Author: Richard

Distinctions Between SpaceX’s Starship V2 and V1

unscheduled disassembly.”

Several of the modifications are readily apparent, such as the increase in height. The V2 stands at 171 feet (52.1m), which is a 6-foot increase from the V1’s 165 feet (50.3m). This additional height allows for more propellant; approximately 300 extra metric tons. More crucially, the V2 has reduced its empty weight from 100 metric tons to 85 metric tons while increasing its fuel capacity from 1,200 metric tons to 1,500 metric tons.

Rockets’ success hinges on their mass ratio, defining the correlation between propellant mass and dry mass. Shedding 15 tons of structural weight while adding 300 tons of fuel enhances the V2’s margins for orbital burns and landings. The lighter framework implies more fuel availability for re-entry, as well as greater payload capacity, which equates to improved performance in actual missions, not just in testing scenarios. By evaluating the V1’s test missions, engineers identified issues with thermal management and control during re-entry, particularly the vehicle’s aerodynamic stability. Utilizing this information, the V2 addresses those design flaws, rectifying those vulnerabilities.

How SpaceX tackled the re-entry challenges

AirPods Pro 3 and Apple Watch Series 11 Now $100 Reduced; Mac Mini Available for $479, Along with Price Cuts on iPads and More

### Black Friday 2.0: Unmatched Discounts on Apple Products

As the festive shopping period progresses, shoppers are experiencing extraordinary savings akin to Black Friday. Particularly, the **AirPods Pro 3** and **AirPods 4** are now at their all-time lowest prices, with the latter retailing for just **$99**. Nevertheless, the standout of today’s promotions is the **Apple Watch Series 11**, which has undergone a notable price reduction, making it an appealing choice for technology aficionados.

#### Apple Watch Series 11: Unprecedented Low Pricing

The **Apple Watch Series 11** has reached a historic low, now offered at **$100 off**, with prices commencing at **$299** for the 42mm model and **$329** for the 46mm variant. This pricing represents a considerable cut from the usual prices of **$399** and **$429** respectively. Both models, inclusive of GPS and GPS + Cellular alternatives, are available at this discounted price on Amazon and Best Buy.

This price drop showcases the most attractive deal found online, exceeding prior Black Friday and Cyber Monday promotions. For those who were reluctant during earlier sales, this presents a fantastic opportunity to acquire one of Apple’s newest wearables at a competitive rate.

#### M4 Mac Mini: Budget-Friendly Computing

In addition to the Apple Watch, the **M4 Mac mini** has reverted to its Black Friday pricing of **$479**, providing a **$120 discount** off its typical price of **$599**. This model comes equipped with **16GB of RAM** and a **256GB SSD**, rendering it a robust yet affordable choice for users in search of a compact desktop option.

While other versions of the Mac mini have not received similar discounts, B&H is providing a **$120 discount** on the **24GB model**, reducing its price to **$679**. This makes it a feasible option for those seeking improved performance without overspending.

#### Additional Discounts on Apple Products

Beyond the Apple Watch and Mac mini, there are also substantial discounts on the **iPad 11**, starting at **$279**, and the **M3 iPad Air** lineup, available from **$450**. These promotions indicate a widespread trend of price reductions across Apple’s offerings, making it an optimal time for consumers to acquire new technology.

#### Conclusion

With these exceptional deals on sought-after Apple products, shoppers can capitalize on prices that are more affordable than those experienced during the standard Black Friday events. Whether it’s the Apple Watch Series 11, the M4 Mac mini, or the latest iPads, consumers can discover outstanding value this holiday season.

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Honor Magic 8 Lite: Exceptional Endurance with 7500mAh Battery, Impact Resistance, and IP69K Certification

**Android Central Verdict: Honor Magic 8 Lite**

**Rating: 4 out of 5 stars**

Honor delivers with a mid-range success that features the largest battery and quickest charging capabilities in its category, alongside a durability that is designed to endure for an extended period, boasting top-tier drop and ingress protection. Overall performance is typically outstanding, and the software is replete with remarkable features. Starting off with Android 15 is disappointing, but it does offer a commitment to six years of OS updates in Europe. I’m not particularly fond of the flat edges or the subpar haptics, and the camera can be annoyingly slow, but compromises are expected at this price level, and these are not awful concessions.

**Pros:**
– Distinctive camera island design
– 3-day battery longevity and rapid charging
– Leading ingress protection and durability
– Strong overall performance
– Great value for money

**Cons:**
– Launching with Android 15
– Haptics have a low-quality feel
– Camera responsiveness requires enhancement
– Sides are excessively flat and awkwardly designed
– Only Europe receives the most favorable software update guarantee

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Apple TV Tops Golden Globes Nominations in Major Categories

Nominations for the 2026 Golden Globes have been officially revealed, with Apple TV achieving a total of 14 nominations and appearing to be an early leader in two of the most sought-after categories: Best TV Drama and Best TV Musical or Comedy.

The 83rd Annual Golden Globes is scheduled for Sunday, January 11, and Apple TV seems poised for a significant night. The nominations for this year’s awards have just been unveiled, and Apple stands out as the early leader for the two most esteemed TV series categories: Best Drama and Best Musical or Comedy.

Here are the complete lists of nominees for those categories:

**Best Television Series – Drama**
– *The Diplomat* (Netflix)
– *The Pitt* (HBO Max)
– *Pluribus* (Apple TV)
– *Severance* (Apple TV)
– *Slow Horses* (Apple TV)
– *The White Lotus* (HBO Max)

**Best Television Series – Musical or Comedy**
– *Abbott Elementary* (ABC)
– *The Bear* (FX on Hulu)
– *Hacks* (HBO Max)
– *Nobody Wants This* (Netflix)
– *Only Murders in the Building* (Hulu)
– *The Studio* (Apple TV)

Since *The Studio* secured Best Comedy at the Emmys, the show has emerged as a strong contender for the Golden Globes as well. However, what stands out even more is Apple occupying three out of six Best Drama slots with *Pluribus*, *Severance*, and *Slow Horses*.

Acquiring a full 50% of the nominations for the most desirable TV award is a significant achievement. Although winning is not assured, as *The Pitt* may hinder Apple’s aspirations yet again. Nonetheless, unlike the Emmys, this time around Apple has *Pluribus* alongside *Severance* as another formidable competitor.

Numerous Apple TV actors received nominations as well, including Rhea Seehorn for *Pluribus*, Adam Scott, Britt Lower, and Tramell Tillman for *Severance*, among others.

Apple also obtained a pair of Golden Globes nominations for *F1 The Movie*, encompassing ‘Cinematic and Box Office Achievement’ and ‘Original Score.’

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

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9to5Mac Daily Update: December 8, 2025 – Apple Chip Leader Considers Leaving in Light of iPhone Rumors

### 9to5Mac Daily: Your Destination for Daily Apple Updates

In the dynamic realm of technology, staying informed with current news is vital, particularly for Apple fans. 9to5Mac Daily offers a straightforward way to get up to speed on the major stories concerning Apple and its ecosystem. This daily podcast caters to listeners who wish to remain updated without having to browse through numerous articles.

#### What is 9to5Mac Daily?

9to5Mac Daily is a podcast that provides a summary of the most important Apple-related news each weekday. Hosted by experienced tech journalists, the podcast encompasses a broad array of subjects, including product announcements, software enhancements, and market trends. Each episode is crafted to be brief and insightful, making it simple for listeners to stay informed.

#### Where to Listen

Listeners can find 9to5Mac Daily on a variety of platforms, allowing you to listen in wherever you may be. The podcast is available on:

– [iTunes and Apple’s Podcasts app](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)
– [Dedicated RSS feed](https://feedpress.me/9to5macdaily) for Overcast and other podcast applications

#### Special Offers and Sponsorships

9to5Mac Daily frequently showcases sponsorships that provide listeners with exclusive deals. For example, Backblaze, a cloud backup provider, is presently offering a 30% discount for 9to5Mac listeners using the code **9to5Xmas** until the month’s end. This not only backs the podcast but also gives listeners confidence regarding their data security.

#### Subscription Benefits

For those looking to enhance their listening experience, subscribing to 9to5Mac Daily Plus comes with several advantages:

– Ad-free versions of every episode
– Access to additional content

Subscribing directly contributes to the podcast and guarantees that you receive the newest episodes as soon as they are available.

#### Engage with the Community

Listeners are encouraged to share their opinions and feedback. You can contact via email at

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Google Pixel Watch Update Enhances Always-On Display Functionality for More Clock Options

Timers, stopwatches, and media controls are now visible on the always-on display of your Pixel Watch.

(Image credit: Derrek Lee / Android Central)

Essential Information

  • Google is enhancing the visibility of timers and stopwatches on the Pixel Watch’s always-on display.
  • Following an update to the Google Clock app, media controls and additional clock functions will be accessible on the Pixel Watch’s AOD.
  • It seems Google is finally embracing the “Force Global AOD Experience” developer option introduced in Wear OS 5.1.

Notice

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Google Wallet Launches Option to Streamline Access to Passes for Android Users

Google Wallet now displays your passes on your lock screen right when you need them.

(Image credit: Roydon Cerejo / Android Central)

Essential information

  • Google Wallet now seamlessly presents the precise pass you require as you approach the destination.
  • This new capability finally offers the context-aware Wallet first hinted at during Google I/O, eliminating the hassle of sifting through an untidy pass list.
  • As you near an airport gate, concert location, transit station, or shop, Wallet sends a quick notification that instantly opens the relevant pass.

Disclaimer

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Android’s Latest ‘Transiting Mode’ Automatically Modifies Settings for Public Transit Users

Android may introduce a personalized Mode for utilizing busses and trains.

(Image credit: Derrek Lee / Android Central)

Essential information

  • Android might implement a new Mode tailored for users of public transportation.
  • Modes are unique profiles, launched with Android 15, that can adjust various settings at once through automated triggers or user activation.
  • The “Transiting Mode” would automatically modify settings when using public transport for a “smoother” experience.

Notice

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Utilizing a Soundbar Lacking an HDMI ARC Port: Choices and Substitutes

a budget soundbar priced under $200. Nonetheless, it’s frequently advised to connect a soundbar through the TV’s ARC or eARC port, which is part of the High-Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) found on the majority of contemporary televisions.

Utilizing an ARC or eARC port offers numerous advantages, including compatibility with high-resolution audio and surround sound formats. But what if your television lacks an ARC or eARC port, or if you intend to connect your soundbar to another device, like your computer? You can still utilize it without the HDMI ARC port, and here’s how you can accomplish that.

Alternative wired connections to HDMI ARC

It’s typical for soundbars to come with several input options to cater to various devices and requirements. For instance, the majority of soundbars include an optical input port, often referred to as Toslink or S/PDIF, which generally serves as your second-best option after HDMI ARC or eARC connections. It’s nearly as straightforward to use, requiring only an optical cable. However, the optical connection does not offer as many features as ARC or its more advanced version, eARC. Similar to HDMI, it transmits a digital signal and supports both stereo and 5.1 surround sound formats such as Dolby Digital, yet it cannot transmit uncompressed surround sound or spatial audio formats like Dolby Atmos and DTS:X.

In addition to the optical audio port, you might find a 3.5mm auxiliary port, red and white RCA plugs, or an RCA-style digital coax.

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