Author: sparta

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    • Comments Off on 2025 Gift Guide for Apple Enthusiasts: Professionally Evaluated and Endorsed Items
    2025 Gift Guide for Apple Enthusiasts: Professionally Evaluated and Endorsed Items

    # 2025 Technology Gift Guide for Apple Users

    With the festive season on the horizon, it’s time to start crossing off gifts for the Apple aficionados in your circle. This guide highlights tech products that have demonstrated their utility over the year, making them ideal presents for Apple users.

    ## Nomad Tracking Card

    For anyone who has misplaced their wallet, a dependable tracker is vital. The **Nomad Tracking Card** works effortlessly with Apple’s Find My network, enabling users to track down lost belongings, get alerts when they forget something, and monitor luggage during trips. Unlike other trackers, the Nomad card is rechargeable via MagSafe and lasts around five months on a single charge. Priced at $29.99, it’s currently discounted by 25% for Prime members during Cyber Monday.

    ## BACKBONE One Mobile Gaming Controller

    For parents or anyone aiming to elevate their mobile gaming experience, the **BACKBONE One Mobile Gaming Controller** is revolutionary. Compatible with iPhone 15 and later models, along with Android devices featuring USB-C, this controller turns your phone into a console-like gaming system. Selling for $99.99, it’s offered at 20% off during Cyber Monday.

    ## Mophie Powerstation Wireless Slim

    Battery longevity is vital for heavy iPhone users, and the **Mophie Powerstation Wireless Slim** is an essential accessory. This 10,000 mAh power bank supports 15W MagSafe wireless charging and 30W USB-C PD fast charging. Ideal for on-the-go charging, it can even power devices like iPads. The standard version retails for $79.95, with options for a stand or a more streamlined model available.

    ## Aurzen BOOM Air Projector

    The **Aurzen BOOM Air projector** is a cutting-edge device for film lovers. With integrated Google TV software, it lets users stream content directly from Apple TV or other sources through HDMI. Currently priced at $179.99, reduced from $299, it includes an adjustable stand, automatic focus, and can be powered by a USB-C power bank, making it adaptable for any environment.

    ## OWC Ultra Fast External SSD

    For those in need of additional storage, the **OWC Ultra Fast External SSD** ranks as a premium option. This SSD provides contemporary Thunderbolt speeds, operates silently, and preserves performance with large files. The 2TB version is priced at $349.99, currently on sale for $279.99. It’s a superb investment for anyone aiming to enhance their storage capabilities.

    ## Belkin 3-in-1 Wireless Charging Station

    The **Belkin 3-in-1 Wireless Charging Station** is great for those owning multiple Apple devices. It allows for the concurrent charging of an iPhone, Apple Watch, and AirPods. The latest version, featuring faster charging options, retails for $119.99 but is priced at $77.75 during Cyber Monday.

    ## OtterBox 2-in-1 Crossbody Strap

    The **OtterBox 2-in-1 Crossbody Strap** is a handy accessory for iPhone owners. It facilitates easy transport of the device, decreasing the likelihood of forgetting it. Priced at $54.99, it’s currently available for $26.39, making it a budget-friendly gift choice.

    ## Mixx Analog System 5 Hi-Fi Vinyl Record Player

    For vinyl lovers, the **Mixx Analog System 5** provides a chic way to enjoy music. This record player comes equipped with wireless speakers and supports both optical and Bluetooth connections. Priced at $299.99, it’s a fantastic gift for those who value both sound and design.

    ## Level Lock Pro

    The **Level Lock Pro** is a smart door lock that merges functionality with style. It enables users to unlock their doors with their iPhone or Apple Watch and integrates with Apple’s Home app for automation. This lock makes a thoughtful gift for anyone aiming to boost their home security.

    ## Conclusion

    This tech gift guide presents an array of products that meet the needs of Apple users, ensuring you discover the perfect gift for everyone on your list. Whether it’s a practical accessory or an entertaining gadget, these suggestions are bound to leave a mark.

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    • Comments Off on Untitled Gaming Device Exceeds PS5 Sales Ahead of Black Friday
    Untitled Gaming Device Exceeds PS5 Sales Ahead of Black Friday

    In September, Sony revealed that it had sold 84.2 million PlayStation 5 units, outpacing all Xbox consoles ever launched. While expectations were high for the PS5 to lead holiday sales, a lesser-known device, the Nex Playground, rose as a leading seller. For the week ending November 22, the Nintendo Switch 2 Mario Kart World bundle topped sales, with the Nex Playground clinching the second position, outdoing the PS5 Slim.

    The Nex Playground is an Android-based console focusing on movement-driven gaming, similar to VR headsets or Xbox Kinect, but tailored for younger users and family interaction. Key titles include “Bluey: Bust-a-Move,” “Fruit Ninja,” and “Barbie: Dance Party.” Priced at $250 and marked down to $200 for Black Friday, it presents a more budget-friendly option compared to major consoles.

    The Nex Playground features interactive, family-friendly games that encourage physical activity. It is kidSAFE+ and COPPA certified, guaranteeing safety and privacy for users under 13. The console utilizes an integrated camera for motion tracking, removing the need for controllers. It comes packed with a five-game starter bundle, with more games available for individual purchase or via a Play Pass subscription priced at $49 for three months or $89 per year. Even with the anticipation of next-generation consoles from PlayStation and Xbox, the Nex Playground stands out as an affordable, enjoyable choice for families.

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    • Comments Off on 5 Cherished Discontinued Headphones That Audiophiles Yearn For
    5 Cherished Discontinued Headphones That Audiophiles Yearn For

    best headphones for audiophiles have simply faded away from the market. At times, they disappeared because manufacturers pursued new trends. Other instances were due to rising production costs or market transitions toward more convenient and portable options. Regardless of the reasons behind this, many beloved models were discontinued. However, for passionate listeners, the unavailability of these headphones does not diminish their value, and they are now deeply missed.

    Discussions about them and the sound they once produced continue. Some models, like the Sennheiser HE-90 Orpheus and the Sony MDR-EX1000, can still be found functioning on the secondhand market, even if their prices are exorbitant. Perhaps there is a touch of nostalgia making these headphones highly sought after, yet these models were known for delivering newfound clarity and a distinct sound experience. Audiophiles often express that classic headphone designs provided balanced tonality, expansive soundstages, or a lifelike realism that transformed listening into an experience rather than mere background noise.

    Let’s explore some of the headphones that audiophiles frequently discuss in niche forums and uncover what made these models remarkable. From planar magnetic to electrostatic designs, and ultra-premium products to surprisingly compact treasures, each of these headphones contributed its unique charm.

    Sennheiser HE-90 Orpheus

    The Sennheiser HE-90 Orpheus was a no-expense-spared showcase of technology, and it is remembered as an engineering marvel. Launched in 1991, it combined handcrafted electrostatic HE-90 transducers with a large vacuum tube amplifier (HEV-90) that operated at exceptionally high bias voltages. This unique feature allowed the headphones to produce outstanding sound for the format.

    The audio produced by these headphones was renowned for its exceptional musicality. They featured an expansive soundstage, lush yet detailed mids, and a sweet yet controlled treble

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    • Comments Off on Distinctions Between Roku TV and Roku Streaming Stick
    Distinctions Between Roku TV and Roku Streaming Stick

    Roku TVs offer numerous advantages. They are available in various sizes and from multiple manufacturers, including Philips, TCL, Westinghouse, Magnavox, RCA, and Hisense. Roku also produces its own branded models. These smart TVs feature the Roku OS integrated directly, providing immediate access to the user-friendly Roku interface right when you turn it on. You can install your preferred streaming applications, such as Netflix, Disney+, and YouTube, as well as enjoy complimentary Roku channels.

    This option is particularly sensible if you’re considering enhancing your television. Many individuals prefer to place a Roku TV in a secondary space, such as a bedroom, den, or basement. However, there are larger Roku TVs available that fit well in a living room setting as well. The advantage is their affordability, though it’s worth noting why Roku TVs are priced so low. Nevertheless, you can still acquire cutting-edge features like 4K, HDR, and Dolby Vision, along with various types of TVs, such as miniLED and QLED. If you already own a display that you cherish, yet desire the

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    • Comments Off on Expertise in Android Technology
    Expertise in Android Technology

    With the launch of Android 12 in 2021, Google implemented a somewhat debated modification to the Quick Settings panel. The individual toggles for Wi-Fi and mobile data were eliminated and replaced with a new, expandable Internet tile that contained the previous mobile data and Wi-Fi toggles. This modification sought to streamline the experience for users; however, it inadvertently made switching Wi-Fi and mobile data more cumbersome. Years after this alteration, it seems Google might be considering reinstating the old layout in a forthcoming update for Android 16.

    A brief overview of Android’s Internet Panel

    Before Android 12, the operating system featured distinct toggles for Wi-Fi and mobile data. These were handy shortcuts for those who needed to frequently switch these connections. Users could easily pull down the Quick Settings panel and tap on the Wi-Fi or mobile data tile to quickly toggle the respective setting.

    Upon the release of Android 12, Google replaced these individual toggles with a unified “Internet” tile. Tapping this tile brings up the new Internet Panel, which includes switches for controlling Wi-Fi and mobile data, a list of nearby networks, and an option to share the Wi-Fi connection.

    Although the Internet tile provides more features than the previous one-click Wi-Fi and mobile data tiles, it introduces an additional step whenever a user intends to toggle either setting. This is due to the requirement for users to expand the tile to access the mobile data or Wi-Fi controls. While this isn’t overly complicated, many perceive it as an unnecessary barrier, considering it wasn’t necessary before.

    Following the introduction of Android 12, numerous users voiced their dissatisfaction regarding the new Internet Panel, prompting Google to release a statement outlining the reasoning behind the alteration. Google claimed it designed the Internet Panel to tackle a prevalent issue users faced with network connectivity. The company discovered that when users disabled Wi-Fi to compel their Android devices to switch to mobile data, they frequently forgot to re-enable it, leading to excessive mobile data consumption.

    The Internet Panel aims to resolve this concern by offering an alternative to disabling Wi-Fi: a straightforward method for switching the active network connection to mobile data. Google recognized that long-time Android users would need some time to acclimate to the new tile. However, the company believed that once they did, they would find the Panel to be “a more intuitive and straightforward way for users to resolve their Wi-Fi connectivity problems while reducing user errors and unintended outcomes.”

    The effort to reinstate Android’s original Wi-Fi and mobile data tiles

    Google’s rationale for this decision is understandable, particularly since it must design the Android operating system considering billions of users. Nevertheless, this choice still did not sit well with power users who felt restricted by a change that “dumbed down” the Quick Settings panel. These users sought methods to revert the modification, and fortunately, a workaround was soon identified.

    Regrettably, this workaround became ineffective in Android 13, compelling users to seek alternative remedies. Several third-party apps can add Wi-Fi and mobile data tiles to the Quick Settings panel; however, they all necessitate elevated permissions since Android does not offer public APIs to toggle these connections. While many power users may accept this prerequisite, not everyone will. Moreover, this solution excludes users who are knowledgeable enough to track their data usage but lack the technical know-how to utilize ADB.

    For years, there was no sign that Google intended to reverse this change. However, following the release of Android 16 QPR2 earlier this month, new indicators have arisen. Michael Bestas, a key developer of LineageOS, found evidence within the Android Open Source Project (AOSP) suggesting Google aims to separate the Internet tile into distinct Wi-Fi and mobile data tiles.

    This evidence appears in code alterations submitted earlier this year, which were made public with the release of the Android 16 QPR2 source code. The first code alteration, titled “Add separate mobile data tile,” simply adds “a mobile data tile that allows toggling mobile data on/off.” This tile is designated as “Mobile Data,” and when tapped, it will prompt a dialog asking the user whether they wish to toggle mobile data.

    The second code change, titled “Add wifi tile with toggle,” introduces “a new wifi tile with toggle to pause and scan for wifi.” In contrast to the new mobile data tile, the Wi-Fi tile will still be referred to as “Internet” and will display “the current default non-wifi internet provider when Wifi is not default.” This adjustment is aimed at facilitating “the transition away from the Provider Model,” where “Provider Model” refers to the Internet Panel. A note in the newly added code implies that Google intends to “migrate to a Wifi-only tile,” but there is no indication of when this might occur, or when the Internet tile will actually be separated.

    At present, this modification is gated behind a feature flag labeled “com.android.systemui.qs_split_in

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    • Comments Off on Samsung’s Forthcoming Galaxy Z Fold Anticipated to Showcase Improved Camera System
    Samsung’s Forthcoming Galaxy Z Fold Anticipated to Showcase Improved Camera System

    Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 8 is set to make important advancements in camera technology, tackling a long-standing criticism of the foldable series. Traditionally, the Z Fold line has focused on productivity and large displays, often sacrificing camera improvements. Nevertheless, the forthcoming Galaxy Z Fold 8 may change this pattern with significant upgrades.

    Speculation indicates two primary camera enhancements for the Z Fold 8. The ultrawide camera is anticipated to upgrade from 12MP to an impressive 50MP, promising sharper, more detailed wide-angle images. Furthermore, the telephoto lens might improve from 10MP to 12MP, keeping its 3x optical zoom but providing sharper zoomed pictures.

    Samsung seems to be retaining the 200MP main sensor from the Z Fold 7, reflecting trust in its existing flagship technology. While the front cameras are expected to stay the same, this emphasis on the main and secondary cameras suggests a change in priorities, aligning foldable devices with the imaging capabilities of conventional smartphones.

    As foldable devices gain popularity and demand higher prices, consumer expectations for camera performance have grown. The Galaxy Z Fold 8’s expected camera improvements could establish it as a strong competitor in the photography sector, likely setting a new benchmark for foldable phones. If these rumors are accurate, the Z Fold 8 may debut in 2026 as the first in its lineup to provide competitive camera quality without compromise.

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    • Comments Off on Russian Cosmonaut Removed from SpaceX’s Crew 12 ISS Mission for Specific Causes
    Russian Cosmonaut Removed from SpaceX’s Crew 12 ISS Mission for Specific Causes

    The Insider reported on December 2 that Oleg Artemyev from Roscosmos purportedly utilized his phone to capture images of restricted SpaceX documents, including engine designs and other confidential information during his training visit to the company’s headquarters in Hawthorne, California. This mission, known as SpaceX Crew-12, is planned as a four-person launch scheduled for around February 2026, with Artemyev now substituted by cosmonaut Andrey Fedyayev. The launch will take place from the SpaceX facility in Florida, transporting Fedyayev along with three others, comprising two NASA astronauts.

    At first, officials from Russian Roscosmos stated that Artemyev’s departure was linked to his “transfer to another job,” a claim that contradicts the allegations made by The Insider report. If Artemyev did indeed misappropriate information, it would contravene the International Traffic in Arms Regulations Act, a law designed to restrict the sharing of classified information and technologies.

    This event occurs amid the unintentional destruction of Russia’s sole launchpad for manned missions. Experts estimate that repairs and restoration may take up to two years, implying that the country’s crewed space flight launches will be suspended until completion of the repairs. Furthermore, Russia’s development of rocket engines is lagging, despite the nation’s historical role as a pioneer in space exploration.

    What could justify photograph-taking at SpaceX as a removable offense?

    <div class="slide-key image-holder gallery-image-holder credit-image-wrap " data-post-url="https://www.bgr.com/2052380/why-russian-cosmonaut-removed-spacex-iss-mission/" data-post-title="Russian Cosmonaut Removed From SpaceX

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    • Comments Off on Sources Suggest Samsung’s Exynos 2600 Could Drive Galaxy Z Flip 8
    Sources Suggest Samsung’s Exynos 2600 Could Drive Galaxy Z Flip 8

    Now that the Exynos 2600 is here, Samsung is reportedly gaining confidence.

    Key points to note:
    – There are speculations suggesting Samsung intends to integrate its Exynos 2600 SoC into the Galaxy Z Flip 8, akin to its Exynos-exclusive Flip 7.
    – An international report indicates that Samsung is pursuing this due to its “significant” performance gains and to support its LSI division.
    – The Exynos 2600 was fully unveiled today (Dec 19), with Samsung showcasing major upgrades in CPU and GPU, plus an HPB design to resolve its overheating challenges.

    Interest has gradually grown around Samsung’s upcoming foldable phone series, with new reports suggesting it’s set to incorporate its latest chip into the Flip. Tipster Jukanlosreve points to a report by The Bell, claiming that Samsung may bring its newest Exynos to the Galaxy Z Flip 8 (via 9to5Google). The South Korean outlet asserts that, as of this week, Samsung is actively envisioning a future where its next Flip will feature its proprietary Exynos 2600 chip exclusively. Reportedly, there are two motivations behind this decision, the primary one being the chip’s “significant” performance.

    The report indicates that the chip’s NPU performance has been enhanced to better rival competitors like Apple. Moreover, both its NPU and GPU speeds have been boosted beyond the Exynos 2500.

    The publication, referencing its “industry sources,” also claims that the decision to include the Exynos chip in another Flip is intended to aid the “earnings recovery” for its LSI division. As usual, we anticipate Samsung to unveil its next foldables, the Flip 8 and Fold 8, next summer. The article speculates on this, while also noting that Samsung may retain Qualcomm’s high-end chip for its traditional Fold 8.

    Latest updates:
    This report comes at a time coinciding with Samsung’s official unveiling of the Exynos 2600 SoC. The company disclosed the chip earlier today (Dec 19), presenting it as the world’s first SoC manufactured using a 2nm process. Samsung claims that the Exynos 2600 abandons its low-power cores to adopt a completely new CPU architecture. This novel CPU design yields enhanced performance and improved efficiency in devices.

    Samsung began teasing its new chip earlier this month, affirming that it “listened” to consumer feedback regarding the Exynos 2500. A prominent concern with Samsung’s chips was overheating. Today, Samsung introduced the chip’s new Heat Path Block (HPB) design. According to Samsung, the HPB design is the solution we’ve been seeking, addressing heating issues that have affected previous Exynos chips.

    Additional specifications feature a 39% rise in CPU performance, enhanced AI capabilities, and double the GPU power compared to previous iterations. Other rumors surrounding the Exynos 2600 suggest that Samsung might incorporate it into its Galaxy S26 series, but not for every model or every market.

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    • Comments Off on Apple Shuts Down ‘The Last Frontier’ Following Its Inaugural Season
    Apple Shuts Down ‘The Last Frontier’ Following Its Inaugural Season

    Apple has opted to cancel “The Last Frontier” following its inaugural season. Here are the specifics.

    ## No Season 2 for ‘The Last Frontier’

    Despite Apple’s attempts to market “The Last Frontier” and what initially appeared to be a promising launch, Apple has chosen to terminate the series after merely one season, as noted by *Variety*.

    The Jason Clarke-starring series debuted last October to largely favorable reviews, but it seemingly struggled to keep its early success as it moved toward its season conclusion on December 5th.

    On IMDb, episode scores varied from 7.7 for the pilot to the lowest-rated episode being the finale, which received a score of 6.2.

    “The Last Frontier” narrates the tale of U.S. Marshal Frank Remnick, portrayed by Jason Clarke, who becomes engaged in a manhunt for numerous violent convicts after a prison transport aircraft inexplicably crashes near a rough Alaskan town.

    Apple approved “The Last Frontier” in February 2023 with a direct-to-series decision, indicating it committed to producing the full season without initially filming a pilot episode.

    “The Last Frontier” now joins other series such as “Mr. Corman,” “Constellation,” “City On Fire,” “Suspicion,” “Shantaram,” “High Desert,” “Sunny,” “Time Bandits,” “Still Up,” “Dear Edward,” and “Amber Brown,” all of which were cancelled after just one season.

    Apple TV is offered for $12.99 monthly and showcases popular TV shows and films like “Severance,” “The Studio,” “The Morning Show,” “Shrinking,” and “Silo.”

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