Author: Richard

Belkin Announces Recall for Three Items, Featuring Two USB-C Power Banks, Over Fire Risks

**Belkin Announces Product Safety Recall Due to Fire Risk**

Accessory manufacturer Belkin has revealed a product safety recall affecting three of its items due to a possible fire risk. The company has advised customers to take prompt action to ensure their safety.

### Products Affected

As per the [safety recall announcement](https://www.belkin.com/support-article/?articleNum=337290), the following items are part of the recall:

– **Belkin Auto-Tracking Stand Pro (MMA008)**
– **Belkin BoostCharge USB-C PD Power Bank 20K (BPB002)**
– **Playa USB-C PD Power Bank 20K (PB0003)**

Belkin stresses that even if these items seem to operate normally, users must cease using them immediately, disconnect them from any power sources or other devices, and contact Belkin via the [Recall Claim form](https://belkin.my.site.com/supportforms/product-recall-form).

### Return and Refund Instructions

Customers are advised against disposing of the recalled items in regular waste or recycling bins. Belkin is providing affected customers with a choice between a complete refund or store credit for the full amount plus an extra 20% on Belkin.com.

### How to Check if Your Device is Affected

To determine if your device is included in the recall, follow these steps:

1. Find the model number located on the back or side of your Belkin device. If it is MMA008, BPB002, or PB0003, move to Step 2. If not, no action is necessary.
2. Locate your serial number and/or proof of purchase.
3. Fill out the Recall Claim form.

Should you have any inquiries or issues, you can [reach out to Belkin Customer Service](https://www.belkin.com/support-article?articleNum=55022) for help.

For additional information concerning the recall,

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The Five Most Expensive NASA Space Missions Ever

NASA is confronted with significant budget reductions that could severely impede scientific advancement. Indeed, the budget proposal for 2026 suggests a funding decrease for NASA by around 24% and aims to cut nearly 50% of its science financial allocation. Such reductions may postpone, diminish, or even halt future space missions. Consequently, U.S. leadership in space exploration is encountering considerable obstacles.

The substantial costs associated with missions stem from several factors: highly specialized engineering, stringent environmental and reliability standards, extended lead-times, launch costs, human-rated safety measures, and the necessity to function in remote or extreme conditions. In essence: Ambitious goals require substantial financial investment.

Space shuttle program (1972 – 2011)

Google Drive Incorporates NotebookLM’s Premier Feature

feature made its debut in Google Docs this past August, and it is now arriving in Google Drive as a whole, streamlining the process of summarizing PDFs stored in your cloud.

Google revealed the new feature in a blog entry for Workspace. This update is merely a segment of the ongoing modifications that the company is implementing with Gemini. To utilize this feature, users simply need to open a PDF and locate the Audio Overview button at the top of the document. Clicking this button will prompt a confirmation to create an Audio Overview, and once accepted, Gemini will begin processing.

Similar to NotebookLM, this will produce a spoken summary of the content, which can be played back directly on your device. Naturally, the time required to generate the overview may vary depending on the size of the PDF. Initially, the feature supports only English language PDFs, but like all Gemini capabilities, it is expected to expand in the future.

How Audio Overviews transform the landscape

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Comparison of Nothing Phone 3a Lite and Moto G Power 2025: Affordable Smartphone Face-off

The Nothing Phone 3a Lite and Moto G Power 2025 represent two cost-effective smartphones that deliver reliable performance for individuals aiming to cut back on expenses without losing important features. Both models are priced below $300, making them appealing choices for budget-conscious consumers.

The Nothing Phone 3a Lite is mainly available in the U.K. and select European regions. It boasts a 6.77-inch flexible AMOLED HDR10+ screen with a resolution of 2,392 x 1,084 and can achieve a peak brightness of up to 3,000 nits. This smartphone is crafted to assist in minimizing screen time with its distinct Glyph interface, which employs light patterns for notifications to lessen interruptions. It incorporates a MediaTek Dimensity 7300 Pro chip, 8GB of RAM, and storage choices of 128GB or 256GB, expandable up to 2TB. The device is equipped with a 50MP primary camera, an 8MP ultra-wide-angle lens, a 2MP macro lens, and a 16MP front-facing camera. It includes 5G compatibility, features a 5,000mAh battery with fast charging capabilities, and operates on Nothing OS 3.5 powered by Android 15.

Conversely, the Moto G Power 2025 is sold in North America and offers a 6.8-inch LCD display with a resolution of 2,388 x 1,080 and a refresh rate of 120Hz. It is driven by a MediaTek Dimensity 6300 processor, also featuring 8GB of RAM, and comes with 128GB of storage, expandable up to 1TB. This phone is recognized for its sturdiness, holding an IP68 and IP69 rating for protection against dust and water. It sports a 50MP main camera, an 8MP ultrawide/macro vision lens, and a 16MP front camera. The Moto G Power 2025 supports wireless charging and contains a 5,000mAh battery with Motorola TurboPower charging technology. It operates on Android 15 with Hello UX, incorporating features such as gesture controls and ThinkShield security.

To conclude, both the Nothing Phone 3a Lite and Moto G Power 2025 provide excellent value for their cost, each offering unique features that cater to various user preferences. The Nothing Phone 3a Lite is suited for those who wish to lessen screen time and appreciate a distinctive design, while the Moto G Power 2025 is ideal for users who emphasize durability and battery longevity.

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Apple Store App Currently Accommodates Liquid Glass Technology

### Liquid Glass Meets the Apple Store App

Gradually, Apple has been refreshing its own applications with the Liquid Glass aesthetic revealed at WWDC. Recently, the Apple Store app has undergone this visual transformation, improving its interface and user experience.

With the update released earlier today, the Apple Store app icon now showcases the Liquid Glass design. This update also brings a Liquid Glass bottom bar featuring tabs for For You, Products, Go Further, and Bag, in addition to a Search button.

The Liquid Glass visual refresh applies to buttons, menus, and various UI components throughout the app’s interface. While some users may feel Apple could have pushed the design changes further, this update marks a substantial advancement in modernizing the app’s look.

With this update, the Apple Store app aligns with other Apple-developed apps such as TestFlight and Shazam, which have similarly embraced the Liquid Glass style. This demonstrates Apple’s continuous dedication to harmonizing its application design across its entire portfolio.

The release notes for Apple Store version 6.6 indicate only “various improvements and performance enhancements.” Users can download the updated app now from the App Store.

Do you believe Apple is successfully implementing the Liquid Glass transformation in its applications? Share your opinions in the comments.

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Summary of iPhone Pocket, iOS 26.2 Beta 2, and Upcoming Advancements for iPhone Air

### New Highlights in the 26.2 Betas: An In-Depth Look

In the newest edition of the 9to5Mac Happy Hour podcast, hosts Benjamin Mayo and Chance Miller delve into the thrilling new features that have been introduced in the 26.2 betas. One notable addition is the innovative Edge Light mode, crafted to elevate the user interface by adding a gentle glow around app icons and notifications, enhancing their visual allure and ease of use. Moreover, the incorporation of Liquid Glass across the system promises a more seamless and refined user experience, highlighting Apple’s dedication to aesthetic appeal and functional design.

### Digital IDs in Wallet

Apple has also garnered attention with the introduction of Digital IDs in the Wallet app. This functionality enables users to securely keep their identification documents on their devices, streamlining access and management of personal data. As digital identification becomes more crucial across different sectors, this initiative positions Apple at the forefront of digital security and convenience.

### The Prospects of the iPhone Air

The conversation also explores the prospects of the iPhone Air, raising inquiries regarding its potential discontinuation or redesign. As Apple persists in innovating and broadening its product range, the future of the iPhone Air remains ambiguous, leaving fans and customers keen for further updates.

### Has Apple Concluded for the Year?

In the Happy Hour Plus segment, the hosts reflect on whether Apple has finalized its new product launches for the year. With the holiday season on the horizon, many are speculating about the chance of unexpected announcements or product releases that could further enhance Apple’s offerings.

### Engage in the Discussion

Listeners are invited to participate in the podcast by sending questions and feedback via Twitter, Mastodon, or email. For those seeking an ad-free experience and extra content, the 9to5Mac Happy Hour Plus subscription provides exclusive advantages, including bonus episodes and discussions before and after the show.

### Final Thoughts

The recent developments from Apple, encompassing the 26.2 betas and the launch of Digital IDs, demonstrate the company’s continuous commitment to innovation and user satisfaction. As conversations about the future of the iPhone Air progress, the tech community remains eager to discover what Apple will reveal next.

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Spotify Launches AI-Powered Audiobook Summaries on iOS and Improves Playlist Shuffle Capabilities

Spotify is launching a beta feature on its iOS application that improves the audiobook listening experience by offering users a summary of the narrative up to their last listening point. This feature, named Recap, is aimed at assisting users in easily reengaging with audiobooks without needing to replay earlier sections.

### Previously on…

As of today, a select range of English audiobooks on the Spotify iOS app will come equipped with the Recap functionality. This AI-driven summary provides listeners with a succinct overview of the plot up to the last point they listened to. Spotify equates Recaps to a “previously on” segment from TV shows, designed to minimize interruptions and sustain engagement in the narrative.

Spotify has partnered with its publishing associates to create this feature, which forms part of a larger effort to make audiobook consumption more intuitive and user-friendly. The Recap button will appear above the audiobook’s Chapters list after users have listened for the initial 15-20 minutes. It will be routinely updated to mirror the listener’s progress, enabling them to reenter the story without facing spoilers or needing a complete summary.

Notably, Spotify assures users that the content from the audiobooks will not be employed for large language model (LLM) training, and the Recap feature is not meant to substitute for the genuine experience of listening to the book.

### Expanded Shuffle Controls

Alongside the Recap feature, Spotify has unveiled a new shuffle option for Premium subscribers known as “Fewer Repeats.” This feature diminishes the chances of recently played tracks recurring during playlist shuffles. Users still have the option to revert to the “Standard” shuffle mode if they prefer the earlier randomization approach.

To modify the Shuffle settings, Premium users can execute the following steps:

1. Access your Spotify Settings.
2. Choose Playback.
3. Select either Fewer Repeats or Standard Shuffle.

Spotify highlights that choosing increased randomness might result in hearing the same songs more often, so users aiming to limit repetitions should adhere to the default “Fewer Repeats” setting.

For additional details about the new Shuffle controls, users can refer to Spotify’s official announcement. More information regarding the Recaps feature can also be located in Spotify’s newsroom.

### Conclusion

With the rollout of the Recap feature and improved shuffle controls, Spotify continues to innovate in the audiobook and music streaming sector, striving to offer a more seamless and enjoyable experience for its users.

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Why Fighter Pilots Utilize Complete Air Conditioning in Alaskan Winter Flights

activate your intelligent A/C. This is quite straightforward and logical, but only if you are at home. If you’re aboard something a bit more complex, like a military fighter jet, you may find yourself operating the A/C at full capacity, even while soaring at extreme altitudes during the coldest, harshest Alaskan winters. This phenomenon is not mainly related to the aircraft itself, but rather to the pounds of sweaty equipment a pilot usually dons.

Regardless of how frigid it is outside the aircraft, the interior of a jet’s cockpit can become incredibly hot due to a mix of the sun blazing down overhead and the bulky, heavy gear and clothing the pilot is equipped with. Although a jet’s Environmental Control System (ECS) could offer warmth if the pilot wishes, it is technically more prudent for the pilot to be bundled up just in case they need to exit the vehicle swiftly.

The A/C remains operational to offset the pilot’s overheated gear

Tesla Aims to Incorporate CarPlay into Its Cars

In a surprising development, Tesla is allegedly working to incorporate Apple CarPlay into its automobiles, a decision that many Tesla users have eagerly anticipated. This transition represents a notable shift in Tesla’s strategy, as the company has traditionally resisted adding CarPlay, opting instead to enhance its own infotainment system. Tesla’s hesitance stemmed in part from its inclination to replicate Apple’s method of managing the user experience. Nevertheless, with 83% of drivers utilizing CarPlay or Android Auto in their main vehicles, Tesla’s disregard for these platforms has been an exception in the industry.

The choice to adopt CarPlay is motivated by Tesla’s goal to increase sales, which have fallen short of projections in 2025. Although Tesla has experienced remarkable sales growth over the last five years, the company now views CarPlay as a possible driver for additional sales gains. Notably, Tesla intends to deploy a simplified version of CarPlay that will operate as a display window within its larger interface, rather than dominating the entire touchscreen as seen in other cars.

On the other hand, General Motors (GM) is reinforcing its anti-CarPlay strategy, opting to eliminate CarPlay from its electric vehicles. GM asserts that it can deliver a superior user experience through its own infotainment system, which it claims provides a more engaging environment. However, this choice may impact vehicle sales, as GM seeks to manage user data to develop subscription-based services. Only time will reveal if GM’s strategy will yield success, but Tesla’s recent shift indicates that CarPlay’s popularity is hard to overlook.

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Google Launches Legal Action Against Significant Phishing Network Aiming at Millions

This is the first time a lawsuit is being filed against ‘Lighthouse’.

(Image credit: Google)

Essential insights

  • Google initiates a lawsuit targeting ‘Lighthouse’ Phishing-as-a-Service impacting over 1 million global victims.
  • The firm pushes for bipartisan legislation to address scam threats within the U.S. Congress.
  • Google has rolled out new tools to assist users in identifying and steering clear of scams efficiently.

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