Author: sparta

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    • Comments Off on Apple Confirms Ongoing Dedication to China in Meeting with Ministry of Commerce
    Apple Confirms Ongoing Dedication to China in Meeting with Ministry of Commerce

    ### Apple Commits to Long-Term Development in China

    In a recent discussion with Li Chenggang, China’s International Trade Negotiator and Vice Minister of Commerce, Apple Chief Operating Officer Sabih Khan underscored the firm’s dedication to sustained development and investment in China. This declaration follows a series of assurances from Apple leaders about their commitment to the Chinese market, especially considering the ongoing U.S.–China trade dynamics and the company’s initiatives to diversify its supply chain.

    #### Background

    Earlier this year, Apple CEO Tim Cook traveled to China, where he reassured Chinese officials of Apple’s continued commitment to investing in the area. His statements coincided with a resurgence in iPhone sales in China, emphasizing the significance of the Chinese market for Apple’s overarching business strategy.

    #### Recent Developments

    During his conversation with Chinese officials, Sabih Khan reaffirmed Apple’s enduring relationship with its Chinese partners. Per a report from the Ministry of Commerce of the People’s Republic of China, Khan remarked that Apple appreciates the capabilities and potential of China’s supply chain. He outlined the firm’s intentions to keep boosting investments across various sectors, such as supply chain development, research and development, and social welfare projects within China. Khan stressed an emphasis on intelligence, sustainability, and integration to realize shared benefits and win-win scenarios.

    #### Economic Impact

    In the previous fiscal quarter, Greater China represented 14% of Apple’s overall revenue, highlighting the area’s importance to the company’s financial stability. Despite Apple’s ongoing endeavors to diversify its production, particularly for devices aimed at the U.S. market, China continues to be a crucial center for manufacturing and assembly.

    Apple’s reaffirmation of its commitment to China embodies a strategic choice to sustain robust connections with one of its largest markets while navigating the intricacies of international trade affairs. As the company persists in investing in the region, it intends to cultivate a collaborative setting that advantages both Apple and its Chinese partners.

    ### Conclusion

    Apple’s ongoing investments and commitment to China indicate its awareness of the country’s essential role in its global operations. As the company adjusts to evolving market conditions and geopolitical obstacles, its emphasis on long-term development in China is likely to remain an integral part of its strategy moving ahead.

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    • Comments Off on The Twilight Zone Episode That Influenced Michael B. Jordan’s “Sinners”
    The Twilight Zone Episode That Influenced Michael B. Jordan’s “Sinners”

    sci-fi films inspired by timeless short narratives, or even a Matt Damon romantic sci-fi film adapted from a Philip K. Dick tale, demonstrates that the film sector is adept at exploring every possible concept. For director Ryan Coogler, the muse for his 2025 Southern-Gothic horror film “Sinners” originated from a reference some sci-fi enthusiasts may find recognizable.

    In his conversation with the media, Coogler shared an array of influential works that ignited his creative process for “Sinners,” notably an episode from Season 3 of the iconic series “The Twilight Zone” called “The Last Rites of Jeff Myrtlebank.” It is essential to clarify that we are referring to the original 1959 series by creator and performer Rod Serling, not the 2019 Jordan Peele reboot of “The Twilight Zone.” The summary of this particular episode may sound familiar to fans of “Sinners.”

    Featuring Michael B. Jordan, Jack O’Connell, and Hailee Steinfeld, “Sinners” has garnered significant attention since its U.S. premiere in April 2025. With a domestic opening of $48 million, the film has accrued nearly $368 million globally. As of this writing, it has also received 187 award nominations and secured 69 wins. This includes multiple nominations for the 2026 Critics Choice Awards, such as Best Picture, Best Director for Ryan Coogler, and Best Actor for Michael B. Jordan.

    Sinners draws from a sci-fi classic

    A photo of actor Micheal B. Jordan and director Ryan Coogler, both dressed in tuxedos standing next to each other, at an award ceremony.

    Frazer Harrison/Getty Images

    In a discussion with SciFiNow in January 2025, director Ryan Co

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    • Comments Off on Concerns Emerge About Galaxy S26 Performance After Modem Change Speculations
    Concerns Emerge About Galaxy S26 Performance After Modem Change Speculations

    Rumors have persisted that the next flagship might feature the Exynos 2600, and this report brings more to consider.

    What you should know

    – Reports indicate that the Exynos 2600 lacks an integrated modem, potentially leading to “efficiency concerns” for the Galaxy S26.
    – Speculations suggest that a separate modem could produce additional heat and require more power from the S26 series, resulting in efficiency problems.
    – While nothing is officially confirmed, Samsung’s Exynos 2600 was unveiled earlier this month with an HPB design aimed at addressing heating issues, featuring a 39% improved CPU and double the GPU performance.

    The Galaxy S26 rumors are inescapable, and this recent report highlights a possible issue for the forthcoming series.

    This report was issued by The Elec (South Korean), which asserts that the new Galaxy S26 will not only incorporate the Exynos 2600 but will also implement a significant modem alteration (via Android Authority). According to its sources, the Exynos 2600 lacks an “integrated” modem. Because of this, the report suggests the devices could utilize an external modem, potentially compromising their efficiency.

    Nothing has been confirmed yet, as these remain speculative, but the publication described how consumers might end up with a Galaxy S26 that is less power-efficient.

    The publication notes that, with an integrated design, Samsung could conserve on wiring and space, resulting in a chip that requires less power and operates cooler. However, if the devices (and chip) separate the modem into its own compartment, then “reduced power efficiency and increased heat generation” could be a reality. The post emphasizes an industry insider who conjectures that the “number of functions within the AP increased” in the Exynos 2600, leading Samsung to “remove the modem to save space.”

    Nonetheless, this source also expressed caution regarding the potential “performance-to-power” balance of the new flagship series, should this less-efficient phone speculation turn out to be true.

    Concerns are present

    The Exynos 2600 was launched on December 19 after Samsung previewed its arrival earlier this month. This SoC represents the first product of its kind using a 2nm process, featuring low-power CPU cores and a new CPU configuration designed to deliver superior performance and improved efficiency. Specifically, the Exynos 2600 showcases a 39% CPU enhancement with double the GPU capacity.

    Additionally, Samsung has integrated an HPB design (Heat Path Block) into the Exynos 2600. This HPB is expected to address the heating issues that have previously affected numerous Samsung custom chips.

    All these factors combined are what we should be wary of with these “less-efficient” Galaxy S26 rumors. Android Authority noted something akin, suggesting that Samsung may have packed sufficient upgrades into the SoC to counterbalance any challenges posed by a separate modem. If that occurs, then consumers might not perceive any difference. Regardless, not every market is rumored to receive an Exynos-powered Galaxy S26.

    Other Samsung speculations involve the Galaxy Z Flip 8, with reports indicating that the company might continue to provide the foldable as an Exynos-exclusive model, similar to the Flip 7.

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    • Comments Off on New Functionality in iOS 26 Reminders Application Takes Cues from Calendar
    New Functionality in iOS 26 Reminders Application Takes Cues from Calendar

    Apple’s Reminders application has undergone noteworthy improvements, especially with the launch of time zone support in iOS 26. This feature is particularly advantageous for those traveling, as it facilitates better task management across varying time zones.

    ### Reminders Introduces Time Zone Features in iOS 26

    With the holiday season on the horizon, the necessity for efficient task management rises. The newly added time zone support in the Reminders app meets this demand by providing two essential functionalities:

    1. **Specific Time Zone Assignment**: Users now have the option to specify a time zone for each reminder.
    2. **Default Time Zone Selection**: Users can select a default time zone applicable to all reminders.

    This enhancement is inspired by the Apple Calendar app, which has consistently offered extensive time zone features.

    #### How to Access Time Zone Settings

    In iOS 26, users can access the updated time zone settings through a few methods:

    – **Per-Reminder Time Zone**: During the creation of a new reminder, users will see a “Time Zone” option below the time setting. This enables changes on a reminder-specific basis.

    – **Overall Time Zone Preference**: For frequent travelers, a global time zone preference can be modified in the Settings app. Go to Settings > Apps > Reminders, and look for the Time Zone menu to change the default location-based setting.

    Once the ‘Set Manually’ option is enabled, a time zone icon will show at the top of the Reminders app interface, allowing for quick visibility and adjustments of the default time zone without returning to the Settings.

    ### Conclusion

    The time zone functionalities in iOS 26 considerably improve the Reminders app’s usability, making it an essential tool for anyone traveling, whether for leisure or business. Users can now handle their tasks with increased accuracy, ensuring they remain organized regardless of their whereabouts.

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    • Comments Off on WhatsApp Creates Interaction Features Based on Quizzes for Channels
    WhatsApp Creates Interaction Features Based on Quizzes for Channels

    The most recent WhatsApp beta for iOS unveils an exciting new functionality named Channel Quiz, designed to boost engagement within channels. This feature permits channel administrators to create and distribute quizzes to their followers, promoting a more lively user experience.

    ### Crafted to Introduce a More Interactive Element to Channels

    As reported by WABetaInfo, the Channel Quiz feature allows admins to create questions and offer multiple answer choices, which can also include images for each option. This versatility supports a broad array of content types, from visual tests to educational queries. In contrast to standard polls, quizzes necessitate that admins identify one answer as the correct one prior to publication, ensuring that the interaction focuses on knowledge rather than personal belief. This straightforwardness aids participants in grasping the purpose of the quiz, as they can quickly determine if their response is accurate.

    When users choose the right answer, they are celebrated with a confetti animation, introducing a playful aspect to the experience. Admins gain insights into participant involvement, as they can analyze a summary of answers. Nonetheless, there are privacy measures in place: if participants are not among the admin’s contacts, their involvement is visible but with restricted information. Depending on privacy preferences, only a profile image may be shown, while personal information such as phone numbers and names remain confidential, ensuring user privacy while still offering useful participation metrics.

    The introduction of the quiz feature on the WhatsApp beta for iOS follows a comparable launch on the Android beta, indicating that a broader release could be on the horizon.

    This new functionality is anticipated to greatly enhance user interaction within WhatsApp channels, rendering engagements more informative and enjoyable for users.

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    • Comments Off on Apple Alerts Staff Regarding Potential Risks of Departing the U.S. Amidst Return Delays
    Apple Alerts Staff Regarding Potential Risks of Departing the U.S. Amidst Return Delays

    ### Visa Travel Alerts for Apple Staff: Grasping the Present Situation

    According to *Business Insider*, a legal firm representing Apple has issued a precautionary message to certain employees with visas concerning international travel. This notice underscores the likelihood of prolonged and unpredictable delays upon re-entering the United States, leading several tech firms, including Microsoft and Google, to advise employees against traveling abroad.

    #### The Caution from Apple’s Legal Team

    A memorandum from Fragomen, the law firm advising Apple, cautioned employees lacking a current H-1B visa stamp to avoid trips outside the country. The memorandum highlighted the dangers linked to international travel, stating, “In light of the latest updates and the chance of unpredictable, prolonged delays upon returning to the U.S., we strongly advise that employees without a valid H-1B visa stamp refrain from international travel at this time.” Employees were also urged to seek guidance from Apple Immigration and Fragomen if travel cannot be sidestepped.

    #### Visa Processing Hold-Ups

    The urgency surrounding this advisory arises from substantial delays in visa processing, worsened by a recently implemented social media screening requirement. In the fiscal year 2024, Apple submitted 3,880 H-1B visa applications, illustrating the company’s dependence on global talent. However, these submissions are experiencing processing delays of up to 12 months, with countless appointments at U.S. embassies around the globe being deferred.

    The new requirement stipulates that H-1B visa candidates, along with their dependents and various visa categories, must reveal all social media usernames used in the last five years on the DS-160 visa application form. Furthermore, applicants are required to make their social media profiles public, enabling consular officers to examine their online activities.

    #### Worldwide Effect of Delays

    The delays are not confined to one area; American consulates and embassies worldwide are facing significant backlogs in standard visa appointments. Nations such as Ireland and Vietnam have indicated considerable delays, impacting many visa holders and their travel capabilities.

    #### Final Thoughts

    The recommendations from Apple and other tech companies highlight the intricacies and difficulties confronted by visa holders in the current immigration environment. As employees deal with these unpredictable circumstances, it remains essential for them to stay informed and engaged with their company’s immigration support to minimize risks linked to international travel.

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    • Comments Off on Top 5 Apple Devices of 2025: An In-Depth Analysis
    Top 5 Apple Devices of 2025: An In-Depth Analysis

    With the end of 2025 approaching, it’s time to reflect on all that Apple introduced in the previous twelve months. Unlike some previous years, the company didn’t inundate us with new hardware, yet 2025 still delivered numerous thrilling surprises for enthusiasts.

    In June, Apple showcased iOS 26 along with other significant updates for its software ecosystem. Transitioning from iOS 19 to iOS 26 brought uniformity to the expanding array of products and their standalone software, coupled with a fresh method to enhance the interconnectedness of Apple devices, particularly the iPhone, iPad, and Mac, featuring the introduction of the Liquid Glass user interface.

    With the anticipated debut of the first iPhone Fold next year alongside a completely refreshed MacBook Pro equipped with Face ID, touch screen, and even 5G functionality, it makes sense for Apple to blend the capabilities of the iPhone, iPad, and Mac. Meanwhile, as we await Apple’s upcoming year of launches, we reflected on the products the company introduced in 2025 and which ones stand out as the finest.

    iPhone 17

    As chatter about the iPhone 17 began to circulate, I must admit I wasn’t overly enthusiastic about this specific model. After all, while Apple would unveil brand-new designs for the Pro and Air series, the standard version appeared to resemble the iPhone 16 almost entirely. While the base model was indeed the top iPhone Apple presented in 2024, what would motivate an upgrade?

    However, upon the iPhone 17’s arrival, it turned out to be a sensation. First and foremost, Apple retained the same pricing while boosting the base storage to 256GB—twice the capacity of the previous version. Enhanced battery life, a more effective processor, and exciting new colors contributed to making this iPhone a highly desirable option for those looking to upgrade.

    Moreover, Apple made substantial enhancements to the cameras on the iPhone 17, with the front-facing lens receiving the upgrade it warranted, alongside the addition of two 48MP sensors to the main cameras. Mixing all of that with a more durable iPhone featuring Ceramic Shield 2 and Apple’s own Wi-Fi and Bluetooth chip, the iPhone 17 could be considered the best non-Pro iPhone the company has ever released. Furthermore, rumors indicate this iPhone will remain available until early 2027, implying that purchasers now shouldn’t feel tempted by a new base model anytime soon.

    iPhone 17 Pro Max

    To be honest, it’s not every year that the Pro model turns out to be the best iPhone that Apple produces. For the past three years, the standard model has outshone the Pro in terms of value, but this year’s scenario is different. Apple significantly elevated its standards with the iPhone 17 Pro Max. While the design and color options might provoke mixed opinions, the company finally bestowed the high-end models with the premium experience they deserved.

    The new A19 Pro chip is quicker and more efficient than ever, and when users push its limits, a newly incorporated vapor chamber efficiently cools the device. In practical use, this translates to a display that rarely dims, unlike in previous generations, with extended battery life.

    The selfie camera enhancement on the iPhone 17 Pro Max is also notable, and having three 48MP lenses on the rear with improved optical zoom makes capturing videos and photos an even more enjoyable experience. Other advancements encompass Ceramic Shield 2, a proprietary Wi-Fi and Bluetooth chip, and storage options of up to 2TB, making this iPhone even more advantageous for content creators. Overall, the iPhone 17 Pro Max stands as a robust choice to retain for years ahead, at least until the company reveals its anticipated iPhone 20.

    Apple Watch SE 3

    Three years later, Apple has thoroughly redefined the Apple Watch SE. In its third generation, this smartwatch remarkably stands out as the best choice for Apple users in 2025. While the Apple Watch Series 11 or Apple Watch Ultra 3 can serve as enticing upgrades for those with older Apple Watches or first-time buyers, the reality is that the third-generation SE model provides everything most users require—at a more appealing price than the other options.

    Apple enhanced the Apple Watch SE 3 with an always-on display, upgraded sensors for sleep apnea alerts and temperature monitoring, a faster S10 chip featuring new gestures and a quicker on-device Siri, along with 5G capabilities. With the new processor, Apple introduced an enhanced Low Power Mode that allows up to 32 hours of battery life, in addition to fast-charging features that can recharge the battery from 0 to 80% in just 45 minutes.

    The company also doubled the storage capacity to

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    • Comments Off on How to Utilize Android Applications on Mac or PC: 4 Approaches Clarified
    How to Utilize Android Applications on Mac or PC: 4 Approaches Clarified

    **4 Methods To Access Android Apps On Your Mac Or PC**

    In the interest of convenience, a multitude of applications today are crafted to be cross-platform. They function on both mobile and desktop platforms, enabling you to effortlessly transition between devices without starting over. It’s also more convenient to access your work from any location, whether you’re on the move, at home, or in the office.

    However, while several applications are compatible with both your smartphone and computer, some are restricted to mobile devices only. They lack desktop versions, effectively binding you to your phone whenever you wish to use them. The positive news, however, is that there are alternatives if you want to run Android-only apps on your desktop. From Android emulators to screen mirroring applications, here are some straightforward methods to run your favorite Android apps for fitness tracking, reading, and more, directly on your PC or Mac. The best part: They are completely free.

    ### Connect your Android phone to your Windows computer with Phone Link

    Windows 11 provides a built-in method to manage your Android phone via your PC — utilizing Phone Link. This desktop application wirelessly links your smartphone to your computer, enabling you to check your texts, make calls, browse your images, and even open Android apps straight from your PC. You can also receive phone notifications on your desktop. For checking texts, calls, and images, you’ll utilize Phone Link’s own interface. However, regarding Android apps, Phone Link effectively mirrors your smartphone’s display to access them. Here’s how to set up Phone Link:

    1. Link your Android phone and PC to the same Wi-Fi network.
    2. Install Link to Windows on your Android device. Some Samsung and HONOR devices may already have this pre-installed.
    3. Open Phone Link on your PC.
    4. On the Phone Link welcome screen, select Android.
    5. When asked, enter your computer PIN or password.
    6. From your Android device, scan the QR code displayed on your PC.
    7. Tap Continue on your Android device.
    8. Enter the code shown on your PC.
    9. Log in to your Microsoft account.
    10. Click Continue on both Phone Link and Link to Windows.
    11. In Phone Link on your computer, navigate to the Apps tab at the top.
    12. Select the app you wish to use.
    13. Back on your Android device, select Allow to enable screen mirroring from your phone to the PC.
    14. Use the Android app as you usually would.

    Keep in mind that with this method, you may encounter some lag while navigating the apps. It also won’t function if your Android device is offline, locked, or connected to a different network than your PC.

    ### Play Android games on Windows using Google Play Games

    If the sole Android applications you wish to run on your computer are games, Google Play Games is your answer. Google Play Games is a desktop application made for Windows, which syncs games from your Android device to your PC, allowing for quick switching between the two. It transfers your Google Play Games profile, including your game library, progress, and even Google Play Points.

    At the very least, your PC should operate on Windows 10 (v2004) and have 10GB of free SSD storage, 8GB of RAM, an Intel UHD Graphics 630 GPU (or equivalent), and four CPU cores. To utilize Google Play Games to play Android games on your computer, do the following:

    1. Go to the Google Play Games download site on your PC’s browser.
    2. Click Download on PC.
    3. Install the downloaded EXE file.
    4. Select Sign in with Google.
    5. In the browser tab that opens, choose the Google account you also utilize for the Play Store on your Android devices.
    6. Back in the Google Play Games application, confirm your Play Games profile.
    7. Read and accept the terms and conditions.
    8. Click Finish.

    Now, you can view all the various Android games. Choose one you’d like to install on your Windows computer and begin playing. Keep in mind that not all Google Play games are playable on your PC. Look for either a green checkmark or green laptop icon on the game’s download page. A green checkmark indicates the developers optimized the game specifically for Windows, while a green laptop means it has been tested for playability. You may also notice a yellow laptop icon (game is untested so it may or may not run well), or a red cross icon (game is unavailable for installation), beside an individual listing.

    ### Use the MuMuPlayer Android emulator

    Another straightforward way to access Android apps on your computer is through Android emulators. Android emulators essentially simulate the Android OS environment on your PC or Mac, making it feel like you’re using a genuine mobile device. Among the numerous emulators available, many users highly recommend MuMu

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    • Comments Off on Italian Antitrust Authority Levies Penalty on Apple for Breaching App Tracking Transparency Rules
    Italian Antitrust Authority Levies Penalty on Apple for Breaching App Tracking Transparency Rules

    Italy’s competition regulatory body, Autorità Garante della Concorrenza e del Mercato (AGCM), has imposed a fine of € 98.6 million ($ 116 million) on Apple due to its App Tracking Transparency (ATT) feature. This article delves into the context surrounding the issue, specifics of the penalty, and the consequences for Apple.

    ### A Brief Overview

    Since the launch of App Tracking Transparency in April 2021, Apple has encountered backlash from numerous companies and media organizations concerning the execution of this feature. Detractors claim that although ATT enforces stringent restrictions on third-party applications regarding data gathering and tracking, Apple’s own services are not subject to equivalent limitations.

    Apple justifies its stance by asserting that it has structured its offerings—such as Siri, Maps, FaceTime, and iMessage—in a manner that prevents the association of user data across these platforms. Nevertheless, the company has been under the spotlight from various antitrust probes, notably regarding whether ATT yields anticompetitive outcomes.

    Recently, Apple has made moves to counter antitrust apprehensions in several nations, including Germany, France, and Brazil, where it has encountered similar probes and penalties.

    ### The Italian Penalty

    The AGCM’s penalty against Apple arises from what it refers to as the “exploitation of a dominant market position.” The authority carried out a thorough investigation in cooperation with the European Commission and other national competition bodies, along with the Italian Data Protection Authority.

    The investigation found that the ATT policy is limiting from a competition-law viewpoint. In particular, third-party app developers are required to get explicit consent for data collection and linking for advertising purposes via Apple’s ATT prompt. However, this prompt does not meet the requirements of privacy legislation, compelling developers to apply a secondary consent request for the same objectives.

    The AGCM indicated that Apple’s ATT policies are imposed unilaterally and adversely affect the interests of its business partners. The authority described the feature as excessive compared to the data protection aims Apple professes to follow.

    While recognizing that Apple might have valid reasons for instituting privacy protections, the AGCM criticized the policies as overly burdensome for developers and disproportionate to the privacy protection intentions.

    Additionally, the present execution of ATT mandates that developers seek consent twice for identical purposes, as the ATT prompt fails to satisfy the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) consent stipulations, requiring developers to incorporate additional consent methods.

    Apple has expressed its plan to contest the fine. For more information, the complete decision is available on the AGCM’s official site.

    ### Conclusion

    The penalty levied by Italy’s AGCM underscores the persistent conflicts between privacy initiatives and competition in the technology sector. As Apple tackles these issues, the ramifications of the ATT feature and its implementation will remain under careful examination by regulators and developers alike.

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    • Comments Off on Android Central’s Special Review for the End of 2025
    Android Central’s Special Review for the End of 2025

    Here’s all that Android Central was thrilled about in 2025 and our aspirations for 2026.

    The past year has been a whirlwind! Every single company unveiled a plethora of news and products, and Android Central had a remarkable year covering the technology you engage with on a daily basis.

    We witnessed significant advancements in the evolution of AI by various companies, and many launched innovative products that could define the future. We took time to reflect on the year and consider our vision for 2026.

    This year-end feature is broken down into three sections. For the first time, Android Central’s team opted to issue report cards. We reviewed what we penned at the conclusion of 2024 and pondered: Did companies live up to our expectations for 2025? Were they able to realize some of our forecasts?

    We also dedicated time to envision 2026. What are our hopes, what types of launches do we desire, and what do we anticipate from the companies we follow daily? Interestingly, this has evolved into an enjoyable experiment. By the end of 2026, will these companies fulfill our expectations?

    Additionally, we wish to express our gratitude to those companies that introduced outstanding products. Our team put considerable effort into voting and narrowing down our selections of winners from the past year into several categories, and we hope you appreciate it.

    Congratulations to all the winners! We eagerly anticipate your endeavors next year.

    Lastly, thank you to our devoted readers for being the core of Android Central. Your trust, passion, and involvement drive everything we do. We are profoundly thankful for your ongoing support and for incorporating our content in your daily life.

    Cheers to another thrilling year of exploration, learning, and growing together in the realm of Android and beyond!

    Enjoy your reading, happy holidays, and a joyful New Year! Stay safe and find happiness!

    – Shruti Shekar, Editor-in-Chief

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