News-Technology

 1.Google’s Pixel 9/10 Use On-Device AI to Digest Long Chats Instantly 

Google is cooking up something neat for the Pixel 9 and 10 users. They're calling it Notification Summaries, and the basic idea is to help us manage the insane number of alerts we get on our phones every day. I mean, who hasn't been bombarded with notifications?

They're aiming for a release around November 2025. Here's the scoop: think about those never-ending group chats – the ones that just keep going and going. This new feature should condense those into quick, easy-to-read summaries. So, instead of scrolling through a million messages, you just get the important stuff. Pretty cool, right? Google's aiming to give our phones a bit of chill time, which is awesome. A big plus is that all the machine learning magic happens right on your device, so hopefully, that keeps things secure.

**How to turn it on, you ask?**

Super easy. Here's how:

Settings > Notifications > Notification Summaries

Just a heads up – it's turned off when you first get it. Don't panic if you don't see it right away! Google usually rolls these things out slowly, so it might take a little bit to show up on your phone. It depends on where you live and how your phone's set up. So have a little patience.

Once it's on, it'll start with the noisy chats for apps like Messages, WhatsApp, and whatever other chat apps you use. Instead of endless scrolling, you'll see just the need-to-knows.

**So, what exactly gets summarized?**

Well, the new feature does not take every notification on your device. It just prioritizes the super chatty conversations. For now, it only speaks English. If someone sends a quick OK or a short sentence, it'll leave it alone. Also, if the chat has different languages or is short on content, or is just emojis, it won't summarize it. Smart move, right? The goal is to declutter your notifications without messing up important info.

**When do these summaries disappear completely?**

Good question! You won't be seeing summaries:

*   **When you need to save your battery:** It'll temporarily disable machine learning to save power.

*   **You're busy looking at social media:** If you're already using your phone, it holds off on the summaries. Because Google wants your phone to sleep to for Machine Learning to work.

*   **For Apps you don't care about:** Yup, you get to choose which apps it *doesn't* apply to. Head into the settings and pick the apps you want to leave alone. It's totally up to you. You can control and chose to ignore apps you want.

**What will these summaries look like?**

When a summary is ready, you'll see a little a little light-bulb icon by the notification. The summary text is in italics, so it stands out. If you want to dive into the whole conversation, just tap the notification as usual.

It is what it is and isn't some magical fix, but it at least helps you figure out which notifications need your attention and which ones are a summary.

**Okay, so how does this all actually work?**

It's running on something called Android System Intelligence. The system needs your permission to use it. You can grant that here:

Settings > Notifications > Privacy > Notification Read, reply & control

This gives the system access to your notifications so it can create summaries. Since it all happens on your phone – using Gemini Nano Google's machine learning model – it's pretty private. Everything stays local.

Keep Gemini Nano updated, and everything should run smoothly.

**So, what else is coming?**

Google's not stopping there. Around December 2025, they plan to add even more smarts to the notification system. For example, it'll start sorting less important notifications and grouping them together, so it doesn't clutter your notification feed. Think:

*   News updates

*   Sales

*   Social media updates

These will sit at the bottom of your notification list, so you can handle the important stuff first. Plus, put that with the summaries it's less chaos and more important stuff will be on the top of the notification list.

**Final thoughts?**

This Notification Summaries sounds like a step up for Android. It feels like Google is working on being smart on how notifications are handled. They are trying to avoid being intrusive and also trying to not bombard you with information you don't care about.

For now, only Pixel users will get this type of experience. But this could become the norm in how phones are handled. If you have Pixel 9 or 10, then this will be a simpler way to tidy up your phone usage.

2.New Galaxy S26 Ultra rumors: slimmer body, 200MP sensor and faster charge 

**Samsung Galaxy S26: What People Are Saying**

Alright, so the Galaxy S26 isn't out yet, but everyone's talking about it. We're getting a sense of what Samsung's planning. One thing is for sure: don't expect a complete makeover. From what we're hearing, they're focusing on making solid improvements – like quicker charging, better cameras, and a design that's pretty similar to what you're used to. If you’re a die-hard Samsung fan, these sorts of things might actually be pretty exciting.

**Faster Charging? Possibly!**

How fast it charges is definitely a big deal. The latest gossip suggests that the Galaxy S26 Ultra could finally have 25W wireless charging. The regular S26 models and the S26 Plus might get around 20W. Keep in mind that Samsung really hasn't touched their wireless charging speeds since the S20 series, so it's about time for a refresh.

The S25 had Qi2 support, which is nice, but it skipped magnets inside. Apparently, they messed with the S Pen and screen. Due to this, you needed a special Qi2 case to get the fastest and most steady charge. So, people are saying that Samsung didn't put magnets in the S26 and is looking at ways to include them without ruining the S Pen feel.

It sounds like Samsung is just trying to catch up to what other brands have already done. The newest iPhones already support 25W wireless charging.

**A Little Bit More Power?**

There are whispers that the regular Galaxy S26 might get a slightly bigger battery, going from 4,000 mAh to 4,300 mAh. It's not a huge change, but it could make a difference for people who need fast charging or other things that eat up battery life. The S26 Plus and Ultra probably won't change their battery sizes much from the last ones.

**All About the Cameras: Mostly the Same Gear, But Better Pictures**

If the rumors are accurate, the camera setup on the S26 and S26 Plus is going to look familiar:

*   50MP main camera

*   12MP ultrawide lens

*   12MP telephoto lens

But the goal is to have better low-light shots and faster focus.

Everyone is expecting the s26 Ultra to have better zoom and adding a fourth lens, but we don't know all of the details yet.

**Design-Speaking: Nothing Crazy**

According to the leaks we've spotted, don't expect a completely new look. The S26 phones might be a little taller and wider, with tinier edges around the screens. The S26 Plus was thought to be canceled, but now it's back in production – but don't expect any huge changes other than some tweaks to the camera area.

Here's a potential look at the phone sizes:

| Model      | Inches (H x W x D)      | Millimeters (H x W x D)   |

| :--------- | :---------------------- | :------------------------ |

| S26        | 5.88” x 2.8” x .27”    | 149.4mm x 71.5mm x 6.9mm |

| S26 Plus   | 6.23” x 2.98” x .28”   | 158.4mm x 75.8mm x 7.3mm |

| S26 Ultra  | 6.44” x 3.07” x .31”   | 163.6mm x 78.1mm x 7.9mm |

They might be slightly bigger, but also a bit thinner. As for screen sizes, expect them to be around 6.3 inches, 6.7 inches, and 6.9 inches, just like the S25 range.

**When's It Arriving?**

The phone’s release was originally scheduled for January, but there are some rumors that it was delayed until March. Right now it appears that Samsung might attempt to stick with its initial planned launch date of January.

**So What's the Bottom Line?**

What's the big picture here? The Galaxy S26 series feels like small changes of what we already have. Wireless charging improvements, a bit better battery life, and some camera upgrades sound alright, but they might not be significant that would be enough to get you to upgrade.

But, if you are currently holding an old phone that's a few years old, then it is possible that the S26 series could actually be pretty good. And the Ultra version will probably be a beast, especially if Samsung finds a solution to bring back the S Pen and the magnet charging situation.

**To Sum It Up**

As we near the S26's expected launch date, the overall picture is becoming clearer. It's more about smoothing out the phone we know, rather than any huge change. A few things we are counting on are faster wireless charging, slightly tuned cameras, and minor changes in the design.

3.Steam Frame: Android APKs now play seamlessly on Valve’s new VR rig 

**Subject: Valve's Steam Frame VR Headset Plays Android Games - Here's Why That's Awesome**

So, Valve just dropped a bomb: their brand-new wireless VR headset, the Steam Frame, will play Android games right out of the box. Yep, no need for workarounds! They announced this alongside a new Steam controller and a revamped Steam Machine. It looks like Valve wants to bring all gaming platforms together and make things way easier for game creators.

**Android Games on Steam? Seriously Cool.**

The big thing about the Steam Frame is that it runs Android games super easily. Game makers can use the same files they already use for Android VR headsets like the Meta Quest. One of Valve's engineers, Jeremy Selan, said Android developers can now just bring their games to Steam, and they'll work on the Steam Frame without any problems.

How is this even possible? The Steam Frame uses a Qualcomm Snapdragon chip, which is the same type of chip that’s in a lot of Android phones and VR headsets. SteamOS, Valve's operating system, is based on Linux, which is different from Android. But Valve tweaked the system so it can run Android apps without messing things up. This keeps the games running well and ensures everything works together.

Basically, developers don't need to redo their games for Steam Frame. If a game runs on Meta Quest, it will probably run smoothly on Steam Frame.

**Made for Developers**

Valve is also starting a Steam Frame developer program to assist Android and VR developers to bring their games over. This makes it easier for smaller game studios and solo developers who don't have the money or time to create full-blown PC VR games.

Valve told The Verge that they want the whole thing to be as easy as possible. According to them, gamers should be able to download their titles on Steam and hit play. That’s it! This is similar to how easy the Steam Deck is to use.

**Why Developers Should Care**

This is huge for Android developers. Before, getting a mobile VR game onto PC meant a long difficult process . Now, Valve is offering a shortcut: Games developers make the game once, and then they can put it on both Android and Steam.

This could bring Android VR games to a much wider audience on Steam, without the hassle of PC development. Steam Frame is presenting itself as an open option for developers, compared to Meta.

**Available Around the Globe**

Valve said the Steam Frame, Steam controller, and Steam Machine are coming to the same places where you can buy the Steam Deck.

*   US

*   Canada

*   The UK

*   Across Europe

*   Australia

*   Japan, South Korea, Hong Kong, and Taiwan

We don't know the prices or launch dates yet, but it sounds like Valve wants Steam Frame to be a global product from the start.

**The Bigger Picture: Valve Goes All-In on Hardware**

The Steam Frame is part of Valve's big push into hardware. Besides the headset, they're also bringing back the Steam controller and releasing a new Steam Machine. The goal seems to be creating an awesome PC experience, right in your living room.

These three gadgets—the VR headset, controller, and console—show how Valve wants to create one gaming ecosystem. They’ve definitely learned from the Steam Deck, and this time SteamOS seems to be ready.

By supporting Android games, Valve is accepting how good mobile and VR content can be. Instead of competing with Meta and Apple, Valve's counting on freedom and being developer-friendly to give it the edge.

**What's Coming?**

The Steam Frame being compatible with Android games means a ton of mobile VR games could be available on Steam. You can expect to see versions of popular Quest games, smaller experimental games, and maybe even new games that play across both Android and SteamOS.

Gamers will have access to more content and more variety. Developers can reach new audiences without doing too much work.

Valve is trying to bring PC and mobile gaming closer together. Steam Frame might become the link that finally puts these two gaming worlds together.

4.Capturing the Aurora: Tips for Shooting the Northern Lights Over St. Louis 

A Rare Light Show: Northern Lights Dazzle Missouri and Illinois Skies

This week, residents across Missouri and Illinois have been treated to a celestial spectacle rarely seen so far south: the aurora borealis, or northern lights. Thanks to a powerful geomagnetic storm triggered by solar activity, skies over the Midwest have lit up with shimmering ribbons of pink, green, and violet—transforming quiet rural landscapes into glowing canvases of cosmic color.

🌌 What’s Causing the Aurora?

The phenomenon is the result of a geomagnetic storm, which occurs when charged particles from the sun’s atmosphere collide with Earth’s magnetic field. These particles originate from coronal mass ejections (CMEs)—massive bursts of plasma and magnetic energy released from the sun’s outer layer. When these CMEs reach Earth, they interact with the planet’s magnetosphere, exciting atmospheric gases and producing the vibrant colors we associate with auroras.

While auroras are typically confined to polar regions, strong geomagnetic storms can push them much farther south. That’s exactly what happened this week, giving Midwesterners a rare chance to witness the northern lights without traveling to Alaska or Canada.

🌆 Where to See the Lights

On Tuesday night, the aurora was visible across much of Missouri and Illinois, especially in rural areas where light pollution is minimal. Cities like St. Louis and Kansas City saw muted displays due to urban lighting, but those who ventured into the countryside were rewarded with breathtaking views.

Another opportunity to catch the aurora is expected on Wednesday night, though visibility may be limited. Experts recommend heading out just after sunset, when the sky is dark enough to reveal the faint glow. Keep in mind that auroras are unpredictable—cloud cover, solar activity, and local conditions all play a role.

📸 How to Photograph the Aurora

Capturing the northern lights on camera can be both rewarding and challenging. Whether you’re using a smartphone or a DSLR, here are some tips to help you document the experience:

Location Matters

• Escape the city: Light pollution can wash out the aurora’s colors. Drive to a rural area with a clear view of the northern horizon.

• Frame creatively: Include a landmark, tree, or building in the foreground to give your photo a sense of place and scale.

Equipment Tips

• Smartphones: Turn off the flash and enable night mode. Use a timer to avoid camera shake.

• Stabilize: Rest your phone or camera on a tripod, fence, or solid surface. Even a few seconds of exposure can blur without stability.

• Clean your lens: A quick wipe with a microfiber cloth can dramatically improve clarity.

• Wide-angle lens: This helps capture more of the sky and the sweeping motion of the aurora.

Camera Settings

• Long exposure: Use a slow shutter speed to gather more light.

• Low ISO: Reduces graininess in low-light conditions.

• Wide aperture: A low f-stop (e.g., f/2.8) lets in more light.

• RAW format: If your camera supports it, shoot in RAW to preserve image data for editing later.

Planning Tools

• Apps like My Aurora Forecast & Alerts can help you track solar activity and predict visibility in your area. These tools use real-time data to estimate when and where the aurora might appear.

🌠 More Than Just a Photo

While capturing the perfect shot is exciting, don’t forget to enjoy the moment. Every aurora is unique, and sometimes the best memories come from simply standing under the stars with friends, family, or a loved one. If your photos don’t turn out as expected, take a breath, adjust your settings, and soak in the experience.

📬 Share Your Shots

If you’ve managed to snap a stunning image of the northern lights this week, St. Louis Public Radio wants to see it. Send your photo to social@stlpr.org for a chance to be featured on their platforms. It’s a great way to share your perspective and celebrate this rare event with the community.

🧭 A Reminder of Nature’s Power

Beyond its beauty, the aurora borealis is a reminder of the sun’s influence on Earth. Geomagnetic storms can disrupt satellites, GPS systems, radio communications, and even the power grid. While this week’s storm has mostly brought visual wonder, scientists continue to monitor solar activity for potential impacts.

As the sun enters a more active phase in its 11-year cycle, we may see more frequent auroras in the coming months. For Midwesterners, this week’s display is a rare treat—and a chance to connect with the cosmos in a way that’s usually reserved for those much farther north.

5.OpenAI introduces eight distinct chat styles in GPT-5.1 — and a balancing act begins 

**OpenAI's GPT-5.1: Trying to Find the Sweet Spot Between Being Smart and Having a Personality**

So, OpenAI just dropped two new versions of their AI models, GPT-5.1 Instant and GPT-5.1 Thinking. They're available in ChatGPT now. The idea behind these is to make the AI not just technically good but also better at understanding the whole emotional side of talking to humans.

Right now, OpenAI's in a tricky spot. You've got some people who want their AI to be super friendly and act like a real person. Then you've got others worried about AI getting too human-like and the problems that could cause. So with GPT-5.1, OpenAI's trying to find a middle ground – making models that are fast and smart but can also adjust their communication style to fit what you want. It's a balancing act between tech and user experience.

**Two Flavors of AI: Speed vs. Brainpower**

GPT-5.1 Instant is now what most ChatGPT users will see by default. It's all about speed, which makes it perfect for quick stuff like summarizing articles, getting answers, or whipping up emails. Think of it as your go-to for everyday tasks.

Then there's GPT-5.1 Thinking. This one's slower but more focused on problem-solving. It's built to handle tough challenges like advanced coding, complex math problems, or tasks that need a lot of logical steps. Think of it as your AI pal that you use when you re building that crazy contraption and need some help.

Both models share the same basic design but use their resources differently. GPT-5.1 Instant uses something called adaptive reasoning. Basically, it decides when it needs to spend more time thinking about a question before answering. It helps find the right balance between speed and accuracy.

OpenAI says these models are better than GPT-5 in terms of performance, proving its mettle during the 2025 AIME math competition, and the Codeforces coding challenges.

**Pick Your AI's Personality with Presets**

One of the coolest things about GPT-5.1 is that you can now choose a personality for it. There are eight presets:

*   Professional

*   Friendly

*   Candid

*   Quirky

*   Efficient

*   Cynical

*   Nerdy

*   Default

These presets don't change what the AI can do. Instead, they change how it acts. For example, the Professional setting might make the AI use formal language and structured responses, while Quirky might make it crack jokes and be more playful.

This is all thanks to user feedback. People were criticizing the models for being overly cheerful. So, OpenAI's hoping that by offering these different styles, they can make everyone happy.

**The Tricky Part: Being Personal Without Being Creepy**

Fidji Simo, OpenAI’s Applications boss, talked about this whole personalization thing. She pointed out that with over 800 million users, ChatGPT can't just be a one-size-fits-all thing. She said they want ChatGPT to feel like it's yours and work the way you want it to.

She also warned about going too far with personalization, saying it's like trying to change your partner so they always agree with you. We want people who listen and adapt, but also challenge us and help us grow. It's a two way street between the both of you.

This is a serious issue. Lawmakers and mental health pros are worried that AI models might push people toward unhealthy relationships. OpenAI released some research on what a healthy AI relationship looks like, including advice from doctors and experts.

The worry is that when AI acts like it understands and remembers things, it can be hard to tell the difference between a tool and a friend. This is dangerous for people who might rely on AI for emotional support instead of real-life relationships.

**Tweaking the AI to Fit You**

Besides the personality presets, OpenAI's also playing around with more detailed controls. You can now adjust whether the model's answers are short and sweet, how often it uses emojis, and other stuff like that. These settings work across all your chats and can even change automatically if the model notices you prefer something different.

For example, if you keep asking for shorter answers, ChatGPT might ask if you want to update your settings. It's all part of making the AI feel more responsive without being manipulative.

**Taking It Slow and Being Open**

GPT-5.1 Instant and GPT-5.1 Thinking are rolling out gradually. They're starting with subscribers before heading to free users. The older GPT-5 models are being kept around for a few months so people can compare the results and adjust.

**The Big Picture: Finding the Right Balance**

This new release shows the challenges of making AI that people want to use without making them too dependent on it. It's not just about making the tech better; it's about ethics, psychology, and trust.

If the models are too robotic, people think they're boring. If they're too friendly, people worry about manipulation, a la Ex Machina. OpenAI's trying to find a middle ground with these personality settings, to offer flexibility without losing control.

There will be many new challenges as this tech grow, Simo said. Building at this scale means never assuming we have all the answers.

As AI gets more common, the pressure's on. With GPT-5.1, OpenAI's hoping that being open, allowing customization, and staying cautious can all work together. Whether that happens depends on how people choose to use the AI, not just how well it works.

6.Sony’s New PS-Branded Monitor Comes with Built-In DualSense Charging Hook 

Sony's getting back into the monitor game, and it's got a PlayStation vibe. They're dropping this thing in 2026!

 Sony is jumping back into the monitor scene, but this time, it looks like they want console gamers who play at a desk, like us. They showed off a new **27-inch PlayStation Gaming Monitor with a DualSense Charging Hook**. It's coming to stores in the **US and Japan in 2026**. It's been forever since they did this stuff—remember that 3D monitor with the PlayStation 3 back in 2011? It brings back memories!

This time, I hear Sony's is playing it cool. Instead of going over the top, they want to bring us a great, useful monitor. No special additions, just gaming. Which, is cool, huh?

### It's For Both Consoles and PCs

So, here's the important info: This new monitor has a **27-inch screen**. It's got a **2,560 x 1,440 resolution**. It's a sweet spot for gamers who want nice graphics but don't want to give up speed. It does **HDR** and even does that **automatic HDR tone mapping** when you connect it to a PS5 – or maybe that PS5 Pro we've all been hearing about. That means when you play a game, the brightness and colors should look good without changing the settings.

If you're all about how many frames you get, you need the **variable refresh rate (VRR)**. It goes up to **120Hz** on a PlayStation 5, making everything feel super smooth and quick. But here's something cool: If you have a PC or Mac, it can go up to **240Hz**. So it's flexible if you either like competitive games or want a very smooth time while surfing the net.

Let's face it, console gamers often use PCs these days, and Sony knows it, and they think many will use this monitor on PCs. It's smart. More and more people have desks just for gaming.

### Lots of Ports

They have a good amount of ports too—you have a lot to pick from:

*   **Two HDMI Ports**: Good for your consoles and streaming devices.

*   **One DisplayPort**: Needed for PCs or Macs.

*   **One USB-C Port**: Good for things or another display video input.

*   **Two USB-A Ports**: Great for the PlayStation Link wireless headphone thing.

*   **A 3.5mm Audio Jack**: For headphones if you do not like them wireless.

The monitor has **speakers**. The sound might be okay, but I mean it works for quick games or if you're watching something when you do not have headphones.

### Charging A Controller

So something neat: There's a **hook** on the back. You can **hold and charge your PS5 DualSense controller**. You can only have one controller at a time.

It's little things that make it good. Having a spot to charge your controller is great.

### It's Back!

The last monitor Sony made for consoles was in **2011**. It was a **24-inch** screen with **3D** for the PlayStation 3. Now in 2024, they have another 27-inch monitor that isn't trying to be something else. It wants to make your games look amazing.

Coming back to monitors is good. Streaming and competitive gaming is common. Monitors are becoming faster and have better images than TVs.

### How Much and When?

Sony is **not saying how much it will cost or when it's coming out**, but it will be here in **2026** in **Japan and the United States**. If you think about everything it has, it might be in the $400–$600 area.

### Lastly

This new PlayStation monitor from Sony knows what console gamers want. It has the connections, refresh rates, and the controller hook. If you want a easy to use gaming setup for a desk, this works.

Keep an eye on this product in 2026 if you use a PS5 or need a new monitor for your PC. The way it can hook up to multiple devices seems sweet.

7.Even Realities G2: Smart glasses with layered spatial display and ring-controller 

**Even Realities Steps Up the Smart Glasses Game with Even G2 and Smart Ring**

So, smart glasses are becoming a normal thing, huh? Big names like Meta and Apple are trying to get in on it. However Even Realities is trying something a bit different with their new wearable, the Even G2. It's out today for $599, and it builds on their last model, the Even G1. What's the scoop? The visuals are clearer, it's easier to use with a smart ring and the battery lasts for more time.

Instead of trying to cram everything in, like cameras and speakers, Even Realities is keeping it simple. They're concentrating on making the display clear, keeping your data safe, and making a product that you can use. The G2 is like the G1, but better. It shows you what you need to see without being distracting.

**What's Good About the Display**

The best part about the G2 is the Even HAO 2.0 thing. They're basically tiny projectors inside the lenses that show you text and images. It's brighter and nicer than the one before.

But what's really nice is how the G2 shows you info. They call it a floating spatial display. Imagine seeing notifications and quick updates right in front of you, while map directions are in the background.

No one else is doing this layered thing with smart glasses yet. It's kinda like how the G1 let you change how far away the screen looked, but now it has depth. It feels natural since that's how we see things in real life.

Even Realities don't call the G2 an XR or AR device, but this layering thing could be that in the future. If they keep working on their projector setup, they could make cooler stuff. They can do it without making the glasses big and clunky like those AR headsets.

**Battery and Smoother Use**

The G2's battery lasts longer, which was a problem with the G1 that people wanted fixed. They haven't said exactly how long it lasts, but they did say it's much better for the normal things you do everyday.

The software works better too. Things load faster, and it feels more responsive. This is important because the G2 is all about showing you info quickly. If it was slow, what would even be the point?

**How You Control It: Touch and a Ring!**

The G2 still has touch controls on the side, but they're bringing in a smart ring called the R1. It's made of ceramic and stainless steel, and you can swipe, tap, or hold it to control the glasses.

It’s easier than touching your face all the time to use the glasses. The ring also keeps track of your steps and heart rate.

If you buy the glasses right now, the R1 and other things are half off at $124.5. If you're switching from the G1 to the G2, you get the R1 without paying.

**Apps and Widgets: The Even Hub**

Even Realities is making the Even Hub, it's a spot where other companies can add apps and widgets to the G2. You can add apps without doing something risky to your glasses.

This keeps everything the same and it's a way for other developers to add programs. The Even Hub should be out by the end of the year.

**What Makes It a Little Different**

A lot of smart glasses have cameras, microphones, and AR. Even Realities is going other way. The G2 doesn't have cameras or speakers. It's all about a clear view, keeping things private, and keeping it simple.

This could be good for people who don't want to be recorded all the time or just want something simple. It makes the G2 seem more like a tool for doing work instead of an entertainment thing. It is more for people who like less tech in their lives.

People liked the G1 because it was made well, and the display was good. The G2 is seems to be getting better with changes that are good for using it everyday, not features that look cool. It's a smart way to be different without doing what everyone else is doing.

**When and Where to get it**

The Even G2 smart glasses are out today for $599. The R1 smart ring and other accessories are cheaper for a short time, and G1 users get a free ring when they switch. You can buy the glasses on the Even Realities website and at some stores.

Even Realities wants to be a normal player in the smart glasses market. They do this by focusing on how the display looks, how you use the glasses, and by making it simple for developers to make things for it. They're giving you something different from the devices with cameras and AR that are everywhere.

8.Google Drive’s Gemini AI turns dusty PDFs into podcast-style audio summaries

Google Drive now has this cool thing where it can, like, turn your PDFs into audio summaries – basically, a podcast for your documents.

Google's gone all-in on AI, and this feature is the latest example. It drops right into Google Drive and gives you an audio summary of your PDFs. The idea is it lets you get through really long documents way faster than reading through them. It uses Gemini to give you a spoken rundown.

Before this, NotebookLM sort of had similar capabilities. Google's also been testing Gemini in Search and Docs. This seems made for those crazy gigantic documents everybody hates dealing with, you know? Huge industry reports, impossible-to-understand legal stuff, never-ending meeting notes; stuff like that! Finally, someone gets how annoying those are to handle. 

**Okay, what *are* these Audio Overviews, exactly?**

Just that – an AI listens to your PDF and pops out a quick little audio summary. Google says they'll be between 2 and 10 minutes each. The goal? Get the data you need fast so that you don’t have to spend hours reading. Think of it like listening to someone break down the important parts.

To start it up, just open a PDF in Google Drive (on the website; isn't working on the app yet), and look for the Audio Overview button. Click that, and then Gemini does its thing. When it's done, you hit play and listen. Or, you can have them send you a message when the audio is ready. Simple as that.

Also, Google just saves the audio file in a new Audio overviews folder in your Drive. So, you can listen from your phone, computer, whatever. Much simpler than having to dig through Gemini chats later on.

**Gemini and NotebookLM, Where did it come from?**

The Audio Overview magic thingy comes from tech that's used for audio summaries in NotebookLM. Google tweaked it a bit to prep them for long documents. And they tried to make the audio sound a little more human-like. They didn't want it to sound like a reading from a chatbot; should sound kind of like a podcast, yeah?

This new thing could be a game-changer for the ones who need to soak up info from afar: Students prepping for tests, business people keeping up with what is going on, and all those out there who learn better listening than reading.

**Why's this a big deal? Three things:**

*   **It’s Quick:** You get the key points from a big file in minutes. This is if, let's say, you have to dive into a contract but some attorney is bugging you.

*   **Easier for those with difficulties:** For people who struggle with reading or like audio better, here’s a way for data gathering. The cool thing is this is win for accessibility. Helps out students with dyslexia for example.

*   **It helps with preparations:** Before meetings or presentation, this makes it easier to go over things.

We could all use a little time saving these days, right? And focus can be tough with so much pulling at our attention. Something like this might help us get more done. Now, instead of forcing yourself on a 50-page report, you can just listen to a quick summary on your drive.

**Who Gets It And What Languages Does It Speak?**

Right now, these Audio Overviews for PDFs in Google Drive, they only get English. More languages may come, though. Google tends to add more languages to their AI stuff down the road.

You already have the Google Workspace plan active for this:

*   for the Business Standard people

*   same for Business Plus

*   Enterprise Standard's included here

*   Enterprise Plus is on board too

Business users are the first to get this thing. They're the ones who deal with the most documents, usually.

Let's see, **How's this different from other things?**

Google Docs has a Listen button that recites stuff, but Audio Overviews will actually summary the information over merely reading it. Makes it way more relevant for these quick reviews. And some AI reading out that is a thing, over and over will bother them.

Plus, asking Gemini to summarize stuff in a chat is different. Audio Overviews helps us set it and forget it, right? While you're doing other stuff, you can just listen to these summaries. It's like a small podcast.

**What's next for Audio Overviews?**

Since Google seems keen on slapping Gemini in almost all of their stuff, chances are they will be getting more improvement for summaries and language recognizing. Someday, Audio Overviews could work with Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides, or even plug into Google Calendar to prep for meetings.

There could be options to change the summary to a more casual-sounding one. Or maybe specify which parts of this document are the key ones to know. Sounds useful?

**Wrap-Up**

Audio Overviews for PDFs in Google Drive looks to be a useful addition for information to be easier to process. By adding AI to Google Drive, Google has given it a different way to handle our documents to better how users work.

Whether you're a worker trying to stay busy, a students over run with work, or someone who likes to listen, this seems like a useful thing to keep for you. Check this something out.

9.Platform error: X’s security key switch prevents many from accessing their accounts

**X Users Locked Out? That 2FA change Went Wrong, Big Time!**

Okay, so Elon Musk's X – yeah, the old Twitter – just rolled out a major security update, and it's a total facepalm. Tons of people are complaining that they're unable to get into their accounts, or even worse, they're stuck in a crazy loop where all they do is log in… and then get kicked right back out. What's up with that? Well, the company is trying to get everyone to switch over to a different two-factor authentication (2FA) setup. They say they're moving things from the old twitter.com website; however, it's becoming a disaster. Obviously, people are frustrated, and they are making noise at X, for real.

**The Real Deal: Passkeys and Security Keys Mess**

Let's rewind a bit. Around October 24th, X warned people that if they were using passkeys or physical security keys--like YubiKeys--for 2FA, they'd have to get them reset using the new x.com address. This was all part of their plan to trash the old twitter.com site.

Here's where things started to go south quickly: passkeys and those hardware keys act up in a weird way to the website where you set them up. Since everyone set these keys up at twitter.com, they do not work with x.com now. You might as well be trying to insert a floppy disk into a USB port.

X stated that if you didn't re-enroll your keys by November 10th, it could lead to a lockout situation with your account. You had to re-enroll or switch to something different, like an authenticator app, to avoid the digital slammer. That date is gone and passed, and a ton of users are complaining that the whole thing failed.

**Endless Login Loops and Locked Account RAMPAGE are Here to Stay**

Pop over to Reddit, Mastodon, or good ol' X, and you will see people flipping out about being locked out or having login issues. Some of them claim they keep getting error messages when they try to re-enroll. Others go in a loop; they type in their information and get kicked out without ever getting inside.

It feels bad that those that are hardware-based security are getting affected, and that is supposedly to be the best security. All accounts continue to fail and frustration builds.

**A Switch with No Heads Up Causes Panic**

Website-tied keys are part of the deal with passkeys, though X did not tell users this. Even worse, X did not provide any kind of walkthrough on how to re-enroll. It looks easier to get info from politicians than from X.

X hasn't made an official release or blog post. Elon Musk, the guy that bought Twitter and has done almost everything, is still going out there without saying a single thing.

This quiet time has users in shambles. Folks are trying to get X to push back the date, provide a real guide, and say they are having issues.

**The Big Picture: User Faith in Security is Tanking**

This situation shows you how easily platform users lose confidence, specifically when the platform is dealing with security. Two-factor authentication is needed to keep accounts safe. However, if it is broken, we have a bigger problem.

This timing could not be any worse for X. The platform is changing the user experience like the layoffs and the changed rules. It appears like something is wrong with the platform.

This makes you wonder if tech companies are handling changes and security right on their platform. Moving twitter.com to x.com might be Musk's goal. Though it comes with a problem and repercussions for those using the platform. Did they have enough planning for it? Did the users take the steps to keep themselves from being affected? Maybe a bigger announcement would have helped.

**What Should One Do About It Right Now?**

If you're having problems, your choices are not numerous. If you still have access to your account:

*   Switch out to an authenticator app so you do not end up in the slammer for good.

*   Do not use passkeys or hardware keys as of now. At least until they sort things out.

*   Duplicate your recovery codes so you can get access again if you get locked out.

If you're already locked out, contact X's support team, you can thank me if they respond, or if they exist.

**What's Going to Happen Tomorrow?**

With X going through a lot of changes due to Musk, how can the platform work with changes, and how can they keep the users happy? This password key messed up shows what going too fast, not talking to users, lead to problems for everyone.

10.Leaker: iPhone 18 Pro Max to be heaviest iPhone yet with thicker frame

iPhone 18 Pro Max from Apple might be the heaviest iPhone ever. It sounds like Apple's going in the direction of making phones a bit thicker so they can cram in bigger batteries, which seems to be working out well since the iPhone 17 Pro line did pretty good.

Basically, Apple seems to be changing how they think about designing their top-end phones. This new info comes from a leaker on Weibo called Instant Digital. They're saying the iPhone 18 Pro Max is going to be even thicker and heavier than the models that came before it. We might be looking at a phone that's over 240g, which would make it the heaviest iPhone ever.

It all started with the iPhone 17 series. With the iPhone 17, Apple kind of split things in two. There was the super-thin iPhone Air that was all about being easy to carry around and looking simple. On the other hand, you had the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max, which were thicker because they were made to be super powerful and last a long time on a charge. The Air was supposed to be for people who wanted something sleek and light, but it didn't sell as well as Apple hoped. It looks like most Apple fans are more interested in other things.

The iPhone 17 Pro Max, even though it weighed 233g, sold like crazy. Because of that, it looks like Apple's decided to really lean into the “Pro” idea, meaning they're putting things like battery life, how tough the phone is, and cool features ahead of making it super thin.

So, Instant Digital is saying the iPhone 18 Pro Max could weigh over 240g, maybe even hitting 243g. Just to give you an idea of how that compares:

Model Weight

iPhone 14 Pro Max 240g

iPhone 16 Pro Max 227g

iPhone 17 Pro Max 233g

iPhone 18 Pro Max >240g (supposedly)

They're saying this weight jump is because the phone will be a little thicker. That could mean there's room for a bigger battery or some better ways to keep the phone from overheating. Apple hasn't said anything about this officially, but it fits with what they've been doing lately – focusing on making phones that last longer and perform well.

You might be wondering why Apple's making phones heavier when everyone used to be all about making them as thin as possible. Well, it seems like what people want in a phone has changed. Now, a lot of users care more about:

Having a battery that lasts all day

Having really good cameras that take up more space inside the phone

Keeping the phone cool when they're doing things that use a lot of power

Making sure the phone is tough and using nice materials like aluminum and titanium

All these things can make a phone heavier and thicker, but Apple seems to think people are okay with that.

Some people, like the person who wrote that article on 9to5Mac, might prefer the lighter iPhone Air, but it looks like most people are buying the Pro Max models. These heavier phones seem to be more popular with people who really use their phones a lot, like professionals and tech fans who want all the bells and whistles.

Still, there are some concerns about these phones getting heavier. A phone that weighs 243g can feel pretty big after you've been holding it for a while, especially if you have smaller hands or like to use your phone with one hand.

So, if these rumors are right, the iPhone 18 Pro Max is going to keep Apple's thing of making phones that are packed with features and can last a long time. The screen size will probably stay the same at 6.9 inches, but inside, we might see:

A bigger battery that lets you use the phone longer

Better ways to keep the phone from getting too hot

Better cameras that need more room

New materials that are both light and tough

Apple might also work on the software to make the battery last longer and keep the phone cooler, which would make sense if they're making the phone bigger anyway.

Basically, this possible weight increase is a sign that Apple's changing what they care about when they design phones. They're not trying to make the thinnest phone anymore. They're making phones that can do more and last longer. It looks like they're listening to what people want – power, long battery life, and cool features, even if it means the phone is a little heavier.

If you're someone who likes lighter phones, Apple still has options like the iPhone Air. But if you want the biggest iPhone with the longest battery life, the 18 Pro Max might be exactly what you're waiting for.

11.Next Horizon Game Goes Online: NCSOFT Developing MMO for Multiple Platforms

Get ready, because Sony and NCSoft just dropped a bomb: a mobile game called Horizon Steel Frontiers! It's an MMORPG set in the Horizon world, so think robot dinosaurs and cool tribal gear, but this time you get to play with tons of people.

So, Sony’s going all-in on mobile gaming, and this Horizon Steel Frontiers thing is a huge deal. NCSoft, who is known for making these kinds of online games, is working with Guerrilla Games which is owned by Sony. They’re building this game from the ground up for phones. You can also play it on your PC, but there’s no PlayStation 5 version mentioned… which kinda shows where Sony’s head is at right now.

Alright, get this: the game takes place in a place called the Deathlands. They got the idea from Arizona and New Mexico, and it looks really cool in the trailer. You get to create your own machine hunter. Forget playing as Aloy, you get to make your character. Pick a tribe, put together your outfit, and get ready to hunt.

This world isn't just for you, though. Thousands of other players will be running around with you, and you get to choose to work together to take down huge machines, or fight other tribes. One of the big guys at Guerrilla Games, Jan-Bart van Beek, said that with this type of game style there will be moments that you could never script,” which means crazy stuff will happen that even the game makers didn't plan.

The trailer showed people riding and fighting machines, like in the regular Horizon games. This time, though, it’s HUGE. You’ll be going on raids with a bunch of other players to take down giant robo-beasts. NCSoft is claiming they have made a great fighting system that still has the strategy of the Horizon games, but it’s easy to use on a phone. You can use your finger to move around.

A lot of mobile games are easy to figure out, but this one seems like it’s going to be deep. Your phone is your weapon. If they did it right, Steel Frontiers could be a way better game than most of the stuff you see on phones.

When you make your character in Steel Frontiers, you get to choose who you want to be. You get to pick your tribe and make your own gear. You can really change the way you play.

By allowing people to make their own character instead of playing Aloy, more people can have fun. Anyone can experience it like the style of combat they want. Also, it's obvious that Sony wants this game to blow up in Asia.

Making the game for phones first is risky. But it makes sense with what Sony has been doing. They also announced Ratchet & Clank: Galaxy Rangers and it is also a mobile release. It looks like Sony noticed their competition ahead of them.

NCSoft knows how to make MMOs which are online games. The game will be on iOS and Android for phones, and PC through PURPLE, NCSoft’s thing. This allows everyone to play together.

It's weird that there's no PS5 version of Steel Frontiers. But, they are trying to make a game that works well on phones instead of trying to make just another game.

This way, they can make the game for phones, but it also allows them to copy it exactly. They are fighting these games in court. Sony wants everyone to know they’re serious about this mobile game.

There is no date when it can be on the phones. NCSoft wants to get it out soon. You can pre-register after the game show, G-STAR.

If people love Horizon Steel Frontiers, it could be Sony's biggest mobile game. This would grow the universe of Horizon and make people realize how good games look on your phone.

12.Apple Launches Digital ID in Wallet, Replacing the Need for Physical Cards

Apple's doing this thing with Digital IDs in their Wallet app, and it's pretty neat. If you've got an iPhone, you can now stick a digital copy of your U.S. passport right in there with your credit cards and stuff. Remember how they started letting you add your driver's license or state ID back in 2022? This feels like the next step up. Basically, Apple's trying to make showing your ID less of a pain, and a bit safer, too. And they're testing it out at airport security first.

🛂 **So, What's the Deal with Digital ID?**

Think of it like this: Digital ID is just a super-protected version of your regular ID, but it lives inside your Apple Wallet, right on your phone or watch. Before, you could only use it if you had a driver's license or state ID from certain states. But now you can use your U.S. passport, which is useful, especially since they’re trying it out at TSA checkpoints in a bunch of airports around the country.

It's meant to make things easier – literally just pull out your phone to prove who you are. One thing to remember, though – you still need your actual passport when you're going out of the country. This digital thing isn't replacing the real deal just yet. It’s still very new.

📲 **How Do I Get One? Super easy.**

They made it really simple to set this thing up:

1.  Pop open the Apple Wallet app on your iPhone and tap that little plus sign (+).

2.  Tap Driver’s License or ID Cards, then select Digital ID.

3.  Then just keep following the steps on the screen.

The setup walks you through scanning the photo page in your passport using your iPhone camera. Then, your iPhone checks the chip on the Passport to make sure everything matches up. It’s very important that all your details are correct, and nothing is wrong. You take a selfie and move your head around a bit so the system knows what you look like. Once it's checked all that, you're good to go.

🔐 **What About Security and Privacy?**

Apple says it's pretty serious about keeping your details safe. According to them, Digital ID has the same kind of security as everything else in Wallet. Here's what you need to know:

*   **Stays on your device:** Your passport details don't go into the cloud somewhere; they stay put, right on your phone.

*   **Protected by Face ID/Touch ID:** No one can get access to it without your Face ID or Touch ID.

*   **You choose what to share:** You get to see exactly what info someone’s after before you hand it over.

*   **They aren't watching apparently:** Apple says they can’t see if you’ve used it or what details you showed.

The setup is planned to make sure you’re always in charge of your own details.

🛫 **Using it at the Airport**

So, using Digital ID at the TSA security is like doing your shopping at Apple Pay. If you want to show your ID you double-click the side button or Home button to get to your Wallet, choose your digital ID, and hold your phone or watch near the reader. It shows you what info they need, like your name, age, or photo, you use Face ID or Touch ID to say OK. You don’t have to touch your phone, and there’s no need to hand it over or show the screen to the TSA person. It’s hands-free and keeps your information to yourself.

🌐 **What's Next?**

For now, this mostly works for TSA security stops, but Apple wants to get it working for other stuff.

*   Showing how old you are to buy a drink.

*   Confirming you are who you say you are for apps or buying things online.

*   Signing onto government or bank websites.

If they get this working well, it could really change how we prove who we are, both online and offline.

🌍 **Who Gets the Most Out of This?**

One of the cool things about Digital ID is that it opens things up for a lot more people. If you have a U.S. passport, Apple’s helping people to not have to use a REAL ID-approved driver's license. This includes:

*   People who travel a lot

*   People who live in cities.

*   College and university students.

*   People who live in states that don’t use Wallet ID just yet.

Apple’s slowly adding more states to its program that hold your driver’s license or state ID in Wallet. At the moment, a dozen states and Puerto Rico are already in the program. The recent states that were added include Montana, North Dakota, and West Virginia, and Japan even lets people use a “My Number Card”.

🧠 **It's a Digital World**

Digital ID is only part of the growing thing of having everything on your phone. You can buy stuff with a card, have a ticket, event passes, and now Government ID everything works on a phone.

Jennifer Bailey, who's in charge of Apple Pay and Apple Wallet, said:

“With Digital ID, people will start to see cool ways to hold and show who they are. The best thing about it is it has high security and keeps your info safe on your Iphone and Apple Watch.”

🧩 **To Sum it All Up...**

Apple’s Digital ID is one of those new technology thing that is trying to be an ID, but on your phone, and safe, and personal. They’re trying to give people a good item so your iphone can get to be easily. As this Digital ID thing grows, it could change how we prove who we are. Buying stuff somewhere, logging onto some type of Website, or when traveling abroad may be changed. Perhaps, stuff will get even more personal and linked together.

13.OnePlus 15’s Highest-End Model Features a Hidden RAM Speed Upgrade 

**OnePlus 15: What's the Deal with the RAM Speed?**

So, the OnePlus 15 is out, and people are noticing its big battery, how good it looks, and all the top-tier stuff inside. People testing the battery life early on are saying it lasts a seriously long time. But there’s something small in the spec sheet many are missing: the RAM speed isn't the same between the version with 12GB of RAM and the one with 16GB.

Both versions use LPDDR5X RAM, but OnePlus is doing something a little different here. They're calling the 12GB one Ultra and the 16GB one Ultra+. Now, you might think that's just marketing fluff, but it looks like there's a real difference in how fast the RAM works.

**Let's Talk Numbers**

The 12GB OnePlus 15 can move data at a rate of up to 9,600Mbps. The 16GB model goes even higher, getting to 10,667Mbps. That's a decent jump, especially when you think that the older OnePlus 13 topped out at 8,533Mbps for its LPDDR5X memory.

What does this all mean when you're just using the phone? Well, stuff like doing multiple things at once feels quicker, apps open faster, and anything that uses a lot of memory – like playing intense games, editing video, or having tons of apps open – should work better. The difference between 9,600Mbps and 10,667Mbps may not be super obvious if you're just checking email and social media, but those who really push their phones probably will see that bit of extra power.

**Ultra vs. Ultra+: What's Real?**

It's important to know that Ultra and Ultra+ aren't official names for LPDDR5X memory. OnePlus is just using these to show that one is a little better than the other.

The difference comes from the actual Samsung RAM chips inside. There are different versions of LPDDR5X that run at different speeds, and OnePlus is taking advantage of that to make the two versions of their phone stand out. For example, Vivo did something similar with the Vivo X300 Pro Satellite Communication Edition by calling it Ultra+ to show a faster speed.

But Samsung and other memory companies don't call their memory Ultra or anything like that. They just say they’ve made a better version of LPDDR5X and let the phone companies decide how to market it.

**Why Fast RAM is a Big Deal**

How fast your phone's RAM works is really important for the whole phone’s performance. If the processor can get to data faster, things don't get slowed down as much and everything feels more responsive. This matters for a few key things on phones:

*   **Gaming:** Faster RAM can keep the game’s frame rate smooth and lower any lag.

*   **Doing Multiple Things:** Jumping between apps is much faster.

*   **Working with Media:** Making videos or editing photos gets a boost from faster data moving.

*   **Keeping the Phone Good for Longer:** As apps and the phone’s systems demand more, faster RAM helps your phone stay useful for longer.

So, if you're buying a OnePlus 15, the choice between 12GB and 16GB is more than just how much you get. It's also about how fast that RAM works, and the 16GB version clearly has a little extra oomph.

**What's Next? LPDDR6**

While the OnePlus 15 is getting about as much as it can out of LPDDR5X, the next big thing in phone memory is going to be LPDDR6. The first LPDDR6 RAM is expected to start at the same speed of 10,667Mbps that the fastest LPDDR5X has now. But the real improvement will be how efficiently it works.

LPDDR6 should use up to 21% less power than LPDDR5X. Because battery life is so important for phone users, this will be very welcome. Also, LPDDR6 might eventually hit speeds of 14,400Mbps, which would mean phones that are way faster than what we have now.

So, the OnePlus 15's 16GB Ultra+ RAM is great for today, but the tech world is already getting ready for the next wave of phones that will change what we think is fast and good battery life.

**What This Means for You**

If you're looking to buy a phone, this OnePlus 15 situation shows why it's worth looking at the specifications closely. Both the 12GB and 16GB versions seem to work great, but the 16GB one has a definite benefit if you really need the best available.

That said, the 12GB Ultra version isn't bad at all. At 9,600Mbps, it's faster than a lot of other phones and a good upgrade from older OnePlus models. Most people will probably be fine with this for everyday use, playing games, and being productive.

**The Big Picture**

The OnePlus 15's RAM story shows a thing that you see often in the phone world: companies are using fancy names to make small upgrades look more exciting. This can confuse a little, but it also shows how competitive the market is. Even small improvements are presented as reasons to buy their phone.

As memory tech gets better, expect to see this kind of thing more often with RAM, storage, and everything else. The key is to look past the marketing and know what the numbers actually mean.

**In Summary**

The OnePlus 15 is a really good phone, but this little RAM speed difference between the 12GB and 16GB versions is interesting. The 16GB Ultra+ version gets LPDDR5X pretty much to its max at 10,667Mbps, while the 12GB Ultra model is still good at 9,600Mbps.

For most people it might not matter, but if you want the fastest and smoothest experience possible, go for the 16GB one. And with LPDDR6 around the corner that promises to improve both speed and efficiency, the future of phones looks bright.

For now, the OnePlus 15 is a good reminder that the small details sometimes matter.

14.iPhone Users Can Now Store Their US Passport Information in Apple Wallet 

**Apple Wallet: Putting Your Passport on Your iPhone (Domestic Flights Only!)**

Okay, so with the holidays coming, Apple just dropped this new thing. You can now load your U.S. passport into your Apple Wallet on your iPhone. It's like they're taking their whole digital ID thing to the following level. Remember how some people could already stick their driver's licenses and state IDs on their phones? Now, it's passports' turn. Pretty neat, huh?

But why should you actually care? It's all about dodging those airport lines quicker. It's supposed to let you zoom through TSA checkpoints – about 250 airports nationwide, they say. You just flash your iPhone or Apple Watch, and bam, you're showing your ID for flights within the U.S. Keep in mind, they're still testing it – it's in beta mode. Apple and the TSA seem to think it'll make things much smoother and safer than constantly pulling out your actual passport. Plus, less stress is always a win.

**Hold Up! What's the Deal with These Digital IDs?**

Listen up! This is essential: this digital passport *isn't* a replacement for your old-school, physical passport. You *can't* use this to fly to another country – no spontaneous trips to Europe with just your phone. Only for travel *inside* the U.S., got it? It is very useful for someone who doesn't have a Real ID-compliant driver's license, or one who simply wants to keep their passport safe and sound..

Seriously, keep your actual passport or Real ID ready when you travel. Think of this iPhone passport as a bonus. It will be a helping hand, not a free pass. Do not go without it!

**Now, How Do You Actually Set This Up?**

Getting your passport into Apple Wallet isn't tough, but you'll need to jump through a couple of hoops. Apple needs to ensure it's really you.

1.  **Open the Wallet App:** Search for a plus symbol, tapping it at the peak of your screen. Find the Digital ID selection. Try looking for Digital ID within the app as well.

2.  **Scan Your Passport!:** Scan the images from your passport page by using your iPhone camera. The Wallet app will guide you.

3.  **Tap the Chip:** look in the back of your passport. You see that tiny chip? Tap the phone on the chip.

4.  **Prove You're Human:** You're asked to take a selfie, plus a small catch. You will be asked to turn your head to the left and right and do some blinking.

And...you're done! It'll be viewable after it all.

That whole routine is how Apple prevents anyone but you from adding your passport to your phone.

**Getting Through Security: Not So Scary**

Showing your Digital ID should hopefully be straightforward, like using Apple Pay.

1.  Double-tap the side thing on your iPhone to bring up Wallet.

2.  Choose your Digital ID out of all your cards.

3.  At the TSA checkpoint, hold your iPhone or Watch near the reader.

4.  The reader will capture your image, and your device will show what's required (name, DOB).

5.  Confirm using Face ID or Touch ID.

Another plus: you don't need to unlock your device or give it to the TSA person. The goal is to stay contactless and keep your personal stuff private.

**Is This Secure? What Happens to My Info?**

Apple states that your passport data is tightly secured and lives only on your phone. They claim they can't see when or from where you're using the Digital ID. Nor can they have access to this data.

As it uses either a fingerprint lock or a face ID lock, one knows it's safe.

And if your phone gets swiped? It’s OK because TSA does not handle your phone. The whole system operates wirelessly. Therefore, the likelihood of someone interfering with it goes down.

**Where Can You Use This Now?**

The TSA accepts mobile IDs at a lot of places, and Apple's thing builds on that. Right now, you can use it here:

*   Arkansas

*   Arizona

*   California

*   Colorado

*   Georgia

*   Hawaii

*   Iowa

*   Louisiana

*   Maryland

*   Montana

*   New Mexico

*   New York

*   Ohio

*   Utah

*   Virginia

*   West Virginia

*   Puerto Rico

Apple’s Digital ID means you can use this at more than 250 TSA checkpoints.

**Apple Is Really Pushing Digital Stuff**

Apple's been sort of quietly making Wallet way more than just a place for your cards. What first started with state IDs at the beginning is now being used for passports as well. The company is hopeful that most people would start using Wallet, as they use other digital devices.

This trend matches the mood of the global society. Authorities have started working on mobile IDs, lessening fraud, and making our lifestyles more comfortable.

**Why Should Travelers Care?**

Here is information for anyone who likes to travel:

*   Reduces time: No more searching in your bag for your passport.

*   Add Safety. It needs a face scan and fingerprint to access it.

*   It's Easy: Consolidate boarding passes, cash, personal identification, all on one device.

*   Be the boss: You choose what information to share.

Frequent travelers would find that their travels goes by without any problems.

**Of Course, There Are Some Downsides**

Despite this being amazing, keep these in mind:

*   Must always have your passport for another country.

*   It still should be updated to fit every place.

*   Could change when laws change.

*   Make sure your iPhone is turned on consistently because it needs juice.

Think of this as extra help.

**So, What's Next?**

How will authorities from other countries respond? Should other countries do something almost identical? How do we ensure that the data remains safe if it moves to the cloud.

Perhaps nobody has a clear answer to that question. But Apple's new change represents a huge step. Digital Identification has finally arrived for travelers!

**In Short**

Apple has digital identification being added to an iPhone within Wallet. Its aims is to provide convenience and safety at TSA checkpoints during travel. It uses biometric encryption to provide a secure experience.

The new wallet is aimed in a direction of security and convenience.

15.Cash App Adds Support for Bitcoin Lightning and Stablecoin Payments 

Big news from Cash App! They just dropped a ton of updates all at once – their biggest release ever, actually. What's cool? You can now pay people with Bitcoin and even those stablecoins everyone's been talking about. Plus, they've made banking easier, the app is smarter, and they've beefed up security. Seems like they're trying to stay ahead of the curve with how we all handle our money these days. They're saying it's 11 updates and over 150 little tweaks in total!

So, Jack Dorsey, the guy who co-founded Twitter (now X) and is super into Bitcoin, his company Block Inc. (you see it on the stock market as XYZ) is behind Cash App. He's always pushing for crypto integration and wants Bitcoin to be used in everyday life, not just sitting around as an investment.

That's why Cash App now supports things like stablecoins. These tokens are pegged to the US dollar, so they don't jump around in price like Bitcoin can. This makes them really practical for buying stuff or paying bills. Other companies are checking out the possibilities, even Zelle, is playing around with international money transfers done with stablecoins! This all points toward mainstream finance warming up to them. Cash App looks like it wants to make it easier for people who want to use blockchain without the headache of wild price swings.

Speaking of Bitcoin payments, Cash App is using the Lightning Network to make them speedy and cheap. Basically, it's a trick that sits on top of the regular Bitcoin network to make things faster. You don't even need to own Bitcoin. Cash App lets you pay with dollars using a Lightning QR code. It does the conversion for you behind the scenes. Quick transactions, low fees, no need to worry about holding crypto yourself.

For business owners using Square, it's pretty flexible. They can set it up to receive money in different ways – dollars for dollars, Bitcoin for Bitcoin, Bitcoin for dollars, or dollars for Bitcoin. So, it lets them choose what suits them best based on risk and what they need.

Also, Square Bitcoin is letting merchants accept Bitcoin for free until 2027! It's like a test to see if Bitcoin can become a normal way to pay, not just something people speculate on.

Block has a lot of skin in the game. They own over 8,600 Bitcoins, worth a lot of money! This shows they really are serious about Bitcoin and its future role in finance.

According to Owen Jennings, a big shot at Block, all these changes in Cash App are about keeping up with how people actually use money. He says traditional banks just haven't kept up. Cash App wants to be the platform that gets it.

Now, they're using some smart tech to make the app easier to use. They are working hard to make it safer.

Even though the update is exciting, Block's stock took a hit along with the rest of the market. This suggests that while what Cash App is doing is a good thing, economic conditions are affecting how people see Block's potential.

In short, Cash App is trying to bridge old finance with the new world of digital money. The changes give users options, faster payments, and more control. Businesses get new ways to accept money without high fees or risks. And Block is solidifying its place as a forward-thinking company in crypto.

If more people start to use stablecoins and Lightning payments, this update could be a game-changer, not just for Cash App, but for the world to embrace digital currencies.

16.Google Walks Back Recently Announced Android Developer Registration Rules 

**Google Changes Android App Verification After People Complain**

So, Google had this plan to make everyone who makes Android apps jump through a bunch of hoops to prove who they are like a digital identity check. This wasn't just some suggestion but they were going to make it mandatory. The idea was to stop bad apps mostly malware from sneaking onto people's phones, especially those apps you get outside the official Google Play Store.

The original idea, announced sometime back, was pretty strict. Basically, if you weren't a verified developer, no one could install your app on Google-certified Android devices. To get verified, you would have to pay some money and give them official ID. They said this was all about keeping users safe from dangerous apps sneaking in through the back door.

But people got angry, and quickly. Users, app makers, even the folks running alternative app stores, all said it was a bad idea.

**Why Everyone Was Mad**

A lot of folks thought Google was going too far. They worried that it would be hard for regular people indie developers, students just starting out to mess around with making apps. Some even said Google was trying to control too much of the Android system, which is supposed to be more open than Apple's iOS.

Some developers got organized and complained to regulators, saying Google was abusing its power. Others told their friends: don't sign up for Google's early access thing.

The biggest complaint came from F-Droid, which is a popular place to get free and open-source Android apps. They said Google's plan could basically wreck their whole project. They didn't think it was really about security, but about Google grabbing more control. In their eyes, it wasn't a step in the right direction. A change that consolidated power around themselves and the app selection.

**Google Backs Down a Little**

After all the noise, Google said, Okay, okay, we'll make some changes. First, they're going to let developers have special accounts for just sharing apps with a small group like friends and family. You won't need to be fully verified for those which opens the door for smaller developers.

Second, they're working on a way for tech-savvy users to still install apps from unverified developers, but with a big warning label. So, you can still do it, but Google will make sure you know it might not be safe. This gives users more power rather than no choice.

Matthew Forsythe, who’s in charge of Android app safety at Google, said they heard the complaints, especially from students and hobbyists who just want to learn, and those power users who know what they're doing.

**When Will This Happen?**

Google is still going ahead with the main verification program. They're inviting some developers to try it out now, and more will get invited later this year.

The whole thing should be ready for everyone by 2026. And starting that September, if you live in Brazil, Indonesia, Singapore, or Thailand, you'll only be able to install apps from verified developers. The rest of the world will follow in 2027.

**Security vs. Freedom**

Google is in a tricky spot. They want to keep people safe from bad apps, but they also don't want to ruin what makes Android special the freedom to install apps from anywhere and let anyone make apps.

By letting developers have limited accounts and letting experienced users sideload apps, they're trying to find a middle ground. Basically, they're trying to make both regulators and android users happy.

**What This Means for You**

If you're a developer, you'll probably have to get verified if you want to reach a lot of people. If you don't want to, you can still share apps with a smaller group. If you're a user, and you like testing random apps, you'll still be able to, you will just have to click past a warning.

**The Bottom Line**

Google changed its plan because people complained. It shows that even big companies like Google have to listen to their users. They're still going to verify developers, but they're trying to make it less painful for developers and maintain security. It's going to take time to tell if what Google is doing will make everyone happy, but it's a good example of how tricky it is to balance security and freedom in the technology world.

17.6 Underrated Android Widgets That Boosted My Phone’s Productivity 

## Android Widgets: Six Small Things That Changed My Phone Big Time

For ages, my Android phone's home screen was boring. It was just a place for app icons. I’d swipe past those little widget things without even a second look. Honestly, I thought they were kind of pointless or just made my screen messy. But man, was I wrong!

Over time, I started actually trying out some of those widgets. And guess what? Some of them are now things I can't live without. I mean, they seriously make using my phone so much better. If you're like I was– completely ignoring widgets– you should give them a shot. You might be surprised.

So, here are six widgets that totally changed how I use my phone every single day:

**6. Google Calendar (Month View): My Whole Month at a Glance**

Okay, so on my computer, I use a regular calendar for my personal stuff. Totally fine with just a plain list there. But for work, and especially when I need to set up plans with other people, it's Google Calendar all the way. Before, to check my schedule, I had to open the entire app, tap a bunch of times. It was a bit of a drag.

But the month view widget fixed all that. It puts the entire month right there on my home screen. Seriously convenient. I can tap on any day to see what's happening, or I can press the little plus sign to add new things super fast. It stops me from digging through my app list. It just makes setting up appointments and meetings a lot easier. If you're always juggling things, you know, work, social life, family stuff – this widget is a lifesaver.

**5. Google Maps (Nearby Traffic): Knowing What's Up on the Roads**

Ugh, traffic. Nobody likes dealing with it. I try not to even think about it until I have to get somewhere. But this traffic widget from Google Maps? It's pretty great. It shows live traffic updates right on my home screen. I can zoom in or out to see what's happening around me. And if I tap the widget, it opens the Maps app with the traffic shown.

The only thing that isn't perfect is that it needs to know where I am all the time. That can take up the battery. But for me, it's worth it to just see if there are any problems on the roads without opening the app. It's a super fast way to check, and it saves me from going crazy when I'm trying to get somewhere important.

**4. Microsoft To Do: My Daily List, Right in My Face**

For simple lists, I use Microsoft To Do. The app is easy to understand but the widget makes it super important. It puts what I need to get done right there. I can't miss it. I can check things off when I finish them, I can add new stuff. I can even change the way it looks, by adjusting the color, the size of the words, and even what info it shows.

If you like Google Keep, it has similar widgets. With Keep, the Quick Capture widget allows you to add notes immediately. Also, the note collection widget shows a bunch of notes at once. Both apps proves that widgets can do so much more. They’re not just a quick way to open an app – they really help you get organized and stay on top of your plans.

**3. Google Home Favourites: My Smart Home, Easy to Control**

It's become annoying trying to get my smart home gadgets to respond. Now that Gemini is taking over Google Assistant, telling my lights and plugs to turn on or off doesn't always work. The Google Home app is okay, but opening it every time I need to turn on a lamp is really annoying.

That’s the point of this Google Home favorites widget. It puts the things I use the most right there on the home screen. I can flip lights on, turn plugs off, or start my morning routine without any hassle. You get to pick which devices show up, so it's really useful. If you have a smart home, this widget puts things back to how they should be.

**2. YouTube Music (Now Playing): Simple Controls, Good Looking**

I always have music playing. The YouTube Music widget makes it better. It shows whatever album is playing and gives me some simple ways to control it. The only bummer is that it's pretty wide. You can make it smaller, sure. But then the buttons are hard to see.

I put my app icons all around the widgets that I use. So, the size is not really a headache. If you are the opposite and love keeping things tight, the turntable widget takes up less space. Either way, having music controls on the home screen is awesome.

**1. Google Photos (People & Pets): Just Makes Me Smile**

Okay, not every widget has to be super useful. This one definitely made me smile. The Google Photos people and pets widget is just for fun. It shows pictures of the people, or animals, that you choose. The photos come from your library, and Google uses its magic face tech to figure out who or what is in the picture.

I set mine for my parents and my best friends. When I'm working hard, I get to see their faces. It helps me see that I'm not just doing work and that my phone isn't just a work tool. It's a way to keep in touch with those who matter to me. The widget has different shapes and sizes, and it's super easy to set up. I wish it would show pictures of cars and bikes, But I'm okay with only people right now as it touches my heart more.

**Why Widgets Are More Important Than We think**

People think widgets are nothing special. I hear that they are just extra decorations for your home screen. But widgets really make your phone better. They save you time, they bring cool info to front.

For me, widgets changed my phone. Now, it feels like a helpful friend. The calendar widget keeps me on track, the traffic widget keeps me moving, the To Do widget keeps me going, the Home widget makes my smart home easy, the music widget keeps my ears happy, and the Photos widget makes me smile.

**Try Some Widgets Out**

Some widgets aren’t going to be for you, and that's okay. some will drain battery. Don't let them discourage you! Try a few out.

You might find, just like me, that widgets improve our lives. No matter what, they can for sure make your phone feel like part of you.

**Final Thoughts**

If you think of your home screen as just a bunch of apps, you might want to give it a second thought. Widgets do more than you think. The six widgets I talked about really changed how I use my phone, and I think it will do the same for you.

From schedules to traffic to smart homes to pictures, widgets place importance and ease to your device. Of course, not everyone will find a widget that helps them on a daily or consistent basis, but the ones that you will can make your phone better every single day.

18.op Samsung Phones Now Available at Major Discounts 

**Hot Deals on Samsung Phones: Galaxy S25 Ultra, S25 Edge, and Z Fold 7**

Samsung's still a huge name in phones, and it’s easy to see why. They keep putting out cool stuff that a lot of folks like, whether you're a total professional who needs to get work done, someone who just wants a phone that looks good, or a tech geek who wants the latest features. If you've been thinking about getting a new phone, listen up: three of Samsung's top models – the Galaxy S25 Ultra, Galaxy S25 Edge, and Galaxy Z Fold 7 – have seriously slashed prices right now.

Let’s break down what makes each of these phones special and figure out who they're best for:

**Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra – Was $1,299.99, Now $849.99 (That's $450 Off!)**

Think of the Galaxy S25 Ultra as Samsung’s superstar phone for 2025. It's got a huge 6.9-inch screen that’s super sharp and clear. That’s thanks to the QHD+ LTPO AMOLED 2X display. Plus, it's running on a super-fast Snapdragon 8 Elite processor with 12GB of memory. Basically put, it can handle anything you throw at it. The picture is so clear (3,120 x 1,440 resolution) and smooth (120Hz refresh rate) that games look amazing, videos are a blast to watch, and even just working feels easier.

Here's a cool thing: The S Pen is built right in. This turns the Ultra into a serious tool for getting things done. You can sketch, write notes on documents, or just jot down ideas. This makes it different from other top phones.

If you love taking photos, the Ultra is awesome. It has a 200MP main camera, plus something called 100x Space Zoom. That means you can zoom in super far and still get a decent picture. It has four cameras on the back that take great pics in all kinds of situations. The special tricks Samsung uses to make pictures look good make it one of the best camera phones you can get.

The battery lasts a long time, too. You can probably get two full days of regular use before needing to plug it in. The body is made of strong stuff like titanium and Gorilla Glass, so it can handle a few bumps and scratches. It's also safe from dust and water. Samsung says they'll keep the software updated for seven years, so you know it'll stay modern for a while.

At this price, it’s like getting a really high-end phone for a medium price. If you want the best of everything – speed, cameras, ways to be productive, and something that will last – get this phone.

**Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge (512GB) – Was $1,219.99, Now $729.99 (Save $490!)**

The Galaxy S25 Edge is different. It's the skinniest Galaxy S phone ever, only 5.8mm thick. If you care about how your phone looks and feels in your hand, this is cool. Even though it’s thin, it still has that Snapdragon 8 Elite chip and 12GB of memory, so it works just as well as the Ultra.

The screen is a bit smaller at 6.7 inches, but it still looks great with the same QHD+ resolution and 120Hz refresh rate. The Edge also has a 200MP main camera, so your photos will still be top-notch.

They didn’t skimp on toughness either. It has a titanium frame, super-strong glass in the front, and extra-strong glass in the back. Plus, it’s safe from dust and water. It's a phone that looks nice but can still take a beating.

The only thing is the battery. It’s a bit smaller than other phones at this level, so if you use your phone all day long, you might need to charge it up in the afternoon. But if you like a phone that looks great and is easy to carry around, this is a good pick.

This deal is sweet because you get the model with 512GB of storage; normally that would cost you a lot more. The model with 256GB is a bit cheaper, but spending a little extra to get double the space is smart. If you want a phone that feels like it weighs nothing but is still powerful, this is for you.

**Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 (512GB) – Was $2,119.99, Now $1,399.99 (That's a Huge $720 Discount!)**

The Galaxy Z Fold 7 is for people who want something totally new. It's a phone that folds open into a small tablet. When it's open, you get an 8-inch screen that looks amazing This is caused by the LTPO AMOLED 2X display which has a resolution of 2,184 x 1,968 with a 120Hz refresh rate. When it's closed, there’s a 6.5-inch screen on the outside for quick stuff. It's great for working and playing.

Like the other two, it uses the Snapdragon 8 Elite processor and 12GB of memory. Its performance is super smooth. The 200MP camera takes great photos, and Samsung has some cool tricks that use AI to make things even better.

Samsung has worked hard to make the folding part stronger and to make the crease in the middle less noticeable. The body is made of good materials, and it can handle a little bit of water.

The battery life is okay. Because of the big screen, it uses more power than a regular phone. Still, it does a better job with battery life than other foldable phones.

At this price, it’s the best deal out there for a foldable phone in my opinion. The fact that you get upgraded to the 512GB model without paying extra makes it even better. If you want a phone that can also be a tablet and that will turn heads everywhere you go, grab this.

**So, Which Samsung Should You Choose?**

*   **Galaxy S25 Ultra:** The very best pick for pros, photographers, and anyone who wants the top phone available.

*   **Galaxy S25 Edge:** This is the one to get if you like a phone that's super thin and good-looking but still has great power.

*   **Galaxy Z Fold 7:** if you need a phone that can also act like a tablet due to being a foldable device, this is the phone for you.

All these phones are unique and now that they're cheaper by a lot, it's a great opportunity to buy one.

**The Bottom Line**

These sales on the Galaxy S25 Ultra, S25 Edge, and Z Fold 7 are some of the best phone deals you'll see this year right here in 2025. No matter if you are seeking the very best phone, for the thinnest Galaxy, or a device that folds, there’s a phone in this list that you'll like.

Don’t wait around, however. These prices are not forever. With sales like these, now is the time to buy an awesome phone and experience some top-of-the-line tech for less.

19.Increasing Memory Costs Threaten to Raise Smartphone Prices 

**Smartphone Makers Feeling the Pinch as Memory Prices Jump**

It sounds like things are getting tight for smartphone companies. A new report says that the rising cost of memory is putting a lot of pressure on them. They might have to charge us more for phones, which nobody wants. Some companies, like Xiaomi, OPPO, and Vivo, are even hitting pause on buying memory because prices are so high. They're also running low on what they already have. What's making prices go up so fast? It's all those AI data centers needing tons of RAM and storage.

**Where's the Squeeze Coming From?**

Jiemian News says that phone companies are struggling because memory suppliers like Samsung and Micron are focusing on selling to data centers instead. These data centers use loads of RAM for things like AI, cloud stuff, and big data analysis.

The increase in demand has caused memory prices to go up. From what I'm hearing, distributors are charging server clients 30% more compared to what they would offer smartphone companies. Server builders are willing to pay more, so naturally, suppliers would rather sell to them first.

**Tough Choices for Phone Companies**

All this is bad news for smartphone companies, like one Chinese manufacturer that says they might have to lower the specs on their new phones or charge people more. Neither option is good.

If they lower the specs, their phones might not be as good as the competition, since everyone wants more RAM and storage these days. If they raise prices, people might not want to buy their phones, especially in places where being affordable is important. For companies like Xiaomi and Vivo, who make good phones without costing too much, this is really tough.

**NAND Flash Cuts Add to the Problem**

To make matters worse, big memory makers like Micron, Samsung, and Kioxia are making less NAND flash memory, which is used for phone storage. By making less, they hope to make prices go up even more.

One source is saying that memory prices might keep climbing until the first half of 2026.

**It's Not Just a China Issue**

This isn't just happening to Chinese phone companies. It affects everyone. Even Samsung and Apple use the same suppliers for RAM and storage. So, if costs go up for one company, they go up for everyone.

Your next iPhone or Galaxy phone may have its price increased, or the specs might not be as good as you'd expect, as companies try to deal with the higher costs. Things could get more expensive for everyone, no matter what kind of phone you're buying.

**Why AI Data Centers Need So Much Memory**

The huge demand from AI data centers isn't surprising when you think about it. Training AI models and doing all that data stuff needs a ton of memory. Think of it this way: a phone might have 8GB or 16GB of RAM, but servers often need hundreds of gigabytes or even terabytes.

AI is getting more popular, so data centers are growing fast. This means memory makers are selling more to big companies instead of phone makers. Phone companies are now competing against industries that have more money to spend.

**What Does It Mean for Us?**

Basically, phones might get more expensive. RAM and storage are a big part of what makes up the cost of a phone. So, if costs go up for the companies, we're going to feel it in our wallets.

Also, we might not see as many cheap phones with high RAM. A phone that used to have 12GB of RAM might drop to 8GB. Or a 512GB storage option could become 256GB on the base models of phones. This will reduce the value, even if the prices stay the same.

**What Phone Makers Can Do**

Phone companies could try a few things to deal with these rising memory costs.

*   **Find other suppliers:** They could look for different companies to buy RAM and storage from, but the options are limited since Samsung and Micron are so big.

*   **Improve software:** By making their software better at using memory, phones can run smoothly even with less RAM.

*   **Offer different models:** They could make more phone models with different specs, keeping the prices low on cheaper phones but charging more for models with more memory.

*   **Make their own memory:** Some companies, like Samsung, already make their own memory chips. Others might partner with memory makers or invest in them to make sure they have enough supply.

**Part of a Bigger Problem**

The memory squeeze is just part of a bigger trend of prices going up in the tech world because of AI. Things like GPUs and networking equipment are also getting more expensive. As companies rush to build AI, regular consumer electronics might not be as important to suppliers.

Will current smartphone pricing models stay around for long? Phone companies have been competing to offer more RAM and storage at lower prices for years. If memory costs keep going up, that might not be possible anymore.

**The Bottom Line**

The smartphone world is in a tough spot. Rising memory prices because of AI data centers are putting pressure on phone companies. Companies like Xiaomi, OPPO, and Vivo are already slowing down purchases and running low on inventory. With memory suppliers cutting production and focusing on higher-paying server clients, costs will probably keep rising.

For us, that could mean more expensive phones, lower specs, or both. For phone companies, it's going to be a test to see how well they can adapt to a changing market.

20.All the iOS 26 Settings I Adjusted Immediately on My iPhone 

**iOS 26 & 26.1: The First Things I Changed**

So, Apple kinda surprised us with iOS 26 and 26.1 rolling out so close to each other. I wasn't expecting a ton of exciting changes, but after digging around, I found some cool options hidden in the Settings that have actually made using my iPhone a bit better every day. Nothing earth-shattering, but more like those why didn't they do this sooner? improvements. I've been playing around with them, and wanted to share the tweaks that made my phone feel much more awesome.

**Always-On Display: Wallpaper's Back, Baby!**

Alright, this was the first thing I noticed, and it honestly bugged me a little. With iOS 26, the Always-On Display was blurring my wallpaper. I guess Apple thought it made the clock stand out more, or maybe it was for battery savings, but I absolutely hated it.

I love that my lock screen puts my pics front and center, like photos I snagged during my vacation. The blur made everything look muddy and unfocused, and it felt like a step back. Lucky for us, Apple gave us the option to switch it off and keep the wallpaper crisp and clear.

Here's the fix: fire up Settings, tap Display & Brightness, then Always-On Display, and toggle off Blur Wallpaper. Boom! Your photos are sharp and pop again. I know it's small, but it's these details that put a smile on my face.

**Camera Swipe: No More Pocket Pics!**

For ages, swiping left on the lock screen has been the express line to the Camera. But seriously, on newer iPhones, we have a bunch of ways to get it going. There’s the dedicated Camera button in Control Center, maybe you've got the Action button set up on the Pro models, and for everyone, there is the little camera icon in the corner. The swipe gesture felt unnecessary.

I kept accidentally opening the camera app when I was just trying to look at my notifications from the lock screen. In iOS 26.1, Apple finally threw us a bone and let us turn it off.

Just go to Settings, then Camera, scroll down, and you'll spot Lock Screen Swipe to Open Camera. Turn that bad boy off, and you're golden. Peace out accident camera opens. Now I just tap the Camera button in Control Center instead, which feels more deliberate. This was a subtle change that has eliminated a daily head smack.

**Adaptive Power Thing - Battery Saver!**

We're always searching for that extra bit of battery life. Low Power Mode has been with us for a long time but using it feels heavy handed. It makes the phone sluggish to squeeze a bit more life from it.

iOS 26 came along with Adaptive Power, and this feature became available. You can only get if the phone is compatible with Apple's intelligence feature. Unlike Low Power Mode, this feature turns on by itself when you're dealing with a battery problem. Small adjustments are made to slow down the background process or dim the screen to preserve it. Battery life isn't the only benefit, but you don't loss out on device speed.

Here's how to enable the feature: Settings ➡️ Battery ➡️ Power Mode ➡️ Adaptive Power. Leave this thing on, and it will guard you from power drain! you will get notified when the power is on, so you know when the device is protecting power. This also means that you never have to worry about the battery usage.

**AirPods Sleepy-Time Detection: Sweet Dreams, Auto-Pause!**

With iOS 26, it includes upgrades when using AirPods. One example is the Pause Media While Sleeping feature. This audio pauses when a person is inactive or sleeping.

Rarely, I go to sleep with my AirPods on. However, on the unusual occasion, I don't enjoy the feeling of trying to find the exact locations. With this feature, you can avoid this. This feature is discovered when going into the setting of ones Airpods. Pause Media When Falling Asleep is the name of the power function.

According to apple, they created the feature so a person can stop the playback when they are not using it. This is compatible when using AirPods 3 through AirPods 4. I made sure to keep this turn on. Sometimes, this is used rarely, but it keeps me at calm when I go back listening to media. When listening at night this feature can easily get used.

**Why these small changes matter**

Every time I change settings, a change happens. They indicate Apple's idea of giving the users the ability to shape the iPhone. By using this we can shape our phones based on user wants. The ability to turn blur allows customization. In addition, the AirPods are now even easier to use.

These features are not huge updates. But they help the user feel more at home.

**Summing Up**

iOS 26 and 26.1 aren't groundbreaking stuff, but they bring changes making the iPhone more personal, and more fun! Now I am ready to turn off the wall paper blur, turning off the camera swipe, and sleeping with my AirPods. This help me feel like I am the next generation.

If you have not had time to go to the features I listed, I recommend. The tweaks can make your phone feel better and personalized. At the end, small changes truly matter most.

21.QR Codes and Digital Wallets Unite as Scan-to-Pay Gains Traction 

**This Year's Hottest Holiday Gifts? Get Ready for Retro Tech!**

Forget all the crazy AI stuff. Seriously, the coolest gifts everyone wants this year are throwbacks. Think Walkmans playing cassettes, those old wind-up game consoles, and phones that...well, *don't* do everything. Remember those indestructible Nokia bricks? It's like a message from a much simpler time.

**Why are we so obsessed with the past right now?**

Sure, everyone's hunting for bargains with sales going on this holiday season. But, there's way more to it than that. People just really miss those good old days. The experts are saying it's going to be a huge season. This means there's plenty of room for gifts that actually stand out, especially during all the Black Friday and Cyber Monday madness.

Online shopping? Forget about it! it's going to be gigantic. We're talking billions are expected to be spent online. So, basically, you mix nostalgia with some good deals, and you've got a recipe for shopping success.

It's not just some fuzzy feeling, either. Numbers don't lie, and they say old is absolutely back. Did you know vinyl records are outselling CDs now? Even phones are getting stripped down, with new versions of those super simple phones we used to love. Let's face it, people are craving analog, and it is changing how they are shopping for the holidays.

**Ready to Shop? Here are 10 Awesome Retro Gift Ideas for 2025**

Here are some gift ideas that'll bring back the magic from the past:

1.  **Atari 2600+:** Remember the original Atari? Well, it's back! But, this time its got a modern connection for new TVs and plays all the old games. It comes with the classic joystick and a bunch of games to get you started. They're even doing some cool colors, like Pac-Man yellow! If you know someone who misses the golden age of gaming, they'll totally get it.

2.  **Playdate:** It's a tiny, bright yellow handheld. Oh, and it has a literal crank on the side because why not? It comes loaded with a bunch of unique games. A super fun gift, You might even grab it with a discount this November.

3.  **Analogue Pocket:** Ever wanted to play classic Game Boy games without any of that emulator weirdness? This is it. It's not so easy to snag, which makes it way more exciting as a gift. If you can find one, you'll be the gift-giving champion.

4.  **Fujifilm Instax Mini 12:** Pictures you can hold *right now*? Yes, please! This camera prints photos instantly. It's so easy to use. Everyone's suddenly a party photographer. Sharing stuff to the internet is great, but it's something special about snapshots, though

5.  **Pentax 17:** a film camera that knows how you like to share memories. A film camera that lets you pack twice as many photos onto each roll! Plus, the photos look amazing on phones. It's like old-school fun meets new-school sharing.

6.  **Retrospekt Cassette Players:** These guys fix up old Walkmans, so they actually work. You can even grab special Snoopy and Miffy ones if that your jam. Get some new cassette tapes, and you're all set to make some killer mixtapes.

7.  **Audio-Technica AT-LP60X:** Want to into vinyl without any hassle? Here's your ticket. It's super easy to set up. Grab some speakers, and your can hear your favorite songs.

8.  **Teenage Engineering PO-80 Record Factory:** Make your own tiny records. Seriously. You can make them right at home. It's a creative way to make something totally unique. The best party trick of all time.

9.  **Light Phone II:** Tired of being glued to your phone? This one just makes calls, texts, and gives directions. No social media, no distractions. It's made for the person who wants to be less reachable.

10. **Sharge Retro 67 GaN Charger:** A charger that looks like one of those old Macintosh computers. Not only it charges your laptop super fast, it also looks super awesome sitting on your desk. It gives you a bit of design history. A cool charging brick, what's better than that?

**So, what's with the retro craze right now, anyway?**

The reason retro stuff is selling so well is that it combines the familiar with the new. Take a classic game console but add a modern connection for your TV, or a simple phone with a nice screen. People want bargains, but they also want stuff that has a cool story.

With online sales expected to be astronomical, these retro finds are perfect for anyone who wants something special. They're not just toys; they're like a way to connect to our shared history but brought back to life.

**To Sum It All Up**

Forget the AI gizmos – the ultimate gift this year is a reminder of the past. From cassette players to basic phones, retro tech is having a real moment. These gifts that going back may mean moving forward.

Happy hunting! Check out some vintage shops!

22.OnePlus 15’s Highest-End Model Packs a Secret RAM Performance Upgrade 

The OnePlus 15 is out, right? People are freaking out about the battery life, how fast it is, and how good it looks. Initial reviews are all about how long this thing lasts. But there's something kinda sneaky going on with the RAM that most people haven't noticed: the difference in speed between the 12GB and 16GB versions.

Everyone’s looking at how much RAM you get – 12GB or 16GB – but the actual speed of that RAM is a little bit different depending on which one you pick. OnePlus kinda mentioned it in the specs, but it’s worth digging into.

Okay, so they call the RAM in the 12GB phone LPDDR5X Ultra. But the 16GB version? That one’s LPDDR5X Ultra+. Sounds like marketing hype, right? Well, it turns out there’s a real performance difference.

The 12GB model can move data at speeds up to 9,600Mbps. The 16GB one? It hits 10,667Mbps. That is a nice speed increase, especially if you're doing a lot on your phone at once or playing games or using big, power-hungry apps to work on stuff.

Just so you know, the last phone, the OnePlus 13, had LPDDR5X memory that topped out at 8,533Mbps. So even the slower version on the new OnePlus 15 is a good step up. The Ultra+ version is just pushing things how fast they can currently go.

Both phones technically have LPDDR5X memory. The Ultra and Ultra+ names? Those aren't like industry-wide standards or anything. That's just how OnePlus is trying to show that one is a little bit better than the other.

The reason for the difference is the actual Samsung RAM chips they use. The different versions of those chips have different speeds, and OnePlus is using that to make the distinction between their two phone versions.

Some other phone companies have done similar things. Vivo, for example, used that Ultra+ thing on one of their phones too, to say it had a faster memory speed. But Samsung, who makes the RAM doesn’t label their stuff like that. They just say they have improved versions of LPDDR5X and let the phone companies market them however they want.

So, why should you care about RAM speed?

For most people just using their phones every day, you probably won't notice a huge difference between 9,600Mbps and 10,667Mbps. But if you're a heavy user, that faster RAM can make things feel a lot smoother, especially when you're pushing your phone hard.

*   **Gaming**: Faster RAM means your games keep a stable framerate and have less lag, especially in the games that require a lot of resources.

*   **Multitasking**: Switching between apps is quicker and easier.

*   **Video/Photo stuff**: Making videos or editing photos is faster due to quicker data transfer.

*   **Keeps your phone relevant**: As apps and phone operating systems require more and more resources, faster RAM helps keep your phone running well for a longer time.

Basically, the 16GB Ultra+ model gives you a bit more headroom for performance. It's the better choice for those who want the absolute best speed and want their phone to last as long as possible without slowing down.

While the OnePlus 15 is pushing the current LPDDR5X tech pretty hard, the next big thing is LPDDR6. People think the first LPDDR6 modules will have the same 10,667Mbps speed as the fastest LPDDR5X, but the real improvement will be how efficient it is.

LPDDR6 should use up to 21% less power compared to LPDDR5X. That's huge for battery life in phones. And, LPDDR6 could potentially reach speeds of 14,400Mbps! That means future phones could be ridiculously fast.

So, while the OnePlus 15’s Ultra+ RAM is impressive right now, the phone industry is already working on the next generation of stuff that will change how we think about speed and efficiency on our phones.

What does this mean for you? The RAM speed difference shows how important it is to actually read the specifications before buying a phone. Both the 12GB and 16GB models are really good. But the 16GB one has a clear edge if you really care about performance.

That being said, the 12GB Ultra version isn't slow by any means. At 9,600Mbps, it's faster than a lot of other phones. And it's also a good upgrade from previous OnePlus phones. For most people, it'll be more than fast enough for everyday stuff, gaming, and work.

The OnePlus 15's RAM situation is just one example of something going on in the phone world in general. Companies are using marketing terms to differentiate small hardware improvements. Sometimes it just confuses people, but it also shows how competitive the market is. Even small gains in performance are emphasized by companies as reasons to buy their products.

As memory gets better and better, expect to see more of these small distinctions, whether it's in RAM, storage, or anything else. The key is to look past the marketing and see what the actual specs are. Phone nerds and reviewers will keep digging into that stuff, so you don’t have to.

So, the OnePlus 15 is a powerful phone. But the RAM speed difference makes things a little more interesting. The 16GB Ultra+ version goes up to 10,667Mbps, which is about as fast as LPDDR5X can currently go. The 12GB Ultra version is still pretty impressive at 9,600Mbps.

Casual users might not notice the difference. But if you want the best possible speed and efficiency, that 16GB model is the way to go. And with LPDDR6 coming soon, promising even better efficiency and speeds up to 14,400Mbps, phones in the future are going to be crazy fast.

Right now, the OnePlus 15 kind of shows that the most interesting things are in the details and that even something like a +, can mean a real boost in performance.

23.Jack Dorsey's Cash App Levels Up: Lightning Network and Stablecoin Payments Arrive. 

Cash App just got a massive makeover – probably like, its biggest one ever! Seriously, it's got a totally fresh look and feel. Plus, they finally added a bunch of stuff everyone's been asking for. You can mess around with Bitcoin and those stablecoins that are all the rage now. They're basically trying to stay relevant with how people are handling their money nowadays.

They put in a ton of work making the app way easier to use and understand. Oh, and they beefed up the security with some new features and fixed a bunch of bugs to make it run way smoother.

**Dorsey's Vision**

You know Jack Dorsey, the guy who made Twitter (or X, whatever it is now)? Cash App is another one of his things, through his company, Block. Their stock ticker thing is SQ if you care. He's always been super into getting into digital money.

Some think Bitcoin is like digital gold – something to hold for a long time. But Dorsey thinks you should be able to use it to buy stuff. And with those stablecoins becoming available, Cash App wants to make it easy to spend those, too. Those coins usually stick close to the real U.S. dollar's value.

**Why Everyone's Talking About Stablecoins**

Stablecoins are suddenly super popular. Even the big banks are trying to figure out how to use them. Zelle, the app most folks use move money between actual bank accounts, could be adding ways to use Stablecoins pretty soon.

Stablecoins are awesome because their value doesn't jump around like Bitcoin’s. That makes them a more reliable way to pay bills. If you're unsure about Bitcoin, stablecoins might be a less nerve-racking way to check out crypto.

**Speeding up Bitcoin**

Cash App is also trying to fix one of Bitcoin’s biggest issues: slow transactions. They’re doing this with something called the Lightning Network, which is made to make things faster and cheaper.

The coolest thing is that you don't need Bitcoin to use it! The app can switch out your dollars for Bitcoin instantly. That way, you get the perks of the Lightning's speed and cheap fees without needing all those crypto wallets.

For companies, that's a huge win, because Square, which is also a part of Block, lets companies choose how they want to get paid.

**Square's Using Bitcoin**

Square Bitcoin wants more people to use Bitcoin, so they are letting businesses take Bitcoin payments for free until 2027. I bet they're trying to see if it can actually become the way people pay for everyday stuff.

Block is dead serious about Bitcoin; they own a lot of it – like 8,692 BTC .

**What's Next?**

According to Owen Jennings, an Block big shot, Cash App wants to change the way people handle their money.

He said banks haven’t really kept up with how people pay and manage their money. Cash App wants to fix that by adding some new tech and some new ways to use crypto.

**Easier and Safer**

Cash App is going to start using AI to make things easier for its users. The idea is that the app will just get what you usually do and make it faster to do the stuff you want to do. And they made the app extra secure, too.

This should make Cash App pretty appealing to a lot of people.

**How's the Stock Doing?**

The company's stock actually dipped a little after all these changes. Right now the whole market is being a bit weird . The stock went down about 5%.

But who knows? If these crypto things take off, Block could become a major player in the space.

**Bottom Line**

This Cash App update seems like a big deal. By adding stablecoins and speeding up Bitcoin, they’re trying to bridge the gap between normal money and digital money. This gives people more payment options, and companies get more ways to get paid. For Block, this helps them cement their place in the crypto world.

If people start using stablecoins and Bitcoin, more often, this could be huge for Cash App.

24.Apple Appears to Be Backing Down on Liquid Glass With iOS 26.2 Update 

**iOS 26.2: Apple Finally Listens! Liquid Glass Gets Some Chill**

Okay, so it looks like Apple might actually be backing down a bit on one of their, let's just say, bolder design choices. The new iOS 26.2 beta seems to be giving us way more control over Liquid Glass. Remember that whole see-through, layered look they first showed off at WWDC 2025? Yeah, that thing was either a hit or miss. It created this stacked-window vibe. I personally kind of liked it, I thought it was original.

Liquid Glass has been a big deal for what feels like forever now. Some people really liked the futuristic feel, the smooth transitions, and those cool moving pictures. It felt almost alive, but in a digital way, you know? But, on the other hand, you had the people who just really disliked it. A few of them claimed it was actually harder to read things, so it sometimes clashed with backgrounds or made emails a nightmare to deal with. Well, looks like someone at Apple finally paid attention. This phone started as this great thing for phones.

**The See-Through Slider: A Small but Smart Move**

The best part is probably this new slider they've added to the Lock Screen that lets you change how see-through the clock is. It sounds like a small thing, but it tackles one of the biggest complaints with the update. At times, the time was just basically unreadable because the numbers would blend right into whatever background you had. So annoying. This slider, which plenty of people have asked for, looks like it fixes that. It seems like a practical addition for people.

Slide it left, and the clock almost disappears. Slide it right, and it's solid. Problem solved. It's awesome to see that they let us customize things how we want them, and it isn't just how Apple thinks we should use our phones. This update is a great progress. Also, it's great you can choose for the display to match your vibe.

**Settings not forced On or Off!**

And this option is a big change from before. Remember iOS 26.1? All it had was one on/off switch for Liquid Glass effects. Which was better than nothing, sure, but not good enough. These see-through layers are amazing, but people need some control over how they look, not a 'wow, pretty' or 'ugh, ugly' selection. And this tweak delivers on that.

By putting in this slider, I feel like Apple is admitting they've heard all the gripes about that fact that the screen's layout can mess with wallpapers, widgets, etc. And no user can feel trapped.

**Fine-Tuning Liquid Glass to Make it Good**

Although, it isn't just the clock slider this time. Apple's also been working on the fancy Liquid Glass moving pictures. Trying to get the menus and animations to transition well, and smoother, more fluid-like if possible. To try to bring it closer to how it was first represented at WWDC, so it looks like it's alive. The firm gets the idea that animations should be easy to look at and consistent everywhere.

This update makes it seem that Apple is trying to make everything ideal instead of thinking it was good from the origin of the design. It's surprising to see that Apple's designs are not always so set. If there are problems, the firm listens and tries to fix the problems, which is so awesome to see. This might make their designs better for all future plans.

**Do you know why this is so unique?**

For now, the slider will only show on the Clock on the Lock Screen. Which is completely fine. However, hopefully Apple will let us choose other options down the line. This ability is way more important than you think. By listening to the users, maybe Apple feels like this can be an appealing and enjoyable design.

If the product shows users vibe, then this isn't just about looks. By not restricting the costumers, if something fancy is given, then choices are needed. This simple slider represents what the device stands for that the costumer requires something that's simple and that design should be easy to manipulate, despite any new options. Simple and easy designs should come as standard.

**Looking back: What does this update represent towards the designing strategy of Apple?**

Apple should always know what is useful. Everything from designs that are skeuomorphism to sleek and flat.

The new Liquid Glass was an amazing change, but based on the amount of costumers' comments, the designs have to shift. The public want to design everything. And so devices are a canvas to convey the style of the costumer, but not something simple. By releasing the designs slightly, Apple can combine what designs people want with Apple's general vision.

**What's to come**

Based on the new progress of iOS 26.2. Stay in touch for the latest news of this beta. This slider will be a great step forward for designs. We're a halfway point there as users can manipulate these features instead of knowing what's what. From the perspective of the design, the long-term usage of the Liquid Glass will be interesting to see.

By listening to its fan base, if Apple carries on with this attitude, everything will have an option of being manipulated. Everything from the Notifications, menus, and widgets. Perfect. This change will convert Liquid Glass to what Apple fans will actually want instead of what they are going to talk about and complain about.

**Let's recap everything**

The option of see-through slider in iOS 26.2 will have users wanting to use this design on top of their previous designs. Now, the company of Apple wants to involve what its fans is speaking. Fans are now feeling like they are being appreciated for being loyal to their products.

iOS 26.2 is a progress of Apple of making things great with tweaking the motion of the animations. If the Apple Product of Liquid Glass was a bit much, the new update will offer some hope. And it's appearing that Apple requires their most out-there work for the product to appeal to its users.

25.A Strong Cellphone Policy Requires More Than Simple Restrictions 

Schools are all over the place trying to figure out what to do with cellphones. A new study from the University of California and California State University says just banning them isn't enough. Schools need to show students how to use tech in a healthy way. It's about finding a balance between keeping kids safe, helping them learn, and dealing with the fact that phones are a normal part of life now.

This report comes from a collaboration between the two university systems, focusing on neuroscience, diversity, and learning, along with UCLA's Center for the Transformation of Schools. They looked at all the research on how cellphones affect students, and they also got opinions from students, parents, and teachers. This is coming at a good time because a ton of states – at least 32, plus Washington D.C. – are telling schools to limit or ban cellphones. That's way up from just six states a year ago, according to Education Week.

Here's what they found: cellphones and how they affect students

The main researcher, Kathy Do from UCLA, pointed out three big things:

Trying to pay attention to both class and your phone at the same time messes with your learning unless the teacher is using the phones as part of the lesson.

Kids need adults to teach them the right way to use tech. A lot of apps are designed to get you hooked, so young people need help to develop healthy habits. They don't have the self-control yet, and their brains are still growing.

Cellphones aren't good or bad; it depends on how you use them. The goal is to make sure the time students spend on their phones makes their lives better instead of taking away from sleep, exercise, or hanging out with people.

Do said that it's super important to ban cellphones and teach kids about healthy habits. Just saying no phones doesn't give students – or adults – the skills they need to handle tech responsibly.

So, what makes a policy good?

The report makes it clear that there's no one-size-fits-all solution. Every student is different, especially those who have learning issues or health problems and might need their phones. Policies should not just ban cellphones but also encourage a balanced approach to using them.

For example, schools should definitely make exceptions for students with special education plans (IEPs) or 504 plans. Restrictions should never get in the way of fairness or access.

Being consistent is also key. If the rules aren't enforced the same way for everyone, it can create problems, especially for groups that have been marginalized in the past. Policies need to be applied fairly in all classrooms and grades.

Rules that Make Sense for Different Ages

The researchers suggest that the rules should be different depending on the age of the student. Middle schoolers, who are just getting their first phones and still learning self-control, might need stricter rules. High schoolers, on the other hand, should have more freedom to practice using cellphones in a balanced way.

This is because being able to use tech responsibly is a skill. Older students need to learn how to manage their phone use so they're ready for life after school.

What Students, Families, and Teachers Think

The report also got feedback from the people involved:

Students: A lot of them said that restrictions help them focus and talk to each other more. But older students want to be able to manage their own phone use instead of being told what to do.

Teachers and Staff: Everyone in the school needs to be on board to make the rules work. Teachers can't do it alone; it has to be consistent across the whole school.

Families: Parents generally like the idea of restrictions, but they want to be able to reach their kids, especially in an emergency. Schools need to balance those safety concerns with their emergency plans.

All these different opinions show how tricky it is to make rules that work for everyone while still keeping kids safe and helping them learn.

More Than Just Banning: Building Good Habits

One of the report's main points is that schools should ban cellphones and teach students how to use them responsibly. The researchers found that this doesn't happen often enough. Schools usually just ban cellphones without teaching students anything about digital citizenship.

Healthy tech habits need to be reinforced at school, at home, and in the community. Adults need to set a good example. Kids learn by watching their parents, teachers, and mentors. If adults are always on their phones, it's going to be hard for young people to take the restrictions seriously.

Encouraging students to think about their own phone use is another good idea. They should think about when their phone use makes it hard to concentrate, sleep, or have good relationships. Adults can ask questions like, When does your phone make it hard to focus? or When does it get in the way of other healthy things you want to do? These conversations can help students see patterns and make better choices.

What School Leaders Can Do

The report has some handy ideas for school leaders:

Make sure students can still use tech for learning. Restriction policies need to let students use phones when needed for accessibility or as part of a lesson.

Enforce the rules fairly. Being fair builds trust and reduces problems.

Make the rules fit the age group. Stricter rules in middle school, more freedom in high school.

Ban cellphones and teach good habits. Teach students how to be good digital citizens.

Be a good example. Adults should show balanced phone use.

These suggestions are meant to create policies that don't just restrict cellphones but also help students learn skills they'll use for the rest of their lives.

In Conclusion: Balance is Key

The fact that so many schools are banning cellphones shows that people are worried about distraction and well-being. But as the researchers at the University of California and California State University point out, just banning cellphones isn't enough. Students need guidance, education, and adults who set a good example so they can learn healthy tech habits.

The best policy is one that balances restrictions with fairness, autonomy, and flexibility. It recognizes that phones are tools – sometimes important ones – and that the real challenge is teaching young people how to use them wisely. By banning cellphones, teaching good habits, and setting a good example, schools can help students make the most of tech in ways that support their learning, health, and community.

26.6G Radio Trials Show Strong Results Using 7 GHz Spectrum 

Nokia just dropped a little hint about what they're cooking up with 6G, showing some stuff off at the Brooklyn 6G Summit. I call it a sneak peek into their labs. They mainly had this 7 GHz radio setup they wanted everyone to look at.

Basically, they did this kinda neat thing where they shot data all the way from Dallas to a test thingy in Brooklyn. It obviously wasn't a high-tech demo, but it gave you this feeling of what will happen in the future, and what obstacles are in their way.

**Walkthrough of What They Showed:**

So, they parked this gigantic van outside the building that contained a 7 GHz antenna. The antenna was then transmitting data to a box that acted as a test phone. Aqil Ahmed Syed from Nokia was present and I discussed with him topics such as how they were testing bandwidth limits.

Apparently the higher-ups wanted them to chill out on the data, so they were using roughly 100 MHz of bandwidth at the time. Syed believes they might get around 400 MHz of bandwidth when 6G becomes a thing. This offers 4x more than what 5G is offering.

The prototype is clunky, but you gotta respect that it does show the tech works. Syed predicts we will see these devices around 2029.

**People From The Industry Speak Their Minds**

People were still interested in the tech, but they weren't totally hooked, so to speak. Joe Madden from Mobile Experts watched the demo. Joe pointed out how the 7 GHz signal was able to pass through the window and into the hallway. He thinks it may have something to do with how radio resources were used efficiently via MIMO setups.

Madden made it clear that they needed to make tests for devices over longer distances if they want it to work.

Basically, this test is the kickoff point. If 6G wants to take off, it needs to be tested in many scenarios: urban, suburban, and rural environments.

**What's With The 7 GHz Hype?**

The 7 GHz range is just right in terms of sending signals at the correct speed. Lower frequencies travel far but the higher frequencies are known to work a lot faster.

Nokia wants to find a sweet spot for 6G. If everything goes according to plan, your cellular internet gets a speed and coverage boost. This could become the primary place for 6G which leads to having consistent internet anywhere you go.

**Where Does 6G Stand?**

The demo shows what 6G can do. While 5G is being deployed globally, research is being done about 6G. A lot of people think 6G networks can come around 2029 or 2030.

Here's what 6G is looking to accomplish:

*   The improvement of data transfers to 400 MHz and up.

*   Very little lag for more seamless activities.

*   Lower use of energy.

*   Sync very well with today's systems.

**Obstacles**

There are problems 6G will go face-to-face with. Making the prototype smaller will be hard because it takes so much time to do so. After that, issues with radio waves will have to be resolved and regulations must be set.

There must be fixes for 6G to be practical which includes the addition of base stations.

**In Conclusion**

The 6G demo showcases the future of cellular networks. Further improvements need to be done to keep going.

27.Mobile Carriers Prevail Over Wi-Fi in Europe’s Upper 6GHz Decision 

Europe's made a pretty important choice about those 6 GHz airwaves. Basically, almost everyone agrees this frequency is vital for the next generation of mobile tech—we're talking 6G and whatever comes after it. From the looks of it, major cell phone companies are going to get the lion's share of this 6 GHz block. If you're prefer Wi-Fi, this will probably make you worry.

There's this advisory group, the Radio Spectrum Policy Group (RSPG), that gives tips to the European Commission, and what they've been doing is trying to figure out how to split up the 6 GHz bit of the spectrum. Right now, they seem to be leaning towards giving a big chunk of it to cell phone companies. Neither the phone companies nor the Wi-Fi people are happy. They have been fighting from the beginning of these discussions.

Okay, here’s the deal: phone companies would be grabbing about 540 MHz of the spectrum. The leftovers, around 160 MHz? That's still to be determined. They'll decide what to do with that piece sometime in the future.

Now, the RSPG hasn't formally told the European Commission what they think, but from what we can see, it looks like cell phone companies might be winning out on these issues.

**So, What Makes 6 GHz So Important?**

This specific part of the spectrum is perfect for future plans for mobile networks. It strikes a nice medium, giving both coverage and speed, and it functions inside buildings. The Wi-Fi groups express their interest in a slice of the pie. What they are permitted to use of the 6 GHz spectrum is very filled up. They hope to use more.

How they end up splitting that spectrum is going to really impact how well we can compete in the tech world as we keep working on the future. Europe favoring mobile suggests they expect licensed cellular networks to stay how most people access the internet.

**What the Phone Companies Are Saying**

The phone companies come across as pretty happy with the way everything's happening. One of the heads at GSMA Europe, Laszlo Toth, said this is a move in the right direction for getting 6G going across Europe. He also thinks that 540 MHz is the least they need to get anything done. He also figures that the EU governments will probably give them more when they need it.

Another leader at Connect Europe, Alessandro Gropelli, had a similar reaction. According to him, focusing on mobile in the 6 GHz spectrum means the EU is prepared to commit to being a leader in 6G.

Essentially, what the phone companies are saying is that it's not about the amount of bandwidth . What they're aiming to do is make sure that the EU can build networks that rival countries like China.

**Wi-Fi's Take On It**

The Wi-Fi Alliance doesn't seem happy. They put out a statement saying that not having access to the upper 6 GHz spectrum might make using the internet more difficult for Europeans.

Kevin Robinson, the big boss at the Wi-Fi Alliance, says Wi-Fi is essentially what keeps businesses in Europe running. He said that a shortage of spectrum could cause problems for people who use Wi-Fi for work, at home, or out somewhere.

To keep it simple, it boils down to a debate over whether phone companies, who say we'll get a reliable service should get the bulk of the spectrum, or unlicensed Wi-Fi, which is more accessible to everyone.

**What Are Other Countries Doing?**

Things turn awkward when you consider how Europe's plans correlate to other countries. For their approach, China decided to prioritize mobile for the 6 GHz band, which puts them in a better condition for starting 6G. For the US, they decided that Wi-Fi should be the use for all 6 GHz access. The phone companies were blindsided by the decision.

This is making some folks in the US antsy. Verizon's CTO, Yago Tenorio, made the point that the US hasn't decided what sort of spectrum plan they want for 6G yet, China is already in the lead. Europe seems to be going the same way as China.

**The UK's Early Test**

The UK's communications regulator is thinking about splitting the 6 GHz band, so that both mobile and Wi-Fi can share.

Some aren't sure if it's going to go smoothly. BT performed tests earlier this year, and they that speeds suffer when Wi-Fi and Mobile overlap.

Gabriel Brown, who works as an analyst at Omdia, thinks the UK ought to follow the EU's lead: European hardware will get them a bigger market. The devices on hand will be made in Europe, so they have little choice in the matter.

**What's Next?**

What the RSPG has said can still shift. How the remaining spectrum gets used relies on the 2027 World Radiocommunication Conference. If some spectrum becomes available in the 7 GHz band, Wi-Fi could get the chance to grab that remaining part. Otherwise, phone companies are the probable candidates.

This all reveals how intricate spectrum planning can be, and the number of international players that it involves. For right now, Europe is banking on its mobile networks to make the launch of 6G possible.

**In Conclusion**

Basically, Europe is betting that giving the phone companies the biggest portion of the 6 GHz band could help them get ahead in the 6G race. And while the Wi-Fi people are getting worried, the phone companies seem to believe this is basically what's required to develop proper networks.

In effect, with America, Europe, and China all heading in different directions, the pressure is at all time high. What can be assumed is that this debate from the different side will be expected to carry on. However, the one mission is that the EU will be able to survive in the coming age in 6G.

28.Nothing Unveils Its New Phone (3a) Lite With a Minimalist, Confident Design 

**Nothing Phone (3a) Lite: Cool Looks Without the Crazy Price**

So, Nothing – you know, that tech company from the UK that likes to do things differently? They just released their Phone (3a) Lite. The idea? Make phones that look awesome but don't cost a fortune. Remember their see-through phones? And that Glyph light thing on the back? That's their signature. What makes them unique is that they're willing to try ideas that other phone companies don't, especially for design. With the Phone (3a) Lite, they're trying to get that same cool look and those neat extras into more people's hands, without needing to spend your savings.

**Trying to Get the Attention of the Regular Phone Buyer**

The Phone (3a) Lite is Nothing's first real shot at making a phone for people who don't want to spend a ton. It'll cost around £249 or €249. The goal is to get the attention of people who want a phone that looks nice, works well, and isn't super expensive like some of the top-end phones out there.

The people at Nothing are talking about the Phone (3a) Lite as that perfect balance: a design that catches your eye, features you'll actually use, and software that doesn't get in your way. They think you should be able to get something unique and useful without going broke.

It still has that Nothing vibe, but it's simpler. The focus is on making it easy to use. The Phone (3a) Lite hopes to attract both people who already like Nothing's style and those who are just tired of all the phones looking the same. Seriously, so many phones look alike that it's tough to stand out.

**What's Inside: Showing Off and Being Reliable**

One of the big things that makes Nothing special is that you can see the inside of the phone. They use clear materials so you can peek at what's going on. The Phone (3a) Lite keeps that going. It has this nano-coated glass on the back that feels good in your hand, and it can handle a bit of dust and water (it's IP54 rated). So if you spill a little bit on it by accident, it should be okay, but don't go swimming with it.

The Phone (3a) Lite even shows off the aluminum frame inside that holds the battery. They used aluminum because it's strong, which matters because some less expensive phones will try to save money on things like that. It shows they care about the design, and that the phone is made to handle everyday life, like tossing it in a bag, keeping it in your pocket, and the occasional drop.

**Glyph Light: Simple, Helpful Notifications**

Those lights on the back of Nothing phones – the Glyph Interface – they're pretty cool. They light up in different ways to tell you things without making noise. It's not too flashy, but it's a handy way to know what's happening with your phone.

The Glyph Light on the Phone (3a) Lite is a simpler version. The lights might not be as complicated as on their more expensive phones, but you can still set up alerts and use it as a timer for photos. It's a nice touch, even if you don't really need it.

**Cameras That Can Take Great Pics**

Just because it's a more budget-friendly phone doesn't mean the Phone (3a) Lite is bad when it comes to cameras. It has three cameras on the back, and they're using the same TrueLens Engine 4.0 image tech that's in Nothing's Phone (3).

The main camera is 50 megapixels, and Nothing says it captures a lot more light (64% more!) compared to other cameras in the same price range. That should mean better photos, especially when it's dark out. They really wanted to make sure you could take good photos without spending a lot of money.

**Software That Stays Out of Your Way**

The Phone (3a) Lite runs Nothing OS 3.5. It's their version of Android, designed to be simple and clean. It's mostly black and white, and they try to keep things as simple as possible, which goes well with their overall look. The included apps are basic, don't try to do too much, and are easy to learn.

They plan to release Nothing OS 4.0 sometime in early 2026, which will bring some changes. The phone has Essential Key and Essential Space, which uses AI to help organize your notes, ideas, and random stuff. Nobody likes a messy phone screen, so anything that helps is good, right?

There's also Essential Search, which helps you find things you save, even if you don't have internet. Nothing is trying to make sure that everything looks great but is also useful and easy to use.

**Battery Life That Lasts All Day**

It seems like the battery life on the Phone (3a) Lite should be pretty good. Nothing says you can expect it to last two days with normal use. So, you probably won't be constantly looking for a charger. Who hasn't been there?

And when you do need to charge it, it's pretty fast. They say it can get to 50% in about 20 minutes.

**Simple Color Choices**

The Phone (3a) Lite comes in black and white. This keeps things simple and fits Nothing's minimalist style. The see-through parts and how it's put together really stand out with these colors.

Having simple color options helps so that more people will like the phone. Even though they're simple, it still stands out because of the other design features. It can be considered stylish, while also showing off the design choices.

**Nothing's Place in the Tech World**

Since they started in 2020, Nothing has been trying to change how tech companies do things. They stand out by caring about how things look, being open about what they're doing, and trying new features. They’re also trying to stop every piece of tech from looking and doing the same thing.

The Phone (3a) Lite is their way of connecting with people who like the design of their top-end phones but thought the price was too high. If they can make a more affordable phone with that same Nothing style, they might be able to take some customers from other companies.

**The Main Point: Cool Style Without Spending Too Much**

The Nothing Phone (3a) Lite is a pretty big deal for Nothing. They're trying to make their unique design available to more people. The combination of the see-through design, the unique Glyph lights, good cameras, and AI-powered software makes it stand out.

Nothing wants to show people that you can get a phone that is interesting but also won't empty your wallet. So if you want something that's a little different and does what you need it to do, it might be worth checking out. Tech is becoming boring, and nobody wants to feel like they settled. And with phones and computers becoming the same, it's good to know that a company like Nothing is trying to change things.

As Nothing continues, the Phone (3a) Lite gives you a good idea of what they want to do: make tech that's interesting, useful, and not too expensive.

29.Lloyds Secures £120m Acquisition of Digital Wallet Firm Curve 

Lloyds Bank is set to grab Curve for about £120 million.

For those who don't know, Lloyds Bank is a massive bank in the UK and Curve is like a digital wallet thing where you can store your cards.

Basically, it looks like big banks gotta up their tech game if they want to stay competitive. However, some of Curve's investors aren't thrilled with the way this deal is shaking out.

**So, what's the deal with the deal?**

Curve told its investors they're close to a deal with Lloyds, and they have said an announcement should be coming soon.

The word from Curve is that they understand the offer isn’t ideal, but they believe it's the only way to keep the company afloat. That would safeguard the interests of everyone involved, starting with their creditors to their investors.

Here's the tough part: Curve was in trouble. The CEO Shachar Bialick said they were gonna be short on cash this year if they didn’t get some kind of acquisition deal lined up. Now, Lloyds may be the company to save the company from doom.

**Why the heck are the Investors mad then?**

While the board likes the deal, some investors believe they're getting ripped off. When they learned Lloyds was in the mix over the summer, several of the early investors complained the deal wasn't up to par. Their concern was mostly how the money pie would be split with the shareholders.

One of the biggest objectors here is IDC Ventures. They've got around 12% of Curve and are the largest shareholder outside of the company itself. They've been upfront about their dissatisfaction with the way Curve is doing business.

IDC said opinions vary about who owns/is owed what and how things should be done. IDC is thinking about all options available to them, and has not ruled out the option of filing a lawsuit. They are finding it hard to believe that Lloyds would commit to buying Curve if it wasn’t beneficial for the company or its shareholders.

IDC has stated they will be going against the deal and doesn’t think it can get done without their support. They've hired a law firm in London called Quinn Emanuel to handle their concerns.

**What's up with Curve's leaders?**

The leadership at Curve is under severe scrutiny. There was a vote recently about maybe getting rid of Lord Fink, the chairman, and Shachar Bialick, the CEO, but it didn’t pass.

It shows how divided the investors are. Some of them don’t really trust the people steering the ship anymore. IDC Ventures, who first invested in Curve six years ago and have been involved for a long time, is publicly going against the current leaders.

**Okay, so what does Curve do anyway?**

Curve got started around 2015 and gained popularity for letting folks put quite a few cards to one card. They were trying to make it simpler to handle your money.

Curve never got as big as the leadership planned. They've collected a lot of cash and have a good number of users, but it's difficult to say if Curve had the potential to make it on its own.

Lloyds buying Curve proves that Curve was struggling and that major banks are snatching up tech companies to stay current. Lloyds can take the wallet tech it got from Curve to help their own services and grab some younger customers that are more inclined to use phone apps.

**So, why does Lloyds want it?**

For Lloyds Bank, this purchase is pretty important. Being a big bank in the UK, they need to keep up and go toe-to-toe with tech-focused financial companies. Getting Curve gives Lloyds some good tech to help improve their own services.

It also shows Lloyds wants to get deeper into the tech business. They might be looking to strike out on their own instead of hiring companies to do it for them. Curve's tech could help Lloyds with payments and other stuff, where tech companies are getting popular.

**What now?!**

This deal will most likely keep Curve breathing, but some shareholders are fuming, which complicates things a bit. IDC Ventures is already lawyering up, possibly.

Lloyds is going to need to set everything straight and make sure this Curve purchase was worthwhile.

If you're a Curve user, you probably won’t see any changes immediately. But what happens to the app depends on what Lloyds decides to do with it. Just sit back and hope Lloyds are able to make it better.

**Bottom line:**

Lloyds Bank buying Curve for £120 million is a good look at the ups and downs of big companies buying tech companies. Curve is getting saved because they were about to run out of money, but issues with their shareholders could potentially stop the deal. For Lloyds, it’s a stride toward what's next.

Everyone will be dialed in to see how everything goes with the sale, what Curve's leadership decides to do, how Lloyds plans to handle everything, and what the sale means for the UK's tech industry.

But who knows, things might end up going great for Curve.

30.Bali Set to Launch Digital Payment System for Cashless Tourist Experiences 

**Bali's About to Get a Whole Lot Easier for Tourists!**

Hey travelers! Got Bali on your travel list? Or are you thinking about visiting Jakarta, Yogyakarta, or somewhere else cool in Indonesia? Guess what? The Indonesian government just came up with something awesome to help make your trip way smoother. It's called the Indonesia Tourist Travel Pack, and it's all about making it easier for you to pay for stuff using your phone or card. Word is they showed it off at the airport in Bali.

Basically, Indonesia wants to be super welcoming to tourists that want to pay digitally. I get, cash works, but the trend is going digital. The Travel Pack seems designed to get you started using that new way.

**Okay, so what's in this Travel Pack?**

Think of it as a little kit to get you going spending without cash. It has 3 parts:

*   **A Local SIM Card:** Yes! You get a SIM card complete with data and a local number. You can't beat this, you get maps, rides, and WhatsApp. I can see the Instagram posts now. No more struggling to find Wi-Fi or paying those roaming fees.

*   **Access to an E-Wallet:** Consider it a digital wallet for quickly storing money. You can pay at stores, restaurants, or other locations using the money in your e-wallet instead of using physical money or a traditional account.

*   **QR Code Payments (QRIS):** You'll like this. You can use QR codes everywhere in Indonesia. Scan the code, and the payment is done. Hotels, coffee shops, and souvenir shops often have QRIS.

I even understand some important people in Bank Indonesia saying easy payment options are a top interest. Not having to worry about money means an easier vacation.

Bank Indonesia hopes tourists spend more time experiencing this wonderful country instead of using cash or cards by joining a phone and a simple payment method.

**Indonesia Saying, Come Visit with Easier Ways to Pay.**

Bank Indonesia considers this Travel Pack a major part of using new tech for tourism. They feel that using your phone to pay is now super important. So, they’ve gathered a lot of people to make digital payments easy for anyone coming to Bali or other cities.

To make getting started simpler, they even have a Tourism Information Center right at the airport to help you begin with your Travel Pack. They also made a guidebook that shows places around Bali to pay with those QR payments.

They want paying easier. Pay for a hotel, a drink, and a ticket without worrying about cash.

**Everyone Wins with This New System**

The upsides for tourists are obvious: paying easier, less need for cash, and easier travel if you have a SIM card. If you use Google Maps or Gojek, you can keep getting updates.

But the town also gets a boost. More payment options equal more possible sales. Cashless payments cause fewer robberies, easier business, and support for the local economy.

Bank Indonesia thinks easier payments also have more good stuff for businesses.

**Don't Throw Your Cash Out Just Yet**

I got to tell you, Indonesia runs on cash a lot. Some shops still like cash. Usually roadside warungs do too.

The Travel Pack is really about pushing people to pay digitally, but not leaving cash behind. Think of it bridging to the new.

**Will They Change the Money?**

About the money: there's talk of changing the money, or taking away some numbers on the end. If you carry around a 100,000 rupiah note, it would become 100 rupiah. Of course, it still costs the same.

I think they feel like they're rich with the zeros. Some think this change would make it easier on tourists when they're trying to figure it out.

I should say this change won’t occur for an extended period. It’s a faraway idea.

**Keeping Up with Tourists**

Indonesia hopes to continue welcoming tourists to the country. Every year, plenty visit Bali yearly. So, making spending trouble free is super useful.

This Travel Pack matches where tourism is headed. Everyone expects to be online and pay without cash or stress. Indonesia is working to follow. All the services that are available will be continued to be modern as time goes on.

**Final Thoughts**

This system offers tourists a good chance to pay easier, while supporting stores.

I'm certain that Indonesia wants tourism to become more digitally based. With possible currency changes, these items should help simplify purchases, increase tourism, and support the economy.

I highly suggest using this Travel Pack. Indonesia wants to stay a main spot for travel.

31.ChatGPT Gains Native Payment Wallet Through New PayPal Partnership 

**ChatGPT is Getting a PayPal Wallet – What's the Deal?**

So, ChatGPT is about to get a whole lot more useful. It sounds like OpenAI is teaming up with PayPal to put a digital wallet right inside the chatbot. CNBC reported that this means you might soon be able to buy stuff directly through ChatGPT. And businesses? They might be able to sell their stuff on the platform too.

It's pretty wild how quickly things have changed. Chatbots used to be just cool toys to mess around with. Now, they're turning into serious tools for businesses. This whole thing makes you think about how AI is going to change how we use the internet.

**PayPal and ChatGPT: Easy Peasy Checkouts**

PayPal's CEO, Alex Chriss, was talking about how this is going to work. He said that millions of PayPal users will be able to click a Buy with PayPal button when they're using ChatGPT. And the checkout will be safe and secure.

What this really means is that you won't have to jump out of the chatbot to pay for something. You can just browse, chat, and buy all in one place. Businesses could have a way to reach customers directly through AI, which could make buying stuff way simpler. Imagine you're planning a party, and ChatGPT suggests decorations. Bam! You can buy them right then and there, without leaving the chat.

**ChatGPT: Not Just a Chatbot Anymore**

This PayPal thing is just one of many changes happening at OpenAI. Just a short time ago, they launched their own AI browser called ChatGPT Atlas. It's supposed to let ChatGPT remember things so you can have more in-depth conversations. The goal? To make the chatbot a go-to spot for using the internet.

Atlas shows that OpenAI wants AI to be part of our everyday online experience. And adding the PayPal wallet? That’s about getting into sales. It's starting to look like OpenAI wants ChatGPT to be way more than just a chatbot. It could become a hub for info, chats, and shopping.

**From a Fun Toy to a Way to Buy Stuff**

Remember when chatbots were just a gimmick? The early versions were kind of clunky, didn't do much, and made silly mistakes. But ChatGPT has really changed things. With tons of users, it's becoming a real force changing how people search, shop, and look at stuff online.

The wallet is a big deal. Now, ChatGPT isn't just answering questions. It's becoming somewhere where you can actually buy things with a click. For people buying stuff, it could be super handy. For businesses, it’s a chance to try some new digital marketing and sales ideas. Think personalized recommendations on where to travel based on your chat history, with the ability to book hotels right there.

**Will This Be Accurate and Can We Trust It?**

Of course, there are questions about adding something like this to ChatGPT. AI can get things wrong – like, make up facts and present them as true. That's bad enough when you're just searching for something, but it could be a bigger deal when money is involved.

If ChatGPT is suggesting products, people need to know that the info is good. PayPal can help keep payments safe, but there are still questions about how OpenAI is going to handle what products are listed, avoid scams, and make sure the recommendations are fair and honest. What if ChatGPT recommends a product that's terrible, or worse, a scam?

**Is This Legal?**

And there are some legal things to think about too. A company called Ziff Davis has sued OpenAI, saying they used copyrighted stuff to train their AI. This lawsuit is an example of some larger worries about how AI companies get data.

If ChatGPT starts recommending things to buy, those worries could get bigger. What if those recommendations are based on copyrighted material? Then you get into questions about who owns what, and how to protect customers.

**What Does This Mean for PayPal?**

This could be really smart for PayPal. They already have a ton of users, but pairing with ChatGPT could help them reach even more people. If chatting with AI becomes a normal part of online life, being inside ChatGPT helps keep PayPal in the game.

It also makes PayPal look like a reliable middleman. Offering secure payments within ChatGPT can reassure users that their transactions are safe.

**The Future of Shopping with AI**

Putting PayPal into ChatGPT is part of something bigger. AI platforms are slowly becoming all purpose places to do stuff. They're not just tools for making text or answering questions. They're turning into ways to get information, have fun, and buy things.

For people buying things, it could be incredibly convenient. You could plan a trip, book tickets, and buy your luggage all while chatting with ChatGPT. For businesses, it opens up chances to reach people in a personalized way.

But it also creates some challenges. Government groups might need to figure out how to keep an eye on AI shopping. Companies will need to be open and honest. And people using it will need to be careful.

**What's Next for ChatGPT?**

OpenAI teaming up with PayPal is a big step for ChatGPT. By adding a wallet, OpenAI is turning it into a place where you can actually buy stuff.

This shows how great AI shopping could be, but also how risky. It could make things super easy and open up new chances for businesses, but it raises questions about whether the info is right, whether we can trust it, and how it will all be regulated.

Chatbots are changing. They're not just a novelty anymore. They're becoming a key part of how people use the internet and how they spend their money.

32.The Best Accessories and Cases for Your Pixel 10 This Year 

**Finding the Perfect Google Pixel 10 Case: Keeping Your New Phone Safe (and Looking Good)**

So, Google just dropped the Pixel 10 lineup, right? We've got the regular Pixel 10, the Pixel 10 Pro (for those who want a bit more), the even *bigger* Pixel 10 Pro XL, and that foldable Pixel 10 Pro Fold thing. They're really going all-out this year! They've stuffed in some seriously improved cameras, gave everything a fresh look, and they're getting in on that Qi2 wireless charging action. Basically, they're trying to grab some market share from Samsung and Apple.

Google makes awesome phones, but let’s be real: phones *still* break. The Pixel 10s do have that Gorilla Glass Victus 2, which is pretty tough, but it’s not invincible. Compared to the Galaxy S25 Ultra or the iPhone 17 Pro and their ultra-tough ceramic shields, the Pixel 10 is a little more exposed. That's why a good case and screen protector are a must-have if you want to keep your shiny new phone in good shape.

I've been checking out a lot of Pixel 10 cases Lately, I've seen everything from smooth leather that feels great to super-tough protectors.

**Why Even Bother with a Case?**

Because life happens. A case won’t make your phone indestructible, but using one together with a screen protector greatly helps your phone survive accidents. This is important if you plan on trading in that Pixel 10 later – the better condition it’s in, the more you'll get back.

Cases can also improve the feel of your phone in some ways. A lot of them have magnets for better Qi2 charging, spots to attach a lanyard, or textured sides to make the phone easier to grip. The goal is to find a case that looks nice, protects your phone, and works well with Google's new tech.

**Will That Old Pixel 9 Case Still Work?**

Probably not, I'm sad to say. Google changed the speaker design on the Pixel 10, so your old case might cover up the ports.

You might get away with fitting that old, flexible Pixel 9 case, but your old hard case? No shot. More importantly, Pixel 9 cases don't have the magnets for Qi2 charging on the Pixel 10. Just get a new one, it's better this way.

**Can You Swap Cases Between the Pixel 10 and 10 Pro?**

Here’s some good news! Cases for the Pixel 10 and Pixel 10 Pro work on either phone. All the holes line up, the buttons work, and they fit perfectly.

However, the cases for the Pixel 10 and 10 Pro are not right for the Pixel 10 Pro XL. It’s a completely different size. Before you buy a case, check the model number or the case description.

**What’s the Deal with Qi2 Wireless Charging?**

The Pixel 10 series uses Qi2 wireless charging. Qi2 chargers have magnets that make sure the phone pairs perfectly with the charger. It’s similar to Apple’s MagSafe. This makes wireless charging easier and faster, even if you're putting your phone off-center.

Many Pixel 10 cases now have magnets, but not every single one is Qi2-certified yet. Keep an eye out for cases that say “Made for Google” or “Pixelsnap compatible”. This means the case has been tested with Google's magnetic accessories.

Here's a tip: While your phone is charging on a Qi2 pad, try setting up a screensaver with a clock, photos, or something cool. You can even control your smart home devices! Just go to Settings > Display & touch > Screen saver.

**Can I Still Use My Old Wireless Charger?**

It should be fine. All Qi2 chargers are meant to work with the Qi standard. But, your old charger might not match up properly, and it will charge slowly. In that situation, your device isn't matching correctly with your Pixel 10's charging. If that's the case, upgrade your charger!

**This Is How I Review Cases**

Here’s what I look at when reviewing cases:

*   I put the case on the Pixel 10 to be sure it has a good grip, and that the cutouts are where they’re supposed to be.

*   I push the buttons to confirm they’re easy to press and feel good.

*   I check how far the case comes up around the screen because raised edges matter.

*   I check how well the case magnets perform.

*   Lastly, I attach a screen protector to the screen. Then, I can check how easy the screens are safe to attach, and how well the case protects the screen protector.

I don’t drop test my phone, which is difficult. I can still say that cases are safer.

**My Top Pixel 10 Case Picks**

1.  **Best Overall: Mous Limitless Case (Pixelsnap) – $70**

    Mous comes from the UK, and is considered the best high-end cases. Limitless is their best series. They will protect your phone and keep it stylish, and come in different materials, like aramid fiber and walnut.

    *   **Pros:** They have clicky buttons, ideal cutouts, textured sides, a lanyard spot, and corners that help take on drops to the phone. Magnets work; their Qi2 and Made for Google certifications.

    *   **Cons:** They're a bit expensive.

    The angled, raised edges stop the case from getting in the way. It’s the best case because it is a slim and protective case!

2.  **Best Clear Case: dbrand Ghost Case 2.0 (Pixelsnap) – $60 (on sale for $45)**

    Clear cases often turn yellow because of the sun. Good thing dbrand has the Ghost, which fixes that issue. Clear cases can feel slippery, but, the Ghost fixes that issue as well.

    *   **Pros:** Very strong magnets, raised edges around the camera, grippy sides, and easy-to-press buttons.

    *   **Design:** Simple, with no logo. It shows the Pixel as much as possible!

    *   **Durability:** Dbrand gives you a free replacement if the case turns yellow!

    It's exceptionally durable and high performance makes it the best quality clear case.

3.  **Best Leather Case: Bellroy Leather Case (Pixelsnap) – $55**

    Do you want your phone to be luxurious? Bellroy’s leather case helps you out!

    *   **Pros:** Magnets can Qi2 charge and feel soft and slim.

    *   **Cons:** Time can cause the leather to degrade, especially if you appeal to an style.

    Bellory is the best for Qi2 wireless charging.

4.  **Best Budget Case: Spigen Rugged Armor MagFit (Pixelsnap) – $19**

    Need a case with protection for the minimum price?

    *   **Pros:** Excellent price, extra edges, magnets

    *   **Cons:** There is a bland look.

    Spigen delivers excellent quality, and safety, for its price.

**What’s New?**

New cases have been rated by websites and magazines, with an estimated purchase date target of November 2025. These brands consisted of Thinborne, Zagg, Casetify, Arc, and Bellroy. Avoid the Peak Design Gnar due to weak magnets and fitment issues.

New companies were releasing new items as more companies started utilizing Qi2 accessories.

**Final Thoughts**

The Pixel 10 series is neat, but can be easily broken. A case and screen protector are important. There’s a case for everyone, whether you go for something like the the Spigen Rugged Armor, dbrand Ghost 2.0, or a Mous Limitless .

Go for cases with Qi2 wireless charging because those matter.

A good case is crucial for long-term Google Pixel protection. A suitable case can not only safe the Google Pixel, but it can be more enjoyable!

33.Apple Watch Blood Oxygen Feature Under ITC Review Following Redesign 

It seems like that blood oxygen thing on the Apple Watch is back in the spotlight with the International Trade Commission (ITC).

Remember how Apple came out with a tweaked Blood Oxygen thing for its Apple Watch in the US back in August? Well, that was after a year and a half of them selling watches *without* it. The reason? A fight with a health tech company, Masimo, over patents. Now, the ITC's saying they need to check if this new version is cool, too. They're kicking off another probe to see if a ban should still on the table.

**Why the Big Deal Again?**

The ITC's basically opening up a modification and enforcement proceeding. Sounds complicated, but it just means they want to make sure Apple's changed blood oxygen thing is playing by the same rules as the first ban. Masimo's the one who got the ball rolling again with a new complaint.

The ITC says the situation has changed because Apple's selling a watch with a fresh feature design. This wasn't looked into in the first go-around, so they need to check it out. They're zeroing in on whether Apple's new version is infringing on Masimo's patent rights.

**The New Work Around That Apple Made**

With the updated watches, you can still kick off a blood oxygen test using the watch's sensors. What's different is that instead of seeing the results right on your wrist, you've got to jump over to the Respiratory section of the Health app on your iPhone to view the results.

The idea here is that this gets around Masimo's patents, which cover how blood oxygen info is displayed and handled right there on the devices you wear. By making the results show up on the iPhone, Apple hopes to duck any patent issues while still letting folks use the feature.

**The Main Legal Question**

The ITC's not just looking at the Apple Watch by itself. They're checking out how it plays *together* with an iPhone. The big question is this: Does the watch and iPhone working as a team infringe on Masimo's patented tech?

This is key because if the ITC thinks Apple's new system still steps on Masimo's patents, the ban could still apply to the tweaked watches. But, if they think Apple's found a way to do it differently, Apple might just be okay.

**Apple's Stance**

Apple's not thrilled with Masimo's complaint. A spokesperson said Masimo is putting pressure on the ITC to stop Apple Watch users in the US from using important health things. Apple also went after Masimo a bit, mentioning that Masimo's original beef was based on a Masimo Watch that didn't even exist when the case started.

In some recent documents, Apple's accused Masimo of messing with the ITC's process. They're saying Masimo's asking the ITC to overstep its authority and take away millions of Americans' access to Apple's Blood Oxygen feature.

Also, Apple points out that Masimo doesn't really have a single product in the US that would actually gain from banning the Apple Watch. They mentioned that Masimo's W1 watch didn't sell well and isn't even available to purchase anymore.

**Masimo's Response**

Masimo's sticking firm, saying Apple's changed feature *still* touches on their patents. This company have maintained that Apple swiped their tech, particularly when it comes to health tracking. Masimo believes Apple shouldn't be able to bypass the ban with what they see as a simple change.

This dispute goes beyond just Apple. It's about the push-and-pull between medical tech companies that have been around the block and big electronics companies getting into health stuff. For Masimo, it's about defending their patents and keeping their spot in the growing market for wearable health gadgets.

**A History of Disputes**

Apple and Masimo have been squared off in court before. In 2024, a jury found that Masimo's W1 and Freedom watches were copying Apple's smartwatch designs without a green light. The W1 isn't being sold, which shows messy things now. Both companies accusing each other of stealing.

This background makes the current ITC investigation even more impactful. Each side had wins and losses before. What happens now could change the road ahead for health features on smartwatches.

**What Comes Next?**

The ITC's expected to send it decision in the next 6 months. Until then, Apple can keep selling its new watches in the US. But there's a lot hanging in the balance. If the ITC takes Masimo's side, Apple could face importing issues again.

For Apple Watch users, this is annoying. The blood oxygen feature hit and miss due to conflict. And for Apple, it shows dealing with patent issues while trying to bring new item in industries - health tech.

**In Short**

Thought they fixed Masimo's issue changing/ redesigning blood oxygen. It's up in the air because of ITC.

The legal items complicated, health features important in tech. They'll keep fighting. If people are waiting to use features in Apple watch.

34.OnePlus 15 Pre-Orders Go Live as vivo X300 Pro and Xiaomi 15T Pro Cut Prices 

Here's the lowdown on the phone deals this Black Friday, or, let's be real, this Black Friday season—it feels like it started weeks ago! The good news is you've got time to compare stuff without panicking. Thing is, the OnePlus 15 just showed up, and it's making waves in Europe. vivo, Samsung, Xiaomi, Google—they're all making noise, trying to grab your attention (and your hard-earned money, of course).

**OnePlus 15: Budget-friendly, but the Upgrades are Expensive**

The base OnePlus 15, with 12GB of RAM and 256GB of storage, is around €950 in Europe. Crazy thing? That's 50 bucks *less* than what the older OnePlus 13 launched at. Now, if you want the souped-up version with 16GB of RAM and 512GB of space, it's gonna cost you 50 Euros *more* than last year's equivalent. Feels like OnePlus is playing around with their prices a bit. The cameras on the OnePlus 15 are a bit weaker than on the 13, which kinda stinks. The main sensor is smaller. After testing it out, the image processing is top-notch, so the pictures look amazing anyway. Still, a bigger sensor would've been better since there's only so much software can fix.

The OnePlus 15 is officially out on November 20th, and you can pre-order it now. The main selling point everybody's talking about? The monster 7,300mAh battery. They say it lasts 23 hours and 7 minutes with non-stop use! That's about twice the battery life of some other phones. It also charges crazy fast, with 120W wired and 50W wireless charging. If you can't stand seeing that low battery icon, this might be your best bet.

**vivo X300 Pro: Camera King, Battery Life? Not So Much**

The vivo X300 Pro is coming after the OnePlus 15, and it uses the Dimensity 9500 chip, which is pretty similar to the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 in the OnePlus. vivo is going all-in on the camera. Check this out:

*   A 50MP main sensor (and it's bigger than the one in the OnePlus)

*   A 200MP periscope sensor with 3.5x zoom. The OnePlus telephoto lens is a joke compare to this!

If you're obsessed with taking photos, check this one out. Negative? The European version has a smaller 5,440mAh battery, giving you around 12 hours and 45 minutes of active use. That's about half of what the OnePlus 15 can do.

The vivo is roughly €1,250 for the 16GB RAM/512GB storage model. It's more expensive than the OnePlus, but this sounds like the phone for you, if you think the camera is the most must have thing.

**Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra: Cheaper Now, But a Bit Dated**

Right now, the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra is on sale. It came out earlier this year. You can find it now for around €910 with 12GB/256GB or €1,000 for 12GB/512GB. It's around the price of the OnePlus 15, now that it's been out for a bit.

The camera is fine with a 200MP main sensor, but the telephoto isn't as well-made when stacked up against vivo's zoom or the OnePlus'. The battery is big, but it doesn't charge as fast.

The chip isn't the newest, but Samsung's software is on point, and their devices all work well with each other. If you're already into Samsung products, the S25 Ultra is a good option due to its current price.

**Xiaomi 15T Pro: A Flagship That's Easy on the Wallet**

Xiaomi is trying to sell you a flagship-level phone that won't completely drain your savings. The CPU is slower than the others by a margin, but the camera is way better than the older versions.

The battery won't fail you as it is decently well, lasting a bit longer than the vivo but not as much as the OnePlus. You can get it for around €760 with the 16GB of RAM and 512GB of storage model. Some of you will be fine dealing with the savings because of the savings between this and the OnePlus 15.

**vivo X300: Small Phone, Big Surprise With Battery**

The vivo X300 is the phone for you if you want something that can fit well in your hands. It's smaller with the 6.31 screen and is light. Even though it looks smaller, it's got a ton of battery power. It lasts longer than the larger vivo X300 Pro!

The cameras are great as well!

It's around the same pricepoint as the OnePlus 15, but because the package is smaller, it has an amazing camera.

**Samsung Galaxy S25: So Light, Battery is Lacking**

While being crazy light, the regular Galaxy S25's problem would be the battery. The cameras are just fine but nothing special on what vivo is doing.

The phone is one of the cheaper priced phones out there, but I would suggest you go for something much better;either a vastly upgraded camera, or something with battery.

**Google Pixel 10: Finally, Telephoto is Here!**

Google did something right by slapping a telephoto on the regular Pixel. But, the main camera is something else as it isn't as good as the camera on the 9.

The battery and the CPU aren't the best, resulting in a lack of efficiency. It is pricier than the Samsung Galaxy S25, even though the phone doesn't last as long. I would not pick this phone.

**Google Pixel 10 Pro: Overpriced**

The Pixel 10 Pro is believed to be the better model. However, you will be coming with an average CPU and battery, and something that's only a bit better than the counterpart.

Although, despite all these cons, you do get the Pixel Buds Pro 2 for free with the 256GB model. The device just isn't worth it when you can get a better deal with a lesser price.

**Google Pixel 9 and 9a: Inexpensive options**

You can get the older Pixel 9 these days, and it will come with a pair of earbuds as a bonus. Although the phone has better cameras than the Pixel 10, it is missing the new 10's telephoto lens.

The 9a is the more budget option to try out the Google Pixel experience without all the problems of the 10.

**Final Words**

Black Friday brings a lot of choices! Get ready to start checking around! In conclusion, the OnePlus 15 has a ton of battery that every other company can't seem to match. If you want an amazing camera, the vivo X300 Pro is the phone for you as well as the regular vivo for users that want an above average camera, with much more battery. The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra is in talks because of its age. A competitive option is the Xiaomi 15T Pro. Finally, the Google Pixel 10 phones are too much money for what they provide.

Again, it depends on your wants. Best battery? Amazing Camera? Does it need to connect well with your other devices? Or do you just want a lower pricepoint/budget option? You got all the time in the world, so feel free to look around.

35.OnePlus 15 Is the Ideal Choice for Users Who Want Fewer Charging Sessions 

**OnePlus 15: Battery Champ (With a Few Quirks)**

Okay, picture this: You grab your phone in the morning, and you *know* it's going to last all day. No stressing about the battery bar turning red before dinner. Like, you can actually *use* your phone without constantly thinking about where the nearest outlet is. Most phones can't keep up, but the OnePlus 15? It's in a different league.

At $899, the main selling point of this phone is its crazy battery life. Seriously, it's huge. You could be staring at TikTok for hours and still have juice left at the end of the day. While other companies are obsessed with making their phones thinner (and shrinking the battery in the process), OnePlus went the opposite direction. If low battery warnings give you anxiety, you might want to check out the OnePlus 15.

**Silicon-Carbon Battery: Hype or the Real Deal?**

Let's not beat around the bush; the battery is what everyone is talking about. This battery uses silicon-carbon tech, meaning it can store more power in the same space. The result? A phone that feels like any other premium phone in your hand, but it lasts way longer.

Now, everyone is wondering: what's the downside? Batteries like this *might* degrade faster than normal batteries which is why they are not common. OnePlus says their battery will still hold 80% of its original capacity after four years. They're also promising four years of software updates and six years of security updates, which is pretty good.

Here is the but: How long will it continue in real life? Will the battery hold up if your phone lasts you four years or more? I think it will be more than enough for most people. Also, OnePlus offers repair, but it can take two weeks. Big phone companies like Samsung often offer same-day battery changes, it's unclear how good the battery will look long-term with the OnePlus 15.

**Screen: Nice, But Not Mind-Blowing**

On paper, the 1.5K screen with a super-fast 165Hz refresh rate sounds amazing. But in practice? You can't really tell. Yes, the screen looks good, and scrolling is smooth, but most people won't notice a big difference compared to a 120Hz screen. Also, not many games go that fast.

Everything feels quick and responsive. It got a little warm after gaming for a while, but it never slowed down. The screen could be a bit brighter when you're outside, but it's a good screen overall, even though the super-high refresh rate feels more like marketing than a real improvement.

**Design: Flat is Back (and One Less Switch)**

OnePlus listened to the fans and got rid of the curved screen! That's a good change for me because I can hold on to it better. But they removed the alert slider, and some people will be mad about that. Replaced with a Plus Key.

The Plus Key is just an extra button. Push it, and you can make things happen. You can decide to have a Google assistant. I think it's a cool idea, but it takes some playing with it to set it up in the perfect way.

**Software: OxygenOS Getting Crowded?**

The OnePlus 15 has OxygenOS 16 (based on Android 16). OxygenOS used to be appreciated for being clean and simple, but it's starting to feel a bit cluttered. The Shelf (widget section), suggested apps, and some pre-installed apps make it feel less organized than it used to be.

Of course, there are some AI tools now too. The AI Writer tool shows up when you select text and asks you to use it. You can disable a lot of things, but there are features everywhere. If you liked OxygenOS because it was less complicated than Samsung's One UI, you might be a little sad with the OnePlus 15.

**Charging: Still Super Quick**

I have good news! The bigger battery didn't affect charging speeds. It charges at a crazy 80W with the charger that comes in the box which has a red cable. If you decide to use a normal USB-PD charger, it only charges at 36W. When that was tested, it went from 17% to 60% in only 20 minutes, it should be enough to last you all day.

Wireless charging goes up to 50W with OnePlus's charger. But it is missing something, it does not have magnets for Qi2 wireless charging. So you need a special case to do charging. If you decide to get the case, you may get up to 11W on Qi2 chargers.

**Cameras: Good Photos, Not the Best**

Remember OnePlus working with Hasselblad? That's done with. Now they made their own DetailMax Engine to make the pictures better. Luckily, the pictures look good for the most part. The colors are bright and things look sharp if the sun is out.

The camera itself isn't as impressive. The sensors are a little small. In good lighting, the software makes up, but in the dark, it can become bad. If you move or the subject moves in a dark setting, it can be hard to take the perfect photo. Brands like Google or Samsung would be better if pics are the most important thing to you.

**Final Thoughts: It's All About the Power**

The OnePlus 15 has some good and bad things. They steal ideas from Apple, keep lightning fast charging, and try some AI tricks. But that power is probably worth it!

If you don't want battery problems, I suggest you think about this phone. With long battery life, performance, and fast charging makes the OnePlus 15 different from other phones. It's not perfect, but battery is it's big specialty.

**The Fine Print: The Stuff Nobody Reads**

Like with any phone, you can read a lot of agree agreements.

*   OnePlus' End User License Agreement and Privacy Policy.

*   Google's Privacy Policy and Terms of Service.

*   Google Play Terms of Service.

*   Automatic updates and app installations

**The Bottom Line: Battery First, Everything Else Second**

You can't say that battery is number 1 with the OnePlus 15. Is the phone the best? I can't say. What is the experience of using it long term is the ultimate question!

If you want no battery anxiety, then you should definitely get the phone. You play games everyday? Yes. In a time where charging matters. Buying this stands tall and separate to other phones.

36.The Problem With ‘Free’ Apps That Pressure Users Into Paying 

**Free Apps in 2025: Really Free? Think Again.**

So, I've been on this crazy mission lately where I'm just deleting apps left, right, and center off my phone. It started because I wanted to be more careful about my privacy and switch to open-source stuff or even handle some services myself. But honestly, the big reason is that these so-called free apps just aren't free anymore. You know what I mean? It feels like they lure you in, just waiting for you to become reliant on them so they can shake you down for money.

We've all seen this happen with online stuff over the years. Something starts out free and awesome, and then slowly gets worse as the company tries to milk it for all it's worth. It makes you wonder about any free service from big companies. But on our phones, it's gotten ridiculous. They get you hooked with the free label, but you can barely do anything without signing up for some kind of paid plan.

**What's Really Bugging People?**

I saw this poll online with almost 200 people, and it turns out I'm not alone in thinking this way. Here's what ticked people off the most:

*   About a third (33%) said it was the constant ads. I mean, who wants to be bombarded with ads every five seconds? It's like watching a commercial, but worse

*   Almost as many people (32%) were tired of being constantly asked to get the paid version. It's like, just leave me alonel

*   About 20% were mad that the features were so basic in the free version.

*   A little over 10% were worried about their data privacy, which is a very real concern these days. Everyone knows data is the new gold.

*   And the rest had their own pet peeves!

Pretty much everyone feels like they're getting scammed. It used to be that paying was something you *could* do to support the people behind the app, but now it feels like you *have* to pay just to actually use the thing. It feels like the companies are keeping the important stuff hostage and demanding a ransom.

**Optional Extras = Pay Up or Be Useless**

The way it used to be with free apps was pretty simple. You either put up with the ads, or you paid a bit of money to get rid of them. Paying for a better version was a cool way to support the people keeping the app running and get some extra stuff, but you didn't *have* to do it to have a good experience with the app. Those days are gone.

Now, a lot of apps have turned their free versions into pretty much empty shells. But they call them free, pull you in, and then throw up a paywall for even the simplest things. It's not freemium; it's a purposely broken version pretending to be free.

**Here are some examples:**

*   **Duolingo:** Remember when Duolingo was a fun way to learn a language? Now, they have a system where you can't do that many lessons unless you pay. Even if you're getting every lesson right, you still run out of the ability to advance. It's really disappointing. Especially if you were on a streak.

*   **CapCut:** This video tool got pretty liked, especially for people doing quick videos. But then they started charging for things that used to be free, like putting words on videos automatically and getting rid of watermarks. They even hid important stuff that should be free, like ways for people with disabilities to use the app, behind a paywall, and filled the whole app with ads. People uninstalled it when they did that.

*   **Evernote:** I think someone used use it. That's where they kept all notes organized forever. Then they made the free version bad over time. Now, you can barely have any notes before they block you and have you to pay.

And these are just a few times it happens. Free apps are getting worse, and phones are going out of hard drive space too!

**The Subscription Problem is Real**

Let's face it, you can't sign up for every single app that asks you to pay. Most of us are on a budget, and as more and more apps do this, you have to think hard about what to keep and what to get rid of.

People have cancelled a lot of subscriptions recently since it started to cost too much every month. And it's even worse for people who are new to the app. They see a free app, only to learn its pointless. It's cheap and dishonest, and it's harming the overall user experience.

**Award for Worst Marketing: Medisafe**

Medisafe is an app that reminds you when to take your meds. Sounds good, but, the totally free version only supports reminders for two drugs. When the average person can take up to 5 medications, it makes it nearly impossible to advance. It gets even more messed up when those features get randomly turned off!

The same thing goes towards the health of your pets. There is a limit of one pet in most of these apps. If you want to add a second pet, they may require up to $2.99 for a monthly subscription. It is an utter fraud.

**App Stores Aren't Helping**

It is true that the App Store and other stores do warn of ads and purchases, but its vague.

The vagueness that is present, combined with the price-centric focus does not allow for subscribers to know what they are getting. You probably would know more speaking to a door-to-door salesman!

**Some Apps Get It Right**

Good things are worth noting. Despite the number of bad applications, there are apps, such as Health Sync, that require a subscription up front. In addition, they give a complimentary week prior to requesting a card.

Additionally, Pushover makes payment super easy. A one time-only charge of \$4 is all that is required, with a month of usage available.

**Making Things Fairer**

Not all apps are required to be free, obviously. Keeping those applications online and updated takes money. Don't worry, there are other things to implement.

*   **Charge for Cloud:** It's actually a good thing to charge for cloud storage and keep your app free.

*   **Be Transparent:** Tell subs what they're buying before they do.

*   **Keep it Simple:** There are opportunities to offer free and paid packages.

*   **Make changes in Price:** Charge less for countries where earnings are less.

These things make it easier for companies to profit while keeping their subscribers happy.

**The Main Point: Trust**

This issue with free apps makes people wonder. In a mad dash to get cash, trust is lost.

Trust is a good metric to use. Be transparent, charge accordingly, and don't charge monthly fees on main and basic features!

Give that app a review. See if its a scam if you want to protect your time. Don't give in to bad companies and developers

**So, What's free?**

It has become misworded today, when it comes to free. It once stood, put up with a few popups. After those times, free stood for limited. Many apps that are open about subscription, will thrive. With good business practices, the subscribers will thrive.

The end: deleting apps might be crucial. All if they want to stay alive, need to grasp trust.

37.Unexpected iPhone 17 Pro Max Deal Rolled Out for Apple Customers 

**Black Friday 2025: The iPhone 17 Pro Max Deal at Mint Mobile You Won't Want to Miss!**

Alright, so Apple's latest and greatest, the iPhone 17 Pro Max, is finally here. Usually, trying to save money on these phones is like finding water in a desert. Phone companies cut prices soon after, however, with Apple, the price remains stagnant. It's almost a myth! That's why this Mint Mobile deal is a big deal. They're actually offering a discount on the iPhone 17 Pro Max. It's worth checking out.

**So, What's the Real Story? No Hidden Fees**

Mint Mobile is knocking $200 off the 256GB iPhone 17 Pro Max. The usual price? $1,199. The sale price? $999.

Here's the thing. To get the discount, you have to sign up for their $15 a month unlimited data plan for a year. And yeah, you need to pay for the setup for the entire year when you check out.

Let's make sure everyone understands:

*   iPhone 17 Pro Max (256GB): Usually $1,199

*   Saving from Mint: $200 off, bringing it down to $999

*   One year of unlimited data: $180 (that's $15 x 12)

*   Price when you checkout: $1,179

No big deal. No funny business or crazy long contacts with outrageous price-hikes. When compared to those mega phone companies (like $100 a month! It adds up quickly), Mint's offer seems practical.

**How Good is This Deal Compared to Other Deals?**

Savings on Apple products? Very rare. Although, for Black Friday, there are a small amount of things happening. For example, Verizon is selling the iPhone 16e for $300 less, for a total of $299. This makes it the most affordable iPhone sold this black Friday.

Keep in mind... you need to get a Verizon prepaid plan. The cheapest one is $35 a month. Although you can switch, their plan won't be as great as Mint's $15 unlimited plan.

On the other side of the big blue, Amazon in the U.K. reduced the iPhone 16e's price by £35, resulting in a £509 price tag (or $669 in U.S. Dollars). That's about a 6% reduction, so it helps to save a little!

**Why This Mint Deal Could Be the Best One Out There**

The Mint Mobile deal may be the only true discount on the iPhone 17 Pro Max! Other phones, like the Google Pixel 10 or the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7, are having large price decreases. Even for black Friday, Apple hasn't loosened its grip.

Okay, $200 off may not appear like a lot, but if you love Apple, this is going to be a big deal. As well, you get Mint's affordable plan. All around, it is a great saving and there are no crazy contracts!

**Important things to Know! You Have to Read the Small Print!**

There is something with Mint's unlimited plan though. If you use more than 35GB of phone data in a month, they may slow the phones connection speed down. For people who do normal phone activities, this shouldn't pose a problem, but data craving hogs beware! For $15 a month, it's a great deal.

**Can I trade my Old Phone in?**

Yes, you can trade in older phones to Mint. Check out these points.

*   iPhone 13 Pro Max

    *   Mint: $243

    *   Apple: $300

    *   Samsung: $240

*   iPhone 14 Pro Max

    *   Mint: $307

    *   Apple: $370

    *   Samsung: $265

*   iPhone 15 Pro Max

    *   Mint: $380

    *   Apple: $470

    *   Samsung: $430

*   Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra

    *   Mint: $138

    *   Apple: $165

*   Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra

    *   Mint: $238

    *   Apple: $260

Mint may undervalue your trade-in. They are definitely a scam. Jokes aside, Apple is giving far more than Mint. Although, Mint trades more than Samsung.

**Why Are Apple's Products High Priced?**

Apple has a vision to be a top-tier brand. By making prices high and rarely being discounted, people may see Apple as special.

That's what makes Mint's deal so awesome! It has discounts without sabotaging the Apple name. If you are like most people, you now have a chance to buy a new iPhone at a discount!

**Who Should Consider This Deal?**

This deal from Mint Mobile is something to think about if:

*   You like Apple, but the prices are crazy high

*   You want a cheaper monthly payment combined with no contracts!

*   You don't rely on all of your phone data.

Although, if you rely on your phone, the big data usage, and the extra services companies make, then this deal won't be great. For most, the Mint deal is well balanced and reasonable.

**In Conclusion: Do Apple Deals Exist? Yup!**

Black Friday consists of deals on phones, but getting an Apple deal is a myth. Mint Mobile's deal is genuinely a great deal! Saving money, and an affordable plan combined.

Maybe Verizon has a decent offer, but for a better phone and long term plan, Mint takes the cake.

38.I Installed iOS 26 on My Older iPhone — Here’s How It Went 

I put off updating my iPhone 15 Pro Max to iOS 26 for ages. I was perfectly happy on iOS 18.7. It wasn't really about worrying about my phone breaking or running slow. It was more, you know, about the visual, what it looked like! The new Liquid Glass that Apple was pushing just looked kind of… strange to me. I wasn't sure if I wanted to look at that every day! But, you know how it goes, my curiosity got the better of me. So I caved.

Now that I've been using iOS 26 for a bit, my feeling is pretty mixed. Some stuff is actually okay, but other things just make it feel more complicated than it has to be. Like when you have to turn a knob when you only have to punch something.

**Liquid Glass: It's Alright, But Still a Little Weird**

So, Liquid Glass is Apple's big attempt at a design in many years. Basically, it makes everything look shiny and sort of see-through. Think of it like looking through tinted glass. It tweaks the colors of your icons and makes your wallpaper look a little warped. To be fair, it's not as bad as I thought it would be. The apps, like Discord, Twitch, and Kindle—they all look and work pretty much the same as they did on the old version.

The home screen is where things get a little… interesting, especially when you group apps together in folders. The glass effect messes with the wallpaper behind them, making it look all distorted and messy. You can adjust it, which is good, but that's when you start digging into the settings. If you go that route, you'll discover a maze of settings you never even knew existed. Just be prepared to get lost. Also don't punch things or bite the walls, you'll need to get out alive.

Want less see-through in grouped apps? To get rid of this mess you have to go into Accessibility, look for Display & Text Size, and from there, you can play and adjust things!

Want to change Liquid Glass in general? You can find that over in Display & Brightness.

Want to change the icon colors? You can do that right from the home screen.

Why are these settings just thrown everywhere? It’s not the end, but why did they made it so difficult? One settings page where I can change everything related to Liquid Glass would've been much better.

**Updated Apps: Thumbs UP or Thumbs Down**

I was kind of worried that iOS 26 might mess something with my apps. Thankfully, almost all of them are the same. Mostly the changes are visual, and their own Apple apps are where you'll see the biggest changes.

*   **Camera App**

    The Camera app got a change in its appearance, and it’s one of the better new features in iOS 26. I'm no expert photographer, but the new layout puts the important things in plain sight, making it easy to reach what you want. It’s a small change, but it makes a big difference, making taking a photo quickly much easier.

*   **Apple Music**

    Apple Music is… different alright. The new navigation bar is okay but it doesn’t really add anything to the app. The big thing is that you can now swipe songs on the play bar, only it only works when you’re actually in the app, goddammit. You can’t swipe songs from the Dynamic Island or the lock screen, making the feature kind of useless. It's a stupid limitation that ruins what could've been a welcome thing.

**Apple Intelligence: Still Playing Catch-Up**

The iPhone 15 Pro Max has Apple’s suite of AI tools, Apple Intelligence. Though iOS 26 doesn’t bring many additions .

This update plays with the Visual Intelligence and Image Playground features, but nothing else is of much value, sadly. Apple already said that Siri isn’t getting its AI update for another year. Just be armed with patience.

When everything is summed up, Apple Intelligence still lags behind Samsung’s Galaxy AI and Google’s Gemini, which both feel more useful and blended into everything you do daily. For now, Apple’s AI feels like it was just added.

**The Update Experience: Clumsy**

So what’s the deal with iOS 26? It’s not a complete disaster, but it’s also not as easy as it should be. You could have expected better.

Liquid Glass is nice, but changing it is a mess. You need a map and gear.

The Camera app is better, Apple Music has some issues, and almost all the other apps don’t change or have small changes.

Apple Intelligence is nothing amazing. But there are good things promised, at least.

Most of your apps will still work, and while it doesn’t break anything, you won’t feel an improvement. It's not better or worse, just different. Like changing a light bulb.

**Should You Update?**

If you want to know if iOS 26 is worth your time, it depends on what you care about.

If you want your battery to last with stable , then iOS 26 poses no risks. The phone will be safe from most problems.

If you want everything to look nice and consistent, then Liquid Glass might make you suffer. But don't give in to the dark side.

If you want some incredible AI, then you’re better off with something better. Keep what you have.

In the end, iOS 26 isn’t the worst update from Apple. It runs well and is stable, but it’s not easy to use, and sometimes, the way it looks makes it difficult to use.

Updating felt more like rearranging furniture than anything else. Things look different, but it doesn’t solve that issue I have.

**Conclusion: A Tweak**

iOS 26 is a strange update. It has bold changes such as Liquid Glass, it messes with its own apps, and adds small improvements to Apple Intelligence. However, it doesn’t feel complete. All those random settings, the confusing changes to Apple Music, and the disappointing AI, make the update more complicated than it should. You don't need that negativity in your life.

Ultimately, It’s not a bad update. Most apps function in a similar way, and the Camera app is pretty useful. If you want battery life and something stable, iOS 26 is fine. But if you want a big change, then keep what you have. If it's not broke, don't fix it!

39.Apple Designed the iPhone Pocket to Be Confusing — Here’s Why 

**Apple and Issey Miyake: An Unlikely Friendship**

Way back in the early '80s, Steve Jobs and Issey Miyake became friends. Seriously! Jobs really liked Miyake's clothing style. He thought of them as practical and wearable art. Both individuals were interested in making items functional and beautiful..

Apparently, Jobs was really wowed by these uniforms Miyake crafted for Sony workers. This influenced him to ask Miyake about designing uniforms for the Apple team in Cupertino. Funny enough? Everyone at Apple declined.

So, the Apple uniform idea went nowhere, but it did spark something. Miyake wound up creating what became Jobs' signature look: the black turtleneck, blue jeans, and sneakers. I mean, it became the uniform for every tech CEO.

**Decades Later: A Real Collaboration**

They never got to team up while they were alive, but their shared love for clean, practical design created a connection. Fast forward about 40 years, and Apple and Issey Miyake finally got to make something together. How cool is that?

It is the iPhone Pocket. The inspiration came from Miyake's thought A Piece of Cloth, it's all about clothing that lets you express yourself. The iPhone Pocket isn't like your run-of-the-mill phone case.

The case has ribs, its knitted, and made for the iPhone. The sides are stretchable, so you can fit earbuds or a credit card inside it. And guess what? You can have it across your body or clip it onto your bag.The ribbed design is inspired by Miyake's Pleats Please line, a light, wrinkle-proof fabric. Sound one of a kind?

**Keeping that Vision Alive**

Yoshiyuki Miyamae, the one with the authority at Miyake Design Studio, thought this made perfect sense. He mentioned both groups discussed ideas.

He mentioned that Jobs and Miyake had design discussions. The designers continue to keep that identical vision today.

They are focused on making the user experience simple, useful, and amazing. Miyake makes clothes that make you approach clothing differently, and people know Apple products are user friendly. The iPhone Pocket represents their collective goals.

**Apple and Fashion: Is this a Trend?**

This marks one of the first times Apple entered the fashion scene. It has paired up with Hermès to create Apple Watch bands. It suggests the mix with tech and fashion can be fun.

Meta is collaborating with EssilorLuxottica, who has Ray-Ban and Oakley, to create smart glasses. Even brands like Chanel and Sandy Liang want the type of people who use technology. Tech YouTuber Justine Ezarik says, We're always with tech; it's part of our style how. High-end stuff and Apple? Seems to be the way to go, since the people are interested.

**Remember the iPod Socks?**

The iPhone Pocket resembles the iPod Socks sold back in 2004. The original idea was meant as a joke. Those colorful little pouches started out, people liked them because they were not as expensive, around $30 for six. Apple stop selling the product in 2012, and customers had to search for them used.

However, The iPhone Pocket isn't inexpensive like the iPod Socks. The price begins at around $150 for the short-strap edition and $230 for the long-strap version. It costs more.

**So, What's the Conclusion?**

The views for the iPhone Pocket are inconsistent with each other. Fans believe that it keeps the Miyake's vision alive and is practical. Additional buyers question if the product is worth their money.

Miyamae acknowledges that not the audience will understand the product. He thinks design should be individualized and allows users to individualize it.

Individuals might not prefer phone straps. They are known in Asia and Europe, but are new to the US. Although wrist straps are typical, the price of the iPhone Pocket might be too much for others.

**Is the US Ready?**

Ezarik is unsure if the US is keen on the trend. Pockets disappearing when phones are getting bigger. The accessory allows users to use hands without holding their phones. She doesn't know if the US will be willing to spend technology-fashion product.

The iPhone Pocket expresses both Jobs' and Miyake's ideals: the design should be personalized. Since the blend of technology and fashion, The iPhone Pocket will be a hit or flop.

**A Meaningful Collaboration**

The Apple-Issey Miyake collaboration preserves design. Apple's move into fashion, and Miyake's studio exposes their products to people. The style focuses on standing out. Creative, Individual, and the combination of tech and fashion.

40.Samsung’s Galaxy S26 Lineup Could See Long-Awaited Charging Speed Upgrades 

**Galaxy S26 Ultra: Getting Charged Up is About to Change on Samsung Phones**

So, the word on the street is that Samsung's next big thing, the Galaxy S26 Ultra, is probably going to drop in early 2026. People are excited, of course, and sure, we're expecting the usual stuff – little design improvements, maybe some camera tricks. But the whispers I'm hearing? They're all about charging. It sounds like Samsung is finally doing something about those charging speeds that have been, let's say, a bit behind the times. We’re talking about the first significant improvement in almost six years. This could really help them stand out in a market that is super competitive.

**Plugging In: Bumping up that Wired Charging**

Sources say the Galaxy S26 Ultra is finally ditching that 45W wired charging limit they’ve been stuck on since the Galaxy S20 Ultra. Word is, they're moving up to 60W. It's not a giant leap, but it's something.

Now, this isn't going to beat the super-fast charging you'll find on phones like the OnePlus 15, which gets up to 80W or 100W, or some of those Chinese phones like Xiaomi and Oppo that go way past 120W. But for those of us who use Samsung, any improvement is great. It means less time waiting for your phone to power up, and maybe not having to leave it plugged in overnight all the time. If true, it would bring Samsung closer to what people expect in 2026.

**Cutting the Cord: Wireless Charging Gets a Boost**

What's maybe even bigger news is the wireless charging. Samsung has been stuck at 15W for, like, forever – since 2019. But it sounds like that's about to change with the S26 series.

The Korean news site ET News is reporting that the Galaxy S26 Ultra will get 25W for fast wireless charging. The regular Galaxy S26 and the S26 Plus might get up to 20W. This is the first real wireless charge improvement in close to six years! It could make Samsung phones way more appealing to people who hate dealing with cords.

Okay, 25W still isn’t as quick as some other phones, but it's double what Samsung had before. For normal people, this could mean being able to boost your phone's battery in less than an hour with the right charger. That's a huge plus.

**Qi2 and Those Magnetic Thingies**

One thing that's still up in the air is if Samsung will use the Qi2 wireless charging thing. It goes up to 25W and uses magnets for better alignment, kind of like Apple's MagSafe. Qi2 makes sure the charging parts line up right, so it's more efficient and consistent.

Samsung already has chargers that are kind of like MagSafe, so it makes sense that the Galaxy S26 Ultra will work with both Qi2 magnets and those faster charging speeds. If so, that would pit Samsung right against Apple, giving Galaxy users a similar experience with accessories.

**The Galaxy S26 Family: What are We Expecting?**

Rumors say the Galaxy S26 phones will be here in late January 2026, a little earlier than usual. Expect the Galaxy S26, Galaxy S26 Plus, and Galaxy S26 Ultra. Also, it looks like Samsung is might skip the Edge model, and just stick with the Plus, because the Galaxy S25 Edge didn't sell very well.

Supposedly, some design drawings show the Galaxy S26 Plus looking a bit thinner. The Ultra is likely to keep its boxy shape, but with some minor changes. We don't know anything about colors or camera upgrades yet, but everyone's already talking about the charging improvements.

**The Competition is Heating Up**

Samsung's making these charging changes now because everyone else is doing some pretty cool stuff. The OnePlus 15 has 80W wired charging and 50W wireless. Xiaomi and Oppo phones are even faster. Apple is using Qi2 on the iPhone 17, with 25W wireless charging and those magnetic accessories.

Samsung going to 60W wired and 25W wireless isn't the fastest, but it helps close the gap. For people who already like Galaxy phones, this is something people have wanted for a long time. For Samsung, it means they're willing to keep up with the market, after being careful with charging for so long.

**Why Does Charging Even Matter?**

Battery life is still one of the most important things for smartphone users. Samsung has always used big batteries – like 5,000mAh in the Ultra phones – but the charging speeds have not kept pace. Faster charging isn't just about saving time; it changes how you use your phone day to day.

With 60W wired charging, Galaxy S26 Ultra users could charge up from almost nothing to 50% in under 20 minutes. With 25W wireless charging, you could easily get a good charge while you grab a coffee. These kinds of improvements take away some of the stress about battery life and make the Galaxy a better competitor.

**What Do People Think?**

So far, people seem happy about these rumors, but they also point out that other brands charge faster. Lots of Samsung fans are happy to see the changes, saying that Samsung has always cared more about being reliable and safe. Others think that Samsung is still behind, especially in places like China where really fast charging is normal.

Whether or not Samsung fully takes on Qi2 and those magnetic accessories will be a big test. If they do, it could mean a bunch of new accessories from other companies, making the Galaxy experience even better.

**In the End: A Good Move, But Not a Game Changer**

The Galaxy S26 Ultra's rumored charging improvements are definitely a step in the right direction for Samsung. Going from 45W to 60W wired charging and from 15W to 25W wireless is not revolutionary, but it’s a nice improvement after so long.

If they include Qi2 and those magnetic accessories, the S26 Ultra could finally have a charging experience that feels modern and is competitive with other options. Samsung might not be as fast as OnePlus or Xiaomi, but they don’t necessarily need to be. For most people, the balance of being relatively quick, safe, and reliable will be enough.

With the phones expected to launch in late January 2026, things are starting to come together for the Galaxy S26 series. Charging changes might not be as attention-grabbing as camera or design news, but they could be the change that people notice the most every day. After all, having a phone that is ready to go when you need it is what really matters.