Author: sparta

Apple TV+ Celebrates Initial Emmys Victory with Triumphs for “Severance” and “The Studio”

### The 77th Emmy Awards: An Insight into Apple TV+’s Initial Triumph

The 77th Emmy Awards event is scheduled for next Sunday, honoring the apex of television accomplishments. In a distinctive turn, a number of winners will be revealed a week early, providing a sneak peek into the expected results of this esteemed occasion.

#### Apple TV+’s Remarkable Achievement

This year, Apple TV+ has risen as a significant competitor, achieving an astonishing 15 victories according to initial results. The streaming platform’s triumph can be linked to its notable shows, *The Studio*, a comedic series, and *Severance*, a science fiction drama.

#### *The Studio*: A Comedic Giant

*The Studio* has been a leader for the Outstanding Comedy Series accolade, having garnered an impressive 23 nominations—breaking records for a comedy show. The early achievements for *The Studio* encompass awards for Production Design, Casting, Cinematography, Contemporary Costumes, Picture Editing, Music Supervision, Sound Editing, and Sound Mixing. Moreover, Bryan Cranston won the Outstanding Guest Actor in a Comedy Series award for his portrayal of studio executive Griffin Mill.

#### *Severance*: A Robust Drama Competitor

In the realm of drama, *Severance* has equally made its presence known, bagging awards for Production Design, Cinematography, Title Design, Music Composition, and Sound Mixing. Merritt Wever won the Outstanding Guest Actress in a Drama Series award for her role as Dylan’s spouse, Gretchen. While *Severance* stands as a strong candidate for Outstanding Drama Series, it encounters tough competition from HBO Max’s *The Pitt*.

#### Future Prospects

As the Emmy Awards event nears, Apple TV+ is optimistic that other nominated shows, such as *Shrinking*, *Slow Horses*, *Presumed Innocent*, *Disclaimer*, *Bad Sisters*, and *Dope Thief*, will also gain acknowledgment. Nevertheless, the focus remains on *The Studio*, which is set to seize the Outstanding Comedy Series award. A win would signify Apple’s third victory in this category, following *Ted Lasso*’s wins in its initial two seasons.

Both *Severance* and *The Studio* have been confirmed for further seasons, promising that audiences can anticipate more engaging content ahead. As the Emmy Awards approach, the buzz surrounding Apple TV+ and its remarkable slate continues to grow.

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Kuo Anticipates Release of AirPods Pro 3 This Week

### AirPods Pro 3: Anticipations Before Apple’s Upcoming Event

With the excitement rising for Apple’s “Awe dropping” event on Tuesday, well-known analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has ignited interest with a last-minute speculation regarding the AirPods Pro 3. Initially, Kuo indicated that these eagerly awaited earbuds would not be available until 2026. However, he has now changed his outlook, suggesting that they are primed for announcement next week, coinciding with the iPhone 17’s launch.

Kuo’s recent observations align with information from other trustworthy sources, such as Bloomberg, which have also indicated an imminent release of the AirPods Pro 3. Kuo further explains that while the upcoming version is set for introduction, Apple is already developing future models that may feature advanced components like built-in cameras in the earbuds.

#### Primary Attributes of AirPods Pro 3

Per Kuo, the AirPods Pro 3 are projected to introduce in the latter half of 2025, with a major hardware enhancement expected in 2026, possibly including a model equipped with an infrared (IR) camera. Some speculated features for the AirPods Pro 3 consist of:

– **Heart Rate Monitoring Sensor**: Mirroring the Powerbeats Pro 2, this functionality aims to improve health monitoring capabilities.
– **New H3 Audio Chip**: This upgraded chip is anticipated to elevate sound quality and connectivity, offering a superior listening experience.
– **Slightly Smaller Charging Case**: The charging case design is rumored to be more streamlined, enhancing its portability.

These upgrades highlight Apple’s persistent dedication to innovation in its audio devices, as the company continues to investigate new technologies and functionalities.

#### Prospective Advancements

Kuo’s insights indicate that Apple is not solely concentrating on the immediate launch of the AirPods Pro 3 but is also strategizing for future models that could transform user interaction with their earbuds. The potential inclusion of cameras could introduce new functionalities, further embedding the AirPods into the Apple ecosystem.

For those keen to discover more about the forthcoming AirPods Pro 3 and their features, a detailed guide is available that summarizes everything known thus far.

As the event nears, the enthusiasm surrounding the AirPods Pro 3 continues to escalate, with many excited to see how these new features will improve the user experience and what additional surprises Apple might reveal.

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Discover the ‘Jeopardy!’ Adventure on Vision Pro via This Fresh Apple Arcade Game

### Feel the Excitement of Jeopardy! with Jeopardy! Daily on Apple Arcade

Have you ever wished to step onto the Jeopardy! stage in real life? *Jeopardy! Daily* on Apple Arcade brings you quite close, especially if you own an Apple Vision Pro.

On September 4, new titles made their debut on Apple Arcade, including *Jeopardy! Daily*, a game that invites players to dive into daily sets of boards as if they were participants on the actual show.

#### Game Accessibility

*Jeopardy! Daily* works seamlessly with a range of Apple devices, such as iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Apple TV. Nonetheless, the game reaches its peak when played on the Apple Vision Pro, enveloping players in a virtual setting that duplicates the legendary Jeopardy! set, placing them as if they were genuine contestants.

#### Game Types

No matter which device is utilized, *Jeopardy! Daily* provides a variety of captivating game types:

1. **Boards Mode**: This mode reflects the classic Jeopardy! format where players choose categories and clues for designated dollar amounts. Players can opt for open-ended responses or choose from multiple-choice answers.

2. **Palettes Mode**: In this variant, players are given five clues and five answers that they must correctly associate. Players are allowed three mistakes before the right answers are disclosed.

3. **Sprints Mode**: This brisk mode kicks off with the usual Jeopardy! countdown. Correct answers restore half a bar of time, whereas incorrect answers subtract a full bar. Players can keep answering until their time is exhausted.

#### Concluding Remarks

*Jeopardy! Daily* provides an enjoyable and interactive experience that closely mirrors the beloved television show. The blend of challenge between open-ended and multiple-choice questions enriches the gameplay. Utilizing the Apple Vision Pro introduces an additional dimension of thrill, enabling players to be in the position of actual contestants.

*Jeopardy! Daily* is part of the over 200 titles offered on Apple Arcade, which also includes *Jeopardy! World Tour+*. Apple Arcade is available at $6.99 per month, accommodating up to six family members, or through the Apple One subscription. It boasts an extensive selection of games free from ads or in-app purchases, with fresh titles introduced regularly. You can download *Jeopardy! Daily* from the App Store

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Apple Presents Certified Refurbished Apple Pencil Pro with Close to 20% Off

### Apple Pencil Pro Now Accessible as Certified Refurbished

Recently, Apple has started offering its latest [Apple Pencil Pro](https://amzn.to/3I4uCj1) in its certified refurbished section, allowing customers to buy a like-new Apple Pencil Pro for their compatible iPad models at a discounted price.

The Apple Pencil Pro has been available for over a year, and for the first time, consumers can acquire a [certified refurbished version for $109](https://www.apple.com/shop/product/FX2D3AM/A/refurbished-apple-pencil-pro?fnode=72628f3d41bb693460ba884b2d38ac8c2a9481688f2496643f63492a628129499bc2d9074e50e372cda4dd86c9a8a26c8dc17c5ecfd91f63297d909611fd444504e80d59c0c1000eee9cb90ff7bae1a8), which represents almost 20% off its standard retail price of $129.

#### Compatibility and Features

The Apple Pencil Pro is compatible with Apple’s latest iPad models, excluding the [iPad (A16)](https://amzn.to/480FZmA). If you own an [iPad mini 7](https://amzn.to/41IUIyB), [iPad Pro M4](https://amzn.to/47wFtg2), or [iPad Air M2/M3](https://amzn.to/4mYPCHi), this is the perfect Apple Pencil for you. It features enhanced functionalities like squeeze control, barrel roll, and haptic feedback. However, users with an iPad 10 or A16 model will need to choose the [Apple Pencil USB-C](https://amzn.to/4mJkETc).

#### Pricing Comparison

While Apple’s refurbished choices can be enticing, they might not always offer the best value compared to other retailers. For example, Amazon is presently offering the [Apple Pencil Pro for $110](https://amzn.to/3I4uCj1), just a dollar above Apple’s refurbished rate, and it ships right away, whereas Apple’s shipping timeframe is estimated at 3-5 days.

Even so, buying from Apple’s certified refurbished store has its advantages. Customers obtain a product that is almost indistinguishable from new, aside from its packaging. However, regarding the Apple Pencil Pro, choosing a brand new model may be the more appealing option, especially due to the unique packaging that comes with it.

#### Conclusion

For those contemplating the Apple Pencil Pro, the refurbished alternative presents a cost-saving chance, but it’s critical to consider the advantages against third-party prices and availability. For more insights on the value of Apple’s refurbished items, you can read a thorough analysis [here](https://9to5mac.com/2025/08/24/is-apples-refurbished-store-actually-worth-the-money/).

If you’re under 24, be sure to check out [Amazon Prime for Young Adults](https://amzn.to/45Qxw3Z), which provides a 6-month free trial followed by a subscription of just $7.49/month, with no college student status required.

For updates and further details, follow Michael on [X/Twitter](https://x.com/mbrkhrdt), [Bluesky](https://bsky.app/profile/michaelb.nyc), and

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Indie App Highlight: ‘MinuteTick’ – A Menu Bar Tool for Improved Task Management

### Indie App Spotlight: MinuteTick

Welcome to Indie App Spotlight, a weekly series where we highlight the newest apps in the indie app scene. If you’re a developer interested in featuring your app, reach out to us.

Getting sidetracked on your Mac can happen quite easily at times. MinuteTick is a clever app designed to help you stay focused on what you’re doing on your computer – keeping you aligned with your tasks. It also comes with small mini games for those moments in between tasks, all accessible from your Mac’s menu bar.

#### What it does

In essence, if you often find yourself losing focus or wandering into distractions while browsing, MinuteTick is here to help keep you conscious by sending you little notification chimes periodically. Thus, when you hear the sound, it acts as a simple mental reminder to keep you on course.

The chimes are subtle, and you can adjust the intervals to your preference. By default, you can set them to ring at any x number of minutes, but you’re free to choose whatever suits you best.

To enhance the experience, you can also customize the notification messages, just in case you’d like to add a bit of encouragement. You can input as many messages as you wish, and the app will cycle through them.

Moreover, you can specify quiet periods. This way, you won’t be bothered by these productivity-enhancing chimes during weekends or outside of your working hours.

As a bonus, the app features a game of Snake. This might seem like a distraction, but imagine you have a few minutes prior to a Zoom meeting. Instead of getting lost in a distraction, you can play Snake for a few minutes. That being said, you have the option to disable this feature if it doesn’t appeal to you.

#### Download the app

MinuteTick is offered as a one-time purchase on the Mac App Store. It costs $1.99 once, and it’s yours forever. It requires macOS Sonoma 14.6 or later for installation.

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Top New MacBook Offers for September: Prices Beginning at $599

In the Apple Silicon era, MacBooks have become more budget-friendly than ever, with brand new models commencing at just $599. With impending global tariffs, these fantastic offers might soon be a thing of the past – so if you’re considering a new MacBook for any reason, this could be one of the best times to buy.

Apple’s upcoming macOS Tahoe update will soon be released, discontinuing support for nearly all Intel Macs (with a few minor exceptions). If you wish to stay on the cutting edge of Apple software, now is an opportune time to upgrade.

## M1 MacBook Air

Apple has introduced four MacBook Airs since the dawn of the Apple Silicon era, featuring the M1, M2, M3, and M4 chips. The M1 MacBook Air still sports a familiar wedge design from the Intel period, which many users might actually prefer.

Even though the M1 MacBook Air is four years old, it continues to be a remarkable laptop given its price point. It delivers lightning-fast performance due to the M1 chip, boasts a gorgeous retina display (albeit with thicker bezels than the newer MacBook Airs), features a superb keyboard, provides up to 18 hours of battery life, and it doesn’t sound like a jet engine ready for takeoff when you use it in public.

Since the M1 MacBook Air is the oldest in this lineup, it’s also the least expensive. One downside of the M1 MacBook Air is that it’s become more challenging to find new models with over 256GB of storage, so if ample storage is essential, you will need to purchase a newer Air. On the positive side, it remains the only Apple Silicon MacBook that is available in a true Gold hue.

You can purchase the M1 MacBook Air for as little as $599 at Walmart in all three colors: Silver, Space Gray, and Gold.

– 13-inch MacBook Air (M1) with 256GB of storage, 8GB of memory: $599 at Walmart

## M3 MacBook Air

In 2022, Apple unveiled the redesigned MacBook Air featuring a sleeker profile, a larger screen with narrower bezels, and reintroduced MagSafe. It also came in fresh Starlight and Midnight colors alongside Silver and Space Gray, although Gold was omitted. This new aesthetic debuted with the M2 chip, and has continued to be offered.

M2 MacBook Airs have mostly sold out, and regrettably, the same is happening with M3 models – though a few options remain, especially with the 15-inch MacBook Air.

**15-inch models with M3 chip:**

– 15-inch MacBook Air with 512GB of storage, 24GB of memory: $1199 at Amazon ($500 off!)

Some promotions may require you to clip an on-page coupon. Nevertheless, some of the most appealing offers exist on higher trims, allowing for enhanced specifications at a significantly lower cost.

## M4 MacBook Air

In March, Apple unveiled a refreshed MacBook Air equipped with the M4 chip. This device largely mirrors the previous version, with the addition of a new Center Stage webcam and a Sky Blue color option replacing Space Gray.

At present, you can save $200 on all current MacBook Air models. Apple is rumored to be developing a new entry-level MacBook with an A18 Pro chip within the next year or so – but at these prices, it’s wise to opt for the MacBook Air and avoid any compromises.

**13-inch models with M4 chip:**

– 13-inch MacBook Air with 256GB of storage, 16GB of memory: $899 at Amazon
– 13-inch MacBook Air with 512GB of storage, 16GB of memory: $1068 at Amazon
– 13-inch MacBook Air with 512GB of storage, 24GB of memory: $1249 at Amazon

**15-inch models with M4 chip:**

Despite being the latest and greatest, some incredible deals exist for the M4 MacBook Air, primarily due to its already lower starting price.

## M4 MacBook Pro

Apple revamped the MacBook Pro in 2021 with a novel miniLED display featuring ProMotion, additional ports (most notably an HDMI port and SD card reader), enhanced battery life, and improved thermals. It also received a 1080p webcam for the first time.

While the MacBook Pro isn’t as budget-friendly as the MacBook Airs mentioned, if you desire that stunning display and the extra ports, you can still find some attractive deals. All models listed below are equipped with M4 and M4 Pro chips, providing the latest and most advanced performance and features.

**14-inch models:**

– M4 MacBook

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The Leading Design Element of the Pixel is Being Broadly Embraced and It Represents a Favorable Trend

The camera bar is taking the place of raised camera lenses, and it’s certainly overdue.

(Image credit: Nicholas Sutrich / Android Central)
Disclaimer

Enjoy our content? Be sure to set Android Central as your preferred source in Google Search to keep yourself informed on the latest news, reviews, features, and beyond.

Smartphone design has experienced notable convergence over the past three years, particularly. Displays and side rails have become almost universally flat across various brands and product lines. Batteries have increased in size. Ultrawide and telephoto cameras are nearly ubiquitous. Even the corners of devices are almost exclusively rounded. Some of these developments are fantastic, while others I could easily do without.

Nevertheless, for far too many years, manufacturers have persisted with unattractive, bothersome protruding lenses, frequently positioned at the top-left of the device. This not only renders the lenses vulnerable to damage if the phone is dropped, but it also causes the phone to sit unevenly. Everyone is aware of how much phones tend to wobble when set on a table, and it can be quite irritating.

However, both the forthcoming iPhone 17 and the Galaxy S26 seem to be embracing

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Utilizing Apple AirPods with an Android Device: Compatibility and Functions

impressive audio performance, robust noise cancellation, and user-friendly ecosystem features. If you’re an Apple enthusiast — possessing devices like an iPhone, iPad, MacBook, and Apple TV — you’re likely aware of how effortlessly your AirPods transition between gadgets.

So, what occurs when you introduce an Android phone or tablet into the mix with AirPods? You might be shown the door. However, if the host is willing to overlook this peculiarity, you may find yourself questioning whether your beloved AirPods will link up with an Android device. Luckily, Apple crafted its earbuds and headphones to be compatible with more than solely Apple’s products.

That being noted, you’ll be foregoing a handful of features and UI shortcuts that are exclusive to iOS or iPadOS users. If that doesn’t hinder your experience too much, here are some guidelines on connecting your Apple AirPods to an Android phone or tablet.

Connecting AirPods to a non-Apple device

Apple Card Unveils Improved Cash Back Rewards for Uber and Uber Eats Customers

### Apple Card Provides Increased Cash Back on Uber and Uber Eats

For a short period, Apple is amplifying its Apple Card benefits by presenting an elevated 5% cash back on transactions made with Uber and Uber Eats. This initiative enables users to gain additional cash back on rides, food deliveries, and beyond, making it an appealing choice for regular users of these platforms.

#### Offer Specifics

The 5% cash back promotion is accessible until September 30th. To benefit from this offer, users need to employ their Apple Card alongside Apple Pay. It’s crucial to remember that using the card number directly will not qualify for the cash back reward. There is a spending limit of $500 for this promotion, meaning users can earn as much as $25 in cash back during the promotional timeframe.

Alongside the cash back incentive, all Apple Cardholders can enroll in a six-month complimentary trial of Uber One, which includes perks like no delivery fees. This initiative commenced earlier this year and further enhances the Apple Card experience.

#### Regular Cash Back Rates

Normally, transactions conducted with Uber and Uber Eats via the Apple Card yield 3% cash back, as these services are included among Apple’s select partner merchants. Additional merchants that qualify for the 3% cash back rate consist of:

– Ace Hardware
– Booking.com
– ChargePoint
– Duane Reade
– Exxon Mobil
– Nike
– Walgreens

#### Other Promotions

Apple is also hosting a separate promotion that offers 5% cash back at selected gas and EV charging locations, valid until September 15th. This contributes to the overall attractiveness of the Apple Card, which typically provides 2% cash back on all purchases made with Apple Pay and 1% when swiping the physical card.

#### Closing Thoughts

This temporary promotion from Apple not only boosts the cash back potential for Apple Card users but also promotes the use of Apple Pay for transactions. With the additional advantage of the Uber One trial, users can optimize their savings while enjoying the ease of rides and food delivery services.

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