Google’s Gemini 2.5 Flash Native Audio Model Improves AI Dialogue Skills
Live voice agents can now facilitate more fluid dialogues with Gemini.
Key information
- Gemini Live and Search Live have incorporated Google’s enhanced Gemini 2.5 Flash Native Audio model.
- This new model exhibits improved conversational abilities, allows interaction with external sources without disrupting the chat flow, and manages intricate requests more effectively.
- It outperforms the earlier 9-25 revision and also exceeds OpenAI’s gpt-realtime model in performance tests.
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Spotify Downtime Prevents User Access: Essential Details You Should Be Aware Of
Yet another day, yet another service interruption
Essential information to be aware of
- Spotify is experiencing significant accessibility problems in the U.S., U.K., and several European regions.
- Reports indicate users are encountering difficulties logging into their accounts and playlists are vanishing in the midst of streaming issues.
- Spotify has recognized the outages and recommends users to attempt reinstalling the application or accessing the website instead.
If you opened Spotify this morning hoping to shake off the Monday doldrums during your commute, you might have found yourself quite let down. The streaming service appears to be grappling with extensive problems across the U.S., U.K., and various areas in Europe today (Dec 15).
As reported by numerous users on X and through reports on DownDetector, Spotify appears to be facing obstacles preventing users from accessing their accounts, whether through the app or the website. Additionally, some users who do have access have noted that their personalized playlists have unexpectedly vanished.
The disruption seems to have begun around 9 am ET, with over 27,000 reports logged on DownDetector, showing that 80% of users have encountered issues with the Spotify application. The glitch appears to be automatically logging users out of their accounts, making it impossible for them to log back in. Other notable problems include the app crashing frequently, with “loading dots” persisting on both the home page and search screens.
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visionOS 26.2 Brings Notable Improvements for Mobile Usage of Apple Vision Pro
**Apple’s visionOS 26.2: A Revolutionary Update for Mobile Users of Vision Pro**
Last week, Apple announced a range of updates, including iOS 26.2 and iPadOS 26.2, in addition to visionOS 26.2. Although the initial beta phase indicated few changes for visionOS, the final version has revealed itself to be a major improvement, particularly for owners of the Apple Vision Pro headset.
### Expansion of Travel Mode
A notable feature in visionOS 26.2 is the broadened Travel Mode functionality. Previously, this mode permitted users to operate their Vision Pro while traveling on airplanes and trains. With the updated version, Apple has extended this feature to allow usage in cars and buses, symbolizing a significant development for mobile users.
According to Apple’s official release notes, “Travel Mode allows passengers to use Apple Vision Pro in cars and buses in addition to airplanes and trains.” This improvement opens up new opportunities for users who often travel as passengers, whether during road trips, rideshares, or daily commutes.
### Practical Use Cases
While the concept of using Vision Pro on a bus may seem unusual, the utility of this feature is undeniable. For those who appreciate immersive experiences while traveling, the capability to interact with content on the fly can turn ordinary trips into pleasurable ones. Whether it’s watching films, playing games, or participating in virtual meetings, visionOS 26.2 positions the Vision Pro as a versatile ally for a variety of travel situations.
### Prospective Developments
The enhancement of Travel Mode is particularly encouraging as it sets the stage for future advancements in Apple’s augmented reality (AR) framework. As expectations rise for the possible introduction of Apple Glasses, anticipated to operate on visionOS, the ability to utilize Vision Pro in diverse environments indicates Apple’s dedication to enhancing user experience beyond standard contexts.
### Summary
With visionOS 26.2, Apple has made substantial strides in transforming the Vision Pro into a genuinely portable gadget. The inclusion of car and bus functionality in Travel Mode underscores Apple’s continuous commitment to innovation and improving user accessibility. As users start to discover these new features, the prospects for augmented reality in everyday life are set to expand.
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How Artificial Intelligence Is Revolutionizing Holiday Shopping
AI specialists lack faith in chatbots owing to inadequate training and “hallucinations” — a phrase that refers to instances when an AI model claims something is accurate and genuine when it is, in fact, not. These complications lead to the question of whether a present from someone can truly be personal and significant if they did not invest time in selecting it. Furthermore, are there any advantages to allowing AI to assist you in shopping?
AI removes the human element from holiday gift giving
Evaluate the Risks Prior to Installing iOS 26.3 Beta 1
Last Friday, Apple unveiled iOS 26.2 for all iPhone users. This update introduces various new features and crucial security patches, marking it as the final significant software update from Apple for the year. Nonetheless, the company is anticipated to commence beta testing for iOS 26.3 shortly. It remains uncertain what Apple has in store for this update apart from the Unity wallpapers set to be released in January to honor Black History Month, but even if you are keen on trying out Apple’s latest software, iOS 26.3 beta 1 is one you might want to pass on.
Unlike most other beta releases, this is one we cannot suggest to the typical iPhone user. After all, it will take nearly a month before Apple launches the second beta version due to delays stemming from the holiday season. Nevertheless, if you encounter any significant bugs in iOS 26.3 beta 1 or even minor annoying problems, you’ll have to wait until the second week of January for a new build containing bug fixes.
iOS 26.3 should arrive soon. Although Apple generally takes longer than normal to launch the second version of its x.3 iOS beta builds, this cycle is typically one of the briefest for any beta. In previous years, Apple only released two to three beta versions of iOS x.3 before the Release Candidate version was available. In simpler terms, everyone should have access to iOS 26.3 by early February.
It is also notable that over the past three years, Apple has aimed for the end of January or early February for the rollout of an iOS update. The more significant aspect of iOS 26.3 is actually what follows it. After all, the company did not introduce a completely new Siri with iOS 18.4 and postponed new Apple Intelligence functionalities and smart home products as well. With Apple engineers concentrating on delivering this major software update, this could signal that iOS 26.3 will be a relatively minor update.
Last week, a report disclosed some features of iOS 26.4 that Apple has been developing, along with insights into upcoming functionalities expected for iOS 27 and iOS 28. We anticipate that 2026 will be another significant year for Apple’s software updates, particularly regarding Siri.
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Apple’s Choice to End the iPod After Twenty Years
Apple retired the iPod series in May 2022, three years following the launch of the seventh-generation iPod touch. The rise of smartphones and streaming platforms played a significant role in this decision.
Throughout the years, mobile phones evolved to be just as capable and user-friendly, if not more so, than the iPod hardware. Whatever functionalities your iPod offered, your smartphone could likely replicate or enhance. Additionally, it became incredibly practical to have one device that managed everything from phone calls and text messages to music playback.
Using iPods today feels like giving your ears a nostalgic getaway
Causes for the Postponed Access to Motion Cues in Android 17
Essential Information
- Google has been discreetly developing an alternative to Apple’s Vehicle Motion Cues for over a year now.
- The delay for this feature might be related to a new API that necessitates a significant quarterly Android release or a version upgrade.
- Android 17 could potentially introduce the Motion Cues/Motion Assist feature in conjunction with a dedicated API.
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Google Upgrades AI Mode for Search Live Interactions with Enhanced Fluidity and Expressiveness
Google’s Live with Search capability now includes instantaneous vocal guidance, improving user engagement through interactive discussions. By leveraging the enhanced Gemini native audio framework, Search Live can modify voice tempo, tone, and style on-the-fly, delivering a more seamless and expressive experience. This functionality is being introduced for U.S. users on iOS and Android versions of the Google app. Originally launched as a Google Labs initiative, Search Live has become essential to the AI Mode experience, facilitating conversational exchanges while linking users to web resources and sites. The recent update, driven by the Gemini 2.5 Flash Native Audio framework, supports more fluid, natural conversations, with adjustable voice options that automatically respond to user preferences. This enhancement is part of a comprehensive rollout, accessible in Google AI Studio and Vertex AI for developers. The improved feature commenced its rollout on December 12 and aims to be available to all U.S. users by the week’s conclusion.
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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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