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    • Richard
    • Comments Off on Doctors’ Viewpoints on HBO Max’s “The Pitt”
    Doctors’ Viewpoints on HBO Max’s “The Pitt”

    The top-rated television shows of 2025, as per IMDb, include HBO Max’s The Pitt, a critically acclaimed hospital drama featuring Noah Wyle. The series does a commendable job of illustrating the turmoil and intensity associated with working in an emergency room. What differentiates The Pitt from other hospital dramas is its unwavering dedication to delivering a starkly accurate representation of the ER setting. In straightforward terms, The Pitt eliminates numerous conventional story arcs typical in standard hospital dramas, with melodramatic relationships among doctors serving as a notable instance. Instead, the series prioritizes raw realism.

    The episode structure of The Pitt is also intriguing and contributes to the show’s overall authenticity. Each episode, in particular, unfolds in real time over a single hour within a hospital emergency room. Throughout the season, the show grants viewers a 15-hour window into the realities of an emergency room environment. If this narrative style seems familiar, it’s because it resembles a format made famous by the blockbuster series 24 in the early 2000s.

    Since its launch earlier this year, The Pitt has received overwhelmingly favorable feedback from both audiences and critics. For instance, this past September, the series was awarded the 2025 Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Drama Series. Central to the show’s triumph is its candidly realistic depiction of life within the emergency room.

    Medical professionals declare The Pitt the most authentic hospital drama ever produced

    <source media="(min-width: 429px)" srcset="https://www.bgr.com/img/gallery/how-real-doctors-feel-about-hbo-maxs-the-pitt/doctors-say-the-pitt-is-the-most-realistic-hospital-drama-ever-made-1767006469.webp

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    • Richard
    • Comments Off on Learning to Handle Feelings with Google’s Journal Application
    Learning to Handle Feelings with Google’s Journal Application

    I faced numerous mental health challenges this year, yet this app aided my development and progress.

    Not everyone is fond of journaling. For me, writing has always been an enjoyable and creative escape, which is why I built a career around it. However, I had never intentionally recorded my personal thoughts or viewed it as a method to clarify my mind and comprehend my emotions.

    This year proved to be exceptionally tough for me, filled with mental distress and frequent panic-related breakdowns. Thank goodness for therapy! Nonetheless, there are profound, dark, and painful thoughts that remain unspoken, even to a neutral therapist who is paid to assist you through your mental landscape without judgment. Google’s Journal app, also known as Pixel Journal, significantly helped me process these feelings, release them, and gain a deeper understanding of them.

    Why did I wait until I turned 28 to start journaling as a form of emotional expression? Well, it’s not my first experience with a “diary” of sorts. At the tender age of seven, I owned a cherished fruit-scented diary equipped with a lock and key. I vividly remember eagerly jotting down my feelings and documenting my emotions for weeks. That is, until my siblings discovered it and read it aloud to each other, leaving me utterly embarrassed. In hindsight, I placed too much trust in a flimsy locked diary from a dollar store. But then again, I was only seven.

    Strangely, that anxiety about someone stumbling upon my journal and mocking my deepest thoughts lingered on. At least, it did until I acquired my Pixel 10 Pro this year.

    A smartphone is such a personal item. We already store many of our most private thoughts and aspects of ourselves within it, whether it’s messages between closest friends or discreetly locked folders of pictures we want to keep hidden. It can even include something as trivial as your internet browsing history, cheesy music, or dubious e-books. A smartphone essentially acts as a diary or journal. It’s a reliable companion in life that won’t gossip or betray you. And it’s secured with a password!

    Thus, while setting up my Pixel 10 Pro and discovering the Journal app, I felt ready to release some significant burdens. Issues that plagued my nights, old wounds that drove me to madness at times, everything that my anxiety tends to replay without end, and the overwhelming internal chatter.

    I didn’t anticipate it would benefit me as much as it did, but I’m grateful for the bravery it took to begin. Pixel Journal isn’t some enchantingly magical app that erases my problems. I understand it’s not vastly different from any mental health app I could’ve downloaded that allows date logging, photo uploading, or list-making. However, its preloaded status on my phone and seamless integration with the phone’s user interface proved very beneficial. The AI features were particularly advantageous for me.

    What sets the Google Pixel Journal app apart is its AI-driven prompts and summaries. They validate your feelings, encourage reflection, and aid in learning from your experiences. I’ve received invaluable insights from the late-night musings of my anxious mind. The Journal adapts based on your previous entries and even offers prompts related to earlier topics, facilitating personal growth.

    You can revisit your past by reviewing the built-in calendar to sense how you felt during specific weeks or months. Journal entries can be tagged with emotions and topics. Customization options extend to font type and color. The app links with your Google Photos and allows you to incorporate pictures, videos, locations, and even Health Connect data!

    In addition to all these fantastic features, I appreciate that the app is password-protected, ensuring your privacy is safeguarded. All entries are backed up to your Google account, but all AI processing remains local to your device. For insight into why on-device processing is crucial, I highly recommend a remarkable article written by my senior colleague, Jerry Hildenbrand. Essentially, none of the information you log is utilized for training AI models or advertisements.

    As 2026 approaches, a new year is on the horizon. As a habitual overthinker, high achiever, and planner, my anxiety tends to peak during this period. Perhaps due to my heightened awareness of my thoughts, this year I find myself feeling less afraid.

    I will step into the new year equipped with a valuable mental wellness tool that has greatly assisted me over the past two to three months of 2025. And as odd or trivial as it may seem, I’m genuinely pleased I invested in the Pixel.

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    • Richard
    • Comments Off on New Additions and Material Arriving on Apple TV in January
    New Additions and Material Arriving on Apple TV in January

    Apple TV is poised to start 2026 with an exhilarating collection of returning shows in January. The platform will showcase a diverse array of genres, including espionage thrillers, comedies, and dramas. Here’s an in-depth preview of what Apple TV has in store for this month.

    ### Tehran (Season 3)
    – **Release Date:** January 9
    – **Genre:** Espionage Thriller

    “Tehran” chronicles the journey of Tamar (Niv Sultan), a Mossad hacker-agent who embeds herself in Tehran using a false identity. After going off the grid at the conclusion of season two, Tamar must reinvent her persona and win back the Mossad’s favor to stay alive. This season will feature the return of familiar characters like Shaun Toub and Shila Ommi, alongside newcomers such as Hugh Laurie and Sasson Gabai.

    [Watch Tehran’s first two seasons here](https://tv.apple.com/show/tehran/umc.cmc.337cdk1ou0bmn6frmzxwm7xqd?itscg=30200&itsct=tv_box_link&mttnsubad=umc.cmc.337cdk1ou0bmn6frmzxwm7xqd&at=1000l3cvR).

    ### Hijack (Season 2)
    – **Release Date:** January 14
    – **Genre:** Thriller

    The second season of “Hijack” focuses on a hostage crisis on a Berlin underground train. Sam Nelson (Idris Elba) finds himself in the middle of the turmoil, where each choice could spell catastrophe.

    [Watch Hijack’s first season here](https://tv.apple.com/show/hijack/umc.cmc.1dg08zn0g3zx52hs8npoj5qe3?itscg=30200&itsct=tv_box_link&mttnsubad=umc.cmc.1dg08zn0g3zx52hs8npoj5qe3&at=1000l3cvR).

    ### Drops of God (Season 2)
    – **Release Date:** January 21
    – **Genre:** Drama

    In the second season of “Drops of God,” siblings Camille and Issei embark on a journey to uncover the secret behind the world’s finest wine, a mystery their father could never unravel. Their adventure will challenge their relationship and force them to face hidden rivalries and secrets.

    [Watch Drops of God’s first season here](https://tv.apple.com/show/drops-of-god/umc.cmc.497ttx33nudgzywis3i2bnvuk?itscg=30200&itsct=tv_box_link&mttnsubad=umc.cmc.497ttx33nudgzywis3i2bnvuk&at=1000l3cvR).

    ### Shrinking (Season 3)
    – **Release Date:** January 28
    – **Genre:** Comedy

    “Shrinking” depicts a grieving therapist who starts to defy the norm by being brutally honest with his clients. This season promises to introduce major changes in his life and the lives of those around him.

    [Watch Shrinking’s first two seasons here](https://tv.apple.com/show/shrinking/umc.cmc.apzybj6eqf6pzccd97kev7bs?itscg=30200&itsct=tv_box_link&mttnsubad=umc.cmc.apzybj6eqf6pzccd97kev7bs&at=1000l3cvR).

    ### Yo Gabba GabbaLand! (Season 2)
    – **Release Date:** January 30
    – **Genre:** Kids & Family

    “Yo Gabba GabbaLand!” expands on the original series, blending early childhood milestones with fun and music. The program is designed to assist young kids in tackling preschool challenges in an entertaining and engaging manner.

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    • Richard
    • Comments Off on Nvidia’s Gaming Application Poised for Major Transformations
    Nvidia’s Gaming Application Poised for Major Transformations

    playing Fortnite on your iPhone, but the business is finally enforcing an old policy on most of its users, which might complicate matters for those who enjoy staying focused on the screen.

    Introduced way back in 2018 as a beta streaming service for slower devices, Nvidia’s GeForce NOW is a cloud gaming platform that enables gamers to enjoy hardware-demanding titles on a variety of possibly underpowered gadgets. In 2024, the company revealed that new subscribers would face a 100-hour limit per month, and now this regulation is effectively being extended to all subscribers at the beginning of the year, with one exception for some accounts.

    Although users on the platform prior to the 2024 announcement were given over a year to adjust, Nvidia’s timing is unfortunate for some, as it comes at a moment when AI is making it quite challenging for many to assemble a new computer. While Nvidia asserts this will only influence a small percentage of active users — and likely casual gamers won’t be impacted — it still has many individuals across the internet looking for alternatives.

    Nvidia’s GeForce NOW restricts gaming to 100 hours

    The Nvidia logo emblazoned on a concrete structure outside the firm's headquarters in Santa Clara, California

    UVL/Shutterstock

    Nvidia is familiar with implementing changes to its cloud-gaming platform, GeForce NOW. In February 2024, the company started displaying ads to free users before they began their gaming sessions, with Nvidia stating this would assist in supporting the service while decreasing the time free players had

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    • Richard
    • Comments Off on How to Rapidly Charge Your New Apple Watch After Unboxing
    How to Rapidly Charge Your New Apple Watch After Unboxing

    # Quick Charging for Apple Watch: Key Information

    A notable enhancement in the recent Apple Watch generations is the launch of quick charging functionalities. This capability allows users to rapidly replenish their Apple Watch batteries, making it easier than ever to keep the device operational throughout the day. This feature is available in the newest Apple Watch Series 11 and Apple Watch Ultra 3, along with several former versions.

    ## Which Apple Watch Models Are Compatible with Quick Charging?

    The following Apple Watch versions support quick charging:

    – Apple Watch Series 7
    – Apple Watch Series 8
    – Apple Watch Series 9
    – Apple Watch Series 10
    – Apple Watch Series 11
    – Apple Watch SE 3
    – All Apple Watch Ultra iterations

    For further details, Apple offers a support document that explains the specifics of quick charging for these versions.

    ## What Do You Require to Quick Charge Your Apple Watch?

    To take advantage of quick charging, a few crucial components are necessary:

    1. **Apple USB-C Magnetic Quick Charging Cable**: This cable, which comes with the Apple Watch starting from the Series 7 and Ultra models, has an aluminum casing surrounding the magnetic charger instead of plastic. It is 1 meter long and can be purchased separately for $29. When buying from third-party vendors, be sure to search for the model number A2515.

    2. **USB-C Power Adapter**: Apple has stopped including a power adapter in the packaging, so you will need to use an existing one or buy a new one. Any USB-C power adapter that supports USB Power Delivery of 5W or more is suitable for Apple Watch quick charging. Established brands like Anker provide these adapters for under $20.

    It is essential to be aware that older charging solutions, such as Apple’s MagSafe Duo or the Apple Watch Magnetic Charging Dock, do not offer quick charging, regardless of the cable or power adapter utilized.

    ## Additional Charging Alternatives

    If you are searching for more charging solutions, various third-party options are available:

    – **[Twelve South Butterfly 2-in-1 MagSafe Charger](https://geni.us/3iX4o3s)**
    – **[Belkin Apple Watch Quick Charger Dock](https://geni.us/THnMQA)**
    – **[Belkin 3-in-1 Wireless Charger – Quick Charging Stand](https://geni.us/SxEw)**
    – **

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    • sparta
    • Comments Off on iPhone 17 Awarded 9to5Mac’s Yearly Product Honor
    iPhone 17 Awarded 9to5Mac’s Yearly Product Honor

    As 2025 wraps up, it’s time to look back at Apple’s year and identify what captured attention the most. It was a thrilling year for Apple enthusiasts, featuring new hardware such as the iPhone 17, AirPods Pro 3, and updated Macs. Yet, one of those updates stands out above the rest.

    Here’s why we chose to name the iPhone 17 as this year’s 9to5Mac Product of the Year.

    This marks the first year since we began recognizing the 9to5Mac Product of the Year in 2020 where all contenders were iPhones. Apple’s 2025 iPhone range is the most impressive lineup in a considerable period.

    The iPhone 17 Pro is undeniably Pro, equipped with a new vapor chamber cooling system, extended battery life, and a remarkable camera system. The iPhone Air boasts the most thrilling new iPhone design since the iPhone X.

    However, the iPhone 17 stands out as the best overall iPhone in years. It signifies the culmination of the past five years of iPhone updates since Apple refreshed the iPhone lineup and design with the iPhone 12.

    There are several key aspects of the iPhone 17 that hold great significance. At the foremost is that it’s the first non-Pro iPhone to feature an Always-On display with ProMotion. It also includes the same 18MP selfie camera with Center Stage as the iPhone 17 Pro, along with an improved 48MP Ultra Wide lens on the rear.

    I’ll confess I struggled with the decision of voting for either the iPhone Air or iPhone 17 this year. The iPhone Air is thrilling, marking the first move towards a significant transformation of the iPhone lineup, including next year’s anticipated foldable iPhone and the all-glass 20th-anniversary iPhone expected by 2027.

    Ultimately, the prowess of the iPhone 17 is what enabled Apple to elevate the iPhone 17 Pro to new levels and launch the design-focused iPhone Air.

    iPhone 17… while it may not be as capable as a Pro and not as captivating as an Air, it could very well be the best standard iPhone we’ll come across for some time.

    If Apple intends to delay an iPhone 18 until spring 2027 as speculated, the iPhone 17 is robust enough to endure longer than the majority of standard iPhones without appearing outdated.

    I believe iPhone Air will define this generation of new iPhones in hindsight. Unlike the iPhone mini and iPhone Plus, iPhone Air isn’t merely a different screen size alternative for a standard iPhone. Instead, it represents a very different conception of what an iPhone might become.

    Thanks to the iPhone Air, I also think Apple could intensify efforts on future iPhone Pro models, favoring additional features over a lightweight design.

    Yet, it wasn’t too long ago that the standard iPhone lagged a generation behind in chip technology. The iPhone 16 shifted the narrative last year, and the iPhone 17 capitalizes on that momentum.

    The iPhone 17 accomplished something that a ‘base’ model hasn’t in years. It’s an all-around excellent iPhone with no significant compromises.

    Similar to many of my colleagues—and I presume many readers—the base iPhone isn’t my choice. I’ve been a Pro user since the debut of the first Pro model, and this year, I went for the iPhone Air instead.

    However, unlike previous years, I can’t find a solid argument against the iPhone 17.

    Incorporating ProMotion with always-on support was the main factor for me. After using a 120Hz display since the iPhone 14 Pro, I’ve found it difficult to wholeheartedly endorse an iPhone that only supports 60Hz.

    Additionally, the iPhone 17 received:
    – a larger and brighter screen
    – Ceramic Shield 2 with enhanced anti-reflectivity
    – the exceptional new Center Stage front camera
    – and a powerful A19 chip

    All these modifications, along with an increase to 256GB starting storage, and maintaining the same $799 price point.

    While the iPhone 17 may not suit me, it’s undeniably a remarkable phone for just about everyone else.

    Although I didn’t perceive a reason to upgrade from my iPhone 16 Pro Max to the iPhone 17 version, the scenario would certainly differ had I owned the base model iPhone 16. This year’s standard iPhone 17 presents a substantial enhancement over its predecessor.

    Introducing ProMotion and an always-on display to the base model is significant, along with the slightly larger screen that matches the peak brightness of the Pro model.

    Base storage has been enhanced from 128GB to 256GB, and battery life has also seen notable improvements, reaching up to 30 hours of video playback.

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    • sparta
    • Comments Off on Overview of the Flic Duo Smart Controller: A Flexible and Cost-Effective Gadget
    Overview of the Flic Duo Smart Controller: A Flexible and Cost-Effective Gadget

    White Flic Duo remote on a table

    Christian de Looper / BGR

    Smart home management systems are evolving. The Flic Duo was unveiled at CES 2025 as a dual-button smart home interface, showcasing a notable advancement from Flic’s previous single-button offerings. Priced at $59, it provides physical button presses along with extra gesture controls — swipes, twists, and more — all combined in a device that the manufacturer hopes is compatible across various ecosystems.

    The Flic Duo stands out because it aims to be more than just another button affixed to a wall. The combination of gesture controls and traditional button presses transforms it into a versatile tool for managing various elements of your smart home and digital experience. Whether it fulfills this potential will depend on your current configuration and your patience during the initial setup.

    Design

    Holding a white Flic Duo

    Christian de Looper / BGR

    Measuring just 8mm in thickness, the Flic Duo is strikingly thin…

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    • Richard
    • Comments Off on Four Updates Expected for Your Apple TV in 2026
    Four Updates Expected for Your Apple TV in 2026

    **4 Ways Your Apple TV Will Evolve in 2026**

    The latest significant upgrade to the Apple TV hardware occurred in 2022 with the introduction of the Apple TV 4K, which offered up to 128GB of storage, an Ethernet port, Apple’s A15 Bionic chip, and a USB-C Siri Remote. As we look toward 2026, numerous thrilling changes are projected for Apple TV, potentially signaling a transformative year for Apple’s smart home offerings.

    **1. A More Robust Processor**

    Speculations indicate that the forthcoming Apple TV 4K will feature the A17 Pro chip, the same processor used in the iPhone 15 Pro and iPad mini 7. This chip is expected to deliver a significant performance enhancement with quicker CPU and GPU functionalities and a Neural Engine that operates twice as fast. Although a redesign might not be on the horizon, these upgraded specifications could elevate the device’s speed, intelligence, and competency in managing the latest visual and auditory technologies, establishing it as a central hub for smart home connectivity.

    **2. Expanded RAM and Apple Intelligence**

    With the possible incorporation of the A17 Pro chip, the RAM in Apple TV could rise to 8GB, meeting the demands for Apple Intelligence. Such an enhancement would boost multitasking, gaming performance, and general navigation. While functionalities like Writing Tools or Image Generation may not be anticipated, the introduction of a new Siri alongside iOS 26.4 could improve the abilities of Apple TV.

    **3. Debut of the N1 Chip**

    The next iteration of Apple TV may also integrate Apple’s custom N1 chip, responsible for connectivity features including Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. This chip, unveiled with the iPhone 17, supports Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6, and Thread technology, promising enhanced wireless capabilities. Additionally, a Siri Remote featuring a Precision Find chip could be an appealing inclusion.

    **4. Improved Streaming Strategy**

    The streaming functions of Apple TV are likely to advance in tandem with the hardware. With Apple becoming the official streaming ally for the new Formula 1 season in the U.S., a new sports tier or feature within the app could be rolled out. Capabilities such as multi-camera support might become exclusive to the upcoming Apple TV, enriching the viewing experience and boosting subscriptions.

    **Should You Hold Out for the New Apple TV?**

    While the existing Apple TV 4K continues to be an excellent option for elevating your television experience, waiting for the next generation could be advisable. The anticipated model promises enhanced features and upgraded specifications, potentially at a more competitive price. The new Apple TV is projected to launch in early 2026, possibly alongside other smart home devices from Apple.

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    • sparta
    • Comments Off on Verizon Provides Reduced YouTube TV for Certain Plans
    Verizon Provides Reduced YouTube TV for Certain Plans

    Verizon has launched a new deal that provides a $20 monthly reduction on YouTube TV for qualifying customers, lowering the price from $82.99 to $62.99 for the initial six months. This promotion is available to Verizon Mobile or Home Internet users who enroll via the My Verizon app. The payment for YouTube TV will be included in the Verizon bill, rather than conducted through Google. This offer results in a total savings of $120 over six months, essentially covering nearly two months of service at the regular rate. However, post the six-month duration, the subscription fee will return to the regular price. To be eligible, customers must be newcomers to YouTube TV and should not have an existing account with unlimited cloud DVR or NFL Sunday Ticket, unless they set up a new Google account. This offer presents an appealing choice for individuals contemplating cutting the cord or changing live TV services, as YouTube TV is recognized for its intuitive interface and unlimited cloud DVR.

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    • Richard
    • Comments Off on Robot Vacuum Models That Work with HomeKit
    Robot Vacuum Models That Work with HomeKit

    **Robot Vacuums and HomeKit: A Revolutionary Approach to Smart Cleaning**

    With the launch of iOS 18.4 earlier this year, Apple made considerable improvements to the Home app, enabling users to incorporate robot vacuums into HomeKit for the first time, thanks to the Matter smart home standard. This integration paves the way for exciting opportunities in smart home automation.

    ### What Can You Achieve with a Robot Vacuum in HomeKit?

    By incorporating a compatible robot vacuum into the Home app, users can oversee their devices alongside other HomeKit accessories. This integration allows for numerous automations and scenes, permitting users to program cleaning sessions for specific times or as part of wider home routines. For example, you can automate cleaning tasks for certain rooms at set times.

    Additionally, if your robot vacuum has both vacuuming and mopping capabilities, the Home app offers choices to switch between these functions. Users can also check the vacuum’s current state, such as if it is cleaning or recharging.

    Integration with HomeKit allows users to control their robot vacuums via Siri. Commands like “Siri, clean the living room” or “Siri, mop the kitchen” enable hands-free management. However, for more advanced features like mapping, object avoidance settings, and custom paths, users will still need to use the manufacturer’s app.

    ### Which Robot Vacuums Are Compatible with HomeKit?

    The embrace of the Matter smart home standard has resulted in an expanding roster of robot vacuums that support HomeKit integration. Prominent brands and their compatible models include:

    – **Ecovacs**: Dedicated to HomeKit integration, Ecovacs has started deploying updates for several models.

    – **Roborock**: This brand has assured HomeKit support for multiple models, including the Roborock Qrevo Slim, with additional models anticipated in the future.

    – **SwitchBot**: The SwitchBot S20 Robot Vacuum and Mop is presently compatible with HomeKit, as is the SwitchBot K11+.

    – **iRobot**: Recently, iRobot has initiated the rollout of Matter support for new models. However, the company has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy and will be taken over by Shenzhen Picea Robotics Co.

    – **Eufy**: The Eufy E28 Robot Vacuum supports HomeKit integration via the Matter standard.

    – **DREAME**: Future Matter firmware updates are predicted to add HomeKit support to the X50 Ultra and X40 Ultra Robot Vacuums.

    – **Tapo**: The Tapo LiDAR Smart Navigation Robot Vacuum now provides HomeKit support through Matter.

    ### Summary

    The inclusion of robot vacuum support in the Home app is an appreciated enhancement for the HomeKit platform, which has frequently been viewed as underused. As more users embrace HomeKit-compatible robot vacuums, the possibilities for smart home automation keep growing. Whether you currently have a suitable robot vacuum or are contemplating acquiring one, the integration presents a simple and effective cleaning solution.

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