1.Google Wallet Update Adds Option for Personalized Purchase and Pass Settings
Google Wallet users! Google's adding some new options that let you get recommendations just for you, using what you've bought and saved in your Wallet. This change is coming to folks in the U.S. over the next few months. Basically, Google's trying to make things easier and more personal, but they're also letting you decide how much info you share.
**So, What's Changing?**
These new settings mean Google can look at your Google Pay purchases and stuff you've saved in your Wallet—like those loyalty cards you never remember to use, concert tickets, and flight boarding passes, and then make the Google experience more in line with what you like. For example, if you always fly United and have your boarding passes in Wallet, Google might show United flights first when you're searching for a vacation. Or, if you bought some new running shoes through Google Pay, you might start seeing ads for running apps or deals on fitness stuff.
Google figures this is what people want. They said, People expect things online to know what they're into. So, Google wants their apps to be able to use what you do to give you suggestions that actually matter.
**You're in Charge of Your Privacy**
Okay, getting stuff picked out for you is cool, but what about privacy? Don't worry, Google's letting you control things.
You can totally turn off the whole purchase and pass data thing. If you are okay with some personalization, you can still manage what gets used:
* **Regular suggestions:** Like recommendations inside the app and stuff Google thinks you'll enjoy while using the app.
* **Ads:** Showing you ads that fit what you’re into.
* **Seeing how the ads worked:** Using your data to see if ads actually worked so they can make better ads.
You can switch each of these off if you want. Also, Google says they won't use really private info to target ads, and they won't sell your data to other companies.
Google's trying to find a balance between making things easier for you and still keeping your info safe. By giving you the options to control it and be open about what they do, they're hoping to get the best of both worlds..
**When Can You Get It?**
The new settings are going to show up for people in the U.S. little by little. You'll see a message inside the Google Wallet app when it's your turn.
This is kind of how things are going these days. Companies are trying to use their data to personalize stuff without following you across the web. Since people are getting more worried about privacy, Google's choice to keep this data within Google and let you opt-out is something a lot of you will appreciate, I think.
**Why This Matters**
If this works, your Google experience could be way easier. Whether you're booking a trip, buying stuff online, or looking for new apps, the idea is to make it simpler by knowing your stuff and showing only the stuff that matters to you.
For Google, this is a smart move to make Wallet more useful. If Wallet is more than just a place to pay and becomes something that actually knows you, then that makes Google stronger compared to other digital wallets out there.
2.343 Industries Confirms Halo Infinite’s Last Big Update Is Coming Soon
November 18th is when Halo Infinite is getting its last big content drop, called Operation: Infinite. Think of it like a final goodbye gift – a new battle pass, some neat customization options for your Spartan, and one last bit of support before the developers shift focus. 343 Industries will still keep the servers running and take care of any problems behind the scenes, but this is basically the end of major new stuff for Halo Infinite.
Honestly, it's a little sad. 343 Industries mentioned that they're working on other Halo games, and they want everyone on board to make those games amazing, the way fans want them. Feels like the end of a specific chapter, and Infinite's story is wrapping up.
**The Rocky Road**
Halo Infinite didn't have the smoothest start. Remember the first gameplay reveal way back in 2020? Reactions were mixed, to put it nicely. The graphics weren't quite up to par for a game coming out on the newest Xbox, and it looked a bit rough around the edges. And who could forget Craig, the sad-looking Brute? He became an emblem of what was wrong with the game's development.
Initially, the plan was to launch the game alongside the Xbox Series X/S in 2020, but it got delayed a full year to late 2021. Even when it finally came out, features were missing that everyone expected, like campaign co-op and Forge mode (where players can build their own maps and experiences). These were considered essential elements of Halo. Consequently, many fans were upset. This dented enthusiasm for the free multiplayer.
Subsequent updates improved the game. Craig received a graphical upgrade, Forge was released, and the team incorporated other features the community requested. Still, the game never fully reached its potential. Operation: Infinite is the last major release before maintenance mode.
**Halo Goes Multiplatform!**
The phasing out of major updates for Infinite arrives as Microsoft shifts its gaming strategy. Microsoft announced a remake of Halo: Combat Evolved in 2026, which will be available on other platforms. The Xbox version will also be available on PlayStation 5 – a major deal for a series that's historically been an Xbox exclusive.
343 Industries observed that the Campaign Evolved announcement received considerable excitement, which demonstrates that many people still enjoy the single-player story element of Halo. This contrasts with the reaction to Halo Infinite's multiplayer, which hasn't always been positive.
The move to make games available on other platforms shows the direction Microsoft is moving in. Xbox sales aren’t what they used to be, so Microsoft is exploring ways to increase revenue. This has led them to close studios and raise prices. Making Halo available on non-Xbox systems is logical in the current environment.
**What's Coming in Operation: Infinite?**
We're still waiting on the full breakdown, but Operation: Infinite includes a battle pass loaded with content, such as cosmetic items, armor coatings, and customization options. It’s a final gift to players before the changes.
343 Industries promised continuous support for Halo Infinite using the correction of bugs, upgrades to matchmaking, to keep the group of players. Don't expect any new maps, modes, or game play changes.
**The Shape of Halo is Changing**
Halo Infinite's somewhat quiet farewell only makes the Halo: Combat Evolved remake even more exciting. It illustrates that, even if Infinite wasn't perfect, the Halo franchise may continue to get better.
By making games available on other platforms in order to include all players, and going back to single players, Halo looks to be changing in order to stay interesting to gamers. Halo might be adapting in order to stay interesting to gamers today. This move might be interpreted by some as a reversion to what made Halo popular in the first place. In the meantime, it provides a good way to introduce the Halo for newcomers.
So, with the arrival of Operation: Infinite, players can give Halo Infinite one last hurrah. The game as we know it can be on its way out, while the franchise is getting ready for a whole new future. This new future may include going to systems, for different generations, and maybe with different style games.
3.Google’s Pixel Watch 4 Shines with Major Battery Improvements
**Pixel Watch 4: Seriously, the Battery Is a Big Deal**
So, if you're wondering what's so great about the Pixel Watch 4, the battery is the part that you should be really excited about! Sure, Google's latest smartwatch has cool looks, tons of smart features, and connects with Android super easy. However, the battery life? It's secretly the best thing about it. And I'm not just saying this because of what some tests showed. The battery lasts ages in the real world.
Last October, I tried out the 45mm Pixel Watch 4 model. The battery lasted just as long, or even longer, than Google said it would. I had the always-on display turned on, and it still lasted around 40 hours. When I turned that always-on screen off, it went closer to 48 hours. The crazy thing? A couple of times, it lasted over 48 hours. I tracked sleep, and worked out for 5.5 hours during some of those days. To me, that's amazing for a modern smartwatch. Most of these things have batteries that run out so fast.
🔋 It's Got Smarts, but Watch Out for Gemini
Now, I did notice one detail when I reviewed the watch. The Raise to talk thing, that starts up Gemini, Google's AI helper, did start to eat into the battery. So I made it less sensitive. In the end, I just turned it off. Then, the battery was amazing again. Right now, I'm not getting 48 hours, but I do know that I'm not charging all the time. I also don't even think about the charge time.
I'm not the only one having this experience. Over on Reddit, people who own Pixel Watch 4 are noticing the same thing. One person shared a screenshot of their watch at the end of one day. It had 76% of the battery left after 16 hours, and the always-on display worked. Some people didn't believe it, but I've seen this stuff work for myself, so I'm convinced. Another person commented and stated that their battery did the same thing. He mentioned that the new watch was way better than Pixel Watch 3.
⚡ Charging is Super Quick
Okay, the other half of the story is charging. The Pixel Watch 4 charges up quick. Google has made a big change in this area too. When I tested, the watch went from 20% to 100% in only 40 minutes. That's so much better than older watches. The previous versions used to take over one hour to reach a full charge.
Other people pointed out that it's true. One Redditor talked about the quickness of the charge. He charged the watch from 0% to 100%. He stated that the charge time was 40 minutes. The new charger using magnets is very awesome too. It's easy to use, and it works as a mini clock on your desk or bedside table. It's a simple, well thought out design decision that makes using the watch smoother in your regular life.
My dad can't believe it. He is not someone that is easily excited by tech gear. He got a 41mm model of the watch. And days after using it, he texted me. He said to me, “Battery life and charging time are amazing.”
🧠 Why Should You Care About the Battery?
Right now, smartwatches track your sleep, workouts, and notifications. They run AI assistants. Because of this, you really need great battery life. It's not a fun added thing anymore. It's a straight-up necessity. The Pixel Watch 4 hits the target, and goes further. The new battery makes a real change in how the watch fits into people's everyday plan.
It doesn't matter if you like fitness, travel, or hate constantly charging your stuff. The Pixel Watch 4 takes care of it. The battery can differ depending on whether you use Gemini often. If you are not careful, it may make the battery run out quicker. But overall, the watch is quick, easy to get used to, and easy to manage.
🗣️ Everyone Is Talking About It
People have been talking about the watch on forums and in person. It seems like Google has made the right choice when it comes to the battery. From Reddit to simple chats with friends, it seems apparent that the Pixel Watch 4 battery really stands out. The new smartwatch makes competitors and customers rethink modern watches.
So, if you own a watch, tell your buddies. If you are not sure about buying the watch, the battery is just one of the main reasons to get it!
4.Taara Brings Laser-Based Internet to Rio Under New AI Development Plan
Rio de Janeiro is teaming up with X, Alphabet's Moonshot Factory, to bring crazy-fast internet to everyone in the city. The announcement came on November 7, 2025. The idea? A city-wide wireless optical network.
X has this project called Taara. The goal is to get high-speed internet to areas that need it most. Think schools, hospitals, and government offices. The cool part? They won't have to dig up streets to lay cables.
**Wireless Internet at Light Speed**
Taara's tech is all about sending data using beams of light. It's kind of like fiber optic cables, but without the cables. Instead of digging trenches, they use these optical terminals. They shoot laser beams back and forth, sending data. In Rio, they're planning over 20 of these links. They'll create a network that connects neighborhoods where internet has always been slow or too expensive.
Each of these links can send a ton of data – up to 20 gigabits per second. And they can do it over distances of up to 20 kilometers. The links will plug right into Rio's existing fiber network. This is a way to make the internet reach further, faster, and cheaper.
**A Smart Move for the City**
This project is part of a bigger agreement between the city and X. Rio's tech agency, IplanRio, helped make it happen. Mayor Eduardo Paes says Rio wants to be a place where new tech can be tested to fix city problems. He mentioned that this is just the first of four projects, one where we give high-speed internet without wires.
This wireless network fits into Rio's AI city plan. They want to turn the place into a hotspot for digital stuff. If they can get better internet to important places like schools and hospitals, they can improve education, healthcare, and even how they respond to emergencies. It's all about setting the stage for a smarter city.
**Helping Schools, Clinics, and Emergency Services**
City officials say the Taara network will focus on places that serve the public. That means schools, clinics, and emergency services will get the first shot at the faster internet. Besides just making things run smoother day-to-day, the network can act as a backup during disasters. If something knocks out the regular communication lines, this wireless network can keep emergency services connected.
This is especially important in a city like Rio. Natural disasters and other problems can mess up communications. A network that can handle those situations is a lifesaver, letting different agencies share info and work together.
**Tried and Tested Around the World**
Taara's tech isn't new. It's been used in over 20 countries, including cities in India and remote islands in the Pacific. Laying fiber in those places is often too expensive or dangerous. By using light to send data, Taara has helped connect places that were previously impossible to connect.
Rio's network is the first large-scale city project for Taara. If it works well, it could be a blueprint for other cities around the world, especially in places that struggle with connectivity.
**Quick and Easy to Build**
One of the best things about Taara is how little disruption it causes. Building traditional broadband can take months. Roads get closed, and there's a lot of digging. Taara's terminals can be put on rooftops or towers. This means they can build the network quickly without causing too much trouble.
This is a big plus for cities like Rio, where the demand for internet is growing fast. Taara offers a solution that can grow with the city without the need for lots of cables.
**A Look at What's Possible**
The Rio and Taara partnership shows how cities are changing their approach to internet access. As more people live in cities and rely on digital services, fast and reliable internet isn't just a nice-to-have – it's a must-have. This project shows how new tech can meet that need in a smart and affordable way.
For Rio, this project is a signal. The city is ready to try new things and work with companies from around the world. And for Taara, Rio is a chance to prove that wireless internet can be a game-changer.
5.ChatGPT, Gemini, and Perplexity Roll Out Free AI Access Across India
India's giving away AI stuff like candy! It's all about getting big, getting young people online, and grabbing tons of data.
This week, tons of Indians are getting a free year of ChatGPT's new, cheap Go chatbot. This is a big deal because everyone's trying to get people using their AI. Google and Perplexity AI are doing the same thing. They've hooked up with the big phone companies here to give away free or cheap AI stuff with mobile data plans.
Perplexity's working with Airtel, the number two phone company in India. Google is buddies with Reliance Jio, which is the biggest. This isn't just some dumb ad stunt. It's a smart gamble on India's future. They want to grab a huge audience of young people who practically live on their phones.
**Why India's the Place to Be for AI**
So, why are all these tech companies so hot for India? Well, over 900 million people in India use the internet and mobile data is dirt cheap. Plus, most of these folks are under 24. That’s a whole generation that's online all the time – working, playing, and chatting, mostly on their phones.
India's got huge numbers and a young crowd, says Tarun Pathak from Counterpoint Research. I mean, China might have as many users, but their tech rules are super strict. Foreign companies can't just waltz in. India's way more open and competitive. That makes it a great place for AI companies to train their systems and get more users.
Giving away AI tools with data plans is smart. Indians use a ton of data, so this makes AI seem like something you need every day, not just some fancy toy. The more people use these AI systems, the more info these companies get. That helps them make their AI better and figure out new things you can do with it.
India's crazy diverse, Pathak says. The ways people use AI here will teach the rest of the world a lot.
**The Real Game: Making Money Later**
Even if it looks like these companies are being super generous, don't think they're doing it out of the goodness of their hearts. The idea is to get Indians hooked on AI before they have to pay, Pathak says. It's the same trick they used to get everyone using the internet back in the day – give away cheap data!
The plan’s simple: free stuff first, then get people addicted, and then get some of them to pay for a subscription. Even if only a few people start paying, it's still a lot of money. Like, if just 5% of the free users sign up, that's still a huge number, Pathak says.
It looks like AI is going to be a cheap but useful thing, not some super fancy expensive service. In India, you gotta keep things affordable. The companies are hoping to make up for small profits by getting a ton of users.
**Privacy and Rules: The Part We're Missing**
All this free AI stuff is great for tech companies, but what about our privacy? And do people even know what's going on? People have always given away their data for something easy or free. That's not going to change, says Prasanto K Roy, a tech analyst in Delhi.
Roy says we can't just let this happen without thinking about it. The government's gonna have to make some new rules as they figure out how to deal with people giving away their info so easily.
Right now, India doesn't have a specific AI law. The Digital Personal Data Protection Act (DPDP) from 2023 is supposed to protect our online privacy, but it's not in action yet. They're still figuring out the details, and it doesn't really talk about AI much.
However, some experts think that once the DPDP actually starts, it could be one of the best privacy laws out there. “It could be one of the most top-notch from a [privacy] angle, says Mahesh Makhija from Ernst & Young.
**India vs. The Rest of the World on AI Rules**
India's chill attitude about rules is a big reason why companies like OpenAI, Google, and Perplexity can just give away AI here. In places like Europe and South Korea, they have way stricter rules about being open, getting permission, and dealing with data.
The EU's AI Act has tough guidelines, and South Korea wants labels on AI-made stuff and wants companies to be responsible for how their AI is used. If they tried to give away AI with phone plans in those places, it would be a pain to follow all the rules.
India's being easy on the rules right now, which lets new ideas grow. But experts say that can't last. Right now, we just need a few simple rules, Roy says, but that's gonna have to change when we see how much harm AI could do.
**What's Coming Next?**
Right now, all these AI companies are rushing to do what happened with the internet: get a ton of users by giving away free or cheap stuff. They don't just care about getting more users. They also want the data. They want to see how people really use AI so they can make it better.
India's young people, huge population, and love for phones make it the perfect place to test out AI. But as more and more people start using it, we need to talk about using it responsibly, being open about what's happening, and protecting users.
The AI thing in India is just getting started. Will it make things better for everyone, or will it just lead to companies taking advantage of our data? That depends on if the rules, awareness, and accountability can keep up.
6.Sacramento Welcomes Sandbox VR’s Latest Immersive Gaming Experience
Sacramento's Downtown Commons just got a whole lot cooler! Sandbox VR is here, and it's like stepping into a video game. Forget just watching stuff – now you can actually *be* in the game. It's right by the Golden 1 Center, so it's super easy to find. Think virtual reality, but way more real, with sensors and stuff that make you feel like you're actually *there*.
Basically, you put on these sensors on your arms and legs, and suddenly, boom!, you're an avatar in a virtual world. You move, your avatar moves. It's wild! They have all sorts of worlds to jump into, from sci-fi to some based on famous video games and shows.
I spoke with David Friedman, who’s in charge of real estate there, he said, “It's the most amazing thing ever! You become someone totally different, and you can play all sorts of crazy games.”
One of the most talked-about games is based on the Netflix hit “Stranger Things.” Imagine being in the “Upside Down”! It has arrived just as the show’s final season is dropping later this month. Sandbox VR is working with Netflix, and other experiences like “Squid Game,” are there too.
And get this – it's not just for hardcore gamers. It’s for everyone. As Friedman said, “It’s for all ages. Families, couples, everyone!”
They’ve got different kinds of experiences to fit everyone. Need something thrilling or something lighter is your speed, you can find it here. Birthday parties, friend hangouts, you name it.
Friedman said the place is already getting packed, especially with people in their 20s and 30s. “We’ve noticed people love to come after a [Sacramento Kings] game to play. It's a blast.”
It's a new way to have a good time. People want something more than just the usual these days. Sandbox VR gives that. It's better than just going to the movies or an arcade. It’s located in Downtown Commons, near shops, restaurants, and all the fun stuff here.
If you live here or are visiting, Sandbox VR is amazing addition. Go before or after the Kings game or any time with your friends; Sandbox VR is a great place that provides you with excitement and a high-tech feel, with a social and cinematic outing.
Sandbox VR is the way of the future! Instead of just watching, you're *doing*. You are involved in the story rather than being an outside viewer.
Because they have cool tech, cool content, and everyone can join, Sandbox VR should become a staple in the entertainment scene here in Sacramento. Demand will rise for gamers, families, and tourists or locals who are looking for an awesome adventure as more people find out about Sandbox VR. This makes Sandbox VR the beginning of an unforgettable evening which makes its way to the center of Sacramento. “
7.SNAP Recipients to Receive Payments Starting Monday, Says DSS
**South Dakota SNAP Benefits Coming Through, Despite All This Shutdown Mess**
SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – Some good news for families here in South Dakota! The Department of Social Services (DSS) just announced that everyone getting food stamp money, or what they call Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, will get their full amount for November on Monday. This happened because a judge basically told the White House that they couldn't stop these payments while the government's shut down.
The DSS is saying that about 75,000 people in South Dakota, which is around 37,000 homes, are getting their SNAP money. A lot of these families were probably biting their nails, wondering if the money fight in Congress was going to mess with their ability to buy groceries.
**👍 A Court Made Sure of It**
Here's what went down: The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) told states that SNAP benefits would be paid out like usual. This was because a judge didn't let the White House block another court order. That court order said that everyone *had* to get their full benefits for November.
The DSS had said that they were watching the lawsuit and waiting for the okay from the feds. “We found out today that we’re safe to send out the full payments,” they said.
DSS Secretary Matt Althoff said this is a huge thing for families. We know how much people count on this money, He explained. It makes everyone at DSS feel good that the shutdown won't mess up food for these families. SNAP is really important, because it's all about making sure people who need it can get food.
**🙌 South Dakota Steps Up**
Even though SNAP is all set, the government shutdown is still causing problems. Local groups and everyday people are stepping up to help those who are in a bind.
For example, Faith Temple Church in Sioux Falls is giving away tons of potatoes – like, five semi-trucks full! Other food banks and charities are also working overtime to keep up with the need for food.
KELOLAND News even put together a list of places people can go to find food, like food pantries, and ways for people to lend a hand.
**🏦 Banks Help Out Feds**
It's not just food; a lot of federal employees in South Dakota are having a hard time paying their bills because they aren't getting paid. First Dakota Bank decided to give them loans without charging any interest. Dave Kroll from the bank said that they've already gotten over 50 applications and given out more than 45 loans, which comes out to over half a million dollars.
“We think more people will need our help as the shutdown keeps going,” Kroll said. “The bank is doing this because we know people need a quick fix while things are so crazy.”
**🤷 Politics as Usual?**
Senator John Thune, South Dakota's Republican Senator, said he still hopes Congress can figure out a way to end the shutdown. He told KELOLAND News that he hopes a deal can be made soon.
Meanwhile, President Trump is talking about doing things that might not work to force a deal, like getting rid of the Senate filibuster rule. But Thune and other Republicans in the Senate don't like that idea, which shows how much disagreement exists in Washington.
**🤔 What This All Means**
The situation in South Dakota shows a debate happening all over the country about helping people who need it and what happens when politicians can't agree on anything. For the thousands of people in South Dakota who depend on SNAP, this isn't just politics – it's about how they feed their families.
It's good that everyone's getting their November benefits, but what if the shutdown lasts into December? Some people worry that if things don't get fixed soon, people will have a hard time getting food and other important things again.
While the government tries to sort out its money problems, local communities and state groups like DSS are showing how important they are. From food drives to loan programs, South Dakotans are helping each other get through this.
Right now, the SNAP benefits news is a big relief for families here. But as long as the shutdown continues, there needs to be steady support and a real solution from Washington.
8.iOS 26.2 Rolls Out with Fresh Features and Enhancements for iPhone Users
**iOS 26.2 Beta: What's New for Your iPhone (In Plain English)**
So, Apple just threw iOS 26.2 out to the beta testers, and honestly? There's some pretty neat stuff inside. Seems like they've actually been paying attention to what people have been moaning about. This update touches a load of the apps and functions we are constantly glued to, things like Reminders revamped, Podcasts made easier to listen to, and new methods to personalize your trusty phone. This is all really coming together now as this update continues.
**Urgent is now in Reminders–finally!**
Okay, this one is HUGE for me. You can finally mark stuff as Urgent in the Reminders app. But hold on, it's not just a louder notification. We're talking full-on alarm-clock style noise that your iPhone will blast out to remind you. If you're somebody that spends hours on some task, like being a dedicated student, this feature is a must-have to keep from completely forgetting the outside world exists.
**Offline Lyrics? Someone listend!**
We can all agree on one thing, the lyric function in Apple Music slaps hard, especially how it can sync up perfectly. It's like a karaoke machine in your pocket. Now, with iOS 26.2, you can view these lyrics even when you are off the grid. Brilliant for those train rides when your phone is struggling to keep one bar of data, or you plain just want to hoard that sweet data bundle.
**Apple Podcasts gets reogranized**
Podcasts are getting some much-needed love in this update. I'm talking actual improvements:
* **AI Chapters:** The app can now automatically break up podcast episodes into chapters. Sure, if the host still has time to do theirs, but for old episodes that did not have chapters, this is a game changer. This is actually awesome for those super-long podcasts where you just want to skip to the main points. No more blindly swiping!
* **Podcast Shout-Outs:** Ever heard a podcast recommend another one? Now, you'll actually see a clickable link to it right in the show notes. Smart, I like this way of stumbling into new listening obsessions. As someone that loves new podcasts to listen to, this is a welcomed addition.
* **Transcript is now smart:** Yeah, this is cool. Chapters, mentions, are all combined in the transcript.
**Sleep Score Gets Real (Like, REALLY Real)**
Alright, so Apple is tweaking that Sleep Score thing which works hand in hand with the watchOS 26.2 update. The old system gave everyone a pat on the head, so they're making it tougher to snag a super high score. The new scores are:
* Very Low: 0–40 points (Did you even sleep?)
* Low: 41–60 points (About as good as my dog's sleep)
* OK: 61–80 points (Not bad, not great)
* High: 81–95 points (Now we are talking!)
* Very High: 96–100 points (You slept like a champion!)
**Apple News Gets a New Look**
Apple News is getting a new makeover to make everything easier to see:
* The Today view now has one click points to straight view Sports, Puzzles, Politics, and Food.
* There's now a Following tab at the bottom that piles up all your favorite stuff in a single spot.
**EU Changes: The low down**
So, for all you iPhone-toting Europeans out there:
* **Live Translation on AirPods:** Going all the way back to iOS 26, it is now available for EU users. Live language translation via AirPods.
* **Wi-Fi Sync is now gone:** So, due to some stuff, Apple had to chop out automatic Wi-Fi syncing between iPhones and Apple Watches in the EU. Sad, but it is what it is, now you have to log into Wi-Fi on each gadget yourself.
**Liquid Glass Gets more attention**
Do you bring to mind the Liquid Glass toggle from iOS 26.1? Then it should come to little shock that you can play around with the clock transparency on the Lock Screen. There is now a slider to make your iPhone look much more personal.
**Extra Safety: Making your phone a life saver!**
iOS 26.2 adds a new section in Settings named “Enhanced Safety Alerts.” Here, you can activate alerts for big stuff like earthquakes, and even choose to share your location with Apple to get speed warning. The location is optional, of course.
* More tidbits:
* Freeform can now allow tables.
* You can create a list of “Excluded Websites” for passwords, to disable autofill.
* If you have issues hearing notifications, there’s a new “Flash to Alerts” setting that makes your screen flash.
**When do you think we will all get it?**
iOS 26.2 is now in beta for everyone and developers in the public beta program. It should be out fully by mid-December, perfect for the holiday season.
Keep in mind that Apple might touch things up while testing. All in all, iOS 26.2 seems like a solid thing for all.
9.ChatGPT User Conversations Briefly Visible Through Google Analytics Glitch
ChatGPT Leak: Is Your Private Chat Showing Up on Google?
So, there's some worrying stuff going on with ChatGPT. A couple of tech guys, Jason Packer and Slobodan Manić, found stuff that suggests ChatGPT might be exposing user's private stuff to Google. Basically, it looks like pieces of user conversations might have accidentally ended up in Google Search Console (GSC).
What's GSC? It's a tool that website owners use to see what people are searching for when they that send them to their site. Usually, it's just short search terms. But recently, some website owners started seeing really long, personal questions showing up in their GSC data. We're talking full sentences, sometimes over 300 characters long! These looked a whole lot like ChatGPT prompts, with people asking about their relationships, work problems, and other personal stuff.
Packer, who runs an analytics company, was one of the first to look into it. He found over 200 of these weird questions on just one site. And a lot of them seemed to be from people who wouldn't want their private thoughts out in the open. As he puts it, Prompts aren't as private as you might think.
Like, imagine asking ChatGPT if a guy who teases you might have a crush on you, and then THAT shows up in someone's Google Search Console! Or if you're an office manager talking about internal plans, finding out your conversation might not have been as private as you believe it to be.
So, how did this happen?
Packer and Manić dug deeper. They think OpenAI (the company behind ChatGPT) might have been sending user prompts through Google Search to get information. And in doing so, they might have accidentally shown those prompts to websites that show up for certain search terms.
Manić noticed that these strange prompts were tied to a specific web address: https://openai.com/index/chatgpt/. Google took that address and treated it like it was a question about openai + index + chatgpt. Any site that ranked high for those terms then was shown the full prompt in their GSC reports.
This indicates that ChatGPT was going to Google for answers and accidentally showed user prompts to Google. Packer said they must have gone to Google the normal way, because other ways to find information wouldn't show up in GSC.
OpenAI said there was a glitch and that it had been fixed that fixed how a small number of search questions went. They didn't say if they had been to Google or how big the problem was.
Packer said that he was happy that there was a quick answer but he thought that the answer wasn't good enough. He said that OpenAI didn't say if they stopped going to Google.
Google didn't want say anything.
Packer and Manić looked into it and found that a ChatGPT URL might have been to blame. The URL led to a prompt box that automatically pastes the page’s URL to the user’s prompt and used “hints=search,” so ChatGPT would search the web.
Normally, ChatGPT 5 only checks the web when you ask about new stuff. With this problem, it looked like search was the default setting.
Any prompt requiring a Google search could have been shared with Google and any website that ranked for the associated keywords. “Yikes,” Packer wrote.
This isn’t the first time that ChatGPT prompts have been public. Last August, ChatGPT prompts began appearing in Google’s search index. OpenAI said that users agreed to publish their chats which many didn't believe to be credible. The company removed the chats.
The GSC leaks are different because it was accidental. Users had no idea that their prompts were being available in third-party analytics tools.
Unlike the earlier leak, you can’t remove your prompts from GSC.
This also affects search engine optimization (SEO). Manić thinks that OpenAI’s is making the “crocodile mouth” situation, where the amount of clicks declines due to confusing questions, in GSC.
Rules on AI data handling were highlighted by the leaks. OpenAI says a low of questions were bad but didn’t say the amount. There are 700 million weekly users which means that “low number” is still an issue.
So, what now?
Packer and Manić still have questions. Was the leak only on one page, or some bigger thing? Did OpenAI stop sending prompts to Google or only fixed a surface problem?
This is made worse by the private content of the leaked data. As AI becomes commonplace, users are in need of confirmation in transparency and protection.
Packer asked in his blog Did OpenAI go so fast that they didn’t consider the privacy implications of this, or did they just not care?. Lots of users may have the same question.
Until OpenAI says anything, users need to stay alert because privacy is not something that is granted.
10.New iOS 26.1 Feature Allows Changes to Liquid Glass Appearance on iPhone
Apple released iOS 26.1 on November 3rd, and there's this one small change that I think a lot of iPhone users are really going to appreciate. Remember that Liquid Glass design they introduced in iOS 26? It made everything look kind of see-through. Well, some people found that it made things a little hard to read, especially with all those transparent backgrounds. This update addresses that problem.
🧊 So, What's With the Liquid Glass?
Basically, Liquid Glass is Apple's attempt to give the iPhone screen a more modern look. They changed the way things looked in iOS 26, which was a pretty big departure from the looks of iOS 7. Instead of a frosted appearance, they went for something more fluid, making it seem like you're looking through glass. This design is present everywhere, from the Notification Center to the Control Center, and even in search bars and widgets.
At first, many folks found it cool and I can see why. But some people, myself included found it hard to read text with the see-through effect. This was especially true in sunny conditions. Before iOS 26.1, the only options were to lower the screen brightness or switch to dark mode. But this affects the phone's style, and that's not what anyone wants.
⚙️ iOS 26.1 is here: Clear or Tinted?
Now, with iOS 26.1, you have some control over how transparent things appear. Here's how to change the setting:
* Open the Settings app.
* Select Display & Brightness.
* Find Liquid Glass.
* You'll see two choices: Clear or Tinted.
Clear: If you select this, then your screen background stays like see-through like it comes in the store.
Tinted: Adds a bit of color to the backgrounds, making text really easy to read. Now you can read what you need to read. It's all simple.
Apple says it best here: choosing Clear shows more background. Tinted makes things less see-through.
👓 Got Vision Problems? Read This!
If you select Tinted, don't fret. It doesn't totally kill the Liquid Glass vibe. It just tones it down. Now, when you're trying to see a phone number, it makes the background normal so you can see it. Then, when you're done, it goes back to the regular look.
This is great with notifications if you're reading a phone number because it stops you from straining your eyes, or from taking forever to read.
🌗 Light or Dark? Makes no difference.
The best part here is that this option works whether you use light mode or dark mode. It's up to you. The Tinted setting shows up when things are hard to see, but you don't lose any accessibility benefit.
🎨 Style Your Phone how YOU want it.
Before, messing with Liquid Glass too much caused problems, shifting your widgets, and messing with the whole look of your phone. Apple is listening! They know what people want! Now you can adjust what you want without messing up anything else.
Finally, this is a move to more customization. If you love the look, then awesome! If not, then a few taps and it's done.
🧪 They Heard the Internet
If you did not know, Apple made this change pretty quickly. The company is listening! This was one of the most requested fixes, from Reddit to Facebook. That's cause to celebrate.
📱 Summing Up
If you hate the Glass look but don't want that gone, then you can fix it in this new update. Set it how you want it. It's pretty awesome. To look at all the notes visit Apple's website!
11.iPhone 18 Pro Camera Design Leaks Suggest Transparent Back, Echoing Galaxy S9
iPhone 17 is barely out, but people are already chatting about the iPhone 18 Pro, which isn't coming until 2026. Crazy, right? This leaker, Digital Chat Station, is saying some pretty big changes might be on the way, and if they're right, things could get interesting.
**Bye-Bye Dynamic Island?**
First off, they might dump the Dynamic Island and go back to a punch-hole camera. Like those little dots you see on some Android phones. If that happens, the Dynamic Island, which Apple just launched, is done.
Why does that matter? The Dynamic Island holds all the Face ID stuff – cameras, sensors, all of it. Squeezing all that into a tiny hole would be hard. They'd need to redo Face ID or come up with some new tech.
But, if they pull it off, the screen would be nearly all screen. iPhone fans have been asking for that. It would look really cool.
**Camera Upgrades: Aperture That Changes?**
The word is there might be a variable aperture on the main camera. Most phone cameras have one setting for the light or how much it comes in. A variable aperture would let Apple change how big that opening is. This would give us a lot more control over how bright the picture is and how blurry the background gets.
Samsung tried this years ago and stopped using it. Other phone companies are trying. If Apple does it, it could make pictures better in low light, and portraits could be amazing. Think about how many pictures people could take using this.
It’s funny; people thought Samsung would bring this back on their Galaxy S26, but that might not happen. Apple may be the only big company to do this in 2026.
**Same Camera Bump, But See-Through?**
Apple's keeping the camera bump on the back that we first saw on the iPhone 17. It goes across the phone. Since people like it, it’s staying.
But here's where it gets interesting: The back might be see-through! You could see all the phone parts. Nothing already does this, but if Apple does it, it would be huge news.
A lot of Android companies copy what Apple does. If the iPhone goes transparent, expect a lot of see-through Android phones soon after. It would happen.
**Better Cooling**
The iPhone 18 Pro Max might have a better battery case. Some people think this means there will be a better vapor chamber cooling system.
Vapor chambers keep your phone from getting too hot when you're playing games or editing videos. If Apple improves this, it should mean better overall performance and longer battery life, especially for the Pro Max. Gamers would love this. Imagine playing the latest graphics intensive game for prolonged duration without any lag or frame drops. Phone will remain cool to touch.
**Remember: These are Just Rumors**
Keep in mind; this is all just rumors. Apple tests a lot of random things that never come out. But if some of these rumors are true, the iPhone 18 Pro could be a big change.
A punch-hole camera, variable aperture, a see-through back—it sounds wild!
We’ll have to wait to see what Apple actually does. But, if these rumors are true, the iPhone 18 Pro might be worth looking forward to. We should all be ready for great new features to come. This will be a revolution in the cell phone industry.
12.Pixel Phone Owners Share Their Thoughts on Built-In Thermometer Feature
Pixel phone might be hiding a cool secret – a thermometer! Yep, some models like the Pixel 8 Pro, 9 Pro, and 10 Pro actually have a temperature sensor built right in. It's not something Google shouts about, so you might not even know it's there. It's tucked into the camera bar and works with the Thermometer app. Basically, you can point your phone at stuff – anything from your coffee to your forehead – and see how hot or cold it is.
But what's the point?
That's what someone asked on Reddit, and the replies were pretty funny and sometimes really useful. One of the top comments was just, Oh yeah, I forgot that was even a thing. Which seems to be how a lot of Pixel owners feel. It's easy to forget until you suddenly need it.
Someone joked that they only used it to check the temperature of a wall. But then another person said they do that all the time to find cold spots in their house where heat is escaping! Not bad for something that seems like a gimmick, right? It turns out, DIY home inspectors are kind of digging this little sensor.
A lot of people are using it to quickly check if their kids or partner have a fever. Obviously, it's not a replacement for a real thermometer from the doctor, but it gives you a quick idea if someone's feeling a bit warm. Parents love instant idea before they go to the clinic. My experience with my baby is just like this.
Here's a cool story: one person used their Pixel in a hotel where the AC was broken. They used the thermometer to take readings and showed them to the staff, then they got a refund. Talk about using tech to save some cash! Who knows whether it's a single use case, or we can use it over and over again.
Pet owners are joining the party too! One person uses it to make sure their reptiles' homes are at the perfect temperature. Another person who works on a ship checks the temperature of boarding passengers – who would have thought of that? Someone working on a ship should have tons of experience to use this features, or in other words, to check the temperature of the passengers.
Plus, if you are a cook, you can start to take temperature of your food. You can use this features to make sure if you are cooking a piece a beef the correct way.
But the best comment ever has to be the person who simply said, Wait, my phone HAS a thermometer?! It just goes to show how many features we have on our phones that we don't even know about. For that person (and probably a lot of others), discovering the thermometer was a total surprise. It felt like Christmas.
Earlier this year, some of the tech websites were asking Pixel users how they really use the thermometer, and the responses were actually pretty interesting. One person even said it saved their life, although they didn't share an exact story. Maybe it was a bit of an exaggeration, but it shows there is some real potential. Maybe he will share his story someday.
If you're the kind of person who switches phones a lot, like the guy who started the Reddit thread, you might forget about these quirky features. But it's worth remembering that sometimes the most unexpected tools can be surprisingly helpful.
Google is still putting the thermometer in new Pixel phones so they must think it is actually useful. And because people are continuing to find new and interesting ways to use it – checking their homes for cold spots, keeping an eye on their health, ensuring the food is well cooked – this little sensor has found a comfortable spot among Pixel fans. Now, users can have a very good daily life habits.
So, if you have a Pixel 8 Pro, 9 Pro, or 10 Pro, you should check out the Thermometer app. Use it on a stove, against the wall next to the window, or to check on a sleeping child. It has a lot of ability that could shock you. I bet you could think of other daily uses now.
13.Black Friday Smartphone Deals: Buy Today or Wait for Tomorrow’s Best Offers?
Alright, so the holidays are coming up, it is about time to decide: do you get a new phone now, or hold off for the 2026 models?
It's something that has been asked year after year. Do I get something now or wait until later? This is a tech question that gets asked often.
Honestly, it all boils down to what you want in a phone and how quickly you need one, really. That normally means checking out different companies and figuring out the the better times to buy, and the different ways to trade in your current phone for money or discounts.
📱 Wait, But Do You Even *Need* a New Phone?
Hold up! Before even looking at prices or when phones are being released, ask yourself if you really need a new phone. Is your current phone broken? Is it moving slow? Is not having a certain feature a big deal? Or do you just want something new?
If you have a shattered screen or it can't hold a charge, turning it in for a trade right now can be a smart move. Phone stores normally will give you something for damaged phones, even if they look like they have been through a lot. Sometimes, it is better paying for a broken phone then for fixing it, mainly if it does not affect the refurbishing part.
However, if your phone is doing fine, figure out what features and capabilities that you want and when they will come out. Compare the offers to different companies.
🍎 iPhones: Go For It
If you like iPhones, don't expect prices to go down around the holidays. That is just something that Apple does not do often. When newer versions are out, it is difficult to change their prices. With the iPhone 17 out, the iPhone 16 might drop about $100 or so.
You might get lucky and see a sale at stores like Amazon or Best Buy. Phone carriers usually have better deals. If you are fine with plans that last two to three years for a cheap or even free phone, go for it. Just try to stick with the carrier!
So, if you need an iPhone, go grab one. Waiting won't help much, and the next iPhone won't be here until September 2026.
📸 Google Pixel: Black Friday is Your Friend
Google Pixel phones are different. With the Pixel 10 and Pixel 10 Pro out now, holiday season is when Pixel prices always decrease. The Pixel 8 and 9 got great discounts.
I would look for discounts in the year. If you want a Pixel 10, set an alarm for the end of November. Google normally do hundreds off on Black Friday, and stores typically do the same.
The Pixel 10 is a great phone with better cameras and handy features. If you desire a simple Android phone on a good price range, grab one this holiday.
📱 Samsung Galaxy: One Sec… It Can Wait
A lot of people like Samsung's Galaxy S series, but when to buy it is difficult. The Galaxy S25 is out on store shelves, and Samsung tends to bring out their new S-series phones in January. There are rumors for the launch of the Galaxy S26 to be delayed.
If you want the Galaxy S25, buy it now. Prices drop in anticipation for new models. You can trade in for old models for the newer ones, just that the screens can not be broken.
For the S26, usually it comes with new fast chips, great cameras, and a great design, but at a high price. If nothing changes, the S25 is fine. Check out for the discounts.
⚡ OnePlus 15: Hold On
If you like OnePlus, wait for a bit. the OnePlus 15 launch is around the bend before the end of the year. Starting in China and then making its way to the US and other markets. Keep the Launch date marked in the calendar. The phone model will be powered by Qualcomm's Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5. Set your notifications.
I have used the new Snapdragon, and it was blazing fast. Compared to the iPhone 17 Pro Max! If you want speed, you should grab the OnePlus 15.
OnePlus phones have large batteries, fast charging, and the same specs as Samsung and Apple, but at a low price. The OnePlus 13 might get a small discount. Getting $100 off with a trade is okay, but getting the OnePlus 15 is worth it.
🔄 Trade-In Tips
No matter the phone you pick, look at the trade-in offers. Around the holidays, stores can increase the trade-in values, and allow broken screens.
Look at phone bundles along with other things, Many stores will give you gift cards, warranties, or accessories if you get a phone during Black Friday and Cyber Monday.
🧠 Final Thoughts
Buy: Pixel 10 or Galaxy S25 if you want it now. The Black Friday deals are appealing.
Do not buy: OnePlus 15 or a Samsung Galaxy S26; wait a couples of weeks..
Buy now: iPhone if you are a fan of Apple.
The sales are the amazing to change your phone. Plan your timing and trades. From brand to performance, there's always a smart option- but these tips are need!
14.Security Flaw in Samsung Phones Exploited as Zero-Day for Android Spyware Attack
**LANDFALL Spyware: Samsung Galaxy Phones Hacked in Middle East**
So, the security folks over at Palo Alto Networks' Unit 42 just dropped a report that's kind of a wake-up call. Turns out, some sneaky hackers found a way to break into Samsung Galaxy phones using a secret back door that no one knew existed. And through that back door they installed some really nasty stuff called LANDFALL. Looks like their main target was people in the Middle East.
Basically, these hackers found a spot in Samsung phones' system that was prone to error when处理 images (how they handle images). This let them sneak in software that could steal all sorts of stuff right off your phone. I’m talking everything: your contacts, your photos, your texts – all of it.
**How'd This Happen?**
The problem was with code tagged CVE-2025-21042. In simple terms, it was a goof in Samsung's code (specifically, a file called libimagecodec.quram.so, if you're curious). This slip-up was a big deal, rated almost a nine out of ten on the danger scale. It meant someone remotely could put code on your phone without you even realizing it! Now, Samsung did put out a patch back in April 2025, which is good. What Unit 42 found made it even worse: the hackers were already using this hole to attack people *before* the fix came out. Making it a zero-day exploit – using it before anyone knew it was there.
This attack, dubbed CL-UNK-1054, seemed to be pointed at folks in Iraq, Iran, Turkey, and Morocco. The researchers figured this out by checking what people were uploading to VirusTotal, a site where you can get files checked for viruses.
It seems these hackers were using WhatsApp to spread the spyware. They'd send malicious image files, disguised as normal photos. Pretty slick, right?
**WhatsApp: The Delivery Service of Choice**
Alright, so it appears they sent DNG files. These are like raw image files. Hidden inside these images was malicious code.
To fool people, they named the files to seem regular, like WhatsApp Image 2025-02-10 at 4.54.17 PM.jpeg or IMG-20240723-WA0000.jpg. The oldest file they found being sent around was from July 23, 2024. Meaning this attack had been going on for almost a year!
Unit 42 initially wondered if receiving it made it go straight in, with no user interaction, or zero-click. In the end, confirmed it was not that. Still, WhatsApp made it easy for the attackers to get their bad software onto peoples phones.
**LANDFALL: Spyware Central**
Pretend that if LANDFALL gets on your phone, you have a spy living inside. It can do all sorts of scary stuff, here are a couple things:
* Record audio through your microphone.
* Track where you are, precisely.
* Copy all your photos and contacts.
* Read your texts.
* Look through all your files.
* Record your phone call history.
Basically? Everything you do on your phone is seen and heard.
Unit 42 says the hackers seemed to craft this spyware to target a bunch of Samsung Galaxy phones. Like the S22, S23, S24, and the Z Fold 4 and Z Flip 4. The newer models seemed to be avoided.
These DNG files kept a secret. A hidden zip file. Hidden in these, was code. Allowing LANDFALL to do what it needs. Changing security options, allowing LANDFALL to go unnoticed. Making sure it was where they wanted it to be.
LANDFALL also talks to a server. Imagine it as the hacker's headquarters. Communicating through HTTPS. Once logged in, it waits, and begins checking for instructions. Unit 42 couldn't find other parts, so they thought the spyware was adaptive.
Itay Cohen from Unit 42 said LANDFALL is set up so that it's sectioned, and easy to switch. The code then is able to fetch and implement more code. Giving them more surveillance abilities.
**Is Stealth Falcon Behind it?**
Who's to blame? Don't know just yet, but Unit 42 has things to point towards a group known as Stealth Falcon, or FruityArmor. But more needs to be done before this can be confirmed.
By looking and seeing how much hard work they've dedicated, a lot of funding, with specific targets. To using that exploit, they had put a lot of time and effort into trying to avoid notice.
**The Bigger Picture**
LANDFALL is one part of it, when referring to DNG-based exploits.
WhatsApp had a slip-up with iOS and MacOS (CVE-2025-55177) that went together with another bug on Apple systems (CVE-2025-43300). This attack chain was said to attack under 200 people.
The attacks done during the time had tactics that seemed the same. Indicating that they were trying something out first. As well as tools like this are just there. Waiting to be used.
**What's Next?**
Samsung fixed it in April 2025. That particular exploit is finished, but they could be others. August, this year, other exploits were found.
Some servers that connect to LANDFALL are active. Which means, there is possibility of new attacks breaking out at any moment.
**What We Need to Start Doing**
LANDFALL demonstrates that security updates, antivirus for phones, and being up to date is important. Phones have become targets, being taken advantage of to get into people's data.
If it can be helped, make sure you update Samsung Galaxys. While also being aware of any unexpected files, from normal apps, such as WhatsApp.
To the cybersecurity people, LANDFALL is a great example of zero-day situations, and vulnerabilities. Cooperation is required between companies and individuals to prevent such things from happening.
15.Reddit Cofounder Alexis Ohanian Shares His Take on the Future of the Internet
Alexis Ohanian, who helped start Reddit and now runs a venture capital place called Seven Seven Six, thinks social media is about to change big time. He told Business Insider that the way younger folks are using the internet is pointing towards something way different than the usual Facebook and Instagram stuff. It's going to be smaller, more personal, and, like, actually mean something.
**Group Chats are the New Hangout Spots**
Ohanian says that group chats are where it's at right now. I mean, group chats aren't exactly a groundbreaking idea, but he thinks their popularity shows people want to connect differently. Instead of huge, public feeds where you're bombarded with stuff from strangers (and whatever the algorithm thinks you want to see), group chats are cozy little corners where you actually know the people you're talking to.
He mentioned an app called Airbuds as an example. It's a music app that's getting popular with teens. Basically, you can share what you're listening to with your friends in real time. It's super chill and feels more real than just scrolling through a feed. His firm even invested in Airbuds, so he's really betting on this kind of thing taking off.
**Social Media That's Not Trying to Mess with Your Head**
Ohanian thinks the younger generations are showing us where the internet is headed. He says they've figured out that they don't need a social life that is one big game. All those old social media platforms that are based on who has the most followers and likes? Teens don't really care about that. They're more into stuff that lets them connect with people in a genuine way, without all the competition.
He thinks they're going for a healthier way to do the whole social media thing. Less worrying about metrics, more focusing on actually talking to people. It could totally change how social media companies see success. Instead of just trying to get bigger no matter what, they might actually have to think about what's good for the people using their platforms.
**Even Old Millennials Are Ready for Something New**
It's not just Gen Z who wants something different. Ohanian, who calls himself an old millennial (funny guy), says even older people are getting tired of the usual social media stuff. He thinks people are burned out and tapped out and that they’re are ready for the new thing.
That new thing is a wave of startups trying to fix what's wrong with the internet. Some of these are trying to get people off their phones and into the real world. Others are trying to bring back the feeling of the early internet days – when communities were smaller, more personal, and not run by algorithms.
Ohanian even helped bring back Digg, which was a popular news site way back when. That shows he's serious about looking back at what made the internet special in the first place and trying to recreate it with better design and a focus on making users happy.
**Is AI Going to Take Over the Internet?**
These days, artificial intelligence is everywhere online. AI writes articles and algorithms decide what you see in your feeds. Sometimes, it feels like there aren't any actual people left online. People like Ohanian and Sam Altman from OpenAI have even talked about the dead internet theory. Basically, it's the idea that most of the internet will eventually be created by machines, not humans.
Because of that, Ohanian thinks closed, smaller communities are going to become valuable. He isn't saying we're going back to the old AOL days where everything was walled off, but he thinks the focus is going to shift. It won't be all about getting as many users as possible. Instead, it'll be about building tools that help communities grow and keep people engaged.
**Making Money Without Annoying Everyone**
One of the coolest things about these new social apps is that they have a chance to make money in a different way. Ohanian says its unnecessary to have billions of users and sell all their data and bombard them with ads. He wants platforms to find creative, useful ways to make money that benefit both the users and the company.
That could mean subscription fees, community-run stores, or other ideas that focus on long-term value instead of just getting quick clicks. It's a big change from the current social media model, where ads are king, even if they annoy users and break their trust.
**Let's Build a Better Internet**
In the end, Ohanian thinks we have a chance to fix things and build a better internet. Not that hard really, We just have a chance to do it better, to build more thoughtfully, and to really build something that ultimately has us feeling better when we get off of it.
When people are feeling worn out by the internet and craving something real, these new social apps may be the answer. By focusing on real relationships, healthy engagement, and long-term growth, they could change what it means to be social online. Hopefully, they'll help us reconnect with what made the internet special in the first place.
16.Online Gambling Is Growing Fast — and It’s Becoming a Big Problem
**Online Gambling's Grip on the Internet: How Did We Get Here, and Can We Break Free?**
So, there's this sports betting scandal brewing, right? And it got me thinking about how much online gambling has muscled its way into *everything*. It's not just about sports anymore; it's all over the internet. The No Such Thing podcast had a really smart take on this. Kate Lindsay (the host) and Manny Fidel (a culture writer) were talking about how quietly gambling has woven itself into our digital lives. It's changing entertainment, influencing politics, and honestly, pushing a lot of people towards some pretty shaky financial ground.
What started as a chat about one specific mess quickly turned into a bigger discussion: How did online platforms make betting seem so normal? Fidel put it well; he said the way gambling controls the sports biz is just the tip of the Iceberg. Now, folks are betting on everything from who's going to win office to what some celebrity will wear. People are even betting on internet drama! Seriously, random stuff.
**The Game-ification of Everything**
Let's face it, the internet has been turned into a video game to some level. Likes, shares, followers, all these are digital points. But the whole online gambling situation just cranks that up by a crazy amount. These betting apps and websites have made it easier than ever to throw money at almost anything. So, every little thing becomes a game with real-world stakes. And it’s not just sports fanatics who are playing.
Lindsay brought up a solid point: People are betting on things that don't matter. She said it's not only who's going to win the big game, but also all about who Taylor Swift is dating, or what color somebody’s wearing at The Oscars.
This trend means a pretty big change for society. Normal entertainment is getting split up into a million pieces, and gambling gives us a way to feel thrilled. However, now play and big risk have become very difficult to spot the difference. This is especially true for youngsters who are not equipped to handle the implications of finances.
**Money Troubles and the Illusion of Being in Charge**
What's super messed up about online gambling is how it feeds on people being worried about their wallets. When wages aren't moving and it costs more to live, betting can trick you into thinking it’s an express lane to making some money. But usually what happens is the opposite.
Fidel warns that people are digging themselves deeper and deeper into money problems. The dream of winning cash fast is great, but the odds are stacked against you.
These super easy-to-use gambling apps just make everything worse. With just a couple of taps, people can make bets with credit cards or online wallets; they often don’t think about what it all costs. Many have flashing lights, leaderboards, and prize systems, so people lose track of what is at risk.
**The Mental Hit**
Past money worries, gambling online can mess with your head. The need for constant fun, that quick rush you get from small wins, the terrible feelings from losing, can get you very hooked. Some people use it as a way to get away from their troubles – like stress, boredom, or feeling alone.
Lindsay said gambling is like addiction because it keeps you interested and makes you believe you are only one bet away.
Plus, it is always available. Never has to close. Never a physical barrier between the player and the website. It makes it much more difficult to stop playing. The website programs are constantly pushing players by telling them to bet.
**Is There a Way Out?**
Okay, what’s the fix here? One way could be regulations, but that opens a can of worms. Since a lot of these gambling sites do business across country lines, it's tough to enforce anything. And even when there *are* laws, they usually take forever to keep up with all the new tech and trends.
Teaching people and getting the word out are also important. People should know what the problems are, not just money problems, but the mental and emotional ones, too. To get there, we need clearer warnings, better ways to keep track of what we’re doing, and honest talks about what gambling really means.
Fidel ends the conversation by saying that people are looking for new things now, such as real relationships that feel better, not just cheap thrills. They would like a website that would make them feel better when they turn it off.
In the end, staying aware of the problems is the best way to defend against gambling. Because it is continuing to morph how the internet is, players must understand gambling. Players must also resist the urge to play when the game is not in their favor.
17.These 6 Beloved Android Apps Have Been Officially Abandoned
**Gone But Not Forgotten: Some Android Apps We Really Miss**
Android's changed a lot since it showed up over fifteen years ago. Seriously, it’s been a wild ride of new stuff, ways to make it your own, and just flat-out cool ideas. But, as the system got more complex, some of the coolest apps just kind of…vanished. Sometimes it was because what people wanted changed, sometimes the rules changed, or sometimes it was just because tech moves on. Today, we're gonna remember some of those apps that were awesome and helped make Android what it is.
**🕰️ DashClock: The Lock Screen Hero**
Before Android really let you put widgets on your lock screen, there was DashClock. This app, created by Roman Nurik, was awesome and showed what could be done. Basically, it turned your phone’s lock screen into a place where you could see info at a glance. Stuff like weather, if you had new messages, how much battery you had left—all in a simple, cool design.
Now, some phones, like Samsung with their One UI, do something similar. But DashClock was special because it looked cool and you could add all sorts of extra stuff to it. Many folks didn't know that they needed this app. And, it is missed on the phones without a lot of lock screen choices.
**✍️ iA Writer: A Writer's Best Friend (When It Lasted)**
Writers, you know, are super picky about the stuff they use. And iA Writer was a rare awesome thing to write on the go with Android. It had a screen that helped you not get distracted and everything looked clean and simple, a great spot to write without a bunch of junk getting in the way. Bummer, the Android version wasn't as good as the iOS one.
The folks that made it said that Google changed some rules. So that made it tough to keep the Android version going without spending a ton of money. Since it wasn't making much money and had tech issues, they had to stop working on it. A tough decision they had to make. Many of us were sad. It showed that it can be hard to make apps that work on different kinds of phones.
**🧩 Nova Launcher: King of Making Your Phone Look How *You* Want**
For ages, if you had an Android phone and wanted to control how it looked, you used Nova Launcher. You could change icon packs, use gestures to do stuff, so much more than what your phone gave you when you purchased it. It was quick, flexible, and you could tweak it forever.
It is still around in some ways, but not that popular like it was before. Android made some changes. Plus those phone companies started making their own software nicer. So, people didn't need other launchers as much. But if you were someone who spent hours perfectly setting up your home screen, you will never forget Nova Launcher.
**🐦 TweetDeck: The Social Media Pro's Secret Weapon**
Way before Twitter that is now called X. TweetDeck was the app journalists, marketers, and social media pros used. It let you see multiple columns, filter stuff easily, and schedule posts. People built careers on what TweetDeck could do.
But Twitter made it harder to use their stuff and focused on their own apps. So TweetDeck didn’t work so well. Then, they got rid of the app and only had it on the web. Not on phones any more. It wasn’t just losing an app. It was losing a crazy helpful helper that let you deal with all the stuff that hits you on social media.
**📚 Pocket: The Read It Later Genius**
Pocket wasn’t just where you saved links. It was a gate to a calmer, more curated internet. You could save articles, videos, and webpages for them. The formatting on it was fine making the reading experience better. Great for long trips, reading when you were offline, or just getting away from how loud the web can be.
Mozilla bought Pocket in 2017 and put it in Firefox. But the original app started to get smaller. They said they would make it open-source, but they didn’t. Then in the summer of 2025, Mozilla turned off Pocket’s servers. There are options that are like it, but none hits that same note like the simple charm of the original.
**🎮 Humble Bundle App: DRM-Free, But Didn't Make It**
If you liked playing games on Android, you were always checking The Humble Bundle app. Indie games that didn’t have DRM for crazy prices. You owned your games, truly. And the app made it easy to download and play. But Android got new software and many of those apps stopped working. Since there weren’t software updates, people had files they couldn’t use.
The Humble team had trouble with Android changing and closed the app in 2021. It showed that even when there's no DRM, things can still become old really fast.
**🕯️ A Look Back**
These weren’t just tools. They were a big part of what made Android what it was. They showed new ideas, people being independent, and that open-source spirit. Them leaving reminds us that phones are always changing. And even the stuff we love can go away.
So, we are looking at the future of software. Let's just recall those apps that got us here. They might be gone. But the impact lives on the features, thoughts, and great memories they gave us.
18.Review: Matic Robot Vacuum Impresses with Smarter Features and Silent Operation
You're thinking about getting a robot vacuum, huh? I get it. The idea is awesome – a little robot pal keeping your floors clean while you chill. But let's be honest, a lot of these things are more trouble than they're worth, right? I've had my share of robot vacuum nightmares. Getting stuck under the couch, banging into walls at ungodly hours, needing constant babysitting... oh, and don't even get me going on cleaning out those nasty, gunk-filled water tanks! I was seriously about to give up on the whole robot vacuum dream.
Then I started hearing buzz about this one called Matic. It was supposedly different, designed to fix all the annoying issues that plague other robot vacs I used to own. I was super skeptical – like, yeah right, another overhyped gadget. But I decided to give it a shot. I mean, what did I have to lose besides a little time and some dust bunnies?
Well, after using Matic for a few weeks, I'm genuinely impressed. Seriously, it's possibly the smartest and easiest-to-live-with robot vacuum I’ve ever had. I hate to admit that I now love having a robot vacuum again.
**Forget What You Know About Robot Vacuums**
First off, Matic just looks different. It's not the usual hockey puck shape. I don't know why, but it reminds me of WALL-E. It has this solid, well-built feel, and the screen on top actually tells you what's going on instead of speaking. No super irritating robot voice here – just clear info on the screen and notifications on your phone. The great thing is, it's also rectangular, not round, which is great considering you can access all the parts from the top. This is great, because that means you don't have to flip it over to get rid of that nasty hair or find your children's' tiny toys, which is a major win in my book.
It turns out the team who made Matic used to work at Google Nest, so they know their stuff, I suppose. It's got an Nvidia thing inside it and uses cameras to see around your house. What I like about that is that it cleans more like a person would – carefully avoiding obstacles, giving extra attention to those super messy spots (like where the toddler likes to eat crackers), and changing its cleaning route on the fly. It’s pretty cool, honestly. I also love that I can watch it from my phone when I am at work.
**Smart Stuff: No Internet Needed**
A lot of robot vacuums have to have a constant WIFI connection. Matic doesn't need the internet to function. It's totally self-sufficient. Plus, you don't even have to sign up for an account to use it, which is a welcome change. You manage it all via Bluetooth, or old school connection. If you do switch on the Wi-Fi for software updates or whatever, they say your data's safe and secure. I'm not a nerd, but I guess that is a good thing.
Matic is quick, and I am not kidding. It mapped out my entire downstairs in maybe two minutes. I was blown away! The map it makes is more of a street view of my house. It clearly used the cameras and sensors to figure out where the stairs were (so it wouldn't take a tumble), what was a rug, and when it was moving from the living room to the kitchen. I think this is next-level technology!
The machine drives around like a beast, too. It's got big wheels and a moving side brush, so it handles different types of floors without getting stuck. It actually got stuck only twice but was trying to pick up my phone charging cable, so that makes sense. When it had any type of issues and couldn't get back to its charger, it went back to the charger on its own instead of dying in the middle of the dining room.
**But Here’s What Matters: Does It Actually Clean?**
Okay, Matic isn't the world's strongest robot vacuum. I am not going to sit here and lie to you. However, I would like to say that it gets the job done really well. It has a roller mop and a water tank, which you can use on wet mess, and you can change the suction. It kept my floors clear of dust and crumbs and it actually changed how it cleaned based on what it found. It actually slowed down when it found some popcorn on the floor, which was impressive, so it wouldn't send this stuff flying everywhere. It even stayed away from the rug tassels so they wouldn't get tangled in the brush.
And it's really quiet! I could use it while I was on calls at work without it becoming a nuisance. Sometimes it would go to the other room because I was on a work call. It seems to understand when I was on important calls. In contrast to other robot vacuums I used in the past, it makes a loud noise when it's on the rugs, but it's not that offensive.
**Things To Be Aware Of**
Matic is designed to be simple. Due to their emphasis on simplicity, there's no big charging station or place to empty the dirty water. Instead, it uses a disposable bag that holds both dust and water. This makes setup and cleanup a breeze, but you’ll have to replace the bag once a week. The tricky part is that Matic needs specific bags, which are kinda pricey. I looked online, and four of them run $12, or you can get 12, which costs $25. The robot won't work without these bags, so it's definitely something to keep in mind.
The robot vacuum also can't vacuum and wash at the same time, which is sort of a downer, and it doesn't clean edges as well as other robots. I wish it would do that. A robotic engineer told me that some robot vacuum cleaners probably might have have done better in some tests, but those are pricier. In addition to that, they still have those reliability issues that Matic is trying to solve, which makes this robot vacuum better.
**Incredibly User Friendly**
Setting up Matic was way easier than I expected, and I’m not usually impressed by this type of thing. It came in a box with a lid that lifted off, and it rolled out on its lonesome. Yes, you read that right! When it turned on, it greeted me with a message and was ready to map my house fast.
It also has a little more height than some other robots, so it can't scoot under really low furniture. Although that might not feel like a bad thing, that's actually because of the dust bag with the water tank. And yes, it even comes with stickers so you can give it personality and make it look like a new friend.
When the water tank is empty, it goes to the sink, and will wait for me to fill it – That is great! I do not even have to tell it to go there; it just knows! It's a small thing, but it adds to the feeling that this robot is actually helpful.
**So, Is It Worth The Cash?**
Listen, Matic isn't the cheapest option. It's definitely on the higher-end price-wise, but it's still cheaper than some other robot cleaners with similar tech. I believe it is worth the cost because it's reliable and smart, and it works quietly. Matic is worth a look if you want a robot that manages itself without you having to run to its rescue all the time. Just trust it, you do not have to worry!
**My Takeaway**
In all honesty, Matic isn't perfect. It can be a little slow, and it can't fit under really low furniture, and you have to buy special bags, but it nails the biggest problem with robot vacuums such as getting stuck, being loud, or needing endless hand-holding.
So if you're tired of rescuing your robot vacuum from under the sofa, or constantly struggling to clean the insides, then Matic is worth look. It's like the first robot vacuum I've tried that feels like a real part of my house, not just a piece of machinery.
19.Square Enix Confirms Western Studio Layoffs, Plans to Automate QA with AI by 2027
Square Enix is making some big changes, and it sounds like some people are going to lose their jobs. Word is they're axing over 100 positions in the UK, and we don't even know how many in the US.
IGN says the company admitted to the layoffs but didn't give any specific numbers. Basically, Square Enix said they're shaking things up in North America and Europe to make their game development stronger and get everyone on the same page with marketing worldwide. They called it a tough call, but they're doing it to try and grow in the future.
The rumor mill says about 137 people in the UK might be out of work, and the US is a total mystery. Square Enix has already sold off a bunch of their Western studios to Embracer Group. Plus, they've had layoffs before, so this isn't totally out of left field.
Last year, they talked about a big plan to change things up. This plan included releasing games on more platforms, focusing on their own stuff, using their big brands, and trying to make games that people really remember. They said this was all to get their growth back on track, and they split the plan into short-term, medium-term, and long-term goals to get there.
All this is happening alongside a new financial report that covers their plans from the third quarter of fiscal year 2025 to the third quarter of fiscal year 2027. In that report, they keep going on about what they've already said, but now they are pushing using AI to do some of the work.
The report says they want to Automate 70% of QA and debugging tasks in game development by the end of 2027. They're hoping that using AI will make quality assurance (QA) faster and give them an edge in making games.
The game industry is still seeing lots of these restructuring plans, and everyone's still arguing about AI tools. Some folks are worried about what it's going to do to jobs. It's worth remembering that in the West, a lot of the early pushes to unionize game companies came from QA teams, like the ones at Raven Studios, Blizzard, and ZeniMax.
20.Bandai Namco Outlines Dragon Ball: Sparking! ZERO Update for Switch 2 Enhanced Edition
Dragon Ball: Sparking! ZERO Brings Enhanced Battles to Switch and Switch 2
The long-awaited Dragon Ball: Sparking! ZERO is set to launch next week, and fans of the franchise have plenty to be excited about—especially those planning to play on Nintendo’s current and next-generation consoles. Bandai Namco has confirmed that players who purchase the game for the Nintendo Switch will be able to upgrade to an enhanced version on the Switch 2, unlocking improved visuals and performance without needing to repurchase the game.
This cross-generation support is a welcome move, especially for players who are still using the original Switch but plan to upgrade soon. According to Bandai Namco’s official website and promotional materials, the process is simple: connect your Switch 2 to the internet, download the update, and enjoy a visually enhanced version of the game. Characters and backgrounds will appear with “improved clarity and richer detail,” making the most of the Switch 2’s upgraded hardware.
🎮 What’s New in the Enhanced Version?
While the core gameplay remains the same, the Switch 2 update brings noticeable improvements to the game’s presentation. Side-by-side comparisons show sharper textures, better lighting, and more dynamic environments. These upgrades help bring the explosive energy of Dragon Ball battles to life, especially during high-speed combat and cinematic special moves.
However, it’s important to note that not all save data will carry over when applying the update. Bandai Namco has clarified that battle replay data, edit data, and online records will not transfer between versions. Players should plan accordingly if they’ve invested time into customizing characters or tracking online performance.
On the bright side, multiplayer compatibility remains intact. Players on Switch and Switch 2 can battle each other online, provided both have applied the update. This ensures a unified player base and keeps the competitive scene active across platforms.
🕹️ Performance and Platform Details
The Switch 2 version of Sparking! ZERO is being released as a Game-Key card, which means it’s optimized for the newer console’s capabilities. While the original Switch version runs well, early reports suggest that the Switch 2 offers smoother frame rates and faster load times, in addition to the visual enhancements.
For those curious about how the game performs across platforms, Bandai Namco has shared detailed breakdowns of resolution and frame rate targets. The Switch version aims for stable performance at 30fps, while the Switch 2 version pushes closer to 60fps in many scenarios. These differences may not be game-changing for casual players, but they’ll be appreciated by fans who value fluid animation and responsiveness.
🔥 A New Era for Dragon Ball Games
Sparking! ZERO marks a major milestone for the Dragon Ball gaming franchise. Building on the legacy of the Budokai Tenkaichi series, the game features massive character rosters, destructible environments, and high-octane combat that captures the spirit of the anime. With support for both Switch and Switch 2, Bandai Namco is ensuring that fans across generations can enjoy the experience.
The game’s launch also signals a broader trend in cross-generation gaming. As more players transition to newer hardware, developers are finding ways to bridge the gap—offering upgrades, compatibility, and shared ecosystems that make the move feel seamless.
🛒 Should You Buy Now or Wait?
If you’re planning to stick with your current Switch for a while, buying Sparking! ZERO now makes sense. You’ll get immediate access to the game, and you’ll be able to upgrade later if you move to the Switch 2. Just keep in mind the limitations around save data transfer.
If you’re already eyeing the Switch 2, the enhanced version will be ready for you out of the box. With improved visuals and performance, it’s arguably the best way to experience the game—especially if you’re a longtime Dragon Ball fan.
21.Apple Reportedly Working on a Budget MacBook for 2026 Launch
Apple's reportedly working on a budget-friendly MacBook that should be out in 2026. The idea is to get something cheaper than the current $999 MacBook Air. Basically, Apple wants to snag some of the market share that Chromebooks and cheap Windows laptops have in schools and for people just getting started with computers.
If you just want a simple laptop for surfing the web, typing up documents, watching videos, or doing schoolwork, you might want to hold off a bit. Let's run through what we're hearing about this new MacBook.
📏 Size and Shape
Ming-Chi Kuo, who's pretty good at guessing Apple's plans, says the low-cost MacBook will have a screen around 13 inches. That's about the same size as the 13.6-inch MacBook Air, maybe a little smaller. They probably won't make it super thin since it's supposed to be a budget model, but because Apple's chips are so efficient, it could still be as thin as the Air (0.44 inches) without needing a fan to keep it cool.
So, think something compact and easy to carry around. Perfect for students or anyone who needs a portable computer with a decent-sized screen.
🖥️ Screen and Style
Don't expect a fancy screen. The new MacBook will likely have a regular LCD screen, not the super fancy mini-LED or ProMotion stuff. That makes sense to keep the price down. But here's a cool thing: it might come in different bright colors, kind of like the iMacs. Kuo thinks we could see options like silver, blue, pink, and yellow. That would a bit of fun to Apple's usual look.
These colors could help the MacBook get noticed in schools and with younger people, making it a fun and easy way to get into the Mac world.
⚙️ A18 Pro Chip: Powerful Enough
This is interesting: Apple might use the A18 Pro chip in this MacBook. That chip is supposed to be in the iPhone 16 Pro. It's got 8GB of RAM and is built for Apple's AI stuff (Apple Intelligence).
From the sounds of it, the A18 Pro can do just as well on some tasks like the M3 Ultra and better than the original M1 chip. The graphics are similar to the M1 too. That would mean this new MacBook can handle everyday stuff easily, and maybe even let you do some light creative work.
It won't be as powerful as the Macs with the M-series chips, but the A18 Pro is plenty for browsing, watching videos, writing, and playing casual games. Plus, you’d get to use Apple's AI features without needing a super expensive Mac.
💻 What Can It Do?
With the A18 Pro inside, the low-cost MacBook should run smoothly and do pretty much everything you expect a Mac to do. So, it will a better choice than using an iPad with a keyboard, give you desktop experience for less money.
You should be able to edit photos, watch videos, write papers, and even do some simple video editing. It'll also play Apple Arcade games and most iPhone and iPad games, even though it won't be great for high-end gaming or really intense creative projects.
Programs like Final Cut Pro will work, but they'll be slower than on Macs with M-series chips. If you're a student, a casual user, or just want a good everyday computer, this new MacBook could be a good fit.
🔌 Ports and Battery
Expect Apple to keep the number of ports down to a minimum. Probably just one USB-C port, though maybe they'll throw in two like on the MacBook Air. This keeps costs down, but you might need to use adapters to plug in more stuff.
The battery life should be good. The A18 Pro is power-saving, and the 13-inch size means there's enough space for a decent-sized battery. The MacBook Air already gets up to 18 hours of video playback and 15 hours of web browsing, and this new MacBook might even do better.
💵 How Much Will It Cost?
Apple hasn't said anything about the price, but Bloomberg says it will be well under $1,000. That's a big deal for Apple, which usually sells more expensive laptops.
If we look at Apple's current prices, the 13-inch iPad Air (which has a similar screen size and a more powerful M-series chip) starts at $799. The iPad mini, with the A17 Pro, starts at $499. And Apple was selling the older M1 MacBook Air for $599.
So, it seems like a price between $499 and $799 is realistic. If it starts at $599, it would really give Chromebooks and cheap Windows laptops a run for their money, while still giving you the quality of Mac OS.
📅 When Will It Arrive?
We’re thinking Apple will kick off this low-cost MacBook in the first half of 2026. Plus, there are plans to do some touch-ups to the MacBook Air early in 2026, so it wouldn’t shock anyone if the two models showed up around the same time. It make sense time-wise with Apple’s usual spring releases and would make a solid entry-level pick right before school starts back up.
Overall, Apple’s upcoming affordable MacBook could a big deal for students, everyday users, and anyone looking to dip their toes in MAC OS without spending too much cash. If it’s truly rocking a solid A18 Pro chip, some cool colors, and a price point well below your standard MacBook Air, it could be one of the best Mac releases we've seen in a while. If you are thinking about getting a new laptop, it might be worth hanging tight until 2026 rolls around and you can see what Apple actually delivers.
22.Gemini Deep Research Now Supports File Analysis Across Google Workspace
Google's Gemini is Digging Into Your Gmail, Drive, and Chat – Should You Let It?
So, Google's Gemini is really pushing the envelope in the whole AI thing, especially when it comes to getting stuff done. The newest version, Gemini 2.5 Pro, is like a research assistant… a digital one, of course. It can now get into your Gmail, Google Drive (that means your Docs, Sheets, Slides, even PDFs), and Google Chat to try and answer those really complicated questions you might have. It's a big step in how AI works with the personal stuff we all have online, and that brings up good and bad points.
Okay, So What is Gemini Deep Research, Really?
It's not just another one of those chatbots that spits out answers right away. Gemini Deep Research acts more like a research helper. When you ask it a question, it makes a plan – it figures out all the steps it needs to take to find the answer. You get to look at the plan and say yes or no before it does anything. It figures out what information it needs, it automates parts of the research, and puts all those pieces together.
Dave Citron, who's in charge of product stuff for Gemini, said in a blog post that after you ask your question, Gemini makes a multi-step plan for you to check or change. Once you give the okay, it starts looking for info all over the internet. And now, it can even look through your own files – if you let it.
Super Personalized Research Using Your Google Stuff
This new thing lets Gemini use info from your own Google Workspace account. So, if you're looking into something that's related to documents in your Drive, emails in Gmail, or chats in Chat, Gemini can use that stuff to get you an answer.
This could be a huge deal for people dealing with tons of info all the time. Imagine asking Gemini to give you a quick rundown on how your team is doing on a project. It could look through meeting notes, shared spreadsheets, and email conversations to make a complete report. Students could use it to put together class notes and research papers for studying. Marketers could create a campaign plan based on how past campaigns did and what clients said. See the possibilities?
Privacy Issues
But with any AI that gets into your personal stuff, you have to worry about privacy. Google says that the info it gets from Gmail, Drive, and Chat isn't used to train the AI. Okay, good, right? But the privacy notice for Gemini Deep Research says that real people (including people who work for Google) look at some of the info they collect to make things better.
That might make you stop and think. Most reviews help AI be more accurate and safe, but it also means that someone else could see your private information. Google says you shouldn't put in any private info that you wouldn't want someone else to see or use.
It's not just Google, either. Other companies like Anthropic's Claude let you use Google Drive and Slack, and OpenAI's ChatGPT Enterprise lets you access your data too. You get more personalized and helpful answers, but you give them access to your online life. It's a trade-off.
Don't Use It for the Really Important Stuff!
Google is telling people not to use Gemini Deep Research for really important decisions. They say not to depend on Gemini for medical, legal, money, or other professional advice. That makes sense, because AI can still make stuff up, use old info, or not understand complicated topics.
Some people love Gemini Deep Research because it can go through a lot of info quickly. Others don't like that it's not clear where the info comes from, and that it can't get to research that you have to pay for. Also, what you ask it in the first place makes a big difference. Even if you ask a good question, the answers might just be summaries and not real insights.
Just Looks Like Research?
Leon Furze, who helps schools and has a PhD, said that Gemini is for businesses and people who need to make long reports that look accurate but nobody will actually read. It's made to look like you did research, but you didn't have to do any work yourself.
That's pretty harsh, but it might be true. Deep research tools like Gemini are all about speed and putting things together quickly. They're great at making presentations, summaries, and reports, but they might not be so good at coming up with new ideas, thinking critically, or understanding complicated stuff.
A Tool That Has Good Points and Bad Points
Gemini Deep Research is a cool step forward for AI. It combines searching the web with accessing your personal data and making multi-step plans, it gives us a look at what research might be like in the future. But it also brings up questions about privacy and how we work with knowledge in the age of AI.
For now, it's best to think of it as a tool – one that can save you time, find useful info, and help get your thoughts organized. But like any tool, it works best if you use it carefully and know what it can and can't do.
23.Arc Raiders and Three Other Games Fans Are Eager to Replay
Alright, Friday's here! Time to figure out what to play this weekend in November.
Seriously, where did the year go? It feels like January was just last week. Before we get buried under holiday craziness, let's just chill and play some games.
Whatever you're into like crazy action, stories that hit you in the feels, or just a classic RPG, I've got some good stuff for you to check out this weekend.
**🎯 Battlefield 6**
* **What's it on?** PS5, Xbox Series X/S, PC
* **Steam Deck?:** Nope
* **Weekend Goal:** Get good at sniping people
I just can't quit Battlefield 6. Almost every night, I'm playing a few rounds with my buddies, sharing funny stories about the game, and trying to avoid getting sniped. Okay, so maybe some of the maps are a little small, and yeah, there are bugs sometimes but blowing up tanks, running like crazy through fights, and taking control of areas makes it worth it.
This weekend, I'm going to try playing as the Scout class. I'm usually the guy healing people or driving tanks, not sniping, so we'll see if I can actually hit anyone with that rifle. Every match in Battlefield feels different, even if I miss every shot, I'll still have a good time.
**🦸 Dispatch**
* **What's it on?** PC
* **Weekend Goal:** Catch up on the story
I've been playing Dispatch some time now, and think its plot is good. In the most recent episodes, the main character has a love triangle with two coworkers who have superpowers, Invisigal and Blonde Blazer. I didn't really care for the love story, but the game makes you pick someone, so you have to.
I picked Blonde Blazer because I kind of had to, and now I want to know what happens. The season ends next week, so I need to finish it up quickly before I see spoilers online. Dispatch mixes superhero stuff with normal work problems surprisingly well, I can't wait to see how it ends.
**🐉 Dragon Quest I & II HD-2D**
* **What's it on?** PS5, Xbox Series X/S, PC
* **Steam Deck?:** Unknown
* **Weekend Goal:** Experience old-school gaming
It's time to play some JRPGs! The updated versions of Dragon Quest I and II in HD-2D are great for a relaxing weekend. They might not be as awesome as last year's Dragon Quest III remake, but they're still fun if you like classic, turn-based games.
Dragon Quest I is as simple but fun, without multiple characters, different classes, or even interesting dialogue. But it's one of the games that started it all, so playing it feels important. Dragon Quest II has improvements like a full party and harder dungeons. The new HD-2D style makes the pixel art look really good.
I did skip Dragon Quest III, which might mess up the story order, but I'm really just playing for the feeling. These games take a while, but they're worth it.
**🚀 Arc Raiders**
* **What's it on?** PS5, Xbox Series X/S, PC
* **Weekend Goal:** Survive all the crazy stuff and laugh about it
Arc Raiders, the new game from Embark Studios where players fight each other and the environment, is wild, and one of the most intense games I have played in a while. It's hard, requires plans, and has moments where you just can't believe what happened (in a good way).
The other night, I played with two random people who were actually pretty good. We were getting loot, fighting other players, and defending a bunker. Then, things got out of control. One of my teammates set a trap with a fire bomb near the door, thinking it wouldn't hurt teammates. Guess what? It did. The whole room went up in flames, and we all died trying to escape, not before looting the bodies of the players we’d just defeated.
It was funny, annoying, and represented what makes Arc Raiders unique and amazing. The shooting feels good. The extraction parts make you nervous. There is surprisingly a good story in the levels. If you want a shooter where working together is important and being careless gets you killed, play this game.
**🕹️ Other Games You Might Like**
If you don't like the games above, here are some others to play this weekend:
* Alan Wake II: If you like scary stories and movies.
* Super Mario Bros. Wonder: A fun platformer with lots of cool surprises.
* Lies of P: If you love dark & stylish games.
* Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty: If you haven't played Cyberpunk 2077 in a while, now is a good time .
**🎮 Final Words**
November is moving quickly. There are tons of great games to play right now. It's easy to feel like you have too many options. Weekends are the time to slow down, pick a few games you really like, and enjoy them. Doesn't matter if it's sniping in Battlefield, seeing what happens in Dispatch, playing old-school RPGs, or getting blown up in Arc Raiders, there's no wrong way to spend your Saturday eve.
So relax, get some snacks, and lets game!
24.iPhone 18 Rumors Reveal Display Upgrades and Design Changes
**iPhone 18 Pro: What People Are Saying So Far**
So, the iPhone 18 Pro isn't coming out for, like, two years. But the internet is already full of rumors. People are saying Apple's working on cool stuff, like the screen and cameras. Someone who's usually right on Weibo, Digital Chat Station, said Apple's messing with the display to use less space for the front camera. It wasn't a detailed post, but it fits with other rumors that the next iPhone will be cool.
**Bye-Bye Notch, Hello… Tiny Dot?**
Everyone's talking about this HIAA idea. It's supposed to make the front camera less noticeable. Imagine a tiny hole through the screen where the camera hides. The goal is to dump the notch or Dynamic Island for something less annoying.
Word is Apple's trying a smaller pin-hole thing for the 18 Pro. That'd be good, because it gives you more screen. But the report doesn't say if Face ID will be hidden under the screen, too. The Information said the 18 Pro might have a tiny hole in the corner for the camera, with Face ID under the screen. This recent rumor doesn't deny that completely, but it mentions a change to the screen, making that possible.
**Camera Stuff: Better Night Photos and Selfies?**
Besides the screen, people are talking about camera improvements. The iPhone 18 Pro might get variable aperture for the main lens. The camera can change the lens opening, so you can control light and background blur. Some Android phones have this, and it’s great for night photos and portraits.
The people over at JP Morgan also think all iPhone 18 models and the foldable one will get a 24MP front-facing camera. That's way better than the 12MP selfie cams now. You'll get clearer video calls, better selfies, and better FaceTime. Sounds good!
**Changes: MagSafe and a Stronger Battery?**
The Weibo post also mentioned a transparent MagSafe on the back. It won't be see-through, but it might blend in better with the phone. Apple's changed the MagSafe before, and this might just make it look nicer. Another thing that came up is a battery with a steel shell. The 17 Pro did this, so it might keep the battery cool and make it last longer, when it gets hot. We'll have to wait and see if it works.
**Is a Foldable iPhone Real?**
JP Morgan also said Apple's making a foldable iPhone, maybe called the iPhone Fold, which is coming out with the iPhone 18 Pro. If that pin hole idea works, it'll also have an under-display front camera.
Details are scarce, but if it comes out in 2026, Apple will be ready to compete with Samsung and Google. It is going to be interesting between the three.
**What We Still Don't Know**
Even with all the rumors, we still have questions. Like, how are they hiding Face ID under the display? What is the screen even going to look like? There are more questions as the battery will be encased in steel.
This is all just guessing. Apple always changes its mind.
**What's Coming Up?**
Apple will probably show off the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone Fold in September 2026. Before then, we'll probably get more information, telling us about the new features, camera improvements, and design changes Apple's doing.
The rumors point to a phone that gets better over time.
25.BioWare Confirms Exclusive Focus on Next Mass Effect Game
**Mass Effect is Back! New Game and TV Show Confirmed!**
So, remember how BioWare said they were working on a new Mass Effect, like, five years ago? Well, fans have been losing their minds waiting to hear anything about it. But this year's N7 Day (that's the day dedicated to all things Mass Effect) finally gave us something real.
Mike Gamble, who's in charge of the project, said that the team is totally focused on the making the next game in the series.
In a blog post, Gamble mentioned they have a huge world to play with, cool game systems to put in place, and love stories to create. He seemed really excited and said that when they're ready to show it off, it's going to be awesome and enjoyable..
This news is a big deal because there have been rumors going around about the people at BioWare and what's going to happen with Mass Effect, especially since there's been talk about EA possibly changing ownership. Gamble talked about this stuff directly, saying that the next Mass Effect game is happening, and EA and BioWare are both ready to keep telling stories in that world.
For those who've been playing Mass Effect for years, this is great to hear. After the not-so-great reviews of Mass Effect: Andromeda and then total silence, a lot of people wondered if the series would ever be good again. But Gamble's message makes it sound like BioWare is taking their time to do things right, and that they're really committed to the future of the series. It is nice to be reassured.
**Mass Effect is Coming to TV!**
Guess what? BioWare is also working with Amazon to make a Mass Effect TV show! Gamble said that the writers are already hard at work and that they've figured out how the show fits into the Mass Effect storyline.
The cool thing is that the show won't just be a repeat of Commander Shepard's story. Gamble said that the show will be a completely original story set after the original game series. It's not going to rehash Shepard's story – because that's your story!
This is probably what fans wanted to hear, since a lot of people feel like their version of Shepard's story is personal. By setting the show after the games, BioWare and Amazon can add to the world without changing the most important parts. It also means we might see new characters, groups, and conflicts – maybe they will even connect to the new game. This is a good point for expanding the universe even more without affecting Commander Shepards legacy.
**Hidden Messages and Krogan Wars?**
Like they always do on N7 Day, BioWare didn't just post a message they also left a bunch of little clues for fans to find. Gamble's message had some letters in italics, and people online have already started trying to figure out what they mean. It's a classic Mass Effect thing: hidden clues that get people talking and guessing. It is a smart plan.
One of the things people noticed is a new picture on the Mass Effect website called Civil War, and it has Krogan in it. The Krogan have always been a big part of the series, with their tough history and complicated relationship with everyone else in the galaxy. A civil war among the Krogan means big problems for the next game – and might be the main story.
Whether it's a real hint or just a thematic thing, it's already got people talking. And that's what N7 Day is all about: getting people excited, starting conversations, and reminding everyone why they love Mass Effect
**A Universe Worth the Wait**
After playing the original trilogy, I know that the Mass Effect world is still amazing. The way it mixes character stories, questionable morals, and space adventure hasn't been beat. The promise of BioWare coming back to that world with new ideas is something to look forward to.
Of course, there's still a lot we don't know. Gamble didn't say when the game would be released, what the gameplay would be like, or even what the title is. But the message makes it sound like BioWare is really working hard and wants to make something special. We might have to wait until next year's N7 Day or after for more solid details, but fans now know that their time is not been wasted in waiting.
**This Is Going to Be Great!**
Mass Effect is more than just a series of games, it's a whole universe and a great community. BioWare's update reminds us that they remember what made the series so good. With a new game, a TV show, and hidden clues, N7 Day is like a fresh start.
Whether you've been playing since the beginning or just getting into the Citadel, now is a good time to be a Mass Effect fan. The galaxy is calling.
26.Bandai Namco Outlines Dragon Ball: Sparking! ZERO Update for Nintendo Switch 2
Dragon Ball fans! Get hyped because Dragon Ball: Sparking! ZERO is hitting shelves next week, and there's a cool deal for Switch owners. If you grab the game for your current Switch, you can get a free upgrade to a better version when you get a Switch 2. This means sharper graphics and you can even play with people on other platforms!
Bandai Namco is doing something pretty awesome. They're letting you play Dragon Ball: Sparking! ZERO on your old Switch and then get a free upgrade when you get the new one. So, the game is coming out next week for both the Nintendo Switch and the next one, the Switch 2. The best part? If you buy it for the Switch now, you don’t have to buy it again for Switch 2. You just get a free, upgraded version.
🔄 How This Works?
It’s easy to do, according to Bandai Namco. Once you buy the Switch version, you just hook up your Switch 2 to the internet and download an update. This update turns the game into a version that looks way better on the Switch 2. The characters and environments will look clearer and more detailed, which means you get a cooler experience without spending more money.
This is great if you're planning on getting a Switch 2 but want to start playing the game now. It's also becoming more common for game companies to offer these sorts of upgrades so you don't have to buy the same game twice.
🧠 What's Lost and What Stays?
Okay, so the upgrade is nice, but there are a couple of things you should know. Some of your save data won't transfer over. Things like your battle replays, custom edits, and online battle records will be gone when you upgrade to the Switch 2 version.
But don't worry, your main progress should be safe. Stuff like the characters you've unlocked and how far you are in the story should still be there. Bandai Namco hasn’t said exactly what data will move over, so you might want to back up your saves or look at the game's help page before updating.
🕹️ Playing with Everyone
One of the things that is exciting is that you can play online with others, even if they’re on a different Switch. If you’re playing the upgraded version on Switch 2, you can battle it out with people who are still on the original Switch. This update makes it so everyone can play together.
This is a smart idea because it keeps everyone together and makes sure there are plenty of people to play with online, no matter which Switch you have. So, whether you stick with your old Switch or get the new one, you can still join in on the fun.
🎮 Better Graphics and Performance
The Switch 2 version of Sparking! ZERO is not just a little bit better. It’s a big jump in visuals. People who have seen it say the textures are sharper, the characters look more detailed, and the lighting is better. It makes the game look closer to the versions on PS5 and Xbox Series X/S, so if graphics are important to you, the Switch 2 version is the way to go.
We don’t have all the details yet, but the Switch 2 has better hardware, so the game should run smoother and load faster. The original Switch version will still be good, but the Switch 2 will give you a more polished experience.
📦 Game-Key Card
Just so you know, the Switch 2 version of Dragon Ball: Sparking! ZERO will come on a Game-Key card. Nintendo is using this format for Switch 2 games to make loading faster and give you more storage. If you’re buying the game for Switch 2, you’ll automatically get the enhanced version.
If you start playing on Switch and then get a Switch 2, you can just download the update and get all the upgrades.
🔥 What it all means?
Dragon Ball: Sparking! ZERO looks like it’s going to be one of the best Dragon Ball games ever. It has a ton of characters, crazy battles, and it recreates all those classic moments from the show. It’s a dream come true for fans. The fact that you can upgrade from Switch to Switch 2 for free is a really nice touch and shows that Bandai Namco cares about making the game enjoyable for everyone.
Whether you’re getting the game on day one or waiting for your Switch 2, Sparking! ZERO is going to be a fun and awesome way to experience the Dragon Ball world.
27.OpenAI Launches Web Browser With ChatGPT, Sparks Privacy Concerns
OpenAI just released this new web browser called Atlas. It's only been out a couple of weeks, and right now, it only works on Macs. But already, people are chatting about it. Google Chrome is the big dog in the browser world, but Atlas is trying to mix things up. It's not just about a pretty face or speed; OpenAI wants to change how we even think about browsers, especially with all the AI stuff happening.
Sam Altman, who runs OpenAI, mentioned in a live video that AI gives them a cool chance to rethink what a browser can do. He believes Atlas should be more than just a way to view websites. Instead, it should be like a sidekick that can actually get stuff done.
Here's the deal: Atlas has ChatGPT built right in. That means it can do way more than just show you websites. OpenAI calls it agentic mode. In this mode, the browser can do things like order groceries, book your flights, or even get you a reservation at a restaurant. At the demo when they showed Atlas, one of Altman's coworkers showed how it could scan a recipe online, figure out how much of each ingredient you needed for a party, and then buy all the stuff for you. And the person using it didn't have to do a thing!
This kind of automated stuff suggests a future where you don't have to click around so much. Instead, you just tell the browser what you want. Atlas doesn't just give you information; it figures things out, acts on it, and learns your likes. It's like trying to make the browser your personal helper.
Okay, but here's the catch with all this power: It raises a big question about privacy. Because Atlas and ChatGPT are connected, it gets more of your info than normal browsers. It can look at your email, go through your Google Docs, and remember stuff from the websites you check. It does this to get a better idea of what you like and how you act.
Anil Dash, who works in tech, is worried about collecting all this info. He thinks OpenAI might be hoping to use the people who use the browser to get even more data. He wouldn't be surprised if they were getting more info from users than the users were getting from them.
OpenAI says that Atlas doesn't use your data to teach its AI, not by default. You have to agree to let that happen. Even so, because the browser is so connected to your personal stuff, it makes you wonder how much control you really have and what risks you're taking.
Another danger with AI browsers like Atlas is prompt injections. It's when someone hides sneaky instructions on a website that trick the AI helper into doing things it shouldn't. Lena Cohen, over at the Electronic Frontier Foundation, says there could be real danger there.
She says bad people can hide these instructions on a page, and when your AI visits that page, it might be tricked into doing them. A safe-looking grocery site, for example, could have a prompt injection that tells the agent to buy a certain product. Or, even worse, it could trick it into giving up your credit card number!
OpenAI knows prompt injections are a problem they still haven't sorted out, and they're teaching their AI to ignore bad instructions. But Cohen says that agentic mode makes these risks even bigger because it could expose you to threats you don't even know about.
Atlas is coming out at a time when AI is quickly changing how we use tech. Regular web search is being challenged by AI that can hold real conversations, and companies are rushing to add smart helpers to everything. Chirag Shah, a professor at the University of Washington, sees this as a thing where everyone's trying to move fast. But he says what's being broken isn't just the tech itself, but real people.
That's the problem with Atlas in a nutshell. It's a powerful, cool tool that could change the internet, but it also means users and developers need to be careful.
Basically, Atlas is more than just a browser. It's OpenAI saying they think the future of computers is all about AI. By putting AI right into how we browse, it sort of shows us a world where digital helpers do our errands, know what we need, and learn from what we do. It can learn your favorite type of music for playlists or your favorite food to order.
But that thinking has negatives. As Atlas gets better, users will have to think about whether the ease is worth the loss of control and whether the automatic stuff is worth the loss of freedom. The browser might be smart, but the smartest thing to do might be to stay up to date on how it works and what it knows about you. You should also be on guard for any unexpected access to keep your data secure and personal.
28.Apple Plans Budget MacBook for 2026 Launch
Apple might just drop a brand-new, super-affordable MacBook in 2026. We're talking cheaper than the MacBook Air, which usually goes for around $999. The idea? To steal some customers from Chromebooks and those cheap Windows laptops you see everywhere, especially with students or anyone just needing a basic computer.
If you’re thinking of getting a new laptop for surfing the web, writing papers, watching Netflix, or doing schoolwork, it might be worth waiting to see what this new MacBook is all about. Here’s what we’ve gathered so far:
📏 **Size and Shape**
According to this Apple insider, Ming-Chi Kuo, it'll probably have a screen around 13 inches. That's pretty close to the 13.6-inch MacBook Air, maybe a little smaller. Apple hasn't shared the exact measurements, but it sounds like it will be easy to carry around in a backpack.
Since they're trying to keep the cost down, it probably won't be super skinny. But hey, the MacBook Air is already pretty slim with its M-series chip and no fan, so this new one could be close in thickness without being too clunky. Even if it's a little bulkier, no big deal.
🖥️ **Screen and Looks**
Heads up – don’t expect any fancy screen bells and whistles. To keep costs low, it’ll likely have a standard LCD screen. Nothing like the cool mini-LED or ProMotion stuff. To keep price down, Apple might change things up and make it in Some colors. These might be the same colors from the iMacs – silver, blue, pink, or yellow. Would be a cool way for younger folks to try macOS without spending too much cash.
⚙️ **A18 Pro Chip: Enough Power**
The A18 Pro chip, which might be in the iPhone 16 Pro (huge if), could be powering this new MacBook. This A18 chip should include 8GB of RAM and work with Apple Intelligence.
The A18 Pro chip has about the same single-core performance as the M3 Ultra and better multi-core scores than the first M1 chip. This means the new MacBook should be fine for everyday things and some creative tasks.
The A18 Pro chip is good enough for browsing the web, watching videos, making documents, and playing some games. Plus, Apple Intelligence would give access to AI tools. Just remember it will not be as strong as Apple's other Mac models with M-series chips. If you need more power, this isn't for you.
💻 **What Can It Do?**
This cheaper MacBook can run macOS and support normal apps and features. It could be a good option instead of buying an iPad with a keyboard, especially if it ends up costing less.
It can handle tasks such as simple video editing, writing, watching videos, and fixing up photos. It will support most Phone and iPad games and Apple Arcade games. It won't be good for serious gaming or super intense creative projects, but it will get the job done for most people.
Apps such as Final Cut Pro can run, but exporting video and rendering might take longer than on those Macs with M-series chips. If you’re just a student, a light user, or searching for an extra computer, this new MacBook might be right up your alley.
🔌 **Ports and Battery Life**
It'll probably have a single USB-C port. Maybe two. This simple design should cut down on cost and make things less complicated. If you need more ports, you might have to get a hub or some dongles.
The battery life should be long. The A18 Pro chip is battery saving. A big battery should a 13-inch laptop. Apple's MacBook Air can last fifteen hours while browsing the web and up to eighteen hours when playing videos. It's possible for the new MacBook to exceed these numbers.
💵 **How Much Will It Cost?**
Apple hasn’t said anything about the price yet. But, Bloomberg says it is “less than $1,000.” It would be unusual for Apple, as their laptops are normally in the premium range.
The 13-inch iPad Air, which is about the same size but has a more powerful M-series chip, costs $799. The iPad mini, powered by the A17 Pro, is $499. Apple sold the older M1 Mac Book Air in Walmart for $599.
Based on all this, a price between $499 and $799 seems reasonable. At $599, Apple could really compete with Chromebooks and cheaper Windows laptops, while still providing the smooth and polish experience from macOS.
📅 **When's It Coming Out?**
The new MacBook might hit the market in the first part of 2026. There are also supposed to be new MacBook Air models at the start of 2026. If that's correct, they could both be released around the same time. This would line up with Apple's usual Spring product releases and give them something new for the back-to-school crowd.
29.Leaked: India Price for OPPO Find X9 at ₹74,999, X9 Pro at ₹99,999 Ahead of Launch
Oppo's Find X9 and X9 Pro are hitting India on November 18th. Should be interesting because we first caught wind of these guys in China around mid-October. Then, boom, by the end of the month, they were available globally. And now, here comes India. Oppo's practically shouting from the rooftops that these are their best phones yet. Word is they've been tinkering with the insides and gave it a bit of a makeover. Supposedly, they're really focused on making these things run faster and take better pictures.
Now, some dude on X, you know, used to be Twitter, supposedly dropped some hints about the India prices. Like, he thinks the Oppo Find X9 with 12 gigs of RAM and 256 gigs to store stuff could be around 75,000 rupees. And then the Find X9 Pro, which is probably the super-powered version, might be closer to the 100,000 rupee mark. If that's right, these phones are playing in the same area as the big brands of phones cost wise. But they are also assumed to have the stuff that helps them get there.
So, what makes these Find X9 phones kinda appealing?
Well, the overall idea is that the Find X9 and X9 Pro are upgrades from the models before. Like, thinking better screens, processors that think quicker, and cameras that take better pictures over all.
The regular Find X9 should have a smooth, curved screen. AMOLED type probably 6.7 inches. High refresh rate and colors that burst off the screen. Under the hood they are implying it will have a Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset. That should make things move fast. Doing many task at the same time, playing video games, or anything that has to do with AI. With 12 GB of RAM for the usage and 256 gigs for pics and videos seems to be space most people can be ok with. But, Oppo might toss a curveball showing different storage or memory options when they make it known.
The Find X9 Pro sounds like a powerhouse. It's supposedly got a QHD+ LTPO AMOLED screen. This one can juggle its refresh rate all the way to 120Hz. What that means is the screen looks great. Plus more range of light and dark for the camera. They are saying it might have the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chip inside. The RAM could go up to 16GB and maybe 512GB for storing files.
About the Cameras
Oppo like to put their best camera tech in the high end models. This Find X9 series is assumed to be keeping that line going. The Find X9 should have three lenses in the back. The main camera with the high resolution sensor, a super wide to see more, and a zoom camera.
What gets kinda interesting is the Find X9 Pro. What has been passed around is it will have a super-duper Sony sensor for the main camera that was made together with Oppo. That seems to translate to being to take better pics in the dark and more range for brightness and color. There are implied talks of a periscope zoom lens, which you can zoom without loosing quality. And of course, software tricks powered by Oppo's MariSilicon X chip.
Battery and Charge
Good chance these phones will charge quickly. The Find X9 should have 80W fast charge with a cable. From what has been implied, the Pro version might be quicker, maybe 100W or greater. Wireless charging and the ability to charge others is another assumption in the Pro version. Batteries should be 4,800mAh-5,000mAh. That appears to be an amount the can get through the day.
Software and AI
The Find X9 is intended to release with ColorOS 14, which runs on Android 14. With that comes multitasking, more privacy, and some AI goodies. From Oppo's side, there is assumed to to be much AI functionality that has to do with the camera, the assistant and simple usage. There is an expectation that Oppo brings more to the table with these phone.
Is the Price Too High?
If these phones come out anywhere near the 75K(Find X9) and 100k(Find X9 Pro) price point. These are aimed for who wants the premium market. Which cost the same ballpark with giants of the Samsung Galaxy or Apple Iphones.
Expect more info about where to get them, sale prices, and more products right around release time. For now it is assumed that the Find X9 is a phone to keep any eye on.
30.Apple’s Affordable MacBook: Key Features and Expectations for 2026
The street is that Apple might be cooking up something pretty interesting for 2026: a budget-friendly MacBook. Yeah, you heard that right – a MacBook that won't leave your wallet weeping.
The idea is that a lot of folks just want a solid, dependable laptop for everyday stuff. You know, checking email, writing stuff, maybe watching some Netflix. They don't need all the bells and whistles of a top-end MacBook Pro. So, Apple’s thinking about making a MacBook that's easier on the pocketbook. We are hearing it could be priced way less than $1,000. If that’s real, this new MacBook could totally compete with Chromebooks and those cheaper Windows laptops, especially for students or people who just want a simple computer.
If you are thinking getting a new computer to type on, or to watch YouTube, hang tight. Seeing what Apple brings to the table might be a good idea. Let's get into the details of what we think we know so far:
How Big Is It? What Does It Look Like?
So, an Apple insider named Ming-Chi Kuo says this cheaper MacBook will have a screen that's about 13 inches. That's a tiny bit smaller than the current MacBook Air, but not by much. It should still be easy to carry around, which is perfect for students lugging it to class.
We’re not expecting Apple to prioritize making it super thin. It'll probably be similar to how the MacBook Air is built. That thing runs really well with its M-series chip and doesn't even need a fan, and it's pretty thin already. So, this new MacBook could be about the same size and still work great.
What About the Screen and Appearance?
Don't expect a fancy screen on this budget MacBook. It'll probably have a regular LCD screen, not the super-duper mini-LED or ProMotion stuff. That makes sense to keep the cost down. But get this: Apple might offer it in a bunch of fun colors! Think like the iMacs – maybe silver, blue, pink, and yellow.
Those colors could be a hit with students and younger people. It might make this MacBook feel more like a fun, easy way to get into the Apple world.
The Brains of the Operation: The A18 Pro Chip
Now, this is interesting. Apple might use the A18 Pro chip in this MacBook. That's the chip that's supposed to be in the new iPhone 16 Pro. It's going to include 8GB of RAM and is supposed to be pretty darn smart with Apple’s A.I.
From what we are hearing, this A18 Pro chip can handle everyday tasks and even some creative stuff pretty well.
Now, it won't be as powerful as the chips in Apple's more expensive Macs, but it'll be plenty for browsing the web, watching videos, typing documents, and playing simple games. Plus, it means you'll get access to Apple Intelligence features, which is pretty cool.
What Can You Actually Do With It?
This cheap MacBook, with the A18 Pro chip, should be smooth with macOS and run most of the apps you'd expect on a Mac. It could be a great option if you're thinking about getting an iPad with a keyboard, but want more of a computer feel.
You should be able to do things like edit photos, watch videos, write papers, and even do some basic video editing without too much trouble. It'll also play Apple Arcade games and most iPhone and iPad games. Just don't expect to play super intense games or do heavy-duty creative work on it.
You could run apps like Final Cut Pro, but it'll take longer to export videos compared to Macs with better chips. For students, casual users, or anyone who wants a dependable computer, this MacBook could be just right.
Ports and Battery Life
Apple will probably keep the number of ports minimal to keep costs down. One USB-C port is likely, though maybe they'll throw in two like on the MacBook Air. If they only include one, you might need to get some adapters to plug in more stuff.
The battery life should be pretty good. The A18 Pro chip doesn't use much power, and the MacBook size should accommodate a decent-sized battery. The current MacBook Air can play videos for up to 18 hours or browse the web for 15. This new MacBook could potentially do even better.
How Much Will It Cost?
Apple hasn't said anything about the price, but some people are saying it'll be under $1,000. That would be a big deal for Apple, since their laptops are usually on the expensive side.
To get an idea, the 13-inch iPad Air starts at $799. The iPad mini, which uses a slightly older chip, starts at $499. Apple even sold the older M1 MacBook Air for $599 at one point.
So, it's reasonable to expect a price somewhere between $499 and $799. If it started at $599, it would be really competitive with Chromebooks and cheap Windows laptops, while still giving you the nice experience of macOS.
When Can We Expect It?
The current expectations are that Apple will probably release this budget MacBook sometime in the first half of 2026. They're also planning to update the MacBook Air around the same time, so maybe both will come out together. This timing would make sense with Apple’s usual product release schedule and would give them a good, affordable option for students heading back to school.
31.Windows 11 26H1: Key Details on Microsoft’s Next-Gen Silicon Update
Microsoft’s Next Windows 11 Update, Codenamed “Bromine,” Is Built for the Future of Arm PCs
Microsoft is preparing a major update to Windows 11, but unlike previous releases, this one is arriving earlier than expected—and for a very specific reason. The next version of Windows 11, internally codenamed “Bromine,” is being developed to support a new wave of next-generation silicon, including Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X2-based SoC and NVIDIA’s N1X platform. These chips require platform-level changes that aren’t available in the current 25H2 release, prompting Microsoft to accelerate its development timeline.
🚀 A New Timeline for Windows Updates
Traditionally, Microsoft ships major Windows updates in the second half of the year. However, the Bromine update is expected to be finalized internally by November 2025, with devices running Snapdragon X2 expected to ship in the first half of 2026. This marks a notable shift in Microsoft’s release cadence, driven by the need to support new hardware platforms that demand deeper integration with the operating system.
This isn’t the first time Microsoft has adjusted its schedule to accommodate Qualcomm’s roadmap. In 2024, the company launched Windows 11 version 24H2 on the Germanium platform months ahead of its general rollout to support the launch of Snapdragon X-based devices. The same pattern appears to be repeating with Bromine and Snapdragon X2.
🧱 What Is Bromine?
Bromine is the codename for the next major Windows platform release, following Germanium. While Microsoft hasn’t detailed all of its features, Bromine is expected to bring significant under-the-hood improvements, particularly in performance and efficiency. These enhancements are essential for enabling the capabilities of next-gen Arm-based chips like Snapdragon X2 and NVIDIA’s N1X.
Microsoft is expected to sign off on Bromine with a round-number RTM (Release to Manufacturing) build—specifically build 28000. This is notable because Microsoft rarely uses round numbers for RTM builds. The last time it did so was with the original release of Windows 11, which launched with build 22000.
Once the RTM build is finalized, Microsoft will continue refining it through cumulative updates and driver validation until the first devices are ready to ship in early 2026.
💻 Not for Everyone—At Least Not Yet
One of the most important distinctions with version 26H1 is that it won’t be released as a feature update for existing Windows 11 users on version 25H2. In other words, it won’t be available through Windows Update for the general public. Instead, it’s expected to be exclusive—at least initially—to new PCs powered by Snapdragon X2 and NVIDIA N1X silicon.
This approach allows Microsoft to tailor the OS more tightly to the needs of these new platforms, without having to maintain backward compatibility with older hardware. It also reflects a growing trend in the industry: building software experiences that are optimized for specific hardware configurations, particularly in the Arm ecosystem.
🧠 Feature Parity, Platform Divergence
Despite the exclusivity of 26H1, Microsoft’s current development strategy ensures that most in-support versions of Windows 11 remain at feature parity. That means users on 25H2 and 26H1 will likely have access to the same user-facing features, even if they’re running on different platform releases (Germanium vs. Bromine).
The real differences lie beneath the surface. Bromine is expected to include architectural changes that improve performance, battery life, and compatibility with new hardware. These improvements may not be visible to users, but they’re critical for enabling the next generation of Windows devices.
🔋 Why Snapdragon X2 and N1X Matter
The Snapdragon X2 and NVIDIA N1X platforms represent a new chapter in the evolution of Arm-based Windows PCs. These chips are designed to deliver desktop-class performance with the power efficiency of mobile devices. They’re expected to compete directly with Apple’s M-series chips, which have set a new standard for performance-per-watt in the laptop market.
To fully leverage the capabilities of these chips, Microsoft needs to make changes at the OS level. That’s where Bromine comes in. It provides the necessary hooks, drivers, and optimizations to ensure that Windows runs smoothly on this new hardware.
This tight integration between hardware and software is essential for delivering a seamless user experience—especially as Microsoft continues to push Windows into new form factors and usage scenarios, from ultra-thin laptops to AI-powered productivity devices.
🔮 Looking Ahead
While Bromine will initially be limited to new devices, it’s likely that its features and improvements will eventually make their way to the broader Windows ecosystem. Microsoft may roll out a general-purpose update based on Bromine later in 2026, once the new hardware has had time to establish itself in the market.
In the meantime, users can expect continued support and feature updates for version 25H2, which remains the mainstream release for most Windows 11 PCs. Thanks to Microsoft’s modular development approach, many new features introduced in Bromine could still be backported to Germanium-based builds.
🧭 Final Thoughts
Microsoft’s decision to fast-track the Bromine update for Snapdragon X2 and NVIDIA N1X devices underscores the company’s commitment to the future of Arm-based computing. By aligning its software roadmap with the needs of next-gen silicon, Microsoft is laying the groundwork for a new era of Windows PCs—one that prioritizes performance, efficiency, and platform-specific optimization.
While most users won’t see Bromine right away, its impact will be felt across the Windows ecosystem in the years to come. Whether you’re a developer, a hardware enthusiast, or just someone curious about the future of Windows, Bromine is a name worth remembering.
32.Rockstar Fires 30 Employees Amid Union-Busting Claims Ahead of GTA VI Delay
Rockstar Games, you know, the guys behind Grand Theft Auto, are in a bit of a pickle. It's not just about the games this time. They dropped the bomb that **GTA VI** is going to be delayed, which is a total bummer since everyone's been waiting ages for it. But hold on, there's more to the story.
Over in the UK, where Rockstar has one of their main offices, a union is claiming the company is trying to squash any attempts to unionize. They're saying Rockstar canned 31 people recently because they were chatting about starting a union at work. If that's even remotely true, it's a really bad look for the gaming industry, where unions are pretty rare and companies usually aren't too happy about them.
Seriously, trying to get a union going in the game dev world is like pushing water uphill.
Now, talking about unions in video games has become more common. People at places like Blizzard Entertainment and other companies have actually pulled it off. Game developers are fed up with crazy long hours (that horrible crunch time), having no job security, and being kept in the dark about what management's planning. Most of the industry still isn't unionized, and when people try, they run into a brick wall.
This accusation against Rockstar is like a big red flag because they're such a huge deal. I mean, Rockstar isn't just any game company; they're the ones who made Grand Theft Auto and Red Dead Redemption, which sold millions and millions. If these claims of trying to bust a union are found to be real, then all people will discuss workers' rights in gaming and how developers are getting treated at the top studios.
Funny thing about the timing is, all this union stuff came out around when Rockstar said **GTA VI** was getting delayed. They put out a message saying the extra time will let them get the game as polished as everyone wants. They said that the fans deserved this.
The fans who like Rockstar know how this goes. They're known for being perfectionists and keeping things super secretive. The studio basically never talks about games while they're being made, and the people who work there almost always have to sign these super strict agreements that stop them from saying anything like NDAs. These NDAs stop leaks and defend their ideas, but this also could prevent workers from freely discussing what it’s like to work there.
Rockstar is saying the firings weren't about the union at all, they said in a statement. They said these people were canned for sharing secret stuff about the game publicly. Rockstar didn't say exactly what secrets were shared or where.
All this makes you think about these NDAs in the gaming world. It can be hard to know what is considered breaking the rules. Like, if you're chatting with coworkers in a private chatroom about work-related things, is that then a breach of privacy? If that counts as a violation, it may scare people to talk to each other.
It's not very clear what went down. Before what happened, were the employees trying to form a union? Until Rockstar or one of the ex-employees speaks up, it's impossible to comment certainly.
For sure, this isn't going to be forgotten easily. People who fight for labor laws, journalists, and fans are all watching. Maybe we will hear statements soon. Because Rockstar is so well-known, any news will be big.
This all shows how hard it is to have secrecy with openness in making games. Studios like Rockstar like to manage data but sometimes that interferes with worker's rights.
As the gaming business grows bigger, no one will ignore these problems. The developers want better treatment, and the players understand there are real people behind the games they enjoy, and these people need respect. People may be reluctant to unite, but studios should adapt.
So, yeah, fans will have to wait for **Grand Theft Auto VI**, and the story is more complex now. Rockstar likes to be shiny but these allegations make people question them.
We’ll find out if things change or if it’s just another thing. One thing is known: **GTA VI** isn't about the game, it's about the people creating it, and the system they’re in.
33.WhatsApp Launches Apple Watch App After a Decade
WhatsApp Finally Comes to Apple Watch — And It’s a Game-Changer
After years of limited functionality and user frustration, Meta has finally delivered a full-featured WhatsApp app for Apple Watch. This isn’t just a notification mirror or a stripped-down companion—it’s a standalone experience that transforms how Apple Watch users interact with one of the world’s most popular messaging platforms.
For Apple fans, this launch marks a long-awaited moment. WhatsApp has offered robust support for Wear OS for some time, but Apple Watch users were stuck with basic notifications and canned replies. Now, with the new app, WhatsApp brings parity to the Apple ecosystem, offering a messaging experience that rivals iMessage in depth and usability.
🆕 What’s Actually New
The WhatsApp Apple Watch app introduces several features that reshape how users handle chats from their wrist:
Full Message Threads: You can now view complete chat histories, not just clipped previews. This means no more guessing what someone said before replying.
Voice Messages: Recording and playback work directly on the watch, eliminating the need to grab your iPhone when a voice note comes in.
Caller Info: Call notifications now show detailed caller information, so you can decide whether to answer without checking your phone.
Emoji Reactions: A simple tap-and-hold lets you react to messages with emojis, bringing WhatsApp closer to the interactive feel of iMessage.
Media Viewing: Images and stickers now display clearly on the watch screen, replacing the blurry placeholders that previously nudged users to switch to their phones.
These upgrades make WhatsApp on Apple Watch feel like a true messaging app, not just a passive notification tool.
⚙️ Compatibility and Setup
To use the new WhatsApp app, you’ll need an Apple Watch Series 4 or later running watchOS 10 or newer. According to Meta’s documentation, this ensures the device has enough processing power and display clarity for smooth interactions.
The app isn’t fully independent—it still requires a paired iPhone with WhatsApp installed. However, setup is seamless. Once your Apple Watch is paired, the app syncs automatically, with no need for QR codes or manual linking like WhatsApp Web.
Connectivity indicators show when syncing occurs or when the iPhone connection is lost, a helpful touch for users on the move or during workouts. And importantly, WhatsApp maintains its end-to-end encryption across all communications, ensuring that your messages remain secure whether you’re using your phone or your watch.
🍎 A Better Fit for the Apple Ecosystem
This launch fills a long-standing gap in the Apple ecosystem. While iMessage has always felt complete on the Apple Watch, third-party messaging apps have lagged behind. WhatsApp’s new app changes that, offering a similar depth of interaction and removing the friction that once pushed users toward platform-native chats.
Bloomberg reports that the new software brings WhatsApp functionality closer to what Apple’s own messaging app already provides. That parity is crucial—it means users no longer have to compromise on cross-platform messaging just because they prefer Apple hardware.
Meta has also indicated that this release is “just the start,” with more features planned for future updates. This mirrors the rollout strategy for Wear OS, where WhatsApp gradually expanded its capabilities over time. For Apple Watch users, that’s a promising sign of continued investment and improvement.
⌚ The Future of Messaging on Wearables
The WhatsApp Apple Watch app sets a new standard for third-party messaging on wearables. With WhatsApp’s massive global user base, other platforms will feel pressure to match its functionality or risk being seen as outdated.
This shift also reflects a broader trend: wearables are no longer just accessories. They’re becoming primary touchpoints for daily communication. WABetaInfo’s analysis suggests that WhatsApp’s move is part of a larger strategy to offer full-featured experiences across all connected devices—not just phones.
Looking ahead, there’s room for even more innovation. Imagine quick reply suggestions that adapt to your activity, do-not-disturb modes that respond to health metrics, or smart notifications that prioritize messages based on your location and routine. The foundation laid by WhatsApp’s Apple Watch app makes these possibilities more realistic than ever.
📱 A Seamless, Device-Agnostic Experience
For Apple users, this launch is a major step toward a seamless, device-agnostic messaging setup. Your choice of communication platform no longer dictates the quality of your wrist experience. Whether you’re on a treadmill, in a meeting, or standing in line at the store, WhatsApp now works the way you expect it to—without compromise.
And with Apple’s iOS 26 and iPadOS 26 updates bringing even more features to the table, the timing couldn’t be better. If you’re eager to try the latest software, you can install the beta without a paid developer account. Just check the list of supported devices and follow a simple step-by-step guide.
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