Author: sparta

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    • Comments Off on MagSafe Accessory Enhances iPhone Connectivity with 7 Extra Ports
    MagSafe Accessory Enhances iPhone Connectivity with 7 Extra Ports

    ### Satechi’s 7-in-1 MagSafe Multiport Adapter: An Essential for Travelers Who Use Technology

    Earlier this year, Satechi unveiled its OntheGo collection, a range of travel-oriented accessories intended to streamline tech utilization on the go. This collection features charging bricks, folding chargers, trackers, and more. Recently, Satechi enhanced this assortment with the 7-in-1 MagSafe Multiport Adapter, a multifunctional accessory crafted for those who depend on their iPhones for various tasks, including video production, gaming, and communication.

    #### Design and Capabilities

    The 7-in-1 MagSafe Multiport Adapter is compact, approximately the size of a hockey puck and lighter than a deck of playing cards, allowing it to be conveniently transported in a bag or pouch. It possesses a magnetic base that firmly attaches to the back of an iPhone, removing the inconvenience of loose cables. The adapter includes the following connections:

    – **HDMI port** supporting 4K at 60Hz
    – **Two USB-A ports** (5Gbps)
    – **SD and microSD card readers** (supporting up to 2TB)
    – **Gigabit Ethernet** for dependable wired internet
    – **USB-C PD** with up to 100W pass-through charging

    Moreover, the adapter is equipped with a magnetic adhesive ring, enabling it to attach to the back of a MacBook or iPad for enhanced convenience.

    #### User Feedback

    After testing the hub for ten days, users reported a favorable experience. The magnetic base rotates effortlessly, and the high-quality braided cable unwinds smoothly for iPhone connection. An LED indicator signals when the hub is powered and connected.

    Frequent use of the SD card slot and USB-A port for external SSDs has proven advantageous. Users can transfer images and videos from a camera’s SD card straight to an SSD without utilizing iPhone storage. This feature simplifies file management, facilitating the handling of large media files.

    For added convenience, combining the hub with Kuxiu’s B10 power bank, which includes MagSafe magnets on both sides, enables users to charge their iPhones while securely keeping the Satechi hub attached.

    #### Extra Features

    While the HDMI and Ethernet ports may not be used regularly, they operate effectively when needed. The adapter is not only compatible with iPhone users but also functions seamlessly with other USB-C-enabled devices such as the iPad Pro and MacBook.

    #### Cost and Availability

    The OntheGo 7-in-1 Multiport Adapter is available in space grey on Satechi’s website and Amazon for **$59.99**. This USB-C hub is specifically designed for iPhone users yet versatile enough to work with other devices, making it a valuable addition to any technology travel kit.

    For anyone seeking a dependable, well-constructed USB-C hub that caters to contemporary tech usage needs, the Satechi 7-in-1 MagSafe Multiport Adapter is a notable option.

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    • Comments Off on Possible Collaborative Release of Gemini 3 Pro and Nano Banana 2
    Possible Collaborative Release of Gemini 3 Pro and Nano Banana 2

    the release of ChatGPT 5.1. This update was anticipated, as it surfaced in some leaks prior to its official launch, yet it still appeared to be a quick move by OpenAI. Enthusiasts of generative AI applications are likely aware of whispers suggesting that Google may soon introduce the Gemini 3.0 (also known as Gemini 3) upgrade and the new Nano Banana 2 model for image generation. Both have been observed in testing over the last few weeks, with Nano Banana 2 gaining viral attention over the weekend. Speculations suggest that Google might reveal the Nano Banana 2 as early as this week, which could clarify OpenAI’s urgency to release ChatGPT 5.1 to users.

    Though this remains speculative, it appears that Google may have been preparing for a significant launch of new AI models. Code found within the Gemini iPhone app contains the following text string, as noticed by X users who track the emergence of new software features, including AI tools: “Try 3 Pro to create images

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    • Comments Off on More than 2 Billion Email Accounts and 1.3 Billion Passwords Compromised in Multiple Data Leaks
    More than 2 Billion Email Accounts and 1.3 Billion Passwords Compromised in Multiple Data Leaks

    **The Disturbing Scope of Recent Data Breaches: 2 Billion Email Addresses and 1.3 Billion Passwords Exposed**

    In a startling disclosure by cybersecurity analysts, an astonishing 2 billion email addresses and 1.3 billion passwords have been exposed in various data breaches. This concerning information was brought to light by Synthient, a security firm that aggregated stolen logins from the dark web into a detailed database, marking a crucial moment in the field of cybersecurity.

    ### The Magnitude of the Breach

    Troy Hunt, a Microsoft regional director and the creator of the “Have I Been Pwned” website, verified that the magnitude of this breach is unparalleled. The data amassed is broader than anything previously managed by the site. Hunt pointed out that the figure of 2 billion email addresses is accurate; it comes from a meticulous tally of 1,957,476,021 unique email addresses, accompanied by 1.3 billion unique passwords, of which 625 million were previously unseen.

    ### Grasping Credential Stuffing

    The exposed data largely comprises what are identified as credentials-stuffing lists. Cybercriminals frequently exploit these lists by utilizing the email addresses and passwords harvested from one breach to attempt logins to numerous other websites. This tactic is particularly potent as many users often reuse passwords across various platforms. Thus, the risk associated with a single compromised password can result in multiple accounts being hacked.

    ### Safeguarding Yourself: Recommended Actions

    To find out if your login credentials have been compromised, you can leverage the “Pwned Passwords” search feature on the “Have I Been Pwned” website. This tool enables users to check their passwords locally in their browsers, guaranteeing that their passwords stay private and aren’t exposed to the site.

    For those with technical expertise, an API is available for developers to conduct their own checks against the database. Moreover, users can register for alerts if their email addresses are identified in any upcoming breaches, offering an additional layer of protection.

    ### The Necessity of Unique Logins

    Given this extensive data breach, it is essential for people to implement unique login credentials for every site they utilize. This approach significantly minimizes the chance of multiple accounts being compromised. It is recommended to begin with high-value accounts, such as those linked to banks, financial services, and major technology companies like Apple and Google, before addressing accounts of lesser significance.

    ### Final Thoughts

    The disclosure of 2 billion compromised email addresses and 1.3 billion passwords acts as a stark reminder of the significance of cybersecurity. As data breaches grow more frequent, individuals must take proactive measures to safeguard their online identities. By using tools like “Have I Been Pwned” and ensuring unique logins across all platforms, users can enhance their defenses against the risks posed by cybercriminals.

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    • Comments Off on The OnePlus 15 Screen: Pioneering Smart Eye Care Capabilities and Ultra-Smooth Refresh Rate Establish New Quality Benchmarks, Competing with Samsung and Apple
    The OnePlus 15 Screen: Pioneering Smart Eye Care Capabilities and Ultra-Smooth Refresh Rate Establish New Quality Benchmarks, Competing with Samsung and Apple

    With a 165Hz refresh rate, numerous eye care features, and an innovative touch response chip, this smartphone display is the most remarkable to date.

    It’s difficult to accept that a smartphone display could surpass the current offerings, yet the OnePlus 15 is set to amaze once more with its 165Hz refresh rate, new eye-friendly enhancements, and an OLED panel engineered for maximum impact.

    OnePlus is intensely dedicated to speed and gaming performance, providing a display that aligns more with “gaming phone quality” than with a standard smartphone. This includes not only the elevated refresh rate but also a specific touch response chip and a new fluid frame generation capability for compatible games, like Call of Duty Mobile.

    OnePlus isn’t marketing this display as ultrabright, despite noticeable brightness improvements, and it is not following Samsung’s lead in using an anti-glare layer on the screen. How do the features compare? Let’s examine, and remember to check our complete OnePlus 15 review to see how the rest of the device excels.

    Eye comfort and brightness

    The OnePlus 15 features the latest TÜV Rheinland Intelligent Eye Care certification, incorporating a flicker-free and low blue light-emitting display. Brightness and dimming strategies are crucial for eye comfort, particularly in low-light conditions. Many devices, including the Pixel 10 Pro, employ low-frequency PWM dimming, which can be uncomfortable for some users.

    The OnePlus 15 is exceptionally comfortable due to OnePlus’s adoption of DC dimming at medium to high brightness levels and 2160Hz PWM dimming at low brightness levels. Furthermore, the display’s modulation rate is impressively low, approximately one-third of that found in the OnePlus 13.

    However, OnePlus does not provide dimming options for this display, so what you see is what you get.

    OLEDs produce their own light, resulting in a decrease in brightness each time the image refreshes, known as modulation. Devices like the Galaxy S25 Ultra and Pixel 10 do not manage this brightness reduction at all, leading to a harsh strobing effect at a 100% brightness drop every cycle.

    The OnePlus 15 effectively regulates this brightness reduction to a maximum of 35%, making the drop much less severe and comfortable for most individuals.

    OnePlus introduced its first “reduce white point” accessibility feature with the Android 16-based Oxygen OS 16 update, which diminishes the peak brightness of the display for sensitive users. I’ve found maintaining an 80% reduction in the white point renders this the most comfortable flagship display I’ve encountered to date.

    Additionally, OnePlus launched its first-ever Motion Cues feature in Oxygen OS 16, adding moving dots to the sides of the display for individuals who suffer from motion sickness. This is a tactic seen in Honor’s recent devices, and it’s an excellent option for those prone to motion sickness.

    Users seeking the highest peak brightness will appreciate this display. It slightly outshines the Galaxy S25 Ultra’s display without resorting to unpleasant flickering PWM dimming like Samsung’s implementation but falls short of matching the brightness of the Pixel 10 Pro or Pixel 10 Pro XL’s displays.

    All these displays provide ample brightness for outdoor use, though OnePlus hasn’t incorporated an anti-glare filter like Samsung’s S24 Ultra and S25 Ultra. Nevertheless, with the OnePlus 15’s fully flat display design, it should be relatively easy to find a quality tempered glass screen protector featuring an anti-glare layer.

    Thanks to the high-frequency PWM dimming rate, viewing this display in complete darkness won’t strain your eyes. It also scales down to 1 nit by default or as low as 0.5 nits when the “reduce white point” feature is activated. That’s the dimmest I have ever observed a smartphone display to achieve.

    Finally, the OnePlus 15’s OLED display exhibits no mura, unlike the Galaxy S25 Ultra’s display. Mura reflects how uniformly pixels are lit, a particularly vital aspect for an OLED screen.

    As shown in the picture above, a consistent 50% grey image yields perfectly uniform pixel illumination when inspected through a macro lens. Displays with inferior mura may appear grainy, especially at low brightness levels, which has been a recurring criticism from Galaxy S24 and S25 users throughout the years.

    Gaming, refresh rate, and resolution

    Some worries were expressed regarding OnePlus’s choice of a higher refresh rate display, as it meant sacrificing some screen resolution. However, even at a reduced resolution of 2772 x 1272 pixels — compared to 3168 x 1440 on the One

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    • Comments Off on Apple TV Proclaims Reintroduction of Beloved Sci-Fi Show Shortly
    Apple TV Proclaims Reintroduction of Beloved Sci-Fi Show Shortly

    **Monarch: Legacy of Monsters Season 2 Set to Launch in February**

    Apple TV’s eagerly awaited sci-fi series, *Monarch: Legacy of Monsters*, will make its return for a second season on **February 27, 2025**. The show, featuring Kurt Russell and the legendary Godzilla, has built a dedicated fan base since its initial release in 2023. The inaugural season received accolades for effectively blending a gripping human story with exhilarating monster encounters.

    The new season will commence with a single episode, followed by weekly installments until May 1, 2025. This planned release strategy is designed to generate excitement and keep audiences engaged over a longer timeframe.

    The series narrates the tale of two siblings on a mission to discover their family’s connections to the covert organization known as Monarch. Their adventure immerses them in a realm teeming with monsters and the mysterious Army officer Lee Shaw, played by both Kurt Russell and his son, Wyatt Russell. The storyline traverses the 1950s and modern times, examining the ramifications of Shaw’s insights on Monarch’s destiny.

    In Season 2, the tension escalates as Monarch’s and the world’s existence hangs by a thread. The narrative is poised to unveil concealed truths that unite heroes and antagonists on Kong’s Skull Island, alongside a hidden village where a legendary Titan appears. The plot will explore the intricacies of familial and friendly relationships, all while a Titan event approaches ominously.

    Fans can catch up on the initial season of *Monarch: Legacy of Monsters* on Apple TV, accessible for a subscription cost of **$12.99 per month**. The platform is also home to other acclaimed series such as *Ted Lasso*, *Severance*, and *The Morning Show*, enhancing its growing reputation as a hub for quality television.

    For those excited to see what Season 2 holds, the teaser trailer is now available, suggesting an exhilarating continuation of this grand saga.

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    • Comments Off on New Leak Validates Extra Specifications for Samsung’s Galaxy Z TriFold
    New Leak Validates Extra Specifications for Samsung’s Galaxy Z TriFold

    Directly sourced from Evan Blass.

    (Image credit: Apoorva Bhardwaj / Android Central)

    Essential information

    • Samsung is gearing up to unveil the Galaxy Z TriFold next month, with multiple specifications now verified through recent leaks.
    • The TriFold is set to boast a 6.5-inch cover display and a 10-inch screen when unfolded, capable of reaching up to 2600 nits in brightness.
    • According to Blass, it will come with a 5437 mAh battery, a 200 MP primary camera, and a Snapdragon processor, although the specific chip is not yet identified.

    Notice

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    • Comments Off on Next Year’s Galaxy Z Flip 8 Anticipated to Showcase a Slimmer Design
    Next Year’s Galaxy Z Flip 8 Anticipated to Showcase a Slimmer Design

    Samsung is reportedly implementing substantial design alterations to its forthcoming Galaxy Z Flip 8, with the goal of decreasing the device’s thickness and weight by over 10%. This initiative is part of Samsung’s approach to enhance sales following the Galaxy Z Flip 7’s disappointing market results. The company is concentrating on significant design enhancements for the Z Flip 8, anticipating that it will lead to a 10% rise in foldable sales next year.

    The Galaxy Z Flip 8’s more streamlined and lighter design is regarded as a vital element in boosting its attractiveness, particularly as Samsung braces for rivalry from Apple’s rumored foldable smartphone debut. The Z Flip 7, despite featuring a larger cover screen and a more recent Snapdragon processor, fell short of sales targets, unlike the more successful Galaxy Z Fold 7. Samsung’s initiatives to refine the Z Flip 8’s design form part of a wider strategy to uphold its dominance in the foldable phone industry and counter potential threats from Apple.

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    • Comments Off on Preview: macOS Tahoe 26.2 Brings Edge Light Feature for Video Conferencing
    Preview: macOS Tahoe 26.2 Brings Edge Light Feature for Video Conferencing

    alongside iOS 26.2, iPadOS 26.2, and others. With the second iteration of this anticipated operating system update, the company has introduced a new feature set to be included in the official launch next month, known as Edge Light. This capability generates a virtual ring light to enhance your video calls, such as FaceTime, Zoom, Google Meet, Microsoft Teams, and more.

    Edge Light complements other video conferencing features Apple has included over the years, such as Studio Light, Portrait mode, virtual backgrounds, and Voice Isolation. While this feature is accessible on all Mac models equipped with Apple Silicon, only users with models released in 2024 and beyond can select to have the effect activate automatically when ambient lighting is insufficient.

    This feature utilizes the Apple Neural Engine, which identifies faces, their relative sizes, and positions within the camera feed. The Image Signal Processor analyzes light conditions to adjust the auto brightness, thus enhancing the video conferencing experience even further.

    Here’s a first look at macOS 26.2 Edge Light

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    • sparta
    • Comments Off on New Enhancements and Modifications in iOS 26.2 Beta 2
    New Enhancements and Modifications in iOS 26.2 Beta 2

    a fresh video conferencing capability named Edge Light in macOS Tahoe 26.2 beta 2, the firm is also actively developing additional functionalities for iPhone users. Notably, Apple is still refining the Liquid Glass design.

    As observed by X user Aaron, Apple has enhanced the Liquid Glass animation, achieving UI quality reminiscent of WWDC. With iOS 26.2 beta 2, the Liquid Glass appears more lively and dynamic, reminiscent of the presentation Apple showcased during the WWDC 2025 keynote in June. We’ll have to await future betas to discover how Apple will further refine its emerging visual style.

    In addition, the Measure app is the most recent stock application to receive the Liquid Glass makeover. Now, instead of displaying white circles for measurements, Apple has introduced two Liquid Glass bubbles. Here’s everything else that is new with the second iOS 26.2 beta.

    Tweaks and under-the-hood enhancements

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    • Comments Off on Apple Seeks Permission to Appeal $1 Billion Verdict in Developer Lawsuit
    Apple Seeks Permission to Appeal $1 Billion Verdict in Developer Lawsuit

    Apple is actively pursuing authorization to contest a billion-dollar lawsuit initiated by UK app developers, who allege that the company enforces unfair commission rates on app sales and subscriptions. The lawsuit, launched in 2023 on behalf of more than 1,500 developers, asserts that Apple’s dominance over iOS app distribution empowers it to impose steep commission fees, ultimately disadvantaging both developers and consumers.

    In a recent judgment, the UK’s Competition Appeal Tribunal (CAT) ruled in favor of the developers, concluding that excessive commission fees contributed to inflated app prices for consumers. The tribunal’s ruling alluded to a comment made by Steve Jobs in 2008, indicating that Apple did not seek to profit from the App Store but rather intended to recoup its costs through commission fees.

    The next phase for the tribunal is to devise a methodology for calculating the compensation owed to developers and consumers, with potential liabilities for Apple estimated to be between £1 billion and £2 billion ($1.3 billion to $2.6 billion). Although this assessment will take time, Apple is getting ready to challenge the ruling with four main arguments.

    Firstly, Apple contests the characterization of the competitive market, claiming that it does not possess a dominant status in the wider mobile app market, even though it has a monopoly on iPhone app sales. Secondly, Apple underscores the significance of privacy and security offered by the App Store, asserting that these standards cannot be upheld outside its ecosystem.

    Thirdly, Apple argues that the value it provides to developers through its intellectual property, encompassing tools like Xcode, validates its commission fees. Lastly, Apple asserts that there is no proof of consumer detriment, positing that app prices would largely remain stable even if commission rates were reduced.

    The CAT’s reaction to Apple’s appeal could result in three scenarios: immediate approval (unlikely), deferred judgment (more probable), or outright rejection (somewhat probable). If rejected, Apple is anticipated to escalate the issue to the Court of Appeal, as this case signifies a crucial legal precedent in the UK.

    As the situation progresses, the ramifications of this lawsuit could significantly influence Apple’s business model and the wider app ecosystem.

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