utilize the USB-C port on your phone to stream Netflix on your television. Additionally, with numerous phone accessories embracing the USB-C port, you can enhance your mobile device’s capabilities even further. Gadgets such as a portable SSD, compact projector, credit card reader, gaming controller, and thermal imaging camera can demonstrate precisely how to optimize your phone’s USB-C port.
There’s a limit to the number of files that can be stored on your phone these days. If you’re a passionate photographer or frequently deal with large files, you may find your phone storage running out more quickly than expected. This is why having an external storage solution like the SanDisk 1TB Extreme Portable SSD is a smart choice.
With a generous capacity of 1TB, this portable SSD by SanDisk utilizes USB 3.2 Gen 2 technology, delivering read speeds that reach up to 1,050MBps and
Read More### Today’s 9to5Toys Lunch Break Deals Summary
The most recent offers from 9to5Toys showcase substantial price reductions on Apple devices, such as the M4 MacBook Air, M5 MacBook Pro, and M4 iPad Pro, along with a variety of accessories. As Black Friday pricing returns, shoppers have the chance to benefit from these time-sensitive deals.
#### M4 MacBook Air Price Cuts
Amazon has brought back Black Friday deals on the M4 MacBook Air series, providing $250 off on all configurations. This includes both the 13-inch and 15-inch variants offered in assorted colors. The return of these savings follows a short promotion at Best Buy that included a gift card offer. Stock levels are solid, making this an ideal moment for potential buyers to acquire their chosen model ahead of the holiday festivities.
#### M5 MacBook Pro Discounts
Alongside the MacBook Air, Amazon has replenished the M5 MacBook Pro inventory with a $250 discount. The base model, equipped with 16GB of RAM and a 512GB SSD, is now priced at $1,349. This pricing aligns with the best deals observed during Black Friday, presenting an appealing option for those interested in Apple’s newest offerings.
#### M4 Mac Mini Discount
For individuals in search of a more robust desktop solution, Amazon has slashed the price of the 24GB M4 Mac mini by $110, reducing it to $889.99. This configuration is suitable for users needing additional RAM for resource-intensive applications, ensuring durability and performance for future requirements.
#### iPad Pro Discounts at Costco
Costco is providing significant discounts on the M4 iPad Pro models, with savings up to $699 off. The 256GB Wi-Fi + Cellular version is priced at $899.99, while the 512GB model is available for $999.99. These offers represent some of the lowest prices for these devices, particularly as they are being discontinued in favor of newer models.
#### Accessory Price Reductions
The promotions also extend to accessories, which are experiencing notable price reductions. In particular, Apple’s 25W Qi2.2 MagSafe Charger is currently offered for $29.99, making it a useful addition to any Apple device collection. This charger supports the latest magnetic charging technology, ensuring compatibility with various devices.
### Conclusion
With the holiday season nearing, these promotions present a fantastic chance for consumers to buy top-quality Apple devices at lower costs. Whether in search of a laptop, desktop, tablet, or accessories, the current deals meet a range of needs and preferences.
Read More**Apple Music Lacks Spotify’s ChatGPT Integration And That’s A Concern**
In a recent Substack article, OpenAI’s Applications CEO, Fidji Simo, addressed the development of ChatGPT from a text-centric service to a more user-friendly and interconnected platform. This evolution includes incorporating third-party applications like Booking, Canva, Coursera, Expedia, Figma, Spotify, and Zillow. While Apple Music was first highlighted as a prospective ChatGPT partner, this mention was subsequently removed, indicating that the partnership may still be in progress.
OpenAI serves as a crucial collaborator for Apple, being the exclusive third-party model that can boost Apple Intelligence. By integrating ChatGPT with Apple Intelligence, Siri’s functions are enhanced, enabling it to undertake tasks such as refining writing tools, responding to inquiries, and generating images. The expected integration with Apple Music might improve song recommendations, increasing the service’s competitiveness.
**Spotify’s ChatGPT Integration: A Benchmark for Apple Music**
Spotify’s ChatGPT integration is smooth and effortless. Users can pair their accounts to obtain tailored recommendations and playlists. This functionality enables users to create playlists based on particular prompts and fine-tune suggestions by mood, genre, or activity. Although Spotify’s algorithm is quite strong, the inclusion of ChatGPT brings a dimension of interactivity that could greatly benefit Apple Music, which is currently lacking in AI-enhanced features.
**ChatGPT: The Siri We Desired**
Apple Music has advanced its algorithm and curated playlists throughout the years, but it still does not measure up to Spotify. ChatGPT’s potential integration could remedy this by comprehending user tastes and delivering superior recommendations. Interacting with ChatGPT in natural discussions about musical preferences could assist users in uncovering new artists and tracks, enriching the Apple Music journey.
ChatGPT has evolved into a vital resource for iPhone users, and its integration with Apple Music could offer subscribers a more sophisticated algorithm and enhanced service. BGR will keep users posted once this collaboration is formally announced and provide advice on how to optimize its advantages.
Read Moreplanning to introduce CarPlay in some form into its vehicles, Rivian’s CEO and founder RJ Scaringe remains adamant that his company will never incorporate a layer of CarPlay into its vehicles. In fact, he even playfully commented on Tesla’s possible concession. Throughout the years, numerous automakers have fluctuated between supporting and abandoning CarPlay, yet Tesla and Rivian have -– for the time being -– upheld their stance of steering clear of CarPlay in favor of delivering a “superior” experience with their own hardware and software.
Nevertheless, that doesn’t imply Rivian is disregarding Apple’s technologies entirely. The automaker has incorporated Apple Music and, more recently, revealed iPhone Car Key support for the second generation of its vehicles, enabling owners to use their iPhone to unlock the vehicle’s doors or ignite the engine. Although Rivian continues to attract Apple enthusiasts with new features, CarPlay remains unattainable. However, Rivian customers appear to be relatively unbothered.
When envisioning the ideal soundstage, or essentially the zenith of flawless audio, the setting you’re likely imagining is not typically found within a vehicle. While high-end vehicle audio systems deliver impressive sound quality, a room—specifically, a rectangular space equipped with optimal gear—provides the best acoustics. The crux of the matter is that there’s a greater area for sound waves to reverberate in a room compared to the confines of your standard vehicle cabin. Nonetheless, a groundbreaking speaker system from Warwick Acoustics is set to completely redefine that traditional understanding. Warwick’s innovation has the ability to generate an “unmatched soundstage,” featuring authentic 3D surround sound.
The majority of speakers, including the wireless models designed for true audio enthusiasts, utilize a cone-like dynamic mechanism. In contrast, the Warwick Acoustics speaker is almost flat. These enhanced attributes are made possible through an innovative design. Known as electrostatic speakers, a flat diaphragm is sandwiched between two perforated metal plates. These plates function as electrodes, with the diaphragm receiving an electrical charge. As the audio signal is conveyed to the speaker, it creates an electrostatic field that mobilizes the diaphragm. However, when compared to traditional dynamic speakers with their conical structure, Warwick’s design is thinner and significantly lighter—about 90% less in weight. These speakers also emit distinctive sound waves, contributing to the perception that the sound is emanating from a greater distance.
What causes the Warwick electrostatic speakers to sound distant?
Sound waves tend to flatten as they propagate, generating areas of compression and rarefaction, much like ripples formed on the surface of disturbed water. The responsiveness of these waves shapes your perception of the sound source or the path it took. This is similar to the audio production of standard speakers that utilize conical shapes. Their waves disperse and flatten to create a sense of directionality. However, within a vehicle, those waves have limited travel, especially before they reach your ears, which results in a consistently close sound.
Warwick Acoustics’ electrostatic speakers generate flat sound waves. “This can be perceived as a sound originating from a greater distance,” explains Ian Hubbard, the company’s chief commercial officer. The nearly flat waves create the illusion of being in a larger venue with expansive acoustics, simulating sound that appears to come from as far away as 30 meters (98 feet). This is akin to how soundbars—such as the new Marshall Heston 60—deliver loud, high-fidelity audio within compact designs.
In addition, the speed and precision of the electrostatic speakers offer another advantage. Hubbard notes that their performance minimizes the necessity of manipulating audio “through digital methods,” making them smaller, more affordable, and requiring less energy for the “digital signal processing (DSP) components.” In essence, they are capable of delivering more while consuming less. Their slim profile allows for installation in headrests, seat materials, above the dashboard, and within the doors.
The speakers are constructed without rare earth elements, relying instead on sustainable upcycled and recycled components. Warwick claims that they are set to debut in a “global luxury car manufacturer,” with a launch planned for 2026. In the meantime, you can always pick up a pair of premium headphones for audiophiles to enjoy music wherever you may roam.
Read MoreThe OnePlus 15R has garnered mixed feedback, earning a 3 out of 5 stars rating from Android Central. It features a vibrant AMOLED display, excellent battery longevity, commendable performance, and noteworthy water resistance; however, it also has multiple shortcomings. The omission of a dedicated telephoto lens and lackluster camera capabilities are major disadvantages, particularly in light of the $100 price hike compared to its predecessor, the 13R. The design is labeled as uninspired, and the lack of a 16GB RAM variant is yet another shortcoming. In summary, the OnePlus 15R appears to lack the value and overall superiority that earlier R series models provided, making the 13R a more attractive choice for those in search of a budget-friendly smartphone.
Read More### The Privacy Implications of Social Media Contact Access
Numerous social media applications ask for permission to access your contacts, assuring you that it will assist in connecting with friends who are already on the platform. Nonetheless, this procedure brings forth considerable privacy issues, as it entails sharing not just your data but also the personal information of your contacts without their approval.
#### Understanding the Risks
By allowing a social media application to access your contacts, you are essentially sharing an extensive database of personal details. This can create unease for users who may prefer their online presence to remain private among those in their contact list. Moreover, individuals within your contacts might be unaware that their information is being disclosed, raising ethical questions about consent.
#### Changes in Privacy Practices
To address these worries, companies like Apple have taken steps to improve privacy. For example, Apple has launched a feature that enables users to grant selective access to their contacts, transitioning from the earlier all-or-nothing method. Despite these advancements, the core issue of consent still lacks resolution.
#### Bluesky’s Privacy-First Approach
Bluesky, a social media platform, asserts its commitment to a privacy-first strategy regarding contact access. The platform recognizes that while importing contacts is a useful way to locate friends, it has frequently been mishandled or abused by other services. Bluesky strives to lessen these threats by adopting a more secure framework.
#### Key Features of Bluesky’s Approach
1. **Mutual Participation**: Users will only be matched with contacts if both individuals have opted into the “Find Friends” feature and have each other’s numbers saved. This guarantees that people cannot be discovered unless they have agreed to it.
2. **Phone Number Verification**: Prior to any matching taking place, users must confirm ownership of their phone number. This measure is essential to prevent malicious users from entering random numbers to collect information.
3. **Data Protection**: Bluesky utilizes sophisticated encryption methods, storing phone numbers as hashed pairs. This approach significantly complicates any efforts to reverse-engineer the data, thereby improving user safety.
4. **Opt-Out Option**: Users have the option to delete their uploaded contacts and disengage from the feature at any moment, granting them authority over their information.
#### Potential Downsides
A potential limitation of Bluesky’s approach is that the platform does not keep or monitor phone numbers. Consequently, users might receive text invitations from friends to join the service, even if they are existing members. While this may be regarded as a nuisance, many users might view it as a minor sacrifice for improved privacy safeguards.
### Conclusion
As social media platforms keep evolving, the equilibrium between connectivity and privacy remains a vital concern. Bluesky’s strategy underscores the significance of consent and data protection in the modern era, providing a framework that emphasizes user privacy while still enabling connections.
Read More# Apple Watch Ultra 3 and Series 11: Innovations in Display Technology with watchOS 26
Apple persists in advancing the smartwatch arena with the launch of the Apple Watch Ultra 3 and Series 11, both featuring cutting-edge LTPO3 display technology. This advancement not only elevates the visual quality but also boosts energy efficiency, marking a notable enhancement for users.
## LTPO3 Display Technology
The LTPO3 (Low-Temperature Polycrystalline Oxide) displays incorporated in the Apple Watch Ultra 3 and Series 11 facilitate an impressive 1Hz refresh rate. This signifies that the display can refresh every second, as opposed to every minute, in Always-On mode. This aspect is especially advantageous for users who wish to keep a continuously visible seconds hand or digital seconds display, even when their wrist is stationary.
## watchOS 26 Enhancements
With the rollout of watchOS 26, Apple has improved 26 watch faces to fully utilize the 1Hz refresh rate. This upgrade allows for a more lively and interactive interface, as users can experience a ticking seconds hand or a digital seconds display at all times.
### Supported Watch Faces
The following watch faces and applications have been fine-tuned to support the 1Hz refresh rate:
– Activity Analog
– Activity Digital
– California
– Color
– Contour
– Exactograph
– Flux
– GMT
– Hermès Faubourg Party
– Hermès Radial
– Infograph
– Meridian
– Metropolitan
– Modular Ultra
– Nike Analog
– Numerals Mono
– Prime Harmony
– Reflections
– Simple
– Solar Analog
– Stripes
– Typograph
– Utility
– Unity Rhythm
– Wayfinder
– Waypoint
Alongside the watch faces, both the Stopwatch and Timer applications can showcase real-time advancements in Always-On mode, enhancing usability for those who depend on these tools.
## Exclusive Features and Compatibility
It is critical to recognize that certain watch faces are reserved for Hermès or Ultra models. Additionally, the Apple Watch Series 10 also accommodates the 1Hz refresh rate for faces and applications. At the time of the Series 10’s introduction, merely three watch faces were capable of utilizing this feature: Flux, Reflections, and Activity Digital.
## Conclusion
The Apple Watch Ultra 3 and Series 11, integrated with watchOS 26, signify a remarkable progression in smartwatch technology. The sophisticated LTPO3 displays and the revamped watch faces offer users a more captivating and effective experience. As Apple continues to enhance its offerings, these advancements establish a new benchmark for user expectations from their wearable tech.
Read More### The iPhone Air: A Retrospective and a Glimpse Ahead
The iPhone Air, launched by Apple, has been seen as one of the least successful iPhones in the brand’s history. Despite its underwhelming performance, sources reveal that Apple plans to unveil an iPhone Air 2 in 2027, aiming to rectify the flaws of its earlier version.
#### This Year’s iPhone Air
Upon its debut, the iPhone Air was recognized for its immediate availability, sharply contrasting with the backordered status of the iPhone 17 Pro. Follow-up reports confirmed a trend of insufficient demand, with manufacturing orders reportedly scaled back to nearly end-of-production levels. Ultimately, production of the iPhone Air was claimed to have halted entirely. This dip in interest was not unique, as rivals like Samsung encountered difficulties with their Galaxy S25 Edge, prompting other brands to scrap plans for comparable ultra-slim devices.
#### The Two Issues
The main factors leading to the iPhone Air’s lackluster sales were pinpointed as its steep price and restricted camera features. The device was equipped with only a single camera, which was a notable disadvantage compared to the dual and triple camera configurations offered on the iPhone 17 and iPhone 17 Pro, respectively. Furthermore, the iPhone Air’s price was $200 above the base iPhone 17 and merely $100 below the Pro model. This pricing approach likely caused potential buyers to rethink their choices, either leaning towards the more feature-rich Pro model or the more budget-friendly base model.
#### The iPhone Air 2: Possible Fixes
Latest reports indicate that Apple is reassessing the design of the iPhone Air in light of its initial shortcomings. The company is allegedly mulling over the addition of a second camera and lowering the retail price to boost the device’s attractiveness. While these alterations remain under consideration, if executed, they could markedly enhance the market reception of the iPhone Air 2.
#### Conclusion
As Apple gears up for the introduction of the iPhone Air 2 in 2027, tackling the issues that affected its predecessor will be vital. By potentially improving camera features and reevaluating pricing strategies, Apple could regain the interest of consumers who previously bypassed the iPhone Air. The prosperity of the forthcoming model will hinge on its ability to satisfy market demands and resolve the shortcomings of the original device.
Read MoreApple unveiled the initial iOS 26.3 beta this week for iPhone users, concentrating on compatibility between iPhone and Android devices as well as support for third-party smartwatches. Below are the new features brought forth in iOS 26.3.
### iOS 26.3 New Features
#### Android Transfer
An important modification in iOS 26.3 is the new “Transfer to Android” feature, aimed at easing the transition for iPhone users moving to Android devices. This feature was created through a partnership between Apple and Google. The recent Android beta also presents a comparable feature for transferring from Android to iPhone, intending to improve compatibility between the two systems.
Users can start the transfer by placing their Android device next to the iPhone, facilitating a wireless transfer of photos, messages, notes, apps, and more. The user’s phone number can also be moved, but sensitive information such as Health data, Bluetooth devices, and locked notes will not be part of the transfer. Apple and Google are looking to add new data types as beta testing continues.
#### Notification Forwarding
iOS 26.3 launches a “Notification Forwarding” feature that enables iPhone notifications to appear on third-party smartwatches or other wearables. Users can direct notifications to one accessory at a time, with the condition that notifications will not be visible on the Apple Watch while this feature is enabled. This option can be accessed in the “Notifications” menu within the Settings app. Currently, this functionality is restricted to the European Union due to the forthcoming Digital Markets Act regulations.
#### Wallpapers
Apple has implemented slight changes to the wallpapers menu in iOS 26.3, dividing the previous single category for Weather and Astronomy wallpapers into two distinct sections. Although the wallpapers remain unchanged, a few new pre-made wallpapers have been introduced to the Weather category. The Weather wallpapers depict real-time conditions for the user’s current location, while the Astronomy wallpapers reveal the present positioning of the Earth or Solar System.
### iOS 26.3 Release Date
The official launch of iOS 26.3 is anticipated for late January. To provide context, iOS 18.3 was released on January 27, and iOS 27.3 was released on January 22.
### iOS 26.3 Wrap Up
In summary, iOS 26.3 seems to be a smaller update when compared to iOS 26.2. Nevertheless, as the beta testing phase remains in its early phases, there is potential for additional changes and enhancements. Users are encouraged to share any new discoveries in iOS 26.3 as the beta moves forward.
