Month: October 2025

    • Richard
    • Comments Off on WhatsApp Unveils Per-Chat Storage Management Function
    WhatsApp Unveils Per-Chat Storage Management Function

    Meta is working on a new feature for WhatsApp that will enable users to handle the storage of each conversation directly from the chat info screen. This feature, which is currently in beta, is designed to give users enhanced control over their storage, especially for those with limited device space.

    The upcoming “Manage Storage” option, as outlined by WABetaInfo, will show the amount of storage each individual chat occupies. Users will have access to a gallery that illustrates the storage usage of images, videos, documents, and other files within that chat. This new functionality will improve the current storage management tool found under Settings > Storage and Data > Manage Storage, which had been the sole method for managing storage within the app.

    By implementing chat-specific storage management, WhatsApp will make it easier to pinpoint which files are taking up the most space in each conversation. This focused approach will remove the necessity to browse through files across various conversations, allowing users to manage their storage more effectively according to their specific requirements.

    At present, WhatsApp provides a “Media, Links, and Docs” option in every chat that lets users see shared files. However, this feature does not indicate the storage size of each file, making the forthcoming chat-specific management feature a noteworthy improvement.

    Although there is no official timeline for when this feature will be accessible to all users, it is under close observation, and updates will be shared once it becomes available.

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    • sparta
    • Comments Off on An Enhanced and Easier Approach for Monitoring Luggage on Android Rather Than Apple AirTags
    An Enhanced and Easier Approach for Monitoring Luggage on Android Rather Than Apple AirTags

    Google’s Find My Device service (also known as Google Find Hub) considerably reduces the options available. Samsung Galaxy SmartTags represent the closest alternative. 

    Indeed, there are other trackers such as Tile or Chipolo, in addition to numerous AirTag substitutes compatible with Android; however, for those desiring a SmartTag without having a Samsung device, the choice wasn’t available. That is, until now: A new third-party application, named uTag, allows Samsung SmartTags to be utilized on non-Samsung Android devices running Android 11 or higher. uTag provides “almost” all SmartTag functionalities for non-Samsung gadgets, including setting up tags, tracking, ringing, checking location history, and more. Even better, uTag introduces some new features that Samsung lacks, such as creating widgets, defining safe zones based on Wi-Fi, and the capability to export location history. 

    The objective was to facilitate support for alternative Android devices and for individuals wanting to use Samsung’s “massive” SmartThings application. With uTag, you can conveniently place a SmartTag in your luggage or attach it to a zipper and oversee tracking from any non-Samsung Android device. Ultra wideband can also be used for location tracking via uTag with SmartTag devices that have that capability. Airtags also utilize UWB for tracking purposes.

    Why opt for Samsung SmartTags instead of other tracking solutions?

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    • sparta
    • Comments Off on iPhone Air May Surpass Anticipations Despite Early Reservations
    iPhone Air May Surpass Anticipations Despite Early Reservations

    In recent weeks, we’ve encountered a continuous flow of reports indicating that Apple’s ultra-slim iPhone Air hasn’t precisely been a bestseller. Just last week, for instance, a report surfaced suggesting that Apple intended to reduce iPhone Air production by as much as 1 million units due to demand falling short of expectations. As a result, a narrative began to develop that Apple’s iPhone Air, despite the buzz we witnessed ahead of its launch, might be perceived as a letdown, reminiscent of Apple’s cherished but financially unsuccessful iPhone mini.

    However, a more recent report contends that the iPhone Air may not be a failure at all. A fresh investor note from TD Cowen, highlighted by AppleInsider, communicates that Apple has not altered its iPhone Air production schedule. TD Cowen further notes that iPhone Air production for the 2025 holiday quarter remains steady at 7 million units.

    It’s important to recognize that assessing the vigor of iPhone sales by examining production figures can often lead to misconceptions. For instance, Apple may occasionally reduce production because initial sales projections were overly ambitious, even when total sales are robust. In other cases, Apple could increase production when initial sales forecasts were too conservative. In both situations, Apple’s decisions frequently reflect the precision of its initial estimates rather than the actual vigor of overall sales. Hence, while production increases or reductions can be insightful, they usually do not provide a comprehensive view.

    We might be experiencing an iPhone supercycle

    Despite the mixed reception of the iPhone Air, one aspect that is becoming increasingly evident is that Apple’s iPhone 17 series is driving a noteworthy surge in iPhone sales. Analysts have long predicted an iPhone supercycle, and it seems we are finally witnessing it.

    The demand for the iPhone 17 was overwhelming right from the outset. Not only were pre-orders higher than in previous years, but demand has remained strong in the weeks succeeding its global launch. One factor contributing to this demand is the belief among some analysts that there are over 315 million iPhone users who haven’t upgraded their devices in four or more years. This, combined with the notion that the iPhone 17 lineup arguably represents the most significant iPhone upgrade we’ve seen in years, has created an ideal scenario for Apple.

    To that end, fresh data from Counterpoint Research shows that the iPhone 17, in its initial weeks of availability, surpassed early iPhone 16 sales by an impressive 14%. This is a significant surge considering that iPhone sales have not varied dramatically in recent years. Amid the noticeable rise in iPhone sales, Apple’s stock price has recently soared to new heights. On Monday, Apple’s shares reached $267, establishing a new intraday record. Since August 5, Apple’s stock has increased by 31%. We will gain a clearer understanding of how vigorous iPhone sales are when the company discloses its earnings report for the last quarter later this week.

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    • sparta
    • Comments Off on Guide to Modifying the Theme on Your Google Pixel Watch
    Guide to Modifying the Theme on Your Google Pixel Watch

    Material You theming has arrived, enabling you to select colors for your entire smartwatch.

    Wear OS 6 is now available, bringing a splash of color to the operating system for Google Pixel Watch users. Similar to Android 16, it draws inspiration from Material You and Material 3 Expressive. While the vivid and vibrant color schemes might not appeal to everyone, Google has considered this and allows users to customize the color theme of their smartwatch.

    You have a total of 10 options for personalizing the color theme of your Pixel Watch, and this guide will detail each one and how to configure them.

    Pixel Watch themes and color options

    Wear OS 6 represents a significant update for the Google Pixel Watch, introducing Material 3 Expressive, a lively and colorful design language, to your smartwatch. The presence of Material You theming on the Pixel Watch marks its debut, giving users precise control over the complete Wear OS aesthetic. Customization goes beyond the watch face; it encompasses buttons, sliders, toggles, and every aspect of the system.

    Wear OS 6 offers two primary theming choices: Match watch face and No theme. The first option will automatically modify Material You theming to correlate with your chosen watch face when activated (note that this applies only to official watch faces). Each time you switch watch faces, an Applying theme screen will be displayed as your Pixel Watch adjusts accordingly. As anticipated, No theme simply maintains the standard colors of Wear OS 6.

    Alternatively, you can choose a consistent color theme from the following selections:
    – Moonstone
    – Ivy
    – Porcelain
    – Iris
    – Lemongrass
    – Jade
    – Indigo
    – Peony

    The color options listed above correspond with the physical color variations found on Pixel phones and watches.

    How to change your Google Pixel Watch theme

    Configuring Material You theming on your Google Pixel Watch takes just a few taps. Here’s how:

    1. Open the Settings app on your Pixel Watch.
    2. Select Display, then tap Color theme.
    3. Choose an option from the menu. The selections include Match watch face, No theme, and the eight individual colors mentioned previously.
    4. After you select an option, an Applying theme animation will be displayed.

    Following this, your Google Pixel Watch’s user interface will reflect your chosen color theme. Additionally, if you switch to another official watch face, it will automatically apply the new theme.

    Why you should change your Google Pixel Watch theme

    Google is fully embracing colorful design with Material You and Material 3 Expressive. With Wear OS 6, this extends to your smartwatch on the Pixel Watch 2, Pixel Watch 3, and Pixel Watch 4. It provides enhanced control over the watch faces and interfaces you interact with each day.

    Whether you wish to align your Pixel Watch’s style with your outfit or set a color theme that matches the physical color of your watch and phone, Wear OS 6 color theming meets those needs. There are numerous reasons to personalize your Pixel Watch, and now you have the option to do so.

    The latest Pixel Watch

    The Google Pixel Watch 4 is meticulously designed for Wear OS 6 from the outset, featuring a completely new domed display that makes Material 3 Expressive color themes truly stand out.

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    • Richard
    • Comments Off on Considerations for Anticipating the Samsung Galaxy S26
    Considerations for Anticipating the Samsung Galaxy S26

    **It’s a Bit of a “Chicken and Egg” Scenario**

    As technology keeps progressing swiftly, consumers frequently encounter a dilemma that echoes the traditional “chicken and egg” issue. This is notably seen in the smartphone sector, where new model launches and technological advancements generate a cycle of expectation and choice-making for consumers.

    With Qualcomm’s recent introduction of its latest chip, the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5, the groundwork is laid for the next wave of flagship smartphones. This chip is anticipated to drive numerous leading Android phones in 2026, including the highly awaited Samsung Galaxy S26. However, this presents a dilemma for consumers currently deliberating an upgrade to the Samsung Galaxy S25.

    As the 2025 holiday season nears, a significant number of consumers are weighing whether to buy the Galaxy S25 or to hold off for the Galaxy S26’s release. This choice is complicated by rumors and leaks regarding the S26’s features and launch date. While some indicate that the S26 will offer substantial upgrades, such as a new processor and possible enhancements in the camera, others suggest that the improvements might be more gradual.

    Adding to the intricacy is the potential for a postponed launch of the Galaxy S26. Reports indicate that Samsung may delay its Galaxy Unpacked event until March 2026, prolonging the anticipation for those eager to witness the new series. This postponement could be related to the introduction of a new variant, the Galaxy S26 Edge, or the reveal of a tri-fold Galaxy G Fold.

    Ultimately, the choice to upgrade now or to wait depends on personal priorities and the perceived worth of the forthcoming features. For those requiring an upgrade immediately, the Galaxy S25 stands out as a solid option with its strong functionalities and ongoing software support. However, for those prepared to wait, the Galaxy S26 is set to deliver the forefront of smartphone technology.

    In this continuously changing tech environment, the “chicken and egg” scenario endures, prompting consumers to evaluate their choices and make informed decisions based on their requirements and the timing of technological developments.

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    • Richard
    • Comments Off on AirPods Pro 3 vs AirPods Pro 2: Main Distinctions and Newly Introduced Features Clarified
    AirPods Pro 3 vs AirPods Pro 2: Main Distinctions and Newly Introduced Features Clarified

    # AirPods Pro 3 vs. AirPods Pro 2: An In-Depth Examination

    AirPods Pro 3 have been officially released, three years after their predecessor. This article explores the distinctions and advancements between AirPods Pro 3 and AirPods Pro 2, assisting users in deciding whether an upgrade is beneficial.

    ## Audio Feature Enhancements

    AirPods Pro 3 offer substantial improvements to the auditory experience. The Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) feature has been enhanced to reduce up to twice as much noise compared to AirPods Pro 2, and four times more than the initial AirPods Pro. Apple asserts it provides “the best ANC in the world for any in-ear wireless headphones.”

    The internal structure has also undergone significant changes, resulting in enhancements to Adaptive EQ and Transparency mode. The newly designed multiport acoustic architecture optimizes airflow for sound performance, improving spatial audio. The next-generation Adaptive EQ refines bass output and expands the soundstage, enabling users to enjoy each instrument and hear vocals more distinctly.

    ## Design and Comfort

    AirPods Pro 3’s design is similar to that of AirPods Pro 2 but includes notable alterations. Each AirPod is sleeker, providing a more subtle profile. Additionally, AirPods Pro 3 includes five sizes of ear tips, featuring a new XXS size, in contrast to the four sizes of the previous generation. All the ear tips are now foam-infused, ensuring a more secure and comfortable wear.

    ## Health Monitoring and Toughness

    Expanding upon the health features introduced with AirPods Pro 2, the new model integrates a heart rate monitor, enabling users to track their heart rate during exercise without requiring an Apple Watch. This is facilitated by a custom photoplethysmography (PPG) sensor that gauges blood flow through infrared light.

    Regarding durability, AirPods Pro 3 have enhanced water and dust protection, with an IP57 rating compared to AirPods Pro 2’s IP54 rating.

    ## Enhanced Battery Life, with a Caveat

    Apple has highlighted better battery longevity for AirPods Pro 3. Users can anticipate up to 8 hours of listening time with ANC switched on, a 33% boost from the 6 hours provided by AirPods Pro 2. In Transparency mode, the battery life extends to 10 hours, representing a 67% enhancement.

    Nevertheless, the charging case for AirPods Pro 3 has a reduced overall capacity, allowing for only 24 hours of listening time in contrast to the 30 hours available with AirPods Pro 2.

    ## Find My Upgrade with U2 Chip

    The charging case for AirPods Pro 3 incorporates an upgraded U2 chip, improving Find My integration. This second-generation Ultra Wideband chip enables more accurate tracking of misplaced AirPods cases compared to the first-generation U1 chip in AirPods Pro 2.

    ## AirPods Pro 3 vs. AirPods Pro 2: Conclusion

    AirPods Pro 3 bring several remarkable enhancements to an already well-received product. While they do not introduce a new chip, Apple has made notable advancements in ANC and audio fidelity. The inclusion of Live Translation is also significant, although it is accessible for AirPods Pro 2 as well.

    For those looking for elevated audio features, longer battery life, improved fit, and new health monitoring options, AirPods Pro 3 offer a persuasive upgrade alternative.

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    • Richard
    • Comments Off on Adobe Broadens Project Indigo Support to iPhone 17 Series with Specific Restrictions
    Adobe Broadens Project Indigo Support to iPhone 17 Series with Specific Restrictions

    **Adobe’s Indigo App Now Supports iPhone 17: Essential Details**

    Recently, Adobe revealed the highly anticipated compatibility of its Indigo camera application with the iPhone 17 series. This enhancement follows multiple challenges related to iOS bugs, which notably affected the app’s performance with the new front camera capabilities introduced by Apple.

    ### Complete Support is Near

    The iPhone 17 lineup features considerable improvements, including the new Center Stage front camera that automatically transitions between portrait and landscape modes depending on the subject in view. Furthermore, the rear cameras have undergone both software and hardware upgrades to meet professional photography demands.

    Launched earlier this year, Adobe’s Indigo app provides users with extensive manual control over diverse camera settings such as focus, ISO, shutter speed, white balance, and exposure compensation. However, transitioning to support the iPhone 17 was not without its difficulties. Adobe faced multiple bugs, especially with the front camera, which they communicated to Apple. A resolution is anticipated to be included in the forthcoming iOS 26.1 update.

    ### Update Information

    Recently, Adobe has released an update that allows preliminary compatibility with the iPhone 17 series. While the app is operational on these devices, some features remain unavailable until the iOS 26.1 release. Adobe included the following details in their release notes:

    – **Front Camera Functionality**: Currently inactive, but will be activated in the subsequent app version after the iOS 26.1 update.
    – **Recent Modifications**: Users who upgraded to the iPhone 17 series may have missed the last app version (1.0.3), which presented several enhancements. Users are urged to visit the App Store for detailed release information.
    – **User Insights**: A new survey has been incorporated into the app settings to collect user feedback for improving Indigo for mobile photography.

    ### Identified Issues on iPhone 17 Devices

    The update identifies several known problems that users may face:

    – The front camera is non-functional and will be turned on in the next version of the app.
    – Under low-light conditions, users might encounter noisy images in Photo mode when ISO is set high. It is advisable to switch to Night mode or reduce ISO to 500 or lower.
    – Auto Exposure may exhibit flickering in low-light Photo mode.
    – Users could observe a brighter band at the lower edge of images taken with the 4× telephoto lens on the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max.

    ### Enhancements for Other iPhone Models

    This update also introduces improvements to Project Indigo for other iPhone models, including an enhanced auto-exposure algorithm for the iPhone 13 Pro Max and iPhone 16 Pro Max.

    For those interested, Project Indigo is available on the App Store, and users are encouraged to explore its functionalities to elevate their mobile photography experience.

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    • Richard
    • Comments Off on Investigating the Capabilities of Gemini 3.0 for Video Game Creation via Prompt-Driven Programming
    Investigating the Capabilities of Gemini 3.0 for Video Game Creation via Prompt-Driven Programming

    tweeted on Sunday, October 26, with nearly two months left in the year. “This is going to seamlessly usher in the next 100M ‘developers’ with ease. A lot of individuals become enthusiastic about making games only to encounter C/C#/C++ and discover it’s not enjoyable,” he added. Kilpatrick’s tweet gained significant traction, with numerous people viewing it as a hint towards Google’s upcoming Gemini 3.0 launch. Some individuals speculated that Kilpatrick’s hint included an error, given that 2025 is already fast approaching its conclusion. Nevertheless, that’s where Gemini 3.0 may truly excel.

    Vibe coding is already achievable with current AI technologies. It’s a common strategy used to develop software that enables anyone to instruct an AI to create software on their behalf, irrespective of their programming skills. However, Gemini 3.0 is anticipated to introduce a feature that other AI solutions presently lack, namely support for designing user interfaces. That’s exactly the kind of capability individuals without programming expertise would require to produce video games, as hinted by Kilpatrick. Prior to his tweet, we came across supposed Gemini 3.0 demonstrations online, including a user’s encounter with a beta version of Gemini 3.0 that permitted them to generate operational replicas of iOS, macOS, and Windows.

    While Gemini

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    • sparta
    • Comments Off on NASA’s Strategy for Deorbiting the International Space Station
    NASA’s Strategy for Deorbiting the International Space Station

    NASA is set to conclude the journey of the International Space Station. The agency has verified that the ISS will be retired and intentionally deorbited to Earth in 2030. This orbital facility, which has orbited our planet over 100,000 times, cannot stay in the sky indefinitely. Its framework is deteriorating, upkeep expenditures are escalating, and its orbit will, in due course, decay. Rather than permitting it to plummet uncontrollably through the atmosphere, NASA intends to execute a regulated deorbit to guarantee a secure and accurate final descent of the station.

    The ISS has represented scientific advancement and global cooperation since the launch of its inaugural module in 1998. Some adults today weren’t even born when the initial scientists and astronauts entered the station in November 2000. The ISS has evolved into humanity’s long-term abode in outer space and a research facility where astronauts from various nations perform pioneering studies on a vast array of subjects, including medicine, physics, climate studies, and spacecraft technology. However, as NASA gazes toward the Moon, Mars, and beyond, the moment has arrived to bid farewell to this extraordinary outpost and pave the way for a new era of orbiting destinations.

    How NASA aims to deorbit the ISS

    <img class="gallery-image " src="https://www.bgr.com/img/gallery/heres-how-nasa-pl

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    • sparta
    • Comments Off on Google TV and DirecTV Team Up to Improve Hotel Entertainment with Customized Experiences
    Google TV and DirecTV Team Up to Improve Hotel Entertainment with Customized Experiences

    DirecTV is said to be working alongside Google TV to transform the television experience in hotels through a new “Advanced Entertainment Platform” (AEP). This collaboration seeks to deliver a tailored and uninterrupted entertainment experience for hotel patrons. The AEP will enable hotels to customize their television interfaces with unique logos, backgrounds, and greeting messages. Additionally, it will provide live television, widely-used streaming services, and on-demand content, all driven by Google’s TV software. The platform is anticipated to debut in 2026, featuring options like temporary Google account integration for guests and automatic data clearing to maintain privacy. This project follows the recent rollout of Gemini with Google TV, which brought AI advancements for tailored entertainment experiences.

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