iPhones or Android devices might not be pleased with the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) ruling on Monday, which granted the carrier permission to bind handsets to its network for a duration longer than the prior 60-day minimum. This waiver is in place as of Tuesday, meaning Verizon is only required to adhere to the CTIA’s voluntary unlocking guidelines. The CTIA recommends unlocking prepaid devices one year post-activation. Postpaid units may be unlocked once a contract concludes, which could entail settling a financing plan or early termination fee.

Verizon’s advantage could complicate the process for consumers wishing to switch carriers. Transitioning to a superior plan from AT&T, T-Mobile, or a smaller rival becomes trickier if the device remains connected to Verizon’s network. This is predicated on the subscriber’s desire to continue using the same device and having several months remaining on their carrier agreement. The new conditions of the waiver go into effect for all new phone activations the day after the FCC’s directive, or January 13. Consequently, buyers of iPhone and Android devices who acquired a phone prior to the approval of Verizon’s petition will continue to benefit from the earlier regulation.

Organizations such as Consumer Reports, the Electronic Frontier Foundation, iFixit, and others opposed Verizon’s request, contending that the 60-day unlock policy was beneficial to consumers and competition. Likewise, the cable lobbying group NCTA condemned the FCC’s ruling, claiming that unlocked devices support smartphone buyers.

an increased demand for RAM and other parts is already impacting the industry as a whole. Nonetheless, RAM is not the sole component that producers are having difficulty sourcing; a significant Japanese firm responsible for a glass cloth fiber used in iPhone models and various other popular devices is struggling to meet the requirements of Apple, Qualcomm, Nvidia, Google, Amazon, and others.

This glass cloth is composed of fine glass fibers that strengthen layers in printed circuit boards (PCBs), with the most common fibers being produced by Japan’s Nitto Boseki (also known as Nittobo). As reported by Nikkei Asia, Apple was an early user of Nittobo’s glass cloth. However, with AI companies demanding vast quantities of high-performance PCBs, this particular glass cloth has allegedly placed Apple in jeopardy of experiencing a supply deficit.

Nikkei Asia notes that industry insiders are labeling this pressure as “one of the major bottlenecks for the electronics production and AI sector for 2026.” Apple has been closely observing the development by not only dispatching its personnel to Japan to secure the material but also contacting other firms that could assist the company in avoiding potential launch delays, product deficits, or price increases.

 article regarding the FiiO Snowsky DAC/Amp, you understand that a small investment can significantly enhance your phone’s audio quality. We chose to build upon this concept to provide you with a comprehensive compilation of affordable audio gadgets that will elevate your listening experience — encompassing everything from headphones and mobile accessories to home speakers and beyond.

The reality about premium audio is that spending does not always correlate with superior sound. Indeed, investing more in the right audiophile headphones can yield great returns in sound clarity, yet that increased expenditure does not automatically guarantee proportional value. Nonetheless, there are several areas where individuals frequently economize. Whether you’re equipped with subpar headphones and need to inject some vitality into them or possess a speaker setup at home that requires a bit of enhancement, we have some alternatives tailored for you.

Google’s Gemini will drive the new Siri. The Information released a report detailing this collaboration, highlighting some prospective capabilities of Apple’s virtual assistant. As per the report, Apple will have the ability to incorporate even more functionalities than what was pledged at WWDC 2024.

The updated Siri will finally eliminate the “I can’t help you with that” reply and will instead provide factual information, narrate stories, function as an effective assistant, and even deliver emotional support. According to a source close to the situation, The Information states that Siri will assist you in planning your next travel arrangements. Future features, which may be disclosed during the WWDC 2026 keynote, could encompass the ability to recall previous discussions and propose actions based on app information.

However, the most intriguing aspect of these speculated features (enabled by Gemini) is that even Android users do not have access to similar functionalities, given the present capabilities of Google Gemini. This raises the question of whether the rumored functions of the new Siri expansion are developments made by Apple itself — or if Google might reveal some of them at its upcoming I/O conference to level the playing field.

Elon Musk’s Neuralink captures memories, enabling the user to experience them again. Yet, when Lenny acquires a memory detailing a murder, it entangles him and Bassett’s character in a conspiracy he strives to reveal.

In a movie centered on clinging to the past and the cherished memories we possess, there’s a poignant irony in “Strange Days” that eludes easy grasp. This may be due to the film not reaching the same success as Cameron’s other productions. Grossing nearly $8 million at the box office against a $42 million budget, it turned out to be a commercial disappointment, evolving into a cult classic now absent from any streaming platform. However, even if you haven’t stumbled upon this overlooked Cameron-written film, you may very well have caught a snippet of it in one of the biggest hits of the late ’90s.