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Expertise in Android Technology

With the launch of Android 12 in 2021, Google implemented a somewhat debated modification to the Quick Settings panel. The individual toggles for Wi-Fi and mobile data were eliminated and replaced with a new, expandable Internet tile that contained the previous mobile data and Wi-Fi toggles. This modification sought to streamline the experience for users; however, it inadvertently made switching Wi-Fi and mobile data more cumbersome. Years after this alteration, it seems Google might be considering reinstating the old layout in a forthcoming update for Android 16.

A brief overview of Android’s Internet Panel

Before Android 12, the operating system featured distinct toggles for Wi-Fi and mobile data. These were handy shortcuts for those who needed to frequently switch these connections. Users could easily pull down the Quick Settings panel and tap on the Wi-Fi or mobile data tile to quickly toggle the respective setting.

Upon the release of Android 12, Google replaced these individual toggles with a unified “Internet” tile. Tapping this tile brings up the new Internet Panel, which includes switches for controlling Wi-Fi and mobile data, a list of nearby networks, and an option to share the Wi-Fi connection.

Although the Internet tile provides more features than the previous one-click Wi-Fi and mobile data tiles, it introduces an additional step whenever a user intends to toggle either setting. This is due to the requirement for users to expand the tile to access the mobile data or Wi-Fi controls. While this isn’t overly complicated, many perceive it as an unnecessary barrier, considering it wasn’t necessary before.

Following the introduction of Android 12, numerous users voiced their dissatisfaction regarding the new Internet Panel, prompting Google to release a statement outlining the reasoning behind the alteration. Google claimed it designed the Internet Panel to tackle a prevalent issue users faced with network connectivity. The company discovered that when users disabled Wi-Fi to compel their Android devices to switch to mobile data, they frequently forgot to re-enable it, leading to excessive mobile data consumption.

The Internet Panel aims to resolve this concern by offering an alternative to disabling Wi-Fi: a straightforward method for switching the active network connection to mobile data. Google recognized that long-time Android users would need some time to acclimate to the new tile. However, the company believed that once they did, they would find the Panel to be “a more intuitive and straightforward way for users to resolve their Wi-Fi connectivity problems while reducing user errors and unintended outcomes.”

The effort to reinstate Android’s original Wi-Fi and mobile data tiles

Google’s rationale for this decision is understandable, particularly since it must design the Android operating system considering billions of users. Nevertheless, this choice still did not sit well with power users who felt restricted by a change that “dumbed down” the Quick Settings panel. These users sought methods to revert the modification, and fortunately, a workaround was soon identified.

Regrettably, this workaround became ineffective in Android 13, compelling users to seek alternative remedies. Several third-party apps can add Wi-Fi and mobile data tiles to the Quick Settings panel; however, they all necessitate elevated permissions since Android does not offer public APIs to toggle these connections. While many power users may accept this prerequisite, not everyone will. Moreover, this solution excludes users who are knowledgeable enough to track their data usage but lack the technical know-how to utilize ADB.

For years, there was no sign that Google intended to reverse this change. However, following the release of Android 16 QPR2 earlier this month, new indicators have arisen. Michael Bestas, a key developer of LineageOS, found evidence within the Android Open Source Project (AOSP) suggesting Google aims to separate the Internet tile into distinct Wi-Fi and mobile data tiles.

This evidence appears in code alterations submitted earlier this year, which were made public with the release of the Android 16 QPR2 source code. The first code alteration, titled “Add separate mobile data tile,” simply adds “a mobile data tile that allows toggling mobile data on/off.” This tile is designated as “Mobile Data,” and when tapped, it will prompt a dialog asking the user whether they wish to toggle mobile data.

The second code change, titled “Add wifi tile with toggle,” introduces “a new wifi tile with toggle to pause and scan for wifi.” In contrast to the new mobile data tile, the Wi-Fi tile will still be referred to as “Internet” and will display “the current default non-wifi internet provider when Wifi is not default.” This adjustment is aimed at facilitating “the transition away from the Provider Model,” where “Provider Model” refers to the Internet Panel. A note in the newly added code implies that Google intends to “migrate to a Wifi-only tile,” but there is no indication of when this might occur, or when the Internet tile will actually be separated.

At present, this modification is gated behind a feature flag labeled “com.android.systemui.qs_split_in

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Samsung’s Forthcoming Galaxy Z Fold Anticipated to Showcase Improved Camera System

Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 8 is set to make important advancements in camera technology, tackling a long-standing criticism of the foldable series. Traditionally, the Z Fold line has focused on productivity and large displays, often sacrificing camera improvements. Nevertheless, the forthcoming Galaxy Z Fold 8 may change this pattern with significant upgrades.

Speculation indicates two primary camera enhancements for the Z Fold 8. The ultrawide camera is anticipated to upgrade from 12MP to an impressive 50MP, promising sharper, more detailed wide-angle images. Furthermore, the telephoto lens might improve from 10MP to 12MP, keeping its 3x optical zoom but providing sharper zoomed pictures.

Samsung seems to be retaining the 200MP main sensor from the Z Fold 7, reflecting trust in its existing flagship technology. While the front cameras are expected to stay the same, this emphasis on the main and secondary cameras suggests a change in priorities, aligning foldable devices with the imaging capabilities of conventional smartphones.

As foldable devices gain popularity and demand higher prices, consumer expectations for camera performance have grown. The Galaxy Z Fold 8’s expected camera improvements could establish it as a strong competitor in the photography sector, likely setting a new benchmark for foldable phones. If these rumors are accurate, the Z Fold 8 may debut in 2026 as the first in its lineup to provide competitive camera quality without compromise.

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Over 500,000 Windows Users Switch to Linux: Explanations Provided

official support will conclude in October 2025, followed by a period of limited free Extended Security Updates (ESU) until October 13, 2026 (with paid ESU available until 2028). In essence, Microsoft is eager to responsibly conclude support for Windows 10 at the earliest opportunity, despite Windows 10 being touted as “the last version of Windows” ever created.

Clearly, this has proven to be inaccurate. Microsoft has also complicated the process of upgrading older hardware to Windows 11, due to its strict requirement for a TPM 2.0 security chip, which numerous older desktops and laptops do not possess. As a result, quite a few Windows 10 users find themselves without a viable upgrade route to Microsoft’s current OS on their devices, allowing Linux to fill the gap, with distributions like Zorin demonstrating the evidence to support this trend.

Microsoft’s setback is Linux’s opportunity

Among the numerous Linux distributions, ranging from Fedora to Ubuntu, Zorin (founded on Ubuntu) has long aspired to serve as a substitute for Windows. With its taskbar resembling Windows 11 and a start menu that feels familiar, Zorin is designed to facilitate a smooth transition from Windows to Linux.

In an environment where numerous Windows 10 users are seeking to switch to an operating system that values their privacy, as well as their hardware (regardless of its age), Zorin is likely one of the initial distros a Linux-interested Windows user will consider. With Zorin already surpassing a million downloads, with 78

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Apple @ Work: The Significance of ABM Warranty and New Business Manager APIs for IT Teams

**Apple Business Manager API and ABM Warranty: A New Chapter for IT Administration of Apple Devices**

The administration of Apple devices within enterprise settings has consistently presented distinct challenges, especially in tracking warranties and device statuses. Nevertheless, with the advent of the Apple Business Manager API, IT teams now have the ability to access device data in a secure and streamlined way, enhancing the management of extensive fleets of Apple devices.

**Grasping the Apple Business Manager API**

The Apple Business Manager API grants third-party tools secure access to device data directly from Apple. This functionality is vital for IT departments tasked with efficiently managing a multitude of devices. By unveiling more device details and management features through official APIs, Apple is empowering developers to craft applications that fulfill enduring requirements within the IT sector.

**Presenting ABM Warranty**

One pivotal application is ABM Warranty, designed to supply IT teams with a simplified method to access Apple device warranty details. This tool extracts warranty data embedded in Apple Business Manager and displays it in a user-friendly format. With capabilities such as color coding to signify warranty status—whether devices are under warranty, out of warranty, or nearing expiration—ABM Warranty streamlines the decision-making process regarding device repairs and replacements.

**Essential Features of ABM Warranty**

– **Thorough Warranty Overview**: ABM Warranty provides a transparent display of warranty statuses for all devices, enabling IT teams to promptly identify which devices need attention.
– **Filtering and Exporting**: Users can filter devices by platform and export data to CSV files, facilitating integration with other IT management systems.
– **In-depth Device Insights**: The application delivers historical coverage details for individual devices, including any AppleCare Plus incidents, ensuring that IT teams have all relevant information readily available.
– **Upcoming Enhancements**: The future roadmap for ABM Warranty includes features like keychain-based certificate selection and integration with Apple School Manager, promising enhanced functionality.

**The Influence of Apple’s API on IT Administration**

The launch of the Apple Business Manager API signifies a noteworthy transformation in how IT teams interact with Apple devices. For years, there has been a need for increased visibility into warranty statuses and repair records, and the API addresses this by offering structured data access. This transformation not only boosts the capabilities of tools like ABM Warranty but also sets the stage for further advancements in IT management solutions.

**Final Thoughts**

For organizations overseeing Apple devices in large quantities, tools like ABM Warranty are becoming indispensable elements of their operational procedures. With the groundwork laid by Apple’s API access, IT teams can finally achieve the visibility they have long desired, leading to more educated decision-making concerning device management. By utilizing applications like ABM Warranty, organizations can optimize their processes and guarantee that their Apple devices remain well-supported and efficient.

For those keen on exploring ABM Warranty, it is available for download on the Mac App Store, enabling organizations to commence managing their warranty data effectively with minimal setup.

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Essential Aspects to Keep in Mind When Buying a Television

when it’s time to upgrade a tired TV for a space in your house, be it the living area, a recreation room, your bedroom, or any other location, it’s essential to recognize and comprehend the key elements. Acquiring as much information as possible prior to investing in a costly item like a TV will guarantee that the television is the perfect fit for your intended use. To assist with this, here are five crucial points of information you should investigate regarding a TV before making your purchase.

Physical dimensions and distance from seating

Top 5 Essential Games You Need to Experience on Netflix

or via a browser on your PC.

From titles that have reached over 70 million sales to acclaimed indie games, Netflix is rapidly establishing itself as the destination for some of the finest gaming experiences released in recent times. This shift occurs after the company faced challenges in the gaming sector, with 2022 revealing that fewer than 1% of Netflix subscribers engaged with its mobile gaming options.

Red Dead Redemption

Rockstar Games’ Red Dead Redemption stands out as one of the most significant titles to enter the Netflix games collection. Initially launched in 2010 for the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3, Red Dead Redemption is honored as one of the highest-rated games on Metacritic and ranks among Rockstar’s most legendary franchises, second only to Grand Theft Auto.

Accessible on mobile devices, Red Dead Redemption offers a remarkable experience for users with smartphones that meet its demanding requirements. Some compromises were necessary to adapt Red Dead Redemption for contemporary smartphones, resulting in a reduced framerate and resolution, but it’s impressive that the developers managed to optimize the game so effectively.

When playing on a compact screen, such as the iPhone 17 Pro Max, many players may not even perceive the numerous adjustments made. The game remains completely playable and retains the same enjoyment as it did on the Xbox 360. We are truly in an incredible era where a title like Red Dead Redemption can perform remarkably on a device that fits in your pocket.

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Xreal Prevails in Patent Dispute with Viture, Resulting in Prohibition of Sales in Germany

A recent judicial conflict has led to Viture’s augmented reality (AR) glasses being taken down from Amazon in nine countries within the European Union. The dispute revolves around a patent contention with Xreal, a rival in the AR sector. A German court determined that Viture’s AR equipment violated Xreal’s optics patent, resulting in a sales halt in Germany and impacting Viture’s EU distributor, Eden Future. This legal order has prohibited the sales, imports, and promotion of Viture’s offerings, which include the Viture Pro, Luma, and Luma Pro, throughout Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Poland, the Netherlands, Ireland, Sweden, and Belgium.

The Munich 1st Regional Court granted a preliminary injunction connected to European Patent EP3754409B1, which is owned by Xreal and pertains to an augmented reality device and its optical system. The court concluded that Viture’s optical display stack was nearly identical to Xreal’s patented solution, resulting in the prohibition of sales. This case sets a pivotal legal precedent within the XR sector, emphasizing the significance of patent ownership and safeguarding in the competitive AR landscape.

Xreal possesses over 800 patents globally, with a substantial number in both Europe and the US, while Viture has less than 60 patents worldwide. Viture has voiced strong opposition to the decision, claiming that the contested patent is recently granted and should be rendered invalid by a preceding patent. The firm asserts that the injunction is provisional and maintains that its products are still available throughout Europe. Viture has also commenced legal proceedings in China against Xreal for what it labels as misleading rumors.

The result of this legal struggle highlights the essential role of intellectual property in the technology sector and the possible repercussions of patent disagreements on market dynamics and product accessibility.

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Russian Cosmonaut Removed from SpaceX’s Crew 12 ISS Mission for Specific Causes

The Insider reported on December 2 that Oleg Artemyev from Roscosmos purportedly utilized his phone to capture images of restricted SpaceX documents, including engine designs and other confidential information during his training visit to the company’s headquarters in Hawthorne, California. This mission, known as SpaceX Crew-12, is planned as a four-person launch scheduled for around February 2026, with Artemyev now substituted by cosmonaut Andrey Fedyayev. The launch will take place from the SpaceX facility in Florida, transporting Fedyayev along with three others, comprising two NASA astronauts.

At first, officials from Russian Roscosmos stated that Artemyev’s departure was linked to his “transfer to another job,” a claim that contradicts the allegations made by The Insider report. If Artemyev did indeed misappropriate information, it would contravene the International Traffic in Arms Regulations Act, a law designed to restrict the sharing of classified information and technologies.

This event occurs amid the unintentional destruction of Russia’s sole launchpad for manned missions. Experts estimate that repairs and restoration may take up to two years, implying that the country’s crewed space flight launches will be suspended until completion of the repairs. Furthermore, Russia’s development of rocket engines is lagging, despite the nation’s historical role as a pioneer in space exploration.

What could justify photograph-taking at SpaceX as a removable offense?

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Sources Suggest Samsung’s Exynos 2600 Could Drive Galaxy Z Flip 8

Now that the Exynos 2600 is here, Samsung is reportedly gaining confidence.

Key points to note:
– There are speculations suggesting Samsung intends to integrate its Exynos 2600 SoC into the Galaxy Z Flip 8, akin to its Exynos-exclusive Flip 7.
– An international report indicates that Samsung is pursuing this due to its “significant” performance gains and to support its LSI division.
– The Exynos 2600 was fully unveiled today (Dec 19), with Samsung showcasing major upgrades in CPU and GPU, plus an HPB design to resolve its overheating challenges.

Interest has gradually grown around Samsung’s upcoming foldable phone series, with new reports suggesting it’s set to incorporate its latest chip into the Flip. Tipster Jukanlosreve points to a report by The Bell, claiming that Samsung may bring its newest Exynos to the Galaxy Z Flip 8 (via 9to5Google). The South Korean outlet asserts that, as of this week, Samsung is actively envisioning a future where its next Flip will feature its proprietary Exynos 2600 chip exclusively. Reportedly, there are two motivations behind this decision, the primary one being the chip’s “significant” performance.

The report indicates that the chip’s NPU performance has been enhanced to better rival competitors like Apple. Moreover, both its NPU and GPU speeds have been boosted beyond the Exynos 2500.

The publication, referencing its “industry sources,” also claims that the decision to include the Exynos chip in another Flip is intended to aid the “earnings recovery” for its LSI division. As usual, we anticipate Samsung to unveil its next foldables, the Flip 8 and Fold 8, next summer. The article speculates on this, while also noting that Samsung may retain Qualcomm’s high-end chip for its traditional Fold 8.

Latest updates:
This report comes at a time coinciding with Samsung’s official unveiling of the Exynos 2600 SoC. The company disclosed the chip earlier today (Dec 19), presenting it as the world’s first SoC manufactured using a 2nm process. Samsung claims that the Exynos 2600 abandons its low-power cores to adopt a completely new CPU architecture. This novel CPU design yields enhanced performance and improved efficiency in devices.

Samsung began teasing its new chip earlier this month, affirming that it “listened” to consumer feedback regarding the Exynos 2500. A prominent concern with Samsung’s chips was overheating. Today, Samsung introduced the chip’s new Heat Path Block (HPB) design. According to Samsung, the HPB design is the solution we’ve been seeking, addressing heating issues that have affected previous Exynos chips.

Additional specifications feature a 39% rise in CPU performance, enhanced AI capabilities, and double the GPU power compared to previous iterations. Other rumors surrounding the Exynos 2600 suggest that Samsung might incorporate it into its Galaxy S26 series, but not for every model or every market.

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SwitchBot Wallet Tracker: A Handy Tool for Locating Your Wallet Using iPhone’s Find My Function

### SwitchBot Wallet Finder: An In-Depth Analysis

#### Overview
For individuals who frequently lose their wallets, the SwitchBot Wallet Finder provides a practical remedy. Unlike larger tracking gadgets such as the AirTag, the Wallet Finder is crafted to blend effortlessly into your wallet, offering an effective means to monitor your possessions.

#### Installation
The process of setting up the SwitchBot Wallet Finder is simple. Users can link it directly with the Apple Find My app without the necessity of downloading the SwitchBot app. The steps involve launching the Find My app, choosing “Add Item,” and pressing the button on the Wallet Finder card. After assigning a name to the device and selecting an emoji for easy recognition, it can be stashed in a wallet pocket.

#### Tracking Method
The Wallet Finder employs Bluetooth technology instead of GPS. It sends out a low-energy Bluetooth signal that can be detected by nearby Apple devices. This signal is then transmitted to the Find My network, allowing users to find their wallet even from a distance, as long as there are Apple devices in the vicinity. The system incurs no ongoing subscription costs, making it a budget-friendly choice.

The efficiency of the Find My network is apparent, as location updates happen swiftly when the wallet is stationary and in proximity to other iOS devices. In cases where the wallet is in motion, updates might trail slightly behind the real-time situation.

Users have the option to mark their wallet as lost, enabling those who come across it to obtain the owner’s contact details via the Identify Found Item feature in Find My. The forthcoming iOS 18.2 update is set to further enhance this capability.

#### Locating Nearby with the Speaker
Although the Wallet Finder does not include the ultra-wideband technology present in the AirTag, it makes up for this by having a built-in speaker that emits a loud sound when activated. This is particularly beneficial for finding a misplaced wallet at home. Users can effortlessly trigger the sound using the Find My app or through Siri, ensuring quick retrieval of the wallet.

#### Safety and Tracking
The SwitchBot Wallet Finder is primarily intended for recovering lost items rather than tracking people. If the card becomes detached from its owner, it produces a noise to alert nearby individuals and sends notifications to nearby iPhones. However, it is crucial to acknowledge that someone else can turn off the Find My connection by executing a specific shutdown procedure.

#### Summary
The SwitchBot Wallet Finder represents a practical and economical solution for those wanting to keep tabs on their wallets. Its compact design enables easy placement within a wallet, and it even features a hole for lanyard or keychain attachment if preferred.

A potential drawback is that the Wallet Finder is a single-use device with an approximate battery lifespan of three years, after which it cannot be replaced. Nevertheless, considering the worth of the items generally held in a wallet, acquiring a new Wallet Finder when the battery expires may be a sensible choice for numerous users.

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