Google Unveils Gemini Image Markup Features to Improve Application Precision
You can now finally direct Gemini’s focus with the latest image markup features.
Essential information
- Gemini now allows you to sketch directly on images, enabling you to convey your intent to the AI without lengthy explanations in text.
- You have the option to circle, highlight, doodle, or annotate, and Gemini interprets these markings as context for analysis or modifications.
- This seems to be a subtle server-side trial, so the new features might not be available immediately, even with an updated app.
Notice
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Quest 3 Offered at $407 for a Short Duration
This is the finest offer I’ve encountered throughout the holiday period on ANY electronic device, and the all-time lowest price for the Quest 3, plus it comes with a $100 Amazon digital credit!
Are you looking to purchase a Meta Quest 3 as a gift this holiday season? There has NEVER been a better moment than today, as Amazon has the all-time lowest price for the greatest VR console ever created! Grab it now for $92.89 off, in addition to a $100 Amazon digital credit.
Previously, the lowest price we observed was during Black Friday when Meta provided $75 gift cards with the Quest 3, but you still needed to pay $499 upfront for that. This time, it’s a fantastic $92.89 off with no hassle, and Amazon even adds a digital credit for your convenience.
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Toyota Innovating Integration for Vehicle Key Features in Apple Wallet
### Toyota to Back Apple Car Key Platform
According to a recent report, one of the largest car manufacturers in the world, Toyota, is set to back Apple’s car key platform. The update reveals that Toyota has joined the roster of companies endorsing Apple Car Key, which was first introduced by Apple at WWDC in 2020.
#### What is Apple Car Key?
Apple Car Key enables users to add their vehicle keys to the Wallet app on their iPhones. This function allows users to lock, unlock, and start their vehicles directly from their devices. The execution of this feature may differ by manufacturer, but it typically includes three main methods of operation:
1. **Passive Entry**: The vehicle unlocks automatically as the user approaches with their device. After entering, the user can start the vehicle, and it will relock when they depart.
2. **Proximity**: Users can lock, unlock, and start their vehicle by positioning their device near the door handle or key reader.
3. **Remote Access**: Users can remotely lock and unlock their vehicle and access additional features using their device.
Moreover, Apple Car Key offers Express Mode, enabling users to utilize their car key without having to unlock their device with a passcode, Touch ID, or Face ID.
#### Current Situation of Toyota’s Support
While Toyota’s inclusion in the Apple Car Key platform is encouraging, there has yet to be an official announcement regarding the launch date for this support. Information about which specific Toyota vehicles will be compatible with the feature is still undefined. There is a possibility that the feature could be introduced to current models, but it may also be exclusive to new cars.
#### Increasing Adoption of Apple Car Key
The deployment of Apple Car Key has accelerated recently, with various automakers embracing the technology. For instance, Rivian has recently initiated support for the feature in their R1T and R1S models. As more manufacturers adopt the platform, consumers can anticipate enhanced convenience and integration between their devices and vehicles.
For those keen on monitoring the automakers and models that support Apple’s car key platform, a detailed roundup is accessible online.
As the automotive sector continues to advance with technology, the fusion of smartphone capabilities into vehicle access and management is becoming ever more common, improving the overall user experience.
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Microsoft Ends Support for Renowned Mobile Application Following 4 Years
Microsoft revealed it would phase out Publisher, one of its longstanding Office applications, and also announced it will cease support for the Microsoft Lists mobile app. The tech giant first shared details about this decision in June 2025 with an in-app notification. Since that time, the mobile variant of Lists has been gradually retired each month, culminating in its removal from app stores in November 2025.
Introduced in 2020, Lists has become one of several Microsoft 365 offerings designed for enterprise clients. Microsoft promotes Lists as a comprehensive solution for business users to create, share, and manage a range of workflows throughout organizations. The product includes templates that cover everything from event schedules and onboarding checklists to in-depth issue trackers, and Microsoft positions Lists as a versatile information management tool. It has gained popularity among project managers, who see it as a progression from SharePoint Lists owing to its integrated features within the company’s 365 software ecosystem, including Outlook and Teams. Particularly, the mobile application offered a convenient way to operate while on the move, although it did miss some essential features found in the desktop version.
On a positive note, Lists will remain available through both its desktop application and mobile web browsers. To use Lists on a mobile browser, users must navigate to their team’s SharePoint site and locate the app in the upper-left menu. Fortunately, there are no additional steps required for users to transfer their data away from the mobile application.
Why is Lists disappearing and what are the next steps?
Although Microsoft has not disclosed the reasons for discontinuing Lists, this action aligns with a broader company strategy of streamlining its software suite. From the unceremonious conclusion of Windows 10 in October 2025 to the phasing out of the Microsoft Store’s support for its Office products, the tech giant has spent recent months methodically reducing its applications. The rationale behind many of these actions appears logical: Rather than creating and maintaining multiple
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Android Phones Launch Function to Mark ‘Urgent’ Calls
You can now designate calls as urgent in the newest beta version of Google Phone.
Key points to understand
- Android is finally introducing call context, allowing callers to indicate the reason for their call — including the option to mark it as urgent.
- This feature, known as Expressive Calling, is currently available in the Phone by Google beta, marking a first for Android.
- Urgent calls prominently display a message stating “It’s urgent!” alongside an animated siren and remain marked in the call log if missed.
Notice
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Disney Sends Cease-and-Desist Letter to Google Regarding Suspected AI Copyright Violation
Disney has adopted a strong position against Google’s exploitation of its copyrighted content for AI training purposes. The entertainment titan dispatched a cease-and-desist letter to Google, alleging that the company has extensively utilized Disney’s intellectual property to train AI models. This encompasses unauthorized images and videos showcasing characters from franchises such as Frozen, Star Wars, Marvel, and Moana. Disney’s legal representatives also pointed out that certain AI-generated content featured Google’s logo, which could mislead audiences into believing the content was officially endorsed by Disney.
In reaction, Google has started to eliminate AI-generated videos that showcase Disney characters. The company asserts that it utilizes publicly available data from the internet for training and emphasizes its cooperative initiatives with Disney, including the Content ID tool for rights management. Regardless of the legal confrontation, Disney is not completely distancing itself from AI. It recently secured a $1 billion agreement with OpenAI, facilitating the production of content featuring over 200 characters from Disney, Marvel, Pixar, and Star Wars, some of which will be available on Disney+.
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Top 4 No-Cost Streaming Applications for Enjoying K-Dramas
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In recent years, Korean entertainment has gained substantial traction in the US, and if Netflix productions like Crash Landing on You, Boys Over Flowers, and Extraordinary Attorney Woo leave you wanting more K-dramas, there’s positive news. Beyond the leading Korean titles available on Netflix, and a growing array of K-dramas on subscription services like Disney+ and Hulu, a fantastic array of Korean content is accessible through free streaming platforms, enabling you to indulge in Korean dramas without the concern of subscription fees.
You might encounter some commercials, but that is a minor sacrifice for complimentary access to fresh Korean series. However, unless you are well-versed in K-dramas, you may not know where to discover this content. Thus, to assist in maintaining your Korean entertainment fix, we have compiled a list of four premier streaming applications that provide free Korean dramas on your mobile devices or television.
Viki
Viki is arguably your go-to platform for enjoying K-dramas at no cost on the web. This streaming service owned by Rakuten features over 1,000 Korean TV shows, many of which are accessible without charge. Nevertheless, you will have to deal with ads and standard definition quality. The platform also includes a segment that highlights all content available for free streaming, eliminating the difficulty of locating a series you wish to view only to find out it requires a Viki Pass subscription. Some of the highest-rated complimentary K-dramas found on Viki consist of Descendants of the Sun, Legend of the Blue Sea, and Mr. Queen.
Additionally, Viki permits you to view two complimentary episodes of most premium series to let you sample them and determine if paying for the Viki Pass is worthwhile. The service has applications for most devices, including Android, iOS, and major smart TV brands, and offers subtitles in various languages, mostly provided by community contributions. Some content may have English voiceovers, but this is generally limited.
iRobot Files for Bankruptcy; Roomba Robots Will Keep Functioning as Usual
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the Roomba devices you may possess at the moment. There’s no need to be concerned about the self-operating cleaners abruptly shutting down, or apps malfunctioning after the Chapter 11 declaration. iRobot, as both a company and a brand, will remain intact. Instead, iRobot revealed that it will transition to a private entity, with Beijing-based Picea Robotics acquiring all of iRobot’s operations. Picea serves as iRobot’s main contract manufacturer, as stated in a press release. The Chinese company, along with one of its subsidiaries, will assume control of iRobot through a court-supervised process.
“Today’s announcement signifies a crucial step in securing the long-term prospects of iRobot,” iRobot CEO Gary Cohen expressed in a statement. “This transaction will bolster our financial stability and ensure continuity for our consumers, clients, and partners. Together, we will strive to further the industry-leading Roomba devices and smart home innovations that have characterized the iRobot brand for over thirty years. By merging iRobot’s creativity, customer-focused design, and research and development with Picea’s legacy of innovation, manufacturing, and technical know-how, we are confident that iRobot will be well-prepared to define the upcoming era of smart home robotics.”
Are Roombas still on the market?
Apple and Google to Enforce Age Verification to Prevent Nude Photos
**Title: UK Government Suggests Age Verification for Nude Images on Apple and Google Devices**
A recent report reveals that the UK government aims to urge Apple and Google to adopt measures that would prevent the capture and sharing of nude images unless users have been verified as adults. This initiative is designed to boost child safety by limiting minors’ access to explicit material on their devices.
### Age Verification Initiatives
There is an increasing agreement that app stores should hold the legal obligation for verifying the ages of users instead of individual app developers. This change in responsibility has led to suggestions like the App Store Accountability Act in the United States. The proposed legislation indicates that users would only need to confirm their age once to Apple or Google, which would subsequently manage age limitations for various applications.
While Apple has been opposing such proposals, others argue that this method could simplify the process and improve user safety.
### Request to Prevent Nude Images
As reported by the *Financial Times*, the UK government plans to ask Apple and Google to integrate nudity-detection algorithms within their operating systems. This technology would restrict users from capturing or sharing nude images unless their adult status has been confirmed. Furthermore, the Home Office aims to guarantee that no nudity is visible on devices unless the user can verify their adult status through biometric checks or valid identification.
An official announcement regarding this request is anticipated soon, though it appears to be an appeal rather than a legal requirement at this time.
### Existing Protections by Apple
Apple has already instituted several protective features in its Messages app. If a child within an iCloud Family group receives a sexually explicit picture, the image is blurred, and a warning notification is issued. Should the child choose to access the image, they receive an alert detailing the sensitivity of the content and informing them that their parent will be notified.
### Debate and Issues
The suggested age verification measures have ignited considerable debate. Detractors claim that the prospect of Apple and Google monitoring photos and content accessed in apps raises significant privacy issues, even if such monitoring occurs on-device. Nevertheless, the rising occurrence of online grooming and exploitation of minors emphasizes the pressing need for effective solutions.
The conversation surrounding this proposal could result in more practical and reasonable strategies for protecting children online.
### Conclusion
The UK government’s appeal for Apple and Google to prevent nude images unless users are verified as adults marks a substantial move toward enhancing online safety for minors. While the proposal brings privacy concerns to the forefront, it also underscores the urgent requirement for effective measures to counteract the exploitation of children in today’s digital landscape. As discussions progress, it is crucial to investigate solutions that harmonize safety with privacy.
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How Members of Google Play Points Can Buy the Pixel 10 Pro for $549
The Pixel 10 Pro has become more affordable than the base model for those who qualify for Google’s Play Points promotion.
Key details:
– Google is providing a $250 discount on the Pixel 10 Pro, reducing the price to $749 on the Google Store.
– Certain Play Points members are eligible for an additional $200 discount, allowing some customers to purchase the Pixel 10 Pro for $549.
– Users can verify their eligibility in the Play Store Perks section, with the promotion valid until December 27 at 11:59 p.m. PT.
If you’ve been considering acquiring a Google Pixel 10 Pro, now could be an opportune moment as Google is presenting significant discounts in addition to a new promotion for Google Play Points members that can be combined with the current store deals.
Presently, the Google Store has a promotion for the Pixel 10 Pro, where the device is available for $250 less than its standard retail price of $999. This translates to Google selling the Pixel 10 Pro for $749 without any additional offers.
However, as noted by 9to5Google, Google is also providing select Google Play Points members an extra $200 off the Pixel 10 Pro, which can be combined with the $250 discount.
This allows you to purchase the Pixel 10 Pro for only $549 by utilizing both discounts. That’s a significant $450 reduction from the standard launch price of the Pixel 10 Pro. Likewise, the Pixel 10 Pro XL can be acquired for as low as $699 after stacking both promotions.
It’s important to mention that these prices apply to the base models of both devices. Another aspect to remember is that you can trade in your smartphone in addition to these discounts, further decreasing your purchase price.
It should also be noted that this offer seems to be exclusive to specific Play Points users. Reports from Reddit indicate that the additional discount is available only to members with Gold tier status.
This could be the most attractive Pixel 10 Pro deal we’ve encountered.
That being said, you can quickly verify your eligibility by opening Google Play on your smartphone and navigating to the Perks tab to check if the offer applies to you. If you see the card for “Special offer from Google” and “Get $200 off select Pixel phones,” then you’re eligible for the additional discount.
If you are, simply tap Claim first and then Redeem to be directed to Google Store to select your desired model.
The offer is currently active, and per the terms and conditions, it concludes on December 27 at 11:59 p.m. PT. Therefore, if you’re looking to acquire a Pixel 10 Pro, now could be the optimal time.
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