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Review of CHUWI CoreBook Air Plus 16 – Part 2: Testing the AMD Ryzen 5 6600H Mid-Range Laptop with Windows 11 Pro

CHUWI CoreBook Air Plus 16 laptop review Windows 11

I’ve already checked out the hardware of the CHUWI CoreBook Air Plus 16 laptop in the first part of the review, so today, I’ll report my experience using the AMD Ryzen 5 6600H laptop with the pre-installed Windows 11 Pro operating system. We’ll start with a software overview and a test of key features, followed by benchmarking, evaluation of WiFi 6 performance, and measurement of fan noise, power consumption, and battery life. Software Overview and Features Testing The CoreBook Air Plus 16 ships with Windows 11 Pro 64-bit 24H2 operating system, upgraded to the 25H2 version after running Windows updates. The System->About window confirms we have a CoreBook Air Plus laptop powered by a 3.3 GHz (base frequency) AMD Ryzen 5 6600H processor with Radeon graphics paired with 16GB of RAM and 447GB of storage. None of the mini PCs and laptops we’ve reviewed in the past come with Microsoft […]

The post CHUWI CoreBook Air Plus 16 review – Part 2: An AMD Ryzen 5 6600H-powered, mid-range laptop tested with Windows 11 Pro appeared first on CNX Software – Embedded Systems News.

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Review of CHUWI CoreBook Air Plus 16 – Part 2: Testing the AMD Ryzen 5 6600H Mid-Range Laptop with Windows 11 Pro
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Top 5 Most Secure Electric Vehicles You Can Buy, Based on Expert Opinions

extend the range of an EV, opting for one with superior mileage will assure you confidence during long journeys. A crucial feature to consider is the vehicle’s safety. When searching for a car that will transport your family to various locations, you require an EV that enhances their chances of surviving an accident.

As a driver, you’re likely aware that you can practice completely safe driving habits, yet still find yourself in an accident due to someone else’s mistake. This is why any EV you choose should provide you with the best possible chances of safety in such situations. We have compiled a list of the five safest EVs available that have been evaluated and awarded high ratings for safeguarding you and your family in the event of a crash.

Regrettably, you cannot ascertain the safety of an EV merely by looking at it or examining the specifications. Therefore, to create this list, we’ve utilized ratings from safety organizations like the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). More details about our approach can be found at the end of the article.

2026 Tesla Model Y

The Tesla Model Y is a favored electric SUV among consumers due to its ability to travel over 300 miles on a single charge, generous cargo capacity, and roomy interior. For the 2026 model year, Tesla has updated the Model Y’s exterior to resemble the Model 3 sedan. Naturally, as with other Tesla vehicles, the company has retained the touch-screen interface in the cabin, which may result in distracted driving and slower reaction times.

Nevertheless, the Model Y ranks as one of the safest EVs available, based on ratings recently released by the NHTSA. The 2026 Tesla Model Y achieved an impeccable five-star Overall Safety Rating. In addition to the overall rating, the Model Y secured five stars in all three of the agency’s assessments, which include side crash, frontal crash, and rollover.

Some of the vehicle’s integrated

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My Preferred Cases for iPhone 17 and iPhone 17 Pro After Evaluating More Than 50 Choices

I refrain from using any case with my Android devices, but I don’t take chances with the iPhone. Given that I typically use the device for the majority of the year, I apply a case as soon as I start using it, and the iPhone 17 Pro is no exception. Over the past six months, I’ve tested a multitude of cases and discovered several that I really liked.

In total, I’ve acquired 54 cases for the iPhone 17 Pro, iPhone 17, and iPhone Air. All the cases discussed below are compatible with various iPhone 17 and Pro models, and I’ll also briefly mention the iPhone Air cases I’ve tried. To streamline things, I’ve categorized the cases by manufacturer, so let’s dive in.

Nomad offers fashionable leather and silicone cases

For those in search of a premium leather case, Nomad’s $55 Modern Leather Case is a fantastic choice. Crafted from Horween leather, it develops a beautiful patina over time, offering solid protection without adding bulk. The case comes in brown and black, as well as a striking burgundy version.

Nomad additionally provides the $65 Traditional Leather Case, which differs in that the leather wraps around the sides; the Modern Leather Case features a polycarbonate frame instead. Both cases include Camera Control buttons, built-in magnets, and boast outstanding durability. If leather isn’t your preference, the silicone Modern Sport Case also offers comparable protection and comes in bright colors — and it’s more affordable at $39.

Bellroy’s leather cases are superb

Bellroy has become my preferred travel brand; I’ve taken the Transit Travel Pack Pro to over 10 countries, and it’s the best tech bag I’ve ever owned. Their Pixel 10 cases are among the finest leather cases available, so it’s no surprise that Bellroy offers a similar array of accessories for the iPhone 17, 17 Pro, and iPhone Air.

The Phone Case stands out as a well-crafted leather option designed for all models in the iPhone 17 series, as well as the iPhone Air, and its soft touch finish feels wonderful in hand. Like Nomad’s offerings, Bellroy effectively safeguards the phone without unnecessary heaviness, and the case ages gracefully over time. I also appreciate the Phone Case – 3 Card variant as it allows you to store credit or debit cards, though it forgoes MagSafe. If you require Qi 2 charging via MagSafe, I recommend the regular leather Phone Case available in four color choices.

ESR has outstanding clear cases

ESR features an impressive lineup of silicone cases, and the Cloud Soft iPhone 17 Pro case is among the best for all-day protection at a budget-friendly price. Priced at $33, it’s much cheaper than leather options, providing essential features: raised edges safeguarding both the panel and camera lenses, vivid colors, and built-in magnets.

I find the orange variant very appealing, and it complements my iPhone 17 Pro nicely. The highlight is the integrated kickstand cleverly designed around the camera island, enabling you to use the device at an angle for added convenience. For those needing a clear case, the $29 Classic Hybrid Magnetic Case comes highly recommended, also featuring a built-in kickstand and magnets. I’ve applied the clear case on my iPhone Air, and it has held up remarkably well through extensive use.

At the other end, the $31 Cyber Tough Magnetic Case offers military-grade defense, being a robust case built to endure drops from up to 23 feet. Plus, it comes in orange. I appreciate that ESR provides an identical selection of cases for the iPhone 17 and iPhone Air as well.

Spigen is your go-to choice for budget-friendliness

Spigen clearly requires no introduction; the brand continues to lead in accessories, and the $19 Ultra Hybrid T MagFit is among the most cost-effective clear cases available for the iPhone 17 Pro. It protects the camera island, features raised edges in the front, is lightweight, and doesn’t yellow over time — I’ve had mine for quite a while, and that hasn’t been an issue.

I utilize the $19 Rugged Armor MagFit with my iPhone 17, which offers the same protection levels as bulkier rugged cases without the heft. My favorite case is the Ultra Hybrid Neo One for my iPhone Air; it looks fantastic on the slender device, and I love the teardown aesthetic. Best of all, it’s priced at the same $19 as other clear cases from Spigen.

Pitaka features stunning ultra-thin cases

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My Preferred Cases for iPhone 17 and iPhone 17 Pro After Evaluating More Than 50 Choices
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Water Resistance of the Google Pixel 10a: A Review

The Google Pixel 10a comes with an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance, a common feature in contemporary smartphones, including its counterparts in the Pixel 10 lineup. This certification guarantees that the Pixel 10a is protected from dust and can endure submersion in water up to 2 meters for 30 minutes. Consequently, it is appropriate for various settings, like at the beach or by the pool, without the concern of damage from dust or short-term water contact.

The IP68 certification indicates that the device is safeguarded against dust infiltration and can withstand unintentional splashes or short periods of submersion in water. Nevertheless, it is not entirely waterproof, and extended exposure to water, particularly saltwater or water at high temperatures, should be avoided to avert damage. It is recommended that users dry the device immediately after it becomes wet and consider utilizing a waterproof case for longer water exposure.

The durability of the Pixel 10a, paired with its cost-effectiveness, renders it an attractive option for those in search of a budget-friendly smartphone that offers strong protection against environmental factors. Although it may not possess the highest standard of water resistance available, the IP68 rating is noteworthy for a device within its price bracket, providing reassurance for everyday use.

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Water Resistance of the Google Pixel 10a: A Review
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Google Pixel 10a: Understanding Qi2 Magnetic Charging Compatibility

Google’s latest budget model, the Pixel 10a, has been launched, but it might not represent the improvement many anticipated. While it does bring some enhancements compared to its forerunner, the Pixel 9a, including quicker charging capabilities—30W wired and 10W wireless—when paired with Google’s 45W USB-C wall charger, it falls short of major new features. In particular, the Pixel 10a does not support Qi2 magnetic charging due to the lack of built-in magnets, and utilizing a magnetic case is not feasible either.

The Pixel 10a maintains the identical 5,100 mAh battery as the Pixel 9a, providing comparable battery life. Nevertheless, the phone’s design is mostly unchanged, featuring only a slightly brighter display that is now shielded by Corning Gorilla Glass 7i. The dual-lens camera setup of the Pixel 10a aligns seamlessly with the rear panel, made possible by a slight increase in thickness. It operates on Android 16 and guarantees seven years of OS and security updates, encompassing Pixel-specific features and AI utilities.

Despite these advancements, the Pixel 10a is perceived as a limited upgrade, and unless it is offered at an attractive price point, it may not justify an upgrade from the Pixel 9a. The Pixel 10a is available for £499 at several retailers, including Mobiles.co.uk and Carphone Warehouse. While it may be considered one of the top affordable Android smartphones, its modest improvements render it a less appealing choice for those in search of substantial progress.

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Google Pixel 10a: Understanding Qi2 Magnetic Charging Compatibility
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Anker’s Powerful Home Theater on Wheels is Pure Chaos

The Soundcore Nebula X1 Pro is too weird to exist. It takes the excellent 4K projector and karaoke microphones from Anker’s Nebula X1 and stuffs them inside a powerful five-speaker Google TV party on wheels. It’s so absurd that it feels like a gadget fever dream – and I’m here for it. At the heart […]

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Anker's Powerful Home Theater on Wheels is Pure Chaos
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WhatsApp Creating Anti-Spoiler Function for Text Messages

### WhatsApp to Introduce ‘Spoiler’ as a Formatting Feature

Soon, users will have the capability to designate messages as spoilers, making their content not immediately accessible to recipients. Here are the specifics.

According to WABetaInfo, the newest TestFlight build of WhatsApp contains indications of a function that allows users to label messages as spoilers. WABetaInfo reports that this feature is currently in development and not available for beta testing yet, but it provides insights into its probable operation once released.

The report indicates that the spoiler formatting option will be located alongside other tools like Bold, Italic, and Strikethrough. When chosen, it will obscure the text with a gray bar that recipients will need to tap to view.

In terms of syntax, the Spoiler formatting option requires users to add two pipes to the chosen message or words, allowing them to simply input ||double pipes before and after|| the content they wish to conceal, instead of always needing to bring up the formatting pop-up.

Additionally, WABetaInfo notes that while the feature is still being developed for text content, there’s no indication if it will be compatible with other types of messages, such as images.

As is often the case with features found in beta versions of WhatsApp, it is challenging to pinpoint when this feature will be officially launched. Nonetheless, considering it is also being tested on WhatsApp’s Android beta, users are likely to see this feature implemented sooner rather than later.

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9to5Mac Daily: February 20, 2026 – Summary of iPhone’s Satellite Capabilities and Other Enhancements

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

In the rapidly evolving realm of technology, being informed about the latest news is vital, particularly for Apple fans. 9to5Mac Daily acts as a key resource, offering listeners a summary of the day’s major stories. This podcast is accessible on multiple platforms such as iTunes, Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, TuneIn, Google Play, and via a dedicated RSS feed for those who choose alternative podcast applications.

### What is 9to5Mac Daily?

9to5Mac Daily is a daily podcast that focuses on the most important happenings within the Apple ecosystem. Each episode is recorded on weekdays, ensuring subscribers get prompt updates on news, product launches, software releases, and industry developments. The podcast is hosted by Chance, who brings valuable insights and analysis to the table, making it essential listening for anyone passionate about Apple products and services.

### How to Listen

Listeners can conveniently subscribe to 9to5Mac Daily through their chosen podcast platform. By subscribing, you ensure that the latest episodes are sent automatically as soon as they become available. The podcast also provides an ad-free experience and additional content for subscribers who choose the 9to5Mac Daily Plus option.

### Featured Content

Every episode includes conversations on a range of topics pertinent to Apple users. Recent episodes have discussed:

– Examination of new product launches
– Insights on software updates and features
– Conversations about industry trends and competitor actions

Listeners are encouraged to interact with the content by sharing their opinions via email or rating the podcast on platforms like Apple Podcasts and Overcast. This interaction not only contributes to enhancing the show but also helps increase its audience reach.

### Special Offers

9to5Mac Daily is supported by Stuff, a productivity tool aimed at helping users manage their tasks and alleviate mental strain. New users can benefit from a special promotion by applying the code 9TO5 at checkout for a 50% discount on their first year.

### Conclusion

For individuals looking to remain updated on Apple and its ecosystem, 9to5Mac Daily is an indispensable resource. With its succinct format, engaging discussions, and ease of access, it is the ideal companion for your daily travels or while juggling tasks at home. Subscribe today to ensure you never miss an episode and stay ahead in the constantly changing world of technology.

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9to5Mac Daily: February 20, 2026 – Summary of iPhone's Satellite Capabilities and Other Enhancements
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Apple Researchers Develop On-Device AI Assistant for Application Engagement

**Ferret-UI Lite: A Milestone in On-Device GUI Engagement**

With only 3 billion parameters, Ferret-UI Lite either matches or exceeds the benchmark performance of models that are up to 24 times larger. Here are the specifics.

### A Brief Background on Ferret

In December 2023, a group of 9 researchers released a paper titled “FERRET: Refer and Ground Anything Anywhere at Any Granularity.” Within it, they introduced a multimodal large language model (MLLM) capable of comprehending natural language references to specific components of an image. Since then, Apple has published subsequent papers that broaden the Ferret model family, including Ferretv2, Ferret-UI, and Ferret-UI 2.

Ferret-UI variants particularly built upon the original FERRET functionalities, remedying the limitations of general-domain MLLMs. The foundational Ferret-UI paper underscored that despite significant progress in MLLMs, they frequently have difficulty effectively understanding and interacting with user interface (UI) displays. Ferret-UI was created to better interpret mobile UI screens, including “any resolution” to enhance details and utilize advanced visual features.

### Ferret-UI Lite

Recently, Apple enriched the Ferret-UI lineup with a paper titled “Ferret-UI Lite: Insights from Developing Compact On-Device GUI Agents.” Ferret-UI was founded on a 13B-parameter model aimed at mobile UI comprehension and fixed-resolution screenshots. In contrast, Ferret-UI Lite is a streamlined model crafted to operate on-device while competing with much larger GUI agents.

The researchers observed that traditional GUI agent methodologies often depend on extensive foundation models because of their robust reasoning and planning abilities. However, these models are usually too substantial and resource-intensive for effective on-device functionality. Consequently, they created Ferret-UI Lite, a variant with 3 billion parameters, comprising crucial elements driven by insights on training compact language models.

Ferret-UI Lite harnesses:

– Authentic and synthetic training datasets from various GUI sectors.
– On-the-fly cropping and zooming techniques to enhance understanding of specific GUI segments.
– Supervised fine-tuning and reinforcement learning strategies.

The outcome is a model that either closely resembles or even surpasses rival GUI agent models that possess up to 24 times its parameter count.

### Innovative Techniques

The infrastructure of Ferret-UI Lite encompasses real-time cropping and zooming methods. The model makes an initial prediction, crops around that prediction, and subsequently re-predicts within the cropped area, compensating for its restricted capacity to process extensive numbers of image tokens.

Another significant advancement is the capability to generate its own training data. The researchers established a multi-agent system that directly interacts with live GUI platforms to create synthetic training examples on a large scale. This system captures the nuances of real-world interaction, including mistakes and unforeseen states, which are hard to replicate with pristine, human-annotated data.

Notably, while Ferret-UI and Ferret-UI 2 evaluated themselves with iPhone screenshots and other Apple interfaces, Ferret-UI Lite was trained and assessed in Android, web, and desktop GUI settings, employing benchmarks such as AndroidWorld and OSWorld. This decision likely mirrors the accessibility of reproducible, large-scale GUI-agent test scenarios.

### Performance and Applications

The researchers discovered that although Ferret-UI Lite excelled in short-horizon, low-complexity tasks, it did not perform as robustly in more intricate, multi-step interactions, a trade-off anticipated due to the limitations of a compact, on-device model. However, Ferret-UI Lite provides a local and private agent capable of autonomously interacting with app interfaces based on user demand, thereby enhancing user experience without relying on cloud processing.

To explore further about the study, including detailed benchmark analyses and outcomes, follow this link.

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Apple Researchers Develop On-Device AI Assistant for Application Engagement
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