Author: Richard

    • Richard
    • Comments Off on iPhone Fold Anticipated to be a Major Breakthrough in 2024, Projected to Have a Significant Effect
    iPhone Fold Anticipated to be a Major Breakthrough in 2024, Projected to Have a Significant Effect

    ### Foldable iPhone Anticipated to Propel 30% Growth in Market

    IDC has released a fresh report outlining expectations for the foldable smartphone market for the upcoming year, forecasting a notable 30% year-over-year increase spurred by the expected introduction of the iPhone Fold.

    In IDC’s report, “Next year will be thrilling for the foldable segment with several launches driving the market to a 30% YoY growth from only 6% in the previous forecast,” stated Nabila Popal, senior research director at IDC’s Worldwide Quarterly Mobile Phone Tracker. The report suggests that Samsung will kick off 2026 with the Galaxy Z Trifold, bringing tri-fold innovation to regular consumers, building on the accomplishment of the Galaxy Z Fold7 in 2025. Moreover, Huawei’s foldable devices featuring HarmonyOS Next are anticipated to see robust growth, with shipments set to nearly double in 2026. However, the most substantial effect is expected from Apple, which is estimated to enter the foldable market by year’s end, seizing over 22% unit share and an impressive 34% of the foldables market value in its inaugural year, thanks to a projected average price of $2,400.

    Expectations for Apple’s debut foldable iPhone are exceptionally high, targeting a 22% unit share and 34% of market value. This underscores both the niche nature of foldable smartphones, which have existed for about seven years, and the potential influence Apple can exert with a single device.

    Foldable smartphones are only beginning to gain momentum, yet they still constitute a relatively small portion of the overall market. Apple’s arrival could greatly enhance the popularity of this form factor, but success is not assured. For example, the recent unveiling of the iPhone Air, a new variant, is reported to have fallen short in sales despite favorable user reviews.

    As the foldable smartphone landscape progresses, the lingering question is: Will foldables emerge as a major success in the smartphone market? The response may hinge on consumer reception and the effectiveness of marketing strategies surrounding these innovative gadgets.

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    Ford F-150 Lightning 4X4 Supercrew EV display.

    Jonathan Weiss/Shutterstock

    The Ford F-150 Lightning appears to be in a perplexing middle ground. It ranks among the leading electric trucks nationwide, yet frequently finds itself near the lower end of Consumer Reports’ evaluations. This combination isn’t as paradoxical as it might seem. The truck continues to sell well thanks to the reputation of the F Series lineup. Numerous buyers have confidence in that brand; they are aware of what to expect, and the electric models still function like the traditional work trucks they are familiar with. As per Consumer Reports, the Lightning excels in several areas that matter to owners. The reviews from the outlet highlight that the EV’s interior is pleasant, the bed and front trunk can accommodate ample cargo, and the vehicle can even supply power to a home during a blackout — a benefit compared to most electric vehicles.

    When Consumer Reports assesses electric vehicles (and cars in general), the focus isn’t on the delight or utility of the truck; it looks into the frequency of component failures and the experiences reported by owners over time. Many electric trucks face difficulties in this regard due to factors like inadequate drivetrains and electronic systems. The Lightning occupies a central position in this complexity, so despite its strong sales, the electric truck is still plagued by numerous challenges that accompany being an early iteration of an electric pickup.

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    • Richard
    • Comments Off on Samsung 4TB SSD Keeps Its Price Low at $0.07 per GB Even as Storage Prices Increase
    Samsung 4TB SSD Keeps Its Price Low at $0.07 per GB Even as Storage Prices Increase

    This holiday season, storage promotions are scarce.

    (Image credit: Samsung)

    As you may have already learned, SSD prices experienced significant variations throughout 2025, prompting many individuals to hunt for the finest storage bargains while they’re available. Black Friday and Cyber Monday presented a fair range of SSD deals a few weeks ago, but if you weren’t able to participate in those events, good news: the Samsung 4TB T7 external SSD continues to offer a $75 discount at Best Buy, reducing the cost of the portable storage item to $269.99. That breaks down to roughly $0.07 per gig!

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    • Richard
    • Comments Off on Comparing HDMI and USB-C: Selecting the Appropriate Display Port
    Comparing HDMI and USB-C: Selecting the Appropriate Display Port

    the HDMI interface, which provides widespread compatibility and transmits both audio and video signals. Add to that eARC and ARC port functionalities along with practical single-port configurations, and it’s clear why it’s favored. On the computer connection front, there are additional choices like DisplayPort, the antiquated VGA plug, and even USB-C.

    Regarding PC connections, which is the optimal choice for your monitor? The truthful response is likely USB-C, but the existing device environment complicates matters. Numerous PCs and docks continue to use HDMI as the main display connection, and the majority of contemporary monitors support this through HDMI inputs as the primary means. Nevertheless, there has been a rise in USB-C and Thunderbolt displays that could provide more benefits, provided you have a compatible device that meets your requirements.

    Transfer rates and media

    <img class="gallery-image " src="https://www.bgr.com/img/gallery/hdmi-vs-usb-c-which-display-port-should-you-use/transfer-spe

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    • Richard
    • Comments Off on Top 5 Most Suggested YouTube TV Alternatives
    Top 5 Most Suggested YouTube TV Alternatives

    left with the impression that YouTube TV doesn’t justify its value and is considering abandoning the service or searching for other options. A current survey conducted by Drive Research indicates that 82% of YouTube TV subscribers are frustrated over the prolonged two-week dispute between Disney and YouTube TV, with about 24% of those polled having already terminated their subscriptions or intending to do so in the near future.

    Although ESPN and other Disney channels have returned to YouTube TV following negotiations, subscribers are left questioning whether this revised agreement will involve any upcoming price increases. This situation has prompted many to explore alternative live TV streaming services to view the content they desire, without incurring exorbitant costs.

    Numerous streaming platforms are vying with YouTube TV, ranging from well-known options like Hulu TV and Sling to lesser-known services like Frndly TV, but the following are some of the top alternatives to YouTube TV. By combining any of the following with the various free streaming services available from providers like Tubi, Pluto, and others, you might find yourself never returning to YouTube TV.

    1. Fubo TV

    Fubo TV has existed for quite some time, having launched in 2015 as a streaming service centered around live soccer. Evolving since its inception, Fubo TV has transformed into a comprehensive live streaming service with a significant emphasis on live sports. Fubo TV features multiple subscription packages, beginning at $14.99 for its Latino plan and reaching up to $94.99 for its Elite plan.

    All standard streaming plans offer access to ABC, CBS, and FOX channels, with higher-tier plans providing 4K streaming for enhanced visual quality. The company has also recently introduced its Fubo Channel Store, a platform that permits users to purchase additional subscriptions from specific streaming services to complement their existing plans. Given that the platform initially catered solely to sports, Fubo TV is highly regarded among sports enthusiasts.

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    • Richard
    • Comments Off on Top 5 Lesser-Known Complimentary Mac Applications
    Top 5 Lesser-Known Complimentary Mac Applications

    useful Mac applications that you might not be aware of, no matter how long you’ve been a macOS user.

    This is due to the fact that developers periodically introduce new applications, so unless you actively participate in relevant communities like r/MacApps on Reddit, it can be challenging to discover tools that could enhance your experience— or ones that resolve your frequent issues with current Mac applications or your workflow.

    Instead of putting in all the effort to find these applications, we aim to simplify the process by highlighting the top five Mac applications we’ve encountered that are not only useful in various situations but are also completely free, allowing you to download and begin using them right away without spending any money.

    Zettlr

    Zettlr is a no-cost and open-source markdown editor compatible with macOS, Linux, and Windows. The application features a user-friendly layout with a file navigator on the left side and an editor to the right. It is designed primarily for writers, but it can also serve for note-taking across various tasks due to its Markdown capabilities and several additional features that make it unique, such as no telemetry and support for reference managers like Zotero, JabRef, and Juris-M.

    For academic purposes, Zettlr comes equipped with numerous convenient functionalities. For instance, it has an integrated method for submitting your work to journals and conferences. The editor supports LaTeX for formatting mathematical equations correctly, includes code blocks for snippets of code, and allows the use of custom CSS for personal text formatting. Snippets are another useful aspect of Zettlr that streamline your work by letting you define certain frequently-used phrases, reducing the need to repeatedly type everything out.

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    • Richard
    • Comments Off on Samsung Galaxy S26 equipped with Exynos 2600 Chip Might Be Limited to a Single Nation
    Samsung Galaxy S26 equipped with Exynos 2600 Chip Might Be Limited to a Single Nation

    Samsung is reportedly adopting a careful strategy with its forthcoming Exynos chip, the Exynos 2600, by restricting its launch to the Korean market. This choice represents a notable departure from prior anticipations of a wider Exynos resurgence. The Exynos 2600 is expected to incorporate Samsung’s enhanced 3nm GAP process, tailored CPU cores, and a new AMD-supported Xclipse GPU. Nevertheless, these enhancements may not be offered outside Korea, as all international Galaxy S26 variants are likely to transition to Qualcomm’s Snapdragon processors.

    The choice to limit the Exynos 2600’s availability to Korea may be shaped by the chip’s performance throughout its development. Samsung is focused on enhancing thermal stability, on-device AI, and power efficiency with this new chip. By confining its release to Korea, Samsung can track its performance and resolve any concerns without encountering global scrutiny.

    Competition may also influence this tactic. Qualcomm’s imminent Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chipset, featuring its new Oryon CPU, is predicted to deliver notable performance gains. By utilizing Snapdragon worldwide, Samsung can guarantee uniform performance across all S26 versions, especially in benchmark results and heat management, which are vital in the premium smartphone sector.

    If these reports hold true, the Galaxy S26 will debut with two distinct processors: the Exynos 2600 for Korean users and Qualcomm’s Snapdragon for the rest of the globe. This method is atypical for Samsung, as the company usually markets Exynos-equipped devices internationally, particularly in Europe. The ultimate decision regarding this strategy is still unclear, and it will be intriguing to observe how it develops.

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    • Richard
    • Comments Off on Android 16 QPR2 Update Dramatically Enhances Google Pixel 10 Performance
    Android 16 QPR2 Update Dramatically Enhances Google Pixel 10 Performance

    The Pixel 10 seems to have become quicker, with Google not altering the hardware at all.

    What you need to know

    – The Pixel 10 debuted without any significant claims regarding its raw speed, yet Google is reportedly extracting genuine performance enhancements solely through software.
    – Android 16 QPR2 is said to provide the Pixel 10 with a distinct boost in responsiveness, resolving initial concerns about subpar GPU performance.
    – Benchmarks indicate approximately a 5% increase in CPU and GPU scores, but practical tests show nearly a 20% jump, resulting in a noticeably smoother experience.

    The Pixel 10 wasn’t recognized for its raw speed at launch. If you purchased one, it was likely for its cameras or AI features, rather than for the Tensor G5 outperforming the Snapdragon 8 Elite in speed evaluations. However, the Pixel 10 is reportedly becoming faster, not through upgraded hardware, but due to some subtle software modifications.

    The latest updates, including the December Android 16 QPR2 rollout, seem to be providing the Pixel 10 with a notable enhancement in daily responsiveness, as noted by Android Authority.

    This is an intriguing development for a device that launched with promising specifications but faced early backlash for GPU performance that trailed behind Snapdragon-equipped competitors. Now, Google appears to be regaining some of that territory through pure software optimization, and some users on Reddit have begun to notice it as well.

    More than just a minor update

    The Android 16 QPR2 update might not appear significant initially, but it does more than alter the interface’s appearance. Preliminary tests show that a Pixel 10 Pro XL with QPR2 achieves around a 5% increase in both multi-core CPU and peak GPU scores.

    The real shocker lies in everyday performance: PCMark Work 3.0 scores increased by nearly 20%, indicating that Google has optimized task scheduling in ways that users will appreciate.

    While the changes aren’t massive, and the Pixel 10 still isn’t designed for gaming, the phone feels more fluid, according to the report. Performance isn’t the only advancement, either. QPR2 also introduces system-wide enhancements like customizable launcher icon shapes, an improved widget panel, better HDR brightness control, and numerous fixes for battery, Bluetooth, camera, and display problems.

    This December update incorporates over 30 security patches and bug fixes, solidifying the software foundation that the Pixel 10 operates on.

    The main takeaway is the implication for Google’s update approach. Rather than waiting for annual Android releases to enhance performance, Google is now implementing genuine upgrades in quarterly updates. If this trend continues, the Pixel line could maintain its performance far better over time compared to the first-generation Tensor devices.

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    • Richard
    • Comments Off on December Update Improves Pixel Watch 4 with One-Handed Controls and Enhancements to Gemini Tool
    December Update Improves Pixel Watch 4 with One-Handed Controls and Enhancements to Gemini Tool

    Smart Replies and Pixel Watch Gestures: Improving User Experience

    In a major update, Google has rolled out new features for the Pixel Watch 4, enhancing user engagement through smart replies and intuitive gestures. This update, part of Wear OS 6, focuses on optimizing user experience by accelerating interactions and improving efficiency.

    **Smart Replies: Quicker and More Effective**

    The Pixel Watch 4 and Watch 3 now incorporate a new Gemma-based on-watch model for smart replies. This model is crafted to be twice as quick and almost three times more effective in memory consumption. In a blind study, 97% of users rated the quality of these replies as equal to or superior to previous versions. This upgrade is anticipated to boost the battery life of the Pixel Watch 4, thereby making it a more dependable companion for users.

    **Gesture Controls: Recognizable Yet Cutting-Edge**

    The Pixel Watch 4 unveils two one-handed gestures: Double Pinch and Wrist Turn. These gestures enable users to answer calls, clear notifications, and execute other tasks without needing to touch the screen. The Double Pinch gesture, known to previous Galaxy Watch users, permits users to answer and end calls, pause timers, mute alarms, and more. The Wrist Turn gesture silences alerts or incoming calls, analogous to Samsung’s “Shake” gesture.

    Google has additionally launched the Gemini Raise to Talk feature, empowering users to activate Gemini by simply raising their wrists. To help users fully take advantage of this feature, Google is providing a comprehensive step-by-step tutorial.

    **Customizable Gesture Reminders**

    Users have the ability to personalize the frequency of gesture reminders within the UI, selecting from choices like Always, Daily, Weekly, Monthly, or Once. This adaptability ensures that users can customize their experience to suit their needs.

    **Conclusion**

    Through these updates, Google continues to prioritize AI enhancements and shortcuts, establishing the Pixel Watch 4 as a leader in the smartwatch industry. The blend of quicker smart replies and intuitive gestures elevates the overall user experience, making daily interactions more fluid and effective. As Google persists in its innovation, users can look forward to even further improvements in upcoming updates.

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    • Richard
    • Comments Off on Current Offers: $130 Discount on 512GB Mac mini, Apple Sport Loop for $34, Magic Mouse and AirPods Back in Stock, and Additional Items
    Current Offers: $130 Discount on 512GB Mac mini, Apple Sport Loop for $34, Magic Mouse and AirPods Back in Stock, and Additional Items

    ### Today’s 9to5Toys Lunch Break: Significant Apple Sales and Offers

    In this edition of 9to5Toys Lunch Break, we spotlight multiple noteworthy sales on Apple merchandise, featuring the return of the AirPods Pro 3 and AirPods 4 equipped with Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) at an attractive price point. Furthermore, we delve into savings on the M4 Mac mini, Apple Watch accessories, along with various iPad and MacBook variants.

    #### AirPods Pro 3 and AirPods 4 with ANC

    The AirPods Pro 3 have returned at a discounted price, making them a compelling choice for individuals seeking superior audio quality with noise cancellation capabilities. Meanwhile, the AirPods 4 with ANC are offered for merely $99, an opportunity that is difficult to resist for both audiophiles and casual listeners.

    #### M4 Mac Mini Discounts

    Amazon has brought back an impressive deal on the M4 Mac mini, presenting the base model for $479. Additionally, the mid-tier model, which includes 16GB of RAM and a 512GB SSD, is now priced at $669.99, reflecting a $129 reduction from its usual price of $799. This setup is perfect for users in need of a powerful yet compact desktop solution.

    #### Apple Watch Sport Loop

    A fresh offer has appeared for the 2025 Anchor Blue Apple Watch Sport Loop, now available for $34, which is 30% off its standard price. This band is compatible with 46mm Apple Watch models and crafted from a soft, breathable nylon weave, making it a comfortable selection for everyday use.

    #### Apple Watch Ultra 2 Models

    As we approach the holiday season, Apple Watch Ultra 2 models have seen significant price reductions, with up to $250 off on various configurations. The models finished in Natural Titanium now retail for $549, down from the initial $799. This promotion includes multiple band choices, accommodating diverse styles and preferences.

    #### iPad Pro Discounts

    The newest M5 iPad Pro models are also experiencing price cuts, with both the 11-inch and 13-inch sizes available at $100 off. The 13-inch M5 iPad Pro begins at $1,199 for the 256GB version, positioning it as a compelling option for professionals and creatives alike.

    #### M5 MacBook Pro Deals

    All variations of the M5 MacBook Pro are presently $250 off at Amazon. This includes the 24GB/1TB configuration, which is now priced at $1,749. These promotions showcase some of the best prices observed since Black Friday, making it a prime time for those seeking a new laptop.

    ### Conclusion

    With a range of discounts on sought-after Apple products, such as AirPods, Mac minis, Apple Watches, iPads, and MacBook Pros, now presents an excellent opportunity to contemplate upgrading your technology. Whether your interest lies in high-quality audio, a powerful desktop, or a versatile tablet, these deals provide significant savings and value.

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