Author: Richard

Comprehending Google Play Points and Their Application

to begin collecting Google Play Points? Google doesn’t prominently advertise its Play Points program, yet it’s a fantastic rewards system that enriches your Google Play Store experience.

Play Points accumulate on everything from digital buys to in-app microtransactions. Google also collaborates with app developers to provide Play Points to users who install a featured free app or game aimed at gaining popularity. Users of the Google Play Store can subsequently exchange Play Points for in-app exclusive content or to obtain a new film or audiobook. You can even earn Play Points by participating in special events.

We are happy to inform you that there are no signup fees or monthly charges for those earning Play Points, although you will need to enable the Play Points feature for your Google Account. Here’s a detailed guide to setting up and utilizing Play Points.

Google Play Points: How to configure, earn, and track

How to Resolve an Android Phone Keyboard That Is Not Showing Up

Realizing that the keyboard on your Android phone isn’t showing up can be incredibly frustrating. If it fails to function when you need to accomplish something urgent, it will only exacerbate the situation. Although it might seem like your only options are to reset the device and pull your hair out, there are several alternatives you can explore before resorting to extreme actions.

There could be several reasons why the keyboard on your Android device isn’t functioning, such as minor bugs or glitches, conflicts with other applications, the necessity to update specific components, or an issue with the keyboard’s cache. While it may involve some troubleshooting on your part, there are numerous solutions to consider, including ensuring updates are applied, managing and reviewing your keyboard settings, and even clearing the keyboard’s cache to help restore its functionality.

Given the numerous choices available regarding Android and the keyboards you can use, your experience may differ regarding the solutions and actions you need to undertake. Aspects such as adjusting the keyboard size can lead to varying results based on the particular device you’re using and the keyboard you’re working to repair.

How to resolve keyboard issues

New Leak Suggests iPhone 17 Pro Includes 8x Camera Zoom and Vapor Chamber Cooling

### Apple’s iPhone 17: Expected Features and Specs

As the unveiling of Apple’s iPhone 17 nears, enthusiasm and conjecture are at a peak. Recent information from a South Korean telecom provider has shed light on the predicted specs of the iPhone 17 series, especially the Pro and Pro Max versions.

#### Upgraded Camera Features

A highly discussed feature is the enhanced telephoto camera system. The iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max are believed to deliver an impressive 8x optical zoom, a notable improvement over the 5x zoom found in the iPhone 16 Pro models. This upgrade is anticipated to enable users to photograph distant subjects with improved clarity and detail, appealing to photography fans.

Moreover, the potential introduction of a variable aperture system has been indicated, allowing the optical zoom range to vary mechanically. This represents a shift from earlier iPhone models that used fixed zoom ranges, which could improve the flexibility and quality of photos captured with the device.

#### Enhanced Cooling Mechanism

Another remarkable feature is the expected enhancements in the cooling system for the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max. The newly designed aluminum frame aims to improve heat dissipation, while the addition of a vapor chamber cooling system is anticipated to elevate thermal management. This technology, already utilized in some premium Android models, assists in dissipating heat from the CPU and GPU, enabling consistent performance during demanding activities.

With this sophisticated cooling mechanism, users should expect stable frame rates during intense 3D gaming and extended recording times for ProRes video, especially in outdoor environments. The documentation also suggests the potential for 8K video recording, which would significantly benefit from improved thermal efficiency.

#### Rumors and Confirmation

Although the information emerging from the carrier documents is intriguing, it’s important to approach it cautiously. Such documents are often based on prevailing speculation and may not always accurately reflect the final product specifications. Nevertheless, the specificity of the 8x zoom assertion particularly distinguishes it from earlier speculations regarding varying zoom distances.

As the event approaches, anticipation grows for the official presentation of the iPhone 17 series. Alongside the new iPhones, Apple is expected to launch new Apple Watches and AirPods Pro 3, making this event a noteworthy moment for tech enthusiasts.

In just over 48 hours, Apple will disclose the reality behind these speculations, and fans are excited to see how the iPhone 17 will influence the future of mobile technology. Stay tuned for in-depth coverage of all announcements as they happen.

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How to Improve Your Device with Your Laptop’s USB-C Port: 5 Efficient Techniques

In a manner akin to the five essential USB-C accessories for your MacBook, these items are crucial if you aim to maximize the potential of your laptop. Moreover, the list extends beyond this — there are additional tools that you may not have thought about, from devices that enhance your audio experience to those that optimize your creative processes. Whether you find them necessary is for you to determine, but after discovering these gadgets, reverting to your previous setup might prove challenging.

Enhance audio with a portable DAC and headphone amplifier combination

Depending on your laptop, you may achieve satisfactory audio quality through the 3.5mm headphone jack. Some devices are equipped with Dolby Atmos or Creative Lab’s Sound Blaster software to enable higher fidelity audio, improving the sound of music and games to some degree. Nevertheless, it doesn’t alter the internal hardware, which is usually a Realtek chip — not particularly renowned. To circumvent the average audio technology typically found in laptops, investing in a DAC and headphone amp combination is necessary.

There is a wide array of combinations available, from very budget-friendly to impressively pricey. They also vary in size and functionalities. For laptop users, opting for a model like the iFi GO Link, a portable DAC and headphone amplifier that

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Present Evidence and Theories Regarding the Presence of a Ninth Planet in Our Solar System

The Astronomical Journal is putting forward proof of an unseen entity in the far reaches of the solar system that is so massive it must certainly be a planet. This study was written by researchers Konstantin Batygin and Mike Brown from the California Institute of Technology, with Brown being the lead in the effort to reclassify Pluto.

Batygin and Brown developed their theory after examining objects in the (perhaps unexpectedly vast) Kuiper Belt, a circular area of small, icy objects beyond Neptune that encompasses Pluto and other dwarf planets such as Eris. They detected a collection of six Kuiper Belt objects that are grouped together, following peculiar elliptical paths that lead them outside of the solar system’s plane, where the eight recognized planets orbit. The chances of such an arrangement being purely coincidental are about one in 15,000, according to the researchers, though an alternative explanation could be the presence of a planet in the outer sections of the solar system, vast enough for its gravitational influence to affect the other objects.

What scientists imagine a ninth planet might resemble

Apple Might Reinstate iPhone Mini After Recent Lineup Modifications: Here’s the Way

**The iPhone Mini: A Retrospective and Future Possibilities**

In 2020, Apple stirred the market by making a comeback in the compact smartphone segment with the iPhone 12 mini. This device included the same technology found in the iPhone 12, housed in a sleek 5.4-inch design, appealing to users who favored smaller phones. Despite its creative design, the journey of the iPhone mini was brief, lasting merely two years before being succeeded by the larger iPhone 14 Plus.

### History of the iPhone Mini

The iPhone mini series kicked off with the iPhone 12 mini, followed by the iPhone 13 mini. Nevertheless, it was discontinued after the 13 mini, signaling the conclusion of Apple’s venture into smaller smartphones. The choice to replace the mini with the iPhone 14 Plus reflected a shift in consumer demand toward larger devices.

The iPhone mini was designed to target a specific market of users wanting compact phones. Despite a notable desire for smaller devices, the iPhone mini faced challenges in gaining popularity. One major factor was its pricing; at $699, many buyers chose the larger models, which provided superior battery life for only $100 more. This price sensitivity likely played a role in the mini’s underperformance compared to the earlier iPhone SE, which succeeded at a more budget-friendly price.

### A New iPhone Mini Version?

In early 2023, Apple unveiled the iPhone 16e, a 6.1-inch model priced at $599. Although this model is based on the iPhone 14, it has ignited conversations about the potential for a new iPhone mini. A speculative iPhone 16e mini, priced around $499, could attract consumers seeking a compact device without a high cost.

With a significant portion of the research and development already undertaken for the mini series, bringing back a smaller iPhone could be within reach for Apple. Furthermore, reports indicate that Apple might adopt a staggered release strategy in 2026, possibly offering a larger platform for a new mini version.

### Conclusion

While the prospect of a new iPhone mini may appear unlikely, the demand for compact smartphones persists. As standard iPhones increase in size, Apple has a chance to occupy this niche. For those interested in smaller devices, refurbished iPhone 13 mini units are readily available at reasonable prices, making them a compelling option for consumers.

Would you like to see the iPhone mini return? Share your thoughts with us!

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Grasping the SS USB Port: Attributes and Capabilities

**What Is An SS USB Port?**

In the current tech-centric landscape, USB ports are everywhere, present in everything from communal charging stations to individual gadgets such as laptops and smartphones. Among the different varieties of USB ports, some are marked with a double-S symbol, often highlighted in blue or red hues. This symbol represents SuperSpeed, a designation linked to USB 3.2, formerly called USB 3.0. Initially, the SS label served as a quick identifier to differentiate USB 3.x ports from the slower USB 2.0 ports. Yet, as USB technology has progressed, the usage of the SuperSpeed terminology has diminished.

**A Brief History of USB Protocols**

The USB Implementers Forum (USB-IF), a coalition of technology firms, oversees the nomenclature and deployment of USB standards, including the SuperSpeed label. In its infancy, USB naming was more straightforward. The SS emblem indicated a USB 3.0 port, able to achieve transfer speeds up to 5Gbps, marking a substantial enhancement over USB 2.0’s 480Mbps. The 2013 release of USB 3.1 Gen 2 introduced speeds of 10Gbps, while USB 3.0 was rebranded as USB 3.1 Gen 1. The launch of 20Gbps speeds in 2017 resulted in the USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 classification. As time passed, the SuperSpeed label became less common. By 2022, the USB-IF streamlined the naming practices, eliminating the USB 3.x and SuperSpeed marketing in favor of designating the port’s transfer speed, such as USB 5Gbps, USB 10Gbps, and so forth.

**Is SuperSpeed USB Still a Fast Connection?**

For older computers and audiovisual devices, an SS label still indicates a high-speed connection, enabling at least 5Gbps transfer rates. This feature is advantageous for operations involving regular file transfers between PCs and devices like USB flash drives and external hard drives. For gamers, an SS USB port proves beneficial for loading games and connecting peripherals such as mice, keyboards, and headsets. The USB-IF’s new labeling system, which encompasses USB4 technology, provides clear naming conventions like USB 40Gbps and USB 80Gbps. However, manufacturers must adhere to USB-IF’s testing requirements to utilize these labels.

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Major Apple Occasions This September: iPhone 17 Pro Pre-Order and Launch Notables

**Apple’s Events for September 2025: What’s on the Horizon**

September has officially commenced, signaling the shift from summer to a vibrant fall season for Apple fans. This month is filled with vital dates and product unveilings, with the highlight being the eagerly awaited iPhone 17 event set for September 9.

### Tuesday, September 9: Groundbreaking Event

Apple’s yearly fall keynote is set to kick off at 10 am PT/1 pm ET on September 9. The focus will be on the introduction of the iPhone 17 series, which is anticipated to feature the incredibly sleek iPhone 17 Air, alongside the Apple Watch Series 11 and Ultra 3.

Along with the new iPhones and watches, Apple is expected to unveil the AirPods Pro 3, TechWoven iPhone cases, Crossbody Strap accessories for iPhone 17 cases, and an updated Apple Clear Case. Fresh styles and colors for Apple Watch bands are also on the agenda.

The event will be streamed live from the Steve Jobs Theater in Apple Park, with hands-on experiences made available shortly after the keynote wraps up.

### Tuesday, September 9: iOS 26 Release Candidates

After the keynote, developers and public beta testers can look forward to the release candidate versions of iOS 26, iPadOS 26, watchOS 26, tvOS 26, visionOS 26, and macOS Tahoe 26 around 12:30 pm PT/3:30 pm ET. Xcode RC is also likely to become available at that time, and App Store Connect will open for iOS 26 submissions.

During the keynote, official release dates for iOS 26 and additional software updates, including new versions for HomePod and AirPods, are anticipated to be announced.

### Friday, September 12: iPhone 17 Air and iPhone 17 Pro Pre-order Launch

Pre-orders for the iPhone 17 models and the new Apple Watch hardware are expected to commence on September 12 at 5 am PT/8 am ET. Carriers will likely roll out revised trade-in promotions, and customers enrolled in the iPhone Upgrade Program can secure pre-approvals ahead of time.

### Monday, September 15: iOS 26 Update Launch Date

The official rollout of iOS 26, watchOS 26, tvOS 26, and other autumn software updates is likely to take place on September 15. Traditionally, Apple has released updates on the first Monday following the iPhone event, and this year is expected to align with that pattern.

### Monday, September 15–17: Anticipated Review Embargo Lifts for iPhone 17, Apple Watch Series 11, AirPods Pro 3

In the days preceding the launch, review embargoes for the iPhone 17, Apple Watch Series 11, and AirPods Pro 3 are anticipated to be lifted. Apple generally arranges embargo releases from Monday through Wednesday of launch week, granting the media the opportunity to publish detailed reviews before the products are launched.

### Friday, September 19: iPhone 17 Air and iPhone 17 Pro Launch

September 19 is projected to mark the first day of in-store availability for the iPhone 17 and Apple Watch Series 11. Pre-orders will be fulfilled, and Apple Stores are expected to experience early morning crowds.

Moreover, the release of iOS 26.0.1 is likely to occur by the end of September, with developer beta testers possibly receiving iOS 26.1 beta 1 before the month wraps up.

### Looking Beyond September: iPad Pro, Apple Vision Pro, MacBook Pro

As we look forward to October, a second fall Apple event may happen, though press announcements for remaining hardware updates are also a possibility. Potential updates could encompass the iPad Pro featuring the unannounced M5 chip, enhancements for the Apple Vision Pro, and new configurations for the MacBook Pro.

As the launch of the iPhone 17 approaches, speculation regarding future iPhone iterations is already surfacing, with rumors indicating that Apple may unveil its first foldable iPhone in 2026, influenced by the design of the iPhone 17 Air.

Stay connected for the latest news from Apple throughout September. What are you most eager to witness this month?

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Grasping the Importance of a Blue USB Port

The USB Type-C connector is becoming increasingly popular, yet the traditional USB ports, including USB Type-A and USB Type-B, continue to be widely used and are not expected to phase out anytime soon.

A distinctive characteristic of the original USB-A ports that is absent in the newer USB-C ports is the colored plastic insert. Its primary function is to support the metal contacts and ensure proper alignment. Additionally, it plays a significant role, especially in USB Type-A and Type-B ports; the color assists in identifying the speed class, power capabilities, or other specific functions of the USB port. The most frequently seen colors on a USB port’s plastic insert are black and blue, but there are also some USB ports utilizing teal, white, purple, red, and yellow to indicate their features.

Why are certain USB ports blue?

Android 16 on the Pixel 10 Demonstrates Advancement, yet Additional Enhancements Required

I appreciate the enhancements Google introduced to the Pixel with Android 16, yet there’s room for further improvement.

I’ve been using the Pixel 10 for several weeks, and there’s plenty to admire about the device, from its cameras to the integrated magnetic Qi2 charging. However, what I didn’t anticipate enjoying as much as I have is Google’s rendition of Android 16. It’s lively, responsive, and brings several welcomed alterations that I’ve long wished to see in Pixel software.

However, Pixel UI has never ranked as my top preference, and while I appreciate the modifications Google has made with Android 16 and Material 3 Expressive, there are aspects I would still love to see incorporated in upcoming versions of Android. Many of these features seem so standard on other Android devices that it’s surprising Google hasn’t brought them to Pixels.

Quick Settings

One of my favorite updates to Pixel UI is the Quick Settings. I wasn’t particularly fond of the unnecessarily oversized tiles in earlier iterations, which restricted the number of tiles visible at once compared to One UI. But now, Google permits greater customization of the Quick Settings panel than I ever thought possible.

Now, you can resize any tile simply by long-pressing it. While you only receive two options—essentially 1×1 or 2×1—it enables you to fit more tiles in the panel and adds character, allowing you to spotlight the most essential tiles if desired.

However, some annoying quirks remain unaddressed with Android 16.

For a feature labeled “Quick Settings,” I find it lacks in providing swift access to key settings. For some reason, accessing the brightness slider requires two swipes of the panel, which is frustrating when I want to quickly tweak it beyond the auto brightness.

Moreover, the actual Settings button is also unreachable until the second swipe. While I could have an icon on my home screen or swipe through the app drawer, I prefer to keep my home screen free from apps/widgets. I might just be accustomed to Samsung’s Quick Settings, which allows direct access to the Settings icon after one swipe down.

Lastly, I would be thrilled to see Google allow an option to differentiate the notification panel and Quick Settings menu. I’ve become accustomed to this on Samsung and Motorola devices, and I find it preferable as it shows more tiles or notifications simultaneously and enables easy swiping between the two panels.

Multitasking

Although Google is concentrating on enhancing the multitasking experience on foldables like the Pixel 10 Pro Fold, traditional phones seem somewhat lacking in this regard.

The Open Apps view merely presents large cards side by side, which doesn’t provide an exceptionally helpful overview of your apps. This isn’t a major issue, but it doesn’t feel as effective as the Open Apps view from other manufacturers. Additionally, while features like Screenshot and the text selector are handy, I would appreciate the option to view recommended apps for quick access.

Also, it perplexes me that I have to swipe all the way to the right to locate the Clear All button. Even Motorola enables me to open the view and tap Clear All without the need to swipe. I can also lock an app within the Open Apps view to keep it active when clearing the rest, which is convenient while streaming YouTube Music, for instance.

One feature I have been yearning to see on Pixels is a native side panel. This would allow quick access to your preferred or frequently used apps simply by swiping from the side of the display on almost any screen. It’s incredibly practical, and typically the first thing I set up when using a new device. It’s also available on nearly every other smartphone I’ve tested, from Samsung to TECNO, making it peculiar that Google has yet to provide the option, despite having offered a taskbar for foldables.

More customization

Most Android devices offer some degree of customization, and the Pixel UI has enhanced this area, particularly with the previously mentioned Quick Settings. However, while there’s a reasonable amount of customization available, I’d like to see even more.

The Open Apps view is just one illustration; Google should allow us to select the presentation style of apps. The same goes for the Quick Settings menu; we should have the ability to rearrange, resize, and modify the style of the tiles and panel further. Samsung excels at enabling you to rearrange various elements in Quick Settings, and that would serve as an excellent starting point.

Beyond that, Google should allow customization of additional aspects of the Pixel UI, such as the shape of app icons and the content displayed on the status bar, permitting us to decide which icons we want to appear and in what manner. OnePlus offers this on its devices, and I have always valued it as a means to declutter the top of my screen.

And as

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