Author: Richard

Texas Judge Delivers Decision Opposing State’s App Store Age Verification Legislation

**Texas App Store Accountability Act (SB 2420): Latest Updates**

The Texas App Store Accountability Act, referred to as SB 2420, was set to be implemented soon, requiring platforms such as the App Store to confirm users’ ages before app downloads or access to paid in-app features. This law intended to improve child safety online by making companies accountable for age verification, a duty that Apple has traditionally tried to evade.

In preparation for the statute, Apple had previously introduced a range of API and sandbox tools to help developers meet the new standards. Nevertheless, the company voiced concerns about the effects of SB 2420 on user privacy. Tim Cook, Apple’s CEO, recently met with legislators in Washington to address these privacy matters, stressing the importance of finding solutions that ensure children’s safety without jeopardizing personal information.

Apple’s global privacy chief, Hilary Ware, expressed the company’s position in a correspondence to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, promoting alternative solutions that would not require the collection of sensitive personal data. Ware underscored Apple’s age assurance feature, which permits parents to communicate their child’s age group to app developers while keeping specific information like birth dates or government-issued IDs confidential.

In a noteworthy development, Federal Judge Robert Pitman issued a preliminary injunction against SB 2420, considering the law likely unconstitutional. This ruling came after a request from the Computer & Communications Industry Association, which represents leading tech firms, including Apple and Google. The judge compared the law to requiring bookstores to check the age of every customer, implying it violates First Amendment rights.

Although the injunction halts Texas from enforcing the law amid the ongoing lawsuit, the state is anticipated to contest the verdict, potentially escalating the issue to the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals. This event represents a significant win for Apple, bolstering its arguments against similar legislative initiatives in other states and at the federal level.

In summary, while SB 2420 is presently suspended, the legal contention surrounding age verification and privacy in app stores is just beginning, with potential ramifications that could impact the tech industry significantly.

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Ted Lasso Season 4 Release News: What to Anticipate in 2024

**Ted Lasso Season 4: Anticipated Release and What to Expect**

Apple TV is preparing for an exhilarating year in 2026, featuring a mix of new and returning series that has viewers abuzz with excitement. Among the most eagerly awaited debuts is the comeback of the cherished comedy series, *Ted Lasso*, which is slated to launch in mid-2026.

### Expected Release Timing

The filming of *Ted Lasso* season 4 officially commenced in the summer of 2025, paving the way for a 2026 release. Although initial projections suggested a general premiere in 2026, insights from Warner Bros. TV head Channing Dungey have offered a clearer timeline. In a recent discussion with *Variety*, Dungey mentioned that the current intention is to unveil the new season around the second quarter of 2026, hinting at a mid-year launch.

### Popularity and Impact

Since its arrival in August 2020, *Ted Lasso* has won the affection of both audiences and critics, regularly ranking high in the Apple TV charts, even while contending with other hit series such as *Severance* and *Pluribus*. The show’s distinctive mix of humor, tenderness, and relatable narratives has established it as a prominent feature in the streaming arena.

### Timing with Global Events

The expected premiere of *Ted Lasso* season 4 may align with the 2026 World Cup, scheduled for the summer months. With the majority of matches taking place in the United States and additional games in Mexico and Canada, this global sporting event provides an ideal setting for the show’s return. Whether it launches during the World Cup or shortly afterward, it is likely to capitalize on the increased enthusiasm surrounding the tournament.

### Conclusion

As fans anxiously look forward to the resurgence of *Ted Lasso*, the blend of its proven popularity and the possibility of a summer release during the World Cup celebrations generates a wave of anticipation. With production in progress and a focused release timetable, audiences can expect more heartwarming and comedic moments from Ted and his crew in the next season. Are you prepared for the comeback of *Ted Lasso*?

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A Study of the Favorable, Unfavorable, and Difficult Aspects of Apple’s 2025 Prognosis

As 2025 comes to an end, here’s a recap of what has shaped Apple during the past year, both positively and negatively.

## The Good

### 1. iPhone 17
The iPhone 17 has received widespread praise, showcasing ProMotion, an Always-On Display, 48MP Main and Ultra Wide rear cameras, and the A19 chip, starting with 256GB of storage. This model has become the top recommendation for numerous users, indicating a substantial enhancement in Apple’s smartphone lineup.

### 2. Accessibility Advances
Apple has made significant progress in accessibility this year, rolling out features like Magnifier for Mac, Live Translation for AirPods, and improvements to Personal Voice. These efforts highlight Apple’s dedication to inclusiveness and considerate design.

### 3. iPadOS 26
iPadOS 26 has provided meaningful advancements in multitasking and window management, positioning the iPad as a more effective work instrument. These updates signify a pivotal change in Apple’s strategy regarding iPad usability, aligning it closer with conventional computing experiences.

### 4. Apple TV
The Apple TV subscription service has achieved notable success, with hit shows like “Severance” and “The Studio” gaining acclaim. The service is approaching its aim of becoming synonymous with high-quality television, similar to HBO’s reputation.

### 5. Liquid Glass
Liquid Glass has introduced a new visual style for Apple, encouraging rivals to innovate beyond simplistic designs. While views on its aesthetic differ, it signifies a crucial advancement in Apple’s design ethos.

## The Bad

### 1. iPhone Air
The iPhone Air, despite its forward-thinking design, has failed to connect with consumers. Problems such as limited camera capabilities and battery life issues have impeded its success, overshadowed by the allure of the iPhone 17.

### 2. Apple’s Hardware Design Status
Apple’s hardware design has stagnated, lacking the inventiveness and innovation of prior years. The absence of a dedicated industrial design leader since 2022 has contributed to this perception of stagnation.

### 3. Leadership Gaps
Apple has struggled to nurture internal talent for leadership roles, resulting in unclear succession plans. This has led to responsibilities being distributed among existing leaders, fostering uncertainty regarding the company’s future direction.

### 4. Apple Vision Pro
The Apple Vision Pro continues to be a costly venture with limited market appeal. Despite its technological features, it has not gained consumer interest, raising doubts about its product viability.

### 5. iPad
Although Apple launched two iPads in 2025, their overall significance has been minor. The absence of substantial hardware innovations has rendered the iPad feeling stagnant, even with the enhancements introduced by iPadOS 26.

## The Ugly

### 1. Apple Intelligence
Apple’s ambitious AI plans have not come to fruition, leading to dissatisfaction concerning its progress. The division seems to be in disarray, with minimal results from its efforts in the last two years.

### 2. Talent Drain
Apple has seen a considerable outflow of talent, with top engineers and designers departing for competitors. This trend raises concerns about the company’s capability to attract and maintain skilled professionals.

### 3. Tim Cook’s Compromises
Tim Cook’s leadership has focused heavily on shareholder interests, sometimes compromising Apple’s foundational values. This has fostered a perception of compromise within the company.

### 4. Ongoing Regulatory Challenges
Apple faces ongoing regulatory hurdles, coming under scrutiny for antitrust matters. While the company is defending its interests, these disputes highlight the complexities of operating on such a large scale.

### 5. Enough with the Negativity
In spite of these challenges, Apple Silicon remains a standout success, delivering remarkable performance across its devices. The division continues to set industry benchmarks, even if groundbreaking developments have been few in 2025.

What are your thoughts on Apple’s high points and low points for 2025? Share your opinions in the comments.

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TikTok Agreement Could Enhance Growth of North American Smartphone Market in 2026

**Competition in North America: A New Era with TikTok and OnePlus**

In recent times, the smartphone market in North America has faced stagnation, primarily under the dominance of two key players: Apple and Samsung. This duopoly has led to a lack of diversity and innovation for consumers, with other brands having difficulty establishing a presence. Nevertheless, the environment is set for transformation, fueled by the emergence of TikTok and OnePlus.

The possible divestiture of TikTok’s U.S. division, as required by U.S. law, could establish a benchmark for Chinese smartphone companies. This action might motivate firms like OnePlus, Oppo, Vivo, Xiaomi, and Honor to set up operations within the U.S., boosting competition and providing consumers with additional choices. OnePlus, which is already operating in North America, exemplifies how these brands can successfully navigate the market.

The TikTok arrangement could encourage similar tactics, enabling Chinese brands to navigate around political and regulatory challenges. This transition could revitalize the market, offering consumers alternatives to the existing products. The success of Honor, following its separation from Huawei, highlights the potential advantages of such a strategy.

Although substantial modifications might not happen instantly, the foundation is being established for a more competitive and varied market. The launch of cutting-edge products, such as foldable phones and minimalist devices, further indicates a movement towards an energetic future. As these trends continue to develop, North American consumers can look forward to a wider selection of options, breaking the extended stagnation and setting the stage for a more promising technological landscape.

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Why You Ought to Turn Off AutoMix: A Defective Function in Apple Music

new functionalities were introduced to Apple Music with the release of iOS 26. From the new Liquid Glass interface, the enhancements of Lyrics Translation and Lyrics Pronunciation, the capability to auto-pin songs, albums, artists, and playlists, refreshed widgets, and even animated album artwork on the Lock Screen, users are likely still exploring all that the service has in store post-update.

In addition to these new functionalities, Apple incorporated AutoMix, which was expected to be an upgrade over Crossfade. The latter has been a feature on the Mac for years, but it only appeared for iPhone and iPad users with iOS 18. With AutoMix, Apple Music introduced a DJ-style feature intended to blend one track into another smoothly, similar to Crossfade, but with more fluid transitions.

After a six-month trial switching between AutoMix and Crossfade, while neglecting to disable it each time I configured a new device, I determined that this is the least favorable feature of Apple Music, particularly if you, like me, aren’t a fan of house, techno, and pop genres. Here’s my take on the feature — what it does well, what it fails at, and how to permanently disable it.

AutoMix feels like a novice DJ

How CDs Are Witnessing a Comeback

methods to give new life to their outdated CD players. Nonetheless, the CD is experiencing a slight resurgence, primarily due to the format’s sound quality, cost-effectiveness of the media, and stylish new players.

The charm of CDs, past and present

iOS 26.3 Improves Compatibility with Third-Party Headphones and Smartwatches Solely in Europe

As reported by MacRumors, significant changes are on the horizon in Europe following Apple’s release of the iOS 26.3 update.

The forthcoming features are in accordance with the stipulations of the Digital Markets Act (DMA) that Apple is obligated to adhere to in the area. Apple must guarantee that third-party accessories receive equal treatment to its own products, whether concerning fast-pairing or displaying notifications. The European Commission (EC) commended the new interoperability updates that Apple plans to implement with the forthcoming iPhone software release, which is presently in beta testing. “The DMA opens up new avenues for developers to introduce innovative products and services in Europe,” a spokesperson for the EC informed The Wall Street Journal. “This represents another advancement toward a more interconnected digital ecosystem that benefits all EU citizens.”

AirPods-like pairing and notifications for third-party smartwatches

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Savings on 24GB M4 MacBook Air ($300 discount), Apple Pencil Pro, 240W Apple USB-C Cable, and Best Buy’s 48-Hour Flash Deal

### Top Discounts on Apple Products This Holiday Season

As the holiday season draws near, buyers are searching for the top discounts on technology gadgets, especially Apple products. This year, shoppers can look forward to considerable markdowns on a range of Apple devices, including the highly sought-after M4 MacBook Air and Apple Watch Ultra 2.

#### M4 MacBook Air: A Holiday Bargain

One of the major deals this season is on the **M4 MacBook Air**, which is now priced at an amazing **$300 off** its usual price. This reduction brings the price of the 13-inch model with **24GB of RAM and a 256GB SSD** down to **$899**, making it the most budget-friendly choice for those wishing to enhance their technology without overspending.

Retailers such as B&H are providing this deal, which beats earlier Black Friday prices and presents a rare chance for consumers to acquire a high-performance laptop at a better rate. While Amazon is also providing discounts on the M4 MacBook Air, their top offer is for the 16GB model at **$749**, which does not compete with the value offered by B&H for the 24GB variant.

The 24GB RAM configuration is especially attractive for users who need additional memory for multitasking and resource-intensive applications, making this deal an excellent choice for professionals and creatives.

#### Accessories and Charging Discounts

Alongside the MacBook Air, there are also remarkable markdowns on accessories. These deals include discounts on the **Apple Pencil Pro**, various USB-C cables, and more. These accessories enhance Apple devices and enrich user experience, making them must-have purchases this shopping season.

#### Apple Watch Ultra 2: Premium Features at a Lower Price

Another key feature of the holiday sales is the **Apple Watch Ultra 2**, which is currently being offered with a **$250 discount**. The black edition with the Black Titanium Milanese Loop is now listed at **$649**, down from its standard price of **$899**. This smartwatch is crafted for sports and adventure lovers, boasting a tough titanium case, advanced GPS functionality, and extended battery life.

Notable features of the Apple Watch Ultra 2 include:
– **Durability**: Constructed from corrosion-resistant titanium, it is designed to endure tough conditions.
– **Health and Fitness Monitoring**: Provides advanced metrics for various workouts, making it perfect for athletes.
– **Cellular Connectivity**: Enables users to remain connected without having their iPhone close by.

#### Conclusion

This holiday season offers a fantastic chance for consumers to benefit from substantial savings on Apple products. With discounts on the M4 MacBook Air and Apple Watch Ultra 2, buyers can discover high-quality devices that cater to their needs while taking advantage of significant markdowns. Whether upgrading personal technology or gifting to family, these deals should not be overlooked.

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Uncover the Exceptional Replacement for Inferior Outdoor Televisions

Most televisions are not crafted for viewing in brightly lit settings where there is plenty of sunlight. Even when reflections bounce off other objects, it becomes challenging to view content on the screen, particularly during darker scenes. I possess a Samsung crystal UHD smart TV on my patio, and even though it’s sheltered by a roof, it can be tough to follow what’s happening at certain times. Fortunately, Samsung actually offers a television specifically designed for such conditions.

Therefore, bid farewell to subpar outdoor televisions by choosing a weather-resistant model with an anti-glare finish like The Terrace QLED 4K. Offered in sizes of 55-, 65-, 75-, or 85-inches, it is available in two versions, one for partial sunlight and the other for direct sunlight. Samsung’s The Terrace is crafted to appear “vivid and bright even in daylight.” It also boasts an IP56 rating for defense against dust penetration and robust water jets from any angle, suggesting it should withstand outdoor conditions comfortably.

The Terrace receives high marks from experts, and Amazon customers appear to adore it as well, with reviews praising it as “amazing,” a “great outdoor TV,” and noting that the “picture is great.” Another purchaser points out that it’s not inexpensive “for a reason,” primarily because it is a “high quality” television for outdoor environments. Amazon isn’t the sole platform where this Samsung outdoor TV garners positive reviews. You can also discover a plethora of favorable comments on Best Buy, Samsung, and Walmart.

What makes The Terrace an excellent outdoor TV

Setting a typical television outside is likely a poor choice. They’re not built to endure elements like rain, heat, or cold. Additionally, positioning them where they are exposed to sunlight may lead to damage, particularly with OLEDs, due to UV rays and heat. Samsung’s The Terrace series is specifically engineered for outdoor use, but caution is still necessary regarding sunlight.

UVB rays are mainly obstructed by glass indoors, but outside, the TV is fully exposed. According to Samsung, The Terrace outdoor TV can handle some ambient or indirect sunlight, but “direct sunlight must be avoided,” meaning there should be some shading. Nevertheless, the IP56 rating indicates that these Terrace TVs are equipped to endure cold, heat, water splashes, and rain.

Indeed, it is tempting to pick up one of the budget-friendly smart TVs that people rave about and place that on your patio or backyard deck, but the display will likely be difficult to see in bright outdoor conditions. Samsung’s The Terrace series eliminates that dilemma. Additionally, it’s worth noting that Samsung is regarded as the top smart TV brand in consumer satisfaction ratings, and the Terrace series appears to uphold that reputation.

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