Author: Richard

Logitech Unveils MX Master 4 with Haptic Feedback and Improved Features

### Logitech MX Master 4: A New Chapter in Mouse Innovation

The Logitech MX Master series has become a go-to choice for Mac users, and the newest model, the MX Master 4, carries on this legacy with several impressive upgrades while preserving the cherished design that has delighted users over the years.

#### Main Features and Upgrades

A highlight of the MX Master 4 is the addition of **haptic feedback**. This groundbreaking capability offers customizable vibrations that enhance user engagement during scrolling, navigation, and selection. Logitech asserts that this tactile response is particularly advantageous for precision-driven tasks like video editing, design, and data analysis.

The haptic feedback system is embedded into a compact panel on the thumb rest of the mouse. To make the most of this function, users can utilize the Logitech Options+ software, which enables them to experience subtle vibrations while working in applications such as Photoshop, Lightroom, and Zoom. Moreover, the mouse provides system-level compatibility across both macOS and Windows environments.

#### Action Rings Feature

Another notable enhancement is the new **Action Rings feature**, which operates through the Logitech Options+ app. This functionality presents a digital overlay that showcases app-specific shortcuts and customizable controls, enabling users to access frequently utilized tools directly from their screen. Logitech claims that this can help professionals save up to 33% of their time and diminish repetitive mouse movements by 63%, making it an essential asset for boosting productivity.

#### Connectivity and Aesthetics

The MX Master 4 features improved connectivity, thanks to a high-performance chip and an optimized antenna, which Logitech claims offers “twice the connectivity strength” compared to earlier models. While a new USB-C dongle comes included, it’s important to mention that this accessory is not included with the Mac-optimized variant of the mouse.

Regarding design, the overall shape remains similar to its predecessors. However, Logitech has enhanced the materials used, making the MX Master 4 more resistant to stains and replacing some of the rubber finish with a new textured plastic, improving both durability and style.

#### Purchase Information

The Logitech MX Master 4 is now available for purchase at a price of **$119.99**, with initial shipments expected to be dispatched soon after ordering. As users start to delve into its features, additional insights and hands-on reviews are likely to emerge in the forthcoming weeks.

For those looking to elevate their computing experience, the MX Master 4 signifies a considerable advancement in mouse technology, merging ergonomic design with state-of-the-art features designed for professionals.

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OnePlus 13 Update Fixes Ongoing Photo Problems

New OnePlus 13 Firmware Update Introduces Map Album, Screen Time Monitoring, and More

(Image credit: Nicholas Sutrich / Android Central)

Key Information

  • Users of the OnePlus 13 are receiving firmware CPH2655_15.0.0.862(EX01) that features a combination of enhancements, new functionalities, and security upgrades.
  • Lock screen notifications and Live Alerts now sport improved animations, resulting in a more seamless interaction experience.
  • A newly introduced map album indicates the locations where your photos were captured, and transferring images from Private back to public now retains their original folders, ensuring you don’t misplace them.

OnePlus has begun distributing a fresh update for the OnePlus 13. The new firmware, CPH2655_15.0.0.862(EX01), brings several minor yet beneficial enhancements aimed at improving your daily usage.

Apart from the routine security update, OnePlus has incorporated features designed to enhance the device’s performance, making it feel more intelligent while also boosting privacy settings.

Users will immediately notice better graphics. The animations for Live Alerts and notifications on the lock screen appear more fluid, contributing to a more organic interaction. For those who frequently check alerts, these improvements should enhance the experience.

The Photos application is also receiving updates. A new map album feature has been integrated, allowing you to visualize images based on their geographic data. This is particularly advantageous for those who travel often, as it simplifies the process of revisiting cherished memories from specific locations.

Streamlined Privacy Management

(Image credit: Nicholas Sutrich / Android Central)

There has also been an update regarding the handling of private photos. When transferring images from the Private album back to the public view, they will

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Android-Driven Gaming Handheld Similar to PSP Go Now Released with $100 Price Reduction

If you feel any sense of nostalgia, this is worth exploring.

In June, Anbernic kicked off the summer in style with the launch of the Anbernic RG Slide. This was the first instance of a contemporary mobile gaming device featuring a sliding mechanism since the Sony Xperia Play. Although the price tag is steep, you can currently snag the RG Slide on Amazon for $199, reflecting a $100 discount for a limited period.

With this, you’re not only acquiring a dedicated gaming device that evokes nostalgia but also one that boasts a 4.7-inch LTPS display with a 120Hz refresh rate. Additionally, Anbernic has incorporated a 5,000mAh battery, providing up to six hours of usage on a single charge.

Have you been yearning for a modern version of the PSP Go? Anbernic has delivered that with the RG Slide, an Android gaming handheld featuring a robust sliding mechanism and remarkable performance.

✅Recommended if: You’re drawn to nostalgia and desire a gaming handheld resembling the PSP Go while being able to play many of your favorite retro and Android titles.

❌Skip this deal if: You’re looking for a gaming handheld with more power than the Unisoc T820 found in the RG Slide or you prefer something lighter and more portable.

As you would anticipate, there are multiple ways to play games on the RG Slide; you could rely solely on the touchscreen if you wish. However, once you slide the screen upwards, you’ll be met with a complete set of controls, including dual low-profile joysticks.

Beneath the intricate sliding mechanism and controls lies a familiar array of specifications, starting with the Unisoc T820. This chip was previously seen in last year’s RG406H and RG406V, but has been around since 2022.

The T820 is paired with 8GB of RAM and 128GB of expandable storage, providing ample space to enjoy numerous Android games. Regarding emulation, the T820 can handle games up to GameCube, Wii, and PS2, along with a minor capability for Switch emulation if you’re playing lighter titles.

The most appealing reason to consider the RG Slide is also the primary reason you might want to steer clear of this handheld. To create a gaming handheld with a sliding mechanism that remains durable, it must be constructed of metal, which is what Anbernic has opted for. On the one hand, it’s reassuring to know you can slide the screen up and down without fear of damage. Conversely, this results in a device that is nearly twice as heavy as the Pixel 10.

Nevertheless, the RG Slide, especially at $100 off, is worth investigating if you’re interested in a modern PSP Go that operates on Android and features a 120Hz display. Furthermore, we anticipated that other companies would emulate Anbernic’s design following the expiration of the Sony patent, but as of now, the RG Slide remains the sole option.

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Frequent Smart Home Errors to Steer Clear Of: Insights Gained from My Journey

# The Smart Home Journey: Advantages, Errors, and Insights Gained

Smart home innovations have revolutionized our engagement with our residences, providing ease, productivity, and improved oversight of our surroundings. As an enthusiast of smart homes, I’ve reaped various advantages, yet my path has also contained some missteps. Here, I will outline the elements I cherish in my smart home, along with two major errors I encountered along the way.

## Cherished Aspects of a Smart Home

While some contend that a smart home must be predominantly automated, I feel that even features controlled manually can still be deemed “smart.” Nonetheless, I concur that any feature capable of automation should be automated, as these conveniences often become the most treasured components of my dwelling.

One of my preferred automations is the bedroom blinds that open by themselves each morning, permitting sunlight to softly awaken me. Furthermore, my kitchen lights switch on when I enter the area, ensuring a fluid experience. Voice commands are also pivotal in my smart home environment. For instance, the phrase “living room relax” triggers certain ambient lighting while deactivating unnecessary lights, cultivating a warm vibe.

## Errors in Smart Home Configuration

In spite of my successes, I have faced two significant errors in my smart home journey—one being particularly expensive.

### 1. Ceiling-to-Floor Smart Window Shades

While I enjoy the smart shades on regular-sized windows, my experience with floor-to-ceiling glass has been less satisfactory. The first challenge stems from the requirement for several shades to cover the entire window span. With a total of seven shades, they frequently snag against one another due to their width and limited clearance, resulting in misalignment that necessitates manual correction.

The second issue involves the battery-operated nature of these shades. The heaviness of the floor-to-ceiling shades places a burden on the motors, causing the batteries to deplete swiftly. Even with heavy-duty batteries, I found myself constantly replacing them, which became a monotonous chore. Ultimately, I determined that for such large windows, conventional curtains would be a much more sensible option.

### 2. Excessively Complicate Scenes

Scenes rank among the most influential features of smart home technology, enabling the control of several devices at once with a single command. However, I discovered the hard way that complicating these scenes can result in annoyance. For example, I devised a “home alone” scene that would deactivate lights in one room while turning them on in another. Although this seemed practical, it often led to inconvenience when moving between spaces, necessitating continuous adjustments to the lighting.

Now, I prioritize simpler scenes that manage lighting within individual rooms, recognizing that occasionally I need to issue multiple voice commands. This shift has considerably improved the user-friendliness of my smart home experience.

## Conclusion

The process of establishing a smart home is laden with meaningful lessons. While automation and intelligent technology can significantly improve our living environments, it’s crucial to factor in practicality and ease of use. By reflecting on my experiences, I aspire to assist others in their smart home projects, urging them to embrace the advantages while being mindful of possible challenges. What errors have you faced in your smart home experience? Share your thoughts and stories in the comments.

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Reasons Why Capping Your iPhone’s Charge Level at 80% Is Ineffective

enhance the efficiency of the iPhone Air by understanding usage habits. Although the Adaptive Power feature didn’t significantly extend battery life on our device, it might prove useful for you.

Another feature that Apple introduced earlier is the option to restrict the iPhone’s charging capacity, either to 80% or a personalized figure. This should theoretically prolong your device’s battery lifespan since you’re not completing a full cycle every time you charge. Nevertheless, for the second consecutive year, MacRumors opted to limit its iPhone’s charging capacity to 80% to determine if it would have any effects. Spoiler alert: it did not.

Capping the iPhone’s charging limit provided a lesson

Powerbeats Fit Introduced: Three Primary Improvements Compared to Beats Fit Pro

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Beats Fit Pro has debuted, and Beats is now rolling out a rebranding of its well-known earbuds as the Powerbeats Fit. This is not merely the joining of the Fit Pro earbuds with the Powerbeats name; Beats is addressing some shortcomings of the initial generation while still providing the same audio quality, Spatial Audio features, and a relatively budget-friendly price of $199.99.

“Bringing Beats Fit Pro back as Powerbeats Fit, together with Powerbeats Pro 2, has unified our selection under a brand recognized for athletic excellence and offers consumers a clearer option between two unique, fitness-oriented designs,” stated Oliver Schusser, Apple’s vice president of Music, Sports, and Beats. “Powerbeats Fit merges the finest elements of Beats Fit Pro with enhanced comfort, resilience, and portability, making it a significant addition to the Powerbeats line.”

Powerbeats Fit have a more streamlined design than their predecessors, which Beats asserts makes the wingtip more comfortable for prolonged wear while still preserving the impressive battery life of the earbuds. Here’s all that the new Powerbeats Fit has to offer.

Powerbeats Fit are designed for athletes

Zireot USB Heated Portable Electric Blanket

As temperatures drop, nothing is more comforting than wrapping up in a cozy blanket. You can elevate that feeling with this USB-powered electric blanket that will keep you warm and toasty. At $69.99, it may not be the most affordable option, but we believe the benefit it offers justifies the cost. You can select heat levels from low, medium, and high, reaching a peak temperature of 131 degrees Fahrenheit. It operates via the included power bank

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“Pixel 10a Anticipated to Debut Earlier with Vivid Color Choices”

**Google May Alter Its Launch Schedule for Its Upcoming Mid-Range**

Recent speculation indicates that Google could be changing its typical launch timeline for the soon-to-be-released mid-range smartphone, the Pixel 10a. Historically, Google’s mid-range devices have debuted mid-year, yet a recent leak suggests a possible arrival much sooner, potentially by the end of this year.

A report from MysticLeaks on Telegram claims that the Pixel 10a may be released in five color options: black, blue, dark blue, red, and green. These hues are reportedly connected to a series of leaked wallpapers, which showcase elegant, ribbon-like designs and a distinctive brush stroke aesthetic.

There is also considerable speculation regarding the hardware features of the Pixel 10a. It is believed to be equipped with a slightly enhanced version of the Tensor G4 chip, continuing the pattern of Google’s mid-range phones employing the same chip for three consecutive years. Nonetheless, there may be a compromise, as the device might utilize the older UFS 3.1 storage rather than the newer UFS 4.0, which could influence its overall performance.

While the Pixel 10a’s release may arrive sooner than anticipated, it may lack some of the advanced features present in the flagship Pixel 10 series, including the Magic Cue with contextual suggestions. As the tech community eagerly awaits additional information, excitement for Google’s next mid-range product continues to escalate.

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Apple @ Work Podcast: Shifting Back to the Practitioner Position

**Apple @ Work: Returning to IT Practice**

In the ever-changing realm of technology, professionals frequently navigate between positions in IT and vendor sectors. In the newest episode of Apple @ Work, host Tom Bridge shares reflections from his recent return to an IT practitioner role after spending more than four years on the vendor side. This transition underscores the dynamic essence of the tech industry and the valuable insights acquired from both perspectives.

**Mosyle’s Role in Apple Device Management**

Mosyle is integral in assisting organizations that employ Apple devices. As the sole Apple Unified Platform, Mosyle consolidates all required solutions for deploying, managing, and securing Apple devices in an efficient manner. With over 45,000 organizations depending on Mosyle, it has positioned itself as a reliable partner in ensuring millions of Apple devices are ready for use easily and cost-effectively. This functionality is particularly vital for companies seeking to optimize their IT operations while maintaining strong device management.

**Key Insights from the Episode**

1. **Learning from Experience**: Tom Bridge shares the insights gained during his tenure on the vendor side and how they shape his present role in IT. This background offers a distinctive view of the challenges and openings encountered by IT professionals.

2. **Significance of Flexibility**: The tech field is in constant flux, and professionals must remain adaptable to succeed. Tom’s path highlights the necessity for ongoing learning and flexibility in career trajectories.

3. **Collaboration and Community**: Connecting with the broader IT community is essential for exchanging knowledge and best practices. Tom’s observations inspire professionals to engage and collaborate, nurturing a supportive atmosphere for advancement.

**Listen to the Episode**

To explore Tom Bridge’s experiences and insights further, listen to the episode

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Opera Unveils Neon: An AI-Driven Browser with an Integrated Assistant

**Opera Neon: A Revolutionary Chapter in AI Browsing**

After its formal introduction in May, Opera has unveiled Neon, its AI browser based on a subscription model, equipped with agentic features. This groundbreaking browser seeks to establish itself within the competitive landscape of AI-driven browsers, presenting distinct functionalities that improve user experience and efficiency.

### Notable Features of Opera Neon

#### Tasks

Among the key highlights of Opera Neon is “Tasks.” This capability is crafted to comprehend the context of the open tabs—whether they are documents, web pages, or searches. It leverages this context to collect information and execute actions pertinent to the user’s goals. As per Opera, “Tasks are independent workspaces that grasp context and allow the AI to analyze, compare, and act across various sources simultaneously.” Consequently, Neon can create a specialized mini-browser for each task, permitting the AI to assist users without engaging unrelated data.

#### Cards

Another cutting-edge feature is “Cards,” which enables users to save commonly used prompts for repetitive actions. Users can combine Cards to formulate more intricate workflows. Opera likens it to “having a collection of your preferred AI actions ready for use whenever you require them.” For instance, when comparing products across tabs, users can merge specific Cards to simplify the process. Moreover, the Cards repository lets users explore and save Cards uploaded by the community, making it usable for both everyday and professional users.

#### Neon Do

“Neon Do” offers a distinctive take on agentic browsing by functioning within the user’s current browsing session rather than depending on cloud solutions. This feature can navigate on the user’s behalf, gather data from their logged-in accounts, and carry out assigned duties. Opera highlights that this approach enhances security, as it eliminates the necessity of sharing passwords or continuous authentication. Neon Do can pause for user input, granting users control at any stage of the task.

### Further Features

In addition to these core functionalities, Opera Neon comprises features like “Make,” which allows users to create small applications based on their needs, and “Chat,” facilitating interaction with Neon in accordance with the context of the active webpage.

### Privacy Considerations

Opera has prioritized a privacy-centric approach in the creation of Neon. User logins and payment details are stored on-device, and importantly, no data is utilized for AI training, ensuring the preservation of user privacy.

### Subscription Model

Opera Neon is offered through a subscription model at $19.99 monthly. Initial users will gain access today, and those interested can sign up for the waitlist on the Opera Neon website.

### Conclusion

Opera Neon signifies a major leap in the field of AI browsing, merging innovative features with an emphasis on user privacy. As the demand for agentic browsing solutions increases, Opera Neon establishes itself as an attractive choice for individuals seeking to boost their online productivity.

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