Author: Richard

    • Richard
    • Comments Off on Ways to Effortlessly Modify the New Preview App on iOS 26 If You Are Not Fond of It
    Ways to Effortlessly Modify the New Preview App on iOS 26 If You Are Not Fond of It

    # Grasping the New Preview App in iOS 26

    With the launch of iOS 26, Apple has unveiled a new application named Preview for iPhone and iPad users. This application, which has been an essential tool on Mac computers for years, acts as a system-wide file preview utility, enabling users to view various file types without the necessity of opening specific applications.

    ## The Function of Preview

    The Preview app is crafted to facilitate file viewing, simplifying access to PDFs, images, and other documents swiftly. On the iPad, this feature is especially advantageous, particularly with the improvements brought by iPadOS 26, which enables users to pin folders to their dock. This capability promotes quick file access without the need to sift through several apps.

    ## Hurdles on iPhone

    While the idea of Preview is attractive, numerous users have found it to be inconvenient on the iPhone. The main problem stems from the Files app, which previously managed file viewing effortlessly. Users could browse through images or documents right within the Files app. However, with the arrival of Preview, accessing files now necessitates switching between the Files app and Preview, which can disrupt the workflow.

    For instance, if a user possesses a folder of photos, they would have to open each file in Preview rather than swiping through them in the Files app. Though there is a workaround—long-pressing a file and selecting “Quick Look” to view it within the Files app—this method demands that users remember to do so each time.

    ## An Easy Fix

    Fortunately, a simple remedy exists for those who prefer the previous functionality of the Files app. Users can remove the Preview app from their devices. By taking this step, the Files app will revert to its former behavior, allowing files to open directly within the app without the need for supplementary navigation.

    For users who may wish to utilize Preview again in the future, it can easily be reinstalled from the App Store.

    ## Summary

    The launch of the Preview app in iOS 26 presents a fresh approach to file viewing, especially on the iPad. However, for iPhone users who perceive the transition as inconvenient, deleting the app offers a quick resolution to restore the former file viewing experience. This adaptability permits users to customize their device’s functionality to better accommodate their preferences.

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    • Comments Off on Best MagSafe Battery Packs for iPhone Air, iPhone 17, and Additional Models
    Best MagSafe Battery Packs for iPhone Air, iPhone 17, and Additional Models

    # Investigating Substitutes for Apple’s MagSafe Battery for iPhone Air

    With the launch of the iPhone Air, Apple has brought back the MagSafe battery pack, which is priced at $99 and tailored specifically for this device. Although the MagSafe battery is sleek and practical, its capacity is somewhat limited, leading users to seek alternative options that might provide enhanced value and efficiency. This article will examine some of the leading alternatives currently available in the market, particularly for those looking for a MagSafe battery without the steep price or for those not acquiring the iPhone Air.

    ## The Development of MagSafe Charging

    Since Apple opened the MagSafe standard to Qi2 last year, third-party manufacturers have been able to develop MagSafe chargers that can support charging speeds of up to 15W. This marks a notable advancement from the earlier Qi standard, which was capped at 7.5W. Interestingly, the iPhone Air’s MagSafe battery only allows for charging at a maximum of 12W, even though the device can accommodate up to 20W with MagSafe. This difference makes third-party alternatives more attractive for users wanting faster charging options.

    ## Best Alternatives to Apple’s MagSafe Battery

    ### Anker Nano Power Bank

    The **[Anker Nano Power Bank](https://amzn.to/42zzweP)** represents a mid-tier choice that is distinguished by its high-end feel and super-slim design. It provides a capacity of 5000mAh and charges devices at 15W due to Qi2 technology. Users have noted that it operates cooler than many rivals. Generally priced at $54.99, it is now available for **$45.99** during a limited-time offer. The Anker power bank comes in both black and white.

    ### Baseus Battery Bank

    For budget-conscious consumers, the **[Baseus battery bank](https://amzn.to/4mltc1q)** is the most economical option in this lineup, currently available for **$22.99**. Although it shares a comparable 5000mAh capacity and slim profile with the Anker, it does not support Qi2, restricting charging speed to 7.5W. Nevertheless, it includes a USB-C port that permits 20W wired charging. The Baseus battery bank is offered in four shades: Cosmic Black, Rose Pink, Natural Titanium, and Space Gray.

    ### UGREEN Power Bank

    The **

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    • Richard
    • Comments Off on Electronics Needed for Scanning at TSA Security
    Electronics Needed for Scanning at TSA Security

    actually eliminated the shoe removal requirement for travelers at domestic airports. Additionally, several policies have also been adjusted for the sake of efficiency, particularly concerning TSA electronics regulations. Beyond identifying which devices are allowed and which are prohibited, it’s also beneficial to understand how to interact at checkpoints. While you no longer need to take off your shoes, what electronics indeed have to be screened at TSA security outside of your bag?

    Generally, the TSA typically informs you that any device larger than a smartphone should be taken out of your bag and placed in a bin, with the largest items such as laptops requiring their individual bins. However, this is more of an informal guideline, meaning it is at the discretion of each agent, and they can still request the removal of specific items. Retro handhelds are generally the size of smartphones, so you might need to take those out, especially a Steam Deck or Nintendo Switch. Cameras can often remain in the bag but might need to be taken out if in their own case or if they’re oversized.

    Laptops and tablets must always be extracted. Large charging bricks or power banks might need to be taken out. Portable drones and sometimes their accessories may need to be removed as well. Even electronics-based toys might need to be scanned separately if children are accompanying you. Inquisitive individuals may wonder why these electronics must exit their cozy bags and go through distinct scans. This merits a succinct yet separate clarification.

    Why must you remove large electronics for screening?

    <source media

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    • Richard
    • Comments Off on The Garmin Venu 4: My Preferred Selection for a Fitness Watch
    The Garmin Venu 4: My Preferred Selection for a Fitness Watch

    I evaluated the Garmin Venu 4 alongside several other health and fitness devices.

    It’s been two years since the launch of the Venu 3, and the Venu 4 arrives with a fresh design and some additional features. Nevertheless, Garmin has largely kept the Elevate sensor unchanged, which isn’t necessarily negative. As demonstrated with the Venu X1, this sensor continues to prove itself to be quite precise.

    I’ve been utilizing the Garmin Venu 4 as my primary workout companion for a couple of weeks. I compared it with the Garmin Venu 3 to assess any changes (if there are any), and also with the Pixel Watch 3 to evaluate its performance against my preferred smartwatch.

    Fitness features I appreciate

    In contrast to the Forerunner series, the Garmin Venu 4 acts more as a versatile gadget, emphasizing overall fitness rather than just running. As a result, Garmin has packed numerous fitness features into the watch, building upon earlier versions while ensuring it’s suitable for anyone looking to just put it on and begin.

    Numerous helpful and new training features are available to enhance your workout experiences, but the one I focus on the most is Training Readiness. This metric considers various factors, including sleep, recovery duration, and acute load, to assess how intensively you should engage in your forthcoming workouts. Ideally, this serves as a useful tool to prevent overexertion, which can hinder your performance.

    The Venu 4 also accommodates more coaching features, allowing me to experience a better variety of workouts that refresh my usual routine. This feels more curated and diverse, which should appeal to enthusiasts of the Venu series. Weightlifters like myself will appreciate the watch’s enhanced ability to track reps and sets with greater accuracy than the Venu 3, leading to more precise exercise and muscle categorization in post-workout summaries.

    If you lack a coaching plan, you will also receive a wider selection of suggested workouts, marking a positive development from the Morning Report seen on the Vivoactive 6.

    After each workout, the Venu 4 offers a summary of the session, including metrics like training load to measure workout intensity. You’ll also receive a figure indicating your recovery time, which influences your training readiness. This figure represents your recovery period between challenging activities, including sleep. It’s Garmin’s way of advising you to relax.

    Heart rate

    Smartwatches are generally reliable when it comes to heart rate monitoring, but they are ultimately not perfect. The accuracy of the watch’s heart rate detection can hinge on several factors, including fit, positioning, cleanliness, and even the type of band used. Although Garmin’s Elevate V5 heart rate monitor on the Venu 4 has demonstrated reliability over the years, it is not without faults.

    In most instances, the Venu 4 aligned with my expectations during workouts. Having used smartwatches for some time, I have a good idea of what the readings should show. However, there are occasional moments when the watch seems slow to respond, as illustrated in the charts below:

    In the initial chart, the Venu 4 remained considerably lower than the Pixel Watch 3 throughout my run. I noticed this discrepancy in real-time, unable to identify the reason for such differing readings, as both devices were securely fastened on my wrists. Thankfully, the watch seemed to rectify itself as my pace increased, though it was confusing during my run.

    Following runs showed no significant discrepancies, with both watches remaining fairly consistent with each other. However, things got slightly odd when comparing the Venu 4 to the Venu 3 during my HIIT sessions.

    HIIT workouts typically exhibit more variability than runs, leading to fluctuating heart rates. Despite this, the Venu 4 showed a few brief but notable dips during certain workouts that the Venu 3 did not. What’s intriguing is that both smartwatches utilize the same Elevate sensor, leaving me puzzled about the source of these dips. Fortunately, the Venu 4 managed to correct itself most of the time.

    Overall, the heart rate sensor on the Venu 4 tends to be reliable, with occasional minor fluctuations.

    Step counter

    I put the Garmin Venu 4 through two abbreviated sessions of my usual walking test, covering a total of 2,000 steps each time. I compared the step counts with the Google Pixel Watch 4, Venu 3, and the Oura Ring 4 while simultaneously using a manual step counter on my phone. The results were pleasantly unexpected, especially for the Venu models.

    As demonstrated, during both sessions, the V

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    • Richard
    • Comments Off on Apple’s Latest iPhone Air Aims at Samsung Galaxy Devices
    Apple’s Latest iPhone Air Aims at Samsung Galaxy Devices

     iPhone Air – the most lightweight and elegant smartphone that Apple has manufactured to date. With the iPhone Air, Apple seemingly asserts that exceptional performance can still be achieved with an ultra-slim device, without compromising on durability, power, display quality, and other high-end characteristics. Conversely, the Samsung Galaxy series — one of the iPhone’s primary competitors — produces some of the largest smartphones currently available based on their size. Consider the Galaxy S25, for example. Although the device weighs just 162 grams, it still measures 7.2mm in thickness. 

    In contrast to the iPhone Air’s 5.6mm ultra-slim profile, the S25 is certainly bulkier. The iPhone Air also features a larger screen while maintaining a sleeker body. However, there’s also the S25 Edge, a device that more directly competes with the iPhone Air in terms of design. At only 5.8mm thick and weighing 163 grams, the S25 Edge is nearly the same size as the iPhone Air. It also accommodates a larger battery of 3,900 mAh and an extra camera. Yet, in Apple’s quest for luxury, a few design enhancements allow the iPhone Air to stand out in terms of feel and finish, while still leaving opportunities for hardware advancements in the future.

    Two different perspectives on durability and aesthetics

    <source media="(min-width: 429px)" srcset="https://www.bgr.com/img/gallery/apples-premium-iphone-air-has-a-clear-message-for-samsung-galaxy

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    • Richard
    • Comments Off on Evaluation of the MX Master 4: Improvements to Logitech’s Favored Mac Efficiency Mouse
    Evaluation of the MX Master 4: Improvements to Logitech’s Favored Mac Efficiency Mouse

    **Logitech MX Master 4: An In-Depth Review**

    Recently, Logitech introduced the newest generation of its highly favored productivity mouse – the MX Master 4. After a month of hands-on usage, it’s obvious that this mouse presents an appealing option for both casual users and professionals alike.

    ### What’s Different?

    For those transitioning from the MX Master 3 or 3S, the MX Master 4 brings three major advancements: haptics, feel, and a new action wheel.

    1. **Haptic Feedback**: The MX Master 4 comes equipped with an outstanding haptic engine that enhances the entire user experience. For example, while utilizing the thumb pad for gestures, users enjoy tactile feedback with every movement, improving the feeling of control and responsiveness.

    2. **Enhanced Feel**: The materials employed in the MX Master 4 have seen upgrades. The prior silicone surfaces have been substituted with high-quality matte plastics, creating a more premium sensation. Users have observed that the MX Master 4 exhibits little wear even after prolonged use, in contrast to its forerunner.

    3. **New Mappable Button and Actions Ring**: The MX Master 4 boasts an additional mappable button, which is configured for gestures by default. The thumb pad is now associated with the new Actions Ring feature, enabling users to easily access various shortcuts. This function currently supports Adobe applications and can also be tailored for system operations.

    Furthermore, the MX Master 4 is bundled with a USB-C dongle, departing from the previous USB-A format. The ‘for Mac’ variant operates solely via Bluetooth, while the standard version includes the USB-C dongle, all offered at the same price.

    ### Is It Worth the Investment?

    The MX Master series has consistently been commended for its adaptability, especially for macOS users who take advantage of gestures. The MX Master 4 effectively merges the benefits of a mouse and a trackpad, rendering it a valuable asset for productivity.

    With the newly integrated haptic feedback, the mouse experience has been significantly improved. However, it comes with a steeper price of $119, which is $20 higher than the former MX Master 3S, likely due to tariffs.

    For those contemplating the MX Master line, now is a prime time to make a purchase. Users of the MX Master 3 may discover the upgrade to be beneficial, particularly with the enhanced DPI sensor (8000 DPI on the 3S/4 compared to 4000 DPI on the 3) and quieter clicks.

    ### Conclusion

    Logitech has effectively enhanced its well-liked productivity mouse, making it even more enjoyable to operate. The MX Master 4 is priced at $119 on Amazon and is available in three colors: graphite, pale gray, and white (the latter exclusively in the ‘for Mac’ variant).

    Ultimately, the MX Master 4 emerges as a leading option for anyone in search of a high-quality mouse that amplifies productivity and comfort.

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    • Richard
    • Comments Off on Dream Chaser Spaceplane’s 2026 ISS Mission Aborted
    Dream Chaser Spaceplane’s 2026 ISS Mission Aborted

    the Dream Chaser spaceplane’s planned mission to the International Space Station (ISS) in 2026 has been officially canceled. In a collaborative decision made by NASA and Sierra Space, the spacecraft’s inaugural orbital mission will no longer include docking with the ISS. Rather, the mission will function as a free-flying demonstration. This alteration is a response to both technical and programmatic challenges that have arisen during the vehicle’s extended development.

    Initially, Dream Chaser was designed to execute several cargo missions to support the ISS under NASA’s Commercial Resupply Service-2 (CRS-2) contract. However, due to ongoing delays, changing launch timelines, and heightened scrutiny regarding certification and safety, NASA has freed itself from the obligation to secure a set number of resupply missions. The updated strategy provides NASA with the option to utilize Dream Chaser for future ISS cargo flights, but it is no longer mandatory. If needed, NASA can call upon Dream Chaser for cargo missions to the ISS. This indicates that the spaceplane will need to adopt a more adaptable role in low Earth orbit, possibly for commercial or national security applications. As the ISS approaches its anticipated decommissioning in 2030, this new direction may align better with the spacecraft’s long-term sustainability.

    Chasing the dream

    <source media="(max-width: 428px)" srcset="https://

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    • Richard
    • Comments Off on Apple @ Work: The Argument for Decreasing Software Update Waiting Periods to 30 Days
    Apple @ Work: The Argument for Decreasing Software Update Waiting Periods to 30 Days

    **Reassessing Apple’s Software Update Postponement: Advocating for 30 Days**

    Apple has traditionally afforded IT administrators a 90-day period to postpone software updates across their systems. This strategy aimed to provide IT teams with sufficient time to assess and approve updates before rolling them out to numerous devices. Nevertheless, as the field of cybersecurity and software development progresses, the necessity of this prolonged delay is being re-evaluated.

    ### The Initial Justification for a 90-Day Postponement

    The 90-day pause was implemented during an era when enterprise IT encountered considerable obstacles concerning software compatibility. Major organizations frequently needed extensive testing to confirm that updates wouldn’t interfere with vital applications or services. This extended deferral enabled IT departments to partner with vendors and ready their support teams, achieving a balance between preserving system integrity and adopting technological innovations.

    ### Evolving Era: Why the 90-Day Postponement Seems Obsolete

    In recent times, the characteristics of software updates have changed significantly. Apple has enhanced its update mechanisms, making them more trustworthy and less susceptible to compatibility challenges. With the launch of developer and public beta initiatives for iOS, iPadOS, and macOS, IT teams have more chances to trial new releases well ahead of their public deployment. Furthermore, security updates are being issued more regularly, decreasing the necessity for a protracted delay.

    In light of these improvements, the rationale for a 90-day delay seems increasingly shaky. The instruments and resources accessible to IT teams today empower them to adequately prepare for updates more efficiently than ever.

    ### The Argument for a 30-Day Postponement

    Shortening the maximum deferral to 30 days would strike a more suitable balance between IT flexibility and security. A month provides ample opportunity for organizations to evaluate updates against critical applications and affirm workflows while also lessening the risk of unpatched devices being vulnerable to known threats.

    With Apple’s focus on enhancing the dependability of its updates, the necessity for an extended delay has lessened. A 30-day limit would improve security by guaranteeing that devices are updated more swiftly, while simultaneously allowing IT teams the essential time to effectively manage the transition.

    ### Conclusion

    Apple has established a reputation for delivering devices that are straightforward to deploy and manage securely. The move to Declarative Device Management underscores Apple’s commitment to providing IT teams with enhanced tools and visibility. While the 90-day software update delay was once a logical method, it no longer fits with the current landscape of software management. A transition to a 30-day max delay would strengthen security without imposing considerable loads on IT departments, promoting a more agile and responsive strategy to software updates.

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