with video files, then I would purchase a hard drive for extra insurance. Getting this Apple laptop for $800 instead of paying full price is the smart thing to do. No question about it.

**Apple MacBook Air (15-Inch, M4, 2025, 16 GB RAM, 256 GB SSD) – Time to Treat Myself!**

*   Best Buy: $1,000 (usually $1,050)

*   Amazon: $1,000 (usually $1,050)

Now, if you're like me and want a bigger screen, you need the 15-inch M4 MacBook Air. It's basically the same as the smaller one. It has all the same ports, same sleek design, but it has a bigger screen, a bigger touchpad, and the speakers sound better.

Oh yeah, because it's bigger, it handles heavy duty tasks easier. If you are into video or 3D work, you'll love this. The machine won't get too hot either. Even though it has the same 12-megapixel webcam as the smaller model, the 15-inch one deals with heat better.

Okay, so this version is an extra $200. But, it might be worth it for that screen.

**Apple iPad Air (11-Inch, M3, 128 GB) – Worth Every Penny**

*   Target: $450 (usually $525; you'll need a Target Circle account, but it's easy to get)

*   Amazon: $450 (usually $525)

Alright, let's say you are thinking of getting an iPad but the iPad Pro is expensive. The M3 iPad Air (11-inch) is a good choice. The chip makes it quick and smooth. They moved the front-facing camera to the correct spot at the front. If you wanna upgrade, get a keyboard, mouse, and a monitor. Then, it's a legit computer setup.

128 GB of storage is fine. Unless you need the fancy screen and Face ID from the iPad Pro, this one is great. And it saves you money too, so that's nice.

**Apple iPad Air (13-Inch, M3, 128 GB) – This is Getting Serious**

*   Amazon: $650 (usually $700)

*   Best Buy: $650 (usually $700)

Hey, you a designer? Do you need more space for drawing? The 13-inch iPad Air (M3) is the choice. It uses that same M3 chip, making it awesome with the Apple Pencil. If you are a student or artist, this is perfect for you.

The screen is big. You also save $50 on it. Sweet deal. The screen is bright. The colors look good too. The front camera is good, plus it fits older iPad Pro cases. While it doesn't have the ProMotion screen or Face ID, it has the fingerprint reader and a sleek, light build.

The new iPad Air models are awesome, and here are some reasons to purchase it:

1.  **Good performance**: Every iPad Air model now has the M3 chip inside. Which makes it fast no matter what you're trying to do. Playing games or editing videos is a breeze because of the power of the processor.

2.  **Cool Display**: Looking at the iPad Air screen can be relaxing. Everything is colorful. It's cool to see the colors. The colors are colorful too.

3.  **Good to take anywhere**: The iPad Air models are super slim. Any backpack will fit the tablet easily.

4.  **Front Camera**: They added a better front facing camera on the side, so the device can be more practical.

5.  **Accessories**: If you purchase keyboards and pencils, people can work on the iPad Air instead of buying a computer. Drawing anywhere without the need of a laptop.

6.  **Good Battery**: The iPad Air does not need to be plugged in all of the time to work. Being charged fully let's you do a lot of cool things.

14.The Best iPad Deal of Prime Day: Apple’s Latest Model Gets Major Price Drop

These Prime Day deals are kinda nuts, right? Apple's newest iPad just got a big price drop on Amazon, and it's a total bargain.

iPads? They're everywhere! People call any tablet an iPad. And why not? Apple tablets? They're easy to use, they work, and they last. So, if you're a student, an artist, or you just want something simple that does everything you need, the iPad is great for this. The newest basic iPad (the 11th gen) has a big sale because of Prime Big Deal Days.

I'm talking you can get one for only $279 (that's $70 off!). Amazon, Walmart, even Best Buy. It's the cheapest it's ever been, so everyone's grabbing them. Seriously, if you've been waiting to get an iPad (or get someone a cool gift), now's the time. Who knows how long this sale will last?

Good for Just About Everyone

It's not Apple's fastest tablet, but the regular iPad is still great for most folks. The 11-inch screen looks nice, so watching videos, going online, and social media are a breeze. The battery lasts about 10 hours. No charger needed, as it will last all day for whatever you are doing.

This iPad has Apple's A16 Bionic chip, which is the same chip in last year's iPhone 15. Do anything, like edit pics, play games, and hop between apps. For stuff like notes, videos, and games, the iPad is just as good as the more expensive Air or Pro models.

Good for Students, Families, and People

The iPad is normal because anyone can use it. Students take it to class for notes, and families share it at home. It's also good for kids, especially the 11th gen model with its low price, regular entertainment, and simple learning apps.

Parents like that it's made with recycled stuff. Apple’s family settings? Very simple, and it works with other Apple devices. Grab Apple’s Smart Keyboard and USB-C Pencil, and it can also be used as a tiny PC or a drawing tool for artists.

What Could Be Better

Apple had to cut here and there to make the price right. The 11th gen iPad doesn't have Apple Intelligence, only the nicer Air and Pro models do. Those iPads have better screens (OLED or mini-LED), faster chips, and work with the new Apple Pencil Pro.

The basic iPad works with the USB-C Apple Pencil, it doesn't have any high-quality features. These are unnecessary for most non-professional tasks, it is usually just for artists and people who do heavy tasks. The iPad plays light games and lets you switch between apps just fine. You might not want to play heavy games like Resident Evil 4 or Assassin's Creed Mirage.

Now Is the right Time to Buy

With Prime Big Deal Days here, it's the best time to get Apple stuff for cheap. Apple stuff isn't often cheap like this, other than Prime Day or Black Friday. The iPad is $279 at lots of stores (not just Amazon this time), and it looks like stores want people to shop early.

If you're wanting to go up to something speedy with more space, the newest iPad Air (M3) and iPad Pro (M4) are also on sale. But for most people, the 11th gen iPad is where it's at.

What I'm Saying Is

The iPad has been both nice-looking and works well, and this one's good too. At this price, you can't find a better tablet that looks and works this well. Apple's stuff works together great.

If you want Apple products or need something simple that will last, then do it now. Sales like this don't happen much, so grab the new iPad during Amazon's Prime Day 2025.

15.Level Up Your Holidays With Party Games Coming to Netflix on TV

Want to have more fun this holiday? Netflix now has party games for your TV!

Netflix is not just about shows and movies anymore. They want to help you have fun with friends. This holiday season, they’re putting party games right on your TV. Now you, your friends, and family can all have a great time without leaving the app. Whether you are into brain games, silly stuff, or a little friendly competition, these new games will turn your living room into the place to be! Just grab your phone and your Netflix, and you’re all set.

Netflix thinks this is an easy way to get into games; it’s just as easy as turning on a show. Go to the Games section on your TV, pick a game, and use your phone as the controller. You'll be playing in no time, and you don’t need anything extra or any downloads.

These games seem like a lot of fun. The first ones you can play are LEGO® Party!, Pictionary: Game Night, Boggle Party, Tetris Time Warp, and Party Crashers: Fool Your Friends. Every game puts a fun spin on games you probably already know, mixing the classics with something new.

LEGO® Party!—Build, Battle, and LOL

First, there's LEGO® Party! It’s full of mini-games in different places. You and your friends will battle in quick, funny moments as you try to grab gold and see who's the best. It's LEGO craziness with bright colors. Everyone will like this one. Get ready for some goofy moments and many laughs.

Boggle Party—Wordplay With a Twist

Boggle Party is good for word fans. You try to find a lot of words as you can from random letters. The longer the words, the higher your score. Play alone or with up to eight people and test your speed and smarts. It's a new take on a game we all know and is good for anyone who likes to chill or play with words.

Pictionary: Game Night—Draw, Guess, Laugh, Again

Few games bring people together like Pictionary, and Netflix’s Pictionary: Game Night puts that on your TV. Grab your phone, start drawing, and see if your friends can guess what you're drawing before time runs out. It’s quick, wild, and will have you laughing – mostly if you're not good at drawing.

Tetris Time Warp—Old-School Fun

One of the most famous puzzle games gets a Netflix spin with Tetris Time Warp. You and your friends will play different versions of Tetris, from the first 1984 game to the Game Boy version and more. It’s a fun throwback, and it makes you wonder: who can handle it as the blocks start flying?

Party Crashers: Fool Your Friends—The Bluff Game

Finally, there's Party Crashers: Fool Your Friends, Netflix’s take on social games like Among Us. One person at the party doesn’t know what’s going on—they’re the crasher. Everyone else needs to figure out who it is using clues, guesses, and weird stuff. It’s part mystery, part comedy, and pretty exciting—good for a holiday get-together.

A New Way to Play

Netflix has been trying different games for some time, but bringing party games to TVs is their biggest thing yet. They started with phone games in 2021 and have been adding stories and single-player games since then. Now, with games you can play on your TV with your phones, Netflix is becoming better at what they do—mixing streaming, social gaming, and hanging out in the living room.

And the best part: It’s free for subscribers. Anyone with Netflix can play these games as part of their plan.

“This is just the start,” says Netflix. “More is coming. Get ready to play, have fun, and hang out on Netflix.”

So, when the holidays come and you’re tired of movies, switch from the remote to your phone and make your next movie night a game night—the Netflix way.

16.Meta’s Ray-Ban Display Glasses Show How Wearables Are Finally Growing Up 

## Meta's Ray-Ban Display and Neural Band: Wearable Tech's Next Big Thing?

So, Mark Zuckerberg showed off Meta's Ray-Ban Display and Neural Band. The presentation had some issues, but Meta's trying to push the limits of wearable tech.

The Ray-Ban Display has a tiny screen in the right lens that's about 600 by 600 pixels. It shows texts, calls, directions, and alerts, so you don't have to grab your phone or watch. Meta wants tech to be less of a pain, and this seems like a start.

Glasses with screens aren't anything new. But the Ray-Ban Display feels different. It's designed to fit your life. They look like regular Ray-Bans, and you can get them with or without a prescription. They don't feel heavier than normal sunglasses, so you could wear them anywhere, unlike older smart glasses that made you stick out.

The Neural Band is a wristband that uses sensors to read signals from your arm muscles. You don't have to tap or talk to your glasses. Instead, you control them with hand movements, like a pinch or a twist. If you want to look at a message or answer a call, just move your hand a bit. The band figures out what you want to do.

The Neural Band might sound like sci-fi. Meta's been working on this muscle-reading stuff for a while. Now it can tell even small movements. It's getting us closer to controlling tech just by thinking.

The batteries seem decent. The Neural Band works for about 18 hours, and the glasses last about six – enough for a workday. You can charge them without wires, and they connect to your phone easily.

Even though the demo had some problems, it seemed like a cool step for wearable computers. It shows that this tech is new, but still awesome. A few years ago, controlling a screen with wrist movements sounded crazy. Now, it's real.

Meta wants to make computers part of your life – always there, but not annoying. The Ray-Ban Display and Neural Band are steps toward that goal. They show a future where you don't have to look at your phone to get info; it just fits into your day.

If they can fix the problems and make the display clearer and use less power, Meta might change how we use tech. Zuckerberg's demo wasn't just a test. It was a look at a future where your sunglasses can call, text, and give you directions, all while you're still talking to someone.

17.Google loosens sideloading rules on Android—flexibility returns 

**Google's New Advanced Flow Lets Android Fans Keep Sideloading**

So, Google's doing something kinda cool. Remember how they were talking about blocking people from installing apps from outside the Play Store? Well, they've listened to the complaints, and they are changing things. They've got this new thing called advanced flow which basically means if you know what you're doing, you can still install apps from developers that Google hasn't checked out yet – without having to mess around with complicated stuff like ADB.

A while back, Google said they were going to start blocking these unverified apps next year, and a lot of developers and Android geeks got pretty upset. They saw it as Google taking away their freedom to install whatever they wanted.

This new advanced flow is like a compromise. It lets people who know their way around Android keep doing their thing, while still trying to protect everyone else from getting scammed or tricked into downloading something bad.

**Why the Change of Heart?**

The original plan to just block unverified apps didn't go down well. People were worried that it would kill sideloading, which is a big part of what makes Android so open. Sideloading lets you install apps from anywhere, not just the Play Store. Sure, Google wanted to stop dodgy software and scams, but the worry was that it would also hurt developers who share their apps directly and people who like to use custom-made software.

So, Google came up with this advanced flow idea. It's supposed to let you take the risk of installing unverified apps if you want to. They say they're making it in a way that stops people from being forced or tricked into turning off the safety features.

There will be warnings, and you'll have to really agree that you understand the risks before you can install the app. They haven't shown us exactly what it will look like or how it will work yet, but the goal is to make it easier than using ADB. ADB has always been the way to install apps that Google hasn't approved, but it's not exactly user-friendly.

**Made for Android Experts**

This new system is really for people who are comfortable with technology and developers who don't mind taking a few risks. Google knows that not everyone uses Android the same way, and some people are happy to take responsibility for what they install.

Before, if you wanted to install an app that wasn't verified, you had to use ADB – Android Debug Bridge. It's a tool for developers that lets you control your Android device using text commands. It works, but it's a pain to use, and most people don't even know it exists. There are some tools like Shizuku that make it a bit easier, but they might not work forever if Google starts tightening things up.

The advanced flow is Google's way of giving people another option. It lets you choose what you want to install, but it also tries to keep you safe.

**Verifying Who's Who: The Developer Program**

Google's also starting a program where developers can prove who they are. If you share apps outside of the Play Store, you can sign up to verify your identity with Google. That should stop the bad guys from just creating a bunch of fake accounts and spreading malware.

They started sending out invites to the program on November 3rd, and Play Store developers can expect invites starting November 25th, 2025. If you're a verified developer, you'll have more freedom to share your apps. If you're not, you will face limitation.

**Why Bother Verifying?**

Google is pushing for developer verification because there are a lot of scams happening, especially in Southeast Asia. Scammers pretend to be bank employees and trick people into installing fake apps that steal their passwords and security codes.

By making developers prove who they are, Google hopes to make it harder for these scammers to operate. If they have to use real information, it's more difficult for them to just create new accounts after Google shuts them down.

It's not a perfect solution, but it's a good way to try and make people responsible for their actions.

**Helping Out Hobbyists and Students**

Google knows that making it harder to get verified could make it tough for hobbyists and students who are just starting out. So, they're working on a special type of account that has fewer requirements. You won't have to pay the registration fee, and you can share your apps with a small group of people.

The downside is that you can't publish apps on the Play Store or share them with a huge audience. Google is still figuring out the details and wants to hear from the community to make it work well.

**What's Next on the Horizon?**

Google says they'll tell us more about the advanced flow soon. For now, it's good news for people who were worried about losing the ability to sideload apps. It shows that Google is paying attention and willing to change its plans based on what people want.

Android is always changing, and the challenge is to keep things secure while still giving developers freedom and users control. The advanced flow seems like a step in the right direction, keeping the spirit of sideloading alive while trying to protect everyone from dangerous stuff.

18.Black Ops 7 Launches With Massive Day‑One Patch: Weapon Tune‑ups & Map Tweaks 

Black Ops 7 is almost here, and the people who made the game just dropped the notes for the update that's coming on Day One. It sounds like they've been working hard since the Beta. They've done work to a lot of stuff, like how aiming feels, how you move, how fast you get XP, and how strong the guns are. Honestly, this update is important because it sets the stage for how they’re going to keep the game running after it’s out.

**Aim Assist Got Some Changes:**

So, they messed with aim assist a little bit. The question is, did they make it better or worse? This is going to matter to anyone using a controller. It sounds like they made it so aim assist starts working sooner when you're trying to hit someone who's not super close. I liked how strong the aim assist was in the beta, I do have to admit. It also sounds like it should be simpler to get your aim on someone who's far away.

The biggest change is, now you actually have to move the stick yourself to aim. So, actually good aim is required now.

**Movement is Hopefully Smoother:**

The way you move around the map has been tweaked. I'm hoping it feels better. I really didn't like the slide cancel!

*   Getting over walls is quicker.

*   They took out that bug that caused you to dive slower.

*   Sliding will be slower.

They're hopefully trying to keep the same fast pace of the gameplay. I hope that fast movement leads to some fun, aggressive plays.

**Leveling Up is Faster:**

They've messed with how you get XP. It sounds like you'll be able to level up your guns faster and get the attachments you want quicker.

*   It’s now 25% faster to level up guns.

*   Getting scorestreaks should be easier.

*   You'll get more XP from Daily Challenges.

*   You can change a Daily Challenge if you don't like it.

**New Medals to Earn:**

They've thrown in a bunch of new medals for both Multiplayer and Zombies, and put some old ones in that were missing from the Beta. You can check them out in the Career > Stats menu. I like that they're putting some love into these medals.

**Gun Changes:**

Here's what's up with the guns:

*   **Assault Rifles:** It's harder to shoot while jumping. They did this to get rid of the bunny hopping stuff.

*   **MXR-17:** They changed the recoil a little bit.

*   **Peacekeeper Mk1:** It's harder to shoot without aiming down sights than it used to be.

*   **Submachine Guns:** Shooting while jumping is harder.

*   **Shotguns:** Jumping before killing is now an issue.

**What Does It All Mean?**

It sounds like the Day One patch is going to make the game a little bit slower. I think they don’t want the guns to be too strong, and they want to make working your way up worth it. They also don't want everyone jumping around all the time. Hopefully, this makes people play in a smarter way.

The changes to XP and score could be a big deal, too.

**So What's Going to Happen Next?**

Black Ops 7 is coming, and these changes are only the beginning. They'll probably listen to what people say about the game and keep tweaking it. They'll likely drop more updates later on. Jump in and have some fun and see what happens in the next few weeks!

19.Apple adjusts its Liquid Glass interface after feedback 

Remember that Liquid Glass thing Apple showed off for iPhones back in 2025? Everyone freaked out about it! Guess what? They're still messing with it.

Right now, Apple's sending out iOS 26.6 to those app developer people. Usually, at this point, Apple is squashing those annoying bugs and cleaning up how everything looks. You know how Apple is; they're super serious about how things look and feel. It's a little like when the charging port was redesigned on the iPhone - you recall that whole mess?

When Liquid Glass first popped up, people had different thoughts. A lot of folks were digging the fresh, simple vibe, especially the see-through bits. Early versions of iOS 26.6 felt seriously fast. But some people grumbled because the text was hard to read. A few updates even made phones feel slow and killed the battery fast. A couple of people were nervous that Apple wasn't listening to them. But since then, Apple's been tweaking things with each update, patching up the problems people talked about. This new update makes some small changes to how things look and move on the screen. I guess they're trying to get it just right – something pretty cool and simple to use.

The whole idea with Liquid Glass was to make iOS look almost see-through. Kind of like a screen made of glass layers that could ripple. First shots were a little too much, though. Like, people said they couldn't read anything, and their phones felt like they were moving through peanut butter, so Apple backed off. It sounds like they're slowly bringing back the core ideas and letting people tweak little things. They're hunting the sweet spot where it looks good but isn't a pain to deal with every day.

Apple actually added a setting in iOS 26.1. You get to pick either a Crystal Clear or a Tinted look. It let people get Liquid Glass adjusted the way they enjoyed it. Then, in iOS 26.2, they threw in a way to move the clock on the Lock Screen. It allows it to fit the design better. Now, you could actually mess with the looks. I think Apple might be figuring out that what we think actually matters. Hopefully, they keep taking notes and stay real!

iOS 26.6 has some nice, smooth animations. You'll spot them when you open an app. One guy, Aaron Perris, said the changes remind him of seeing Liquid Glass for the first time up on stage at Apple's event. It made him so excited that he couldn't wait to tell everyone on X.

Against iOS 26.1, the animations in the new version move much faster. They're a lot snappier when you tap the screen. Beta Profiles put out a video that shows the initial demo against the current test version. They said they wanted to gush about the speed. But can't yet because of the gag order. Leaving fans excited to find out the differences.

Reading through the comments, it seems like Apple could be going back to the first design. And it looks like they're hearing what folks are saying.

Aside from the animations, iOS 26.6 has tiny changes to how things look a little bit. Espcially on the Lock Screen. A person on Reddit, mvbalan, pointed out that the X, Show More, and Clear All Notifications buttons above the notifications now have that Liquid Glass look. But they're not 100% see-through. It's not a huge shift, but it is there. Though he said that he is watching how things come together for the full release.

I think these little tweaks are going to clean up the User Interface and improve how it flows. If they do, users might actually stick around!

Apple looks to be wanting to balance how things look and how easy they are to use. This is without overdoing it. By letting people tweak things, they can get the right feeling. I guess they're working to create a more personal-feeling User Interface by letting you make adjustments. I can't even remember my passwords anymore!

Apple stomping out the bugs and cleaning up the animations sort of points to an end goal for the design. Maybe the final version is coming soon! Picture if iOS felt just like VisionOS? Imagine walking around with your tablet and then heading to Vision Pro quickly! Apple's shooting for making that change a breeze. That would be sick!

Don't forget, iOS 26.6 is still in testing. So it will change. That means some stuff might get changed before it's fully released. I think Apple will fix Liquid Glass based on what people say. We might even see Liquid Glass on a ton of devices. So, what do you think? I can not wait!

20.Google opens the door: Expert Android users can now sideload any app 

**Google's Easing Up on Android App Checks – But Don't Get Too Excited**

Okay, so Google's kind of walking back some of those tough new rules for Android app makers that caused a bit of an uproar. Remember how they wanted everyone, even if you weren't on the Play Store, to jump through hoops to prove who they are? Well, that's still happening, but they're throwing a bone to the students, hobbyists, and tech-savvy folks who like to tinker. Now here's the thing, it's going to take some time to get everything up and running.

**The Original Idea: Lock Things down, For Security reasons**

Last year, Google dropped a bomb; almost everyone creating Android apps had to prove their identity. Before this, only people putting apps on the Play Store had to do this. If your app was on your website, a different app store, or you let people install it directly (sideloading), you could skip this.

But Google changed their mind and said everybody needs to prove who they are. And every app needed a digital signature. The reason? Apparently, there are many bad apps out there that are designed to mess with you.

Google Said they had to do this to put a stop on criminal behavior and questionable software, mostly in places like Southeast Asia. Scam artists were posing as bank workers, getting people to install fake apps that stole all their personal data. Which is really bad.

**People Pushed Back: Keep Android Free!**

A lot of people were not thrilled - especially the smaller developers. They got rallied together, with the slogan, Keep Android Open! They argued that these new rules would be too difficult for new developers to start out. Also, this had ruined what made Android special in the first place: its openness.

Many developers were worried about the verification process. It seemed designed for big companies, and this gave too much trouble for students and hobbyists. Others were scared that cracking down on unverified apps would kill sideloading. This makes it possible for people to control their own devices.

**Google's Response: Slowing The Process, Strategically**

Google listened to the complaints. And they have changed a few things. Mathew Forsythe works on Android app safety. He wrote a blog post.

We appreciate the community's participation. Also we have heard the first wave of feedback. That includes feedback from students and hobbyists who need an easier way to learn. Also from power users who are alright with security risks.”

Forsythe mentioned that power users are aware and accept taking risks of installing software that hasn't fully been verified. Google is creating a way to install these kinds of apps with a few warning signs. With this system, users won't be tricked into installing an app that they didn't want to install.

This all puts the power in the user's hands. It's keeping the tradition of sideloading, however, adding ways to prevent abuse.

**A Break for Students and Hobbyists**

Google says they're working on a special account meant for students and hobbyists. With the account, people can share apps using a few devices. They wouldn't have to verify everything nor would they have to pay the registration fee.

That sounds good, but Forsythe didn't say when it would be ready. Google is considering all bits of feedback and is still working on it. This might take a while to happen.

**Verification Starts for the Others**

Apart from these revisions, Google will still use this verification system. It doesn't matter if you give out your app outside the Play Store or not. Developer verification is starting for those apps using the Android Developer Console but not the Play Store.

Google is listening; overall they are still doing what they planned. Verification is indeed happening. But the revisions, such as the flow and student accounts, are still in the process of being worked on.

**Android's Big Picture**

What Google's doing tells the story of safety and openness. The company wants to stop bad software and scamming. However, they don't want to upset developers.

Google is creating a fix that gives work for a variety of developers. This way Google can try its best to keep Android open and be more secure. The slow roll out of this system shows that they're being thoughtful.

So, If you give your apps outside of Play, get prepared for verification. Android could be changing. But routes to create new and exciting things are still being formed!

21.Apple Wallet Now Supports Digital IDs With U.S. Passport Integration 

Apple just released a cool update to their Wallet app called Digital ID. It lets you store a digital version of your U.S. passport right on your iPhone. Apple's been playing around with digital driver's licenses and state IDs for a while now, but the passport deal is now ready for use. The general purpose is to get make ID checks faster, less stressful, and without worry, especially at the airport. Eventually, they want you to have the option to use it in other places, not just when traveling.

🛂 Digital ID? What's the real story?

Just think of it as a digital copy of your official ID that lives on your iPhone or Apple Watch. The awesome part is that all you need is your actual passport to set it up. The problem with the digital driver's licenses is that some states aren't aboard yet. So, even if you don't drive, or your state hasn't agreed to the Apple Wallet ID thing, you can still use the new passport feature.

Right now, you can use Digital ID at TSA checkpoints in many U.S. airports. For flights within the U.S., leave your passport at home while you'll still need your real passport for international trips.

📲 How do I set this up?

It seems pretty easy to set up. And Apple claims it's safe. Here's what you do:

Fire up your Apple Wallet app and tap the + button.

Tap Driver's License or ID Cards, and then tap Digital ID.

Use your iPhone camera to scan the photo page of your passport.

Hold your iPhone close to your passport. This lets the NFC reader grab the needed data from the passport chip for approval.

Take a selfie and slightly rotate your head. This will perform a proper face scan.

Once it's verified, your Digital ID is ready to use on your phone. Apple has explicitly stated that they do not monitor use of your Digital ID for privacy and security purposes.

🔐 Is it actually safe?

Apple repeats that Digital ID is built to be secure. They claim the security is like Apple Pay. These are important points you should be aware of:

It's only on your phone: Your ID info stays on your device. There are no uploads/downloads or storage to a server.

It's only for you: Face ID or Touch ID is needed to pull up your ID.

You have control: Before sharing, you must confirm and approve.

Keep Your Phone. Your phone stays in your hand . No one needs to touch your phone.

In short, Digital ID is safe from bad guys, theft, or shady stuff happening without your say-so.

🛫 How to actually use it at the airport

Just double-click the side button (or the Home button on older iPhones) to open Apple Wallet. Choose your ID, then hold your iPhone or Apple Watch near the reader. You phone will give you a summary of what info they need – like your name, photo, or birthday –. You'll have to approve it. It looks like a fast, private way to present this data without fishing an older passport out of our bag.

🌐 What else can is this good for?

Apple wants stores and websites to use Digital ID to check ages or make sure you're really you. Here are a few possibilities:

Shops making sure you're of age before you buy alcohol.

Websites confirming your identity when you sign up.

Government offices using it for protected confirmations.

Apple is talking to individual states to enable digital driver's licenses and state IDs. They're live in some spots now, like Puerto Rico, and Japan. Out of state or out of the country, this is a helpful idea.

📉 Does it move Apple's stock price up or down?

When Apple first showed off the Digital ID feature, the stock price didn't change by much. It had a minor dip at the end of the day, but then recovered shortly after. Most folks didn't respond. Digital ID is one step in Apple's plan of making iPhone the only thing you need for all purchases, IDs, and all other needs. With other companies coming together, this may happen.

🧩 Summing it up

Digital ID seems like a good attempt from Apple to make verifying who you are a breeze. Today, everyone has to show ID constantly. Apple making everything only on the device helps keep the privacy and security that users deeply value.

When people switch to it, Digital ID can easily change our way of verifying who we are. This idea may be something when people go purchase goods, or walk through doors. As a result, this can a positive progression to keeping the digital world safer.

22.iOS 26.2 adds toggle to disable pinned messages in CarPlay’s Messages app

The latest Apple update, iOS 26.2, is here, and it has a cool little thing for CarPlay that will keep you from being too distracted. It changes how your Messages app looks when you're driving. Now, you can hide those pinned conversations that pop up on your CarPlay screen.

With iOS 26, CarPlay got a big makeover with a fresh design and some widgets. They were kind of like the widgets you have on your iPhone lock screen. But this newest update is about making your driving experience a bit less distracting.

Before this update, CarPlay would just throw up all the conversations you had pinned in your Messages app on your iPhone. So, if you had a bunch of group chats or people pinned to the top, they'd all show up on your car's screen. Honestly, some of that is just unneeded distraction when you're trying to pay attention to the road.

In iOS 26.2, Apple included a simple on/off switch in the CarPlay settings. Now you can get rid of all pinned conversations. When you do so, your Messages app in CarPlay lists conversations in order of when you last talked to someone. It's a cleaner way to see what's new.

This is pretty neat because you can keep things minimal while driving, and you can find the messages you need by quickly scrolling.

However, this new update isn’t perfect. Right now, it's all or nothing. You have to see all your pinned messages, or none of them. It would be great if you could choose which pinned conversations show up in CarPlay.

For example, what if you want your spouse or close relative pinned for easy contact, but you don't need your fantasy football group chat popping up while you're merging onto the highway? If Apple let you choose which pins to show in CarPlay, it would be perfect.

To fix this, Apple could add a CarPlay section in the Messages app settings. Or, they could use Siri to figure out which contacts you usually talk to when you're on the road. Since they’ve done similar things with Focus modes and settings, it is totally possible.

Being able to control what you see in your car is pretty important to avoid any distractions. Apple is all about keeping CarPlay simple and safe. This toggle matches that push for safer driving.

This small change also fits into a bigger push in iOS 26: to give the user more control. From how things look to how apps perform, Apple is making its products more personalized. This CarPlay Message update is just one little piece of that bigger picture for customization.

Down the road, Apple might give us more options apps like Messages, Maps, and Music. Maybe we’ll get a driving mode that’s far different from how our iPhones work in normal settings.

For now, this new toggle in iOS 26.2 is a okay little upgrade. If you want a simpler CarPlay experience, hide your pins. But this is just the start, and will only improve over time.

23.9 Apple Watch Tips That Will Change How You Use It 

## Get More Out of Your Apple Watch: Cool Tricks for WatchOS 26

So, you've got an Apple Watch, eh? Whether it's the shiny new Series 11, a trusty SE 3, or even an older model that got the WatchOS 26 update, chances are you're not seeing everything it can do. Yeah, everyone checks the time and sees who's calling, but there's a ton of stuff hidden inside these little wrist computers.

Here are a few things you might want to try to really make your Apple Watch sing:

**1. Swipe Between Faces (It's Back!)**

Remember how you could flip between different watch faces with a swipe? Then Apple took it away? Well, it's back in WatchOS 10.2! They got rid of it before because people were doing it by accident. Now, you can turn it back on if you want. Just hop into Settings, then Clock, and flip the Swipe to Switch Watch Face switch.

This is great if you want a simple, clean face for work and a more detailed one when you're at the gym. It just makes things a little smoother.

**2. Keep an Eye on Your Heart with Vitals**

The Vitals thing is pretty neat, especially if you wear your watch to bed. It keeps tabs on your heart rate, how you're breathing, your temperature (if your watch supports that), and how long you sleep. Then, it compares everything to what's normal for *you*.

If something looks off, it'll let you know. It's not going to give you a diagnosis or anything, but it can be a good early warning if you're getting sick or stressed.

One thing to note: If you bought your watch after January 29, 2024, you won't be able to see blood oxygen readings in the Vitals app. You can still see them in the Health app on your iPhone. Apparently, there's some legal stuff going on about that.

**3. Sleep Score: How'd You Sleep Last Night?**

WatchOS 26 gives you a Sleep Score. After you wake up, check the Sleep app or the Sleep Score in the Smart Stack. You'll get a number from 0 to 100 that tells you how well you slept.

It looks at how long you slept, how regular your sleep schedule is, and how often you woke up. If you look at this along with the Vitals data, you can start to figure out how to get better sleep.

**4. The Wrist Flick Trick**

If you have an Apple Watch Series 9 (or later) or an Ultra 2 or 3, you can do this cool wrist flick thing. Give your wrist a quick twist upward, and it'll dismiss notifications, calls, and stuff like that. No need to tap the screen.

You can also use it to go back to the watch face. If you're lost in the Settings or looking at a Live Activity, just flick your wrist, and you're back where you started. It's pretty slick once you get the hang of it.

**5. Make the Smart Stack Your Own**

The Smart Stack is like a bunch of widgets that show you stuff you might want to know. Just spin the Digital Crown or swipe up from the bottom of the watch face to see it. It shows things like the weather, what's on your calendar, and maybe some photos.

This is especially handy if you like a simple watch face without a bunch of stuff cluttering it up. The Smart Stack fills in the blanks and gives you the info you need.

**6. Control Those Live Activities**

Those Live Activities – like when your food delivery is on the way or a timer goes off – can pop up on your watch face and in the Smart Stack. If you don't like that, you can change it.

Head to Settings, then Smart Stack, then Live Activities on your watch. You can turn off Auto-Launch or just turn off Live Activities altogether. You can also change the settings for each app individually, either on your watch or in the Watch app on your iPhone.

That way, you get to decide what's important enough to bother you.

**7. Add Your Favorite Stuff to the Smart Stack**

The Smart Stack has gotten more useful over time. Now, you can pin widgets so they're always at the top of the stack.

Here's how to add one:

*   Open the Smart Stack and tap Edit.

*   Tap the + button and pick the app you want (like Timers).

*   Pick something like “Set Timer 10 minutes” and drag it where you want it.

*   Tap the checkmark to save.

To pin it, tap the yellow Pin button while you're editing. Your favorite thing will always be there, ready to go. Just remember that Live Activities might still pop up over it sometimes.

**8. Flashlight on Your Wrist**

Need a little light? Your Apple Watch can be a flashlight. Just press the side button to get to the Control Center, then tap the Flashlight icon.

The screen will turn white and get brighter. You can spin the Digital Crown to make it brighter or dimmer. If you swipe to the left, you get a blinking white light (good if you're walking at night). Swipe again, and you get a red light, which is easier on your eyes in the dark.

It's not as strong as the flashlight on your phone, but it's good for finding your way around a dark room.

**9. Take a Break from the Rings**

Those Activity rings are good for keeping you moving, but sometimes you just can't. Maybe you're sick, or you're traveling. Before WatchOS 11, missing a day meant losing your streak. Now, you can pause the rings.

This is great for long flights, when you're not feeling well, or just need a break. It's a good way to take care of yourself without messing up your progress.

24.8 small Pixel Watch 4 settings that made a surprisingly big difference 

You snagged the Pixel Watch 4? Awesome! I’ve heard it’s a lot quicker than the older models, which is always a good thing. Now, let's get it working just how you want it to, it takes just a couple of adjustments will make life easier. Whether you're at the gym, catching some Z's, or checking out the menus.

Here are ten quick tips to set up your Pixel Watch 4 and make it work just for you:

**1. Auto-Pause During Workouts? Seriously, Do It!**

If you're using your watch for running, biking, or even just walking, turn on auto-pause. Really. If you stop at a light for a sec, the timer keeps going, and your stats will be wrong. Nobody wants that, right?

Here’s how to turn it on:

*   Start your workout (like a run).

*   Look for the settings icon and tap it.

*   Switch on Auto-pause to ON.

*   Here’s the thing: You have to do this for each kind of workout. The watch doesn’t turn it on for everything by itself.

**2. Change Up Colors to Match Your Vibe**

Your watch grabs colors from your watch face and uses them in other places. It seems nice, but what if you are not a fan of the colors? It is Easy to change! You can change the settings.

*   Head to Settings > Display > Color theme.

*   Pick a theme or tap No theme to keep things simple.

That's all it takes for a bit of extra coolness!

**3. Keep the Screen On While Charging—If You Need To!**

Your watch can act like a bedside clock when on the charging stand, which sounds great, but the screen dims so it doesn't get burn-in. So be careful because you can damage the watch if you are not careful.

If you super want it on all the time:

*   Go to Settings > System > About > Versions.

*   Tap “Build Number” like crazy to unlock developer mode.

*   Go to Settings > Developer Options.

*   Switch on “Stay awake while charging.”

Keep in mind: Leaving the screen on could shorten the watch's life. Think about it first!

**4. Set Up Bedtime Mode for Sleep Time**

The Pixel Watch 4 has a Bedtime mode that shuts off alerts and dims the screen while you sleep. This will help to stay asleep.

*   Go to Settings > Modes > Bedtime.

*   Switch “Auto enter” and “Auto exit” on or off.

*   Tap “Personalize” to fix things like night light, grayscale, and sound.

You can set Bedtime mode to turn on automatically, so you have no interruptions.

**5. Make the Text Bigger So It's Easy to Read**

Want bigger font that’s easier to read, or want to see more words on the screen? Here's how to change the font size:

*   Go to Settings > Display > Display size to change the display.

*   Change “Font size” and switch on “Bold text” if it helps you.

Just so you know, this isn't going to change the font on the watch face itself!

**6. Music Controls? Yes, Please!**

Having music controls on your wrist is great, but for whatever reason, the Pixel Watch 4 doesn't turn them on right away. This simple change will help. It's and easy fix:

*   Go to Settings > General.

*   Switch on “Auto-start media controls.”

Now, those music controls show up on your watch when you play music on your phone.

**7. Change the Vibration Strength**

The Pixel Watch 4 vibrates when you get alerts. Make those shakes nicer with this simple fix. Here’s how:

*   Go to Settings > Vibration.

*   Move the sliders to set how strong you want the strength for “Ring,” “Notification,” and “Alarm” alerts.

*   Turn off “Vibration and haptics” to turn off the buzzes.

This is perfect for getting rid of alerts that bother you.

**8. Gemini's Hand Gesture**

You can turn on the Google Gemini, With Google Assistant, you can do it with a gesture; no need to say, “Hey Google.” But sometimes it can turn on when you don't want it to. Then you can change settings.

*   Go to Settings > Gestures > Raise to talk.

*   Change “Gesture sensitivity” and “Voice sensitivity.”

Turning sensitivity down keeps it from turning on by accident. Turning it up makes it more useful when it is loud.

**9. Pin Your Favorite Apps So You Can Get to Them Fast**

Wear OS 6 lets you pin Tiles (mini-apps) so you can get to them super fast. Since the watch is more useful, here's what to do if you're always using the calculator the weather app:

*   Swipe to the Tiles screen.

*   Tap “Edit” to move or pin tiles fast, .

*   Change your apps in the Watch app on your phone.

This helps a lot, when you are at the gym.

**10. Your Watch Can Be A Flashlight**

Need some light? Your Pixel Watch 4 can light things up:

*   Swipe down to get to Quick Settings.

*   Tap the “Flashlight” icon.

The screen turns white at the brightest level. You can change the brightness or switch to a flashing or red light for safety. It is useful for finding your keys when it's dark!

**Final Thoughts: Make It Yours**

These changes are useful, and they can make your Pixel Watch 4 better. So, if you care about working out, style, or just want to make things easier, these tips help change the watch to fit your life.

The Pixel Watch 4 is more than just a step tracker. Look around in the settings and it becomes a part of *you*.

25.Germany Sees Sharp Decline in Internet Freedom, Report Finds 

**Germany Rethinks Military Service Amid Security Worries**

So, Germany's government has finally reached a deal on how to handle military recruitment. This is a big deal because they've been arguing about this for years, especially since they stopped mandatory military service back in 2011. It all comes down to feeling more worried about security, wanting to keep promises to NATO, and some disagreements about things like online freedom.

**A New Direction for the Military?**

Basically, Germany wants to get its military, called the Bundeswehr, into better shape. Right now, they have around 182,000 soldiers. The goal is to bump that up to 260,000 so they can actually do what NATO expects them to do.

The official document starts out pretty bluntly: things have gotten way worse security-wise because of Russia's attack on Ukraine. This mindset is really changing how Germany thinks about its military. Politicians are now paying more attention to being ready for anything and being able to bounce back if something bad happens.

**Think Survey, Not Draft**

Here's the plan: next year, every 18-year-old guy in Germany will get a survey asking if they're interested in joining the military and able to do it. The idea is to build a list of people who could be called up if there's a national emergency or if they bring back the draft.

Now, here's the important part: the agreement says there won't be any automatic way to force people into service. This was a sticking point during negotiations because some people worried the survey wouldn't be enough to get enough recruits.

The whole thing is supposed to be a balance between being prepared and respecting people's freedom. The government doesn't want the political backlash of bringing back the draft, but they still want to have a way to get soldiers quickly if they need them.

**Sweetening the Deal**

To make joining the military more appealing, the government is thinking about raising salaries for new recruits and offering things like help paying for driving school. That's a pretty big deal in Germany, where it can cost a fortune to get a driver's license.

These extra benefits are part of a bigger plan to make the Bundeswehr look better to young people. They're hoping to win over people who might not be too excited about enlisting. They're also learning from other countries in NATO that have had success using money and education to get more recruits.

**Politics: A Compromise**

This agreement is what happens when you have different political parties trying to work together. The main players here are Chancellor Friedrich Merz's party (which is center-right) and the Social Democrats (who are center-left). They've always had different ideas about military recruitment. The CDU tends to like the idea of mandatory service, while the SPD prefers people to volunteer or do some kind of civil service instead.

So, this compromise is kind of a practical way to govern. They're trying to balance security needs with people's rights and what the public wants.

**Online Freedom**

While Germany is figuring out its military, there are also worries about online freedom. A report says that Germany's score for internet freedom has dropped a bit.

The report brings up a few points:

*   People are getting in trouble for criticizing politicians online.

*   People are censoring themselves because they're afraid of far-right groups.

*   There have been cyberattacks that seem to be coming from Russia.

One example in the report is about a guy who runs a far-right website. He got a suspended jail sentence and a fine for sharing a fake picture of a politician. The picture made it look like she hated free speech.

This situation shows the tension between being able to speak your mind and being held responsible for what you say online. The government wants to stop misinformation and hate speech, but some people worry that these kinds of actions might stop people from expressing their opinions or making fun of politicians.

**Student Struggles**

Germany is still a popular place for international students, especially from India. They come for the cheap tuition and the job opportunities. The problem is, a lot of them struggle financially and have to work long hours, often as delivery drivers, to get by.

This situation shows how complicated things are in Germany. It's a country that offers opportunities, but it also has a lot of obstacles for people trying to get ahead. As the government debates things like military recruitment and internet policy, they also need to think about how these decisions affect young people, immigrants, and people who are already struggling.

**What's Next?**

Germany's decision to change conscription without bringing back mandatory service is a careful move. It reflects what's going on in German politics and what's expected of them as a member of NATO. It's a step in the direction of being more prepared, but there are still questions about whether it's the right approach to take in the long run.

The decline in internet freedom and the difficulties that international students face shows that there's a need for a more complete way to govern. One that balances security with rights, and opportunity with fairness.

As Chancellor Merz gets ready to talk about economic policy, and as the government considers more changes, Germany is at a turning point. The choices they make will shape not only their military and digital future, but also their identity as a country.

26.From Dial-Up to Deep Learning: The Internet and AI’s Parallel Evolution 10.

**AI: Internet Déjà Vu?**

So, AI's everywhere these days, right? It feels like it's changing everything, from our jobs to how we live. If you remember the '90s, it's a lot like the internet all over again. Back then, the internet wasn't just email; it set the stage for all the data and cloud stuff AI needs now. It totally changed how we talk, shop, and think. Now, it looks like AI is about to do the same with our jobs, education, and even our social lives. It is kind of scary in a way, right?

So, can we learn anything from those early internet days? Can that help us understand this new AI stuff? Yeah, actually, there are some real similarities. Let's take a look.

**Playing Fair: Standards That Made the Internet Great**

One of the biggest reasons the internet took off was that everyone agreed on some basic rules for how things should work. Think about TCP/IP way back when. Vinton Cerf and Mallik Tatipamula talked about why it was so easy for people to get use to it. It was simple and could connect with all sorts of programs and systems. There were other options, like the ISO's OSI stack, but the simpler way worked out better. Easy is better. Less for people to complain about.

AI kind of needs the same thing to really take off, right? Right now, there are a bunch of AI systems that don't work together. To really start moving forward, we need some shared rules so different AI systems can work better together.

If we don't agree on some standards, progress is going to be slow. It is like everyone is just talking to brick walls. We need to get on the same page if we want AI to really change the world.

**Catching the Wave at the Right Time**

Steve Case, who helped start AOL, knew that timing is everything. You cannot be too early, or too late. That is something most people learn the hard way. If you understand market demand, then you are all set.

That's how it went with the internet. And that’s how it feels with AI right now. AI's been around for a while, but it’s only really starting to gain popularity. That’s because we have faster computers, tons of data, and smarter ways to develop AI. You want some great advice? Get in early. You might get some big wins, but if you wait too long, you might miss all the good bits. It is like buying meme stocks, if I am being real!

**The Engine Room: Bandwidth and Processing Power**

Pradeep Sindhu, who created Juniper Networks, makes some great points: the web exploded because bandwidth (how much data you can move) got way better and cheaper.

He said that bandwidth could double every six months, but the cost of sending data would decrease. Talk about fast!

It's the same deal with AI. Computers can do almost anything, memory is reliable, and modern cloud computing can process massive amounts of information. That lets us run complicated AI models in real-time, just like the web needed those fast connections to stream videos and pictures.

Sindhu also pointed out that, early on, the routers on the web had problems. Juniper became important when they fixed those design issues. Now, AI is using all the computing power it can get, so companies are making special chips to make things faster. Faster is always better, right?

**Nvidia's Great Idea**

It's interesting to see how Sindhu's work connects to Jensen Huang's at Nvidia. Back in the '90s, Huang experimented with a lot of parallel calculations, which led to CUDA, Nvidia's way to the environment graphics cards for everyday computing.

Sindhu remembers Huang talking about new languages for large parallel data. It is like their brains are connected in a way.

That's why Nvidia is so involved in AI these days. Graphics cards, designed for video games, are perfect for the math AI needs. Huang's idea helped Nvidia become a huge company.

The most important thing is to focus on being diverse and adaptable. Being adaptable to anything around you.

**Expect Issues!**

Even when things are going well, Sindhu says we should expect some problems. He mentions memory limitations and connection limit processes. Expect things to break.

He also said, “If I knew what would happen, I don’t think I would have started... So being naive is sometimes a good thing.” Everything looks easier before you actually do it.

His advice: Be ready to change quickly, build a focused team, and work with people you trust. Never stop learning ways to make your business better.

**Join Us, or Not!**

Sindhu thinks not understanding AI is like not being educated today. He is basically saying that people who do not understand tech are screwed.

He thinks that “People who ignore AI will be left behind, like dinosaurs.” AI is being used everywhere to do new things. This could be for better or for worse. I am not sure.

Everyone should be using it, and if you don't get on board, you might struggle.

**AI Isn't Always Right**

Sindhu also points out that AI isn't perfect, which is a big deal:

He added that “AI models are trained on scenarios, not the real world... They do not really know how anything works.”

AI learns from data, not experiences. It can mimic language and behavior, but it does not know the meaning behind it. Maybe we could find ways for simulations or real-world models to partner with AI. Then it would have some understanding of the environment around it.

**What's Next?**

The internet showed us why standards are important, when to start, and when the timing is right. We also know that new technologies always come with some growing pains.

AI is a lot like the internet. And as we start to use AI, we can look back at the mistakes that were made and the successes that happened during the internet's rise to guide us. So, get involved!

Things will change, just like they did when the internet started growing.

27.Microsoft Calls Windows an ‘Agentic OS’ — Users Call It Something Else

Microsoft's got something new in the works with AI for Windows. But honestly, it doesn't seem like the internet is really feeling it. I saw someone mention Pavan Davuluri's leading the charge, saying AI is going to make Windows super smart – like a computer that practically runs on its own. But a lot of people are basically saying, No way. It feels like everyone's getting sick of AI being forced into everything.

There's this really good article on Mashable by Tim Marcin that hits the nail on the head. He points out that businesses and regular everyday people see things differently when it comes to what users want. Microsoft seems to imagine Windows doing everything for you, guessing what you need before you even ask, and turning everyone into super productive machines. But the comments I'm seeing are mainly just confusion, folks wondering who even wants that kind of thing.

**🤔 What Does Smart Even Mean?**

When tech companies throw around the word smart, I guess they mean it can handle stuff without you having to constantly tell it what to do. To me, it sounds like a super helpful assistant who's always one step ahead. Booking meetings, starting emails, organizing files – all with you barely lifting a finger.

From what I could tell, Davuluri seemed pretty excited about that, saying Windows will automatically keep you safer. He's definitely got an optimistic view of it.

But then you have other people who only see problems, thinking the computer secretly wants to steal their identity. Which, to be fair, is a scary thought.

**🙅 The People Have Spoken: No Thanks!**

Just look at the comments on Davuluri's posts – people are practically begging them to stop. One person was like, Nobody wants this. Someone else said it might make people jump ship to Macs or Linux. That says a lot, I think.

It feels like Microsoft's stuck in its own company bubble, totally out of touch with what real people actually need. @EricLengyel put it perfectly:

> Instead of pushing AI so hard, how about listening to what people actually need?

From what I could find, the original post is probably gone now – either deleted or hidden after the backlash. So, the main takeaway is that people get annoyed when AI is crammed into their programs without a good reason.

**🤯 Too Much AI, Not Enough Trust**

Microsoft's not the first to mess this up. Remember Google's weird AI summaries in search results or Meta's odd AI avatars? People are starting to get tired of AI because they don't really understand what's happening with their information.

Plus, everyone's just tired of hearing tech companies brag about AI all the time. It's like those software updates that promise the world, but then something breaks, and you start worrying about your privacy. Since a lot of people are already skeptical of these companies, news like this, without any clear details, just makes things worse.

**💻 Windows: It's Personal**

Windows is more than just software to a lot of us. It's where we work, study, and chill out. So, people are going to have strong feelings about any big changes.

When Microsoft talks about making it smart, it sounds like more than just a simple update, it's like your computer's going to start taking over. And that's going to scare anyone who remembers Clippy, right?

**🔎 The Fix: Be Open and Give Us Choices**

One of the biggest issues is that nobody really knows what's going on. What does smart even mean? Can we turn it off if we want to? How's my personal information being used? What if the computer gets hacked? These are the kinds of worries I'm seeing.

People need clear answers ASAP, or they're going to get freaked out. Security is a big one, and people also hate not being in control and not understanding how things work. Especially when scammers are using bots to trick people, it's hard not to be worried.

If Microsoft wants people to get on board with this, they need to:

*   **Be upfront:** Share all the important details.

*   **Give us a say:** Let us choose what we want.

*   **Keep it simple:** Make sure everyone understands the tech before they start using it, and don't just keep saying AI is the solution to everything.

**😬 Bad Timing**

The timing could have been better. Azure had some pretty major problems right before this, which, understandably, may have made people kind of nervous.

For many, it was a reminder that **computers can really mess up,** and AI can't magically solve everything. When it comes to tech, simple and secure ideas.

**🧩 Bigger Than Windows**

This whole thing is a part of a larger discussion about how AI should fit into our lives. I do not think users hate AI they just dislike that the AI can have unwanted effects.

Maybe this is the push that needed to happen to change their lives and add a computer. I feel that companies should think so much when they upgrade.

If the users do not like it I feel the updates should leave.

**🥡 Final Thoughts**

Like Tim Marcin said, some companies try being too casual about this.

As AI becomes more common in the programs and devices we use, I think companies need to start paying way more attention to how people react. Usually, things that make people's daily lives easier are the things that gain the most acceptance

28.Wuzhen Summit 2025 Hosts Public Welfare and Charity Forum

**Wuzhen Forum: Can Tech Make Internet Charity Better?**

Back on November 8, 2025, the little town of Wuzhen, over in east China's Zhejiang Province, was the spot for the Internet Public Welfare and Charity Forum. This was a big part of the World Internet Conference Wuzhen Summit. The main idea? Digital Intelligence for Good: Let's Get Internet Charity Growing! They wanted to figure out how new tech can make charity and social programs way better in today's world.

**Who Showed Up?**

Tons of different people came – we're talking over 100! People from government offices, groups from other countries, internet companies, smart folks from universities, and even some popular people from the internet were there. Having people from all over the world shows they really wanted to talk and work together on making internet charity a big deal.

Some important people kicked things off. Yang Jianwen, who's high up in the Cyberspace Administration of China, spoke. So did Shu Huihao, a vice minister from the Ministry of Civil Affairs. Liu Xin, another important person from Zhejiang Province, was also there, showing the government is serious about this stuff.

**What Did They Talk About?**

The main talks were all about how tech could totally change charity. Wang Xiujun, the head of the China Internet Development Foundation, gave a speech. Zhang Chunsheng, who's part of the CPPCC National Committee and runs the China Charity Alliance, also spoke. A few other smart people from China and other countries shared their ideas on how to use tech in cool, new ways to help people.

One thing everyone liked was a video about the Interconnected China Public Action project. Basically, it showed how you can use online tools to get more people involved in charity all over the place.

**What About the Facts?**

They also released a study called The Power of Progress in Public Welfare: Helping China Become a Cyber Power Through Better Internet Charity. It used facts and figures to show how internet charity can help the country grow and get people more involved in their communities.

Some internet stars showed off how AI is already making life easier for people. They talked about things like tools for people with disabilities and online places for people to connect. These folks are a big deal because they can get people talking and make a difference.

To make things even more interesting, some performers told stories about charity using both old-fashioned art and new tech. It showed how you can keep traditions alive using modern tools.

**Let's Get Specific**

They had two smaller meetings to talk about some key things:

*   **Tech for Everyone:** How can we make sure everyone can use these new tech tools, even if they're not super techy? They wanted to make sure that charity helps everyone, not just some people.

*   **Using Tech to Run Things Better:** How can AI and data help the government and charities do a better job? They talked about making sure money and help go where they're needed most and getting people involved in making decisions.

**Working Together**

A bunch of people from different countries sat down for a chat called Let's Agree: How to Work Together on Charity Around the World. They shared their thoughts and ideas on how to help each other out. They thought it was important to work together, share what they know, and make sure their online tools can all work together.

Everyone agreed that tech is great, but we need to use it the right way. It needs to be fair and help everyone.

**Who Organized This?**

The Cyberspace Administration of China and the Ministry of Civil Affairs put the whole thing together. They had help from the China Internet Development Foundation, China Charity Alliance, People’s Daily Online, and Xiaomi Corporation. Having these big companies and media groups involved shows that tech and helping people are becoming more and more connected.

**What's Next?**

The Wuzhen Forum in 2025 made it clear that tech can do a lot for charity. As things like AI and data keep getting better, it's going to be super important to use them to help people and run social programs. The forum focused on being fair, trying new things, and working with other countries, which is a good start for the future.

We live in a world that's changing fast thanks to tech. Forums like this one in Wuzhen are important because they help us make sure tech is used for good. By figuring out how to make internet charity better, we're not just making things smarter – we're making a world that's more caring and connected.

29.The Internet Is Broken — And Big Tech’s Power Is Why

## The Internet: From Wild West to Walled Garden

Remember when the internet felt like a total game-changer? Back in the late 90s and early 2000s, it was like stepping into this brand-new world where you could connect with anyone, learn anything, and basically be yourself without all the usual gatekeepers. It didn't matter if you were from a small town or big city; you had a voice. For those of us who came of age during that time, the internet felt like pure freedom – a place where open minds and endless possibilities came together. Think chatrooms, personal websites made with Geocities, and finding obscure music on Napster. It was messy, and sometimes a bit lawless, but it was *ours*.

But that feeling is mostly gone. The open internet we knew and loved has been changed. It wasn't a natural occurrence – it was a slow, steady change, and now we have to decide what to do.

### The Dream of a People's Internet

At the beginning, the internet had a real can-do spirit, kind of like the early days of computer programming itself. Small, independent websites and communities could grow. People shared their thoughts on blogs, traded tips in forums long before Reddit, and built their own online spaces. Even small stores had a chance at competing with the large chains through e-commerce sites. There was a real thought that the internet could make it possible for anyone to succeed, where teamwork could be more important than bosses and wealth could be more evenly shared. You could share your passion, and people would learn about it, and want to participate.

The internet wasn't just some tool; it was a cultural movement. It held the expectation that creativity and hard work could be better than just power. It's easy to forget, but for some time it truly felt like a different kind of culture than the traditional one.

### How Things Started Going Wrong

Compare that to what the internet is like lately. Social media is just a constant stream of things that computers think you like. Conversations online often feel hollow, manufactured, or bad. Small shops struggle to stay online on platforms that initially seemed so fair. The internet doesn't feel like a friendly space anymore; it feels like the equivalent of a global superstore only certain businesses control.

This didn't just happen. It happened gradually, almost unnoticed. People started noticing how these platforms were starting to take advantage of the system. The internet was being taken over bit by bit, by a few powerful individuals. The very things that were designed to let us participate became mechanisms to get all of our info.

Think about how search engines used to be. You'd type something in, and you'd get a solid list of things that might help you. Nowadays, it's often pages upon pages of ads and special links, making it hard to find anything that would actually help you. Or take social boards: They wanted people to get followers, and then they changed the system so that those followers hardly saw their posts, without paying for it. Online sellers gave small business owners a place to grow, and then they used that public knowledge to create their own lines of goods to sell and push the rates higher.

These platforms didn't just evolve; they actively planned things this way.

### The Big Squeeze

This manipulation can be seen as part of a greater trend. Electronic platforms have become like monopolies, getting an unfair advantage over everyone. Rather than working for their users, they take whatever they can get – information, behavioral control, and the ability to influence decisions by having more voices heard. It seems like freedom of speech is restricted to those who can pay for it.

Some people believe that the internet should be considered in the same category as infrastructure: water and electricity, and governed by the same laws. They think of independent groups that wouldn't let users be taken advantage of and that makes certain that all parties have a fair chance at getting into the electronic world. These are nice thoughts, but making them happen would take a lot of hard work and dedicated lawmaking.

### From Open Market to Online Lords

It's odd that the tech companies who said they were changing old systems are now recreating them online. Instead of making a truly open market, they've created their own little power centers. Small numbers of citizens who are connected to these entities are earning a lot of money, while other people are stuck dealing with a system that's designed to get all of our time, work, and private things.

Small shops aren't truly competing; they're renting space. People sharing their content aren't on equal footing; they're providers of things to look at online. Ordinary citizens are treated like goods to be bought and sold.

What started out as a vision for global equality has been corrupted to the point where only the people at the top benefit.

### A Harsh New World

What seems most unsettling is the philosophy of a lot of Big Tech's top people. It appears that more and more, they believe in a type of world where only the strongest survive and foresee a generation where a few folks can extend their lifespans, live in private areas, and depend on computers to run everything. In this future, most folks are stuck doing small tasks for temporary funds and have their every move observed by computers.

The idea seems to be to get rid of people doing work and switch out community interaction for online forums. Those people are only useful if they're clicking on ads and spending money. It's a disheartening thought where technology provides revenue, not connection

### Taking Back What's Ours

But the internet doesn't have to stay this way. The original dream – a system that's open, free, and gives people control – can still happen. What we need is to determine that we're going to make changes and take back the internet, while we still can.

We need guidelines that make certain that platforms don't have so much power, and that they are used as a public utility. The business arrangements of the platform monopolies must be looked at, so we can see how they achieved such large control, and potentially split them up so that smaller businesses have a chance. We must invest in digital infrastructure projects that are not-for-profit, so that there's a balance of money making endeavors and useful tools for the people. And, we need to change our cultural thinking by putting more focus on people in community and how to connect in real ways - instead of mindlessly buying and selling.

### In Conclusion

The internet used to be a place of magic, independence, and opportunity. It let new voices be heard, gave those without much power access to information, and satisfied those who were always wondering. It helped build communities locally and all over the world. And it offered people the chance to build new skills, and new capabilities.

Now, it has more in common with a large business complex. But it doesn't have to stay that way.

If we can just try to think back to how the internet used to be, and envision what it could be again, we can come closer to achieving that. Not for the advantage of the privileged few, but for the shared benefit of all.

30.Google’s Pixel Watch 4 Is Easier to Repair Than Any Apple Watch Yet 

## The Pixel Watch 4: A Smartwatch You Can Actually Fix!

The Pixel Watch 4 from Google is different. Usually, smartwatches are a real pain to fix. They're all glued together, making them hard to get into. But Google's doing things differently with the Pixel Watch 4 – it's a cool watch that works well, and you can actually fix it yourself!

## No More Old Ways

The old Pixel Watches looked fine, but if the screen broke or the battery died, you basically had to buy a new one. Fixing them wasn't really an option. But now, things have changed: the Pixel Watch 4 got a crazy good repair score (9/10) from iFixit.

What's the secret? it's the design. Instead of using glue, the Pixel Watch 4 uses two Torx T2 screws under the band to help you to pop it open. Inside, the battery and screen are held in place with screws (T2 and T5). So, you can get to them without wrecking everything. It's like they actually wanted you to be able to get inside – unlike the older models.

## Yep, It's Still Waterproof

A fixable watch can't be waterproof, right? Well, Google's thought of that too. It has a silicone O-ring seal that keeps water out (IP68 and 5ATM ratings). So, you can still swim or hang out in the rain, even after you have changed the battery or screen.

This mix of being able to fix it and lasting a long time is rare, especially with gadgets you wear. It seems to show that Google is trying to be greener and give people some control.

## A Different Way to Charge

Google changed the charger to make repairs easier. The Pixel Watch 4 uses a cradle charger on the side instead of magnets on the back. This helps the repair folks get inside easier, but it means your older chargers won't work. That's kind of annoying if you already had a Pixel Watch.

Some people might not like this, but it might be worth it if you want to be able to fix your stuff later on.

## Parts and Warranty: No Gotchas

The best thing is that Google's working with iFixit to sell spare parts. You don't have to jump through hoops to get them.

Even better, Google says that opening the Pixel Watch 4 to change the battery or screen won't mess up your warranty. That's a big deal, since most companies get weird about that kind of thing.

## Why It's Important

The Pixel Watch 4 being fixable is a big change in what people think. We make too much trash from our old electronics, so letting people keep their stuff going is a good thing. Also, you get to be in control, so you don't have to drop a ton of cash on replacements or only have a few repair choices.

People want to be able to fix their own things and have products that don't break so easy. So, it seems like Google's trying to make tech that lasts.

## More Than Just Fixable: It's a Good Watch

The Pixel Watch 4 has screws and good software. It keeps track of your fitness, and it has safety stuff, like satellite SOS. The screen is brighter and faster, and it works well with Google's other products.

It comes in two sizes (41mm and 45mm). The basic Bluetooth model starts at \$349, and the LTE cellular costs \$100 more. It started arriving on October 9th, and the reviews say it's the best Pixel Watch so far.

## In Closing

The Pixel Watch 4 is a cool step for wearable tech. Google made a watch that you can fix that looks good and works well. It's a bold move that could change how other smartwatches are made.

If you like gadgets, care about the planet, or are tired of having to replace stuff when it breaks, the Pixel Watch 4 gives you some power. And with how fast tech changes, that's a great thing.

31.Apple’s Next AirPods May Get Smarter With New H3 Chip Inside 

Everyone's buzzing about what's next for the AirPods Pro 3 and what Apple's planning.

The AirPods Pro 3 dropped last month with better battery, different sized tips, and nicer sound. But check this out – they're still using the H2 chip from back in 2022. The H2 works fine, but it feels like Apple’s not showing its full hand.

What's the deal with this H3 chip rumor?

Mark Gurman at Bloomberg says Apple's making an H3 chip for the next AirPods. No release date yet, but it should give us better sound and faster performance, the usual Apple upgrades.

This H3 chip might show up in a future AirPods Pro 3, maybe with those infrared cameras sometime next year. Who knows? Those cameras could see things, plus offer hand controls and better fitness stuff. Of course, the H3 will need some power for all of that.

is Apple going to test the chip with a little AirPods Pro 3 upgrade or save it for a whole new model? They usually do small upgrades first, so maybe the IR camera version is still a Pro 3 but with the H3 inside.

AirPods 5: Here's what we know

Besides the Pro models, Apple’s also updating the regular AirPods. The AirPods 4 and AirPods 4 with Noise Cancellation (ANC) came out last year, and Gurman thinks we’ll see an update later this year or next.

That heart-rate thing people wanted in the AirPods Pro 3 probably won't be in the AirPods 5, but Apple is checking out some health features, like a temperature thing like the Apple Watch Series 8 and newer.

The AirPods 5 could use some new stuff, but I wouldn't get too excited. I don't know if it will have the H3 chip, but if Apple wants things to be the same across their products, it could show up on the cheaper models sometime.

How about prices?

If you don't need the newest stuff, the older AirPods 4 are cheaper now. You can get the regular ones for around $89, and the ANC version for about $119. Not bad if you want fine sound and like Apple without going broke .

Just so you know, the AirPods 4 with ANC might not block sound as well as the Pros, and they don't have the new tips or that transparency mode. But for just listening to music, they’re still good.

So, what's on the horizon?

Apple is always making AirPods better, trying to mix good sound with health and location features. The H3 chip hints at some cool extras, maybe for their watch or even that VR/AR headset.

Whether it's the IR cameras, temperature sensors, or faster sound, the next AirPods will be more than just earbuds. They could be a way to make life easier and keep you plugged in.

The AirPods Pro 3 are fine with the hardware updates, even though they're still using last year's chip. But with Apple's chip team at work, I’m sure some cool new audio gadgets are coming soon.

32.Apple’s Next Leap in Silicon: M5-Powered Macs and iPads May Launch This Week 

People are saying Apple will probably drop the M5 chip this week, plus some other new stuff in October.

It looks like Apple's getting ready to show off some new toys, and they're all powered by the M5 chip. Mark Gurman from Bloomberg thinks we might see upgrades like a cool iPad Pro, a slightly tweaked Vision Pro, and a new MacBook Pro – all running on Apple's latest chip.

A Chill Launch

Unlike that crazy iPhone 17 launch last month, Apple's probably going to keep things quiet this October. Gurman thinks they'll just put out some press releases and videos online instead of holding a big event. It'll probably be similar to when they released the M4 MacBook Pro last year.

Even if it's not a big deal, these products are key for Apple's chip plans. The M5 chip should make everything faster, give better battery life, and make the AI smarter, which sets the stage for Apple's future stuff.

M5 MacBook Pro: Start with the Basic

The basic MacBook Pro will be the first to get the M5 chip. Gurman said before that Apple wanted to push the M5 MacBook Pro in early 2025, but it sounds like they're already making them now. Maybe Apple wants to speed up to keep up with orders or just get products out quicker.

Stores might be running low on older stuff. It seems Apple Stores don't have many M4 MacBook Pros left, especially the entry-level ones, but they have tons of the M4 Pro and M4 Max versions. This could hint that a new version is coming soon, with the M5 chip leading the way.

But Gurman says the better M5 Pro and M5 Max chips won't be here till next year. So, Apple's gonna roll things out slowly, starting with the basic model and the more powerful ones in 2025.

iPad Pro and Vision Pro Tweaks

Along with the MacBook Pro, Apple's said to be showing off a new iPad Pro. We don't know much yet, but it'll have the M5 chip and maybe more RAM or a nicer screen. The iPad Pro's always been a way to show off Apple's chips, and the M5 could make it great for getting stuff done.

The Vision Pro is also getting some small love, mostly for comfort. Gurman says Apple's gonna offer a new strap for a better fit. No word on any internal changes, but the M5 chip could mean faster speeds and better battery life.

So, What About the M5 Chip?

Apple hasn't said much about the M5 chip yet, but the word is that it's built using TSMC's new N3P tech. This means they can fit more into it, use less power, and keep it cooler. The chip might also have smarter AI, which will help things like photo editing or translating languages instantly.

This goes along with Apple's plan to add more AI into their stuff. With companies like Qualcomm and Intel making their own AI chips, the M5 is Apple's way of keeping up.

What's Coming?

Apple's October releases might not be huge, but the products could get people excited. The M5 chip starts a new thing for Apple's chips, and using it in these devices shows they're serious about faster, smarter, and better gear.

Releasing things a little at a time lets Apple control how much they have and keep things interesting. We're getting the regular MacBook Pro first, with the cooler versions and other things coming next year.

Keep an eye on Apple's site and YouTube; they'll probably show off the next Apple chip soon.

33.Apple’s Upcoming Mac Lineup for 2025 and 2026 May Have Just Leaked 

It sounds like Apple's got some pretty interesting updates planned for their Macs this year, like new MacBook Pros and Airs with the M5, plus other stuff in the works.

Apparently, this macOS Tahoe 26 thing might mean Apple's prepping to refresh their Mac lineup. Some people in the know have peeked at Apple's plans between now and 2026. What does it boil down to? New laptops, desktops, and updated software.

M5 MacBook Pro Soon?

First up might be the standard M5 MacBook Pro. Some say it could show up pretty soon, which lines up with what Mark Gurman at Bloomberg has been saying—Apple's about to drop a bunch of new laptops. What is new about the M5 chip? Faster performance, better battery, more AI smarts, according to sources.

The AppleInsider folks think the M5 MacBook Pro could arrive before 2026, probably with an online announcement, just like they did with the MacBook Pro back in October 2024.

M5 MacBook Air in Early 2026?

After the MacBook Pro, we might see new 13-inch and 15-inch MacBook Air models with the M5 chip. These could land around early 2026, about the same time as macOS Tahoe 26.2.

They did something similar with the M4 MacBook Air in March 2025, launching it alongside macOS Sequoia 15.3. The new Airs should replace the current M4 models, which were a hit because they were portable but tough.

High-End MacBook Pro: M5 Pro and M5 Max

Once the MacBook Airs are out, Apple's likely to focus on the beefier MacBook Pros with M5 Pro and M5 Max chips. These should give power users a real boost.

Gurman thought these chips might not be ready until early 2026, but a new person said they'll arrive shortly after the MacBook Air update, maybe in the first half of the year. If that happens, the M5 MacBook Pro range is complete and with choices for everyone.

Desktop Mac Updates in Mid-2026?

It seems like desktop Macs are also getting some love. The source says updated Mac minis and Mac Studios are coming in mid-2026. These will replace the current models, you know, like the M3 Ultra Mac Studio from March 2025.

There might be a new iMac on the way too, but the timing is less clear. The iMac doesn't get updated as often, so Apple's probably waiting to add some big improvements before releasing a new one.

Software: macOS Tahoe 26

The macOS Tahoe 26 news seems linked to Apple's hardware plans. The releases of each operating system should match up with new Mac launches hopefully making it as easy as possible for users.

This says Apple cares about hardware and software working together, so new Macs can make the most of all the macOS features.

More than Macs: iPads and iPhones Too

This info is mostly about Macs, but Apple has other things planned. New iPad Pro models are coming, possibly with better screens and chips. There's also talk of a cheaper iPhone 17e to make the iPhone 17 series more affordable.

So, if this person is right, Apple's going to be busy. From the M5 MacBook Pro and Air to new desktops and software, they're planning a major refresh of their whole computer lineup.

These releases and software updates could help keep people interested through 2026. This should mean more choices, more power, and better device sharing.

34.Samsung W26 Combines Cutting-Edge Tech with Timeless Elegance 

Samsung has this new foldable, the W26, but it's only for China. It's basically a pumped-up Galaxy Z Fold 7 but with a few changes.

**Looks Fancy**

This W26 isn't just a copy of the Z Fold 7. It's got red or black colors, plus gold accents. Samsung is trying to get the attention of rich folks in China who want to show off the latest stuff. Even though it looks all fancy, it still feels pretty light at 215 grams.

Samsung gives you a nice box with a strong case, a cable for charging, and the actual charger too! You don't always get that, so it looks like they treat their customers right.

**Satellite Calls**

Aside from how it looks, the W26 is pretty strong inside. It can make calls using satellites, which the regular Z Fold 7 can't. If you travel a lot, or if you just want to always be able to reach people, the W26 might be good.

It has more memory too. The ones with 512GB and 1TB of storage have 16GB of RAM, but the normal Z Fold 7 only has 12GB. That extra memory helps if you're doing a lot of things at once.

**Galaxy AI**

Samsung's been putting more AI in its phones, and the W26 has some special AI features. There's Smart Collection, which organizes all your pictures and texts in one spot so you don't get lost.

This AI stuff is Samsung's way of trying to make their phones smarter. These extras make the phone feel special.

**Why Just China?**

You can't buy the W26 outside of China. Samsung usually only sells its W series in China. They work with China Telecom to add things that people in China like. The W series is more like a top-of-the-line thing that business people and rich customers enjoy.

This lets Samsung really focus on what people in China want, which can be different from what people in other countries want. The W26 will be sold with the regular Z Fold 7 in China, so buyers can choose between new tech and looking classy.

**Price and Availability**

The W26 is about $2,383 for the 512GB one and about $2,663 for the 1TB one. It costs so much because it's great, has some unique things, and it's hard to find.

The regular Z Fold 7 is cheaper, but it doesn't have the fancy look, satellite calls, or extra memory. If you're in China and want a foldable phone that shows you've made it, the W26 could be right for you.

**The Bottom Line**

The Samsung W26 is more than just a foldable phone—it's a way to show off. With the gold stuff, satellite features, and special AI, it's Samsung at its best.

35.iPhone Fold Rumors: Design, Release Window, and What to Expect

 People are talking about a foldable iPhone, maybe called the iPhone Fold. I think it will open like a book, just like Samsung and Google's phones. It's probably coming around 2026 – maybe with the iPhone 18. Everyone wants to know what it will look like, especially the screen, and I know it's gonna be costly!

📅 When and How Much?

Some people on Weibo and Mark Gurman are saying late 2026, maybe at Apple's September event. They're hearing Apple is buying screens, so it could be real.

How much? Around $2,000, like Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold. Apple might try to make it cheaper, but they usually don't with these types of devices.

🧩 What's the Look?

The iPhone Fold could look like the iPhone Air they say is coming in September 2025. Think strong metal and glass, like two iPhone Airs stuck together.

Someone at Apple said the iPhone Air style might be coming back, which means the Fold could be super thin. Maybe thinner than the iPhone Air when it's open, like the Galaxy Z Fold.

The SIM card might go away, like in the US iPhone 17, and only be eSIM. Touch ID might come back on the power button. Who knows? But Face ID will still be there.

📱 The Screen?

I am hearing it might have a 7.8-inch screen inside and a 5.5-inch screen outside. If you want a big screen, it's here. Samsung might make the inside screen because they're good at it.

Apple wants a great screen with no crease – that's what they should do.

📸 Cameras? Keep It Easy!

I don't know much about the cameras, but Apple might put two cameras on the iPhone Fold, like the iPhone Air, not three, like normal. That keeps it simple, I guess.

There's talk about putting a camera under the inside screen. Cameras on foldables aren't good, which might be why Samsung isn't doing this now.

⚙️ What's Inside?

Just guessing, but the iPhone Fold should have Apple’s A-series chip, maybe the A20 or A20 Pro, with at least 12GB of RAM and 256GB of storage. Sounds right.

A big battery would be nice, maybe 5,000 to 5,500 mAh. This would be the biggest iPhone battery ever because the screen will use a lot of power.

The software, iOS 27, should work well with foldables, like running two apps at once, moving stuff when you close it, and new controls. Gurman also thinks Apple will take this easy.

🔮 Will It Happen? Can Apple Do It?

Apple is late to foldables since Samsung, Google, and others have been making them for a while. Those companies know how to make them work and look good.

Apple's got fans, so the iPhone Fold could be a success. If they make a great screen, feel, and battery, they could win.

Foldable phones are getting more popular. Apple needs to make the folding, the screen, and the software good. Then, the iPhone Fold will make people care about foldables.

✨ My Thoughts

The iPhone Fold could be big for Apple if they make a good screen and fun features and might make other phone brands worry. 2026 is far, but Apple seems serious about it.

36.Apple Faces Its First True Tech Rival in Decades — According to Its Former CEO 

Looks like Apple's got a new rival. John Sculley, the ex-CEO, thinks OpenAI is the real deal.

He said at a conference that OpenAI is the first real competition Apple has had in ages.

Apple's kinda behind in the AI game. While companies like OpenAI and Google are pushing out updates all the time, Apple's struggling. They even had to delay the Siri revamp, which shows they're having trouble keeping up.

Sculley, who was in charge of Apple back in the '80s and early '90s, says we're heading into an agentic era. Instead of using apps, we'll have smart assistants doing stuff for us automatically.

He thinks this changes stuff for businesses too. Instead of selling apps, companies will offer subscriptions where people pay only when they need something.

Apple's always been about great hardware and software that works together. But they haven't been as aggressive with AI, especially the kind that generates content and talks to you. Siri feels old compared to the new AI models out there.

The Siri delay has people wondering what Apple's doing with AI. They've bought some AI companies and hired some smart people, but they haven't made anything that can compete with OpenAI's ChatGPT.

Sculley thinks the next Apple CEO, after Tim Cook, will have to guide the company into this AI world.

Here's something interesting: Jony Ive, Apple's old design boss, is now working with OpenAI. His startup got bought out by them for billions, and he's helping them with their hardware plans.

Ive wants to fix some of the problems caused by smartphones and tablets. Sculley thinks Ive can bring his design skills to OpenAI and their AI models.

This team-up could change how we use AI, not just through apps, but with well-made devices.

Apple's known for being innovative, but OpenAI and AI, in general, are a new challenge. Apple needs to compete with it and adapt.

It's not just about better designs anymore; it's about being smarter.

We'll have to see if Apple can do it. They have the money, the people, and fans. But they need to change their thinking and embrace the world of AI.

For now, things are changing, and Apple might be the one getting disrupted this time.

37.AirPods 4 Get Major Discounts as Amazon Clears Out Inventory 

Guess what? Prime Day's over, but Amazon's got the brand new AirPods 4 on sale. Seriously! They *just* came out, and they're already cheaper. The regular ones are just $89 (usually $129), and the noise-canceling ones are $118 (were $179). That's like almost half off! Apple barely ever does sales this good.

Simple to Use, Like Always

People dig AirPods because they sound great, and pairing is super simple. Just flip open the case near your iPhone, and *bam*, you're set. No messing with Bluetooth nonsense. The AirPods 4 are just as easy to use.

Both AirPods 4 versions use Apple’s H2 chip, kind of like the AirPods Pro. Everything's quick, and you get that 3D sound for music and videos. That thing where the sound moves when you turn your head as you're watching on your iPad? It's pretty great.

Good Battery and USB-C

The regular AirPods 4 get about 30 hours of power with the USB-C case. The AirPods last around five hours, and the case can charge them up four times. The USB-C is cool because you can use one cable for your iPhone 15, iPad, and AirPods. Less mess is always good.

Okay Noise Blocking

The noise-canceling AirPods 4 block out noise, which is nice, even without those ear tips that seal your ears. Apple tried to make them so they block noise but let you hear a bit, so they're useful in more places. Walking on a busy street? You'll still hear what's going on, but the AirPods will quiet down the traffic.

That moving sound thing is great if you move around a lot, work out, or just want to hear what's going on without losing good sound.

Good for Every Day

Both AirPods 4 can handle sweat and splashes, so they're good for workouts or if you get rained on. Tap the stem to pause, skip songs, and answer calls. Don't always need your phone, which is nice.

So, the AirPods 4 are good for music and everyday stuff. Calls, podcasts, working out—they're fine for most things.

Why Now?

Apple doesn't usually do sales, especially on new stuff. Right now the prices are still totally regular on Apple's site. Amazon deal might be worth a look if you missed the holiday sales.

They do things like spatial audio, USB-C, and water resistance. But these deals won't last forever, so check it out now if you're thinking about it.

38.Steam’s Latest Free Game Is Winning Fans With 100% Positive Reviews 

Unknown Fluffy Object: The Free Game Everyone's Playing

You never know what games will catch your eye, right? It turns out some super cool stuff doesn't cost a thing! Right now, everyone's checking out Unknown Fluffy Object. It's a nice little indie game you can grab for free on Steam, and people seem to really like it.

Made by Vancouver Film School, it’s got this wild mix of silly stuff, jokes, and easy puzzles. And hey, it’s not just free, it's actually fun! Lots of people are calling it one of Steam's best surprises.

🐶 What's the Deal?

You're Buddy, a sheepdog whose job is to save his sheep from these weird UFOs in Scotland. The sheep are all over the place, and you have to get them to safety. It's a simple idea, but it's very charming and funny.

The foggy Scottish feel just makes the whole thing even weirder. The UFOs aren't scary or anything; they're just annoying. The game is full of jokes and silliness. It doesn't take itself seriously, which is great.

🌟 Why People Like It

Unknown Fluffy Object has a perfect score on Steam. That's pretty crazy, especially seeing as it's a free indie game. People are saying things like:

Cute game, said cthuncthulhu.

I love dogs, aliens, and using sheep as footballs. This game is perfect, wrote TheDivider.

Super cute and relaxing, I loved playing with the sheep! said Isafia.

I loved how the game felt! I played golf with the sheep most of the time because it was so much fun, said GuriStreamz.

People are saying it's chill, funny, and surprisingly smart. You're not just saving sheep; you're golfing with them instead.

🎮 A Few Little Things, Lots of Fun

Most reviews are great, but some people wished the controls were better. It's not a big deal, and maybe that will be fixed sometime. For now, it seems like keyboard and mouse is the way to go.

Truly, there's not much to complain about. The game works great, feels done, and is what it is: a simple, fun game that's good for a quick break.

💸 Free, I'm Serious

What makes Unknown Fluffy Object even better is that it's totally free. No catches, no hidden costs, no subscriptions. Just download it from Steam and play. It's rare to find something free that's actually good, but here you go.

It also shows that great games can come from anywhere. The big-name games get all the attention, but indie developers are still making awesome games that people are having fun with.

🐑 Final Thoughts

If you're into dogs, aliens, sheep, or just want a relaxing game to chill with, try Unknown Fluffy Object. It's cute, funny, and totally free. With its perfect score and loads of fans, this indie game is a winner.

So, if you're looking for something new on Steam, give Buddy the sheepdog a shot. You might end up herding sheep, dodging UFOs, and laughing at one of the most fun games of the year.

39.iOS 26.0.2 Rolling Out Soon With Key Bug Fixes and Performance Tweaks 

iOS 26.0.2 Update Coming Soon: Fixes on the Way

Apple's already working on a second update for iOS 26, which came out about a month ago. MacRumors saw Apple testing iOS 26.0.2, so it should be out in the next week or so.

This comes after iOS 26.0.1, which came out in late September. That one fixed some problems with the iPhone 17, like spotty Wi-Fi, camera mess ups, and bad cell service. Now, iOS 26.0.2 will likely fix general bugs and improve performance issues that have shown up since iOS 26 was released.

🛠 What's Coming in iOS 26.0.2?

Apple isn't saying much, but it sounds like iOS 26.0.2 will focus on the problems that people are talking about:

Slow Face ID: Some people are seeing delays when they unlock their phones or use apps.

Battery Draining Quickly: It's pretty normal after big updates, but some iPhones are losing battery faster than normal.

System Lags: Some slowdowns are happening, especially on older iPhones running iOS 26.

Since iOS 26 had a big Liquid Glass change, it makes sense that Apple would want to fix these issues quickly. Expect the update to be faster, more secure, and to make the new design better.

💡 Liquid Glass: A Quick Look

iOS 26 brought the Liquid Glass look, which is a big visual change with smoother animations, translucent parts, and shifting lights. While lots of people seem to like the fresh look, it's also caused some performance and matching problems.

Some users mention strange UI stuff, like things flickering or being out of place. iOS 26.0.2 should take care of these problems, making Liquid Glass as smooth as Apple wanted it to be.

📱 What About iOS 26.1?

Besides bug fixes, Apple's also working on iOS 26.1, a bigger update that's being tested. It should be out by the end of October, and it'll bring some new things:

Swipe to Skip in Apple Music: A small change that lets you skip songs easier.

Alarm Change: Instead of a big stop button, there's a slide to stop thing in the Clock app, so you don't hit it by mistake.

More stuff you can change: A few extra options might be available for widgets and lock screens.

iOS 26.1 will likely be the first big improvement to the Liquid Glass style, adding new stuff to iOS 26.

🔄 Updates and What’s Next

Apple's been quick with iOS 26 updates, which means they're serious about keeping iPhones running well. With the iPhone 17 series and iPhone Air out, Apple needs to make sure their software is good.

Releasing iOS 26.0.1 fast and having iOS 26.0.2 on the way shows that Apple is paying attention. For users, this means things should be more reliable and less annoying as the new OS gets better.

🧭 In Conclusion

iOS 26.0.2 might not bring cool new features, but it's important if you're having issues on the newest system. Whether it's battery life, Face ID, or UI problems, this update will try to fix them.

As Apple makes its Liquid Glass design better and gets ready for iOS 26.1, things should become more steady and polished. Keep an eye out for the update; it could be here any day now.

40.This $99 Portable Gaming Monitor Turns Your PS5, Xbox, or Switch Into a Travel Console 

MNN 15.6-Inch Portable Monitor: A Real Help for Dorms, Trips, and Small Spaces

Ever tried to play games for a long time on your Nintendo Switch's little screen? Your eyes probably felt it. Or maybe you're stuck in a tiny dorm or apartment with a PS5 or Xbox, no TV, and your laptop's hogging the only monitor. Annoying, right? That's where the MNN 15.6-inch portable monitor comes to the rescue. And right now, it's super cheap at just $59 (usually $89).

This thing is thin and light, about the size and weight of a notebook. Just toss it in your bag with your laptop and books. Game, study, or stream stuff – it's a full HD screen that fits your life.

A Screen That Goes Everywhere

The best part about this MNN monitor is how flexible it is. Imagine whipping it out at a friend's to play some games, setting it up at your parents' for some fun, or using it between classes at the library. The case turns into a stand, and all you need is one USB-C cable to get going.

The 15.6-inch IPS screen looks good, with 1920x1080 resolution and a wide viewing angle. So, you and your friends can sit to the side and still see colors and details clearly.

Easy to Use

Setting it up is easy. If your laptop, MacBook, or phone has USB-C 3.1 or Thunderbolt 3 (most new ones do), you can use just one cable for power and video. No searching for plugs or dealing with messy cords.

If you don't have USB-C, there's an HDMI port. You'll need to plug it in for power, but it still works great. It even has speakers, so you don't need extra stuff for sound (unless you really care about sound quality).

HDR for Better Gaming

If you're a gamer, you'll like the HDR mode. It makes dark and light areas look better, so games look more alive. Shadows are darker, lights are brighter, and colors are more real.

In online games, HDR can even help you see enemies hiding in the background. Whether you're exploring cool worlds or playing online, this monitor makes things better.

Good Case

Cheap monitors usually have bad cases, but this one's good. It's made of strong material that keeps the screen safe when you're carrying it around. Plus, it folds into a stand that you can adjust to different angles.

Use it sideways for games and movies, or turn it to stand up straight for reading or social media. It's a nice detail that makes the monitor more useful.

Great for Students, Travelers, and People with Less Space

For only $59, the MNN portable monitor is a smart choice for students, people who travel, and anyone who doesn't have much room. It’s small enough to take everywhere, good enough for playing serious games, and easy to set up in seconds.

Want a bigger screen for your laptop, play games on the go, or just watch your shows? This monitor does it all. And with the discount, you're getting a good deal.