Author: sparta

TSA’s Power to Examine Laptops and Mobile Devices

TSA allows travel with AirTag; however, certain other battery-operated trackers may be restricted. This issue is amplified regarding the personal and sensitive data stored on our laptops and phones.

Even though the TSA screening process is lengthy and can be tedious, it was established with security as a priority. TSA was formed following the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001. A key reason for TSA’s stringent measures concerning laptops stems from an event in February 2016 in Somalia, where an attempt to bomb Daallo Airlines occurred. An explosive device was concealed within a laptop that managed to pass through the X-ray inspection undetected. It detonated mid-flight, injuring two individuals and killing the suspected bomber. To clarify, while the incident is not directly connected to TSA, they learned a valuable lesson from it.

Regarding the inspection of laptops and phones, TSA can assess them to a certain extent. They will perform a basic examination, but nothing extensive or involving personal information. However, customs can be quite intrusive and may even replicate data from your devices if they find it necessary.

TSA’s examination procedures

Guide to Linking a PS5 Controller to a Windows PC

Sony’s DualSense controller ranks among the finest for gaming. Numerous high-profile games utilize the haptic triggers of the DualSense, offering feedback that enhances the immersive experience. With a straightforward plug-and-play configuration, linking a DualSense to your PC is fast and effortless, allowing you to dive straight into your preferred games.

To link your PS5 controller to a PC, you’ll require either a USB-C to USB-A cable or a USB-C to USB-C cable if your computer features a USB-C port. While the PlayStation 5 console comes with both cables in the package, the standalone DualSense controller does not include them. Additionally, you can connect the DualSense using Bluetooth, although a USB Bluetooth adapter will be necessary if your motherboard lacks a built-in option. Given the ease of this setup, utilizing one of the finest gaming controllers available to play beyond just your PlayStation is certainly worthwhile.

How to configure DualSense Bluetooth on PC

Comprehending the Distinctions Between GPU Undervolting and Overclocking

To optimize the performance of your graphics card, you might want to explore two techniques: overclocking and undervolting. Each can enhance your PC’s performance notably, especially during gaming sessions, but which should you choose? To make an informed choice, it’s essential to comprehend overclocking and undervolting, as well as their functionalities.

Overclocking refers to the act of increasing the performance of your GPU beyond its default specifications. This is ideal for gamers seeking improved frame rates or professionals needing additional rendering capacity. Conversely, undervolting involves reducing the voltage provided to your GPU, which results in decreased temperature, enhanced energy efficiency, and lowered fan noise. If your primary concern is achieving the highest possible performance from your PC, opt for overclocking. If you prefer a cooler, quieter, and more energy-efficient operation, go for undervolting. Skilled users can also merge both strategies to benefit from enhanced performance along with superior thermal management. Both methods offer unique pros and cons, so let’s dive deeper into each approach to determine which is the optimal choice for your setup.

Understanding the workings of overclocking

When you overclock a graphics card, you effectively modify its clock speeds. This incremental increase in operating frequency enables the GPU to perform more calculations per second, directly translating to a boost in frame rates and an overall enhanced experience in demanding applications and games.

Overclocking typically involves using specific software tools to adjust core and memory clock settings, as well as voltage levels. It’s essential to monitor the temperature closely during this process, as excessive heat can lead to instability or permanent damage to the hardware. Most overclocking utilities have built-in temperature monitoring features to assist users in maintaining safe operational limits.

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The Increasing Costs and Demand for Garmin Watches: A Two-Edged Blade

Garmin sees little motivation to produce budget watches when their sales of high-end Fenix and Forerunner models have been so lucrative.

The prices of Garmin watches have reached unprecedented heights, yet that seems not to deter their purchasers.

I’m uncertain how many consumers will opt for the $2,000 Garmin Fenix 8 Pro MicroLED; it’s a first-generation novelty item with clear compromises. Nevertheless, Garmin continues to report jaw-dropping profits in the watch sector while increasing prices throughout its entire collection. Who can deny that the Fenix 8 Pro might attract a gullible customer base? It still costs less than a Rolex!

In 2025, Garmin enthusiasts have expressed dissatisfaction over rising watch prices, the new Garmin Connect Plus subscription, the significant bootloop crash, and particularly when Garmin withheld new features from the year-old Fenix 7 Pro to promote the Fenix 8. “I’ll never buy another Garmin watch” has become a frequent lament in forums, and competitors like COROS and Polar would gladly welcome those customers.

This hasn’t deterred Garmin from rising to the position of the 5th best-selling wearable brand in 2025, boasting nearly 30% growth year-over-year, edging closer to Samsung’s 4th spot. Either the “never again” individuals were not truthful with themselves, or new consumers eagerly filled their void.

Garmin’s recent financial results illustrate a distinct narrative. In Q3 and Q4 of 2024, the $1,200 Fenix 8 and $900 Enduro 3 contributed to a $230 million year-over-year increase in “Outdoor” watch sales. Last quarter, the $550 Forerunner 570 and $750 Forerunner 970 played a role in $177 million year-over-year growth in “Fitness” sales.

Garmin has informed investors that it plans to increase watch prices to counteract tariffs, likely anticipating that this would mitigate any dip in sales. Instead, it appears consumers are ready to embrace higher prices and are bypassing mid-range models to obtain superior specifications and features locked by price.

Having grown fond of my $800 Garmin Venu X1, I certainly won’t criticize! But I do ponder whether the enthusiasm for pricey Garmins stems from a genuine desire for superior features or from Garmin skillfully manipulating our fear of missing out into extravagant spending.

Garmin’s price-locking strategy proves effective

Most smartwatch brands adhere to a steady pricing model, only raising it slightly for inflation every few years. Enhanced sensors, improved hardware, and new health features are the standard. It’s their responsibility to persuade you to keep shelling out the same amount every couple of years.

Garmin employs a contrasting strategy. It generally takes 2-3 years to launch a new watch in each series, and charges more for every new feature. Thus, when the Forerunner 570 included a microphone, speaker, and upgraded health sensors, Garmin reasoning dictated that it couldn’t maintain the same price as the Forerunner 265.

Garmin’s tiered pricing structure means certain functionalities, such as dual-band GPS or a mic & speaker, will never be available in lower-priced watches. The Instinct 3, aimed at hikers, lacked topographic maps, making competitors like the COROS NOMAD much more appealing in comparison.

The same is true for Garmin’s running tolerance feature, designed to assist novice runners in understanding their limits, yet only accessible on the $750 model.

The unfortunate reality is that this approach is successful! Customers desire the features locked behind prices, thus paying more for them. There’s no pressure on Garmin to distribute its premium tools to more affordable models when consumers willingly pay the extra cost.

Garmin watches are “too pricey” compared to other brands that offer these features in their lower-priced models. However, Garmin’s reputation for reliability and durability converts this drawback into an advantage: consumers believe these watches must be exceptional to command such prices, prompting them to invest more for unique features available at lower costs elsewhere.

And to be fair, these are outstanding fitness watches; they just may be excessive for many of those purchasing them.

How much SHOULD you spend on a Garmin watch?

I am not singling out Garmin for charging high prices. Apple set the precedent with its Watch Ultra, and other companies are readily marketing their own excessive smartwatches.

However, it’s also accurate that two years ago, you could acquire a top-level Fenix 7 Pro or Forerunner 965 for $600–800, while now Garmin’s best features begin at $750 and reach up to $1,300 for a Fenix 8 Pro AMOLED. Some individuals simply ought not to spend that much.

I routinely suggest that consumers consider more affordable Garmins like the Vivoactive 6, Forerunner 165, and Lily 2 Active; these models offer the essential Garmin experience and ample battery life for $300 or less.

However, you can invest a bit more without going overboard. I would suggest $

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The Instant Effects of Gravity Vanishing

oceans on Earth, and even your own physique would lose their grounding. What would follow would not merely be an annoyance but destruction on a scale we can hardly fathom. Let’s explore ten occurrences that would take place if gravity were to abruptly disappear, starting with the immediate consequences on our bodies and culminating in the disintegration of the universe itself.

You would experience instantaneous weightlessness

Apple’s Anticipated Generative AI ‘Answer Engine’ Likely to Debut Sooner Than Expected

### Apple’s Latest Generative AI Search Offering: A Transformative Force in the AI Domain

In early last month, Bloomberg revealed Apple’s creation of a novel in-house generative AI search offering, led by the ‘Answers, Knowledge, and Information’ team. This effort showcases Apple’s determination to make a considerable difference in the generative AI sector, even with the hurdles faced by its current virtual assistant, Siri.

#### The Rise of ‘Answers’

Apple is said to be crafting a product internally known as ‘Answers,’ intended to compete with well-known AI models such as OpenAI’s ChatGPT and Perplexity. This upcoming search solution seeks to improve user experience by delivering information that is both more accurate and contextually aligned. As reported in Mark Gurman’s Power On newsletter, the product is likely to be revealed in March, highlighting Apple’s swift development pace.

#### Features and Integration

The generative AI search offering, internally referred to as World Knowledge Answers (WKA), is slated for integration into the updated Siri. While it may not first be available in Safari or Spotlight, the emphasis will be on bolstering Siri’s functionality. This initiative is part of Apple’s larger plan to enhance its AI capabilities and challenge established competitors in the industry.

#### Timeline and Expectations

The expected launch in March is especially notable considering that development of this offering allegedly initiated only a few months prior. Although the initial deployment might be confined to Siri, there are intentions to ultimately integrate the answer engine into additional Apple services, like Safari and Spotlight, broadening its functionality within the ecosystem.

#### Ongoing Developments

Apple is presently engaged in an internal ‘bake off’ to ascertain whether the next-generation Siri will rely on its own AI models or those from outside vendors like Google, Anthropic, or OpenAI. Nonetheless, this assessment seems to have no impact on the schedule for the introduction of the new Siri and its corresponding answer engine.

#### Conclusion

As Apple prepares to launch its generative AI search offering, excitement is mounting among users and industry stakeholders alike. The company’s dedication to innovation in the AI field, coupled with its ambitions for a considerable Siri revamp, indicates that Apple is ready to make a significant mark in the competitive arena of AI-powered search solutions.

Are you eager to see Apple’s new generative AI search offering? Share your thoughts in the comments.

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Apple TV+ Celebrates Initial Emmys Victory with Triumphs for “Severance” and “The Studio”

### The 77th Emmy Awards: An Insight into Apple TV+’s Initial Triumph

The 77th Emmy Awards event is scheduled for next Sunday, honoring the apex of television accomplishments. In a distinctive turn, a number of winners will be revealed a week early, providing a sneak peek into the expected results of this esteemed occasion.

#### Apple TV+’s Remarkable Achievement

This year, Apple TV+ has risen as a significant competitor, achieving an astonishing 15 victories according to initial results. The streaming platform’s triumph can be linked to its notable shows, *The Studio*, a comedic series, and *Severance*, a science fiction drama.

#### *The Studio*: A Comedic Giant

*The Studio* has been a leader for the Outstanding Comedy Series accolade, having garnered an impressive 23 nominations—breaking records for a comedy show. The early achievements for *The Studio* encompass awards for Production Design, Casting, Cinematography, Contemporary Costumes, Picture Editing, Music Supervision, Sound Editing, and Sound Mixing. Moreover, Bryan Cranston won the Outstanding Guest Actor in a Comedy Series award for his portrayal of studio executive Griffin Mill.

#### *Severance*: A Robust Drama Competitor

In the realm of drama, *Severance* has equally made its presence known, bagging awards for Production Design, Cinematography, Title Design, Music Composition, and Sound Mixing. Merritt Wever won the Outstanding Guest Actress in a Drama Series award for her role as Dylan’s spouse, Gretchen. While *Severance* stands as a strong candidate for Outstanding Drama Series, it encounters tough competition from HBO Max’s *The Pitt*.

#### Future Prospects

As the Emmy Awards event nears, Apple TV+ is optimistic that other nominated shows, such as *Shrinking*, *Slow Horses*, *Presumed Innocent*, *Disclaimer*, *Bad Sisters*, and *Dope Thief*, will also gain acknowledgment. Nevertheless, the focus remains on *The Studio*, which is set to seize the Outstanding Comedy Series award. A win would signify Apple’s third victory in this category, following *Ted Lasso*’s wins in its initial two seasons.

Both *Severance* and *The Studio* have been confirmed for further seasons, promising that audiences can anticipate more engaging content ahead. As the Emmy Awards approach, the buzz surrounding Apple TV+ and its remarkable slate continues to grow.

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Kuo Anticipates Release of AirPods Pro 3 This Week

### AirPods Pro 3: Anticipations Before Apple’s Upcoming Event

With the excitement rising for Apple’s “Awe dropping” event on Tuesday, well-known analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has ignited interest with a last-minute speculation regarding the AirPods Pro 3. Initially, Kuo indicated that these eagerly awaited earbuds would not be available until 2026. However, he has now changed his outlook, suggesting that they are primed for announcement next week, coinciding with the iPhone 17’s launch.

Kuo’s recent observations align with information from other trustworthy sources, such as Bloomberg, which have also indicated an imminent release of the AirPods Pro 3. Kuo further explains that while the upcoming version is set for introduction, Apple is already developing future models that may feature advanced components like built-in cameras in the earbuds.

#### Primary Attributes of AirPods Pro 3

Per Kuo, the AirPods Pro 3 are projected to introduce in the latter half of 2025, with a major hardware enhancement expected in 2026, possibly including a model equipped with an infrared (IR) camera. Some speculated features for the AirPods Pro 3 consist of:

– **Heart Rate Monitoring Sensor**: Mirroring the Powerbeats Pro 2, this functionality aims to improve health monitoring capabilities.
– **New H3 Audio Chip**: This upgraded chip is anticipated to elevate sound quality and connectivity, offering a superior listening experience.
– **Slightly Smaller Charging Case**: The charging case design is rumored to be more streamlined, enhancing its portability.

These upgrades highlight Apple’s persistent dedication to innovation in its audio devices, as the company continues to investigate new technologies and functionalities.

#### Prospective Advancements

Kuo’s insights indicate that Apple is not solely concentrating on the immediate launch of the AirPods Pro 3 but is also strategizing for future models that could transform user interaction with their earbuds. The potential inclusion of cameras could introduce new functionalities, further embedding the AirPods into the Apple ecosystem.

For those keen to discover more about the forthcoming AirPods Pro 3 and their features, a detailed guide is available that summarizes everything known thus far.

As the event nears, the enthusiasm surrounding the AirPods Pro 3 continues to escalate, with many excited to see how these new features will improve the user experience and what additional surprises Apple might reveal.

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Discover the ‘Jeopardy!’ Adventure on Vision Pro via This Fresh Apple Arcade Game

### Feel the Excitement of Jeopardy! with Jeopardy! Daily on Apple Arcade

Have you ever wished to step onto the Jeopardy! stage in real life? *Jeopardy! Daily* on Apple Arcade brings you quite close, especially if you own an Apple Vision Pro.

On September 4, new titles made their debut on Apple Arcade, including *Jeopardy! Daily*, a game that invites players to dive into daily sets of boards as if they were participants on the actual show.

#### Game Accessibility

*Jeopardy! Daily* works seamlessly with a range of Apple devices, such as iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Apple TV. Nonetheless, the game reaches its peak when played on the Apple Vision Pro, enveloping players in a virtual setting that duplicates the legendary Jeopardy! set, placing them as if they were genuine contestants.

#### Game Types

No matter which device is utilized, *Jeopardy! Daily* provides a variety of captivating game types:

1. **Boards Mode**: This mode reflects the classic Jeopardy! format where players choose categories and clues for designated dollar amounts. Players can opt for open-ended responses or choose from multiple-choice answers.

2. **Palettes Mode**: In this variant, players are given five clues and five answers that they must correctly associate. Players are allowed three mistakes before the right answers are disclosed.

3. **Sprints Mode**: This brisk mode kicks off with the usual Jeopardy! countdown. Correct answers restore half a bar of time, whereas incorrect answers subtract a full bar. Players can keep answering until their time is exhausted.

#### Concluding Remarks

*Jeopardy! Daily* provides an enjoyable and interactive experience that closely mirrors the beloved television show. The blend of challenge between open-ended and multiple-choice questions enriches the gameplay. Utilizing the Apple Vision Pro introduces an additional dimension of thrill, enabling players to be in the position of actual contestants.

*Jeopardy! Daily* is part of the over 200 titles offered on Apple Arcade, which also includes *Jeopardy! World Tour+*. Apple Arcade is available at $6.99 per month, accommodating up to six family members, or through the Apple One subscription. It boasts an extensive selection of games free from ads or in-app purchases, with fresh titles introduced regularly. You can download *Jeopardy! Daily* from the App Store

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Apple Presents Certified Refurbished Apple Pencil Pro with Close to 20% Off

### Apple Pencil Pro Now Accessible as Certified Refurbished

Recently, Apple has started offering its latest [Apple Pencil Pro](https://amzn.to/3I4uCj1) in its certified refurbished section, allowing customers to buy a like-new Apple Pencil Pro for their compatible iPad models at a discounted price.

The Apple Pencil Pro has been available for over a year, and for the first time, consumers can acquire a [certified refurbished version for $109](https://www.apple.com/shop/product/FX2D3AM/A/refurbished-apple-pencil-pro?fnode=72628f3d41bb693460ba884b2d38ac8c2a9481688f2496643f63492a628129499bc2d9074e50e372cda4dd86c9a8a26c8dc17c5ecfd91f63297d909611fd444504e80d59c0c1000eee9cb90ff7bae1a8), which represents almost 20% off its standard retail price of $129.

#### Compatibility and Features

The Apple Pencil Pro is compatible with Apple’s latest iPad models, excluding the [iPad (A16)](https://amzn.to/480FZmA). If you own an [iPad mini 7](https://amzn.to/41IUIyB), [iPad Pro M4](https://amzn.to/47wFtg2), or [iPad Air M2/M3](https://amzn.to/4mYPCHi), this is the perfect Apple Pencil for you. It features enhanced functionalities like squeeze control, barrel roll, and haptic feedback. However, users with an iPad 10 or A16 model will need to choose the [Apple Pencil USB-C](https://amzn.to/4mJkETc).

#### Pricing Comparison

While Apple’s refurbished choices can be enticing, they might not always offer the best value compared to other retailers. For example, Amazon is presently offering the [Apple Pencil Pro for $110](https://amzn.to/3I4uCj1), just a dollar above Apple’s refurbished rate, and it ships right away, whereas Apple’s shipping timeframe is estimated at 3-5 days.

Even so, buying from Apple’s certified refurbished store has its advantages. Customers obtain a product that is almost indistinguishable from new, aside from its packaging. However, regarding the Apple Pencil Pro, choosing a brand new model may be the more appealing option, especially due to the unique packaging that comes with it.

#### Conclusion

For those contemplating the Apple Pencil Pro, the refurbished alternative presents a cost-saving chance, but it’s critical to consider the advantages against third-party prices and availability. For more insights on the value of Apple’s refurbished items, you can read a thorough analysis [here](https://9to5mac.com/2025/08/24/is-apples-refurbished-store-actually-worth-the-money/).

If you’re under 24, be sure to check out [Amazon Prime for Young Adults](https://amzn.to/45Qxw3Z), which provides a 6-month free trial followed by a subscription of just $7.49/month, with no college student status required.

For updates and further details, follow Michael on [X/Twitter](https://x.com/mbrkhrdt), [Bluesky](https://bsky.app/profile/michaelb.nyc), and

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