useful USB devices that can enhance your life in various ways and are highly recommended by numerous users. Best of all, all these items are extremely affordable — you can grab any of them for under $50 — so you’ll discover something that can come to the rescue no matter your financial plan.
A power bank is an essential USB device, guaranteeing your phone stays charged at all times. It’s even more beneficial for security as it helps you avoid using public USB sockets, thus steering clear of potential threats like juice jacking. INIU’s Portable Charger is an excellent option since it features a USB Type-C port for charging. It includes three USB ports (two USB-C and one USB-A), allowing you to charge three devices at once.
What’s more, this power bank includes a holder that connects to the accompanying USB
Read More**Comprehending Recovery Assistant in macOS 26: A Transformative Tool for IT Management**
Within the sphere of enterprise IT, overseeing Apple devices has consistently presented distinct challenges, especially regarding system stability. Although macOS is famous for its dependability, software update complications can sometimes hinder operations. With the launch of macOS 26, Apple has made a noteworthy progress in tackling these issues via the Recovery Assistant—a built-in tool intended to automatically diagnose and resolve boot problems.
### What does Recovery Assistant do?
Recovery Assistant is a function that activates when a Mac cannot boot correctly. Rather than requiring users to enter recovery mode and troubleshoot manually, this tool streamlines the process by automatically identifying the issue. It connects to Apple’s servers to fetch the most up-to-date recovery information, assesses the macOS system, and endeavors to fix the problem without requiring extensive user engagement.
### Advantages for IT Teams
For companies with remote workers, Recovery Assistant signifies a crucial leap forward in managing Macs, resonating with the zero-touch deployment principle. While hardware repairs will always demand physical action, issues related to software can now be handled more effectively. This innovation lessens the requirement for users to go to an Apple Store or wait for IT to send replacement devices, thus reducing downtime.
From an IT standpoint, the ramifications of Recovery Assistant are substantial. It boosts the assurance of support teams, knowing that devices hold the capacity to rectify themselves from software troubles. This is exceptionally advantageous in settings where users are scattered across different locations, as it conserves time, shipping costs, and alleviates employee downtime.
### Functionality
When Recovery Assistant is activated, it methodically hunts for known software problems hindering the Mac from starting. If it detects an issue, it tries to remedy it automatically. Once finished, the Mac either restarts successfully or provides the user with straightforward instructions for next steps, such as reinstalling macOS or fixing the startup disk.
Nevertheless, it is crucial to point out that certain network setups, including captive portals and 802.1X authentication, are not compatible with Recovery Assistant. In situations when users are traveling and depending on hotel Wi-Fi, they may need to connect to an iPhone to resolve issues.
### Progressing Towards Effortless IT Management
Apple has invested years into refining the management and deployment procedures for Macs within businesses. With features such as Declarative Device Management and Managed Apple Accounts, the introduction of Recovery Assistant further lightens the load on IT departments. The main objective is to establish a support experience that reduces the necessity for help desk tickets, ensuring that only hardware repairs interrupt employee efficiency.
In summary, Recovery Assistant in macOS 26 marks a considerable progression for IT management, offering a strong solution for software-related challenges. By allowing Macs to self-correct, Apple is not only enhancing user experience but also enabling IT teams to oversee devices more efficiently, ultimately enhancing operational productivity in the workplace.
Read More**Indian Government Considers A-GPS Requirement: A New Privacy Dilemma**
Following its decision to abandon the contentious requirement of preloading a state-operated “security” application on every smartphone, the Indian government seems to be entering an even larger privacy dispute. This week, negotiations with smartphone manufacturers concluded with the Indian government retracting its directive to pre-install an undeletable state-operated application on all devices sold domestically. Now, as reported by Reuters, the Modi administration is contemplating the requirement for smartphone manufacturers to turn on Assisted GPS (A-GPS) technology, which utilizes satellite signals and cellular data to accurately track users within approximately one meter.
This idea was initially proposed earlier this year by the Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI), propelled by worries from the Modi government that its agencies do not obtain exact locations when legal demands are made to telecom companies during probes. At present, location data is dependent on cellular tower information, which is less precise.
Apple and Google have voiced their disapproval of the proposal, referring to it as “a regulatory overreach” and emphasizing possible legal, privacy, and national security issues. Currently, A-GPS is only activated in specific circumstances, such as emergency calls, but the suggested requirement would mandate its continuous activation.
Reuters sources mentioned that government officials were meant to convene with leading smartphone industry figures to deliberate on the matter, but the meeting was delayed. The agenda would likely include discussions on surveillance notifications, which the COAI considers a nuisance. The telecom association highlighted that even the conventional method of location tracking is becoming troublesome, as smartphone companies present pop-up messages informing users that their carrier is trying to access their location. This transparency enables targets to recognize that they are under surveillance by security agencies, prompting the telecom group to advocate for the government to direct phone manufacturers to disable these pop-up notifications.
As the Indian government maneuvers through this intricate domain of privacy and surveillance, the ramifications of a potential A-GPS requirement pose substantial inquiries regarding user privacy rights and the equilibrium between national security and personal liberties.
Read More### iPhone Air Resale Value Continues to Decline, While Rest of iPhone 17 Series Stabilizes
A recent study reveals that the iPhone Air has faced a notable drop in resale value during its first weeks on sale, underperforming compared to the rest of the iPhone 17 series and earlier models regarding depreciation. Although it is premature to label the iPhone Air a failure, the findings imply that it is not matching the performance of its peers.
The situation with the iPhone Air raises concerns, particularly with speculation that Apple is decreasing its production levels to “end of production” status and postponing the launch of its successor until 2027. A report from SellCell underscores that the iPhone Air experienced a remarkable 47.4% fall in resale value within the initial 10 weeks of availability, marking it as the steepest resale decline of any iPhone since 2022.
SellCell has been monitoring iPhone resale values for several years, offering a reliable framework for comparison across different releases. Their report analyzed 52 iPhone SKUs since the debut of the iPhone 14 series. While the iPhone 16 line first encountered a more substantial depreciation of 42% in its opening week, the iPhone Air wasn’t far behind with a 41% loss. However, the dynamics altered after the sixth week, where the average value loss for the iPhone Air hit 43.4%, compared to 40.3% for the iPhone 16 line and merely 36.7% for the remainder of the iPhone 17 series.
SellCell’s analysis suggests that while the depreciation of the iPhone 17 models stabilizes by the tenth week, the iPhone Air continues its downward trajectory, indicating potential long-term confidence issues regarding resale. Conversely, the iPhone 17 Pro Max 256GB has stood out as the top performer in the current series, experiencing only a 26.1% depreciation after ten weeks.
In summary, the depreciation patterns for the iPhone 17 lineage closely follow historical trends, with the exception of the iPhone Air, which continues its downward path. For additional insights, SellCell’s complete report is accessible, detailing their analysis methodology.
Read More$70 each month for streaming platforms. That’s a bit much for mere pocket change. Yet, unsurprisingly, some individuals are funding services they no longer utilize, while others are consciously paying due to psychological influences. Not all streaming subscriptions provide value for your investment. This isn’t solely because they may not boast as extensive a catalog as the major players, but rather because they deliver minimal relevance to your preferences.
Are you an avid fan of cartoons and animation? If so, perhaps Netflix isn’t the best fit for you, and you might prefer to opt for Disney+ or Crunchyroll instead. These are vital considerations to reflect upon when evaluating the services you subscribe to, and whether it’s genuinely worthwhile to maintain that subscription. With so many streaming options and compatible devices available, it’s easy to make expensive errors. Here are some frequent missteps that many individuals encounter.
Narvo Vexar/Getty Images
It’s likely that nearly everyone who reads this has at least one USB flash drive within easy reach, with possibly several more cluttering up a junk drawer. Technology advances rapidly, and the era when having a 512MB flash drive was viewed as a luxury is long behind us. Nowadays, USB flash drives are available in various forms and sizes, with many companies and organizations even distributing them for free. As USB sticks become increasingly common, you may be curious about what you can do with those extra flash drives gathering dust.
One of the most beneficial uses for an extra USB flash drive is to assemble something similar to a USB survival kit. Just load a collection of executable tools, applications, and utilities onto an older USB flash drive, and you’ll be prepared for any computing problem, tech emergency, or simply ready to get work done wherever a PC can be found. The tools and applications mentioned are all entirely free, and having them stored on a spare USB flash drive will help streamline your life a bit. Who knows, they might even elevate you to the status of the family hero with everything you’ll be able to achieve using them.
The Google Pixel 10 Pro XL is an officially recognized large-screen powerhouse.
There are still a few residual Black Friday phone bargains available, featuring a 29% discount on the Google Pixel 10 Pro XL at Amazon. The Pixel 10 Pro XL is our top choice for Android phones among parents, largely owing to its impressive camera array, expansive OLED screen, and significant performance enhancements compared to earlier models. It boasts a main camera, a telephoto, and an ultrawide lens on the back, along with a robust front camera.
The 10 Pro XL generally lists for $1,200, so being vigilant for promotions like this is certainly advisable. Importantly, this also marks the lowest price ever noted for the device on Amazon, making it a solid option if you’re already seeking something in the higher-end price bracket.
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Read MoreThe year is nearing its end, and although Apple still has software launches pending, no new hardware is anticipated until 2026. Nonetheless, there are four new products speculated to be released early in 2026, potentially as soon as January.
### MacBook Pro 14-inch and 16-inch with M5 Pro and Max
This autumn, Apple introduced its new M5 chip across three devices: MacBook Pro, iPad Pro, and Vision Pro. However, the new chip has yet to provide Pro or Max versions, and only the 14-inch MacBook Pro has utilized it. Reports suggest that Apple will roll out 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pros featuring M5 Pro and M5 Max early in 2026. Back in January 2023, Apple launched M2 Pro and M2 Max versions of the MacBook Pro, indicating a similar timeframe for the M5 introductions.
### New 12.9-inch MacBook
For several years, analysts have urged Apple to introduce a budget-friendly MacBook to better compete with Chromebooks and more economical PCs. In early 2026, this may finally come to pass. Apple is reportedly gearing up to launch a 12.9-inch MacBook equipped with an iPhone-class A18 Pro chip and available in a range of vibrant colors. The anticipated price is speculated to be $599 or $699, with deliveries expected by mid-Q1 2026, making a late January reveal very plausible.
### iPad with A18 chip
Earlier this year, Apple’s entry-level iPad underwent a spec improvement with an A16 Bionic chip. Early in 2026, the next iPad is expected to debut featuring an A18 chip that will support Apple Intelligence. Not much else is known about the new iPad, but it is expected to maintain the same design, with changes mainly internal.
### iPhone 17e
Apple has another iPhone 17 variant in development, anticipated to launch very early in 2026. This February, Apple introduced a new addition to the iPhone lineup branded as iPhone 16e. Speculation indicates that Apple aims to refresh the ‘e’ model each year. The iPhone 17e will incorporate the same A19 chip as the iPhone 17 and will include the new Center Stage front camera. It’s also rumored to showcase design updates, featuring the Dynamic Island in place of a notch and slimmer bezels. Similar to the iPhone 16e, Apple’s new budget model will likely retail at $599 and feature only a single rear camera.
### Wildcards: M5 MacBook Air, M4 iPad Air, new Mac displays
The four products mentioned above have all been speculated for release very early in 2026. However, several others could also debut in the same timeframe, including the M5 MacBook Air, M4 iPad Air, and new Mac displays. These items are expected to launch between winter and spring, aligning with the previously mentioned releases. For instance, the iPad Air and base iPad both debuted simultaneously earlier this year, and the new Mac displays might arrive alongside the M5 Pro and M5 Max MacBook Pro variants.
Which early 2026 Apple products are you most excited about? Let us know in the comments.
Read MoreGoogle Chrome functionality that can be particularly beneficial during this season. We are engaging in more shopping and travel throughout the holidays than at any other period, which results in increased time spent on computers and mobile devices for online purchases and trip arrangements. These tasks come with their own set of frustrations. We need to re-enter the same details repeatedly, whether it’s payment information, shipping locations, or travel pass information. This is the challenge Chrome seeks to address by working with Google Account and Google Wallet data to enhance the autofill experience considerably.
GoogleThe integration with Google Account enables the Chrome browser to securely retrieve data from your account, including your name and email, when signing up for new services or logging in. This same Google Account information allows Chrome to display your Home and Work addresses that you may wish to utilize while shopping online this festive season. A single click empowers you to autofill the necessary details and finish your shopping experience more swiftly than ever, provided you are using Chrome while logged into your Google Account. This new feature will be accessible on desktop, Android, and iPhone.
20th Century Studios
It’s widely known that Matt Damon is recognized as the individual who declined both a share and the lead role in James Cameron’s “Avatar” films. He shouldn’t be too disappointed, however, as he wasn’t the only one who lost the chance to travel to Pandora. Prior to Sam Worthington taking on the character of Na’vi convert Jake Sully, two equally intriguing stars were considered for donning blue CGI skin.
During a discussion on the Empire podcast, Cameron disclosed that MCU stars Chris Evans, aka Steve Rogers, and the present Gambit, Channing Tatum, were both approached for the role before the director made his final decision. “Chris Evans, and Sam, and Channing Tatum. That was my choice,” Cameron reminisced. “I genuinely appreciated Channing’s charm. I liked Chris’ appeal. They were both exceptional guys. But Sam possessed a distinctive voice quality and a certain intensity.” This casting decision resulted in Sam Worthington featuring in three of Cameron’s fantastical adventures since 2009, culminating in “Avatar: Fire and Ash,” set for release on December 19, 2025.
According to Cameron, it only required one pivotal moment in the initial film to confirm his leading man and prove that Worthington was prepared to lead the Na’vi into warfare. After all, embarking on a war requires an electrifying speech, and Worthington accomplished it flawlessly on his first attempt.
