Author: sparta

Android Central’s Best Selections from IFA 2025

Presenting the list of all the champions at this year’s IFA Berlin 2025!

(Image credit: Future)
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Google’s Next Nest Gadgets Will Include Upgraded Cameras and Innovative Gemini AI Features

The Google Home app has recently incorporated setup options for two new cameras and a doorbell, suggesting that Google is gearing up to unveil updated iterations of its Nest devices. The new models encompass the next-generation wired Nest Cam Indoor, Nest Cam Outdoor, and Nest Doorbell. These devices are anticipated to deliver improved video quality, advancing from the current 1080p standard to 2K resolution. Unlike earlier models that came with built-in batteries, these new iterations will depend exclusively on wired power.

The most recent update to the Google Home app, version 3.40, has disclosed the names of these forthcoming devices: Nest Cam Outdoor (wired, 2nd Gen), Nest Cam Indoor (wired, 3rd Gen), and Nest Doorbell (wired, 3rd Gen). Although the physical appearance of these devices might not vary significantly from their earlier versions, the internal enhancements are remarkable. The capacity to record in 2K resolution represents a substantial upgrade, yielding clearer and more intricate video footage.

Alongside the enhanced video quality, the new Nest lineup is projected to feature several improvements. These upgrades include digital zoom with cropping, HDR support, and extended three-hour video previews within the Google Home app. A particularly beneficial addition is local storage, which will enable each device to retain at least an hour of backup footage in the event of an internet disruption.

The new Nest devices are expected to function on Google’s revamped AI assistant, Gemini for Home, superseding the older Google Assistant. Notably, this lineup signifies a transition from Google’s recent emphasis on battery-operated devices, as these new models are solely wired.

The leaked visuals of the new devices imply that Google is preserving the same design for the Nest Cam Indoor and reapplying the familiar setup procedure for the Doorbell. The color selections for these devices are also likely to widen, with the indoor cam available in Snow, Berry red, and Hazel; the outdoor variant in Snow and Hazel; and the doorbell in Snow, Hazel, and Linen. The introduction of the striking Berry hue marks a deviation from Google’s usual subdued color scheme.

Google is cultivating excitement for its upcoming smart home devices, with an official unveiling planned for October 1. However, essential details such as pricing and launch dates have yet to be revealed.

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Rise in Apple Calendar Spam, Mainly Aiming at Users with Cryptocurrency Scams

### The Comeback of Apple Calendar Spam: An Ongoing Dilemma

Apple Calendar spam has been an ongoing problem for iCloud service users, first emerging nearly ten years ago. The situation escalated to such an extent that Apple felt obligated to apologize and implement measures to block dubious senders. Even with continuous efforts to tackle this challenge, it seems that spam invitations are again increasing, leading to user discontent.

#### The Characteristics of Calendar Spam

Spammers generally take advantage of the calendar invitation feature by sending unsolicited invites that frequently include links to scams, especially those tied to cryptocurrency. This spamming technique is particularly nefarious as it can slip past standard email filters, making it hard for users to steer clear of unwanted invites. When users decline these invites, it unwittingly informs the spammer that their Apple account is active, which can result in a higher volume of future spam.

#### Apple’s Actions Through the Years

Since the first wave of calendar spam, Apple has undertaken several approaches to tackle the issue. In 2016, the company rolled out a “Report Junk” function on iCloud.com, enabling users to report unwanted invites. However, this measure isn’t always intuitive and fails to stop spammers from sending generic event invites. In 2021, Apple even produced a YouTube video explaining how to eliminate spam, specifically for those who might have inadvertently subscribed to a malicious calendar.

Despite these efforts, the issue persists, with numerous users reporting an increase in spam invitations lately. The absence of a thorough solution remains a notable worry for Apple users.

#### Present Circumstances and User Experience

Currently, many users, including those from 9to5Mac, have indicated they are receiving a significant number of spam calendar invitations. This situation has reignited demands for Apple to improve its spam prevention actions. Users find themselves with limited choices to handle the influx of spam, and the available solutions do not sufficiently resolve the fundamental problem of unsolicited invitations.

#### Conclusion

The resurgence of Apple Calendar spam underscores a lingering challenge for both users and the company. As spammers continue to discover ways to take advantage of the calendar feature, it is vital for Apple to devise more effective methods to shield users from unwanted invitations. Until a solution is found, users must navigate the intricacies of dealing with spam in their calendars, often feeling exasperated and exposed to continuous spam assaults.

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Guide to Securely Cleaning the USB Ports of Your Computer

beneficial USB devices.

If your USB connectors are dirty, they may not function correctly. Particles such as dust, food remnants, pet fur, and other blockages can accumulate over time. When this occurs, the devices you connect may not perform correctly. In the short term, this can result in minor technical glitches like disconnections. However, it can also cause more significant issues down the line, such as the USB port potentially failing entirely.

Regular maintenance of your USB ports is vital to ensure they operate flawlessly during your computer’s life span. When cleaning them, it’s crucial to proceed gently and slowly to avoid causing any damage. Utilizing tools like canned air or small brushes is effective in removing dust and grime. Avoid any abrasive or rough materials, as they could harm the port.

Be gentle while cleaning the ports

Apple set to launch two variants of AirPods Pro 3 with one notable distinction.

### AirPods Pro 3 Anticipated at iPhone 17 Event

Apple is poised to introduce the eagerly awaited AirPods Pro 3, showcasing a notable upgrade from the last generation launched three years ago. The upcoming model is anticipated to incorporate improvements in hardware, such as heart rate monitoring and a more streamlined charging case. Speculation exists around temperature sensing features, though this may originate from confusion related to the heart rate sensor.

### AirPods Pro 3 Will Feature Two Variants

As per supply chain analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, there will be not just the standard AirPods Pro 3 but also a premium variant set to debut in 2026. This enhanced model is said to include an infrared camera sensor, potentially boosting its functionality significantly. The distinction between the two variants aligns with Kuo’s predictions while providing clarity to the product range.

### Air Gestures and an Increased Price

The current pricing for the standard AirPods Pro 2 is $250, while the premium version of AirPods Pro 3 may be priced over $280. This elevated price reflects the possible inclusion of cutting-edge air gesture technology, which might replace conventional squeeze gesture controls. Nonetheless, retaining some type of physical interaction could still enhance user experience.

Apple may announce both variants during the forthcoming event, although it seems more probable that the company will postpone the launch of the higher-end model until it is completely ready. This dual-variant strategy would represent a fresh approach for the AirPods Pro series, which has typically presented a single upgraded model.

### Conclusion

As the event date nears, additional information is expected to surface. Apple’s “Awe dropping” event is planned for 10 am PT/1 pm ET on September 9, where in-depth coverage will shed light on the new AirPods Pro 3 and its features.

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C1 Modem in iPhone 17 Air Might Encounter Reduced Speeds with Specific Carriers

### Apple’s C1 Chip vs. Qualcomm: An In-Depth Examination

Apple has embarked on a mission to create its own mobile data modem, aiming to lessen dependence on Qualcomm’s technology. The first realization of this endeavor is the C1 chip, which launched with the iPhone 16e and is expected to feature in the forthcoming iPhone 17 Air. As the rivalry between these two technologies escalates, recent research, especially from Ookla, reveals significant insights into their performance.

#### Ookla’s Speed Evaluations

Ookla, recognized for its popular Speedtest.net platform, has gathered extensive statistics on mobile broadband speeds. Through the analysis of results from millions of tests, Ookla provides a thorough comparison of network performance across different devices. Their discoveries indicate that T-Mobile offers the fastest mobile data, while AT&T stands out in broadband services.

In contrasting the iPhone 16, which utilizes Qualcomm’s modem, with the iPhone 16e featuring Apple’s C1 chip, Ookla aimed to evaluate the performance of each modem under real-world situations.

#### A Nuanced Landscape Unfolds

Preliminary studies presented a nuanced performance between the two modems. An earlier report from Ookla indicated that the C1 chip excelled over Qualcomm’s modem in regions with limited mobile coverage. Conversely, Qualcomm’s modem showed better performance in high-speed contexts. A follow-up study financed by Qualcomm asserted additional benefits for its modem, prompting questions concerning the impartiality of the data.

#### Discoveries from the Recent Study

The most recent findings from Ookla underscore that modem performance is affected not only by the chip itself but also by the characteristics of the network. Various networks support different modem capabilities, which can greatly influence speed and reliability.

A crucial aspect is carrier aggregation, a strategy that merges multiple frequency bands to increase bandwidth. Qualcomm’s modem supports aggregation across four carriers, while Apple’s C1 modem is restricted to three. This limitation has ramifications for users on networks like T-Mobile, where the capacity to aggregate additional carriers can enhance performance.

According to Ookla’s findings, T-Mobile users achieved better performance on the iPhone 16, with a median download speed of 317.64 Mbps versus 252.80 Mbps on the iPhone 16e. This variance is ascribed to T-Mobile’s extensive utilization of four-carrier aggregation in over 65% of assessed locations.

Globally, the iPhone 16 also surpassed the 16e in nations with advanced 5G infrastructure, including China and Saudi Arabia. Nonetheless, in various regions, the performance of both devices was similar. Notably, the C1 chip displayed improved performance in areas with weaker connections, indicating that Apple might have focused on reliability over peak speed.

#### Conclusion

As consumers contemplate the iPhone 17 Air, the latest performance data may sway their purchasing choices. While the C1 chip exhibits strengths in reliability and performance under challenging circumstances, Qualcomm’s modem maintains advantages in high-speed situations, especially on networks that facilitate advanced carrier aggregation. The continuous advancement of mobile technology will further influence the competitive dynamics between these two industry leaders.

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iPhone 17 Pro Battery Longevity Remarkably Enhanced with 19% Boost in Battery Capacity Compared to Last Year

### iPhone 17 Lineup: Official Battery Capacities and Anticipations

As Apple gears up for its eagerly awaited September iPhone presentation, recent regulatory submissions from China have disclosed the verified battery capacities for the complete iPhone 17 lineup. This year, every model will host larger batteries than their iPhone 16 counterparts, with the most notable enhancements found in the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max versions.

#### Increases in Battery Capacity

The iPhone 17 Pro will experience a significant boost in battery capacity, escalating to 4252 mAh from the 3582 mAh present in the iPhone 16 Pro. This marks an 18.7% rise, equating to an additional 400 mAh. Traditionally, Apple has provided battery life estimates linked to capacity increases; for example, the shift from the iPhone 15 Pro to the iPhone 16 Pro yielded an extra 2 hours of video playback. With the increased capacity of the iPhone 17 Pro, users might anticipate a boost of around 3 hours of battery life, potentially outshining the performance of the iPhone 16 Pro Max.

The iPhone 17 Pro Max will set new records by surpassing the 5000 mAh threshold, offering a capacity of 5088 mAh compared to the 4685 mAh of the iPhone 16 Pro Max. This 8.6% increment also indicates the possibility of an additional 3 to 4 hours of practical daily battery life, establishing the iPhone 17 Pro Max as a formidable candidate for the title of smartphone with the best battery longevity.

#### eSIM Variants and Battery Life

For the first occasion, eSIM-equipped iPhone 17 variants will provide marginally improved battery life compared to those with traditional SIM card slots. Apple is anticipated to introduce eSIM-only editions in the US, Europe, and other regions, while still offering models with physical SIM trays in areas like China. The confirmed battery capacities for the eSIM models are as follows:

– iPhone 17: 3692 mAh
– iPhone 17 Pro: 4252 mAh
– iPhone 17 Pro Max: 5088 mAh
– iPhone 17 Air: 3149 mAh

#### Efficiency and Performance

The lifespan of the battery is determined not only by capacity but also by the efficiency of the device’s components. The forthcoming A19 and A19 Pro chips are expected to be produced using TSMC’s innovative N3P 3-nanometer technology, which is likely to improve power efficiency relative to the earlier generation A18 chips. Although the display specifications are anticipated to stay the same, the new iPhone 17 will sport a slightly bigger 6.3-inch display, possibly featuring ProMotion technology with a 120Hz refresh rate.

#### Considerations for the iPhone 17 Air

The entry-level model, iPhone 17, will witness a modest battery growth of just 4%. On the other hand, the iPhone 17 Air, crafted with a slimmer design, might disappoint some users with its diminished battery capacity of 3149 mAh, which is 17% lower than that of the base model. Nevertheless, this figure represents an enhancement over previous speculations that suggested a capacity below 3000 mAh.

#### Conclusion

As the September presentation nears, Apple fans are eagerly anticipating the official launch of the iPhone 17 lineup, which guarantees upgraded battery capacities and greater efficiency. With the likelihood of extended battery life across the board, especially in the Pro models, Apple may reinforce its reputation for producing devices that not only excel in performance but also endure longer throughout the day. Stay tuned for live updates and announcements from the event.

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Google Attains Excellence with the Pixel 10 Pro XL Flagship

While it may not feature revolutionary enhancements, the Pixel 10 Pro XL proves to be an immense pleasure to operate.

(Image credit: Apoorva Bhardwaj / Android Central)
Hardwired

(Image credit: Nicholas Sutrich / Android Central)

In Hardwired, AC Senior Editor Harish Jonnalagadda explores everything related to hardware, including mobile devices, audio equipment, data storage solutions, and networking products.

I’ve always enjoyed utilizing Pixels, but it was last year when I felt Google truly grasped what needed to be done. The <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://

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iPhone 17 Battery Capacity Revelation Underscores Advantages of eSIM-Exclusive Variants

# iPhone 17 Battery Capacities: What to Anticipate

As excitement grows for Apple’s forthcoming event, where the iPhone 17 series is anticipated to be revealed, recent leaks have shared fascinating details regarding the battery capacities of the new devices. This article examines the reported battery specifications for the iPhone 17 lineup, emphasizing advancements and potential benefits of eSIM-exclusive devices.

## iPhone 17 Battery Capacities

The most recent leak, credited to prominent Apple leaker ShrimpApplePro, discloses the following battery capacities for the four iPhone 17 variants:

– **iPhone 17**: 3692mAh (3.6% rise compared to iPhone 16)
– **iPhone 17 Air**: 3149mAh/3036mAh (48% reduction compared to iPhone 16 Plus)
– **iPhone 17 Pro**: 4252mAh/3988mAh (up to 18.6% rise compared to iPhone 16 Pro)
– **iPhone 17 Pro Max**: 5088mAh/4823mAh (up to 8.6% rise compared to iPhone 16 Pro Max)

These numbers suggest a significant enhancement in battery capacity, especially for the iPhone 17 Pro model, which is anticipated to deliver improved performance and durability.

## eSIM-Only Benefit

One of the most notable innovations in this generation of iPhones is the use of space that was once occupied by physical SIM card trays. Apple is said to be utilizing this extra space to boost battery capacity in eSIM-only models. The benefits for eSIM-exclusive iPhones are outlined as follows:

– **iPhone 17 Air**: 3.7% added capacity
– **iPhone 17 Pro**: 6.6% added capacity
– **iPhone 17 Pro Max**: 5.5% added capacity

This adjustment signifies a change in Apple’s strategy, as earlier eSIM-only models did not fully capitalize on the available space, often leaving portions unused.

## Conclusion

Although these battery capacity speculations should be regarded with care until officially validated, the prospective enhancements are thrilling for users. The iPhone 17 series seems set to provide improved battery life, particularly for eSIM-only customers, making it a desirable upgrade choice. As the launch event draws near, many are eager to observe how these improvements will manifest in practical performance.

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Initial Glimpse of Apple’s Soon-to-Be-Released Crossbody Strap Accessory Uncovered in Leaked Photo

### Forthcoming iPhone 17 Event and New Accessories

As excitement escalates for Apple’s “Awe dropping” iPhone 17 event, set for September 9, 2025, fresh leaks are emerging, shedding light on the upcoming offerings. Among the standout discoveries is a new crossbody strap accessory for the iPhone 17, disclosed by trusted leaker Sonny Dickson.

#### Crossbody Strap Accessory

Recent visuals shared by Dickson highlight the crossbody strap in a striking orange hue, consistent with prior leaks regarding Apple’s accessory range. This latest addition is anticipated to enhance the iPhone 17 series, which is speculated to feature updated cases and other accessories.

The design of the crossbody strap seems both functional and fashionable, comprising loops at each end, which align with lanyard openings on the back of the new “TechWoven” case. This design was earlier suggested in leaks from Bajin Bu, who revealed images of the packaging for the TechWoven case, demonstrating how users can attach the strap.

#### Event Details

The iPhone 17 event is set to reveal not only the new smartphone lineup but also an array of accessories, including the crossbody strap. The keynote will be broadcast live, commencing at 10:00 AM PT / 1:00 PM ET, and can be viewed on Apple’s website, YouTube, or the Apple TV app.

#### Conclusion

With just more than a day remaining until the event, anticipation is at its peak. The debut of the crossbody strap accessory showcases Apple’s persistent dedication to elevating user experience and style. As we look forward to the official announcement, it will be intriguing to see how these new offerings are embraced by consumers.

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