Month: December 2025

Google Maps Brings Back Previously Discontinued Feature for Winter Season

the Google Maps functionality after it ceased the feature the previous year.

“We received feedback from numerous users who regretted the absence of ski details on Google Maps, so we’re reintroducing ski lifts and trails this winter,” a Google representative informed Powder. “You will notice current ski information starting with well-known resorts across North America and Europe.” Interestingly, this stands in contrast to the rationale provided by Google last October when it turned off the feature. “Over the years, we’ve discovered that the majority of users do not rely on Google Maps for this sort of information, opting instead for maps directly from the specific ski resorts, as they are perceived to be the most credible source of this data,” a Google Maps product manager explained to an individual who raised questions about the modification. “Consequently, we have been in the midst of eliminating this data from Maps, which you may have already observed.”

Ski enthusiasts dissatisfied with Google’s choice initiated at least one petition urging the company to restore the feature. Close to 3,000 individuals signed one of these petitions. It remains uncertain if this particular petition influenced Google’s decision, but the company acknowledged the sentiment.

Ski trails and lifts in Google Maps

Arrange Your Battery Drawer with This Useful Dollar Tree Fix

declutter your tech space. Dollar Tree provides sets of drawer organizers that can help sort different batteries, making them simpler to find and enhancing the overall neatness.

Be aware that the stock of specific Dollar Tree items may differ by location, and these products, at these prices, were available at the time of writing. You can purchase directly from Dollar Tree’s website for delivery, or you can check for availability at local stores. Dollar Tree has 9,000 locations throughout the United States and Canada, making it convenient to visit and discover great items for DIY home organization.

Utilizing Dollar Tree containers for organizing drawers

Google Strives to Streamline Satellite Connectivity on Android Devices

Early indications in Google’s Android Canary environment imply that enhancements are being made for an improved satellite experience.

What you should know:
– An Android leak after a recent Canary build indicates that Google aims to broaden the usability of the OS for satellite connections.
– A “Satellite” Quick Settings tile was observed, simplifying access for users with plans that support this feature, along with a “Satellite apps” menu.
– T-Mobile’s T-Satellite service launched “Satellite-ready” applications this fall, supporting platforms like X, AccuWeather, WhatsApp, and others.

Google has been identified testing a forthcoming feature that all of Android may utilize, potentially addressing satellite connectivity directly.

Mishaal Rahman for Android Authority reported a pair of newly developing features within a recent Android Canary build. As per the findings, Google is set to introduce improved satellite connectivity management for applications and mobile services. Rahman notes that Google’s code hints at a “Satellite apps” inclusion within the overall satellite connectivity settings.

While the standard (previously supported) applications are mentioned here, Rahman detected other apps such as X (formerly Twitter), Snapchat, AccuWeather, and Google Weather.

In another note, Rahman observed that the Android Canary build is gearing up for a “Satellite” Quick Settings tile. The tile appears to operate similarly to your internet or Bluetooth tiles; however, Rahman’s testing showed “Satellite” as “not available.” Although this isn’t completely unusual, given the way it was uncovered, a deeper inspection of the early code indicates that this tile signifies the support of your mobile plan.

Rahman suggests that Google will apply a similar UI behavior to its satellite apps list as well. For this purpose, the company will heavily weigh LTE or NB-based satellite plans. The report mentions that the latter is less capable of handling bandwidth for text and voice communications. Development is still in progress, so this may not be seen until a future Android release.

Connected in the shadows

It’s undeniable that cellular service providers have entered the satellite arena, as T-Mobile did with its T-Satellite service this summer. This service provided connectivity to users subscribing to its supported plan for MMS messages, including images, GIFs, videos, and audio files. Downloading files such as an image or GIF was reported to take a minute or two, while videos could take up to 20 minutes to transmit.

T-Mobile’s MMS support complements SMS for standard text messages. The company indicated that there would be additional advancements for its satellite service, which became evident in October. T-Satellite introduced “Satellite-ready” applications for Android and iOS users. Apps like WhatsApp, X (Formerly Twitter), AccuWeather, and others are available over its T-Satellite network, keeping users informed when their cell signal is lost.

Pixel 9 users reported access to T-Mobile satellite service earlier this year, and Spectrum and Xfinity users received texting support in March. Most recently, the European carrier, Orange, provided a short exclusive satellite connectivity window for the Pixel 9 and 10 in November.

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Sony WH-1000XM5 Headphones Now Offered at All-Time Low Price

Although they belong to the previous generation, the Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones remain a formidable choice. If you’re searching for an excellent headphone bargain for the festive season, there are several noteworthy options to consider. For instance, Amazon has reduced the price of the Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones by 38%, resulting in a discount of $152 on our top recommendation for the best wireless headphones available. This price drop makes it the lowest these headphones have ever been offered, bringing them under $250, a range where they are highly competitive against other choices.

Certainly, these headphones are from the last generation, but given their significantly lower price than the Sony WH-1000XM6 model and their impressive audio performance, they still perform admirably. With the WH-1000XM5s, users enjoy active noise cancellation, extended battery life, several integrated microphones for excellent call quality, and spacious speaker cups that are favored by most consumers.

This offer is available in Black, Midnight Blue, or White, all of which come equipped with a robust processing module for adaptive noise cancellation utilizing the microphone setup. Additionally, they boast fast charging, touch controls, and simple customization through Sony’s mobile application.

If you don’t require the expensive enhancements featured in the next-generation WH-1000XM6 headphones, these are a solid alternative at this reduced price, offering various immersive listening modes, wear detection, an included carrying case, and more.

✅Recommended if: you seek a fantastic deal on a potent pair of noise-cancelling headphones and are unconcerned about their last-generation status; you need a strong ANC profile that adjusts to your environment utilizing a broad array of built-in speakers; you want over-ear headphones with comfortable speaker cups for prolonged listening, alongside a long battery life and quick charging.

❌Skip this deal if: you would rather upgrade to the latest-generation model for access to additional microphones and a revamped audio profile, provided your budget allows; you prefer headphones with smaller speaker cups; you want headphones you can listen to while they are charging.

The Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones are our top choice in the wireless headphone category for a variety of reasons. Primarily, their regular price is more accessible for many compared to the newer WH-1000XM6s, while still providing powerful, adaptive ANC, spatial audio, and user-friendly touch controls, making them enjoyable to operate.

According to Sony, these headphones can deliver up to 30 hours of playback on a single charge, while fast charging via the USB-C port can restore up to 3 hours of battery in just 3 minutes. They also feature straightforward customization and EQ settings through the Sony Sound Connect app, alongside 360 Reality Audio and effortless access to digital voice assistants such as Siri and Google Assistant.

Overall, it appears quite difficult to make a poor choice with these, especially given the current price point.

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Apple TV’s New Psychological Thriller Announces Premiere Date

**Imperfect Women Debuts on March 18, 2026**

The official Apple TV account on X has announced the launch date for its eagerly awaited psychological thriller, *Imperfect Women*, set to premiere on March 18, 2026. The series boasts an impressive cast, featuring Leslie Odom Jr., Elisabeth Moss, Kerry Washington, Kate Mara, Joel Kinnaman, and Corey Stoll.

This limited series centers on three lifelong friends whose close relationship is dramatically challenged following a shocking crime that alters their lives. The storyline is expected to explore the intricacies of friendship and the effects of trauma as the investigation into the murder uncovers uncomfortable revelations.

Lesli Linka Glatter, famed for her contributions to *The West Wing*, and Jet Wilkinson, known for *The Chi*, have been confirmed as directors for the project. *Imperfect Women* is based on the novel of the same title by Arminta Hall.

After its premiere, new episodes will be made available weekly, wrapping up on April 29, 2026. Apple has also released the first promotional image showcasing the lead actresses, Moss, Washington, and Mara.

Apple TV+ offers subscriptions for $12.99 a month and features a range of award-winning shows and films, such as *F1 The Movie*, *Severance*, and *The Morning Show*.

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Upcoming iPhone Capabilities, Launch of iOS 26.2, and Apple Music Integration with ChatGPT

**iOS 26.2 Release and Upcoming Developments: Takeaways from 9to5Mac Happy Hour**

As the technology sector prepares for the late-year public debut of iOS 26.2, Benjamin Mayo and Chance Miller from 9to5Mac explore the new updates and upcoming opportunities in their latest podcast episode. The conversation not only emphasizes the near release of iOS 26.2 but also signals the start of the beta phase for iOS 26.3, promising thrilling new features and enhancements.

### Main Takeaways from the Podcast

1. **iOS 26.2 Release**: The highly awaited public launch of iOS 26.2 is poised to introduce a variety of upgrades to Apple devices, with an emphasis on user experience and performance enhancements.

2. **iOS 26.3 Beta Phase**: Following the release of iOS 26.2, the beta phase for iOS 26.3 has commenced, enabling developers and eager users to explore upcoming features and share their feedback.

3. **iPhone Development Insights**: Recent insights from The Information provide details on Apple’s future iPhone strategies, suggesting groundbreaking designs and functionalities that may transform user engagement with their devices.

4. **Integration of ChatGPT with Apple Music**: A significant advancement is the smart integration of ChatGPT with Apple Music, which could boost user interaction and offer tailored music recommendations.

5. **Experimentation with PSVR2 and Vision Pro**: Chance discusses his experience utilizing the PSVR2 spatial controllers with Apple’s Vision Pro, examining the prospects for immersive interactions across platforms.

### Additional Content

For those interested in deeper discussions, the podcast provides a subscription option called **9to5Mac Happy Hour Plus**. Subscribers receive ad-free episodes, exclusive pre- and post-show material, and bonus episodes for a small fee. This service not only supports the hosts directly but also enhances the listener experience.

### Feedback and Community Involvement

Listeners are invited to connect with the hosts by sending in questions or feedback through social media channels like Twitter, Mastodon, and Threads, or by reaching out via email at [email protected]. This engagement nurtures a community of Apple lovers eager to exchange insights and inquiries.

### Conclusion

The 9to5Mac Happy Hour podcast remains an essential resource for Apple enthusiasts, offering timely updates and expert commentary on the latest happenings in the Apple ecosystem. As the launch of iOS 26.2 draws near, the anticipation surrounding Apple’s innovations is tangible, with many excited to see how these advancements will influence the future of their devices.

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Current Offers: AirPods Pro 3 at $199, $250 Discount on 24GB M5 MacBook Pro, $200 Discount on M3 iPad Air, Black Trail Loop, and Additional Items

### Apple Deals: Highlights from the Super Saturday Sale

As the festive season draws near, Amazon has kicked off a Super Saturday sale event, showcasing substantial discounts on a range of Apple items. This article underscores some of the top deals available, including AirPods Pro 3, various MacBook models, iPad Air, and more.

#### AirPods Pro 3 for $199

Amazon has reintroduced the AirPods Pro 3 at a record-low price of **$199**, making it an enticing choice for those aiming to buy these high-end earbuds prior to Christmas. Initially priced at **$249**, this offer provides a **$50 discount**. The AirPods Pro 3 have had few discounts since their launch, making this one of the finest deals accessible. Most customers can anticipate delivery before Christmas, turning it into a timely gifting option.

#### Discounts on MacBook Pro Models

Beyond the AirPods, Amazon is providing impressive reductions on MacBook Pro models. The following offers are currently available:

– **M5 MacBook Pro**: $250 discount
– **M4 MacBook Pro (24GB RAM)**: $350 discount
– **M4 Max**: Discounts of up to $400

These reductions offer a fantastic chance for those searching for a new laptop, particularly as the holiday season is in full swing.

#### M3 iPad Air Deals at Target

Target is presently featuring the **M3 iPad Air** at an outstanding discount of **$200 off**. The most economical configurations, including both 11-inch and 13-inch options, are now available at heavily reduced rates. For example, the 128GB 11-inch model is priced at **$399.99**, reduced from $599, resulting in a **$199 saving**. This deal ranks among the best seen this season, representing a prime opportunity for shoppers.

#### Charging and Accessory Offers

The sale also encompasses a variety of accessories and charging products:

– **Retinal 2K Ring Wired Doorbell Plus**: $144
– **Anker 25,000mAh Power Bank**: $88
– **Baseus 3-in-1 USB-C Cable**: $10

These products enhance the main Apple product deals, providing extra options for holiday gifting.

#### iPad Pro Discounts at Costco

Costco is providing notable discounts on the **M4 iPad Pro** models, with price cuts reaching up to **$699**. The 256GB Wi-Fi + Cellular variant is available for **$899.99**, while the 512GB model is priced at **$999.99**. These offers are among the best currently accessible and are likely to draw interest from buyers looking for high-performance tablets.

### Conclusion

The Super Saturday sale at Amazon, alongside additional promotions from Target and Costco, presents a superb opportunity for consumers to acquire Apple products at reduced prices. With the holiday season on the horizon, these deals come at a perfect time for anyone seeking to gift premium tech products.

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AI’s Influence on Increasing Computer Expenses: Grasping the Factors

ChatGPT processes over 2.5 billion queries daily. It boasts more than 700 million users each week, a remarkable achievement given that ChatGPT isn’t the sole contender—there are also Claude, Gemini, Mistral, Perplexity, Grok, and countless others. As we integrate AI further into our everyday activities, from seeking information online to executing various tasks, AI firms must ensure their infrastructure meets the seemingly endless demand.

This is the reason behind the substantial investments flowing into AI companies, with billions allocated for AI-related infrastructure. This entails acquiring more hardware to facilitate AI workloads, from advanced graphics processing units (GPUs) provided by companies such as Nvidia to increased memory and storage. After all, AI hardware remains a computer at its core, simply more powerful to address the processing requirements of AI tasks.

While the large-scale investments in AI infrastructure benefit these firms, they pose challenges for consumers. It is leading to rising costs for personal computers. In case you haven’t noticed, RAM prices have skyrocketed in recent weeks. So much so that CyberPowerPC, a prominent manufacturer of gaming PCs and workstations, declared on X that they will revise their pricing to align with the surge in RAM and storage expenses.

How AI is causing memory and storage costs to soar

Rivian Launches Software Update 2025.46 Introducing Universal Hands-Free Driving and Digital Key Compatibility for Apple and Android Users

**Rivian’s 2025.46 Software Update: Major Features and Improvements**

Rivian has recently introduced its most recent over-the-air software update, version 2025.46, presenting several thrilling features for its R1 vehicle lineup. This update comes in the wake of the company’s AI and Autonomy event, where Rivian highlighted its progress in autonomous driving technology and vehicle functionalities.

### Major Features of the 2025.46 Update

1. **Universal Hands-Free Driving**:
A prominent feature of the 2025.46 update is the launch of Universal Hands-Free driving for Gen 2 R1 owners. This functionality permits drivers to engage in hands-free driving on nearly any road with well-defined lane markings. However, it is crucial to understand that this is not a completely autonomous feature, as it does not handle stops at traffic signals or stop signs.

2. **Enhanced Drive Styles**:
Rivian is also introducing three new Drive Styles for its assisted driving features, allowing users to choose their desired level of driving assistance:
– **Mild**: Provides a relaxed driving experience with gradual lane adjustments.
– **Medium**: Balances sensitivity with traffic patterns.
– **Spicy**: Delivers a dynamic driving experience with shorter gap distances and swifter steering.

3. **Digital Key Feature**:
The update brings forth a Digital Key functionality for Gen 2 R1 owners, allowing them to integrate their vehicle key into digital wallets on devices like iPhones, Apple Watches, Google Pixels, and Samsung gadgets. This feature improves convenience and facilitates easy vehicle access sharing with family and friends.

4. **Driver Display Customization**:
Gen 2 drivers can now toggle between various views on the Driver Display, including an Autonomy view that displays nearby lanes and vehicles, as well as a Maps and Navigation view. Gen 1 drivers have comparable options, providing a more personalized driving experience.

5. **RAD Tuner for R1 Quad Owners**:
The update features a new tuner screen for R1 Quad owners, created by the Rivian Adventure Department (RAD). This functionality allows drivers to fine-tune their vehicle’s performance beyond factory settings, adjusting aspects such as acceleration, torque distribution, and stability.

6. **Kick Turns**:
Another groundbreaking feature introduced in the update is the capability to execute Kick Turns. This function enables the vehicle to make tighter turns in off-road scenarios at low speeds by managing power and tire traction, improving maneuverability.

### Future Developments

Rivian intends to extend its Enhanced Highway Assist ADAS to accommodate Universal Hands-Free driving across over 3.5 million miles of roads in the US and Canada, with availability anticipated to commence in early 2026. The deployment of the 2025.46 update represents a significant stride toward this ambition.

### Conclusion

The 2025.46 software update from Rivian signifies a notable enhancement in the capabilities of its electric vehicles, improving user experience with new functionalities and better driving assistance. As Rivian continues to push boundaries, the automotive sector is set for thrilling advancements in electric and autonomous driving technologies.

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Critics Share Consistent Worries in Evaluations of “Avatar: Fire And Ash”

“Avatar: Fire and Ash” is set to debut in theaters globally this Friday, although the much-awaited sequel will have early previews on Thursday. Fans of the “Avatar” franchise are likely to view the film in cinemas regardless of what the reviews might say about the third part. Yet, movie enthusiasts who prefer to watch films in theaters only after perusing reviews and online feedback might want to think about waiting for this film to be available on-demand and on Disney Plus, instead of enduring the 3-hour-and-17-minute action-filled narrative in theaters. 

Some critics who were present at the “Avatar: Fire and Ash” premiere expressed discontent with the narrative decisions made by James Cameron. Many believe “Avatar 3” feels too repetitive, even though the vast world of Pandora remains visually stunning. The plot lacks strength, and the dialogue can come across as mediocre. Having seen the first two films in theaters, I understand why critiques may be harsher regarding James Cameron’s latest “Avatar” chapter. We have moved well beyond the initial “Avatar” film, released in 2009, which provided a sensory overload. 

Debuting as a 3D feature, still a relatively novel idea at the time, “Avatar” amazed viewers with the exquisitely crafted world conceived by Cameron. Pandora was alive with vibrant colors and peculiar creatures at every turn, and the Na’vi’s struggle against humans was secondary to all this. I was able to overlook the plot to appreciate the sci-fi universe and the visual effects. Cameron expanded the exploration of Pandora in “Avatar: The Way of Water” in 2022. Audiences remained in awe of Pandora’s splendor while following the tale of Jake (Sam Worthington), Neytiri (Zoe Saldaña), and their ongoing battles against familiar enemies.

Reactions from critics on Avatar: Fire and Ash

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