Day: December 8, 2024

Apple Plans to Incorporate PlayStation VR Controller Compatibility with Vision Pro, as Reported by Gurman

# Apple Vision Pro: A New Chapter for VR Gaming Featuring Third-Party Controller Compatibility

The realm of virtual reality (VR) gaming is swiftly advancing, with numerous platforms competing for supremacy in a growing marketplace. Apple, renowned for its groundbreaking technological advancements, has made substantial progress with the Vision Pro headset. Nonetheless, one challenge that the device has faced is its gaming capabilities. Recent insights indicate that Apple is working to improve the gaming experience on the Vision Pro by incorporating support for standard VR game controllers, particularly through a partnership with Sony to bring this initiative to fruition.

## The Present Condition of Apple Vision Pro

At this moment, the Apple Vision Pro has attracted attention due to its cutting-edge features and functions, but it has not entirely harnessed the gaming potential that VR technology provides. Presently, the headset accommodates conventional gaming controllers from Xbox and PlayStation, mainly for games available on Apple Arcade. However, the lack of support for customary VR controllers has restricted the headset’s attractiveness to gamers, hindering its ability to connect with a wider array of VR titles.

## Partnership with Sony

As per Mark Gurman’s Power On newsletter, Apple is diligently working on a major update to its visionOS software that will facilitate compatibility with third-party hand controllers. This effort involves a collaboration with Sony Group Corp., concentrating on the integration of PlayStation VR2 controllers into the Vision Pro framework.

Gurman’s report indicates that Apple reached out to Sony earlier this year, and both companies have agreed to join forces in launching support for the PlayStation VR2’s hand controllers on the Vision Pro. This collaboration has seemingly been underway for several months, underscoring a genuine commitment from both organizations to enhance the VR gaming environment.

## What This Signifies for Gamers

The inclusion of third-party VR controllers into the Vision Pro could prove transformative for Apple in the world of virtual reality gaming. By enabling users to utilize well-known controllers, Apple seeks to craft a more immersive and engaging gaming atmosphere. This initiative not only expands the potential game library accessible to Vision Pro users but also aligns Apple with well-established gaming platforms, increasing the headset’s attractiveness to a broader demographic.

Apple has also taken the initiative to discuss this advancement with third-party developers, urging them to incorporate support for the new controller functionalities into their games. This collaborative effort could result in a more extensive selection of VR titles available for the Vision Pro, ultimately boosting its appeal within the gaming sector.

## Future Outlook

While specific schedules for the implementation of this new feature have yet to be revealed, the ongoing collaboration between Apple and Sony indicates that considerable advancements are being achieved. As the gaming industry progresses, the capability to accommodate various VR controllers may establish the Apple Vision Pro as a strong competitor in the VR arena.

In summary, Apple’s dedication to enhancing the gaming experience on the Vision Pro with third-party controller support signifies a critical juncture for the device. By teaming up with Sony and incorporating popular VR controllers, Apple is set to draw in a wider gamer audience and elevate its position in the dynamic landscape of virtual reality. As updates unfold, the gaming community eagerly looks forward to the possibilities this collaboration brings for the future of VR gaming on the Apple Vision Pro.

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Google Wallet Broadens Digital ID Assistance to Another US State

# Transforming Your Passport into a Digital Identification: The Future of ID

In an era where digital ease is becoming standard, the capacity to store identity documents such as passports and state IDs on your mobile device is revolutionary. Google Wallet is at the forefront of this evolution, enabling users to convert their physical IDs into digital formats. This advancement not only enhances how we carry and display identification but also indicates a transition towards a more simplified, technology-driven future.

## **Essential Information**

Google Wallet has been progressively enhancing its digital ID functionalities, enabling users in specific U.S. states to save their driver’s licenses and state IDs on their phones. Recently, New Mexico has been added to the list of states endorsing this feature, along with California, Arizona, Colorado, Georgia, and Maryland. The progress doesn’t end here—Google Wallet is also introducing support for digital passport IDs, facilitating a smoother and more efficient experience at TSA checkpoints.

### **How It Functions**

Integrating your ID or passport into Google Wallet is an uncomplicated process. Here’s a breakdown of how it works:

1. **For State IDs:**
– Launch the Google Wallet app.
– Tap “Add to Wallet” and choose “ID.”
– Adhere to the on-screen prompts, which include capturing images of both sides of your ID and recording a brief selfie video for validation.
– After verification, your digital ID will be accessible within minutes.

2. **For Digital Passports:**
– Choose the option to “create an ID pass with your U.S. passport” in the app.
– Follow the guidance to finalize the setup.

Once your digital ID or passport is incorporated, you can retrieve it just like your payment cards in Google Wallet. This allows for easy presentation of your ID at participating locations without the hassle of searching through your wallet or bag.

### **Where Digital IDs Are Applicable**

Though digital IDs offer tremendous convenience, their deployment remains somewhat constrained. In New Mexico, for example, physical IDs are still mandated for law enforcement and age verification. However, an increasing number of businesses and TSA checkpoints are adopting smartphone-based verification systems like the NM Verifier app. This pattern is anticipated to expand as digital IDs gain broader acceptance.

For travelers, the rollout of digital passport IDs is particularly promising. These can be utilized at certain TSA checkpoints, expediting the airport security process. Nonetheless, it’s vital to verify the

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“Google Suggests Slight Modifications for Android 16 and 17 Upgrades”

# The Pixel 6: A Reliable Player That Has Hit Its Peak

The Google Pixel 6, which debuted in late 2021, was a key product for Google. It showcased the introduction of the company’s proprietary Tensor chip, a daring step illustrating Google’s intent to gain more mastery over its hardware-software synergy. However, as we near the conclusion of 2023, the Pixel 6 stands at a pivotal moment. With the recent announcement of two more years of software support, it’s evident that Google is dedicated to keeping the device fresh. But the truth is that the Pixel 6 may have maxed out its potential.

## Reflecting: What Made the Pixel 6 Unique?

When the Pixel 6 was launched, it featured several remarkable aspects:

1. **Google Tensor Chip**: The Tensor chip focused on enhancing machine learning and artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities rather than sheer processing power. This enabled the Pixel 6 to shine in fields such as computational photography, voice recognition, and real-time translation.

2. **Camera Superiority**: In line with all Pixel models, the Pixel 6’s camera system was a standout. Google’s software-centric approach to photography yielded impressive results, even with hardware that didn’t match competitors in megapixel numbers.

3. **Pure Android Experience**: The Pixel 6 came with Android 12 and was one of the first devices to feature Material You, Google’s adaptive design framework that customizes to the user’s wallpaper and preferences.

4. **Attractive Pricing**: With a starting price of $599, the Pixel 6 was positioned as an attractive flagship option, offering more value than many rivals in its category.

While these characteristics made the Pixel 6 an enticing option at the time of release, the rapid evolution of technology has revealed its constraints.

## The Pixel 6’s Hardware: A Limitation for Future Progress

The Pixel 6 was never a hardware titan, and that is increasingly apparent as newer smartphones expand the limits of what’s possible. Here are the primary areas where the Pixel 6 struggles:

### 1. **First-Generation Tensor Limitations**
The inaugural Tensor chip was a hopeful start but did not match the sheer performance of Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 series or Apple’s A-series processors. Although it excelled in AI-based tasks, its performance and efficiency fell short for demanding applications such as gaming or heavy multitasking.

As Google has enhanced its Tensor chips in later iterations, the disparity between the Pixel 6 and the latest Pixel models has grown. Features that depend on advanced AI processing, like real-time video improvements or on-device generative AI, are unlikely to operate smoothly—or at all—on the Pixel 6.

### 2. **RAM and Storage Limitations**
Equipped with 8GB of RAM, the Pixel 6 was capable for its era. However, as applications and functionalities become more demanding, this memory is starting to feel outdated. Devices with 12GB or even 16GB of RAM are becoming standard in the flagship arena, allowing for enhanced performance and superior multitasking.

### 3. **Battery and Thermal Oversight**
The Pixel 6 offered reasonable battery life but wasn’t exceptional. Over time, battery wear is unavoidable, and the device’s thermal management has faced criticism for overheating during extended usage. These problems restrict the phone’s capacity to support future software updates and features that require greater energy.

## Software Support: A Double-Edged Sword

Google’s move to prolong software support for the Pixel 6 by an additional two years is commendable. This ensures that the device will receive Android updates until at least 2026, maintaining its security and functionality. Yet, software updates have limitations when the hardware cannot keep pace.

### Android’s Progress: Gradual, Not Revolutionary
The Pixel 6 is expected to receive Android 16 and 17, but users shouldn’t anticipate revolutionary new features. As highlighted in the article, many of Google’s most thrilling advancements—such as cutting-edge AI functionalities—rely on proprietary software and hardware enhancements. These innovations are often exclusive to newer Pixel devices, leaving older variants like the Pixel 6 with little beyond security updates and minor interface adjustments.

### The “Pixel Paywall”
Google has increasingly embraced what some refer to as the “Pixel paywall,” where fresh features are reserved for the latest Pixel devices. For instance, features such as Magic Eraser or advanced call screening premiered on newer Pixels and were made available to older models only after considerable delays—or not at all. This trend is likely to persist, with the Pixel 6 being excluded from many of the standout features of Android 16 and subsequent updates.

## The Broader Perspective: Android’s Fragmentation

The Pixel 6’s limitations also underscore a wider concern with Android: the fragmentation of functionalities among devices. Unlike Apple, which provides a cohesive experience across its iPhones, Android’s open-source nature

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Presenting Chargie: Enhanced Battery Safeguard for MacBook Laptops

# Extending Laptop Battery Duration with Chargie: An In-Depth Guide

In a time characterized by swift technological progress, our devices are engineered to endure longer than ever. Nonetheless, one element that often deteriorates is the battery, especially in laptops. A lot of users tend to leave their laptops plugged in for long stretches, which can result in early battery decline. Luckily, a fresh solution has surfaced to address this concern: **[Chargie](https://bit.ly/3OORO4k)**.

## Grasping the Battery Conundrum

As technology progresses, the necessity for regular hardware upgrades has lessened. Modern laptops, outfitted with powerful processors such as Apple’s M-class silicon chips, frequently maintain their relevance for many years. However, despite these advancements, battery life has not improved similarly. Batteries still diminish over time, leading to expensive replacements or, in some circumstances, requiring a full laptop upgrade.

This issue is worsened by the prevalent custom of leaving laptops plugged in all the time. Many users, particularly those working remotely or in an office, charge their devices overnight or throughout the day, accelerating battery deterioration. This leads not only to increased electronic waste but also to unnecessary costs for consumers.

## Presenting Chargie: An Intelligent Solution

**[Chargie](https://bit.ly/3OORO4k)** is a small device created by Lighty Gadgets that connects between your laptop and its charging cable. This groundbreaking tool enables users to take charge of their laptop’s battery health with a range of features:

– **Detailed Monitoring**: Chargie offers comprehensive insights into your battery’s health and charging state.
– **Personal Charge Limits**: Users can manually set charge limits, enabling optimal battery conservation. For example, you can keep your battery at a safer 50% or 60% charge during standard use and raise it to 90% or 100% when extended battery life is required.
– **Daily Charging Schedule**: The device permits you to establish a charging timetable that aligns with your daily activities, ensuring your laptop is fully charged when necessary while reducing superfluous charging.

## How Chargie Operates

Installing Chargie is simple. It comes with various adapters suitable for different laptop models, making it usable for a broad audience. Once connected, you can manage Chargie through a companion app designed for macOS, Windows, and ChromeOS.

Within the app, users can tailor their charging preferences to suit their lifestyle. For instance, you can set your laptop to fully charge by 5 PM on office days, while modifying the schedule for work-from-home days. Chargie supports power delivery up to 100W, guaranteeing that charging remains quick and effective.

Even for users who do not continuously keep their laptops plugged in, Chargie helps prevent the battery from remaining at 100% for extended durations, ultimately benefitting overall battery health.

## Availability and Final Thoughts

Chargie is made to smartly regulate your laptop’s charging cycles, shielding the battery from unnecessary wear and lengthening your device’s lifespan. Currently, Chargie is offered at an early bird price of $40 as part of its Kickstarter initiative, with delivery anticipated in February 2025 for early backers and March for others.

In addition to the laptop variant, Chargie also features the **Chargie C Basic**, which is designed for smartphones, encouraging slower charging rates for enhanced battery longevity.

To learn more about Chargie and seize holiday discounts, visit the **[Chargie website](https://bit.ly/41ikWbU)**. For further details, check out the **[Kickstarter page](https://bit.ly/3OORO4k)** or follow Chargie on **[X](http://x.com/chargie18)** and **

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