Day: September 30, 2025

Genshin Impact Provides Complimentary Apple Music Trial to Commemorate Soundtrack Launch

To commemorate the recent launch of Genshin Impact’s 3-disc album featuring 59 game tracks, including exclusive songs on Apple Music, miHoYo and Apple are providing up to 3 months of complimentary Apple Music and Apple Music Classical. Here’s how you can claim it.

Since its debut in 2020, Genshin Impact has become one of the most popular RPGs, accessible on iOS, Android, Windows, Xbox, PlayStation, and more. The anime-style open-world title showcases an original score performed by esteemed orchestras, such as the Tokyo Philharmonic Orchestra, the London Philharmonic Orchestra, and the Shanghai Symphony Orchestra.

The album, The Shimmering Voyage Vol. 5, contains a variety of tracks from the game, spread across 3 discs, and can be found on both Apple Music and Apple Music Classical. To celebrate the release, Apple Music and the game’s studio are offering 2 months of Apple Music for free to returning users and 3 months for new users.

A notable feature of this release is the availability of the soundtrack with track-by-track commentary, a unique offering on Apple Music. Anjali Malhotra, Global Director for Apple Music Classical, shared enthusiasm about connecting with the gaming community and offering fans a fresh way to experience the soundtracks through insights from the original voice actors of Genshin Impact.

Fish Ling, VP of Global Business Development at HoYoverse, emphasized the partnership with Apple Music Classical to bring Genshin Impact’s soundtracks into the realm of classical music, highlighting the wide range of musical influences and appreciation for classical heritage.

This promotion can be claimed until October 31. An active Apple Music subscription is necessary, with registration available for $10.99 per month, which includes a 1-month free trial.

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Snapdragon X2 Elite Extreme Benchmarks Show M4 Max-Level Capability on Windows

Snapdragon X2 Elite Extreme. We now possess additional details regarding the chips — including benchmark results that indicate a chip capable of challenging Apple.

Qualcomm brought me out to its annual Snapdragon Summit in Hawaii to perform benchmark evaluations on the new Snapdragon X2 Elite Extreme personally — and what I witnessed has left me optimistic that we will begin to see significantly more powerful Windows devices operating on the ARM architecture. Indeed, I am hopeful that the new slim and lightweight designs that these chips are meant for will surpass Apple’s products — not due to any bias against Apple (I utilize a MacBook Pro), but because I believe it is time for genuine competition in the market, rather than Apple merely excelling year after year. This would advance everyone

Snapdragon X2 Elite Extreme benchmarks

Microsoft 365 Applications Introduce ‘Vibe Working’ Feature for AI-Powered Task Automation

Forget vibe coding — Microsoft has introduced a fresh concept. It’s termed “vibe working,” and it’s what the company is pledging as it integrates enhanced agentic AI capabilities into its Microsoft 365 Office applications via Microsoft Copilot. Microsoft asserts that Agent Mode in Excel and Word will provide “best-in-class, AI-generated spreadsheets and documents,” all initiated from a single prompt. Subsequently, the aim is for users to collaborate with the AI agent, guiding it as it carries out the necessary actions to complete tasks and offer support.

According to the announcement, “vibe working” is centered around three innovative features. For Excel, Microsoft claims users will have the ability to analyze data sets and seamlessly produce insightful documents that help them maximize their data usage. Some example prompts mentioned in the announcement include loan calculations, crafting a personal budget, and generating financial analyses.

Word will also receive its own iteration of Agent Mode, with prompts that users can submit to generate project updates, new document formats — Microsoft notes specifically using the agent to refine styling and branding — and even updates for monthly reports. The complete prompts that Microsoft suggests trying can be found in the official post.

Enhancing Office’s functions with Copilot Chat

Microsoft has provided Copilot Chat in its various Office applications for several months, but this update also introduces new features to Copilot Chat, including the introduction of the Office Agent. Microsoft indicates that “work often starts in chat” and with the Office Agent in Copilot, you can now leverage Anthropic models to generate new Word documents, PowerPoint presentations, and much more.

Microsoft appears confident that this mode will enhance the use of AI to create professional presentations, while also offering a selection of prompts you can test during the process. Since you’re directly communicating with the agent, however, Microsoft advises ensuring that you’re clear in your intent with the prompts you provide, as this will enable the AI agent to produce more consistent and high-quality content.

You can, of course, explore ways to improve prompts in AI like ChatGPT to discover new methods for refining your prompts before submitting them to Microsoft’s new Agent. This way, you can maximize the benefits from the AI chatbot. These new features will begin to roll out in the Frontier program for Microsoft 365 Copilot licensed customers as well as Microsoft 365 Personal and Family subscribers starting today.

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WhatsApp for iOS Brings Live Photos Support

**WhatsApp Unveils Live Photos Functionality: A Fresh Method to Share Experiences**

Meta has officially announced that WhatsApp now includes Live Photos, a feature that numerous users had started observing in recent days. This enhancement improves the manner in which users share their captured experiences, making chats more dynamic and engaging.

### Live Photos Functionality Rolling Out

In a recent Newsroom announcement, Meta detailed various new features that have been integrated into WhatsApp over the last few months, including compatibility with Live Photos on iOS and Motion Photos on Android. This means that when users send or receive a Live Photo, it will animate for a short duration, similar to its appearance in the iOS photo library. Moreover, these Live Photos include an audio element, enabling users to hear the sound recorded at the time of capture by simply tapping on the image.

### Key Features Highlighted by Meta

Meta’s feature roundup showcased several thrilling updates:

– **Live and Motion Photos**: Users are now able to share Live Photos on iOS and Motion Photos on Android, adding sound and movement to their shared experiences, thereby enriching their conversations.

– **New Chat Themes with Meta AI**: Users can personalize their chats with new themes powered by Meta AI, boosting creativity in customizing chat encounters.

– **New Sticker Collections**: To enhance chat expressiveness, WhatsApp has rolled out new sticker collections, including the Fearless Bird and Vacation packs, enabling users to express feelings without words.

– **Simplified Group Search**: Users can now locate individuals within group chats in the Chats tab, making it easier to find and remember group titles.

– **Document Scanning on Android**: Android users can now scan, crop, and send documents directly through WhatsApp, a feature that was formerly exclusive to iPhone users.

– **New Video Call Backgrounds with Meta AI**: Users can design unique backgrounds for video calls and photos using Meta AI, allowing for a more tailored visual encounter.

### Current Status of Live Photos Functionality

While the Live Photos feature is in the process of being deployed, some iOS users have reported issues with sending Live Photos, despite being able to receive them. This suggests that the rollout may still be ongoing, and complete functionality may not be accessible to all users at this time.

In summary, the implementation of Live Photos support on WhatsApp signifies a substantial improvement in how users can share their moments, making conversations more vibrant and interactive. As Meta continues to roll out this feature and others, users can anticipate a richer messaging experience.

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Walmart Presents Pixel Watch 3 at Unprecedented Low Price

Enjoy a discount of $150 on one of last year’s top Android smartwatches, provided you’re okay with forgoing the new features of the Watch 4!

(Image credit: Michael Hicks / Android Central)

Google seems eager to sell off its Pixel Watch 3 inventory before the release of the Pixel Watch 4 on October 9, as it has lowered the price to a record low of $199 (42% discount) at Walmart. Now, Pixel enthusiasts face a choice: Snag the dependable previous-generation model while it lasts, or opt for the latest features with the Watch 4.

After reviewing the Pixel Watch 3 and evaluating it against other leading Android smartwatches, I can assert that it remains a solid buy, thanks to its quick performance, Gemini commands, and Fitbit insights. In fact, if you’re considering paying

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Galaxy Ring Battery Expansion Incident Triggers Worldwide Safety Worries

**Nightmare of Galaxy Ring Arises as Battery Swells and Ensnarls a User’s Finger**

Samsung’s Galaxy Ring, a fitness monitoring wearable, has been facing troubling reports of battery inflation, which can ensnare the device on a user’s finger. Tech influencer Daniel Rotar, known as ZoneofTech, posted images of his ring’s battery bulging and peeling while stuck on his finger. This event took place at an airport, thwarting his ability to board a flight and necessitating medical help to extract the ring.

The Galaxy Ring, launched in July 2024, was intended to rival other wellness wearables such as the Oura Ring. Nonetheless, the latest swelling reports bring forth safety issues. The ring’s slender design means that any battery enlargement can cause painful pressure against the finger. Although there have been no reports of fires or explosions, the dangers of using a device that may become stuck are considerable.

Samsung’s reaction has been subdued, with their UK support team privately recognizing the situation. The company has yet to issue a public statement or provide a safety advisory. As users become increasingly worried about the Galaxy Ring’s safety, Samsung’s standing in the smart ring sector could be jeopardized.

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New MagSafe Battery Provides 20W Wired and 7.5W Wireless Charging

# CP12 MagSafe Power Bank: An In-Depth Analysis

MagSafe batteries have emerged as indispensable gadgets for iPhone users, enabling effortless charging without the need to search for a wall adapter. The CP12 MagSafe Power Bank differentiates itself with its strong features, making it a premier selection for individuals looking for dependable power while on the move.

## Design and Construction Quality

The CP12 may not be the smallest MagSafe battery on the market, but its construction quality is noteworthy. The magnetic attachment is robust, firmly securing the battery to your iPhone. Rated for support up to 1000g, it can effortlessly manage the weight of an iPhone 16, ensuring stability whether you’re walking or relaxing. The addition of a braided cable enhances its durability, providing a more premium feel than standard cables.

Although the CP12 does introduce some extra bulk, especially in comparison to smaller 5,000mAh alternatives, this sacrifice is warranted by its larger capacity. It is perfect for travel days or lengthy journeys, and users might find it advantageous to have multiple sizes of MagSafe batteries for varying situations.

## Charging Efficiency

The CP12 offers 7.5W MagSafe charging for both MagSafe and Qi-enabled devices. While it may not be the quickest choice accessible, this slower charging speed aids in heat management, decreasing the chances of overheating warnings during prolonged outdoor use, particularly in warmer temperatures.

For those requiring a rapid power boost, the integrated cable supports up to 20W wired charging, greatly accelerating the charging experience. The battery can also recharge swiftly when connected to a power source, making it a flexible option for different circumstances. The cable proves useful not only for the iPhone but also for charging additional devices like the Nintendo Switch and AirPods Pro.

The main drawback of the CP12 is its size; it is bulkier than smaller, lower-capacity MagSafe options, which might be noticeable when carried in a pocket. However, for users who prioritize battery longevity and functionality, this size becomes a valuable trade-off.

## Conclusion on the CP12

The CP12 MagSafe Power Bank delivers a combination of functionality and convenience, featuring a strong magnetic attachment, an impressive 10,000mAh capacity, and the versatility of both wired and wireless charging alternatives. Though it may not be the sleekest option, it stands out as an exceptional solution for those in need of a reliable power supply during extended periods away from a wall charger.

For those interested, the CP12 battery is up for grabs on

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Comparison of Fullscreen and Borderless Fullscreen Modes: Effect on Gaming Performance

affordable AMD and NVIDIA graphics cards. Consequently, fullscreen typically yields marginally improved frame rates, reduced input latency, and a generally more fluid experience. This is the reason esports athletes and competitive gamers generally prefer fullscreen. In competitive gaming, every millisecond matters, and fullscreen mode reduces the minor delays from desktop rendering. Nevertheless, fullscreen mode is not ideal for multitasking. Switching out of a game using alt-tab can be sluggish, and there are instances when screen flickering or crashes may occur while toggling between applications.

What does borderless fullscreen mean?

FCC Unveils iPhone 16e Blueprints Despite Apple’s Secrecy Appeal

### iPhone 16e Electrical Schematics Disclosure: Key Information

A 163-page PDF containing the electrical schematics for the iPhone 16e was momentarily exposed by the FCC, defying Apple’s clear request for confidentiality. Here’s what the documents revealed.

#### What Occurred?

During the past weekend, classified electrical schematics for the iPhone 16e models A3212/A3408/A3409/A3410 were momentarily displayed in the FCC’s equipment authorization database and were subsequently replicated by fccid.io before being removed. The filing contained an additional letter wherein Apple sought confidentiality for the schematics and block diagrams, with the documents being accessible online long enough to be observed and downloaded.

The release of these documents was likely due to an error by a certification organization or laboratory during the filing procedure. The metadata indicated that both short-term confidentiality and permanent confidentiality were marked as “no,” which was contrary to Apple’s explicit request, and may have led to their automatic publication by FCCID.io.

#### How Significant is This Disclosure?

That varies. For end users of the iPhone 16e, it’s not particularly critical. However, the electrical schematics detail components at the board level, positions of antennas, connectors, block diagrams, test pads, and other aspects of the logic board, which are details that could be extremely pertinent to hardware researchers and independent repair services.

The schematics can also provide insights into how Apple channels signals between major chips, the arrangement of test/debug pads, and the presence of concealed traces within the “sandwich” logic board. In summary, this information simplifies fault tracing and board repairs, and it could assist security researchers in identifying potential new hardware vulnerabilities.

Thus far, neither Apple nor the FCC have made any comments regarding the leak.

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Anticipated Siri Enhancements in iOS 26.1 Ahead of Significant Revamp

Apple is poised to roll out notable upgrades to Siri, with a significant overhaul expected in early 2026. Nonetheless, sources suggest that certain enhancements might be available sooner, particularly with the arrival of iOS 26.1. As reported by Mark Gurman in his latest newsletter from Bloomberg, these modifications will feature improved control for Siri over various service applications.

Gurman emphasizes that Apple intends to introduce official support for Apple Intelligence in China alongside these Siri updates. Although the specifics regarding which service applications will gain from these enhancements are not yet revealed, it is probable that the TV app will be among the key focuses, particularly with new Apple TV 4K hardware anticipated to debut soon.

The forthcoming Apple TV 4K is speculated to support Apple Intelligence, potentially resulting in upgraded Siri functionalities, especially in managing the TV app. Additional areas, including Music and Fitness, could also experience enhancements in the upcoming tvOS 26.1 update.

Apple’s approach of gradually introducing Siri improvements, including recent updates in iOS 26, is aimed at making the anticipation for more extensive AI advancements more tolerable for users. This strategy enables Apple to sustain user interest while gearing up for a more significant transformation of Siri’s capabilities in the future.

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