Author: sparta

5 Devices That Deserve to Be Kept Rather Than Thrown Away

consider transforming outdated technology into something truly beneficial, preventing both financial loss and future regrets.

For instance, external hard drives that were once deemed insufficient in size are now ideal for storing backup files or work-related projects that you want to protect. The reality is that what seems like “tech chaos” now could become valuable in the future. Before discarding your next device, pause to question whether you might be disposing of something you’ll regret down the line.

DVD players and DVDs

Unsecured Vulnerability in Tile Devices Might Permit Unapproved Location Monitoring

A major security vulnerability has been uncovered in Tile trackers, prompting worries about possible stalking dangers for users. Experts at Georgia Tech have revealed that Tile trackers transmit unencrypted IDs along with a static Bluetooth MAC address, rendering them easily identifiable and traceable. In contrast to rivals like Apple’s AirTag and Samsung’s SmartTag, which utilize rotating identifiers and encrypted communications, Tile’s security measures are inconsistent and incomplete. Tile’s Anti-Theft Mode, intended to conceal trackers from scans, unintentionally eliminates safety precautions, enabling abusers to plant devices without detection.

The primary concern is that Tile tags transmit a unique ID and a static Bluetooth MAC address without encryption. While Apple and Samsung employ rotating identifiers and enhanced privacy measures, Tile only partially rotates identifiers in specific circumstances. The static MAC address serves as a beacon, easily detectable with basic scanning equipment. This absence of encryption means that individuals with only basic technical knowledge could utilize readily available antennas or Bluetooth sniffers to track someone’s movements in real time. Researchers have also cautioned that Tile’s framework could potentially be exploited to create long-term profiles of user behavior, raising alarms about the company’s oversight of location information.

Tile’s Anti-Theft Mode further complicates the situation. It necessitates users to submit government ID and selfies, along with agreeing to a clause permitting Tile to disclose information to law enforcement without a subpoena if misuse is suspected. Although the company has linked a $1 million penalty to confirmed instances of abuse, critics claim that the feature undermines essential protections. When Anti-Theft Mode is activated, Tile tags become invisible in the Scan & Secure feature, facilitating malicious actors in planting trackers undetected. Researchers have shown that attackers could capture a Tile signal and replay it elsewhere, potentially implicating individuals by faking their location.

Tile asserts that it prioritizes security, citing ongoing bug bounty programs and partnerships with ethical hackers. However, until substantial improvements are made, the onus is on users. Experts advise keeping firmware and app versions updated, avoiding Anti-Theft Mode unless absolutely necessary, and exploring alternatives like Apple or Google’s trackers, which provide superior privacy safeguards.

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Early Prime Day Garmin Offers: Best Discounts on Favored Fitness Timepieces

This autumn, you don’t have to wait for the official Prime Day to enjoy substantial discounts on Garmin products. Amazon’s Big Deal Days are scheduled for October 7th and 8th, yet there are already plenty of offers on Garmin watches. These aren’t merely reductions on older models; some of the finest Garmin watches are presently discounted. For example, the Vivoactive 6 is $50 off, and the Forerunner 955 has a 30% price drop. As Prime Day nears, anticipate even more impressive deals, so stay tuned for updates.

Highlighted Deals:
– **Garmin Vivoactive 6**: Was $299.99, now $249.99 at Amazon. It’s an outstanding option for a first fitness watch, providing durability, health tracking, and up to 11 days of battery life.
– **Garmin Instinct Crossover**: Was $399.99, now $269.99 at Amazon. This robust smartwatch offers military-grade resilience and comprehensive health tracking features.
– **Garmin Lily 2 Active**: Was $299, now $249.99 at Amazon. It’s crafted for style and practicality, featuring a 9-day battery life, integrated GPS, and more.
– **Garmin Epix Pro (Gen 2) 51mm**: Was $1,099.99, now $748 at Amazon. This high-end fitness watch showcases a 1.4-inch AMOLED display and military-level sturdiness.
– **Garmin Forerunner 955**: Was $499.99, now $349.99 at Amazon. Perfect for runners, it provides excellent battery life, precise tracking, and pre-loaded activity modes.
– **Garmin Instinct 2X Solar**: Was $449, now $305.99 at Amazon. It comes with enhanced solar charging, a bigger display, and a built-in flashlight.

These deals can be found on platforms such as Amazon, Best Buy, Walmart, Samsung, and Dell. Don’t overlook these early savings chances to snag a Garmin watch this autumn.

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Two Affordable Accessories for the iPhone 17 Pro to Think About

# Safeguarding Your iPhone 17 Pro: Case and Screen Protector Options

Although numerous users appreciate the elegant design of an iPhone without any protective accessories, the iPhone 17 Pro includes features that justify the use of a case and screen protector. With budget-friendly choices available, experimenting with these accessories can be a low-risk investment.

## The Advancement of iPhone Screen Protection

Five years prior, Apple launched Ceramic Shield glass, asserting it delivered quadruple drop performance, significantly lessening the likelihood of shattered displays. Nonetheless, many users continue to encounter scratches following a year of utilization. The newly unveiled Ceramic Shield 2 vows to offer three times improved scratch resistance, yet worries about deep scratches persist among users.

Furthermore, Apple has enhanced the anti-glare capabilities of the front panel, even though it still falls short when compared to the efficiency of nano-texture finishes found on devices like the iPad Pro and MacBook Pro.

## Improving Display with a Matte Screen Protector

To tackle worries about scratches and reflections, a growing number of users are opting for matte screen protectors. A favored choice is the Mothca matte glass screen protector, which provides a distinctive matte surface that minimizes glare while offering reasonable protection against scratches. Priced between $8 and $12, it presents an economical way to test out a matte appearance on the iPhone 17 Pro.

Although the Mothca protector has its drawbacks—such as a subtle rainbow effect and diminished brightness—it delivers a premium feel at an economical price, making it a recommended option for those intrigued by matte displays.

## Selecting a Slim Case for Occasional Use

For users who prefer not to commit to a case for everyday use, a slim case can be a sensible option for particular activities, like kayaking or attaching the phone to motorcycle handlebars. Concerns about damaging the aluminum finish near the camera bump also prompt the necessity for protection.

While Apple’s clear case is available, its design may not be to everyone’s taste. Alternatively, the Spigen Thin Fit case presents a chic option. Offered in several colors, including gray, it provides a sleek aesthetic that pairs well with the cosmic orange of the iPhone 17 Pro. Priced at approximately $29.99 in retail outlets and $23.99 on Amazon, it features MagSafe compatibility and a complete camera cover for additional durability.

## Accessory Suggestions

For individuals seeking to safeguard their iPhone 17 Pro, the Mothca screen protector and Spigen Thin Fit case are outstanding suggestions. The screen protector aids in shielding against deep scratches while offering an anti-glare surface, and the case provides a metallic appearance without excess bulk.

In summary, while some users may choose to forgo a case, the combination of a matte screen protector and a slim case can bolster the longevity and functionality of the iPhone 17 Pro, making them valuable accessories to consider.

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M5 Chip Leak Suggests Major Progress for Apple in Key Area

Today, the yet-to-be-announced M5 iPad Pro from Apple appears to have been leaked by the same YouTuber who revealed the M4 MacBook Pro last year. This unexpected disclosure provides us with benchmarks for Apple’s upcoming M5 chip, showcasing considerable enhancements in a crucial area.

### M5 Chip Might Provide Significant GPU Improvements Over M4

Each year, when Apple reveals its new iPhone chip, we gain insights into what to anticipate from the M-class chips in the same lineage. The A19 Pro found in the iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone Air signifies a substantial update in CPU performance year-over-year, with notable excellence in GPU capabilities, primarily due to the incorporation of Neural Accelerators.

Apple’s Tim Millet, VP of Platform Architecture, recently discussed the benefits of this technology:

> “Our GPU allows us to implement neural processing across applications that have traditionally been more graphics-intensive. For instance, gaming applications. Leveraging AI to enhance imaging quality, as well as improving the efficiency of certain image rendering tasks.”

Considering that the upcoming M5 chip is based on the same fundamental architecture as the A19 Pro, it is not surprising that the leaked M5 benchmarks exhibit comparable GPU strengths in Geekbench evaluations.

When assessing the M5 against last year’s standard M4 chip, the new chip showcased the following CPU improvements:

– **Single-core:** around 10-12%
– **Multi-core:** around 15%

While these numbers are commendable, they are not extraordinarily groundbreaking. Nevertheless, the GPU enhancements are significant, with improvements reaching up to approximately **35%**.

This increase does not ensure a consistent 35% uplift across all GPU applications, but it implies that the M5 will offer notable improvements, particularly in gaming performance when compared to the M4.

These advancements are anticipated to benefit not just the new iPad Pro, but also the forthcoming M5 MacBook Air and MacBook Pro models.

Another important detail from the benchmarks suggests that the leaked M5 iPad Pro is a 256GB version with 12GB of RAM, an upgrade from the 8GB found in last year’s equivalent M4. It is probable that Apple will feature 16GB or more in its higher storage options, akin to the approach taken with the more expensive M4 models last year.

What are your thoughts regarding the performance of the leaked M5 chip? Share your opinions in the comments.

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Comparison between Windows 11 Home and Pro: Main Differences and Features

When you purchase a brand-new PC, one of the initial choices you’ll encounter is whether to remain with Windows 11 Home – the version that is typically preinstalled on the majority of consumer laptops and desktops — or upgrade to Windows 11 Pro, which is tailored for enterprise users. At first glance, both versions appear almost identical. Both offer Microsoft’s latest operating system with Snap Layouts for multitasking and Widget support. You’ll also experience the same performance, gaming enhancements like Auto HDR and DirectStorage, and regular feature updates straight from Microsoft. The distinctions begin to emerge once you explore the Windows settings, such as security, networking, and system management. Windows 11 Pro provides access to a range of advanced tools, such as BitLocker encryption, Hyper-V virtualization, and Remote Desktop hosting.

All of these are designed to offer IT teams and power users greater control over a PC. The Pro version additionally supports joining a domain or Azure Active Directory, which makes it an ideal choice for workplaces and organizations where centralized management is essential. In contrast, Windows 11 Home removes those additional features for a more streamlined, simpler package aimed at everyday users. So which option suits you best? If your PC is primarily for browsing, gaming, or light productivity, Windows 11 Home will meet the fundamental needs. However, if you operate a business, depend on advanced security functionalities, or require remote access and virtualization, Windows 11 Pro may justify the extra investment.

What is Windows 11 Home?

OpenAI Creating TikTok-Influenced Application for Sora 2 AI Video Material

Meta introduced Vibes a few days back, and OpenAI is expected to soon launch the TikTok of AI-generated video content. As reported by Wired (via Gizmodo), the application will utilize the upcoming Sora 2 video model that the developer of ChatGPT is set to reveal soon.

OpenAI released the initial public version of Sora last December, well ahead of the arrival of tools like Google’s Veo 3. Nevertheless, Sora did not achieve the level of popularity that OpenAI’s 4o image generation model would garner a few months later. Meanwhile, Google’s Veo 3 stands out as one of the leading AI video generation tools to be introduced this year.

The prospect of OpenAI launching a social application centered on AI-generated content is somewhat concerning, particularly given that numerous individuals are not fond of AI-generated material. However, this is not the sole piece of troubling news. OpenAI is reportedly planning to incorporate an unsettling feature into its AI social app, requiring users to confirm their identity through a facial recognition system. Compounding this issue is a Wall Street Journal report indicating that copyright holders will need to opt out if they do not wish for their copyrighted works to be included in Sora 2 content.

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13 Essential iPad Applications for Every User

iPad Pro and iPad Air ranking among its most sought-after devices. For numerous individuals, it represents an ideal balance between a smartphone and a laptop. The experience, however, greatly relies on the apps you decide to install. With over 1.9 million applications accessible in the App Store and billions of downloads registered over the years, there’s no deficiency of options vying for your focus. The real inquiry is which ones truly merit a permanent place on your device.

A thoughtfully curated assortment of apps can transform the iPad into a digital notebook, a mobile office, or a center for entertainment and creativity. They can also assist users in maximizing the hardware’s capabilities, whether it involves editing documents, drawing, streaming, or organizing daily activities.

This collection showcases the vital iPad apps that should be on every user’s radar. Each app provides distinct value, addresses a critical need, and enhances the overall iPad experience.

Procreate

YouTuber Unveils Unreleased M5 iPad Pro in Initial Unboxing Clip

unannounced M5 iPad Pro. Following a report that Apple was preparing for a forthcoming release of its next flagship iPad Pro, a Russian YouTuber has unboxed and provided us with an early glimpse of Apple’s latest tablet.

What’s intriguing about this hands-on video is that it seemingly shows Apple is reusing the M4 iPad Pro packaging, and the speculations that the company would introduce a second camera to enhance FaceTime and unlock the iPad with Face ID are inaccurate. Instead, the successor to the M4 iPad Pro seems to focus solely on enhancements to RAM, CPU, and GPU, while the design stays identical. In fact, everything else remains unchanged as well, and it should be compatible with all accessories launched last year. With that in mind, let’s explore further what the video revealed about the M5 iPad Pro.

M5 iPad Pro is a slight enhancement over the M4 model

In comparison to the M4 iPad Pro, the M5 version includes 12GB of RAM instead of 8GB. It remains uncertain if the 1TB variant still features 16GB of RAM or if Apple plans to boost the memory to 24GB.

The new M5 chip on the iPad Pro achieves 10% higher single-core and 15% higher multi-core performance than the earlier generation. The advancements are primarily on the GPU, which Geekbench 6 results indicate is 34% quicker than the M4 model.

While the appearance of the new iPad appears to be consistent with that of M4, it’s notable that Apple is now providing a braided black USB-C to USB-C cable for the

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