Author: sparta

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    • Comments Off on iPhone 17 Continues to be Out of Stock One Week Prior to Black Friday
    iPhone 17 Continues to be Out of Stock One Week Prior to Black Friday

    Apple has revealed its Black Friday 2025 shopping event, but the iPhone 17 models are excluded. This isn’t surprising, as Apple typically does not feature the latest iPhone series in its Black Friday deals. More favorable iPhone 17 offers may be found with electronics retailers and carriers, provided the iPhone 17 remains available.

    Speaking of availability, some models are currently in stock, yet the standard iPhone 17 model remains unavailable online. The most affordable iPhone 17 version has the longest waiting periods, with purchasers needing to wait 1-2 weeks for their orders to be dispatched. The iPhone 17 Pro Max is also out of stock, though shipping estimates have improved relative to last week.

    BGR has been monitoring the iPhone 17 shortages weekly since preorders commenced. The iPhone 17 Pro Max, iPhone 17 Pro, and iPhone 17 have been perpetually unavailable since September 12. The iPhone Air is the only new model that has been broadly accessible since its release. In recent weeks, the stock for the iPhone 17 Pro has also seen notable enhancements. As you will observe below, the smaller Pro version continues to be widely reachable.

    iPhone 17 delivery estimates prior to Black Friday

    <picture id="p6071a11616893b

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    • Comments Off on Apple Gift Guide 2025: Best Offers and Buying Advice for Every Item
    Apple Gift Guide 2025: Best Offers and Buying Advice for Every Item

    As the holiday shopping season fully commences, it’s crucial to ensure you’re selecting the correct Apple product and obtaining the best possible deal. Here’s a comprehensive guide on what to purchase and how to snag significant savings on the top Apple gifts of the year.

    **Updated November 21, 2025**: Fresh low prices across the board at Amazon and Best Buy, Apple’s Black Friday shopping event announced, and more.

    Apple has officially revealed its yearly Black Friday shopping event. As usual, the “deals” feature an Apple Gift Card as a bonus with your Apple purchase.

    – **iPhone**: Receive an Apple Gift Card up to $75 when you purchase iPhone 16 or iPhone 16e.
    – **iPad**: Obtain an Apple Gift Card up to $100 with the purchase of iPad Air, iPad (A16), or iPad mini.
    – **Mac**: Collect an Apple Gift Card up to $250 when you buy MacBook Pro (M4 Pro or M4 Max chip), MacBook Air, iMac, or Mac mini.
    – **Apple Watch**: Get a $50 Apple Gift Card with the purchase of Apple Watch Series 11 or Apple Watch SE 3.
    – **AirPods**: Earn an Apple Gift Card up to $75 when you buy AirPods Max, AirPods Pro 3, or AirPods 4.
    – **TV & Home**: Acquire an Apple Gift Card up to $50 when you buy HomePod or Apple TV 4K.
    – **Beats**: Receive an Apple Gift Card up to $50 with the purchase of Beats Studio Pro, Powerbeats Pro 2, Beats Solo 4, Beats Studio Buds +, or Beats Pill.
    – **Accessories**: Get a $25 Apple Gift Card with the purchase of Magic Keyboard for iPad Air, Magic Keyboard Folio for iPad (A16), or Apple Pencil Pro.

    However, many individuals prefer cash savings over a gift card they don’t particularly need. Fortunately, you can save even more through Apple’s retail partners like Amazon, Best Buy, and others.

    Apple has also shared its extended holiday return window. Products received from November 12, 2025, to December 25, 2025, can be returned until January 8, 2026.

    ### MacBook Air

    The MacBook Air stands out as one of the best values for a Mac in Apple’s current lineup, if not the best value ever. It boasts a compact, slim design while delivering powerful performance courtesy of Apple Silicon.

    The M4 MacBook Air is the latest addition to the range. The 13-inch M4 MacBook Pro at Amazon is starting at $898.00.

    ### AirPods Pro

    Apple launched AirPods Pro 3 this year, featuring new additions like heart rate monitoring, enhanced noise cancellation, and more. These are a perfect gift for someone in your life wanting their first pair of AirPods or an upgrade from an earlier generation.

    ### AirPods 4

    AirPods 4 were unveiled last year and are a fantastic choice for those desiring noise cancellation without the in-ear design of AirPods Pro. They come in two variations, both of which are regularly available at discounted prices.

    ### AirPods Max

    For individuals seeking an Apple-branded set of over-ear headphones, AirPods Max remain part of Apple’s offerings. They provide exceptional sound quality and connect effortlessly with your Apple devices.

    ### Apple Watch Series 11

    The Apple Watch Series 11 is an outstanding option this holiday season, featuring all of Apple’s latest health technologies, enhanced 24-hour battery life, and 5G capability.

    ### Apple Watch Ultra 3

    If you’re purchasing for an outdoor enthusiast, the Apple Watch Ultra 3 is an excellent selection. It boasts impressive battery life, satellite and 5G connectivity, and a robust design encased in a larger 49mm frame.

    ### Apple Watch SE

    Apple introduced a new version of the Apple Watch SE this year, making its most budget-friendly wearable much more appealing. It now offers an always-on display, a more powerful S10 chip, and the latest health innovations.

    ### iPad (11th generation)

    The iPad 11 is Apple’s most economical iPad, yet it features a contemporary design with an edge-to-edge display. It’s powered by the A16 chip, which offers ample performance for the majority of iPad users.

    ### iPad Air (M3 chip)

    If a superior display and enhanced performance are what you seek, the iPad Air is a splendid option. It’s offered in both 11-inch and 13-inch screen sizes.

    ### iPad mini (A17 Pro chip)

    The iPad mini encompasses all the finest iPad functionalities in a

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    • Comments Off on iPhone 18 Pro Design Anticipated to Showcase Two Major Alterations
    iPhone 18 Pro Design Anticipated to Showcase Two Major Alterations

    Supply chain leaks suggest Apple is in the final stages of developing the iPhone 18 lineup for next fall, with recent reports indicating that the new iPhone 18 Pro will feature at least two significant design modifications.

    ## Design modifications arriving on the iPhone 18 Pro’s front and rear

    This year’s iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max showcased a striking new design that differentiates them from earlier Pro models in multiple aspects. A major element of this transformation was the decision to adopt fresh color choices, with Cosmic Orange emerging as the highlight of the season, succeeding years of subdued gray, black, and white tones. Furthermore, Apple introduced a novel two-tone rear aesthetic, where the glass cutout is visibly distinct from the aluminum frame, and extended the camera bump into a full-width platform.

    Many features of the iPhone 18 Pro design are likely to mirror this year’s versions. However, at least two aspects are currently rumored to shift:

    1. **Dynamic Island**
    2. **Back glass cutout**

    Initially, speculations suggested that the iPhone 18 Pro would omit the Dynamic Island in favor of a new hole-punch design. Recently, two sources have hinted that we may only see a smaller Dynamic Island. Instant Digital reported this in September, and a new report from Jeff Pu supports that the iPhone 18 Pro will have a “smaller Dynamic Island.”

    At the same time, the rear of the iPhone 18 Pro is also expected to undergo an update. Posts from Weibo leakers Digital Chat Station and Instant Digital indicate that Apple is adopting a new technique for the back glass cutout to create a more seamless integration with the aluminum frame. Instant Digital’s post translates to:

    > “The iPhone 18 Pro series will showcase a reimagined back glass that reduces color discrepancies between the glass and the aluminum back panel. A cohesive, unified appearance.”

    New color selections are also expected, and Apple might consider making the iPhone 18 Pro Max thicker to fit a larger battery, which could similarly apply to the more compact iPhone 18 Pro.

    What are your thoughts on the rumored design changes for the iPhone 18 Pro? Share your opinions in the comments.

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    • Comments Off on Google Phone App to Roll Out Function Boosting Urgent Call Awareness
    Google Phone App to Roll Out Function Boosting Urgent Call Awareness

    Your Android device is set to receive a digital air horn for urgent calls.

    What you should be aware of:
    – Google might be evaluating a significant enhancement to the Phone app that may allow Android users to label their calls as “urgent.”
    – A function referred to as Expressive Calling is rumored to enable you to select a “call reason” — such as “It’s urgent!” or “Quick question” — while initiating a call.
    – The urgent label may only bypass Do Not Disturb if you are already in the recipient’s contacts, helping to prevent unwanted spam calls.

    Google seems to be considering a modification to one of the most recognizable aspects of your device: the instant it starts ringing. Latest code discovered in the Phone by Google app indicates that Android users could soon be able to mark a call as “urgent” and potentially bypass someone’s Do Not Disturb settings.

    The team at Android Authority has found a potential feature named Expressive Calling, which might alter how we capture someone’s notice when a conventional ringtone isn’t sufficient.

    The ringing of your Android phone feels like an anxiety-laden gamble. Is it a spam robot regarding your vehicle’s extended warranty? Or is it your child’s school reaching out with a genuine emergency? Numerous users employ Do Not Disturb to minimize interruptions and only permit significant calls. However, if something is genuinely critical, repeatedly calling someone is not an ideal approach.

    That’s where Expressive Calling comes into play. An analysis of the app reveals options that allow you to choose a “call reason” before the phone starts ringing, with selections ranging from “It’s urgent!” to friendlier options like “News to share” or “Quick question,” accompanied by emoji.

    Potential DND override:
    If the feature functions as intended, the urgent label could bypass Do Not Disturb, but only if you are saved in the individual’s contacts. This is crucial as it stops unidentified callers from interrupting you.

    This feature appears to depend on RCS and SMS permissions, suggesting both parties on the call may require compatible apps or settings enabled. Without that compatibility, the call reason might not display at all.

    For recipients, Android might show something akin to “Missed an Urgent Call,” indicating it wasn’t merely a standard call. Ensure you’re utilizing the Google Phone app, as other dialers may not support this feature upon its release.

    As with numerous unreleased features, this one could evolve or even be scrapped prior to launch. Google has yet to reveal a release schedule, and initial versions of Expressive Calling don’t seem to be operational for anyone at this moment.

    Nevertheless, the intricacy of the code suggests it’s a feature poised for introduction, likely starting on Pixel phones before it becomes available on other Android devices.

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    • Comments Off on “Android Users Are Now Able to Link Live Cameras with the Matter 1.5 Update”
    “Android Users Are Now Able to Link Live Cameras with the Matter 1.5 Update”

    The Connectivity Standard Alliance (CSA) has unveiled the launch of its newest update, Matter 1.5, which brings significant improvements for smart home gadgets. This upgrade is especially remarkable for its camera support, allowing live video and audio streaming, along with extra controls like multi-stream setups, pan-tilt-zoom, detection and privacy zones, and adaptable storage options. Developers can now create cameras with Matter compatibility, ensuring smooth integration with current apps and services.

    Matter 1.5 also broadens support to “closures,” such as window shades, drapes, awnings, gates, and garage doors. This enables smart home device manufacturers to depict various motion types, including sliding and rotating, and to set up single/dual panels and nested systems. Furthermore, the update introduces Soil Sensor support for tracking moisture and temperature in both indoor and outdoor plants.

    The CSA is also enhancing energy management capabilities with Matter 1.5, allowing devices to share standardized data regarding energy pricing, tariffs, and grid carbon intensity. The SDK and testing tools for Matter 1.5 are accessible for Alliance members, and consumers can anticipate seeing these new features in their smart home products shortly.

    This upgrade follows the Matter 1.4 release, which broadened device support for items like water heaters and heat pumps and enhanced thermostat functionality. The subsequent Matter 1.4.1 minor update concentrated on streamlining the setup experience for consumers through Multi-Device Setup QR Codes and NFC tags.

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    • Comments Off on US Congressman Expresses Worry About AI Integration in Call of Duty: Black Ops 7
    US Congressman Expresses Worry About AI Integration in Call of Duty: Black Ops 7

    <picking up attributes such as website development and coding support, it has begun to infiltrate what was once the exclusive domain of human creators, including the intricate aspects of video game production. For instance, earlier this year, Nvidia introduced a system designed to employ GenAI to generate lifelike NPCs in games like "PUBG." A particularly abundant recent illustration of this is the substantial quantity of GenAI-generated artwork that players have discovered in the newly launched "Call of Duty: Black Ops 7," which Activision Blizzard ultimately acknowledged following public backlash.

    The inclusion of GenAI art in such a significant release has raised concerns among some that human employees are being gradually excluded from this vast industry, including United States Congressman Ro Khanna. On his personal X account, formerly known as Twitter, California Congressman Khanna reacted to a tweet that underscored the existence of GenAI artwork within “Black Ops 7’s” fundamental assets, especially the game’s calling cards, posters, and reward icons.

    “We require regulations that stop companies from leveraging AI to eliminate jobs for the sake of maximizing profits,” Congressman

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    • Comments Off on Android Devices Set to Get New AI Image Recognition Functionality
    Android Devices Set to Get New AI Image Recognition Functionality

    Nonetheless, it cannot eliminate every deepfake.

    (Image credit: Future)

    Essential information

    • Gemini now detects AI-generated images and flags any photo that contains Google’s concealed SynthID watermark.
    • Nevertheless, Gemini can only verify an image as AI-created if it was generated using Google’s own AI that employs SynthID.
    • Google intends to broaden this detection capability to audio, video, and Search outcomes next.

    Notice

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    • Comments Off on Budget-Friendly Premium Headphones: Leading 2025 Model Now Offered at $99
    Budget-Friendly Premium Headphones: Leading 2025 Model Now Offered at $99

    The Baseus Bose-powered Inspire XH1 is currently priced at just $99, making it a must-recommend.

    (Image credit: Apoorva Bhardwaj / Android Central)

    If Baseus is new to you, this Chinese brand is renowned for offering chargers, power banks, and various accessories. It also produces audio devices and teamed up with Bose earlier this year to launch the Inspire line, comprising the XH1 headset and XP1 earbuds.

    The XH1 headset stands out particularly well; its sound quality is very much like that of Bose’s QuietComfort headphones, thanks to Bose’s tuning. The design is almost indistinguishable from Bose headsets, but since it’s a Baseus product, the price is significantly lower. The XH1 is priced at $149, and it is <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://target.georiot.com/Proxy.ashx?tsid=169923&GR_URL=https%3A%2F%2Famazon.com%2FBaseus-Inspire-XH1-Cancelling-Headphones%2Fdp%2FB0FLPYQ693%3Ftag%3Dhawk-future-20%26ascsubtag%3Dac-gb-5070352147911036427-20" data-url="https://www.amazon.com/Baseus-Inspire-XH1-Cancelling-Headphones/dp/B0FLPYQ693" target="_blank" referrerpolicy="no-referrer-when-downgrade" rel="sponsored noopener" data-hl-processed="hawklinks" data-google-interstitial="false" data-placeholder-url="https://target.georiot.com/Proxy.ashx?tsid=169923&GR_URL=https%3A%2F%2Famazon.com%2FBaseus-Inspire-XH1-Cancelling-Headphones%2

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    • Comments Off on WiiM’s Amp Ultra Gets Significant Price Cut for a Short Period
    WiiM’s Amp Ultra Gets Significant Price Cut for a Short Period

    The WiiM Amp Ultra is presently priced at $423, marking a substantial reduction from its initial cost of $529. This network streamer is a remarkable offering from WiiM, celebrated for its high-quality audio gear. The Amp Ultra integrates a strong DAC with a 100W amplifier, a minimalist aesthetic, and a 3.5-inch built-in display, rendering it a flexible option for audio aficionados.

    The unit excels at powering demanding audio systems, such as the Wharfedale Lintons, providing exquisite sound fidelity. The Amp Ultra’s construction boasts a full-metal chassis with an industrial design, a multifunction rotary control, and a user-friendly remote. It delivers 100W per channel at 8Ω, ramping up to 200W at 4Ω, and is equipped with an ESS 9039Q2M Sabre DAC for exceptional audio quality.

    Compatibility with major music streaming services and room correction features boost its desirability, alongside multi-room audio capabilities. The WiiM mobile application offers a streamlined interface with a range of customization possibilities. However, the Amp Ultra does not support AirPlay, which could be a limitation for certain users.

    In summary, the Amp Ultra is an excellent option for anyone in search of a powerful, intelligent amplifier with an elegant look, and it is currently offered at a lower price on Amazon.

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