Author: sparta

OpenAI Unveils Release of GPT-5.1, Improving Conversational Abilities

ChatGPT has undergone another significant enhancement, this time with the introduction of GPT-5.1. OpenAI asserts that the update will enable “easier customization” of the chatbot while offering a “smarter, more conversational” interaction overall.

Today, the company announced the rollout of GPT-5.1 in a [blog post](https://openai.com/index/gpt-5-1/), highlighting the inclusion of two new models named GPT-5.1 Instant and GPT-5.1 Thinking. Instant aims to deliver a “warmer, more intelligent” model that excels in adhering to user instructions, whereas Thinking will concentrate on providing sophisticated reasoning. OpenAI indicates that ChatGPT will not only manage simple tasks more effectively but will also possess an improved understanding of intricate tasks.

The company shared examples illustrating how the outputs from GPT-5 and GPT-5.1 Instant will vary, showing that the company’s idea of “playfulness” is indeed more apparent in the communications. Moreover, the firm mentions that GPT-5.1 Instant will employ adaptive reasoning to assess whether it should contemplate before answering more challenging inquiries, enhancing accuracy without significantly slowing down the system.

New avenues for customizing ChatGPT

Instant isn’t the sole model designed to deliver a warmer interaction, as OpenAI states that Thinking will also provide a more comforting and empathetic response mechanism, even highlighting the distinction between it and GPT-5. However, the notable point is that this “release is a significant advancement” for the models, not just in functionality but also in user-friendliness. A considerable aspect of this is attributed to the newly introduced personalization features.

In addition to adding support for GPT-5.1, users can now further tailor ChatGPT’s responses based on personality traits. The examples shared in OpenAI’s blog post present options like Candid, Quirky, Efficient, Professional, Friendly, and others. Once chosen, the personality will apply across all AI models. The prior Nerdy and Cynical options will still be available.

The company is also experimenting with more detailed customization methods, which may allow for even finer adjustment options in upcoming releases similar to the [custom instructions](https://www.bgr.com/tech/chatgpt-custom-instructions-were-only-for-paid-subscribers-but-now-you-can-use-them-for-free/) currently available for the AI. There was no mention of the recently [leaked ChatGPT group chat feature](https://www.bgr.com/2024447/chatgpt-group-chat-feature-leaked/), so we will have to wait for further details on that front. Auto will continue to enable you to depend on the AI to identify which model is most appropriate for a given task. Additionally, if the more inviting response from GPT-5.1 is excessive, you can always revert to GPT-5 through the legacy models option in ChatGPT, just as you

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Android Notebooks Launch with Characteristics Influenced by Microsoft Surface Pro 11

**It’s Wonderful to Witness, but There’s Still a Long Path Ahead**

The tech community is buzzing with the latest news from Qualcomm, especially the thrilling updates regarding the Snapdragon X series processors. A fresh rumor has emerged indicating that Qualcomm is integrating Android 16 support into its Snapdragon X series processors. This development represents a notable advancement in the tech giant’s ambitions to introduce Android laptops to the marketplace. Nonetheless, the journey is far from complete, and several challenges remain before these devices become a reality.

**What You Should Be Aware Of**

– Qualcomm is allegedly developing Android 16 support for its Snapdragon X Elite and X series processors.
– It remains unclear if the Snapdragon X2 chips will obtain similar backing.
– In spite of this advancement, the first Android laptops are still months away from coming to market.

At the Qualcomm Snapdragon Summit earlier this year, the company confirmed that Android laptops were forthcoming. This revelation was received with excitement, as it represented an important milestone in the evolution of ARM-based laptops. The recent indication that Qualcomm is pursuing Android support for its premier ARM SoCs is an encouraging sign, showing that the initiative is progressing.

However, the path to Android laptops is laden with obstacles. While the introduction of Android 16 support is a favorable advancement, significant technical and logistical challenges persist. The development timeline is anticipated to accelerate quickly, but it will likely take some time before we witness the first Android-powered laptops on store shelves.

Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X series of processors, launched in June 2024, represented the company’s latest effort to bring Windows to ARM technology. The debut was accompanied by new hardware from brands like Samsung and Microsoft, highlighting the capabilities of ARM-based laptops. The Snapdragon X Elite, in particular, has received accolades for its remarkable performance, almost matching Apple’s M3 Pro and M3 Max in single-core CPU capabilities.

The Snapdragon X2 series of processors, revealed at the latest Snapdragon Summit, seeks to build upon this success. The Snapdragon X2 Elite is expected to deliver significant enhancements in both CPU and GPU performance, providing a 31% boost in CPU capabilities and a 2.3X increase in GPU performance per watt. These enhancements are essential for the creation of Android laptops, as they offer the requisite power and efficiency to rival existing devices.

Despite these encouraging strides, the first wave of Android laptops might not feature the Snapdragon X2. Qualcomm’s emphasis on the Snapdragon X Elite implies that the initial set of devices will depend on this processor. Nevertheless, the advancements achieved thus far are uplifting, and it is merely a matter of time before Android laptops become a reality.

Meanwhile, consumers seeking an ARM-powered laptop can consider options like the Lenovo Chromebook Plus 14, which showcases noteworthy performance with its MediaTek Kompanio Ultra processor. While it may not run Android, it offers a preview of the potential of ARM-based laptops.

As Qualcomm relentlessly explores the possibilities of ARM processors, the future of Android laptops appears bright. However, there remains considerable work required before these devices achieve mainstream acceptance. The road ahead may be lengthy, but the progress made thus far demonstrates the promise of this technology.

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OpenAI Unveils GPT-5.1 for ChatGPT Featuring Improved Warmth and Smarter Capabilities

**OpenAI Unveils GPT-5.1: Advancements in Communication and Intelligence**

In August, OpenAI launched GPT-5, signaling a major upgrade to its ChatGPT model. Now, only three months later, the organization has released GPT-5.1, which claims to be “more personable, smarter, and superior in following your directives.”

### Instant and Thoughtful Enhancements

OpenAI highlights that GPT-5.1 improves both the communication approach and the intelligence of the model. The enhancements are divided into two primary models:

– **GPT-5.1 Instant**: This is the most frequently used model, crafted to be more conversational and responsive to user guidelines. The outputs produced by this model are meant to sound less like scripted information and more like authentic writing, with a warmer tone now set as the standard.

– **GPT-5.1 Thinking**: This sophisticated reasoning model has been optimized for speed, enabling quicker responses to straightforward tasks while being more comprehensive on complex issues. It also adopts the warmer tone by default.

OpenAI has implemented new features that permit users to choose the tone of responses, providing options like friendly, efficient, professional, candid, and quirky. This functionality seeks to improve user engagement by personalizing outputs to individual tastes.

A significant enhancement in the Instant model is its improved adherence to user instructions. For example, the model can now respond to prompts with a defined word count, addressing a typical annoyance users faced with earlier versions.

### Accessibility

GPT-5.1 is being made available to paying customers on Pro, Plus, Go, and Business plans, with the rollout expected to extend over the coming days. Users without a subscription and those not logged in will receive access to the new model following the initial rollout phase. OpenAI has assured that GPT-5 will continue to be accessible for at least three months for paying users, responding to feedback regarding the sudden discontinuation of previous models after GPT-5 was introduced.

Furthermore, Apple has announced that ChatGPT will incorporate GPT-5 via Siri with Apple Intelligence beginning with iOS 26, with a transition to GPT-5.1 expected in an upcoming software update.

For additional information, you can view the complete GPT-5.1 announcement from OpenAI

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Crucial Internal Wallpapers for iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max

**iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max Internal Wallpapers Unveiled by Basic Apple Guy**

After two months of dedicated effort, Basic Apple Guy has unveiled the eagerly awaited iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max Internal Wallpapers. Here’s how you can obtain them.

### Almost 3,000 Layers for Flawless Replicas

It has become customary that whenever Apple introduces a new product, Basic Apple Guy crafts breathtaking, flawless wallpapers showcasing the internals of the new device. In recent weeks, Basic Apple Guy has shared updates on social media, hinting at the new iPhone Internal Wallpaper collection.

Now, the iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max Internal Wallpapers can be found in nine distinct shades, and you can download them [here](https://basicappleguy.com/basicappleblog/iphone-17-pro-internals-wallpapers), where you can also assist with a $4.99 gift to support their efforts.

The wallpapers are exceptionally intricate, as Basic Apple Guy constructs the artwork based on Apple’s own repair guides.

Here’s Basic Apple Guy:

> “The entire process consumes a significant amount of time; each wallpaper demands dozens of hours to finalize. I begin with an 800×1500 image from Apple’s repair manual and scrutinize every detail to comprehend how the components are organized, layered, and interconnected before reproducing them in Sketch as accurately as possible. Each element is arranged, drawn, curved, layered, and textured by hand. Some features take mere seconds; others, such as the perimeter railing, can nearly take an hour. It is an ongoing process of adjusting, layering, and fine-tuning almost 3,000 layers to ensure precision and that they fit harmoniously into the overall design. And once I complete those 3,000 layers for one phone, I open a fresh document and begin anew on the second Pro device.”

You can discover more about the creation process in their [blog post](https://basicappleguy.com/basicappleblog/iphone-17-pro-internals-wallpapers). Moreover, Basic Apple Guy intends to develop an internals wallpaper pack for the iPhone Air next.

### Accessory Offers on Amazon

*FTC: We utilize revenue-generating auto affiliate links.

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Highest-Paying Tech Positions in 2025

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that the median yearly income in the technology sector is $105,990, which is more than double the median for other professions. Indeed, despite the doubts surrounding artificial intelligence potentially displacing jobs, particularly within the tech sector, you still have a chance to earn more than individuals in different fields, as highlighted by BLS data. If you’re looking for a lucrative profession, exploring opportunities in tech may be beneficial.

Of course, if you wish to embark on a career in this sector, there are numerous specializations available to you. You might consider roles such as a software engineer, network engineer, cybersecurity analyst, machine learning engineer, web developer, technical program manager, and beyond. Nevertheless, not all specializations yield the same financial rewards, particularly in an industry characterized by ongoing learning, where salaries are influenced by what employers prioritize as most valuable at any given time. By 2025, these will be the top-paying positions in tech if salary is a key concern for you.

Principal software engineer

Steps to Obtain Your $20 YouTube TV Credit Amid the Current Disney Blackout

YouTube is attempting to compensate for the disruption.

(Image credit: Android Central)

Essential information

  • YouTube TV subscribers are receiving $20 credits due to the absence of Disney Channel.
  • Retrieve your credit through YouTube TV’s desktop platform with straightforward steps.
  • YouTube TV and Disney are still in talks, impacting channel accessibility.
Notice

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GameHub Debuts on Play Store, Streamlining Access to Windows Games on Android

Perhaps this will assist you in finally tackling your Steam backlog.

(Image credit: Andrew Myrick / Android Central)

Essential information

  • The GameHub app from GameSir is now available on the Google Play Store for free.
  • GameHub is a tailored version of Winlator, enabling the play of Windows games on Android devices.
  • In particular, GameHub allows users to log into their Steam account to download and play Windows games.

An emulation revolution is underway, and the outlook is increasingly optimistic. GameHub has just been introduced on the Play Store, offering arguably the simplest method to play Windows games on your preferred Android devices.

While this functionality has existed for a few years through platforms like Mobox, Vectras, and others, Winlator has emerged as the leading solution, quickly becoming the go-to choice for many. The downside of Winlator, however, lies in its lack of user-friendliness, which can easily confuse even those with a bit of technical expertise.

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9to5Mac Daily: November 12, 2025 – Launch of Digital IDs in Apple Wallet

### 9to5Mac Daily: Your Daily Apple News Hub

In the rapidly evolving tech landscape, keeping up with the newest news and trends is essential, particularly for Apple fans. **9to5Mac Daily** functions as a vital podcast that provides daily summaries of the most important happenings within the Apple community. With fresh episodes recorded each weekday, listeners can effortlessly stay informed about advancements in the tech scene.

#### How to Access the Podcast

Listeners are able to access **9to5Mac Daily** on multiple platforms, including:
– [iTunes and Apple’s Podcasts application](https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/9to5mac-daily/id1331816080)
– [Stitcher](https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/9to5mac-daily)
– [TuneIn](https://tunein.com/radio/9to5Mac-Daily-p1089524/)
– [Google Play](https://play.google.com/music/m/I5d4dzs7dauazmfxvvrynyiuram?t=9to5Mac_Daily)
– [Dedicated RSS feed](https://feedpress.me/9to5macdaily) for Overcast and additional podcast apps.

#### Sponsorship and Deals

The podcast is brought to you by **Backblaze**, a cloud storage solution that guarantees users won’t lose their data. Listeners can apply the code “**9to5daily**” during checkout for a 20% discount or can explore the service for free.

#### Highlights from Episodes

Every episode of **9to5Mac Daily** touches on a variety of subjects important to Apple users, including product updates, software launches, and news from the industry. The podcast not only educates but also captivates listeners with conversations about the significance of these changes.

#### Benefits of Subscribing

By subscribing to **9to5Mac Daily Plus**, listeners can gain:
– Ad-free episodes
– Access to exclusive content

This subscription model improves the listening experience, enabling fans to delve deeper into the issues that interest them the most.

#### Engaging with the Community

Listeners are invited to share their opinions and feedback. They can connect via email at [[email protected]](mailto:[email protected]) or rate the podcast on services like [Apple Podcasts](https://geo.itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/id1331816080?at=10laZc&pt=11l8808) and

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Apple Unveils Digital ID Capability in Apple Wallet

arrival of Digital ID. First highlighted at WWDC in June, this new functionality permits users to establish a Digital ID utilizing details from their passport. Apple states that the new Digital ID can be utilized at TSA checkpoints in over 250 airports for verification purposes. This feature offers users a more efficient method for traveling. Additionally, it allows users to generate a Digital ID even if they lack a state ID or a driver’s license that conforms to REAL ID standards.

“Since we launched the capability to add a driver’s license or state ID to Apple Wallet in 2022, we’ve witnessed the enthusiasm users have for having their ID available on their devices,” Apple mentioned in a press statement. “Digital IDs extend this secure and user-friendly option to an even larger number of individuals throughout the country, as they can now upload an ID to Wallet using data from their U.S. passport.”

A current limitation is that the Digital ID does not substitute for a standard passport. While it may be used for domestic journeys, an actual passport remains necessary for international travel. In other words, the Digital ID function is limited to the U.S. Although Apple suggested the possibility of expansion to other countries in the future, that prospect does not seem to be imminent.

How to integrate a Digital ID into your Apple Wallet

Apple Store Unveils Lengthened Holiday Return Policy for Every Item

Apple is preparing for the holiday season, which includes rolling out a yearly change: an expanded holiday return window for products purchased at the Apple Store.

### Starting today, returns for product purchases are available until early January

Today, Apple is introducing holiday decorations in retail locations and the online Apple Store.

In addition to these festive updates, the company has launched its holiday return policy.

According to Apple’s website:

> Products eligible for return at the Apple Store Online that are received between November 12, 2025, and December 25, 2025, may be returned until January 8, 2026. Please be aware that all other terms and conditions stated in the Apple Store Online Sales and Refunds Policy remain applicable to these products. iPhone purchases financed through carriers like T-Mobile or Verizon do not qualify and follow the standard return policy. All purchases made after December 25, 2025, are subject to the Standard Return Policy.

Typically, Apple Store purchases allow for a 14-day return window. However, during the holiday season, Apple extends this return period.

Purchasing a new product at the Apple Store today means, with the new January 8 cutoff, you will have almost two full months for a return.

The aim is to enable holiday shoppers to start gift buying without concerns about the recipients’ ability to return items if needed.

As always, Apple Store returns feature the following limited exceptions, many of which have become largely obsolete in 2025 except for gift cards:

– Apple Gift Cards (includes previous generation Apple Store Gift Cards and App Store & iTunes Gift Cards)
– Opened software
– Electronic Software Downloads
– Software Up-to-Date Program Products (software upgrades)
– Apple Developer products (membership, technical support incidents, WWDC tickets)

If you’re looking for a new Apple product, make sure to explore our detailed 2025 gift guide for the best bargains.

### Best iPhone accessories

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