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    • sparta
    • Comments Off on 3D Printing a Prototype of the iPhone Fold: Significant Notice Enclosed
    3D Printing a Prototype of the iPhone Fold: Significant Notice Enclosed

    # The iPhone Fold: A New Chapter in Smartphone Innovation

    Recent advancements in the smartphone sector have ignited enthusiasm among technology aficionados, especially with the speculation around Apple’s forthcoming iPhone Fold. This groundbreaking gadget is set to unveil a completely new form factor in comparison to standard smartphones, potentially transforming user interactions with their devices.

    ## An Unprecedented Form Factor?

    According to reliable reports, including *The Information*, Apple is likely to adopt a distinctive strategy with the iPhone Fold. In contrast to current book-style folding smartphones that retain a typical form when shut, the iPhone Fold might showcase a broader and shorter aspect ratio. This design decision could yield an unfolded interior display that is wider than it is tall, providing a novel view on smartphone functionality.

    While the veracity of these assertions is still open to question, the conjecture has sparked significant intrigue. The notion of a broader display might augment multitasking abilities and deliver a more engaging experience for users, especially when consuming media or utilizing productivity tools.

    ## 3D Printed Prototype

    To offer fans a tangible glimpse of the iPhone Fold’s design, a basic printed prototype has been crafted, and files for a 3D printed version are now accessible online. A MakerWorld user, identified as Subsy, has constructed a model based on leaked CAD blueprints. However, it is crucial to highlight that the legitimacy of these blueprints has yet to be confirmed, and they could be speculative.

    The 3D printed prototype enables users to envision the concept of the iPhone Fold in both open and closed states. While the folding mechanism is straightforward and does not mimic Apple’s actual configuration, it presents an intriguing chance for individuals with access to a 3D printer to investigate the possibilities of this pioneering device.

    Subsy’s model is offered in both single-color and AMS variants, with recommendations for using PLA to achieve clean prints. Although PETG is also a viable option, it has not undergone extensive testing. Users should note that the model can fold past 180 degrees, which would not be feasible with the final product.

    ## Conclusion

    The iPhone Fold signifies a notable transformation in smartphone design, featuring its potential wider aspect ratio and innovative folding system. As speculation continues to circulate, the anticipation surrounding this device is tangible. For those keen to delve into the concept further, the accessibility of 3D printed prototypes provides a distinctive opportunity to engage with the future of mobile technology. As we await official announcements from Apple, the iPhone Fold serves as a proof of the continuously evolving realm of smartphones.

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    • sparta
    • Comments Off on Who Produces Insignia Televisions and Their Manufacturing Sites
    Who Produces Insignia Televisions and Their Manufacturing Sites

    perfect smart television ideal for a kitchen or compact area.

    Though Insignia televisions are available solely through Best Buy outlets and the retailer’s online platform as a private label, it is important to note that Best Buy does not produce the brand itself. So, who actually creates them? Similar to numerous other brands, they are produced via contracts with multiple manufacturers.

    Who produces Insignia TVs

    Best Buy collaborates with various factories to design the televisions, which grants them cost advantages, aiding in the maintenance of lower prices on the models, alongside Best Buy’s internal promotion and distribution approach. Given the dynamic nature of this industry, these partners may vary from year to year or even between different models. Nevertheless, while Best Buy does not actually produce the televisions, as its private label, they oversee the design, pricing, and, naturally, marketing of the displays alongside other Insignia items. Once the design is finalized, contract manufacturers take charge of the actual production phase. These factories are mainly situated in Asia, which is the case for most television manufacturers. For Insignia, production primarily occurs in China.

    The firms Best Buy collaborates with for the production of Insignia televisions are generally ones

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    • sparta
    • Comments Off on Informative Title: Pixel Camera Glitch Hinders Saving of Certain Photos
    Informative Title: Pixel Camera Glitch Hinders Saving of Certain Photos

    The problem seems to impact various Pixel models, encompassing the Pixel 8a through Pixel 10. Certain Pixel users have reported a glitch where images vanish following background processing and do not appear in Google Photos. This issue seems to arise after quick photo captures, potentially when the camera app does not successfully complete post-processing. Affected devices reportedly include the Pixel 8a, Pixel 9 series, and the latest Pixel 10 models.

    Several Google Pixel users are experiencing an unusual bug on their devices, which is hindering the proper saving of some photos. Google Pixel owners frequently report issues with their devices. Recently, users of the Android 16 QPR3 beta mentioned a shaky camera problem, and many users of the Pixel 9 and Pixel 10 have raised concerns regarding speakerphone issues.

    Now, yet another problem has emerged for some Google Pixel users, this time preventing certain photos from being stored on their devices. Numerous users on Reddit have begun mentioning that photographs they captured with their phones have gone “missing” and are not displayed in the Photos app. A user named Blazgamer first indicated that their photos disappeared after receiving a notification stating that a few photos were undergoing background processing.

    In a similar vein, another user, portmafia9719, described a related problem where their device became stuck in a backup and processing cycle, resulting in some lost photos that could not be located. The user reported that the missing files were not visible in the gallery, trash, or anywhere else on the device, appearing to have been “lost” during processing.

    Some users speculate that this issue arises when a significant number of photos are taken in a very short timeframe. One theory proposes that if the camera app hangs and fails to finish post-processing, it ultimately clears everything from memory and doesn’t write the files to storage.

    Nonetheless, there is no method to confirm this at present. The bug seems to affect multiple Pixel models, from the Pixel 8a to the newest Pixel 10 Pro. It is still uncertain how widespread the issue is, but there are numerous reports on Reddit, indicating that at least a small segment of users could be impacted. Personally, I have not encountered this problem on my Pixel 10 Pro so far, although several users assert that they have lost photos because of this bug.

    We have contacted Google for a statement regarding the issue. If more users continue to highlight this problem, the company may take measures and issue a fix. However, for the moment, there is no solution available for this problem. We will keep this story updated if (and when) we receive a response from Google.

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    • Richard
    • Comments Off on Five Essential Music Documentaries and Series to Stream on Apple TV
    Five Essential Music Documentaries and Series to Stream on Apple TV

    Over time, Apple TV has amassed an unexpectedly robust collection for music enthusiasts. From films and documentaries to complete series, here are some of the most captivating music-related offerings available on the platform.

    Helmed by Todd Haynes, The Velvet Underground combines rare footage with both historical and new interviews to narrate the story of how one of the most pivotal bands in music history came into existence. As a fan of The Velvet Underground, this stands out as one of my top documentaries to date, whether on or off Apple TV. It also serves exceptionally well as an introduction to the band, even if you believe you have never heard any of their tracks. [Watch The Velvet Underground on Apple TV](https://apple.co/4qqScXL).

    Featuring Mike D and Ad-Rock, the two remaining members of the B-Boys trio, Beastie Boys Story employs a familiar blend of new and old material to convey a narrative, enhanced by a live performance element. Captured in front of a live audience and directed by Spike Jonze, Beastie Boys Story recounts how three aspiring rappers went on to produce some of the world’s most recognizable anthems. [Watch Beastie Boys Story on Apple TV](https://apple.co/4ptowIN).

    Although I have never been a dedicated Billie Eilish listener, I did pay attention when she emerged with Bad Guy. Viewing Billie Eilish: The World’s A Little Blurry, I was struck by the extent to which her creative journey and early career had been documented, mainly by her parents and brother, who had significant faith in her future success. Billie Eilish: The World’s A Little Blurry illustrates how that belief and the demands of fame can create a precarious mix, especially in a time when privacy is exceedingly scarce. [Watch Billie Eilish: The World’s A Little Blurry on Apple TV](https://apple.co/4pdYXLF).

    Directed by the late Sacha Jenkins, Louis Armstrong’s Black & Blues narrates the poignant and beautiful story behind one of Jazz music’s most legendary voices and trumpets. Covering his role as a rising Black icon in a deeply segregated America, the innovations he introduced to Jazz, music, and even cinema, Louis Armstrong’s Black & Blues delves into facets of Armstrong’s life that have never been thoroughly explored. If you appreciate music in any form, this is an essential viewing. [Watch Louis Armstrong’s Black & Blues on Apple TV](https://apple.co/3YI0Wgd).

    For K-pop aficionados, Apple TV offers its very own music competition, starring Psy and Megan Thee Stallion, and hosted by actress Soojeong Son. KPOPPED takes the classic talent show format and introduces an intriguing twist: collaborations between Western artists and K-pop performers who remix and reinterpret some of the biggest hits from the artists.

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    • sparta
    • Comments Off on YouTube Will Stop Providing Streaming Data to Billboard in 2026, Affecting Artists’ Chart Rankings
    YouTube Will Stop Providing Streaming Data to Billboard in 2026, Affecting Artists’ Chart Rankings

    Billboard serves as a cornerstone of the music industry, and since 1940, the publication has been monitoring the top-selling albums weekly. Naturally, the methods by which we engage with music have experienced numerous considerable transformations over the years. Recently, music streaming has thoroughly dominated the industry, with the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) indicating that streaming accounts for 84% of recorded music revenue in the U.S.

    Since 2005, YouTube has emerged as one of the leading music streaming services, particularly for music videos. The platform began influencing Billboard’s Hot 100 singles chart in 2013 and started affecting the Billboard Hot 200 albums chart in 2019. In essence, YouTube has impacted at least one Billboard chart for over a decade, but that is about to change next month.

    Effective Jan. 16, 2026, YouTube will cease reporting streaming data to Billboard. YouTube streams will no longer affect Billboard’s top singles or albums charts, which will immediately alter how the most popular songs on YouTube rank on the leaderboards. This change will have an effect on everyone, whether you are a casual YouTube user or a passionate music fan.

    Reasons for YouTube’s withdrawal from Billboard reporting next year

    In 2025, tracking the performance metrics of albums and songs presents a complex challenge. Music streams, album acquisitions, and various intermediary metrics must all be considered. Charts like Billboard utilize “album units” to assess a song or album’s relative success. One complete album sale counts as one album unit, but multiple individual track purchases, paid streams, or free and ad-supported streams can cumulatively amount to one album unit.

    YouTube disputes the latter aspect of Billboard’s album unit calculation — free or ad-supported streams and paid streams hold different weights. Streaming a song on Spotify via a subscription is valued higher than a free YouTube stream. Specifically, this is how Billboard currently computes an album unit for its charts:

    At present, each consumption unit for an album means one album sale, 10 individual tracks bought from an album, or 3,750 ad-supported or 1,250 paid/subscription on-demand audio or video streams derived from songs on an album.

    According to a blog post, YouTube has engaged in “extensive discussions” with Billboard about these calculations. Billboard announced intentions to increase the weight of both paid and free streams earlier this month, effective for Billboard charts dated Jan. 17, 2026. After this change, an album unit will represent 2,500 ad-supported streams or 1,000 paid or subscription on-demand streams.

    “This alteration implies that it will require 33.3% fewer ad-supported on-demand streams from songs of an album and 20% fewer paid/subscription on-demand streams of songs from an album to equal an album unit,” Billboard stated.

    While Billboard is attempting to lessen the disparity between paid and ad-supported streams starting next month, it has not acquiesced to YouTube’s requests. The Google-owned streaming platform demands complete value equality between ad-supported and paid streams. Billboard remains unmoved for now, leading YouTube to withdraw its data from Billboard charts just one day prior to the new streaming values taking effect.

    Billboard employs an antiquated calculation that places heavier weight on subscription-supported streams compared to ad-supported… We are merely requesting that all streams are fairly and equitably counted, irrespective of whether they arise from subscription or ad-supported formats—because every fan is important and each play should matter.

    In YouTube’s blog post, penned by global music head Lyor Cohen, it was noted that YouTube’s music streaming data encompasses both paid and ad-supported streams. Some users enjoy streaming through the ad-free YouTube Premium subscription, while others utilize the ad-supported free version of YouTube.

    A representative for Billboard commented that “there are numerous ways for fans to support their favorite artists, each holding a unique place in the music ecosystem.”

    “Billboard aims to accurately measure this activity, balanced across various factors including consumer access, revenue evaluation, data integrity, and industry standards,” the Billboard representative continued. “We hope that YouTube reconsiders and collaborates with Billboard to acknowledge the reach and popularity of artists across all music platforms, celebrating their accomplishments through fan engagement with the music they cherish.”

    At present, it seems both YouTube and Billboard acknowledge their interdependent relationship within the music streaming landscape and have left the possibility open for YouTube’s data to return to the charts. However, neither Billboard nor YouTube appears willing to yield on the firm positions they have articulated regarding album unit consumption weighting.

    Implications for YouTube users and the music sector

    For users, there will be a shift in how music is consumed on YouTube, with the extent of the impact depending on how much you value supporting your favorite artists. If you wish for your favorite songs or albums to bolster an artist

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    • Richard
    • Comments Off on Google Eliminates Remix Banana Emoji in Recent Messages App Beta Update
    Google Eliminates Remix Banana Emoji in Recent Messages App Beta Update

    The Nano Banana emblem is substituted for a more understated icon within the beta version of the Google Messages app.

    Essential information

    • Google is simplifying the visual elements of Remix in Messages.
    • The banana emoji, which represented Nano Banana, is being eliminated from the Remix buttons in Google Messages.
    • This adjustment follows user feedback regarding Remix, leading Google to take action earlier this month.

    Nano Banana serves as Google’s leading image-generating model, facilitating features throughout the Google ecosystem in applications such as Gemini, NotebookLM, and most recently, Google Messages. With the innovative Remix feature in Google Messages, users can access Nano Banana image editing and generation capabilities directly within their chats. Although participation in this feature is optional, Remix is prominently showcased throughout the Google Messages application, marked by a banana emoji indicating Nano Banana.

    Following the launch of the Remix feature in Google Messages in November, it faced criticism from Android enthusiasts, many of whom voiced their discontent on Reddit. By December 2025, Google addressed these concerns in a support article.

    “We appreciate your input regarding the Remix feature in Messages. Your voices have been heard,” a Google community manager stated in the article.
    Our team is diligently working on enhancements and fine-tuning the feature to ensure it is smoother, more intuitive, and enjoyable for all users. Keep an eye out for updates!”

    • Richard
    • Comments Off on The ROG Xbox Ally Delivers Quality, However Budget-Minded Gamers Choose More Cost-Effective Options
    The ROG Xbox Ally Delivers Quality, However Budget-Minded Gamers Choose More Cost-Effective Options

    The range of handheld gaming consoles has grown considerably in recent years. Following the highly acclaimed release of the Nintendo Switch (which we reviewed), we’ve witnessed entries from PlayStation, Lenovo, Asus, MSI, and even Valve, the parent company of Steam. An arms race appears to have begun among many of these companies, all striving to deliver the best devices available.

    The Asus ROG Xbox Ally represents Microsoft’s effort to join the fray. This device is the result of an intriguing partnership between the PC manufacturer Republic of Gamers and Microsoft’s Xbox division, which lent its expertise from developing the Xbox to make the new handheld emulate a console experience. ROG has also equipped its top Xbox Ally X model with a remarkably powerful AMD Ryzen Z2 Extreme, providing substantial capability for demanding gaming. However, this power comes at a hefty price of $999.99, raising the question: Does the ROG Xbox Ally X offer enough improvement over other competitors to justify this cost? Although we commended the handheld’s performance in our review of the Xbox Ally X, there is much more value available in other portable devices from Valve and Nintendo. Comparing them with the lower-spec $599 ROG Xbox Ally makes the distinction even more apparent.

    Explore with Nintendo

    When seeking a handheld, it’s crucial to evaluate what functionalities you desire. Most high-end PC handhelds naturally fall into the same category as conventional PC gaming, an arena where handhelds require significant price tags and inflated specs to remain competitive. If your goal is merely to play games with excellent performance in a travel-friendly design, the Nintendo Switch 2 might be a better option than the Xbox Ally X.

    Nintendo’s latest model enhances the original Switch in substantial ways, especially now that availability of the Switch 2 has improved after initial shortages. Firstly, it features a sleek design, with detachable controllers and various play modes, such as a tabletop screen or a TV console for multiplayer co-op. While a PC handheld like the ROG can offer similar capabilities, it requires additional accessories and controllers.

    The processor in the Nintendo Switch 2 is a less powerful NVIDIA chip, but Nintendo’s strategy of producing impeccably crafted first-party titles and their adept handling of ports from leading AAA studios ensures that the performance feels modern and refined. It typically has lower resolution and frame rates compared to the ROG Xbox Ally X, but if you favor first-party Nintendo games and don’t require cutting-edge specifications, the Switch 2 is an excellent way to cut costs ($550, to be precise).

    Get more value with other PC handhelds

    One reason PC handhelds are so unique is that they frequently come with complete operating systems. Those produced by PC manufacturers usually run Windows. This can be a double-edged sword, as it offers users the versatility to use their handheld as a computer, but Windows wasn’t designed for navigation with a controller, especially in handheld mode.

    Consequently, one of the best methods to save money and achieve a streamlined experience is to opt for a Steam Deck. Created by Valve and operating on a custom Linux-based Steam OS, these devices support a wide variety of games from the Steam store. The standout feature is that the Steam Deck OLED starts at a mere $549, boasts a stunning 7.4-inch OLED screen, and provides a performance level well-suited for Steam-optimized games. All this at roughly half the price of a top-tier ROG Xbox Ally? That’s a significant advantage in our view.

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    • Richard
    • Comments Off on Texas Judge Delivers Decision Opposing State’s App Store Age Verification Legislation
    Texas Judge Delivers Decision Opposing State’s App Store Age Verification Legislation

    **Texas App Store Accountability Act (SB 2420): Latest Updates**

    The Texas App Store Accountability Act, referred to as SB 2420, was set to be implemented soon, requiring platforms such as the App Store to confirm users’ ages before app downloads or access to paid in-app features. This law intended to improve child safety online by making companies accountable for age verification, a duty that Apple has traditionally tried to evade.

    In preparation for the statute, Apple had previously introduced a range of API and sandbox tools to help developers meet the new standards. Nevertheless, the company voiced concerns about the effects of SB 2420 on user privacy. Tim Cook, Apple’s CEO, recently met with legislators in Washington to address these privacy matters, stressing the importance of finding solutions that ensure children’s safety without jeopardizing personal information.

    Apple’s global privacy chief, Hilary Ware, expressed the company’s position in a correspondence to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, promoting alternative solutions that would not require the collection of sensitive personal data. Ware underscored Apple’s age assurance feature, which permits parents to communicate their child’s age group to app developers while keeping specific information like birth dates or government-issued IDs confidential.

    In a noteworthy development, Federal Judge Robert Pitman issued a preliminary injunction against SB 2420, considering the law likely unconstitutional. This ruling came after a request from the Computer & Communications Industry Association, which represents leading tech firms, including Apple and Google. The judge compared the law to requiring bookstores to check the age of every customer, implying it violates First Amendment rights.

    Although the injunction halts Texas from enforcing the law amid the ongoing lawsuit, the state is anticipated to contest the verdict, potentially escalating the issue to the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals. This event represents a significant win for Apple, bolstering its arguments against similar legislative initiatives in other states and at the federal level.

    In summary, while SB 2420 is presently suspended, the legal contention surrounding age verification and privacy in app stores is just beginning, with potential ramifications that could impact the tech industry significantly.

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    • sparta
    • Comments Off on Why It’s Crucial to Upgrade Your 2.4GHz Router
    Why It’s Crucial to Upgrade Your 2.4GHz Router

    If your Wi-Fi continues to feel sluggish, the problem might be with your router instead of your internet service provider. In numerous households, the internet modem obtains the promised speed from your ISP but suffers a decline in performance during Wi-Fi transmission because the device is a single-band variant that operates only on 2.4GHz.

    For many years, the single-band 2.4GHz technology was the default for Wi-Fi, but it has proven inadequate for today’s requirements. An increase in connected devices, 4K content streaming, and online gaming raise the expectations for bandwidth and stability beyond what older equipment can provide. Retaining such a router can squander the complete capacity of your internet plan and slow down the overall home network.

    Resolving the situation is simple, yet it often necessitates a hardware upgrade. Replacing your outdated equipment with a dual-band router (or even a current Wi-Fi 6 or 7 model) is the fastest solution to enhance internet speeds throughout your home.

    How 2.4GHz routers limit your Wi-Fi connection

    <source media="(max-width: 428px)" srcset="https://www.bgr.com/img/gallery/if-you-have-a-2-4ghz-router-you-need-to-upgrade-heres

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