Author: sparta

Amazon Prime to Limit Benefit Sharing Exclusively to Household Members

Amazon has revealed a major update for Prime subscribers: the termination of the Prime Invitee program, set to take effect on October 1. This initiative permitted non-Prime members to enjoy the advantages of Prime’s swift, free shipping through invitations from a Prime subscriber.

Originally, the Prime Invitee program permitted subscribers to invite numerous friends or family members from outside their residence to take advantage of free shipping. Nevertheless, over time, Amazon limited this program to foster more signups for Prime memberships.

Starting October 1, individuals who have been invited to share in Prime shipping benefits will no longer have this advantage. Amazon has started informing impacted users, providing a reduced first-year Prime subscription to motivate them to sign up.

Although the Prime Invitee program is concluding, Amazon is reminding subscribers about the ‘Amazon Family’ plan, which facilitates benefit sharing among members of the same household.

This change signifies a shift in Amazon’s strategy for its Prime service, concentrating on expanding membership rather than permitting wider access to shipping benefits.

Read More
Uncover the Multifunctional Capabilities of Your Vehicle’s USB Port

running dashboard technology for your upcoming road trip.

Certain ports are designed for charging only, providing limited power for gadgets such as earbuds or smartwatches. Others offer USB-C Power Delivery, enabling you to charge tablets and laptops during your drive. Some ports facilitate data transfer for navigation, entertainment, and additional vehicle technology. If you’re aware of its hidden capabilities, your USB port can become one of the most valuable resources in your vehicle.

Once you understand that your USB port can perform more than just charge devices, one of the initial ways to leverage this is by ensuring your car’s software is current — let’s explore how this operates.

Refresh your car’s firmware

Insider Discloses That Touch ID Sensor for Foldable iPhone Will Not Be Incorporated Beneath the Display

Apple’s fully-glass iPhone 20 model, which will celebrate the 20th anniversary of the iPhone. At the moment, the iPhone 17 Air is the only definite release among the three, as Apple is anticipated to introduce this ultra-slim model in just a few days.

While there are conflicting rumors about Apple’s production strategies for the iPhone 20, it appears that the iPhone 18 Fold is set to be revealed in September 2026. Numerous rumors this year suggest that Apple has opted to unveil its inaugural foldable device alongside other members of the iPhone 18 lineup in 2026. Reports from a variety of sources also seem to support this narrative. The iPhone 18 Fold’s display is designed to feature a minimal crease in the center due to Apple’s advancements in screen technology and its eagerness to invest more than competitors. This ultra-thin foldable will come equipped with two rear cameras and is expected to start at approximately $2,000.

Notably, the first foldable iPhone is set to reintroduce Touch ID to the iPhone line. This is the fingerprint-sensing technology that Apple eliminated from its devices in 2017 with the launch of the all-screen iPhone X. Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo initially brought up the iPhone 18 Fold’s Touch ID sensor in March. On Monday, the analyst reiterated the return of Touch ID, indicating that Apple will likely follow the same method that most competitors have utilized. The Touch ID button is expected to be positioned on the side instead of underneath.

Read More
Estimated Costs for the iPhone 17

the iPhone 17 series is expected to be available for preorder three days after the event, specifically on the first Friday following it. With this in mind, iPhone users eager to upgrade to one of the four upcoming iPhone 17 models from Apple are likely curious about the pricing of the new devices, particularly in the U.S., where tariffs have compelled some companies to raise costs this year.

There have been speculations that Apple would raise iPhone prices for a few years now, yet the only price adjustment made by the company was for the iPhone Pro Max model. In 2023, Apple eliminated the 128GB storage option from the iPhone 15 Pro Max lineup. Consequently, the $1,099 entry-level price was discontinued for the iPhone Pro Max series, with the least expensive option being the 256GB model priced at $1,199.

This year, earlier reports suggested that Apple was planning to increase prices for the iPhone 17 series, but there was concern that consumers would associate the price hike with Trump’s tariffs. Even though Apple incurred its own share of tariffs this year, the tax did not have an effect on its iPhones. Regardless of appearances, some analysts forecasted that Apple might implement a price increase of at least $50 for some of the iPhone 17 models. More recently, Apple revealed the American Manufacturing Program (AMP) along with an additional $100 billion investment in the U.S. economy. This initiative is believed to have provided Apple with sufficient grounds to exempt the iPhone 17 from the latest tariff impositions. Nonetheless, a price increase for at least a few iPhone 17 models appears to be unavoidable.

The most favorable outlook for the iPhone 17 price

<div class="slide-key image-holder gallery-image-holder credit-image-wrap" data-post-url="https://www.bgr.com/1956454/how-much-will-iphone-17-cost/" data-post-title="How Much Will The iPhone 17 Cost?" data-slide-num="1" data

Read More
Quick Share’s Revamped Design Slowly Makes Its Way to Android

The refresh reflects the Quick Share overhaul that was launched with One UI 8.

(Image source: Namerah Saud Fatmi / Android Central)

Key Information

  • The revamped Quick Share interface, which originated from Samsung’s One UI 8, is presently being deployed to all Android devices incrementally.
  • This update introduces a full-screen interface featuring distinct “Send” and “Receive” sections.
  • The updated “Send” display comes with an integrated file picker and even offers a preview when selecting various files.

Google is currently distributing the revamped Quick Share interface to the broader Android environment, indicating it is no longer limited to Galaxy devices.

Quick Share has existed for some time, yet its interface required enhancement. Signs of a redesign emerged earlier this year, and now, after a prolonged wait, users are finally experiencing the refreshed appearance. First noted by Android Authority, the update provides the file-sharing feature with a much-needed refinement.

The redesign aligns with <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.androidcentral.com/phones/samsung-galaxy/my-8-favorite-things-about-the-one-ui-8-beta" data-before-rewrite-localise="https://www.androidcentral.com/phones/samsung-galaxy/my-8-favorite-things-about-the-one-ui

Read More
Samsung’s Trifolding Smartphone Could Debut This Month

Samsung might introduce the Galaxy Z TriFold, Galaxy XR, and AI Glasses during its event in late September.

(Image credit: Derrek Lee / Android Central)

Key Information

  • Samsung is set to unveil the Galaxy Z TriFold, XR headset, and Galaxy Glasses on Sept 29, 2025.
  • The Galaxy Z TriFold might come with an estimated price of ~$2,930, making it Samsung’s most expensive foldable yet.
  • Samsung’s XR headset could be named Galaxy XR and may launch at around ~$2,000.

The year 2025 appears to be significant for Samsung’s foldable phones. With the recent release of the new Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Galaxy Z Flip 7, along with the budget-friendly Galaxy Z Flip 7 FE, Samsung seems poised for further advancements. Speculations about a trifolding phone similar to the Huawei Mate XT from Samsung have been floating for a while, and it looks like the time for its debut is approaching this month.

As per notable leaker Ice Universe, Samsung intends to hold a Galaxy Unpacked event in South Korea on September 29, 2025, to launch several new products. The leaker asserts this will be the event where Samsung officially presents the Galaxy Z TriFold, along with its inaugural XR

Read More
Apple @ Work Podcast: How Legal Hold Tackles Key Concerns in macOS Backup Solutions

### Apple @ Work: Perspectives from Gleb Budman of Backblaze

In the rapidly changing realm of technology, it is crucial for organizations, particularly those using Apple devices, to manage and secure data effectively. In a recent installment of Apple @ Work, Gleb Budman, CEO of Backblaze, provided insightful perspectives on macOS backups, the significance of data protection, and innovative offerings like Backblaze B2 and Legal Hold.

#### The Significance of macOS Backups

Budman underscored the vital importance of backups in protecting data. Given the growing dependence on digital information, having a strong backup strategy is vital for businesses to mitigate data loss stemming from hardware malfunctions, accidental deletions, or cyber threats. Backblaze presents a convenient backup solution designed specifically for macOS users, ensuring that crucial files are automatically backed up without the need for continuous manual effort.

#### Legal Hold: Safeguarding Your Business

Another important theme addressed was Legal Hold, a function that enables organizations to retain data in response to legal requests. This feature is essential for businesses needing to adhere to regulations and safeguard sensitive information during legal matters. Budman elaborated on how Backblaze’s Legal Hold feature assists organizations in preserving data integrity and accessibility, making certain they are ready for any potential legal challenges.

#### Backblaze B2 and AI Integration

The discussion also covered Backblaze B2, a cloud storage solution aimed at businesses seeking an affordable and scalable method for data storage. Budman noted the inclusion of artificial intelligence (AI) within Backblaze B2, which improves data management and retrieval processes. By utilizing AI, organizations can enhance their storage solutions, facilitating easier access to and analysis of data as necessary.

#### Conclusion

As businesses increasingly adopt Apple devices, the necessity for effective data management and protection grows in significance. Solutions like those provided by Backblaze offer organizations the essential tools to protect their information, meet legal obligations, and take advantage of advanced technologies like AI for greater efficiency. For those looking to delve deeper into these solutions, the episode provides a wealth of knowledge and practical guidance.

For more insights, you can listen to the full episode

Read More
Samsung Unveils One UI 8 Beta for Galaxy Z Fold 5 and Z Flip 5

At this time, the beta is solely available in Korea.

(Image credit: Nicholas Sutrich / Android Central)

Essential information

  • The rollout of Samsung’s One UI 8 beta is gaining pace, now including the Galaxy S23/S24, mid-tier A-series, and foldables like the Galaxy Z Fold 5/6 and Z Flip 5/6.
  • At this moment, the distribution is restricted to South Korea.
  • If you reside outside Korea, the beta is not officially available yet, but hints suggest it’s on the way.

The Samsung One UI 8 beta is now extending its reach to more devices. Just yesterday, the program broadened its initial scope, adding the Galaxy S23 series and several mid-range options such as the Galaxy A55, A54, A35, and A34. Access is now also available for the Galaxy Z Fold 5 and Z Flip 5.

Samsung’s Korean Community <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://go.redirectingat.com/?id=92X1690538&xcust=ac_gb_8286249617081162619&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Fr1.community.samsung.com%2Ft5%2F%25EA%25B0%25A4%25EB%259F%25AD%25EC%258B%259C-z%2F%25ED%258F%25B4%25EB%2593%259C5-one-ui8-%25EB%25B2%25A0

Read More
A Thorough Resource on Classic Macintosh Programming Literature for Today’s Audience

During the weekend, Daring Fireball’s John Gruber pointed to an incredible assortment of early Macintosh programming texts, curated by VintageApple.org. This assortment boasts over 150 books from as early as 1983, addressing a diverse array of subjects from AppleSoft BASIC to game programming on the Mac.

The Vintage Macintosh Programming Book Library came to fruition due to the kindness of Nick R., who generously provided his complete vintage Mac programming library for scanning and dissemination. The assortment features prominent works such as Apple’s ‘Inside Macintosh X Ref’, Steve Chernicoff’s ‘How to Write Macintosh Software’, and the 1992 version of Apple’s ‘Macintosh Human Interface Guidelines’. One particularly captivating title is Dan Shafer’s 1986 publication ‘Artificial Intelligence Programming on the Macintosh’, which offers insightful perspectives on the initial stages of AI advancement.

This endeavor functions not only as a resource for individuals who lived through the Macintosh era but also provides a window into the collaborative journey of personal computing during its early years. For those who did not witness this period, it offers a chance to comprehend the progression of software development and user experience design.

The assortment is a goldmine for both nostalgic users and new fans alike, encouraging exploration and contemplation of the early days of Macintosh programming.

Read More
WhatsApp Launches Close Friends Functionality for Status Updates

### WhatsApp Status Updates: The New Close Friends Feature on the Horizon

Although the majority of U.S. users have yet to utilize—or even encountered—WhatsApp Status Updates, Meta has recently announced that this feature is now utilized by 1.5 billion individuals daily across the globe. In the near future, WhatsApp will adopt a concept from Instagram by introducing a Close Friends feature.

If you’re not acquainted with WhatsApp Status, it functions similarly to Instagram Stories, allowing users to post images and videos that vanish after 24 hours. For the past few years, Instagram users have benefitted from a Close Friends feature, enabling them to choose certain individuals to share updates with, rather than broadcasting to their entire followers list.

As reported by WABetaInfo, Meta is gearing up to extend that same capability to the 1.5 billion daily WhatsApp Status users, who presently have the option to select from:

– **“My Contacts,”** which distributes the update to their full contact list;
– **“My Contacts Except…,”** which sends the update to all their contacts, excluding particular individuals;
– **“Only Share With…,”** which shares the update exclusively with chosen contacts.

While numerous users currently rely on the “Only Share With…” choice as an unofficial Close Friends list, they will soon have both functionalities, allowing for enhanced flexibility regarding who can view each update.

#### Here’s How It’ll Function

According to findings from WABetaInfo in the latest TestFlight version, users will have the ability to form a specific Close Friends list within the existing privacy settings menu. When posting a new Status update, users will be able to either share it with their entire contact list or confine it to the selected group of closer friends.

Similar to Instagram, these updates will be visually marked with a differently colored ring around them, indicating to these contacts that they are viewing an update shared only with a select group of friends rather than a wider audience. Furthermore, the list itself will remain private, ensuring that individuals won’t receive notifications if they are added or removed.

Have you ever made use of WhatsApp Status updates? Share your thoughts in the comments.

Read More