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Twelve South Unveils Valet: A Qi2 Charging Dock Featuring a Built-In Leather Catch-All Tray

**Twelve South Valet: The Premier Wireless Charging Station and Essentials Tray**

As CES 2026 progresses, Twelve South, a distinguished name in Apple accessories, has introduced its newest offering: the Twelve South Valet. This cutting-edge accessory functions as both a wireless charging station and a personal essentials tray, crafted to simplify your daily routine by providing a specific spot for your phone, keys, wallet, and other necessities while also charging your devices.

### Key Features of the Twelve South Valet

The Valet features an integrated wireless charger that is Qi2 compatible, delivering up to 15W of wireless charging power for your iPhone or AirPods. Furthermore, it includes a concealed USB-C port beneath the base, also offering 15W, allowing you to charge a secondary device like an Apple Watch, Kindle, or iPad.

#### Highlights:
– **Qi2-certified wireless charging**: Offers up to 15W for compatible gadgets.
– **Extra USB-C port**: Discreetly located under the base for charging an additional device.
– **Adjustable orientation**: Built-in cable management system allows for four varying positioning options, accommodating diverse setups and nightstand arrangements.

### Design and Aesthetics

Twelve South highlights that the Valet is not only a practical charging station but also a stunning home accessory. Made from luxurious Nappa leather and elegant metal framing, the Valet is crafted to harmonize effortlessly with any surrounding, whether it be an entryway console, kitchen, or nightstand. The plush, square charging pad aligns with the architectural contours of the leather tray, while a weighted zinc alloy base ensures steadiness and organization for your essentials.

### Customization Options

The Valet comes in Black or Taupe Nappa leather, featuring a detachable outer frame available in black, taupe, brown, and ecru. This enables users to change frames according to their home decor. The tray can be adjusted in four distinct orientations, allowing you to position your iPhone on either side or rotate it to portrait mode for tighter spaces.

### Unique Features

A notable aspect is the Goodnight Glow, which pulses to indicate that your device is charging and dims after eight seconds, providing a gentle reminder without being disruptive.

### Pricing and Availability

Positioned as a premium accessory, the Twelve South Valet is promoted as a “modern heirloom.” It is open for pre-order at a price of $179.99, reflecting its high-quality materials and thoughtful design.

In conclusion, the Twelve South Valet merges functionality with sophistication, making it a perfect addition for anyone aiming to elevate their charging experience while keeping their essentials in order.

Apple Watch Series 11 Now $100 Off, iPad Mini Cut by $100, Apple Sport Loop Available for $34, and Apple Pencil Pro Up for Grabs, Among Other Deals

### CES 2026: Thrilling New Offerings and Product Launches

As we step into 2026, the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) has introduced a wide array of new product launches and announcements, paving the way for an exhilarating year in technology. Notable among these are substantial discounts on sought-after Apple products, presenting an excellent occasion for consumers to capitalize on these deals.

#### Apple Watch Series 11: New Year Promotions

The Apple Watch Series 11 has experienced considerable price reductions, with numerous models now being offered for **$100 off**. This includes the GPS + Cellular editions, which remain available at lowered prices, though quantities are limited. For example, the 42mm Apple Watch Series 11 featuring a Natural Titanium Case is listed at **$574.97**, a reduction from $699, creating a fantastic chance for individuals aiming to elevate their fitness endeavors with this sophisticated wearable.

#### Anchor Blue Apple Watch Sport Loop

Alongside the Apple Watch itself, the official Anchor Blue Apple Watch Sport Loop has hit an unprecedented low of **$34**, representing a **31% discount** from its standard price of $49. This band boasts a soft, breathable design made from recycled materials, ensuring both comfort and sustainability. Given the infrequency of discounts on this model, this promotion is particularly significant for Apple Watch fans.

#### iPad Mini 7: A Fresh Low Price

The iPad Mini 7 is now available for **$399**, indicating a **$100 discount**. This pricing applies to all color variants and is an excellent opportunity for those who received Amazon or Best Buy gift cards over the holiday period. The 128GB model, powered by the A17 Pro chip, delivers a compact yet robust tablet experience, making it a favored option among buyers.

#### Apple Pencil Pro: Major Savings

Best Buy is providing the Apple Pencil Pro for **$80.99**, which is more than **37% off** its usual price of $129. This open-box item includes a one-year Apple warranty, offering reassurance for purchasers. The Apple Pencil Pro is compatible with several iPad models, including the latest iPad Pro and iPad Air, rendering it a valuable tool for creative professionals and students alike.

#### Additional Accessories and Charging Promotions

Beyond the highlighted items, a variety of accessories and charging discounts are on offer. Anker is hosting a New Year sale with price reductions of up to **55%** on assorted chargers and bundles, making it an ideal time to stock up on essential technology accessories.

### Conclusion

With CES 2026 launching the year with thrilling product unveilings and notable discounts on popular Apple gadgets, consumers have a distinct opportunity to enhance their tech collections. Whether you’re in the market for a new smartwatch, tablet, or accessories, now is the perfect moment to take advantage of these offers before they vanish.

5 Essential Windows Applications to Enhance Performance on Aged Computers

reconsider it just now for your upcoming crafting endeavor.

We’ve previously discussed crucial Windows 11 configurations you ought to modify to enhance the operating system’s performance, but there exists a variety of free third-party software that can assist in revitalizing that aging PC that’s starting to lag back into one with a bit more energy. We have thoroughly searched the web to identify several applications that both users and specialists have highly recommended. Additionally, we have explored tools that don’t require a computer science degree to comprehend, enabling you to fully leverage their capabilities.

The applications listed below may aid in boosting your computer’s speed, eliminating unnecessary programs, and addressing concerns that you might not even realize were causing your computer to slow down. Some of these tools can be obtained online, while others are actually included with Windows 11, making their usage quite simple and straightforward.

Startup Programs

Galaxy S25 Gets One UI 8.5 Beta 3 Update Featuring Bug Fixes and January Security Patch

The new software update for Galaxy S25 addresses battery issues, gallery sluggishness, and additional enhancements.

(Image credit: Samsung)

Top 5 Must-Have Free Apple Watch Applications to Install Initially

The Apple Watch is a top seller in smart wearables for good reason. Despite some significant drawbacks in the Apple Watch Series 10, the device continues to improve with an expanding array of features and applications that cater to diverse requirements. While the built-in apps may already fulfill your needs, various third-party applications can enhance your experience when you opt to download and install them first.

These upcoming applications are designed to assist you in monitoring the weather, enhancing your workouts, and ensuring you remember all the essentials while grocery shopping. All these apps boast favorable ratings in the Apple App Store with numerous reviews, and a few have even received Apple’s endorsement.

Although every application listed here is free to download, we’ve indicated where subscription options or premium tiers exist. Nevertheless, the free versions of all these apps will function as expected on your Apple Watch, eliminating any concerns about needing a subscription to experience them. Considering there are many other free Apple Watch apps available, it’s advisable to give these a shot first to prevent wasting time sifting through the App Store.

CARROT Weather: Alerts & Radar

The standard Apple Watch comes equipped with the company’s Weather app, but many users might seek alternatives that offer more features and flexibility. The third-party application CARROT Weather developed by Grailr LLC provides enhanced capabilities that go far beyond what’s available through Apple. In 2023, we identified it as one of the top weather applications for iPhone, and its compatibility with Apple Watch makes it a worthy download.

CARROT Weather presents meteorological updates in five distinct styles — including a formal tone and another that throws in humor and colorful language to enliven your weather predictions. You can obtain comprehensive weather details right from your Apple Watch, including information on weekly, daily, and hourly forecasts. Additionally, the app prioritizes user privacy by assuring not to sell or share your personal data. You can also select your preferred weather service for CARROT and easily switch between them within the app.

While the fundamental app is free, note that CARROT provides various in-app purchases and subscription options — with monthly fees starting at $4.99 and annual subscriptions at $19.99. Enrolling in the app’s subscription service unlocks further features, including

Easy Measures to Guarantee a Joyful New Year for You and Your Apple Devices

# Upholding New Year’s Resolutions with Apple Devices

As highlighted by Apple, numerous New Year’s resolutions tend to wane swiftly, with many abandoning them by the second Friday in January, known as Quitter’s Day. However, utilizing Apple devices can assist in sustaining new habits with a few simple strategies.

## Sleep Monitoring

Adequate sleep is essential for well-being. The Apple Watch serves as an effective instrument for monitoring sleep patterns. Users can don the watch at night, recharge it during their morning routines, and continue wearing it throughout the day, ensuring it’s ready for action. For individuals who favor extended battery life, options like smart rings or fitness trackers may be preferable.

## Mental Health Management

Enhancing mental well-being can involve eliminating distracting applications and reducing notifications. This can result in a more focused and fulfilling daily experience. Users are advised to evaluate their app usage and modify notifications as needed.

## Embracing a Paperless Lifestyle

Shifting to a paperless lifestyle has become more attainable. Adopting this change can simplify organization and diminish clutter, making it a highly recommended step for those aiming to streamline their lives.

## Structuring Folders on Your Mac

Establishing a coherent folder structure on your Mac can greatly boost productivity. Recommended folders include Finance, Legal, Household, Health, and Temporary. This organization can assist users in quickly finding files and maintaining an orderly digital workspace.

## Organizing Applications

In a manner similar to folder structuring, categorizing applications can enhance efficiency. For instance, the Notes app allows for nested folders, enabling users to create a well-organized system for their notes. The Mail app also provides options for folder creation and email rules for automatic sorting, improving email management.

## Assessing Backup Strategies

Data loss can affect anyone, making a solid backup plan vital. A combination of local backups and cloud storage, such as Time Machine and Dropbox, can safeguard against data loss. It is advisable to maintain multiple copies of important data, ideally with one stored off-site.

## Managing Subscriptions

Given the increasing costs associated with subscriptions, reviewing them can lead to substantial savings. Users should assess their subscriptions to identify which services they genuinely utilize and appreciate, potentially eliminating unwarranted expenses.

## Privacy Assessment

Protecting privacy is essential in today’s digital landscape. Users should routinely review app permissions on their devices, especially regarding location services. Modifying privacy settings on social media platforms is also recommended to regulate who can see personal posts.

By incorporating these strategies with Apple devices, users can boost their odds of adhering to their New Year’s resolutions and enhancing their overall well-being.

How to Obtain Apple Fitness+ at No Cost

### Apple Fitness+: A Detailed Guide to Getting Started

January frequently ushers in new ambitions, particularly regarding health and fitness for many individuals. Apple Fitness+ has recently introduced new programs aimed at fostering exercise routines, and there are various methods to access Fitness+ completely free of charge.

#### Fitness+ Provides Video Workouts on iPhone, iPad, and Apple TV for All Skill Levels

Apple Fitness+ stands as a subscription service that offers guided video workouts on iPhone, iPad, and Apple TV. While there are unique features available for Apple Watch and AirPods Pro 3 users, ownership of these products is not necessary to utilize Fitness+.

Fitness+ workouts can be executed at home or in the gym and are customized for individuals of all skill levels. You’ll discover workouts ranging from a brief 5 minutes to an extensive 45 minutes, including everything in between.

A variety of workout types are available, including:
– Strength
– Core
– Meditation
– HIIT (High-Intensity Interval Training)
– Yoga
– Pilates
– Treadmill
– Cycling
– Rowing, and more

Numerous users consider Fitness+ to be a hidden treasure within Apple’s service offerings, thanks to the exceptional roster of trainers, top-notch production quality, and meticulous execution in every video.

#### How to Obtain Apple Fitness+ for Free

Apple Fitness+ is priced at $9.99/month, but several options allow you to access it for free:

1. **Anytime Fitness Members**: Members receive Fitness+ access at no additional cost.
2. **Wellhub Users**: Users subscribed to a Basic plan or higher enjoy free Fitness+ access.
3. **New Fitness+ Subscribers**: New subscribers can take advantage of three months free when they purchase a new Apple Watch, iPhone, iPad, Apple TV, AirPods Pro 3, or Powerbeats Pro 2.
4. **Family Sharing**: If anyone in your Family Sharing group subscribes to Fitness+, you will receive free access (up to 6 users per subscription).

If none of the above options are suitable, consider the Apple One bundle. Apple One offers several different tiers, with the Premier plan including Apple TV, Apple Music, iCloud+ with 2TB of storage, Apple News+, Apple Arcade, and Apple Fitness+. If you are already paying for multiple services separately, subscribing to Apple One could grant you access to extra services like Fitness+ at no additional charge.

Will you give Apple Fitness+ a try this year? Share your thoughts in the comments.

Reasons Why Certain Individuals Have an Aversion to Roku

Roku TV or streaming stick may be monitoring you via data collection and activity tracking practices. You can restrict the device’s capacity to gather data by modifying your Roku privacy preferences, but it could also be argued that this shouldn’t occur in the first place.

The state of Florida has recently filed a lawsuit against Roku, claiming the company breaches children’s privacy regulations by selling voice recordings, viewing behaviors, and geolocation information — the latter being a significant invasion of user privacy. Personally, I don’t have an issue with Roku devices in my residence, though I have opted out of data tracking and privacy-sensitive features. Additionally, I don’t utilize most of the streaming applications, as I have my own Plex server set up. This allows me to disregard most advertisements, depending on where they appear.

Is Roku truly worse than other streaming devices?

Motorola Signature Leak Unveils Premium Flagship Guaranteeing Seven Years of Updates

**Seven Years of Upgrades and Reliable Specs Establish the Motorola Signature as a Flagship Contender**

In the cutthroat arena of flagship smartphones, Motorola is set to make a striking impression with its forthcoming launch, the Motorola Signature. Renowned for its mid-tier products, Motorola is elevating its standards with a device designed to rival giants like Samsung and Google. The Motorola Signature aims to transform the company’s reputation with its remarkable specifications and extended software support.

**Key Information:**
– A recent leak indicates that the Motorola Signature will showcase a sleek 6.99mm build, a substantial 6.8-inch AMOLED display boasting 6,200 nits of brightness, and a durable silicon-carbon 5,200mAh battery.
– The smartphone is anticipated to provide seven years of OS updates, mirroring the flagship-level software assurances offered by Google and Samsung.
– Although it might lack the Elite variant of the Snapdragon chip, it makes up for it with up to 16GB of RAM.

**Design and Display:**
The Motorola Signature is crafted to captivate with its slender silhouette and expansive screen. The 6.8-inch Extreme AMOLED display guarantees vivid imagery, setting it apart as a highlight. Despite its lightweight construction, the device accommodates a formidable 5,200mAh battery, promoting durability and performance.

**Performance and Software:**
Beneath the surface, the Signature is speculated to be powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 processor. While it may not be the Elite model, the chip is believed to manage daily tasks, AI functions, and gaming effortlessly. The availability of up to 16GB of RAM and 1TB of storage guarantees seamless operation.

A major selling point is the assurance of seven years of OS and security updates. This extended support signifies a breakthrough for Motorola, aligning it with the Pixel and Galaxy S series.

**Camera Features:**
The camera configuration on the Motorola Signature is crafted to impress. It allegedly boasts three 50MP rear cameras, incorporating a Sony LYTIA 828 sensor with an f/1.6 aperture, an ultrawide lens that serves as a macro lens, and a Sony LYTIA 600 telephoto lens featuring 3x optical zoom. The front-facing camera is predicted to utilize a 50MP sensor, appealing to selfie aficionados.

**Concluding Remarks:**
While there were early speculations regarding an integrated stylus, the latest leaks do not verify this aspect. The only question that remains is the pricing. If Motorola can strategically position the Signature against the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra, it could emerge as an unexpected success in 2026. With its blend of design, performance, and long-term support, the Motorola Signature is ready to make a notable impression in the flagship smartphone landscape.