Month: November 2025

4 Creative Methods to Reuse Your Old MacBooks

a multitude of applications for an outdated laptop, and although it might not be equipped to receive current updates and the hardware could be several generations obsolete, that doesn’t imply it’s time to give up and dispose of your old device just yet.

While something like an M1 MacBook Pro still possesses enough hardware to remain robust, macOS Tahoe being the final significant update for Intel Macs suggests that an older device might soon cease obtaining new Apple features – if it hasn’t already done so. Even if Apple has discreetly phased out your Intel Mac, there are still various methods to breathe new life into it, such as trying out alternative operating systems, converting it into a Wi-Fi range extender, configuring it as a potent media center, or merely utilizing it as a secondary monitor for your modern setup.

Similar to repurposing an outdated iPad tablet, implementing any of the suggestions below can be an excellent way to grant your old MacBook another opportunity. Just keep in mind that some of these alternatives may necessitate extra accessories, like a USB drive or Ethernet cables. There are numerous available choices, so don’t hesitate to delve into the options below and see if any of them inspire you.

Try different operating systems

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Electronic Eye Implant Reestablishes Sight for Specific Patients

around 200 million individuals. With only one set of eyes, an incurable condition signifies a permanent loss of sight. However, recent studies suggest the potential for those impacted by AMD to regain their vision. As reported in the New England Journal of Medicine, the study recommends a minuscule implant that delivers “clinically meaningful enhancements” to individuals enduring GA.

Named the photovoltaic retina implant microarray (PRIMA), this compact system employs a subretinal photovoltaic chip embedded in the eye, along with augmented reality glasses that emit near-infrared light, effectively restoring vision. Since individuals with dry AMD generally maintain some photoreceptor functionality, researchers exploited this by placing a light-sensitive device to enhance sight. The producer of the 2 mm implant has claimed it can restore vision, now supported by scientific validation. In conjunction with the chip, the augmented reality glasses — which link to a controller worn on the waist — capture visual data and transfer it to the implant as infrared light. Subsequently, AI processes these signals to convert them into brain-interpretable images. The findings indicate that 80% of participants experienced an improvement after one year, achieving partial vision restoration.

What were the findings of the research?

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Apple’s Updated Siri to Employ Tailored Gemini Model

the enhanced Siri experience is poised for a rollout next year, though no specific release date has been disclosed. He also indicated that Apple Intelligence will incorporate supplementary AI models in addition to the built-in ChatGPT capabilities. While it has been speculated that Google’s AI models could be part of Apple Intelligence since the unveiling of its AI platform, Cook did not specify any collaborators. Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman has provided clearer insights into the future of Apple Intelligence, asserting that the forthcoming Siri update will “rely” on a tailored iteration of Gemini that Apple has teamed up with Google to develop. If this assertion holds true, and Gurman’s reports are generally reliable, Apple Intelligence may soon facilitate additional third-party AI models while also providing the refreshed Siri experience that Apple showcased back at WWDC 2024.

Gurman cited Apple’s ambitions for 2026, stating that “the journey ahead will be challenging,” as the revamped Siri will be a significant priority for the organization. “Apple is making a substantial investment in the new Siri, which will utilize Google’s Gemini model and bring features such as AI-enhanced web search,” Gurman remarked.

The report specifies that the advanced Siri is anticipated to arrive in March or April of next year, aligning with new Apple product launches. Apple will unveil its inaugural smart display in both speaker-base and wall-mounted formats. The expansion of smart home products will persist with further releases later next year, including Apple’s first security cameras. Apple is advancing “full speed ahead on smart glasses,” which may be showcased as soon as the end of next year. These devices stand to gain from an integrated AI assistant with broadened functionalities, such as the new Siri.

What about Gemini integration in Apple Intelligence?

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Android’s Latest Feature Improves the Capabilities of Always-On Display

Android’s AOD is becoming interactive.

(Image credit: Nicholas Sutrich / Android Central)

Essential information

  • Google’s upcoming significant update may bring “Min Mode,” an extensive redesign that changes the AOD from a fixed clock to a dynamic, app-based interface.
  • Min Mode allows apps to display simplified, low-energy interfaces directly on the AOD without waking the screen fully.
  • Initial code indicates that Maps will utilize Min Mode for live turn-by-turn navigation in a minimalist, monochrome format that only works in portrait orientation.

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Meta Quest Issue Impacting Users for Several Months Could Finally Be Fixed

Seamless multitasking has officially exited beta, representing a notable achievement for Meta Quest 2 and 3 headset users. In recent months, a persistent “low memory” bug has plagued users, resulting in unexpected game crashes. This problem, associated with the experimental “seamless multitasking” feature, has been rectified in the latest firmware v83 update.

In the past, this feature permitted users to operate floating windows while engaging in VR games, improving the Quest’s capabilities to mimic a PC VR experience. However, it inadvertently caused memory leaks, causing frustration for users since its rollout in February’s v74 update.

With the launch of firmware v83, seamless multitasking has been incorporated into the primary UI, called Navigator, and is now officially non-experimental. Initial assessments suggest that the update fixes the memory issue, enabling users to relish uninterrupted gaming experiences even when multiple applications are active.

Although further testing is required to verify the bug’s fix, the update is anticipated to be available to all users by November. In the meantime, tools like Quest Games Optimizer can help manage system stability. Users are urged to share their experiences with the new update to ensure the issue is entirely resolved.

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Samsung Galaxy A57 Model Identifier Verified in Testing Firmware

The development of Samsung’s next model following the Galaxy A56 is currently underway.

(Image credit: Apoorva Bhardwaj / Android Central)

Essential Information

  • The Samsung Galaxy A57 has been spotted on the company’s internal testing servers for the first time.
  • This discovery indicates that the midrange device is in development, marking the second instance of the Galaxy A57’s model number being observed.
  • To date, only the international model numbers have surfaced, leaving the U.S. release of the Galaxy A57 uncertain.

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New AI Summaries in Play Store Improve App Discovery Effectiveness

Get the essence of any application in mere seconds with Play Store’s updated AI summaries.

(Image credit: Andrew Myrick / Android Central)

Essential information

  • Google is implementing AI-generated review summaries on the Play Store, summarizing app evaluations into a quick paragraph that showcases the most frequent advantages and disadvantages.
  • Google’s AI gathers both commendations and criticisms—such as sleek interface but sporadic crashes—into a straightforward, impartial overview.
  • Topic buttons presented as chips beneath the summary enable users to examine reviews regarding performance, design, or reliability.

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Google Introduces AI-Created Television Advertisements for New AI Feature in Search

Curious about what Veo 3 is capable of? You can view Google’s newest television advertisement to learn more.

(Image credit: Android Central)

Key Information

  • The inaugural AI-generated advertisement from Google is now airing on television, in cinemas, and across social media.
  • This advertisement highlights Google’s Search AI Mode as a tool for planning and reserving your vacation travel.
  • <li The promo was created using Google's Veo 3 video generation technology, and it’s available for viewing now.


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Indie App Highlight: ‘Dropla’ – A Resource for Managing Files Across Various Applications

# Indie App Spotlight: Dropla – Your Universal File Shelf for iPad

Welcome to the Indie App Spotlight, a weekly feature by 9to5Mac that showcases cutting-edge applications from the indie app ecosystem. This week, we are thrilled to present **Dropla**, a multifunctional iPad app crafted to optimize file management and improve multitasking.

## What is Dropla?

Dropla is an iPad application that functions as a temporary repository for your files, resembling a universal clipboard but tailored for file management. It utilizes the iPad’s multitasking features, permitting users to seamlessly drop and organize files across various applications.

## Top Features

### Universal Temporary File Space

A key highlight of Dropla is its capability to act as a universal temporary file space. This feature is especially beneficial for users frequently transitioning between different apps, as it streamlines the act of dragging and dropping files.

### Project Organization

Dropla surpasses basic file management by providing project organization tools. Users can select from a kanban board or grid layout to outline workflows involving multiple files, facilitating project visualization and management.

### Multiple Workspaces

The application supports the creation of several workspaces, allowing users to arrange their dropped files according to distinct contexts. This functionality is perfect for individuals managing various projects or tasks at once.

### Intelligent File Handling

Dropla smartly manages the files you input. For example, if you drop an email, it will reopen in the mail application, and PDFs will launch in Quick Look for effortless editing. This seamless integration boosts the user experience and conserves time.

## Who Should Use Dropla?

If you are an avid iPad multitasker frequently handling a multitude of files, Dropla is an essential app to explore. Its user-friendly design and robust features make it a vital tool for anyone seeking to enhance their productivity on the iPad.

## Download the App

Dropla is accessible on the

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15-Inch MacBook Air Promotion Presents Appealing Upgrade Chance

### unbeatable offers on the 15-inch M3 MacBook Air

As each new Apple product is unveiled, attractive offers gradually emerge, and the MacBook series is no different. The most appealing deals are typically found once a model is no longer the newest on the market, and at present, there’s an irresistible offer on the 15-inch M3 MacBook Air that’s tough to overlook. After it runs out, it’s unlikely there will be any more.

Apple introduced the new M4 MacBook Air in March, and since then, retailers have been working to clear out stock of older M3 models. Generally, they’ve managed to remove most of them, but there’s still one remaining model – and it’s quite a steal.

Recently, the 15-inch M3 MacBook Air with 512GB of storage and 24GB of unified memory has been available at an exceptionally low price: **$1125**.

To put this in context, that price undercuts the retail price of the basic M4 15-inch MacBook Air, which comes with half the storage and less unified memory. To achieve the same configuration with an M4 chip, you’d need to spend $400 more directly from Apple.

Admittedly, there are discounts on that model too – making the M4 version $275 more. Nonetheless, saving $275 is still a significant amount. Additionally, having a larger display on a laptop is an advantage that can often be overlooked.

### M3 vs M4

What exactly do you sacrifice with the M3 model?

The most noticeable drawback will be the webcam quality. The M4 MacBook Air features a 12MP Ultra Wide camera with Center Stage, while the M3 model includes a standard 1080p webcam. You also benefit from Thunderbolt 4 support with the M4 model, whereas the M3 only has USB 4.

The key distinction here is that the M4 model can support two external displays while the MacBook remains open, whereas the M3 model requires the lid to be closed in order to use two external displays. If only one external display is needed, the model you choose won’t matter much.

And naturally, the M3 chip will lag slightly in speed. M4 chips are about 10-20% quicker than M3 chips. Furthermore, M5 has been introduced in the base model 14-inch MacBook Pro, which is an additional 15% faster than the M4.

### Why This Model

First and foremost – extra storage is always beneficial. A 256GB capacity can be pretty limited for many users, and this deal gives you double that storage.

The larger advantage, however, lies in the unified memory. Whether you’re a heavy Chrome user, a developer, a college student, or a creative professional – more memory is always a significant benefit.

If you’re keen on running AI models on your device, having 24GB is also incredibly useful. With the recent launch of the GPT-OSS model, outputs are noticeably quicker with more memory, even though they claim to function well on a 16GB device.

Overall, this MacBook is an exceptional all-round machine. It boasts up to 18 hours of battery life thanks to Apple silicon, Apple Intelligence support, a bright 500 nit display, and outstanding speakers. If you’re interested in grabbing this fantastic offer, you can find it on Amazon for **$1125**.

It’s available in Space Gray, though you can also choose it in Midnight for an additional $75.

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