Science

 1.OnePlus Turbo 6 Series Set to Launch on January 8 

OnePlus is jumping into the gaming phone scene headfirst! They just dropped the news about the Turbo 6 series, and guess what? They're hitting China on January 8th. We're talking about two versions: the OnePlus Turbo 6 and the Turbo 6V. And the craziest part? These phones have a gigantic 9,000 mAh battery! Seriously, who even needs a portable charger anymore?

**OnePlus Enters the Gaming World**

OnePlus was famous for giving you great performance without completely draining your wallet. Basically, you got a lot for what you paid. But these Turbo 6 phones look like they're getting serious about being gaming phones. They're aiming for the same people who like ASUS ROG and Nubia RedMagic phones. By calling them the Turbo series, OnePlus is signaling that these aren't your average phones; they're built for gaming.

The short video they posted gives you a good idea of what they're going for with the Turbo 6 design. The standard Turbo 6 has a slightly fancier back, while the 6V is simpler. They both have this light-following design thing going on, with see-through parts, super rounded corners, and thin metal edges. OnePlus keeps mentioning that these phones feel good in your hands, no matter how you're holding them. They know gamers will be playing for hours.

**Seriously... That Battery?!**

I still can't believe it! A 9,000 mAh battery... most phones have batteries around 4,500–5,000 mAh. Even gaming phones usually only go up to about 6,000 mAh. OnePlus is practically doubling that! That suggests they're promising a really long time between charges.

If you're a gamer, that's a huge deal. Imagine playing Genshin Impact or Call of Duty for hours and hours without searching for a charger. Plus, if you stream or make videos, these phones could be game-enders for those long broadcasts. That much bigger battery may also mean the phone ends up a little heavier and thicker. OnePlus thinks they figured out some things about the design to fix that.

**Displays and What's Inside**

These phones also have 165Hz displays. Ultra-fast refresh rates are normal for gaming phones now. Most hit 120Hz. OnePlus is going even faster! The intent is to give gamers really smooth-looking visuals. Pair that with super-responsive touch, and these Turbo 6 phones could be real gear.

Inside, it looks like at least one of the phones is using a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8s processor. Okay, it's not the absolute fastest chip available, but it’s still really powerful. It’s made to balance power with battery use. That chip should help you play games on high settings for a long time without the phone getting too hot. These phones are also protected from splashes of water and dust, which is cool if you want to game anywhere.

**The Look**

OnePlus won't stop talking about how their Turbo 6 phones are style-ish. The “light-movement design” and those see-through parts give them a modern look. The rounded corners and edges make for a more comfortable hold, whether you're just scrolling or you're tilting it sideways.

The video seems to suggest some accent lights on the back. If they change, the Turbo 6 series will more closely compete with the ROG Phone's aesthetic. Gamers love those lights.

**Are They Coming to My Country?**

Right now, the Turbo 6 and Turbo 6V are coming to China on January 8. OnePlus hasn't made any announcements about sales anywhere else. A lot of people are guessing they might eventually show up in other locations down the road, but we'll have to wait to find out. Since OnePlus sells phones almost everywhere, and mobile gaming is super popular, it seems like they'd want to sell these phones as widely as possible. They may be waiting to see how they're received in China first.

**The Takeaway**

The Turbo 6 series is a big deal for OnePlus. That incredibly large battery kinda shifts things around and could make other phone companies rethink things. If it takes off, it could become standard. It also makes you wonder how fast will it take for this phone to charge? OnePlus is known for really fast charging, so people will be looking for specs.

These Turbo 6 phones might get popular with people other than just gamers. Video makers, travelers, or business folks might like a phone that won't die while they're on the go.

**In Simple Terms**

The OnePlus Turbo 6 series has the chance to be a cool phone. It wants to shake up the gaming phone game with its crazy battery, super display, useful chip, and unusual style. How well it does will depend on what the battery is like, and how hot the phone gets. But! OnePlus reached to grab something, that is what it is about. The Turbo 6 series is a signal of what might be next, and gamers will be watching what happens when it arrives on January 8!

2.LG paints the future with canvas‑style TV debut at CES 2026

LG is bringing something pretty cool to CES 2026 in Las Vegas: the LG Gallery TV. Think of it as a TV that wants to *be* art. It's supposed to look amazing whether you're watching a movie or just want it to blend in with your living room. They're planning on making 55-inch and 65-inch models. Basically, LG is going after Samsung's The Frame and Hisense's CanvasTV with this one.

**What's the Big Idea?**

The main thing about the Gallery TV is that it sits super close to the wall. Like, almost *in* the wall. The idea is when it's off, it doesn't look like a big black rectangle. Instead, it looks like a framed picture. Plus, you can swap out the magnetic frames to match your room's style, or even the season. It's designed to be a piece of art that can also play Netflix. A normal TV sort of dominates a space, this one is supposed to just *fit*.

**Artistic Features**

LG isn't just changing how it looks, they are trying to make it display art better. They worked with museum people to create a Gallery Mode. This changes the TV's brightness, colors, and stuff to make artwork look as real as possible. I am not sure how they are doing it exactly but they are also working on reducing reflections and glare. Imagine seeing classic art in your apartment like you are visiting a museum.

LG is also pushing their Gallery+ service. It's a subscription where you can pick from over 4,500 pieces of art to show on your TV. From famous paintings to cool digital art, or toss up family photos if you wish! You can even mess around with AI to make your own custom art.

**Tech Stuff**

Inside, the Gallery TV runs on LG’s Alpha 7 AI processor, which tweaks the picture on the fly to make it look better. It’s got a Mini LED panel with 4K, so things should look really sharp and colorful. Mini LED also helps make the blacks look blacker (less light bleed), which makes a big difference when you are watching movies or viewing darker artwork.

Another smart thing it does is adjust the picture based on the light in the room. If it's bright outside, the TV gets brighter. If it's dark, it dims down. This keeps the art looking good no matter what time of day it is, and keeps the movie image quality solid.

**LG and Art TVs: A History**

LG did something similar back in 2020 with the LG GX Gallery TV. It was a super-thin OLED that you could mount flush to the wall. The new Gallery TV is much more focused on the “art” angle.

**Who Else is Doing This?**

Samsung's The Frame is probably the biggest competitor. They also let you put different frames on it and offer an art subscription. But LG is trying to stand out by working with museums to make the art look more authentic. Also, the AI art stuff and Mini LED tech could give them an edge. Hisense also has a CanvasTV, but LG has a stronger brand name.

**Who is This For?**

This TV isn't just for gamers or people who love movies. It's for people who care about how their home looks. Interior designers might like it because they can hide a TV in a room without ruining the design. Art fans will love the Gallery+ subscription and the ability to make their own art. And regular people will appreciate that it's still a great TV for watching shows and movies.

**CES 2026 and What's Next**

CES 2026 is in Las Vegas from January 6 to 9. You can probably count on seeing a lot of buzz about the LG Gallery TV there. We will be able to get some hands-on time with it then. No word on the price or when it will be available, but LG usually releases their TVs worldwide.

**Bottom Line**

The LG Gallery TV is trying to change what a TV can be. It is mixing art, design and tech in ways that could be really engaging. We will see if the people react to this direction at CES 2026!

3.CD Projekt Sells GOG to Co-Founder Michał Kiciński for $25M 

CD Projekt, the people who brought us The Witcher and Cyberpunk 2077, just shook things up a bit. They sold GOG, their digital game store, to one of their co-founders, Michał Kiciński. The price tag? Around $25 million. This is a pretty big deal since GOG's been part of CD Projekt for almost 20 years, so get ready for a new chapter for both of them.

**Why the Change? CD Projekt Goes All-In on Games**

Basically, CD Projekt says they want to put all their energy into making games. They've got a bunch of stuff in the works like expanding Cyberpunk 2077, new Witcher games, and even some completely new games we haven't heard of yet. They want to be known for making awesome, big-budget games, and to do that, they’re putting everything they have into it.

One of the big bosses at CD Projekt, Michał Nowakowski, said, We're really focused on making great games and growing our big franchises. So, we felt like now was the right time to do this. We appreciate all the work the GOG team has done over the years and wish them the best.

Selling GOG means CD Projekt doesn't have to worry about running a store anymore. That frees up money and people to work on making games instead.

**GOG's Story: Games Without the Strings**

GOG started back in 2008 as Good Old Games, and they did things differently. Unlike Steam and other stores, GOG sold games without DRM. DRM is like a lock on your games that stops you from doing certain things, like playing them offline. Gamers liked GOG because they could actually own their games, download them, back them up, and play them whenever they wanted, no internet required.

GOG didn't just sell new games, either. They also brought back old PC games and made them work on new computers. So, you could play games from the '90s and early 2000s without any problems. It’s a major effort in game history, and it’s awesome that they do it.

**What Does This Mean for Gamers?**

GOG put up a Q&A saying that things aren't going to change much right away. You still get to keep all your games, download them, and play them offline. The store will still be the same, with the same focus on old games and carefully picking what they sell.

The most important part is CD Projekt is still going to put their games on GOG. That means you can still buy The Witcher and Cyberpunk games there, even with the new owner. It's good news for anyone who likes using GOG. Everything keeps going smoothly.

**Kiciński's Plan: More of What Makes GOG Great**

Michał Kiciński didn't just buy GOG because it was a good business move. He helped start CD Projekt, so he really cares about the company and what it stands for. He says he wants to keep GOG's original values strong and offer you true ownership.

Kiciński thinks GOG is going to do great things and that it's the best place to buy CD Projekt games. He might even put more focus on bringing back old games and make GOG an even better place to find cool stuff.

**What GOG Says**

Maciej Gołębiewski, who's in charge at GOG, said that this deal means they're going to focus even more on what makes GOG special.

GOG and Michał Kiciński share the same belief that games should be around forever, he said. The market is getting crowded, and a lot of stores forget about old games. We're going to double down on what GOG does best: bringing back classic games, making them work on modern computers, and helping great games get noticed.”

This means GOG is going to focus on being the place where old games live on. While everyone else is trying to get you to sign up for subscriptions or buy exclusive games, GOG wants to make sure you can still play the games you loved years ago.

**What's Going On in the Game Market?**

GOG is the little guy competing with Steam, the Epic Games Store, and all the console stores. What makes them unique is their no DRM.

For CD Projekt, selling GOG just makes sense. They've had a rough few years, especially with how Cyberpunk 2077 launched. Focusing on making games lets them fix their reputation and make the kind of games they're known for.

**What's Next?**

Everyone's going to be watching what Kiciński does with GOG. He could bring back even more old games, maybe use AI to help you find games you'll like, and work more with smaller game developers. CD Projekt's focus on big-budget games could lead to some awesome new RPGs.

Instead of splitting up, CD Projekt keeps supporting GOG by putting their games on the platform, while at same time, GOG gets to do its own thing and focus on preserving game history. Hopefully, this means better games from CD Projekt and a better, more dedicated GOG.

In summary, Michał Kiciński's purchase of GOG for $25 million is huge. CD Projekt is betting that it can focus on making games and trust GOG to do its own thing. For us gamers, it means GOG should hopefully remain the same, and get even better over time. Plus, hopefully CD Projekt continues to cook up games that are worth playing.

4.Samsung Unveils Music Studio Speakers with Sculptural "Monolith" Design 

It's kinda rare to see a Wi-Fi speaker that really grabs your attention, but Samsung is trying to do just that with their new Music Studio 5 and Music Studio 7. These are supposed to show up at CES 2026 in Vegas, and they're a team-up with this French designer, Erwan Bouroullec. He's known for making stuff that looks cool and simple, design-wise. Samsung seems to think the Music Studio stuff is more than just something you listen to music on – it's supposed to be part of how you live.

**The Design Idea: The Timeless Dot Thing**

So, Samsung calls the way the Music Studio looks the timeless dot thing. They say it comes from those dots you see in music and art. Marketing talk can be weird, but basically, they want these speakers to look like art instead of just tech. The Music Studio 5, especially, is like this. It's got curves and doesn't look much like a regular speaker, so it can fit into a modern-looking room pretty well.

Some folks might see these and think of those big, weird things from that old space movie, 2001. Others might just think it's a simple decoration that works with a modern house. Either way, Samsung seems sure that people who care about design will want a speaker that kind of blends in instead of screaming, I'm a gadget!

**Music Studio 7: Sounds Like You're There**

The Music Studio 7 is supposed to be the best one, Samsung says it's most immersive. It's got this 3.1.1-channel sound thing going on, where the audio comes from the left, front, right, and even above. The goal is to sound like you're surrounded by sound without needing a bunch of speakers all over the place.

If you get into the details, the Music Studio 7 can handle 24-bit sound at 96 kHz. That should be good enough for most people who care about sound quality. It's not quite like those super-expensive speakers they use in studios, but it's plenty good for listening to music from places like Tidal or Apple Music in really good quality. You can also hook it up with other Samsung Wi-Fi speakers if you want to make a sound system all over your house.

**Music Studio 5: Good-Looking and Sounds Good Too**

The Music Studio 5 is a bit different. Samsung says it's designed for houses where how it looks is as important as how it sounds. What that means is it's smaller and doesn't stick out as much.

Inside, it's got a 4-inch woofer and two tweeters, so it sounds pretty balanced for everyday listening. Like the bigger one, it's got Samsung's AI Dynamic Bass Control thing. That's supposed to make the bass sound better without messing up the other sounds. So even though it's small, it can still give you some good bass without being overpowering.

**Hooking It Up and Smart Stuff**

Both the Music Studio 5 and 7 work with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, so you can use them with pretty much anything. They also have voice control, so you can tell them what to do with your voice. It's not something totally new – most smart speakers do that now – but it keeps Samsung in the game when it comes to being easy to use.

**Keeping It Simple**

Samsung is definitely going after people who care about design with these speakers. The simple look isn't just about the shape; it's also about the color. For now, they only come in black. That makes them look sleek and solid, but some folks might want different colors.

Even though it's only in black, the focus on design might make the Music Studio series a good choice if you don't care for Sonos, which has been the big name in Wi-Fi speakers for a while. If you want something that looks as good as it sounds – or a speaker that feels like part of your decorations – the Music Studio stuff could be a cool option.

**How Much and When Can I Get It?**

Samsung hasn't said how much the Music Studio 5 or 7 will cost yet. But because they look good and have some nice specs, they probably won't be cheap. They'll probably be up against Sonos and other fancy audio brands, so they'll be seen as something you want to have more than something everyone can afford. We should find out the prices and when they'll be available at CES 2026, which is from January 6 to January 9.

**What This Means for the Market**

The Music Studio series shows that things are changing. Now, tech and interior design are coming together. As houses get smarter, people want stuff that fits in with their living spaces. Samsung working with Erwan Bouroullec shows that how stuff looks is becoming just as important as what it does.

By paying attention to design, Samsung is making a place for itself in the Wi-Fi speaker world. Sonos is still on top, but Samsung's reach around the world and the designers they work with could help them get people who want something different – something that feels less like a piece of tech and more like a piece of art.

**In Closing**

The Samsung Music Studio 5 and 7 are more than just speakers; they're trying to make a statement about design. With their simple style, timeless dot idea, and the help of Erwan Bouroullec, they're trying to make us rethink what a Wi-Fi speaker can be. The Music Studio 7 gives you sound that makes you feel like you're there, plus hi-res audio, while the Music Studio 5 balances a small design with good sound.

If you care about both sound and looks, these speakers could be a good choice compared to what's already out there. We'll have to see how much they cost to know how competitive they'll be, but one thing's for sure: at CES 2026, Samsung is betting that the future of audio is about looks just as much as it is about sound.

5.Samsung Pauses One UI 8 Update for Galaxy Watch 4 After Bug Reports 

Galaxy Watch 4 came out in 2021, right? It was kind of a game changer because it was the first one Samsung did that used Wear OS 3, which Google helped them with. It felt like Samsung was finally getting serious about smartwatches and Android. Now, fast forward four years, and the Watch 4 is getting what everyone thinks is its last major update—One UI 8 Watch, running on Wear OS 6. But, uh, things seem to have gone a bit wrong.

Earlier this month, Samsung started pushing out One UI 8 Watch to everyone with a Galaxy Watch 4 or the Watch 4 Classic. The idea was to fix things, make the interface look better, and generally make the watch faster. But almost right away, the forums lit up with people complaining about some super annoying problems. So, yeah, Samsung seems to have stopped the update.

**Battery Problems**

The big one? The battery life just tanked. Before, most people were getting a full day, maybe even more if they weren't playing with the watch all the time. After One UI 8 Watch, some users were only getting like 12–15 hours before needing to charge. That's cut the battery life in half. Not good.

And for some, it's even worse. The battery just drains incredibly fast, making the watch nearly useless. A few people said clearing the cache helped a little, but not really. It sounds like it's a deeper issue inside the software.

**Always-On = Never-On?**

And then there's the always-on display. You know, the thing that lets you glance at your watch to see the time? Well, a lot of folks are saying it's not working after the update. It’s the fast way to check the time or see notifications. It's a smartwatch thing. Supposedly.

**Sensor Issues**

Now, the third big problem some people have mentioned are the health and proximity sensors. A few Galaxy Watch 4 Classic owners are saying their watches aren't reading the sensors anymore. One person said his watch won't read his heart rate or track his sleep.

When that happens, a lot of functions just stop working:

*   Health tracking is gone: no heart rate, no sleep data, no fitness tracking. Then, what's the point of a smartwatch?

*   The watch can't tell when it's on your wrist, so if you have a passcode, it just stays locked. So annoying.

*   Things like Google Wallet and even simple notifications don't work right because the watch doesn't know it's being worn.

One user said they found a workaround: if they flipped the watch to the underside of their wrist, the sensors would start working again. That's not really a solution, but it hints that the problem might be a software problem interfering with the hardware.

**Update on Hold**

Because of all these problems, Samsung stopped the update. People who hadn't already downloaded One UI 8 Watch are saying the update is gone, and almost no one is installing it anymore.

Samsung hasn't said anything officially yet, but they almost always stop updates when things like this happen. You can bet their engineers are trying to figure out what's going on.

**Old Watch Getting Final Update**

The Galaxy Watch 4 isn't new, being four years old now. Even though newer models have come out, Samsung has been working to improve the Watch 4. That’s great for the people who bought it.

If One UI 8 Watch is really the watch's last update, Samsung really needs to fix all these problems. Messing up the final update would be bad for the watch's reputation.

**What it all means**

Watch 4 owners who installed the update are trying to live with these battery, display, and sensor problems. Those who haven't are waiting, hoping the problems are fixed soon.

The good news is Samsung has usually been quick to fix things in the past. Stopping the update stops the problems from spreading and allows them to make a good patch.

**What to keep in mind**

Device updates bring up what can happen with software and gear work together. Updates can be a problem, mainly on older tech, because things change. Finding the little problems before updates are sent out makes for a smoother time.

Updates are important and show support for good products, so fixing these Watch 4 problems should be what’s looked into now because it will affect what the user will think about them. A suggestion is to not install it yet and read the user reports.

**Last Statement**

The Galaxy Watch 4 One UI 8 Watch update was projected to be a sendoff for the watch to give owners one last look at the operating processes, but instead it seems to have battery drain, display issues, and sensor problems. Samsung is doing the right thing by pausing the update so they can fix all those issues.

Samsung needs to repair the device because it was one of the most important technology to affect the smartwatch time.

6.Animal Crossing: New Horizons – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition Slated for January 15 Launch 

**Nintendo Switch 2 and Switch: Holy Moly, 2026 is Going to Be HUGE**

Alright, Nintendo fans, get your wallets ready because 2026 is gonna be bonkers! It looks like Nintendo is planning to support both the OG Switch and the shiny, brand-new Switch 2 with a crazy amount of games. We're talking everything from chill stuff to total nightmare fuel, old-school RPG goodness to massive online battles. It sounds like they're trying to keep everyone happy by mixing familiar favorites with some seriously fresh ideas. Let's break down what's coming.

🌴 **Animal Crossing: New Horizons – Switch 2 Edition (January 15th)**

So, they're kicking things off with a glow-up for Animal Crossing. This Switch 2 version is supposed to have special mouse controls using the Joy-Con 2 . That’ll make decorating your island way easier. Plus, it's getting a 4K makeover and you can have up to 11 buddies hanging out on your island at the same time. The best part? Everyone, even if you're still rocking the original Switch, gets a free update with a resort hotel, more storage (thank goodness!), and some mysterious Slumber Islands.

⚔️ **Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade (January 22nd)**

Square Enix is *finally* bringing the Final Fantasy VII Remake to Nintendo. This is the updated Intergrade version, which only covers the Midgar chapter. But it has some pretty snazzy graphics and the fighting system mixes real-time action with the classic menu commands. If you're on the fence, there's a free demo you can grab.

🗺 **Dragon Quest VII Reimagined (February 5th)**

More RPG goodness! Dragon Quest VII is getting a remake that has diorama-style visuals and supposedly makes the whole time-travel story easier to get into. It’s supposed to be a good way for new players to check out the series. It's coming to both Switch models.

🎾 **Mario Tennis Fever (February 12th)**

Nintendo’s at it again with the sports spin-offs – this time, it’s Mario Tennis Fever. Get this: 30 Fever Rackets with crazy abilities and a whopping 38 characters to play. They're also adding some new moves like slides and better defense. Sounds like they're trying to shake up the usual Tennis formula.

🕶 **Yakuza Kiwami 3 & Dark Ties (February 12th)**

Sega is giving Switch players a bigger dose of Yakuza. Yakuza Kiwami 3 continues the story of Kazuma Kiryu in Okinawa and Tokyo. There's also a brand-new, standalone story called Dark Ties included.

👻 **Resident Evil Requiem (February 27th)**

Capcom's throwing their hat into the ring with a new Resident Evil game. Resident Evil Requiem is promising to deliver a scary experience with some well-written characters. They're even releasing a special Switch 2 Pro Controller to go with it.

🐾 **Pokémon Pokopia (March 5th)**

This one's interesting. In Pokémon Pokopia, you play as a Ditto whose job is to turn an empty patch of land into a Pokémon paradise. You get to build houses, grow crops, and craft furniture. It's like Animal Crossing meets Pokémon.

🐉 **Monster Hunter Stories 3: Twisted Reflection (March 13th)**

Capcom's also making another Monster Hunter Stories game. Monster Hunter Stories 3: Twisted Reflection seems to be a bit darker and more emotional than the last one. You will be riding around on your Rathalos trying to figure out why nature is collapsing.

🕵️ **007 First Light (March 27th)**

For all you Bond fans, 007 First Light is going to be an origin story. You get to see James Bond's first missions as a young agent. Sounds like they're going for a more reckless and resourceful Bond.

🏝 **Tomodachi Life: Living the Dream (Autumn 2026)**

The weirdness is back! Tomodachi Life: Living the Dream looks basically like the original. Your Mii characters live on a floating island and you gotta deal with their crazy relationships and solve their problems.

🌸 **Super Mario Bros. Wonder – Switch 2 Edition + Bellabel Park (Autumn 2026)**

Super Mario Bros. Wonder is getting a Switch 2 update with a new area called Bellabel Park. Bellabel Park will be a place with a bunch of stuff to do with friends, either working together or competing.

📖 **Yoshi and the Mysterious Book (Autumn 2026)**

Yoshi's getting his own adventure where he jumps *inside* a talking book named Mr. E. Lots of exploration and cool creatures in this game.

🛡 **Fire Emblem: Fortune’s Weave (2026)**

Yep, another Fire Emblem is coming. Fire Emblem: Fortune’s Weave sounds like the story is centered around the Heroic Games, with stories about strategy and battles.

🌑 **The Duskbloods (2026)**

Okay, this is interesting. FromSoftware, the people who made Dark Souls and Elden Ring, are making a multiplayer-only game for the Switch 2 called The Duskbloods. Expect a dark and cryptic world with seriously challenging gameplay. Sounds like it's aimed at their die-hard fanbase.

🌌 **Orbitals (2026)**

Orbitals, another Switch 2 exclusive, is a co-op puzzle game with a retro anime look. It's all about teamwork and checking out this colorful space world.

🏺 **Indiana Jones and the Great Circle (2026)**

Bethesda is bringing Indiana Jones to the Switch. In Indiana Jones and the Great Circle, you play as Indy in a first-person adventure. Expect puzzles, exploration, and big action set pieces.

✨ **In Conclusion**

So yeah, 2026 looks totally stacked for Nintendo fans. Whether you like old favorites like Animal Crossing, Pokémon, Mario, and Fire Emblem, or jumping into something Dark Souls creator, FromSoftware's multi player game, The Duskbloods, and others you're spoiled for choice either way you go. Nintendo seems to be making sure that everyone, whether you're on the original Switch or the new Switch 2, has something awesome to play. It might just be a year to remember.

7.Google Play Store v49.3 Debuts "Ask Play" AI Personal Assistant 

**Google System Updates: What Happened in December 2025**

Each month, Google puts out notes about what's new across the Play Store, the stuff that keeps your Android phone running smoothly (Play services), and bigger system updates. This stuff impacts everything from Android phones and tablets to smartwatches, TVs, cars, and even PCs that run Android apps. Some of these changes are things you'll see and use directly, but a lot of it is under-the-hood stuff for developers that makes apps work better. December 2025 was pretty packed with activity, with several Play Store and Play services updates bringing new stuff to the table.

**What's New in the Play Store?**

*   **Play Store v49.5 (Dec 29):** If you're in Europe (the EEA) or the UK, you'll now see extra info on app pages that makes it easier to spot apps for medical devices that are following the rules. It's all about being upfront with people when they're apps that have to do with healthcare.

*   **Play Store v49.4 (Dec 22):** This one was all about making it easier to install important system bits and pieces in the background. It should be smoother when Google needs to update those crucial parts of your device.

*   **Play Store v49.3 (Dec 15):** This update had some cool stuff you'll notice:

    *   **Ask Play is here:** Think of it like a personal assistant for the Play Store. You can chat with it to find apps or get help.

    *   **More control over your data:** You now get to pick and choose what info gets saved in your Play History and how it's used.

    *   **Travel app integration:** The Play Store will now show content from the travel apps you have installed, which could be handy for planning trips.

*   **Play Store v49.2 (Dec 8):**

    *   **Better notifications:** The Notification Center got a makeover to be more organized and feel more personal to you.

    *   **Verified badge for India:** If you're in India, you'll see a verified badge on brokerage apps that are registered with the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI). This helps users in India indentify brokerage apps

    *   **Visual tweaks:** Little tweaks to make things look more consistent.

*   **Play Store v49.1 (Dec 1)**: The first update of the month. Details were limited, but it set the stage for the other versions of the month.

**What's Cooking with Play Services?**

*   **Play Services v25.50 (Dec 22):** This was a big one:

    *   **Account Management:**

        *   New ways for app developers to let you pick which account you want to use when connecting accounts.

        *   Easier setup for parents using Android Parental Supervision to keep an eye on their kids' accounts.

        *   Recommendations in Google Settings to help you finish setting up the Play Store.

        *   Redesigned notifications about Advanced Protection, making them easier to understand.

    *   **Developer Services:**

        *   New tools for app makers who use Maps in their apps.

        *   More options for developers to get paid.

        *   A way for people to report when their time zone is wrong.

    *   **Security & Privacy:**

        *   Bug fixes across phones, PCs, cars, TVs, and wearables which helps make everything more secure.

    *   **Support:**

        *   You can get info about new Android features right inside Google Settings.

*   **Play Services v25.49 (Dec 15):**

    *   More tools for developers to manage accounts in their apps.

    *   Prompts asking you to allow access for nearby devices, making it easier to connect and work with other devices.

*   **Play Services v25.48 (Dec 8):**

    *   More account management tools for developers.

    *   Updated themes for parental supervision on phones and Wear OS watches.

    *   Open Source license info for Pixel Audio services.

    *   Better layout for showing stuff in person using Google Wallet, along with new features for app makers to support digital wallets and payments.

**What Even *Is* the Google System, Anyway?**

When Google talks about the Google System, they're talking about all the apps and services that work together to make Android tick. This includes things like Google Play services, the Play Store, Play Protect (which helps keep your device safe), Device Health Services, Private Compute Services, and a bunch of other stuff. It's basically the foundation that Android is built on, making sure things are secure, connected, and run smoothly.

**A Word of Warning**

Just because a feature shows up in these notes doesn't mean you'll get it right away. Google rolls things out gradually, so it can take weeks or even months for some features to reach everyone. Where you live, what kind of hardware you have, and some behind-the-scenes settings all play a role in when you get an update.

**The Bottom Line**

December 2025's Google System updates show that Google is working on both big and small things. They're adding new stuff that people will see and use, like Ask Play and parental supervision features, and the badges in India. They're also giving developers more tools to make their apps better in areas like account management, maps, ads, and payments. Plus, they're squashing bugs and keeping up with regulations around the world. All of this puts Google in the position to continue its effort to add to and refine the foundation of its platforms.

8.AI Village Experiment Backfires After Targeting Tech Legends with "Kindness" Bots 

## Nintendo Switch in 2026: Get Ready, It's Going to Be Huge!

If you're a Nintendo fan, get excited because 2026 looks absolutely wild! Whether you're still loving your original Nintendo Switch or planning to jump into the Nintendo Switch 2, next year is packed with all sorts of games. Seriously, there's something for everyone. We're talking everything from relaxing on a virtual island to facing your fears in a survival horror game. From old-school RPGs that bring back memories to massive online multiplayer games you can play with tons of friends, Nintendo's got a plan to mix the stuff we already like with cool, new ideas. So, let's jump into some of the highlights!

**🌴*Animal Crossing: New Horizons* – Switch 2 Edition (January 15)**

Ready to revisit your island life? *Animal Crossing: New Horizons* is getting a supercharged version for the Switch 2! Think of it as a fresh coat of paint on something already amazing. This version lets you decorate with more control, thanks to the Joy-Con 2 mouse controls. Imagine placing that perfect flower pot just where you want it! The game will also look unbelievably crisp with upgraded 4K visuals. And gather your friends, because the multiplayer mode is getting a major upgrade - up to a whopping 11 players can visit your island at the same time! Plus, both Switch and Switch 2 players are getting some love with a free update that adds a resort hotel (perfect for those vacation vibes!), more storage (finally!), and these mysterious Slumber Islands.

**⚔️*Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade* (January 22)**

Big news for RPG fans! Square Enix is bringing its awesome *Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade* to Nintendo. This isn't just a port; it's a complete reimagining of the beginning of the *Final Fantasy VII* story. You'll play through the Midgar section, with a mix of fast-paced action and strategic, command-based combat. The graphics are supposed to be crazy good, and there's even a free demo available now so you can check it out! It's fair to say that this is a big deal for RPG fans on Switch.

**🗺*Dragon Quest VII Reimagined* (February 5)**

Speaking of RPGs, get ready for another classic! *Dragon Quest VII Reimagined* is making its way to both Switch consoles. They've given the game a visual makeover with sweet diorama-style graphics. They also messed around with the mechanics to make things smoother and updated the story to make it even better. If you’ve always wanted to try a *Dragon Quest* game, or you are an old Dragonquest fan, this is a perfect way to jump in since the game is more accessible!

**🎾*Mario Tennis Fever* (February 12)**

Nintendo isn't forgetting its sports fans! *Mario Tennis Fever* is coming, and it sounds totally bonkers. There are 30 Fever Rackets, each with its own special abilities. Plus, the game includes 38 characters! With such a large cast, this is the biggest roster game in the *Mario Tennis* series. New slide moves and footwork make it more intresting. So get ready for some intense matches!

**🕶*Yakuza Kiwami 3 & Dark Ties* (February 12)**

Sega is bringing even more *Yakuza* to the Switch. *Yakuza Kiwami 3* continues the story of Kazuma Kiryu across Okinawa and Tokyo. If you like crime dramas, then you are going to love this. But wait, there's more! You also get *Dark Ties*, a brand-new story that’s separate from the main plot. So get ready for some crime and action.

**👻*Resident Evil Requiem* (February 27)**

Horror fans, this one's for you! Capcom is dropping *Resident Evil Requiem*, and they are promising it to be one of the best survival horror games of the year. The game is supposed to have immersive gameplay. Plus, they are releasing a special *Resident Evil Requiem*-themed Switch 2 Pro Controller along with the game.

**🐾*Pokémon Pokopia* (March 5)**

Time for a different take on *Pokémon*! In *Pokémon Pokopia*, you play as a Ditto whose job is to make an empty place into a great *Pokémon* community. So, you'll be building homes, farming, and crafting furniture.

**🐉*Monster Hunter Stories 3: Twisted Reflection* (March 13)**

Capcom is back with *Monster Hunter Stories 3: Twisted Reflection*. In this game, you'll play with your Rathalos to find out the truth. Get ready for tough monsters to take on.

**🕵️*007 First Light* (March 27)**

Bond fans are going to want to check this out. If you like James Bond, then you are going to love *007 First Light*. The game focuses on the early stages of James Bond's career in MI6. You'll see him dealing with some tough situations.

**🏝*Tomodachi Life: Living the Dream* (Autumn 2026)**

Remember *Tomodachi Life*? It's back! In *Tomodachi Life: Living the Dream*, your Mii characters all live on this floating island. You get to manage all of your relationships, fix problems, and see all sorts of crazy stuff happen.

**🌸*Super Mario Bros. Wonder* – Switch 2 Edition + Bellabel Park (Autumn 2026)**

*Super Mario Bros. Wonder* is getting bigger! Bellabel Park is a new place full of things to do in co-op or competitive play. Basically, it's set to be a ton of fun.

**📖*Yoshi and the Mysterious Book* (Autumn 2026)**

If you love Yoshi, then you are going to love this. Yoshi goes on a crazy into a talking book. Expect to see a bunch of cool creatures, plus some awesome platforming action!

**🛡*Fire Emblem: Fortune’s Weave* (2026)**

*Fire Emblem* fans, get ready! *Fire Emblem: Fortune’s Weave* is coming, and it's centered around the Heroic Games. Expect to see some awesome stories centered around war!

**🌑*The Duskbloods* (2026)**

FromSoftware, is coming out with *The Duskbloods*, a multiplayer that is only going to be on Switch 2. If you like *Dark Souls* and *Elden Ring*, this game is for you.

**🌌*Orbitals* (2026)**

*Orbitals* has a retro anime style. Something to note is that this game is only singleplayer. Also, something else to note is that it is also coming to Switch 2.

**🏺*Indiana Jones and the Great Circle* (2026)**

Last but not least, Bethesda is making *Indiana Jones and the Great Circle* for the Switch! You get to play as Indy in a first-person . The game is set to include a bunch of puzzles.

**✨ So, What Does This All Mean?**

2026 is looking like it's going to be an epic year for Nintendo fans. With some many coming to the Switch, it's really diverse year. Whether you're still playing on the original Switch or can't way to pluy on the Nintendo Switch 2, there appears something for everyone. All things considered, 2026 is going to be an amazing year for the Switch.

***

I hope this version is more what you were looking for! I tried to make the tone more like a person talking to another person about games they're excited about. Let me know if you want any changes!

9.AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D2 Spotted in PassMark and Geekbench Database 

The rumor mill is churning again! It looks like AMD's Ryzen 9 9950X3D2 processor, the one everyone's been whispering about, has popped up in some benchmark results. What's cool about this chip is that it's supposed to be AMD's first to have *two* 3D V-Cache dies. Basically, that could seriously boost performance, especially if you're dealing with tasks that love a lot of cache. These results are early, so don't take them as gospel, but the fact that they're showing up in different places makes it seem like this thing might actually be for real and that we might see it at CES 2026.

**Okay, so what do we know so far?**

According to a Geekbench 6 listing from late December, this Ryzen 9 9950X3D2 is packing:

*   16 cores and 32 threads. So, same as the Ryzen 9 9950X3D that's already out there.

*   A slightly slower boost clock speed of 5.6GHz. Its sibling can clock a bit higher.

*   A *ton* of L3 cache – 192MB! That's because of those two 3D V-Cache chips.

Then, on December 26th, it was spotted twice in PassMark's database, with the specs matching up. When you see something like this showing up in multiple places around the same time it often means that AMD is sending out test samples, which means that there's a good chance that it will be released to the public soon.

**So, How Does It Perform?**

Here's the interesting part: these early tests show the 9950X3D2 performing about the same as the regular 9950X3D. In fact, the older chip seemed to edge it out a bit in both Geekbench and PassMark. The reason? The clock speeds of the 9950X3D are higher, which helps it in tests that depend on raw processing speed.

The extra cache on the 9950X3D2 didn't seem to make a huge difference in these benchmarks. But remember, cache usually helps out mainly when the workload is gaming or there is a large amount of data. So, don't make a judgement until we see some gaming benchmarks.

**What About Power?**

Another interesting observation is that the test samples were drawing around 170W of power. Some earlier rumors said the TDP would be closer to 200W, so what's going on? It's possible AMD tweaked the chip to be more energy-friendly, or maybe the test machines had different settings.

A lower TDP could be attractive to a broader audience since it means the chip runs cooler and doesn't require a crazy expensive cooling system. But some enthusiasts might worry that AMD had to sacrifice performance to reduce the power consumption.

**Memory Matters?**

The Geekbench 6 tests supposedly used 96GB of DDR5-4800 RAM (two 48GB sticks). That's a good amount of memory, but the speed isn't that high. While 3D V-Cache CPUs aren't as sensitive to RAM speed as other chips, faster memory might help.

It will be interesting to see how the 9950X3D2 performs with faster DDR5 (like 6000 or higher), especially in games where having both fast memory and plenty of cache can really speed things up.

**Learnings from the Past**

The fact that this data popped up in multiple sources lends credibility to these leaks. Remember last year when a fake Ryzen 7 9700X3D looked real until everyone realized that only one source reported it and the data didn't seem viable. The fact that the 9950X3D2 appeared in PassMark and Geekbench makes it seem more likely that this chip is about to be released.

**Gaming Performance**

Tests don't show everything. To really know how this chip will do we will need to see the performance in games. For example, previous AMD chips such as the Ryzen 7 5800X3D showed great performance in games despite having slower clock speeds simply because of the 3D caches.

With 192MB of L3 cache could have an amazing performance in games such as open-world RPGs and simulation games.

**CES 2026 is Approaching**

What does all this mean? Well, it all says that AMD can announce the chip at CES 2026. This can show the world AMD's investment and commitment in their products as well as maintain their competitive edge over Intel.

The timing for the announcement is perfect since CES is widely watched and AMD can get good coverage from gamers and professionals who want the latest and greatest CPUs.

**Final Thoughts**

The appearance of the Ryzen 9 9950X3D2 on multiple websites suggests that we will be seeing this chip released very soon. The early tests show that performance will be similar to other chips currently on the market, but the increased L3 cache might give it an edge in gaming.

As we wait for more information on power consumption and the true real-world performance, CES 2026 will be the place for AMD to reveal the full picture. Right now, it can be said that AMD is working hard to push forward with new and innovative designs and that enthusiasts will be ready to see the newest addition to the Ryzen Lineup.

10.Google Store New Year’s Sale: Pixel Watch 4 Once Again $50 Off 

Google's got some fresh discounts going on for the new year (2026, that is). They're putting Pixel Watches, Pixel Buds, and Fitbit bundles on sale. You can find these deals at the Google Store in the US. But keep an eye on Amazon too, because they're matching some prices and even beating Google on a few things. These deals are around until January 10, 2026 so don't wait too long.

**⌚ The Pixel Watch 4 is on Sale**

The big player in Google’s new year sale is the Pixel Watch 4, The watches selling like Wi-Fi and LTE models. the Google Store is taking $50 off of both, Amazon's dropping the price on the LTE models by $100.

Here’s how it breaks down across both stores.

| Model                       | Google Store | Amazon     |

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

| Pixel Watch 4 41mm Wi‑Fi   | $299.99      | $299.99    |

| Pixel Watch 4 41mm LTE    | $399.99      | $349.99    |

| Pixel Watch 4 45mm Wi‑Fi   | $349.99      | $349.99    |

| Pixel Watch 4 45mm LTE    | $449.99      | $399.99    |

If you want a watch with its own cell data, Amazon is the better deal. A $100 discount puts the LTE models on a more level playing field with other similar smartwatches out there. It's worth considering, mostly when the Pixel Watch 4 plays nice with Google and Fitbit stuff.

**⌚ You Can Still save on the Pixel Watch 3**

Google didn't forget the older model. The Pixel Watch 3 also got a discount, If you don’t care about having the newest features, it is not a bad option.

*   41mm LTE: $299.99 (save $50)

*   45mm Wi‑Fi: $229.99 (save $70)

*   45mm LTE: $299.99 (save $100)

With these prices, the Pixel Watch 3 goes right up against Samsung and Garmin's mid-range smartwatches. It's a decent choice if you want Fitbit features without spending a ton of money.

**🎧 Deals on Pixel Buds**

Google’s also cutting prices on its wireless audio stuff.

*   Pixel Buds Pro 2: $179 at Amazon (usually $50 more)

*   Pixel Buds 2a: $109 at Amazon (price went down by $20)

The Buds Pro 2 are Google's best wireless earbuds. They have noise cancellation, sound that feels like it's all around you, and they work great with android phones. At $179, they’re cheaper than Apple’s AirPods Pro, so they're a tempting choice. The Buds 2a are cheaper for anyone who needs simple and solid wireless sound without emptying their wallet.

**🏃 Check Out the Fitbit Bundle**

The Fitbit Charge 6 and Pixel Buds 2a bundle is cool. You can snag both for $199.95. That gives you fitness tracking and some music all in one package, which is perfect for when you're exercising.

Keep in mind that Fitbit will probably release some new stuff in 2026. Don't expect to see any more Fitbit-OS smartwatches because Google’s currently pushing its new Wear OS. What is more likely is new trackers will be released. Some people think Google needs a basic tracker that costs around $100 and works with Fitbit Coach so more people can use it. I think if the google team discontinues on the Charge series, people will become upset due to the popularity. This Charge 6 bundle ends up being one of the last deals to grab the watch until the new stuff comes out.

**📅 Why Now?**

These deals showed up right after the last holiday sales went away. So, it looks like Google wants the sales going to the new year. By having these discounts ready for January, anyone who didn't buy anything during the holidays can still get a great deal. This puts it head-to-head with Apple, Samsung, and others, who'll probably be showing off stuff at CES 2026.

**⚖️ The Good Stuff**

*   Pixel Watch 4 LTE (Amazon): This is the best deal right here. You save $100 and even get cellular!

*   Pixel Watch 3 Wi‑Fi (Google Store): At $229.99, use this as the cheapest way to get Fitbit on a smartwatch.

*   Pixel Buds Pro 2 (Amazon): Getting $50 off for quality earbuds is great.

*   Charge 6 + Buds 2a bundle: Getting for less than $200 is some top-tier prices but be prepared and look out for new Fitbit devices right around the corner.

**✨ Final Thoughts**

Google's new year deals show that they want their products to catch your eye as a new year rolls around. There’s something for everyone. Fitness buffs, audiophiles, or people who like when Google stuff works well together will be very happy with the watch and even the pixel bud deals!

Make sure to keep in mind that the deals are out until January 10, 2026. CES is coming up and new Fitbit stuff on the way, make sure you save some cash and take a peek on whats next!

11.iOS 26 Liquid Glass Overhaul: Apple’s Massive Design Shift Now Live 

**iOS 26: Cool New Stuff That Makes Your iPhone Way Better**

So, Apple's iOS 26 just dropped, and everyone's been talking about the fancy Liquid Glass look. It's cool and all, but honestly, the things that make a real difference are the little tweaks they've added throughout the system. These aren't the kind of things that'll blow your mind at first glance, but they seriously improve how you use your iPhone every single day. After messing around with iOS 26 for a bit, I've found three features that are especially awesome: AutoFill for credit cards everywhere, Visited Places in Maps, and being able to pin your favorite music in Apple Music.

**💳 Credit Card AutoFill - Everywhere!**

For ages, Apple's been pushing Apple Pay, which is great when it works. But let's be real, not everywhere accepts it. You're still stuck manually typing in your credit card info on some websites, whether it's for some weird online store, a subscription you signed up for, or just a plain old form that doesn't play nice with Apple Pay.

Before iOS 26, your iPhone would sometimes try to help by suggesting saved credit cards above the keyboard. The problem? It was super inconsistent. Sometimes it worked, sometimes it didn't. You ended up digging out your card, or copying the number from your notes. Very annoying.

Well, with iOS 26, Apple finally fixed it. Now, you get AutoFill for credit cards across the entire system. Whenever you tap in a text field, iOS recognizes that you want to fill it in. Then there's a new Credit Cards section pops up. Pick a card, then copy and paste the info directly into the field you want. Now it works literally everywhere, even if the website is a total mess.

It might sound like a small change. It makes paying online so much easier. You mess up less, meaning less time spend. Plus, you can finally use Apple's secure card storage all the time. If you buy stuff online a lot, this feature alone is worth the upgrade.

**📍 Visited Places in Apple Maps - Your Personal Travel Log**

Apple Maps has become much better in the last couple of years. Now, in iOS 26, they've added something called Visited Places. It's kind of interesting.

You have to turn this on yourself. Once you do, it keeps track of places you spend time at – restaurants, shops, whatever. It then saves them in Maps. Apple swears it's all private. The data is encrypted so even Apple can't see it, and you can delete places with a swipe. In short, it just keep tracks of where you have gone.

It's more than just a record of where you've been. It also changes how search results work. When you search for something, Maps marks places you've already visited with a Visited tag. Say you're looking for a chain restaurant. This highlights the specific location you actually went to. Now, you don't have to guess.

It also makes it easier to share places with friends or family. Instead of trying to remember an address, you can just grab it from your history. It's a great way to make Maps more personal and helpful.

Some people might worry about privacy, but Apple seems to have handled it well. By encrypting the data and letting you control it, Visited Places gives you convenience without feeling like you're being watched.

**🎵 Pinned Music in Apple Music - Quick Access to Your Jams**

Apple Music has a crazy amount of music – over 100 million songs. With that much stuff, finding what you want can be a pain. In iOS 26, they've added a simple feature. You can pin music to the top of your Library.

You can pin up to six things – could be playlists, albums, artists, or even just individual songs. They stay right at the top. This makes it super easy to get to your favorites.

I see it as the go to place for what you listen to all the time. You can also use them to remind yourself of music you want to check out later. In general, it turns your Library into a personal music hub.

The six-item limit is a little annoying. I hope they expand on that in the future. It’s a great feature that is already a really nice thing to have.

**✨ Why This All Matters**

These features reflect Apple's approach. Small changes that fix actual problems. AutoFill that helps paying online. Visited Places helps remember. Music helps with ease of access to entertainment. Of course they do not revolutionise the iPhone, but collectively make the iPhone smoother, smart and more personal.

Liquid Glass gets the attention, it’s the smaller stuff that people will actually use and enjoy every day.

**📅 Summing it Up**

iOS 26 is a cool update. It combines a modern look with real improvements in usability. AutoFill, Visited Places, and pinned music aren't exactly exciting. They show that Apple pays attention to the little things. For us, the users, they offer easy payments, remember better, listen to what you want.

Apple keeps improving. They make everyday tasks better. That's what keeps iOS great.

12.Metroid Prime 4: Beyond Officially Set Between Super Metroid and Fusion 

**Metroid Prime 4: Beyond - Seriously, Where's This Going?!**

Okay, Metroid fans, let's jump right into it. This series has been running wild way back in '86, and we are still debating on Samus Aran's timeline. Space Pirates, Metroids, all that thing!!

Nintendo tried to make it easier, and now we've got Metroid Prime 4: Beyond heading to the Switch (or maybe even the Switch 2, who knows?!), and everyone's going crazy trying to fit it in. Good thing, Nintendo didn't leave us in the dark, so at least we have some ideas.

**Prime 4's Spot: Don't Freak Out, It's Simple**

So here's what's up: Nintendo says Metroid Prime 4: Beyond happens after Super Metroid (SNES is top!) but before Metroid Fusion (Game Boy Advance!). That's the same spot as the first Prime games, sitting right in there between those two games.

And here's the twist: Beyond is also set in A DIFFERENT world. Which means the story in Prime 4 won't mess with the main Metroid from the real games. Think of it as a friendly story, can be played without studying too much.

I think that's what they're planning for the Prime games. The 2D games are the real deal, and the Prime games are bonus. By putting Beyond in another space, Nintendo lets Retro Studios make the game they want.

**The Wait Was Too Long!**

Okay, the wait's been CRAZY. Metroid Prime 3: Corruption came out in 2007. That's more than ten years of waiting, with so many setbacks and a full reboot. Knowing that Beyond is coming and fits into the Prime world (even though it's a different world) helps. It proves that Nintendo still loves the series.

**Easy for New Player**

The good thing is that Nintendo knows that not everyone knows about Metroid. Setting it in another world means you don't have to be a Metroid expert to like it. Experienced fans will notice things from the old games, and new players can jump in and have fun without feeling lost.

**World Changing Fun!**

This different world thing lets them create a bunch of stories. The Metroid series always talks about weird aliens and old groups, By adding another world, they can increase the weird stuff! Retro Studios can work on new lands, create new enemies, and tell stories.

What if something from Beyond showed up in the main storyline down the road?

**A Metroid Story**

Here's a fast guide for the main Metroid games:

*   Metroid/Zero Mission (NES/GBA): Samus' first mission

*   Metroid Prime Trilogy (GameCube/Wii): Happens between Metroid 1 and 2, Space Pirates!!!

*   Super Metroid (SNES): Mother Brain loses!

*   Metroid Fusion (GBA): Samus gets infected by the X Parasite, and that changes everything.

*   Metroid Dread (Switch): Continues where Fusion ended.

Putting Beyond between Super Metroid and Fusion keeps the Prime storyline working. The different world thing just gives space for them to create new stories.

**How it Plays: Similar, but Better**

Beyond will keep the first-person view of the Prime games. With better graphics and controls. If you've played any of the Prime Games, then this is for you. If you are new you can jump in a sci-fi world.

**What the Fans Think**

Fans have all kinds of feelings right now, Some are glad to know that Prime 4's timeline is correct. Some may think the world thing is trying to not make as many changes and some players are just ready.

**What I Think**

Metroid Prime 4: Beyond is a sequel and something different. By setting it after Super Metroid and before Fusion, it stays connected. Then, in another world, Retro Studios can changes things up. Fans can play a Prime game that seems easy but new. That other world also makes it simple for new players.

After waiting forever, we're getting a new Metroid Prime Game!!!!!

13.Grand Theft Auto VI Sets November 19 Release Date as Most Anticipated Launch of 2026 

2026 is shaping up to be a wild year for video games. No matter what you're playing on – PC, PlayStation 5, or maybe even that new Nintendo Switch – there's bound to be something worth checking out. Forget just big-budget blockbusters. There'll be everything from those small indie games that hit you right in the feels to huge, explosive titles that everyone will be talking about. Let's peek at some of the games creating a buzz for 2026.

🧗 **Cairn (PC, PlayStation 5; January 29th)**

Always wanted to climb a mountain, but the couch is just too comfy? Cairn might be for you. It's a climbing game that has this cool, almost hand-drawn kind of style. You play as Aava. She's determined to get up this giant, imposing mountain. The game puts emphasis on careful steps and balancing to keep yourself from falling. The game really tries to make it feel like you are really climbing. You'll be camping on tiny ledges, dealing with finger injuries, and just trying to survive the cold and whipping wind. The game sounds like it's both relaxing but a challenge that shows off both the awesome and dangerous parts of mountain climbing .

👻 **Reanimal (Switch 2, PC, PS5, Xbox; February 13th)**

Imagine Tim Burton, but a lot darker... That's kind of what Reanimal seems to be going for. It's a horror game that two players can play at the same time. You play as siblings who are trying to escape a really messed-up version of their town. They're searching for their missing friends, if they can avoid the monsters with spiky arms that seem to be around every corner. Its vibe feels like games such as Limbo or Inside, complete with creepy images and some genuinely scary moments. If you're into horror that's artistic, you could really dig this.

🧟 **Resident Evil Requiem (Switch 2, PC, PS5, Xbox; February 27th)**

The Resident Evil series continues, and in Resident Evil Requiem, you get to actually control two different characters. First, there's Grace, being called the biggest scaredy-cat in the whole Resident Evil series. Then there's Leon S. Kennedy, and he is the zombie-killing machine we know and love. The two are stuck in Raccoon City, so they are dodging a bunch of horrible monsters, both the old and the brand new. Pairing the nervous wreck character with someone tough like Leon, should bring some genuinely new and terrifying moments to the series.

🌱 **Pokémon Pokopia (Switch 2; March 5th)**

How about Animal Crossing with Pokemon and a sprinkle of Minecraft? Because that is Pokemon Pokopia. You play as Ditto, the Pokemon that can turn into basically anything. Your role is to help get a town up and running so all the Pokemon have a place to call their own. That means growing plants, building houses, and making sure everything looks good. It's a family-friendly game all about creativity and building a community.

🕵️ **007 First Light (Switch 2, PC, PS5, Xbox; May 27th)**

Fans have been saying they want a good James Bond game for ages, and First Light might be it. It's being made by the folks worked on Hitman, so confidence in the project is high. You play Bond at the start of his career, so this is before even becoming 007. Buckle in for car chases, shootouts, and cool gadgets. But the game is also about being a top-notch spy. That means attending fancy parties, gathering secret intel, and just becoming the James Bond we know. Stealth fans and action junkies can both find something to enjoy when this gets released.

🌌 **Saros (PlayStation 5; April 30th)**

The studio that made Returnal is back with Saros, a sci-fi action game. It's about an astronaut who's stranded on a far-off planet where the sun is basically on its last leg. Its sending everyone a little crazy. They are using inspiration from intense arcade shooters. You should expect crazy combat combined with a cool story. Since the project is being spear headed by smart, creative talent, then Saros could be a big surprise.

🚔 **Grand Theft Auto VI (PS5, Xbox; November 19th)**

Alright, everyone's been waiting for this one. Grand Theft Auto VI is coming after what feels like forever. It's set in Leonida, Rockstar's take on Florida. The main characters are Lucia, who is the first female lead in the series, and her partner Jason. It's supposed to be a pretty deep crime story with some romance thrown in. Obviously, the hype is real. A lot has happened in America since the last GTA. So expect Rockstar to have a lot of material to work with. This game is probably going to be everywhere in 2026.

🐺 **Marvel’s Wolverine (PS5; Date TBD)**

After Spider-Man was a smash hit, Insomniac Games is developing a Wolverine game. You should see some X-Men characters throughout the game, and expect Wolverine to let loose on everyone with his claws. We don't have a lot of details yet, but fans can expect for a really cool story with the fun comic-book-style violence that Insomnic is known for.

🧙 **Witchbrook (Platforms TBD; 2026)**

Need something to relax with? Witchbrook is a super cozy adventure game that's got this charming pixel-art look. You go to a school for witches, learn all kinds of spells, fly around on brooms, and explore the town with friends. It mixes a school simulator with a town story and sounds just like the kind of game if you are looking for a break from big-budget action games.

✨ **So, What's the Overall Feeling?**

With everything that 2026 has, from the mountain climbing in Cairn to the wild action of Grand Theft Auto VI, there's lots to look forward to. Horror fans should check out Reanimal and Resident Evil Requiem. Families will enjoy Pokemon Pokopia. I would keep my eye on 007 First Light, Saros, and Marvel’s Wolverine as all are looking to create an awesome action game. Witchbrook would be a nice break from the action. So, if you like climbing great mountains, taking on terrifying monsters, or are trying to build amazing towns, whatever it is, something great will show up in 2026. With everything on the way, this may be one of the best years for games ever.

14.End of an Era: Microsoft Officially Terminates Windows 10 Support 

2025 is over, and like always, the tech world saw a bunch of stuff disappear. It's wild how fast things change, right? Remember TiVo? Everyone thought those things would stick around forever, but they finally gave up the ghost. And then there were all those brand new inventions that crashed and burned, which was rough. Some of the losses were sad, some were a relief, and others were just plain funny because they failed so hard. It just proves how quickly the tech world moves. It can happen to anyone.

So, here's a quick look at the tech that bit the dust in 2025:

📺 **TiVo Boxes**

Seriously, were those still around? I remember when TiVo boxes were the coolest thing. They lasted way longer than anyone expected. They just vanished from the company's website last year. TiVo isn't totally gone, though. They're doing software now, mostly for TVs over in Europe. But the actual DVR boxes that everyone used to record their favorite shows? Gone.

For a lot of people, TiVo was just the easiest way to skip commercials and pause live TV. Saying goodbye to the TiVo box is like saying goodbye to a little piece of TV history. I wonder how many younger people can even remember them.

🔑 **Microsoft Passwords**

For most of 2025, Microsoft pushed hard to get people to ditch their old passwords. Then, near the end of the year, they just got rid of their password manager entirely! Everyone's switched to passkeys now.

What's really cool about passkeys is that you get the security of two-factor authentication, but they're way easier to use. Usually, you just scan your fingerprint or use your face to log in. I read that passkeys are stored safely on your own devices instead of on some big server somewhere. That makes them way harder to hack. It's a big change. Millions of people have already changed how they log in to everything. The regular passwords might still be a must for some older websites and apps, but Microsoft's hoping they'll disappear completely soon.

📌 **Humane AI Pin**

Okay, this thing was a total flop. The Humane AI Pin was this cool-looking wearable thing that cost around \$700, and it was supposed to replace your smartphone. It didn't even have a screen; it was all about using AI to be your assistant.

The idea sounded good at first. It could project a display onto your hand, that kind of thing. But it just didn't work. Reviewers said the projector was awful, the gesture controls never worked right, the AI gave weird answers, and it overheated way too fast. People returned it like crazy, which led to Humane pulling the plug in February, less than 8 months after it came out.

Even though the pin was a disaster, you can bet other companies are thinking about the same idea. I wouldn’t be surprised if another company has already announced a similar gadget, and the release has been delayed a bunch of times.

📞 **Skype**

Skype showed up back in 2003 and totally changed how we communicate. It let you make free calls over the internet, and then came video chat. It put pressure on phone companies and made way for Zoom and Google Meet. Microsoft bought Skype in 2011, but people gradually stopped using it.

This past February, Microsoft said they’d be shutting down Skype by May, which switches everyone over to Teams. It's a little sad since Skype had been around for so long and had a pretty big impact. It just got beat out by newer apps with more stuff.

📚 **Pocket**

Pocket, that save-for-later app, also kicked the bucket in 2025. Pocket started as Read It Later back in 2007, and it got to have 30 million users, a lot of them in countries in the global south. I used it to save articles and news to read on trips. Mozilla bought it in 2017 but shut it down last July. There are tons of other options, but it still stinks to see an old favorite go. It's been a go-to for digital media fans for ages. Feels like something should take its place.

💸 **Zelle (Standalone App)**

Zelle, the payments service, got rid of its standalone app in April. The thing is, Zelle still works, but only through your bank's app. Most of Zelle’s money transfers never happened inside the Zelle app anyway. So, the company decided to focus on working with banks. Most people probably didn't even notice it was gone. It shows that even payment services and features that most people have gotten used to can change. It makes you think, what other services are like this?

📰 **Meta Fact-Checking Program**

Meta made a move that caused a stir when they canned their fact-checking program. The CEO said that it became too politically split. Now, Meta says they'll try a system where the community helps decide what's true, whatever that means. It's kind of like what's happening with Social Media and the truth gets in todays world.

🎥 **TikTok Creator Marketplace**

TikTok closed its Creator Marketplace, where creators connected with brands for sponsored content. They replaced it with TikTok One, to change it so advertising used AI to generate influencers to endorse brand's products. With advancements like these, people are starting to worry if actual influencers are still needed these days. When a marketplace shuts down, it says a lot about where the industry seems to be going.

❌ **Mr. Deepfakes**

Most people were probably celebrating when the deepfake website Mr. Deepfakes disappeared. It was a site that had deepfake pornography, and it used real people's faces without their okay. The website shut down in May after its provider stopped working with them. About the same time, Congress was thinking about laws against sharing private images of someone without their permission. Maybe it was just a coincidence.

🎙 **Google Assistant**

Google Assistant itself isn't completely gone, not yet anyway, but its days are numbered. Google says they're cutting support for Assistant in March 2026 and switching it to Gemini. Gemini is one of their newest AI programs. AI programs are turning into one of the big focus in tech. It's going to be tough adjusting to the change. It's just a matter of time.

🧸 **ChatGPT-Powered Teddy Bear**

One of the weirdest things to come out in 2025 was the AI teddy bear. The AI teddy bear used ChatGPT to talk to kids. During November, all of the stores stopped selling the product because their AI talked about disturbing things. The toy is really not good case for AI.

🐦 **Twitter.com**

Twitter turned into X, and during 2025, any features or domains still connected to the old brand were being shut down. The original brand is gone. The ending of Twitter as a brand is gigantic. The name was nearly universal.

🌐 **Google Dark Web Reports**

Google's Dark Web Report is gone too. It told you if your info showed up on the dark web. It only came out in 2024, but it got dropped fast. The Google Graveyard has a lot of those early dropped products.

✨ **Conclusion**

2025 saw a good number of things vanish, from the old service Skype to that ChatGPT-powered teddy bear that freaked out parents. Some of these shutdowns were probably the best thing, some could have been dealt with better, and some will be missed. They show that the tech world is always creating new innovations. So, let's appreciate it before it's replaced and forgotten.

15.Phoronix Tests: Linux 6.19 X86_NATIVE_CPU Optimization Shows Minimal Gains on Zen 5 

**Is X86_NATIVE_CPU Worth It? Checking Out the Linux 6.19 Optimization**

The Linux kernel is always getting tweaks and improvements, and it can be tough to keep up! Recently, I started wondering about this X86_NATIVE_CPU thing. Basically, it tells the computer to build the core of the system - the kernel - in a way that's fine-tuned for *your* specific processor. The way it works is by setting a special flag-march=native when the kernel is built.

I messed around with this a bit when Linux 6.16 was out, and I saw that it made certain things a little faster. Now that Linux 6.19 is here, I wanted to try it again, since I have different hardware now. So, the main question is: does this X86_NATIVE_CPU setting really make a difference in performance?

To find this out, I did some tests on a workstation using an AMD Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9995WX, which is basically a super-powered CPU with 96 cores. I had GCC 15.2 running on a test version of Ubuntu 26.04.

**Testing It**

The plan was straightforward. I built two versions of the kernel, making sure they were completely identical *except* for the X86_NATIVE_CPU setting. One had it on, and one didn't. This let me make a direct comparison of how they performed across different tasks. I used everything from small, specific tests to what I thought was a real-world scenario.

I wanted to see what kinds of tasks got a boost from these CPU-specific compiler tricks, and which ones didn't.

**What I Saw**

**Storage and Disk Input/Output**

*   *LevelDB (Random Read):* This custom kernel was ready at reading random pieces of files.

*   *FS-Mark (4000 files, 32 folders, 1MB size):* Custom Kernel was faster, so it can manage your basic file functions well.

*   *Flexible IO Tester (Random Read, IO_uring, 4KB block, 32 jobs):* The kernel built by customer was mildly faster.

Overall, the tests got better, but not the crazy good. It looks like the custom instructions helped when you use your system memory and hard drive a lot.

**Synthetic and Small-Scale Benchmarks**

*   *Stress-NG (Socket Activity):* The customer kernel got better network performance.

*   *Memcached (Set/Get ratio 1:100):* The customer instruction was quicker.

*   *Cryptsetup (Twofish-XTS 256b encryption and 512b decryption):* The kernel built by customer did better at both encryption and decryption

*   *Memcached (Set/Get ratio 1:5):* The kernel was quicker with customer build

*   *PostgreSQL (Scaling factor 100, 1000 clients, read-only):* The Kernel was able to handle more requests with customer build

*   *RocksDB (Read While Writing):* The built was better with the customer.

They say that the customer instructions are better for encryption, data caching, and network.

**Real-World-ish scenarios**

*   *DaCapo (Java Eclipse test):* The normal kernel was quicker.

*   *ClickHouse (100M rows, cold cache):* The normal kernel had the lead as well.

*   *Apache Cassandra (Writes):* The normal kernel was quicker

*   *Pogocache (Set/Get ratio 1:10):* The customer build was faster.

*   *nginx (500 connections):* The customer build was better.

Customer optimization for servers was good. But Normal Kernel was better for Java and Big Database. Which means that the -march=native isn't too helpful in every instance, but it depends on the usage.

**The Overall Explanation**

Running a lot of benchmarks, which was over 100. That turning on X86_NATIVE_CPU can let you do certain tests to make the input and output quicker, though it doesn't change anything in normal tasks.

On my AMD Ryzen Threadripper Pro 9995WX machine, the Kernel was quicker to do small things dealing with encryption, data, and connection to the network. However, it was slower to make it do stuff in Cassandra database or running Clickhouse questions.

**Difference Reason**

There are a few things here:

*   *Instruction Set Usage:* Customer builds also get customer CPU

*   *Memory and Disk limits:* Normal Tasks often face limits other than CPU, such as if your hard drive is good, or the network is good.

*   *Java and Database task:* These are heavy on virtual machines, so they don't effect what the kernel says.

**What Should You Do**

For most cases, turning on X86_NATIVE_CPU can't do much for what you do. The changes are very small, and you can only see them in the small tests. The developers that do encryption, caching, or input and output activities, could see a small difference here. But don't expect too much if you're using Java and large databases.

Other than that, there isn't any danger in trying. And it could even give you a slight benefit. So it is worth doing

**Lastly**

X86_NATIVE_CPU is good to to make software run better on what it has. You'd think that using -march=native can make your CPU run better. However it all depends on what you do. You can see it helping by a little bit in small tests, but what you use may not change that much. Or it could be slower.

On the AMD Ryzen Threadripper Pro 9995WX workstation, Linux with it and GCC has shown us the optimization, but it is not too strong. Just like everything, it depends on the usage. So X86_NATIVE_CPU is a good idea

16.Battlefield 6 Claims 2025 Sales Crown as Call of Duty Streak Ends 

Call of Duty, the king of video games for ages, finally got knocked off its throne. For almost twenty years straight, it felt like every year, a new Call of Duty game would come out and immediately become the biggest thing ever. Since the first Modern Warfare game, Activision's series was always at the top, selling more copies than any other game in most years. We're talking over half a billion copies sold worldwide. It was up there with classics like Tetris and Mario, like a true legend.

But then came 2025, and things went sideways. Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 dropped, but instead of being a hit, it kinda bombed. That opened the door for two other games to step up: Battlefield 6, made by Electronic Arts, and ARC Raiders, from a studio called Embark. Suddenly, Call of Duty had some real competition.

**What happened with Black Ops 7?**

The main problem was the single-player story. People just didn't like it. Critics said the story made no sense, the boss fights were weird, and the characters felt like bad jokes instead of real people. One reviewer even said it was the worst Call of Duty campaign ever. Another said it was huge and messy, which is bad news for a series that was known for being smooth and well-made.

And get this: to play the campaign, you HAD to be online all the time. If your internet went out or you lost power, you had to start the whole mission over from the beginning. People were used to being able to play Call of Duty campaigns whenever they wanted, without needing a constant internet . That decision made a lot of players angry.

The multiplayer and zombies modes were still pretty good, but even that wasn't enough to save the game. Sales were way down compared to the last Black Ops game. That meant that even though the online modes were fun, people weren't buying the game like they used to. Call of Duty was losing its grip.

**Battlefield 6: A Return to Form**

Battlefield 6 came out in October, and it was a big deal. Battlefield had always been in Call of Duty's shadow, and the last game, Battlefield 2042, had a rough start. But this time, they went back to what made Battlefield great in the first place.

They focused on huge maps, where you could blow up pretty much anything. They put a lot of focus back on team-based battles, where you had to work together with your squad.

The people making the game said they looked back at older Battlefield games like Battlefield 3 and 4 for inspiration. They even brought back some old maps that fans loved. They tweaked the guns to feel like the older games, and the multiplayer modes were full of crazy, vehicle-filled battles.

They also let players try out the game early and give feedback. This helped them fix problems before the game came out, so it was in much better shape than the last Battlefield game.

All this paid off. Battlefield 6 was a hit with both critics and players. It became the bestselling game of the year so far, and it looked like it might actually beat Call of Duty.

**ARC Raiders: The Unexpected Surprise**

Then there was ARC Raiders. Nobody expected this game to be as big as it was. It's a third-person shooter where you have to go into dangerous areas, grab loot, and then get out alive.

These types of games are usually very unforgiving, if you die, you lose everything you collected. ARC Raiders made it a little easier. Even if you died, you still made progress in the game. you still learned more about the story or gained experience,.

The game also had a surprisingly friendly community. Instead of fighting each other, players worked together to take down giant robots. Plus, the game had a cool retro-futuristic look and was fun to watch on streaming. It became a real cultural thing. And at $40, it was cheaper than most big games, people felt like they were getting a good deal.

At the Game Awards, ARC Raiders won Best Multiplayer Game. It was one of the biggest surprises of the year.

**What Does This Mean for Call of Duty?**

Activision, the company that makes Call of Duty, knows they messed up. They said they're going to stop releasing new games in the same series every year. They want to make sure that each game feels fresh and different.

Some people think Call of Duty is in trouble, but others say not to worry. They've had rough patches before, and they always bounce back. Plus, even though Black Ops 7 didn't sell as well as previous games, it was still a success compared to other games. Call of Duty might be hurting, but it's not dead.

**What's Next?**

The world of first-person shooters is getting more and more crowded. Battlefield 6 will keep getting new updates, and ARC Raiders is designed to be a game that people play for years. Plus, there's a new Marathon game coming out, and everyone's waiting for the next Grand Theft Auto.

Call of Duty needs to figure out how to win back its fans. it needs to make sure the gameplay is fun and come up with new ideas. Maybe they could learn from other companies like Rockstar, who take their time making games, or Ubisoft, who gave Assassin's Creed a big makeover after a break. Maybe Call of Duty just needs to take a step back and figure out what to do next.

**Final Thoughts**

2025 was a game-changer. Call of Duty finally lost its top spot, thanks to its own mistakes and the success of other games. Battlefield 6 went back to its roots, while ARC Raiders made a tough genre more accessible.

Call of Duty is still a huge game, but it's not invincible anymore. Whether it can get back on top depends on how well it can adapt to the changing market. One thing's for sure: the days of Call of Duty dominating everything are over, and the competition in online shooters is tougher than ever.

17.Linux Finally Adds Man Pages for Mount API Six Years After Release 

**The Winding Path to Explaining Linux's New Mount API**

You know, documentation is super important in the open-source world. If people can't figure out how to use something, even if it's amazing, it's basically useless. The story of Linux's new mount API is a perfect example. It showed up around mid-2019 with Linux 5.2 and was supposed to be a better way to handle file systems. But for over half a decade, there wasn't decent documentation for developers. It wasn't until October 2025, when manpages 6.16 came out, that the API finally got the attention it needed.

**So, What's This New Mount API All About?**

In the past, Linux used the mount system call, which was like a one-time shot – everything was done at once. It worked, but it wasn't very adaptable. The new mount API is different. It's like a step-by-step process using file descriptors, giving you much finer control.

The main system calls are:

*   **fsopen:** Opens a fresh file system.

*   **fsconfig:** Sets up the parameters for the file system.

*   **fsmount** and **move\_mount:** These actually handle the mounting.

This more organized way lets developers set up mounts exactly how they want them, deal with problems without everything crashing, and add new stuff without having to redo the whole thing. Over time, most major file systems started using the API, with F2FS being one of the last to jump on board earlier in 2025.

**The Missing Manuals**

Even though it sounded cool, not many people were using the new mount API at first. The big reason? No proper documentation, especially man pages. These are like the go-to guides for Linux system calls. Without them, developers had to dig around in mailing lists, the kernel's code itself, or random blog posts – none of which are as clear or trustworthy as official documentation.

Askar Safin, who checked out the man pages when they finally appeared, told Phoronix that not having documentation probably held back the API for years. Developers didn't want to mess with something they couldn't easily look up, mainly since the old mount system call was still working fine.

**A History of Stalls**

It wasn't an easy trip to get the documentation written. There were a bunch of failed starts:

*   **2018:** Someone tried to submit man page documentation, but it never got included.

*   **2020:** Another try didn't go anywhere either.

*   **2025:** Christian Brauner, a kernel developer, kept a Markdown version of the documentation going. This became the base for the set of changes that finally got the API into the regular manpages.

These delays show a bigger problem: It's hard to keep documentation up to date while the kernel is being worked on, especially when the people helping out are volunteers with other stuff going on.

**Markdown vs. Groff**

Brauner, who now works on Linux at Microsoft, shared his thoughts on Mastodon. He thinks that using Groff, the old-school way of doing man pages, is a pain these days. The way Groff is written is complicated compared to Markdown, which is used everywhere in open-source projects today.

Keeping man pages in Groff means you need special knowledge, which makes people less likely to help out. Markdown, on the other hand, is easy to use and fits in with modern tools. Brauner's point is that Linux documentation needs to be updated to be as easy to use as its code.

**Why Documentation is a Big Deal**

The delay in documenting the mount API proves something that happens a lot in open source: If you don't document it, it's like it doesn't exist. Even though the API was there since 2019, nobody knew about it, so they just stuck with the old mount system call. This slowed everything down, limited new ideas, and meant people missed out on the advantages of the new design.

Documentation isn't just about explaining what something does. It shows that it's stable, reliable, and supported. When the man pages finally came out in October 2025, it showed that the API was a tool people could count on, which encouraged more people to use it.

**Lessons Learned**

There are a few things we can learn from this:

*   Documentation should be just as important as the code itself. If you don't have clear documentation, people won't use it.

*   Modern formats matter. Markdown makes it easier for people to help, while Groff scares them away.

*   The community is important. People like Brauner, who made Markdown drafts, can fill in the gaps until there's official support.

*   Missing documentation slows progress. The mount API could have been used much earlier if developers had easy-to-use guides.

**What's Next for Linux Documentation?**

Now that the mount API is finally documented, people are wondering about the bigger picture. Should Linux man pages switch to Markdown or some other modern format? Or can we find a way to keep some of the old Groff stuff while making it more accessible? These questions show that there's a tug-of-war between tradition and new ideas in open source.

For now, developers can finally check the man pages for fsopen, fsconfig, and the other calls. The API is now in a better position to do what it was supposed to do: offer a flexible, modern way to mount file systems. But the six-year delay is a warning about what happens when you don't take documentation seriously.

**In Conclusion**

The Linux kernel’s new mount API had a lot of promise when it was introduced in 2019, but its use was stopped because of one big thing: there was no man page documentation. After years of nothing happening, the documentation finally showed up in 2025, because Christian Brauner didn't give up, and the community came together. This shows that in open source, it's very important to have documentation that's easy to use.

As Linux keeps getting better, it's important to make sure that new features are documented quickly and in a way that makes people want to help out. If not, even the best tools might get ignored, hidden inside the kernel itself.

18.Apple’s $130 Billion Cash Reserve Provides Strategic Edge for 2026 AI Push 

**Apple's AI Gamble: Playing It Cool Could Win in 2026**

AI is *the* big thing in tech these days. Companies like OpenAI, Google, and Meta? They're throwing mountains of cash—we're talking hundreds of billions!—at building those massive data centers, teaching their AI models, and trying to create AI-powered stuff. The common thinking is: You gotta spend big or you're gonna get left behind. But Apple? They've been doing their own thing, and people have been saying they're behind the times. But, according to a report, Apple's laid-back approach might actually be pretty smart by 2026, especially if everyone starts wondering if all that crazy AI spending is really worth it.

**Big Pile of Cash, Slow and Steady**

Unlike their competition, Apple hasn't been making huge, attention grabbing investments in AI. Instead, they've been careful with their AI budget. They're sitting on a massive pile of cash—over $130 billion! Some people think Apple's being too careful and will miss out. Siri, Apple's voice assistant, hasn't been that great compared to cool artificial intelligence stuff like ChatGPT or Google's Gemini.

But this careful approach gives Apple options. If those AI startup companies start to lose value, Apple could swoop in and buy them up or partner with them. Instead of risking everything on their own AI models, Apple seems to be waiting for the right time to buy in, so they don't get stuck with a bunch of expensive equipment.

**Siri's Makeover: Finally!**

The big thing Apple's planning for 2026 is a brand-new Siri, due out in the spring. They’re going to make Siri much better which will allow the assistant to actually hold a conversation and handle more complicated tasks. People have been complaining about Siri for years, so this is a big deal. To make this transformation happen, Apple will going with Google’s Gemini.

This shows that Apple knows that they need to incorporate artificial intelligence into stuff we use all the time. Instead of trying to win the competition, Apple wants to people to have a good time when they use their products.

**The iPhone Advantage**

The secret weapon in Apple’s AI arsenal might not be super fancy AI. The the fact that so many people use Apple products. Because everyone has an iPhone, Apple can just release AI updates to their entire customer base. Unlike AI startups that need to get people to that want to download their apps, Apple can just push updates through iOS.

This is a way to get those new features into the hands of millions of people right away, without any need to worry about complicated manufacturing or distribution. Other companies trying to create AI devices are going to have a real hard time competing with that. Apple already has people who love their products.

**Shuffling the Deck: Leadership Changes**

It hasn't been a smooth ride for Apple. The Siri upgrade was delayed, and things have been reorganized. Mike Rockwell, who launched the Vision Pro headset, is now in charge of Siri. And John Giannandrea, Apple’s top AI guy, left in December 2025. His team has been split up and put into other product teams because some people thought there wasn't a clear direction.

These changes suggest that Apple wants to place their attention artificial intelligence on the products like Siri and software updates.

**Is the AI Party Over?**

The whole tech world might be changing. People are starting to wonder if all this AI spending is worthwhile. Can these companies really make money off of those huge data centers and AI models? Some experts are worried that we're in an AI bubble, where everyone's expectations are way too high.

Seen in this way, Apple's careful planning seems a lot smarter. By not spending as much, Apple hasn't put itself at risk of overspending. If the hype about AI dies down, Apple can swoop in and buy up companies or form partnerships at a more reasonable cost, using that massive pile of cash.

**A Bumpy Ride So Far**

Apple's history with AI has been a bit up and down. Siri was cool when it first came out in 2011, but it quickly fell behind. Some of their other AI projects, like predictive typing or photo recognition, have been okay, but not game-changing. However, these things haven't really hurt Apple's business. People are still buying iPhones, Macs, and using Apple’s services which is a sign that the single key determinant of a company's success is not based on AI.

2026 could be a turning point. If Apple can make Siri way better while other companies struggle to prove their AI investments are worth it, things could change. Apple’s patience will be seen as genius decision-making.

**What's Next?**

The following year will be a true test. The new Siri needs to prove that Apple can deliver cool AI experiences without going overboard on spending. If it works, it'll show that Apple's strategy of waiting and integrating AI is the right one. If not, people might think Apple is still behind.

Still, Apple has some major advantage. Their huge customer base, massive cash reserves, and control over their own ecosystem? It's hard to compete with that. Even if AI becomes a standard feature, Apple can still stand out with great design, privacy features, and seamless connections between all their devices.

**The Bottom Line**

People have criticized Apple for being cautious with AI, this could be a big win for them. By saving money, focusing on integrating AI into their products, and getting ready to launch a much-improved Siri, Apple is in a great place to take advantage of any potential slowdown in the AI market. Big companies are trying to get bigger, Apple is focusing on experiences and making their ecosystem as strong as possible. That’s why Apple's caution could look like genius move. And if Siri finally becomes what all of us wanted it to be. Apple might be viewed as a leader again.

19.Eurogamer Readers Crown Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 as Game of the Year 2025 

**Eurogamer Readers’ Top 50 Games of 2025: What a Year!**

Man, 2025 was a wild ride for gaming. We got big-name sequels, cool indie games that took risks, and the freakin' Nintendo Switch 2 showed up! It was tough to keep up with all the good stuff. Eurogamer's readers voted for their favorite games, and the Top 50 list is all over the place in terms of styles and which systems they're on. The cool thing I see is how 2025 mixed old-school feels with new ideas. We got remakes that hit hard because we already had love for them, with completely new and exciting game styles being explored. So, let's look at some games lower on the list – even those show how much gaming offered in 2025.

**Chill Games and Inventive Ideas**

Number 50 is Anno 117: Pax Romana, which is the latest in the city-building series from Ubisoft Mainz. The selling point is you create these huge cities in ancient Rome. One person voting said it was a real comfort game, something to play when vegging out watching TV. That chill vibe shows up, too, in Fantasy Life i: The Girl Who Steals Time (at 49), a sweet RPG from Level-5 where you get life-sim stuff and adventure. A lot of people lost about 80 hours to that game, but they don't feel they need to go back.

Skin Deep (48) got love for its crazy humor. Blendo Games made this systemic shooter that people liked because it wasn't like other games. It made them laugh... a lot. Hell is Us (47) broke down what you normally got from the bigger studios by taking out maps and the normal stuff you'd see onscreen. It made players use what they felt they should be doing to solve the overall story. Folks checking it out were impressed by how the puzzles were setup

**Personal Stories and Unique Games**

Despelote (46) felt like the most personal game of the year. Julián Cordero and Sebastian Valbuena made it, setting it in Ecuador, their home. It mixed their own lives into a game where it’s hard to know what was real and what wasn’t. People who played it felt like nostalgia was being celebrated. Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii (45) went the other way with the series’ crazy humor and long video cutscenes. Wheel World (44) pulled in cycling fans with its cool-looking graphics. But a game called Baby Steps (43) hit a chord because it looked at what it means to really be alive.

**Old Games Come Back**

2025 brought back some favorites. Trails in the Sky 1st Chapter (42) was remade to look better, but still having the charm. Ninja Gaiden 4 (41) went to series fans made by Platinum Games.

Cronos: The New Dawn (40) was one for the horror fans, by Bloober Team following Silent Hill 2 remake. Good writing that had you drawn to finishing the game.

Capcom gave us Monster Hunter Wilds (39) with new stuff to mess with, and bosses!. Puzzle fans got hooked on Lumines Arise (38) by mixing grime tracks to its gameplay and characters. Visual novel fans dug The Hundred Line: Last Defense Academy (37) that had both a game and characters that kept your attention.

**Old School Feeling **

Sektori (36) let players who ain't as quick as they used to be have fun with fast games. Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater (35) kept the feel of the original, but was better made and it was fun. Sword of the Sea (34) was short, but looked great, kind of like Journey but shorter.

Mafia: The Old Country (33) put players in Sicily that had great backgrounds and a focused story. Luca Trapani was a character that fans were drawn to right away. Final Fantasy Tactics – The Ivalice Chronicles (32) made you think, but wasn't impossible to beat. The jankiness of Bethesda’s Oblivion Remastered (31) was part of what made it great. 2006 lives!!

**Emotional**

People were drawn to South of Midnight (30) because of how it looked and what it sounded like, even if the fights got old. Absolum (29) made the beat-’em-up formula fresh. Shinobi: Art of Vengeance (28) brought NES-era Ninja Gaiden energy to the game.

Lost Records: Bloom & Rage (27) made people feel kid emotions from childhood. People even bought a Walkman after playing. Elden Ring Nightreign (26) surprised fans by adding roguelike multiplayer. Citizen Sleeper 2 (25) continued a great story-driven game from the gaming space.

**Charm**

Promise Mascot Agency (24) charmed players with its out there world. Atomfall (23) embraced British feel, offering very different endings. Metroid Prime 4: Beyond (22) gave fans a game they wanted by Samus.

Double Fine’s Keeper (21) had a design and made the player experience sad, but optimistic. The Alters (20) made tension. Assassin’s Creed Shadows (19) went new ways in series design. The Outer Worlds 2 (18) gave Obsidian depth, while Doom: The Dark Ages (17) had the demon-slaying that let you have game play.

**Lots to Play**

From chill city-builders to hard roguelikes, gaming folks had love for those styles. Everyone was open for new things. Voting shows gaming is getting new experiences.

The top half of the Top 50 games are listed above that. 2025 was about gaming on gaming.

**In short**

Experimenting and telling a good story defined the year. Nostalgia was heavy, other games pushed where games could go, with growth everywhere. Whether it was Oblivion Remastered, the intimacy of Despelote, or having fun Doom: The Dark Ages, 2025 let's us get ready to celebrate.

2026 is the year for Grand Theft Auto VI and The Duskbloods, with games surprising us.

20.$199 Galaxy A17 5G to Offer Unprecedented Six Years of Android Updates 

Samsung's coming out swinging in 2026 with a couple of new gadgets that won't empty your wallet: the Galaxy A17 5G phone and the Galaxy Tab A11+ tablet. These are aimed right at folks who want a phone and tablet that just *work*, without costing a fortune. They're hitting stores in early January, and they're sticking to Samsung's usual plan of giving you decent stuff without charging crazy prices. The phone's gonna be around $199, and the tablet's about $250, which should make them pretty tempting for students, people who just want to check email and watch videos, and anyone who needs a solid device but doesn't want to pay flagship prices.

📱 **Galaxy A17 5G: Nothing wild, But It Works**

The Galaxy A17 5G drops on January 7th. It's the latest in Samsung's A-series, which has been a big deal in the cheap Android phone world for ages. Honestly, it's not trying to reinvent anything, but it takes what we already know and makes it better.

**Look and Feel**

This phone's got a 6.7-inch FHD+ Super AMOLED screen. That's a fancy way of saying the colors will pop, and the blacks will be super dark – which is something you don't always see on phones this cheap. If you spend a lot of time watching videos, scrolling through Instagram, or playing games, that screen is really worth looking at. It's way better than a lot of other phones you can get for under $200. Plus the build quality is solid, it feels good in the hand and doesn't feel cheap at all.

**What It Can Do**

Inside, the A17 5G has the Exynos 1330 chip. It's the same one they used in last year's Galaxy A16 5G. It's not the fastest chip out there, but it's good enough for everyday stuff like texting, browsing the web, and playing simple games. It's got 4GB of RAM and 128GB of storage as a base line, which is a good mix for a budget phone. You can also add a microSD card up to 2TB if you need even more space – which is great if you have tons of photos or like to download movies to watch on the go. The processor is fast enough to handle multiple apps open at once, it's not a speed demon, but it gets the job done.

**Snapping Pics**

Samsung stuck with the same cameras they used on the A16. That means you get a 50MP main camera, a 5MP ultra-wide, a 2MP macro, and a 13MP selfie camera. Again, nothing mind-blowing, but you can take decent pictures with it. The 50MP camera takes clear photos when there's good light, and the ultra-wide lens is nice for getting those landscape shots or group photos. The selfie cam takes good pictures as well and the camera app is very easy to use.

**Power and Charging**

The A17 5G comes with a 5,000mAh battery, so it should easily last a whole day. It also has fast charging, which is something people expect these days, even on cheaper phones. If you're coming from an older phone, being able to charge it up quickly will be a nice change of pace. The standby time is impressive as well.

**The Bottom Line**

Basically, the Galaxy A17 5G is just Samsung doing what they do best: making small improvements, offering dependable performance, and giving you good value for your money. It probably won't excite anyone who's really into tech, but it could easily be one of the best cheap Android phones you can buy in 2026. The build and features are overall very impressive.

📺 **Galaxy Tab A11+: A Tablet that just gets stuff done**

The Galaxy Tab A11+ shows up a day later, on January 8th. It's Samsung's new basic tablet, costing around $250. It's made for things like watching videos, browsing the web, making video calls, and getting a little work done.

**Screen and How It's Made**

This tablet has an 11-inch LCD screen, which is big enough to watch videos comfortably or work on a couple of things at once. LCD screens aren't as bright and colorful as AMOLED screens, but they keep the price down and still look good for the stuff you'll be doing every day. The chassis is made from a nice feeling plastic.

**Speed and Storage**

The Tab A11+ comes in two versions:

* 6GB of RAM / 128GB of Storage

* 8GB of RAM / 256GB of Storage

Both versions let you add a microSD card, so you can always get more space for your apps, downloads, or videos you want to watch offline. It's quick enough for most everyday tasks, but don't expect to play really demanding games or do serious video editing on it. Overall performance is really good for the price point.

**Taking Photos**

It has an 8MP camera on the back and a 5MP camera on the front. Tablets usually aren't known for their cameras, but these are fine for video calls, scanning documents, or just snapping a quick photo.

**Battery life**

Samsung says you can watch videos for up to 15 hours on this thing. That means it’s a good choice for traveling or just sitting down and watching a bunch of episodes. Like the A17 5G, it also has fast charging, so you don't have to wait forever for it to charge up. The battery lasts a long time and has very good standby time.

**Who Is It For?**

The Tab A11+ is great for students who need something to take notes on and watch online lectures, families who want a tablet everyone can share, or people who want a second screen for meetings and presentations. It's not fancy, but you can count on it. The tablet has great features and is powerful enough to handle most use cases.

🎯 **What's Going On Here?**

Samsung's plan with these is pretty clear: They want to offer affordable stuff that still feels like it's good quality. Sure, the fancy Galaxy S phones get all the attention, but the A-series phones and Tab A tablets are quietly selling millions of devices all over the world. By giving you things like nice screens, extra storage, and fast charging at a low price, Samsung makes sure that people on a budget don't feel like they're missing out on everything.

These devices also show why Samsung is so big. Unlike smaller companies, Samsung has a well known name and lots of stores, so they can reach a lot of people. A lot of customers feel safer buying a Samsung product, even if it's a cheap one. Their brand is synonymous with quality and usability.

✨ **In Conclusion**

The Galaxy A17 5G and Galaxy Tab A11+ might not be pushing any boundaries, but they’re a reminder that Samsung still wants to give you good, reliable devices that don't cost too much. At under $250, both of these give you the things that most people care about: a good screen, expandable storage, long battery life, and fast charging. The focus is to give the majority of people what they want, without breaking the bank.

While the tech world seems to be all about expensive gadgets and new designs, Samsung's budget lineup is there to remind us that being affordable and practical still matters. If you're a student, a family, or just someone who wants a decent device without spending too much, these new Samsung devices are worth checking out.

21.Pokémon Legends: Z-A Launches Worldwide as Top-Selling Physical Game of 2025 

Total Pokémon madness. Seriously, if you're into Pokémon at all, it was like winning the lottery. I mean, think about it! The video games were super fun, the card game sucked up all our money (but who cared?), Pokémon toys were everywhere, and – get this – someone actually put Pokémon-shaped pasta in Campbell’s soup! Who even thought of that? Pokémon just knows how to get us hooked, no matter how old we are. It's kind of crazy, but in a good way. Let's quickly run through all the cool stuff that happened month by month – you probably forgot some of it!

**January: Eevee Mania!**

You just knew it was going to be a good year from the start. The Pokémon Center was completely overtaken by these cute pokemon and declared 2025 the Year of Eevee! Seriously, who *doesn't* love Eevee and its crazy evolutions? Too many to choose from it was a little confusing. Obviously, they started selling Eevee stuff like crazy – figures, clothes, anything you can imagine! The card game people joined the party too, with the Scarlet & Violet series releasing a bunch of new Eevee evolution cards. Oh, and guess what? They brought back Pokémon cards to McDonald’s Happy Meals! Major throwback! On top of that, they started uploading older episodes of Ash’s early adventures on the Pokémon TV YouTube channel. Way back when, huh? Straight up nostalgia bomb.

**February: TV, Comics, and Epic Battles!**

February was like a tidal wave of Pokémon craziness. The newest season of Pokémon Horizons came out, and it was actually good! Plus, the first Scarlet & Violet comic book came out, which was really neat if you wanted to go through the story as a comic, not just on the Switch. If you follow the competitive scene, the Europe International Championships had some seriously intense matches to watch. AND, for Pokémon Day – BOOM! Big announcement! They revealed Pokémon Champions, and they mentioned that all upcoming games would have a Latin American Spanish language option! Now that's awesome, right?

**March: LEGO! (Finally!) and a Rare Pokémon Shows Up!**

Pokémon and LEGO? Seems weird, but it totally works! The LEGO group made some pretty cool sets. A Pokémon showed up in Pokémon UNITE – good timing because the Asia Champions League Finals were in March. There was even a web series with pro players getting ready for the World Championships. Surprisingly interesting, and each episode was released separately. Pokémon Masters EX brought in the Pasio Academy, and Pokémon Sleep had a Cresselia versus Darkrai event, with some nice rewards for helping out.

**April: Pokémon Horizons Rolls On!**

Liko, Roy, and Dot had even more new episodes of Horizons. Also, Season 2 of Beyond the Pokédex came out. Spruce and Maple shared so many Pokémon facts and trivia! Some stuff really reminds you why you're such a big Pokémon fan.

**May: Mega Evolutions Return, and Pokémon Moms Get Some Love!**

May started a celebration for the return of Mega Evolutions. The Pokémon Center released new shirts, figures – tons of new stuff. Also, they announced that the Pokémon Fossil Museum exhibit was going to the Field Museum in Chicago in 2026. Museums and Pokémon? Never would’ve guessed! They also gave shout-outs to the moms who are into Pokémon, which is a nice touch. And to wrap it up, we even got a Team Rocket quiz show – always good for a laugh.

**June: Switch Upgrade and Game Updates!**

June 5th was the debut of the Nintendo Switch 2! Many people might notice a small change. Scarlet and Violet got some cool new stuff, too. TCG Live celebrated its second birthday, along with the North America International Championships! To wrap things up, Hershey's sweets and KISSES came out, which were perfect to eat while following Horizons: Season 2 Part 3.

**July: Split Cards and New Stories!**

The TCG had to split their big set expansion into two releases. They were called Scarlet & Violet—Black Bolt and White Flare and had some awesome cards! Pokémon GO had a Summer Concert event, Latios joined UNITE, and they released a game called Pokémon Friends. The Wallace and Gromit animators at Aardman put out a new animated series, Pokémon Tales: The Misadventures of Sirfetch’d & Pichu, and teased it. PokéPark KANTO in Tokyo will open in 2026.

**August: California Hosts the World Championships!**

August was huge! Anaheim, California played host to the Pokémon World Championships. The Play! Pokémon Access app was released. Eternamax Eternatus showed up at Pokémon GO Fest as a Max Final event, Latias joined UNITE, and the Pokémon Center released Dark Noise merch and a King Ice partnership. Those chains looked really nice!

**September: Mega Malamar?!**

More Mega Evolutions were released, which made us pretty happy. Mega Malamar AND Mega Hawlucha! The Hawlucha greeting was even at a wrestling match? Never seen that before! The TCG mega formation was in high demand. Our first trailer was released to the public, and it ended up being Pokopia, set to release in March of 2026. Pokémon Concierge, had new episodes, too. The Pokémon Center released Alola region plushies for everybody again! It made us think of the memories from the past.

**October: Scary Month and Pokémon Soup is...Real?!**

The big thing we were excited about was seeing the Pokémon Legends: Z‑A for the Switch. The secrets of Lumiose City was the direction that has been set. Another appearance for mega evolutions in the game! Pokémon GO had level cap boosters, and TCG Pocket had anniversary booster packs available. Horizons: Season 3, Rising Hope, was coming out in the first half of 2026. What was more surprising was the fact that there's actually Pokémon shapes for Campbell's soup!

**November: Latin America Gets to Compete!**

To finish the year, the 2026 competitive season was released, with the Latin America International Championships. Vaporeon was one of the added members to UNITE! The event had good outcomes!

**December: Watch Out for Roaming Mewtwo!**

To say that Mewtwo has been roaming and looking for people in Pokémon Legends: Z‑A, with the Mewtwonite X and Y! would be a little underwhelming. The Mega Dimension DLC was released with new content and Hyperspace Lumiose, which made huge noise!

**What Did We Learn?**

2025 was awesome for Pokémon fans, kicking off strong with Eevee and Mega Evolutions. The fans have had a great time!

It makes it clear that Pokémon isn't just for kids, it's enjoyed by so many people. The community for Pokémon is a sight to behold! I'm definitely sticking around for what's to come. It's going to be awesome!

22.RIP Windows 10: Microsoft Officially Ends Support for the Iconic OS 

**Tech's Retirement Home: Gadgets That Kicked the Bucket in '25**

Remember back in '22 when it felt like the tech world was collapsing? The iPod was retired, Google Stadia vanished, and Internet Explorer finally died a death. Well, '25 wasn't quite as dramatic, but we still saw some tech head off to the great beyond. Some gadgets got canned, some services went offline, and other stuff just plain stopped working. It really hits you how quickly things change in the tech world, you know? For those us old enough to have used some of this tech, these farewells might make you think, Wow, I completely forgot about that! or maybe just, That sucks! Either way, it gives you a sense of how fast things are going.

**AOL Dial-Up: Signing Off For Good (Bye, Bye, Bye)**

If you were a kid in the '90s, that modem screech was basically your alarm clock. And AOL? For lots of folks, it *was* the internet. In September '25, after hanging in there for 34 years, AOL finally shut down its dial-up service. Sure, broadband and mobile data are way faster now, but it does make you consider whether some people in rural areas got left in the dust. They might have to spend a lot more just to get online. It shows how far the internet has extended, but also that not everyone benefits equally. I remember fighting with my family to get on AOL. They needed the phone! Good times.

**Humane AI Pin: All Hype, No Results**

The Humane AI Pin, remember that? That little gadget was supposed to be the future of wearable computers. There was a ton of hype surrounding release, but then... total bomb. The projector barely worked, it couldn't usually understand what you were saying, and it got super hot. Quickly, Humane threw in the towel and got bought out by HP around early '25. HP was mostly interested in the patents and the engineers who worked there. That Pin didn't even make it a year, which is crazy. It was just another single-use gadget that got beaten by smartphones – they're so powerful and can do everything. It's tough to stand out when everyone carries a supercomputer in their pocket.

**The Last iPhone with a Home Button: Farewell, Old Friend**

Apple's iPhone SE was the last one with that old-school Home button, right? Then, in February, the iPhone 16E came out and ditched the button for good. If you were used to tapping it all the time, it was like the end of an important chapter, all the way back from '07. Now it's all about swiping. Times change. Even though, some people liked the old physical button better. Apple decided to kick the Home button to the curb to make everything look clean and go for that edge-to-edge screen. Gotta move with the times as the old saying goes, right?

**Micron Stops Selling Memory to Us Regular Joes**

In November, Micron announced they weren't selling memory to average folks through their Crucial brand anymore. See, all the AI companies are loaded with cash, and they're buying up tons of fancy high-bandwidth memory for their server farms. Selling to the average person just isn't as worthwhile anymore. If you're building your own PC, this is bad news! It means fewer options, which could make computer parts more expensive and harder to find. Micron stepping away shows the AI boom is causing changes, and PC enthusiasts might not be the top priority.

**The Blue Screen of Death: Going Dark**

For ages, Windows would throw up a Blue Screen of Death (BSoD) when things went wrong. Everyone knew that meant that you were in trouble. But in October '25, Microsoft changed the screen to black as part of an update to make the system look sharper. Maybe it'll take less time to fix computer errors, now, but it's still a little sad to see such a popular part of tech disappear. It's a household name; it's going to be missed. I still remember how mad I'd get when that blue screen popped up on Runescape, and I hadn't saved my progress!

**Amazon Shuts Down Its Android Appstore**

Amazon's Android Appstore launched in 2011 as a competitor to Google Play. For 14 years, it had apps for Android devices, especially tablets, which is kind of strange. In August '25, Amazon shut down the Appstore because they want to focus on their Fire devices, which use a special version of Android only. Amazon wants people to use their things, even if it means fewer users overall. Now developers have fewer places to sell their apps, and users have less choice.

**Skype Gets Eaten Up by Teams**

Skype was great back in the day, one of our favorite ways to video chat. Then Microsoft bought it in 2011 and slowly turned video calls into a pretty standard part of life. In February '25, Microsoft decided to retire Skype and integrate it into Teams. I'm sure it saves money in the long run, but it's still a little sad to see such a popular app disappear. Even tech can fade out when something newer arrives. A lot of young people have probably never even heard of Skype!

**Nest Thermostats: Getting Abandoned**

In October, Google stopped supporting the first Nest Learning Thermostat, and lots of people were upset. People could still use their thermostats, but they weren't connected to the app anymore. So no tweaking the temperature from your phone, no alerts, and no security updates. All of our tech is controlled by the companies who write the software. It may be how they make money, but it's not customer-friendly.

**Stadia Controllers: Turning Into Useless Plastic**

Google's Stadia game streaming service died back in '22. You could still use the Stadia controller if you did the update that enabled Bluetooth. In December '25, Google shut down that update. Controllers that weren't updated are bricks. That's frustrating! It's useless now.

**U.S. Restricting Third Party Drone Use**

In December, the U.S. started slowing the flow of drone imports. DJI drones have lost access instantly. DJI is a giant supplier of drones world wide and we're taking away their sales. Even though your current drone is operational, it can't be replaced. It's a serious disappointment.

**What's the Point Of All This?**

'25 might not have had the most shocking tech changes, but that doesn't mean they're unimportant. AOL dial-up said goodbye, proving how far we've extended since the old days of the web. The iPhone Home button is dead, and phone design has changed. You average person can't even buy memory from Micron. It's a new world.

This is what tech is all about. And nothing will last forever. We have to get used to the idea that our favorite gadgets might be gone.

23.Zack Zwiezen's Game of the Year 2025: Doom: The Dark Ages Takes the Top Spot 

2025 wasn't the *absolute* best year for gaming, not gonna lie. I mean, we didn't get any crazy revolutionary titles that blew my socks off like *Elden Ring* or something. Still, I had a blast playing games. And coming up with my Top 10 wasn't too hard at all, I had all types of gaming that ran across different genres.

So, here we go, with my personal favorites. Keep in mind, this isn't some official ranking (except for number 10 – that's my GOTY!), just a list of games I really dug this year.

### 1. *Battlefield 6*

Alright, *Battlefield* came out, and yeah, it had some issues. The drone was weak, the map was too open, and the single-player was not the best! But I dumped hours into the multiplayer.

*Battlefield* is chaotic, and tactical. Some nights, tank gameplay is the name of the game, while others consist of clearing buildings with your pal. Buildings will collapse, and everything explodes while you are getting your win, it's a ton of fun.

### 2. *Routine*

*Routine* threw me for a loop. This sci-fi horror adventure from Lunar Software is unsettling and atmospheric. At first, I wasn't sure if this one would make the list, but the creepiness stuck around.

*Routine* is set in normal places – offices, kitchen, hallways– but it creates this scary feeling instead. You get deeper into each level as you progress, and there was one part that scared me.

### 3. *Avowed*

*Avowed*, from Obsidian, is like a Bethesda RPG, but it's more streamlined, and more story driven. It might not have a massive skyrim like world, or Fallout scope, but it fixes it with a memorable story. This game made me happy to always explore and do my thing, and *Avowed* did that for me by having great writing, and an exciting world to explore.

### 4. *Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 3+4*

Let's be real, a good *Tony Hawk* game just hits different. Iron Galaxy did a solid job with the *THPS 3* and *THPS 4* remake. They nailed the look, the noise, and the feel of the OG games. Some found problems with *THPS 4*, but the classic runs were my thing to do. It has a bunch of challenges, skating, and you can even do it with a friend.

### 5. *Despelote*

I'm not a soccer fan, but *Despelote* got me. It's in Quito, Ecuador back when Ecuador was getting ready for the 2002 World Cup and it uses soccer to highlight a boy's life. It tells a story of growth, dreams, being in trouble, etc.

### 6. *Dispatch*

AdHoc Studio's *Dispatch* reminds me of the old Telltale games, but fresher. It is based upon a superhero agency, and it mixes work with comedy. This game is superb. The jokes land, the characters are fun, and the story is great!

### 7. *Mafia: The Old Country*

I just really want somebody to make a story game without a whole crafting system! *Mafia: The Old Country* is it. A story that takes 10-15 hours, set back in 1904 during the mob days.

### 8. *South of Midnight*

Compulsion Games' *South of Midnight* is a stop motion action platformer that takes place in the American South. The racism and slavery are talked about as a way to honor Southern culture, and has music that will make you bop. It's a game that knows how to tug on your heart strings, and hopefully in the future the fights are much better.

### 9. *Jurassic World Evolution 3*

If you are into sims, *Jurassic World Evolution 3* will strike your fancy. I worked hours into touring my parks, building, and making sure my lizards were happy. It gets everything right with the park sim stuff. The depth and polish make it exciting and replayable for the audience.

### 10. *The Outer Worlds 2* (Game of the Year)

This stuff was really hard, but Obsidian's *The Outer Worlds 2* won. As a Fallout fan, I wanted a good action based RPG in space. The first game was good and the sequel was even better. The dialogue was good, the fighting was fun, and the game was polished.

### Conclusion

2025 was good, but it wasn't a great year, but I got to try *Battlefield 6, to hear *Despelote*, the skateboarding in *THPS 3+4*, or the wonderful *The Outer Worlds 2*. It was a good year to celebrate.

24.iOS 26 Preview App: Why I’m Finally Deleting Third-Party PDF Editors 

**iOS 26's New Preview App: PDFs and Pictures Finally Get Some Love**

So, Apple's iOS updates, right? Most times, it's just little fix ups, maybe a faster animation here, a battery life boost there. Fine and good, but not something special, right? Sometimes, Apple throws in something outta left field, a completely new app that changes how you use your iPhone or iPad. With iOS 26 and iPadOS 26, they kind of did both! They added a games app which is whatever, but really they gave us a real version of the Mac’s Preview app. If you're always messing with PDFs or photos, this is gonna be kind of a big deal. It gives 'em the same respect as your Pages, Keynote, and Numbers stuff. It makes you wonder why it took them so long!

**What’s this Preview App Do, Exactly?**

Think about Preview on your Mac. It's the super easy way to look at and change PDFs, sign things, or jot down a quick note. Now, iOS 26 puts that exact thing onto your phone and tablet. The main point that Apple's trying to get across is that Preview is the only place you have to to look, edit, and mark up PDFs and pictures. And it really jives well with the Apple Pencil on iPad. You can throw in blank pages, doodle all over your docs, and rapidly fill in PDF forms with AutoFill. Plus, it all works together well with the Files app for simple storage. I can't believe that this wasn't in iOS before.

**Separate App? Huge Advantages.**

Before iOS 26, opening a PDF or pic from the Files app kept you stuck there. It did the job, sure, but it felt weird. Like, if you were to open Pages or Keynote, it would start the app, right? PDFs and photos felt like an afterthought.

But now, Preview gives PDFs and images their own place. That difference is actually useful. It means you can switch around with ease, like it's one app. This makes doing lots of different things at the same time way more simple, mostly when you are using documents. Having that app changed the way I used the tablet.

**Real Life: House-Buying**

I've been messing around with Preview since the first iOS 26 test versions came out way back in June, and I can safely say it was a solid addition. I had to deal with contracts and other financial papers while buying my house, making me use PDFs all the time, I was hitting PDFs up a lot to be honest. Preview made looking at 'em on my iPhone way more simple. Instead of reopening it in the Files app, I left the important ones open in Preview. It did made the whole house buying process a lot more easy. I didn't have that before, so I worked with what I had.

**Preview on iPad: Works Well**

The iPad gives Preview even more things because of iPadOS 26's way of handling windows. I usually keep Preview in a wide window on the left side of the screen, and let Files stay in the right part. I can look at the PDF and look through all the documents. It feels like working on a desktop computer! It helps a lot when you have an Apple Pencil. Having this feature is a blessing.

**Editing Tools? Mac-Stuff**

Preview does more than just let you view things. It has tools to tweak them, too:

*   Adding and removing pages from PDFs.

*   Signing things using the Markup tools.

*   Automatically filling out forms.

*   Making notes on pics with writing, colors, or drawings.

With the tools added in the iOS, it feels closer to what you would do in Preview in Mac; now, Apple's finally got its own version and works with it all. They should just combine it.

**Why Preview Helps Out**

Preview on iOS fixes a really big deal. PDFs are around, mostly with today's work, contracts, tickets, instructions, forms, the app makes the work doable. Preview works together with Files because of how the process is; Files helps arrange everything, Preview helps give the tools. It's a good system.

Its how document types are being handled. Pages documents starts in Files but start in Pages, Keynote does it too. Now with PDFs and photos, they get to have their own space, making everything arranged. It helps with stress.

**What's Next?**

Preview tells us that Apple has a greater plan happening. Since they are bringing Mac's app and putting it on iOS and iPadOS, Apple makes the differences less noticable when you compare computer & phones / tablets. The ipad, is becoming a better tool to work with. Since you can use Apple Pencil, Preview is useful to check, Sign and mark documents.

**Final Thoughts**

iOS 26's Preview app might not be as fancy as the others, but its Apple's helpful app added. If you're always using Pictures and PDFs, its less hard to do task, rapidly edit and works good with Files. The way it works with phone changes how you would use documents. With IPad having a window system, is feels good to use it. Honestly, the new feature makes working on IPad better than a computer. It makes sense doesn't it?

After using it a lot, I see Preview as an addition that makes things less hard. Apple gave us an update that comes with Preview, and genuinely useful app will be stuck with iOS and iPadOS. Its a great piece of the puzzle.

25.Galaxy S26 Ultra Hands-On: Leaked Dummy Units Confirm Bold New Camera Island 

The scoop on the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra: don't expect any crazy changes anytime soon. The big talk is all about that camera. Seriously, get ready, because that camera bump? It might be even bigger than what we've already seen on phones. Buckle up, folks!

Samsung's Ultra phones usually pack all the latest tech. With 2026 almost here, whispers about the S26 Ultra are already leaking out. Right now, it's pretty hush-hush. However, some photos and videos of early designs are surfacing. Those leaks give us an idea of what Samsung has planned. You know how phones sometimes rock and roll when you lay them flat? It doesn’t look like Samsung has fixed that.

**Same Design, but HUGE Camera**

This guy @OnLeaks, who usually gets it right, showed off some pictures and videos that are supposedly the S26 Ultra. From what we can tell, Samsung isn't trying anything wild with this one. It looks a lot like the S25 Ultra – rounded corners and a shiny look. But here's the kicker: that camera on the back.

On the S25 Ultra, the camera lenses were almost flush with the back of the phone. The S26 Ultra? It has a camera bump that sticks out a lot, kinda like the Galaxy Z Fold 7. The main cameras sit on a raised-up area.

**Still Wobbling!**

Okay, camera bumps on phones aren't breaking news. If you want photos better than the competition, you need space for bigger stuff inside. Since Samsung crams all the cameras on one side of the phone, it wobbles on a table. Whenever you tap the screen, the phone teeter-totters. I find it very annoying.

The Galaxy Z Fold 7 had the same issue. Some guys joked about the wobble being a feature. And yes, the S26 Ultra looks like it’s doing the same thing. This isn't the first time this has happened. Are they ignoring our complaints?

If you spend a good amount of time using your phone while it’s on a table, you might want to consider this. Many phones wobble a tiny bit, but with the camera bump, it's way more noticeable.

**But Why's the Camera So Big?**

One reason the camera bump is bigger could be that Samsung is making the phone thinner. It's a tradeoff – a thinner phone might feel better in your pocket, but it won't lay flat.

Samsung is also trying to make the camera better all the time. Bigger insides need more space. But for a lot of people, it might be seen as a pain the butt.

**Cases To The Rescue!**

A case would probably fix the wobble. A lot of people use cases anyway, so the wobble might not matter. But if you don't use a case, that wobble is bad. Those guys who brag about never using a case are definitely going to have problems.

Phone companies might be designing phones thinking you'll put a case on them. That way, they don't have to fix flawed designs.

**Living With The Wobble**

The wobble probably isn't a deal-breaker. People buy Samsung phones because of the operating system, the screen, or the camera quality. A bigger camera bump isn’t going to change their minds. At least I don't think it will. Yet, it'll be pretty irritating if it's bad. The little things can sometimes change how you use something without you even noticing.

The way the S26 Ultra looks might change how it feels. That camera bump might feel weird in your hands. It might also take up more room in your pockets.

**What's Next?**

These leaks might not be totally correct. Samsung can still makes changes before the phone comes out. The pictures are likely early designs, so the camera bump might not be as big. But these leaks are a good way to see what Samsung is doing with the phone.

The Galaxy S26 Ultra seems like a better version of the S25 Ultra. The Ultra line wants to have the greatest design. We'll see if they did it.

26.Benchmarking Paradox: Windows 11 Beats Ubuntu on Intel Arrow Lake H Laptops 

For ages, everyone just *knew* Linux was the only way to get serious computing muscle. If you were doing crazy math, running huge companies, or just wanted a fast laptop, Linux builds like Ubuntu would smoke Windows. Creatives doing 3D design, coding, or science stuff? Linux was pretty much the default.

Then I got my hands on this Lenovo ThinkPad P1 Gen 8, and it messed with my head. I ran tons of tests, and Windows 11 wasn't just keeping up; sometimes, it was actually faster. I was like, What is happening?! because it was totally opposite to everything I’ve previously considered about computers.

**Linux: Still Awesome (Most of the Time)**

Let’s be clear: Linux is awesome because it's gets as much as possible out of PCs. It's a super-smart manager, making sure everything flows nicely. It spreads work across every brain cell of modern processors. Its also light on its feet because it avoids useless stuff running around in the background. Whether you like AMD, Intel, or whatever, Linux often adds performance. Those big 3D apps and real heavy-duty programs? Most times, they haul on Linux, even if you can run them on other systems.

Windows beating it is strange, and you need to question what happened under the hood. If it does occur, something's probably messing with the settings. For tech folks, it’s the following: If you need every last bit of power and speed, go with Linux. That's what I *assumed*, until recently.

**Wait a Minute... Windows Was faster?!**

Last year, I beat up this Lenovo ThinkPad P1 Gen 8 with test. This thing has a spanking new Intel Core Ultra 7 255H chip (Arrow Lake H, for tech nerds), 64GB of crazy-fast memory, a flash drive, and an NVIDIA RTX Pro 1000 graphics card. The CPU *by itself* has *sixteen* cores. Six are for max power, eight are for battery saving. It usually runs at 28 watts, but when it works for longer periods of time, it rockets up to 115 watts. It's a monster machine!

I figured Linux would smash it. But I was caught by surprise: Windows 11 was quicker, even when running rendering programs. This continued to happen.

**So, What's the Deal?**

I was mega confused, so I mailed everything to Lenovo. Lenovo and Intel began searching, viewing the code and settings, checking the coolers and power settings, and everything else. I was attempting to identify the issue.

I monitored updating the kernel. After that, I observed the hardware settings, boot software and looked if any bad glitches were happening. Nothing!

Windows 11 *still* was faster, and Lenovo just said, well this is what happens.

**So, Why the heck did Windows win?**

Here's what I guess:

*   **Made for Purpose:** Windows and companies get to tune things together, so the Windows 11 build Lenovo sells might be custom settings that other operating systems aren't able to access.

*   **Better Power:** Windows might give power those hybrid systems better, so they use more power.

*   **Better Temperatures:** Windows is running at cooler temperatures better.

*   **New Hardware Stuff:** Arrow Lake H just came out, so Linux might not get to access anything, like drivers need some changes.

**Why should you care about this?**

With Windows being faster than Linux, it displays the modern world and that affects the technology world.

Linux is flexible, and simple to tune, and at no cost. Plan appropriately for each computer to be used for each tasks. However, if you want something that takes on a difficult task, then you should see if Windows is a thing to consider

**Power Use**

As a warning, the ThinkPad P1 Gen 8 uses electricity.

**What's coming?**

I might not beat up any computer the way I did the ThinkPad, but I will test new types of models that are going on the market. The model I'm talking about is the ThinkPad P1 Gen 8.

**The short verison:** I ran on Windows 11 on the new ThinkPad P1 Gen 8.

27.GameSir Swift Drive: Direct Drive Force Feedback Steering Wheel Shrinks to Fit Your Gamepad 

GameSir, they're the controller people, right? They're not scared to go a little bonkers with their designs. Remember that one controller, the Tarantula Pro, where you could switch around the button labels? Or the Pocket 1 that turned your phone into a Game Boy look-alike? Seriously, these guys are always cooking up something unexpected. And their latest thing? It just might take the cake for weirdest yet: the Swift Drive controller. Get this you guys: it's got an actual steering wheel smack-dab in the middle of the gamepad! Can you believe it?

So, what's going on with this wheel thing? GameSir are saying it's connected to the world's smallest direct drive motor. The main thing? To give you that shaking and pushback when you're going at it in racing games. It's almost like you can feel the road, but it's all happening with your thumbs. It would be like I am speed.

**A Wheel... Right Where Your Thumbs Chill**

At first look, the Swift Drive looks like any normal everyday controller. You see your normal joysticks, triggers, buttons; the usual stuff. And then, wow! Your eyeballs spot that tiny steering wheel right in the center. This thing is not some cheap piece of plastic. It's hooked up to that fancy motor, so it gives you real shaking and that pushback you want. They're aiming for a real driving feel. If you're into racing games, but can't afford a whole racing setup or don't have the room, could be pretty awesome. The smaller wheel makes one wonder about ergonomic issues, but perhaps it will play out well.

GameSir also keep talking about how spot on the wheel is. They're using terms like special, saying it picks up your finger twitches. And check this out: you can adjust the wheel's spin to fit how you play. It sounds as though you could adjust for drifting, or other unique situations.

**Making It Fit You**

Here's where it gets interesting: You can change out the wheel! Maybe GameSir's going to start selling other types: bigger ones, different feels, who knows? And the joysticks and buttons? They're using some sensors that are supposed to be super accurate and are designed to last.

Wait, there's even more! The triggers can shake all on their own. It's almost like they're trying to copy the feeling of stomping on the brakes or losing grip. You get little rumbles under your fingers as you're sliding all over the road. It's that type of thing that you usually see on those seriously expensive racing systems.

**No Wires and Ready**

Even with all those motors going and the lights flashing, they're saying the Swift Drive should last for a bit. It works with no wires for faster reaction times, and they're claiming you can get 20-30 hours of playtime on a single charge. That's not bad. It seems one could get quite a bit of play time out of this controller.

**Good Thing from All Sides?**

Real racing wheels? Giant. And costly. The Swift Drive is trying to hit that happy medium. No, it's not going to beat a top-of-the-line setup, but it might give you a bit of that feeling without emptying your bank account. One could be content with the smaller controller, to test the racing waters.

I could see this being great for people who are into racing games, but don't want to be bothered with all the stuff and clutter. It could be an extremely cool pick for handheld PCs or chilling on your couch with your console. GameSir is definitely onto something different with this whole wheel-controller mashup. It is great to see companies willing to play with the gaming experience, to make it more exciting.

**Chasing What's Popular**

GameSir is testing different things with controllers, and gamers are wanting better immersion. PlayStation controllers are known for their haptic feedback capability. Microsoft is making improvements to the Elite controllers as well. GameSir, on the other hand, it would seem, is taking bigger chances that are new. Perhaps this would allow them to stand out.

The Swift Drive is one of those chances. It's not just a controller with better feelings. It's rethinking how we steer in games. We can see if it catches on. All said and done, GameSir seems to be willing to gamble. Either way it will interesting to see what products start coming down the pike.

**Very Important Questions: How Much and When Will It Be Here?**

Right this moment, there's no word on the price or when it's showing up in stores. Seeing as how the Swift Drive is somewhat complicated, it might cost you more than a normal controller. Also, it's probably going to be less money than one of those all out racing setups. GameSir is usually pretty reasonable on prices, so it might not be too rough on your cash. It is still up in the air about price ranges, which can allow for the cost to be more than normal.

**The 411**

The GameSir Swift Drive is interesting. It's a normal controller, but there is a tiny steering wheel there. It leads to new in game play. It's tough, has accurate sensors, adjustable wheel spin, trigger shaking, and long battery. There seems to be a lot packed inside this piece of hardware.

Hard to say if the Swift Drive is any good. It looks as though it could be creative controller ideas. For any that wants racing immersion, GameSir is here. This wheel and controller hybrid could be the start of a new wave.

28.Samsung Galaxy Z TriFold: A $2,500 Glimpse Into the Future That Most Can't Afford 

**The Samsung Galaxy Z TriFold and the Foldable Phone Deal in '25**

So, foldable phones, right? They've been kicking around for almost seven years now. You’d think we’d all be used to them by now, but they still feel kinda…out there. All those big companies – Samsung, Huawei, Oppo, Google – they’ve gone hard trying to get the bendy screen thing just right. Tweaking the way those hinges bend, and getting the phone’s system to play nice with the shape. It’s been a long road, but when you look at the big picture, foldables still only make up a tiny bit of the phone biz – we’re talking less than 2% of all the phones sold worldwide.

When Samsung dropped the Galaxy Z TriFold late in 2025, it kinda put a spotlight on where these phones are trying to go, but also where they’re still tripping up. It was a bold move, for sure. It’s got some cool tech going on, but let’s be real, it’s definitely for a very specific kind of customer.

**Okay, But What's the Point of a TriFold Anyway?**

So this TriFold from Samsung, it’s trying to do a special move that Huawei tried doing before: It folds two times. This makes three sections and gives you a super-big screen on the inside. The aim here is to give you the same freedom of easily carrying a smartphone with a big, amazing screen of a tablet.

When it’s all folded up, the TriFold feels like a regular 6.5-inch phone. But when you open it up, bam – you’ve got a 10-inch widescreen. Great for watching videos or doing lots of things at once. But here’s the catch: it’s probably going to cost around $2,500. That’s almost like getting a fancy latest iPhone with a top-shelf iPad. So, is it worth it to have it all in one device, even though there are downsides?

**Some Seriously Cool Engineering**

It’s plain to see Samsung’s been putting work into these foldable phones for some time. Those screens are super thin, we're talking about 4mm each, and they close up tight with no spaces. The hinges feel really strong, and they click when they close. Also, if you don’t fold it up correctly, the phone buzzes to tell you and that warning appears on the screen. That’s smart because there are two hinges, so it could be easy to mess up. The TriFold feels sturdy when you hold it. Showing just how far Samsung has gone in making them last longer.

**Where the Design Causes Problems**

But all of that cool design comes at some cost. To get the screens so thin, Samsung had to squeeze all of the camera parts into a big bump on the back. This makes the phone feel unbalanced when you hold it, or when you put it down on a table. That sort of misses the point of having a pocket-sized tablet that’s easy to utilize. Watching movies on that massive screen *should* be awesome, but the awkward weight makes it not comfortable. And it’s missing what laptops and tablets have. There's nothing that will prop it up to watch the screen hands-free.

The inside display also tends to show bright glares and reflects light, sometimes more than other foldable stuff. And even though that camera bump looks impressive, the camera on it doesn’t actually take great photos. Photos taken when light is low are poor and not as detailed as the photos of cheaper phones. Another camera for selfies on the inside and outside seem useless.

**The Problems That Will Not Go Away**

The lines where foldable phone screens bend have always caused problems. The TriFold has two lines where it folds, and you’ll be able to see and feel them. Samsung has put time into getting the hinges right, but the creases are still there. When folks are paying a lot, it's hard to tell them to like those issues.

Other small things can get irritating. There are bumps on the hinges that get in the way when you try to swipe up. The fingerprint unlock is on the power button, which takes longer than having it under the screen. The speakers aren’t put in the best location, so the sound isn’t that interesting. These problems might not seem to be that big, but they mix together and make the phone feel like it didn’t go through adequate work.

**Not Very Good Battery and Charging**

That widescreen and audio require a big battery. But Samsung gave the TriFold a smaller battery with 5,600mAh. If you watch videos and play games, it'll drop to zero very fast. Xiaomi and Oppo make products that contain a bigger battery. The charging is also not fast. 45-watt wired chargers and 15-watt wireless chargers. Other devices often have much speedier charging. Which makes it not feel ahead of it's time.

**What About How It Works**

Samsung focused on getting the phone's system to handle the TriFold's specific form. The software's DeX mode runs directly on the inside of the phone meaning there are multiple windows visible at once, which makes it look like using a computer. But the phone's system feels like it's not complete. Many well-known downloads don’t work the best. The split-screen app seems unhelpful, despite all the time put into foldable phones.

Swap between screens isn't reliable. You can start something on the screen outside while it is closed and then do the same inside for an expanded screen. But not when you go the other way around. You can't plan a route in Maps while on the inside and have it appear on the front. It highlights the difficulty in having systems connect with hardware.

**What's Going On in the Foldable Phone Market?**

Samsung’s TriFold is dropping when a lot can change. Foldable phones are a small part of the phone market with only 2% sold. Apple has not produced a foldable yet, but will by 2026. The new phone can affect everything as the first iPhone did. The TriFold tells the story of trying to meet unique concepts with what customers require. The Galaxy Z Fold 7 that was releases in 2025 sold many more units and had more customer appeal. The TriFold seems more like an experiment.

**The Full Idea**

When getting foldable phones, you need to put more money towards smaller, less lasting batteries. But you're rewarded with a future in the palms of your hand. Tablets already show a bigger screen for less without the marks and weight, making the TriFold not better but more noticeable. When another part is folded for a bigger phone, the challenge seems more real.

If you experiment and love innovation the TriFold is interesting. Many people likely won’t want the item. After many years, foldable phones will always seem not fully developed. These companies need to address these issues so innovation can become the future normal device.

**To keep it brief**

The Galaxy Z TriFold may be interesting, but it has some issues. It shows the strength of the engineers at Samsung along with its ongoing hardware challenge. For $2,500 it would be much better. Many missteps involve comfort, camera, battery, and the software. Foldable phones can be tested because there is a plan. As new phones come to the market in 2026 like Apple’s all companies will be tested. Will foldable phones be a regular device rather than a niche. The TriFold shows there is always work to do.

29.Anker 757 PowerHouse Portable Station Hits 49% Off in Massive Year-End Sale 

**Winter Storms, Power Outages, and Sweet Tech Deals: Anker's PowerHouse & More**

Man, these winter storms hitting everywhere are no joke. Snow, rain, and the whole nine yards are knocking out power left and right. It kind of makes you think about having some backup, you know? Even in places like California, where the lights usually stay on, people have been dealing with surprise blackouts. You don't have to drop a ton of cash on a huge generator to be ready, though. Those portable power stations are getting really popular, and there's a good one on sale right now: the Anker 521 PowerHouse. Amazon's got it for $129.99, which is a crazy good discount—$120 off the regular $250 price. It's almost the lowest it's ever been, a deal we haven't seen since Black Friday.

**Anker 521 PowerHouse: Small Size, Big Help**

So, the Anker 521 PowerHouse is a 256Wh portable power station. Basically, it's designed to keep your important stuff running when the power goes out, or if you're hanging out in the great outdoors. What's cool about it is all the different things it can plug into. It's got a couple of regular USB ports, a USB-C port, two AC outlets (like what your wall has), and even a car socket. You can charge phones, tablets, cameras, and laptops a bunch of times. But it can also run small stuff like mini-fridges, portable fans, electric blankets, or those little space heaters, as long as they don't suck up too much power (under 300 watts, to be exact).

Another big plus is that it seems to be built to last. Anker says the battery should last for up to 10 years, and they back that up with a five-year promise to fix it if something goes wrong. That's good to hear when you're putting money into something that's supposed to be there for you when things get rough, especially since you never really know when the power's going to go out.

**Smart Design Choices**

It weighs about eight pounds—like carrying a gallon of milk, maybe a bit less—and there's a handle built in, so it's easy to move around. Plus, it's not huge, so you can keep it at home or take it camping. There's a little screen that tells you how much juice is left, which helps you figure out what you can run and for how long. Oh, and Anker tosses in a cable to charge it in your car, which is a nice touch if you're on the road.

If you're dealing with a really long blackout or want to live off-grid, you can also charge the PowerHouse with solar panels. You have to buy those on their own, but it makes this thing pretty flexible if you're into that kind of energy.

**Why It's a Good Idea During Winter Storms**

Winter storms can kill the power for hours, or even days. Having a portable power station means you can keep your phones charged, run a few small things, and stay comfortable until the power company gets things fixed. If you've got kids, it’ll let you keep their tablets fired up, or make sure medical equipment keeps running. And if you need to work, you can keep your laptop going. At $129.99, the Anker 521 PowerHouse seems like a smart buy to keep your mind at ease.

**Other Deals You Might Like**

Besides keeping the lights on, here are some other deals that are worth checking out:

*   **Google TV Streamer (4K):** The newest one is on sale for $74.99 (that's $25 off) at both Amazon and Target. That's as cheap as it's ever been. It streams in 4K with really good picture and sound (Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos). It can also control your smart home stuff because it support Matter and has a Thread radio. So, if you've already got smart lights or a smart thermostat, this thing will hook right in.

*   **Silent Hill 2 Remake:** If you're into scary games, you can play the new version of a classic: Silent Hill 2. The PlayStation 5 version is down to $27.39 (usually $50) at Amazon. If you play on Xbox or PC, you can grab it for $34.99 ($35 off). They rebuilt the game from scratch with better graphics, new puzzles, different fights, and some stuff that makes the game run smoother. With a Silent Hill 2 movie coming out soon, now's the perfect time to get lost in that foggy town.

*   **Garmin inReach Messenger:** For people who like to get way out there, the Garmin inReach Messenger is down to $165.50 ($135 off) at Amazon. It's a satellite messenger, so you can still send messages and get help even when you don't have cell service. You can text people, share your location, get weather info, and call for help if you get into trouble. You do need to pay for a satellite plan to use it, but it's good to have if you're hiking, camping, or just like going to places where your phone doesn't work. It can even charge your phone a little bit with a USB-C cable in an emergency, but it's not really meant to be a regular power bank.

**Wrapping It Up as Winter Arrives**

All these deals prove that technology can really help you get ready for anything, from daily life to unexpected problems. The Anker 521 PowerHouse takes care of the need for backup power when the weather gets rough. Google's TV Streamer makes your TV better and hooks into your smart home. Silent Hill 2 lets you escape into a scary world, and the Garmin inReach Messenger keeps you safe when you're off the grid.

As the year ends and winter really gets going, these things prove tech isn't just about having the latest gadgets—it's about staying safe, connected, and comfortable. Whether you're getting ready for power outages, upgrading your entertainment, playing a classic game, or hitting the trails, these deals will do the trick without breaking the bank.

30.TCL Note A1 NXTPAPER: The $549 "E-Ink Killer" Aiming for a February 2026 Debut 

**TCL Note A1 NXTPAPER: A Cool New E-Note Tablet Coming in 2026**

So, you know how tablets are usually all about watching videos, getting work done, and staying in touch? Well, there's a new type of tablet showing up called an e-note. These aren't really for streaming movies or playing games. They're more about giving you a calm space to read, write, and get your thoughts together without getting sidetracked. TCL's doing their take on this with the Note A1 NXTPAPER, and they're trying to make it even better with a screen that feels like paper and some smart AI helpers.

**It's About Notes, Not Netflix**

This TCL Note A1 NXTPAPER isn't like your regular iPad or Samsung Galaxy Tab. It's not trying to be an entertainment machine. It's more like those ReMarkable Paper Pros or Kindle Scribes that are really good for writing and reading. TCL sees this as a tool for students, people at work, and creative types who want a digital notebook that feels real and doesn't bug them with distractions.

They're going to try it out on Kickstarter first before selling it everywhere. They think it will cost around $549 when it actually comes out in late February 2026. People who back it early on Kickstarter will be able to play with it and see what it can do before everyone else.

**That NXTPAPER Screen, Though**

The coolest thing about the Note A1 NXTPAPER is its 11.5-inch NXTPAPER Pure screen. TCL's been working on this for a while. The idea is to make it look and feel like you're writing on paper, but with a screen. They're saying it won't flicker and it'll be easy on your eyes compared to normal tablet screens.

They also say that the screen won't have ghosting. Ghosting is when you can still see old pen marks or text after you've erased them on some of those e-ink devices. If you take a lot of notes, that's a big deal because it means your pages will look clean. And unlike black and white e-ink screens, TCL's NXTPAPER can show 16.7 million colors, so you can use colors in your notes, drawings, and diagrams.

**AI to the Rescue**

What makes the Note A1 NXTPAPER different is that it uses AI to help you out. TCL wants you to see it as more than just a digital notebook. They want it to be like a smart assistant that makes you more productive. Here's what it can do:

*   **Make Your Handwriting Look Better:** If your handwriting is hard to read, the tablet can clean it up so it looks nicer.

*   **Turn Handwriting into Text:** You can turn your handwritten notes into typed text right away, which is great for sending out meeting notes or study guides.

*   **Record, Write Down, and Translate in Real-Time:** It's got eight microphones, so it can record meetings, classes, or conversations, turn them into text, and even translate them into other languages.

*   **Awesome Meeting Recordings:** With those microphones and the AI stuff, it's a great tool for people who need to keep track of what's being said in meetings.

These things make the Note A1 NXTPAPER kind of a mix between a notebook and a way to get stuff done. It's for people who want more than just a place to sketch.

**How It Looks and Feels**

The Note A1 NXTPAPER comes with a pen, so you know it's made for writing. TCL says that the pen feels really smooth and natural, and it doesn't lag behind when you're writing. The tablet is also slim and light, so it's easy to carry around. It's not going to replace your laptop or your main tablet, but it's supposed to be something you use just for writing and focusing.

**Where It Fits In**

At $549, the Note A1 NXTPAPER is priced kind of in the middle. It's more expensive than basic e-ink readers like the Kindle Scribe, but not as expensive as some of the really fancy tablets. It's competing with things like the ReMarkable Paper Pro and other e-note devices that people who work in offices and students really like. TCL's got a chance because their screen can show colors and they have those AI tools, which could make it better than the ones that are only about writing and reading.

By starting on Kickstarter, TCL is seeing if people are actually interested. Sometimes, crowdfunding is just a way to get the word out and see what people think before you release something completely.

**What's Good and What's Not**

The good things about the Note A1 NXTPAPER are pretty obvious: the screen looks like paper, the AI helps you get things done, and it can show colors. But there are some downsides, too. It's not made for watching videos, playing games, or doing a lot of things at once. If you want a tablet that can do everything, you might want to get an iPad or an Android tablet instead. How long the battery lasts, what apps you can use, and whether they keep the software updated will be really important to whether it's a success or not.

**The Big Picture**

The reason e-note tablets are becoming more popular is that people want to get away from distractions. There are so many notifications, apps, and things trying to get your attention all the time. A lot of people want devices that help them focus. By getting rid of the distractions and just letting you write and read, things like the Note A1 NXTPAPER are giving people what they want.

But even these simple devices are adding new things, like AI. The AI can record, translate, and clean up your handwriting, which is useful but doesn't fill the tablet with a bunch of extra apps.

**Wrapping Up**

The TCL Note A1 NXTPAPER sounds like it could be a good step forward for e-note tablets. With its special screen, AI helpers, and the way they're launching it on Kickstarter, it's really trying to target people who take notes, work in offices, and go to school who want a place where they can focus. It's not cheap at $549, but if you really want something that feels like paper, shows colors, and has smart features, it might be worth it.

When it comes out in February 2026, it'll be up against some tough competition from companies like ReMarkable and Kindle. Whether it does well will depend on whether TCL can really give people that clear screen, helpful tools, and simple experience that they're promising. For now, the Note A1 NXTPAPER is a good reminder that tablets don't have to just be for fun – they can also help you concentrate and be creative.

31.Apple CarPlay Ultra Debuts in Aston Martin: Here is the Full List of Supported Models 

**CarPlay Ultra in 2025: Is the Hype Real, or Did Apple Jump the Gun?**https://decopy.ai/youtube-video-summarizer/

Remember back in '22 at WWDC when Apple showed everyone their grand plan for CarPlay? It wasn't just about blasting tunes or following Maps directions. No way, they wanted it to run everything inside your car, like the speedometer, the AC – the whole shebang. They were talking about getting deep into the car's heart, revamping the screens, and basically making your iPhone and your ride best buds. Sounded awesome, right? Well, three years later, progress is crawling. I'm exaggerating a little, but it’s going slow. The rollout of CarPlay Ultra has been…messy. What's the deal?

Aston Martin First? Seriously?

We finally got a taste of CarPlay Ultra in May 2025, but only if you happened to own an Aston Martin in the US or Canada. Launching with Aston Martin almost makes sense. Their vehicles are super pricey. Since they're kitted out with every piece of new tech under the sun, it probably makes experimenting with new systems a bit easier because the price isn’t a big deal.

However, only available for one extremely luxurious car just shows the problem that faces Apple. Seriously, Aston Martins can be hundreds of thousands of dollars! For CarPlay Ultra to really take off, it needs to be in cars that normal people can afford, not just the mega-rich.

Big Talk from Apple... Then Reality Hit

Back in December 2023, Apple told us that Porsche and Aston Martin would get the new CarPlay in 2024. Guess what didn’t happen? January 2024, Apple admitted that they were behind schedule. Porsche still hasn't released any cars with CarPlay Ultra. So, Aston Martin is the lone soldier.

Also, Apple hasn't said anything about other car companies getting involved. The Apple website has zero partners listed. People are starting to wonder if their next car will even have the system. It's a little strange, to be honest.

Car Companies: Maybe They're Game?

Apple still insists that a host of car companies are planning to add CarPlay Ultra into their vehicles. This was the list as of December 2025:

• Acura

• Aston Martin

• Ford

• Genesis

• Honda

• Hyundai

• Infiniti

• Jaguar

• Kia

• Land Rover

• Lincoln

• Nissan

• Porsche

There's a combo of swanky and regular brands on there. But the tricky part of that list is the word eventually. Barely any of these companies have confirmed when or what models will have CarPlay Ultra. We're all just waiting to see how this plays out.

The No Thanks Camp

What's also important is looking at the companies that aren't going with CarPlay Ultra. Mercedes-Benz was kind of keen, but they've gone cold. Word on the street is that Audi, Volvo, Polestar, and Renault are giving the whole thing a miss too.

This displays a clear difference in opinion between Apple and the car companies. Lots of carmakers are pouring tons of money into their infotainment systems, which tend to be built on Android Automotive. Because they're built on Android Automotivem the data, the looks, and the brand experience for the driver all stay under their control. For some car companies, letting Apple take over the whole dashboard is a step too far.

Hyundai: The IONIQ 3 EV Might be a Savior

Now, this is where it gets interesting. There's a lot of chatter about Hyundai. Top Gear magazine reported that the upcoming IONIQ 3 electric car might have CarPlay Ultra, with many rumors saying it’s set to drop in early 2026; the Brussels Motor Show in January.

If it's true, it would be big news. Finally, CarPlay Ultra is available in a car normal people can actually buy. Word is that the starting price for the IONIQ 3 is going to be around $33,700. That’s far more affordable than any Aston Martin! This could be exactly what Apple needs to prove that CarPlay Ultra is a real thing that the average person can own.

Ford's Got Cold Feet

Apple says Ford's on board, but Ford's CEO, Jim Farley, sounds like they're interested but haven't committed:

The first version of Ultra wasn't our style, but we have a decent relationship with Apple. I chatted with Tim, a lot about this.

Ford likes the idea or supports the idea of CarPlay Ultra but that they weren't impressed with the first attempt. That's better than a flat-out rejection, but it doesn't sound like it will be a standard feature on every Ford anytime soon. It sounds like these car companies will wait to see how Apple changes things before fully committing.

The Wider View

CarPlay Ultra is Apple trying to hog a larger part of the car market. Apple is hoping that your iPhone will become the must-have item for driving by controlling more than just music and maps. This messy introduction shows how difficult it is to work with car companies. Everybody has their ideas and their own tech that they're trying to promote.

Potential customers are trying their hardest to be patient. They want that integration that Apple keeps talking about, but they have little to no idea of what car will even have it. So, if Apple doesn't provide a clear direction, buyers might not even care that Ultra exists when they're shopping for a new car.

In Conclusion

CarPlay Ultra is still a work in progress, as we move further into 2026. If you're lucky enough to own an Aston Martin, you're set now. The rest of us are on the sidelines, as we wait to see what happens. Hyundai's IONIQ 3 could change everything. In contrast, Ford's hesitation demonstrates that Apple still has some convincing to do. Since some of the big names back out, Apple needs to make a good case for why CarPlay Ultra makes sense from a cost and development point of view.

The next year or so is essential. If Apple manages to get it working in cars that people use regularly, CarPlay Ultra could become a normal attribute. Until then, it's a sales pitch than a practical implementation.

32.Warhammer Rumour Engine: New Image Teases a Grimmer Future for the Astra Militarum 

## The Humble Hero: Why We Love the Imperial Guard

There's something amazing about the Imperial Guard, even when you just see a tiny skull on their armor. In the dark future of Warhammer 40,000, these guys and gals, commonly known as the Imperial Guard, are the real heart of the Imperium's army. They're just regular folks from every planet under the Emperor's rule, armed with simple lasguns, basic armor, and a crazy strong belief in what they're doing. When you see a Guardsman, whether it's a little model or just in a story, you're seeing someone who's willing to give everything and keep going, no matter what.

### What's Up With All the Skulls?

We see a skull on a miniature, we often think of death. In Warhammer 40K, skulls are all over the place – on flags, armor, buildings, spaceships, you name it. They're real bones and also cool designs that remind everyone that life is short, and faith is important. A Guardsman's skull, whether it's on a model or painted on the base, tells you that they probably won't live long. Most Guardsmen fight, die, and are only remembered with other people defending mankind.

Or, maybe it's not a skull! What if it's a smirk? Maybe it's a shy smile of a soldier, it may be exaggerated by the sculpture's hand. Warhammer can be very serious and also funny. A Guardsman may be smiling because that's the only thing you can do when you are facing something impossible. Either way, you know they are ready to do what is needed.

### The Guard: Not as Flashy, But Just as Important

The Imperial Guard doesn't get as much attention as some of the other armies in Warhammer 40K. The Space Marines are always on the cover of the books, with their cool armor. But the Guard is super important! They show us that the Imperium isn't just defended by super-soldiers but by tons of regular people.

When you're playing the game, Imperial Guard armies have lots of guys, tanks, and big guns. One Guardsman alone might not be strong, but together they can make a wall of laser fire and keep fighting, that is a challenge. The models often show them in trenches or moving across a battlefield or control a big weapon. The skull thing makes sense here, where one Guardsman can be replaced, but when many of them give their lives, they win battles.

### What kind of model could have the expression (skull or smile)

The skull or smile can be on a guardsman from Cadia. People will know them because of their helmets, armor, and strong faces. The skull can be on their shoulders, flags, or maybe on the base.

But probably, it's from the Death Korps of Krieg. The soldiers have masks and coats. They are okay with dying. For them, the skulls aren't just symbols. Models of them will have bones, because people know they are going to die.

Another one could be a Commissar's helmet. Commissars are officers, their job is to make sure no one is scared.

### Why the Guard is Great

Calling a Guardsman brave may sound weird, seeing how they will explode at any moment. However it is brave of them to stand against Tyranids, Orks or Chaos all at the same time with just a weapon. Guardsmen aren't strong, it's a team effort.

A Guardsman may look small compared to The Space Marine, but a group of them is very intimidating. Lines of Guardsmen next to tanks and artillery is what you get with the warfare. Each Soldier is a human but together they are forever.

### What Do We Get Out of It?

If you are painting one of these, you can express yourself a lot. Death can be on stark white, metal can be ornamentation. Painters can change the mini's to make them unique. A cheeky smile can change a model that looks lifeless, to make a character.

Since you can change this, Warhammer models are fun. Since there is a lot of art, you story tell. Either way it is something the painters can do.

### Final Thoughts

A Guardsman, no matter the model will be brave through a skull, smile or a face. The Astra Militarum can remain humanity in Warhammer 40,000. It can be a reminder. Together they are strong.

The decoration will tell you about the place of the Guard in the darkness. The Guardsmen remain figures you can respect, and are brave.

33.31 Windows 11 Hacks to Turn Your PC Into a Productivity Powerhouse 

Windows 11's File Explorer... it's there, you know? Does the job, but if we're honest, it's not exactly cutting-edge. I mean, it feels a bit old-school, right? That's why a lot of people are looking at other options, and I've been hearing some good stuff about this one called Files.

**Files: File Explorer, but Way Better**

Think of Files as File Explorer's cooler, younger sibling. It's like someone gave File Explorer a complete makeover and made it actually good! It's got a fresh, modern look. And finally, it has tabs! Plus, you can really set it up how you want it, which is always a win. If you're just plain bored with the same old File Explorer, you should give Files a shot.

The thing is, it's not even made by some big corporation. A couple of smart developers built this on GitHub. And get this – it's on the Microsoft Store. It seriously upgrades the look of File Explorer! Imagine having dual-pane views, which makes moving files a total breeze. And the search actually works, so you can find what you're looking for. Plus, you can use tags to keep everything nice and organized. If you're after a file manager that you can mess around with to make it your own, and that doesn't look like ass, Files is totally worth a try.

The developers are always releasing updates, fixing bugs, and adding new stuff. From what I'm hearing, users feel like it should have been part of Windows 11 from the beginning. And honestly, I kind of see their point. It's actually super useful.

**PowerToys Peek: Quick File Previews**

Then there's PowerToys, which is basically like a Swiss Army knife for Windows. It's a toolbox of handy little utilities. There's FancyZones, which lets you arrange your windows however you like. PowerRename lets you rename a bunch of files at once. And Color Picker lets you grab colors from anywhere on your screen. It's just a bunch of nice tools.

One neat feature is Peek! It lets you see what's inside a file *without* having to open up the whole program. You just pick a file, tap the spacebar, and boom – the file's contents pop up right away. Photos, documents, whatever. Peek is a total time-saver. Nobody wants to open up 10 different images to find the thing they are after.

**Files and Peek: A Great Team in the Latest Version (4.0.24)**

Here's a cool thing: the newest Files update plays nice with PowerToys Peek. If you already have PowerToys installed, great! Just pick a file in Files, hit the spacebar, and the preview shows up right there. They work really well together.

And there's more! The 4.0.24 update brought some other nice little improvements like:

*   You can now copy stuff directly from the sidebar and widgets by using the right-click menu.

*   It's smoother than ever to make new files and folders. The name field is already ready for you to type in!

*   The search bar got a little makeover. It has a shadow, which is more in line with the Windows 11 design.

*   Long folder names are displayed better, so you can actually see what they are.

The developers have been busy. They've been fixing things and getting rid of bugs. They've paid special attention to Windows issues and Git crashes to make sure things run smoothly.

All these little tweaks add up to make Files an even better and more dependable file manager.

**Why All of This Is Great**

Files and PowerToys Peek improve the way you use PCs. Microsoft supports these kinds of smaller projects. When there are more options it is good for everyone.

File previews are helpful for anyone who works with lots of files. If you're a designer, you find what you need faster. If you're a writer, you don't waste time opening up the wrong document. If you're a programmer, it's easier to find the code you're looking for. Peek and Files lets you get things done.

**Will These Programs Run on My PC?**

If you have a newer PC file system should be fine. Older ones should still work fairly well. Updates are always improving everything.

Microsoft keeps fixing and improving PowerToys, too! These two programs are now competing with even the bigger companies.

**Where Can I Download These Programs?**

Files is free! You can find it on GitHub or the Microsoft Store. PowerToys is also on the Microsoft Store. And you can even help out the Files community, since it's open source!

**The User's Opinion**

The people who work on Files and PowerToys are online a lot, getting comments and ideas from users. Updates are based on suggestions from users. Since people give feedback, the programs stay top-notch. Peek is here because of its users!

**To Sum It Up..**

People should try Files and PowerToys Peek to make their digital lives simpler.

If you manage a bunch of files, these downloads can help. Microsoft is supporting the programs that users want to use. Check them out now!

34.OpenAI Rolls Out Real Thinking Toggle to ChatGPT Android App 

2025 was a crazy year for OpenAI, right? They kept dropping updates to keep us happy as they tried to stay ahead of Google's Gemini 3 and all the other AI tools that popped up everywhere. To end the year, OpenAI added a Thinking mode to their ChatGPT Android app. If you're like me and use the app a lot, this is great because it makes the phone version more like the desktop version that a lot of us like better.

**So, What's Thinking Mode About?**

Thinking mode is a setting that changes how long the AI thinks about your question before answering. Before, the Android app didn't really have a good Thinking option. The people at Bleeping Computer noticed that the button just sent your request through the faster method, which wasn't great for complicated stuff. Some users weren't getting the detailed answers they wanted from the AI.

But this update fixes that. Now, you can pick between Auto, Instant, or Thinking modes. Auto lets the system decide how long it needs. Instant is all about speed, giving you the first answer it finds. Thinking mode lets the AI really think about the question when you're asking something tricky. It's similar to the Extended Thinking option that some desktop users have been playing with, and it usually leads to more correct and well-thought-out answers.

**Why Should You Care?**

If you barely use ChatGPT, this may not seem like a big deal. But if you're using it for school, coding, or dealing with complex info, being able to give the AI more time to think is awesome. Complex questions often need more digging, and this longer mode makes sure the answers aren't too simple or leaving out key details. By bringing this to Android, OpenAI is showing that phone users deserve the same cool features as those on desktop computers.

A quick note: Thinking mode is only for ChatGPT Plus users right now. If you're using the free version, you're stuck with the faster method. OpenAI is keeping some nice things just for paying users.

**How Do You Get the Update?**

The update is out now, so Android users should go to the Play Store and get the newest ChatGPT app. Once it's installed, you'll see the new Thinking mode in your chat settings, where you can switch between the different options. As of late December 2025, the Apple (iOS) version doesn't have this yet, so you'll have to wait for it to reach the iPhone app. I think OpenAI will bring it to iOS eventually, but for now, Android users are lucky!

**Bonus: Formatting Blocks Are Here Too!**

Besides Thinking mode, OpenAI added another nice thing: formatting blocks. Now, when you ask ChatGPT to write something like an email, it shows the result in a clean block of text. This means you can tweak individual parts without starting from scratch, fixing small problems and making it easier.

**The Competition is Real**

All of this is happening while OpenAI is working hard to improve. People have been trying out Google's Gemini 3 and other options. The AI world is getting crowded, with lots of companies trying to be the best. Even though GPT-5.2 has been getting good reviews and is doing pretty well against Gemini 3, Grok 4 seems to be a little behind. But ChatGPT Images makes some pretty good pictures.

The new Thinking mode on Android phones might not seem huge, but it shows what OpenAI is working on. They want the mobile experience to be great, make sure every version of the app is the same, and listen to what users want, just like with the desktop version.

**How It Feels to Use It, and What It All Means**

This isn't just another feature; it shows that OpenAI is listening to its users. AI is not perfect now, but AI can right the correct answer if AI have enough time. With the Thinking mode option in place, the programs can now choose the optimal way to get the job done, and this can help the company know what the users are requesting. The user experience is much better

What some paying customers want is sameness across all devices.

**User Ideas**

Users are coming up with ideas as 2026 is coming soon in the coming days, and people are looking at bettering the options that ChatGPT has in the future. Maybe they need more features on the phone in real time. They need to be on the toes as the companies are growing. If AI satisfies people, then the app can promote itself as more users come to access the app. The Android user base may rise from mouth to mouth

**Overall**

The Thinking mode is like an omen for the future of OpenAI. This program allows for users to be more in control as they dictate what the program answers. This makes for a seamless usage. When we talk about the formatting improvements, the usage of ChatGPT just becomes more seamless. OpenAI is listening and building, leading to the satisfaction of millions of people. However, this is only something that is for Plus subscription members.

AI will keep on being developed, so OpenAI needs to keep on developing if it wants the users to be satisfied. By word of mouth, this move is likely to get the hype going.

35.Lenovo to Debut Yoga Slim 7x and IdeaPad 5x With Snapdragon X2 Elite at CES 2026 

**Snapdragon X2 Elite: Qualcomm's CES 2026 Power Play**

So, Qualcomm's been messing around (*in a good way*) with Windows laptops by putting their Snapdragon X series chips in them. You know, trying to shake things up a bit. The first try, the Snapdragon X Elite, was pretty cool, like getting really good battery life without your laptop turning into a snail. Now they're coming out with the Snapdragon X2 Elite, and everyone's saying it's going to be a much bigger deal. Next week at CES 2026 they are going to show it off, and people are really excited to see what it can do.

**From X Elite to X2 Elite: What’s Changed?**

Basically, the original Snapdragon X Elite was Qualcomm's attempt to get serious about the Windows PC world. They used Arm tech to make a chip that was both energy-smart, so it saved battery, and was also pretty powerful. This meant laptops could run all day without needing a charge but not slow down.

This new chip, though, seems to be trying to go even further. Qualcomm says the CPU is way faster, like 75% faster than the first X Elite. And the graphics card uses half as much power, but is twice as fast, which is great for playing games and doing creative stuff without killing your battery. If it turns out to be true, then this could be really great for Windows laptops, specifically because now you don't have to decide between better battery life and better graphics.

**Lenovo First Out of the Gate**

According to some news, Lenovo will be one of the first companies to show off laptops with the Snapdragon X2 at CES 2026. They've got a few models planned:

*   Lenovo Yoga Slim 7x

*   IdeaPad 5x 2‑in‑1

*   IdeaPad Slim 5x 13‑inch

*   IdeaPad Slim 5x 15‑inch

Keep in mind that that not all of them will get the best version of the new chip. The IdeaPad models will probably use the Snapdragon X2 Plus, which is like a slightly weaker version. The Yoga Slim 7x, though, is said to be Lenovo's main Snapdragon laptop for 2026.

**Yoga Slim 7x: The Main Attraction**

The Yoga Slim 7x will supposedly come with the X2E88100 version of the Snapdragon X2 Elite, which has 18 cores. That's a ton for a laptop, so it should be able to do a lot of tasks at once and still have power left over.

Here are some other things to look out for:

*   A really nice 2.8K OLED screen, so everything looks bright and colorful

*   Around 29 hours of battery life – if this is true, that's seriously impressive for a Windows laptop

*   It will probably cost around $950

*   They're shooting to release it in the second quarter of 2026

If it's under $1,000, the Yoga Slim 7x might be one of the best laptops you can buy that year, giving you really good performance and battery life without costing a fortune.

**Why Should You Care About the Snapdragon X2 Elite?**

The Snapdragon X2 Elite is a big deal for a few reasons:

*   **Performance that can actually compete:** Qualcomm's been trying to prove that their Arm-based chips can be just as good as Intel and AMD in terms of speed and power. If what they say is true and the X2 Elite really is 75% faster for CPU, then they're getting closer.

*   **Battery life that's unbeatable:** Snapdragon laptops have already delivered strong on battery life. If they can make it even better while improving performance, they could become the best choice for people who are always on the go.

*   **Gaming hopes:** Doubling the graphics performance suggests Qualcomm is serious about gaming. Arm-based Windows laptops have always struggled with being compatible with lots of games and being as fast, but the X2 Elite could be different.

*   **An Expanding Ecosystem:** With Lenovo and other companies adopting Snapdragon X2, there are a whole bunch of Arm-based Windows laptops coming out. This could encourage developers to start designing special softwares for this type of chip, which is what it needs to be good.

**CES 2026: What Else to Expect**

While Lenovo's plans are pretty clear, we should hear from other manufacturers at CES too. Dell, HP, Asus, and others are probably going to show off Snapdragon X2 laptops as well, each with their own design. CES has always been the place where new stuff shows up, so Qualcomm's presence is important.

**Potential Problems**

Even with all excitement, Qualcomm has some things to worry about. Making sure software works okay is still a problem, mainly for older apps that haven't been updated for Arm chips. Microsoft has been working on this, but some people might still run into issues.

Also, Intel and AMD aren't just sitting around. They're expected to show off new chips at CES 2026, focusing on AI, better graphics, and being more energy-smart. Qualcomm will need to prove that the Snapdragon X2 Elite can really compete by going through a standardized test.

**What's Next?**

If Qualcomm can actually deliver on what they're saying, the Snapdragon X2 Elite could be game-changing for Windows laptops. If you can have both performance and good battery life at an affordable price, Arm-based PCs could become much better to most people. And the Lenovo Yoga Slim 7x, with its 18-core chip and crazy battery life, shows that idea.

CES 2026 will the place to watch and see. With lots of brands getting ready to reveal Snapdragon X2 devices, the laptops we have will probably be replaced by something that both more performant as well as efficient.

**The Bottom Line**

The Snapdragon X2 Elite is likely to make a good impression at CES 2026. When they revealed that they have better CPU gains, better GPU efficiency, and amazing battery life, it shows that Qualcomm is doing all they can to be in the Windows sector. But the consumers are thinking if the marketing and promises are worth the weight.

36.PowerToys Meets File Explorer: New Integration Brings ‘Peek’ Directly to Your Folders 

Windows 11? It's become this pretty cool operating system. Lots of people are making apps for it that let you do more and make your computer feel more like yours. Two cool tools I want to talk about is a program called Files which is like a new, better version of File explorer and another program called PowerToys Peek. They now are working together to make things easier for you. If you get the newest version of Files, version 4.0.24, it works with PowerToys Peek out of the box. This makes dealing with your files way quicker and simpler.

**Files: A Better Way to See Your Stuff**

For ages, we've all had to use File Explorer to find and open our files. It does the job, but it feels old and doesn't let you change much about how it looks and works. That's where Files comes in. It's a project made by regular people and you can get it from GitHub or the Microsoft Store.

Files looks modern and clean. It's got a dual-pane thing going on that lets you look at two folders at once. It uses tabs so you can have multiple folders open, like in a web browser. The search is really good too. A lot of people who really know their way around computers like Files because it feels familiar but has new stuff too, like being able to use tags to organize things, a place to see what's happening with your files, and a bar at the top to quickly find things.

**PowerToys Peek: Take a Quick Look**

PowerToys is a set of little apps made by Microsoft to make Windows even better. Some people got the idea from similar programs for macOS but windows. It has stuff like FancyZones that helps you organize your windows, PowerRename for renaming a bunch of files at once, and Color Picker if you're doing any design work.

One of the best parts of PowerToys is Peek. It lets you quickly see what's inside a file without having to open it. You just hit the space bar when you have a file selected and boom, you can see what's inside if it's a document, a picture, or whatever. Peek saves you a lot of time because you don't have to open a bunch of programs to see what you're looking for. It also helps keep your desktop clean.

**Files and Peek Working Together**

In the newest version of Files, 4.0.24, Peek just works. If you already have PowerToys installed, you don't have to do anything. Open Files, pick a file, hit space, and Peek pops up. It's great that these two apps work together so well. It makes looking at your files inside of Files feel really smooth.

This update also has some other cool fixes:

*   When you right-click, you can copy things from the sidebar and the home page.

*   Making new files and folders is quicker. The name is already filled in for you, so you can just type over it.

*   The search bar at the top looks a little better, with shadows that match Windows 11's style.

*   The place where you see what's happening with your files is better. If a folder name is long, it won't get cut off.

*   Searching with tags is improved. You can use and or or to find exactly what you need.

*   They fixed some problems where the program would crash if you used two windows, switched Git branches, or had issues with certain picture files.

All these changes make Files more stable, look nicer, and do more stuff.

**Why It's Cool**

The way Files and PowerToys Peek work together proves just how cool Windows is even now. Microsoft is letting other people make apps and improve things. It lets programs made by the community, like Files, be just as good as official Microsoft apps like PowerToys. This means we get more choices and can change things how we like.

Being able to quickly see what's in a file is a small thing that can make you way more productive. Designers can quickly check pictures. Writers can read documents without opening Word. Programmers can look at small bits of code without firing up their big programming apps. By putting Files' modern look together with Peek's quick previews, you get a method of working that feels very fast.

**How Well Does It Run?**

Files looks and feels great, but how well it runs depends on your computer. If you have a good laptop, it should run fine. But if you have an older PC, it might sometimes slow down or crash. The people who make Files are still working on making it run better.

PowerToys is made by Microsoft, so it always gets the newest updates. Together, Files and PowerToys are a great example of how people and big companies can work together.

**Where to Get It**

Files is free to get from GitHub or the Microsoft Store. PowerToys is also free and can be found on GitHub or the Store. If you like Files, you can donate to the project to help keep it going. Once you have both apps installed, they just work together. You don't need to change any settings.

**The Community**

The people who use Files and PowerToys are very involved. They share their ideas, tell the creators what they want, and report any problems they find. This helps make sure the apps stay up-to-date and do what people want them to do. Adding Peek support was something a lot of people requested, showing that the creators are listening.

**The Bottom Line**

The way Files 4.0.24 works with PowerToys Peek is a nice improvement for Windows 11. It combines Files' good looks and features with Peek's quick previews, making dealing with your files easy.

If you spend a lot of time looking through files, this update will save you time and hassle. It reminds us that Windows 11 is cool because of the apps other people make, as well as the updates from Microsoft. Whether you're a computer expert or just use your PC for simple things, give Files and PowerToys a try. They can make your work easier.

37.AOOSTAR TA95X3D: New $749 MoDT Board Brings Ryzen 9 9955HX3D to Desktop Towers 

**AOOSTAR TA95X3D: Tiny PC, HUGE Power – Worth $749?**

The PC world is nuts, right? Everyone's trying to shove more and more horsepower into these tiny boxes. The AOOSTAR TA95X3D? Totally an example of that. AOOSTAR's selling it direct for $749 and it's basically a beastly AMD Ryzen 9 9955HX3D processor welded onto a super-small Mini-ITX board. Now, if you're into tinkering and building PCs, this thing's actually really interesting. It's got the power-saving of a laptop CPU but with all the expansion slots you'd expect on a desktop. But before you smash that buy button, know a few things.

**Sixteen Cores of Insane Power – Stuck On There**

The cool thing about the TA95X3D is that AMD Ryzen 9 9955HX3D. It's a mobile X3D chip, part of AMD's Fire Range, with 16 cores and 32 threads. It can hit 5.4 GHz which is workstation-grade performance. The deal: AOOSTAR sticks this directly onto the board. No need to pick out and buy a CPU, which is nice I guess.

Major thing to keep in mind: that CPU is soldered on. I mean you aren't switching it out. When you commit to this board, you're married to that Ryzen 9 9955HX3D. It isn't like your regular desktop where you can upgrade the CPU later for a speed boost.

**Still Feels Like a Desktop**

The TA95X3D comes with a mobile CPU. But it keeps the desktop things that matter:

*   A PCIe 5.0 x16 slot: Put in the fastest graphics card you can find!

*   Two PCIe 5.0 x4 M.2 slots: Install super-fast NVMe SSDs.

*   Four SATA ports: Hook up your older hard drives/SSDs.

*   DDR5 memory: Officially, it supports speeds up to 5600 MHz. So if you are good with computers, you might be able to hit 6000 MHz if you grab some solid RAM and mess with the BIOS.

If it's pure, raw speed you want, this board might do the thing.

**Hook It All Up**

AOOSTAR didn't forget about video and sound either. Here's the hookup:

*   DisplayPort 2.0: Run an 8K monitor at 60Hz.

*   HDMI 2.1: Get 4K at 144Hz.

Almost any modern monitor or TV can plug right in. It's also got 7.1-channel audio, plus onboard Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.2.

**Sketchy Networking...?**

The networking info is...weird. AOOSTAR says it has one 5GbE port, powered by a Realtek RTL8126 chip. But some other sources say it's got two 10GbE ports. Double Check what you are getting to make sure you know before you buy this board.

Smaller companies are often not good at updating manuals and website info to agree with each other. If crazy-fast networking is important, check before you buy to make sure you get all of the right things.

**Does It Stay Cool?**

AOOSTAR says the TA95X3D has a vapor-chamber cooler. That's important, because even if it doesn't seem like it, that 16-core CPU could get toasty. You want it to stay cool and stable. Vapor chambers tend to spread out heat a lot better than those regular heat pipes.

**The Good Stuff and The Gotchas**

**What’s Cool:**

*   All-in-one: CPU and board come together.

*   Tons of cores: 16 cores for anything you throw at it.

*   PCIe 5.0: Ready for fast parts.

*   Small: Perfect for super-small PCs.

*   Keeps cool: Vapor chamber to keep that CPU from melting.

**What to Watch Out For:**

*   No upgrades: No switching out the CPU.

*   Questionable RAM: Memory speeds might be limited.

*   Few updates: Smaller companies don't always update the BIOS.

*   Be careful: Get all the details to make sure you know what's what.

**So, Who Should Buy This Thing?**

The TA95X3D is great for people who like small gaming PCs and need a lot of raw processing power. At $749, it might even be cheaper than buying the CPU and motherboard separately.

This could be great for a first SFF (small form factor) PC build but still needing workstation-level performance. Think creators, gamers, and anyone who wants a compact powerhouse. But keep the the limits in mind.

**The Main Idea?**

The AOOSTAR TA95X3D mixes mobile and desktop tech in new ways. Combining mobile X3D chips reduces the cost. It's not upgradeable, but it shows some real innovation.

**Final Thoughts**

At $749, the AOOSTAR TA95X3D looks pretty good. 16 cores, new PCIe 5.0 slots, a tiny Mini-ITX size, and vapor-chamber cooling. Taking mobile tech and using it for desktops is interesting. So, if you're after something powerful but compact, give it a look. Think about the CPU limits (soldered on!) and what support might be like.

The TA95X3D pushes the things computers can do. But it's not without its quirks.

38.The Great RAM Downgrade: Why 2026 Mid-Range Phones Are Reverting to 8GB 

Your next phone might not be as awesome as you think. A research group called TrendForce is saying things could get kinda funky with smartphones in 2026. It all boils down to AI needing a massive amount of computer memory, which could mess with the prices and features of phones. Companies that make phones may make changes that you end up NOT wanting. Your brand-new phone may be the same, or not as good as the older one.

**Why is AI Such a Memory Hog?**

Basically, AI stuff and these huge computer data centers need memory chips like crazy. Think about training AI or running cloud programs. This takes up a lot of chip space. Since everyone needs them, the prices start going up as well.

Prices are starting to increase. It's said that the prices of phones will be rising sharply in places such as China. Some brand-name phones, like the next Samsung Galaxy, will also be affected. Other products such as tablets from Honor and Xiaomi may see price increases as well next year.

**What the Experts Say**

TrendForce believes that the higher memory prices for 2026 are going to cause companies to have issues. Even Apple might have to think about raising prices for iPhones. Also, the deals you see might disappear. The phones right off the bat may be super expensive.

If you consider the Android phone brands, especially the cheaper ones, they will be in a big mess. Memory is one of the main things people look for when they get a phone. It costs them a lot to put memory in their phones. If prices go up even more, they might have to charge more or cut back on phone features.

**Less Memory in the Future?**

Instead of phones having more RAM, they might have the same amount or less. TrendForce is thinking your high-end phones will have 8 gigs of RAM, instead of 12 gigs or more.

The cheap phones could get affected the most. They may go back to 4 gigs of RAM. This will make your phone feel slow and frustrating.

**Okay, Why is 4 Gigs Bad News?**

Phones these days need a lot of memory. Think about social media, web browsers, and running apps. They take up space like crazy. Here is what will happen if you have 4 gigs:

*   Apps will have to reload when you switch between them.

*   Your phone will feel slow.

*   It will lag and stutter if you do a lot of things.

*   The phone will not last that long. Updates and new apps will take up more space.

If phones go back to 4 gigs of RAM, it would be bad. The phones would feel old and slow, and you would have to replace them sooner.

**What This Means For You**

You might have to pay more but get less. The high-end phones would be super expensive. Mid-range phones might not get any better or might get worse. The cheap phones may not be a great deal.

Another thing: you might have to buy phones more. If your phone doesn't have the memory needed to keep up with new software, you would be forced to upgrade. This sucks if you want to have a phone for longer.

**Why Phone Companies Might Struggle**

Phone companies are in a bad situation. They have to deal with rising prices and still have to sell phones. Big companies such as Apple and Samsung can handle higher prices without cutting back on features. Other companies might have to cut features or charge more money.

This might cause smaller companies to have issues and the big guys might get even more powerful.

**The Bigger Picture**

This situation shows how tied together the tech world is. AI is getting bigger, but is also causing problems for other people. Phones used to be the only thing that needed computer chips, but now, AI is competing for the same chips.

This could mean phones will not be updated as often. Instead of big changes every year, you might see small changes and even downgrades.

**What's the Bottom Line?**

TrendForce is predicting that things might be bad for phones in 2026. Because of memory prices, phone companies have to raise prices and cut back on features. Mid-range phones might have 8 gigs and cheap ones might have 4 gigs.

This means you might have to pay more for a phone that doesn't do as much and will not last as long. Phone companies are going to have to stay smart about how to handle this. For the tech industry, it's a reminder that things do not always go in a straight line. It may be that tech sometimes takes a step backward before it goes forward again.

39.WatchOS 26 Finally Brings Interactive "Live" Complications to Your Wrist 

## watchOS 26: Apple Watch Faces Got a Whole Lot Better

So, the Apple Watch face – it's kind of a big deal, right? It's the first thing you glance at, it shows you what's happening with your apps. It also really shows off what you like. With watchOS 26, Apple did a bunch of cool things to make the faces even better. They’ve added some seriously neat stuff. I’m talking about cool designs, made the old faces better, and even added a new hints feature. All these changes make the Apple Watch way more personal and helpful.

**1. Check Out These New Watch Faces!**

Every time Apple updates watchOS, they bring out some new watch faces. This time's no different. They've got four new ones. Each one has its own thing:

*   **Exactograph:** Okay, this one's for the watch nerds. It's like a fancy old-school watch, but modern. It splits the hours, minutes, and seconds into their own dials, so you can see the exact time. If you’re into watches, you’ll probably dig this.

*   **Flow:** This one's super cool to look at. It uses these Liquid Glass numbers that have a colored orb floating around. When you move your wrist, the orb moves too. It's almost like a screensaver.

*   **Waypoint:** This is for people who have the Apple Watch Ultra and like being outdoors. Waypoint is like a compass. It shows where you are compared to spots you saved on your maps or points of interest. So, if you hike or travel, this face turns your watch into a compass that looks cool.

*   **Hermès Faubourg Party:** If you have an Apple Watch Hermès, check this out. It has animated characters that show up. They move around depending on the time or how you move your wrist. It’s fun and also what you expect if you’re buying Hermès.

These new faces give you a bunch of ways to change up your Apple Watch. The Flow and Waypoint are the real winners, showing how Apple mixes looks with usefulness.

**2. Making the Old Faces Shine**

It’s not just about new stuff. Apple also fixed up some of the faces people use every day. The Photos face is one of the most used faces. Apple made it even better

*   **Liquid Glass time:** To match the general style of the watchOS, they've added a Glass color option for the clock. This lets more of your photo show through. That makes the photo look that much better.

*   **Featured photos option:** You can pick Featured as where your photos come from. So, you don’t have to pick photos yourself. The watch will show your best photos. This way, your watch face is always fresh without you having to do anything.

Also, Apple made it so more faces can show the seconds ticking all the time. That feature was first available last year. It was only on a few faces. But now, with the newer Watches, the ticking seconds is available on more faces. If you like being exact, this tiny detail makes the watch feel more like a real watch.

**3. Cool Hints Feature**

Okay, this might be the coolest thing. Apple added hints. These are small things that pop up at the bottom of your watch face. They look like the Liquid Glass colors. These hints are connected to the Smart Stack, which is how Apple tries to guess what apps you need.

How it all works is that the Smart Stack considers stuff like where you are, what the sensors say, and what you usually do. So, instead of using the Digital Crown to see the Smart Stack, the watch will give you hints right on the face.

Here are some examples:

*   If you’re in the middle of nowhere with no cell service, a hint for Backtrack will appear to help you find your way back.

*   If you go to a certain location to take a class, the hint will tell you to start it.

By putting these hints on the watch face, Apple’s trying to make the watch feel like it knows what you need and when you need it. It’s almost like a friend.

**Why All Of This Matters**

The Apple Watch is all about looking sharp and being useful. The watch faces are where that balance happens. With watchOS 26, Apple’s trying to push both of those things.

*   **Style:** The Flow and Hermès faces are classy. They show that Apple wants the watch to be fun to wear and express your personality.

*   **Usefulness:** The Exactograph and Waypoint faces help with telling time and getting around. Also, the hints feature puts info right on your face

*   **Small upgrades:** Fixing up the Photos face and adding more always-on seconds shows that Apple cares about the little things. They make sure the old stuff gets better along with the new stuff.

All of this makes the Apple Watch a thing of fashion and a tool to get stuff done.

**In Conclusion**

With watchOS 26, Apple brought out one of the best updates to watch faces. The new designs, fixes to old faces, and the hints feature, all make sense.

Using it makes the watch feel more alive and helpful. So, whether you like how the Flow face looks, use Waypoint to hike, or like seeing the ticking seconds, watchOS 26 makes your watch face more than just a screen.

## watchOS 26: Apple Watch Faces Got a Whole Lot Better

So, the Apple Watch face – it's kind of a big deal, right? It's the first thing you glance at, it shows you what's happening with your apps. It also really shows off what you like. With watchOS 26, Apple did a bunch of cool things to make the faces even better. They’ve added some seriously neat stuff. I’m talking about cool designs, made the old faces better, and even added a new hints feature. All these changes make the Apple Watch way more personal and helpful.

**1. Check Out These New Watch Faces!**

Every time Apple updates watchOS, they bring out some new watch faces. This time's no different. They've got four new ones. Each one has its own thing:

*   **Exactograph:** Okay, this one's for the watch nerds. It's like a fancy old-school watch, but modern. It splits the hours, minutes, and seconds into their own dials, so you can see the exact time. If you’re into watches, you’ll probably dig this.

*   **Flow:** This one's super cool to look at. It uses these Liquid Glass numbers that have a colored orb floating around. When you move your wrist, the orb moves too. It's almost like a screensaver.

*   **Waypoint:** This is for people who have the Apple Watch Ultra and like being outdoors. Waypoint is like a compass. It shows where you are compared to spots you saved on your maps or points of interest. So, if you hike or travel, this face turns your watch into a compass that looks cool.

*   **Hermès Faubourg Party:** If you have an Apple Watch Hermès, check this out. It has animated characters that show up. They move around depending on the time or how you move your wrist. It’s fun and also what you expect if you’re buying Hermès.

These new faces give you a bunch of ways to change up your Apple Watch. The Flow and Waypoint are the real winners, showing how Apple mixes looks with usefulness.

**2. Making the Old Faces Shine**

It’s not just about new stuff. Apple also fixed up some of the faces people use every day. The Photos face is one of the most used faces. Apple made it even better

*   **Liquid Glass time:** To match the general style of the watchOS, they've added a Glass color option for the clock. This lets more of your photo show through. That makes the photo look that much better.

*   **Featured photos option:** You can pick Featured as where your photos come from. So, you don’t have to pick photos yourself. The watch will show your best photos. This way, your watch face is always fresh without you having to do anything.

Also, Apple made it so more faces can show the seconds ticking all the time. That feature was first available last year. It was only on a few faces. But now, with the newer Watches, the ticking seconds is available on more faces. If you like being exact, this tiny detail makes the watch feel more like a real watch.

**3. Cool Hints Feature**

Okay, this might be the coolest thing. Apple added hints. These are small things that pop up at the bottom of your watch face. They look like the Liquid Glass colors. These hints are connected to the Smart Stack, which is how Apple tries to guess what apps you need.

How it all works is that the Smart Stack considers stuff like where you are, what the sensors say, and what you usually do. So, instead of using the Digital Crown to see the Smart Stack, the watch will give you hints right on the face.

Here are some examples:

*   If you’re in the middle of nowhere with no cell service, a hint for Backtrack will appear to help you find your way back.

*   If you go to a certain location to take a class, the hint will tell you to start it.

By putting these hints on the watch face, Apple’s trying to make the watch feel like it knows what you need and when you need it. It’s almost like a friend.

**Why All Of This Matters**

The Apple Watch is all about looking sharp and being useful. The watch faces are where that balance happens. With watchOS 26, Apple’s trying to push both of those things.

*   **Style:** The Flow and Hermès faces are classy. They show that Apple wants the watch to be fun to wear and express your personality.

*   **Usefulness:** The Exactograph and Waypoint faces help with telling time and getting around. Also, the hints feature puts info right on your face

*   **Small upgrades:** Fixing up the Photos face and adding more always-on seconds shows that Apple cares about the little things. They make sure the old stuff gets better along with the new stuff.

All of this makes the Apple Watch a thing of fashion and a tool to get stuff done.

**In Conclusion**

With watchOS 26, Apple brought out one of the best updates to watch faces. The new designs, fixes to old faces, and the hints feature, all make sense.

Using it makes the watch feel more alive and helpful. So, whether you like how the Flow face looks, use Waypoint to hike, or like seeing the ticking seconds, watchOS 26 makes your watch face more than just a screen.

40.Huawei Pura X Review: The Widescreen Flip Phone That Actually Feels Like a Tablet 

Foldable phones, right? Remember when they first hit the scene? Huge buzz. Though, not everyone's totally sold that they’re the future. Some folks are still all about those classic little flip phones – the ones that slide right into your pocket. But what if you want a foldable that’s more than just small? That's where the Huawei Pura 70 Pocket shows up, and it’s actually quite interesting. I got to play around with it for a bit, and it looks like Huawei has some distinct ideas about what a foldable should be like.

**A Flip, But a Little Different**

Most flip phones, the Samsung Galaxy Z Flips or the Motorola Razrs, they’ve got these tall, narrow screens – close to seven inches, but real skinny. Scrolling is fine. But watching videos or reading feels a little like it's cramped. The Pura 70 Pocket goes a different way. It’s got a 6.99-inch screen on the inside, but it’s wider, almost like a mini tablet or a book. And the cover screen is a tiny 1.04 inch.

That extra width makes a big difference; it doesn’t feel like your usual flip phone. Feels more like a book. If you read articles, browse websites, or stay up way too late for videos, you'll notice. The text is easier on the eyes, and videos nearly fill the whole screen, not those annoying black bars you get on other foldables.

**Great for Watching Videos and Reading Stuff**

One thing you might hear about foldables is how crummy videos can look. On the book-style ones like the Galaxy Z Fold, you've got those big black bars that cover the top and bottom. Then on flip types, these bars hang out on the sides. But the Pura 70 Pocket’s screen fixes this. You get way more video.

The Pura 70 Pocket’s 6.99-inch screen shows you more than other big screens found on Samsung and Motorola’s flip phones. Turn it to the side, and YouTube videos on this phone get almost as big as they do on the Galaxy Z Fold. If you're a video addict, this is huge.

Reading is super easy on this phone. Flip it sideways, and it’s like holding a small e-reader, or a paperback of some kind. The screen is wider, which means more words fit on each line, leaving less strain on your eyes. Perfect for reading forever.

**What's It Like to Hold?**

The Pura 70 Pocket’s design has a few quirks. Since it’s wider, it can wobble ever so slightly when you reach for something. Also, think opening a book rather than hearing the “click” sound you get from a regular flip phone. You get used to it sooner or later. It's just different.

The buttons are in new spots, too. When closed, the fingerprint reader sits where your thumb hangs out. Open it up, and it moves to the top, so you use your index finger. You'll likely get used to it quick, but it’s good to know.

**The Outer Screen is Okay, and Let's Talk About Those Cameras**

Like most foldables, the Pura 70 Pocket has a small front screen for checking out notifications without cracking the phone wide open. It’s a 1.04-inch square OLED. The size is fine, and it even has browsers and software.

The Pura 70 Pocket has *three* cameras on the back – kinda a rarity for a flip phone.

*   A 50-megapixel camera is the main one.

*   A 12.5-megapixel Ultra Wide camera.

*   A 2x telephoto lens.

They seem good for folks who like to take photos and videos. Expect bright colors and details.

**Okay, How Does It Run? What About the Battery??**

Inside, it’s running a Kirin 9000S chip with 12GB of RAM. This helps a lot, plus Huawei’s HarmonyOS, feels faster than past times.

The Pura 70 Pocket has a very cool 4,520mAh battery. It charges really fast, and there’s wireless charging. Also the screen isn't as power-hungry, so the battery lasts a surprisingly long time.

**What’s Not So Hot?**

Big bummer: It's only being sold in China.

Some people might not dig the design. The buttons, the way you open it, the feel – it’s just not the same as other flip phones. Could be a little annoying, but doesn't make it worse than manageable.

**So, What's the Damage (Price)?**

The Pura 70 Pocket starts at $1,065. Not too bad, mainly considering it’s a foldable. It has the stuff that it needs, good cameras, and design makes it solid.

**Summing Up**

The Huawei Pura 70 Pocket takes the foldable into a new path videos great and fun to watch, and reading easy. It’s only being sold in one country and takes getting used to, but the design show what foldable phones could become.

The Pura 70 Pocket reveals where foldables can go when the focus is videos. If phone companies copy parts of this, foldable phones are useful. Phones might get better if Huawei isn’t the only one testing out this type of phones.