Author: Richard

    • Richard
    • Comments Off on Evaluate the Risks Prior to Installing iOS 26.3 Beta 1
    Evaluate the Risks Prior to Installing iOS 26.3 Beta 1

    Last Friday, Apple unveiled iOS 26.2 for all iPhone users. This update introduces various new features and crucial security patches, marking it as the final significant software update from Apple for the year. Nonetheless, the company is anticipated to commence beta testing for iOS 26.3 shortly. It remains uncertain what Apple has in store for this update apart from the Unity wallpapers set to be released in January to honor Black History Month, but even if you are keen on trying out Apple’s latest software, iOS 26.3 beta 1 is one you might want to pass on.

    Unlike most other beta releases, this is one we cannot suggest to the typical iPhone user. After all, it will take nearly a month before Apple launches the second beta version due to delays stemming from the holiday season. Nevertheless, if you encounter any significant bugs in iOS 26.3 beta 1 or even minor annoying problems, you’ll have to wait until the second week of January for a new build containing bug fixes.

    iOS 26.3 should arrive soon. Although Apple generally takes longer than normal to launch the second version of its x.3 iOS beta builds, this cycle is typically one of the briefest for any beta. In previous years, Apple only released two to three beta versions of iOS x.3 before the Release Candidate version was available. In simpler terms, everyone should have access to iOS 26.3 by early February.

    It is also notable that over the past three years, Apple has aimed for the end of January or early February for the rollout of an iOS update. The more significant aspect of iOS 26.3 is actually what follows it. After all, the company did not introduce a completely new Siri with iOS 18.4 and postponed new Apple Intelligence functionalities and smart home products as well. With Apple engineers concentrating on delivering this major software update, this could signal that iOS 26.3 will be a relatively minor update.

    Last week, a report disclosed some features of iOS 26.4 that Apple has been developing, along with insights into upcoming functionalities expected for iOS 27 and iOS 28. We anticipate that 2026 will be another significant year for Apple’s software updates, particularly regarding Siri.

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    • Richard
    • Comments Off on Apple’s Choice to End the iPod After Twenty Years
    Apple’s Choice to End the iPod After Twenty Years

    Apple retired the iPod series in May 2022, three years following the launch of the seventh-generation iPod touch. The rise of smartphones and streaming platforms played a significant role in this decision.

    Throughout the years, mobile phones evolved to be just as capable and user-friendly, if not more so, than the iPod hardware. Whatever functionalities your iPod offered, your smartphone could likely replicate or enhance. Additionally, it became incredibly practical to have one device that managed everything from phone calls and text messages to music playback.

    Using iPods today feels like giving your ears a nostalgic getaway

    <img class="gallery-image " src="https://www.bgr.com/img/gallery/why-apple-discontinued-the-ipod-after-20-years/using-ipods-today-is

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    • Richard
    • Comments Off on Causes for the Postponed Access to Motion Cues in Android 17
    Causes for the Postponed Access to Motion Cues in Android 17
    (Image credit: Derrek Lee / Android Central)

    Essential Information

    • Google has been discreetly developing an alternative to Apple’s Vehicle Motion Cues for over a year now.
    • The delay for this feature might be related to a new API that necessitates a significant quarterly Android release or a version upgrade.
    • Android 17 could potentially introduce the Motion Cues/Motion Assist feature in conjunction with a dedicated API.
    Notice

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    • Richard
    • Comments Off on Google Upgrades AI Mode for Search Live Interactions with Enhanced Fluidity and Expressiveness
    Google Upgrades AI Mode for Search Live Interactions with Enhanced Fluidity and Expressiveness

    Google’s Live with Search capability now includes instantaneous vocal guidance, improving user engagement through interactive discussions. By leveraging the enhanced Gemini native audio framework, Search Live can modify voice tempo, tone, and style on-the-fly, delivering a more seamless and expressive experience. This functionality is being introduced for U.S. users on iOS and Android versions of the Google app. Originally launched as a Google Labs initiative, Search Live has become essential to the AI Mode experience, facilitating conversational exchanges while linking users to web resources and sites. The recent update, driven by the Gemini 2.5 Flash Native Audio framework, supports more fluid, natural conversations, with adjustable voice options that automatically respond to user preferences. This enhancement is part of a comprehensive rollout, accessible in Google AI Studio and Vertex AI for developers. The improved feature commenced its rollout on December 12 and aims to be available to all U.S. users by the week’s conclusion.

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    • Richard
    • Comments Off on Google Unveils Gemini Image Markup Features to Improve Application Precision
    Google Unveils Gemini Image Markup Features to Improve Application Precision

    You can now finally direct Gemini’s focus with the latest image markup features.

    (Image credit: Brady Snyder / Android Central)

    Essential information

    • Gemini now allows you to sketch directly on images, enabling you to convey your intent to the AI without lengthy explanations in text.
    • You have the option to circle, highlight, doodle, or annotate, and Gemini interprets these markings as context for analysis or modifications.
    • This seems to be a subtle server-side trial, so the new features might not be available immediately, even with an updated app.

    Notice

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    • Richard
    • Comments Off on Quest 3 Offered at $407 for a Short Duration
    Quest 3 Offered at $407 for a Short Duration

    This is the finest offer I’ve encountered throughout the holiday period on ANY electronic device, and the all-time lowest price for the Quest 3, plus it comes with a $100 Amazon digital credit!

    (Image credit: Nicholas Sutrich / Android Central)

    Are you looking to purchase a Meta Quest 3 as a gift this holiday season? There has NEVER been a better moment than today, as Amazon has the all-time lowest price for the greatest VR console ever created! Grab it now for $92.89 off, in addition to a $100 Amazon digital credit.

    Previously, the lowest price we observed was during Black Friday when Meta provided $75 gift cards with the Quest 3, but you still needed to pay $499 upfront for that. This time, it’s a fantastic $92.89 off with no hassle, and Amazon even adds a digital credit for your convenience.

    <div data-editorial-currency="USD" data-editorial-price="407.1" data-editorial

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    • Richard
    • Comments Off on Toyota Innovating Integration for Vehicle Key Features in Apple Wallet
    Toyota Innovating Integration for Vehicle Key Features in Apple Wallet

    ### Toyota to Back Apple Car Key Platform

    According to a recent report, one of the largest car manufacturers in the world, Toyota, is set to back Apple’s car key platform. The update reveals that Toyota has joined the roster of companies endorsing Apple Car Key, which was first introduced by Apple at WWDC in 2020.

    #### What is Apple Car Key?

    Apple Car Key enables users to add their vehicle keys to the Wallet app on their iPhones. This function allows users to lock, unlock, and start their vehicles directly from their devices. The execution of this feature may differ by manufacturer, but it typically includes three main methods of operation:

    1. **Passive Entry**: The vehicle unlocks automatically as the user approaches with their device. After entering, the user can start the vehicle, and it will relock when they depart.

    2. **Proximity**: Users can lock, unlock, and start their vehicle by positioning their device near the door handle or key reader.

    3. **Remote Access**: Users can remotely lock and unlock their vehicle and access additional features using their device.

    Moreover, Apple Car Key offers Express Mode, enabling users to utilize their car key without having to unlock their device with a passcode, Touch ID, or Face ID.

    #### Current Situation of Toyota’s Support

    While Toyota’s inclusion in the Apple Car Key platform is encouraging, there has yet to be an official announcement regarding the launch date for this support. Information about which specific Toyota vehicles will be compatible with the feature is still undefined. There is a possibility that the feature could be introduced to current models, but it may also be exclusive to new cars.

    #### Increasing Adoption of Apple Car Key

    The deployment of Apple Car Key has accelerated recently, with various automakers embracing the technology. For instance, Rivian has recently initiated support for the feature in their R1T and R1S models. As more manufacturers adopt the platform, consumers can anticipate enhanced convenience and integration between their devices and vehicles.

    For those keen on monitoring the automakers and models that support Apple’s car key platform, a detailed roundup is accessible online.

    As the automotive sector continues to advance with technology, the fusion of smartphone capabilities into vehicle access and management is becoming ever more common, improving the overall user experience.

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    • Richard
    • Comments Off on Microsoft Ends Support for Renowned Mobile Application Following 4 Years
    Microsoft Ends Support for Renowned Mobile Application Following 4 Years

    Microsoft revealed it would phase out Publisher, one of its longstanding Office applications, and also announced it will cease support for the Microsoft Lists mobile app. The tech giant first shared details about this decision in June 2025 with an in-app notification. Since that time, the mobile variant of Lists has been gradually retired each month, culminating in its removal from app stores in November 2025.

    Introduced in 2020, Lists has become one of several Microsoft 365 offerings designed for enterprise clients. Microsoft promotes Lists as a comprehensive solution for business users to create, share, and manage a range of workflows throughout organizations. The product includes templates that cover everything from event schedules and onboarding checklists to in-depth issue trackers, and Microsoft positions Lists as a versatile information management tool. It has gained popularity among project managers, who see it as a progression from SharePoint Lists owing to its integrated features within the company’s 365 software ecosystem, including Outlook and Teams. Particularly, the mobile application offered a convenient way to operate while on the move, although it did miss some essential features found in the desktop version.

    On a positive note, Lists will remain available through both its desktop application and mobile web browsers. To use Lists on a mobile browser, users must navigate to their team’s SharePoint site and locate the app in the upper-left menu. Fortunately, there are no additional steps required for users to transfer their data away from the mobile application.

    Why is Lists disappearing and what are the next steps?

    Although Microsoft has not disclosed the reasons for discontinuing Lists, this action aligns with a broader company strategy of streamlining its software suite. From the unceremonious conclusion of Windows 10 in October 2025 to the phasing out of the Microsoft Store’s support for its Office products, the tech giant has spent recent months methodically reducing its applications. The rationale behind many of these actions appears logical: Rather than creating and maintaining multiple

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    • Richard
    • Comments Off on Android Phones Launch Function to Mark ‘Urgent’ Calls
    Android Phones Launch Function to Mark ‘Urgent’ Calls

    You can now designate calls as urgent in the newest beta version of Google Phone.

    (Image credit: Jay Bonggolto / Android Central)

    Key points to understand

    • Android is finally introducing call context, allowing callers to indicate the reason for their call — including the option to mark it as urgent.
    • This feature, known as Expressive Calling, is currently available in the Phone by Google beta, marking a first for Android.
    • Urgent calls prominently display a message stating “It’s urgent!” alongside an animated siren and remain marked in the call log if missed.

    Notice

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    • Richard
    • Comments Off on Disney Sends Cease-and-Desist Letter to Google Regarding Suspected AI Copyright Violation
    Disney Sends Cease-and-Desist Letter to Google Regarding Suspected AI Copyright Violation

    Disney has adopted a strong position against Google’s exploitation of its copyrighted content for AI training purposes. The entertainment titan dispatched a cease-and-desist letter to Google, alleging that the company has extensively utilized Disney’s intellectual property to train AI models. This encompasses unauthorized images and videos showcasing characters from franchises such as Frozen, Star Wars, Marvel, and Moana. Disney’s legal representatives also pointed out that certain AI-generated content featured Google’s logo, which could mislead audiences into believing the content was officially endorsed by Disney.

    In reaction, Google has started to eliminate AI-generated videos that showcase Disney characters. The company asserts that it utilizes publicly available data from the internet for training and emphasizes its cooperative initiatives with Disney, including the Content ID tool for rights management. Regardless of the legal confrontation, Disney is not completely distancing itself from AI. It recently secured a $1 billion agreement with OpenAI, facilitating the production of content featuring over 200 characters from Disney, Marvel, Pixar, and Star Wars, some of which will be available on Disney+.

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