Trump’s Suggested Travel Regulation Mandates Visitors to Submit Social Media Background
This examination of tourists’ experiences is just the beginning, with intentions to delve into the lives of those nearest to you.
(Image credit: Daniel Bader / Android Central)
Essential Information
- The Trump administration has allegedly suggested modifications to the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA), necessitating tourists to provide five years’ worth of social media activity.
- This alteration, affecting travelers from visa-exempt nations, will deeply invade their privacy, requesting emails used in the last decade, along with sensitive contact information of their closest family members.
- The proposal still requires navigating several obstacles, but apprehensions are rising over the substantial effects it might have on U.S. tourism.
Notice
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Google Unveils Trial ‘Disco’ Browser Showcasing ‘GenTabs’ Innovation Fueled by Gemini 3
**Google Labs Introduces “Disco”: A New Chapter in Web Browsing**
Google Labs has rolled out “Disco,” a groundbreaking experiment intended to transform the landscape of web browsing. At the heart of this novel platform lies the Gemini 3-powered function known as “GenTab,” which aims to elevate user experience by embedding sophisticated AI features into the browsing journey.
### A Vision for Contemporary Browsing
Described by Google as a “tool crafted to re-envision browsing and building for the contemporary web,” Disco is constructed on the Chromium foundation, akin to Google Chrome, maintaining familiar attributes like tab design while adding new capabilities to enhance user interactions.
The internet has developed into a multifaceted environment brimming with applications and information, resulting in difficulties in handling numerous open tabs. Google seeks to solve this problem by enabling the web to adapt to user requirements, simplifying the process of conducting research or organizing activities without the burden of switching between multiple tabs.
### Presenting GenTabs
The standout feature, GenTabs, is crafted to generate interactive web applications that aid users in completing various tasks. By harnessing the power of Gemini 3, GenTabs examines open tabs and chat histories to recommend the most appropriate tools for user prompts.
For example, when organizing a trip to experience cherry blossoms in Japan, users can engage with a chat column that lets them pose questions. The GenTab creates a specialized trip planner, inclusive of calendars, timelines, and maps. It also delivers real-time updates on crowd densities in suggested cities and advice for managing crowds, thereby improving the overall planning experience.
### Adaptable Applications
The chat box in Disco operates as an address bar, with a conventional address bar appearing when users access websites. This dual capability facilitates smooth navigation and interaction. Additional examples of GenTabs include meal and gardening planners, showcasing rich imagery and intricate layouts, along with interactive educational resources, such as 3D representations of the solar system.
Google highlights that all generative components in Disco link back to original web sources, guaranteeing that users can easily trace information and resources.
### User-Centric Interaction
A standout aspect of Disco is its user-friendly design. Users can articulate the tools they require in natural language without needing any programming skills. The platform even recommends generative applications based on the ongoing task, fostering creativity and productivity.
Google envisions Disco as a collaborative instrument that enables users to learn more rapidly and participate in shaping the future of web browsers. By engaging users in the experimentation phase, Google intends to collect insights that will influence the future of browsing technology.
### Future Outlook
Google has announced that the most intriguing ideas generated from Disco might ultimately find their way into larger Google offerings, potentially enhancing Chrome and other services. Currently, Google Labs is launching a waitlist for users keen on trying out Disco, with initial access on macOS.
In summary, Disco symbolizes a notable advancement in web browsing technology, merging AI-driven functionalities with a user-focused design to cultivate a more efficient and enjoyable online experience. As Google continues to enhance this platform, it may well establish the benchmark for the future of web interaction.
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HBO Max Audiences Enchanted by 2025 Comedy Thirty Years in the Making
FlixPatrol currently ranks it at number three for the most streamed movies during the week of December 12, and while the monthly count is still in progress, it also holds the number four position for December. Following the same concept as its forerunner, “The Family McMullen” delves into the lives of the McMullen family members, including Barry, Patrick, and Molly, the widow of their deceased brother, Jack. The family is celebrating Thanksgiving, and Barry’s children are present as well.
If you’ve watched the original, you know it comprises both heightened dramatic moments and subtle romantic comedy elements. After all, it’s about three Irish Catholic brothers from Long Island. In this iteration, the comedic elements are more pronounced, but the romantic aspects remain present. That does not do justice to the film; fundamentally, it’s about navigating life’s highs and lows and adapting to circumstances. Viewers deem it a must-see film, perhaps because they have awaited the sequel for 30 years. There are no Rotten Tomatoes reviews available yet, as it’s still too early. IMDB rates it 5.9 out of 10 based on over 500 reviews. It will be intriguing to hear critics’ opinions, although there are films that critics have previously misjudged. Viewer reviews may reveal the true narrative.
What caused the prolonged production time?
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YouTube’s Latest Television Capabilities May Counterbalance Rising Premium Subscription Fees
a viable option in YouTube TV; an $82.99 monthly subscription that provides access to over 100 live channels. YouTube TV does not offer YouTube Premium, which incurs an additional monthly fee. The total monthly cost can easily approach $100 for both services, depending on the Premium package selected. The benefit over standard cable is that YouTube TV does not require a contract, allowing you to cancel whenever you choose. Nevertheless, improvements are on the horizon in early 2026.
YouTube announced in a brief blog post its plans to introduce genre-specific YouTube TV packages, enabling viewers to tailor their TV watching experience. While YouTube did not disclose any pricing details for the forthcoming bundles, the genre-themed YouTube tiers will likely be more affordable than the complete $82.99 subscription. Consequently, you’ll soon be able to offset the YouTube Premium price increases, and potentially other unrelated streaming price hikes.
Subscribers will gain access to more than 10 genre-focused packages, as stated in the announcement. The company highlighted one offering, the YouTube TV Sports Plan, which will grant access to “all the major broadcasters along with sports networks such as FS1, NBC Sports Network, all of the ESPN channels, and ESPN Unlimited.” Add-ons for NFL Sunday Ticket and RedZone will also be available. The blog post further emphasizes that “beloved features, including unlimited DVR, multiview, key plays, and fantasy view,” will also be accessible to users. YouTube additionally hinted at other YouTube TV bundles that might emerge under the new subscription model, such as merging sports with news, or creating plans that include “family and entertainment content.”
New YouTube TV packages and Premium price increases
How to Utilize Photoshop and Acrobat at No Cost with ChatGPT
Frontier AI chatbots like ChatGPT and Gemini come equipped with numerous sophisticated features beyond mere text generation that could lessen your need to utilize (and finance) another specialized application. AI-driven image generation and editing functionalities are so advanced that there’s no requirement to master Photoshop. Just instruct the AI to produce or modify images on your behalf. Gemini’s Nano Banana Pro is so cutting-edge that it can generate infographics and slides, thus replacing Adobe Express. The chatbots can also manage documents for you, which may be beneficial for data evaluation, potentially reducing your dependence on Adobe Acrobat.
However, despite the perception that generative AI services are impacting Adobe’s revenue, the firm has shown a proactive approach towards AI advancements. Rather, Adobe has welcomed generative AI, crafting its own models for its suite of creative tools and consistently enhancing them. Adobe has also introduced AI agents that might further assist in the creation process, and the Firefly app currently accommodates third-party AI models, including Gemini’s Nano Banana.
Given this context, it’s not surprising that Adobe is among the first companies to provide support for ChatGPT applications. Beginning this week, Photoshop, Express, and Acrobat are all accessible directly within ChatGPT in any instances where the chatbot can provide access to third-party applications. The three applications are available at no cost, indicating that you simply need to invoke them in the prompt composer to begin working on files without exiting ChatGPT. In other words, there’s no need to pay for any of the three Adobe applications until you have experimented with them for free in ChatGPT. Naturally, there are some conditions that users should be aware of.
What functionalities are available with Adobe apps in ChatGPT?
Photoshop editing in ChatGPT will not grant you access to the most sophisticated editing features that Adobe designed for its renowned app. Nonetheless, you will be able to instruct the AI to execute basic edits using Photoshop. Incorporate the Photoshop app into your prompt and input an instruction like “Add creative effects to the background” to edit with the app. You will also have access to settings for brightness, contrast, and exposure, including a slider that allows you to personalize the image. Certain creative effects will also be present in ChatGPT.
Adobe Express enables you to generate professional designs featuring images and text within ChatGPT. A prompt such as “Create an invite for my dance party,” alongside the Express app, will permit ChatGPT to leverage the app to present sample designs. You will have the opportunity to refine edits within the chat through further replies.
Lastly, ChatGPT can leverage Adobe Acrobat to modify PDFs, extract information you may wish to utilize elsewhere, redact information, and even combine multiple files into a single document.
What are the costs associated with the Adobe apps?
If you believed that utilizing Photoshop, Express, and Acrobat for free within ChatGPT seemed too good to be genuine, you would be correct. Firstly, users in Europe cannot currently access apps in ChatGPT as of this writing. Secondly, Android users currently have access solely to Express integration. Finally, and most crucially, Adobe has not integrated the full versions of Photoshop, Express, and Acrobat into ChatGPT. You will only be able to utilize specific functionalities in ChatGPT, as detailed above. For more intricate tasks, you will likely need to transition to the complete Adobe applications, which provide more comprehensive experiences. The positive aspect is that you can effortlessly switch to an Adobe app and continue your work from where you stopped.
At the time of this writing, the bundle for Photoshop and Express begins at $22.99/month, while Acrobat starts at $12.99/month. Photoshop is also accessible via the web and mobile through the Firefly Pro app ($19.99/month), the Photography and Lightroom bundle ($19.99/month), and the Creative Cloud Pro plan ($69.99/month). Adobe Express is also included within Firefly Pro and Creative Cloud Pro. A standalone Adobe Express Premium subscription is priced at $9.98/month.
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How to Link Your Smartphone to Your Television with a $17 HDMI Adapter
storage options such as a USB flash drive. Another key feature provided through the essential USB-C port on various Android devices and iPhones is video output support, enabling you to connect your phone to your TV and duplicate the screen. However, to take advantage of this functionality, a USB-C to HDMI adapter, such as the Anker 310, is required, since most televisions are equipped with an HDMI port for video input.
The Anker adapter costs just $17 and is highly praised by Amazon users, who have rated it an average of 4.6 out of 5 based on over 35,500 reviews. This device allows you to view video content from your phone, which includes material from streaming platforms, as well as play games on the TV’s larger display. This capability to transmit streaming media from your phone to the TV could prove useful, especially considering Netflix’s restrictions on casting content from mobile devices.
A wired connection from your phone to your TV
The Anker 310 USB-C to HDMI adapter is a straightforward plug-and-play device that links the USB-C port of your smartphone with the HDMI port on your television. For it to function properly, you must confirm that your phone’s USB-C port is compatible with DisplayPort (DP) Alt Mode, which is generally found in flagship and premium models, though not necessarily in mid-range or budget-friendly phones.
You can refer to your user manual or reach out to the device manufacturer to verify compatibility for
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Meta’s Quest 4 Approach: Reality Labs Focuses on Gaming by Optimizing Operations
No, Meta is not withdrawing from VR or “implementing significant reductions,” as some may have you think. It is returning to its roots and what initially made Quest exceptional.
Recently, a flurry of news articles and analyst evaluations concentrated on Meta’s “substantial cuts” within its Metaverse division. This new division of Reality Labs, established just a month ago, was designed to neatly divide Reality Labs into more concrete business objectives, and it was clearly set up prior to the significant developments we witnessed in the last two weeks.
According to a Bloomberg report, Meta might be initiating 30% reductions to the division starting in January. That was sufficient for numerous outlets to rally and proclaim that “VR is dead” yet again, a refrain that far too many technology-oriented publications enjoy shouting year after year. However, the actual situation contradicts that narrative entirely. In fact, the truth is quite the opposite of what these sources suggest.
Right before this news broke, Meta hired two elite designers from Apple, and this news surfaced just days after new leaks indicated a gaming-centric, high-end Meta Quest 4 in development. Ironically, all of this transpires as CTO Andrew Bosworth’s assurance that 2025 will be “the work of visionaries or a legendary misadventure” nears its end, signaling that the company’s preoccupation with Horizon Worlds as the primary “metaverse” has been the issue all along.
Returning to fundamentals
The primary Reality Labs division was established on August 25, 2020, right before the Meta Quest 2’s debut. Since then, this division has been in charge of developing VR headsets, smart glasses, Horizon Worlds, sEMG gesture bands, the Horizon operating system, next-gen realistic avatars, and more.
Meta invests billions in Reality Labs technology each quarter, with expenditures rising from around $2 billion in Q4 2020 to an astounding $6.05 billion in Q4 2024. Since 2022, over 50% of Reality Labs’ budget has been allocated to developing genuine AR glasses like Meta Orion, although the closest Meta has come to launching a consumer product is the Ray-Ban Display Glasses.
Since late 2022, Meta has been reducing spending across most divisions by about 10% annually to regain financial control. Due to Reality Labs’ unchecked spending growth, Zuckerberg allegedly requested a 20% reduction in expenditure by the end of 2025. That reportedly never materialized.
Now, the division needs to reduce spending by 30% to align with the 10% annual cut plus the 20% 2025 cut that did not occur. That’s not a drastic cut; it’s an alignment with all other divisions within Meta.
Meta is not abandoning VR whatsoever, quite the contrary. However, I believe the company is making crucial transitions away from unsuccessful projects like Horizon Worlds and toward the creation of new mixed-reality glasses. The December 4 report from Business Insider supports this viewpoint, and new leaks regarding a gaming-focused, ultralight Meta Quest 4 further elucidate what is unfolding at Meta.
Now, does that imply Horizon Worlds will vanish tomorrow? Certainly not. Meta has notably redesigned the operating system that powers the Meta Quest (referred to as Horizon OS) to focus on utilizing Horizon Worlds as a central social platform. Some aspects of this transition have proven beneficial to the Quest’s OS, such as more straightforward ways to connect and communicate with friends and decreased barriers for new users.
Instead, I believe Meta will now re-emphasize game developers as it seeks to mend relationships that suffered when it fully committed to Horizon Worlds integration. VR games have been obscenely challenging to locate on the official Meta Quest store because Horizon Worlds content has dominated the forefront for the last 15 months or so, leading to significant issues for developers and sales of Meta Quest games.
With all of this clarified, it creates a much clearer understanding of Reality Labs’ activities and what Meta’s future offerings will resemble. For now, Meta Quest headsets, alongside smart glasses like Ray-Ban Meta Gen 2 and Oakley Meta HSTN, will continue generating about a billion in revenue each quarter, with Meta anticipating further growth in these areas as it begins to substantially reduce expenditures.
That is not Meta surrendering on VR or “the Metaverse,” as many like to claim. That’s the company ensuring that the products and services that matter to people remain available long-term and continue to evolve as users engage with them. Services like Horizon Worlds are fading, while ultralight hardware with the same beloved capabilities we know today (like Android XR’s Project Aura) is becoming the new trend.
Meanwhile, Quest gamers can still look forward to thrilling games such as Batman: Arkham Shadow, Deadpool.
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Apple TV Unveils Comeback of High-Stakes Thriller Debuting Next Month
**Hijack Season 2: Anticipations for Apple TV’s Exciting Comeback**
One of Apple TV’s premier thriller shows, *Hijack*, is poised for its eagerly awaited second season next month. The recently unveiled trailer has generated plenty of excitement among fans, providing a sneak peek into the action-filled storyline that awaits.
### Thrilling Season 2 Trailer
*Hijack* initially debuted on Apple TV in 2023, enthralling viewers with its high-tension, real-time structure that reflects the pace of the tale unfolding onscreen. This approach, reminiscent of the legendary show *24*, has cultivated a loyal fan base.
Whereas the inaugural season took place on a hijacked aircraft, the forthcoming season takes a new direction, placing lead actor Idris Elba in a precarious situation on an underground train. This shift in environment promises to bring forth fresh obstacles and dynamics as the plot progresses.
Season 2 is set to commence on **Wednesday, January 14**, with the premiere episode available right away, followed by subsequent episodes each week until March 4.
### Official Season Overview
Apple has shared an official synopsis of the season, hinting at the gripping drama ahead:
> “In the exhilarating second season of *Hijack*, a Berlin underground train and its passengers are taken captive, while, above ground, officials rush to save hundreds of lives. Sam Nelson (Elba) finds himself at the center of the emergency on the train, where one misstep could lead to catastrophe.”
### Binge-Worthy Entertainment
For those who have yet to experience *Hijack*, the series is especially suited for binge-watching, making it a fantastic option for holiday entertainment. The trailer indicates that new audiences may easily dive into season 2 without feeling out of the loop, although catching up on the first season is strongly advised for a deeper appreciation of the characters and storyline.
You can view the complete first season of *Hijack* with an Apple TV subscription, priced at **$12.99 per month**. The platform also showcases other popular series and films, including *Ted Lasso*, *Severance*, and *Pluribus*. Furthermore, Apple TV is accessible through the Apple One package.
As the countdown to season 2 commences, fans are curious about how the narrative will unfold and what new surprises await Sam Nelson and the hostages on the train. Will you be watching to see the action unfold?
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DJI Neo 2: The Most Versatile Drone for Apple Users So Far
**DJI Neo 2: A Step Forward into the Future with Apple Watch Connectivity**
DJI has transformed the drone user experience with its newest firmware update for the DJI Neo 2, now permitting users to operate their drones straight from their Apple Watch. This groundbreaking capability allows users to navigate, track, capture, and control their drone with ease from their wrist, vastly improving the flying experience. Importantly, the original DJI Neo will soon gain Apple Watch compatibility as well, making this upgrade a notable benefit for all Neo series purchasers.
### Apple Watch Functions as DJI Neo 2 Drone Controller
The latest firmware, v01.00.0500, provides complete Apple Watch support, a first for mainstream DJI drones, although similar capabilities have been offered for DJI smartphone gimbals. The DJI Neo 2 is compatible with Apple Watch models Series 8, 9, 10, 11, Ultra 2, and Ultra 3, contingent upon users running watchOS 11 or newer. The sole prerequisite is the updated DJI Fly app (v1.19.4).
This feature proves especially advantageous during athletic pursuits, such as cycling or running, where reaching for a phone or standard controller can be inconvenient. Users can picture cycling down a mountain path while the Neo 2 follows their movements, responding to commands issued from their wrist, embodying the advanced lifestyle DJI seeks to promote.
### Notable Functions of the Apple Watch Connectivity
1. **Live Camera Feed with Wrist Control**: Users can view a live camera feed on their Apple Watch, although power-saving measures are in effect. Lowering the wrist pauses the live feed, while lifting it or tapping the screen resumes it immediately.
2. **Phone Screen Management**: Users can lock their iPhone, switch applications, or tuck it away while still maintaining a connection to the drone, as long as the DJI Fly app is active in the background.
3. **Voice Command**: By granting microphone permissions to the DJI Fly app and activating “Voice Control” in the settings, users can issue commands straight from their watch.
4. **App Audio Capture**: Similar to voice command, users can activate “App Recording” in settings, allowing the watch to act as a microphone for capturing audio while the drone records video.
5. **Prolonged Display Awake Time**: Users can configure their Apple Watch to remain awake for 70 seconds, ensuring that live views or status details stay visible during flights.
6. **Restrictions in Low Power Mode**: The DJI Fly app will be inoperable when the Apple Watch is set to Low Power Mode, which can be switched off in the settings.
### Further Advantages of the Firmware Update
In addition to Apple Watch compatibility, the firmware update for the DJI Neo 2 offers:
– **Auditory Notifications**: Alerts for instances when tracking loses the subject or when the battery is running low, particularly helpful when users may not be closely watching their devices.
– **Stability Enhancements**: Various performance-related fixes have been implemented to improve overall functionality.
These firmware updates have also been disseminated throughout the DJI ecosystem, including numerous remote controllers and goggles, ensuring a complete refresh for users.
### Final Thoughts
With the incorporation of Apple Watch control, the DJI Neo 2 situates itself as an optimal drone for Apple aficionados, catering to travelers, cyclists, vloggers, hikers, and anyone seeking a portable and user-friendly drone experience. This strategic initiative by DJI not only augments the functionality of the Neo 2 but also reinforces its position within the Apple ecosystem, motivating potential customers to dive into the realm of drone flying.
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Comprehending App Age Verification: Data Distribution and Information Recipients
### App Age Verification: Present Situation and Future Consequences
App age verification has moved beyond theoretical discussions; it is now a reality as various regulations enforcing age verification for users are adopted in specific states. This development has significant consequences for both users and app creators.
A prominent instance is Bluesky, a platform akin to Twitter/X, which temporarily ceased operations for users in certain areas due to non-compliance with local age verification laws. Recently, the app has resumed functionality, but users must now submit personal information to a third-party service, KWS (Kids Web Services), to confirm their age. This situation may foreshadow what many other apps will adopt as age verification regulations spread.
#### VPN as a Short-Term Solution
At present, users can bypass age verification mandates by using a VPN (Virtual Private Network). A VPN conceals the user’s actual IP address, making it seem as though they are accessing the internet from a different location. Although some browsers provide free VPN services, a paid VPN is typically essential for extensive coverage across all applications and devices.
This workaround is effective while age verification is restricted to a limited number of states. However, should federal regulations be introduced, users might need to use VPNs to connect via IP addresses from other countries that may have their own age verification requirements.
#### Actual Age Verification Procedure
The real-world application of age verification is evident in Bluesky’s recent modifications. When users click the “Verify now” button, they are prompted to confirm their email and are introduced to KWS, the third-party partner responsible for age verification. KWS states that it retains users’ verified status alongside a hashed email address, enabling other apps utilizing KWS technology to bypass the verification process for that email in the future.
To commence verification, Bluesky sends an email link to the user. The verification process necessitates users providing their full legal name, home address, and one of three methods for age verification: the last four digits of their Social Security number, a temporary credit card transaction, or a scan of a government-issued ID such as a driver’s license or passport.
Bluesky collaborates with various companies for different verification methods, including Veratad for Social Security number verification, Stripe for credit card transactions, and Veriff for ID verification.
#### 9to5Mac’s Perspective
Among the verification options, using a credit card through Stripe might be viewed as the least risky due to its established reputation in online transactions. Conversely, sharing sensitive data like Social Security numbers or government IDs raises privacy issues, as these details are harder to change if compromised.
The primary objective of these age verification efforts is to improve online safety for children. However, the implications for user privacy and data protection are significant. As age verification becomes more prevalent across various platforms, concerns surrounding the handling of sensitive information are likely to grow.
In summary, the current state of app age verification demonstrates that it is beyond a mere policy discussion; it is a developing reality that both users and developers must navigate. As regulations expand, the challenge of ensuring child safety online while safeguarding user privacy will remain a crucial topic of discussion.
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