They were serious about the “limited edition.”
The Meta Quest 3S Xbox Edition is becoming extraordinarily popular among Xbox and VR enthusiasts, having sold out at Meta’s official shop merely three days post-announcement. Although it is no longer available through Meta, you can still purchase it at a nearby retailer.
I’m referring to Best Buy, of course, which continues to offer the
Read More**ChatGPT: A Resource Enhancing Our Intelligence or Diminishing It?**
As artificial intelligence (AI) becomes more embedded in our everyday activities, platforms such as ChatGPT lead this technological shift. Nevertheless, a recent investigation from the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School indicates that although these AI applications provide convenience, they may be influencing our cognitive capabilities in unforeseen manners.
**The Research: AI versus Conventional Search**
The research engaged over 4,500 participants who were assigned to explore a topic and offer advice using either Google or ChatGPT. The results indicated that those utilizing ChatGPT finished their assignments more quickly than those depending on conventional web searches. However, the simplicity of employing AI came with a drawback: users reported feeling less engaged in their research and generated advice that was less innovative and thinner in substance.
**The Cognitive Effect**
Traditional web searches necessitate that users navigate through numerous sources, critically assess data, and consolidate their conclusions. This practice promotes enhanced learning and analytical thinking. Conversely, ChatGPT delivers swift, succinct responses that may not stimulate the same degree of cognitive involvement. The research implies that a heavy dependence on AI for information might result in a downturn in these vital abilities.
**Consequences for Education and Innovation**
The advantages of AI resources like ChatGPT are indisputable, yet their effects on education and creative endeavors raise concerns. In academic contexts, the thorough knowledge and analytical thinking skills cultivated through traditional research techniques are vital. Likewise, in creative sectors, the capacity to develop original concepts and solutions is essential. The investigation cautions that excessive reliance on AI could impede the growth of these competencies.
**Navigating the AI Terrain**
As we proceed to weave AI into our lives, finding a middle ground is crucial. While ChatGPT and other comparable resources can be beneficial for specific undertakings, it is essential to acknowledge their restrictions. Cultivating skills through conventional approaches remains important, particularly in domains requiring deep comprehension and creativity.
In summary, as we traverse the changing AI environment, it is essential to be aware of how these tools affect our cognitive faculties. By employing AI judiciously and supplementing it with traditional learning strategies, we can leverage its advantages without sacrificing our intellectual development.
Read More### Present Offers on Apple Items: MacBook Air, iPad Pro, and Apple Watch
Currently, a range of appealing offers on Apple items is accessible, which includes notable savings on the MacBook Air, iPad Pro, and Apple Watch Series 10. These deals create fantastic opportunities for individuals aiming to upgrade their gadgets or buy gifts.
#### 1. **15-inch M4 MacBook Air with 24GB RAM and 1TB SSD – $1,599 ($200 Off)**
The 15-inch M4 MacBook Air, featuring 24GB of RAM and a 1TB SSD, is available for $1,599, reflecting a $200 reduction. This variant can be found at B&H and is a rare choice, as it is not listed on Amazon. The configuration coincides with what you would acquire directly from Apple but at a more affordable rate. The Midnight color is the sole option for this offer, making it a limited-time deal to consider for those needing extra storage.
#### 2. **2TB M4 iPad Pro – $380 Off**
Amazon has decreased the price of the 2TB M4 iPad Pro with nano-texture glass by $380, lowering it to $1,719. This promotion represents the best price ever recorded for this configuration, making it an appealing choice for those in search of a high-performance tablet. The M4 iPad Pro is recognized for its outstanding performance, and this discount increases its accessibility for prospective buyers.
#### 3. **Apple Watch Series 10 – $100 Off**
The Apple Watch Series 10 is currently on sale with a $100 discount, starting at $299 for the 42mm version and $329 for the 46mm version. This sale follows earlier discounts for Father’s Day and presents various band options. The Jet Black Series 10 in the 46mm case size is especially notable, being priced at its lowest ever recorded.
#### 4. **Accessories and Charging Offers**
Beyond the main product discounts, there are also reductions on several accessories, including Ocean Bands, MagSafe stands, and chargers, with savings of up to 30%. These accessories enhance the principal devices and improve the overall user experience.
#### 5. **Apple Watch Ultra 2 – $70 Off**
The Satin Black Apple Watch Ultra 2 is priced at $729.99, a $70 decrease from its usual cost. This model comes with a matching Black Ocean Band and is currently the lowest price available from major retailers. While there have been lower prices in the past, this offer remains competitive for those in search of a high-end smartwatch.
#### 6. **Samsung OLED Smart Monitor Offer**
Moreover, Samsung is running a promotion where purchasing new OLED Smart Monitors can reward buyers with up to $300 in Amazon gift cards. This deal is especially advantageous for those looking to improve their home office or entertainment setup.
### Conclusion
These current promotions on Apple items offer excellent chances for consumers to obtain high-quality devices at lower prices. Whether you seek a MacBook Air, iPad Pro, or Apple Watch, these deals are certainly worth investigating before they conclude.
Read More# The Progression of the iPad: An Exploration of iPadOS 26
In the past few years, the iPad has encountered growing competition from Apple’s own MacBook series, prompting many users to rethink their dependence on the tablet. A year prior, I noted my declining usage of the iPad, largely due to the emergence of Apple Silicon MacBooks, which effectively eliminated the divide between laptops and tablets. Nevertheless, with the advent of iPadOS 26, I found myself reassessing the iPad’s significance in my digital ecosystem.
## Reasons I (Nearly) Ceased Using My iPads
The main factors contributing to my reduced usage of the iPad can be encapsulated in five points. Four of these reasons arise from the progress made in MacBooks, which have rendered them more suitable for my requirements. The instant on/off function of the iPad is now mirrored by the MacBook experience. Furthermore, the dependability of mobile hotspots from iPhones has greatly improved, while the weight of MacBooks has lessened, enhancing their portability. Battery performance has advanced to a level where the difference between the two devices is minimal for my needs.
The fifth factor for my shift away from the iPad was the arrival of Viture One XR glasses, which took over my iPad mini’s role as my preferred personal entertainment gadget. The sole exception to my iPad usage is that I continue to use it as a dedicated eBook reader for library books, since the Libby app is unsupported by Kindle in the UK.
## iPadOS 26: A Significant Upgrade
Despite my earlier assertions that my 12.9-inch iPad Pro was gathering dust, iPadOS 26 has reshaped my view of the device. The most substantial improvement is the introduction of genuine windowing capabilities. Previously, the iPad was confined to a single-tasking atmosphere, but with the updated version, users can launch multiple apps and arrange them much like on a Mac.
This new windowing framework permits enhanced flexibility, allowing users to position, resize, and overlay windows as desired. Although there’s a maximum of 12 apps on-screen at any given time, this compares favorably with the number of windows I usually have open on my Mac.
Logitech has also tackled ergonomic issues with the launch of the new Flip Folio keyboard, which allows for versatile positioning. However, while this design is attractive, it compromises some usability, especially the ability to comfortably use the keyboard on one’s lap.
## The MacBook Air: The Deciding Factor
Despite the improvements in iPadOS 26, my recent acquisition of a MacBook Air has reinforced my preference for the Mac over the iPad. If I hadn’t already adopted the MacBook Air as my main mobile computing device, I may have been tempted by the iPad’s enhanced features. However, the timing of these upgrades has come too late for me.
The MacBook Air provides several benefits that secure its position at the forefront of my digital toolkit:
– **More robust apps**: The MacBook accommodates a broader selection of applications that outperform those available on the iPad.
– **Lap usability**: The iPad with the Magic Keyboard seems less stable on my lap in contrast to the MacBook.
– **Key utilities**: I depend on various tools that are more readily accessible on the Mac.
– **Comfort and familiarity**: The Mac’s interface is more comfortable and familiar to me.
– **Weight factors**: The MacBook Air is lighter than the combination of the 12.9-inch iPad and the Magic Keyboard.
While I recognize the progress Apple has made in improving the iPad’s software to maximize its hardware capabilities, my longstanding preference for the Mac remains intact. The introduction of an Apple Silicon MacBook Air has firmly solidified my commitment to the Mac ecosystem.
## Conclusion
To conclude, iPadOS 26 marks a considerable advancement for the iPad, bringing it closer to operating as a genuine computer. However, for users like me who have already transitioned to MacBooks, these enhancements may not be sufficient to alter our allegiance. The iPad’s evolution is commendable, and it will undoubtedly benefit many users, but for the time being, the MacBook Air is my device of choice.
Read MoreApple Wallet, similar to all other iOS 26 applications, is set to receive some Liquid Glass UI enhancements this year. Moreover, iOS 26 is a particularly comprehensive update introducing numerous features to Apple Wallet. Here’s what’s coming.
## Boarding Pass Improvements
Digital boarding passes have increasingly become a standard offering of the Wallet app throughout the years. In iOS 26, they are about to become even more impressive.
New features for boarding passes include:
– Live Activities
– Airport maps
– Luggage tracking with Find My
A noteworthy aspect of the Live Activities functionality is the easy sharing option with a friend or family member. Provided that Apple secures participation from enough airlines, the boarding passes in iOS 26 should be a considerable enhancement for your upcoming travels.
## Support for US Passports
Digital IDs have been gradually integrated into Apple Wallet over the years, with each US state needing to individually adopt the feature. However, in iOS 26, there’s a significant advancement for digital IDs: US passports will now be supported.
Apple states that adding your US passport to Wallet will allow you to use it as identification “at TSA checkpoints, in apps, and in person.” Nonetheless, it’s always wise to check specific airport regulations before traveling solely with a digital ID.
## Order Tracking Enhanced by Apple Intelligence
A few years back in iOS 16, Apple Wallet introduced a new order tracking functionality that aimed to transform Wallet into a centralized platform for monitoring all of your online purchases. Unfortunately, this feature relied on third-party vendor support to be genuinely effective, which has been difficult to achieve. Yet, in iOS 26, Apple aims to address this through Apple Intelligence.
Apple Wallet can now detect and summarize order tracking information from emails received from merchants or delivery services. This feature spans all user orders, allowing them to view comprehensive order details, progress alerts, and more, all within a single interface. On compatible iPhones, AI will extract delivery tracking information straight from your inbox, enhancing Wallet’s order tracking capabilities without dependent third-party collaborations.
## Stored Credit Card Information
Third-party password managers like 1Password have previously provided a secure way to save credit card details. However, when Apple introduced its new Passwords app last year, this feature was absent. In iOS 26, though, the Wallet app will gain the ability to save full credit card details. By default, you will still only be able to see the last four digits of the Apple Pay identifier, but there will now be an option to include the complete card number, expiration date, and additional information.
## Apple Pay Installments and In-Store Rewards
While using Apple Pay for in-store transactions, iOS 26 introduces the capability of paying in installments through one of Apple’s pre-existing partners like Affirm. Users can also benefit from rewards associated with their chosen Apple Pay card. These choices will be incorporated into the updated payment workflow when initiating Apple Pay.
This feature has not appeared on any of Apple’s official feature listings. However, in light of the recent backlash regarding an F1 The Movie-related Wallet notification, it was found that iOS 26 enables the option to disable promotional notifications. Within the Wallet app’s notification settings, there is a new ‘Offers & Promotions’ notification category that you can turn on or off according to your preference.
## Conclusion on Apple Wallet in iOS 26
The rise of Apple Pay, alongside a continually expanding array of new iOS features over the years, has made Apple Wallet increasingly vital to the iPhone. It’s encouraging to see Apple acknowledge this by focusing on so many new iOS 26 functionalities for Wallet.
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Read More**Bluetooth Impersonation Attacks: Recognizing the Hazards and Prevention Techniques**
Bluetooth technology is now an integral part of our everyday experiences, facilitating effortless device connectivity. Yet, this ease of use is accompanied by certain vulnerabilities that can be taken advantage of by malicious individuals. One notable risk is the Bluetooth Impersonation Attack (BIAS), where cybercriminals can pretend to be a trusted Bluetooth device to carry out harmful activities on linked devices.
### What does a Bluetooth Impersonation Attack (BIAS) entail?
In a BIAS scenario, attackers take advantage of flaws in the Bluetooth protocol to pose as a genuine device. For example, a device identified as “BOSE QC Headphones” might actually be a harmful entity waiting for unwary users to connect. After establishing a connection, the attacker can inflict various types of damage, ranging from data theft to unauthorized access.
### The Function of Flipper Zero in BIAS
Flipper Zero serves as a multi-functional pen-testing instrument that can be upgraded with third-party firmware, like Xtreme, to boost its functionalities. This firmware enables Flipper Zero to conduct a variety of operations, including transmitting keystrokes to a Mac or other devices via Bluetooth. The device features a function known as “Bad USB,” which imitates a keyboard to facilitate automation of tasks or swift script execution.
For instance, a user can effortlessly run a script to perform a light-hearted prank, such as rickrolling a MacBook Air, by following several straightforward steps:
1. Access the Bad USB module on Flipper Zero.
2. Upload a custom payload (e.g., a script to launch YouTube).
3. Select a Bluetooth device name and establish a connection.
4. Run the payload once connected.
Although this illustration might appear harmless, the consequences can be grave. Attackers can employ similar techniques to execute significantly more harmful scripts on iPhones, iPads, and Windows devices.
### Victim’s Outlook
When a harmful script is executed, the victim may remain oblivious to the attack since these actions frequently take place discreetly. This covert method enables hackers to retain persistent access to the victim’s device, leading to potentially more severe outcomes than a mere prank.
### Prevention Techniques
Fortunately, users can utilize several strategies to defend against Bluetooth impersonation attacks:
– **Device Locking**: BIAS attacks generally necessitate the target device being unlocked. Users should ensure their devices are protected with strong passwords or biometric security features.
– **Confirm Connections**: Always verify the authenticity of Bluetooth connections. Users should exercise caution when connecting to devices with names resembling known devices.
– **Disable Bluetooth**: Turn off Bluetooth when it’s not actively in use to reduce the risk of potential attacks.
– **Eliminate Unknown Devices**: Regularly inspect and delete unknown devices from the Bluetooth settings list.
– **Employ Pairing Codes**: Utilize six-digit pairing codes to create an additional layer of security during the connection process.
### Final Thoughts
Although Bluetooth impersonation attacks are relatively uncommon, they represent a notable danger that should not be ignored. Users must stay alert and implement best practices to protect their devices from possible threats. By comprehending the nature of these attacks and applying robust mitigation techniques, individuals can bolster their security and safeguard their personal information.
Read More### New iPad Pro Design Will Showcase Thinner Bezels
A new M5 iPad Pro is anticipated to be released this fall, but the latest speculation is centered around the following model, which may bring a notable design transformation: significantly slimmer bezels.
According to leaker Instant Digital on Weibo, the forthcoming iPad Pro model is projected to feature bezels that are markedly thinner, akin to those found on the Samsung Tab Ultra. This design transition is significant as it seeks to elevate the device’s visual appeal and user experience.
Crucially, while the new iPad Pro will showcase thinner bezels, it will refrain from including a notch, a characteristic seen on Samsung’s tablet. This design decision aligns with Apple’s inclination for a sleek and uninterrupted display.
At present, the bezels on Apple’s current M4 models are notably thicker compared to those of the Samsung Tab Ultra, underlining the prospective visual enhancement with the new design.
Although the M5 iPad Pro is expected to retain a design similar to the M4 models, the thinner bezels are likely to be introduced with the subsequent iteration, possibly an M6 or M7 iPad Pro. This would signify a swift advancement in design, particularly considering that previous years exhibited minimal alterations prior to the M4 update.
The anticipation of an iPad Pro with slimmer bezels has sparked excitement among consumers, and many are keen to see how this design will improve the device’s overall functionality and visual charm.
### Best iPad Pro Accessories
For those aiming to elevate their iPad Pro experience, there is a plethora of accessories available that can enhance the device’s capabilities. From protective cases to productivity tools, the appropriate accessories can greatly enhance usability and convenience.
Stay tuned for additional updates as the launch date nears, and share your opinions on the prospective design changes in the comments!
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