Author: Richard

9to5Mac Daily Briefing: September 30, 2025 – Summary of Powerbeats Fit and iOS 26.0.1 Launch

**9to5Mac Daily: Your Go-To Source for Daily Apple News and Insights**

In the rapidly evolving tech landscape, keeping abreast of the newest developments is essential, particularly for Apple fans. 9to5Mac Daily acts as a trusted resource for everyday summaries of the most important stories concerning Apple and its ecosystem. This podcast is crafted to keep listeners updated on the latest advancements, product unveilings, software upgrades, and industry movements.

**Podcast Access**

Listeners can conveniently tune into 9to5Mac Daily across multiple platforms, ensuring they don’t miss an episode. The podcast is accessible on:

– [iTunes and Apple’s Podcasts app](https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/9to5mac-daily/id1331816080)
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– [Dedicated RSS feed](https://feedpress.me/9to5macdaily) for Overcast and other podcast platforms

**Daily Episodes and Themes**

New episodes of 9to5Mac Daily are produced each weekday, offering a steady flow of information for listeners. By subscribing to the podcast, audiences can guarantee they receive new episodes promptly upon release. The podcast not only highlights the latest news but also explores discussions on various subjects impacting the Apple community.

**Special Features for Subscribers**

For listeners seeking to enhance their audio experience, 9to5Mac Daily provides a subscription option via [9to5Mac Daily Plus](https://9to5mac.com/join/). Subscribers can gain access to:

– Ad-free editions of each episode
– Additional bonus material that offers more profound insights and extra discussions

**Interaction and Feedback**

9to5Mac Daily promotes listener interaction and feedback. Audiences can express their opinions via email at [[email protected]](mailto:[email protected]). Furthermore, ratings and reviews on platforms like [Apple Podcasts](https://geo.itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/id1331816080?at=10laZc&pt=11l8808) and

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Essential Google TV Applications for 2025

Google TV streamer is integrated into numerous television brands like Hisense, Sony, and TCL. It boasts many appealing features, including an extensive collection of apps and games, a remarkable recommendation system, Google Assistant (which is gradually being replaced by Gemini AI), and support for user profiles. Moreover, it allows control of selected smart home devices or the ability to watch live TV channels using Google TV Freeplay.

While the default Google TV experience is impressive, you can greatly improve and customize it by utilizing the various apps found in the Google Play Store. You can set up a new launcher to modify the home screen appearance, stream games from your computer, surf the internet, listen to podcasts, and much more. However, the vast selection available can be daunting. Thus, we have curated a list of the most beneficial Google TV apps to help you begin.

LocalSend

LocalSend is arguably one of the most valuable Android applications. It’s a must-have app for your Android device, and you’ll be pleased to know it functions on the Google TV OS as well. This open-source app allows you to transfer files, folders, and text between devices effortlessly. With its compatibility across all major platforms, you can utilize almost any mobile device or computer to share files with your TV. Most importantly, it operates through your Wi-Fi network for transfers, ensuring your data isn’t stored on external servers.

There is no need to upload to the cloud, and you don’t require an active internet connection for LocalSend to function. It has a simple prerequisite: both sending and receiving devices must be connected to the same Wi-Fi network. That’s all. The app’s interface is user-friendly, and no complicated setup is needed to get it up and running. Just download LocalSend from the Google Play Store on your Google TV to start sending and receiving files. This is particularly beneficial for sideloading apps and games via APK files.

Projectivy Launcher

The home screen of Google TV is quite user-friendly and attractive; however, if you are not impressed with the recommendations or the ads are becoming bothersome, it’s time to switch the launcher. Although Google TV does not offer a wide range of third-party launchers, Projectivy Launcher serves as an excellent alternative for the home screen. It is an ad-free, customizable launcher that allows you to tailor your TV’s home screen to suit your visual tastes and operational preferences.

Projectivy Launcher offers features like personalized layouts, dynamic wallpapers, custom icons, parental controls, quick access to input sources, adaptive colors, and much more. More importantly, it integrates smoothly and provides an outstanding experience without significant issues. It’s also available for free; however, some features, such as custom wallpapers, might require a purchase.

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Unexpected M5 iPad Pro Revealed in Surreptitious Unboxing Clip

### M5 iPad Pro Leaks: Unboxing and Benchmark Insights

Last year, an unboxing video of the M4 MacBook Pro surfaced ahead of its official reveal, and it seems history is repeating itself. Russian YouTuber Wylsacom, recognized for leaking details about the MacBook Pro previously, has now released an unboxing of the yet-to-be-revealed M5 iPad Pro, offering an early look at its specs and performance benchmarks.

#### Design and Features

The M5 iPad Pro features a design almost identical to its predecessor, the M4 model. It boasts the same ultra-slim chassis and a single rear camera. However, there is speculation regarding the potential addition of dual front-facing cameras, as reported by Bloomberg, which could be part of this upgrade.

#### Performance of the M5 Chip

The benchmark findings seen in the unboxing video indicate that the M5 chip is outfitted with a 9-core CPU, similar to the M4 iPad Pro. In Geekbench evaluations, the M5 reveals a performance boost of about 10% in single-core operations and 15% in multi-core operations when compared to the M4. Moreover, the L2 cache has been enhanced from 4MB to 6MB.

The graphics capabilities are especially impressive, with Metal graphics indicating a substantial increase of 38% over the M4. In AnTuTu evaluations, the M5’s GPU surpasses the M4’s by roughly 8%.

#### RAM and Storage

The unboxing video showcases a 256GB variant of the M5 iPad Pro, which reportedly incorporates 12GB of RAM. This marks a significant increase, as the existing 256GB and 512GB versions of the M4 iPad Pro come with 8GB of RAM, while the larger 1TB and 2TB models include 16GB.

#### Software and Packaging

The M5 iPad Pro operates on iPadOS 26.0, as opposed to the anticipated iPadOS 26.0.1. Notably, the device lacks “iPad Pro” branding on its rear, and the packaging seems sleeker than previous iterations.

#### Anticipated Release

Apple is anticipated to officially unveil the M5 iPad Pro sometime in October. The leak raises inquiries about how this YouTuber has consistently succeeded in obtaining unreleased Apple items, particularly given that Apple does not retail its products in Russia.

For those curious, the complete unboxing video is accessible online, and viewers can switch on translated captions to keep up.

### Conclusion

The M5 iPad Pro appears poised to offer improved performance and features, enhancing the strengths of its predecessor. As the announcement date nears, excitement continues to build among Apple supporters and technology consumers alike.

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Enormous Savings: $500 Reduction on M4 iPad Pro, Last Chance for Apple’s Latest iPhone 17 and Air Case Offers, Mac Mini Available for $499, and Additional Offers

**9to5Toys Lunch Break: Thrilling Discounts and Fresh Releases**

In today’s 9to5Toys Lunch Break edition, we present a variety of thrilling updates and major savings on sought-after tech items. Notable highlights include the launch of the eagerly awaited Logitech MX Master 4 mouse, along with remarkable discounts on Apple products, particularly a notable price cut on the M4 iPad Pro.

### Logitech MX Master 4 Mouse Release

The recently launched Logitech MX Master 4 mouse comes in multiple colors, such as Graphite, Pale Grey, and Black, with additional options tailored for Mac users in Space Black and White Silver. Offered at $119.99 with complimentary shipping, this ergonomic device is designed to deliver improved performance and ease of use for both everyday and professional consumers.

### Significant Price Drop on Apple’s M4 iPad Pro

In an unexpected development, Amazon has revealed a staggering $500 discount on the 11-inch M4 iPad Pro. The 2TB version is now priced at $1,499.97, down from its standard price of $1,999. This sale represents the lowest price ever noted for this model on Amazon, making it a compelling choice for anyone seeking to purchase a high-performance tablet. Previous prices for this model seldom fell below $1,600, making this deal especially remarkable.

### Final Chance for Official Apple iPhone 17 Cases

Amazon is also highlighting last-minute promotions on authentic cases for the new iPhone 17 lineup, including the Pro, Pro Max, and Air models. With prices commencing at $35, these cases are offered in various designs, including TechWoven, Silicone, and Clear. However, these promotions are about to conclude soon, rendering today the final chance to seize these discounts.

### Apple’s Newest Mac Mini Delivers Excellent Value

The M4 Mac mini stands out as another key offer, currently available for $499, delivering exceptional value for those in search of a robust desktop setup. This model is especially enticing for users interested in creating a headless Mac configuration, as it provides significant performance without the elevated costs linked to all-in-one systems. Furthermore, the upgraded 512GB version is on sale at a $110 discount, positioning it as an attractive choice for those requiring additional storage.

### Conclusion

The current 9to5Toys Lunch Break highlights an array of thrilling tech bargains and new product introductions. From the Logitech MX Master 4 mouse to major discounts on Apple’s M4 iPad Pro and Mac mini, tech fans have ample chances to save on top-tier products. Act swiftly, as many of these offers are limited-time.

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Apple TV+ Show Terminated and Brought Back as Broadway Musical

**Schmigadoon! is Headed to Broadway in Spring 2026**

Among all the productions that Apple TV+ has discontinued, *Schmigadoon!* probably stands out with its dedicated fanbase. The show was terminated after two seasons, but it is now set to return as a Broadway musical.

*Schmigadoon!* was designed to resonate with Broadway enthusiasts, and now it’s getting another chance to dazzle on stage. After a very short engagement at the Kennedy Center in Washington D.C. earlier this year, the stage adaptation of *Schmigadoon!* is officially making its way to Broadway in spring 2026.

With Lorne Michaels and No Guarantees Productions at the helm, the musical will kick off previews at the Nederlander Theatre on Saturday, April 4, with its premiere scheduled for Monday, April 20, and performances continuing until Sunday, September 6. “*Schmigadoon* is a tribute to the Golden Age of movie musicals,” stated producer Michaels. “It’s a touch nostalgic and a whole lot of fun. We’re thrilled to bring it to Broadway.”

The showrunner of the Apple TV+ series, Cinco Paul, is also involved in the *Schmigadoon!* stage adaptation. Paul has previously indicated that *Schmigadoon!* season 3 is already penned and could possibly still come to fruition one day. Maybe, if the Broadway show is a hit, Apple TV+ will revive the series for an encore season.

The stage adaptation of *Schmigadoon!* draws from season 1 of the Apple TV+ show but also introduces several new songs. If you want to be among the first to learn about ticket pre-sale information, you can join the email list on the show’s website. And to enjoy *Schmigadoon!* on Apple TV+, you can watch its two seasons here.

Apple TV+ is available for $12.99 per month and showcases popular TV series and films such as *Ted Lasso*, *Severance*, *The Morning Show*, *Silo*, and *Shrinking*.

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Garmin’s Top Beginner Watch Reaches Record Low Price Before Prime Day

Garmin’s Birthday Promotion: Vivoactive 6 Priced at $249

Garmin is marking its birthday with a unique promotion, providing substantial discounts throughout its product lineup. One of the highlighted offers is the Garmin Vivoactive 6, available now for $249, representing its first discount ever. This price drop makes it an enticing choice for anyone in search of an economical yet feature-packed smartwatch from Garmin.

The Vivoactive 6 is crafted as an entry-level smartwatch, perfect for casual fitness enthusiasts and newcomers to the Garmin brand. It features an impressive 11-day battery lifespan and dependable GPS precision, making it well-suited for monitoring activities like running and cycling. The watch is lightweight and comfy, which is ideal for sleep monitoring, and it excels in accurately counting workout repetitions.

Garmin’s promotion enables consumers to skip the wait for other major sales occasions like October Prime Day or Black Friday. The discount on the Vivoactive 6 is especially significant, as it provides a comprehensive Garmin experience at a more budget-friendly price. The watch includes features such as Body Battery, sleep metrics, workout guidance, and recovery time suggestions, making it a versatile fitness partner.

While the Vivoactive 6 does not include some of the advanced health sensors present in pricier models, its affordability and fundamental features render it a strong option for everyday athletes. Other discounted options feature the Forerunner 55 and Lily 2, but the Vivoactive 6 is distinguished as the top pick for those desiring the latest Garmin experience without overspending.

As Garmin watches continue to rise in price, the Vivoactive 6 provides a rare chance to acquire a quality smartwatch at a lower cost. Whether you’re a newcomer to Garmin or considering an upgrade, this sale represents a superb opportunity to invest in a dependable fitness tracker.

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Qualcomm Snapdragon X2 Elite Extreme Laptop Chip Rivals Apple’s M4 Processor

### The Advancement of Apple Silicon and Its Rivals

The rollout of Apple Silicon signified a crucial milestone in the technology sector, especially regarding personal computing. The M1 chip, released by Apple, surpassed expectations by demonstrating exceptional power and efficiency, prompting competitors such as Intel and Qualcomm to scramble in an effort to keep pace.

#### Apple’s Revolutionary Move

Apple’s choice to create its own processors for Macs was audacious, and the results have been remarkable. By consolidating multiple elements into one system on a chip (SoC), Apple attained a performance level that surpassed Intel processors. The M1 chip not only provided enhanced performance but also improved energy efficiency, establishing a new benchmark for laptops and desktops.

Despite Intel’s assertions of narrowing the gap, the situation has been quite different. The company has found it challenging to reach the performance standards set by Apple Silicon, leading to rising concerns internally.

#### Qualcomm’s Reaction

After years of being behind, Qualcomm has made progress with its Snapdragon X2 Elite Extreme chip, targeting the laptop segment. Recent comparisons between Qualcomm’s newest product and Apple’s M4 chip highlight a competitive environment. Benchmark tests reveal that the M4 Max outperformed the Snapdragon chip in multi-core assessments by 8.5%, while the Snapdragon surpassed the M4 in single-core tests by 7%. Notably, in Cinebench 2024 evaluations, the performance of both chips was nearly on par.

However, considering the context of these comparisons is crucial. The Snapdragon X2 Elite Extreme is a newly developed chip that has not yet been implemented in any laptops, whereas the M4 is soon to be succeeded by the anticipated M5 chip. Apple is anticipated to first reveal the M5 in an iPad Pro, followed by its integration into the MacBook Pro in the upcoming months.

#### The Future Perspective

As competition intensifies, the timeline indicates that Apple will likely regain its advantage before Qualcomm can fully leverage its advancements. By the time consumers can acquire laptops with the Snapdragon X2 Elite Extreme, Apple is expected to introduce its next-generation chip, further reinforcing its market position.

In summary, while Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X2 Elite Extreme signifies a substantial leap forward, Apple Silicon still maintains the lead in performance and efficiency. The technology landscape is ever-evolving, and as both companies pursue innovation, the competitive dynamics will assuredly become more intense.

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Unveiling Dot: The Initial Adorable DoorDash Delivery Robot [Video]

### DoorDash Launches Autonomous Delivery Robot: Dot

DoorDash has unveiled a new autonomous delivery robot called Dot, representing a major step forward in the field of local deliveries. Shaped like a bright red stroller, Dot is claimed to be the first commercial robot capable of traversing diverse terrains, such as roads, sidewalks, and bike lanes.

#### Purpose and Functionality

The main aim of Dot is to decrease the dependence on cars for local deliveries. Stanley Tang, Co-Founder and Head of DoorDash Labs, pointed out the robot’s practicality, saying, “You don’t always need a full-sized car to deliver a tube of toothpaste or pack of diapers. That’s the insight behind Dot.” The robot is crafted to be dependable and efficient, serving the requirements of local businesses and consumers. It is small enough to navigate through doorways and driveways, quick enough to preserve food quality, and smart enough to optimize delivery paths.

#### Specifications and Launch

Dot can adjust its speed according to various environments, reaching a top speed of 20 miles per hour. The initial launch will occur in two cities in Arizona: Tempe and Mesa, with intentions for a wider rollout in the future.

#### Impact on Delivery Workforce

DoorDash has clarified that Dot’s purpose is not to substitute human Dashers but to aid them in focusing on more valuable deliveries. The company states that Dashers will still manage the majority of daily deliveries, while autonomous technology will allow them to concentrate on tasks that necessitate human judgment and care.

#### Market Growth Potential

DoorDash is confident that Dot’s introduction will grow the local delivery market, generating additional opportunities for both businesses and consumers. The company envisions a future where autonomous delivery robots work alongside human workers, improving the overall effectiveness of the delivery system.

For a closer look at Dot in action, a demonstration video is available for viewing.

*Photo: DoorDash*

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Key Highlights of watchOS 26 That I Appreciate the Most

# watchOS 26: New Features and Refinements for Apple Watch Users

watchOS 26 represents the latest significant software update for the Apple Watch, introducing a variety of new features and enhancements that improve user experience. After extensive beta testing over several months, here are the key features that users are enjoying.

## Sleep Score

A standout feature in watchOS 26 is the Sleep Score functionality. This feature gives users an easy and straightforward way to comprehend their sleep patterns. Although it was absent during the initial beta phase, it made its debut with new Apple Watch hardware. The Sleep Score clarifies the previously unclear sleep data, allowing users to better monitor their sleep quality over time.

## Always-On Seconds for Multiple Watch Faces

With the introduction of the Apple Watch Series 10, watchOS 26 broadens the array of watch faces that support always-on seconds. Previously, this feature was limited to a select few watch faces, but the update has addressed this limitation. Now, numerous watch faces can show seconds in always-on mode, boosting both the functionality and appeal of the watch.

## Wrist Flick Gesture

The newly introduced wrist flick gesture is a useful feature for users who often have one hand occupied. This gesture lets users dismiss notifications and calls by simply flicking their wrist, providing haptic feedback as a confirmation. This capability is especially beneficial in scenarios where users can’t use both hands to interact with their watch.

## Liquid Glass Design

Although the Liquid Glass design may not have a profound effect on the Apple Watch as it does on other Apple devices, it still brings a refreshed appearance to the interface. The keypad for unlocking the watch, along with various widgets in the Smart Stack, Control Center, and Now Playing screen, have been enhanced with a stylish Liquid Glass look, imparting a contemporary vibe to the watch.

## Enhanced Smart Replies

The Smart Replies feature within the Messages app has undergone a major enhancement in watchOS 26. Previously criticized for their lack of relevance, the new Smart Replies are now more contextually aware and resemble natural responses that users might compose themselves. This upgrade significantly enriches the messaging experience on the Apple Watch.

## New Notes App

The launch of a new Notes app in watchOS 26 enables users to access and refer to their notes right from their Apple Watch. While some may not deem it essential to dictate notes on their watch, those who frequently use Apple Notes on other devices will value the convenience of having their notes conveniently accessible on their wrist.

## Third-Party Control Center Controls

Following the major redesign of the Control Center on the iPhone, watchOS 26 incorporates a new ‘From Your iPhone’ section in the Apple Watch Control Center. This feature allows users to access controls from their preferred third-party apps directly from their watch, simplifying the management of settings and functions without needing to grab their iPhone.

## Conclusion

With the launch of watchOS 26, Apple continues to enhance both the functionality and user experience of the Apple Watch. From the introduction of the Sleep Score to practical features such as the wrist flick gesture and enhanced Smart Replies, this update provides valuable offerings for every user. As Apple remains committed to innovation, watchOS 26 establishes a new benchmark for smartwatch capabilities.

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10 Crucial Smart Home Accessories You May Be Overlooking

indoor air contamination. It provides real-time notifications, historical data visualization, and an overall score that helps you identify persistent problems like inadequate ventilation or chemical emissions. The Element employs a unique blend of a fan and laser detector to evaluate air quality with marked precision, and its application offers recommendations for enhancements.

Proper placement is essential for optimal outcomes. Position it in commonly utilized areas such as the bedroom or workspace, and ensure it is away from direct sources of pollution like kitchen appliances or windows that face busy streets. You should also periodically clean the sensor’s exterior to avoid dust accumulation. Regarding energy consumption, it operates on standard AC power and uses very little, so you shouldn’t notice a significant increase in your electricity expenses.

With this device, you could experience improved sleep, mitigate airborne allergens, and achieve insight into otherwise unseen health threats. Priced at approximately <

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