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Google Wallet on Android Consolidates Your Buying History

**A Comprehensive Overview of Every Place You Used Your Card**

In the advancing landscape of digital transactions, efficiently overseeing your payments across various devices is becoming ever more crucial. Google Wallet for Android is reportedly preparing for an update that promises users an extensive overview of their digital card transactions. This expected feature aims to replicate the functionalities currently provided on the web, giving a unified perspective of transactions conducted with digital cards across all devices.

**What You Should Be Aware Of**

A recent upgrade to Google Play Services has suggested this upcoming improvement for Google Wallet on Android. The enhancement is anticipated to enable users to view transactions from multiple devices and online purchases utilizing virtual card numbers. This means that users could soon experience an overarching view of their digital card payments directly from their mobile handsets, without the need to use a web browser or access their bank account.

The update is rumored to encompass transactions conducted using Wear OS devices, further unifying the ecosystem of Google’s digital payment options. Moreover, a search feature for transactions is expected, allowing users to sort through their transaction history by amount, merchant, or date, akin to the web version of Google Wallet.

**Simplifying Digital Payments**

Though the deployment of this capability has yet to be officially announced, Google Wallet has already rolled out several updates to enrich the user experience. Recent enhancements have included context-aware functions that display digital passes on your lock screen as you near relevant venues, such as airports or retail stores. This feature removes the necessity for users to manually look for their passes, streamlining access to digital tickets and passes.

Additionally, Google Wallet has incorporated Android 16’s Live Updates to furnish real-time data on transport schedules directly on users’ lock and home screens. This function, initially designed for ride-sharing and food deliveries, now applies to more essential areas like airline and train timetables.

In summary, the expected update to Google Wallet on Android represents a move towards a more cohesive and user-friendly digital payment experience. By providing a comprehensive overview of transactions across devices, Google strives to ease the management of digital payments, allowing users to monitor their spending behaviors and financial activities with greater ease.

OnePlus Watch 2 Obtains Wear OS 5 Upgrade, Resulting in Major Battery Problems

OnePlus Watch 2 and 2R users in India received the update late last year and quickly noticed their signature 3-day battery life was insufficient.

What you should know:
– OnePlus deployed Wear OS 5 to Watch 2 and 2R devices in the final week of December 2025, albeit only in certain regions like India.
– Users who got the update have reported significant battery depletion, reducing the 3-day forecast to 1–2 days.
– OnePlus initially promised the update in Q3 2025 but later adjusted its timeline to Q4 2025.
– OnePlus’s version of Wear OS 5 mainly features standard updates, including enhancements to Google apps and changes in animations.

Similar to a college student submitting their assignment to the professor at 11:59 p.m., OnePlus released its Wear OS 5 update to select OnePlus Watch 2 and 2R users on December 29, just making it under their self-imposed end-of-year deadline. As anticipated, this last-minute release has been creating issues ever since.

The OnePlus Watch 2 and Watch 2R, both launched in 2024 with Wear OS 4, were originally expected to get Wear OS 5 between July and September 2025; it wasn’t until Android Authority inquired about the delay in October that the company indicated the update would be available “in the near future.”

Now, some OnePlus Watch owners have received the update, but not all; for instance, my U.S.-based OnePlus Watch 2R still displays Wear OS 4 and the May 2025 security update. However, this might turn out to be a hidden advantage, considering the update’s consequences.

This Reddit discussion and numerous OnePlus forum threads have noted that the update is leading to severe battery drain. The Watch 2 and 2R could typically last around three days in smart mode before the update; currently, some users report it won’t even last a full day, despite attempting factory resets and other remedies.

“I’m completely disheartened and irritated by the significant battery drain issue affecting my OnePlus Watch 2 after the Wear OS 5 update,” laments one user. “My OnePlus Watch 2 drops from a full charge at 1:00 PM to a critical 10% by 11:00 PM with light usage.”

“Previously, I easily got 2.5 days with most settings on (at least 2 days)… Now I’m barely getting 1 day,” adds another user. A response indicated that his battery drain wasn’t as severe, but he had gone from 3–4 days down to “a strict 2 days” now.

Several users highlight specific applications responsible for the drain, such as the Weather app, Play Store, or “Wear OS” itself, yet the diversity implies this is a systemic issue rather than being tied to a single app.

What adds to users’ frustration is that stock Wear OS 5 is (A) a subtle update with minimal notable changes and (B) intended to enhance the efficiency of Wear OS, as observed on Pixel and Galaxy Watches. The OnePlus Watch 3 has been running this version since April without issues, making this unoptimized update on previous models disappointing.

Any brand can release a problematic update, but two weeks later, I expected OnePlus to either revert it or provide a timeline for fixes. Instead, OnePlus hasn’t made any official statement, based on what we’ve observed. My colleague contacted OnePlus regarding the update a few days ago, but we’ve yet to receive a response.

Having recommended the OnePlus Watch 2R as my top budget Android smartwatch choice, primarily due to its battery life, this update raises significant concerns for me. OnePlus must demonstrate that its commitment to two Wear OS updates and three years of security updates isn’t merely hollow promises, and that it will adequately support these devices.

As it stands, it’s noteworthy that the recent OnePlus Watch Lite completely bypassed Wear OS, utilizing a proprietary RTOS like the original OnePlus Watch.

Apple Deliveries Stable Despite 10% Increase in PC Sector in Q4 2025: Report

**Apple’s Performance in the 2025 PC Market: A Comprehensive Assessment**

As per IDC’s initial report, the PC market saw a remarkable increase of 9.6% year-over-year during the holiday quarter of 2025, with a total of 76.4 million units being shipped. This expansion was especially evident in the Europe, Middle East, and Africa (EMEA) region, which recorded a 14% rise, closely followed by the Asia-Pacific (AP) region at 12%, and the Americas at 4%. Notably, this was the first quarter since Q3 2024 in which EMEA led the growth, while the Americas continued to trail.

The report connects the impressive shipment numbers to memory shortages, which compelled purchasers and brands to acquire inventory in anticipation of price hikes in 2026. Jitesh Ubrani, a research manager at IDC, pointed out that larger consumer electronics companies are better positioned to optimize their scale and memory allocations, thereby potentially seizing market shares from smaller competitors. Nevertheless, the severity of the memory scarcity poses challenges for smaller brands, which may find it difficult to endure, while consumers might postpone purchases or redirect their spending towards alternative devices.

For Apple, the company dispatched 7.1 million units in the last quarter, sustaining the same shipment volume as in Q4 2024. Despite this consistency, Apple’s market share decreased from 10.2% to 9.3%, indicating the broader market’s growth. Conversely, IDC’s full-year statistics for 2025 showed that Apple surpassed the overall market performance, achieving an 11.1% growth with 25.6 million units shipped, although it still fell behind Lenovo and ASUS, which posted growth rates of 14.5% and 13.4%, respectively.

The demand increase for the year was impacted by the conclusion of Windows 10 support and early-year tariff concerns. Looking forward to 2026, Jean Philippe Bouchard, IDC’s research vice-president, expects significant shifts in the PC market due to the changing memory landscape. He indicated that manufacturers might reduce PC memory specifications to control inventory, forecasting a turbulent year ahead for the sector.

In conclusion, while Apple sustained stable shipments in the holiday quarter of 2025, it managed to exceed the overall market growth for the year. The continuing memory shortages and shifting market dynamics are likely to influence the future scenario of the PC industry.

How AI Is Beneficially and Detrimentally Affecting Military Operations

Chinese researchers have developed the planet’s inaugural AI military leader. While it wasn’t intended for battlefield deployment, such advancements raise an interesting dilemma: If AI errs in a military judgment, who bears the responsibility?

The advantages of AI in the armed forces

Comparison of Moto G Power 2026 and Samsung Galaxy A26: Making a Choice According to Your Preferences

The Moto G Power 2026 and Samsung Galaxy A26 are each available for $299, offering a decision between functionality and software enhancements. The Moto G Power 2026 boasts a robust design with an IP69 certification, MIL-STD-810H approval, and a more substantial battery. It comes with a 6.8-inch screen, stereo audio output, and a 32MP front-facing camera, yet it only includes two operating system updates. On the other hand, the Samsung Galaxy A26, showcasing a more upscale aesthetic, features a Super AMOLED display, Gorilla Glass Victus+, and guarantees six operating system updates. It does not include stereo speakers and has a lesser battery capacity but delivers superior software assistance and artificial intelligence capabilities. Ultimately, the decision hinges on whether you value toughness and features or extended software updates.

Methods to Obtain an Apple Watch Series 11 or Ultra 3 at Low Expense

### Receive an Apple Watch at No Cost as a Fitness Incentive

For several years, John Hancock has been offering members of its Vitality Plus life insurance program the chance to obtain an Apple Watch by participating in regular physical activities. The program has recently broadened its offerings to feature the newest models, the Apple Watch Series 11 and Apple Watch Ultra 3. This initiative aims to promote healthier living while granting members valuable fitness devices.

### Operational Mechanism of the Program

Through the Vitality program, John Hancock enables life insurance clients to accumulate points through routine exercise. These points can be used to offset the monthly fees for a new Apple Watch. Initially, members are required to pay $25 plus tax for their Apple Watch, with the outstanding amount split into 24 monthly payments. The more active a member becomes, the lesser their monthly fees.

#### Getting Started

1. **Sign Up for a Vitality Member Account**: Complete the Vitality Health Review (VHR) to evaluate your health condition.
2. **Purchase Your Apple Watch**: Select from the Apple Watch SE, Series 11, or Ultra 3 and make the upfront payment of $25 plus tax. Be aware that higher-tier models may need an additional initial payment.
3. **Monitor Your Workouts**: Utilize your Apple Watch to keep track of various workout types, including walking, running, biking, and swimming.

### Accumulating Points

Members can greatly diminish their monthly fees according to the points gained through their workouts. Below is a summary of the costs linked to the Apple Watch Series 11 and Ultra 3 depending on the points accrued in a month:

– **Zero Points**: $15.50 per month
– **240 Points**: $12.25 per month
– **360 Points**: $7.00 per month
– **500 Points**: $0.00 per month

For the Apple Watch SE:

– **Zero Points**: $9.25 per month
– **240 Points**: $7.25 per month
– **360 Points**: $4.25 per month
– **500 Points**: $0.00 per month

### Methods to Accumulate Points

Points can be gained through daily physical activities. A “Standard” workout yields 20 points, which entails:

– **Step Count**: 10,000 steps
– **Active Calories**: Based on personal thresholds from the Apple Health app
– **Heart Rate**: 60% of maximum heart rate for a minimum of 30 minutes

An “Advanced workout” provides 30 points and necessitates:

– **Step Count**: 15,000 steps
– **Active Calories**: Based on personal thresholds from the Apple Health app
– **Heart Rate**: 60% of maximum heart rate for a minimum of 45 minutes

### Final Note

The John Hancock Vitality program presents a distinctive opportunity for life insurance clients to acquire an Apple Watch while encouraging a healthier lifestyle. By monitoring workouts and accumulating points, members can significantly lower their monthly expenses for the device. For further details and to register, visit the [John Hancock Vitality website](https://www.johnhancock.com/life-insurance/vitality/apple-watch.html). This program is exclusively available to Vitality Plus life insurance members.

Public Beta 2 Launched for macOS Tahoe 26.3 and iPadOS 26.3

Apple has restarted its beta update process following a holiday hiatus, launching public beta 2 for macOS Tahoe 26.3, iPadOS 26.3, tvOS 26.3, and more. This recent batch of public betas comes on the heels of the recently released developer beta 2.

The 26.3 software series seems to be fairly minimal in terms of new features. The key enhancements are located in iOS 26.3, which brings a tool for migrating data from iPhone to Android, improvements to the wallpaper gallery, and new settings designed for EU users. Other updates within the 26.3 series haven’t disclosed any substantial changes aside from bug fixes and performance enhancements.

As the beta cycle progresses, there could be unexpected developments, but it is anticipated that the updates will arrive shortly, setting the stage for a more feature-rich 26.4 cycle. Users are invited to share any discoveries from beta 2 for iPadOS 26.3, watchOS 26.3, or any other updates in the comments.

Verizon Prolongs Phone Locking Duration, Creating Challenges for Customers Switching Carriers

**Verizon’s FCC Petition: Modifications to Phone Unlocking Policy**

Verizon has recently achieved success in its request to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to alter the regulations regarding the unlocking of phones, leading to a less customer-friendly policy for its users. This adjustment is noteworthy, as it reshapes the environment for consumers intending to change carriers.

### FCC’s Ruling on Device Unlocking

The FCC has provided Verizon with a waiver permitting the company to lock phones to its network for longer durations. Formerly, Verizon was obligated to unlock devices 60 days post-activation. This latest decision indicates that Verizon will now only need to comply with the voluntary unlocking guidelines established by the Cellular Telecommunications Industry Association (CTIA). According to this policy, prepaid devices may be unlocked one year after activation, while postpaid devices are only eligible for unlocking after meeting contractual commitments, device financing arrangements, or early termination fees.

### Consequences for Consumers

This ruling complicates the process for consumers wishing to transition from Verizon to alternative carriers. The previous stipulation permitted automatic unlocking after 60 days, affording a clear pathway for customers wanting to migrate. Now, patrons must wait a complete year and initiate a request for unlocking, which adds complexity to the entire procedure.

### Context of Verizon’s Unlocking Regulations

Traditionally, Verizon has functioned under different unlocking regulations when compared to its rivals. While the majority of carriers adhere to the one-year unlocking stipulation, Verizon’s earlier guidelines were partly influenced by strategic decisions made during significant commercial undertakings. For example, when Verizon secured licenses for 700 MHz spectrum in 2008 and during its 2021 merger with TracFone, it committed to specific unlocking stipulations.

### Justification for the FCC’s Decision

The FCC defended its ruling by claiming that the earlier unlocking policy encouraged unlawful activities, such as phone theft, which could be leveraged for fraudulent purposes. Verizon supported this viewpoint, asserting that the former regulations unintentionally aided international criminal organizations at the detriment of legitimate customers.

### Summary

For Verizon users, this policy adjustment signifies a significant shift in the management of phone unlocking. The new requirement not only prolongs the waiting period for unlocking devices but also adds layers of difficulty to the process of changing carriers. As the telecom sector continues to transform, consumers will have to navigate these developments thoughtfully.

Boeing’s Starliner Test Flight Defeat Remains a Challenge for NASA

stranded on the ISS for nine months, a significant deviation from the initial two weeks they were intended to remain onboard.

The source of the problem was those very helium leaks that NASA had nearly dismissed during previous evaluations. Although leaks in space are concerning, it is the nature of these leaks that rendered them catastrophic. While NASA minimized the issues in general, the Starliner debacle was, in reality, much more severe than presented, leaving both astronauts uncertain about the Boeing Starliner spacecraft’s capacity to return to Earth safely, due to the loss of four out of its 28 essential reaction control thrusters.

Four missing thrusters might not seem like a significant number, but with even one additional thruster failure, the astronauts would have lost all ability to manage the spacecraft’s movement. This is an especially perilous scenario when nearing a dynamic space station in orbit around the Earth — particularly one inhabited by a crew. To exacerbate the situation, NASA did not inform the astronauts about the full extent of the circumstances promptly, raising further concerns among participants of a recent safety panel investigating the matter.

Ongoing challenges and mismanagement

Alternative Configuration Options for Enhancing Your Mounted TV Presentation

manage all those chaotic television cables a wall-mounted television typically leaves behind.

However, if you’re determined to remove the feet or tabletop stand your television arrived with for an elevated arrangement, you might want to consider a universal TV stand. A universal stand is a tabletop solution with a base that rests on a flat surface or entertainment unit. The upper portion of the stand features a VESA-certified mount from which your television hangs, similar to how it would if attached to a wall. Frequently, the column extending from the base to the mount is both height-adjustable and designed for concealing cables.

Universal TV stands are excellent for maximizing space on your TV furniture. The majority of models are easy to set up, though not all units include the clearest instructions. It is also important to note that most mounts included with a universal stand are either stationary or tilt-only — which means you can adjust your television only up and down. This doesn’t imply there are no any universal stands with swivel capabilities, but if you aspire to tilt and swivel your television in any direction, you’re likely better off opting for a full-motion wall mount.

Enhance your television viewing experience effortlessly