Author: Richard

    • Richard
    • Comments Off on T-Mobile Considers Launching 36-Month Payment Plans, Leaks Indicate
    T-Mobile Considers Launching 36-Month Payment Plans, Leaks Indicate

    As the prices of smartphones continue to climb, acquiring a device outright has turned into a challenge for numerous consumers. Thus, financing via carriers has emerged as a favored choice. Historically, this involved a 24-month plan, but in recent years, leading carriers such as Verizon and AT&T have lengthened their plans to 36 months to keep subscribers for a more extended period. Initially, T-Mobile was resistant to this shift, but recent developments indicate a change in their approach.

    **T-Mobile Weighs 36-Month Plans**

    Based on internal documents acquired by The Mobile Report, T-Mobile is pondering the launch of 36-month Equipment Installment Plans (EIPs) for specific devices. This speculation intensified when T-Mobile momentarily updated the product pages for certain Samsung Galaxy Watch models to show the new 36-month payment alternative, although these modifications were promptly reverted. The Mobile Report secured a screenshot of this fleeting update.

    Currently, T-Mobile provides a “New in Two” guarantee for some devices, allowing Go5G Plus customers to finance new devices over a 24-month period. Shifting to 36-month plans would require modifications to this program, potentially transforming it into a “New in Three” model. However, the Go5G plans have been recently terminated for new customers.

    **Consequences of the Shift**

    The transition to 36-month plans appears unavoidable, as it corresponds with industry patterns and offers financial advantages to T-Mobile by lowering customer turnover and boosting profitability. While the adjustment may not be immediate, it seems to be a strategic choice to secure longer-term commitments from customers.

    As T-Mobile deliberates this change, consumers should remain vigilant and get ready for possible adjustments in their financing options.

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    • Comments Off on Samsung Improves Android’s Earthquake Notifications with Added Features
    Samsung Improves Android’s Earthquake Notifications with Added Features

    These urgent notifications provide users with additional choices and control in these essential situations.

    (Image credit: Nicholas Sutrich / Android Central)

    Key information to consider

    • A source revealed details of a One UI variant of an earthquake alert that Samsung is working on.
    • Although it maintains the primary functionalities of Google’s Android version, Samsung allows users to adjust the “seismic intensity threshold” levels and offers emergency alternatives.
    • Recently, Google has introduced its earthquake alerts to Wear OS devices in regions classified as “high-risk.”

    Samsung has developed its own version of an Android safety feature for seismic events, enhancing usability for users.

    Proof of Samsung’s adaptation of Android’s earthquake alerts was identified by Galaxy Techie on X while in development for One UI (via 9to5Google). A significant highlight is the ability for users to customize the “seismic intensity threshold.” Users can establish one intensity during daylight hours and a different one for nighttime. The company’s preliminary development permits users to modify the seismic intensity from 1.0 to 4.0, likely following the Richter Scale used for earthquake measurement.

    Samsung recommends specific values, like 2.0 during the day and 3.0 at night, since sudden emergencies while sleeping can be extremely hazardous.

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    • Comments Off on HomeKit Weekly: Aqara W100 Climate Sensor Improves Accuracy in Monitoring and Smart Management for HomeKit Users
    HomeKit Weekly: Aqara W100 Climate Sensor Improves Accuracy in Monitoring and Smart Management for HomeKit Users

    # Aqara W100 Climate Sensor: An In-Depth Review

    In the field of smart home innovations, the capability to observe and manage your surroundings is evolving with greater complexity. The Aqara W100 Climate Sensor distinguishes itself as an essential component of any HomeKit configuration, offering users comprehensive insights into their indoor atmosphere along with an array of automation functions.

    ## What Metrics Can You Monitor with the Aqara W100?

    The Aqara W100 surpasses simple temperature measurements. It is equipped with a clear LCD display that shows various metrics, allowing for effortless monitoring of your surroundings at a glance. Here’s what this device can track:

    – **Temperature**: Precise measurements of the ambient temperature.
    – **Humidity**: Keeping tabs on humidity levels for optimal comfort.
    – **Battery Level**: Monitor battery health for upkeep.
    – **Signal Strength**: Gauge the device’s connectivity.
    – **External Sensor Data**: When synced with extra sensors, it can present their information.
    – **Local Weather Info**: Shares weather updates when no external sensor is in use.

    ## What Actions Can You Perform with the Aqara W100

    The Aqara W100 comes with three physical buttons, each of which can be configured for single, double, and long press actions. This capability opens up a myriad of possibilities for automations within the Aqara ecosystem. Users can execute actions like:

    – Switching off lights
    – Drawing shades
    – Activating a “movie night” scene with various accessories

    Having physical buttons enables seamless management of your smart home environment without the need for a smartphone.

    ## Configuring the Aqara W100 in HomeKit

    Getting the Aqara W100 set up in HomeKit is simple. The instruction manual contains a Matter code for basic sensor monitoring, located under the device’s back cover. It’s recommended to keep this code in an easily accessible place, such as an Apple Note or an app like HomePass.

    Once connected to HomeKit, users can set up automations based on the readings from the Aqara W100. For example, you can configure a fan to turn on if the temperature surpasses a certain limit or have the air conditioning activated if it becomes excessively warm in a child’s room.

    ## Conclusion

    The Aqara W100 Climate Sensor is an excellent option for anyone looking to upgrade their HomeKit setup. It delivers precise temperature and humidity data, an intuitive LCD interface, and programmable buttons for diverse automations. With dual compatibility for Zigbee and Thread, it offers versatility in integrating with various smart home ecosystems.

    Nonetheless, there are some limitations to keep in mind. The decision to use an LCD display instead of an E-Ink alternative may not suit everyone’s preferences, and the button functionalities may vary depending on the particular platform utilized. While integration with HomeKit is smooth, some users might desire more direct functionalities within the HomeKit environment.

    Overall, if you’re in search of a dependable climate sensor that integrates effortlessly with HomeKit and provides additional control features, the Aqara W100 is certainly worth considering. It can be purchased on [Amazon](https://amzn.to/4dxgF8F) or directly from

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    • Richard
    • Comments Off on Logitech MX Master 4 Launches New Button Functionality
    Logitech MX Master 4 Launches New Button Functionality

    ### Logitech MX Master 4: What We Know So Far

    After last month’s Brazilian certification and a swiftly retracted teaser image leak, Logitech’s upcoming mouse, the MX Master 4, has now surfaced in a filing with the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO), offering a clearer insight into its design and features.

    #### Design Overview

    At first sight, the MX Master 4 retains the design ethos that has made the MX Master 3 and 3S favored by power users. Nonetheless, there are distinct alterations that differentiate it from its forerunners.

    One of the most substantial updates is the addition of a third button on the side of the mouse. While the specific function of this button is still not clear, users are speculating that it might act as another remappable button or relate to AI capabilities.

    The side profile of the mouse has also been revamped with a sharper cutout, which improves the visibility of the customizable thumb button. This button now seems to encompass the entire thumb rest area, replacing the smaller, subtler button present in the current generation.

    Furthermore, Logitech has moved the charging and battery indicator LED to sit directly beneath the main scroll wheel, just below the mode-switching button for MagSpeed scrolling.

    Minor adjustments include reshaped primary click buttons and a slightly elevated position for the side scroll wheel, which was first observed in the now-famed teaser image that emerged on Instagram last month.

    #### Specs and Release Details

    Currently, specific information regarding the MX Master 4’s specifications, pricing, and materials is still under wraps. However, there is optimism that Logitech has tackled the material quality and Bluetooth reliability issues highlighted by existing users.

    With both Anatel certification and EUIPO filings now accessible to the public, along with the presence of marketing images, it is likely that an official launch is on the horizon.

    For those keen on the MX Master series, discounts can be found on platforms such as Amazon.

    #### Conclusion

    The Logitech MX Master 4 is poised to be a promising addition to the MX Master lineup, featuring an updated design and attributes aimed at enhancing user experience. As we look forward to more information on its specifications and launch date, excitement among power users continues to build.

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    • Richard
    • Comments Off on Apple Investors Initiate Legal Action Over Holdups in Apple Intelligence and Siri Progress
    Apple Investors Initiate Legal Action Over Holdups in Apple Intelligence and Siri Progress

    ### Apple Confronts Shareholder Litigation Over AI Integration Assertions

    Apple Inc. is presently involved in a notable legal dispute following the launch of its Apple Intelligence program. Shareholders have filed a proposed class action lawsuit against the technology titan, claiming that the company distorted the expected timeline and functionalities of integrating sophisticated artificial intelligence into its Siri voice assistant. This lawsuit, as outlined by Reuters, asserts that such distortion has negatively impacted iPhone sales and the firm’s stock value.

    #### Claims of Distortion

    The lawsuit particularly focuses on Apple executives, including CEO Tim Cook, CFO Kevan Parekh, and former CFO Luca Maestri. Shareholders, spearheaded by Eric Tucker, contend that during the June 2024 Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC), Apple implied that AI would greatly improve the forthcoming iPhone 16 models. However, the actual unveiling of Apple Intelligence, which was intended to enhance Siri’s performance, was viewed as lackluster, with only minor adjustments revealed.

    The complaint underscores that shareholders endured considerable losses, potentially reaching hundreds of billions of dollars, in the year leading up to June 9, 2025. This timeframe coincided with Apple’s launch of various product features and design enhancements, while advancements in AI were strikingly limited.

    #### Postponement and Absence of Updates

    The lawsuit notes the announcement of a delay in the deployment of a more powerful Siri in March 2025 as a crucial instance when the “truth started to surface.” Moreover, it highlights the WWDC 2025 event, where Apple did not reveal any noteworthy updates regarding advanced Siri functionalities, intensifying shareholder apprehensions.

    A contentious point within the litigation is whether Apple possessed a working prototype of the improved Siri that was promised at WWDC 2024. Apple executives have categorically rejected allegations that the feature was merely “demoware.” Nonetheless, industry analysts, including John Gruber, have questioned Apple’s claims, suggesting that the anticipated features may not have been developed as advertised.

    #### Allegations of Vaporware

    Gruber’s description of the Siri upgrades as “vaporware” is specifically mentioned in the lawsuit, particularly concerning his article titled “Something Is Rotten in the State of Cupertino.” This term denotes products that are announced but fail to materialize, raising concerns about Apple’s transparency and the viability of its AI efforts.

    #### Further Legal Obstacles

    This lawsuit is not the sole legal challenge Apple faces regarding its AI capabilities. The company is also under scrutiny from a separate class action lawsuit for allegedly deceiving consumers about the status of Siri and the functionalities of Apple Intelligence.

    As the case progresses in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California, it remains uncertain how Apple will address these allegations and what ramifications they may have for the company’s future within the competitive tech arena.

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    • Richard
    • Comments Off on Guide to Removing iOS 26 Beta and Factors to Ponder Prior to Downgrading
    Guide to Removing iOS 26 Beta and Factors to Ponder Prior to Downgrading

    Every year, the same scenario unfolds: Apple unveils the initial beta of a forthcoming software update, prompting iPhone users to eagerly install it. Consistent with past experiences, the primary concerns include overheating, app malfunctions, battery life depleting faster than usual, and an overall glitchy interface.

    After several days, a considerable number of individuals begin to wish they hadn’t installed the latest beta and desire a return to a more reliable experience. Luckily, with iOS 26, reverting to iOS 18.5 is an option. Alternatively, if you have a strong interest in betas, you can upgrade to the iOS 18.6 beta.

    Here’s a guide to removing the iOS 26 beta and reasons to approach the process cautiously before downgrading your iPhone to the prior software version.

    Important considerations before downgrading

    There are several reasons you might choose to remain on the iOS 26 beta. The most evident is that a new build is imminent. So, hang in there; improvements are likely on the way soon. However, there are two additional factors to consider before uninstalling iOS 26 beta.

    Apple Watch compatibility: If you also installed watchOS 26 along with iOS 26, your Apple Watch will not pair with your iPhone until later this fall. This limitation is due to Apple’s policy against downgrading from a beta to a stable version of watchOS. Therefore, if you installed watchOS 26, you must continue using iOS 26.

    WhatsApp backup: Another reason to endure is the risk of losing a WhatsApp backup. The app will attempt to restore the most recent backup compatible with iOS 18.5. If you wish to retain some of your chat history, it’s advisable to remain on iOS 26.

    If none of these concerns resonate with you, or if you’re fatigued by iOS 26, continue reading.

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    • Richard
    • Comments Off on Gemini AI Unveils Functionality to Recognize Songs from Users’ Humming
    Gemini AI Unveils Functionality to Recognize Songs from Users’ Humming

    In June 2025, a notable leap in music recognition technology was unveiled with the new capability of the Gemini app on Android devices. This feature enables users to recognize songs by merely humming, whistling, or singing a melody to the AI, marking a progression from the previous method of playing a song for the AI to identify. This innovation builds on the prior “hum to search” functionality introduced by Google in October 2020, which allowed users to tackle earworms by humming a tune to Google Search or Google Assistant.

    The new voice feature of Gemini, highlighted by 9to5Google, improves the user experience by offering a more engaging interface. Users can now inquire of the AI, “What song is this?” and interact with the app by playing, singing, or humming the song they need assistance identifying. This feature exemplifies the ongoing advancement of AI in making everyday tasks, like discovering music, simpler.

    The launch of this functionality aligns with the trend of incorporating AI into various technological areas to boost user convenience. While Shazam continues to be a favored app for iPhone users for song identification, the option to hum a tune for song recognition might potentially extend to other platforms, such as iOS, in the future. This development underscores the persistent endeavors to enhance AI algorithms to meet diverse user demands, rendering music identification more reachable and user-friendly.

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    • Richard
    • Comments Off on Pixel AI Upgrades to Elevate Gboard with Immediate Editing Capabilities
    Pixel AI Upgrades to Elevate Gboard with Immediate Editing Capabilities

    Google is said to be working on multiple enhancements for its standard keyboard, Gboard, as part of its ongoing initiatives to improve user experience. Among the expected features is “SmartEdit,” a generative AI extension of the current voice-driven feature. This tool is designed to streamline text editing by enabling users to add, remove, or substitute words through voice commands. However, it entails sending edited text to Google for temporary processing.

    Furthermore, Google’s speculated exclusive Pixel AI, potentially referred to as “Magic Cue,” may integrate with Gboard’s clipboard to enable smooth data transfer into applications. This AI is anticipated to execute “time-saving actions,” like capturing and pasting information without switching between apps, boosting productivity.

    Another fascinating update pertains to Android’s Emoji Kitchen, where users will soon have the capability to save their personalized emoji combinations to a “favorites” list, simplifying the reuse of creative emoji arrangements.

    These features are currently in development, and while their launch date is still unclear, they are expected to greatly enhance Gboard’s functionality. The incorporation of AI, particularly the speculated Magic Cue, could transform how users engage with their devices, offering a more intuitive and efficient experience. As these upgrades advance, users can look forward to a more fluid and customized interaction with Gboard in the future.

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    • Richard
    • Comments Off on “Netflix’s Significant TV Show Wraps Up with a Tense Conclusion Next Week”
    “Netflix’s Significant TV Show Wraps Up with a Tense Conclusion Next Week”

    Nearly four years after its launch became a worldwide sensation that reshaped the concept of a streaming hit, *Squid Game* is gearing up for its concluding performance. The third and final season of Netflix’s dystopian powerhouse arrives on the platform June 27, promising to wrap up the narrative just as it began — with bloodshed and an abundance of gore.

    Season 3 resumes in the aftermath of Season 2’s harrowing finale, where Seong Gi-hun (Lee Jung-jae) faced betrayal and was left in turmoil. His attempts at rebellion against the creators of the game came close to victory — that is, until the Front Man, concealing himself as Player 001, disrupted the plan and coldly executed Gi-hun’s closest companion, Jung-bae. Now Gi-hun is blaming himself, oblivious to the fact that the true betrayal came from a trusted ally.

    ## Squid Game Season 3: Expectations

    As usual, *Squid Game* does not allow any of the participants to pause for breath. As the games restart, the stakes escalate even further. This time, the rounds are more savage and the choices are even more intimate. According to Netflix, surviving players will confront moral and emotional dilemmas with every decision they make. In the meantime, the Front Man (Lee Byung-hun) is not only back in control; he’s also introducing a new roster of enigmatic VIPs while safeguarding his own secrets. Additionally, In-ho’s brother, Jun-ho, remains in pursuit of the island, unaware that treachery may be nearer than he imagines.

    Writer-director Hwang Dong-hyuk has vowed to provide the Netflix blockbuster with an epic farewell. Should we anticipate redemption? Or will the harshness of the game engulf whatever humanity is left?

    To heighten excitement, Netflix has transformed *Squid Game* into a worldwide phenomenon, with real-life events reflecting the show’s numerous iconic scenes. Starting June 6 in Shibuya, Tokyo, fans have been stepping into immersive pop-up environments showcasing the show’s distinctive guards and re-enactments of its games. The events are expanding worldwide, with gatherings in New York and Germany (June 20), Thailand (June 25), Saudi Arabia, Italy, and Indonesia (June 26), culminating in a grand finale in Korea and Taiwan (July 6). Fans will have the opportunity to engage in classic games and even try new ones like Jump Rope, recreated with haunting precision.

    The final season presents a last chance to witness how far the game will extend, and if anyone can escape its clutches. Ready or not, *Squid Game* concludes next week. And for Gi-hun and the others, retreat is not an option.

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    • Richard
    • Comments Off on Think about Holding Off for the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7: Reasons to Consider
    Think about Holding Off for the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7: Reasons to Consider

    Samsung’s forthcoming Galaxy Unpacked foldable event appears to be only weeks ahead, and while we anticipate considerable enhancements to the Galaxy Z Fold 7, the more compact Galaxy Z Flip 7 might also undergo some significant modifications.

    The market for flip phones may not be thriving as many of us had anticipated, with brands like Google, Oppo, and others turning their attention more to larger foldable devices. Nonetheless, with the ongoing popularity of Motorola’s Razr lineup, Samsung has a lot to demonstrate with the Galaxy Z Flip 7.

    According to the leaks and speculation regarding the Galaxy Z Flip 7, we could potentially see a device that rivals the Razr. So, should you hold off on acquiring the Z Flip 7, or would you be wiser to opt for last year’s Flip or even the Razr Ultra? Let’s analyze the situation.

    A cover screen to utilize?

    One of the most significant enhancements noted in the Galaxy Z Flip 7 is its redesigned layout, featuring an enlarged cover screen. It appears that the external display might cover the entire top rear surface, akin to the design of the Motorola Razr Ultra.

    This development is thrilling as it should improve the cover screen experience by providing users with enhanced screen space to utilize. While we do not have confirmed dimensions, it is speculated to be around 4 inches, which should offer ample space for various functionalities.

    More crucially, it should ideally facilitate a better app experience. At present, Samsung only “officially” permits a limited selection of apps on the cover screen, while others must be accessed via a different panel after installing and configuring the MultiStar module within Good Lock.

    This setup is somewhat cumbersome, and when it does work, apps remain constrained to the relatively small 3.4-inch display of the Galaxy Z Flip 6, which compresses them to a nearly impractical size.

    With an expanded cover screen, apps should have greater space to operate. Additionally, the increased cover screen may also suggest a revised software experience, and ideally, Samsung will take a cue from Motorola and enable apps to function natively on the cover screen.

    Increased power, but will it be sufficient?

    There have been mixed reports about whether Samsung will incorporate a Snapdragon or Exynos processor in the Galaxy Z Flip 7. Recently, it seems to be leaning towards utilizing an Exynos 2500 across most, if not all, regions, including North America.

    Considering the historical context of Samsung’s Exynos processors and consumer feedback regarding them, this could place the Galaxy Z Flip 7 at a disadvantage in comparison to other flip models like the Motorola Razr Ultra. After all, Qualcomm’s processors are typically recognized for being more powerful than Exynos, although it may be contended that Exynos processors tend to be more energy-efficient.

    Given that flip phones have limited battery space, this could represent a reasonable compromise, especially since the phone is expected to feature a modest 300mAh increase in battery capacity compared to the 4,000mAh of the Galaxy Z Flip 6. While still lower than the 4,700mAh of the Razr Ultra, this may not be critical if the chip is more efficient.

    Moreover, it likely appears that the processor in the Galaxy Z Flip 7 will surpass the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 found in the Galaxy Z Flip 6 in terms of performance and should deliver an enhanced user experience. Leaked benchmark results suggest that the Galaxy Z Flip 7 is projected to achieve single-core and multi-core scores of 2,012 and 7,563, respectively. These figures are lower than many other Snapdragon 8 Elite devices, likely due to the chip operating underclocked to control thermals within the flip phone design.

    Interestingly, the results outperform those of the Razr Ultra 2025, which garnered 1,743 and 6,714. While the multi-core score exceeds previous Snapdragon models, the single-core score trails behind some earlier generations. It is feasible that Motorola may have underclocked the prime cores similarly to manage heat, which accumulates in the upper portion of flip phones.

    Regardless, the Razr Ultra demonstrates excellent performance in everyday usage, and the Galaxy Z Flip 7 should perform comparably, if not better, particularly due to the anticipated (though likely) 12GB of RAM. Our only hope is that Samsung addresses the inadequate 25W charging speed.

    Unexciting cameras, thrilling software

    If you are wishing for an improvement in camera capabilities, there might not be much in terms of significant enhancements compared to the Galaxy Z Flip 6. Indeed, current whispers suggest that the Galaxy Z Flip 7 will retain the same 50MP+12MP wide and ultrawide camera configuration as its predecessor. The only change appears to be the rumored Exynos

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