Author: Richard

    • Richard
    • Comments Off on Motorola and Bose Join Forces on Smart Home Speaker to Rival Google Home Speaker
    Motorola and Bose Join Forces on Smart Home Speaker to Rival Google Home Speaker

    The Google Home Speaker is expected to debut in Spring 2026, but Motorola’s upcoming Soundflow smart speaker may also join the competition.

    Google's forthcoming smart speaker
    This is Google’s forthcoming smart speaker, though Motorola and Bose could potentially launch theirs first. (Image credit: Google)

    Key Information

    • Motorola and Bose seem to be developing a smart speaker to compete with offerings from Google, Amazon, and Sonos.
    • The anticipated Motorola x Bose Soundflow speaker appears to feature a wireless, cylindrical design.
    • An LED ring and microphone button indicate that the Motorola Soundflow will support voice assistant capabilities.

    Google is significantly enhancing its smart home ecosystem, with the rollout of Gemini for Home currently underway and new hardware being introduced. The company has already updated the Nest line with fresh smart home cameras and doorbells, and a Google Home Speaker is set to debut in Spring 2026 as a modern alternative to the Nest Mini and Nest Audio speakers. Besides the major players in the smart home sector like Google, Amazon, and Apple, there are always unexpected entrants, and Motorola could soon be among them.

    According to Android Headlines, Motorola seems poised to launch a smart speaker in partnership with Bose, potentially competing with Google’s smart speaker lineup. The publication has revealed leaked images of this new smart speaker, which might be named Motorola Soundflow. It’s a wireless Bluetooth speaker that is expected to include smart features, possibly utilizing Gemini or another voice assistant.

    Leaked image of Motorola Soundflow
    (Image credit: Android Headlines)

    The wireless speaker features a cylindrical shape with mesh fabric fully wrapping its sides. It has a base adorned with the Motorola logo, along with an LED light ring positioned at the top. Indeed, the light-blue LEDs atop the anticipated Motorola Soundflow speaker are reminiscent of the blue illumination of Amazon’s Echo smart speakers. The combination of the light ring and a microphone button at the top indicates that this will indeed function as a smart speaker.

    Unlike Google Home and Nest speakers, the Motorola Soundflow seems to be entirely wireless. This positions it similarly to products like the Sonos Roam 2, a wireless smart speaker that supports Sonos Voice Control and Amazon Alexa. It also brings to mind the Amazon Echo Tap, a lesser-known wireless smart speaker that was phased out in 2018.

    Bose has been broadening its audio partnerships to enhance its sound in other brands’ products, including Motorola. In the past, Bose collaborated with Motorola on the Moto Buds Loop. This year, Bose also partnered with Baseus to create more affordable earbuds and headphones featuring classic Bose audio quality.

    Not many specifics are available regarding the Motorola Soundflow speaker, so we’ll have to wait for an official reveal. If competitors like the Sonos Roam 2 are any guideline, the Motorola smart speaker could be priced between $100 and $200. If the brand wishes to undercut its more established rivals, we may see a price point below that range.

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    • Richard
    • Comments Off on Netflix Secures Warner Bros. Content in Historic $82.7 Billion Deal
    Netflix Secures Warner Bros. Content in Historic $82.7 Billion Deal

    ‘Netflix and relax’ has received a new enhancement!

    (Image credit: Android Central)

    Essential Information

    • Netflix has taken over Warner Bros. content, transforming the streaming industry with beloved shows now available in one place.
    • This acquisition positions Netflix as a leading contender in streaming, posing a challenge to smaller rivals.
    • Customers may enjoy the advantages of package deals, while HBO Max will continue to function independently during the adjustment phase.

    Earlier today (Dec. 5), Netflix revealed its $82.7 billion takeover of Warner Bros., gaining more than a century of film history for the streaming service. Netflix faced competition from other firms, including Paramount Skydance and Comcast. Ultimately, Netflix clinched the agreement with Warner Bros. after several weeks of discussions, thanks to its aggressive, predominantly cash proposal,<a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.broadbandtvnews.com/2025/12/05/netflix-seals-82-7bn-deal-to-acquire-warner-bros-and-hbo/#:~:text=Netflix%20has%20struck%20a%20definitive,billion%20(%E2%82%AC71.0%20billion)." data-url="https://www.broadbandtvnews.com/2025/12/05/netflix-seals-82-7bn-deal-to-acquire-warner-bros-and-hbo/#:~:text=

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    • Richard
    • Comments Off on Apple Designer Shares Excitement for the Approaching Design Era
    Apple Designer Shares Excitement for the Approaching Design Era

    Responses regarding Alan Dye’s exit from Apple continue to emerge, and the most recent from a renowned long-time Apple designer suggests a very promising future for the new design phase under Steve Lemay.

    ### Apple Designer Behind the iPhone X Gestural UI, Dynamic Island is an Enthusiastic Supporter of Steve Lemay

    Earlier this week, Bloomberg revealed that Alan Dye, Apple’s VP of Human Interface Design, was departing the company for a new position at Meta. The announcement of Dye’s departure followed closely behind another significant restructuring at Apple: AI head John Giannandrea’s retirement. Additionally, Apple disclosed yesterday that Katherine Adams and Lisa Jackson would also be leaving soon.

    However, the reactions to Dye’s transition have generated the most buzz. According to some sources, it’s actually a thrilling change. John Gruber mentioned that insiders at Apple have been “happy — if not downright thrilled — at the news that

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    • Richard
    • Comments Off on Numerous iPhone 17 Screen Protectors Might Hinder New Display Functionality
    Numerous iPhone 17 Screen Protectors Might Hinder New Display Functionality

    iPhone 17 drop tests have indicated that the front glass can still fracture based on several elements, including the drop height and the composition of the impact area. Consequently, it’s advisable to utilize a screen protector with any of the three iPhone 17 variants or the iPhone Air. While Ceramic Shield 2 glass may offer enhanced durability, it is not impervious to shattering. Nevertheless, it appears that many iPhone 17 screen protectors may not be beneficial for your device, and the issue isn’t simply about their capacity to provide additional cushioning to avert damage. Recent studies by Astropad reveal that the majority of generic screen protectors available can negate another enhancement Apple incorporated into Ceramic Shield 2 glass: Anti-reflectivity.

    Astropad produces its own anti-reflective (AR) screen protectors for the iPhone, covering the iPhone 17 series as well. The firm performed an experiment to investigate how the iPhone 17’s AR coating functions and the influence of screen protectors on it, discovering that a standard glass protector virtually eliminates the AR benefits of Ceramic Shield 2. The condensed result of the experiment indicates that Ceramic Shield 2 glass requires unimpeded exposure to air to provide users with those anti-reflective features. Applying any screen protector on top hinders this process. Unless the screen protector possesses its own AR attributes, like Astropad’s Fresh Coat, you will end up with a display that is somewhat more reflective than the iPhone 16 Pro’s screen.

    Why the anti-reflective iPhone 17 display is significant

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    • Richard
    • Comments Off on TECNO Unveils State-of-the-Art Imaging Advancements to Transform Smartphone Telephoto Cameras
    TECNO Unveils State-of-the-Art Imaging Advancements to Transform Smartphone Telephoto Cameras

    TECNO’s Future Lens 2025 event showcased remarkable progress in smartphone camera innovations, particularly in the realm of telephoto lenses. The company introduced a more compact Dual-Mirror Reflect Telephoto module, created in partnership with Samsung and Largan, which employs a coaxial optical design that cuts the telephoto camera size by 50% while preserving image quality. This advancement is especially advantageous for slimmer smartphones, which frequently compromise on telephoto features to achieve a more refined design.

    Moreover, TECNO rolled out the Freeform Continuum Telephoto module, providing continuous optical zoom ranging from 1x to 9x. This technology eradicates the “focal jumps” typically found with digital zoom, facilitating a fluid transition among zoom levels. The module utilizes an Alvarez optical structure, allowing a sleek design that accommodates a broad zoom range, potentially minimizing the necessity for multiple dedicated telephoto lenses.

    These innovations highlight TECNO’s dedication to improving smartphone photography, tackling prevalent challenges such as image quality and zoom performance. Although the company hasn’t indicated a timeline for when these technologies will appear in their devices, their adoption could profoundly influence the smartphone industry. TECNO’s partnership with DXOMARK and the creation of an automated imaging lab further emphasize their commitment to enhancing real-world imaging capabilities.

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    • Richard
    • Comments Off on Netflix Secures HBO Max and Warner Bros. in $83 Billion Deal
    Netflix Secures HBO Max and Warner Bros. in $83 Billion Deal

    Netflix has just unveiled an enormous agreement that, pending regulatory clearance, could transform the Hollywood landscape permanently. Netflix is set to acquire Warner Bros. in an estimated $82.7 billion transaction, gaining control over its film and television studios, HBO Max, and HBO.

    ### Anticipated Closure of Netflix’s Warner Bros. Acquisition in 12-18 Months

    The highly publicized transaction of Warner Bros. Discovery has reached a critical juncture. Although Paramount Skydance and Comcast participated in the bidding contest, Netflix has emerged victorious.

    Today, Netflix revealed the significant acquisition, which includes a payment of $27.75 per WBD share, bringing the total enterprise valuation to approximately $82.7 billion. This encompasses an equity valuation of $72.0 billion, along with the assumption of existing WBD debt.

    Here are comments from Netflix’s co-CEOs regarding the announcement:

    > “Our mission has consistently been to entertain the globe,” stated Ted Sarandos, co-CEO of Netflix. “By merging Warner Bros.’ exceptional catalog of shows and films—from timeless masterpieces like *Casablanca* and *Citizen Kane* to contemporary favorites like *Harry Potter* and *Friends*—with our culturally significant titles like *Stranger Things*, *KPop Demon Hunters*, and *Squid Game*, we’ll be able to enhance our offerings further. Together, we can provide audiences with more of what they cherish and help shape the next century of storytelling.”

    > “This acquisition will enhance our portfolio and expedite our business over the coming decades,” added Greg Peters, co-CEO of Netflix. “Warner Bros. has played a crucial role in defining entertainment for over a century and continues to do so with exceptional creative talent and production capabilities. With our global reach and established business model, we can familiarize a wider audience with the universes they conjure—offering our members more choices, drawing more fans to our premier streaming service, bolstering the entire entertainment industry, and generating greater value for shareholders.”

    While regulatory approvals are not assured for the deal, if successful, Netflix anticipates the transaction will finalize within 12-18 months.

    ### A Wave of Questions for Hollywood, Apple, and the Entire Streaming Sphere

    Any sale of Warner Bros. library, alongside its film and TV studios and HBO Max, is expected to create significant ripple effects across Hollywood.

    However, Netflix emerging as the leading bidder raises a particularly extensive set of questions and potential concerns.

    The company is already perceived by many as the victor in the streaming wars, with Netflix consistently maintaining its status as the long-time frontrunner ahead of other platforms.

    Historically, it has also been reluctant to provide significant theatrical runs for its films. Yet now, iconic and lucrative IPs such as Batman, Harry Potter, and others will belong to Netflix.

    The announcement press release states: “Netflix plans to sustain Warner Bros.’ existing operations and capitalize on its strengths, including theatrical distribution for films.” But how vigorous will those theatrical initiatives be? And will they endure for years, or merely serve as a temporary assurance until the deal secures approval and current contracts conclude?

    There’s also the consideration of how Apple may be influenced.

    Currently, Warner Bros. Television creates numerous popular shows for Apple TV, including *Ted Lasso* and *Shrinking*. Will these collaborations persist unchanged, or will Netflix seek to utilize the studio for its exclusive content?

    One thing is certain: the film and TV sector is poised for a tumultuous couple of years ahead.

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

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    • Richard
    • Comments Off on How to Retrieve Removed Files from USB Drives
    How to Retrieve Removed Files from USB Drives

    large USB drives boasting terabytes of storage within a compact design. However, just because you can fill a flash drive with numerous files doesn’t necessarily imply that you should.

    USB drives can degrade over time, which could lead to difficulties in reading files. This phenomenon is unavoidable in storage due to the nature of write cycles, yet USB drives typically have a lower rating for write cycles compared to external SSDs, rendering them more appropriate for tasks that aren’t intended for permanent storage. The longevity of a USB drive may differ, with pricier models generally having a longer lifespan thanks to their superior-quality NAND flash memory.

    If you find yourself facing a scenario where one or several files on your drive have been deleted by you or others, there is still optimism. This guide will walk you through the potential methods of recovering your lost files, beginning with the simplest techniques and advancing to the more drastic measures.

    USB files that seem missing might actually be hidden, not deleted

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    • Richard
    • Comments Off on Netflix Set to Obtain HBO Max in Warner Bros. Discovery Agreement
    Netflix Set to Obtain HBO Max in Warner Bros. Discovery Agreement

    Bloomberg. In October, Warner Bros. sought potential buyers after receiving interest from multiple parties. At that time, reports indicated that Apple TV was looking to purchase Warner Bros., a decision that would greatly enhance Apple TV’s allure. Paramount and Comcast are among the other entities expressing interest in Warner Bros.’ content. Nevertheless, if the information holds true, Warner Bros. will only consider Netflix’s proposal for the foreseeable future. It remains uncertain how much Netflix is prepared to invest for Warner’s film and television studios, as well as the HBO Max streaming platform.

    Bloomberg highlights that Netflix is proposing a $5 billion breakup fee should regulators deny the suggested agreement. This arrangement might be unveiled in the upcoming days, provided both parties can come to an agreement. The report suggests that Warner Bros. is valued at over $60 billion. A purchase of Warner Bros. by Netflix is not assured, as antitrust authorities in the U.S. and Europe must provide their approval. Resistance to the deal is already arising in the U.S., with Rep. Darrell Issa (R-CA) allegedly sending a letter to U.S. regulators last month contending that a Netflix acquisition could negatively impact consumers.

    What would ensue with HBO Max under Netflix’s ownership?

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    • Richard
    • Comments Off on Foldable Smartphone Exceeds Galaxy Z Fold 7 in Essential Characteristics
    Foldable Smartphone Exceeds Galaxy Z Fold 7 in Essential Characteristics

    The 6,560mAh battery in the Nubia Fold delivers a 49% blow to the Galaxy Z Fold 7.

    (Image credit: Nubia)

    Essential Information

    • The Nubia Fold features an impressive 6,560mAh battery, far exceeding the Galaxy Z Fold 7’s 4,400mAh capability.
    • It significantly underprices Samsung, debuting in Japan for around $1,150 while equipped with a Snapdragon 8 Elite — nearly $800 less than the Galaxy Z Fold 7.
    • You have an 8-inch 120Hz OLED primary display and a 6.5-inch cover screen, all housed in a remarkably slim body despite the large battery.

    Notice

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    • Richard
    • Comments Off on Consumer Reports Recognizes Four of the Least Reliable Electric Vehicles Available Today
    Consumer Reports Recognizes Four of the Least Reliable Electric Vehicles Available Today

     electric vehicles shown to be dependable

    , a Consumer Reports analysis indicated that numerous current EVs

    exhibit 79% more issues

    compared to ICE vehicles — internal combustion engines. However, the issue isn’t primarily because they are electric or utilize electric powertrains. It is more related to the fact that these represent new designs, incorporating novel technologies and systems, and recently-launched models typically encounter more problems as manufacturers address initial challenges. In contrast, hybrid vehicles demonstrate 26% fewer issues than ICE vehicles, indicating that the technology is capable of evolving and becoming increasingly trustworthy overall.

    Nevertheless, the figures underscore the presence of EVs available that are not as dependable as they ought to be. This is useful information as you start your vehicle search. Based on Consumer Reports’ assessments and ratings, it’s feasible to identify the most unreliable EVs currently on the market. Here are the top four identified.

    Pre-2022 Chevrolet Bolt

    <source media="(min-width: 429px)" srcset="https://www.bgr.com/img/gallery/4-of

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