Author: sparta

Distinctions Between Roku TV and Roku Streaming Stick

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

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

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Expertise in Android Technology

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

A brief overview of Android’s Internet Panel

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Samsung’s Forthcoming Galaxy Z Fold Anticipated to Showcase Improved Camera System

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

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

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

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

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Russian Cosmonaut Removed from SpaceX’s Crew 12 ISS Mission for Specific Causes

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

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

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

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

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

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Sources Suggest Samsung’s Exynos 2600 Could Drive Galaxy Z Flip 8

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Apple Shuts Down ‘The Last Frontier’ Following Its Inaugural Season

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

## No Season 2 for ‘The Last Frontier’

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Perfect USB Devices from Amazon for Holiday Stocking Fillers

inexpensive USB gadgets that both reviewers and users highly recommend.

However, if you seek something distinctive, there are some absolutely ideal Amazon USB gadgets you can consider, even if you’re engaged in an office game of White Elephant. If you’re looking for something a tad more amusing, there are USB gadgets available on Amazon for less than $20. Alternatively, you can stick with this quirky list that gets quite adventurous.

Skybasic Wireless Digital Microscope

If you have someone who is enthusiastic about science or enjoys closely inspecting objects, the Skybasic wireless digital microscope is the ideal gift for them. Additionally, it’s compact enough to fit in a stocking or be concealed behind larger presents if a quick counterbalance is needed. You may wonder, how can it be “wireless and USB” simultaneously? It operates wirelessly with Wi-Fi and mobile devices, while also being compatible with Windows and Mac through USB. It charges its battery via USB as well.

Specifications include 50x to 1000x magnification with an optical focal length of 3mm to 60mm, 8 adjustable LEDs for improved visibility, photo and video capture modes, 2MP image quality, a built-in 900mAh rechargeable battery, and a genuinely cool design. You can utilize it to inspect skin, insects, plants, fabrics, PCBs or circuit boards, coins, and much more. Its retail price is $40, but it’s currently available for just $28 on sale. There are over 9,200 reviews from Amazon users, giving it a 4.2 out of 5-star rating.

Flora Pod AI-Powered Smart Plant Monitor

Plant enthusiasts can get quite passionate about their thriving greenery. From modest succulents to larger, tree-like plants — both indoors and outdoors — they adore monitoring the wellbeing of their plants. For the green thumb in your life, <a href="https://r.bttn.io?btn_ref=org-225e4e0aac880b8f&btn_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fdp%2FB0CTKWNBB4

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Travis Scott Headlines New Powerbeats Fit Promo Showcasing Unreleased Song and Nostalgic Tweet

**Beats’ “Dare to Dream” Initiative: A Path of Self-Confidence and Realization**

Beats has introduced an uplifting new initiative named “Dare to Dream,” showcasing a digitally rejuvenated version of the celebrated American rapper Travis Scott. This initiative reconstructs Scott’s childhood bedroom, encapsulating the spirit of his youthful ambitions and the instant he started to manifest his future as an international icon.

The commercial is set on March 5, 2011, where a young Scott, equipped with Beats Studio headphones, drifts off to sleep following a vigorous creative session on his iMac. In his dreams, he pictures filled venues, brilliant lights, enthusiastic audiences, and the fireworks that have become a hallmark of his live shows. This dream sequence represents the aspirations that pushed him toward fame.

In a defining moment, Scott reaches for his iPhone 4 and tweets his now-famous message: “ONE DAY TRAVIS SCOTT WILL BE SOMEBODY.” This tweet exemplifies the strength of self-confidence and the significance of visualizing one’s future.

The advertisement wraps up with a moment of clarity as Scott extracts a Powerbeats Fit case from his jacket, inserts the earbuds in his ears, and strolls away, symbolizing the link between his past dreams and current reality.

In Scott’s words, “This film isn’t just about where I came from — it’s about the vision I had before anyone else could see it. (…) Beats has been a part of that story since the beginning.” This quote summarizes the initiative’s message about the importance of believing in oneself and the influence of supportive tools, such as Beats headphones, in achieving one’s aspirations.

The “Dare to Dream” initiative not only emphasizes Travis Scott’s journey but also acts as a source of motivation for individuals to chase their dreams with determination. The ad can be accessed across various platforms, highlighting the fusion of nostalgia and ambition that characterizes Scott’s story.

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9to5Mac Daily Briefing: December 19, 2025 – Perspectives on iPhone Fold and Apple Music Progress

**9to5Mac Daily: Your Go-To Source for Daily Apple News and Insights**

In the rapidly evolving tech landscape, keeping abreast of the latest updates is essential, particularly for Apple fans. 9to5Mac Daily presents a simple way to catch up on the most important stories affecting the Apple ecosystem. This podcast is crafted to keep listeners updated on recent developments, product launches, and insights from the industry.

**Tune in for the Daily Recap**

Every weekday, 9to5Mac Daily delivers a summary of the leading stories, making it simple for listeners to stay informed while on the move. The podcast can be accessed on numerous platforms, including [iTunes and Apple’s Podcasts app](https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/9to5mac-daily/id1331816080), [Stitcher](https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/9to5mac-daily), [TuneIn](https://tunein.com/radio/9to5Mac-Daily-p1089524/), [Google Play](https://play.google.com/music/m/I5d4dzs7dauazmfxvvrynyiuram?t=9to5Mac_Daily), and through a [dedicated RSS feed](https://feedpress.me/9to5macdaily) for Overcast and other podcast apps.

**Special Deals for Listeners**

9to5Mac Daily is more than just news; it also provides exclusive deals to its audience. There is currently a promotion from Backblaze, offering a 30% discount for 9to5Mac listeners using the code **9to5Xmas** until the month’s end. This promotion is an excellent opportunity to ensure peace of mind with dependable backup solutions.

**What to Anticipate in Each Episode**

Listeners can count on new episodes each weekday, guaranteeing they receive timely updates on Apple-centric news. The podcast encompasses a wide array of subjects, such as product announcements, software upgrades, and industry trends. By subscribing to the podcast, listeners can ensure they receive new episodes as soon as they are released.

**Support the Podcast**

For those wishing to support the podcast directly, the option to subscribe to 9to5Mac Daily Plus is available. This subscription unlocks ad-free versions of every episode and grants access to bonus content, enhancing the overall listening experience.

**Engage with the Community**

Listeners are invited to share their opinions and feedback. They can connect via email at [[email protected]](mailto:[email protected]) or leave reviews on platforms such as [Apple Podcasts](https://geo.itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/id1331816080?at=10laZc&pt=11l8808) and

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