Author: Richard

Anbernic’s Anticipated Handheld Gadget Likely to Become a Hit Christmas Present

The Anbernic RG DS: A Nostalgic Gaming Journey with Contemporary Features

The Anbernic RG DS has been officially launched, paying homage to the Nintendo DS Lite with its dual touchscreen interfaces. This Android-based handheld gaming system is currently available for pre-order at a promotional price of $93.99, with deliveries anticipated before December 15.

Design and Features:
– The RG DS echoes the iconic design of the Nintendo DS Lite, featuring dual 4-inch touchscreen displays, each with a resolution of 640 x 480.
– It operates on the RockChip RK3568 processor and Mali G52-2EE GPU, enhanced by 3GB of RAM and 32GB of internal storage, which can be expanded via microSD up to 2TB.
– With Android 14 as its operating system, the device provides access to a vast array of games beyond just the DS collection, though it may face challenges with more resource-intensive 3DS games.
– Connectivity options encompass Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 4.2, along with bonus features like a Hall Magnetic Switch for Sleep Mode, a six-axis gyro, and a 3.5mm audio jack.
– The RG DS comes in three distinct colors: Black & Crimson Red, Turquoise Blue, and Polar White.

Pricing and Availability:
– The Anbernic RG DS can be pre-ordered directly from Anbernic or through AliExpress, featuring a limited-time price of $93.99.
– After the pre-order phase concludes, the retail price will rise to $99.99.

The Anbernic RG DS marries nostalgic appeal with modern advancements, presenting a compelling choice for gaming fans who wish to revisit the DS era while enjoying enhanced functionality.

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iPadOS 26.1 Improves iPad Pro Functionality with Additional Feature

The most recent iPad software upgrade, iPadOS 26.1, has been launched with a noteworthy boost for productivity: the reinstatement of Slide Over. This capability enables users to keep one application in view above others, thereby enhancing the multitasking experience.

### iPadOS 26’s Revamped Windowing System and the Reintroduction of Slide Over

For the past ten years, the iPad Pro has been a fundamental computing device for numerous users. With the rollout of iPadOS 26, Apple intended to advance productivity by introducing a new window management system. Nevertheless, the first version saw the elimination of Slide Over and Split View, which had been crucial for effective multitasking. While users could recreate some elements of Split View, the lack of Slide Over was particularly prominent.

Slide Over offers users the ability to keep one window on top of other applications, enabling quick access to secondary tasks without overwhelming the primary workspace. This feature was especially beneficial for activities like checking social media or controlling music playback while concentrating on main tasks, such as writing or doing research.

### How to Activate Slide Over in iPadOS 26.1

To activate Slide Over, users can press and hold the green window control button located at the top of the screen and choose ‘Enter Slide Over.’ Although the feature has been restored, it currently only supports a single application at a time, which is a limitation when compared to earlier versions where multiple apps could be layered.

Despite this limitation, many users have discovered Slide Over to be an indispensable tool. For example, keeping Slack as a Slide Over application enables uninterrupted communication while other tasks are being performed. In the past, users needed to resize windows to fit Slack, which frequently resulted in a loss of screen space. With Slide Over, Slack remains readily available without interrupting workflow.

### Conclusion

The reinstatement of Slide Over in iPadOS 26.1 has greatly improved multitasking functions on the iPad Pro. Although there are still opportunities for enhancement, such as allowing multiple apps to be stacked, the feature has simplified task management for users. As iPadOS progresses, there is optimism that Slide Over will receive further improvements to boost productivity. For more comprehensive guidance on using Slide Over, users can consult Apple’s support documentation.

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Cutting-Edge Nuclear-Propelled Submarine Finishes Preliminary U.S. Evaluation

Newport News Shipbuilding and General Dynamics Electric Boat (GDEB) are preparing a nuclear submarine for handover to the U.S. Navy. Launched in May 2023, the Virginia-class attack submarine USS Massachusetts (SSN-798) has recently completed a series of maritime evaluations, which included the ship’s initial submersion, as well as its first high-speed maneuvers both underwater and on the surface. Massachusetts is among 25 Virginia-class attack submarines, and the twelfth constructed by Newport News Shipbuilding, one of only two U.S. shipyards — alongside GDEB — capable of building nuclear-powered submarines. It is part of 10 nuclear-powered subs commissioned by the U.S. Navy as a result of a $17.6 billion agreement awarded to GDEB. Designed to offer superior endurance, mobility, and stealth through nuclear propulsion technology, Massachusetts and its numerous fleet counterparts are tailored for contemporary anti-submarine and anti-surface combat, and possess the capability to launch Tomahawk missiles, gather intelligence, conduct mine warfare, and deploy special operations forces. Moreover, it is the first vessel to adopt the “Massachusetts” name since the USS Massachusetts (BB-59) battleship, which was officially retired after World War II in 1947.

Massachusetts is a next-gen submarine designed for modern conflict

At 377 feet in length and weighing 7,800 tons, powered by a nuclear reactor, Massachusetts represents a cutting-edge submarine that signifies a significant leap in the U.S. Navy’s offensive and defensive capabilities. The reactor itself is one of the submarine’s primary wonders, facilitating prolonged periods of submersion and nearly limitless operational range. Additionally, with its single-shaft configuration, Massachusetts efficiently directs fission energy into a propulsion system, minimizing power loss and acoustic signature. The greater the energy efficiency and the quieter the submarine, the more menacing it becomes; Massachusetts is capable of underwater speeds of up to 25 knots (approximately 30 miles per hour). As part of the Block V fleet, the vessel is equipped with the Virginia payload module: a lengthened midsection that allows for an additional four payload tubes, enabling the sub to launch as many as 40 Tomahawk missiles simultaneously. Massachusetts’ modular design represents another achievement for the U.S. Navy. Upgrades can be performed within the same hull, conserving time and resources while prolonging service life. This is promising for AI-enhanced advancements in submarine technology, ranging from sonar operations to mission planning and essential health monitoring systems. In a discussion with Military.com, Rear Adm. Mark Heinrich emphasized the significance of the Block V Virginia-class submarines in the Pacific arena. “The key for the Virginia-class Block V is that it will replace the SSGNs,” he remarked, alluding to the existing nuclear-powered guided missile submarines that have been operational since 2007. “Once they do, they’ll be very pertinent players in the Pacific — a submariner’s playground, deep, maneuverable, and ripe with opportunities for training in authentic environments.”

Transitioning from Cold War workhorses to modern power

When the initial Virginia-class nuclear submarines were handed over to the U.S. Navy in 2004, they began replacing the Los Angeles-class submarines, a mainstay of the U.S. Navy for over forty years. Although marginally faster than the Virginia vessels, the Los Angeles-class submarines are considerably noisier, require refueling, and can hold only 12 Tomahawks at once, compared to the 40-missile capacity of the Block V submarines. Many Los Angeles-class submarines have already been retired, and the U.S. Navy’s contract with GDEB was amended this past April to include two more Block V submarines: USS Baltimore (SSN-812) and USS Atlanta (SSN-813). By 2025, the U.S. Navy will have added 24 Virginia-class submarines to its fleet, and it will be only a matter of time before these new vessels fully replace their Cold War counterparts. There’s no doubt about the considerable presence the U.S. Navy maintains in underwater warfare, and with each new Block V (and forthcoming Block VI and VII) submarine the military acquires, the more powerful and responsive America’s undersea presence becomes.

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Google Photos Could Roll Out an ‘Ask’ Button for Easy Memory Retrieval

Google Photos is trialing a visible ‘Ask Photos’ button within the image display itself. This upcoming feature may enable users to inquire about their photo library directly from the photo viewer without needing to change screens. The ‘Ask Photos’ tool utilizes AI to interpret conversational requests, allowing users to search their collection by simply posing questions like “Show me photos from my last birthday” rather than entering keywords.

Moreover, concealed code within the app hints at the creation of a new “Outfits collection,” possibly associated with Google’s Doppl virtual try-on technology. This capability could automatically arrange wardrobe photos, permitting users to restyle themselves by uploading outfit images, comparing styles, and generating new combinations from their current wardrobe.

Presently, the ‘Ask Photos’ feature is confined to the United States and available through a distinct Ask tab in the Photos app for eligible users. The dedicated shortcut button is still undergoing testing and has not been officially announced, suggesting it may take a while to be launched worldwide. The Outfits collection and Doppl integration are still hypothetical, as initial code references do not always translate to public launches.

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Motorola Introduces Budget-Friendly Smartphones for Holiday Buyers

Motorola has announced its newest budget-friendly smartphones, the Moto G 2026 and Moto G Play 2026, earlier than expected. Both devices are available for under $200, making them appealing choices for users in search of reasonable Android smartphones. The Moto G 2026 boasts a 50MP camera, 30W charging, and is available in two Pantone shades, whereas the Moto G Play 2026 provides 5G support and a 32MP camera, with a starting price of just $169. Both phones feature a 6.7-inch 120Hz LCD screen, MediaTek 6300 chipset, 4GB RAM (upgradable to 12GB), and a 5,200mAh battery that promises up to two days of usage. They operate on Android 16 and come with two OS upgrades and three years of software updates. The Moto G Play 2026 will launch on November 13, while the Moto G 2026 will be released on December 11.

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OmniOutliner 6: Significant Update Now Accessible for Trial

**OmniOutliner 6: The Next Stage in Outlining Software**

OmniGroup’s OmniOutliner, an effective outlining application initially launched in 2000, is about to undergo major enhancements with the arrival of OmniOutliner 6. This software has consistently been a preferred choice among experts in diverse areas, including developers, designers, and authors, for its capability to assist users in capturing, organizing, and arranging their ideas in a hierarchical design.

### Key Features of OmniOutliner 6

OmniOutliner 6 strives to improve user engagement across all Apple platforms, including Mac, iPhone, iPad, and Apple Vision Pro. The updated version will boast a uniform user interface and functionality, ensuring that users can effortlessly transition between devices while retaining access to advanced capabilities.

#### Omni Links

One of the key attributes in OmniOutliner 6 is **Omni Links**, which permits users to connect to both local and remote files, alongside web links. This feature employs user-created “Connected Folders,” simplifying the process of accessing files from various locations such as iCloud Drive, Dropbox, Google Drive, and local servers.

#### AI Tools

Another remarkable addition is the **AI Tools** feature, which harnesses Omni Automation plugins along with Apple’s on-device AI framework. This capability empowers users to gather information from emails, web pages, or local documents, transform that data into outlines, and export it in different formats, including Keynote presentations and blog entries.

### Additional Enhancements

OmniOutliner 6 will further provide complete support for AppleScript, refined dark mode, the capability to open multiple windows on Mac (including for the same project), shareable custom styles, resizable inline attachments, and sophisticated filtering options. These improvements are intended to optimize workflows and boost productivity for users.

### Conclusion

As OmniGroup gears up to launch OmniOutliner 6, users are invited to engage in the testing phase through TestFlight, with limited access. The new features and enhancements promise to make OmniOutliner an even more essential tool for anyone who incorporates outlining into their workflow. For further details, users can consult the release notes or join the TestFlight program to experience the forthcoming features firsthand.

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Steps to Include Your Boarding Pass in Google Wallet on Android Devices

TSA red flag electronics can create a sense of urgency and tension. One factor that can increase that anxiety is having to juggle several documents and carry-on belongings as you navigate through security checkpoints. Some airlines, such as American Airlines, strive to simplify the experience by providing streamlined digital boarding passes.

This forms part of American Airlines’ latest effort to adopt technology, particularly artificial intelligence (AI), aiming to enhance the travel experience. Other components of this initiative encompass AI-driven suggestions based on customer feedback, 3D seat selection, and quicker check-in kiosks. The digital boarding pass can be directly downloaded into your Google Wallet app.

However, that is not the sole method to incorporate a boarding pass into Google Wallet. The Google Pixel smartphone presents another option that is not tied to any specific airline. You can capture a screenshot of the boarding pass, which is then stored for later use in the Google Wallet app. All of this aims to ensure that airlines can stay abreast of current technology, adapt to consumer behaviors, and alleviate some of the inconveniences associated with air travel.

Adding your boarding pass to Google Wallet

Tim Cook Marks 65th Birthday, Igniting Conversations About Possible Successor as CEO

**Tim Cook’s Prospects at Apple: Speculations on Leadership Transition**

Apple’s CEO Tim Cook marked his 65th birthday on November 1, reigniting conversations about his possible retirement and the future helm of the tech giant. Although many might anticipate his departure at this age, Cook has not displayed any immediate intention of vacating his role.

### Tim Cook Is Staying Put For Now

Even though he has reached an age where retirement is a common consideration, Cook continues to be dedicated to his position at Apple. With significant wealth and a charitable plan to contribute a large portion of it, there are no financial incentives driving him to remain. In 2021, Cook indicated that he might not be at Apple for another decade, yet he also mentioned his aspiration to manage one more major product category before he retires. The upcoming Apple Glasses could represent that category, though the company must initiate succession planning ahead of time.

### Possible Successors for the Role of Apple CEO

Historically, Jeff Williams, the former COO of Apple, was perceived as the most viable candidate to succeed Cook. However, his recent announcement of retirement later this year has shifted the spotlight onto other individuals.

**John Ternus**, Apple’s Senior Vice President of Hardware Engineering, has now emerged as a frontrunner in succession deliberations. He enjoys respect within the organization and has the support of key figures such as Eddy Cue, who believes Ternus would excel as CEO. His composed nature and effective management abilities reflect those of Cook, positioning him as a strong candidate.

Other prospective successors include:

– **Phil Schiller**, who is the same age as Cook, thereby making him an improbable choice for enduring leadership.
– **Craig Federighi**, head of software engineering, is a recognizable figure in Apple events but is considered an unlikely option.
– **Greg Joswiak**, the marketing head, has not received much speculation, suggesting he may not be a strong competitor.
– **Sabih Khan**, who will succeed Williams, is relatively unknown yet has time to build his reputation. Cook has commended Khan’s strategic skills and contributions to Apple’s supply chain and sustainability initiatives.

### Conclusion

As speculation regarding Tim Cook’s potential retirement persists, the focus on possible successors underscores the significance of strategic planning for Apple’s future leadership. With Cook’s prosperous tenure, the company stands ready for a substantial transition when the moment arrives. The lingering question is: who will guide Apple into its subsequent chapter?

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Decision Moment for Liquid Glass: Take Part in Our Survey to Cast Your Vote

# The Liquid Glass User Interface in iOS 26: A Contentious Change

The Liquid Glass user interface has emerged as a hallmark of iOS 26, sparking intense discussions among users and technology aficionados. Apple has officially launched iOS 26.1, enabling users to select between preserving the Liquid Glass design or opting for a more muted version.

## The Liquid Glass Debate

Expectations for iOS 26 were elevated, with many anticipating it would offer the most substantial visual refresh since iOS 7’s debut. Reactions to Liquid Glass have been notably divided. While certain users enjoy the innovative appearance, others have pointed out issues with its functionality and overall visual appeal. Apple appeared ready for this criticism, providing a range of settings to modify the visual effects. However, these options were not readily available, necessitating users to delve deep into the settings menu to uncover them.

## iOS 26.1 Introduces an Easy Switch

The rollout of iOS 26.1 represents a crucial development, introducing a simple switch for the Liquid Glass effect. This feature was initially discovered in the fourth developer beta and permits users to toggle between the standard clear appearance and a newly shaded option that increases opacity in apps and notifications on the Lock Screen. Users can locate this switch in Settings > Display and Brightness.

The implications of this modification are noteworthy, as it provides a near-total return to the pre-iOS 26 appearance for those who favor a less see-through interface. While Apple presents this adjustment as merely a transparency option, it effectively acts as a Liquid Glass on/off switch for users desiring a more classic design.

## What Will You Decide?

As users engage with this updated interface, the lingering question is: have you welcomed the Liquid Glass aesthetic, or have you selected the new tinted version? The decision reflects individual preferences and usability factors, encouraging dialogue among users about their experiences with the update.

In summary, the launch of the Liquid Glass user interface in iOS 26 has prompted considerable discussion, but the improvements in iOS 26.1 grant users the ability to customize their experience according to their preferences.

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Samsung Broadens Galaxy AI Language Assistance to More Areas

The on-device AI application for Galaxy smartphones is growing.

(Image credit: Andrew Myrick / Android Central)

Essential information

  • Samsung revealed that Galaxy AI now accommodates 22 languages, including support for speakers of Gujarati and Filipino.
  • Functionality such as Live Translate, Interpreter, Chat Assist, and Note Assist will be more beneficial for users in these areas.
  • Samsung has reportedly stated over the summer that there’s no intention to start charging for its primary Galaxy AI features.

Notice

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