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.
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
<source type="image/webp" srcset="https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/HV4oFxou98WazcAsXE34KC-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/HV4oFxou
Read More
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!
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
<div data-custom-promos="
Read More
Apple Faces Regulatory Scrutiny in Switzerland Over iPhone NFC Chip
Apple is presently facing an antitrust inquiry in Switzerland over its management of access to the NFC chip in iPhones. The Swiss Competition Commission has launched this investigation to assess whether Apple’s conditions for providing access to the NFC chip could possibly breach competition laws.
The investigation seeks to evaluate if mobile payment app providers can effectively compete with Apple Pay while utilizing iOS devices for contactless transactions in retail settings. This review comes after Apple’s choice to permit third-party access to the iPhone’s NFC chip, which was initially rolled out in the European Union before being made available to developers worldwide.
Access to the NFC chip is provided through the NFC & SE Platform API, allowing third-party apps to deliver functions akin to those in Apple Wallet, such as payments, digital keys, IDs, and event tickets. Nevertheless, developers are required to enter into a commercial agreement with Apple and cover related fees to obtain this access.
The Swiss Competition Commission is undertaking a preliminary examination to determine if Apple’s terms and conditions adhere to Swiss antitrust laws. This process includes collecting insights from various market participants. The commission has been in talks with Apple since early 2024 to enhance access for Swiss app developers, and Apple has been granting this access since late 2024.
The main concern seems to hinge on the specific terms and fees set by Apple, rather than the technical details of how third-party developers can utilize the NFC chip and Secure Element. The result of this inquiry is still unclear, but it underscores ongoing worries regarding competition and market accessibility in the mobile payment industry.
Read More
Microsoft Ends WordPad After Three Decades: Factors Influencing the Choice
subscription platform referred to as Microsoft 365. However, commencing with the launch of Windows 95 in the mid-1990s, Microsoft recognized the necessity to provide a complimentary word processor for the more casual user demographic. This led to the introduction of WordPad. Positioned between the basic text editor Windows Notepad and the more sophisticated Microsoft Word, WordPad served as a streamlined word processor that was included in Windows 11.
At least until the rollout of Windows 11 24H2, at which point Microsoft classified WordPad as a Deprecated Feature. Many users were taken aback by WordPad’s removal, expressing their dissatisfaction on official Microsoft forums. The software giant has not officially disclosed the reasons behind discontinuing support for WordPad, but many believe it is related to security issues. Microsoft now suggests using Word for rich text documents such as .doc and .rtf and Notepad for any plain text files.
Your alternatives to WordPad
Presenting Google’s Cutting-Edge Browser: The Crucial Web Application for All Requirements
Google is transforming the internet navigation experience with its latest browser, Disco, which is presently offered as part of a Google Labs initiative. In contrast to conventional browsers, Disco incorporates AI to provide a fluid browsing experience, crafting personalized websites on demand. This groundbreaking method is fueled by Gemini AI, enabling users to engage with the browser using everyday language prompts instead of a standard URL bar. Disco’s notable element, GenTabs, utilizes AI to create web applications customized to users’ individual requirements, improving activities such as trip organization or mastering new ideas. At this stage, Disco is in its initial testing phase, accessible exclusively on macOS, with restricted user participation to collect insights for potential future inclusion in broader Google offerings.
Read More
Spotify’s ‘Suggested Playlists’ Feature Boosts User Authority Over Algorithm
**Take Command of Your Musical Algorithm, and Prepare for 2026**
Spotify is transforming how users engage with their music libraries through a new feature called “Prompted Playlists.” This groundbreaking capability, currently being tested in beta for Premium users in New Zealand, enables users to take command of their musical algorithm by creating personalized playlists based on their own descriptions and preferences.
**What You Should Know**
– Spotify has introduced a beta for a Premium feature titled “Prompted Playlists,” giving users the power to manage their musical algorithm.
– Users can generate personalized playlists by articulating the kind of music they wish to listen to, akin to Discover Weekly.
– The feature takes advantage of users’ listening history, tracing back to their earliest Spotify experiences.
– The beta is presently accessible in New Zealand, with no declared plans for a U.S. rollout at this time.
Spotify’s latest feature allows users the liberty to design playlists that resonate with their individual interests and curiosities. By pressing “Create” in the app, users can specify the nature of the playlist they desire, whether they seek new genres like metalcore or are immersing themselves in a K-Pop phase.
The “Prompted Playlists” feature utilizes the user’s complete Spotify listening history to customize the playlist experience. Users can determine how frequently the playlist refreshes, opting for daily or weekly updates. Additionally, an “ideas” button presents suggestions for those who are uncertain about where to begin.
Once a playlist is created, Spotify provides a narrative for each song, enhancing the sense of dynamism and life within the playlist. This feature is aligned with Spotify’s broader vision to cultivate a more personalized and responsive music experience.
As 2025 nears its conclusion, Spotify Wrapped has unveiled new features such as “listening age” and “top albums,” alongside the familiar “top songs” and genre insights. The platform continues to innovate, striving to improve user control and interaction with their music.
Although the “Prompted Playlists” feature remains in beta, Spotify alludes to further advancements for 2026, promising an even more tailored experience for both listeners and artists. As users look forward to these modifications, they can envision a future where their musical preferences take center stage in their Spotify journey.
Read More
Desk Accessories and Devices to Relieve Back Discomfort
create excellent presents for the telecommuters in your circle.
Each of these items is easily accessible for purchase on Amazon, where they are supported by a minimum of 10,000 customer reviews each, resulting in ratings of at least four out of five stars.
Qutool Lumbar Support Cushion
One of the most effective ways to invest in your comfort as an office worker is by acquiring a high-quality ergonomic office chair. While this is optimal, it’s termed an “investment” for a reason: The top-tier office chairs from companies like Herman Miller can easily set you back hundreds of dollars or more. For some cost-effective lumbar support on your chair, consider the <a href="https://r.bttn.io?btn_ref=org-225e4e0aac880b8f&btn_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FQUTOOL-Lumbar-Pillow-Essentials-Mesh%2Fdp%2FB074C9F45S%2F%3Fth%3D1%26tag%3Dstaticmedia-bgr-custom-20&btn_pub_ref=2043677-in_text-2" target="_blank" rel
Read More
AYANEO Pocket PLAY Teaser Trailer Unveiled, Sparking Further Questions
Fingers crossed we won’t have to wait until 2027 for AYANEO’s inaugural phone.
What you need to know:
– Following months of anticipation, the AYANEO Pocket PLAY was officially unveiled in a teaser video.
– This marks AYANEO’s first foray into the smartphone market, following years of concentrating on Android and Windows gaming handhelds.
– The phone boasts a sliding design, reminiscent of the Sony Xperia Play, with controls accessible after sliding the screen upwards.
– While a Kickstarter campaign landing page is active, there are currently no specifics regarding specifications, pricing, or availability.
In early August, AYANEO, creator of some of the finest Android gaming handhelds, began teasing the launch of its first smartphone. Late last night, further details surfaced, as the AYANEO Pocket PLAY was showcased in the teaser video below.
This seeks to be the first phone with an integrated gamepad in at least a decade, as Sony held the patent that officially expires in early 2025. Since that time, we’ve only seen one brand release something even remotely similar to the Xperia Play, with the Anbernic RG Slide arriving in June 2025.
The teaser trailer manages to effectively highlight the phone from all perspectives, although it refrains from offering too many specifics. Consequently, AYANEO has yet to disclose any information about specifications, pricing, or availability.
That said, there are no mysteries regarding the overall design, as the Pocket PLAY appears to consist of a mix of aluminum and glass. One can only wish some plastic is included somewhere, otherwise, this is going to be quite a hefty smartphone.
The screen slides upwards, locking into a flat orientation, which may disappoint those who might have preferred an angled design. Still, after moving the screen aside, we are welcomed with a complete set of gamepad controls.
These exceed the typical ABXY+D-pad layout, as there are two “Smart Dual-Mode Touchpads.” This simply means that each touchpad can function as either a virtual joystick or a trackpad. This is likely similar to the AYANEO Pocket DMG, which features one physical joystick, and a touchpad area that acts as the second joystick.
From there, the Pocket PLAY provides an assortment of other buttons, including the standard Start+Select combination, along with a dedicated AYANEO button. However, there are a few buttons on the front, particularly the red one, whose function remains unclear.
Moving beyond the gaming features, it’s quite likely you won’t see the Pocket PLAY compared to the Galaxy S26 Ultra or iPhone 17 Pro once it launches. At least, not in terms of camera quality. On the back of the phone, there are three cutouts, with the top two containing the sensors and the bottom one designated for the flash.
Even with AYANEO attempting to evoke the nostalgia of a modern Sony Xperia Play, the company faces several challenges. For starters, we remain unaware of the device’s actual price, nor do we know if AYANEO will target global distribution. If that’s the case, it will need to obtain FCC certification for U.S. sales, which is already a significant task, especially for a start-up.
Then there’s the question of when the Pocket PLAY will actually hit the market. Recent launches, such as the Pocket DS and KONKR Pocket FIT, suggest that AYANEO might be having difficulty keeping up with production. Not to mention that they keep unveiling new devices on what seems like a monthly basis.
Nonetheless, when the AYANEO Pocket PLAY is finally released, there’s a strong chance I’ll be looking to get one. Speaking of which, there’s an active Kickstarter campaign landing page, which already has more than 1,000 “followers.” Now, it’s just a matter of playing the waiting game.
A true gaming phone
After the Xperia Play, I never expected to see another Android gaming phone with a sliding mechanism being introduced. Yet, that’s precisely what AYANEO aims to accomplish with the Pocket PLAY, which is quite ambitious for the company’s first smartphone.
Read More
iOS 26.1 Brings Slider Feature for Alarms: Steps to Reclaim the ‘Stop’ Button
### Apple Allows You to Swap ‘Slide to Stop’ Gesture in iOS 26.1 for the Classic ‘Stop’ Button for Alarms and Timers
With the launch of iOS 26, Apple unveiled a major overhaul for alarms and timers on the Lock Screen. The updated interface offered larger ‘Stop’ and ‘Snooze’ buttons, designed to enhance tap convenience. However, this adjustment resulted in unintended effects, as several users reported mistakenly silencing their alarms.
To remediate this concern, iOS 26.1 introduced a fresh ‘Slide to stop’ gesture, replacing the old ‘Stop’ button. This change necessitates that users engage more deliberately when dismissing an alarm or timer, employing a traditional slider design that harks back to the original iPhone’s unlock feature.
While a segment of users values the new slider for its nostalgic aesthetics, others experience frustration, particularly those who favor the ease of a button. Acknowledging this input, Apple has provided an alternative to return to the conventional ‘Stop’ button.
In iOS 26.1, users can go to **Settings ⇾ Accessibility ⇾ Touch** to turn off the new slider. By activating the ‘Prefer Single-Touch Actions’ setting, the single-tap ‘Stop’ button will be restored, enabling a simpler alarm dismissal experience.
This feature is part of a wider initiative in iOS 26.1 to provide customizable settings, accommodating diverse user preferences.
What do you think about the new slider for alarms in iOS 26.1? Will you revert to the ‘Stop’ button? Share your thoughts in the comments.
Read More
iOS Function Enables Personalization of AirPods Audio
positively acclaimed AirPods Pro 3 are the latest noise-canceling earbuds from Apple, excelling at ensuring your workday remains free from distractions. However, aside from the array of audio presets available in iOS, is there another method to tailor the sound of your AirPods? Indeed, there is, and it doesn’t necessitate downloading an additional application.
With the Headphones Accommodation feature found in iOS and iPadOS 14 or newer, you can finely adjust your AirPods for a more customized listening experience. The AirPods models that are compatible include AirPods 2, 3, and 4; AirPods Max; AirPods Pro 1, 2, and 3; along with Apple EarPods (featuring a 3.5mm headphone plug or Lightning connector). Additionally, Beats Fit Pro, Beats Solo Pro, Powerbeats, Powerbeats Fit, Powerbeats Pro, and Powerbeats Pro 2 are also supported.
To begin, take your iPhone or iPad and navigate to Settings, then Accessibility, followed by Audio & Visual, and finally Headphone Accommodations. Turn it on, then decide whether you want Accommodations to apply to Phone, Media, or both. After that, you’ll have the option to use the Custom Audio Setup tool to calibrate your AirPods (these settings can also be adjusted manually).