Author: sparta

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    • Comments Off on 3D Printing a Prototype of the iPhone Fold: Significant Notice Enclosed
    3D Printing a Prototype of the iPhone Fold: Significant Notice Enclosed

    # The iPhone Fold: A New Chapter in Smartphone Innovation

    Recent advancements in the smartphone sector have ignited enthusiasm among technology aficionados, especially with the speculation around Apple’s forthcoming iPhone Fold. This groundbreaking gadget is set to unveil a completely new form factor in comparison to standard smartphones, potentially transforming user interactions with their devices.

    ## An Unprecedented Form Factor?

    According to reliable reports, including *The Information*, Apple is likely to adopt a distinctive strategy with the iPhone Fold. In contrast to current book-style folding smartphones that retain a typical form when shut, the iPhone Fold might showcase a broader and shorter aspect ratio. This design decision could yield an unfolded interior display that is wider than it is tall, providing a novel view on smartphone functionality.

    While the veracity of these assertions is still open to question, the conjecture has sparked significant intrigue. The notion of a broader display might augment multitasking abilities and deliver a more engaging experience for users, especially when consuming media or utilizing productivity tools.

    ## 3D Printed Prototype

    To offer fans a tangible glimpse of the iPhone Fold’s design, a basic printed prototype has been crafted, and files for a 3D printed version are now accessible online. A MakerWorld user, identified as Subsy, has constructed a model based on leaked CAD blueprints. However, it is crucial to highlight that the legitimacy of these blueprints has yet to be confirmed, and they could be speculative.

    The 3D printed prototype enables users to envision the concept of the iPhone Fold in both open and closed states. While the folding mechanism is straightforward and does not mimic Apple’s actual configuration, it presents an intriguing chance for individuals with access to a 3D printer to investigate the possibilities of this pioneering device.

    Subsy’s model is offered in both single-color and AMS variants, with recommendations for using PLA to achieve clean prints. Although PETG is also a viable option, it has not undergone extensive testing. Users should note that the model can fold past 180 degrees, which would not be feasible with the final product.

    ## Conclusion

    The iPhone Fold signifies a notable transformation in smartphone design, featuring its potential wider aspect ratio and innovative folding system. As speculation continues to circulate, the anticipation surrounding this device is tangible. For those keen to delve into the concept further, the accessibility of 3D printed prototypes provides a distinctive opportunity to engage with the future of mobile technology. As we await official announcements from Apple, the iPhone Fold serves as a proof of the continuously evolving realm of smartphones.

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    • Comments Off on Who Produces Insignia Televisions and Their Manufacturing Sites
    Who Produces Insignia Televisions and Their Manufacturing Sites

    perfect smart television ideal for a kitchen or compact area.

    Though Insignia televisions are available solely through Best Buy outlets and the retailer’s online platform as a private label, it is important to note that Best Buy does not produce the brand itself. So, who actually creates them? Similar to numerous other brands, they are produced via contracts with multiple manufacturers.

    Who produces Insignia TVs

    Best Buy collaborates with various factories to design the televisions, which grants them cost advantages, aiding in the maintenance of lower prices on the models, alongside Best Buy’s internal promotion and distribution approach. Given the dynamic nature of this industry, these partners may vary from year to year or even between different models. Nevertheless, while Best Buy does not actually produce the televisions, as its private label, they oversee the design, pricing, and, naturally, marketing of the displays alongside other Insignia items. Once the design is finalized, contract manufacturers take charge of the actual production phase. These factories are mainly situated in Asia, which is the case for most television manufacturers. For Insignia, production primarily occurs in China.

    The firms Best Buy collaborates with for the production of Insignia televisions are generally ones

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    • Comments Off on Informative Title: Pixel Camera Glitch Hinders Saving of Certain Photos
    Informative Title: Pixel Camera Glitch Hinders Saving of Certain Photos

    The problem seems to impact various Pixel models, encompassing the Pixel 8a through Pixel 10. Certain Pixel users have reported a glitch where images vanish following background processing and do not appear in Google Photos. This issue seems to arise after quick photo captures, potentially when the camera app does not successfully complete post-processing. Affected devices reportedly include the Pixel 8a, Pixel 9 series, and the latest Pixel 10 models.

    Several Google Pixel users are experiencing an unusual bug on their devices, which is hindering the proper saving of some photos. Google Pixel owners frequently report issues with their devices. Recently, users of the Android 16 QPR3 beta mentioned a shaky camera problem, and many users of the Pixel 9 and Pixel 10 have raised concerns regarding speakerphone issues.

    Now, yet another problem has emerged for some Google Pixel users, this time preventing certain photos from being stored on their devices. Numerous users on Reddit have begun mentioning that photographs they captured with their phones have gone “missing” and are not displayed in the Photos app. A user named Blazgamer first indicated that their photos disappeared after receiving a notification stating that a few photos were undergoing background processing.

    In a similar vein, another user, portmafia9719, described a related problem where their device became stuck in a backup and processing cycle, resulting in some lost photos that could not be located. The user reported that the missing files were not visible in the gallery, trash, or anywhere else on the device, appearing to have been “lost” during processing.

    Some users speculate that this issue arises when a significant number of photos are taken in a very short timeframe. One theory proposes that if the camera app hangs and fails to finish post-processing, it ultimately clears everything from memory and doesn’t write the files to storage.

    Nonetheless, there is no method to confirm this at present. The bug seems to affect multiple Pixel models, from the Pixel 8a to the newest Pixel 10 Pro. It is still uncertain how widespread the issue is, but there are numerous reports on Reddit, indicating that at least a small segment of users could be impacted. Personally, I have not encountered this problem on my Pixel 10 Pro so far, although several users assert that they have lost photos because of this bug.

    We have contacted Google for a statement regarding the issue. If more users continue to highlight this problem, the company may take measures and issue a fix. However, for the moment, there is no solution available for this problem. We will keep this story updated if (and when) we receive a response from Google.

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    • Comments Off on YouTube Will Stop Providing Streaming Data to Billboard in 2026, Affecting Artists’ Chart Rankings
    YouTube Will Stop Providing Streaming Data to Billboard in 2026, Affecting Artists’ Chart Rankings

    Billboard serves as a cornerstone of the music industry, and since 1940, the publication has been monitoring the top-selling albums weekly. Naturally, the methods by which we engage with music have experienced numerous considerable transformations over the years. Recently, music streaming has thoroughly dominated the industry, with the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) indicating that streaming accounts for 84% of recorded music revenue in the U.S.

    Since 2005, YouTube has emerged as one of the leading music streaming services, particularly for music videos. The platform began influencing Billboard’s Hot 100 singles chart in 2013 and started affecting the Billboard Hot 200 albums chart in 2019. In essence, YouTube has impacted at least one Billboard chart for over a decade, but that is about to change next month.

    Effective Jan. 16, 2026, YouTube will cease reporting streaming data to Billboard. YouTube streams will no longer affect Billboard’s top singles or albums charts, which will immediately alter how the most popular songs on YouTube rank on the leaderboards. This change will have an effect on everyone, whether you are a casual YouTube user or a passionate music fan.

    Reasons for YouTube’s withdrawal from Billboard reporting next year

    In 2025, tracking the performance metrics of albums and songs presents a complex challenge. Music streams, album acquisitions, and various intermediary metrics must all be considered. Charts like Billboard utilize “album units” to assess a song or album’s relative success. One complete album sale counts as one album unit, but multiple individual track purchases, paid streams, or free and ad-supported streams can cumulatively amount to one album unit.

    YouTube disputes the latter aspect of Billboard’s album unit calculation — free or ad-supported streams and paid streams hold different weights. Streaming a song on Spotify via a subscription is valued higher than a free YouTube stream. Specifically, this is how Billboard currently computes an album unit for its charts:

    At present, each consumption unit for an album means one album sale, 10 individual tracks bought from an album, or 3,750 ad-supported or 1,250 paid/subscription on-demand audio or video streams derived from songs on an album.

    According to a blog post, YouTube has engaged in “extensive discussions” with Billboard about these calculations. Billboard announced intentions to increase the weight of both paid and free streams earlier this month, effective for Billboard charts dated Jan. 17, 2026. After this change, an album unit will represent 2,500 ad-supported streams or 1,000 paid or subscription on-demand streams.

    “This alteration implies that it will require 33.3% fewer ad-supported on-demand streams from songs of an album and 20% fewer paid/subscription on-demand streams of songs from an album to equal an album unit,” Billboard stated.

    While Billboard is attempting to lessen the disparity between paid and ad-supported streams starting next month, it has not acquiesced to YouTube’s requests. The Google-owned streaming platform demands complete value equality between ad-supported and paid streams. Billboard remains unmoved for now, leading YouTube to withdraw its data from Billboard charts just one day prior to the new streaming values taking effect.

    Billboard employs an antiquated calculation that places heavier weight on subscription-supported streams compared to ad-supported… We are merely requesting that all streams are fairly and equitably counted, irrespective of whether they arise from subscription or ad-supported formats—because every fan is important and each play should matter.

    In YouTube’s blog post, penned by global music head Lyor Cohen, it was noted that YouTube’s music streaming data encompasses both paid and ad-supported streams. Some users enjoy streaming through the ad-free YouTube Premium subscription, while others utilize the ad-supported free version of YouTube.

    A representative for Billboard commented that “there are numerous ways for fans to support their favorite artists, each holding a unique place in the music ecosystem.”

    “Billboard aims to accurately measure this activity, balanced across various factors including consumer access, revenue evaluation, data integrity, and industry standards,” the Billboard representative continued. “We hope that YouTube reconsiders and collaborates with Billboard to acknowledge the reach and popularity of artists across all music platforms, celebrating their accomplishments through fan engagement with the music they cherish.”

    At present, it seems both YouTube and Billboard acknowledge their interdependent relationship within the music streaming landscape and have left the possibility open for YouTube’s data to return to the charts. However, neither Billboard nor YouTube appears willing to yield on the firm positions they have articulated regarding album unit consumption weighting.

    Implications for YouTube users and the music sector

    For users, there will be a shift in how music is consumed on YouTube, with the extent of the impact depending on how much you value supporting your favorite artists. If you wish for your favorite songs or albums to bolster an artist

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    • Comments Off on Why It’s Crucial to Upgrade Your 2.4GHz Router
    Why It’s Crucial to Upgrade Your 2.4GHz Router

    If your Wi-Fi continues to feel sluggish, the problem might be with your router instead of your internet service provider. In numerous households, the internet modem obtains the promised speed from your ISP but suffers a decline in performance during Wi-Fi transmission because the device is a single-band variant that operates only on 2.4GHz.

    For many years, the single-band 2.4GHz technology was the default for Wi-Fi, but it has proven inadequate for today’s requirements. An increase in connected devices, 4K content streaming, and online gaming raise the expectations for bandwidth and stability beyond what older equipment can provide. Retaining such a router can squander the complete capacity of your internet plan and slow down the overall home network.

    Resolving the situation is simple, yet it often necessitates a hardware upgrade. Replacing your outdated equipment with a dual-band router (or even a current Wi-Fi 6 or 7 model) is the fastest solution to enhance internet speeds throughout your home.

    How 2.4GHz routers limit your Wi-Fi connection

    <source media="(max-width: 428px)" srcset="https://www.bgr.com/img/gallery/if-you-have-a-2-4ghz-router-you-need-to-upgrade-heres

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    • sparta
    • Comments Off on Apple Updates App Store Regulations After Resolution of Brazilian Antitrust Dispute
    Apple Updates App Store Regulations After Resolution of Brazilian Antitrust Dispute

    Beginning next year, Apple will permit app sideloading and external payment links for users in Brazil, following an antitrust agreement with local authorities. Here are the specifics.

    ### Some background

    In 2022, Latin American e-commerce leader MercadoLibre lodged a complaint with Brazil’s competition authority, the Conselho Administrativo de Defesa Econômica (CADE), disputing Apple’s iOS App Store regulations, which included limitations on app distribution and the compulsory use of Apple’s in-app payment system.

    Since that time, the legal maneuvering has mirrored the pattern observed in other nations where Apple has encountered comparable antitrust examination. Both Apple and MercadoLibre achieved legal victories, which were promptly contested by the opposing party.

    In mid-2025, CADE endorsed a provisional measure that would mandate Apple to permit alternative app distribution and third-party payment links in Brazil, contingent upon a compliance period.

    Days prior to the implementation of these changes, CADE and Apple entered yet another phase of negotiations, temporarily halting enforcement.

    That leads us to today’s announcement.

    ### Today’s announcement

    In a statement released this morning, CADE announced that its board has endorsed Apple’s proposed Term of Commitment to Cease (TCC), a settlement framework utilized by Brazilian antitrust authorities to conclude investigations in return for enforceable remedies.

    As part of the settlement, Apple is required to permit alternative app distribution channels in Brazil, enable developers to link to external payment options, and allow third-party payment methods to be available alongside Apple’s in-app purchase system.

    Apple must also ensure that any user-facing notifications regarding these options are “structured in a neutral and objective manner, and shall not create control measures that impede the user experience.”

    With today’s settlement, Apple now has a maximum of 105 days to execute the agreed modifications, facing potential fines of up to R$150 million ($27.1 million) for noncompliance, in addition to the possibility of reopening the administrative investigation.

    In a statement to 9to5Mac, Apple remarked:

    > “To align with regulatory requirements from CADE, Apple is making modifications that will influence iOS applications in Brazil. While these changes may introduce new privacy and security challenges for users, we have endeavored to maintain safeguards against certain threats, including preserving critical protections for younger users. These measures will not eliminate all risks, but they will assist in ensuring that iOS continues to be the premier, most secure mobile platform accessible in Brazil and we will persist in advocating for users and developers.”

    Apple has not yet disclosed details regarding the new fee structure or the protections it will establish for the Brazilian App Store, though they are expected to align with the frameworks in Europe, Japan, and the U.S. The final terms are anticipated to be revealed in the upcoming weeks, as the 105-day countdown is already underway.

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    • Comments Off on Google One Presents 50% Off Annual 2 TB and AI Pro Plans
    Google One Presents 50% Off Annual 2 TB and AI Pro Plans

    **Google One Presents Limited-Time Discounts for 2026: Seize Every Moment of the New Year**

    Google One is currently offering a limited-time discount for new users in 2026, giving them the chance to save 50% on select annual plans, particularly the 2 TB and AI Pro options. This initiative promotes the idea of “Seizing every moment of the new year,” motivating users to benefit from increased storage and features.

    ### Pricing and Plans

    1. **Basic 100 GB Plan**:
    – **Discounted Price**: $9.99 (previously $19.99) for one year.
    – **Usage**: The storage can be used across Gmail, Google Photos, and Google Drive.

    2. **Premium 2 TB Plan**:
    – **Discounted Price**: $49.99 for the first year (standard price $99.99).
    – **Benefits**: Subscribers will earn 10% back in the Google Store and gain access to premium Workspace features, including extended Google Meet calls that can be broadcast to YouTube and enhanced Calendar scheduling options.

    3. **Google AI Pro Plan**:
    – **Discounted Price**: $99.99 for the first year (initially $199.99).
    – **Features**: This plan comes with 2 TB of storage, Google Home Premium Standard, and a discount on YouTube Premium (14% off).

    ### Enhanced Features in the Gemini App

    With the Google AI Pro plan, users can utilize the Gemini app, which features higher usage limits and advanced functionalities:

    – **Gemini 3 Pro**:
    – **Usage Limits**: 100 prompts daily.
    – **Image Generation**:
    – **Nano Banana**: Generate up to 1,000 images per day (compared to 100/day on the free version).
    – **Nano Banana Pro**: Up to 100 images per day (versus 3/day on the free version).

    – **Video Generation**:
    – **Veo 3.1 Fast**: Create up to 3 videos daily.

    – **Deep Research Reports**:
    – Generate up to 20 reports using Gemini 3 Pro each day.

    – **Context Window**:
    – A 1 million token context window (roughly 1,500 pages of text) supports extensive tasks, including spreadsheet and code analysis.

    ### Additional Features

    Subscribers will also gain from broader model access in Google AI Mode and the Gemini side panel in Google Workspace apps like Gmail, Drive, and Docs. Enhanced AI features are accessible in Google Photos, NotebookLM, Flow, and Whisk, while developers enjoy increased access in Google Antigravity, Gemini CLI, Gemini Code Assist, and Jules.

    ### Availability and Sign-Up

    This Google One discount is specifically available for new subscribers and is anticipated to end around New Year’s Eve. Interested individuals can sign up by visiting

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    • Comments Off on Sandra Bullock Rejected Two Parts in a Leading ’90s Sci-Fi Movie
    Sandra Bullock Rejected Two Parts in a Leading ’90s Sci-Fi Movie

    “`html
    “The Matrix” movies – not (at least initially) as Trinity, but as Neo. In other words, the part that Keanu Reeves made legendary almost went to Bullock.

    In a conversation with The Wrap a few years back, seasoned film producer Lorenzo di Bonaventura mentioned that the “The Matrix” team faced significant challenges in finding the suitable actor to portray Neo. This was, of course, prior to the producers focusing on Reeves. Consequently, the team briefly thought about altering the character to be female.

    “We reached out to so many people I can’t recall,” di Bonaventura shared. “We were becoming desperate. We approached Sandy Bullock and suggested ‘We’ll switch Neo to a girl.’

    “The Matrix” producers ultimately provided Bullock with the script, but it never materialized into anything. Moreover, and as a reflection of Bullock’s popularity at that time, she also declined the role of Trinity in “The Matrix” films.

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    • Comments Off on Samsung Unveils Update to Resolve Ongoing Crashing Problem in Galaxy Buds App
    Samsung Unveils Update to Resolve Ongoing Crashing Problem in Galaxy Buds App

    Samsung has rolled out a fresh update for the Galaxy Buds Manager app, tackling a major bug that had been causing users considerable annoyance. The problem, which surfaced in an earlier update, resulted in the app crashing whenever users took their Galaxy Buds out of the case, leading to ongoing pop-up notifications on their devices. This issue has been fixed in the new version, v8.0.00.2500, or later, as per Samsung’s announcement.

    The Galaxy Buds Manager app, crucial for overseeing and customizing Samsung Galaxy Buds, had introduced this issue in version v8.0.00.2300. Users experienced repeated app crashes and the emergence of “Galaxy Buds keeps stopping” notifications, quickly turning into a hassle. Samsung recognized the problem and shared the solution on their online forum, as highlighted by SamMobile.

    To get rid of these bothersome pop-ups and crashes, users are advised to update their Galaxy Buds app via the Galaxy Store. By finding the app and clicking the “Update” button, users can enjoy a more seamless experience with their Galaxy Buds and Samsung Galaxy phones.

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    • Comments Off on Android Auto to Launch Media Casting Functionality from Smartphones
    Android Auto to Launch Media Casting Functionality from Smartphones

    New code snippets indicate that Google is developing Cast support for Android Auto

    What you need to understand

    – Google is advancing the integration of Google Cast into Android Auto, enabling audio and video casting from smartphones to vehicles.
    – Code snippets in Android Auto 15.9 allude to Cast inclusion, indicating that Google is in the process of enhancing in-car casting functionalities.
    – Android Auto is also embracing the Material 3 Expressive design, with new media controls observed in the latest version.

    If you have been waiting to cast videos and audio from your Android device to Android Auto in your vehicle, this feature might soon be available.

    New code snippets discovered in Android Auto version 15.9.655104 suggest that Google is looking to incorporate Google Cast support into Android Auto (via 9to5Google). These snippets were found within the Media Router framework and feature numerous mentions of Cast, indicating that Google is actively crafting casting support for in-car Android interactions.

    That being said, the report mentions that the snippets are quite general, so it’s plausible that Google isn’t yet directly implementing Cast support in Android Auto. However, it would be strange for these mentions to surface in Android Auto unless they were intended for use.

    It’s also important to note that Android Automotive already has Google Cast functionality, making it sensible for Google to provide similar capabilities to Android Auto.

    For those who may not know, Android Auto depends on your smartphone to project Android onto your car’s display, while Android Automotive operates natively on the vehicle and doesn’t necessarily need a phone.

    Google is experimenting with something fresh inside Android Auto

    Google has previously hinted at video support for Android Auto, and this might be one of the features being refined ahead of an official launch.

    In addition to Cast support, Android Auto 15.9 seems to be adopting more aspects of the Material 3 Expressive design language.

    As reported by Android Authority, the media player in the latest Android Auto version has started shifting to the revised design, featuring a new progress bar and updated button styles. This feature is not activated by default, but the publication successfully triggered it manually.

    Currently, none of these features seem set for public launch, as Google is still actively working on them. Nevertheless, we will keep you informed as these updates start to roll out more broadly.

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