Amazonâs Big Spring Sale is technically over, but not all of the deals are gone. In fact, dozens of deals are still here and selling at the same prices, while other discounts arenât quite as low as before. If you didnât partake in the past week of savings, some companies list today as the final […]
April Fools’ Day 2026: The Best and Most Cringeworthy Pranks
Welcome to the worst day on the internet! As Chaim Gartenberg pointed out years ago, brands and a holiday dedicated to hoaxes are rarely a winning combo. If youâre a company with any kind of social media, internet, or AI chatbot presence in 2026, you really, truly only have four options on April Foolsâ Day: […]
Baidu Robotaxis Freeze in Wuhan: Signaling the Dawn of Mass Fleet Failures
On Tuesday evening in Wuhan, more than 100 of Baiduâs Apollo Go robotaxis stopped moving. They did not pull over. They did not activate an emergency protocol. They simply froze, scattered across the cityâs roads and elevated highways, some in the middle lane of ring roads with traffic streaming past on both sides. Passengers trapped […]
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Lucid Motors Recalls Over 4,000 Gravity SUVs Due to Improperly Welded Seat Belts
The company struggled with quality issues when Gravity production started last year, and the new recall shows it’s not out of the woods yet.
Under a Month Away: StrictlyVC San Francisco Gathers Leaders from TDK Ventures, Replit, and More
StrictlyVC San Francisco brings leaders from TDK Ventures, Replit, and more together on April 30. Space is limited. Register here for your pass.
Samsung Galaxy Watches Unveil Much-Anticipated Functionality Previously Offered on Apple Watches
Apple launched hypertension alerts on various Apple Watch models in 2025 by utilizing the existing heart rate technology. Now, Samsung smartwatches in the U.S. are at last receiving a blood pressure monitoring capability a few months following Apple’s release of its version. This feature comes seven years after the South Korean technology firm first announced intentions to add blood pressure monitoring to its smartwatches.
Interestingly, Samsung Galaxy Watch users have benefitted from this feature in the company’s home nation for about six years since its debut in June 2020. For the U.S. market, the firm needed to obtain approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) prior to offering the feature on its Galaxy smartwatches.
Understanding the functionality of Samsung’s blood pressure monitoring feature
List of Samsung Smartphones Ceasing Updates in 2026
Samsung keeps introducing exciting new features to its Galaxy series while simultaneously winding down software support for older models as they complete their update cycle.
The technology leader boasts one of the largest Android device assortments worldwide, meaning its end-of-support choices affect a large user audience. In 2026, a wide array of Samsung devices, including flagships, foldable devices, mid-range products, and the cherished Note series, are either already excluded from the update schedule or approaching their last patches. This article addresses both groups: Devices that lost support in late 2025 and will be fully retired this year, along with those currently receiving quarterly updates but anticipated to leave Samsung’s update program by the end of 2026.
Galaxy S21 Series (S21, S21+, S21 Ultra)
The Galaxy S21 series launched in January 2021 as Samsung’s flagship platform, supported by a then-novel guarantee: Four generations of Android upgrades and five years of security maintenance. It was marketed as a long-term asset, hardware that would remain relevant for a significant time.
The S21 series received its final major OS upgrade, Android 15-based One UI 7.0, in early 2025. Before that, it transitioned smoothly through Android 12 (One UI 4) in November 2021, Android 13 (One UI 5) in November 2022, and Android 14 (One UI 5) in December 2023. By January 2026, the last planned security patch had been released. As of February
Celebrating Apple 50: Crafting Something Remarkable
**Honoring Apple’s Heritage: The Call to Innovate**
This article is a segment of 9to5mac’s collection commemorating Apple’s 50th anniversary.
As Apple achieves this pivotal milestone, numerous individuals contemplate the company’s substantial influence on technology and culture. Yet, the most appropriate homage to Apple and its visionary, Steve Jobs, is to transform that motivation into innovation. Steve Jobs famously held that creating something remarkable is a compelling way to show gratitude for humanity.
During the iPhone X launch in 2017, Apple began with a recording of Jobs emphasizing the significance of creativity and the act of creation. This notion is reflected in the Steve Jobs Archive, which recently released a book entitled *Make Something Wonderful*, urging individuals to pursue their finest work.
In Jobs’ own words, “There’s lots of ways to be, as a person… But one of the ways that I believe people express their appreciation to the rest of humanity is to make something wonderful and put it out there.” This belief highlights the core of creativity as a pathway to connect, even when the creator and the audience are unknown to one another.
Apple’s influence goes beyond the goods they produce; they have notably impacted the arts. The resources Apple offers empower creators in diverse fields—music, film, illustration, and publishing—allowing them to leave their distinctive marks on the world.
Today, as we celebrate Apple, we encourage you to immerse yourself in your creative endeavors. Whether it’s composing a song, crafting a painting, producing a film, designing an app, or penning a poem, take a moment to create. Share your creations with us in the comments or on social media, tagging @9to5mac. We are excited to witness the incredible things you develop using Apple products, whether it’s a film edited with Final Cut, artwork created with an Apple Pencil, music recorded in GarageBand, or a narrative written in Pages.
Bringing something original into the world is a valuable pursuit, and it has always been the mission of Apple’s devices to promote self-expression through art and technology. Let’s pay tribute to Apple’s legacy by embracing our creativity and sharing it with the world.
Apple Introduces Enhanced AirPods Max 2 Headphones Now Available in Retail Locations Today
### Apple Commemorates 50 Years with the Introduction of AirPods Max 2
On April 1, 2026, Apple celebrates its 50th anniversary by unveiling the much-awaited AirPods Max 2. Unveiled in March, these latest headphones are now available for purchase online as well as in Apple Store locations.
#### Key Features of AirPods Max 2
The AirPods Max 2 are powered by Apple’s latest H2 chip, which significantly enhances the listening experience. This chip is also present in the AirPods Pro 3 and AirPods 4, enabling advanced features such as:
– **Active Noise Cancellation**: Enhanced technology that effectively reduces ambient noise.
– **Enhanced Sound Quality**: A richer audio experience for both music and calls.
– **Adaptive Audio Mode**: Automatically modifies sound settings depending on the surroundings.
– **Live Translation**: Instant translation features for conversations.
#### Design and Color Options
The design of the AirPods Max 2 is reminiscent of the original model, but with a significant transition to USB-C charging. This update aligns the headphones with the charging port utilized in the iPhone 15 and subsequent models. The new color selections include midnight, starlight, orange, purple, and blue, all available at a price of $549. Certain colors are already offered at discounted rates on sites like Amazon.
#### Comparison with Original AirPods Max
The original AirPods Max included a Lightning port for charging and wired connections. The incorporation of the H2 chip in the new model signifies a major upgrade, delivering users a more advanced audio experience.
For those keen on a comprehensive comparison between the AirPods Max and AirPods Max 2, additional insights can be discovered in specialized reviews.
#### Conclusion
With the debut of AirPods Max 2 coinciding with Apple’s 50th anniversary, the company continues to push boundaries and transform audio technology. The new features and design improvements position AirPods Max 2 as an optimal choice for audiophiles and casual listeners alike.
Macintosh-Style Dock Improves Mac by Adding Extra Display, Ports, and Expandable Storage
### Wokyis Retro-Docking Station: An Elegant Solution for Mac Mini Enthusiasts
In the world of docking stations and USB-C hubs tailored for the Mac mini, many choices exist, yet few rival the Wokyis Retro-Docking Station. Drawing inspiration from the timeless Macintosh design, this docking station not only boosts the functionality of your Mac mini by introducing a range of ports but also incorporates a built-in display that integrates flawlessly with the device. After checking out its Kickstarter prototype, I was keen to delve into the officially launched models, which include an enhanced 80Gbps option.
#### Main Features and Specs
The Wokyis Retro-Docking Station comes in two variants, each providing a distinct assortment of ports. Both models comprise:
– **4x USB-A (USB 3.2 Gen 2, 10Gbps)**
– **2x USB-C (USB 3.2 Gen 2, 10Gbps)**
– **SD and microSD card slots (UHS-II)**
– **M.2 NVMe SSD slot (up to 8TB)**
– **Headphone jack**
– **5-inch IPS 720P display**
The key difference between the two models is their video output options and SSD performance. The 10Gbps version contains an HDMI port for video output at 10Gbps, while the 80Gbps version switches HDMI for a DisplayPort, facilitating 8K video at 60Hz and quicker SSD speeds.
Both versions retain the same design, fitting neatly atop the M4 Mac mini. They feature a physical power button and brightness controls while ensuring access to all original Mac mini ports.
#### Compatibility
Although designed to complement the M4 Mac mini, the Wokyis dock is adaptable enough to function with any computer. It comes with a bottom cover, enabling it to serve as a standalone display dock for devices such as MacBooks, Mac Studios, or even iMacs. Its stylish look and extensive port options make it a fantastic addition to any desk arrangement.
#### Personal Experience
I utilized the Wokyis dock in two separate contexts. First, I employed it as a standalone dock for my MacBook Pro. Located next to my primary display, it granted me convenient access to extra ports and a small display for passive information, such as CPU diagnostics or video podcasts. Even with its 720p resolution, the display remained crisp due to its small size, proving to be a valuable asset to my workspace.
In a more recent setup, I transformed my M4 Mac mini into an AI workstation with the Wokyis dock. By connecting my SD card and transferring files to the NVMe SSD, I utilized AI tools to efficiently manage my video and audio files. The retro design of the dock injected a unique charm into my workspace, evoking 1980s Macintosh vibes.
#### Pricing and Availability
The Wokyis Retro-Docking Station is purchasable on Amazon and the Wokyis site. The 10Gbps model costs $169, with a $17 discount available on Amazon, bringing the price down to $153. The 80Gbps variant is listed at $339, with a $34 discount lowering it to $305. Both models come with essential accessories, including a USB-C host cable, a small screwdriver, and adhesive thermal tape, though an SSD needs to be bought separately.
#### Concluding Thoughts
In a landscape filled with similar USB-C and Thunderbolt hubs, the Wokyis Retro-Docking Station differentiates itself with its distinctive design and enhanced features. Its adaptability enables it to fulfill multiple roles, from a standalone dock to an AI workstation. As a nostalgic tech piece, it not only elevates functionality but also infuses character into any setup. There is a desire for a version compatible with the Mac Studio, thereby broadening its appeal even more.
