Author: Richard

Google Enhances Difficulty of Removing Updates for System Apps

The ability to remove updates for system apps via the Google Play Store has been eliminated.

(Image credit: Andrew Myrick / Android Central)

Key points to consider

  • Google has eliminated the feature to directly remove system app updates through Play Store listings.
  • This modification impacts numerous devices and types of applications, including concealed system apps.
  • Users retain the ability to uninstall system app updates, but they must do so via the app’s settings on their device.
Notice

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“Pluribus Sets New Benchmark as the Most Viewed Show on Apple TV”

**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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Why Choosing Alternative Computers for Investment is Smarter Than Going for Inexpensive Chromebooks

Chromebooks that users believe are a good investment. Consequently, if you’re in the market for a laptop to handle basic tasks or studying, a Chromebook might suffice. Even more advantageous, the majority are priced below $1,000 and provide just enough functionality to accomplish tasks.

The affordable prices can make Chromebooks appealing for those seeking a new laptop within a limited budget. However, don’t fall into the trap of purchasing one without caution. Although they may appear to come with nearly all the essentials for a new laptop, and tend to be more affordable, user-friendly, and lightweight, Chromebooks have their drawbacks.

Unlike conventional Windows laptops, there are numerous disadvantages to utilizing Chromebooks that you should not ignore. Before you invest your hard-earned money in a Chromebook, ensure you comprehend what you will be forgoing — and that superior alternatives are available.

The drawbacks of purchasing a Chromebook

Powerbeats Pro 2 Promotion Highlights Velocity, Reliability, and a Kung-Fu Master Persona

**IShowSpeed Stars in New Beats Commercial: A Voyage of Speed and Stability**

In an intriguing new commercial, renowned YouTuber and streamer Darren Watkins Jr., known as IShowSpeed, highlights his humorous and competitive nature as he participates in a kung fu challenge. The spot, lasting just under five minutes, underscores the significance of stability in attaining speed, a motif that resonates throughout the clip.

The story kicks off with IShowSpeed, who is amusingly mocked by a viewer named “ZenAF8” during a live stream where he practices against a BOB dummy while donning a pair of Beats headphones. This lighthearted exchange sets the foundation for his quest to master kung fu, under the guidance of an experienced kung fu master.

The master introduces IShowSpeed to the new Powerbeats Pro 2, a device crafted to boost performance through its stability and sound excellence. The ad skillfully intertwines the training regimen with the utilization of these headphones, showcasing how they empower IShowSpeed to concentrate and ultimately overcome his rival.

The video pays tribute to classic martial arts cinema, merging humor with action as IShowSpeed absorbs essential lessons about the harmony between speed and stability. His adventure culminates in a playful yet competitive face-off against the kung fu master, where he proves that with the right tools—such as the Powerbeats Pro 2—he can achieve his aspirations.

This commercial not only emphasizes the qualities of the Beats headphones but also highlights IShowSpeed’s distinctive personality and entertainment prowess, making it a standout addition to the influencer marketing landscape.

For those keen on the advertisement, it can be viewed below, along with links to purchase the Powerbeats Pro 2 on Amazon.

**Watch the video below:**

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Apple TV Unveils Five Significant Premieres Set for 2026, Alongside Fresh Video Teasers

Apple TV’s most significant premiere of the year has just launched, yet the platform is already hinting at what’s on the horizon for early 2026. Below are five major Apple releases coming soon, according to a newly released highlight video.

## Apple TV is bringing back numerous shows in early 2026 along with a surprise film

Today, Apple TV unveiled a fresh teaser video showcasing five premieres slated for early 2026. Four of these titles come with confirmed premiere dates, while the fifth remains without a specific date.

Upcoming releases encompass:

You can view the complete video previewing these upcoming titles below.

Apple has recently revealed several additional early 2026 premieres as well. These include the long-awaited return of the thriller *Tehran*, a new season of the critically acclaimed *Drops of God*, and more.

## ‘Eternity’ lacks a release date as of yet, but mid-February seems probable

Among the five highlighted releases, *Eternity* stands out as a genuine surprise. The film features Elizabeth Olsen, Miles Teller, and Callum Turner in a unique romantic comedy. It’s unexpected because A24 has only just released the film in theaters, and Apple had not previously promoted it at all.

As of now, Apple has yet to issue a formal announcement regarding the film’s arrival on Apple TV aside from its mention in this video. Chances are we’ll see a press release soon, and I predict a February 13 release date—perfectly timed for Valentine’s Day.

Which early 2026 Apple TV premieres are you looking forward to the most? Share your thoughts in the comments.

Apple TV is priced at $12.99 per month and includes popular TV shows and films like *Ted Lasso*, *Severance*, *Pluribus*, and more. It is also available through the Apple One bundle.

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iOS 26.2 Brings Improved Notification Capabilities for iPhone Users

**iOS 26.2: New Features and Notification Improvements**

iOS 26.2 has been launched, bringing a multitude of updates and improvements to Apple’s system applications, along with a significant new feature for notifications designed to enhance the user experience.

### Main Features of iOS 26.2

The update introduces several notable modifications, including:

– **Reminders**: A new ‘Urgent’ alert feature that enables users to prioritize essential tasks.
– **Apple Podcasts**: The arrival of AI-generated chapters, enhancing the listening experience by facilitating navigation through episodes.
– **Apple News**: An updated interface that boosts both usability and design.
– **Apple Music**: The inclusion of offline lyrics, allowing users to sing along even without an internet connection.

### New Notification Feature: Screen Flash

Among the key new features in iOS 26.2 is the capability for the iPhone screen to flash brightly when notifications arrive. This function is especially useful for users who might overlook alerts due to visual or hearing challenges.

#### How to Activate Screen Flash for Notifications

To enable this feature, users can follow these steps:

1. Open the **Settings** application.
2. Go to **Accessibility**.
3. Tap on **Audio & Visual**.
4. Locate the setting labeled **Flash for Alerts**.

In this menu, users will find the option to use an LED flash for notifications, alongside the new ‘Screen’ option. Users can choose to enable only the screen flash, the LED flash, or both for optimal visibility.

When the ‘Screen’ flash is turned on, the iPhone display will light up brightly for a short moment upon receiving a notification, offering a clear alert, particularly when the always-on display is not active.

### Conclusion

The addition of the screen flash feature in iOS 26.2 provides a valuable alternative for users who may not possess an Apple Watch or prefer another notification method. This update, paired with the upgrades to various system applications, highlights Apple’s dedication to enhancing user accessibility and experience.

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AI-Produced Summary of Fallout Season 1 on Prime Video Lacks Clarity

back in November, to assist with the notion that “sometimes we require a reminder before diving back into” our beloved shows. This is particularly applicable for any series that experiences a lengthy break between seasons. This “first-of-its-kind feature” was described as a “revolutionary application of generative AI for streaming,” according to Gérard Medioni, vice president of technology at Prime Video. Well, it seems that it has been utilized for the new season of the popular series based on a massive video game “Fallout,” summarizing the plot of season one. It did not turn out very well.

Everyone is buzzing about “Fallout’s” forthcoming season, but some discussions have soured due to that AI recap. The voice that narrated the replay is monotone, robotic, and unmistakably AI, which would be a significant oversight in itself. Furthermore, during the recap, it also provides inaccurate details, claiming that certain scenes are set in 1950’s America. While the scene is retro-themed, it is worth noting that the show’s timeline actually occurs in 2077. It also makes a rather obvious blunder regarding the season’s conclusion. There’s no need to spoil it for those who haven’t seen season one yet, but if you rely solely on the recap, you may find yourself a bit perplexed.

In any case, it appears that the AI recap is currently unavailable. It initially showed up on the “Fallout” series details page when selecting the second season, but it has disappeared. Hopefully for good, although it is more likely to return. Amazon did publish an entire blog regarding its rollout showcasing “Prime Video’s ongoing dedication to innovation and enhancing the viewing experience for customers.”

What is the intended function of the AI recap?

<div class="slide-key image-holder gallery-image-holder credit-image-wrap " data-post-url="https://www.bgr.com/2050637/prime-video-fallout-season-1

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Fortnite Once More Available for Download on Leading Android App Store

Epic’s confrontation with Apple has garnered significant attention, but the company has also been engaged in a conflict with Google.

That conflict has been lengthy for Fortnite enthusiasts, who have been unable to access Fortnite on their Android devices due to its removal from the Google Play Store. However, it appears Epic has finally triumphed in its protracted legal struggle with Google, as the company announced on X this week that Fortnite is making its way back to the Google Play Store in the United States following its reinstatement on iOS earlier this year.

In its tweet, Fortnite stated, “So many reasons to drop in this month…” teasing the announcement. This development is excellent news for Fortnite supporters, as previously, the only method to play Fortnite on Android involved downloading the APK for the Epic Games Store from Epic’s website and sideloading the app to gain access. Sideloading has been making headlines lately, with Google planning to implement significant changes to one of Android’s most valued features.

Samsung’s Galaxy Z TriFold Experiences Swift Sell-Out During International Debut

Even though availability might have been scarce, the demand for Samsung’s initial trifold is unquestionable.

(Image credit: Harish Jonnalagadda / Android Central)

Key Information

  • Following the release of the Galaxy Z TriFold in early December, shoppers promptly cleared out stock after its in-store launch in South Korea.
  • Samsung’s inaugural attempt at this design was quickly sold out, with reports indicating that both physical and online inventories were depleted “in minutes.”
  • The Galaxy Z TriFold boasts a 10-inch display when fully opened and comes with a hefty price tag of KRW 3.59 million, approximately ~$2,430.
  • The device is anticipated to launch in the U.S. by early 2026.

Notice

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9to5Mac Daily: December 12, 2025 – News on AirTag Speculations and Upcoming Shazam Enhancements

**9to5Mac Daily: Your Go-To for Daily Apple News and Insights**

In the rapidly evolving realm of technology, keeping up with the newest updates is vital, particularly for Apple fans. 9to5Mac Daily provides a handy way to get up to speed on the day’s top stories, offering listeners informative commentary and analysis on Apple-related subjects.

**What is 9to5Mac Daily?**

9to5Mac Daily is a podcast that presents daily summaries of noteworthy news events within the Apple ecosystem. Each episode is produced on weekdays, guaranteeing that subscribers get prompt updates on everything from product debuts to software improvements and market trends. The podcast is accessible on multiple platforms, including [iTunes](https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/9to5mac-daily/id1331816080), [Stitcher](https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/9to5mac-daily), [TuneIn](https://tunein.com/radio/9to5Mac-Daily-p1089524/), [Google Play](https://play.google.com/music/m/I5d4dzs7dauazmfxvvrynyiuram?t=9to5Mac_Daily), and through a dedicated [RSS feed](https://feedpress.me/9to5macdaily).

**Content and Features**

Each edition of 9to5Mac Daily contains discussions about the most urgent topics within the Apple community. Listeners can look forward to updates on the newest product releases, software modifications, and insights into Apple’s business approaches. The podcast also features a section for listener contributions, fostering audience involvement and interaction.

For those seeking an enriched experience, subscribing to 9to5Mac Daily Plus provides extra perks, such as ad-free episodes and exclusive bonus material. This subscription framework aids the creators and helps sustain the podcast’s quality.

**Sponsorship and Promotions**

9to5Mac Daily frequently incorporates sponsorships that offer listeners exclusive deals. For instance, a recent promotion from Backblaze grants a 30% discount to listeners utilizing the code **9to5Xmas**. Such collaborations not only financially support the podcast but also deliver valuable resources to the audience.

**How to Subscribe and Listen**

To make sure you never skip an episode, subscribing to 9to5Mac Daily is straightforward. You can discover the podcast on your preferred platform, whether it’s Apple Podcasts, Overcast, or any other podcast application. This subscription ensures that fresh episodes are sent directly to your device as soon as they become available.

**Engagement and Community**

Listeners are invited to connect with the podcast by sharing their opinions and feedback. You can reach out via email at

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