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Russia Limits FaceTime Access, Claiming Its Involvement in Terrorism

**FaceTime Prohibited in Russia Amidst Growing Communication Censorship**

A new article from *Reuters* reveals that Russia has officially barred access to Apple’s FaceTime, rendering users unable to connect through the platform starting today. This move is part of a larger pattern of heightened limitations on foreign tech services in the nation.

As reported by the state communications regulator, Roskomnadzor, the restriction on FaceTime is defended by assertions from law enforcement agencies claiming the app is being used for coordinating and carrying out terrorist operations, recruiting individuals for such endeavors, and perpetrating fraud against Russian citizens. Nonetheless, the regulator did not provide any proof to back these claims.

Reports from Moscow show that users trying to access FaceTime are encountering notifications indicating “User unavailable.” In certain cases, users have noted seeing incoming calls on their devices, yet the calls do not connect when answered.

The prohibition of FaceTime is not an isolated case. This action comes in the wake of recent limitations placed on other widely-used communication platforms, such as Google’s YouTube, Meta’s WhatsApp, and the Telegram messaging service. Furthermore, merely a day before the FaceTime prohibition, Russia also limited access to the popular game Roblox, citing its use for disseminating extremist material and “LGBT propaganda.”

As the scenario progresses, further information will be shared regarding the consequences of these communication restrictions in Russia.

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You can keep a digital key on your mobile device or smartwatch

Five Unique Devices That Work with Your MacBook’s USB-C Port

the appropriate USB-C accessories can significantly enhance the functionality of your Mac and add an extra layer of capability to your workspace arrangement. While many of these devices are generally intended for use with conventional USB-A ports, in this article we’ve highlighted some unusual gadgets that can connect to the USB-C port on your MacBook. Our emphasis is on unconventional items that you likely wouldn’t normally consider. This means we’re moving past the typical necessities such as USB-C hubs, card readers, or external drives. Instead, these compact additions will make you wish you’d come across them earlier. They will infuse a bit of fun and practicality into your workspace. We aimed to select gadgets that boast numerous positive customer reviews and are affordably priced for their features. We believe our picks will resonate with almost every MacBook user, regardless of their lifestyle. Explore the gadgets listed below and maximize the usage of the USB-C ports on your Mac.

MuteMe Mini USB C Physical Mute Button

Here’s an intriguing yet practical gadget that’s essential for anyone who participates in numerous online meetings on their Mac. The MuteME physical mute button offers a swift and convenient method to mute or unmute yourself during calls across any video-conferencing platforms like Zoom, Microsoft Teams, or Google Meet. The benefit is that you aren’t left scrambling to find the on-screen microphone button when you need to speak. It’s incredibly user-friendly, but you’ll need to download the complimentary software from MuteMe’s website to get started.

Another

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“Strava, HBO Max, and Pokémon Honored as Victors in the 2025 App Store Awards”

Apple has revealed the victors of the 2025 App Store Awards, honoring 17 applications and games for their ingenuity and influence. The selections were made by the App Store editors from a pool of 45 contenders. Tim Cook, CEO of Apple, commended the creativity and quality of the winning applications, emphasizing their beneficial effects on users around the globe.

Included among the recipients is the well-known card game Pokémon TCG Pocket, the AI editing application Detail, and HBO Max, which has recently reverted to its initial name. The awards cover multiple categories, such as Best iPhone App, Best iPad App, Best Mac App, Best Apple Vision Pro App, Best Apple Watch App, and Best Apple TV App.

The victorious entries are as follows:

**Best Apps:**
– **Best iPhone App:** Tiimo, a soothing to-do application.
– **Best iPad App:** Detail, an AI video editing tool.
– **Best Mac App:** Essayist, a tool for academic writing.
– **Best Apple Vision Pro App:** Explore POV, featuring immersive video content.
– **Best Apple Watch App:** Strava, an app for tracking fitness.
– **Best Apple TV App:** HBO Max, a service for streaming.

**Best Games:**
– **Best iPhone Game:** Pokémon TCG Pocket, enhancing the experience of Pokémon card collecting.
– **Best iPad Game:** DREDGE, a mystery game with fluid gameplay.
– **Best Mac Game:** Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition, recognized for its futuristic graphics.
– **Best Apple Vision Pro Game:** Porta Nubi, which presents atmospheric puzzles.
– **Best Apple Arcade Game:** WHAT THE CLASH?, featuring unforgettable mini-games.

Apple also spotlighted applications with cultural significance. Numerous apps are available for free download, enabling users to try them at no charge. For those in search of additional apps, Apple offers a list of suggested free iPhone applications to download.

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iPhone Air Presents Remarkable Holiday Discounts

The iPhone 17 lineup has proven to be an enormous triumph for Apple, with a new report indicating that the iPhone 17 variants are set not only to generate record revenue for Apple this quarter but also to enhance global sales for 2025 relative to earlier projections. BGR has been monitoring Apple stock levels since the launch, and three out of the four models have consistently sold out, with particular demand for the base iPhone 17 and the iPhone 17 Pro Max. The iPhone Air is the sole 2025 model that hasn’t garnered the same enthusiasm. This device has been available online since its release across the different markets we are observing. Only China faced a temporary stock issue concerning the iPhone Air.

Even though the Air lacks the allure of the other three variants, aficionados of the sleek smartphone who opted out of purchasing an iPhone Air may be pleased to know that they could discover an unanticipated deal this holiday season, provided they are open to acquiring either a slightly pre-owned device or a new phone from the second-hand market. This appears to be the finding of a recent SellCell report. The experts in smartphone trade-ins, tasked with monitoring used device prices, consulted more than 40 U.S. buyback firms, revealing that the iPhone Air experienced the steepest resale decline of any iPhone since 2022. The device lost as much as 47.7% of its value in a span of 10 weeks. This statistic pertains to the 1TB iPhone Air, which retails for $1,399 when purchased from Apple. The iPhone Air’s average depreciation stands at 44.3%, indicating that significant savings are possible for those willing to purchase a pre-owned iPhone Air.

The iPhone 17 retains its value better than the iPhone 16

How Oakley Meta HSTN AI Smart Glasses Revamped My Spartan Race Journey and Enhanced My Training Drive

It’s about more than merely appearing attractive!

(Image credit: Nicholas Sutrich / Android Central)
AC thVRsday

In his weekly column, Android Central Senior Content Producer Nick Sutrich explores everything related to VR, including the latest hardware, new games, forthcoming technologies, and much more.

When I received the Ray-Ban Stories in 2021, I envisioned a realm

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AirTag Accessory Extends Battery Duration to More Than 5 Years

### TimeCapsule for AirTag Now Offered in More Compact Size

A standout recent release in the accessory market is Elevation Lab’s TimeCapsule for AirTag, which greatly prolongs the battery life of Apple’s AirTag. Initially, the TimeCapsule boasted an impressive battery duration of 10 years, but the company has recently launched a more compact version that provides 5 years of battery life while offering a smaller profile.

#### The Dilemma of AirTag Battery Duration

While Apple’s AirTag is groundbreaking, it does have a limitation: its battery lifespan. With a typical usage period of around a year, managing several AirTags can turn into a hassle, especially when low battery alerts start accumulating. This concern for users fueled the creation of the TimeCapsule accessory, which received positive feedback for its prolonged battery life.

#### Sleek Design with Prolonged Battery Life

The updated TimeCapsule version tackles the size concern of its predecessor. Although the original TimeCapsule was effective, its size made it less ideal for scenarios where space is restricted. The recently introduced 5-year battery case is crafted to be sleeker, with dimensions of 2.6 inches by 1.6 inches by 0.8 inches, in contrast to the 10-year model’s measurements of 4.45 inches by 1.57 inches by 0.75 inches.

This new accessory functions with two AAA batteries, with Elevation Lab suggesting the use of Energizer Ultimate Lithium batteries for the best results. Users just need to insert their AirTag into the case, add the batteries, and experience extended battery life without frequent changes.

#### Extra Features

The small TimeCapsule case is not only functional but also comes with a waterproof design, ensuring it can endure various environmental conditions. Notably, the case does not reveal that it contains an AirTag, offering a discreet option for tracking belongings.

#### Availability

The new TimeCapsule AirTag 5-year battery case can be purchased in both single and multipack selections, catering to diverse user preferences.

#### Conclusion

The launch of the compact TimeCapsule for AirTag marks a significant improvement in accessory design for Apple’s tracking device. By addressing concerns related to battery life and size, Elevation Lab has offered users a practical solution that boosts the capability of AirTags. Whether a seasoned user of the TimeCapsule or exploring it for the first time, this new model provides an attractive choice for anyone aiming to streamline their tracking experience.

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Evaluation of the Sotsu FlipAction: My Favorite Secondary Display for iPad Pro and Mac

# Sotsu FlipAction Monitor Review: A Revolutionary Choice for Portable Displays

With the arrival of genuine windowing multitasking and extended display capabilities in iPadOS 26, the prospect of combining my iPad Pro with a portable monitor became significantly more appealing. Over the years, I have employed a variety of portable displays, mainly alongside my MacBook Air, spanning from budget plastic versions to higher-end choices that prioritize the quality of the screen. While some have been satisfactory, the Sotsu FlipAction series is on another level. It resembles a 16-inch iPad affixed to a modular, magnetic Studio Display stand. Having utilized this monitor for over a year, I wish to convey my comprehensive insights on its value for the price. Let’s analyze it.

## Design and Build Quality

In a landscape where portable monitors generally fall into two categories—cheap plastic bodies with weak folio stands or bare metal slabs with a single hinge—the Sotsu monitor distinguishes itself with its distinctive design. The FlipAction incorporates a two-part system: a 16-inch display paired with a magnetic folding stand, both crafted from anodized aluminum. This grants it a premium essence reminiscent of Apple products. When not in use, the stand magnetically attaches to the back of the display, ensuring it’s compact and easy to slide into any backpack or laptop sleeve.

## Ergonomics and Viewing Angles

Setting up the monitor is easy. The stand boasts a dual-hinge design, allowing for various adjustments. It comprises a base hinge to bring the panel forward, a top hinge where the display connects, and offers a complete 360º rotation that locks at every 90º degree. This adaptability enables you to position it horizontally next to a MacBook, vertically as a sidebar display, or elevated above your iPad Pro for improved ergonomics.

## Display Performance

The Sotsu FlipAction series features three distinct 16-inch monitors: the Flip Action Pro Gen 1, the Flip Action Pro Gen 2, and the Flip Action Elite. All three share identical design and build materials but vary in display specifications. The FlipAction Pro Gen 1 showcases a Quad HD (2560×1600) display, 60Hz refresh rate, 350 nits brightness, and 100% DCI-P3 color gamut. Despite its specified brightness, it frequently appears brighter than my 5K BenQ monitor rated at 400 nits. The color accuracy is vibrant without being overly saturated, and the viewing angles are commendable.

### Gen 2 & Elite Options

– **FlipAction Gen 2**: Boosts the refresh rate to 120Hz with enhanced contrast (1500:1).
– **FlipAction Elite**: Delivers full 4K resolution and 450 nits brightness, perfect for high-res video or photo editing.

## Practical Use Cases

I primarily utilize the Sotsu monitor alongside my iPad to amplify productivity. The new multitasking windowing feature in iPadOS 26 permits me to engage with apps like Lumafusion on the iPad while keeping productivity applications active on the external monitor. It folds conveniently into a sleek package, fitting snugly into a 16-inch laptop sleeve.

Furthermore, I employ it as a secondary vertical display with my M4 Mac mini. When oriented vertically, it aligns seamlessly with my 5K BenQ monitor, offering added screen space for extra applications and windows.

## Pricing & Availability

The Sotsu FlipAction Pro Gen 1 is available starting at $499, while the Gen 2 is priced at $599, and the Elite model retails for $789. All variants can be purchased directly from Sotsu’s website.

## Final Thoughts

The Sotsu FlipAction series is not inexpensive, but it offers superior build quality, remarkable display performance, and a hinge system that improves usability in practical workflows. After a year’s use, the monitor continues to maintain its pristine appearance and performance. If you’re exploring options for a portable display, I strongly suggest considering the Sotsu FlipAction. For those looking for more budget-friendly alternatives, Sotsu also provides other choices that deliver excellent value for the investment.

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Ten Charming Devices Up for Grabs on Amazon

welcome to the realm of technology where circuits intertwine with charm. here, you’ll discover some of the most delightful gadgets available, the petite attention-grabbers that entice people to come over and ask, “wait, what is that?” you admire them for their cuteness, but you hold onto them due to their surprisingly intelligent design.

from portable projectors that deliver genuine brightness in a compact form to lamps that mimic breakfast items and even a Bluetooth banana that serves as a conversation starter, these selections blend the boundaries between technology and small companions.

they are the type of gadgets that remain discreet until someone spots them, at which point they swiftly become the centerpiece of attention. as this collection demonstrates, technology doesn’t have to be frigid and simplistic. amazon is brimming with entertaining and charming gadgets, so if you have a penchant for gear that’s enjoyable, practical, and utterly delightful, this lineup is sure to captivate your heart.

**magical fridge magnet**

it’s time to say goodbye to your ordinary paper-holding magnets. the Music Fridge Magnet 4.0 is a game-changer. it resembles a typical photo frame on your fridge, but it’s remarkably unconventional. with just one tap, it immediately plays your favorite song, transforming your kitchen into an unexpected romantic dance floor.

this compact device is loaded with features: it produces clear audio, stores photos, and provides instant, wobble-free one-tap playback. want to switch things up? easily change the picture, upload a new track, or record a fresh message in mere seconds. it serves as a thoughtful sentimental gift that operates as a streamlined, modern internet of things device.

the instant this magnet springs to life, it fills the space with intrigue. people will be curious about what it is and why your appliances express more emotion than theirs. it also aligns with the growing notion that background music can aid concentration for individuals with ADHD, making this magnet both fun and subtly useful. you can grab this impressively crafted tech piece on amazon for a mere $10.99. it’s small, charming, and instantly turns your fridge into the most captivating spot in your home.

**portable mini fan**

imagine this: it’s august, you’re in a lengthy line for a festival, the sun is blazing, and your phone just dropped to 5%. that dreary scenario is precisely what the JISULIFE Handheld Mini Fan was designed to tackle. this gadget is not merely a fan; it’s a compact three-in-one survival kit that combines a high-powered fan, a flashlight, and a backup power bank.

you’ll enjoy 12 to 19 hours of continuous cooling from one USB charge, ensuring you won’t have to fear a midday power decline. additionally, the ingenious backup power bank feature enables you to rescue your dying phone in an emergency, and the convenient flashlight feature provides added safety when you need visibility after nightfall.

the design itself is impressively smart. the blades retract for effortless, snag-free storage in your pocket or bag. when you need it, the unit seamlessly unfolds in three stages: you can comfortably grip it in your hand (180°), or convert it into a stable desktop fan (270°) to keep your workspace airy. if you’re in search of a gift or simply wish to enhance your summer essentials, this is your answer. you can find this versatile device on amazon for just $17.84. it’s evidence that the most essential tools often fit in the palm of your hand.

**banana-shaped Bluetooth handset**

this banana-shaped Bluetooth handset performs an incredible feat. it’s charming enough to seize immediate attention, and so lifelike that guests might accidentally mistake it for a snack before realizing it’s your functional phone. featuring long battery life, voice assistant compatibility, and a built-in Bluetooth speaker, it becomes the most delightful conversation starter you’ll ever possess.

despite its playful appearance, the Banana Phone operates like a genuine handset. it connects quickly with both iPhone and Android devices, remains stable once linked, and provides clear audio whether you’re taking calls or enjoying music from the fruit. the battery lasts up to 20 hours of talk time and 120 hours on standby, ensuring the novelty doesn’t diminish during the day.

the built-in speaker adds an extra dose of enjoyment. you can stream tunes, listen to podcasts, or make quick hands-free calls without reaching for your actual phone. furthermore, it supports Siri, Google Assistant, and Alexa, transforming everyday tasks into amusing moments. asking about the weather or sending a text is infinitely more fun when done through a banana.

at $39.99, it’s an investment that brings a splash of character to your workspace, living room, or travel bag. it’s dependable, it’s whimsical, and it consistently elicits a response. in an era where some new iPhone features may turn out to be complete flops, this gadget is a refreshing departure because it never disappoints — just don’t eat it.

**rechargeable hand warmer**

when your hands are cold, you don’t just feel

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Design