14 Crucial iOS Shortcuts to Improve Your Experience
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Read MoreAnti-Phishing Working Group (APWG) disclosed approximately 1,003,924 phishing incidents. The U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), the leading organization tasked with safeguarding against cyber threats, revised its Mobile Communications Best Practice Guidance in November 2025 in response to heightened espionage activities, particularly from the People’s Republic of China (PRC), along with an uptick in cyber assaults.
CISA offers broad advice for users, including the use of end-to-end encrypted (E2EE) messaging. It encourages the activation of passwordless FIDO authentication for logging in, a more robust, phishing-resistant login option, and suggests avoiding SMS-based multi-factor authentication, which attackers can more easily intercept. It’s also recommended to update your device regularly and utilize a password manager to enhance security. In addition to general guidance, CISA has issued specific recommendations for Android that it advises implementing immediately. Due to the rising malware threats on Android – which surged by 151% in the first half of 2025 (according to Malwarebytes) — CISA is now advocating for more stringent protections. Let’s examine seven CISA security configurations you should adjust now to safeguard your Android device against contemporary cyber threats.
the Steam Machine. It assures sufficient capability to run its own collection of games through the SteamOS operating system. While this has generated excitement among numerous PC gamers and piqued the interest of the gaming community at large, there are apprehensions regarding the actual cost.
Gaming has progressively become more costly over the years, with consoles becoming increasingly intricate and games more detailed. As the Steam Machine balances between a gaming console and a computer, discussions about the eventual price of the device have flooded online communities.
Valve, the organization responsible for the Steam Machine, views this product as a rival to PCs rather than other gaming consoles such as Xbox or PlayStation. This suggests it will likely be priced higher, akin to a computer. Additionally, the current rises in prices for internal memory systems, which the Steam Machine will undoubtedly require, are concerning. Once Valve finally announces the price, it could be met with frustration from a public already weary of paying exorbitant amounts for gaming products.
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A contributing factor to the expected high cost of the Steam Machine is the memory shortage. Fueled by AI advancements, this shortage will likely impact the pricing of smartphones and various other electronics. Major tech companies that have heavily invested in AI, like Google and Microsoft, are dominating the memory chip market for their own technologies. With supplies decreasing swiftly, prices might escalate. This strain on vital components could be mirrored in the high cost of the Steam Machine, as its launch coincides with this challenge.
Typically, when a new gaming console is launched, companies set a lower initial price, aiming for high sales to compensate for that cost and to achieve profitability over time. Valve, however, does not plan to adopt this practice of subsidizing the Steam Machine. If the Steam Machine underperforms, this could provide a greater sense of stability for Valve. Nevertheless, it might also deter potential buyers who would
Read MoreWith the arrival of CarPlay Ultra, it appears that Apple’s vision for advancing its vehicle software into future iterations is progressing well.
But what if you find yourself driving a vehicle that fulfills all the essential criteria — fuel efficiency, comfort, and drivability — yet lacks CarPlay functionality, whether wired or wireless? One developer has devised a smart, app-based workaround that requires simply an iPhone or iPad, along with possibly a phone or tablet mounting solution for your car, truck, van, etc. The app in question is named Car Play Connect Sync AutoLink. Developed by Ahmed Mucahid Bozkurt, Car Play Connect is available for free download and necessitates iOS 17.6 or newer.
The functionality is straightforward: You install the app on your iPhone or iPad and place your device horizontally for landscape view. At this stage, you should see the Apple CarPlay interface, complete with infotainment applications such as Apple Maps, Spotify, Find My, and more.
HDMI eARC socket. Whether you’re connecting a gaming console, Blu-ray player, or streaming device, an HDMI cable is essential for linking all your gadgets together. However, if you have searched for an HDMI cable online or in retail, you’ve probably observed an intriguing pattern: Some cables feature a gold coating and are more expensive than their regular counterparts.
Producers frequently assert that these gold-plated HDMI cables provide enhanced picture clarity, improved signal stability, or greater longevity compared to their less expensive alternatives. The gleaming connectors and high-end packaging certainly give them a more favorable appearance, but does their visual appeal equate to enhanced functionality?
The brief answer is no. Gold plating may assist in preventing corrosion at the connector tips, but when it comes to passing a digital signal, there’s hardly any distinction in quality between a $10 plastic-wrapped HDMI cable and a $50 gold-plated variant. The key factors in determining the best HDMI cables are cable length, construction quality, and appropriate certification per the HDMI standard in use.
Therefore, prior to spending extra on gold-plated HDMI cables, it’s helpful to understand that their advantages are largely superficial and related to durability rather than enhanced performance. In simpler terms, the visuals on your display won’t appear any clearer solely due to having a gold cable.
# Apple Wallet Order Tracking: An Encouraging Functionality with Constraints
With the launch of iOS 26, Apple unveiled a notable upgrade to the order tracking capability within the Wallet app. By employing on-device Apple Intelligence models, the company set out to simplify the order tracking experience by extracting details from users’ emails, thus minimizing dependence on merchants to provide dedicated tracking options. Nevertheless, after several months of utilization, many perceive this advancement to be more of a cosmetic enhancement than a solid resolution.
## Evolution of Apple Wallet Order Tracking
The path of order tracking in Apple Wallet commenced with iOS 16, allowing users to monitor orders only if affiliated merchants facilitated the feature. Transactions made via Apple Pay would automatically populate the Wallet app with order information. With the rollout of iOS 17, Apple introduced a manual integration alternative, yet the core issue persisted: the insufficient support from merchants limited the feature’s practicality.
The unveiling of iOS 26 heralded a change in this scenario. By harnessing Apple Intelligence to gather order data from emails, users would no longer be restricted by a limited number of participating merchants. However, the actual performance of this function has turned out to be less advantageous than expected.
## The Limitations
The main limitation of the updated order tracking system hinges on its reliance on email analysis for information. Rather than merely pulling tracking numbers and supplying real-time updates, the system necessitates that merchants dispatch multiple emails for each major order notification. This can create a frustrating scenario, particularly if a merchant communicates solely when an order is shipped and when it is received, leaving users with scant information during the interim.
Moreover, the dependence on background refreshes from the Mail app can lead to an excessive number of notifications, particularly when several packages are intended to arrive on the same day. Users have also expressed confusion regarding in-store pickup orders, where the system mistakenly suggests that items have been shipped when they are actually available for pickup.
## Conclusion
While the idea of tracking packages through email confirmations is progressive, the implementation has fallen short of expectations. Instead of leveraging established package tracking APIs to deliver precise tracking information once a tracking number is obtained, Apple selected a route that feels less efficient and more burdensome.
Consequently, numerous users have opted to switch off order notifications in the Wallet app due to the intrusive nature of the alerts. It seems that Apple may have refrained from fully integrating with package tracking applications to evade allegations of “sherlocking” those services, but the current execution feels inadequate and not reflective of Apple’s typical standards.
In summary, although the order tracking functionality in Apple Wallet holds promise, its present limitations obstruct its usability, resulting in disappointment for many users regarding the experience.
Read Moreaffordable Android smartphones are available, suitable for anyone who needs a device that can carry out basic smartphone functions, such as web browsing, staying updated with news, and communicating with friends and family.
A budget-friendly Android smartphone can be a practical choice, particularly if you haven’t set aside funds for a mid-tier or premium model. Although you can find an Android phone for as little as $50, not every budget option on the market is worth purchasing.
But don’t just rely on our opinion – some customers who purchased the most inexpensive models have quickly experienced buyer’s remorse due to unmet expectations. If you’re in the market for a more affordable Android phone, it’s wise to avoid the following models.
The Umidigi C1 Max appears quite impressive on paper. It features 6GB of RAM, 128GB of storage, a dual-camera configuration on the back (50MP main and 2MP auxiliary lens), and a 5,150 mAh battery that charges via USB Type-C. The display is a standard-sized 6.52-inch screen with a 720p resolution. Additionally, it includes both face and fingerprint unlock for easy access to your home screen. Priced at under $90, it’s a compelling option for budget-conscious consumers.
Yet, despite its seemingly strong specifications, customer feedback reveals why this phone may not be a wise purchase. Even with 6GB of RAM, many users report that the device frequently freezes. The microphone quality is also described as average, with users dissatisfied with poor voice clarity during calls. If avoiding difficulties in phone conversations is important to you, skipping the C1 Max might be advisable. Others have noted issues with the charging port deteriorating shortly after unpacking the device or after a few months of use, indicating potential problems with the phone’s construction quality.
Google is transitioning from Google Assistant to Gemini, and certain newer timepieces, such as the Google Pixel Watch 4, include it as a standard feature. Indeed, having the capabilities of Gemini on your wrist can significantly alter how you navigate your daily activities.
Gemini is compatible with applications like Gmail, Google Maps, Google Calendar, and YouTube Music. Moreover, Gemini has the ability to comprehend conversational language and execute multi-step tasks, providing your smartwatch with functions that previously necessitated extra human assistance. Whether you possess a Google Pixel Watch or another smartwatch powered by Android, downloading the Google Gemini Wear OS app unveils an entire new array of features that you should begin utilizing.
The ability to remove updates for system apps via the Google Play Store has been eliminated.
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**Apple TV’s ‘Pluribus’ Accomplishes Landmark Achievement as Most Viewed Show**
Apple TV has recently marked a notable triumph with its acclaimed series, *Pluribus*. Upon its release, the show has officially achieved the title of the most viewed program in the history of the streaming service, eclipsing previous favorites like *Ted Lasso*, *Severance*, and *The Morning Show*.
### A Record-Setting Premiere
Last month, Apple revealed that *Pluribus* had outshined *Severance* Season 2, establishing it as the most successful drama series premiere on the platform. This achievement was expected due to the involvement of renowned creator Vince Gilligan, celebrated for his work on *Breaking Bad* and *Better Call Saul*. The buzz surrounding *Pluribus* was significant, contributing to its rapid surge in viewership.
### Honoring the Achievement
On the same day that *F1 The Movie* premiered at the top of Apple TV’s film charts, the company confirmed that *Pluribus* had reached the impressive milestone of being the most viewed show in Apple TV’s history. While Apple does not reveal precise viewership figures, the accomplishment is significant considering the competition from other popular series on the platform.
### The Significance of *Pluribus*
The triumph of *Pluribus* is especially impressive given the strong roster of shows Apple TV has released. With successes like *Slow Horses* and *The Studio*, the fact that *Pluribus* has surpassed them all in a short time speaks volumes about its allure. The show is currently in its inaugural season, which includes nine episodes, set to wrap up on December 26. A second season is already in the works, highlighting Apple’s dedication to the series.
### Subscription Details
Apple TV is available for $12.99 a month, providing a range of popular shows and films, including *Pluribus*, *Severance*, and *The Morning Show*. This subscription model enables viewers access to a broad spectrum of content, aiding in the platform’s rising popularity.
In summary, *Pluribus* has not only established a new benchmark for Apple TV but has also captured the interest of viewers, cementing its position in the streaming arena. As the series unfolds, audiences can anticipate more captivating content in the forthcoming season.
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