Author: sparta

Assessing the Worth of Wireless Televisions

there’s much to consider prior to purchasing a new television from Amazon, but if you manage to discover affordable TVs on Amazon priced at $400 or lower, is it a wise investment? Or should you instead consider saving for a more luxurious wireless TV? Ultimately, it varies.

What is the functioning of wireless TVs?

Jeff Williams Appointed to Disney Board Following Departure as COO of Apple

**Jeff Williams Named to Disney’s Board After Departure from Apple**

Jeff Williams, the previous Chief Operating Officer of Apple, has quickly moved into a new position following his exit from the tech company. He has recently been put forward for nomination to join Disney’s board of directors, representing a key moment in his post-Apple journey.

Williams officially concluded his tenure at Apple last month, transferring his COO duties to Sabih Khan earlier this year. His exit from Apple has paved the way for fresh opportunities, and his nomination for Disney’s board stands out as a significant achievement.

As reported by Variety, Disney has broadened its board to incorporate Williams, who will be nominated as an independent director for election at the company’s 2026 annual shareholder meeting. This increase will elevate the board’s total to 11 members, effective upon the election of directors at the forthcoming meeting, which generally takes place in late March or early April.

In a statement released by Disney, Williams conveyed his respect for the company, remarking, “I have long admired Disney’s legacy of pairing imagination with innovation — leveraging new technologies in bold, creative ways to bring to life timeless stories and entertain its guests. It is an honor to be nominated to the board of this storied company. I look forward to working with Disney’s talented leadership team and contributing to the company’s ongoing journey of creativity and excellence.”

This nomination occurs at a moment when Disney is maneuvering through the competitive environment of the entertainment sector, particularly regarding streaming services. Importantly, Disney CEO Bob Iger formerly served on Apple’s board but stepped down in 2019 following the launch of Apple TV+, as Disney was gearing up to unveil its own streaming platform, Disney+.

Jeff Williams’ vast expertise at Apple, especially in operations and technology, is anticipated to provide essential perspectives to Disney as the company continues to innovate and broaden its offerings in the entertainment industry.

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iOS 26 Shortcuts Application Brings More Than 25 Fresh Actions: Comprehensive Summary of Enhancements

iOS 26 Shortcuts: All the New Features

With the release of iOS 26, a range of enhancements and additions to the Shortcuts app were introduced, featuring over 25 fresh actions. The Shortcuts app from Apple has considerably strengthened this year due to the introduction of new LLM-based actions and automations for the Mac. Unlike numerous other application updates, Apple has made available a comprehensive inventory of changes to Shortcuts.

Here are all the new Shortcuts actions introduced in iOS 26:

Freeform

  • “Add Files to Board”

Image Playground

  • “Create Image”

Mail

  • “Find Message”

Measure

  • “Launch Measure”

Messages

  • “Find Message”
  • “Find Conversation”

Photos

  • “Rename Album”
  • “Search Photos”
  • “Create New Memory”
  • “Filter Library”

Reminders

  • “Show Quick Reminder”

Screen Time

  • “Get App & Website Data”

Sports

  • “Get Upcoming Sports Events”

Stocks

  • “Delete Symbol from Watchlist”
  • “Add Symbol to Watchlist”

Use Model

  • “Use Model” enables you to directly engage with Apple Intelligence models or ChatGPT and generate responses that integrate with the remainder of your shortcut

Visual Intelligence

  • “Open Visual Intelligence”

Voice Memos

  • “Find Voice Recording”

Weather

  • “Add Location to List”
  • “Remove Locations from List”

Writing Tools

  • “Adjust Tone of Text”
  • “Make List from Text”
  • “Make Table from Text”
  • “Proofread Text”
  • “Rewrite Text”
  • “Summarize Text”

Moreover, Apple highlights that numerous existing actions have received updates and enhancements:

  • “Calculate Expression” can now process expressions that involve units, such as real-time currency exchange rates, temperature, distance, and more
  • “Create QR Code” can now define colors and styling
  • “Date” can now indicate a holiday
  • “Find Contacts” can now filter based on relationship
  • “Transcribe Audio” performance has seen improvements
  • “Show Content” can now present scrollable lists of items, including calendar events, reminders, and additional elements

For further details on all the modifications Apple has made to Shortcuts in iOS 26, iPadOS 26, and macOS Tahoe, refer to the complete support document. There are fresh glyphs, settings, extensive lists of Mac automation capabilities, and more.

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EU Asserts Enhanced Transition from iPhone to Android Showcases Success of the DMA

**Apple and Google Partner to Ease Data Transfer Between iPhone and Android Devices**

In a major step forward for mobile users, Apple and Google have unveiled a collaboration aimed at making the transition between iPhone and Android devices more efficient. This partnership brings forth new functionalities designed to enable quicker and simpler data transfers across different platforms, signifying a noteworthy change in how users handle their mobile data.

The initiative has garnered recognition from the European Commission as a favorable outcome of the Digital Markets Act (DMA), intended to bolster competition and consumer choice in the digital landscape. A representative from the Commission remarked that this partnership illustrates the advantages of the DMA for users and developers alike, underscoring the significance of data portability in our interconnected society.

### Main Features of the New Data Transfer Solution

The new data transfer solution will empower users to effortlessly transfer various types of data when configuring a new device. This encompasses:

– Contacts
– Calendar events
– Messages
– Photos
– Documents
– Wi-Fi networks
– Passwords
– Data from third-party applications

A prominent feature of this solution is its wireless capability, marking a substantial improvement over the current, more constrained data transfer alternatives available to users today.

### Context and Earlier Efforts

This announcement comes after the successful launch of an eSIM transfer solution by Apple and Google in October 2023, which made transferring eSIMs between devices less complicated. This earlier initiative has already been adopted by numerous European carriers and has been met with positive reception from users.

Both the new data transfer functionalities and the eSIM solution are direct outcomes of the DMA, which requires that specified services, including iOS and Android, ensure effective data portability. Apple has shared updates on their progress related to these initiatives in their DMA compliance reports throughout the past two years, showcasing the extensive engineering and cooperative efforts between the two technology leaders.

### Availability and Effects on Developers

The new switching functionalities are prepared to be released as part of an Android Canary build for Pixel devices this week, with intentions to incorporate them into an upcoming iOS 26 developer beta. While detailed information regarding the iOS rollout is still awaited, the excitement surrounding these features is tangible.

The European Commission has also indicated that these updates will be advantageous to third-party app developers, helping them to retain users more successfully when transitioning between iPhone and Android devices. This may lead to enhanced user experiences and increased customer loyalty across different platforms.

### Final Thoughts

As Apple and Google persist in their collaboration to improve user experience and data portability, the new features are set to make the process of switching between iPhone and Android devices more straightforward and user-friendly. With the arrival of these tools on the horizon, users can anticipate a more cohesive mobile experience that honors their data and improves their capacity to move between platforms.

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Smart Home Device Available for $24 Could Lead to Savings of Several Hundreds of Dollars

With energy prices soaring for various reasons, it’s prudent to minimize unnecessary or extravagant energy consumption as much as possible. Enter the contemporary smart plug, such as this $24 Kasa smart plug four-pack currently on sale for a 20% discount. Utilizing the mobile companion application or IFTTT, you can completely automate or schedule devices that are connected. Additionally, you can power them on or off using your voice through Alexa or Google Home by either pressing the built-in buttons or remotely via the app.

Smart plugs enable you to swiftly toggle a coffee maker or other small electronics on and off when they are not in use. If a smart bulb isn’t your preference, you can also link them to lamps for automation purposes. You can create numerous scenarios through Alexa and similar services. In my residence, I have “TMNT” and “Mortal Kombat” arcade cabinets powered by Kasa smart plugs, and when I say “game time” to Alexa, she activates them. Silly? Perhaps. Cool? Certainly.

Aside from the entertainment setup, they serve as a fantastic method to automate various electronics. Schedule and manage Christmas lights, decorations, appliances, lamps — you name it. They connect to your home network using 2.4GHz Wi-Fi and are very simple to install and set up — I use Kasa’s larger plugs, which are also on sale. However, the U.S. may potentially ban TP-Link routers from American households, and the fate of its smart home products remains uncertain.

Why would you desire Wi-Fi-enabled smart plugs?

With Kasa smart plugs, you can set specific on and off schedules, allowing devices or lights to activate and deactivate at particular times throughout the day. This feature enables you to create a routine that automatically turns something on in the morning as you’re waking up or when you arrive home from work. It’s also useful when you go on vacation and want lights to turn on and off to give the appearance of someone being home. An Amazon smart plug is suggested in our essential smart home gadgets list, and although this isn’t Amazon’s brand specifically, the Kasa plugs are compatible with Alexa.

Through the Kasa app, you can also manage the plugs remotely, utilize your voice with Alexa, Google Home, and linked platforms, or automate them in other, more intricate ways through IFTTT.

BGR’s top recommendations for smart plugs feature Kasa and TP-Link options, even if not specifically the mini versions. Furthermore, out of nearly 26,000 reviews on Amazon, they boast 4.4 stars, with 77% of those reviews being five-star ratings. Users seem to genuinely appreciate them. Comments describe the Kasa mini as an “outstanding product,” assert that they deliver “great value,” and highlight that they’re “simple to set up and operate.” One thing is clear: this sale price is a bargain for a sought-after accessory.

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Moto Tag 2: The Promising Tracker Option for Android Users

If Motorola is developing another Tag, it is to be hoped that it will provide additional features. Speculations suggest that Motorola is crafting a follow-up to its initial Bluetooth tracker, possibly named the “Moto Tag 2.” This new version may feature an improved physical button for tracking devices, along with enhanced tracking accuracy when linked to your smartphone. The original Moto Tag features a battery that lasts for a year in a compact design.

Bluetooth trackers can be quite handy, especially during travels, and it appears Motorola is advancing to its second generation. Recent leaks from Android Headlines indicate that Motorola is creating a “Moto Tag 2,” which could launch sometime next year. The article claims some details regarding the upgrades of the tracker, mentioning that the Moto Tag 2 might have a more robust, long-lasting battery compared to the first version. Additionally, the subsequent tracker could come equipped with improved location accuracy, along with “better button tactility.”

Rumors suggest that ultrawide band connectivity (UWB) and IP67 dust and water resistance may be features of the upcoming tracker. The publication reportedly obtained supposed promotional materials for the Moto Tag 2, showcasing its revamped design.

According to the image, the Moto Tag 2 appears to be gearing up for release in two colors: a peach variant and an almost cream-colored option. Furthermore, the rendering indicates that the primary structure of the tracker might remain unchanged. The render depicts a raised area on the tracker’s button (similar to the initial model). The image then draws attention to a punch hole at the top. It remains uncertain whether this is an opening for a string to pass through or, possibly, a more prominent tiny speaker.

There was considerable excitement surrounding Motorola’s first Bluetooth tracker when it debuted in the summer of 2024. The company aimed to make a significant impression in a landscape filled with numerous options. The original was launched with a compact and sleek design, which is expected to be carried over to the second generation, if the hearsay holds true. Motorola introduced its Tag with complete Find My Device network compatibility, allowing Android users everywhere to take advantage of its functionalities.

The Tag’s battery is expected to endure for a full year before needing replacement. Additionally, its multifunctional button can aid users in locating their lost belongings or act as a remote camera controller.

It was an impressive tracker, but hopefully, Motorola will strive to improve with this next iteration.

Motorola has been in the news lately, as further leaks have pointed to its potential G Stylus 2026. Alleged renders of the phone make it resemble its 2025 version, though it may trade its glass back for an “eco-leather” material. The same mid-range RAM/storage configurations are anticipated, but there might be more regarding its battery capacity. The publication claims that this Moto Tag 2 could even launch alongside the G Stylus in 2026.

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Analysis of the Sonnet RackMac mini: Housing Up to Three Mac Minis Within a Single Enclosure [Video]

# macOS 26.2: New Low-Latency Clustering Functionality and the Sonnet RackMac Mini

In the next iteration of macOS 26.2, Apple is preparing to unveil a groundbreaking low-latency functionality that enables users to connect multiple Macs together through Thunderbolt 5, reaching speeds up to 80Gb/s. This feature is especially advantageous for AI developers and researchers who need significant local computational power to run extensive models effectively.

## Clustering Feature for All Thunderbolt 5 Macs

This newly introduced clustering functionality is not limited to premium models like the Mac Studio; it will be available for any Mac equipped with Thunderbolt 5, including the M4 Pro Mac mini. This wide-ranging compatibility aligns perfectly with the introduction of Sonnet’s RackMac mini, a rack mount solution specifically created for the M4-generation Mac mini.

## Presenting the Sonnet RackMac Mini

The RackMac mini is designed to accommodate up to three Mac mini units within a standard 19-inch rack space. It features numerous thoughtful design elements that facilitate the management of multiple devices, including front power buttons for straightforward access and open accessibility to front ports.

### Key Attributes of the RackMac Mini

– **2U Enclosure**: Fits conventional 19-inch racks.
– **Secure Mounting**: Safely holds up to three Mac minis.
– **Front Power Buttons**: Eases power management.
– **Open Access**: Provides easy connection to front ports.
– **Cable Passthroughs**: Aids in simplifying cable organization.
– **Removable Top Cover**: Facilitates installation and upkeep.
– **Storage Capacity**: Offers space for additional storage beneath each Mac mini.
– **Optional Accessory Tray**: Provides extra storage for peripherals.

## Installation and Design

The RackMac mini showcases a sturdy industrial-grade design, ensuring durability in a server setting. The installation process starts with unscrewing the top cover, allowing users to securely position each Mac mini. The design incorporates rubber strips to avoid metal-on-metal contact and removable pylons that keep the devices stable during transportation.

This unit is crafted for optimal airflow, enabling front-to-back cooling even when positioned among other rack units. The considerate design features openings for straightforward access to the Mac mini’s ports, improving usability.

## Additional Features

Every Mac mini placed within the RackMac mini enjoys dedicated passthrough openings for peripheral connections, and it offers generous storage space underneath for USB-connected SSDs and additional devices. The front panel power buttons stand out, allowing users to easily turn each Mac mini on or off without complicated maneuvers.

Sonnet additionally provides an optional six-inch deep accessory tray, which can be added to accommodate larger peripherals like USB hubs and KVM switches, further enhancing the RackMac mini’s capabilities.

## Conclusion

With a price tag of $349.99, the RackMac mini may not be the most eye-catching accessory for Mac minis, but it emerges as an indispensable tool for individuals aiming to manage multiple Macs effectively within a server-grade enclosure. With the upcoming release of the clustering function in macOS 26.2, the RackMac mini is set to be an ideal partner for Thunderbolt 5 M4 Pro Mac minis, making it a worthwhile addition for developers and researchers alike.

What are your thoughts on the RackMac mini? Share your opinions in the comments below.

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The Function of USB Ports on Backpacks

Your preferred USB-C power bank for swift charging on the go should ideally have a designated home.

Similar to backpacks designed with openings for headphone cables, a number of contemporary backpacks incorporate USB ports. While your initial thought might be that these features are somewhat advanced, the truth is much more practical. These backpacks merely offer a handy location to keep a portable charger for rapid smartphone recharges. A power bank is among the most essential travel tools you can possess, and these backpacks present a straightforward method to utilize them.

The ports serve to connect to a portable charger

Meta Quest 3S Black Friday Offer Comes Back at Walmart: Info on Availability

If you overlooked the Black Friday and Cyber Monday discounts, this is your chance. The Black Friday and Cyber Monday events have passed, but for those who missed the Meta Quest 3S offers a few weeks ago, there’s good news. For a limited period, Walmart is reviving a holiday deal that reduces the price by a straight $50 on the 128GB variant of the Quest 3S, bringing it down to $249.

Along with the direct discount on the VR headset, you’ll also receive a complimentary copy of Batman: Arkham Shadow and three months of Meta Horizon Plus at no extra charge. As far as I can see, this is the top Quest 3S deal available online today, but I wouldn’t anticipate it lasting long!

The Meta Quest 3S has emerged as an incredibly popular gift choice this holiday season, and it’s easy to understand why. The headset is essentially designed for newcomers to VR gaming, featuring the same graphical processing capabilities as the standard Quest 3 but at a markedly lower price.

Indeed, as outlined in our 4.5/5-star review, the Quest 3S is “essentially a Quest 3 with the lenses and display of the Quest 2”. Priced starting at $299, the VR headset for beginners also includes enhanced hand tracking and low light tracking features, next-gen controllers, and full access to the same game library as the higher-priced Meta Quest 3. Additionally, this device operates on the advanced Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2 processor and comes equipped with 8GB of RAM right out of the box.

Of course, if you directly contrast the Meta Quest 3S with the standard Quest 3, you will observe that the more economical version has a lower-resolution display and a narrower field-of-view compared to its higher-end sibling, but you are also spending at least $200 less for it. In simpler terms, if you’re looking to plunge into VR gaming for the first time, the Meta Quest 3S is the most affordable option, especially when you apply a $50 no-strings discount from Walmart.

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“Nothing’s Phone 3a Community Edition: A Device with Retro Influences for the Modern Era”

The second phone from the Community Edition, developed by Nothing in collaboration with its community, is officially launched. The Phone 3a Community Edition features a distinctive retro design, created in partnership with the community. This exclusive edition offers only 1,000 units and promotes a “Made Together” initiative, featuring its new accessory, Dice, along with a lock screen/wallpaper that combines its light blue, retro rear panel with Nothing’s technology. The full release of the phone is set for December 12, and consumers can sign up for it at nothing.tech.

Emre Kayganacl spearheaded the design of the Phone 3a, drawing inspiration from technologies of the late 90s and early 2000s, evoking memories of classic game devices like the Game Boy. The accessory called Dice showcases Nothing’s Ndot 55 font, crafted by Ambrogio Tacconi and Louis Aymond. The lock screen and wallpaper, created by Jad Zock, are intended to minimize visual clutter while quickly conveying vital information. Users will have access to four versions of this wallpaper, along with several hidden features.

The Phone 3a Community Edition will be offered in a 12/256GB variant. Registration will be open from December 9 to December 11, with sales commencing on December 12 at nothing.tech and select retailers for £379/€379 /₹28,999 /¥59,800. Furthermore, Nothing’s Store Soho in London will stock the device on December 13, starting at 11:00 GMT.

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