Month: October 2025

    • sparta
    • Comments Off on Instagram Stories Launches AI-Enhanced Editing with the New Restyle Feature
    Instagram Stories Launches AI-Enhanced Editing with the New Restyle Feature

    With the revamped restyle tool, users can now request Meta AI to perform sophisticated edits on images and videos prior to sharing them as Instagram Stories. Here’s how it operates.

    ## Restyle Provides Video Presets and Prompt-Based Options for Images

    A few months prior, Instagram’s lead Adam Mosseri shared a video showcasing the restyle tool, which enables users to apply several AI-driven presets to their videos before they publish.

    As of today, Meta has unveiled the restyle tool, confirming its functionality for both images and videos. From the company’s press announcement:

    “Whether you wish to simply eliminate an unwanted detail from your story, incorporate a fun element, alter the atmosphere with a whimsical effect, or initiate a trend with your friends using Add Yours stickers, you can now do it. Restyle your photos and videos in Instagram Stories to make edits, large or small, using Meta AI.”

    To initiate this, after choosing the photo or video you wish to share as an Instagram Story, tap the newly introduced Restyle button located at the top right corner of the interface.

    If you are sharing a video, you will have the option to choose from various preset styles and effects before publishing. When sharing a photo, you can also include a prompt with instructions to add, remove, or adjust elements, alongside the preset effects.

    Instagram also provides a brief guide for crafting “effective prompts”:

    We aim to grant you the creative liberty to modify your photos precisely as you desire. The more detailed and specific your prompt, the better Meta AI can align with your vision. Some aspects to think about:

    – Subject (like “add a crown on top of the girl’s head”)
    – Lighting and mood (like “add dramatic lighting”, “have light from just a single paparazzi flash”)
    – Composition requirements (like “in the bottom left corner”, “in the background”)
    – Style (like “make photorealistic”, “film noir style”)
    – Location (“in outer space”, “in Paris”)

    Lastly, Instagram mentions that if you add a sticker before sharing, your friends will be able to tap it to apply the exact same edits to their own photos and videos.

    The company has not disclosed specifics about the rollout, but updates related to AI often require time to become available to users in markets where Meta AI operates.

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    • sparta
    • Comments Off on 4 Key Factors to Consider Prior to Buying a Budget Amazon Fire TV
    4 Key Factors to Consider Prior to Buying a Budget Amazon Fire TV

    **Considerations Before Buying an Affordable Amazon Fire TV: 4 Essential Points**

    If you’re on the hunt for an economical television, you’ve probably come across the “Fire TV” tag during your search. Fire TV denotes Amazon’s proprietary operating system and smart platform for internet-connected televisions and Fire TV Stick streaming devices. Typically, sets driven by Fire TV present excellent picture quality and a range of smart features at a relatively affordable price. You can also utilize Alexa, Amazon’s voice assistant, for multiple tasks such as searching for films, switching channels, and managing smart lighting.

    Nonetheless, there are significant factors to think about prior to acquiring an Amazon Fire TV. Here are four crucial points you should be aware of:

    **1. The Fire TV Brand is Licensed to Multiple Television Manufacturers**

    The “Fire TV” brand is not confined to a single type of television; it is an operating system and smart platform that Amazon licenses to various manufacturers. In addition to Amazon’s own Fire TVs, companies like TCL, Hisense, and Toshiba also implement Amazon’s platform. While core functionalities like Alexa-enabled voice controls and streaming applications are generally the same, picture quality can differ due to each company’s image processing techniques. If price is your main concern, third-party licensed models are frequently the most affordable.

    **2. Fire TV is Capable of Gaming, But Examine the Specifications Carefully**

    Most Amazon Fire TVs are crafted for an impressive console gaming experience. For the best gaming performance, look for a native refresh rate of 120Hz or higher, which is suitable for fast-paced content such as FPS titles and sports. Watch out for phrases like “MotionPlus 240” or “MotionMax 480,” as these are not actual refresh rates. Presently, only the Amazon Fire TV Omni Mini-LED QLED offers support for up to a 144Hz refresh rate. Console and PC gamers should also look for VRR and ALLM features for enhanced gameplay fluidity.

    **3. You Won’t Escape Advertisements**

    All smart TVs and streaming devices feature advertisements in their interfaces, but Amazon’s Fire TV OS is notably more assertive in ad positioning. Advertisements can show up as inline banners and may override screensavers. Although you can modify ad preferences, completely disabling ads is not an option. Households with slower network connections might find performance lagging as a result of these ads.

    **4. Hands-Free Alexa Functionality is Restricted to Premium Models**

    All Amazon Fire TVs come with Alexa, permitting voice commands for searching content and controlling smart home devices. Certain models, such as the 2024 Amazon Fire TV Omni Mini-LED QLED, provide hands-free Alexa, allowing voice commands without using the remote. More budget-friendly options still necessitate pressing the Alexa button on the remote to engage the voice assistant.

    In conclusion, although Amazon Fire TVs deliver fantastic features and value, it’s vital to consider brand distinctions, gaming specifications, ad occurrences, and Alexa functionalities before finalizing your purchase.

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    • sparta
    • Comments Off on GM Vehicles to Showcase Gemini as CarPlay and Android Auto Are Discontinued
    GM Vehicles to Showcase Gemini as CarPlay and Android Auto Are Discontinued

    **Gemini Arrives in GM Vehicles as CarPlay and Android Auto Are Wound Down**

    General Motors (GM) is poised to launch its proprietary infotainment system, Gemini, in its vehicles starting in 2026. This signifies a major change as GM intends to discontinue widely-used phone projection systems like CarPlay and Android Auto across its range, including GMC, Chevrolet, Buick, and Cadillac. This initiative is in line with a larger trend among car manufacturers to create exclusive systems that feature integrated applications and experiences, potentially diminishing dependence on outside platforms.

    **Shift to a Tailored System**

    Although GM’s shift away from CarPlay and Android Auto will take time, the company plans to implement this transition from electric vehicles (EVs) to gasoline-driven models by 2028. The launch of Gemini will introduce conversational AI capabilities, enabling drivers to engage with their vehicles much like they would with a fellow passenger. This transition aligns with GM’s objective to customize AI features specifically for its cars, moving past one-size-fits-all voice assistants.

    **Consequences and Industry Movements**

    The choice to eliminate established systems such as CarPlay and Android Auto raises concerns regarding user satisfaction and data security. Detractors argue that compelling users to adopt a proprietary system may complicate their experience, as consumers have grown accustomed to the seamless connectivity provided by current phone projection frameworks. Moreover, this shift could be interpreted as GM’s effort to exert greater control over user data.

    In spite of these worries, GM’s strategy may influence other automotive companies. For example, Ford has revealed plans to enhance its SYNC infotainment system, focusing on integrated applications for music and navigation, while still offering support for CarPlay and Android Auto for the time being. As the automotive landscape progresses, the equilibrium between proprietary systems and consumer-oriented solutions will play a vital role in determining the future of in-car technology.

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    • Richard
    • Comments Off on Samsung Galaxy Tablet for Learners Now $100 Discounted at Amazon
    Samsung Galaxy Tablet for Learners Now $100 Discounted at Amazon

    The Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 FE is equipped with the official S Pen stylus.

    (Image credit: Samsung)

    If you keep an eye out, you’ll discover a multitude of great tablet offers, and today’s selection is no exception. For a limited period, shoppers can enjoy a $100 discount on the Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 FE at Amazon, reducing the cost of the mid-range tablet to merely $400.

    Importantly, the S10 “Fan Edition” range features some of Samsung’s more budget-friendly tablets equipped with the S Pen stylus, and this offer pertains to the 128GB storage variant of the device. It features a 10.9-inch LCD screen (the absence of an OLED display is part of why it is more economical), along with a substantial 8,000mAh battery, which Samsung claims can provide users with up to 20 hours of battery life per charge. It also includes a microSD slot for additional storage, as well as IP68 ingress protection, Android 15, and a sturdy build quality that users appreciate.

    <div data-image="https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/FLGRKLCi3NCGSTAP4LenpM-200-

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    • Richard
    • Comments Off on Experience the Impossible Mission at Your Place: Discover How You Can Achieve It As Well
    Experience the Impossible Mission at Your Place: Discover How You Can Achieve It As Well

    After years of anticipation, Laser Dance is set to launch on November 6.

    (Image credit: Vanbo BV)

    Essential Information

    • Laser Dance will be available for early access on the Meta Quest 3 and Meta Quest 3S starting November 6, 2025, priced at $9.99, €9.99, or £7.99.
    • The game introduces laser mazes reminiscent of Mission Impossible, allowing players to engage in button-pressing tasks across the room through mixed reality.
    • It features over 80 levels that adapt to any room size and shape, along with numerous accessibility options to ensure inclusivity for all players.

    Notice

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    • Richard
    • Comments Off on New Capabilities and Material Arriving on Apple TV in November
    New Capabilities and Material Arriving on Apple TV in November

    # Apple TV November Releases: What to Watch

    Apple TV commences November with an array of thrilling new content, featuring eagerly awaited debuts and beloved returnees. Here’s a glimpse of what’s fresh on the platform this month.

    ## Pluribus

    – **When:** November 7
    – **What:** TV Show
    – **Genre:** Sci-Fi Drama

    From the mind behind *Breaking Bad* and *Better Call Saul*, Vince Gilligan, *Pluribus* narrates the tale of the most wretched individual on the planet who must rescue the world from joy. This distinctive premise guarantees a fusion of drama and dark comedy.

    ## Palm Royale (Season 2)

    – **When:** November 12
    – **What:** TV Show
    – **Genre:** Comedic Drama

    In the second season of *Palm Royale*, Maxine deals with the repercussions of a scandalous public meltdown, working to regain her position in elite society. This season delves into themes of aspiration, deceit, and the intricacies of social hierarchy.

    ## Come See Me in the Good Light

    – **When:** November 14
    – **What:** Movie
    – **Genre:** Documentary

    This documentary unfolds a touching love narrative between poets Andrea Gibson and Megan Falley as they contend with an incurable cancer diagnosis. Their path of endurance and humor turns their suffering into a tribute to life and love.

    ## The Family Plan 2

    – **When:** November 21
    – **What:** Movie
    – **Genre:** Action Comedy

    Mark Wahlberg reprises his role in *The Family Plan 2*, where his character, Dan, orchestrates a flawless family getaway that spirals into chaos when someone from his past intrudes on their vacation. Anticipate a blend of action, humor, and family togetherness amid thrilling adventures.

    ## Prehistoric Planet: Ice Age

    – **When:** November 26
    – **What:** TV Show
    – **Genre:** Documentary

    This latest chapter of the acclaimed *Prehistoric Planet* series, narrated by Tom Hiddleston, transports viewers back to the Ice Age, highlighting the gripping survival tales of prehistoric megafauna. The series marries breathtaking visuals with informative content about ancient existence.

    ## WondLa (Season 3)

    – **When:** November 26
    – **What:** TV Show
    – **Genre:** Kids & Family

    The concluding season of *WondLa* follows Eva on her quest to save her world from conflict between humans and aliens. This season offers adventure, camaraderie, and an enduring message of togetherness.

    ## Ongoing Series

    Alongside these new offerings, a number of ongoing series will continue to release new episodes throughout November:

    – *The Morning Show*: Airing until November 19
    – *The Last Frontier*: Airing until December 5
    – *Loot*: Airing until December 10
    – *Down Cemetery Road*: Airing until December 10

    Apple TV is accessible for $12.99 per month, presenting a varied selection of shows and films, including popular favorites like *Ted Lasso*, *Severance*, and *The Morning Show*.

    Which of Apple TV’s November debuts are you most eager to view?

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    • Richard
    • Comments Off on Improve Bluetooth Audio on Your Android Device with These Cutting-Edge Dongles
    Improve Bluetooth Audio on Your Android Device with These Cutting-Edge Dongles

    These Bluetooth adapters enhance your audio experience by including Hi-Res aptX Lossless and LDAC capabilities, as well as various other functionalities.

    Spotify boasts 268 million premium users. That’s 268 million extra reasons to be thrilled about the inclusion of lossless audio in their premium subscription. The only catch is that your smartphone or tablet is preventing you from fully enjoying that subscription.

    For instance, the Google Pixel 10 series does not support one of the top Bluetooth codecs favored by audiophiles, aptX Adaptive Lossless. Moreover, if your headphones lack LDAC support—which Pixels do—you won’t be able to optimize your Pixel’s audio performance.

    But don’t worry! New Bluetooth adapters from Sennheiser and Questyle aim to fill the void for phones, tablets, gaming consoles, and laptops or desktops that do not support optimal connectivity to the finest earbuds through the latest Bluetooth codecs.

    I’m here to guide you on how to utilize these adapters to extract the utmost audio quality from your device of choice!

    Today, we’re examining the Sennheiser BTD 700 and the Questyle QCC Dongle Pro Bluetooth transmitters, both launched in 2025. These Bluetooth adapters bypass the internal Bluetooth components of your device to deliver top-notch audio to your Bluetooth earbuds, headphones, or IEMs. That’s all there is to it. If you’re familiar with computer terminology, consider these transmitters as external “sound cards.”

    I’ve been alternating between the two adapters for a few weeks, assessing them with phones, as well as a Surface Pro 11 and an iMac Pro. With a few quirks here and there, they generally fulfill the expectation of providing seamless plug-and-play functionality.

    Included with each device is the transmitter, along with a USB-A to Type-C adapter, allowing compatibility with laptops, computers, or gaming devices lacking USB-C ports. Other than the manual, that’s all you get. I’ve connected both adapters to phones encased in cases without any fitting issues.

    Each unit features a single status LED. For the BTD 700, snap a photo of the menu page displaying the LED status guide and save it in a folder in your gallery, as it does not come with a companion app for smartphones or tablets. Operating it is quite straightforward, as you merely press the button at the bottom of the adapter to switch modes/codecs.

    The QCC Dongle Pro includes a mobile app, making it far simpler to determine which Bluetooth codec is currently in use. It also displays all of your paired Bluetooth devices.

    The Android ecosystem varies significantly regarding Bluetooth compatibility for high-end hi-res wireless aptX codecs, LDAC, or LC3 with Auracast. The BTD 700 accommodates aptX Adaptive, aptX Lossless, SBC, and LC3 (with Auracast), while the QCC Dongle Pro also supports those codecs, minus LC3 but adds LDAC.

    Audio quality from both adapters is outstanding. If you are using a device that doesn’t support outputting LDAC or AptX Lossless, you’re in for a delight! Naturally, you will also require a receiving device that conforms to those standards. Some of the finest noise-canceling earbuds, like the Noble Rex5, or the top-rated ANC headphones like Bowers & Wilkins’ superb Px7 S3, meet this requirement perfectly.

    One of the advantages of these adapters is their range. During testing in a flat park, I could walk 225 feet away from a Bose SoundLink Plus before the Pixel 9 lost connection.

    At home, with the adapter connected to a device in my living room, I was able to walk into the bathroom at the end of my apartment, where my Wi-Fi typically falters, and maintain a strong signal with no interruptions.

    For desktop/laptop applications, I’ll hand the win to the BTD 700 for its robust Windows and macOS applications.

    They allow you to use Sennheiser’s device with a computer as effortlessly as Questyle’s works with smartphones and tablets. The added advantage is that the BTD 700 accommodates Auracast, enabling you to initiate broadcast mode, designate a broadcast name, and even set a broadcast password if you wish to keep things private among the devices you’re transmitting to.

    However, the adapters do have their peculiarities. The QCC Dongle Pro features only one LED color for the high-res codecs, preventing you from knowing if you’re streaming aptX Lossless or LDAC, for instance. You’ll need to refer to the app to find that out.

    As the Sennheiser BTD 700 lacks a mobile app for pairing, you will have to set both the adapter and listening device to pairing mode.

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    • sparta
    • Comments Off on Experts Suggest AI Disruption in the App Ecosystem May Yield Beneficial Effects
    Experts Suggest AI Disruption in the App Ecosystem May Yield Beneficial Effects

    Transforming your app experience permanently.

    (Image credit: Andrew Myrick / Android Central)

    Essential information

    • Generative AI is poised to transform the interplay of apps on smartphones.
    • Collaborative initiatives between AI systems and service providers are expected to develop in the next five years.
    • Companies that effectively utilize AI will flourish, while those that do not will encounter difficulties.
    Disclaimer

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    • Richard
    • Comments Off on OpenAI Purchases Team Behind Apple Shortcuts Creation
    OpenAI Purchases Team Behind Apple Shortcuts Creation

    **OpenAI Takes Over Software Applications Incorporated: A New Chapter for Mac Automation with Sky**

    In an unexpected development, OpenAI has revealed its takeover of Software Applications Incorporated, the developers of the groundbreaking Mac application named Sky. This takeover signifies a notable advancement in AI-powered automation and workflow management on macOS.

    ### Overview of Software Applications Incorporated

    Software Applications Incorporated was established by the skilled group behind the well-known automation app, Workflow. Workflow earned acclaim for its capability to optimize tasks on iOS, leading to its acquisition by Apple in 2017, where it evolved into the Shortcuts app. The skills of this group have now been redirected towards creating Sky, which was recently showcased as an impactful tool for Mac users.

    ### Characteristics of Sky

    Sky is crafted to utilize contemporary AI features to enhance automation and improve user workflows on the Mac. The application serves as a natural language interface, enabling users to engage with their devices in a more instinctive way. It comprehends the context of the users’ activities on their screens and can perform actions across different applications smoothly.

    ### OpenAI’s Aspirations

    In the announcement, OpenAI highlighted that advancements in AI are not solely about enhancing intelligence but also about developing interfaces that conform to user intent and context. The assimilation of Sky into OpenAI’s ecosystem is anticipated to enrich ChatGPT, offering users a more advanced tool for handling tasks, encompassing writing, planning, coding, or everyday management.

    ### Prospective Developments

    OpenAI intends to integrate Sky’s sophisticated macOS functionality and product design into its current offerings. All individuals from the Software Applications Incorporated team will join OpenAI, further bolstering the company’s proficiency in AI and automation.

    Moreover, OpenAI has recently introduced its inaugural ChatGPT-integrated web browser, Atlas, which is currently limited to the Mac. This step underscores OpenAI’s dedication to broadening its footprint in the macOS domain. The organization is also partnering with former Apple design lead Jony Ive to craft AI-enhanced hardware products, signaling a wider strategy to embed AI in multiple facets of technology.

    ### Summary

    The acquisition of Software Applications Incorporated and its Sky application signifies a crucial juncture for OpenAI as it strives to elevate user experiences through advanced AI-driven automation. With an emphasis on seamless integration and user-friendly interfaces, OpenAI is set to transform how Mac users engage with their devices, making routine tasks more effective and intuitive.

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    • Richard
    • Comments Off on Summary of Liquid Glass Configurations, Practical Experience with M5 Vision Pro, and Official Declaration of Apple F1 Agreement
    Summary of Liquid Glass Configurations, Practical Experience with M5 Vision Pro, and Official Declaration of Apple F1 Agreement

    ### iOS 26.1 Beta 4: Liquid Glass Toggle and Its Consequences

    In the most recent iOS 26.1 beta 4 update, Apple has unveiled a new feature—a Liquid Glass toggle within the Settings menu. This addition has ignited conversations among tech aficionados, especially between Benjamin Mayo and Chance Miller, the hosts of the 9to5Mac Happy Hour podcast. Their discussion explores the possible consequences of this feature, pondering if it reflects a lack of faith in Apple’s software design skills.

    #### The Liquid Glass Toggle

    The Liquid Glass toggle is a fresh setting that gives users control over different aspects of their device’s display and functionality. While the detailed functions of the toggle remain somewhat unclear, it indicates a move toward more customizable user interactions. This initiative might be interpreted as Apple’s response to user input, aiming to improve the overall user experience of their devices.

    #### Apple TV F1 Partnership

    Alongside the iOS updates, the podcast also discusses the recent announcement of Apple’s formal agreement with Formula 1 (F1) for Apple TV. This collaboration is anticipated to deliver exclusive F1 content to Apple TV subscribers, further reinforcing Apple’s foothold in the streaming arena. The hosts analyze the prospective effects of this agreement on both Apple’s content library and the F1 fan community.

    #### Hands-On with M5 Vision Pro

    Chance Miller shares his practical experience with the M5 Vision Pro, offering insights into its features and performance. This gadget signifies Apple’s continuous innovation in augmented and virtual reality technologies, highlighting the company’s dedication to expanding the horizons of user engagement.

    #### iPhone Air Sales Issues

    In the Happy Hour Plus segment, the hosts tackle worries regarding the sales performance of the iPhone Air, which is said to have fallen short of expectations since its launch. They reflect on their individual experiences with the device, discussing its advantages and limitations in the present market environment.

    #### Subscription and Feedback

    Listeners are invited to subscribe to the 9to5Mac Happy Hour Plus for ad-free episodes, exclusive content, and bonus episodes. Feedback and inquiries can be sent via social media or email, encouraging a community conversation around Apple’s latest news.

    #### Conclusion

    The launch of the Liquid Glass toggle in iOS 26.1 beta 4, along with the Apple TV F1 partnership and insights into the M5 Vision Pro, underscores Apple’s continuous growth in both software and hardware. As the technological landscape evolves, discussions like those on the 9to5Mac Happy Hour podcast offer valuable insights into the ramifications of these developments for consumers and the industry as a whole.

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