Day: October 2, 2025

    • sparta
    • Comments Off on Google Affirms That Sideloading Android Applications Will Persist
    Google Affirms That Sideloading Android Applications Will Persist

    diminishing the credibility of software patents while advocating for reform that could hinder companies from leveraging such patents in litigation, Google is rapidly amassing a notable collection of patents of its own at a significantly accelerated pace compared to previous years. Although this strategy may be interpreted as a means to shield its Android operating system, which faces challenges from competitors like Apple and Microsoft—as well as a means to retaliate—it seems that Google is safeguarding its diverse interests across various sectors where it operates. MIT’s Technology Review indicates that this year, Google is anticipated to secure approximately 1,800 patents, placing it among the top 10 recipients of patents, surpassing firms like GE and Intel. Google currently ranks No. 3 or No. 4 on this list, following IBM and Microsoft. To underscore the substantial shift from the old Google, in 2007, the year the iPhone was launched, Google was granted merely 38 patents.

    Steve Jobs famously remarked that with the iPhone, Apple opted to “patent it all,” following a $100 million lawsuit loss involving the iPad. Apple emerged as a primary adversary in court regarding Android, achieving several favorable rulings in cases against Samsung, HTC, and Motorola both in the U.S. and internationally.

    Microsoft, another key competitor of Google, is reportedly generating around $2 billion annually from licensing agreements established with a considerable number of Android device manufacturers.

    Google patents chart versus the competition | Image source: USPTO via MIT’s Technology Review

    Gone are the days of 2003, when Google secured just four patents throughout the entire year. Today, the organization possesses a treasure of roughly 51,000 patents and is granted an average of 10 patents each day that the U.S. Patent & Trademark office is

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    • Richard
    • Comments Off on “2002 Romantic Comedy Starring Yellowstone’s Josh Lucas Becomes Popular on Netflix”
    “2002 Romantic Comedy Starring Yellowstone’s Josh Lucas Becomes Popular on Netflix”

    “The Morning Show” on Apple TV+, for instance, and for also continuously being part of Hello Sunshine — the media firm she co-founded and transformed into a hub for female-led narratives. However, back in the early 2000s, she was solidifying her box office fame with romantic comedies, and one of the most unforgettable from that time, “Sweet Home Alabama,” has recently made a comeback.

    The 2002 film is skyrocketing on Netflix at the moment, currently ranked #7 on the Top 10 movies chart in the U.S. As evidence of the enduring appreciation from fans, the film boasts a 78% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes from over 250,000 ratings. Critics, to their credit, have been much less generous (highlighted by the movie’s 38% rating on Rotten Tomatoes), but audiences have made their voices heard: More than two decades later, indicated by its trending status once again, “Sweet Home Alabama” remains a beloved comfort-watch classic.

    Sweet Home Alabama’s Netflix resurgence

    <iframe class="gallery-image-video oembed" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/E2ySMc4iT04?v=E2ySMc4iT04" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen data-slide-url="https://www.bgr.com/1984540/yellowstone-josh-lucas-2002-rom-com-sweet-home-alabama-streaming-netflix/" data-slide-num="1" data-post-id="1984540" data-slide-title="A Classic 2002

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    • Richard
    • Comments Off on Apple Vision Air Development Halted Because of Rivalry with Meta’s AI Glasses
    Apple Vision Air Development Halted Because of Rivalry with Meta’s AI Glasses

    Apple has recently executed a major strategic transformation concerning its augmented reality (AR) product lineup. According to Bloomberg, the technology giant has opted to halt plans for a lighter and more budget-friendly version of the Apple Vision Pro headset. Instead, Apple is reallocating its resources to expedite the creation of smart glasses that can rival Meta’s products.

    Traditionally, Apple has been developing a lighter model of the Vision Pro, which was anticipated to debut in 2027 at a reduced price. However, the company is now focusing on the advancement of smart glasses, with intentions for several head-mounted devices in development. Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has detailed various forthcoming products, including:

    – An M5 Apple Vision Pro expected in 2025.
    – A second-generation Apple Vision Pro anticipated for the latter half of 2028.
    – The first-generation Apple Glasses, scheduled for a Q2 2027 launch.
    – Two XT smart glasses expected to begin mass production in 2028.
    – A “display accessory,” specifics of which are still limited.

    Apple CEO Tim Cook has reportedly prioritized the creation of the first-generation Apple glasses, despite the expected 2027 release. In contrast, Meta has already enjoyed significant success with its smart glasses, selling over 2 million units in partnership with Luxottica and recently unveiling the Meta Ray-Ban Display, its inaugural display-enabled AI glasses.

    The choice to set aside the Vision Pro variant is a strategic decision aimed at concentrating on the development of competitive smart glasses. Bloomberg’s report suggests that Apple is working on at least two varieties of smart glasses. The initial model, referred to as N50, will link to an iPhone and will lack its own display. This model is set to be revealed as soon as next year, with a release earmarked for 2027.

    Furthermore, Apple is crafting display-powered glasses, which are scheduled for 2028, with a focus on hastening their development. These glasses are expected to utilize voice interaction and artificial intelligence, akin to Meta’s offerings, and will incorporate a new chip, diverse styles, and possible health features.

    As Apple shifts its strategy, the technology community is left to speculate whether this alteration in plans is the correct approach in the competitive arena of augmented reality and smart glasses.

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    • Richard
    • Comments Off on First Teaser Unveiled for Apple TV+ Docuseries Featuring Martin Scorsese
    First Teaser Unveiled for Apple TV+ Docuseries Featuring Martin Scorsese

    **Mr. Scorsese: An In-Depth Exploration of Martin Scorsese’s Life and Career**

    For fans of Martin Scorsese, the excitement is tangible as the docuseries “Mr. Scorsese” gears up for its premiere on October 17 on Apple TV+. Helmed by Rebecca Miller, this five-episode documentary promises an up-close examination of the iconic filmmaker’s life and career, featuring comprehensive interviews with his longtime associates, including Robert De Niro and Leonardo DiCaprio.

    The docuseries will reveal rare and hitherto unseen footage from behind-the-scenes as well as family archives, offering perspectives on Scorsese’s creative method and personal reflections. The recently unveiled trailer weaves together clips from Scorsese’s vast film catalog, emphasizing memorable moments from classics like “Raging Bull,” “Taxi Driver,” “Goodfellas,” “Casino,” “The Wolf of Wall Street,” “Shutter Island,” “The Departed,” “The Last Temptation of Christ,” “Gangs of New York,” and “Mean Streets.”

    “Mr. Scorsese” will first screen at the New York Film Festival prior to its official debut on Apple TV+, generating buzz among fans and film enthusiasts. The series not only honors Scorsese’s influence on cinema but also explores his personal journey, encapsulated in his statement, “I knew I could express myself with movies, but I had to find my own way.”

    For those keen to delve into Scorsese’s oeuvre and legacy, “Mr. Scorsese” presents a distinctive chance to gain a deeper understanding of one of the most significant filmmakers in contemporary cinema.

    Apple TV+ is accessible for $12.99 a month, offering a wide array of acclaimed shows and films, including “Severance,” “The Studio,” “The Morning Show,” “Shrinking,” and “Silo.”

    Seize the opportunity to watch “Mr. Scorsese” and dive into the realm of a cinematic icon.

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    • Richard
    • Comments Off on Budget-Friendly 4K Streaming with the New $40 Amazon Fire TV Stick
    Budget-Friendly 4K Streaming with the New $40 Amazon Fire TV Stick

    one of the leading streaming devices within its Fire TV Stick range. These small media streamers provide a straightforward method to add smart TV capabilities to older televisions or to substitute the current operating system of your TV. For numerous years, obtaining a 4K Fire TV Stick required a minimum investment of $50, unless a promotion was on hand, which often occurs with Amazon’s Fire TV offerings. Nonetheless, as 4K televisions have become nearly omnipresent, the company is launching a new and more budget-friendly 4K streamer to give consumers another option.

    Named the Fire TV Stick 4K Select, this latest streaming media device comes with a retail price of $40, which is $10 less than the Fire TV Stick 4K, making it an excellent choice for anyone in search of an entry-level 4K streaming media device. Besides Walmart’s Onn brand, other major contenders in this category do not provide a 4K streamer for under $40. Currently, Amazon’s new 4K streamer is available for pre-order and will be released on October 15. Here’s all the essential information you need about it.

    What does the Fire TV Stick 4K

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    • Richard
    • Comments Off on Apple Music Executive Talks About the Streaming Platform, Beats, and Its Place as Today’s MTV
    Apple Music Executive Talks About the Streaming Platform, Beats, and Its Place as Today’s MTV

    During the Powerbeats Fit event, we had the opportunity to interview Oliver Schusser, Apple’s VP of Music, Beats, and Sports, at the Apple Music Studio in Culver City. Schusser, who was involved in the initial launch of Apple Music, reflected on the first ten years of the service, the fundamental integration between Beats and Apple, and the expansion of the company’s accessories.

    The VP states that Apple Music emphasizes the sharing of songs, playlists, and albums, and that Apple Music Radio plays a significant role in that approach. “We’re aiming to make everything sociable, but our communication aspect is more about a fan experience, a contemporary version of MTV, an artist platform.” When questioned about the company’s rivals, which often seem to be more concentrated on social features, Schusser mentioned: “I don’t believe our competitors have more social features; they simply promote them more.”

    In recent years, Apple has advanced in the social facet of the music streaming service by launching enhanced Apple Music Replay playlists, personalized recommendations based on what friends are listening to, and more.

    Apple Music underwent changes in iOS 26, but macOS Tahoe is still behind

    Before discussing Beats and the new Powerbeats Fit, I inquired with Schusser about the recent Apple Music redesign in iOS 26. The new Liquid Glass UI introduced greater consistency across the various Apple platforms. Nevertheless, the Apple Music app on macOS Tahoe continues to resemble the traditional iTunes experience while not providing all of the features available in the iOS app. For instance, the auto-pin feature on the Mac lacks the same shortcuts found on the iPhone, and the Mac retains certain exclusive functionalities, like a proper play count for songs.

    “It’s interesting that the Mac actually offers features in Apple Music, such as creating folders in your library, that you can’t do on iPhone. We strive to be best-in-class across Apple platforms, including the Mac,” Schusser shares. “However, the Mac is, in terms of usage, a smaller platform compared to others. That’s why sometimes features available on iPhone or iPad aren’t yet on the Mac.”

    Apple VP on Powerbeats lineup and new accessories

    Apple purchased Beats in 2014. Despite the acquisition, it still sometimes feels as though the two companies operate independently. Schusser, VP of Music, Beats, and Sports, states that Beats has always been in sync with Apple. “We’re 100% an Apple company. Our engineers collaborate closely with Apple engineers. Beats is centered around the blend of fitness and music, targeting a youthful, diverse demographic, vibrant colors, and cultural marketing. This enhances Apple products like AirPods.”

    Schusser further discusses what sets the Powerbeats lineup apart. “We noticed that Beats Fit Pro users are quite active, so we created Powerbeats Fit for workouts. We focused intensely on the wingtip design to create the ideal headphone for an athletic lifestyle. It was thoroughly debated internally, but it met our high standards for Powerbeats.”

    The executive also detailed the beginnings of Beats’ development of cases and cables: “At Beats, we have our core products, but we’ve always enjoyed collaborating with celebrities and brands. Each time we did those collaborations, we were also creating custom cables. As time passed, we became really skilled at crafting these beautiful, high-quality cables in great colors, and we thought, ‘Wouldn’t it be fantastic if we sold them?’ That led us to consider what more we could achieve with the brand. As part of Apple, we believed we could create something magical. We’re essentially at the conclusion of year one and transitioning into year two with many more ideas. Most importantly, customers appreciate it.”

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    • Richard
    • Comments Off on Samsung Working on Galaxy S26 Plus After Unsatisfactory Galaxy S25 Edge Sales
    Samsung Working on Galaxy S26 Plus After Unsatisfactory Galaxy S25 Edge Sales

    Galaxy S25 Edge on display in Barcelona.

    Andrew Sozinov/Shutterstock

    Approximately a month prior, a leak regarding the Galaxy S26 from a reliable source provided insight into supposed dummy units for the three models in the lineup: Galaxy S26, Galaxy S26 Edge, and Galaxy S26 Ultra. The revelation was predictable, as the Galaxy S26 launch event is scheduled for early 2026. However, a report from the Korean-language site ETNews on Wednesday provides a fresh viewpoint. Samsung is reportedly mulling the release of a Galaxy S26 Plus variant as part of the Galaxy S26 lineup, given the lackluster sales of the Galaxy S25 Edge. This could lead the Galaxy S26 series to include four models rather than three, with the Plus serving as a buffer against potentially diminished interest in the forthcoming Edge variant.

    Samsung introduced the Galaxy S25 Edge in May, a few months before Apple launched the iPhone Air. By the time the Air hit the market, Samsung could claim it was the first to deliver an ultra-slim flagship smartphone. Nevertheless, Samsung might have designed the Galaxy S25 Edge specifically due to knowledge of the Air’s impending release. While this remains speculative, it is founded on rumors that emerged leading up to the Galaxy S25 debut. The Galaxy S25 Edge surfaced in leaks considerably later than the other three Galaxy S25 models, mirroring the current situation with the Galaxy S26 Plus. This indicated that the development for the Edge was delayed in comparison to the other Galaxy S models.

    ETNews reports that sales for the Galaxy S25 Edge have not met expectations, with production declining since June, a month following the ultra-slim phone’s debut. The article mentions that smartphone sales tend to peak within the first three months post-launch. By September, Samsung should have been able to gauge the anticipated demand for ultra-slim smartphones.

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    • Richard
    • Comments Off on The iPhone 17 Pro’s Discreet Enhancement That Could Have Major Consequences
    The iPhone 17 Pro’s Discreet Enhancement That Could Have Major Consequences

    ### Vapor Chamber in iPhone 17 Pro: A Method of Future Proofing

    When contemplating the acquisition of an iPhone 17 Pro, numerous consumers prioritize battery longevity, camera performance, and aesthetics. Nevertheless, a noteworthy feature that might not garner as much focus is the newly introduced vapor chamber cooling system, which could become essential as technology progresses.

    #### Comprehending the Vapor Chamber

    The vapor chamber in the iPhone 17 Pro is engineered to improve heat dissipation and overall efficiency. As per Apple, the vapor chamber encloses deionized water within a laser-welded aluminum frame. This groundbreaking design facilitates the efficient transfer of heat produced by the robust A19 Pro chip away from the processor, permitting it to function at elevated performance levels without overheating. Subsequently, the heat is evenly distributed through the forged aluminum unibody, ensuring that the device remains pleasant to hold while delivering remarkable performance.

    This cooling technology empowers the iPhone 17 Pro to sustain higher performance levels consistently, even amidst demanding activities. Consequently, it positions the device as more future-ready, especially given the increasing dependence on artificial intelligence (AI) in mobile technology.

    #### The Expanding Role of AI in Smartphones

    AI is increasingly becoming a fundamental component of smartphone functionality, affecting everything from basic operations to sophisticated features. With every new iOS iteration, Apple continually enhances its AI capabilities, illustrated by iOS 26, which rolled out over 20 new Apple Intelligence features. Two prominent trends have arisen from Apple’s strategy towards AI:

    1. **Local Processing**: Apple emphasizes executing AI tasks directly on the device, necessitating substantial processing power.

    2. **Improved Daily Activities**: AI is utilized to optimize routine functions, enhancing device capabilities but also raising power demands.

    As the workload on the iPhone intensifies due to these AI breakthroughs, the vapor chamber in the iPhone 17 Pro gains increasing importance. It is tailored to manage the heat produced by heavy AI functions, guaranteeing that the device can operate effectively without overheating or lagging.

    #### Future Considerations

    As an increasing number of features and applications depend on AI, the performance benefits of the iPhone 17 Pro’s vapor chamber may become increasingly evident. Users of earlier models, such as the iPhone 15 Pro and 16 Pro, have encountered slowdowns during resource-intensive AI tasks. In contrast, the iPhone 17 Pro’s cooling system is anticipated to alleviate these challenges, promoting smoother functionality as AI capabilities develop.

    With expected enhancements to Siri and other AI-driven features on the horizon, the need for processing power will undoubtedly grow. Users might discover that devices featuring vapor chambers, like the iPhone 17 Pro, will outperform previous models as these new functionalities are introduced.

    #### Conclusion

    Although the vapor chamber cooling mechanism may not be the initial attribute that draws consumers to the iPhone 17 Pro, its importance in future-proofing the device should not be underestimated. As AI continues to influence the smartphone environment, the capacity to regulate heat and uphold performance will be crucial. The iPhone 17 Pro distinguishes itself as a model adeptly prepared to meet the demands of future technology, making it an appealing option for those seeking to invest in a device that will retain its relevance for years ahead.

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    • sparta
    • Comments Off on Judge Determines Section 230 Is Inapplicable, Permitting App Store Gambling Lawsuit to Move Forward
    Judge Determines Section 230 Is Inapplicable, Permitting App Store Gambling Lawsuit to Move Forward

    Apple could not persuade a federal judge to dismiss a lawsuit that alleges it promotes, hosts, and profits from illegal casino-style apps in the App Store. Here are the details.

    ### Case Judge Indicates Section 230 Is Not Applicable

    In recent years, Apple, Alphabet, and Meta have faced a proposed class action lawsuit claiming they violated various state consumer protection laws by distributing gaming applications (“apps”) that function as social casinos and enable illegal gambling.

    The plaintiffs assert that “simulated social casino apps” are equally addictive as actual in-person gambling, and that Apple, Alphabet, and Meta benefit from the “gamblers’ losses, which are gathered and controlled by the Platforms themselves.” Their allegation extends to accusing them of being involved “in a pattern of racketeering activity,” which the companies refute.

    Indeed, the companies have turned to Section 230 of the 1996 Communications Decency Act, which protects online platforms from liability for third-party content:

    > “No provider or user of an interactive computer service shall be treated as the publisher or speaker of any information provided by another information content provider.”

    Section 230 was designed to foster the early expansion of the internet by shielding online platforms from lawsuits regarding user-generated content, and by permitting them to moderate objectionable material without the risk of liability. However, in recent times, it has emerged as one of the most debated laws in technology, critiqued as a protection that enables large tech firms to avoid accountability for damaging content.

    In this instance, as reported by *Reuters*, U.S. District Judge Edward Davila denied the companies’ motion to dismiss the lawsuit based on Section 230:

    > “In a 37-page ruling, Davila concluded that Apple, Google, and Meta did not function as ‘publishers’ when handling payments, undermining their claims for Section 230 immunity. He stated that it was irrelevant that the companies offered ‘neutral tools’ to support the apps, and dismissed the notion that the plaintiffs’ failure to term them ‘bookies’ absolved them of liability.”

    Judge Davila mentioned that the companies could appeal his ruling, and he did dismiss some of the plaintiffs’ claims. Nevertheless, as it currently stands, the companies will still need to confront the central allegations.

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