Author: sparta

Reasons Vizio TVs Are Affordable

now part of Walmart) offers some of the most affordable TVs available, which might lead you to think they are a Chinese brand. Nonetheless, Vizio is an American enterprise, established in the U.S. in October 2002 in Fountain Valley, California. Since its inception, the company’s primary approach has been to provide budget-friendly TVs.

This is why, a few years after its founding, the company earned the title of the king of inexpensive TVs, and for many years, Vizio was the brand that offered the most value compared to its peers. Although it is no longer the leader in the value for money sector, some of the top budget TVs recommended by experts today come from Vizio. No matter the price range the company aims for, its televisions are generally competitive, particularly concerning pricing.

This raises the question: What makes Vizio TVs so affordable? How can it sell its televisions at such low prices compared to well-known brands like Samsung, LG, and Sony, even in the entry-level market? The answer lies in the company’s manufacturing, distribution, and data collection methods.

What makes Vizio TVs affordable?

How Your Television’s HDMI Port Monitors Your Viewing Patterns

Virtually every action you take online, regardless of the device, is monitored, gathered, shared, and quantified. The clips you view. The advertisements you bypass. The items and services you purchase. Therefore, it shouldn’t be surprising that the majority of smart TVs are also observing your activities on your television and streaming services. However, the technique utilized is distinctive. By employing the integrated HDMI ports, smart TVs can monitor what you and your family are viewing through a system known as Automatic Content Recognition or ACR.

Using ACR, content providers analyze what’s displayed on your screen —via routine screen captures — whether you’re viewing a film, series, or engaging in gaming via a connected console, and subsequently compare it to an online database. This information is utilized to track and confirm statistics such as the number of advertisements you’ve encountered. It operates through HDMI, meaning anything linked to an HDMI port can be recorded, including gaming consoles, mini PCs, and streaming devices.

What exacerbates the situation, in addition to data collection and privacy violations, is that opting out can be quite complicated. Yes, you can sever your TV’s internet connection, but you’ll forfeit access to numerous valuable features. Furthermore, it appears to be lawful for corporations to conduct this activity, especially since you likely consented to it via an end-user license agreement (EULA) upon your initial account registration or when you first utilized the device.

Is it possible to disable ACR HDMI tracking?

Apple Manufacturing Academy Launches Complimentary Online Courses

**Apple Manufacturing Academy: Enabling U.S. Businesses via Virtual Training**

Earlier this year, Apple debuted its inaugural Apple Manufacturing Academy in Detroit, focusing on delivering complimentary training in “smart manufacturing” to small and medium businesses throughout the United States. This initiative, created in collaboration with Michigan State University, reflects Apple’s extensive pledge to invest $600 billion in the U.S. economy.

In a recent update, Apple unveiled its first-ever virtual programming as part of the Apple Manufacturing Academy. This new online offering aims to enhance accessibility to advanced manufacturing training for businesses and employees nationwide.

The virtual courses, which are accessible starting today, encompass a range of topics crucial for contemporary manufacturing. These topics include automation, predictive maintenance, quality control optimization, and machine learning with vision. Furthermore, the program offers professional development training in communication and presentation abilities, providing participants with the essential resources needed to excel in today’s competitive environment. This initial batch of online materials marks the first phase of the Apple Manufacturing Academy curriculum, with intentions for ongoing expansion as the program progresses.

Apple’s Chief Operating Officer, Sabih Khan, highlighted the significance of this initiative, stating, “At Apple, we believe in the potential of American ingenuity, and we’re excited to offer additional options to assist small- and medium-sized enterprises nationwide. By transitioning the Apple Manufacturing Academy curriculum online, we’re paving the way for more businesses and workers to acquire advanced expertise, which contributes to U.S. competitiveness and bolsters the growth of advanced manufacturing across the country.”

For those eager to explore the virtual courses, they are available at no cost on the Michigan State University website. This initiative not only marks a major advancement in boosting workforce skills but also highlights Apple’s dedication to nurturing innovation and competitiveness within the manufacturing industry across the United States.

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Samsung Galaxy S25 Series Unveils Official One UI 8.5 Beta

Furthermore, it is grounded in the most recent Android 16 QPR2 update.

(Image credit: Nicholas Sutrich / Android Central)

Key points to be aware of

  • One UI 8.5 introduces significant AI enhancements, upgraded photo editing capabilities, and improved cross-device sharing options.
  • Samsung includes new Theft Protection features along with a refreshed UI featuring 3D icons and a customizable Quick Settings interface.
  • Storage Share allows users to access files across Galaxy smartphones, tablets, PCs, and Samsung TVs as well.
  • The One UI 8.5 beta is currently available for Galaxy S25 devices in selected regions, with more devices anticipated to be added shortly.
Notice

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Samsung Galaxy Z TriFold Launch Date Details

Find out when you can purchase Samsung’s 10-inch foldable device.

(Image credit: Samsung)

What is the release date for the Samsung Galaxy Z TriFold?

Samsung announced the Galaxy Z TriFold on December 1, 2025. Although it features a name suggesting it folds three times, the Galaxy Z TriFold actually has two folds and includes an impressive 10-inch AMOLED screen divided into three parts. The company also disclosed the complete specifications of the device, featuring a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset and an Android 16-based <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.androidcentral.com/tag/one-ui" data-auto-tag-linker="true" data-mrf-recirculation="inline-link" data-before-rewrite-localise="https://www.androidcentral.com/tag/

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Leak suggests Samsung Qi2 charger may rival MagSafe for Galaxy S26

Samsung is said to be preparing to launch an integrated magnetic charging feature for its forthcoming Galaxy S26 series, which could eliminate the requirement for specific “Qi2 Ready” cases. A leaked 25W Qi2 magnetic charger (model EP-P2900) indicates that Samsung is embracing a MagSafe-like system, akin to Apple’s, for its Galaxy devices. This charger is anticipated to be compatible with Galaxy S series, Z foldables, and Galaxy Buds, pointing towards a cohesive strategy within Samsung’s ecosystem.

In the past, Samsung has provided Qi2-certified wireless chargers but hasn’t included a genuine magnetic charging system within its devices. The introduction of the new Qi2 dock hints at a move towards this integration. Qi2 represents the next-generation wireless charging standard that utilizes alignment technology popularized by Apple.

The leaked details suggest that Samsung’s proprietary dock will deliver charging speeds of 25W, exceeding the company’s traditional 15W limit on wireless charging rates. This implies the adoption of the newer Qi2.2 standard, with the charger available in a Dark Gray finish. The shift to Qi2 could indicate that Samsung will at last provide a consolidated magnetic system, following Google’s Pixel 10 series, which recently introduced built-in magnets.

Nonetheless, the full 25W wireless charging capability may be reserved for the Galaxy S26 Ultra, while the standard Galaxy S26 and S26 Plus could be restricted to 20W. This move might signify a notable change in Samsung’s strategy towards wireless charging, bringing it closer in line with Apple’s MagSafe technology.

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How to Protect Your Smart Home from Hackers: 5 Proven Tactics

Smart home devices can enhance your daily life, but this convenience is not without its drawbacks. These smart gadgets frequently lack robust authentication methods. They are prone to data breaches, as many do not implement encryption or rely on obsolete software. Such devices make for easy targets for cybercriminals. Gaining access to just one of your connected devices can jeopardize your entire network. Risks like privacy invasion, surveillance, or unauthorized control over smart devices are very real. Your residence could even serve as a launching pad for larger scale attacks, including DDoS assaults. Fortunately, you don’t have to risk your security to relish the benefits of your smart home.

Adopting a few smart habits and protocols can significantly decrease the threat posed by hackers. Ensuring safety can be straightforward, such as using robust passwords or keeping your smart home network isolated from the internet. Regularly updating your devices’ firmware and ensuring that all communications between them are encrypted can provide additional safeguards. Now, let’s delve into five straightforward strategies to bolster the security of your smart home.

Utilize a local network

Another Senior Apple Executive Possibly Departing the Company Shortly

Bloomberg. Srouji is presently the Senior Vice President of Hardware Technologies at Apple — a role that positions him as one of the most significant and influential employees within the organization. Under Srouji’s guidance, Apple has steadily introduced leading-edge chip designs. On Apple’s leadership page, the company highlights that Srouji “created pioneering custom chips and hardware technologies, including Apple silicon, batteries, cameras, storage controllers, sensors, displays, and various other essential technologies across Apple’s complete product range.” As per the report, Srouji recently informed Apple CEO Tim Cook of his thoughts about potentially leaving Apple for another organization.

While past departures of executives have not noticeably affected Apple, Srouji’s exit would represent a substantial setback. It is difficult to exaggerate Srouji’s significance to Apple. Every chip that powers Apple’s devices originates from Srouji’s team. Moreover, Apple’s in-house processors — from the M-series chips in the Mac to the A19 Pro chips in the iPhone 17 Pro — assist in distinguishing the company’s offerings from a saturated market of competitors. Srouji is essentially the chief designer behind Apple’s immensely successful hardware.

Apple’s leadership team is undergoing a transition

How to Turn Your Raspberry Pi into a Local AI Assistant

enhance your smart home’s intelligence through countless methods to improve your bedroom – but one specific GitHub contributor surpassed expectations. Simone Marzulli took the initiative to create his own local AI agent and subsequently trained it to operate on a Raspberry Pi 5. Quite remarkable, if you ask us.

Marzulli’s primary objective was straightforward, at least theoretically: nothing should exit the Raspberry Pi. This literally meant he aimed to prevent any AI tasks from being transferred to third-party services; he aimed to protect his personal data, and we understand his reasoning. Additionally, Simone desired all these in-house scripts to utilize open large language models (LLMs), and he wanted his AI assistant to respond to vocal commands.

Marzulli then acquired a compact chassis, screen, and cooling fan for his Pi-based agent. His final product — a smart display he refers to as Max Headbox — is truly remarkable.

A screen-headed assistant for your workspace

Max Headbox was crafted to be an expressive, screen-driven AI assistant that showcased a face (designed using GIMP to animate one of Microsoft’s Fluent Emojis) and would respond to vocal commands upon hearing a trigger word. Marzulli even incorporated touchscreen features, where a tap would activate the system’s microphone to initiate his voice instructions.

Another tap would terminate the recording, and he could also tap while the LLM was replying to cancel the request entirely. He chose a minimalist interface, too, featuring rotating, colored ribbons as his three main indicators: ready for trigger word (blue), voice is currently being recorded (red), and LLM is active (rainbow).

Regarding the open models that were employed

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Galaxy Watch 5 and Pro Users Await One UI 8 Watch Update After Beta Wrap-Up

The moment is nearly here.

(Image credit: Michael Hicks / Android Central)

Essential information

  • One UI 8 Watch has been released for Galaxy Watch 8, 7, and 6 series
  • Galaxy Watch 5 series is anticipated to get the stable One UI 8 Watch update shortly
  • This significant update includes enhancements to Wear OS 6 and introduces features like Running Coach

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