Month: September 2025

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    • Comments Off on The Leading Design Element of the Pixel is Being Broadly Embraced and It Represents a Favorable Trend
    The Leading Design Element of the Pixel is Being Broadly Embraced and It Represents a Favorable Trend

    The camera bar is taking the place of raised camera lenses, and it’s certainly overdue.

    (Image credit: Nicholas Sutrich / Android Central)
    Disclaimer

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    Smartphone design has experienced notable convergence over the past three years, particularly. Displays and side rails have become almost universally flat across various brands and product lines. Batteries have increased in size. Ultrawide and telephoto cameras are nearly ubiquitous. Even the corners of devices are almost exclusively rounded. Some of these developments are fantastic, while others I could easily do without.

    Nevertheless, for far too many years, manufacturers have persisted with unattractive, bothersome protruding lenses, frequently positioned at the top-left of the device. This not only renders the lenses vulnerable to damage if the phone is dropped, but it also causes the phone to sit unevenly. Everyone is aware of how much phones tend to wobble when set on a table, and it can be quite irritating.

    However, both the forthcoming iPhone 17 and the Galaxy S26 seem to be embracing

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    • Richard
    • Comments Off on Major Apple Occasions This September: iPhone 17 Pro Pre-Order and Launch Notables
    Major Apple Occasions This September: iPhone 17 Pro Pre-Order and Launch Notables

    **Apple’s Events for September 2025: What’s on the Horizon**

    September has officially commenced, signaling the shift from summer to a vibrant fall season for Apple fans. This month is filled with vital dates and product unveilings, with the highlight being the eagerly awaited iPhone 17 event set for September 9.

    ### Tuesday, September 9: Groundbreaking Event

    Apple’s yearly fall keynote is set to kick off at 10 am PT/1 pm ET on September 9. The focus will be on the introduction of the iPhone 17 series, which is anticipated to feature the incredibly sleek iPhone 17 Air, alongside the Apple Watch Series 11 and Ultra 3.

    Along with the new iPhones and watches, Apple is expected to unveil the AirPods Pro 3, TechWoven iPhone cases, Crossbody Strap accessories for iPhone 17 cases, and an updated Apple Clear Case. Fresh styles and colors for Apple Watch bands are also on the agenda.

    The event will be streamed live from the Steve Jobs Theater in Apple Park, with hands-on experiences made available shortly after the keynote wraps up.

    ### Tuesday, September 9: iOS 26 Release Candidates

    After the keynote, developers and public beta testers can look forward to the release candidate versions of iOS 26, iPadOS 26, watchOS 26, tvOS 26, visionOS 26, and macOS Tahoe 26 around 12:30 pm PT/3:30 pm ET. Xcode RC is also likely to become available at that time, and App Store Connect will open for iOS 26 submissions.

    During the keynote, official release dates for iOS 26 and additional software updates, including new versions for HomePod and AirPods, are anticipated to be announced.

    ### Friday, September 12: iPhone 17 Air and iPhone 17 Pro Pre-order Launch

    Pre-orders for the iPhone 17 models and the new Apple Watch hardware are expected to commence on September 12 at 5 am PT/8 am ET. Carriers will likely roll out revised trade-in promotions, and customers enrolled in the iPhone Upgrade Program can secure pre-approvals ahead of time.

    ### Monday, September 15: iOS 26 Update Launch Date

    The official rollout of iOS 26, watchOS 26, tvOS 26, and other autumn software updates is likely to take place on September 15. Traditionally, Apple has released updates on the first Monday following the iPhone event, and this year is expected to align with that pattern.

    ### Monday, September 15–17: Anticipated Review Embargo Lifts for iPhone 17, Apple Watch Series 11, AirPods Pro 3

    In the days preceding the launch, review embargoes for the iPhone 17, Apple Watch Series 11, and AirPods Pro 3 are anticipated to be lifted. Apple generally arranges embargo releases from Monday through Wednesday of launch week, granting the media the opportunity to publish detailed reviews before the products are launched.

    ### Friday, September 19: iPhone 17 Air and iPhone 17 Pro Launch

    September 19 is projected to mark the first day of in-store availability for the iPhone 17 and Apple Watch Series 11. Pre-orders will be fulfilled, and Apple Stores are expected to experience early morning crowds.

    Moreover, the release of iOS 26.0.1 is likely to occur by the end of September, with developer beta testers possibly receiving iOS 26.1 beta 1 before the month wraps up.

    ### Looking Beyond September: iPad Pro, Apple Vision Pro, MacBook Pro

    As we look forward to October, a second fall Apple event may happen, though press announcements for remaining hardware updates are also a possibility. Potential updates could encompass the iPad Pro featuring the unannounced M5 chip, enhancements for the Apple Vision Pro, and new configurations for the MacBook Pro.

    As the launch of the iPhone 17 approaches, speculation regarding future iPhone iterations is already surfacing, with rumors indicating that Apple may unveil its first foldable iPhone in 2026, influenced by the design of the iPhone 17 Air.

    Stay connected for the latest news from Apple throughout September. What are you most eager to witness this month?

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    • Richard
    • Comments Off on Grasping the Importance of a Blue USB Port
    Grasping the Importance of a Blue USB Port

    The USB Type-C connector is becoming increasingly popular, yet the traditional USB ports, including USB Type-A and USB Type-B, continue to be widely used and are not expected to phase out anytime soon.

    A distinctive characteristic of the original USB-A ports that is absent in the newer USB-C ports is the colored plastic insert. Its primary function is to support the metal contacts and ensure proper alignment. Additionally, it plays a significant role, especially in USB Type-A and Type-B ports; the color assists in identifying the speed class, power capabilities, or other specific functions of the USB port. The most frequently seen colors on a USB port’s plastic insert are black and blue, but there are also some USB ports utilizing teal, white, purple, red, and yellow to indicate their features.

    Why are certain USB ports blue?

    <img class="gallery-image " src="https://www.bgr.com/img/gallery/what-does-it-mean-when-a-usb-port-is

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    • Richard
    • Comments Off on Android 16 on the Pixel 10 Demonstrates Advancement, yet Additional Enhancements Required
    Android 16 on the Pixel 10 Demonstrates Advancement, yet Additional Enhancements Required

    I appreciate the enhancements Google introduced to the Pixel with Android 16, yet there’s room for further improvement.

    I’ve been using the Pixel 10 for several weeks, and there’s plenty to admire about the device, from its cameras to the integrated magnetic Qi2 charging. However, what I didn’t anticipate enjoying as much as I have is Google’s rendition of Android 16. It’s lively, responsive, and brings several welcomed alterations that I’ve long wished to see in Pixel software.

    However, Pixel UI has never ranked as my top preference, and while I appreciate the modifications Google has made with Android 16 and Material 3 Expressive, there are aspects I would still love to see incorporated in upcoming versions of Android. Many of these features seem so standard on other Android devices that it’s surprising Google hasn’t brought them to Pixels.

    Quick Settings

    One of my favorite updates to Pixel UI is the Quick Settings. I wasn’t particularly fond of the unnecessarily oversized tiles in earlier iterations, which restricted the number of tiles visible at once compared to One UI. But now, Google permits greater customization of the Quick Settings panel than I ever thought possible.

    Now, you can resize any tile simply by long-pressing it. While you only receive two options—essentially 1×1 or 2×1—it enables you to fit more tiles in the panel and adds character, allowing you to spotlight the most essential tiles if desired.

    However, some annoying quirks remain unaddressed with Android 16.

    For a feature labeled “Quick Settings,” I find it lacks in providing swift access to key settings. For some reason, accessing the brightness slider requires two swipes of the panel, which is frustrating when I want to quickly tweak it beyond the auto brightness.

    Moreover, the actual Settings button is also unreachable until the second swipe. While I could have an icon on my home screen or swipe through the app drawer, I prefer to keep my home screen free from apps/widgets. I might just be accustomed to Samsung’s Quick Settings, which allows direct access to the Settings icon after one swipe down.

    Lastly, I would be thrilled to see Google allow an option to differentiate the notification panel and Quick Settings menu. I’ve become accustomed to this on Samsung and Motorola devices, and I find it preferable as it shows more tiles or notifications simultaneously and enables easy swiping between the two panels.

    Multitasking

    Although Google is concentrating on enhancing the multitasking experience on foldables like the Pixel 10 Pro Fold, traditional phones seem somewhat lacking in this regard.

    The Open Apps view merely presents large cards side by side, which doesn’t provide an exceptionally helpful overview of your apps. This isn’t a major issue, but it doesn’t feel as effective as the Open Apps view from other manufacturers. Additionally, while features like Screenshot and the text selector are handy, I would appreciate the option to view recommended apps for quick access.

    Also, it perplexes me that I have to swipe all the way to the right to locate the Clear All button. Even Motorola enables me to open the view and tap Clear All without the need to swipe. I can also lock an app within the Open Apps view to keep it active when clearing the rest, which is convenient while streaming YouTube Music, for instance.

    One feature I have been yearning to see on Pixels is a native side panel. This would allow quick access to your preferred or frequently used apps simply by swiping from the side of the display on almost any screen. It’s incredibly practical, and typically the first thing I set up when using a new device. It’s also available on nearly every other smartphone I’ve tested, from Samsung to TECNO, making it peculiar that Google has yet to provide the option, despite having offered a taskbar for foldables.

    More customization

    Most Android devices offer some degree of customization, and the Pixel UI has enhanced this area, particularly with the previously mentioned Quick Settings. However, while there’s a reasonable amount of customization available, I’d like to see even more.

    The Open Apps view is just one illustration; Google should allow us to select the presentation style of apps. The same goes for the Quick Settings menu; we should have the ability to rearrange, resize, and modify the style of the tiles and panel further. Samsung excels at enabling you to rearrange various elements in Quick Settings, and that would serve as an excellent starting point.

    Beyond that, Google should allow customization of additional aspects of the Pixel UI, such as the shape of app icons and the content displayed on the status bar, permitting us to decide which icons we want to appear and in what manner. OnePlus offers this on its devices, and I have always valued it as a means to declutter the top of my screen.

    And as

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    • Richard
    • Comments Off on Smartwatch Featuring Extended Battery Life Offered at 69% Off in Amazon’s Post-Labor Day Sale
    Smartwatch Featuring Extended Battery Life Offered at 69% Off in Amazon’s Post-Labor Day Sale

    This Wear OS smartwatch endures for several days on a single charge, boasts the same capabilities as a Pixel Watch, and will cost you only $109.

    (Image credit: Andrew Myrick / Android Central)

    Labor Day smartwatch discounts have generally come to an end, but if you’re in search of an exceptionally budget-friendly Android watch, seriously consider the TicWatch Pro 5 priced at $109 ($240 discount) on Amazon. With most Wear OS watches costing $350 and above, this represents substantial savings for a dependable, long-lasting smartwatch.

    The TicWatch Pro 5 debuted in 2023 as a notable Wear OS device, primarily due to its impressive 80-hour battery life per charge and 65% battery recharge in just 30 minutes. You’ll have access to your preferred Wear OS applications, powered by the same Snapdragon W5 Gen 1 chip utilized in the <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.androidcentral.com/wearables/google-pixel-watch-3" data-before-rewrite-localise

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    • Richard
    • Comments Off on An In-Depth Manual for Streamlining Your Complete Workflow Effectively
    An In-Depth Manual for Streamlining Your Complete Workflow Effectively

    While users of Mac and iPhone possess robust devices, the main obstacle lies in seamlessly integrating everything. Transferring files, synchronizing calendars, posting across different platforms, and managing tasks are vital yet monotonous. In this article, we’ll demonstrate how you can unleash your true productivity potential with automation that removes busywork, allowing you to concentrate on what truly matters. Continue reading to discover how 9to5Mac readers can save both time and money…

    ### Let self-hosted n8n serve your needs

    Though Mac and iPhone users already benefit from Shortcuts for swift automations, the primary issue is that most publishing, business, and collaboration tools exist online. n8n delivers the same automation capabilities to your online toolkit.

    Envision publishing from one device and having n8n automatically generate a social media post with tailored draft text, schedule alerts to your Google Calendar, and send a direct notification to your iPhone. Or consider placing files in cloud storage, and n8n automatically producing transcripts, summaries, and CMS drafts. It feels as if you’re expanding the reach of automation to every application and service you depend on.

    n8n is an open-source automation tool that links apps, services, and data through intuitive drag-and-drop workflows. While akin to Zapier, Hostinger’s offering empowers you with scalability in focus. By hosting it yourself on a virtual private server, you bypass per-task costs and retain complete control over your data.

    Hostinger provides an Ubuntu 24.04 template with n8n pre-installed within Docker. An additional pre-installed template contains over 100 ready-made workflows right from the start. This allows for a quick setup, with the option to shift into queue mode when you require more capacity. The system features unlimited workflows and executions, community-created nodes, and the capability to connect your own AI models and external tools.

    ### Hostinger AI assistant turns everyone into a pro

    Hostinger also enables you to manage the VPS with the ease of AI. Kodee is an MCP-powered AI assistant fluent in over 50 languages.

    You can input natural requests like “secure my server with HTTPS,” “check performance,” or “add a new user,” and Kodee will execute them or guide you through the steps. Managing your infrastructure becomes as straightforward as conversing with a helpful expert, eliminating the need for technical terminology.

    ### Easy setup that adapts to your requirements

    Starting out is quick:

    1. Select a VPS plan and use code 9to5mac for a 10% discount at checkout.
    2. Choose the Ubuntu 24.04 with n8n template. Hostinger sets up n8n in Docker for you.
    3. Access the n8n UI, link your services, and import an initial workflow.
    4. Switch to queue mode later if you require increased capacity.

    Hostinger support, tutorials, and the Hostinger Academy on YouTube are available whenever necessary. Additionally, there is a 30-day money-back guarantee.

    ### Pricing that remains stable and budget-friendly

    Self-hosting n8n means you only pay for the VPS plan. All plans include n8n:

    – KVM 1 starting at $4.99/month
    – KVM 2 starting at $6.99/month
    – KVM 4 starting at $9.99/month
    – KVM 8 starting at $19.99/month

    A strong entry point for many is KVM 2, featuring two vCPU cores, 8GB RAM, and 100GB NVMe SSD. Upgrading can be done in a few clicks to match your changing needs.

    While Zapier offers an extensive array of connectors, its per-task fees can accumulate quickly. n8n offers flexibility, customization, and scalability without concealed costs. When operated on your virtual private server, you have control over how many workflows run.

    n8n on Hostinger VPS is perfect for anyone seeking automation devoid of recurring software charges, including individuals and teams needing calendar management and publishing assistance, businesses linking payments and emails, and Apple users wanting to extend automation throughout their entire workflow.

    ### Enhance your productivity today and receive 10% off

    Unlock your productivity potential with self-hosted n8n on a Hostinger VPS.

    With limitless workflows, AI integration, and an easy setup, you can automate the tedious tasks that have hindered your workflows and consumed valuable time.

    Utilize the promo code 9to5mac to save 10%, and n8n on a Hostinger VPS to reclaim your time from repetitive busywork!

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    • Richard
    • Comments Off on Asteroid Holds Material from Before the Sun’s Existence
    Asteroid Holds Material from Before the Sun’s Existence

    sample collected from asteroid Bennu to Earth in 2023, researchers uncovered an ancient time capsule. Within were particles of dust and rock that predate our solar system. Some of Bennu’s material is so primordial that it existed before the sun itself, formed in dying stars long before our planetary system came into being. This aspect elevates Bennu beyond the status of a mere traveling asteroid. Each fragment from the samples provides insights into how the foundational elements from remote regions of our galaxy converged to create planets, moons, and even humanity. By analyzing these samples, scientists are able to peer more than 4.5 billion years into the cosmic history, a period when our solar system was essentially a swirling mass of gases and dust.

    However, this finding is not solely about its age. The scientists utilized these samples to establish a link among all the elements that eventually facilitated life on Earth. The same stellar blast that produced Bennu’s earliest dust particles infused the universe with stardust, which would ultimately serve as the essential components of life itself.

    Pre-Solar stardust and interstellar organics

    <img class="gallery-image " src="https://www.b

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    • sparta
    • Comments Off on Utilizing Apple AirPods with an Android Device: Compatibility and Functions
    Utilizing Apple AirPods with an Android Device: Compatibility and Functions

    impressive audio performance, robust noise cancellation, and user-friendly ecosystem features. If you’re an Apple enthusiast — possessing devices like an iPhone, iPad, MacBook, and Apple TV — you’re likely aware of how effortlessly your AirPods transition between gadgets.

    So, what occurs when you introduce an Android phone or tablet into the mix with AirPods? You might be shown the door. However, if the host is willing to overlook this peculiarity, you may find yourself questioning whether your beloved AirPods will link up with an Android device. Luckily, Apple crafted its earbuds and headphones to be compatible with more than solely Apple’s products.

    That being noted, you’ll be foregoing a handful of features and UI shortcuts that are exclusive to iOS or iPadOS users. If that doesn’t hinder your experience too much, here are some guidelines on connecting your Apple AirPods to an Android phone or tablet.

    Connecting AirPods to a non-Apple device

    <img class="gallery-image" src="https://allyoucantech.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/utilizing-apple-airpods-with-an-android-device-compatibility-and-functions-1.jpg" data-slide-url="https://www.bgr.com/1957474/can-you-use-apple-airpods-android-phone/" data-post-id="1957474" data-slide-num="1" data

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    • Richard
    • Comments Off on AR Glasses Dominate IFA 2025 Despite Significant Trade-offs
    AR Glasses Dominate IFA 2025 Despite Significant Trade-offs

    the latest washing machines could help the environment by filtering microplastics. The 2025 version of the event focuses on smart eyewear.

    As Meta’s collaboration with Ray-Ban and Oakley gains traction, it appears the industry is nearly prepared to keep pace, as brands unveil more choices with similar functionalities. At IFA 2025, I encountered operational eyewear from TCL, Rokid, and L’Atitude. Additionally, I noticed numerous prototypes set to launch soon from companies like Strong, Lomos, and AOC.

    Lomos showcased a prototype of their forthcoming AR glasses at IFA 2025José Adorno/BGR

    While the emergence of mainstream smart eyewear was thrilling, most manufacturers are focusing on the same features: capturing images, playing music, and providing live translations powered by ChatGPT, with approximately five hours of battery life. Although these specifications appear impressive on paper, my limited testing indicated lackluster performance in the “basic” AR glasses functionalities.

    Here are two smart glasses worth monitoring

    <source media="(min-width: 429px)" srcset="https://www.bgr.com/img/gallery/ar-glasses-take-center-stage-ifa-2025-but-not-without

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