whether AI could displace human jobs, it appears Dot’s presence may pose a risk to an already precarious workforce.
Dot will operate on a self-sufficient delivery system, with AI directing it to collect orders. DoorDash Dot won’t necessarily manage all DoorDash deliveries. Drones will be utilized for aerial delivery, while human personnel will handle more intricate or specialized orders. It can move at speeds of up to 20 miles per hour while remaining compact enough to navigate through a doorway.
DoorDash’s Dot will utilize GPS, in addition to several cameras and sensors, to safely navigate its route. There are advantages to this innovation. For instance, it occupies less roadway space compared to a vehicle, and it operates without gas, thus lowering emissions associated with traditional delivery approaches. The pollution from vehicles has garnered considerable attention recently, especially since simply inhaling air in heavily polluted cities can be as detrimental as smoking.
For those keeping an eye on expenses, there’s also the extra benefit of not needing to tip the delivery robot. DoorDash’s costs can already feel high when considering the order price, taxes, delivery charges, service fees, and additional options. It’s clear why such a system could be attractive. Nonetheless, not everyone believes it’s a wise choice.
The V60 is the most visually appealing Vivo smartphone of 2025.
I’ve mentioned it numerous times this year, but I am greatly impressed by Vivo’s innovations in 2025. The X200 Pro, X200 Ultra, X Fold 5, and X300 Pro have all been remarkable, and Vivo’s camera optimization is unmatched on Android at present — I prefer it over the Find X9 Pro and Xiaomi 15 Ultra, and it stands in a different category entirely when compared to the Galaxy S25 Ultra and Pixel 10 Pro XL.
Then there’s the mid-tier devices. The <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.androidcentral.com/phones/vivo/vivo-v50-proves-that-iterative-updates-can-still-be-fun" data-mrf-recirculation="inline-link"
Read MoreApple often relies on slight variations of the same one-sentence rationale when capitulating to government requests that clash with the company’s declared principles: “Apple adheres to the laws in every nation where it operates.” Nonetheless, there are times when the business has opted to resist unreasonable governmental pressures, with a recent situation illustrating this position.
### Apple Resisted the Indian Government and Triumphed
The most recent narrative commenced when India instructed Apple to pre-install an undeletable state security application on iPhones. The government framed it as a method to assist users in retrieving lost and stolen devices, but it raised significant apprehensions regarding user privacy due to the possibility of governmental surveillance. Apple was anticipated to seek a compromise, but the company opted to firmly decline compliance. This prompted India to swiftly retract its demand that users be unable to remove the app from their gadgets. While India continues to insist that Apple pre-install the app, this occurrence represents a noteworthy interim achievement for the corporation.
### Previous Instances of Apple Maintaining Its Position
This is not the inaugural instance of Apple taking a robust position against government demands. One of the most notable examples occurred during the San Bernardino shooting when the FBI pressured Apple to provide a backdoor to unlock the shooter’s iPhone. Apple encountered substantial pressure but ultimately resisted, asserting that the matter was too critical for compromise. The company was vindicated when it emerged that the FBI could access the device through alternative methods.
A comparable situation arose during another shooting in Pensacola, where Apple again maintained its position. In the UK, the British government demanded that Apple compromise the end-to-end encryption of iMessage, to which Apple retorted that it would withdraw iMessage and FaceTime from the UK rather than comply. Ultimately, the UK government retreated, signifying another victory for Apple.
### A Distinct Narrative in China
Conversely, Apple’s stance in China has been strikingly different. The corporation has acquiesced to numerous demands from the Chinese government, which included eliminating news applications that do not align with state propaganda and removing over 400 VPN applications from its App Store. Apple has also complied with requests to eliminate applications like Skype and to impose restrictions on functions like AirDrop during protests.
Perhaps the most troubling was Apple’s choice to transfer the iCloud data of all Chinese customers to a government-operated server, essentially relinquishing encryption keys that grant government access to user information.
### The Major Question
Apple’s adherence to Chinese regulations brings into question its dedication to user privacy and human rights. The firm has demonstrated it can hold its ground in the US, UK, and India, where it believed it could negotiate or contest government requests. However, in China, the stakes are considerable, as the nation represents a significant market and an essential manufacturing hub for Apple.
The pivotal question persists: what might occur if Apple decided to confront the Chinese government in a manner similar to its actions in other nations? While it could face severe repercussions, such as being ousted from the market, it might also gain respect for attempting to resist oppressive demands.
In conclusion, Apple’s varied reactions to government demands underscore the intricacies of functioning in disparate political landscapes. While the company has successfully remained resolute in certain cases, its compliance in China raises alarms about its commitment to privacy and human rights. Would you prefer to see Apple adopt a firmer stance against threats to human rights in China, or do you believe the company is merely acquiescing to the unavoidable?
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In 2019, Apple launched Night Mode with the iPhone 11. This advancement enhanced the low light photography capabilities of the iPhone’s camera, allowing users to capture more light and enhance image quality in dim settings. By 2020, the iPhone 12 Pro series was the first to integrate Night Mode with Portrait photography, enabling portrait captures in low light environments due to the inclusion of the LiDAR scanner. Following this, Apple worked on refining these technologies and also increased the size of iPhone camera sensors.
The iPhone 15 introduced an impressive camera function that eliminated the need for manual switching to Portrait mode. When the iPhone camera noticed a face, pet, or object, it would autonomously gather depth data, which could then transform the image into a portrait by incorporating artificial bokeh. Nevertheless, with the recent iPhone 17 series, a user observed that it’s no longer feasible to take Portrait images using Night Mode, and it seems that this problem is particularly tied to the iPhone 17 Pro models.
The 2025 Garmin Connect data report presents a valuable overview of the health and fitness behaviors among Garmin watch users across various age demographics and nationalities. Issued by Garmin, the report indicates an 8% rise in logged activities compared to 2024, with notable increases in racket sports and Pilates. Users recorded an average of 55 minutes per activity, yet merely 28% met the recommended 10,000 steps each day.
The report examines the rise in popularity of different sports, noting a 67% surge in racket sports such as pickleball, primarily driven by individuals aged 18-29. Pilates, HIIT, and strength training also experienced significant growth, while indoor running expanded by 16%, with a preference for treadmills among women.
Activity length varied, with most runs being under an hour and walks usually between 0-30 minutes. The average duration of activities was influenced by longer endeavors like hiking and cycling. Daily step counts highlighted Hong Kong users at the forefront with 10,663 steps, followed by South Korea, Spain, China, and Ireland.
Additionally, the report analyzes demographic variations, showing Dutch users as the least stressed, Portuguese users receiving the most restorative sleep, and Chinese users expending the highest daily energy. Garmin motivates users to compare their figures and pursue challenging badges, such as the Everest expedition badge, which only 0.7% of users attain.
In conclusion, the report delivers an extensive perspective on how Garmin watch owners utilize their devices, offering a reference point for users to evaluate their performance and set forthcoming objectives.
Read MoreI tested Sonodyne’s Sama 5000, and it stands out as one of the top mid-range Dolby Atmos soundbars in India.
Sonodyne is a renowned Indian audio producer with a rich legacy; it has been crafting custom studio speakers and professional monitoring equipment for more than 50 years, demonstrating its expertise in this field. I reviewed the Malhar Bluetooth speaker last year, and I was instantly impressed by its sound performance. It was such a revelation that I replaced my long-time Marshall Stanmore with the Malhar, making it the primary Bluetooth speaker in my home office.
Therefore, when Sonodyne announced its entry into the soundbar market, I was definitely intrigued. The Sama 5000 launched in August 2025, and it is
Read More### Investigating Apple’s Progress in Cardiac Health Monitoring via AI
A recent investigation showcases Apple’s continuous pursuit of insights into cardiac health, particularly leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) alongside optical sensors. This comes after the launch of hypertension notifications in watchOS 26, which employ data from the Apple Watch’s optical heart sensor to evaluate blood vessel reactions and identify potential hypertension over a 30-day timeframe.
#### Background of Hypertension Notifications
Apple’s hypertension notifications are intended to inform users of possible undiagnosed hypertension by examining trends in heart data, instead of delivering real-time readings. Although this feature does not replace medical diagnoses, it seeks to notify over 1 million users within the first year of its rollout. This proactive method of health monitoring signifies a major advancement in utilizing wearable technology for preventive health strategies.
#### Progress in Cardiac Monitoring
The new research, entitled “Hybrid Modeling of Photoplethysmography for Non-Invasive Monitoring of Cardiovascular Parameters,” suggests an innovative technique for estimating cardiovascular biomarkers from photoplethysmography (PPG) signals, which are widely used in devices such as the Apple Watch. The researchers integrated a hybrid modeling strategy that combines hemodynamic simulations with unlabeled clinical information to improve the accuracy of cardiac health insights obtained from PPG readings.
By employing a dataset of labeled simulated arterial pressure waveforms (APWs) alongside actual APW and PPG data, the study illustrates the feasibility of deducing deeper cardiac metrics like stroke volume and cardiac output from basic optical sensors. This methodology enables the derivation of important heart insights without the necessity for invasive methods.
#### Research Approach and Results
The research team developed a generative model to correlate PPG data with corresponding APW data, allowing them to derive APW information with adequate accuracy. They subsequently employed a second model to extract cardiovascular parameters from the inferred APWs. The findings revealed that while the method effectively tracked variations in stroke volume and cardiac output, it did not yield precise absolute figures. Nevertheless, the AI-enhanced modeling surpassed conventional methods, demonstrating the potential for obtaining valuable cardiac data from current sensors.
The study concludes that while predicting absolute values for complex biomarkers poses challenges, the hybrid modeling technique presents encouraging outcomes for monitoring temporal trends in cardiovascular health. The researchers recommend that subsequent studies could investigate alternative generative methodologies and broaden these approaches to other modalities, potentially leading to long-term cardiac monitoring via wearable technology.
#### Summary
While it remains to be seen if Apple will incorporate these sophisticated features into its products, the research highlights the company’s dedication to improving health monitoring capabilities through cutting-edge technology. The findings not only enhance the understanding of PPG signal informativeness but also emphasize the possibility of creating non-invasive methods for tracking vital health metrics.
For those interested in the complete study, it can be accessed on
Read More### Discovering Helpful Terminal Commands for Mac Users
The Terminal is a robust utility for Mac users, providing a variety of commands that can boost efficiency and facilitate tasks. Below are some lesser-known commands that can enrich your macOS experience.
#### Set an Alarm in Terminal
If you struggle to take breaks while working in Terminal, you can directly set alarms from the command line. Use the command:
“`bash
leave [time]
“`
For instance, to set an alarm for 6:46 PM, type:
“`bash
leave 1846
“`
This command can also accommodate local time formats.
#### Comprehensive Battery Details
To ensure optimal battery health of your Apple devices, you can access detailed battery information using the following command:
“`bash
system_profiler SPPowerDataType
“`
This command reveals details about battery condition, cycle count, and additional information.
#### Retrieve Saved Passwords
You can easily find saved Wi-Fi passwords via Terminal. Input the following command:
“`bash
Security find-generic-password -wa [Wi-Fi Network]
“`
Substitute `
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A streaming stick plugs into your non-smart or even smart television, allowing access to your favorite streaming applications via a user-friendly interface. If you’re thinking about getting one, you’re likely weighing the options between two of the leading contenders: Amazon Fire TV Stick and Roku. Both provide a variety of choices, from basic models with straightforward features to advanced versions that cater to 4K streaming, among other capabilities. Each option is generally budget-friendly and user-friendly.
So, which option should you select? The choice between an Amazon Fire TV Stick or Roku streaming stick revolves around your preference for the user interface, essential features, enhancement possibilities, and your individual priorities. For instance, Amazon Fire TV Sticks come equipped with the convenient Alexa Voice Remote, enabling control over compatible Alexa-enabled smart home devices. In contrast, Roku streaming sticks feature the Roku Voice Remote and grant access to extra content, including original films and shows through free Roku Channels. For many users, a Roku streaming stick may be the superior choice for a variety of reasons.
If the exorbitant cost of the Fenix 8 Pro for LTE and satellite deterred you, this satellite handheld offers backpackers a versatile solution.
What you need to know
– The Garmin InReach Mini 3 is a handheld SOS satellite communicator weighing 4.4 ounces, capable of lasting up to two weeks on a single charge.
– It allows you to send or receive voice clips lasting 30 seconds, text through a 1.9-inch MIP touch display, transmit photos using your phone, or share your LiveTrack location.
– It introduces new features like Voice Commands, multi-band GPS, and a passcode.
– It does not provide cellular connectivity and requires an InReach satellite subscription starting at $7.99/month.
As thrilling as it was when the Fenix 8 Pro integrated LTE and satellite in a compact wearable gadget, its $1,200+ price made it hard to recommend, and its small design restricts aspects like battery longevity. Now, Garmin is unveiling the InReach Mini 3 Plus, an SOS satellite handheld communicator that could serve as a more feasible choice for serious backpackers who venture into areas lacking cellular service.
Unlike previous InReach models such as the Messenger Plus or Mini 2, the InReach Mini 3 Plus features a touch display that covers most of its surface, in addition to the conventional navigation buttons. This enhancement simplifies menu navigation and message sending, a significant improvement over the previous method of tapping through letters individually.
The Mini 3 Plus includes a microphone and speaker, enabling you to send brief voice messages or record voice memos through the device, and listen to responses from loved ones, all via satellite. It can also transmit photos, though you’ll need your phone to take and upload them to the Messenger app.
In contrast, the Fenix 8 Pro is limited to sending text messages, check-ins, and SOS alerts—no photos or voice memos. Additionally, while the InReach Messenger Plus can also send voice memos, it requires phone usage, whereas the Mini 3 Plus remains functional even if your phone battery is depleted.
Garmin employs the mic and speaker for voice commands, allowing you to activate certain functionalities like check-ins or LiveTrack without relying on the touchscreen. We are intrigued to see how effectively this feature operates, considering voice commands can sometimes be inconsistent on Garmin watches.
Like most InReach devices and GPSMAP handhelds, the InReach Mini 3 Plus is equipped with an SOS button that transmits an emergency alert along with your GPS coordinates to a 24/7 Garmin Response team. The new addition is the access to the touchscreen, facilitating easier replies to responders, as well as multi-band GPS frequency for enhanced location accuracy.
It also marks the first InReach device known to have an MIL-STD-810 rating for thermal, shock, and water resistance, featuring an IP67 rating compared to the IPX7 rating of the Messenger Plus and Mini 2. This enhancement should aid in surviving falls, although the display is protected only by “chemically strengthened glass.”
Beyond emergencies, you can utilize the Mini 3 Plus to send LiveTrack location updates to trusted contacts. Garmin claims it can operate for 350 hours (approximately 14 days) with ten-minute check-in intervals, or 95 hours in “performance” mode with more frequent updates.
In terms of additional functionalities beyond satellite messaging, you can synchronize it with the Garmin Explore app, where you can design GPX routes for turn-by-turn navigation. You can also access weather updates or satellite imagery through the app.
The Garmin InReach Mini 3 Plus is priced at $499.99, or $449 for a model without photo and voice messaging. If that seems a bit steep, the InReach Mini 2 is available for $150 off with an ongoing Cyber Monday deal, bringing it down to $249; the InReach Messenger Plus is also $150 off if you prefer photo and video messaging using your phone.
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