Author: Richard

Current Promotions: AirPods 4 priced at $90, Apple Pencil Pro available for $83, $185 Discount on M4 MacBook Air, 45% Reduction on Leather Apple Watch Bands, and Additional Offers

**Amazon’s AirPods 4 Prime Day Prices Are Here Again: Base Set for $90 or with ANC for $120**

Amazon has brought back its Prime Day promotions on Apple’s newest AirPods 4, presenting both models at attractive prices. The AirPods 4 can now be purchased for $89.99, while the model featuring Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) is offered at $119.99. These prices are merely $1 above the historical lows reached during Prime Day, creating a fantastic chance for those who missed the offers last week.

While the AirPods Pro 2, previously available for $149 during Prime Day, are now at $169, the AirPods 4 variants provide great value for customers seeking cutting-edge technology at a more affordable rate. Typically priced at $129 and $179, these offers showcase the lowest prices accessible from a trusted retailer.

**Apple Pencil Pro Now Available at Season’s Lowest Price Starting from $83**

For individuals who acquired a new iPad during Prime Day, the Apple Pencil Pro is now on sale for $99, matching its Prime Day discount. This stylus, usually priced at $129, hasn’t been observed at a lower price since the last holiday season. Nonetheless, Best Buy has open-box units in great condition priced at $82.99, offering a budget-friendly alternative with a complete one-year Apple warranty.

Compatible iPad models for the Apple Pencil Pro comprise:
– iPad Pro 13-inch (M4)
– iPad Pro 11-inch (M4)
– iPad Air 13-inch (M2 and M3)
– iPad Air 11-inch (M2 and M3)
– iPad mini (A17 Pro)

**Apple’s 15-inch M4 MacBook Air with 24GB of RAM Now Starts at $184+ Off**

Amazon has further slashed the cost of the 15-inch M4 MacBook Air with 24GB of RAM to $1,414.50, offering a discount of $184.50 off the standard price of $1,599. This follows Prime Day offers that included savings of up to $170 on various configurations. Currently, most configurations remain available at a discount of at least $150.

Key pricing for the MacBook Air range includes:
– 13-inch M4 MacBook Air 16GB/256GB from $849 (Reg. $999)
– 13-inch M4 MacBook Air 16GB/512GB from $1,049 (Reg. $1,199)
– 15-inch M4 MacBook Air 16GB/256GB from $1,049 (Reg. $1,199)
– 15-inch M4 MacBook Air 24GB/512GB from $1,419 (Reg. $1,599)

**Anker Unveils New Display-Equipped 7-in-1 Nano Charging Station**

Anker has launched a new 7-in-1 Nano Charging Station that showcases an integrated display and two retractable USB-C cables. This compact station consists of three USB-C ports, one USB-A port, and three AC outlets, providing a flexible solution for charging various devices simultaneously. It is designed for rapid charging, enabling a 16-inch MacBook Pro to reach 50% charge in only 35 minutes.

The Anker Nano Charging Station is available for acquisition at $89.99 from the official Anker Amazon storefront.

These offerings present a wonderful opportunity for consumers to enhance their technology at competitive prices, particularly with the return of Prime Day discounts.

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Google AI Mode Launches 2.5 Pro and Deep Search Capabilities for Subscribers, Including Agentic AI Calling for Every User

Following the announcement at I/O 2025 in May, Google is launching Deep Search in AI Mode, alongside access to 2.5 Pro for subscribers. Free users will also have the opportunity to utilize AI calling in Google Search.

Google AI Pro and AI Ultra members in the US can now access Gemini 2.5 Pro in AI Mode for advanced queries involving reasoning, mathematics, and coding. A new model selector will enable users to toggle between the “Default” model and a customized version within the Gemini 2 family, designed for prompt, all-around support.

Deep Search, powered by Gemini 2.5 Pro, is being rolled out to US subscribers, starting on desktop web. Users can submit more advanced queries and receive longer, more elaborate responses within minutes. In the background, Google will conduct “hundreds of searches” and evaluate disparate pieces of information to develop a comprehensive, fully-cited report. Deep Search can also request further details before starting the research process.

Deep Search is especially advantageous for extensive research related to careers, hobbies, or academics, and acts as a valuable resource for major life choices, such as buying a new home or performing financial evaluations.

Paying AI Mode customers will be the first to utilize these features, as Google perceives Gemini 2.5 Pro and Deep Search as advanced functionalities that involve costs. The aim is to broaden access to these features for a wider audience.

To utilize these features, users must activate the current AI Mode experiment in Labs. AI Ultra subscribers will enjoy the highest usage thresholds. Google has reaffirmed its dedication to providing advanced Search capabilities to users worldwide.

Furthermore, Google is rolling out agentic functionalities that enable Search to call businesses for pricing and availability information on users’ behalf. This feature is currently being launched in the US. Users can activate this by searching for queries such as “pet groomers near me” and opting to “Have AI check pricing.” They will then complete a questionnaire about their requirements.

This functionality is powered by both Gemini models and Duplex technology, which was earlier tested in Labs as “Ask for me,” and is now being made available to all Search users in the US, with elevated limits for AI Pro and AI Ultra subscribers. Businesses retain control through their Business Profile settings.

In conclusion, Google’s latest updates to AI Mode and Deep Search are poised to improve user experience by offering more sophisticated search functionalities and streamlining interactions with businesses, thereby simplifying the process of acquiring information and making informed choices.

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Apple’s Entire iPhone 17 Collection: Official Colors Unveiled

In recent weeks, multiple reports have reaffirmed the anticipated color options for the iPhone 17. A new article now validates the complete spectrum of colors set for the iPhone 17 series. Trusted source MacWorld’s Filipe Espósito claims to have acquired this information from insiders familiar with the devices.

What stands out regarding the iPhone 17 series is Apple’s plan to offer unique color choices for each model, which includes the standard version, iPhone Air, and iPhone Pro versions. Espósito’s findings correspond with earlier leaks from Majin Bu and Sonny Dickson, who have recently revealed some of the predicted colors.

Although MacWorld could not confirm the exact marketing names, the outlet did authenticate the Pantone colors that Apple aims to utilize for each release.

Colors for the base-model iPhone 17:
– Black
– White
– Steel Gray (Pantone 18-4005-TPG)
– Green (Pantone 2282 U)
– Purple (Pantone 530 U)
– Light Blue (Pantone 658 U)

This year, Apple is introducing a new hue to the base model while reintroducing purple and modifying the green tint.

Colors for the iPhone 17 Air:
– Black (same as iPhone 16)
– White (brighter and cooler than the iPhone 16)
– Light Blue (Pantone 657 U)
– Light Gold (Pantone 11-0604 TPG Gardenia)

Espósito highlights that Apple is concentrating on lighter shades for the iPhone 17 Air to accentuate the device’s slim and lightweight design. The Light Blue could be akin to the color choice available on the M4 MacBook Air depicted below.

Colors for the iPhone 17 Pro:
– Black (same as iPhone 16 Pro)
– White (same as iPhone 16 Pro)
– Gray (resembling Natural Titanium)
– Dark Blue (Pantone 19-4025 TPG Mood Indigo)
– Orange (Pantone 1501243 TCX Papaya)

The reporter anticipates an additional color for this model as well. Technically, all iPhone 17 Pro colors will be new, given Apple’s transition from a titanium frame to aluminum. Nevertheless, it wouldn’t be unexpected if Cupertino eliminated either the white or gray option, as they may be too alike and add unnecessary confusion for consumers.

In recent years, Apple has generally provided five color choices for the base models and four for the Pro variants. Occasionally, it has launched a spring hue, though it hasn’t done so in the past few years.

Conclusion

There remain a few months until the iPhone 17’s official launch, but you now have a better understanding of what to anticipate regarding color selections. Explore more information about the series below.

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iPhone 17 Color Choices Verified by Internal Document

### iPhone 17 Color Selections Unveiled

Recent leaks and reports have shed light on the color selections for Apple’s forthcoming iPhone 17 series. An internal document has verified earlier leaks, outlining the color assortment for the base model, iPhone 17 Air, and iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max.

#### iPhone 17 Hues

The base version of the iPhone 17 will come in these color choices:

– **Black** (identical to iPhone 16)
– **White** (identical to iPhone 16)
– **Steel Gray** (Pantone 18-4005-TPG)
– **Green** (Pantone 2282 U)
– **Purple** (Pantone 530 U)
– **Light Blue** (Pantone 658 U)

#### iPhone 17 Air Hues

The iPhone 17 Air will boast a different color scheme, consisting of:

– **Black** (identical to iPhone 16)
– **White** (brighter/colder than the iPhone 16)
– **Light Blue** (Pantone 657 U)
– **Light Gold** (Pantone 11-0604 TPG Gardenia)

#### iPhone 17 Pro & Pro Max Hues

The Pro variants will present a more sophisticated array:

– **Black** (identical to iPhone 16 Pro)
– **White** (identical to iPhone 16 Pro)
– **Gray** (similar to Natural Titanium)
– **Dark Blue** (Pantone 19-4025 TPG Mood Indigo)
– **Orange** (Pantone 1501243 TCX Papaya)

### Design Aspects

As per Macworld, Apple has implemented minor tweaks to the color saturation across the models. For example, the blue variant of the iPhone 17 Air is somewhat lighter compared to that of the standard iPhone 17. This design decision is intended to highlight the lightweight quality of the iPhone 17 Air, which is projected to weigh around 145 grams and measure 5.5 mm in thickness.

### Summary

The color selections for the iPhone 17 series demonstrate Apple’s dedication to offering a variety of aesthetics while remaining attentive to subtle design modifications. As excitement for the official launch grows, these color insights provide a preview of what customers can look forward to from Apple’s latest products.

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Upcoming Quicker Wireless Chargers for iPhone: Reasons to Hold Off Before Buying

### Qi2.2 Indicates Quicker Wireless Chargers

If you’re in search of a quicker wireless charger for your iPhone, there are at least eight new models on the horizon, capable of supporting up to 25W. This progress is facilitated by the new Qi2.2 standard, which has recently certified eight distinct products. However, it might be sensible to wait before proceeding with a purchase.

### The Development of Wireless Charging Standards

Initial wireless phone chargers were based on the original Qi standard, managed by the Wireless Power Consortium (WPC). This standard enabled consumers to purchase any Qi-certified charger with the confidence that it would function with nearly any phone, including iPhones. Nonetheless, the original Qi standard reached a maximum of 7.5W, which was not particularly rapid.

The launch of the Qi2 standard represented a notable enhancement, as it doubled the power output to 15W, partly due to Apple’s input through the open-sourcing of its MagSafe magnetic attachment system. The most recent update, Qi2.2, further boosts the charging capabilities, increasing power to 25W.

### Eight Products Approved

Recently, the WPC approved the first eight Qi2.2 chargers. Some of these products have been officially revealed, including Ugreen’s 10,000mAh MagFlow power bank. Baseus has been certified for one power bank and is anticipated to introduce another, along with a 3-in-1 charging stand. Belkin has confirmed plans to unveil several Qi2.2 products in the upcoming months, including the UltraCharge Pro 3-in-1 charging dock.

Other manufacturers have also received approval but have not yet disclosed their products. Anker is set to enhance its Prime series with a 3-in-1 Qi2.2 dock featuring a built-in display to track charging speeds. Aukey is working on a straightforward 2-in-1 charging stand, while Scosche is crafting a Qi2.2 version of its MagicMount Pro car mount. Furthermore, ODMs CVSMicro and BH EVS have gained certification for charging components designed for integration into other products.

### Possibility for Enhanced Charging from Apple

While Apple has been particularly permissive in allowing the use of the MagSafe standard without branding, there are signs that the company may still push iPhone users to acquire its proprietary chargers. A recent regulatory listing implied that Apple might be developing a MagSafe charger capable of supporting 45W, exceeding the 25W maximum of the Qi2.2 standard. Although no current iPhone supports this speed, it suggests that the forthcoming iPhone 17 lineup may facilitate even quicker wireless charging.

If you’re contemplating purchasing an iPhone 17, it might be wise to wait for now to capitalize on these potential advancements in charging technology.

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Arrange Your Mac Workspace with a Hidden Thunderbolt Dock Below Your Desk

### Improving Your Home Office Environment with Smart Cable Management

In the current remote work landscape, establishing an effective and visually appealing workspace is vital. For many professionals, this means using a high-performance laptop like the 16-inch MacBook Pro in conjunction with external monitors and various peripherals. Nevertheless, organizing the tangle of cables and devices can present difficulties. This article discusses a practical strategy for tidying your workspace through smart cable management.

#### The Significance of Cable Management

Effective cable management is essential for keeping a tidy workspace. A clean desk not only boosts productivity but also fosters a more enjoyable working environment. With several devices linked to your laptop, including monitors, keyboards, and charging cables, the likelihood of a messy setup increases significantly. This is where a cable management tray can provide substantial benefits.

#### The OWC Thunderbolt Dock

For users of a Thunderbolt dock, such as the OWC Thunderbolt Dock, the ease of connecting multiple devices with a single cable is incredibly beneficial. This dock facilitates smooth connections to displays, Ethernet, USB devices, and more, thereby decreasing the number of cables that need to be managed directly from the laptop.

#### The Cable Management Tray Approach

Recently, a user found a cable management tray that can be installed without the need for drilling or any permanent fixtures. This tray is intended to accommodate devices such as the Thunderbolt dock and power extension cords underneath the desk, effectively concealing the clutter from sight.

The tray includes:
– **Clamp Installation**: It employs two clamps that tighten against the desk, ensuring a tool-free and non-invasive installation.
– **Robust Design**: Able to support a considerable amount of weight, it keeps your devices secure.
– **Ventilation**: The wireframe mesh structure allows adequate airflow, helping to prevent overheating of electronics.

#### Aesthetic Aspects

From a bird’s-eye view, the only visible elements are the small tabs of the clamps, which can seamlessly integrate with the desk’s color. This design choice reduces visual distractions, promoting a clean and professional look. Different manufacturers provide similar trays in various sizes and colors, accommodating a range of aesthetic tastes.

#### Functional Advantages

Once the cable management tray is installed, the workspace undergoes a remarkable transformation. Most cables and devices are concealed, resulting in a streamlined appearance. This configuration not only elevates the desk’s visual appeal but also improves usability by ensuring easy access to power sources and device connections.

#### Final Thoughts

Investing in a cable management solution, like a tray that installs easily without permanent alterations, is a great way to uplift your home office. For less than $30, this enhancement can lead to a more organized and productive workspace. The added advantage of having a longer Thunderbolt cable to connect to the dock situated beneath the desk further optimizes the setup, making it a valuable investment for anyone aiming to enhance their remote work experience.

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New Enhancements for iPhone Screenshots in iOS 26

# Screenshots in iOS 26: Fresh Features and Functions

Screenshots in iOS 26 are evolving significantly, introducing new abilities that will give you even more motivation to capture a screenshot on your iPhone. Here’s what’s new.

## Visual Intelligence Brings Fresh Reasons to Capture Screenshots in iOS 26

Traditionally, there have been two primary motives for taking a screenshot on your iPhone:

1. To save an image for future reference
2. To share an image with others

However, iOS 26 is set to introduce three additional reasons.

This is because on [Apple Intelligence-compatible devices](https://9to5mac.com/every-device-that-supports-apple-intelligence/), screenshots will receive a visual intelligence boost in iOS 26, adding three exciting new functionalities.

Each visual intelligence feature enables you to interact with the contents of a screenshot in various ways. Here’s what’s on the horizon.

## #1: Add to Calendar

Scrolling through information for an event that’s coming up? In iOS 26, you can take a screenshot and see a new option at the bottom: Add to Calendar.

Instead of having to manually enter events into your calendar, this new button will pull the details of the captured event and automatically create a calendar entry.

What’s left for you? Just tap to confirm.

## #2: Image Search with Google, Etsy, and More

Image Search is yet another powerful new screenshot feature in iOS 26.

Capture a screenshot and you’ll notice an option in the bottom-right corner to search for similar images.

Typically, this feature will be powered by Google, but [Apple states](https://www.apple.com/newsroom/2025/06/apple-intelligence-gets-even-more-powerful-with-new-capabilities-across-apple-devices/) it’s even broader than that:

> Users can…search Google, Etsy, or other compatible apps to find similar images and products. If there’s an object a user is particularly interested in, such as a lamp, they can highlight it to look for that exact item or related objects online.

Shopping is definitely expected to be a popular application for the new Image Search feature.

## #3: Ask ChatGPT

Have a question regarding what’s in your screenshot? Now you can inquire with ChatGPT about it.

A new ‘Ask’ button located in the bottom-left corner of the screenshot interface activates OpenAI’s assistant. You can type any question you wish, and ChatGPT will process the image and reply accordingly.

There’s even an option to select a specific part of the screenshot that you want to ask ChatGPT about. No need to crop an image first for a more detailed response.

## Screenshot Features in iOS 26: Summary

Visual intelligence has become

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Google’s NotebookLM Launches AI-Enhanced Notebooks on Selected Subjects

**Investigating the Capabilities of Google’s NotebookLM: A Transformative Phase of AI-Fueled Research and Education**

Google’s NotebookLM, developed on the Gemini frameworks, is a pioneering AI service that has garnered interest for its capacity to revolutionize our engagement with data. At first glance, it may not have appeared attractive to everyone, but its functionalities are proving to be essential for students, professionals, and hobbyists.

**Notable Features of NotebookLM**

NotebookLM enables users to upload an assortment of materials, such as documents, PDFs, YouTube videos, and web pages, into notebooks. The AI subsequently analyzes these inputs to create tailored reports, summaries, and answers to particular queries. This feature is especially beneficial for studying, performing research, and even generating content for work assignments.

A distinguishing aspect of NotebookLM is its Audio Overviews. This capability transforms notebooks and extensive research reports into engaging podcasts, featuring AI hosts. This development presents a novel approach to consuming information, simplifying the comprehension of lengthy reports during activities like jogging or walking.

**Recent Modifications and Improvements**

Google has recently broadened NotebookLM’s functionalities, enhancing its appeal. Users can now collaborate by sharing notebooks with others, encouraging teamwork and knowledge exchange. Additionally, the AI tool grants access to curated collections from credible sources across a vast array of subjects. This feature aims to elevate the learning experience by providing high-quality content that aligns with users’ preferences.

For instance, one of the highlighted notebooks, “Longevity advice from Eric Topol,” is included in Google’s initial selection of premium notebooks. This particular notebook serves as a valuable asset for those intrigued by health and wellness, offering insights on achieving a longer, healthier life.

**The Prospects of AI-Driven Learning**

NotebookLM signifies a notable advancement in AI-centered education and research. By compiling top-notch sources, users can delve into their interests comprehensively, whether manually or by utilizing Google’s curated selection of notebooks. This tool benefits not only students and professionals but also has the potential to engage and enlighten a wider audience.

As AI technology progresses, tools like NotebookLM will become integral to how we retrieve, analyze, and disseminate information. Whether for academic pursuits, career advancement, or personal growth, NotebookLM provides a flexible platform that accommodates the varied requirements of its users.

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