News-Technology

 1.Amazon Matches All-Time Low: AirPods Pro 3 Now $199 for Holiday Shoppers 

Heads up, everyone! The AirPods Pro 3 just hit their lowest price ever right before the holidays. Music lovers have always looked to Apple's AirPods as a leader, they sound amazing and play nice with all your Apple stuff. This year, you can find some really good deals on Apple's wireless earbuds, but getting them on time might be tricky.

Amazon is selling the AirPods Pro 3 for only $199. That's way down from the usual $249. It's even cheaper than what they cost on Black Friday by about $20. If you're looking for a good deal, now's your chance to get Apple's top-of-the-line earbuds at the best price they've ever been.

But here's the thing: some people might not get their orders until after Christmas. So, if you're planning to give these as gifts, you need to order now. Waiting a few days could mean they won't arrive in time for the holidays. Some places might still get them before Christmas, but it's getting harder to find them.

So, what makes the AirPods Pro 3 so great? Well, they're Apple's best earbuds yet. They block out noise really well, let you hear what's around you when you need to, and sound great no matter what you're listening to. They're even more improved from the AirPods Pro 2. A lot of people think the noise-canceling and how well they work with other Apple devices make them worth the money. And at $199, they're even more attractive, especially when you compare them to other earbuds that cost around the same amount.

Oh, and the glitter blue color? It makes them look a little different from all the other Apple products, that is so simple. There are so many kinds of earbuds, so Apple is starting to play with colors to help theirs stand out.

But wait, there's more!

If you don't need all those fancy features, the AirPods 4 (the ones without noise canceling) are on sale for $74. That's less than usual $129. They were a little cheaper on Black Friday, but this is still a great price. The discounts come and go rapidly, so keep an eye on them.

If you just want simple earbuds that are easy to use, the AirPods 4 are a good option. They're cheaper but works well with iPhones. You could buy it with the price below $80. It is pretty similar with brands like Anker and JBL, but they connect quickly to your iPhone.

All the AirPods deals shows a new shopping trend: the great features are becoming more affordable. Apple wants people to buy their products as much as possible by giving the discounts. Samsung, Sony, and Bose are also giving good discounts, so Apple needs to keep up to attract shoppers.

Keep in mind that things might take longer to ship during the holidays. So, even if the prices are good, it might take a while to get your order. Make sure to check the delivery date before you buy anything.

Speaking of Apple, there are rumors about what they're working on. People are saying iPhone 18 Pro might have Face ID built into the screen. This means there won't be a ugly notch on the front. Also, some people have found hints in early versions of iOS 26. Those hints are about new features and devices that could come out in 2026.

Other rumors talk about a powerful iMac with the M5 Max chip, an iPhone that can fold, and some small updates to the iPhone Air. Even though it's fun to think about these things, don't forget about the deals you can get right now.

Basically, the AirPods Pro 3 deal is hard to pass up at $199. But if you're buying them as a gift, they might not arrive before Christmas. If you're buying them for yourself, it's not as big of a deal. The AirPods 4 are a good cheap option, but they might sell out quickly.

In the market, Apple is trying to get more people to use their products. By making flagship products super affordable. They make it really for budget-minded shoppers to test Apple's system. Maybe they’ll purchase the more expensive gadgets soon.

Finally, buying holiday gifts is a lot the same with timing as with price. If you purchase now, you can save the money. Besides, you might get higher quality and popular brand.

---

2.Holiday Update Brings the Futuristic Progen Luiva Supercar to GTA Online 

GTA Online is totally off the chain for the holidays! Seems like Rockstar's gone absolutely bananas this year. We're talking seriously amazing rides, enough free swag to stuff a garage, and all those game modes we love keep coming back. Seriously, Southern San Andreas is covered in fake snow and ways to get into festive trouble.

Oh! I was thinking since I have time I might also play a new game called final fantasy during this holiday.

**Progen Luiva: Who Needs a Sleigh?**

Check out the Progen Luiva. It's a crazy supercar that's unlike anything else in the game. No roof. No windshield. NO WINDOWS AT ALL! It's all about catching maximum wind and burning rubber as fast as you possibly can. Think amped-up, open-top go-kart made just for showing off while ice skating through Vinewood.

You can buy Luiva at Legendary Motorsport. Or you can check it out in the Luxury Autos showroom. If you're a GTA+ member, I think you get a first look at the Vinewood Car Club showroom. Rockstar wants to make you get GTA+. But you have to admit, it looks really dope!

**Vapid FMJ MK V: Track Star Turned Street Beast**

The Vapid FMJ MK V. This thing is pretty amazing. They say it was originally a prototype built for race tracks. But then, they styled it like a classic '60s Vapid to give it a cool vibe. Players went nuts for it, so they made it street-legal. It's legendary.

You can buy at Legendary Motorsport or Luxury Autos. But here's the kicker: If you're signed up to GTA+, you might be able to claim one of these machines for free at the Vinewood Car Club. Sounds like a great deal, but you gotta claim it before January 7th. If you're lucky enough to be running the expanded version of the game (PS5, Xbox Series X/S, or PC), you can get this bad boy over to Hao's Special Works and punch up the performance. It's not just a pretty face which is built to get gold.

**Gold Tier freebies: These are too good to pass up!**

The holiday fun doesn't stop with the cars. Did you finish all three New Listings Missions before December 7th? Because if you did, Rockstar gave you GTA$2,000,000 off Prix Luxury Real Estate. Everyone is stoked. You also get a Black Rockstar Varsity Crewneck to look cool wearing around the other neighborhoods. GTA+ Members claim more of those juicy benefits! Rockstar is giving an additional GTA$1,000,000 off those luxurious estates. Rockstar wants you to claim this by January 7th. So hurry up already!

**Ugly Sweaters and a Shower of Good Stuff!**

Clothing stores are packed with holiday gear. Your safehouses are also getting some festive changes. To get the Season's Greetings Sweater and the New Year Fireworks Bodysuit. You got log in between December 23rd to January 7th. They are also bringing back the Snowball Launcher, Candy Cane, and the Firework Launcher with rockets. They want you to get into the holiday spirit. Time to get loud!

If you sign up to the Rockstar newsletter, you get a Red Festive Tree Hat just by logging in between December 18th and 31st. It is a way for Rockstar to make you keep logging in, but hey! It's a free hat!

**Holiday Madness is Back!!!**

Limited-time holiday modes are here:

*   Finding bigfoot

*   Snowball madness

*   Taking out The Gooch

*   Weazel Plaza Fight

Finishing mission gets you special outfits (Snowman, Gooch) plus the WM 29 Pistol. But wait! We also have a eCola special truck. Gift includes sweaters, money, snacks, RP, and ammo that the truck gives!

**Cluckin' Bell: Getting Rich Off Chicken!**

I saw the Cluckin' Bell Farm Raid is back. Officer Vincent Effenburger need help getting paid! So you should help the officer, the rewards are really good! If you get to finale completed by January 7th, Rockstar gives you GTA$1,300,000 in free rewards. The crew will GTA$500,000, and if you are the leader you get GTA$300,000 on time for the holidays. You also get the Krampus Sweater.

**Double the Dough, Double the Fun!**

Rockstar is giving out payouts to you!

*   Biker Weed selling missions: 2x the cash!

*   The Mansion assistants are getting extra income!

*   Series is double money. For GTA+ players, it's boosted to x4!

*   Overtime is double!

GTA could make a whole lot of cash around the holidays!

**Merry Cliquemas! Is the vehicle free???**

Own a Salvage Yard? Go get King Tiny to get your hands on the Vapid Clique. It has the Merry Cliquemas design, and has a Liberty City License plate. GTA twist to the regular car!

**Free Chopper!**

There is a Buckingham SuperVolito helicopter on Elitás Travel. The chopper is free! You put missiles in the hanger workshops.

**Easy Discounts**

Rockstar cut prices on stuff:

*   Weed businesses are 40 percent off.

*   Annis Remus is 30 percent off

*   Gun van getting discounts!

Grab the loot now!

**GTA+ Perks: Because Why Not?**

Get GTA+ for:

*   GTA$1,000,000 Mansions

*   Free Mansion Vehicle Workshop

*   Vinewood Club App

*   Special items!

Rockstar really wants to make you join GTA+. But should you?

**Final Thoughts**

Holiday update is amazing for GTA Online. Cars, modes, and the free swag is top notch this year. Everyone, players or not , should enjoy this.

3.Fortnite Winterfest 2025 Live: All Collabs, Free Rewards, Map Changes & More 

**Fortnite Winterfest 2025: Snowballs, Squads, and a whole Lotta Loot!**

Alright everyone, it's holiday time around here! That means it's ON in the real world *and* inside Fortnite! Winterfest 2025 is here. The folks at Epic Games have totally decked out the Battle Royale island for the holidays. We're talking snowy areas taking over the north side of the map, holiday lights everywhere, some awesome new tie-ins, free outfits and gear to get your hands on, and a bunch of crazy, fun things to do while you play. It's all happening until January 5th, and this year's Winterfest has a cool mix of memories, plus stuff from movies and shows, plus that silly Fortnite humor we all love.

**Crossover Overload!**

One thing Winterfest always does is show how Fortnite can mix all these different stories together, and 2025 is doing just that. We've got some pretty big ones this year:

*   **Harry Potter:** Okay, so you may have seen the Hogwarts students in the promos, but slow down. The story is there are just some costume outfits in the item shop. If you wanna play as generic Fortnite characters wearing Hogwarts uniforms? Great. But don't hope for any cool map spots or free stuff related to the films.

*   **Bleach:** Anime fans, get hyped! There are four character skins available from the TV show. People who love anime stuff, get ready, because this is some of the top-tier content Fortnite is serving up.

*   **SpongeBob SquarePants:** The Patty Wagon car is cruising around the island, and SpongeBob and Patrick are hanging around as sidekicks. Sort of a weird thing, right?

*   **Back to the Future:** To keep the current Battle Pass fun, when December 23rd gets here you can get a Doc Brown costume and a DeLorean car skin. You already have the DeLorean in Rocket League? Awesome! You get it in Fortnite, too. How cool is that !

*   **Musical People:** Hatsune Miku and Sabrina Carpenter are releasing new looks and holiday songs to help expand Fortnite's music scene.

Maybe some other things will pop up, like *Home Alone* and *Batman Beyond*, but Epic hasn't said anything, so who knows.

**Free Stuff Bonanza at the Winterfest Cabin**

The Winterfest Cabin is back, and it's giving away one free gift, every single day, for two weeks. It has all sorts of cool stuff from outfits to gear, to change the way the game is going. Here's a quick list:

*   Two free outfits: A crash-test dummy in a frozen suit and a hamster in a holiday sweater.

*   Two back bling things plus two pickaxes that will make your character better.

*   Two musical instruments, a glider, a weapon pattern, a song, plus sprays and emoticons.

Important: You can't save the rewards. If you forget to open up the stuff you see, you can't get it anymore. The cabin looks like it has *Harry Potter* stuff, like music, but don't think you can get anything related to the film. Maybe the *Harry Potter* people put some rules in place.

**Snow Day: Map Change**

The north of the island is a snowy wonderland. Christmas trees and lights are all over the place.

**Old School: Classic Winter Weapons**

Winterfest brings back some old-time holiday weapons you may have used back in the day. The blizzard grenade and the snowball launcher are back, and gifts are like the Fortnite OG days.

The *Back to the Future* tie-in is cool. You can do so much with the DeLorean and the way it works. At 88 miles per hour, it can do time travel. A plutonium chest shows up too with classic weaponry, like the original Assault Rifle and Lever-Action Shotgun. And this is what really sets the DeLorean apart at Winterfest.

**Yule Trooper: Funny Boss**

Fortnite threw him on the island. You beat him, and you become him. But you can't stand up because he is constantly sliding around on the ice.

**No *Harry Potter*?**

Even the cabin and trailers try to make it looks like *Harry Potter's* is an addition and part of Winterfest, there's nothing to do with the wizarding world when you play. Epic is great at marketing without gameplay, it seems.

**Winterfest Vibe**

Winterfest is about everyone and building memories. Everyone will be able to play and have fun this holiday season, whether they have paid or free content.

Fortnite shows how old it is capable of being if get behind the wheel of the DeLorean and go back to old weapon vibes, and also laughing with the Yule Trooper.

**Bottom Line**

The best parts of Fortnite Winterfest 2025 are the tie-ins, free gifts, and snow. Turn on the game, use them. The cabin and map changes will pull you in.

Everyone can play on the cabin and map updates and stays with this game.

Basically, Winterfest is a hit, and Epic has a win on their hands.

4.Big PC Game Deals Arrive in Steam Winter Sale — Save on Top Titles Like Clair Obscur & More 

\

**Steam Winter Sale 2025: Let the Games Begin!**

The holidays are right around the corner and along with food and family, that means more time to chill out and play some video games! If you're a PC gamer, you already know it's almost time for the yearly Steam Winter Sale. Every year, Valve does this thing where they drop prices on a ton of games – like, everything from well-known games to hidden indie gems. This year, it all kicks off on December 18th, 2025, and goes on until January 5th, 2026. That's almost two whole weeks to snag some great deals and stock up on games! Seriously, you could probably add like 20 games to your library if you play your cards right.

**Awesome Discounts on the Biggest Games of 2025**

So, what kind of games are we talking about here? Well, a couple of big titles that came out this year are getting some pretty hard price cuts:

*   **Clair Obscur: Expedition 33:** Remember that RPG from earlier this year with the really unique visual style? The price was around $50 when it launched, and now it's down to $40. A lot of players really enjoyed how the art and story came together. If you skipped it when it first came out, now's your chance to jump in without paying full price!

*   **Silent Hill f:** Believe it or not, Konami has a new one! They're marking it down by about 40%, so it'll cost you around $42 during the sale. This one is supposed to be actually scary, and the story is set in a completely different place than previous games. From what people are saying, it definitely feels like a Silent Hill game but still does something fresh.

*   **Assassin's Creed Shadows:** Ubisoft is throwing their hat in the ring too. I've heard people say this game feels like a throwback to the older AC games. It normally goes for $70, but it's half off – only $35! From some sources, this is one of the best game deals around.

Okay, these are just a few examples to give you an idea. Whether you're into action, some scary stuff, or just want to sit back and level up characters, the sale's got you covered.

**Great Indie Games That Won't Break the Bank**

Steam Sales aren't just about the big-name games, either. It's a nice opportunity to find some smaller titles you never knew about! Here are a few smaller games that's are worth a look:

*   **Stardew Valley:** People are still super into this farming sim. At just $9, it's practically a steal. If you somehow still don't own this, get it now!

*   **Baby Steps:** This one is, uh, a little different. It's a walking game, but the controls are purposefully hard to manage. You can pick it up for $13. It is not going to appeal to everyone, for sure, but if you're up for something tough and weird, give it a shot.

*   **Consume Me:** It does some interesting and new things with solid gameplay and a twist. You can likely grab it for around $10.

*   **Ball x Pit:** It'll run you about $12. I remember people were all over this game back when it dropped.

What's so great about Steam Sales is that they let you check out game genres you usually wouldn't without spending a ton of money. Getting to experiment with new games is fun, especially at a discount.

**How These Steam Sales Generally Work**

Okay, so here is a tip: these sales happen pretty regularly. So if you miss the current one, do not sweat! You can be sure there will be another sale down the line. However, since most people get time off during the holidays, that makes now a perfect time to find a new game. So I advise playing a bit more to try to expand that library.

**Should You Buy? Here's a Thought**

The Winter Sale is a great way to get cheap entertainment. I've heard the prices of computer parts might drop in 2026, so getting deals on games now is a smart move. Hey, even if you do not play them immediately, it's still a great idea to buy the games cheap and play them later.

**Do Not Miss Out!**

The Steam Winter Sale is almost like a gaming community holiday. Most of the conversations I'm seeing are around the prices and cool games that happen to go on sale. It's like a big digital hangout where people are on the lookout for the best sales. Social media activity, like these discussions, helps developers get more attention, and gamers can buy their games cheaply. It is nice that everyone wins.

**What to Think About**

This year's sale seems to have something for everyone, and the price points are really incredible. There's probably something out there for you, whether that means you will purchase Silent Hill f, Clair Obscur, or Stardew Valley. Titles that have less recognition, such as Baby Steps or Consume Me, might gain an audience, as well, due to the lower price point.

The sale lasts for a good amount of time or nearly two whole weeks. With all that time, it feels like anyone can find a new game they may enjoy. Why not get that next title, especially since it seems like the whole community is coming together to enjoy all sorts of games?

5.Cycling Innovation in 2025: 8 New Products That Stole the Show 

**Velo's Coolest Cycling Gear of 2025: Beyond the Bike!**

So, we do this Product of the Year thing here at Velo, and it's all about the stuff that makes cycling awesome *besides* the bikes themselves. I mean, yeah, bikes are crucial, but it's really about the accessories, right? The cool gadgets, how smoothly your gears change, having great brakes, even the batteries that keep your e-bike going – *that's* what makes a real difference on your rides. This year's picks really show how far cycling tech has come, sometimes in ways you wouldn't expect.

You've got subtle improvements that really change how you ride, things you might not even know you wanted until you try them. Then there are the big, flashy innovations, things like super expensive wireless drivetrains. Most of those are out of my reach, but are still the cutting age of cycling. It is important to note that even small changes and good thinking can improve the rides on trails. No need to spend all of your money on improvements. Sometimes a simple add-on will be a big deal. I have learned this over the years and have never learned so much. The bike engineers are creative!

**Oakley Meta Vanguard Glasses**

Okay, these sunglasses came out of nowhere. Your normal shades look like these, huh? Lenses and arms. Don't get ahead of yourself, you won't expect all of the features packed into these glasses. Stuff such as constant recording, sharing videos to friends, and talking while riding. Hands free? Pretty cool!

Okay, they have some problems. They aren't cheap, work terrible will other helmets, and the battery could be better. But think about having camera roll anytime and talking to friends! Weird! Riders such as vloggers might like these. How about a camera that connects to your head?

**Exposure Lights Toro 16**

Often, the best stuff goes under the radar. The Exposure Lights Toro 16 represents that. I totally believe this light is very underrated. Plenty of light provided for a long time. Riders can stop worrying about batteries. Plus it doesn't need a wide array of parts.

Exposure has always been good at making goods. Once you use it for yourself, you'll see it too. While the Toro 16 light isn't the best it does get better. It had fresh LEDs and stronger light, all using good batteries. It is great for long rides. The comfort has no competitors really.

**TQ HPR40 E‑Bike Motor**

So, it seems like e-bikes come out of nowhere. The most important part is the electronics being good. The TQ HPR40 caught my eye. A lot of these motors are rough. This motor provides a boost but isn't overbearing.

Truthfully, there is not a lot to see. Only handles and buttons. The power comes to the bike. The HPR40 shows e-bikes' power. Good power shouldn't make you feel bad. Riding rough with weird feelings are bad.

**Campagnolo Super Record 13**

More gears are provided with Campagnolo's Super Record 13. But having too many gears might be bad. It never hurts to have too many options! More range is better!

With that you'd have a 52‑36 in the front along with an 11‑36 in the back. Fast on top and climb on the bottom. Campagnolo does offer a power measure as well! They are really good. If you enjoy cycling, give Campagnolo a shot!

**Shimano GRX Di2 1x RX827**

Shimano's GRX Di2 1x groupset is good for gravel bikes. Single-chainring and wireless is good, but Shimano has really great mechanical systems. Great stopping is known as well!

Good battery life is a big plus. With these batteries you could ride up to 600 miles. Shimano wants to be a leader in the gravel market. Shimano is fighting to prove it with the GRX Di2 1x. If that sounds good, try it out.

**Shimano MT001 SPD Cleats**

Small things make differences. Released in 2025, the Shimano MT001 SPD cleats fixed a terrible product. The old cleats have been the same for a bit. What did Shimano change?

With the old cleats, bikers will twist their foot to clip in. Now you push in. To top it off there is a curve. The plastic will stop looking bad. If new cleats sound appealing, here you are. Want to stop what you're doing? This it it!

**SRAM Force and Rival**

Think about the price. SRAM's Force and Rival have premium parts for less. Some think middle gear is bad. That is wrong. Great braking and gears happen with SRAM Force and Rival! People can't go wrong!

Cost is important to riders. Usually, buying new gears are something that people don't think is worth it. They were wrong! So give it a try. It sounds good!

**Zipp 303 SW Wheels with AXS**

The Zipp 303 SW wheels are amazing. Really strong rims and fresh hubs. They threw in a sensor! Why?

I noticed the tire sensors connected to your phone. Stop checking tires. It'll do it for you! This allows bikers to maintain their rides and ride safe! No more going to the shop either!

**Two Sides of Velo**

We have both new and old technology here at Velo. With cleats and shifting, it provides uniqueness. Cycling still has the balance of old and new bikes! Catching up to stuff is hard. It's like a sport!

Normal parts such as flashlights. Parts such as the Super Record 13.

**Final Thoughts**

Velo Product of the Year has a lot of picks. Glasses, shifting, and cleats allows one to have fun.

To end this, who is the best? Shifting has done a lot for cycling.

6.Riot Games Uncovers Critical Motherboard Security Flaw That Could Let PC Cheaters Run Undetected 

It's wild to see where tech is heading in 2025, right? It feels like two totally different worlds are colliding. On one side, you've got gaming, where it is a constant battle to shut down cheaters. Then, on the other, there are all these new AR glasses that are starting to look kinda cool.

Like, check out what Riot Games is up to. They're basically telling Valorant players they might need to update their computer's BIOS to even play the game. That's a big step, which just goes to show how intense the cheating problem has become. Then you have SCHOTT. They are creating geometric reflective waveguides for AR. It's a completely new spin to glasses. The result is something you might consider wearing.

**Riot’s BIOS Stance: Why It’s a Big Deal**

Riot Games has identified a sneaky problem. Modern computer motherboards have a security gap. Cheaters use it in order to dodge Riot's anti-cheat methods. It all zooms in on specific devices that plugin by the PCIe slots. These things normally have protection thanks to IOMMU(input-output memory management unit). What Riot has figured out that when a computer boots up these protections don't really work.

Okay since these cheats are set up, it means they can mess with stuff on your PC, and Riot's anti-cheat software doesn't even see it. Vanguard is what Riot uses to fight cheaters. Players have to update their BIOS with the versions that have the security fixes from motherboard brands, like Asrock, Asus, Gigabyte and MSI.

**BIOS Updates: What is the big deal?**

Yeah, sure, updating the BIOS might sound like a boring task. You should do it quickly as soon as possible. When your PC starts up, Riot closes the doors on cheaters that are nearly impossible to stop! It's a big win for people who value fair play.

Imagine if other games did the same thing. Then, anti-cheat systems might require BIOS updates for security measure. So, players need to remember that security doesn't just require what is installed on your computer. It is all about what is under the hood.

**The Forever War Against Cheats**

It is impossible to get rid of cheaters. Game companies fight harder to get rid of them. Riot is working on blocking them at the BIOS level. It could mean that cheating on a hardware level has gone to an intense level.

Everyone cares about fair play in Valorant. This is why Riot does whatever they can to keep the games balanced. Players don't like it but something must happen.

**SCHOTT: Actually Good Looking AR Glasses?**

On the other side, SCHOTT is making AR glasses that don't look goofy. The trick isn't the computer aspect. It's the materials they are using. SCHOTT is building geometric reflective waveguides, which are new AR lenses.

**Old Glasses Going To Greatness**

Imagine taking an technology and upgrading it to the point where everyday people use it! SCHOTT is basically trying to make AR glasses lighter, better looking and practical than the existing lenses.

The old lenses can twist light with small builds. They work but can always be better. SCHOTT's reflective waveguides uses mirrors. This works way better.

**Lens Making: It’s Hard Work**

It's hard to believe what it takes to make lenses! It starts out with sand and metal oxides. After that you heat it to 1,600°C. Then you cool it down very slowly since it could ruin everything.

The coats have to be super flat inside the cleanrooms. What makes the glass mirrors after they cool down is the coatings. SCHOTT handles everything from start to finish. The company is mass-producing AR lenses right now!

**Can Waveguides Save AR?**

A good use of waveguides is that they can make glasses look good. The picture looks great and the vision is great. Not to mention it should be lightweight. Wearing these glasses would feel so relaxing. SCHOTT puts everything in the glasses.

**Two Sides Of The Same Coin: Defense and Tech**

There's Riot with their BIOS updates and SCHOTT's new glasses. It's how tech has two sides. One: protect people by finding flaws online. Two: discover new materials through science.

New fixes and hacks will arrive later down the road. Glasses would be helpful. Also, other technology could follow suit. Fixing problems is the next step.

**Food For Thought**

Tech can be described by these instances. Riot is focusing on fighting cheaters. SCHOTT is changing what we know about the eyewear of the future.

These two companies do matter. So, remember them. Gaming should be fair and balanced. AR experiences should be secure and fun when done right. Good tech is always in the works.

7.Google Gemini can now detect whether videos were generated using its AI tools 

**Personal Care Shopping: It's a Marathon, Not a Sprint**

These days, people are pretty much always thinking about shopping. A study by Amazon Ads showed that a big chunk of Americans – about 77% - think about shopping several times a week. It's just part of how we live now, constantly switching between phones, tablets, different apps, and trying to find some fun stuff to watch. Shopping isn't just a dedicated trip to the store anymore. It's mixed into our daily lives.

Before someone even decides to buy shampoo or a new toothbrush, they've probably seen the brand pop up a whole bunch of times, maybe without even realizing it. People interact with a brand around 11 times before they actually buy something. When it comes to things like toothpaste, soap, and other personal care items – stuff people tend to buy quickly – those first impressions are super important. It's not always the loudest brand at the checkout line that wins; it's the one that's been showing up regularly along the way, already in the customer's mind. They’ve made an impression. They’ve worked their way into the customer's options way before the customer needs to actually pick something off the shelf.

**Thinking Ahead: Why Planning Matters**

Most of the time, buying personal care stuff isn't a spur-of-the-moment thing. People usually plan ahead. The study suggested that over 80% of purchases for things like toothpaste, deodorant, pads, and razors are planned out. Buying something without thinking about it first only makes up less than 20% of those purchases. A lot of it comes down to habit. Almost half of all the buying decisions for toothpaste, soap, and personal hygiene are based on routine. Over half of the shoppers already know which brand they're going to grab before they even start looking. And only a small percentage switch brands once they're in the store.

So, for the people marketing these products, it means the real battle is being fought way before anyone even gets to the store shelves. But, ads can still make a difference. The study indicated that over 40% of shoppers remembered seeing ads before they bought something. It shows that being visible repeatedly pays off. And this happened throughout all these subcategories: razors and hair removal, personal hygiene, toothpaste, and feminine care, all showed similar ad recall impacts. Even with products people buy out of habit, ads can still influence them and help them to stick with the brands.

**Catching Attention Through Entertainment**

Because people are always finding new things, brands have to grab their attention early. They need to keep it as those shoppers consider their options. One way to do that is through shows and video games that people love. Folks are spending more than an hour and a half streaming TV shows every day. People have a little more time to themselves these days. They’re using it mostly to relax, hang out on social media, watch videos, or shop.

Ads naturally become part of that experience. Three out of four people say they are more likely to like ads that are fun to watch. About two-thirds think ads can shape what we think is cool and influence our culture. With personal care items, which are tied to how we see ourselves and how we want to live, being associated with fun entertainment can build a real link with customers. Half of the shoppers say that watching videos and streaming shows has become part of how they shop. More than half said that they will find new brands while watching video. And, they do something about it. Around 70 % said they have taken an action after seeing a product while they were watching entertainment, like look it up, save it, or put it in their online cart. Actions like that help move them from just finding something new to actually buying it.

**Connecting Everything to Sales: The Goal**

Shoppers jump around between different phones, apps, and videos. Brands have to find ways to connect all those different interactions into one smooth experience. Amazon Ads is a big help here. They combine great entertainment with ways to reach the right audience and measure what works. This makes for a smooth experience that can lead to both quick sales and make the brand more valuable in the long run.

With millions of people watching ads, Amazon can help brands reach people all over the place. From streaming video, to searching online, to actually buying something. Prime Video is a way to see shows and live sports. Partnerships with other streaming services help brands reach more people than they could otherwise. Interactive ads create shopping opportunities right in the middle of videos. They can help brands figure out what’s working and improve how they perform on selling platforms and elsewhere.

**The Takeaway**

If you're running a personal care brand, you need to be smart and reliable in your marketing to make sure people are always seeing your product at the right time. For these brands, the products are purchased quickly and often out of habit. Customers may already think they know what they want but smart, consistent advertising is important. Ads can strengthen that feeling, interrupt routines, and spark new discoveries. Build awareness early, support those notions by consistently bringing up the brand, and stay on people's minds. By seeding recognition early, supporting it across the shopper experience, and staying top-of-mind when a need arises, brands can excel even in markets defined by daily routines.

Consumers are always engaged and the path to buying is based on interactions. Entertainment, online shows, and engaging ads are core on how people find and consider brands. Success doesn't come from being the loudest but from showing up creatively and reliably.

8.iPhone Fold could face limited availability in 2026 due to manufacturing hurdles, says Kuo

Wow, a foldable iPhone, huh? The rumor train's back in town! But don't get too excited, because what I'm hearing is that you probably won't see one in stores until 2027. Yeah, that's ages away.

So, this Apple analyst named Ming-Chi Kuo. He usually knows his stuff and he's saying that Apple *might* give us a little sneak peek in late 2026. Even if that happens, it sounds like actually getting one in your hands will be tough until the following year. The word is that building these foldable phones is one tricky business. And when that happens that means high demand and very little supply. So you might be waiting for a long time to get your hands on one.

**What's Happening?**

Well, it seems like they aren't moving as fast as they hoped. Foxconn, those are the guys that usually put Apple's gadgets, were supposed to start making some test builds before 2026. But apparently that's been pushed back. The hold up? They're still trying to nail this design and fix all the problems.

It's no secret That Foldable phones are super, super complex. And a real headache is figuring out the hinge that folds the screen without breaking it. And Apple doesn't compromise on quality. If anything goes wrong everything gets put on pause. Building millions of these things without bugs? This is a mega job. They want to be the best, And that means nothing can go wrong.

**Déjà Vu?**

Apple's had production problems before. Some folks over at Mizuho Securities suggested that if Apple's having a really hard time the hinge design, it could get delayed until 2027. Kuo still thinks that they'll tease it around 2026, but it's not clear if they're going to have the quantity to sell to consumers. Remember when the Apple Watch came out? Or the iPhone X? It was the same, everybody wanted one and it was hard to get one.

**So what are some details you can share?**

I have no idea when it’s going to release, but some interesting details have leaked. Apparently, it will resemble a book opening when you use it, similar to the Galaxy Z Fold from Samsung. The external screen might be around 5.3 to 5.5 inches, The internal display might be around 7.8 inches. People are saying apple is toying with liquid metal hinges to avoid those screen creases people complain about.

Now if you're excited about the newest phone on the market, let loose of your wallet! It could cost around $2,000 to $2,500! And that makes it the priciest iPhone to date. So, this is mainly for hardcore fans and the ones who need the last gadget on the market. But the Apple fanbase is super loyal.

**The Foldable Market's Current Status:**

Apple's going into a market full of competitors. Samsung is producing foldable phones, as well as Huawai and Motorola. Apple could make these phones mainstream.

Apple has a reputation of perfecting something before releasing it. The liquid metal hinges display the fact these phones are trying to fix the current problems, from weak hinges to screen creases.

**Issues in The Supply Chain:**

The supply chain explains why Apple struggles with Foldable screens need very precise management.

Apple has handled this before by releasing items in select countries. But if the shortages continue, acquiring this iPhone is going to be tough. You might see them being scalped online for insane amounts.

**What does all this mean?**

To anyone else, these foldable designs are a mix of good and bad. But considering how expensive it is, and the lack of phones being produced, then no one is going to get their hands on one.

Having Apple in the game now is the main sign that the company is paving the way for the future.

**The Apple Announce, then Execute Plan:**

Apple is notorious for revealing the next product way before we can acquire it. The first iPhone came out months after the announcement. The Apple Watch took months before we could put it on our wrists. By announcing it in 2026, the company is creating hype and it gives third parties a head start for them create apps for the new screen size.

Apple dictates the news themselves. This has allowed them to display themselves as a pioneer, while having more time to solve the bug problems in the production process.

**In Conclusion:**

The foldable phone is a large gamble for the company. The price tag and the liquid metal hinges are going to be a massive move that comes with major risks. Not being able to make enough phones will hurt them in the end.

9.Samsung unveils Exynos 2600 as a potential Galaxy S26 processor

Samsung’s working on a new chip, called the Exynos 2600. What's really cool is that they’re using a new 2nm process to build it. Without getting super technical, this is a big deal – a step up for smartphones.

This new chip should be way better than the old Exynos chips. Think phones that are much faster, batteries that last way longer, and no more burning-hot phone calls after you are done with a game. Let's face it, the past Exynos chips weren’t always as good as what Qualcomm and MediaTek were putting out, so Samsung wants to get back to the top.

**Under the Hood**

The chip is packed with a 10-core CPU that uses a new design made by Arm. Instead of using weaker cores to save power, they're using a mix of bigger, stronger cores and smaller, efficient ones. This means that this chip is designed to keep your phone running well over long periods of time, not just for a moment.

Here's how the CPU is setup:

*   One super-powerful core that can hit 3.8GHz – perfect for handling demanding apps!

*   Three high-performance cores at 3.25GHz – great for things like playing graphically intensive games.

*   Six power-saving cores at 2.75GHz – made to run things in the background.

Samsung’s saying this new chip is almost 40% quicker than the old ones. Also, because it can do more AI stuff directly on the phone, things like voice assistants and editing photos should be quicker.

**Gaming Upgrade**

The graphics part of the chip is called an Xclipse 960 GPU. Samsung's saying that the new version is twice as strong as the old one and can handle lighting better. Ray tracing on phones has generally been bad so if they've nailed it, it could be a complete improvement for gamers.

They’re also using something called Exynos Neural Super Sampling (ENSS). It's using AI to improve the picture quality and create extra frames in games to make them run smoother, all while trying to use less battery. It's similar to NVIDIA's DLSS but made smaller for phones.

**Brains and Brawn**

Samsung’s definitely serious about AI on phones. They are saying that the new NPU (Neural Processing Unit, the part of the chip that does AI work) is over 100% quicker. That means that your phone can handle AI tasks without using data or needing to connect to the cloud.

They've also boosted the security on the chip, which is useful with all of the AI functions that the phone can perform.

**Better Cameras**

The chip can handle cameras up to 320 megapixels. Seriously? Also, it can take 108MP pictures quickly, record 8K video, and record 4K video at 120 frames per second with HDR.

It can tell when someone’s blinking in group photos. Plus, it can reduce noise in dark videos. Besides that, it looks like the camera functions use less battery.

**Keeping Cool**

One of the genuinely points is the cooling system. Samsung's utilizing new thermal materials to pull heat away from the chip and prevent overheating. This will hopefully keep the chip cooler so it runs without any issues for long periods of time.

If the Exynos 2600 performs strongly, it puts Samsung in a position to beat Qualcomm's Snapdragon chips, especially in keeping phones cool while gaming.

**The Other Specs**

It works with the newest memory and storage types, HDR10+ content, and 4K, 120Hz screens. The cellular connectivity is supposedly separate, which could let them use different connectivity chips in different phones for different markets.

**When Will It Be Available?**

Samsung isn't saying which phones will get the Exynos 2600. But, it'll probably be in some versions of the Galaxy S26 and S26 Plus. They usually use Snapdragon chips in some countries and Exynos in others.

If the chip is good, the Galaxy S26 might be a great release.

**In Conclusion**

The Exynos 2600 using a 2nm chip process is a big deal. It means Samsung is pushing the phone boundaries forward, meaning better phones for everyone. This also puts Samsung in a position to compete with TSMC.

**What It All Means**

The Samsung Exynos 2600 makes it clear that Samsung wants to be a leader in mobile processors. They've reworked the CPU, improved the graphics and AI, upgraded the camera, and addressed the heating issues.

But will the new cooling system work? Can it really compete with Qualcomm and Apple? If Samsung can pull it off, the Exynos 2600 could bring new respect to the Exynos brand.

10.Pixel 10 finally gets its promised GPU upgrade with Android 16 QPR3 

Google's Tensor G5 GPU driver update is finally here, but only if you're testing Android 16.

Back in October, Google said they'd be patching up the Tensor G5's graphics, but didn't say exactly when. The thing is, the update was technically ready in August, around when the Pixel 10 came out. But it wasn't included in the phone's original software. Now, months later, it's here, kind of.

**Driver Version 25.1 Shows Up**

The update is bundled with Android 16 QPR3 Beta 1. Some users noticed the fresh GPU driver version. A guy named Good_ole_pinocchio on 9to5Google pointed out that the driver version is now 25.1. That's the same one from August.

You can see it with apps like Device Info HW. If you own a Pixel 10 and have been waiting for this, it looks like we are finally moving forward.

**First Thoughts: A Little Faster**

The user said things are slightly better, especially with picture-in-picture. But it's hard to know if it's because of the driver, seeing as how it comes with a whole Android update. It could be from other changes in Android 16 QPR3 Beta 1.

The Pixel 10 has gotten better over the past few months anyway, even without this GPU driver. So, it's tough to say how much of a difference version 25.1 makes. Still, it's good that the driver update is here, because it means Google is still trying to improve the Tensor G5.

**Why GPU Drivers Are Important**

GPU drivers let the system and apps work smoothly with the graphics. Updates can make things faster, remove glitches, work with more stuff, and even add features. For phones, where things need to be power-saving and not get too hot, driver updates can really help.

The Tensor G5’s PowerVR GPU is new for Google, so Pixel 10 fans want to see how it compares to Qualcomm’s Adreno GPUs and Apple’s stuff. Google can keep the Tensor competitive by releasing updates.

**Only in Beta, For Now**

You can only get the driver update by being in the Android 16 QPR3 Beta 1 program. The rest of the Pixel 10 users will have to wait.

Google usually does it this way. By putting the driver in beta first, they can track how it performs, get feedback, and fix anything unexpected before everyone gets it. GPU drivers are super complex, plus they touch everything from games to videos.

**Pixel 10's Software History**

The Pixel 10 has gotten multiple updates. These updates have fixed things like battery and how well you can switch between apps. The GPU driver update is another step forward.

It shows that software is important. The actual hardware is great, but without the right drivers and updates, it can't run well. Google is showing they're committed to supporting their phones for a long time by improving the Pixel 10.

**What's Next?**

How much better will version 25.1 make things when it's officially released? Will games run smoother? Will things look better? Or will the the difference be insignificant?

We don't know. The Pixel 10 is new, and Google might release even more driver updates for the Tensor G5. Since phones are now doing more AI and graphics stuff, making sure the GPU is working at its best is essential.

**In Conclusion**

The Tensor G5 GPU driver in Android 16 QPR3 Beta 1 is a baby step for Pixel 10 owners. It shows Google is still working on the Tensor and keeping promises.

Driver updates aren't usually exciting, but they're needed for good performance. For Pixel 10 users, version 25.1 tells them that the phone will keep improving. Once the update gets out of beta, we'll see if it's a big deal for Google's ambitions.

11.ChatGPT launches app marketplace, now accepting developer submissions 

**ChatGPT Gets an App Store: Is This the Future of Chatbots?**

So, ChatGPT now has its own app store! It's a big deal, showing OpenAI's trying to make its chatbot way more useful. people can now submit their created apps to be checked, for an opportunity to be published on the app store. It will then allow many users to check the application directly through ChatGPT without any difficulty. This has evolved the usage of the chatbot from just answering questions. It will be used as a platform where other people may join to grow the possibilities of using the application's functions.

**How it all Happened**

Way back in October, OpenAI said that ChatGPT would soon have apps. The integration would enable users to do more stuff without leaving the chat. Some big names were on board early, like Expedia for booking trips, Spotify for music, Zillow for house hunting, and Canva for making designs.

Now that the app store is live, any developer get a chance to add their creations. You can find the app directory in the tools menu of ChatGPT—people are already calling it the ChatGPT app store. It’s a spot where folks can find, install, and start using apps that add extra power to the chatbot.

**What Can These Apps Do?**

OpenAI says these apps make ChatGPT chats better. They give extra information and support users to do all varieties of things. Here's some cases:

*   Order groceries while you're chatting.

*   Turn a simple outline into a good presentation using a design app.

*   Search for apartments and see what's currently available.

By adding these functions into chats, ChatGPT isn't just for answering questions; it helps people get stuff done. It’s like many tech companies are mixing AI with daily activities to make things easier and faster.

**App SDK: New Developer Resources**

OpenAI wants everyone to make apps, so they launched the Apps SDK (it's still in testing). the SDK provides a space for developers to build new apps for others using ChatGPT. When ready, submit the application via OpenAI Developer platform. You may also follow the approval progress from there.

It works like Apple's and Google's app stores, but conversations are the key. It's not a standalone app, it is only available inside ChatGPT. Developers now has a great opportunity to reach a wide range of people using ChatGPT everyday.

**Why This Is So Important**

Releasing an app store changes things for OpenAI. ChatGPT is now more than just a product; it’s becoming a place where things happen for both developers and its millions of users. By allowing other apps, OpenAI provides users with more reasons to use the platform. This also allows developers to show their creations to the world.

Now that the users are given the luxury to accomplish tasks directly through a single application, the developers are able to properly showcase their services and integrate with one of the most visited AI tools in the world

**AI as a Platform: The Big Picture**

This move lines up with what many in the tech industry believe. Instead of seeing AI assistants as simple gizmos, companies are attempting to make them into hubs of service. The Apple App Store totally changed mobile devices by giving it a marketplace for apps. The app store developed by OpenAI could do the same for chatbot AI -- ChatGPT becomes a central area where a lot of services gather.

the functions one may accomplish with this idea is nearly endless; from educational apps teaching students in real time to productivity tools automatically creating workflows. There are also entertainment apps that will give unique content, or commerce apps used for shopping--all inside a simple chat window.

**The Challenges Ahead**

Of course, creating an app ecosystem will have a few issues. OpenAI must make sure the regulations for app testing are crystal clear, keeps user data safe, and keeps up high-quality standards. Security is also something to consider. Apps working with ChatGPT might access sensitive info. OpenAI has to find a balance between being open and safe for this project to be successful.

The developers are also seeking a concrete plan for payments. Questions like are apps free, subscription based, or will there be in-chat payments? OpenAI must give details on earning money, which have a big impact on how interested developers are with the project.

**What's Next?**

OpenAI mentions a number of approved apps launching in ChatGPT within the following months. when the community expands more, users must prepare for more various choices in service. This app store will transform ChatGPT in to digital environment.

Developing apps for ChatGPT will tap into its large user base that are used to interacting with AI. This integration guarantees people convenience and to use technology with new methods.

**In Conclusion**

The ChatGPT app store is important. From the doors which opened for developers through OpenAI, it creates a community as apps grow the functionality of the chatbot. The more people use it, the more embedded it gets into people's everyday lives.

Like when mobile apps came out, this could change how people communicate with technology—making talks not just helpful, but also useful. In the coming months, the effects of this action will be clearer. But for now, ChatGPT has evolved into a platform rather than a simple chatbot.

12.Sony’s Naughty Dog studio schedules extra hours for ‘Intergalactic’ development 

**Naughty Dog's Overtime Nightmare: Is Crunch Back?**

So, Naughty Dog, *The Last of Us* and *Uncharted* geniuses, are in hot water. Not for game delays, but how they treat their staff. Apparently, those folks in Santa Monica are working crazy hours to finish a demo for their new game, *Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet*. It's brought up the whole crunch thing again. If you don't know, crunch is when companies force workers to work impossible hours to hit deadlines. People are rightly starting to think this sucks.

**Seven Weeks of Extra Time**

Sources say the overtime started in late October. Staff had to add at least eight hours a week and track it all. Seven weeks! It's making a demo for Sony.

The story is they missed some deadlines. Management's answer was work harder! Crunch has always been around, but it's hard to ignore with Naughty Dog. They're a huge studio making huge games, so everyone knows burning people out is bad.

**Why is Crunch a Problem for Gaming?**

Crunch has been around game development for ages. Studios need to create amazing games on tight deadlines. So, people often work crazy hours, whether they want to or not. Some are okay with it, a part of the job thing. Others say it causes burnout, health issues, and kills creativity.

Recently, the game world has been talking about this more. We've heard things about crunch at companies like Rockstar Games, CD Projekt Red, and Naughty Dog. People are asking if this is sane to make games. Many developers started speaking out and companies promised to cut back or stop.

But breaking old habits is tough. The pressure to make money is there, so studios go back to crunch when deadlines appear near.

**What's on the Line for Naughty Dog?**

Naughty Dog matters a lot to Sony. They make critically acclaimed, best-selling games. *The Last of Us Part II* won awards and made Naughty Dog better known. People are waiting for *Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet*.

The demo is crucial. Sony uses it to judge progress and plan accordingly. If the demo's late or bad, Sony might lose faith in the game. That's why the studio cares.

This need influenced management to force overtime. When you need to protect a reputation and please a parent company, crunch can seem possible.

**What Does it Do to People?**

Crunch hurts Naughty Dog workers a bunch. Overtime messes up work-life balance. It causes stress, which can create long-term health problems. Eight hours a week for seven weeks adds up.

Tracking overtime suggests it's not optional. It's not people volunteering; it's expected. If you're full-time, extra hours can overwhelm, especially with families.

Some believe that crunch lowers morale and makes talented people quit. Developers have choices now. They can work for smaller studios or remotely. If a company makes them work tons of extra time, they can leave.

**Reactions from the Game Industry**

News about Naughty Dog will start conversations about game work. The industry admits there's a problem, but doesn't have answers. Some studios are testing flexible hours, better planning, and realistic deadlines. Others use crunch when projects lag.

Gamers might have conflicted feelings. They want new games but can miss how those games get created. But people are slowly noticing the cost.

**What's the Next Step?**

Naughty Dog shows how hard it is to balance ambition with treating game developers well. Everyone wants *Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet* to be the best, but how do you make those games without burning employees?

Naughty Dog relying on overtime means that the industry has a long way to go to stop crunch. Even with more awareness and criticism, the pressure to create hit games keeps doing the same old practices.

As the demo gets closer and Sony gets ready to review it, will the game's success be worth the cost to the employees? Or will Naughty Dog be a warning that the industry must treat its workers better?

**To Finish**

Naughty Dog's overtime for *Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet* highlights how crunch continues in gaming. Even with awareness and criticism, it's still standard, especially for big projects. Employees feel the real strain, and the industry still needs to make games without hurting people.

This reminds everyone that real people create every game release. Their lives are affected by those demands. As the industry adapts, it will be key to balance creativity, aspirations, and treating people as humans.

13.Backlash over Larian CEO’s AI comments raises questions about company leadership 

**Larian Studios, AI, and Why Everyone's Upset**

Larian Studios, the folks who gave us Baldur’s Gate 3 and the Divinity games, is in a bit of hot water. It all started when CEO Swen Vincke made some comments about using AI, and it set off a bunch of angry posts online.

In an interview, Vincke mentioned they're playing around with AI tools for the new Divinity game. He was trying to say they aren't using AI to fire people or create stuff that’ll end up in the actual game. But even with those words, a lot of game developers and fans got really frustrated. It points to a bigger problem: sometimes what the big bosses decide doesn't sit well with the people doing the work.

**Why Was This So Annoying?**

Vincke had talked about AI before. Back in April, he said similar things, but nobody cared. So, why did this new interview cause such a fuss?

Basically, it's the worst time possible. For the last couple of years, many executives have been going on and on about how AI is going to totally change the industry. A lot of studios have made it mandatory to use AI, without really thinking about whether it's the right thing to do, or how it'll actually fit into making games. After loads of workers got laid off, had to work crazy hours, and didn't get paid enough, hearing another boss brag about AI felt like even more pressure.

**Developers Aren't Happy About Being Told to Use AI**

Vincke said Larian is using AI for a few things: testing games automatically, making motion capture better, getting ideas for artwork, writing temporary text, and even making boring company presentations. He also acts like most people working there are more or less OK with it. But, some news outlets are saying that some of the developers at Larian aren't happy about it, and some ex-employees are backing up those claims on social media.

This is the heart of the problem. These developers really don't appreciate being told to just use tools that they think are bad. They have concerns about where the AI gets its information, worry that they'll be fired, and think the work will suffer. At this point, finding a job in this industry is tough. A lot of them feel they can't really complain. If they quit, they might just end up looking for work at another place that's forcing AI on people.. So, they usually just deal with it, even if they secretly hate it.

**The Bosses Have the Power**

This whole thing also shows how the people at the top have a lot more power than the people actually working on the games. Often, the executives making these AI decisions aren't even close to the day-to-day work of making a game. Vincke is a bit different because he is involved in the game production. Still, as the CEO, he's got his own concerns that are different from his staff. Since he has the power to hire and fire, what he says really impacts things. Which makes it hard for people to disagree with him.

It got even clearer when some writers talked openly about Larian's hiring process. People said it took six months, involving a dozen interviews, and an unpaid test that needed them to show they could implement quests into the game. And for people who have to move to another country for the job, it's even riskier. Relocating can cost a ton, and if the job doesn't end up working out, they could be stuck. So, disagreeing with what management wants regarding AI feels almost impossible.

**It's Happening Everywhere**

Larian isn't the only one dealing with this. All over the industry, developers are dealing with similar concerns. Studios are promoting AI to make things faster, but the workers often see it as just another burden that they never asked for. People are scared to speak up. It makes bitterness build when the people in charge act like their concerns aren't real.

The upset about Vincke's comments isn't just about Larian; it has to do with something that is widespread. It shows all the people who feel unheard, undervalued, and stressed to use tools that they just don't believe in. It has to do as with those issues as it does of the ethics.

**A Test for the Top Guy**

Vincke has mentioned that he understands some issues in the industry. When Baldur’s Gate 3 was winning all those awards, he said other companies were acting out of greed. Which struck chord with a lot of developers who feel used. This is really a test for him as CEO. Can he see the worry, the anxiety, and the stress of this controversy? And more importantly; can he balance his ideas to innovate and respect his team?

It's not enough to say that AI won't fire people or won't be in the actual games. These developers are looking for the accountable executives. Those, that prevent unpaid overtime, and are willing to listen to their teams. This is a reminder that being a good leader isn't just about giving direction, it's about gaining trust and creating something worthwhile, regardless of AI.

**Workers Want More Power**

Workers are joining unions for this reason. They are tired of being shut out and just having their salaries and jobs threatened by executives making all the decisions. Joining a union would mean a place to have a discussion. Or a way to push back, to demand a say in how these new technologies are used, and a guarantee that the promises that are made are actually kept.

The Larian issue shows why unionization is getting more popular. Workers want executives that they respect and who acknowledge their concerns. They don't want executives dictating the future from high up.

**In Closing**

The whole problem with Larian Studios and AI isn't just about technology. It's a matter of leadership, power, and trust. Game developers are wary when they are just told that AI is the path forward, especially when someone has excluded them from the decisions being made. The challenge is to listen to the team and see their concerns, and just go forward together while balancing innovation!

The industry succeeds because of creativity and collaboration. If the people in charge don't recognize those values, the studios risk alienating the very people who make them who they are.

14.Get ready: The Midnight pre-expansion content drops January 20 

WoW players, get ready! Things are about to get weird in Azeroth because the Void is coming! Blizzard's planning to drop the Midnight pre-patch around January 20th, 2026.

Think of it as a warm-up act. You'll get to mess around with the changed classes, see what's different, and get a feel for stuff before the real deal drops on March 2nd, 2026. I'd say to try it out! It's looking good.

### New Demon Hunters?: The Devourer Spec

Here's where it gets interesting: Demon Hunters might get a whole new spec called Devourer. Instead of the normal Fel magic, these guys would be powered by the Void. Imagine a Demon Hunter who isn't all about getting into the middle of the fight like the others. They might hang back and hit enemies from a distance, almost like a ranged class, I guess.

These Devourers would probably want to be quick, dodging attacks and hitting back with combos. I can't wait to check it out.

The Devourer spec might let you pick one of two options. The first is Annihilator, which Vengeance Demon Hunters might like. I'm curious to see how similar they could be. Scarred is the second option. With Scarred, you mess with your build, letting you either get up close or strike from far away. The Devourer spec could change up the Demon Hunter lineup, mixing old moves with twisted Void magic.

### Void Elf Demon Hunters: Sweet!

Guess what else? Void Elves will be able to be Demon Hunters. With the pre-patch, you have to do a quest, and you're set. I think these Void Elf Demon Hunters would come with unique Metamorphosis forms, Void tattoos, and maybe even something like Spatial Rift to teleport around the battlefield. That’s pretty cool.

I'm interested to see the story and how the Void changes the look of some of the classes. More character choices are a plus.

### Class Combat: Talents

Every class in WoW will be getting changes. The talent trees are being reworked to get rid of most of the boring stuff, so your choices will change how you play. With this, each class will be unique, and you can have your own play style.

Keep an eye out for new combos and abilities. Your class should feel right, and you should have better control. The rework is meant to make playing a Rogue, elemental Shaman, or holy Paladin more enjoyable.

### Stats and Items: Smaller Numbers

They are reworking the stats and items to keep them understandable. All the numbers in the game are going down, but your power will be about the same. They have lowered the numbers to try to keep things stable.

### UI: Game Look

The game's user interface (UI) is gonna be updated! The raid frames look better, and you can tweak the damage numbers on screen. Also, boss alerts and nameplates are getting upgrades to give you what you need during fights.

These changes could mean that players wouldn’t need as many add-ons. Whether you're on all the time or just now and then, this new UI should make the game feel simple.

### Transmog: Dress Up

Let’s improve your closet more. The transmogrification system has been modified to be shared across everyone on your account. It'll also save multiple outfits, and if you've got gold, you can add slots. I hope we can change outfits without spending gold. This would improve the player experience so that they can fix how their character looks at any time.

Also, you'll be able to drag costumes onto your action bar to change clothes without seeing a transmog NPC. You can change your clothes whenever you want, whether you're in the middle of a raid or running around.

### PvP Training

Blizzard is adding Training Grounds to learn Player vs. Player (PvP) combat. They can now train through AI opponents within some Battlegrounds like Arathi Basin.

This will teach you to use PvP strategies and play with your teammates. Because the AI opponents are not pushovers, you might learn a few things. With training, you can become a serious player.

### Housing

Player housing might show up in Midnight. When the pre-patch goes live, players who own the expansion would be able to move to neighborhoods, grab houses, and get ready to build.

The houses will let you store all your items. Also, you can decorate, hang out with other players, and do more things. The game has not had this before, so there will be surprises.

### Pre-Patch Event and Winds of Mysterious Fortune

The week of January 27th will have an event ahead of the expansion.

### To Sum Up

The Midnight pre-patch is the base for a cool expansion for Word of Warcraft. Blizzard is working to get people to do content with others.

Then, call up your friends, check out the changes, and get ready for the Void. When World of Warcraft: Midnight comes out on March 2nd, 2026, at 3:00 pm PST, be ready!

15.Google NotebookLM adds Data Tables to organize information 

NotebookLM from Google just got a cool update – Data Tables.

Google's been trying to take AI from being a cool trick to something people actually use. This NotebookLM thing is a good example. If you're doing research of any kind, they've added this feature known as Data Tables. If you're on the Pro or Ultra plans, you get to play with it now. If not, don't worry, it's rolling out to everyone in the next few weeks. What it does is simple: it takes information from wherever you have it and turns it into a nice, simple chart. The best part? One click, and it's in Google Sheets. Pretty useful, right?

**Data Tables: So What's the Deal?**

Think of it as cleaning up your research mess. You know when you're working on a project, and you have notes all over the place. Data Tables fixes all of that, pulling the random bits of information and putting them in a table. Just like that, you've got a clear, organized look at your information.

Google thinks this will be super handy for:

*   Turning impossible to understand notes into something that is easy to read.

*   Building price comparison tables when you are trying to find the best deal online.

*   Keeping all your project information in one, easy spot.

And here is the kicker: you don’t have to be technical to use it. Type in something like, Make a table comparing laptop prices between Amazon and Best Buy, and it'll try to put one together. It's easy to learn.

**Google Sheets + NotebookLM: A Great Combo**

But there's more? You can send these tables straight into Google Sheets. I think we all use Sheets for sorting stuff and sharing with others. By connecting NotebookLM and Sheets, Google is helping you to get from AI information to getting actual work done much faster.

This lines up with Google’s plan to put AI in everything you do. Rather than learning some complicated, brand-new program, they're adding AI to programs you already know and use. Google is trying to become your go-to for daily AI help.

**What came before.**

Data Tables is coming right after Deep Research, which Google added to NotebookLM last month. Deep Research was made for Gemini chatbot to answer hard questions using information from multiple places.

So, Deep Research, and Data Tables? They are a team. One helps you get the general idea, and the other makes sense of it all. If you're some type of researcher or student, it could be a great help.

**Why Should You give a darn?**

Data Tables is proof of AI finally starting to do more than just showing off. The focus isn't on interesting sentences or pictures, but instead fixing issues and real problems.

We're drowning in information now. Notebooks fill up fast. Data Tables can sift through the stuff you have and helps you make sense of a whole lot of information.

**Who's It For?**

It is something that could be used by just about anyone:

*   *If you are in school:* gathering research, organizing science projects, and keeping track of data.

*   *At work:* checking out the competition, keeping track of project details, and gathering customer feedback.

*   *Home life:* watching your finances, comparing items before you buy, or trying to plan an home project.

NotebookLM might become the place to go when you have a lot of information.

**Something to know**

Data Tables needs to be accurate to be useful. The charts have to give the right data, and you need to know it is legit. A good thing is that you can send the data to Google Sheets with one click to check it yourself.

Also, not everyone is using NotebookLM yet. Google needs to tell people how well this works.

**Any upcoming updates?**

Google is always adding new features to NotebookLM, which is something they are serious about this. With Data Tables, they are trying to build a spot where you see, understand, and arrange your information in one spot. Soon, they may mix NotebookLM with other Google tools.

The world of AI is changing fast. These tools solve problems and make life better rather than just cool demos. Data Tables seems like a good step.

**Bottom line:** The Data Tables feature in Google's NotebookLM is a big step. You can take information, put it in charts, send it to Google Sheets, and finally, AI becomes more useful than ever.

With Deep Research and Data Tables together, AI can get real work done! It may become important tool to staying on top of information.

16.G.SKILL responds to rising DDR5 RAM prices for 2025–2026 

**DRAM Costs Through the Roof Because of Artificial Intelligence: G.SKILL Chimes In**

So, have you noticed your computer memory costs have jumped up lately? You're not imagining things. G.SKILL, the RAM people, put out a statement this week trying to explain why DDR5 memory, in particular, has gotten so expensive since late 2025. Basically, there's not enough to go around, and the Artificial Intelligence world is eating up a ton of it.

If you're even a little into tech, this probably makes sense. But it really shows how messed up the memory world is at the moment. Let's check out what's going on.

**Not Enough to Go Around, and Artificial Intelligence Is Taking It All**

G.SKILL says the DRAM world is just a mess. It's not just one thing causing problems; making memory is difficult these days, from making the chips to putting them on shelves.

The main thing, though, is the huge increase in Artificial Intelligence demand. Just think about how many Artificial Intelligence data centers are appearing and everything needed to support them; they all require super-fast memory.

If you want to teach Artificial Intelligence those tough programs, make predictions, and create all sorts of things, you need a ton of memory. The companies growing their Artificial Intelligence departments are buying all the DRAM they can get, which is very little for everyone else. Artificial Intelligence growth needs serious computer equipment that drives up memory production and prices.

**It Costs G.SKILL More, So It Costs You More**

G.SKILL came right out and said it costs them more to buy the chips they require. Prices have been raised because they're paying more for those DRAM chips. The companies they purchase from are charging customers more.

If you're intending to purchase DDR5 memory (which was already costly compared to DDR4), get ready to spend even more money. G.SKILL says to check costs before you get it, because everything might be up in the air for some time.

**What Others Are Saying: Businesses First, Gamers Maybe Later**

G.SKILL's description matches up with what's happening all around. Since Artificial Intelligence is the big deal now, memory makers are concentrating on business-level memory first, like High Bandwidth Memory (HBM). This memory sits inside graphics cards and accelerators that train Artificial Intelligence. Companies are putting their efforts into making that instead of typical DRAM.

We've already witnessed this firsthand. Micron, a big memory-chip maker (with Samsung and SK hynix), announced they're stepping back from the Crucial business, which sells memory to everyday people. The data center demand for Artificial Intelligence is extremely strong. What? Businesses are willing to pay the most.

**It's Messing with Everything**

The DRAM shortage is getting into more than just people putting together computers. Phone companies might put less memory in their 2026 devices to save some cash. So, we might see fewer phones with a lot of memory, or the expensive phones could cost even more.

Computer makers are also warning that costs could climb up because DRAM is a bigger piece of the overall cost. Expect to spend more on laptops, desktops, and gaming computers. Companies will also need to pay more on servers and workstations, which is a pain for their budgeting.

**G.SKILL Isn't Bringing Good News**

G.SKILL's announcement tells us what's up, but it doesn't give us hope. They didn't share when costs might calm down or fall. There was no date on when they believe things will get back to normal. They didn't say if they have enough DRAM to get them through the next few months.

G.SKILL also didn't discuss how much control they have over the costs you witness on shelves. Supply shortages cause costs to climb leaving it difficult to know what you'll pay. People won't know when they should pull the trigger and purchase now or hang on and take a chance on better costs.

**So, What Should You Do?**

Right now, consumers and PC builders are in a rough situation. DDR5 memory is costly, and it's not going to get any cheaper shortly soon. Waiting might mean you lose out on upgrades. Purchasing now means facing the facts and spending what things go for.

PC builders have to do a balancing act, keeping costs competitive while costs climb. DRAM is taking a bigger section of their budget, it's much difficult to stay make money, and pricing is more irritating.

**The Big Picture**

The DRAM world is wobbly because tech is changing. Artificial Intelligence is shaking up everyone's priorities, and consumers are affected. Memory makers are more concerned on business customers, so consumers have to pay more and get less.

For computer fans, gamers, and regular users, memory is starting to seem like something nice to have, not something easily upgraded. Manufacturers have to try to keep business customers and regular customers happy. And companies like G.SKILL are working with a strained supply chain.

**In conclusion**

G.SKILL's announcement backs up what we knew: DRAM costs are growing because there's not enough available, and Artificial Intelligence uses a mountain of it. They say they're paying more and that we should be cautious, but they don't suggest when things will get better.

Consumers and builders deal with high costs and uncertain supplies. If DDR5 memory costs will level out in 2026 is unknown. Until then, the Artificial Intelligence boom will keep changing the memory world, and everyone in tech will feel it.

17.Celebrate the season: Pokémon GO 2025 Winter Holiday event 

Hey everyone, check it out! The Pokémon GO Winter Holiday event is back for 2025! I'm hearing it's going to be even cooler this time around. They're splitting it into two parts, which means we get more time to play and catch 'em all.

Part one starts December 18th at 10 a.m. local time and runs until December 24th at 10 a.m. Then, part two kicks off right after, from December 24th at 10 a.m. until December 29th at 8 p.m. That's almost two weeks of winter fun. So, charge those phones and get ready to GO!

**Winter Holiday Part 1 – Pokémon and Eggs!**

The Pokémon GO people love dressing up Pokémon, right? Well, get ready because there are holiday costumes to get! Sudowoodo is getting a costume, too, and you can find it in the wild or defeat it.

And Charjabug is coming to raids! Now, fire up those Magnetic Lure Modules! With 100 Grubbin Candy, you can change them up to Vikavolt with party clothes.

Heads up! You'll need these eggs! When you break open those 7 km Eggs, you might find Pichu with a festive hat and Cubchoo with a holiday ribbon. Plus, they might be shiny during the event! How fun!

Oh, and you can grab a GO Pass: Winter Holiday 2025 event ticket for some extras. Here's what you get:

*   **Tier 1:** Double XP when you send Gifts to friends. If you have loyal friends, you will get lots of XP with Gifts from everywhere.

*   **Tier 1 Deluxe:** Double Stardust when you open Gifts! Have some fun with all of that Stardust!

*   **Tier 2:** You get extra stuff when you open Gifts from your friends.

*   **Tier 2 Deluxe:** Egg Distance is cut in half for Eggs in Incubators while you are out walking.

*   **Tier 3:** Put those eggs into incubators, and see the egg hatching go twice as fast. Plus, you get 50% more XP for winning Raid Battles.

*   **Tier 3 Deluxe:** Every time you catch a Pokémon, you get double the XP.

Like, how can you not grab those gifts, eggs, and raids? Hang with everyone, and have good holidays.

**Winter Holiday Part 2 – New Pokémon Coming**

Part 2 is where it is at! New monsters are coming! It’s Rolycoly, plus its editions include Carkol and Coalossal. Head out into the real world, and grab a Fire/Rock type Pokémon.

And Galarian Darumaka, Bergmite, Cetoddle, and Dedenne are joining with awesome costumes. Also, trying to grab Shiny Stantler and Shiny Dedenne in their holiday suits is gonna be much easier.

Part 2 will also have items in real-world spots. Look out for: Fast TMs, Charged TMs, Silver Pinap Berries, and Rare Candy! In the event, you will find stuff. If you catch something good, you get gifts too.

**Winter Weekend – Grab Extra Points!**

Also of note: The weekend is in Part 2. It starts December 27th at 10 a.m. and ends December 28th at 8 p.m. local time. Over that weekend, you can earn more GO Pass XP.

During the weekend there are a number of tasks form the GO Pass: Winter Holiday 2025. Doing those challenges gets you level ups on XP and Stardust. Here is the biggest piece: You will be able to find a Shiny Eevee with a hat. You can get this for free. Make sure you wrap up stuff by December 28th at 8 p.m, or you won't get to that task.

**Friends are Important.**

Another thought: Partner up, and have some fun with Pokémon GO! Dope clothes, new friends to get, and new stuff.

With level ups, you can work toward stuff, but also find something shiny. The weekend stuff can help you get that free Eevee with more points.

**Done**

Okay! So just to recap, there are two parts in the Pokémon GO Winter Holiday 2025. The first one has monsters, eggs, and gifts, and the second part has shinies and items. Over the weekend, you will get a free Eevee task. Get out there and catch those Pokémon, and also crack those eggs.

18.iPad Air M3 hits $400 for the first time, shipping by Christma 

Holiday Gadget Deals You Can't Miss: iPad Air, Astro Bot, AirPods Pro, and More!

Okay, people, let's talk about holiday shopping! If you're a gadget geek like me, December 2025 is bringing some seriously sweet deals. We're seeing price cuts on some seriously awesome stuff, like the newest iPad Air (the one with the M3 chip!), that super-fun Astro Bot game for the PS5, and the latest AirPods Pro. Let's break down some of the best bargains out there right now.

iPad Air M3: Seriously Cheap Right Now

Let’s be real, everyone loves iPads. But they can get seriously expensive, making that basic model look pretty tempting. But get this: the 11-inch iPad Air with the M3 chip is on sale right now, and it's a steal. Target is selling the 128GB Wi-Fi version for just $399.99! Original price, earlier this year, was around $600. I'm talking about a $200 savings. That's the lowest price I've ever seen on this M3 Air, even better than those Black Friday/Cyber Monday deals.

They've got it in a bunch of colors, too – dark gray, blue, purple, and that cream color, which is called starlight. But let's talk about what matters: the M3 chip inside. You know that means it's fast. Plus, they upgraded the graphics card, so that things look nicer when playing games.

One of Verge's senior editors, David Pierce, said, something like it is “exactly what you think it is. Which is fine.” And that pretty much nails it. It's an iPad. It works great. You expect a tablet, this is a safe bet when it comes to reliability. At $400, I am absolutely certain that you are paying for quality, but it is still a great price.

Astro Bot: Super Fun for the Holidays

Calling all Playstation gamers! If you're wanting more games for your PS5 now is your chance. Sony has this action game, think of robot adventure, called Astro Bot. Usually the game sells around $60 bucks, but some stores are selling it for $40 for the holidays.

If you have a PS5 you should know that the game that came installed wwith it, Astro's Playroom, is similar to this, but offers a longer story. The game has some of the design inspiration from classic 3D Mario. The game does some really cool things. The controllers can vibrate, making the game more real as you play it. If you like a fun game for the family, Astro Bot is a safe choice. With a $40 price tag, you can;t beat that.

AirPods Pro 3: Sounds Great, Costs Less

Alright, next up: audio! Apple's AirPods Pro 3 are also going on sale, big time. Amazon has them for $199.99, which is a $50 price cut from the original price. If you use an iPhone, it's a great chance to get really amazing quality earbuds.

How are the AirPods Pro 3 different form the Pro 2? It is said that the sound is better, the noise cancellation is better. There were also changes to the earbud tips. Apple added a smaller earbud, which is called XXS, to fit even more people.

SimpliSafe Security System: Protect Your Home for Less (Costco deal!)

Last but not least, something a little different: home security. Only Costco has this deal. It's a 13-piece SimpliSafe security system. What usually costs $350 is currently $200.

In the package is a base station, a number pad, motion sensor, cameras and sensors for your doors. These cameras have 1080p and night vision. The sensorts can pick something up 35 feet away and have a 90 degree view. You will also enjoy a 3 month free trial of SimpliSafe's security monitering. Costomers really like this deal because it is a steal for quality security.

Why These Deals are Great

These are not some fake products that have been deeply discounted. You are receiving some of the lastest tech at an insane price. The discounts are great. Astro Bot, and AirPods for a small amount that deliver quality. Deals on the SimpliSafe that keeps home safe.

Shopping in December makes a big difference. Usually big retailers drop the prices towards the end of the year. However, these end pretty soon so be quick.

Alright, that's about it for the holiday deals of 2025. You have some amazing money saving deals on quality products. It doesn't get any better than that.

The iPad Air is the best with the savings on the tablet. There are also games, safety and audio that can satisfy any shopper. Just don't wait too long because the deals will be gone at any time.

19.Automotive web browsers face growing cyber threats 

You know how your computer and phone web browsers always get those little security updates? It's because if they didn't, bad stuff could happen. Google, Apple, all those guys are on top of patching things up to keep your browsing safe. But what about the browsers *inside* your smart TV, your game console, or that e-reader you bought? Turns out, they're often way behind on those crucial security fixes, which can leave you wide open to scams.

**The Problem Nobody Was Really Looking At**

A team of smart folks at KU Leuven in Belgium decided to dig into this. They wanted to know just how bad the situation was with these forgotten browsers. They came up with a clever idea called CheckEngine -- a way for regular people to help them check the browser versions on their gadgets.

See, it's hard to just poke around inside a lot of these devices because the software is locked down. So, CheckEngine basically had people type a special web address into their device's browser. That let the researchers remotely see what browser version was running and if it had any known security holes. They did this for a year, from early 2024 to early 2025, and they got info on dozens of different devices.

**The Scary Truth: Ancient Browsers in New Gadgets**

What they uncovered wasn't pretty. On a whole bunch of smart TVs and almost all the e-readers, the browsers were at least *three years* old! Can you believe that? Even worse, some brand-new devices were shipping with these ancient browsers straight out of the box. Eight of the devices they tested had browsers that were over three years outdated the moment you bought them.

The researchers put it bluntly: The browsers built into these devices get updated way less often than the ones on your computer or phone. And the really scary part is that many of these products are already using outdated browsers when they're first sold.

Basically, you could buy something brand new and unknowingly be exposed to security problems that were fixed years ago on other devices. That's not exactly what you'd expect, right?

**Real-World Examples of the Mess**

To show how this plays out, the researchers pointed to a few specific cases.

*   **Boox Note Air 3:** This e-reader, released in January 2024, had a browser that was based on a version of Chromium (the engine behind Chrome) from August 2020! Even after a few software updates, the browser was still stuck in the past. What made it worse was that there was no easy way to even report security issues to the company. When the researchers tried to get it fixed, the support people weren't very helpful. Eventually, they had to report the issue to regulators in Europe.

*   **Gaming Apps:** Even gaming platforms weren't immune. Steam's built-in browsers were running on older versions of Chromium. While the researchers couldn't find any major vulnerabilities they could exploit, they did discover that these older versions could be tricked into showing fake pop-up messages to steal user info.

*   **Ubisoft Connect:** This gaming service used an outdated browser and had a setting that made it easier for hackers to gain control of your computer.

*   **AMD Adrenalin:** This software for AMD graphics cards had a browser from April 2023 that had a known flaw where the address bar could be faked, which could be used for phishing scams. AMD at least acknowledged the problem and said they were working on a fix.

**Why Is This Happening?**

So, why are these embedded browsers so neglected? One reason is that some software uses frameworks like Electron that bundle the browser together with other stuff. To update the browser, you have to update the whole framework, which can cause problems with other parts of the software and cost more money.

The researchers think that in some cases, companies just don't pay enough attention to these embedded browsers, or they simply decide that security isn't a top priority. It's a risky gamble with their customers' safety.

**The Law Steps In (Maybe)**

The good news is that the European Union is starting to crack down on this kind of thing. They have a new law called the Cyber Resilience Act that says companies have to keep their products, including these embedded browsers, secure. This law is being phased in over a few years, but eventually, companies will be legally required to fix these security holes.

The researchers think that voluntary fixes aren't good enough. They're suggesting things like putting labels on product boxes that show how up-to-date the browser is. They believe that only regulations and enforcement will force companies to take responsibility for keeping these browsers safe.

**What This Means for You**

For regular people, this means you can't just assume that your smart TV or e-reader is safe to use. Even though these browsers might seem harmless, they can be hacked just like the ones on your computer. Scammers can use fake pop-ups or address bars to trick you into giving away your passwords or credit card numbers.

Just because you bought a brand-new device doesn't mean the software is up-to-date. These researchers have shown that even new products can have security flaws that are years old. It's a serious problem that needs to be addressed.

**The Bottom Line**

This study has shed light on a hidden danger: outdated browsers lurking inside your everyday gadgets. The researchers have proven that many products are being shipped with browsers that are way behind on security updates.

While frameworks like Electron can make updates tricky, the bigger issue is that companies need to take responsibility for browser security. The EU's new law might help, but in the meantime, you need to be careful when using these embedded browsers. Demand more transparency from device makers.

The message is clear: every browser matters, no matter where it is. It's time for companies to stop ignoring security updates and start protecting their customers.

20.Firefox Dev explains AI feature killswitch, seeks to regain user trust 

Firefox, that browser a lot of privacy-minded folks dig? Well, they've been talking about adding AI stuff, and naturally, some people are getting nervous. When Mozilla's new head honcho said they wanted to turn Firefox into a modern AI browser, it kinda rubbed some users the wrong way. Thing is, Firefox hasn't always had the best track record with privacy. Remember that time back in 2024 when they started scooping up data unless you told them to stop? Yeah, that didn't sit well. That's why it's a big deal that a Firefox developer stepped up to explain how they're handling this AI thing.

Basically, there's going to be a kill switch.

Jake Archibald, who works at Mozilla, hopped on Mastodon from the official Firefox for Web Developers account to explain. He said Firefox will have a way to completely shut off all the AI features. Boom, gone. If you turn it on, you can kiss AI goodbye. If you change your mind later, you can turn it back on, but otherwise, it's dead.

Archibald said the team's been calling it the AI kill switch, which he admits is a bit dramatic. He figures they'll come up with a less scary name before it's actually released. The point is, Mozilla knows people are worried. All AI features will also be opt‑in, he wrote. The kill switch will absolutely remove all that stuff, and never show it in future. That’s unambiguous.

He's trying to rebuild trust.

Archibald didn't beat around the bush. He knows Mozilla has to earn back some goodwill after those past privacy snafus. He's asking people to give the Firefox team a chance to prove they're listening.

“I’m not asking for faith in our direction,” Archibald wrote. “The thing I love about the Firefox community is how open, honest, and technical it is. But I do ask that you don’t have the opposite of faith. Like, try not to be determined that we’re going to do the wrong thing here.” Basically, he's saying, We get it, you're skeptical. Just don't assume the worst right off the bat.

Why all the fuss about AI in browsers anyway?

It's not just Firefox. People are generally a little freaked out about AI creeping into everything. They're worried about whether AI features will snoop on their data or create new security holes. Some are concerned about the resources needed to run super-smart AI, given the energy needed by the systems needed by them.

Plus, some Firefox users feel like the developers should be spending their time fixing bugs and making the browser faster, instead of adding AI bells and whistles. If you rely on Firefox every day for work or whatever, AI integration might feel like a distraction.

Opt-in is important.

Archibald gets that opt-in can be a tricky concept. He gave the example of a new toolbar button that appears by default. Is that really opt-in? He hinted that Mozilla is thinking about these sorts of details and wants to make sure users have a choice. The kill switch is designed to give users an option to shut off ALL AI functions.

This is different from past situations where features were automatically turned on, and users had to dig around in the settings to turn them off. Mozilla is trying to show they're serious about user control by making AI opt-in and providing a kill switch.

What's the big picture?

Mozilla isn't the only one jumping on the AI bandwagon. Other browsers, like Microsoft Edge and Google Chrome, already have AI features. Mozilla might feel like they need to add AI to stay relevant. But Firefox has always been the browser for people who care about privacy, so they have to be careful not to mess that up.

Archibald's explanation suggests that Mozilla is trying to walk that line. They want to play with AI, but they also want to reassure users that they're not going to sell them out.

What's next?

We'll have to see how well the kill switch works in practice and whether people trust it. The important thing is a deep AI, and if disabling them really removes all background processes. Transparency is going to be important.

Mozilla has two jobs: come up with AI that makes browsing better, and convince users that they still care about privacy. Given their past mistakes, they can't afford to take anyone's trust for granted.

Wrapping it up.

The clarification from Jake Archibald is a good first step in reassuring Firefox users who are nervous about AI. Making AI opt-in and providing a kill switch sends a message that Mozilla is listening. It's still not clear whether that will be enough to rebuild trust, but at least they're saying the right things. Mozilla wants to play with AI without losing its identity as the browser for people who care about control and privacy.

As the whole tech world tries to cram AI into everything, Firefox's approach could be a test case for balancing innovation with responsibility.

For now, Firefox has handed the users control over all AI usage and features in their browsers.

21.Stardew Valley 1.7 update adds new farm type and plenty more content 

Stardew Valley is still awesome, and there's a new update, 1.7, on the way! Plus, could it be coming to the next Nintendo Switch?

Who would've guessed that this little farming game would get so big? Back in 2016, Eric ConcernedApe Barone created Stardew Valley and people went wild for it. Millions of players got super into the chill vibes, funny characters, and the fact that you could play forever, creating your dream farm. It's been almost ten years, and he's still dropping big updates, like 1.7. And guess what? There are whispers about a special version for the next Nintendo Switch, too. How cool is this?!

**Stardew Valley 1.7: What We Know (And What We Don't)**

What's actually in the works for this update? Well, ConcernedApe isn't giving away too much. Someone asked him about it on X, and he gave an answer that basically said: Not much, but... something's coming.

He basically said that there will be some new stuff related to the characters and their stories. If we know what he's like, we might get a new farm type as well. Yet, the details are a secret, so we're just guessing at this point.

And that little bit of info was enough to make the Stardew community go wild for guessing what is coming. Each major update gives a new farm layout, which is a big deal. It could mean very different start, new challenge and maybe a better way to play the game. Keep in mind the Meadowsland Farm in 1.6, which focused on raising animals. So, what's next? Some people are thinking about farms related to the mysterious Void. Others think of a farm out in the Calico Desert, or even a farm by the beach.

Fresh character interactions are even more important. The best part of Stardew Valley is making friends with people in the town - maybe even marrying someone or trading with the guy who comes on Fridays. New words to say, new events, or new neighbors could give Pelican Town some life. These things affect the choice of characters to befriend in this game.

**Stardew Valley on the Next Switch?**

It's possible a version of Stardew Valley will be made for the rumored Switch 2 before 1.7 even arrives. Reportedly, it has some cool features:

*   **Mouse Support:** For some odd thing, the normal Switch never supports any kind of mouse. Thank goodness that this has been fixed.

*   **Local four-player co-op:** You get all of your buddies and have them over while still working and sharing the farms.

*   **Easier Game Sharing:** Game-sharing will be made way easier by progress data between consoles.

A few years back It was figured that the newest version was soon to arrive in fall of 2025, but it never happened. You could feel how nervous players and fans were getting. However, Barone gave reassurance to everyone by stating that an announcement would soon come.

The new Switch platform may make this game even more popular.

**Update 1.6 Goodies**

Let's not forget how great 1.6 was, with the Meadowsland Farm, new carrots, and new fishing stuff.

There were a lot of changes to make the game better for veterans and new players alike. He wants all of us to enjoy his work.

This proves how much ConcernedApe cares about his game. It's rare for a creator to stay so dedicated to their game so long after it first comes out.

**What Else is ConcernedApe Working On?**

Another game is being worked on by Barone that is called: Haunted Chocolatier. At the looks of what we have, a blend of adventure RPG gameplay and shop managment is a cool thing to see. There are not that many details about this upcoming concept, but the concept is enough to be hyped about. Back in September, it was mentioned that the wait would be a little long, and that expectations should be lowered a little.

**The Wonder of Stardew Valley**

Even after years after Stardew Valley's release, this game is still considered to be cool. All the new folks coming to the valley and its deep level keep old players and new coming back.

The current updates keep the game fun and popular. This game is not like others. It is a living world that gets better all the time and just keeps on giving.

**Stardew Valley 1.7: Realistic Expectations**

It's hard to say what to expect since ConcernedApe is being so secret recently! Below are some guesses based on what he does:

*   We will most likely be able to get a new kind of farm, the same with most of the series.

*   More words and social interactions, story lines, and events. Possibly meeting new people too!

*   The game will be improved very often in time.

*   Knowing ConcernedApe, there are going to be some super cool things that we will all like and love.

This update is thought to be both new and nostalgic.

**In Conclusion**

The thought of the newest version of Stardew Valley (1.7) along with the upcoming Nintendo Switch release, shows everyone how much Eric Barone cares about his masterpiece. For almost a decade, the people are still coming and exploring, farming, interacting, and running away to that calm world that he created.

Along with all the happenings of ConcernedApe being busy with Haunted Chocolatier, this still can show that he has not lost track of the Pelican Town. The special mix of depth, charm, and support of Stardew Valley just shows that it has become a gaming staple for many years to come.

22.Mysterious ‘Starfield’ event fuels speculation about 2.0 update 

Bethesda's still working on Starfield, huh? It's funny how long people have wanted The Elder Scrolls VI – since Skyrim came out way back in 2011! And Fallout 5 is also something people keep asking about. But Bethesda seems really focused on Starfield, and there's talk of another big update in 2026. People are even saying it might show up on PlayStation 5 and Nintendo Switch 2. Crazy!

What's Up with These Plans and Rumors?

Okay, Bethesda did say Starfield is getting another update in 2026, but they're not saying much about what it'll include. At the same time, there are lots of rumors about the game coming to PS5 and Switch 2. It kind of fits with how Xbox seems to be okay with putting its games on different consoles. It makes sense: more people can play, and they make more money.

Now, if all this happens, Bethesda might release a complete version of Starfield. Imagine, all the fixes and extras in one package for people who haven't played it yet. That could get people interested in the game again. But you have to wonder if the Xbox fans who have been there since the beginning might feel a little left out.

What Are People Saying?

I'm getting to it! I came across rumors from people who seem to know things: Bethesda had some kind of event showing off what's coming for Starfield. That basically made the internet go wild with guesses and theories. Some fans are hoping Bethesda is doing a big makeover, similar to what Cyberpunk 2077 did with their 2.0 update. That update really improved the game.

But wait! Apparently, that's not really what's happening. A guy named Luke Stephens talked to people who went to the event, and he said Bethesda is mostly trying to fix the problems people are complaining about, like those long loading screens. Jez Corden from Windows Central mentioned that they're changing how space travel feels, trying to give you freedom when you're flying around. It appears they're also messing with the Creation Engine, the same one they plan to for future games.

Let's Be Realistic!

It's easy to get excited about a total makeover, but it sounds like Bethesda's changes are more gradual. They're fixing small problems, working on the engine, and making exploration more fun – which is all good. I wouldn't expect them to completely redo the game.

Remember: Starfield was supposed to be amazing, but many people were disappointed by the gameplay, the loading screens, and not being able to fly freely. Fixing those things will definitely make the game better, but it might not completely change people's minds. So, if you're hoping for a complete turnaround, maybe lower your expectations a bit.

Remember That Last Update?

Think about Shattered Space, the last expansion they released. Even with new stuff and quests, it didn't make a splash and bring people back. Many people thought it was just okay, especially compared to the main game.

It makes you think about why Bethesda keeps working on these expansions. If they're not attracting players, what's the big plan? Maybe they're thinking long-term. If Bethesda can improve Starfield and get it to more people, they can keep the game going and earn back some of the money they spent making it. They can also see what works well to use for the Elder Scrolls VI and Fallout 5.

What's the Deal with Platforms, and How Do Players Feel?

The rumors about PS5 and Switch 2 could change things. If Bethesda releases a good version of Starfield with lots of content on those consoles, they could get many new fans! For Bethesda, this could help Starfield become a major series like Fallout or Skyrim.

But there's a catch. Xbox players who supported the game from the beginning might be annoyed if the best updates come out when the game is on other platforms. Balancing that loyalty with getting new players will be tricky.

And What About Elder Scrolls VI and Fallout 5?

Keep in mind that The Elder Scrolls VI is still being worked on! Fans have been asking for news about it for ages, but Bethesda has been busy with Starfield, which has slowed things down. Whenever they share something about Starfield, people always ask for news about Tamriel.

Fallout 5 is another big one. Bethesda needs to be smart about how they use their resources, so they don't overwork their teams. The fact that they're still investing in Starfield suggests they think it's worth it, but it shows how hard it is to manage multiple series.

Wrapping It Up

Bethesda's strategy with Starfield will hopefully be successful. Releasing another update next year, plus the PS5 and Switch 2 versions, could help the game appeal to more people and improve its reputation. Small fixes and improvements to the things people don't like might make the game more fun, but I don't expect those changes will be huge.

For players, the question is whether all these changes are enough to make them say, 'Okay, I'll try Starfield again.' For Bethesda, it's about balancing their space RPG with all the demand for Elder Scrolls VI and Fallout 5. As they try to decide what to do next, one thing is clear: Starfield is still an important part of Bethesda's plans, even though fans are eager to see what's next for Tamriel and the Wasteland.

23.Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds drops to $40 in Best Buy’s 12 Days of Gaming sale 

**Best Buy's Gaming Deals: Sweet Savings on Sonic, Mario, and More!**

The holidays are here, and if you're a gamer, you know what that means: time to load up on awesome new games! Best Buy's running a 12 Days of Gaming thing, and they've got some seriously tempting prices right now. With the big day fast approaching, these deals give you a chance to snag some hot titles without emptying your wallet. That makes them awesome presents for your friends, family, or, hey, even yourself. One thing to check out is Sonic Racing: Cross-Worlds Launch Edition for the Nintendo Switch, and there are many other great games for different systems too.

**Sonic Speeds In**

First up, Sonic Racing: Cross-Worlds Launch Edition for Nintendo Switch. Usually, it's sixty bucks, but right now Best Buy has it for forty. If you're into Sonic or just love those fast-paced kart racers, this is one to check out.

IGN's Jada Griffin seemed to like it a lot, giving it a 9/10. She talked about the cool characters, the well-designed tracks, the awesome ways you can change your kart. It mixes that classic Sonic speed with fun racing stuff, so it's easy for anyone to pick up and play. I think it's great for parties, especially during the holidays, where everyone is together.

**Mario and Rabbids Team Up Again**

Another goodie is Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope for Nintendo Switch. You can get a code in a box for this one. It's down from twenty bucks to just twelve, if you were to save up all your money for that one game.

This is like, a strategy game that mixes the Nintendo's Mario and the Rabbids. I think it's a great game to play with friends or family. So, basically, you take turns fighting in crazy worlds. You gotta use teamwork and think smart to beat the bad guys. This game builds on the first Mario + Rabbids game, but it's got more to offer. And for under twelve bucks, it’s a steal.

**Be a Wizard in Hogwarts Legacy**

PS5 owners, listen up! Hogwarts Legacy Standard Edition is on sale too. It used to be forty bucks, but now it's thirty.

If you like Harry Potter, this is your chance to jump into that world. You make your own character and go to Hogwarts in the 1800s. You can roam around the world, cast spells, make potions, and even tame magical creatures. If you ask me I think it's got a lot to offer because it is an open world game. With the sale, it’s an affordable chance to become a wizard during the holidays.

**Score Big with EA SPORTS FC 26**

Sports fans, don't worry, there’s something for you! EA SPORTS FC 26 Standard Edition is down in price for both Xbox Series X and PlayStation 5. It's normally seventy bucks, but now it's just thirty.

This is the new FIFA game, so you know it's got all the updated teams, players, and gameplay. If you just like playing a quick match or prefer creating your ultimate team, it's got something for everyone. At this price, it's a great deal, especially if you love soccer games.

**Why These Deals are Good**

Let's get real, Best Buy's sale is great because it’s happening so close to Christmas. People are looking for gifts, and these prices make it easy to find something cool for the gamers in their lives. There's a mix of games, from racing to strategy to sports, so anyone can find something they like.

The savings are real, too. When games are 25% or even 57% off, that makes a big difference. If you have kids or a big family, you can grab a few multiplayer games to play together over the holidays.

**More Gift Ideas**

If you're still not sure what to get, Best Buy has other options, too. The LEGO Game Boy is popular, if you ask me. It's a fun build that you can show off. And the Meta Quest 3 is a new VR headset that might be a good gift. Besides those, you can check out gaming accessories and collectibles, too.

No matter if you're shopping for someone who plays every day or just once in a while, there’s lots to choose from to make this holiday awesome.

**Wrapping Up**

To end it all, Best Buy’s 12 Days of Gaming sale is worth checking out. You can find some great prices on Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds, Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope, Hogwarts Legacy, and EA SPORTS FC 26. These games give you different game experiences, from fast-paced to strategic to magical to real.

With Christmas coming up, now’s the time to grab these deals. Whether it’s for yourself or for someone else, the good prices and cool games make this sale a winner for holiday shoppers. This gives everyone a chance to start the new year with great games!

24.Private ChatGPT conversations reportedly being collected and sold 

## That “Free” VPN Might Be Stealing Your Secrets: The Urban VPN Proxy Mess

You know that saying, You get what you pay for? Well, it's super true when it comes to free VPNs. A scary investigation just came out that shows exactly how bad these things can be. Some security researchers found that a Chrome extension called Urban VPN Proxy, which like six million people use and even has a featured badge on the Chrome Web Store, was secretly harvesting a TON of user data. That featured badge, which is supposed to mean it's safe, turns out meant the opposite.

### What They Found

This security company named Koi, based in Tel Aviv, had one of their researchers, Idan Dardikman, take a good hard look at this extension. He found out that it wasn't just doing normal VPN stuff. Hidden inside Urban VPN Proxy were these sneaky little executor scripts that were grabbing conversations users were having on big AI platforms, like ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, DeepSeek, and Grok.

So, think about it: anything you typed into those chatbots like, medical questions, bank info, secret work stuff, or just personal problems it was all being copied. According to Dardikman, they took all of that data and sold it for marketing analytics purposes. That's a fancy way of saying they made money off people's private chats.

### Always Watching, Can't Turn It Off

Here’s the really creepy part: it didn't matter if you had the VPN turned on or off! The second you installed the extension, it started scraping your data. And get this there was no way to stop it! Forbes said the only way to make it stop was to delete the whole extension.

Basically, it wasn't a privacy tool at all. It was a spy tool disguised as a VPN. People thought they were protecting their stuff, but they were actually handing over their most private conversations.

### Who's Behind This?

Urban Cyber Security Inc. makes Urban VPN Proxy, and they weren't exactly trying to hide what they were doing. In their privacy policy, they said, We share the Web Browsing Data with our affiliated company, which is a data broker called BiScience. BiScience took the raw data and sold it to businesses.

But here's the messed-up part The Chrome Web Store page said your data is not being sold to third parties, outside of the approved use cases,” and “not being used or transferred for purposes that are unrelated to the item’s core functionality.” The privacy policy and the store listing said two totally different things!

### It's Not Just This One

Guess what? Urban VPN Proxy isn't the only one doing this. Forbes said the same company has at least seven other apps that do the exact same thing with AI data. Together, those apps have over two million users, and most of them had the featured badge from Google!

This makes you wonder about Chrome Web Store's review process. If super sketchy extensions like this get a featured badge, how many other sneaky apps are out there stealing data?

### The Bigger Picture

This whole thing shows that if something online is free, you're probably the one being sold. VPNs are supposed to keep you safe and private, but they cost money to run. So, free VPNs often make money by selling your data, which totally defeats the purpose.

In this case, it's even worse because they're grabbing data from AI chatbot conversations. That's stuff. And the thought that this data could be sold to marketers is seriously messed up.

### What Should You Do?

Dardikman says it simply, “If you have any of these extensions installed, uninstall them now. Assume any AI conversations you’ve had since July 2023 have been captured and shared with third parties.”

Even if your extensions aren't from Urban Cyber Security Inc., double-check their privacy policies. Watch out for anything that says sharing data with partners or using data for analytics. Those are red flags. And when in doubt, pay for VPNs or extensions that come from trusted companies with clear policies.

### Someone Needs to Step Up

This whole thing shows we need better rules and oversight. Google has to do a better job of checking these extensions before giving them a featured badge. And maybe the government needs to get involved to make sure these companies are being honest and not tricking people.

As AI becomes a bigger part of our lives, the data at risk is only going to get more sensitive. Chats with chatbots are a big deal – they can reveal a lot about our health, money, and relationships. We need to make sure that data is protected.

### What’s the takeaway?

The Urban VPN Proxy case shows you should never trust a free privacy tool. Instead of protecting people, it stole their private conversations and sold them for money. Millions of people were affected so remember there's no such thing as a free lunch when it comes to privacy.

So, be suspicious of free VPNs and extensions. Always read the privacy policies carefully, and remember that you have to earn trust. As for the app stores and the government, they need to make sure that tools that are supposed to protect us don't end up spying on us.

That's right, that meme was right: there really is no such thing as a free VPN.

25.Apple develops unified AI model for image creation, editing, and recognition 

**Apple's UniGen-1.5: One Model to Rule Images**

So, Apple's been busy again, pushing what AI can do with images. They've come up with something called UniGen-1.5, which is basically a single system that can understand pictures, create new ones, and tweak existing ones. The cool thing is that it does all this without needing separate programs for each job. It's like one app that can do the work of three.

**From Simple to Super: The Evolution of UniGen**

Back in May of 2025, they released the first version, just called UniGen. That one was already pretty neat because it could both understand what's in a picture and make new images from scratch. Normally, you'd need one AI for understanding and another for creating. But UniGen showed that you can get better results by using one system that shares its knowledge.

Now, UniGen-1.5 takes it a step further. It can also edit images, meaning you can change things in an existing picture using simple instructions. That's pretty handy!

**Why Combining Tasks Is Tough**

Now, it sounds simple, but getting one AI to understand, create, and edit images is pretty hard. Each of those tasks needs different skills. Understanding means figuring out what's in the picture. Creating means making something new based on a text description. And editing means making changes to something that’s already there.

Apple thinks that if you have one AI that can do all three, it can use its understanding skills to make better images and edits. For example, if the AI really *gets* what's in an image, it can do a better job of editing it or creating something that fits in with the original picture. One of the trickiest parts is getting the AI to understand exactly what you want to change when you give it instructions.

**Helping the AI Understand What You Want Edited**

To help with that, the folks at Apple added a training step called Edit Instruction Alignment. Think of it like this: after teaching the AI the basics, they give it extra lessons on understanding editing instructions.

Here's how it works: The AI looks at the original image, reads the editing instruction, and then tries to describe what the *edited* image should look like. This helps the AI to really understand what you want it to do before it starts messing with the picture.

**A Smarter Way to Learn**

But the coolest part of UniGen-1.5 is how it learns. Usually, image creation and editing AI need different reward systems. That's because edits can be small changes or big transformations. Apple came up with a reward system that works for both jobs.

That means the AI can learn more easily, balancing the skills needed for making new things and tweaking existing ones. And because of this, UniGen-1.5 works just as well as, or even better than, other top AI models.

**Does It Work? The Results**

Apple tested UniGen-1.5 on a bunch of standard tests. These tests measure how well the AI follows instructions, how good the images look, and how complicated the edits are. The AI did great!

It beat other systems on tests that measure both image generation and image editing. So, UniGen-1.5 is a pretty solid starting point for more research into AI that can handle different kinds of image tasks.

**What Can It Do? (And What Can't It Do?)**

The research paper shows some examples of what UniGen-1.5 can do, like creating detailed pictures from text and making all sorts of edits. You can even change the whole style of an image.

But the researchers admit that there are still some problems. The AI has a hard time with text, so it can't always create words or letters that look perfect in an image. Plus, sometimes it messes up the small details when editing. For example, the texture of a cat's fur might change, or the color of a bird's feathers might shift unintentionally. They'll need to fix these things in future versions.

**Why This Is a Big Deal**

UniGen-1.5 shows that AI research is moving toward systems that can do a bunch of different things. Instead of having separate tools for understanding images, creating them, and editing them, we're getting single systems that can do it all. For Apple, this is not just about research. It's also about building the foundation for new software.

Imagine editing photos with a program that really *understands* what's in the picture, or using creative tools where making new images and tweaking old ones feels like one seamless process.

**In Conclusion**

Apple's UniGen-1.5 is a big step forward for AI that works with images. By combining these different tasks into one system, Apple is showing us what the future of AI could look like. Sure, there are still some kinks to work out, like the text problem and sometimes messing up small details. But the results are exciting and pave the way for further development and exploration.

For us regular users, this could mean a world where AI tools are more versatile and can handle complicated creative tasks without a bunch of different programs. As Apple keeps working on this, the line between understanding, making and editing pictures might disappear completely.

26.Google is back on Movies Anywhere — here’s how to link your account 

Remember when all your Movies Anywhere movies vanished from Google Play and YouTube? Total headache, right? Turns out, Disney and Google were in a fight. One minute you're watching Moana, the next, your movie library is completely empty. Thankfully, they sorted things out, and you can watch movies on Google again.

So, the situation was sparked by a disagreement over how much Google paid Disney to broadcast channels through YouTube TV. Disney withdrew its channels from YouTube TV for about two weeks because they couldn't agree. It created some strange side effects. Like, Disney quietly removed Google from the Movies Anywhere platform. Ouch moment!

Movies Anywhere is supposed to let you buy a movie once and watch it on any device. With Google out, people who bought movies through Google Play couldn't watch them anywhere else through Movies Anywhere. Major inconvenience!

Fortunately, Google is back on Movies Anywhere as of mid-December. You can reconnect your accounts. Disney even emailed instructions.

To fix it, hit the link, log into Movies Anywhere, hit Connect, pick your Google account, and you're set. Lost the email? Go to the Movies Anywhere website, find Manage Retailers in Settings, and click Connect next to Google. Simple, right?

Important point: reconnect everything, even if it looks fine. It’s like a fresh start.

Why was this a big deal? Digital stuff depends on stable agreements. Movies Anywhere makes digital collections simple, but when companies fight, we are in the middle. Google getting kicked from Movies Anywhere mattered because everyone user YouTube.

No one knows the exact reason for the Google and Disney fight. Maybe Disney wanted more money from Google. Either way, customers suffered. It makes you wonder what other services might disappear because corporations can't cooperate.

Now that Google's back, things are (mostly) normal. But it raises a valid question: what if this happens again? What if another disagreement disrupts a service that we use daily?

Did you hear the rumors? Disney and Google might fight sometime soon. They say that YouTube will begin broadcasting the Oscars soon. Given how important the Oscars are to Disney, these corporations may conflict once again. They'd fight for exclusive broadcast rights to the Oscars. Therefore, this disagreement could happen more than once.

The takeaway? Don't fully trust digital ownership. Movies Anywhere lets you watch movies anywhere, but it only works if everyone cooperates. Things change fast, so be ready for anything.

Although reconnecting Google Play and YouTube is simple, it highlights that digital movies are unlike physical DVDs. It relies on deals that can change without notice.

The Google/YouTube mess is (mostly) over. Movies Anywhere is working. This situation showed how shaky these digital deals can be. We spend online time; we depend on big companies. I hope they can coexist in the future, but who knows? Your digital movies are (somewhat) safe right now.

27.YouTube Premium subscribers get exclusive Pixel 10 deals from Google 

Hey, listen up YouTube Premium subscribers! Google's dishing out a sweet holiday gift as 2025 wraps up: a whopping 40% discount on the Pixel 10 series! People are starting to see emails about it, and yeah, it's kind of a big deal. Apparently, this is one of the biggest price cuts Google's ever done on their phones. The Pixel 10's only been out for like half a year, so the timing is pretty surprising, and everyone's talking about it.

So, About the Pixel 10s...

Basically, the Pixel 10s are Google's newest smartphones. There are a few to pick from:

Pixel 10: This is the basic one. It's not too expensive, but you still get all the cool AI stuff Google's known for.

Pixel 10 Pro: This one's a bit better, with cooler cameras that work better, and a better processor to work faster.

Pixel 10 Pro XL: This is the giant one if you want a huge screen. That's the main difference.

Pixel 10 Pro Fold: Okay, this is Google's folding phone, but people who reviewed it say it's not as cool as they were expecting a folding phone to be.

So, Google's trying to have a phone for everyone, from people who just want a normal phone to people who want the fanciest tech.

The Deal, Explained

You get a code in the email that takes 40% off any Pixel 10 you buy straight from Google. To give you an idea, the Pixel 10 Pro XL is usually $1,199, but with the deal, it's only $769! That's like saving $430! Amazon and places like that are only offering 25% off right now.

It doesn't matter which Pixel 10 you want the discount works on all of them, so even the cheapest Pixel 10 and even that folding Pro Fold are included. If you've been wanting to get a new Pixel, now's probably the best time to get it!

Important Stuff to Know

Okay, so you have to be a YouTube Premium subscriber to get this deal. But! Not everyone's gotten the email yet. Seems like they're sending them out in waves so keep an eye on your inbox.

Here's a cool thing if you have a family YouTube Premium plan. Everyone on your family plan can use the discount! That's a lot of people who can get a discount phone!

The codes you get aren't tied to your account, so you can pass them around. If you already have a Pixel 10 and don't need another, you can gift the code to someone for the holidays!

Time's Running Out!

this thing doesn't last forever. The email says the code expires on December 31, 2025. So, you have about two weeks to use it!

Google's doing this during the holidays to get people to buy their stuff as gifts and to boost their sales before the year ends. If you want a Pixel, you better hurry!

Why Should You Care?

This Pixel 10 discounts tells us a few things.

Google wants everything to work together. They're using YouTube Premium subscriptions to get people to spend money on their phones. If you're a Premium subscriber, this is how they'll make you loyal by adding hardware sales on top of normal Premium.

Google's trying to be aggressive with prices. Giving you 40% off a brand new phone? That's pretty amazing, they're trying to make this Pixel 10 take more of the market.

A lot of people are focused on Apple and Samsung: Google needs to do crazy things to make sure you remember the Pixel is still available

For the customer, you'll get a new tangible Perk of using YouTube Premium.

The Market is Important

People seem to like the Pixel 10 phones a lot, mostly because of the camera, what their OS, and how it works with all ofGoogle's applications. Some customers don't like their folding phone. Putting discounts on the whole line will move discounts.

You can buy a Pixel from Amazon at only 25% off, but it's never been directly from Google 40% off.

You'll Love This

YouTube Premium isn't just good for no ads. Its a cheaper, bundle option. You can share these coupons and give savings!

In Conclusion

These aggressive discounts are rewarding loyal customers on Pixel 10 at the most competitive prices.

The codes are expiring soon. Get the Pixel 10 Pro XL for only 769, and find new Google products.

Google products offer a new way to keep consumers involved in a new membership program

28.Play these games free during Free Play Days: COD Black Ops 7, NBA 2K26, Fallout 76, Ark, and others 

**Xbox Free Play Days: Wrapping Up 2025 with Some Killer Games**

Alright gamers, 2025 is almost over, and Xbox is throwing a party with Free Play Days! It's back to hook you up with some awesome games to play without spending extra cash. Starting December 18th and running through December 21st, if you're rocking Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, Premium, or Essential, you can jump into a bunch of different games. We're talking sports titles, survival games, story-driven stuff – the whole nine yards. And the fun doesn't stop there! Some free trials are sticking around into the following week, so you've got plenty of time to explore new games before the new year hits!

**So, How Does This Free Play Days Thing Work?**

It's super simple. Free Play Days are all about letting Xbox folks get a taste of the good stuff without needing to buy anything first. If you're eligible, you can just grab the featured games straight from the Microsoft Store, or find them in the Free Play Days section on your Xbox. Once you've got them installed, they're just like any other game. Rack up achievements, boost your Gamerscore, and experience the whole thing.

But here's the best part: when the trial ends, you can buy the game if you're into it, usually at a lower price. You get to keep all your progress and those hard-earned achievements. The discounts change depending on the game and where you live, but they're usually pretty sweet. So Free Play Days is like a trial run and a sale rolled into one.

**Let's Look at Some of These games, shall we?**

*   **NBA 2K26: Get Your Game On**

    For all you basketball junkies, NBA 2K26 Standard Edition is up for grabs. Normally it's around $70, but during Free Play Days it's way cheaper. This version of the game is specially made to look nice on Xbox Series X|S, offering deep gameplay like MyCareer, competitive MyTeam, and The City. Jump in and either play a quick game with friends or go for a full on dynasty, NBA 2K26 has it all.

    This Free Play Days is the perfect chance to see the latest fixes and updates in the game.

*   **WWE 2K25: Time to Wrestle**

    Wrestling fans, get ready! WWE 2K25 Standard Edition is around to play with, discounted from its normal price of $70. If you're running an Xbox Series X|S, you're in for a visual treat. It's got a massive roster, super realistic animations, and tons of ways to customize everything.

    If you live in the US or Canada and buy WWE 2K25 between now and January 7, you'll also get a bonus: some virtual currency and a $5 Xbox Gift Card.

*   **PGA Tour 2K25: Time for Tee off**

    Golf fans will be happy to know that PGA Tour 2K25 is also available for the week, going for a lower price. If you like golf, you can design your own player, or invite some friends for a competitive run.

    To celebrate the holidays, PGA Tour 2K25 is kicking off a Swing into Holiday event, offering free gifts every day for 12 days. Not bad!

*   **Ark: Survival Ascended: Dinos and Survival**

    If surviving in the wilds is your thing, check out Ark: Survival Ascended. It's a rebuilt version of the popular dinosaur survival game, and I mean rebuilt from the ground up in Unreal Engine 5. It normally sells for $45, but its discounted to half that price.

    So, explore the island, tame, and even ride dinosaurs. The game has you crafting, fighting dinosaurs, and just surviving. Also, if you have PC you can continue your progress over to your PC.

*   **The Forgotten City: Mysteries and Time Travel**

    For those who like a good story, The Forgotten City is discounted even further. You go back 2,000 years to try to uncover the secrets of a city underground doomed to destruction.

    With the power of going back in time, you can change the story and interact with an unforgettable cast of characters. Because of how much choice the game provides, it allows for different endings.

*   **Call of Duty: Black Ops 7: Zombies and Multiplayer**

    Between december 16 to 22nd, all xbox players get free access to some pieces of Call of Duty: Black Ops 7. It comes with fan maps, and zombie content like Ashes of the Damned.

    Seasonal events like CODMAS spice things up with maps like Sleighjacked. For fans of COD, you can get to try the game before deciding to buy.

*   **Fallout 76: Wasteland Adventure**

    Fallout 76 is free for everyone on Xbox between December 16-23rd, even without Game Pass. Because of this updates, Burning Springs is now available, a desert biome in the nuclear wastelands of Ohio. Of course, new enemies and challenges are being added.

    You can play by yourself or with friends, as Fallout 76 keeps getting bigger with quests and challenges. This free week is a great way for new players to get into Fallout 76.

**Why Should You Care About Free Play Days?**

Free Play Days shows how cool Xbox is with letting everyone get in on the fun. You get to try out games you might not normally pick, and it's a nice way to try games risk free.

Game makers get a bump from being featured for the week, and everyone involved gets to try out new games without risk

**In Closing**

Xbox's lineup of games for the end of 2025 is something you shouldn't ignore. Sports, survival, stories, and adventures are all on the table!

Between the games, the discounts, and achievements, Free Play Days are a good way to wrap up the year on a good note. If you have Game Pass or just own an Xbox, take a look.

29.Instagram aims to clean up feeds by limiting hashtag spam 

**How to Connect with Personal Care Customers Who Are *Always* Shopping**

These days, it feels like everyone's glued to their phones, right? Well, turns out that's affecting how we shop too. A study by Amazon Ads found that a lot of folks – like, over 75% of Americans – think about shopping several times each week. Shopping isn't something we just set aside time for anymore. It's mixed right into our daily lives. We're flipping between apps, watching videos, and boom, a cool product catches our eye.

**Before You Buy, You Browse**

Think about it: before you grab that shampoo off the shelf, how many times have you seen that brand before? Studies say we interact with a brand, on average, about 11 times before we actually buy something. Now, in the personal care aisle, things move FAST. We're talking about decisions made in a week! So, those first impressions really count.

The brands winning aren't necessarily the ones screaming the loudest during that last shop. But they are winning the first shopping experience by showing up again and again in our day and helping us gain enough trust to finally make the purchase.

**Sticking to the List (Usually)**

Most personal care purchases aren't wild, I need this NOW! buys. Research from Amazon Ads and GWI says that over 80% of the time, purchases for things like toothpaste, soap, or feminine care products are carefully curated. These purchases have thought put into them before, with little room for spontaneity, so it's clear most consumers have already put the time into choosing their product.

We're creatures of habit, too. Almost half the time (49%), when it comes to things like oral care, personal hygiene, and feminine care, we're buying out of routine. And get this: almost 60% of shoppers already know *exactly* which brand they will pick up before they even walk into the store. Brand switching? Not so much. Less than 13% of us change our minds at the last second. So, brands, you have to get involved way before we're standing in the store aisle or clicking add to cart.

**Ads Still Matter**

Even though we're creatures of habit, advertising still works! Over 40% of us remember seeing ads before we buy. Consistency for brand awareness leads to more sales. Take a look:

*   **Shaving stuff:** 44% saw ads

*   **Personal hygiene:** 42% saw ads

*   **Toothpaste:** 41% saw ads

*   **Feminine care:** 40% saw ads

This proves that even with our routines, a good ad can make us notice and stick with a certain brand.

**Finding Stuff Through Entertainment**

Since we're always finding new things, brands have to catch our attention before we're even thinking about shopping. One place where everyone's eyes are glued? Streaming services. We're spending over 90 minutes *a day* watching TV!

Streaming, live shows, and content creators aren't just for chilling after work. They've become a huge part of our me time. The average person has 3 extra hours of free time, and most of that is spent on personal care, social, being online, and shopping.

**Ads: Part of the Show?**

Turns out, we don't totally hate ads, especially if they are entertaining. In fact, almost 75% of us like it when ads are interesting. And, over 60% believe ads can actually shape what's cool.

For personal care stuff, where what we buy says something about who we are, entertainment can be super helpful. Half of us say entertainment is connected to our shopping, and over half (54%) discover a brand while watching TV. And here's the cool part: we're not just passively watching. Almost 75% of us have taken some kind of action, like searching for a product or saving it for later, after seeing it in a show. This moves us from just noticing something to actually buying it.

**How to connect with consumers**

These days, shoppers are all over the place – phones, apps, you name it. Brands need to tie all those touchpoints together. Amazon Ads is a solution to this problem, as they combine entertainment with ways to reach people.

With millions of active shoppers every month on many streaming platforms, brands can reach people all over the internet. Prime Video has all the popular shows and live sports, while other services help reach even more people.

A smart campaign will provide helpful data so that brands can get a better grasp on the shopping experience. This assists brands with their recognition early, getting them through the purchase, and ensuring that consumers remember a brand when it's needed.

**The Bottom Line**

Personal care shoppers are always casually shopping. Advertising pays off if it's consistent. Entertainment may be the key, along with making sure that you have ways to connect with your audiences.

Using outlets such as Amazon Ads can allow brands to get into what consumers are using while also continuing to have a long-lasting, relatable presence.

30.Benro unveils electronic variable ND filter with auto-adjusting strength 

You want to know what's cool about the Benro NE1 filter, right? I'll skip all the techy stuff and tell you what it does.

Essentially, ND filters are like sunglasses for your camera. Ever tried filming anything or taking pictures on a sunny day? The sky looks totally blown out, and all the colors appear pale. ND filters come into play here. They dim down the amount of light that hits your camera sensor. As a result, you can see the details in the bright areas and get a far better-exposed image. You can even open up your lens and get that awesome blurry background thing. Plus, you can film with some cool motion blur going on, even when the sun is blazing.

Normally, ND filters are either at a set darkness, or you can adjust some to change the darkness by twisting them. With the NE1, they did something completely new. Instead of the usual twisty ring, it is electronic. You control it by pressing buttons.

**What's Great About the NE1**

What I love the most about the NE1 is that you don't need to rotate the ring. One tap of a button and BAM! The amount of darkness you would want will show up. Going for minimal light reduction? ND3 is your go-to. Need super-dark for some insane long exposure shots? Bump it all the way up to ND64, and you're set.

It's super user friendly. The goal? To simplify getting perfect exposure.

**Auto or Manual: Your call**

One great part is that you get to choose between auto and manual modes. In auto mode, a light sensor can tell how bright it is outside and automatically adjust the filter for you. Doing a time-lapse or shooting a sunset? This is great for that situation.

If you want to take control, switch it to manual and dial it in. There's even a Bluetooth remote to tweak settings from farther away, which is great for shooting videos. This means you won't bump your camera while messing with settings.

**Why will photographers be crazy about it?**

Photographers always use ND filters to get creative. They can smooth out water for landscape shots, get awesome light trails in night photos, and create dramatic skies. The NE1 makes all that less complicated. Plus, it helps with exposure issues that can pop up during time-lapses.

Have you ever wanted to shoot wide open in bright light to get a super blurry background? You got it! The NE1 stops things from becoming too bright. No more switching filters all the time.

**Hey filmmakers, want to listen to this?**

Videographers try to stick to the 180-degree shutter rule for smooth, natural motion. That's another area where ND filters matter. Regular variable ND filters can be difficult to use. They require twisting. This could ruin a great shot. The NE1 solves this. This enables you to adjust exposure without messing things up. This is amazing for documentarians, event shooters, and social media content creators.

**So, how does it stack up?**

Okay, so electronic ND filters aren't exactly new. Some high-end Sony cinema cameras come with them. And, there were a couple other companies playing around with liquid crystal tech, but there were some downsides.

Benro wants the NE1 to work easily with your existing cameras. Since it’s a separate unit, you can use it on any lens. A remote, plus the auto-exposure option can make things even more simple.

**What's it made of and what can it pair with?**

The NE1 uses Corning glass for sharp, clear images. The filter has a coating that prevents weird colors and lens flares.

It fits lenses with filter thread sizes between 67mm to 82mm. Most lenses have this, so there is no need to purchase multiple filters. This filter is created to save money.

**How much will it cost and when can I get it?**

The cost and when it will be available is to be determined. But you can sign up on their website.

Benro wants this for both professionals and beginners who want a simpler experience.

**So, what's all the commotion about?**

The NE1 shows the direction of camera gear. People seem excited about automated controls. Benro wants to bring together auto and manual features.

If it lives up to what it says it will do, this may be amazing for landscape, time-lapse, and video shooters. The combination of good glass, electronic settings, and the ability to use it on different lenses makes it something worth paying attention to.

**To make it short.**

The Benro NE1 looks like an easy solution for dealing with light when taking photos or videos. With the auto settings, Bluetooth remote, and range of NDs, it may make things much easier. It's worth checking out.

The NE1 is changing how ND filters operate, and can give users a look at camera tools to come.

31.These are 2025’s best co-op games, according to Metacritic 

Gaming in 2025? It's totally different now, like, remember when you'd just grind away at a game by yourself? Forget about it! Video games are where people are building friendships now. They're digital hangout spots. You can just kick back, talk trash with your friends, get competitive with everyone, all from the comfort of your couch. I swear, if a game doesn't have some kind of multiplayer now, everyone ignores it. This year's games really drove that point home. We had some seriously awesome co-op experiences, and some major competitions that went down. But the best part was hanging out with your buds, working together, and just having a blast.

### Gaming is Now Social

No matter what, people want to play with others. There's a real desire to jump into a game with a group, or even do some old-school split-screen gaming on the living room TV. Game companies get it, you know? That's why they're making games where teaming up is just as important as owning the competition. So many co-op games came out this year, and it really proves that playing with friends makes everything better. Lots more games are already in development!

### Split Fiction: You Must Play This Co-Op Game

Split Fiction by Hazelight? Total game-changer. Seriously. It earned a super rare 10/10 review. It's *the* co-op game everyone is talking about. It scored a 91 on Metacritic, the levels are so inventive, and the characters aren't bland at all. The way you have to tag-team through challenges is flawless. Every level throws something new at you, and you have to use each other's skills to get through it. It's more than just playing a game; it's about experiencing that great feeling of teamwork.

### Donkey Kong Bananza: Musical Madness!

Nintendo's Donkey Kong Bananza also got a 91 on Metacritic! It mixes classic Donkey Kong gameplay with finding collectibles together. The second player controls Pauline, who gets to find notes to create music before Donkey Kong smashes through the levels! Team up with your friends to create a cacophony and work together to get through stages, it turns the task into something that brings people together. It puts a fresh view on a typical game, and makes working together way more important.

### Monster Hunter Wilds: Team Up to Take Down Giant Monsters

Capcom kept the Monster Hunter series going with Monster Hunter Wilds. It got an 88 on Metacritic. Things can get pretty intense. Teamwork is essential. You and your friends can create your perfect builds, approaches, and time your blocks to have one of the best experiences gaming has to offer. You don't get that rush from a lot of games, where you team with people you know to defeat challenging beasts.

### Abiotic Factor: Survive the End of the World With Your Crew

Abiotic Factor takes inspiration from PC games from the 90s and adds some Half-Life elements taken from Black Mesa. You and your friends are trapped in a strange facility, and you have to get creative to find a way to live through these threats from other dimensions. The game got an 88 on Metacritic, and it proves that tackling the end of the world is always better with friends. It has a lot of what people want in modern co-op gameplay.

### Super Mario Galaxy 1 + 2: Mario and Luigi Unite!

Nintendo brought back the amazing Super Mario Games and bundled them together with a great co-op experience. The games got an 87, and have made the best games for families that want to play games. It really focuses on playing together as team than playing just for yourself. More than 20 years later, the co-op gameplay holds up that make people remember why the series is one of the best.

### Lonely Mountains: Snow Riders

Lonely Mountains: Snow Riders has that diorama style, which makes the game cozy. With your friends, you can go down some slopes! The game got an 87, and gameplay is simple. It's about racing downhill, or playing tag or just cruising through the snow. The ragdoll mechanics also add a lot of funny moments.

### Absolum: Arcade Roguelite

Absolum has those arcade vibes, and classic roguelite touches. With a score of 86, the game wants you to sync up your attacks and movements and ricochet from enemy to another. It's like those coin arcade games that becomes better when you have a friend at your side. It feels like a classic but with a modern take.

### Mario Kart World: Chill Co-Op!

Mario Kart World and the Switch 2 came side by side. The game has clean gameplay when doing split-screen mode. With a score of 86, this contains the vibes that Mario Kart is known to have. It's better to play with your friends with the new roster being interesting!

### Heretic + Hexen: Old but Gold!

Nightdive Studios is bringing back Heretic and Hexen with upgraded graphics and co-op campaigns. With a score of 86, it holds on those magic moments from the 90s while adding some modern design style. You and your friends can blast through waves of enemies proving that co-op retro games deserves to have a place.

### Arc Raiders: Community and Matchmaking

Arc Raiders is praised for it's great matchmaking and has one of the best communities in the game world. With a score of 85, Arc Raiders presents you a lot of moments depending on what goes on throughout the match. Solo gamers may find themselves in the hands of friendly people, while gaming with friends can be improved with a solid plan on their goals. The game is funny while the community develops the co-op moments.

### Other Great Games:

*   Yakuza 0: Red Light Raid comes with a co-op mod that lets your and your friends play inside the classic beat-em-up (85).

*   Europa Universalis V lets you do large scale grand strategy with your friends. You and 11 of your buddies can organize economies and plan your war agendas together (85).

*   Shape of Dreams blends MOBA and roguelite style gameplay. It lets you meet new gamer while meeting up with other players (84).

*   Kirby and the Forgotten Land is a game that can be experienced with parents and their kid with a kid friendly experience with Kirby and Bandana Dee (83).

*   Battlefield 6 wants you to play with your friends in squads inside a warzone making epic team stories (83).

*   Popucom challenges you to team up with shifting mechanics (83).

*   And MLB The Show 25 has co-op mode in Diamond Dynasty and Exhibition (83).

*   NBA 2K26 has a few co-op options and some modes like Street Kings and MyCareer (82).

*   PowerWash Simulator 2 can be experienced with friends making cleaning a great experience.

### The Takeaway

It's easy to see the popularity of gaming from co-op in 2025, playing games with your friends makes it an amazing experience. Even something like, racing or fighting monsters, or even washing your driveway is worth it when you play it alongside people you know. The developers gets it and made sure that the gameplay makes it something team focused.

### Wrapping Up

Games that are co-op cannot be ignored! Split Fiction is leading with those creative moments and PowerWash Simulator for those moments where you can relax with friends. Video games continues to grow building new spaces for gamers like you to create memories.

32.Wear OS users can now make personalized watch faces with Androidify 

## Androidify on Your Wrist: Bugdroid Watch Faces Arrive for Wear OS!

Google's been making stuff to organize our lives for ages, right? They do the serious stuff, making everything simpler. But sometimes, it's their quirky, fun projects that really stick with us. Think about Androidify, that app where you could build your own little bugdroid character. It came back swinging in Sept 2025, with some AI smarts to really personalize things, and everyone loved it. Now, get this – Google's bringing Androidify to Wear OS! That means you can slap your custom bugdroid right on your wrist as a watch face. How cool is that?

### Remember Androidify? It's Back!

So, years ago, Androidify was this neat little thing where you could mess around with the green Android robot. But, you know, tech changes, and it kinda faded away. But then, BAM, it came back in 2025! This time, Google crammed it full of AI, using Gemini to let you upload a photo and turn it into a personalized bugdroid. Some results were hilarious, some were a little weird, but they were always fun.

People went nuts for it, sharing their crazy avatars everywhere. It showed how AI isn't just about getting stuff done; it can be about making stuff, being creative, and just having a laugh. It was shared over TikTok, Youtube and Instagram. Every content creator was sharing the best version.

Soon after Androidify was revived, whispers started that Google was brewing up a Wear OS version. We got sneak peeks of watch faces using the bugdroid characters, but it wasn't available to the public yet. Everyone was guessing how it would all work on a smartwatch, wondering if it'd do more than just show a picture of the bugdroid.

But now, it's real! Google just dropped the update, and Androidify works on Wear OS. So, you can whip up your avatar and, boom, it's your watch face. It's a fun little twist for Google's smartwatches, which are already about keeping you healthy and on top of your to-do list.

### So, How Does it Actually Work?

It's a piece of cake. You feed Androidify a photo, and Gemini AI spits out a bugdroid that looks kinda like you. Then, you can tweak it – outfits, crazy accessories, whatever face you want it to make. Once you're happy, you beam it straight to your Wear OS watch. BOOM!

Now you can have a bugdroid version of yourself, your best friend, even your dog, chilling on your wrist. They're bright, animated, and just add some character to your watch. It beats the boring old watch faces that are all about being minimal or showing you a million stats. Which is great, but where is the fun.

### Why Should You Even Care?

Okay, yeah, Androidify on Wear OS seems like a gimmick. But it shows something important: tech doesn't have to be all business. We want fun too. Smartwatches push fitness, tell you when you have messages, and try to make you a productivity machine. But what about showing off who you are?

Your watch face is the first thing someone sees when glancing at your watch. You see it constantly all day. When Google puts Androidify on Wear OS, they're saying that these watches aren't just gadgets. They're how we show ourselves, like a fashion statement. Slapping a goofy avatar on there adds some , emotion to the watch. That makes it something special for you. No one else has something like it.

### A Peek Behind the Curtain

Google dropped some details about how Androidify was built. Getting the AI to be creative but still keep things easy to use was tricky. They had to carefully adjust the AI so the avatars looked recognizable but also funny. The big issue was making avatars that looked like the person in the photo without going into that weird uncanny valley territory.

They ended up with a system that makes charming, funny avatars. But, you can still tweak them if you want more control. It proves that AI can do fun stuff, not just serious tasks.

### Fans are Going Wild!

The response has been awesome, especially from the Google faithful. Wear OS users have been begging for more interesting watch faces, and Androidify delivers big time. Social media is flooded with screenshots of bugdroid avatars on watches, some rocking superhero costumes, some dressed for the holidays.

The community part is the kicker. Androidify gets you sharing and being creative. Your watch face turns into something to talk about. Imagine comparing avatars with your buddies or making themed sets for different times of the year.

### What's Next?

Androidify for Wear OS is mostly just fun and games but it could open doors for cooler stuff down the road. Maybe avatars could react to your notifications, change expressions when you hit your fitness goals, or even link up with your calendar. There's huge potential for watch faces that are alive and do things.

But for now, it's all about getting creative and making it personal. As Google keeps improving Wear OS, stuff like Androidify makes it different from the competition by letting you be yourself.

### Food for Thought:

The official launch of Androidify for Wear OS reminds us that tech doesn't always have to be serious. Sometimes, the silly stuff matters most. By mixing AI with ways to make our gadgets our own, Google's made something that's both fun and addictive.

Whether you've always loved the bugdroid or you just want a watch face that makes you smile, Androidify is worth checking out. It goes to show that even in the world of high-tech watches, there's always room for a little bit of playfulness – and that's something to celebrate.

33.This Displace Hub upgrade makes your TV completely wireless 

Displace, that company that made those crazy wireless TVs that stick to your wall, is at it again at CES 2026. Remember those? The ones with no cords, just a battery and suction cups? Wild stuff.

Anyway, they're back with updated TVs, but the real head-turner is their brand-new thing called the Displace Hub. Seriously, this thing is supposed to make *any* TV wireless. The idea? It's like a super smart TV mount with its own power.

So, what's the deal with this Hub? I mean, it's not just a regular mount.

It's got Displace's suction thing (they call it active-loop suction), a battery, and a whole computer inside that runs Displace's software. The whole point is to make your regular TV smarter and almost wireless.

Inside, it's got an Intel N-150 quad-core processor – that's like its brain – plus some built-in graphics, 16GB of RAM, and 128GB of storage. So, it can actually *do* stuff, not just show stuff. The Hub also has a 15,000mAh battery, which should let your TV run for a good while without needing to be plugged in all the time.

For plugging stuff in, there are a few HDMI ports for your consoles or Blu-ray players. It also works with Displace's Controller 2.0, which can act as a second screen for other programs or info. Basically, it's a mount, a computer, *and* a power bank all jammed into one device.

Now, here's the thing...

This is cool, but there are a few potential drawbacks to consider. Displace says it can hold TVs up to 150 pounds and from 55 to 100 inches in size. That should cover most TVs, but if yours is tiny or super heavy, you might be out of luck.

Then there's the battery. Displace says it'll last for around five to ten hours on a charge, but that will depend on what you're watching. You *can* charge it while the TV is still mounted, but needing to plug in your wireless TV partly defeats the purpose, you know?

So, how does this compare to other wireless TV attempts?

Well, Displace isn't the first to try this. LG and Samsung have shown off TVs that can transmit video wirelessly at CES before. It gets rid of *some* cords, but you still need a power cable.

The Displace Hub is trying to make everything wireless by adding the battery to the mount. The downside is that you now have to worry about battery life and stuff. LG and Samsung were trying to hide cords; Displace wants to delete them. It is an ambitious move indeed.

What about the price and when can you buy it?

Displace hasn't said when it is releasing this, but they think it'll be around $1,900. You might be able to pre-order it at this year's CES. Yeah, it's going to be expensive, for sure. It's aimed at people who love having the latest tech and want a super clean living space.

The big question is: will people pay that much? It's all down to how easy it is to use, how reliable it is, and how long that battery lasts. If you're always charging it, some people might not think their money was well spent.

CES is where companies show off their experimental stuff, and the Displace Hub fits right in. There's a buzz about it in Vegas as the first week of January 2026 gets closer, and news outlets will be covering CES live, and this will be one of the products talked about.

By making something that works with existing TVs, they're appealing to people who aren't always buying new TVs. The Hub is this bridge between regular TVs and a totally wire-free house.

What's the bigger picture here?

The Displace Hub proves that companies are trying to make TVs fit into our lives better. Everyone streams stuff, uses smart TVs, and wants a less cluttered space. So, we want TVs that blend in and don't make things more difficult.

The Hub might not be perfect (the battery issue is something I want to see checked), but it shows that companies are starting to think differently. Right now it's aimed at a small group of people with money, but it could make a big impact further down the road.

So, to sum things up...

Displace's Hub is a bold attempt to make any TV wireless with a suction mount, a computer, and a big battery. At close to two grand, it's for tech lovers, but it has the potential to change how we set up our rooms.

At CES 2026, lots of people are excited to see the Hub in action, and the thing embodies the CES spirit: trying new things, testing limits, and changing what's possible. Whether it's a success or not, the idea of no more messy wires and a better TV experience is something people want.

34.Why chatbots say “I” when they’re not human 

## Are AI Chatbots Too Human-Like? A Question of Charm vs. Concern

AI chatbots are everywhere now. They're built to chat in a way that feels real and friendly, like you're talking to a person. You've got everything from ChatGPT to Bard, and they're all getting better at acting human. Lots of folks like how friendly and easy to talk to these things are, but some experts are starting to wonder if making chatbots so much like people is a good idea.

### How Chatbots Got Personal

At first, AI was just about making sense of words, spitting out answers, and helping you get stuff done. But then the people who make these things realized that if they gave the AI a bit of a personality, people would like it a lot more. So, now you have chatbots with different vibes. Some are serious, some are all about getting the job done, and others are super playful and always ready to chat.

This isn't by accident. It's all planned out to make talking to these AI feel smoother and keep you coming back for more. Companies think that if a chatbot seems more human, you'll trust it and use it more often.

### Why People Like Chatty AI

For the average user, a chatbot that seems friendly can be a real winner. It makes the whole thing feel less scary. When a chatbot tells a joke or says something nice, it can feel like you're talking to a friend instead of just a machine. This is great for when you're learning something, need help with customer service, or even just want someone to talk to because it makes the whole experience way better.

Plus, giving a chatbot a personality helps it stand out from all the other options. You pick apps and gadgets based on how they look and how easy they are to use, right? Well, you might pick one chatbot over another because of its personality. It gives it an edge over the competition.

### Why Some Experts Are Worried

Despite all the good stuff, some experts are warning us that these human-like chatbots might not be so great after all. The biggest worry? People might start forgetting they're talking to a computer. If a chatbot acts like a person, you might start trusting it too much, relying on it way too much, or even getting emotionally attached.

Psychologists will tell you that we're wired to react socially to anything that seems human. So, if a chatbot seems like it cares, you might feel like it understands you, even though it doesn't really have feelings. It can feel good, but it can also be a way of tricking you.

Another thing to think about is accountability. Chatbots that seem smart and friendly might give you the impression that they know what they're talking about, but they can still make mistakes, give you bad info, and even hallucinate things. If you treat them like a friend who knows everything, you might just accept wrong information without even thinking about it. The more human the chatbot seems, the more likely you are to miss its flaws.

### The Ethics Question

Making AI so human-like brings up some tough ethical questions about being open and honest. Should companies be clearer about the fact that these chatbots aren't actually conscious? Should there be rules about how human these things can act?

Some folks think chatbots should always remind you that they're not real. They could do this with disclaimers, special icons, or the way they talk. Others think it might be better to tone down the personality and just focus on making them useful.

There's also the question of whether these chatbots are trying to mess with our feelings. If a chatbot is designed to be super likable, it might get you to spend more time with it, which means the company gets more of your data. Some critics worry that this is blurring the line between being a friend and just trying to get more money out of you.

### Finding the Right Balance

The tricky part for the companies making these chatbots is finding the right balance. A personality makes them easier to use and more enjoyable, but too much human-like behavior can be misleading. Finding that sweet spot means thinking carefully about ethics and talking to the public about it.

Some companies are trying out chatbots with personalities that you can change. You can pick whether you want it to be formal, casual, or funny. This makes sense because different situations call for different tones. If you're a student getting help with math, you probably want a serious helper. But if you're writing a poem, you might want a playful partner.

### What's Next?

As AI keeps getting better, the debate over how human it should be will only get bigger. Chatbots are getting smarter all the time. Soon, they'll be able to make not just text, but also pictures, sounds, and videos. Their ability to act like humans will only get better.

Eventually, the government might have to step in and set some rules about how chatbots can act. They might say that companies have to be clear about the fact that you're talking to a machine. Meanwhile, researchers will keep studying how human-like AI affects our trust, behavior, and relationships.

### Final Thoughts

AI chatbots that act like humans are both cool and a little scary. Their charm makes technology easier to deal with, but it also brings up worries about manipulation, trust, and doing what's right. As these AI become more and more a part of our lives, we need to think hard about what it means to have machines that feel like people.

The future of chatbots will depend not just on making them technically better, but on making smart design choices that put the users first. Whether they stay fun friends or become more serious tools, the question of how human they should be will always be at the center of the conversation about AI.

35.Allen Iverson facts now replace AI posts on LinkedIn thanks to this extension 

**AI2AI: Trading LinkedIn's AI Buzz for Allen Iverson Facts**

Around the holidays, people tend to treat themselves to fun stuff. This year, a Chrome extension is one of the coolest and most unexpected gifts. Instead of having to wade through endless blah blah about artificial intelligence on LinkedIn, you can swap it out for stories about a totally different AI: Allen Iverson, the NBA legend known as The Answer.

This extension, smartly called AI2AI, turns the professional networking site into a fun basketball trivia game. It's a great way to get away from all the hype about generative AI that's been taking over LinkedIn lately. Let’s find out.

**The Problem: LinkedIn's AI Thing**

LinkedIn has always been known for some weird posts from its heavy users. There's even a subreddit called r/LinkedInLunatics that shows how out-there the site can be. But lately, with generative AI blowing up, the feed has become even more overwhelming. People who call themselves AI experts are flooding timelines with advice, predictions, and ads that nobody asked for.

Look, LinkedIn is kind of a necessary evil. It's where you network, hunt for jobs, and stay visible in your field. But getting hit with constant AI chatter can be exhausting, especially if you're not into the latest tips for business or thought leadership. That's where AI2AI comes through.

**How AI2AI Got Started**

So, AI2AI was made by Johnross Post. He is a creative director in advertising, and Aurora Johnson, who does information security research. It's the first time they've worked together, and it came from being annoyed with all the AI talk on LinkedIn.

Post said that as a freelancer, a lot of his ability to get work is based on being on LinkedIn and being engaged. But staying active meant sifting through tons of posts about generative AI. Johnson jumped in and said that you can quickly do something allowing you to take back control of your feed and enjoy the internet more.

They decided to build something to make LinkedIn bearable. And to add a bit of humor.

**What the Extension Does**

After you install AI2AI, it scans LinkedIn posts for anyone mentioning artificial intelligence. Instead of seeing the regular post, you get a card full of Allen Iverson trivia. You can close these cards if you want to see the original post. But the default is to trade out the AI hype for basketball facts.

Like, a post about an AI conference might change to the fact that Iverson made the All-NBA First Team three times. Or another post might switch to the fact that Iverson, at six feet tall, was one of the shortest players to win the NBA MVP award.

Scrolling through LinkedIn becomes less about business stuff and more about celebrating one of basketball's biggest stars.

**A Fun Alternative**

AI2AI wasn't the first extension to pair AI with Allen Iverson. Back in 2025, another person created a tool that just replaced every time someone mentioned AI with Allen Iverson. It was funny, but it was more just a text swap.

But Post and Johnson's version does more. It has trivia cards that cover up entire posts. It just makes the experience more fun. It turns LinkedIn into a trivia game instead of going through the same old AI talk. It's a fun way to show how jokes and creativity can change how we use tech.

**Why People Like It**

The cool thing about AI2AI is that you get to take back control of what you see on your feed. Social platforms always decide what users see, usually based on what's trending and what gets people talking. For people who have to be on LinkedIn for work, AI2AI is a way to stay connected without getting overloaded with stuff that just bores them.

It also reminds you of the past. Allen Iverson, who they called The Answer, was one of the most exciting players ever. His crossover, scoring titles, and how he impacted the culture made him a star. Learning random facts about Iverson — like his hometown in Virginia named a street after him — feels good compared to reading another post about generative AI in business.

**What It Means**

AI2AI is more than just something funny. It speaks to how people deal with tech and social media. By swapping out AI hype for basketball trivia, the extension underscores how important it is to be able to change your digital spaces. It shows that users don't have to be controlled by what the algorithms throw at them. They can reshape them to fit their own interests and mindset.

In a world that is obsessed with AI and the topic on every platform, AI2AI reminds us that not all AI has to be about machines. Sometimes, it can be about celebrating people.

**Last Thoughts**

The AI2AI Chrome extension is a great solution to being sick of all the generative AI on LinkedIn. Created by Post and Johnson, it trades annoying posts for cards that celebrate Allen Iverson's career. For people tired of the endless AI talk, it's a way to stay on LinkedIn while recalling one of basketball's best players.

AI2AI reminds us that tech can be fun, crazy, and human. If you like basketball or you're just tired of AI, this extension proves that the best way to deal with artificial intelligence is to swap it out for The Answer.

36.Apple mandates iOS 26 updates to fix critical iPhone security flaws 

**Apple's iOS 26.2 Update: A Security Patch with a Hitch?**

So, Apple just pushed out its iOS 26.2 update. Usually, everyone gets excited about new stuff, but this one's mainly about fixing some pretty serious security holes. Seems like there were a couple of zero-day problems in WebKit, which is the engine Safari uses. Apple said these flaws may have been used in a super tricky attack on a few specific people using older iOS versions. That's a big deal, and it means updating ASAP is a good idea to stay safe.

**What's Actually Fixed?**

Aside from the WebKit stuff, iOS 26.2 plugs a bunch of other security gaps, like a privacy leak in Messages. Apple's warning that bad actors could use these weaknesses to get into your personal info. The lesson here is clear: when Apple puts out a security update, especially like this, grab it.

Apple's known for keeping older devices secure with these patches, so people who can't or don't wanna upgrade to the newest OS still get protection. They even put out iOS 18.7.3 to fix the same things for older devices. Good, right?

**Here's the Tricky Part for iOS 18 Users**

Here's the thing: if your iPhone *could* run iOS 26 but you're sticking with iOS 18, a bunch of users are saying they aren't being offered the 18.7.3 update. Nope, your only option is to jump straight to iOS 26.2.

Basically, Apple's making you switch to the newest OS if you want those security fixes. Maybe you don't like the Liquid Glass look, or you're worried about some apps not working or you wait for a big update to stabilize. By not giving you 18.7.3, Apple's forcing your hand: either risk security problems, or move to an OS when you don't want to. That Sucks.

**Why Should You Care?**

This situation shows a conflict between Apple's desire to keep things secure and its wanting everyone to use the newest stuff. If you have older devices which can't run on iOS 26, then the 18.7.3 update *is* available. Okay, and this problem doesn't seem to be effecting iPads. But if your iPhone device *can* run iOS 26, then not having 18.7.3 feels like Apple's way of pushing you to upgrade.

No one knows whether it's some kind of mistake, a bug, or that's what they wanted. Apple hasn't said anything about it yet. Either way, you still don't have the *option* of staying on iOS 18 *and* getting those important security patches.

**Ways Around It and Why It's Annoying**

Some people found a temporary fix. If you sign up for Apple's public beta program and select the iOS 18 beta, you *can* have 18.7.3. It works, but it's a pain. You gotta jump through extra steps, join a beta program, and change settings, which most users just want to avoid.

It shouldn't be this difficult for something like security! You shouldn't have to go crazy getting protection. Security updates should be simple and available.

**Apple's History**

To give Apple credit, they've usually given those updates to older operating systems and devices. It's why people often trust Apple, because they thought they cared about safety. That's why this is so weird. They are breaking with the past, and that is making people unsure of them.

Security shouldn't be a way to force upgrades. Making users pick that sucks.

**The Big Idea**

This iOS 26.2 issue brings up questions about what users can choose in today's device age. Updates include design changes and new functions. Companies want users to upgrade quick, but users' reasons to wait matter. Respecting that is everything.

Apple is known for designs and security that users can get behind. Problems like this can damage that, especially people who like controlling their devices. Making update policies visible and clear conversation can fix these issues.

**What To Remember**

Apple's iOS 26.2 update fixes problems, like the WebKit bug and the Messages privacy issue. But the decisions to withhold iOS 18.7.3 is not the best look.

Security should be for everyone. Users shouldn't have to pick between staying protected or leaving an update. Apple has made it their job to protect users, and to maintain that trust they need to protect all devices, no matter thier version.

As the company keeps improving it needs to ensure that safety and user choice are together. Or else, those fixes can leave users exposed.

37.A wireless phone charger that actually delivers 

Wireless charging in cars? Sounds cool, right? But for a while, it's been more of a headache than a help. You're fiddling with your phone, trying to get it to line up just right on the charging pad, usually stuck in some weird spot in the car. Honestly, most of the time, it doesn't charge, or it charges so slowly you're better off just plugging in a cable. And with phones getting smarter every year, you'd think plopping your phone down in your car would give you a nice, reliable charge!

Car companies have tried different things, you know? Little stands, big trays... most of them pretty clunky. But now, Nissan might actually have figured it out. Their idea? Magnets. Simple, but maybe genius.

**The Wireless Charging Problem**

See, those wireless chargers in cars now use something called Qi tech. To work, the phone and the charger have to line up almost perfectly.If they're not aligned right charging slows down, or stops. Then you toss in phone cases, those big camera bumps on the back of phones, or those small charging trays to begin with, it gets messed up real fast.

Most people give up. They just use a USB-C cable because it works. Wireless charging was supposed to make things easier, but it hasn't.

**Nissan's Magnetic Idea**

The 2026 Pathfinder and Murano will have Nissan's new setup. It's got a raised magnetic circle that helps your phone snap into the right spot. Instead of trying to carefully line everything up, you just put your phone on the tray. Magnets do the rest.

It works with iPhones 12 and up, Google Pixels 10 and up, and any Android phone if you have the right case. The tray is behind the gear shift. It could be in a better place, but it is big enough for most phones.

Matt Zimmerman, who works in research and development at Nissan, put it this way: If things aren't lined up, wireless charging gets wonky. Even a little off can mess things up. The magnetic thingamajig makes sure your phone is in the right place for charging, even with those big cameras on new phones.

**Keeping Cool and Good Performance**

Nissan's charger has magnets and something else: a cooler. Yeah, it's got a fan to keep the charger and your phone from getting too hot.

Ever left your phone on a wireless charger too long? Heats up like crazy, right? Heat isn't good. It slows down charging and can hurt your battery in the long run. By keeping things cool, Nissan's Qi2 will allow for faster, charging more often.

Zimmerman also said, The old chargers would change how much power they were putting out if things got too warm. That's not so much something to worry about anymore. You'll get where you're going with more battery than you would have before.

**Faster Charging**

The Nissan Qi2 also charges faster. It puts out 15 watts, while some old ones only do 5 watts. So, charging from 10% to 90% takes just over an hour and a half, compared to around four hours with those old 5-watt chargers.

If you drive a lot, this is a big deal. Now, your daily drive can actually give your battery a good boost.

**Easy to Use**

Nissan also added a light that tells you what's going on. If it's orange, it's charging. If it's green, it's done. Easy! Just look at the light, and you know what's happening. No looking at your phone.

Zimmerman said, The Qi2 charger is easy to use, and the light helps. It makes things simple. You can see if your phone is charging with a quick look.

**What Took So Long?**

It's kinda weird that it took so long for magnetic wireless charging to get here. Apple had MagSafe on the iPhone 12 back in 2020. But it took until 2026 for something similar to show up in cars.

The first MagSafe Qi2 car charger was showed off at CES 2023. It still took a couple of years to get into cars you can buy. It shows how tough it is for car companies to put new tech into their cars.

Still, Nissan using Qi2 is big. Other car companies will do the same, and magnetic wireless charging will be normal eventually.

**Making Tech Easier**

Wireless charging in cars has been annoying for a while. It didn't work right. Nissan's Qi2 charger, with its magnets, cooler, and faster charging, is a big improvement.

We'll see how it works in real life. But the idea makes sense. Nissan took ideas from phones, like MagSafe, and made them work in cars. It fixes one of the biggest complaints drivers have.

In 2026, wireless charging in cars might finally be simple and useful, like it always should've been.

38.Pixel users get early access to new Android features in beta update 

Google just dropped QPR3 Beta 1 for Pixel phones, not long after the latest Android dropped. If you're in the Android Beta Program, you can try it out. This is our first look at the tweaks coming to Pixel phones, sounds like the real deal will be here early next year. Don’t get too hyped, it's not a massive overhaul, but some cool little improvements that should make things smoother.

**Who Gets to Play?**

If you've got a Pixel 6 or later, you're in. Here's the rundown:

*   Pixel 6 and 6 Pro

*   Pixel 6a

*   Pixel 7 and 7 Pro

*   Pixel 7a

*   Pixel Fold

*   Pixel Tablet

*   Pixel 8 and 8 Pro

*   Pixel 8a

*   Pixel 9, 9 Pro, 9 Pro XL, and 9 Pro Fold

*   Pixel 9a

*   Pixel 10, 10 Pro, 10 Pro XL, and 10 Pro Fold

Pretty much every recent Pixel is on the list. That should give Google plenty of people trying it out and sending back feedback.

**What's New?**

*   **Flashlight Gets a Dimmer Switch:** Finally! You can change how bright the flashlight is. There's a slider, just like on iPhones. Super for when you don't need a full-on spotlight – think finding stuff in your bag without waking everyone up.

*   **Bye-Bye At A Glance:** Remember that widget at the top of your Pixel's home screen? The one with the weather and calendar stuff? Now you can ditch it. Some people dig it, but others want their screen cleaner. Google's letting customize as they like now.

*   **Location Alerts Get Noticed:** Google's making it more obvious when an app's using your location. Before, it was a small icon, easy to miss. Now, there's a bright blue dot up top, similar to when your mic or camera is on. Easier to see what's going on and keep your data private.

*   **Other Little Fixes:** As always, there are some behind-the-scenes tweaks to keep everything running smoothly and fix small problems. Expect more improvements to roll out in future betas, leading up to the final release.

**How to Get the Beta**

Want to try QPR3 Beta 1? Easy:

1.  Head to the Android Beta Program page.

2.  Sign in with your Google account.

3.  Find your Pixel in the list of devices.

4.  Click opt in next to it.

5.  You'll get an update notification soon.

6.  Download and install it.

Keep in mind it's a beta, meaning there might be bugs.

**Why Bother?**

These little changes are all about making the Pixel easier and nicer to use. The flashlight thing is something people have been asking for. Getting rid of the At A Glance widget is all about choices. And the location alerts help you stay in control of your privacy. It shows Google's listening to what people want.

**What’s Next?**

More features will likely show up as the beta goes on. These quarterly releases often have some surprises, and they set stuff up for the next big Android version. If you're a Pixel user, joining the beta is a way to have a voice in how things change.

**Wrapping Up**

QPR3 Beta 1 isn't a huge deal, but it's got some worthwhile tweaks that make the Pixel experience better. The customizable flashlight, the option to remove At A Glance, and the clearer privacy alerts are all good steps. As the beta rolls on, expect things to get even better before the official release next year. It's a reminder that small upgrades can actually matter a lot.

39.Google Pixel 10 Pro Fold back to $400 off for a short time 

Remember when foldable phones were, like, a total joke? Well, Google's Pixel 10 Pro Fold came along and seriously changed everything, and now you can snag it for way less than you'd usually pay. We're talking a real price slash here!

Normally, we're talking around $1,800 for this bad boy, which, I mean, let's be real, is nuts for a phone. But guess what? There's a sale happening right now that knocks it down to $1,399. That's a full $400 in your pocket! I swear it is the cheapest I have ever seen it, similar to Black Friday prices! Have you been waiting to get one of these foldable phones, now is the best time to buy. We can wait till the end of the year, but who knows how long that is!

**Second Chance, Don't Miss It**

So, last holidays there was a discount, but it disappeared quickly. Now it is back and ready to do the same! The sale is on Amazon, just a heads-up: only the Moonstone color is discounted. Want the Jade color? That is gonna cost another $100, making it $1,499.

Seriously, $400 is a ton of money, especially since we are talking about fancy folding phones. This discount makes buying a Pixel 10 Pro Fold similar to just buying any super expensive phones, making you want to buy it.

**The Design? Actually Smart**

The design feels both reliable and like something from the future. You can use the 6.4-inch screen on the outside to see your messages, look at maps, and check any notifications. But when you want to make the screen bigger, just unfold it to show an 8-inch screen with clear images and motion. It's like having a small tablet in your pocket, which is great for games, doing more than one thing, or watching videos while indulging in your favourite meal.

The Pixel 10 Pro Fold is strong with aluminum and Gorilla Glass Victus 2, so it is able to withstand your wild lifestyle. Also, it resists water and dust. That is something that is a plus! So, it will not break even if you tried.

**Performance That Will Not Stop**

The Pixel 10 Pro Fold uses Google's Tensor G5 chip, including 16GB of memory and faster storage. No matter what, it runs just as fast as the Pixel 10 Pro XL. Its great design with processing power makes folding easy.

It also has a huge battery, around 5,015mAh, so you have nothing to think about. Battery-life can be a problem with foldables, but Google is working to resolve it! It also supports wireless charging!.

**User Friendly Cameras and AI**

Google does not joke around when it comes to cameras. The Pixel 10 Pro Fold has three awesome cameras that take bright and clear pictures because of Google’s processing. When the light is low, shooting a landscape scene, or when you take videos in 4K, you know the pictures will be perfect.

It also uses AI for things like translating live and easy photo editing tools. Even taking pictures is easy: the outside device can be used as a mirror for group photos or selfies.

**Is It Any Good?**

Foldable phones can seem like a trend. But the Pixel 10 Pro Fold is well thought out. You can use the outside screen to do anything, and the larger inside screen is better for completing tasks because you can apps like the Google Weather app easily. Inside screen? Take advantage of apps, or reading/watching movies without a problem.

**Why Is the Deal Worth It**

At almost $2,000, the Pixel 10 Pro Fold is not budget-friendly. The $400 discount is an awesome sale for tech buyers who want to save money, which are most people! Even if foldable devices cost more than regular phones, the deal should change that.

The Pixel 10 Pro Fold should be your first choice when looking for a foldable phone. It lasts longer, easy to use at a fast speed, giving it a head start over competitors. This sale will make you buy it without spending money.

**Final Thoughts**

The Google Pixel 10 Pro Fold has the best features and design. All of this including a huge battery and processor to give you water and dust resistance. Usually, it's built for the rich, but at $1,399, it's affordable to normal everyday customers.

If you want a foldable device, now is the time to buy the Google Pixel 10 Pro Fold. It's more than something from the future. It is ready to give you results. You better buy it now, because the deal is not long.

40.Apple releases iOS 26.3 beta: how to install and what’s new 

Apple just dropped the iOS 26.3 public beta. It's fresh, like, barely a moment has passed since the iOS 26.2 release. Don't hold your breath for any wild, totally new stuff in this update. It's more like Apple is polishing some edges and making the iPhone experience a bit smoother overall. The full and final version should arrive sometime in early 2026. If you're already signed up for Apple's beta program, you can jump in and give it a whirl before everyone else gets their hands on it. It is available for download and usage.

Want to give the iOS 26.3 Public Beta a shot? Here's how to do it:

Getting your hands on these beta versions is not that hard, if you're cool with using pre-release software with the expectation of things going wrong.

*   First, go to Apple's beta program website. Pretty simple start.

*   Next, sign in using your usual Apple ID and password.

*   After you logged in, look for and click the “Enroll your iOS device” button.

*   Grab your iPhone, open the Settings app, tap on General, then find Software Update.

*   You should see an iOS Public Beta option in there, tap on it and install it.

* Now you're fully set! And you can begin testing out the new features right away. Keep in mind that this is beta software, so expect quirks. Try using it if you can tolerate glitches. If you do not want to, you should probably wait, but what do I know?.

*   As always, please back up your data before installing any new software. Nobody likes to lose their data.

What's actually new in iOS 26.3?

Slightly Better Wallpapers:

So, the wallpaper section has been given a minor makeover. The Weather and Astronomy wallpapers which used to be bundled in one category are now each in their designated categories and have their own dedicated section. It's not that much of a change, but it does make searching for your desired background a bit simpler and faster. Also, they've added a few extra Weather wallpapers, which may be a cool feature if you love the current weather to appear in the background.

Notifications on Smartwatches that don't belong to Apple: Finally!

Now, this looks very interesting! iPhones can now send notifications to smartwatches and fitness trackers *not* made by Apple. Previously if you did not have an Apple Watch, you could not get proper notifications on your watch.

If you have a Garmin, Fitbit, Samsung, or any other watch and you want it to sync with your iPhone and send the notifications you want to catch straight from your iPhone, this is very useful. But there's one significant condition: At the moment, this can only be used by people in the European Union. From what I know, apparently, EU regulators have implemented some rules that require better interoperability of tech products.

There are no details if this feature will be available in the U.S. or not. Many folks are wondering if Apple will go through with these changes only if forced by regulators.

Easier to move from iPhone to Android (and the other way around):

This is potentially a great change. Apple and Google are coming together to simplify the process of changing from iPhones to Android phones. In iOS 26.3, you can simply place your iPhone next to a new Android phone and wirelessly copy all your files, messages, notes, photos, videos, apps, and even your phone number. I know.

This is miles better than it used to be if you compare it to messing up with various apps and configurations. Making things smoother, Apple and Google are admitting that nowadays people often change their phones more frequently than before. I love this one!. This will simplify the whole process and hopefully without any mistakes.

What's the point of even caring?

Okay, so iOS 26.3 might look like it is small, insignificant update, but it gives us a sneak peek on interesting upcoming stuff:

More Customization: The recent changes in the wallpaper sector clearly highlight that Apple intends to let people customize their phones.

Openness: Support for notifications on third-party smartwatches might be a sign about Apple being a bit relaxed with its very closed-off system. Currently, it is specific for the EU, showcasing how rules can push them to be more open.

Google being in good terms with Apple?: This new Google cooperation might be somehow surprising. These two always fight each other on the phone market. However, by working together on simplification of phone switching, they are putting the user in first place and sidelining their own rivalries.

Those are not game-changing changes, but they show Apple's new view on rivalry, rules, and the ways it simplifies things for Apple product users.

So, how is the EU involved in all this?

These new rules in the European Union, called the Digital Markets Act, are a big push for these changes. They're practically forcing Apple to make its tech work better with other companies' products. It's quite unusual when rules have such a direct impact on the implementation of new features that you can access in your phone.

If other countries come up with similar laws and regulations, Apple might distribute these features worldwide. At the moment, in the U.S., we're missing out on the non-Apple smartwatches notifications support.

What's Coming Up?

We may see an eventual release for some tweaks and fixes in iOS 26.3 while it goes through final testing. Usually, Apple distributes updates for refinement purposes, which includes standard bug fixes and improvements apart from the main features.

The biggest unsolved mystery is will Apple be making these interoperability features available outside the EU? If the answer is affirmative, then iOS 26.3 might be the beginning of a more open iPhone ecosystem, where you are not restricted to using Apple products.

In simple terms, iOS 26.3 might not be a disruptive update, but has quite a few interesting improvements, showcasing where the tech market is planning to go. From wallpapers to smartwatch support and phone switching simplification, this is all about phone customization, openness, and not being annoyed, period.

If you are a beta tester, you're obtaining an early view of what's coming in the near 2026. And for the others, this is a sign that our usage of smartphones is in continuous change, thanks to regulatory rules and corporations beginning to cooperate more nicely with each other. Tiny steps forward now may lead to much greater changes in the future.