Author: sparta

The Top Offers on Pre-Owned MacBooks in 2025

whispered affordable MacBook, enduring the infamous Apple Tax remains the standard.

This implies that in numerous situations, acquiring a MacBook Pro may be viewed as a future investment. The elevated pricing is coupled with robust warranty and support from Apple lasting five to seven years, providing ample time to derive full value. The superior benchmarks set by Apple are reflected in the all-metal unibody construction and the meticulous oversight of all internal parts.

With this in mind, many individuals aspire to enter the Apple ecosystem but may hesitate to, or may not have the means to, spend the high price of contemporary MacBooks. Consequently, the second-hand and refurbished market for MacBooks has flourished over the years. This enables buyers to obtain previous generation MacBooks at significant discounts, while still enjoying top-tier performance. Given that the forthcoming M5 MacBook Pro represents only a slight enhancement, purchasing an older MacBook might currently offer the best value for your expenditure.

MacBook Air M1 (13-inch, 2020)

How to utilize the Archive feature on Android

Examination of iPhone Air: Assessing Its Trade-offs and Advantages

**iPhone Air: Connecting the Divide Between Standard and Pro Performance**

The iPhone Air is distinctive in Apple’s 2026 lineup by delivering a performance that is more akin to the Pro variants than the standard iPhone 17. This can be chiefly attributed to its incorporation of the A19 Pro chip, the same processor utilized in the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max, unlike the A19 chip found in the base iPhone 17.

Though the differences between the A19 and A19 Pro chips are not substantial, there are significant distinctions. The iPhone Air’s A19 Pro features five GPU cores, akin to the A19, while the Pro models have six. Moreover, the Air does not include the vapor chamber cooling system found in the Pro versions, which may result in slight performance throttling during prolonged tasks such as gaming due to heat buildup.

In spite of these variances, the iPhone Air’s performance exceeds that of the base iPhone 17, thanks to enhanced and quicker RAM. Additionally, the A19 Pro chip is more power-efficient, a vital advantage for the iPhone Air, which is equipped with a smaller battery to retain its slim design.

In practical use, the iPhone Air provides remarkable performance, managing multitasking and gaming seamlessly without stutter or lag. Although it may become warm under heavy loads, most users are unlikely to push it to such limits.

The iPhone Air also shines in wireless connectivity, showcasing Apple’s new C1X cellular modem along with the N1 networking chip for Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6, and Thread. It equates the connectivity performance of other iPhone 17 models, although it does not support mmWave technology. Nevertheless, the limited availability and usefulness of mmWave mean this drawback is improbable to impact most users.

In summary, the iPhone Air presents an enticing mix of performance and efficiency, establishing itself as an appealing choice for individuals looking for Pro-level features within a more compact design.

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iOS 26.1 Public Beta Launch: Main Features and Enhancements Clarified

# iOS 26.1 Public Beta 1: Updated Features and Modifications

Apple has just launched the initial public beta for iOS 26.1, after its previous release in developer beta. This update brings a variety of new features and improvements designed to enhance the user experience on iPhones.

## Updated Features and Modifications in iOS 26.1 Beta 1

iOS 26.1 promises to be a major update for iPhone users. The first public beta unveils the following new capabilities:

– **AirPods Live Translation**: Now supports five more languages, enhancing immediate translation functionalities.

– **Apple Intelligence**: Expands language support to eight new options, enhancing the effectiveness of Apple’s AI services.

– **Apple Music**: Introduces a fresh swipe gesture for track changes, making navigation more user-friendly.

– **Photos App**: Features a revamped video playback scrubber, enhancing the interface for viewing videos.

– **Calendar App**: The List view now employs full-width color highlights for all events, boosting visual clarity.

– **Phone App**: The keypad has been refreshed with a Liquid Glass design, offering a modern look.

Moreover, the beta showcases indications of **MCP support** in the coding, hinting at future integration of agentic AI capabilities.

Since this is merely the first beta, users can anticipate additional features and adjustments to be included in later versions of iOS 26.1.

## How to Download the iOS 26.1 Public Beta

For those who have previously engaged with Apple’s public beta program, iOS 26.1 can be downloaded directly through the Software Update section within the Settings app, provided that Beta Updates are activated.

New users eager to try beta software can find further details and register at

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Google’s AI-Enhanced Search Now Accessible on Android and iPhone for Instant Support

the multimodal AI features of Project Astra to Google Search on mobile devices. In other words, Search Live also enables the AI to perceive what you observe in the real world in addition to responding to your voice commands. The AI will deliver answers instantaneously to any inquiries you may have concerning what it can visualize. Nonetheless, the majority of the new functionalities Google showcased at the event were made accessible to Labs users instead of the general audience. Four months later, Google officially introduced Search Live in the U.S.

Users of Android and iPhone can explore the new Search Live feature without participating in Labs experiments. A new button within the Google app on Android and iPhone, as well as in Google Lens, will allow them to engage in interactive voice dialogues in Google’s AI Mode, with the AI having access to the real-time video feed from the camera.

How to utilize Search Live on Android and iPhone

Google introduced the new Search Live feature in a blog entry on Wednesday. Search Live will function in the Google and Google Lens applications, but only English language support is available.

Users will need to open the Google app and tap a new Live icon that appears beneath the search bar (see image above). Upon doing so, they will share the camera feed with the AI, allowing the AI to see what they perceive in real-time. Users can pose questions about their surroundings, as illustrated in the examples Google shared on YouTube.

A comparable process is available if users are already directing the smartphone camera towards an object when <a href="https://www.bgr.com/tech/google-lens-brings-circle-to-search-to-iphone-sort-of/" target

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Jessica Chastain Voices Dissent Towards Apple Regarding Abandoned Launch on Apple TV+

### *The Savant* Is No Longer Scheduled for Release on Apple TV+

Yesterday, Apple made an unexpected move to cancel the anticipated launch of its new Apple TV+ series, *The Savant*. The program, which was slated to debut on September 26, has now been officially taken off Apple’s release roster.

Apple provided a brief rationale for this choice, which was conveyed to *Deadline*: “After thorough deliberation, we have opted to delay *The Savant*. We thank you for your understanding and anticipate sharing the series at a later time.”

The cancellation is thought to be connected to the delicate themes explored in the series, which follows an undercover investigator known as “The Savant” (portrayed by Jessica Chastain) as she navigates online hate organizations to combat domestic extremism. In light of the recent violent occurrences in the U.S., including the assassination of conservative analyst Charlie Kirk, the relevance of the show’s themes has sparked apprehension.

In reaction to the cancellation, Jessica Chastain issued a statement voicing her dissent regarding Apple’s choice. While she conveyed her gratitude for the collaboration with Apple, she remarked, “we’re not on the same page about the decision to halt the release of *The Savant*.” Chastain underscored the show’s significance considering the recent violence in the U.S. and expressed a desire for it to reach viewers soon.

Within her statement, Chastain emphasized the regrettable prevalence of violence in the U.S. over the last five years, citing several notable events. She noted, “*The Savant* is centered around the heroes who strive daily to prevent violence from occurring, and recognizing their bravery feels more necessary than ever.”

Chastain finished her statement by extending wishes for safety and strength to everyone and indicated she would keep her followers updated on any news regarding the release of *The Savant*.

Currently, Apple TV+ continues to be offered at $12.99 per month, featuring popular series such as *Ted Lasso*, *Severance*, *The Morning Show*, *Silo*, and *Shrinking*.

Are you looking forward to watching *The Savant* when it finally debuts on Apple TV+? Share your thoughts in the comments.

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Electronics Not Allowed in Carry-On Bags: 7 Items You Must Not Include

despite the fact that these gadgets are subject to specific TSA guidelines.

You certainly don’t want to unintentionally include restricted electronic devices in your carry-on baggage, resulting in a disruption to your journey. To assist you in circumventing security challenges and to ensure everyone’s safety, here are seven electronic devices you ought to avoid packing in your carry-on.

Stun guns and tasers

The Reality of the Viral TikTok Conspiracy Regarding iPhone 13 Pro Max Trade-Ins

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the prices of the iPhone 17 this year remain unchanged. The standard iPhone 17 still begins at $799. The Pro models of the iPhone 17 retain the same prices as their predecessors, with the exception that Apple has eliminated the 128GB storage option from the smaller Pro model. Additionally, the iPhone Air takes the place of the iPhone Plus model, but it is priced the same as the 256GB iPhone 16 Plus did last year. Nevertheless, the new iPhones are still high-priced devices. You can find better offers by trading in older smartphones, including former iPhone models.

You’ll encounter advertisements claiming you can save as much as $1,100 by trading in an iPhone 13 Pro or newer. Apple highlighted the trade-in savings at the iPhone 17 launch event a few weeks back. It appears these promotions have led some TikTok users to believe that the iPhone 13 Pro Max is the ultimate iPhone of all time, and Apple is currently attempting to persuade you to trade it for a newer iPhone 17 model. The conspiracy theory video below (via The Verge) garnered nearly 7 million views at the time of writing.

@motiv8_tray

#newiphone <a title="iphone17" target="_blank" href="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/iphone17?

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Apple Watch Ultra 3 Assessment: A Five-Day Analysis of Its ‘Ultra’ Capabilities

**Apple Watch Ultra 3: A Renaissance of Excellence**

Following a two-year break, the Apple Watch Ultra 3 has emerged, and initial reviews indicate it has successfully restored its position as the top model in Apple’s smartwatch collection. After nearly a week with the Ultra 3, it is evident that this version introduces substantial enhancements that embody the ‘Ultra’ designation.

### Restoring the ‘Ultra’ Reputation

The Apple Watch range has grown more intricate in recent times, particularly with the launch of the Apple Watch Series 10, which showcased several capabilities that surpassed those of the prior Ultra variant. These benefits encompassed:

– An expanded display on the 46mm variant
– The latest S10 System in Package (SiP)
– LTPO3 display technology enabling seconds visibility in always-on mode
– A wide-angle OLED for superior off-angle visibility

Notwithstanding these developments, the Ultra 2 preserved essential attributes such as prolonged battery life, the Action button, and unique watch faces. Nevertheless, the Series 10’s technological superiority raised uncertainties regarding the Ultra’s role in the hierarchy.

With the unveiling of the Apple Watch Ultra 3, Apple has tackled these worries, guaranteeing that the Ultra model once again distinguishes itself as the premier choice.

### Three Exceptional Enhancements of Apple Watch Ultra 3

During my week of experiencing the Apple Watch Ultra 3, multiple features have caught my attention:

1. **LTPO3 Display**: This technology enables the display of seconds in always-on mode, augmenting the watch’s usability.

2. **Expanded Display with Thinner Bezels**: The Ultra 3 boasts a larger screen with reduced bezels, delivering a more contemporary look and enhanced clarity.

3. **Accelerated Charging**: Improved charging capabilities result in faster recharges, particularly advantageous for users who top up their devices at night or during brief periods.

The Modular Ultra watch face has become my preferred choice, especially due to the constant seconds visibility around its edge. For those who depend on precise timing, this feature is essential. While other models can exhibit seconds in always-on mode, none match the visual attractiveness of the Modular Ultra.

The larger display not only appears more striking but also elevates the overall user experience. Although the increase in size is slight, the visual effect is considerable when compared to my prior Series 10.

Moreover, the enhanced fast charging has transformed the experience, providing greater flexibility in charging habits, which is vital for users who wear their watches overnight.

All in all, the shift from the Apple Watch Series 10 to the Ultra 3 has been a favorable journey, reaffirming the Ultra series’ status as a premium selection within Apple’s smartwatch lineup. The Apple Watch Ultra 3 genuinely fulfills its name, merging cutting-edge technology with user-centric features.

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Latest Additions and Enhancements for Apple Music in iOS 26

# iOS 26: Key Improvements for Apple Music Fans

iOS 26 brings major enhancements for Apple Music fans, representing one of the most comprehensive updates in recent years. Here’s an in-depth look at the new features introduced in the Apple Music app with this update.

## AutoMix like a DJ

Apple Music now features AutoMix, a functionality that simulates a DJ’s smooth transitions between tracks. Leveraging AI to assess audio traits, AutoMix forms distinctive transitions using time stretching and beat matching, ensuring uninterrupted playback. Users have the option to turn off AutoMix if they prefer conventional song transitions, yet many have deemed it a beneficial enhancement to their auditory experience.

## Animated Lock Screen Artwork

With iOS 26, full-screen animated album artwork is now accessible on the iPhone’s Lock Screen. This function enhances the visual intrigue of the always-on display, making it more captivating for users. Previously, animated artwork was restricted to the Music app, but this update extends that feature to the Lock Screen.

## Pinned Music

Apple Music now enables users to pin their favorite tracks at the top of their library. This feature allows for quick access to up to six albums, artists, or playlists, streamlining the process of finding and enjoying favored tracks or suggestions from friends.

## New Widget Options

The Music app continues to shine in Home Screen widget offerings with the launch of three additional widget options in iOS 26:
– Pins (medium)
– Pins (large)
– Live Radio (large)

The Pins widgets reflect the music pinned in the library, while the Live Radio widget grants quick access to six live hosted radio stations available on Apple Music.

## Fully Native Apple Music Replay

Apple Music Replay, similar to Spotify Wrapped, has been enhanced in iOS 26. Once only available through a web view, Replay is now fully incorporated into the Music app. Users can effortlessly check their year-end summary and monthly statistics, improving the overall experience of monitoring listening habits.

## Folder Creation

iOS 26 introduces the capability to create and adjust playlist folders directly within the Music app on iOS and iPadOS. This feature, which has long been present on the Mac, allows users to organize their expanding music libraries more efficiently.

## Lyric Translation and Pronunciation

The Music app benefits from iOS 26’s systemwide live translation capabilities, providing lyric translations alongside the original lyrics. This improvement allows users to comprehend the lyrics of songs in various languages. Additionally, phonetic assistance is offered to help users pronounce lyrics correctly, making it simpler to sing along with foreign songs.

These enhancements in iOS 26 greatly improve the Apple Music experience, offering users more ways to enjoy and engage with their music.

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