Author: Richard

“Evaluating Google-Samsung AI Glasses versus Meta Ray-Bans: Three Major Benefits of Android XR”

Meta AI glasses have secured a prominent position in the smart glasses industry, excelling in both hardware advancements and brand recognition. Nevertheless, Google and Samsung are ready to contest Meta’s supremacy with their forthcoming AI glasses, utilizing their strengths in Gemini AI, photography, and wearable technology.

Google’s Android XR prototypes, which serve as the basis for Samsung’s 2026 AI glasses, showcase a refined and consumer-friendly experience. While Meta has succeeded in popularizing smart glasses, Google and Samsung are set to set themselves apart with distinct features and integrations.

A notable benefit for Google and Samsung is the incorporation of Gemini AI, which provides fluid app connectivity and interactivity. This enables users to aggregate data from multiple apps and utilize it across various platforms, enriching the overall user experience. Furthermore, Google’s prowess in computational photography is projected to compete with Meta’s capabilities, delivering superior image capture and post-processing.

The linkage between Android XR and Wear OS represents another domain where Google and Samsung might gain an advantage. By merging smartwatch gestures with smart glasses, users can experience a more seamless and connected interaction. This wearable collaboration could yield a competitive edge over Meta’s products.

In the end, the rivalry among Meta, Google, and Samsung is likely to propel innovation and enhance the smart glasses market. As each company capitalizes on its strengths, consumers can look forward to a diverse array of choices tailored to various preferences and applications.

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Poll: Would You Concur with This Settlement for the 20th Anniversary iPhone?

There have been ongoing speculations that Apple will be going all out for the 20th anniversary iPhone in 2027. It is anticipated that this year will mark the moment when the company finally realizes its long-desired goal of transforming the iPhone into “a single slab of glass.”

What this implies is that there will be no apparent bezels and no Dynamic Island or any cutouts of any type on the screen. Although this is already feasible from a technical standpoint, it would require one significant trade-off.

### The ‘single slab of glass’ concept

Former Apple design head Jony Ive was the first to articulate this notion to define what he envisioned as the ideal iPhone – where the only visible aspect when looking at the iPhone from the front is glass and solely glass.

No bezels, no Dynamic Island, not even a camera hole. All front-facing technology would be concealed beneath the display. While Ive is no longer with the company, it is widely accepted that Apple still embraces that vision.

The iPhone X was, naturally, the initial significant step towards it, removing the chin with its Home button. The notch for the selfie camera and Face ID feature was subsequently succeeded by a more compact Dynamic Island, and it has been speculated that next year’s iPhone 18 will incorporate the Face ID module under the display, leaving only a minimal punch hole for the selfie camera.

### The 20th anniversary iPhone

Typically, we would anticipate the flagship 2027 iPhone to be designated as the iPhone 19 Pro, yet there have been hints that Apple might leap directly to iPhone 20 nomenclature to celebrate the 20th anniversary – or perhaps utilize a standalone title similar to the approach taken with the iPhone X and iPhone Air.

Should Apple choose a name instead of a number, the most frequently discussed option has been the iPhone Ultra. While this seems plausible, I personally believe that Apple might consolidate hardware and software branding by naming it the iPhone Glass.

With the iPhone 18, the remaining visible disruption to the display will be the front-facing camera. Eliminating this would imply embedding the camera beneath the display alongside the Face ID technology.

This is technically achievable at this point. At least two Android prototypes have been developed featuring cameras concealed beneath the screen. However, a challenge exists.

### The trade-off of an embedded selfie camera

The problem observed with Android prototypes is a considerable decline in image quality for an embedded selfie camera. This has manifested as low contrast and detail levels as light passes through the display layers.

Certainly, technology will have advanced by 2027, and it is probable that any compromise in image quality by then will be relatively minimal. Nevertheless, I would anticipate that photos would experience at least some level of degradation compared to a standard smartphone selfie camera.

The critical question, then, is whether accepting some degree of compromise here would be a beneficial exchange? Let’s envision something akin to the comparison shown below. Nothing overly significant, just slightly less contrast and a touch more blur from the embedded camera.

Would you be willing to accept this level of compromise from the selfie camera in exchange for an all-glass display? Please take our poll and share your opinions in the comments.

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The US Air Force Faces Major Obstacles in Hypersonic Jet Advancement

The Pentagon has introduced initiatives for hypersonic jets multiple times throughout the last twenty years; however, because of the inherent difficulties associated with the technology, hypersonic aircraft have not advanced beyond the testing phase. Everything the Air Force has attempted to date has proven to be either exceedingly inefficient, extremely hazardous, or, more frequently, a combination of both.

Supersonic flight is dangerous enough as it stands, presenting numerous difficulties ranging from the damaging sound waves produced by sonic booms, to the severe physical strain on pilots, to the substantial financial costs involved. Transitioning to hypersonic speeds exacerbates all these challenges and introduces an even greater issue. The foremost obstacle to achieving hypersonic flight is the occurrence of aerodynamic heating. In simple terms, as a plane increases its speed, it generates more friction with the surrounding air, which can produce a lethal amount of heat. The Pentagon must discover a method to protect its fighter jets from this heat; otherwise, pilots may encounter more threats from their aircraft than from any adversary.

In the hot seat

OpenAI Finalizes $1 Billion Agreement with Disney and Debuts ChatGPT 5.2 in ‘Code Red’ Week

OpenAI’s Sam Altman issued a “code red” memo to staff following the launch of Google’s Gemini 3, urging teams to concentrate on enhancing the core ChatGPT experience and delay other AI endeavors. Speculation also suggested a GPT-5.2 upgrade was imminent this week, potentially as early as Tuesday. It turns out this speculation was nearly accurate: OpenAI introduced the GPT-5.2 model family on Thursday, two days later than anticipated, stating that ChatGPT now delivers multiple enhancements over the prior generation. The previous generation, GPT-5.1, was released by OpenAI just a month ago as an upgrade to GPT-5.

OpenAI’s release wasn’t limited to new AI models with enhanced features; the company also announced a major collaboration with Disney for Sora, which should also act as a significant PR maneuver in its competition with other AI companies developing cutting-edge chatbots to rival ChatGPT, particularly Google. Lastly, OpenAI confirmed that the adult mode that some ChatGPT users might be looking forward to is expected to arrive in early 2026.

What’s new in GPT-5.2?

New Season of Popular Apple TV Thriller by Slow Horses Writer Revealed

**Down Cemetery Road: Season 2 Update and What’s Ahead**

The Apple TV thriller “Down Cemetery Road” has just wrapped up its inaugural season, and fans are set for some exciting news as the series has been officially renewed for a second season. This announcement followed closely after the season finale, affirming that the cherished show will move forward with its captivating storyline and vibrant characters.

### Returning Cast and Crew

The series features renowned actresses Emma Thompson and Ruth Wilson, who have received acclaim for their performances. Thompson, who also holds the role of executive producer, conveyed her enthusiasm regarding the renewal, emphasizing her eagerness to collaborate with the talented team once more, especially writer Morwenna Banks. The dynamic between Thompson and Wilson has been a major attraction for audiences, making their return a highly awaited element of the forthcoming season.

### Source Material and Plot Summary

“Down Cemetery Road” draws inspiration from a collection of novels featuring private investigator Zoë Boehm, penned by Mick Herron, also known for the popular series “Slow Horses.” The second season will take cues from Herron’s novel “The Last Voice You Hear,” assuring yet another complex and thrilling enigma.

In season 2, viewers will witness Zoë Boehm (Thompson) and Sarah Trafford (Wilson) reuniting to address a new case that starts with an apparently simple incident—a woman falling in front of a train. However, as they dig deeper, the inquiry leads them into the perilous realm of black market antiques, where they confront a ruthless serial killer intent on hiding his atrocities.

### Anticipated Release

While fans are keen on the return of “Down Cemetery Road,” Apple has not yet disclosed a precise release date for the second season. Considering the show’s popularity and the typical production schedules of other Apple TV series, there is optimism that the wait won’t be prolonged.

### Where to Watch

For those who haven’t yet experienced the first season, all episodes of “Down Cemetery Road” are available for streaming on Apple TV. The platform provides a subscription service at $12.99 per month, featuring a diverse collection of acclaimed shows and films, including other hits like “Ted Lasso” and “Severance.”

As excitement builds for the upcoming season, fans are encouraged to stay tuned for more updates and get ready for another exhilarating journey with Zoë Boehm and Sarah Trafford.

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M4 MacBook Air $250 Price Cut Along with Complimentary $25 Gift Card; Special 20% Discount at Twelve South; Leather and Nomad Apple Watch Bands in Stock

### Unbeatable Offer of the Year on M4 MacBook Air – 13-Inch Now $250 Off plus FREE $25 Gift Card

The festive shopping period has unveiled substantial reductions on sought-after Apple items, with the M4 MacBook Air taking the lead. At present, Best Buy is providing the 13-inch M4 MacBook Air at an impressive $250 discount, reducing the price to $749. This promotion also includes a free $25 gift card, making it one of the most attractive deals this year.

#### Key Attributes of the M4 MacBook Air

– **Processor**: M4 chip for improved performance and efficiency.
– **Memory**: 16GB RAM, ensuring sufficient power for multitasking.
– **Storage**: 256GB SSD, with the option for additional external storage.
– **Display**: 13-inch Retina display, delivering vibrant colors and crisp visuals.

This price matches the Black Friday offer and marks a considerable drop from the usual price of $999. The addition of the gift card effectively raises the total savings to $275, making it a compelling choice for anyone in search of a new laptop.

#### Other Deals

Best Buy’s Holiday Doorbuster sale also showcases the 16GB/512GB edition of the M4 MacBook Air at a comparable discount, catering to varied storage preferences. Moreover, members of Best Buy’s rewards program can receive extra bonuses, boosting the overall value of the buy.

### Most Economical M4 Mac Mini Remains at the $479 Black Friday Price

Alongside the MacBook Air, the M4 Mac Mini is experiencing a price reduction as well. The base version, which usually sells for $599, is currently priced at $479 on Amazon. This model features:

– **Processor**: M4 chip.
– **Memory**: 16GB RAM.
– **Storage**: 256GB SSD.

This offer represents one of the lowest prices ever for the Mac Mini, providing an excellent option for users in need of a compact yet powerful desktop solution.

### Apple Watch Series 11 Reaches All-Time Low Today with $100 Off

The Apple Watch Series 11 has also become part of the lineup of reduced Apple products, now available at a $100 discount. The 42mm model starts at $299, while the 46mm variant is priced at $329. These prices apply to a variety of case colors and configurations, making it a versatile gift choice for the holiday season.

### Accessories and Charging Promotions

In addition to the major product discounts, various accessories and charging promotions are available, making it the perfect time to stock up on essential gear for your devices.

### Final Thoughts

With significant reductions on the M4 MacBook Air, Mac Mini, and Apple Watch Series 11, this holiday season presents an excellent chance for consumers to invest in high-quality Apple products. These deals are likely to be in high demand, so interested buyers should act swiftly to secure their purchases before the offers end.

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Activating Your Android Phone’s Hotspot from a Distance Without Unlocking

public environment where Wi-Fi isn’t entirely safe (or even worse, the access is limited), or when facing an unreliable home network. In these circumstances, ensuring you have a dependable hotspot option available when necessary is essential.

If your mobile plan offers data, your smartphone can already serve as an excellent hotspot source for any Wi-Fi-enabled device. Nevertheless, using it can significantly deplete the battery, reducing the time you can stay connected. Fortunately, there are straightforward solutions that allow you to access a hotspot without controlling it from your phone. Depending on the devices you possess, you can activate built-in features like instant hotspot or tethering for a largely hands-free experience from your phone. It does necessitate some prior configuration, a compatible OS, and an active Google account to implement.

Enable instant tethering on your Android phone and Chromebook

Things You Should Refrain from Monitoring with an Apple AirTag

The duration of an Apple AirTag’s battery life will provide you with a clearer understanding of when and where to utilize them. Regarding ethical considerations and safety, Apple has implemented various AirTag features aimed at safeguarding individuals in specific circumstances. Therefore, although an AirTag can be beneficial for certain items, proceed with caution before attaching them indiscriminately.

Pets

A Handbook for Capturing Calls on Your Pixel Smartphone

The Google Phone app has expanded call recording capabilities to more areas — here’s how to access it.

(Image credit: Nicholas Sutrich / Android Central)

Google Pixel devices offer various call recording options, previously restricted to certain regions until November, when Google made basic call recording available globally. Now, Pixel users can record calls directly through the Google Phone app without relying on third-party applications.

This call recording feature is a simpler alternative to Call Notes, which is the AI-driven recording and summarization tool found on the Pixel 9 and later models. Announced in September, it is now being widely deployed for Google Pixel users around the world. Here’s what you need to know about recording calls on a Pixel device, covering availability, settings, and usage.

Requirements for using Pixel call recording

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Top 5 Chromebook Offers from Walmart’s Holiday Promotion: Discounts on ASUS, Lenovo, HP, and More

I would recommend placing that order promptly if you’re aiming for delivery by Christmas!

(Image credit: Andrew Myrick / Android Central)

Chromebooks have emerged as the must-have gift this holiday season, and fortunately, a plethora of deals exists to make these products affordable enough to hide beneath the tree. Walmart’s festive sale currently features a wide array of these discounted laptops, and I’ve curated a choice of my top picks below.

  • Check out the comprehensive list of deals from Walmart’s festive sale

My TOP 5 Chromebook bargains from Walmart’s festive sale

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