Author: sparta

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    • Comments Off on Google Launches Budget-Friendly New Pixel Gadget
    Google Launches Budget-Friendly New Pixel Gadget

    Another accessory for the Pixel lineup has arrived, and this one brings more color to match your style.

    Google has introduced a new accessory for its latest Pixel phones that promises to add a splash of color and a measure of safety to its flagship series.

    Today (Sep 16) sees the debut of Google’s latest “Rope Wristlet” accessory for its newest Pixel series (via 9to5Google). Officially named the “Google Rope Wristlet,” the store listing states, “Secure your phone with a burst of fun and let the good times (and good looks) roll.” Essentially, this wrist strap is crafted to keep your phone secure around your wrist while you’re out and about or even when in use.

    Consider it a safety net to prevent dropping it as you move.

    The Rope Wristlet measures 9”(L) x 3”(W) and is constructed from polyester. When bought from the Google Store, customers will receive a package containing the wrist strap, phone insert, and the carabiner ring. According to Google’s short preview, the wrist strap will connect to the USB-C port cutout area of your Google Pixel.

    The publication speculates that this strap will be compatible with any case, provided that port cutout is available. Therefore, it isn’t solely limited to Google-branded Pixel cases. Nevertheless, the warning from Google’s store is crucial: this Rope Wristlet is not compatible with Pixel Fold phones.

    The Rope Wristlet is available for purchase today (Sep 16) at a price of $7. The accessory can be bought in three vibrant two-toned color combinations: purple/blue, black/grey, and green/yellow.

    Are additional accessories beneficial?

    More Pixel accessories have surfaced, and we have already witnessed (arguably) one of the major launches: the Pixelsnap. This accessory marks the beginning of Google’s Qi2 offerings for its Pixel 10 series, as these models feature comprehensive Qi2 support, incorporating the necessary magnets within them. Users won’t have to search for the correct cases that include those magnets, unlike with another brand.

    Especially on Google’s premium models, users will enjoy 25W wireless charging functionality when utilizing Pixelsnap.

    Upon connecting to the charging puck, the Pixel 10 switches to docked mode, enhancing its usability. By default, the devices will showcase the time, date, weather, and battery status. However, the exciting aspect, as pointed out by Android Central’s Nicholas Sutrich, is that the Pixel 10 transforms into the Pixel Tablet when using the Google Home app.

    Consumers can explore a range of Pixelsnap accessories, including a charger, ring stand, case, and a “charger with stand.”

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    • Comments Off on Ultrahuman and Clue Team Up to Support Women in Regulating Their Menstrual Cycle
    Ultrahuman and Clue Team Up to Support Women in Regulating Their Menstrual Cycle

    From insights about menstruation to discomfort and emotional fluctuations, all the information consolidated in one location.

    Ultrahuman collaborates with Clue to provide improved menstrual cycle insights and lifestyle tracking. Users can effortlessly integrate six months of cycle information into the Ultrahuman app. Each purchase of the Ultrahuman Ring AIR comes with a year of Clue Plus at an exclusive rate.

    Ultrahuman is elevating cycle tracking by partnering with Clue, a period tracking application, to offer women even deeper insights into their cycles. This new feature is designed to simplify and make it more cost-effective for women to truly grasp how their lifestyle decisions affect their cycles.

    The goal of this collaboration is to align Ultrahuman Ring AIR with Clue, enabling users to automatically transfer up to six months of their cycle data from Clue straight into the Ultrahuman app, eliminating the need to toggle between two applications to find their health information.

    The company asserts that the integrated real-time data from Ultrahuman, such as skin temperature, resting heart rate, and heart rate variability, combined with cycle tracking details from Clue, will enable users to understand how the phases of their menstrual cycles relate to their activity levels and sleep patterns, providing insight into how various factors influence their cycles and whether they should take action to enhance their health.

    “This integrated perspective offers women a more comprehensive view of their health, merging cycle trends and daily biomarkers in a single location,” Ultrahuman noted in its press release. This simplification assists women in recognizing relationships between, for instance, sleep behaviors and the timing or delay of their period, reflecting on health objectives, and adjusting routines in ways that resonate with their bodies.

    Regarding the functionality, the ring monitors the body’s biomarkers and captures how the body responds differently across various cycle phases—like the follicular and luteal phases—which can influence energy levels, mood, and resilience. For instance, a user may observe that their skin temperature and resting heart rate rise during the luteal phase, which can help them connect these changes and adjust their routines if necessary.

    Additionally, users will have the ability to log the severity of cramps and emotional shifts with the Clue Plus subscription and see how they relate to the recovery and temperature insights provided by the Ultrahuman Ring. This form of tracking is beneficial for women of all ages, whether they are monitoring their period, fertility, seeking pregnancy insights, or needing guidance on perimenopause.

    Finally, each Ultrahuman Ring AIR purchase now includes a full year of Clue Plus for $9.99, down from $39.99. This subscription also offers extended 12-month forecasting and expert advice from clinicians to assist users in better understanding their bodies. Moreover, for those who currently possess an Ultrahuman Ring Air, the company states that it is working on providing access to Clue Plus at a special rate in the near future.

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    • Comments Off on Kuo Indicates Apple Intends to Launch Touch Screen Macs, Starting with OLED MacBook Pro
    Kuo Indicates Apple Intends to Launch Touch Screen Macs, Starting with OLED MacBook Pro

    **Apple’s Touch Screen Mac Aspirations: A New Chapter for MacBook Pro**

    Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has recently shared details regarding Apple’s changing strategies for touch screen MacBooks, highlighting notable developments within the supply chain. Kuo mentions that the forthcoming OLED MacBook Pro, anticipated to begin production in late 2026, will incorporate a touch screen panel, representing a significant transformation in Apple’s laptop range.

    This advancement corresponds with prior forecasts by Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, who initially reported on the prospects of touch screens on Macs two years prior. Nonetheless, it remains unclear if the OLED MacBook Pro will launch in 2026 or if it will debut in early 2027.

    At present, Apple features the M4 MacBook Pro series, and the release of the OLED MacBook Pro is expected to be two generations down the line. The immediate outlook includes an update to the series with new M5 processors, likely arriving early next year. Following that, the revamped OLED MacBook Pro model is predicted to be equipped with M6 chips.

    The addition of a touch screen in the MacBook Pro moves it closer in capabilities to the iPad, reflecting Apple’s ongoing integration of its software platforms. Recent updates have led the Mac operating system to incorporate numerous interface elements from iPadOS, further merging the two devices.

    Touch functionality is not an unfamiliar idea in the laptop sector, particularly among Windows devices. Many users enjoy the capacity to engage with their screens directly, especially younger individuals who are used to touch interfaces on smartphones and tablets. The lack of touch sensitivity on Mac screens has frequently surprised users who anticipate similar features on their laptops.

    Kuo also indicated that after the launch of the OLED MacBook Pro, Apple is considering the inclusion of touch screens in the second-generation budget MacBook, which is forecasted to be driven by an iPhone A-series processor. This hints at a wider strategy to integrate touch technology throughout the MacBook Air line in the future.

    As Apple persistently innovates and responds to consumer demands, the potential rollout of touch screens on MacBooks marks a notable turn in the company’s product strategy, aiming to improve user experience and narrow the gap between its laptop and tablet products.

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    • Comments Off on Zoned UFS 4.0 on Pixel 10 Pro: An Essential Upgrade for Storage
    Zoned UFS 4.0 on Pixel 10 Pro: An Essential Upgrade for Storage

    Google has introduced a major enhancement to its Pixel 10 series by integrating UFS 4.0 storage technology, a move that brings it in line with other premium smartphones. This adjustment is especially significant considering that the prior Pixel 9 series utilized the slower UFS 3.1 storage, whereas rivals had already adopted UFS 4.0. The Pixel 10 variants now include UFS 4.0, but exclusively in the 256GB storage option.

    The Pro versions of the Pixel 10 series elevate this even further by featuring Zoned UFS (ZUFS) 4.0, a more effective variant of UFS 4.0. ZUFS 4.0 categorizes data into separate zones, improving loading speeds and storage efficiency throughout the module’s lifespan. This represents a strategic initiative by Google, particularly with its commitment to provide seven Android OS updates, as it aids in preventing storage degradation over time.

    However, the application of ZUFS 4.0 is inconsistent across different models. The 128GB Pixel 10 Pro continues to utilize the older UFS 3.1, and even the 256GB version only receives UFS 4.0, with ZUFS 4.0 only available for the 512GB and 1TB models in the U.S. In the U.K. and various other global regions, ZUFS is restricted to the 1TB model, while in India, the only available option is the 256GB model, which entirely omits ZUFS.

    Even with these inconsistencies, the transition to UFS 4.0 and ZUFS 4.0 is a favorable development for Google, aligning the Pixel 10 series with its competitors. Although the immediate performance improvements may not be significant, the advantages of these storage technologies are anticipated to become clearer over time. The Pixel 10 Pro models, featuring upgraded cameras, robust design, and sophisticated OLED displays, are set to be prominent players in the smartphone arena.

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    • Comments Off on “Apple TV+ Unveils Season 4 Launch of ‘The Morning Show’ and Affirms Season 5 Renewal”
    “Apple TV+ Unveils Season 4 Launch of ‘The Morning Show’ and Affirms Season 5 Renewal”

    **The Morning Show: Season 4 Launch and Season 5 Confirmation**

    This evening marks a thrilling moment for enthusiasts of “The Morning Show,” as the eagerly awaited fourth season is now available for streaming, alongside the announcement of a fifth season renewal by Apple.

    **Summary of The Morning Show**

    Making its debut on November 1, 2019, “The Morning Show” stands as one of the premier series of Apple TV+, introduced alongside other significant titles like “For All Mankind,” “See,” “Snoopy in Space,” and “Dickinson.” The series has built a dedicated fanbase, largely due to its impressive cast and engaging plotlines.

    **Season 4 Features**

    The fourth season brings fresh talent into the already stellar cast, showcasing actors such as Aaron Pierre, William Jackson Harper, Boyd Holbrook, Marion Cotillard, and Jeremy Irons. As per Apple, the season commences in spring 2024, almost two years following the conclusion of season three. The plot will investigate the internal dynamics of the newsroom in the aftermath of the UBA-NBN merger, probing themes of accountability, concealed agendas, and the search for truth in a polarized America. The narrative will tackle pressing issues like deepfakes, conspiracy theories, and corporate scandals, posing questions about trust and reality.

    **Season 5 Announcement**

    Only hours ahead of the season 4 premiere, Apple announced the renewal of “The Morning Show” for a fifth season. This early confirmation demonstrates Apple’s faith in the series’ ongoing success. The leading cast includes Reese Witherspoon and Jennifer Aniston, along with Jon Hamm and Billy Crudup, the latter having earned multiple Emmy Awards for his role in the series.

    While specifics regarding season 5 remain limited, the rapid renewal signifies a strong conviction in the show’s ability to sustain its traction.

    **Accessibility**

    Fans can view “The Morning Show” on Apple TV+, available for a subscription cost of $12.99 each month. The platform offers a range of acclaimed series and films, featuring titles like “Severance,” “The Studio,” “Shrinking,” and “Silo.”

    As audiences engage with the new season, they can look forward to a stimulating examination of the media landscape and its effects in the current era.

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    • Comments Off on Analysis of watchOS 26: Heightened Reliance on the iPhone
    Analysis of watchOS 26: Heightened Reliance on the iPhone

    watchOS 26 new Flow watch face

    José Adorno/BGR

    The Apple Watch has been in existence for a decade now. Throughout the years, Apple has made its wearable less dependent on the iPhone by incorporating cellular capabilities, extended battery life, and numerous other enhancements that allowed users to leave their phone behind… at least for a few hours.

    One aspect I appreciated the most about the Apple Watch was its usefulness in case I ever forgot my iPhone at home while out running errands. Certainly, if you’re as connected as I am, you’re likely not leaving your iPhone at home very often to begin with, but having a backup option is always valued.

    This is why using an Apple Watch Ultra 2 for the last few years has been such a pleasant experience. However, while the watchOS updates haven’t been revolutionary, I expected a little more from watchOS 26. Although it introduces many Apple Intelligence features, it also increases the Apple Watch’s dependency on the iPhone. This is our assessment of watchOS 26, covering all the positives, negatives, and everything in between of this software update for Apple Watch owners.

    Liquid Glass overshadowed by new watch faces

    Liquid Glass watch face displayed on the Apple Watch

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    • Comments Off on Google Disputes Musk’s Assertions About Apple’s Supposed Favoritism Toward OpenAI
    Google Disputes Musk’s Assertions About Apple’s Supposed Favoritism Toward OpenAI

    **Elon Musk’s Legal Action Against Apple: An Examination of App Store Dynamics and the Ascendancy of Google Gemini**

    In a recent development, Elon Musk has initiated legal proceedings against Apple, claiming that the tech behemoth’s favoritism towards OpenAI is hindering competition for other AI firms in the App Store. Musk’s legal challenge follows the introduction of Grok 4 by his company, xAI, as a complimentary app, which has ignited controversy due to its AI companions and their provocative characteristics.

    Musk’s allegations indicate that Apple’s alliance with OpenAI has produced an unjust benefit, making it exceedingly difficult for alternative AI applications to secure top positions in the App Store. He publicly conveyed his dissatisfaction, asserting that Apple’s actions represent an antitrust infringement. Subsequent to his assertions, Musk lodged a lawsuit, emphasizing that Grok had never been highlighted in Apple’s editorial material, a claim that Apple has staunchly rejected. The company asserts that the App Store is structured to be impartial and unbiased, dedicated to promoting a varied array of applications based on objective standards.

    The context of this legal confrontation is further complicated by the recent achievements of Google Gemini, which has successfully ascended to the pinnacle of the App Store rankings. This rise in popularity is credited to its new image generation model, dubbed Nano Banana, which has gained recognition for its remarkable precision in crafting images based on user prompts. The model’s viral success on social media has thrust Google Gemini into the spotlight, countering Musk’s assertions regarding Apple’s partiality.

    Regardless of the ongoing legal contention, the App Store environment continues to evolve. While Musk’s Grok app experienced a brief surge in rankings, it has not sustained the necessary momentum to eclipse rivals such as Google Gemini and OpenAI’s ChatGPT. This situation demonstrates that user interest and engagement can significantly sway app rankings, often more than any curated features or alliances.

    As the scenario unfolds, the tech community remains split regarding whether Apple is truly favoring OpenAI or if the competitive dynamics of the App Store merely reflect user preferences. The result of Musk’s lawsuit could have substantial consequences for the future of app distribution and competition within the AI industry.

    In summary, the continuing legal dispute between Musk and Apple underscores the intricacies of the App Store ecosystem and raises critical questions about fairness and competition in the swiftly advancing field of artificial intelligence. As new contenders like Google Gemini arise and challenge established conventions, the landscape is expected to keep evolving, prompting further discourse on equity and access within the tech sector.

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    • Comments Off on iPhone Air Sales Seem Underwhelming Following Almost a Week of Release
    iPhone Air Sales Seem Underwhelming Following Almost a Week of Release

    Since pre-orders commenced last Friday, the majority of iPhones have transitioned to a 2–3 or 3–4 week delivery estimate, apart from the iPhone Air, which is still offered for launch day in all configurations except one.

    ## Some context

    Earlier this year, *The Information* disclosed that, due to uncertainty in demand for what ultimately became the iPhone Air, Apple allocated only 10% of its iPhone manufacturing capacity to this model. The article stated that the standard iPhone 17 would represent 25% of total production, the iPhone 17 Pro would also take up 25%, while the iPhone 17 Pro Max would comprise the remaining 40%.

    At that time, rumors were quite prevalent regarding a significantly reduced battery capacity, which could render the slim iPhone unattractive to a considerable segment of the public, who might struggle to last an entire day without recharging the device:

    > The proportion of users able to last a full day without recharging the lightweight phone is estimated to be between 60% and 70%. For other models, this figure ranges from 80% to 90%, according to one source.

    To address this issue, Apple is in the process of creating an optional accessory—a phone case designed for the slim model that also includes a battery pack, as stated by three individuals familiar with the situation.

    ## Apple unveils the iPhone Air

    Following the Awe Dropping event, it seems fair to suggest that the initial feedback regarding the iPhone Air was predominantly favorable. Apple made significant efforts to mitigate the inevitable battery limitations associated with such a slim device, and its design appeared to receive more acclaim than criticism.

    The iPhone Air has also been the center of most discussions with Apple executives, from CEO Tim Cook to the well-known incident where Apple VP of Worldwide Marketing Greg Joswiak tossed a demo unit to *Tom’s Guide*’s Lance Ulanoff, who attempted to bend it unsuccessfully.

    Despite the initially favorable reception and Apple’s attempts to market the iPhone Air as a non-Pro iPhone Pro, public interest seems to have fallen short of Apple’s expectations.

    Four days into the pre-order phase, the iPhone Air remains available for day-one delivery in all colors and sizes, with the exception of the 512GB Cloud White, which has moved to a 2–3 week forecast.

    In contrast, several variants of the iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro, and iPhone 17 Pro Max dropped to that same 2–3 week estimate within moments of release, with some models currently back-ordered until late October.

    ## Does this imply the iPhone Air is a failure? Not necessarily.

    It is undoubtedly much too premature to draw any conclusions of that nature.

    However, while there could be multiple explanations for the iPhone Air’s availability on day one, it appears that, in one way or another, demand seems to be below what Apple had anticipated.

    It could very well be that most prospective buyers are waiting for reviews to ensure the trade-offs aren’t as significant as some initial critics suggest. It’s possible that many potential customers intend to secure an iPhone Air before deciding to proceed. There’s a chance that once these devices are available in stores, the scenario will shift, and the iPhone Air will be the most elusive.

    Perhaps.

    But nearly a week into pre-orders, it feels like an unusual opportunity where obtaining a new iPhone on day one appears easier than it has in quite some time, or even more manageable than it should be, from Apple’s viewpoint. Whether this indicates a troubling sign will undoubtedly become clearer in the coming weeks.

    Do you believe demand for the iPhone Air is lower than Apple had expected? Share your thoughts in the comments.

    ### Accessory offers on Amazon

    FTC: We utilize income-generating auto affiliate links. More.

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    • Comments Off on Leak of Ray-Ban Display Glasses: Fashionable Progress Outshining Google, Samsung, and Amazon
    Leak of Ray-Ban Display Glasses: Fashionable Progress Outshining Google, Samsung, and Amazon

    As with all major technology firms, Meta allocates billions yearly for acquisitions and collaborations it anticipates will evolve into lucrative investments in the future. The organization is slated to invest $70 billion in AI in 2025 alone; however, its ten-year investment of approximately the same figure in AR/VR research is the one poised to yield substantial returns.

    I’m referring, of course, to the imminent introduction of several new smart glasses branded with Ray-Ban and Oakley, which are set to be revealed at Meta Connect 2025 on September 17 at 5 p.m. PT. Central to this is a new concept for smart glasses, seemingly dubbed Ray-Ban Meta Display, based on recent leaks. These glasses represent a genuine next-generation enhancement over current Ray-Ban Smart glasses, but Meta is not stopping there.

    The company is also anticipated to unveil a fresh range of Optical and Sunglasses Ray-Bans featuring Meta technology inside, along with a sportier edition of Oakley smart glasses in the signature Sphaera visor style. It appears that the company is fully committed to glasses from EssilorLuxottica brands, marking just the beginning of what we will witness from this collaboration when they are likely revealed at Meta Connect 2025 this week.

    Brand Influence

    Just this week, Amazon revealed a new hardware event where they are expected to showcase their own next-generation Echo Frames. These smart glasses are rumored to be a significant improvement over the previous audio-only Echo Frames, purportedly offering similar features to Ray-Ban Display glasses, including cameras and a display integrated into at least one of the lenses.

    However, the surprising detail is that they are rumored to retail for $800, identical to the price of Ray-Ban Display glasses. Even if Amazon somehow manages to incorporate greater power and technology into their frames for the same price, I am skeptical that many consumers would choose Amazon-branded glasses over Ray-Bans, particularly at that price point.

    This scenario aptly illustrates the position Meta now occupies after years of assuring investors that a legitimate return on their investments is just around the corner. Miniaturizing technology sufficiently to create an appealing pair of glasses has proven to be an exceptionally challenging endeavor, yet it’s evident that Meta has impressed EssilorLuxottica enough to develop an even more advanced pair, and I anticipate customers will find them equally impressive.

    Recognizing this trend, Google is undertaking similar efforts to design smart glasses for popular eyewear brands. The company announced a partnership with Warby Parker and Gentle Monster earlier this summer. As an individual who only began wearing glasses two years ago, I had never encountered these brands until Google’s announcement, but I have certainly known of Oakley and Ray-Ban since childhood.

    Meta seems to have partnered with the right brands that hold universal appeal, and further speculation suggests that the company will set its sights on Prada users next, potentially with an even higher price tag to reflect the brand’s status.

    The Devil may wear Prada, but so do many others with substantial wealth, and Meta’s role as the fashionable smart glasses brand will solidify its legacy in a manner that I doubt even Mark Zuckerberg could have envisioned just a few years ago.

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    • sparta
    • Comments Off on How to Fix Vanishing Google Gemini Conversations
    How to Fix Vanishing Google Gemini Conversations

    As a keen user of Google’s Gemini Live feature or AI chatbot, you might have encountered a frustrating issue: Occasionally, for no apparent reason, Google automatically removes your Gemini chat history. For those who only use the service sporadically, there isn’t much content at risk of being lost. We’ve received reports of Gemini erasing up to four days’ worth of AI-generated dialogues, which could have more significant implications for users relying on the chatbot for extensive projects. Additionally, we’ve reported instances of Gemini not retaining essential information, while the actual bot dialogue remains intact.

    This phenomenon of automatic deletion doesn’t appear to be impacting every Google Gemini user, but the likelihood of it occurring is currently about 50/50 for anyone. This can be a significant deal-breaker for any AI chatbot, particularly for users trying to leverage the Gemini platform as an alternative to Google Assistant or for detailed research or business tasks. Fortunately, you can count on a few backup solutions, such as Google Drive and Google’s AI Studio, to help you maintain important AI conversations.

    How to protect your Google Gemini chats

    <img class="gallery-image

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