Month: September 2025

Deals on Technology: $200 Off 24GB MacBook Air, $110 Off 512GB Mac mini, $13 Beats Woven Cables, $300 Off iPhone 16 Pro Max, and Additional Offers

### Apple Product Pre-Orders and Notable Deals

As Apple fans eagerly anticipate the arrival of the new **AirPods Pro 3**, **Apple Watch Ultra 3**, and **Apple Watch Series 11**, pre-orders are now open. Along with these eagerly awaited items, customers should consider several remarkable deals on a variety of Apple accessories and devices.

#### Current Deals on Apple Products

1. **AirPods Pro 3** – Now available for **$249**.
2. **Apple Watch Series 11**:
– 42mm variant for **$399**.
– 46mm variant for **$429**.
3. **Apple Watch Ultra 3**:
– Standard variant for **$799**.
– Variant with Milanese Loop priced at **$899**.
4. **Apple Watch SE 3**:
– 40mm variant listed for **$249**.
– 44mm variant available for **$279**.

These items can be purchased through various online retailers, including Amazon.

#### MacBook Deals

Amazon has also launched considerable savings on its MacBook offerings:

– **24GB M4 MacBook Air** models are now **$200 off**, with starting prices at **$799** for the entry-level 16GB options. The 13-inch variant with 24GB RAM and a 512GB SSD can be found for **$1,199**, and the 15-inch model is listed at **$1,399**.

– **M4 MacBook Pro** models have experienced a **$300 reduction**, making the entry-level 16GB/512GB option available for **$1,299**. The 16GB/1TB version is now **$1,499**, and the 24GB/1TB model is priced at **$1,699**.

#### Mac Mini Discounts

The **M4 Mac mini** has also seen price reductions, with the base model currently at **$499**. For those requiring additional storage, the 16GB M4 Mac mini with a 512GB SSD is available for **$689**, reflecting a **$110 discount**.

#### Accessory Deals

In addition to the major product price cuts, a selection of accessories is also discounted:

– **Beats Woven USB-C Cables** priced at **$13**.
– Screen protectors for the **iPhone 17/Air** starting as low as **$3**.
– A **25% off sitewide promotion** is currently running at Satechi.

#### Featured Cases and Accessories

Numerous brands are launching new cases and accessories for the iPhone 17 series:

– **Totallee** presents ultra-thin cases that are drop-tested for minimal bulk.
– **TORRAS** has released the Ostand Q3 Silicone variety, offering military-grade protection and a built-in stand.
– **ESR** introduces a new range of cases featuring a flip-out camera protector that also functions as a kickstand.

### Conclusion

With the debut of new Apple products and significant savings on existing models and accessories, now is a prime opportunity for consumers to discover their choices. Whether upgrading to the latest gadgets or shopping for accessories, there are numerous deals to benefit from.

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How Amazon’s Suspected AR Glasses Might Rival Ray-Ban Meta

We only need to examine Amazon’s imperfect initial endeavors with Echo Frames to understand how it must approach “Jayhawk” differently.

With Meta Connect 2025 poised to reveal new “Hypernova” AR glasses featuring a right-eye display, it’s intriguing that Amazon’s monocular ‘Jayhawk’ AR glasses were leaked this week as well. Amazon will face direct competition from Meta for its AR glasses to find success, but it must improve upon its Echo Frames to truly compete.

As reported by The Information, Amazon has two prototypes under development. “Jayhawk” is expected to include “microphones, speakers, a camera, and a full-color display in one eye.” For Amazon’s delivery personnel, “Amelia” will supposedly utilize dual screens to “assist drivers in sorting and delivering packages.”

Amazon’s consumer AR glasses are anticipated to launch in “late 2026 or early 2027,” with a current pricing target of “approximately $800.”

Amazon’s hardware brand emphasizes value. It offers a $400 Echo Show 21 and Kindle Scribe — and a $1,600 robot — yet most of its “premium” offerings peak around $200; it has established a reputation for affordable quality, leveraging that foundation to upsell customers into the low-to-mid-range.

I grasp why, operationally, Amazon would set a price of $800 for AR glasses and why it wants to enter the smart glasses market. However, it faces a significant challenge in persuading consumers to invest that much in Amazon Glasses, for three reasons.

Amazon’s affordability works against it

Typically, an Amazon Echo speaker or display ranges from $50 to $200, and Amazon frequently discounts its prices, from Prime Day to holidays. It creates the expectation that Alexa is a budget-friendly, everyday companion for weather updates and package alerts.

Will Amazon’s bargain-hunting customers spend $800 on glasses from a brand known for value? It seems unlikely.

Reportedly, Meta’s Hypernova glasses will be priced at $800, but sources indicate their initial cost was significantly higher before Meta adjusted its profit margins to enhance their attractiveness. Meta has generated goodwill with its current $300 Ray-Ban AI glasses and $400 Oakleys, yet they understand the need to keep prices reasonable to avoid deterring potential buyers.

Amazon cannot prioritize a low price here either: acquiring lightweight AR glasses with all-day battery life and a bright, high-resolution display is costly! Anything below $800 would likely yield a substandard design that consumers would reject; I’m pleased Amazon recognizes not to pursue that route.

To motivate cost-conscious customers to invest smartphone-level amounts, Amazon must alter the perception of Amazon Glasses as desirable, a shift it failed to achieve with Echo Frames.

Step 1: Revamp or promote Alexa Plus

Amazon introduced Alexa Plus earlier this year, enhancing its intelligence and language capabilities with a Large Language Model (LLM) and AI “experts” on specialized subjects akin to Gemini’s Gems. Alexa Plus interacts with various streaming apps and smart home devices, echoing Gemini Extensions.

The challenge is that Alexa remains confined to home use, with limited input beyond what users provide. Gemini offers a more integrated experience with other apps and is easier to utilize anywhere on your phone.

Amazon clearly aims to address this with smart glasses; integrated cameras could deliver multimodal AI insights, similar to how Meta AI can interpret surroundings, and the forthcoming Ray-Ban Meta (Gen 3) is expected to remember what you see.

However, Alexa’s reputation for basic web searches and Amazon cart suggestions is a hurdle.

Amazon must persuade users that the intelligence of Alexa+ is compelling enough to warrant wearing it throughout the day. To achieve this, Amazon needs to develop features like live translation and multimodal AI that will liberate Alexa and adapt her for outdoor use. A comprehensive advertising campaign will be essential to inform users that Alexa can compete effectively with rivals.

Step 2: Amazon requires a design collaborator

Meta acquired a 3% share in EssilorLuxottica — the manufacturer of Ray-Ban and Oakley eyewear — for approximately $3.5 billion, symbolizing their commitment to a smart glasses partnership.

It markets Ray-Ban Meta and Oakley Meta glasses, highlighting the fashion brand before Meta’s branding, recognizing that most consumers prefer fashionable eyewear with integrated technology over purely tech-centric glasses.

Similarly, Google has invested $150 million in Warby Parker for “product development and commercialization,” as part of a collaboration to create Android XR glasses utilizing WP designs. It has also invested $100 million for a 4% stake in Gentle Monster for future smart eyewear.

Meta and Google realize that smart glasses must resemble “normal” eyewear as closely as possible, ensuring a good fit for various face shapes and styles to cater to diverse preferences, in order to sell enough smart glasses to achieve profitability.

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Electric Vehicle Battery Technology Poised to Improve Future Smartphone Functionality

The Honor Magic V5 represents a revolutionary smartphone that integrates an expansive 5,820mAh battery within an ultra-slim 4.4mm profile. This remarkable accomplishment is realized through cutting-edge silicon-carbon battery technology, originally developed for electric vehicles. This innovation permits a greater energy density, facilitating larger battery sizes without adding to the device’s dimensions or mass.

The Magic V5’s battery boasts a 13% increase over its predecessor and is 32% larger than the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7, all while maintaining a thinner design. This enhancement is attributed to the combination of silicon and graphite in the battery’s anode, a technique that enables more energy storage within the same volume. The Magic V5 features a 15% silicon mix, the highest amount recorded in any smartphone thus far.

The device’s dual-cell battery architecture not only boosts capacity but also supports quicker charging. The Magic V5 can achieve a complete charge in merely 50 minutes, which is considerably faster than many rivals. This configuration also aids in minimizing the device’s weight, creating an advantageous scenario for both efficiency and portability.

Nevertheless, leading brands such as Samsung, Google, and Apple have not yet embraced this technology, possibly due to financial considerations or previous encounters with battery-related issues. However, the advantages of silicon-carbon batteries, which include prolonged lifespan and expedited charging, render them an attractive option for the future of smartphone innovations.

The Honor Magic V5 illustrates how state-of-the-art battery technology can improve user experience while maintaining aesthetic appeal, establishing a new benchmark for consumer expectations regarding their devices.

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Vital Intelligent Gadgets to Improve Your Workshop or Garage

Chamberlain’s intelligent garage control system offers complete oversight of your garage and its operations. Download Chamberlain’s exclusive myQ app and connect the system to open the garage door with a quick tap on your smartphone. You can grant access to your family members or receive deliveries from anywhere in the world. Furthermore, you can establish a routine to open or close the door at particular times, providing reassurance when you’re resting in bed or vacationing, pondering if you pressed that closed door button or not.

If someone inadvertently leaves the door ajar, the app will notify you via real-time alerts, and you can swiftly secure it once more. It is compatible with most leading brand garage door openers produced after 1993 that include safety sensors. The hassle-free installation has been well received by users across the platform,

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Utilizing Google to Investigate the Dark Web for Your Email Address

remove yourself from Google search results and other sites, but what about the dark web?

The phrase dark web is a colloquial term that refers to parts of the internet that cannot be accessed without specific software. These hidden areas of the internet are notorious for facilitating illegal activities, such as the sale of personal data or forbidden items while evading law enforcement. However, if you possess a Gmail account, there exists a remedy. You can establish a profile for dark web surveillance. Google will use this to inform you if your personal details have appeared on the dark web, and will suggest what measures you ought to take.

How Google’s dark web surveillance operates

OpenAI Examines 1.5 Million Conversations to Uncover ChatGPT’s Applications

an OpenAI blog entry revealing the most extensive study conducted to date on ChatGPT consumer engagement. The Economic Research team collaborated with Harvard economist David Deming to evaluate 1.5 million interactions utilizing AI to discern the evolution of ChatGPT usage over time. The researchers examined the data through a methodology that ensured the privacy of the chats. They refrained from reading the actual dialogues, instead employing automated tools to identify and classify usage trends.

The findings indicate that the consumer market for AI chatbots like ChatGPT is developing, with an increasing number of individuals interacting with the AI in diverse manners. For instance, the researchers analyzed user names to understand how male and female users engaged with the chatbot over time. In January 2024, 37% of users whose names could be identified as masculine or feminine were women. That figure rose to 52% by July 2025. Additionally, the study revealed that younger users (ages 18 to 25) represented nearly half of the conversations.

Moreover, the researchers discovered that the use of ChatGPT has significantly grown since its introduction, particularly in low- and middle-income nations experiencing swift advancements. OpenAI reports that by May 2025, the adoption rate of ChatGPT in the lowest income countries was over four times greater compared to the highest income markets. The service is freely accessible on the web, with the ChatGPT Free version now incorporating various features that were once exclusive to the paid subscription options.

In what ways do individuals utilize ChatGPT?

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American TikTok Offshoot Greenlit to Employ Chinese Algorithm

**Agreement Reached for TikTok Spin-Off to American Investors**

Recent declarations from officials in both the U.S. and China signify that a major agreement has been established concerning the widely-used short-video application TikTok. This progression represents a substantial shift in the ongoing negotiations over the app’s control, which has been a debated topic amid escalating geopolitical tensions.

The deal, as reported by diverse sources including Reuters, is said to encompass a framework that would transfer TikTok to U.S.-controlled ownership. This structure is anticipated to be affirmed in a scheduled conversation between U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping. Notably, this marks the first instance where Chinese officials have recognized such an agreement, though in a more cautious manner than prior assertions from the Trump administration.

China’s cyber security regulator, Wang Jingtao, verified that the two nations have arrived at a “basic framework consensus.” This agreement is expected to postpone the earlier established deadline of September 17, granting additional time for the deal’s completion, which will also necessitate Congressional endorsement.

A crucial aspect of this agreement is the licensing of TikTok’s algorithm, which is integral to the app’s performance. In contrast to many other social media platforms where users choose content, TikTok employs an algorithm that generates an infinite scrolling feed based on individual user preferences. Securing TikTok without access to this algorithm would considerably reduce its value.

U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent suggested that while the spun-off app would be overseen by American investors, it would still maintain some “Chinese characteristics.” This indicates a hybrid strategy that may seek to reconcile the interests of both countries.

In preparation for this arrangement, TikTok has reportedly been working on a standalone app designed for the U.S. market. The company is eager to guarantee that content produced by American users remains accessible to users on the global version of the app, encouraging continuity across platforms.

However, the details concerning the ownership structure of the U.S. app are still ambiguous. Prior efforts to finalize a deal in March involved multiple U.S. companies holding varying equity percentages, but those discussions ultimately did not lead to a resolution.

As negotiations persist, the outcome of this agreement could bear significant consequences for the future of TikTok and its operations in the United States, as well as for the wider U.S.-China relationship in the technology arena.

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New Enhancements in iOS 26: Five Unexpected Changes for Siri

**Siri’s Updated Features in iOS 26: Improvements and Integrations**

Over the past year, Siri has encountered obstacles, primarily due to major delays in feature releases and rising competition within the AI domain. Nonetheless, with the debut of iOS 26, Apple has rolled out five new features that bolster Siri’s functionality and user experience.

### iOS 26: Improvements to Siri’s Abilities

Apple has recently launched iOS 26, along with a comprehensive document detailing the new features. Significantly, this update incorporates improvements for Siri, which Apple had previously kept confidential to minimize further backlash over delayed functionalities.

#### Notable New Features for Siri in iOS 26

1. **Siri Product Awareness: Device and Context Intelligence**
– Siri now assesses your on-screen and on-device context when delivering product insights. This involves recognizing your settings, device model, and software version, thereby making responses more relevant and personalized.

2. **Copy and Paste Responses from ChatGPT with Advanced Formatting**
– Users can now copy and paste replies from ChatGPT while preserving advanced formatting. This encompasses bold text, hyperlinks, headings, inline images, bullet points, and tables, enhancing the accessibility of information sourced from ChatGPT.

3. **Generate Files from ChatGPT**
– Siri can create documents based on prompts provided to ChatGPT. For example, users may request a spreadsheet, which can then be saved to Files or opened in their chosen application via the Share Sheet.

4. **Act on ChatGPT Responses with Siri**
– Siri can help users execute actions based on ChatGPT replies. For instance, if a user requests karaoke song suggestions, they can subsequently tell Siri to play a specific track from the list.

5. **AirPlay Enhancements Through Siri**
– When utilizing AirPlay to stream music on HomePod, users can now direct Siri to play music on additional HomePod speakers throughout their residence, enhancing the overall auditory experience.

### Conclusion: Progress for Siri

Although Apple has been careful in advertising these new features, the enhancements in iOS 26 signify a considerable advancement for Siri. The integration with ChatGPT and the improvements in product awareness are especially remarkable, as they close the gap between Siri’s abilities and those of the native ChatGPT application.

These updates not only improve Siri’s functionality but also enhance the user experience, rendering Siri more robust and beneficial than ever. As Apple continues to advance and refine Siri, users can anticipate more significant updates in the future.

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iOS 26 Unveils Improved Automation Capabilities for Apple’s Home App

# Adaptive Temperature in iOS 26’s Home App: A Smart Home Transformation

One of the benefits of a smart home is its ability to intelligently adjust and respond to your preferences. iOS 26 brings a significant improvement in this area with the new Adaptive Temperature functionalities in the Home app, designed to automate your thermostat.

## Adaptive Temperature in iOS 26’s Home App Offers Two Advantages

Throughout the beta phase of iOS 26, code evidence indicated new Adaptive Temperature features being developed for Apple’s Home app. It was uncertain whether these capabilities would be available at the launch of iOS 26 or be included in a future software update, but now, according to Apple’s website, they have officially been released.

Here’s how Apple defines Adaptive Temperature:

> Set your thermostat to automatically modify itself when you are en route home, going to bed, or when you are away for a prolonged duration. Your iPhone utilizes on-device intelligence to anticipate your return home and adjusts to the ideal temperature by the time you arrive, while also modifying the thermostat to conserve energy when you are away from home. Additionally, it reacts to the sleep schedule established on your iPhone to adapt the temperature for your sleep and wake times.

There are two main aspects to Adaptive Temperature:

1. Your thermostat can automatically modify itself when you are away and returning home.
2. It can also adjust according to your sleep schedule.

Some smart thermostats have provided similar capabilities in the past, with varying degrees of effectiveness, but there has never been direct support from Apple.

The benefit of integrating Adaptive Temperature into the Home app is that Apple’s commitment to user privacy is strong, and it can connect with your current iPhone or Apple Watch sleep routine.

However, there are essential requirements to consider. Apple states the feature “Requires a home hub, such as Apple TV or HomePod and a compatible Matter thermostat.” You will also need to enable location services for the Home app and accessories.

It remains unclear which Matter thermostats are deemed compatible, but if you manage to test Adaptive Temperature with your thermostat, please share your experience in the comments.

### Best Apple Home Accessories

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Latest Additions to CarPlay in iOS 16

Over the past few years, the introduction of new features for CarPlay has been infrequent. However, with the launch of CarPlay Ultra and the various updates in iOS 26 for standard CarPlay, things have swiftly evolved. Here’s a look at what’s new in iOS 26, marking CarPlay’s most significant update in years.

## New ‘Liquid Glass’ design and wallpapers

This year, Apple’s redesign across platforms includes a new Liquid Glass aesthetic that extends to the car. This means that app icons and various UI components have all been refreshed, and you can personalize the appearance with different icon styles, selecting from Default, Dark, and Clear— the latter presenting several variations. Furthermore, CarPlay in iOS 26 gains a selection of new wallpapers inspired by the updated default iPhone wallpaper.

## Widgets in CarPlay

CarPlay widgets were initially introduced as part of Apple’s “next generation of CarPlay” initiative years ago. That newer version eventually became CarPlay Ultra, but fortunately, Apple is also incorporating widgets into the standard CarPlay experience. In iOS 26, your car can display widgets from any of the apps installed on your iPhone. Therefore, apps do not need to provide specific CarPlay support for you to access their widgets while on the move.

## Video in the car via AirPlay

Have you ever found yourself in the car with time to spare? CarPlay in iOS 26 enhances that experience by supporting video playback in the vehicle. When your car is parked, CarPlay will now allow you to watch videos on your vehicle’s display. This feature utilizes AirPlay technology, and third-party applications can create customized support. So, next time you’re charging your electric vehicle, waiting to collect a friend or family member, or in a similar scenario, CarPlay will be at your service.

## Live Activities

This year marks a significant evolution for Live Activities, a feature that was previously exclusive to the iPhone and Apple Watch. In addition to its introduction on the Mac and iPad through macOS Tahoe and iPadOS 26, CarPlay now supports Live Activities as well. Essentially, any Live Activity running on your iPhone will now also be visible in CarPlay—ideal for tracking flights, sports scores, food deliveries, and more.

## Messages, Phone, Maps improvements

Apple has introduced a plethora of new features for system applications in iOS 26 that enhance CarPlay as well. Messages has finally introduced tapback support for your car. This well-liked Messages feature allows you to effortlessly add a thumbs up, heart, or other tapbacks to your friends’ messages. Pinned conversations are now available in the car as well. The Phone app undergoes a notable UI modification in iOS 26: incoming calls will no longer take over your entire screen but will instead display in a compact view, ensuring you don’t miss essential navigation information. Lastly, if your vehicle offers a multitouch display, Apple Maps enables you to interact with the map via multitouch for the first time.

CarPlay introduces a special ‘Smart Display Zoom’ feature in iOS 26 that offers greater flexibility in utilizing your limited screen space. Smart Display Zoom can allow you to fit a significantly larger amount of content on the screen simultaneously. Naturally, as items become smaller, they may become trickier to tap while driving. However, depending on your configuration, you may find the new layout options in CarPlay’s iOS 26 an enticing alternative. Additionally, CarPlay allows you to adjust text size to your preference, making it larger and easier to read if desired. Finally, iOS 26 gives you the option to enable or disable CarPlay screenshots.

## iOS 26’s new CarPlay features: wrap-up

This is shaping up to be a monumental year for CarPlay, initiating a robust ‘next generation’ for this long-standing user favorite. With all the new features being introduced in CarPlay, iOS 26 upgrades not just your iPhone—it represents a significant transformation for your vehicle as well.

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