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Three Budget-Friendly Substitutes for USB Drives

the largest USB drive currently available for purchase is 4TB, yet its cost does not provide great value. Additionally, their transfer rates and durability fall significantly short compared to modern options. Moreover, the conventional USB-A connector is being substituted with the contemporary USB-C connector in many devices. Furthermore, individuals no longer require a physical product to exchange files. With fast internet and cloud storage services, the processes of accessing, syncing, and sharing files have become simpler than ever. This digital ease of use is challenging to surpass. Gradually, USB drives are being supplanted by more affordable alternatives.

Portable SSDs

<div class="slide-key image-holder gallery-image-holder credit-image-wrap" data-post-url="https://www.bgr.com/2060491/usb-flash-drives-cheap-alternatives-replaced-them/" data-post-title="The 3 Cheap Alternatives That Replaced USB Drives" data-slide-num

Upcoming HDMI 2.2 Launch: No Urgent Upgrade Required

HDMI Forum has formally introduced the latest iteration of the HDMI specification, Ultra96 or HDMI 2.2. This version features enhanced resolutions and refresh rates, supporting 12K at 120 FPS and 16K at 60 FPS. However, hold back your enthusiasm, as this technology isn’t set to be implemented in the televisions you currently own, so no upgrades are necessary at this moment. When a new standard is established, it often takes years for manufacturers to integrate it into new devices. For example, HDMI 2.1 was unveiled in November 2017, but it didn’t appear in a consumer product until September 2020, initially debuting in an NVIDIA graphics card rather than a display or television. HDMI 2.2 may experience a similar, if not longer, delay before it becomes available in retail products.

Additionally, there were dubious choices regarding the implementation of the HDMI 2.1 standard, especially concerning how some manufacturers have created “fake” versions. It’s quite possible that your HDMI 2.1 ports are not genuine, as certain features of the new standard are optional. Indeed, this situation is as perplexing as it sounds. Some HDMI 2.1 ports may lack the features and specifications they are supposed to have.

The new HDMI 2.2 version brings forth additional ports, along with a new Ultra96 cable that collectively enables a higher bandwidth of up to 96 Gbps, which is double that of the previous version. Nevertheless, akin to how HDMI 2.1 phased out earlier versions, HDMI 2.2 will follow suit. All ports will be designated as 2.2, and since the new functions are “optional,” it is likely we will encounter numerous “fake” HDMI 2.2 ports.

Why am I not required to upgrade anything?

There’s no specific timeline for the effective rollout of HDMI 2.2, which means the standard is indeed released, but it won’t

Five Preferred Characteristics for Chinese Smartphones in 2026

In 2026, the smartphone sector is anticipated to experience notable progress, especially in camera innovation, battery advancements, and international market expansion. Chinese smartphone manufacturers, including Vivo, OPPO, and Xiaomi, are leading the charge with devices that not only perform exceptionally but also excel in capturing breathtaking photos and providing extended battery longevity.

**Improved Camera Technologies**

The advancement of smartphone camera systems remains a key priority for producers. Gadgets like the Vivo X200 Ultra and OPPO Find X9 Pro have raised the bar with their exceptional imaging abilities. Looking ahead, larger sensors and enhanced tuning algorithms that boost image quality are expected. The trend of incorporating high-resolution lenses, such as 200MP telephoto options, is anticipated to persist, delivering users unmatched photographic opportunities.

**Innovations in Battery Technology**

Battery performance continues to be a vital element of smartphone functionality. The rollout of silicon-carbon batteries has transformed the landscape, enabling greater capacities without sacrificing design aesthetics. Phones that utilize these batteries can now sustain up to two days of use on a single charge. The augmented silicon content in anodes increases energy density, leading to batteries that surpass 8,000mAh in capacity. This innovation guarantees that devices remain lightweight while providing strong performance across diverse environmental conditions.

**Expansion in Global Markets**

Chinese brands are preparing to broaden their reach beyond Asia, focusing on Western markets through proactive marketing strategies. OPPO and Vivo have already begun to penetrate the European market, and this pattern is predicted to accelerate. By launching flagship models worldwide, these brands aspire to compete with established entities and secure a greater portion of the global market.

**Improvements in Display Technology**

Display technology is also undergoing significant enhancements. Partnerships with display manufacturers like BOE have produced panels that can dim to as low as 1 nit, improving usability in dim lighting. While current models boast 1.5K resolution displays, a transition to 2K panels with similar low-light performance is expected, granting users an elevated visual experience.

**Obstacles and Future Perspectives**

Despite these advancements, obstacles such as increasing DRAM costs could affect the availability of high-RAM variants. While 12GB of RAM is likely to become the norm, the need for additional memory may rise with the growing use of AI-driven applications. Nevertheless, the emphasis on innovation and user-focused features guarantees that Chinese manufacturers will remain integral in influencing the future trajectory of the smartphone sector.

In conclusion, 2026 is set to be a year filled with thrilling advancements in smartphone technology, characterized by enhanced camera systems, sophisticated battery solutions, and a bolstered global footprint. As brands strive to redefine the limits of what is achievable, consumers can anticipate devices that deliver outstanding performance and value.

Tesla May Possibly Combine Widely Used iPhone Functionality with Apple CarPlay

**Tesla Could Introduce Another iPhone Feature That Users Will Adore With Apple CarPlay**

Tesla is said to be developing more iPhone functionalities for its cars, which could improve the experience for iPhone users. A report from Not a Tesla App suggests that the most recent iteration of the Tesla app, v.4.52.0, points to a new feature named Harmony Wallet Key Cards. This capability is anticipated to permit users of Huawei’s HarmonyOS to use their smartphones as a Tesla car key through NFC, Bluetooth, or UWB technologies, even if the Tesla app is not active in the background. This indicates that Tesla may soon provide comparable support for iPhone and Android users.

The Harmony Wallet Key Card feature would allow users to unlock their Tesla vehicles with a quick tap, even when their smartphone’s battery is depleted. This integration at the system level could greatly improve user convenience and security.

**Tesla and Rivian Keep Advancing Apple Features**

In other news, Rivian is also focusing on incorporating iPhone Car Key functionality into its automobiles. While Rivian’s CEO has mentioned that the company will not back Apple CarPlay, a report from Bloomberg reveals that Tesla is investigating a distinct method to integrate CarPlay. Tesla’s proposed solution encompasses a screen-on-a-screen windowed approach, enabling users to experience a customizable version of CarPlay alongside Tesla’s own interface.

This integration could feature well-liked Apple services such as iMessage, FaceTime audio, Apple Music, Apple Podcasts, Apple Maps, Apple Books, and widget support. Although the timeline for these features remains unclear, it seems that drivers may soon enjoy improved Apple integration in their electric vehicles.

Despite some manufacturers opting for exclusive software, the popularity of CarPlay in the United States underscores the desire for seamless integration between vehicles and iPhones. BGR will keep providing updates as these features are validated and made available.

watchOS 26 Brings Three Significant Enhancements for Apple Watch Faces

The watch face stands out as one of the most significant features of the Apple Watch, and watchOS 26 introduces substantial enhancements to watch faces in three key areas. Here’s what’s new.

## #1: Completely new watch faces

As is often the case with significant new versions of watchOS, Apple’s latest update brings a selection of entirely new watch faces.

watchOS 26 contributes a total of four new faces. According to Apple’s release notes:

– **Exactograph** reinterprets a classic regulator watch, distinguishing hours, minutes, and seconds for enhanced time accuracy.
– **Flow** features Liquid Glass numerals that refract a flowing orb of color responsive to wrist movement.
– **Waypoint** serves as a dynamic compass that indicates your position relative to saved locations in Maps or points of interest (Available on Apple Watch Ultra).
– **Hermès Faubourg Party** showcases animated shorts that emerge in accordance with the time of day or specific gestures featuring a range of characters (Available on Apple Watch Hermès).

It’s always exciting to have additional watch face choices, and I am particularly fond of the new Flow and Waypoint faces this year.

## #2: Enhancements to existing faces

Several watch faces that you are already familiar with received updates in watchOS 26 as well.

The Photos face, which Apple identifies as its most favored option, saw two enhancements this year:

1. Liquid Glass time
2. Featured photos option

In line with the systemwide Liquid Glass aesthetic, there’s now a ‘Glass’ color option for the clock on the face that allows more of your photo to be visible. Choosing ‘Featured’ for your image source guarantees you’ll view many of the top photos in your library.

In addition to the improvements for the Photos face, Apple has expanded support for ticking seconds with the always-on display to a broader range of faces.

Always-on seconds support was introduced last year with Apple Watch Series 10, but initially, only a handful of watch faces featured the capability. It has now extended to more devices and software.

Apple Watch Ultra 3 and Apple Watch Series 11 now provide ticking seconds in always-on mode, and the roster of supported faces has significantly increased.

## #3: Watch face ‘hints’

Upon installing watchOS 26 on your Apple Watch, you might spot a distinctive UI element on your watch face.

A new feature called ‘hints’ will materialize at the bottom of your display, resembling a Liquid Glass complication.

Hints suggest apps and actions linked to the Smart Stack.

Here’s how it operates, according to Apple:

> In watchOS 26, the Smart Stack enhances its prediction algorithms by utilizing more contextual data, sensor data, and insights from a user’s routine to deliver Smart Stack hints, a proactive prompt for actionable suggestions that are instantly useful. Crafted from Liquid Glass, Smart Stack hints will show on the display as a subtle visual cue. For instance, a hint for Backtrack may pop up when a user finds themselves in a remote area lacking connectivity, or a hint for a Pilates workout might appear when a user arrives at a studio around their typical time.

The Smart Stack has traditionally offered suggested data and actionable prompts, but users previously had to scroll the Digital Crown of their Apple Watch to manually access Smart Stack and locate them.

By bringing these suggestions directly onto the watch face, Apple aims to enhance their visibility and usefulness.

Which features of the new watch face options in watchOS 26 have you been enjoying on your Apple Watch? Share your thoughts in the comments.

Ford Affirms Ongoing Backing for Apple CarPlay Integration

Ford Reinforces That Apple CarPlay Support Will Remain

In an environment where automotive manufacturers are increasingly reassessing their backing for external infotainment platforms, Ford has reiterated its dedication to Apple CarPlay. This announcement brings comfort to numerous Ford users, particularly considering General Motors’ choice to eliminate support for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Ford CFO Sherry House highlighted the significance of offering customers options and access to technology during the 2025 Barclays Global Auto and Mobility Tech Conference. House remarked, “We believe that [Apple CarPlay] is a feature our customers truly appreciate, so we’re going to keep providing them access to it.”

This declaration is notably important as it positions Ford advantageously against rivals such as GM, who are drifting away from backing CarPlay and Android Auto. Ford’s position guarantees that its customers can keep enjoying third-party infotainment systems instead of being restricted to the standard software provided by the automaker.

What is the status of Apple CarPlay Ultra?

While Ford’s allegiance to Apple CarPlay is evident, the automaker has not adopted Apple’s forthcoming version, CarPlay Ultra. This iteration proposes deeper integration of the iPhone with the vehicle, but Ford CEO Jim Farley has conveyed hesitancy. In a discussion with The Verge, Farley questioned how much control Apple might desire over the car, asking, “Do you want the Apple brand to initiate the vehicle? Do you want the Apple brand to set speed limits?”

Despite these apprehensions, Ford’s foundational Apple CarPlay experience remains intact. House’s remarks during the Barclays conference emphasize that while Ford might not endorse CarPlay Ultra, the current CarPlay functionality will persist in Ford vehicles.

Looking toward the future, Ford intends to roll out Gemini support in 2026, enhancing its technological capabilities. Furthermore, Ford is concentrating on crafting its own native applications to bolster its relationship with customers. House acknowledged that engagement rates for some of Ford’s newest applications and features have significantly risen, showcasing the company’s dedication to innovation and customer satisfaction.

The Most Remarkable Aspect of Your Apple TV Is Not Connected to Streaming

A quick scan on Amazon reveals a variety of [accessories to enhance your Apple TV experience](https://www.bgr.com/1933478/apple-tv-accessories-on-amazon/). For example, a Bluetooth keyboard can make it quicker to search for the title of your favorite series without incessantly pressing the remote. In addition, noise-cancelling earbuds are perfect for private listening when you wish to avoid disturbing your housemates.

While external devices provide convenient enhancements, one of the most enjoyable aspects of your Apple TV comes from a built-in option: screen savers. Streaming devices and modern televisions frequently come with integrated screen savers that prevent image retention. This occurs when images become permanently displayed on the screen due to prolonged inactivity. Aside from safeguarding your display, screen savers serve as a simple method to integrate your TV into your living area seamlessly. Instead of appearing as an empty and dull black spot on the wall, your television can transform into a piece of art featuring gallery-quality visuals, a digital photo frame showcasing your cherished moments, or an exhibition of stunning landscapes and cityscapes from around the world.

For your Apple TV, you can choose from four screen saver styles: Aerials, which feature videos of scenic locations; Memories & Slideshows that display photos from your iCloud Photo Library; Portraits, which show digital clocks with your selected images in the background; or Snoopy, which includes themed videos featuring Peanuts characters Snoopy and Woodstock. The screen saver is adjustable and configurable, making it simple to tailor it to your taste. Here’s how to set up and utilize screen savers on your Apple TV.

### How to set up screen savers on your Apple TV

By default, Apple TVs come with screen savers enabled. The device will automatically rotate through all available Aerial videos after five minutes of inactivity. You can easily customize your Apple TV’s screen saver settings according to your preferences. Here’s the process:

1. Navigate to Settings.
2. Select Screen Saver.
3. Change Current Selection to the desired type of screen saver you wish to display.
4. Adjust Start After to your preferred delay period between your last interaction with the TV and the activation of the screen saver.
5. Turn off Show During Music and Podcasts to disable the screen saver while music or a podcast is playing.

You can further personalize each screen saver type directly from the Settings too:

1. Go to Settings, then Screen Saver.
2. To customize Aerials:
– Under Screen Saver Preferences, click on Aerials.
– Set the Download Frequency (how often Aerial videos are downloaded) to Daily, Weekly, Monthly, or Never.
– Choose one of the themes (Cityscape, Earth, Landscape, or Underwater) to show.
3. To customize Memories & Slideshows:
– Select Memories & Slideshows.
– Under Your Photos, click on Memories.
– Choose All Memories to include all images, or Favorites to display only your selected favorites.
– Go to Albums to select specific albums, just your favorite pictures, or your recently shared album.
– Under Other, select Music Albums to utilize album art from your Apple Music library.
– Whenever available, go to Style and choose your preferred transition style.
4. To customize Portraits:
– Press Portraits.
– Select which options (People, Pets, Nature, and Cities) to include.
– Adjust the update frequency to your desired time interval for portrait transitions.

Remember that for Memories & Slideshows and Portraits, you need to set up iCloud Photos on your Apple TV first.

### How to control your Apple TV screen saver

While you can determine the inactivity period before the Apple TV screen saver activates, you also have the option to manually turn it on. This is one of the [valuable Apple TV tips every user should know](https://www.bgr.com/tech/apple-tv-hidden-features-9-helpful-tricks-everyone-should-know/). You can initiate the screen saver from your home screen or within any app. From the home screen, press the back button on your Apple TV remote once, then long-press it. From any app, simply press the back button multiple times. Your selected screen saver should appear. During the screen saver, you can still interact with it. Here’s how:

1. Press the up button on your remote to view all screen saver types and switch to a different one.
2. Tap the clickpad on your remote to reveal information about the screen saver. If it’s an Aerial shot, the location will be displayed. If it’s a Memory, it will indicate which one is being shown.
3. Swipe/press right on your remote to navigate to the next visual.

Leaked Trailer for Third Avengers: Doomsday Shows No Sign of Doctor Doom

“Avengers: Doomsday” promotional initiative kicked off approximately one year before the movie’s debut, with content surfacing online well ahead of its theatrical release. Marvel is leveraging “Avatar: Fire and Ash” to advertise next year’s grand “Avengers” crossover in an unanticipated manner. Each week, a fresh teaser is unveiled ahead of “Avatar 3” screening, culminating in a total of four brief trailers. Following the clips featuring Steve Rogers (Chris Evans) and Thor (Chris Hemsworth), there were expectations of seeing Robert Downey Jr.’s Doctor Doom in the third clip, but that’s not the direction taken. Instead, Marvel is opting for a different surprise-and-impact approach this week. The third “Doomsday” teaser showcases Fox’s “X-Men,” cherished Marvel characters that have scarcely appeared in the MCU to date, including James Marsden’s Cyclops.

This may seem like we’re treading into spoiler territory without warning, but that isn’t the case. Marvel has already navigated through numerous alternate realities since “Avengers: Endgame,” providing us a glimpse into at least one universe where live-action X-Men are present. In “Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness,” we encountered one variant of Professor X (Patrick Stewart). Then, “The Marvels” introduced Kelsey Grammer’s Beast. With “Deadpool & Wolverine,” the Marvel Cinematic Universe welcomed Deadpool (Ryan Reynolds), Wolverine (Hugh Jackman), and Gambit (Channing Tatum).

Fast-forward to late March of 2025, when Marvel organized a surprise “Doomsday” cast revelation. The studio revealed the identities of 27 actors during an event that spanned five hours and 30 minutes, garnering 275 million views. Marvel affirmed that Patrick Stewart, Ian McKellen, Alan Cumming, Rebecca Romijn, and

Mikey Madison’s Pre-Oscar Part in a Highly Praised TV Series Boasting a 98% Rotten Tomatoes Rating

Mikey Madison is truly deserving of every accolade, and her 2024 dark comedy-romance feature “Anora” is definitely a film that audiences should not overlook. The movie garnered six Academy Awards from more than 270 nominations and achieved 153 wins. In addition to the film winning Best Motion Picture of the Year and Best Original Screenplay, star Mikey Madison also had significant victories. Yet, prior to making history as the first Gen Z actor to receive an Academy Award, she was portraying a character’s daughter on a well-regarded television series.

If you enjoy Madison’s performance in “Anora,” or if you’re simply in the mood for a nuanced tale of a single mother that manages to elicit laughter, then the FX series “Better Things” is surely worth exploring. It is available for streaming and boasts an impressive Rotten Tomatoes rating from both critics and viewers, alongside its own collection of nominations and awards.

It’s always exciting to witness future stars before they skyrocketed to fame, and Madison’s part in “Better Things” marked the turning point in her acting career. In a 2025 conversation with Deadline regarding her time on “Better Things,” Madison expressed, “I gained a lot from that show […] I never attended college or film school, so that’s my education. It’s my acting school, my film school.” Additionally, if you’re seeking more content featuring stars prior to their major film roles, you might want to explore an Apple TV series featuring Chase Infiniti