Author: Richard

AirPods Pro 3 Offered at $220 for Black Friday Sale, Signifying Record Low Price

### AirPods Pro 3: Black Friday Offer and Feature Summary

The eagerly awaited **AirPods Pro 3** have been officially released, and as Black Friday 2025 approaches, a thrilling offer is now accessible on Amazon. The new AirPods Pro 3 are presently available for **$219.99**, a significant reduction from their initial retail price of **$249**. This promotion is part of Amazon’s Black Friday week sale, currently running, giving consumers the chance to acquire these premium earbuds at a lower cost.

#### Pricing and Availability

The AirPods Pro 3 are offered for **$219.99 shipped** on Amazon, making it one of the top cash discounts provided by a leading retailer. This price reduction corresponds with similar promotions from Best Buy, although those may be limited to a shorter timeframe. Initial offers on the AirPods Pro 3 were minimal, featuring only slight discounts right after their launch, but the ongoing Black Friday deal signifies a considerable savings opportunity for consumers wanting to enhance their audio experience.

#### Key Features of AirPods Pro 3

The AirPods Pro 3 are equipped with cutting-edge features that improve both audio quality and user engagement:

1. **World’s Leading Active Noise Cancellation**: The AirPods Pro 3 feature enhanced noise cancellation capabilities, minimizing background noise by up to double that of the previous generation, enabling users to fully engage with their audio.

2. **Innovative Audio Performance**: With a new architectural design, these earbuds provide a three-dimensional audio experience, featuring boosted bass, intricate clarity, and vibrant vocals.

3. **Heart Rate Monitoring**: A notable feature is the integrated heart rate sensor, enabling users to monitor their heart rate and calories burned across as many as 50 different exercise types. This integration with the iPhone grants access to fitness metrics such as the Move ring and step count.

4. **Live Translation**: The AirPods Pro 3 also come with a live translation feature, facilitating smooth communication across various languages, powered by Apple Intelligence.

#### Conclusion

The AirPods Pro 3 signify a considerable leap forward in Apple’s audio technology, merging exceptional sound quality with groundbreaking health tracking features. With the current Black Friday offer, it’s an ideal time for consumers to invest in these high-quality earbuds at a discounted rate. For additional information and to seize this offer, visit the

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Matter 1.5 Unveils Security Cameras and New Features for the First Time

The new version of the Matter smart home standard has been released today: Matter 1.5. The big news is that smart cameras now receive support for the first time.

This effectively extends HomeKit compatibility to a significantly larger selection of cameras, and there are more new product categories introduced in today’s release.

## A brief overview of Matter and HomeKit

Initially, brands wishing to provide HomeKit compatibility had to adhere to a specific Apple standard and submit their devices for approval. The Matter standard removes both of these requirements, allowing any Matter-compatible device to be automatically compatible with HomeKit, Google Home, Alexa, and Samsung Smart Things. As of the start of this year, all Matter devices receive the *Works With Apple Home* badge without any additional testing.

## Matter 1.5 introduces cameras

Cameras have been the most demanded product category in terms of integrating with the Matter standard. Their addition signifies that developers will no longer have to use custom APIs or integrations to work with compatible cameras.

> Matter cameras enable live audio and video streaming utilizing established WebRTC technology, allowing for two-way communication and both local and remote accessibility using standard STUN and TURN protocols. The specification also includes support for multi-stream setups, pan-tilt-zoom functionality, detection and privacy zones, along with adaptable storage options, such as continuous or event-based recording to local or cloud storage.

## Blinds, garage doors, gates, and more

Another category to receive Matter support falls under the classification of “closures.” This encompasses items like window shades, curtains, awnings, gates, and garage doors.

> With a streamlined, modular cluster design, manufacturers can depict various motion types (e.g., sliding, rotating, opening) and configurations (e.g., single or dual panels, nested mechanisms) utilizing a limited set of building blocks.

## Soil sensors

Smart gardening tools are an expanding sector, and soil sensor support increases the number of possible automations.

> Matter 1.5 broadens the standard’s applications into new gardening and plant-care scenarios with soil sensor compatibility. These devices can assess moisture and optionally temperature to assist users in maintaining ideal conditions for indoor plants, gardens, and lawns. When paired with Matter-compatible water valves or irrigation systems, soil sensors can intelligently automate watering, aiding in water conservation and enhancing plant health.

## Energy management

Lastly, support for advanced energy management makes it simpler than ever to monitor the usage costs of smart devices as well as to schedule power-intensive appliances to run when energy rates are lowest.

> The new electrical energy tariff device type allows real-time and forecasted pricing, tariff, and carbon data from utilities, grid operators, and energy services to be communicated with devices in a Matter-defined format. Devices can utilize this information to assess and report their actual energy costs and carbon footprint or to automatically modify their operation based on user preferences, tariff schedules, or regulatory requirements. This also incorporates real-time or predictive data from energy-generating devices, such as home solar systems, into household energy management and optimization.

As with prior Matter updates, it will take some time for the new functionalities to permeate consumer products, but there’s much to anticipate moving forward.

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Apple TV Postpones Launch of Yet Another Series at the Eleventh Hour

In September 2025, Apple garnered attention by halting the premiere of its new series, The Savant, shortly after political activist Charlie Kirk’s murder. The company expressed plans to debut the show at a future date, but two months on, no new release date has been issued, and the series is still labeled as “coming at a later date” in the Apple TV app.

In a parallel development, Apple TV has apparently replicated this issue with the French-language series The Hunt, which was set to debut on December 3, 2025. After a trailer was launched earlier in November, all mentions of The Hunt have vanished, including the press release from the Apple TV PR newsroom. The trailer, which was initially viewable on YouTube, has also been switched to private.

Unlike The Savant, The Hunt has been entirely wiped from the Apple TV app, leaving fans and viewers bewildered by the abrupt removal of the show. Although the trailer is no longer available on the primary Apple TV YouTube channel, it can still be found on the Apple Australia YouTube channel.

The Hunt revolved around a circle of friends who set out on hunting excursions, only to be mysteriously pursued by a competing group. The series was approved in June 2024 under the working title “A L’ombre Des Forets” and was expected to be included in Apple’s growing selection of French-language originals.

Currently, there is no definitive reason as to why The Hunt has been withdrawn from the schedule at such a late stage, and it remains unclear if it will make a return to Apple TV’s lineup. Apple has been approached for a comment, and updates will be provided if any information becomes available.

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iOS 26.2 Update to Implement New Limitations on Wi-Fi Sharing Between iPhone and Apple Watch in the EU

Numerama reports that iOS 26.2 will eliminate a crucial Apple Watch feature in Europe — the capability to automatically synchronize Wi-Fi networks between an iPhone and an Apple Watch. This modification arises from Apple’s ongoing conflict with the European Union’s Digital Markets Act legislation, which mandates Apple to incorporate various features to align with EU requirements — including one related to interoperability. Beginning with iOS 26.2, if an iPhone must share its Wi-Fi history with an Apple Watch, the company is compelled to permit third-party developers access to the same functionalities.

Nonetheless, the company’s integrated system is fully encrypted, signifying that the Wi-Fi data shared remains private. Under the revised legislation, this data would no longer be encrypted, prompting the company to completely eliminate the feature to prevent third-party developers from acquiring users’ Wi-Fi locations and constructing new profiles to target them with additional advertisements. That said, here’s how syncing Wi-Fi between the iPhone and the iPad will function starting with watchOS 26.2 and iOS 26.2 in Europe.

Syncing Wi-Fi between iPhone and Apple Watch will become more bothersome in the EU

Significant Upgrade: ChatGPT Atlas Unveils iCloud Passkeys, Vertical Tabs, and More Functionalities

A month after OpenAI unveiled its ChatGPT Atlas browser, its product lead shared on X that the application is receiving numerous new features, with even more set to debut early next week. As per Adam Fry, Atlas is gaining enhancements that make this AI browser resemble a conventional browser for routine tasks.

For instance, users are now able to import extensions, utilize Apple’s iCloud passkeys, and establish Google as their default search engine. The company has also introduced several other modifications, including a revamped Downloads UI, options to use Control + Tab to navigate to the most recently used tab, and the ability to select multiple tabs simultaneously by employing Shift + Click.

Naturally, Atlas also enhances ChatGPT utilization with a new “Insert” button in the Ask ChatGPT sidebar, a quicker Ask ChatGPT sidebar, and the standout feature of this update — vertical tabs — making the browser resemble the ChatGPT interface users are familiar with. Fry mentions it has been one of the most requested features for the browser.

Here’s what you should be aware of regarding ChatGPT Atlas

Aligning with the trend of AI-driven browsers like Opera Neon and The Browser Company’s Dia, OpenAI has also launched its own AI browser known as Atlas. The browser no longer necessitates users to keep a dedicated tab open to access ChatGPT, as it is now integrated into the sidebar, enabling users to ask ChatGPT questions, summarize content in their current browser window, offer writing suggestions, analyze data, and perform other functions typically linked to ChatGPT.

Plus, Pro, and Business users have access to a new feature named Agent Mode, which OpenAI revealed earlier this year. With Agent Mode, users can observe the AI executing actions on their behalf, such as ordering groceries for a culinary recipe or compiling information into a work brief.

OpenAI indicates that users must opt in to allow the company to use their content for training its AI models, and users can also deactivate ChatGPT’s memory functionalities and browse in incognito mode to temporarily sign out of ChatGPT.

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Apple Black Friday Offer: Get a Gift Card Worth Up to $250 with Purchase of Mac, iPhone, iPad, and More

**Apple’s Black Friday Shopping Event: Key Information**

The Apple Store has officially unveiled its Black Friday shopping event, scheduled from November 28 to December 1. Throughout this time, customers can earn gift cards worth up to $250 when acquiring eligible products, including Mac, iPhone, iPad, and Apple Watch.

### Gift Card Promotions

Apple’s Black Friday deal features a tiered gift card structure based on the product acquired:

– **$250 Gift Card**: Available with the purchase of a MacBook Pro equipped with the M4 Pro or M4 Max chip.
– **$200 Gift Card**: Granted for the 15-inch MacBook Air.
– **$175 Gift Card**: Offered for the 13-inch MacBook Air.
– **$150 Gift Card**: Provided with any M4 iMac model.
– **$100 Gift Card**: Offered with the purchase of a Mac mini or an iPad Air (11-inch or 13-inch).
– **$75 Gift Card**: Available for the iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, or AirPods Max.
– **$50 Gift Card**: Granted with the purchase of the iPhone 16e, basic A16 iPad, iPad mini, Apple Watch Series 11, Apple Watch SE 3, AirPods Pro 3, HomePod, or selected Beats wireless headphones.
– **$25 Gift Card**: Available for AirPods 4, Apple TV 4K, Beats Pill, iPad Magic Keyboard, or Apple Pencil Pro.

### Comparison to Other Retailers

While the gift card deals may appear enticing, they frequently don’t offer the best value compared to discounts from other retailers. For instance, AirPods 4 can currently be purchased on Amazon at a greater discount than the $25 gift card value provided by Apple. Likewise, the 15-inch MacBook Air is reduced by $250 on Amazon, exceeding the $200 gift card value from Apple.

### Exclusions and Limitations

Importantly, Apple’s Black Friday promotion excludes its latest high-end products, including the iPhone 17 lineup and the newly launched M5 MacBook Pro and M5 iPad Pro. Additionally, the gift cards cannot be utilized to lower the purchase price at the moment of transaction; they can only be redeemed for future hardware acquisitions or subscriptions/digital in-app purchases on the Apple Account.

### Conclusion

The Apple Black Friday shopping event takes place from November 28 to December 1, presenting various gift card values for qualifying purchases. While the promotion may appeal to shoppers, it is vital to compare these offers with discounts from other retailers to secure the best value. Similar promotions are also available in most Apple Store countries around the globe.

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“Plaud’s AI Note-Taker Surpasses Anticipations with Exclusive Discount Promotion”

Plaud’s Note is an outstanding AI-powered recorder that excels at converting audio to text, making it a crucial resource for individuals who regularly participate in meetings and briefings. The device is portable, roughly the dimensions of a credit card, featuring a sturdy metal casing and a sleek design. It easily connects to a phone with a magnetic ring or leather case, and it operates simply with a single button for recording and an LED light indicator.

The Plaud Note employs cutting-edge AI technologies like GPT-5 for transcription, providing precise outcomes with minimal errors. The associated Plaud app improves the overall experience by offering essential quotes, comprehensive summaries, and additional valuable insights. This functionality differentiates it from other AI note-taking instruments.

Nevertheless, the practicality of the device has been called into question due to its pricing model. The Plaud Note is priced at $159, but full features necessitate a subscription. The Unlimited plan is available for $239 per year, while the Pro plan grants 20 hours of transcription monthly for $99 annually. The Starter plan, which comes with the device, only allows for five hours of transcription, proving inadequate for frequent users.

In spite of its functions, the necessity of the Plaud Note is arguable, as several contemporary smartphones include similar recording and transcription capabilities at no extra cost. For example, Google’s Recorder on Pixel phones and AI-based recorders on various smartphones offer comparable features for free.

In summary, the Plaud Note is a thoughtfully crafted and efficient tool for those open to subscribing. It is especially advantageous for students and professionals who need thorough meeting transcripts. However, for basic transcription requirements, a smartphone could meet the needs without the added financial burden. The device is presently offered at a discounted rate of $127, providing a more budget-friendly option for potential users.

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Gemini Unveils Tool to Recognize AI-Created Images

recently introduced Gemini 3, enhancing its AI chatbot with greater capabilities, such as generative UI. However, it isn’t this newfound ability that stands out as the most thrilling alteration to the Gemini model at this moment. In fact, one particularly intriguing advancement in Google’s AI lies in its newfound ability to determine if an image was produced by AI.

Granted, the concept of using AI to identify AI-generated content may seem somewhat absurd on its own. Nonetheless, possessing additional tools to ascertain whether something was crafted by AI is becoming increasingly vital as a growing number of AI solutions emerge, enabling users to generate convincing content that can easily be mistaken for something human-made. The capability to inspect images for an invisible watermark in AI-generated material is now being introduced for Gemini.

AI reporting on AI

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Anker’s Prime 3-in-1 MagSafe Charging Station Delivers 25W Qi2 Power for iPhone Owners

### Anker Prime 3-in-1 MagSafe Charger: An In-Depth Evaluation

With the holiday season nearing, numerous individuals are searching for premium tech accessories, and the Anker Prime 3-in-1 MagSafe charger emerges as a leading option. This charging station is tailored for Apple enthusiasts, offering an effortless method for simultaneously charging an iPhone, Apple Watch, and AirPods.

#### Key Features

1. **25W MagSafe Charging with Qi2.2 Compatibility**: The Anker Prime charger embraces cutting-edge charging protocols, delivering as much as 25W of power to compatible gadgets. This is especially advantageous for the iPhone 16 and iPhone 17 models, enabling users to fully utilize the quickest charging capabilities on the market.

2. **High-Quality Construction**: With a price tag of $229.99, the Anker Prime 3-in-1 charger validates its expense through its upscale design. The unboxing experience is remarkable, and the charger feels solid and well-crafted, adorned with sleek stainless steel arms that boost its visual charm.

3. **Detailed Charging Information**: A notable attribute of this charging stand is its integrated display, which offers instant information regarding the charging status of each connected gadget. Users can keep track of overall power output and the wattage being drawn by their devices, ensuring peak charging efficiency.

4. **Rotatable MagSafe Ring**: The charger features a rotatable hinge for the iPhone MagSafe ring, enabling users to swivel their device for optimal viewing angles. This versatility is a considerable benefit over numerous fixed-position chargers available today.

5. **Integrated Cooling Fan**: To avert overheating during charging—a frequent concern with wireless chargers—the Anker Prime is equipped with a built-in fan. This not only helps to sustain a safe temperature but also aids in achieving quicker charging rates and minimizing battery wear over time.

#### Conclusion

The Anker Prime 3-in-1 MagSafe charger is a superb option for anyone aiming to enhance their MagSafe setup. It merges utility with an elegant design, making it a perfect complement to any nightstand or office space. With its compatibility with the latest charging standards and clever features, it offers a dependable and efficient charging solution for iPhones, Apple Watches, and AirPods.

For those interested, the Anker Prime 3-in-1 MagSafe charging station can be purchased on Amazon for $229.99, available in both Phantom Gray and White variants.

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iFixit Examines the 3D-Printed USB-C Connector of the iPhone Air

Following Apple’s announcement yesterday regarding its 3D printing process for the Apple Watch Series 11 and Ultra 3, iFixIt has performed a thorough analysis of the company’s 3D printing methodologies. Here’s what they found.

### Apple Appears to Employ a Technique Mentioned in a Medical Study

Although largely expected from Apple, iFixIt has released a compelling review of how Apple applies 3D printing techniques in its new hardware. In their disassembly of the iPhone Air, iFixIt observed an interesting aspect concerning the device’s 3D-printed USB-C port: a “chainlink-like, circular surface pattern” that confounded 3D printing specialists. At the 50µm scale, this pattern seemed quite unconventional.

iFixIt’s discoveries contradicted previous claims that suggested Apple was utilizing a method known as binder jetting, which combines a powder with a binder material for adhesion. Instead, they uncovered strong evidence that Apple seems to be adopting a technique described in a medical paper from six years prior, which elaborates on the benefits of creating 10-50µm structures on titanium surfaces using pulsed laser ablation to provide anti-bacterial properties in prosthetics. While the iPhone Air’s 3D-printed USB-C does not appear to exhibit such anti-bacterial characteristics, it seems to implement the general technique referenced in the study.

After reviewing Apple’s press release detailing the 3D printing process for the Apple Watch Series 11 and Ultra 3, iFixIt validated some of their conclusions. Apple outlined a method that involves a variety of machines, each equipped with six lasers that construct 900 layers of titanium to form each Apple Watch casing. Although the process was not specifically labeled ‘pulsed laser ablation,’ it supported iFixIt’s findings.

iFixIt elaborated on the benefits of this technique, including the avoidance of overheating the surrounding material, which prevents warping or discoloration, as well as reducing energy or material waste during production. Their article offers insightful perspectives on this pioneering approach.

Furthermore, they examined Apple’s assertion regarding the utilization of “aerospace grade” titanium in the iPhone Air. iFixIt highlighted that this term does not represent an actual titanium grade. Despite the initial enthusiasm surrounding Apple’s adoption of 3D printing in some of its products, they remarked that this evolution does not significantly improve repairability, as the method is not conducive to straightforward at-home printing.

In summary, Apple’s progress in 3D printing technology represents a meaningful advancement in manufacturing processes, showcasing cutting-edge techniques that may affect future hardware development while also raising concerns about repairability and material classifications.

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