Author: sparta

Samsung Laptop Gets a $370 Price Cut in Best Buy’s Black Friday Event

This is an impressive 15.6-inch laptop priced at just $530.

(Image credit: Samsung)

Samsung laptop bargains are rare, but Best Buy’s Black Friday event is set to shift the scenario. Temporarily, the store is slashing $370 off this 15.6-inch Samsung Galaxy Book 4, bringing the total down to a reasonable $529.99. While the latest Galaxy Book 5 series features some top-tier laptops from Samsung, most everyday users will find the Book 4 model meets their requirements.

The Galaxy Book 4 boasts a fairly bright, Full HD display, and this specific version is equipped with 512GB of SSD storage. It also includes a durable battery and seamless integration with other devices in the Samsung ecosystem. In addition, it operates on the Windows 11 Home OS, includes the Copilot AI assistant, and features a built-in voice assistant with Bixby. It is also compatible with other voice assistants like Amazon’s Alexa, Cortana, and more. It’s a <a

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Speculated Improvements for iPhone 18 Pro: 6 Major Advancements in Progress

changes anticipated for the iPhone series shortly, Apple’s most awaited Pro device is set to feature multiple enhancements.

To start, Weibo leaker Digital Chat Station suggests that Apple’s upcoming significant camera innovation will involve variable aperture. If this proves accurate, Apple could enhance low-light photography and render brighter environments more lifelike with better depth of field.

A separate rumor indicates that Apple intends to introduce a smaller Dynamic Island as it gears up to eliminate the display cutout altogether for the iPhone’s 20th anniversary in 2027. According to display analyst Ross Young and Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, Apple aims to conceal the Face ID components beneath the screen. The third rumor we are following comes from The Information, which proposes that Apple may be contemplating the addition of a single pinhole camera in the top-left corner of the display.

Bigger battery and better chips

YouTube TV Launches $60 Special Offer to Draw in Subscribers After Disney Channel Return

With ESPN and ABC back in the fold, YouTube TV is targeting its user base.

YouTube TV has executed a tactical strategy to reclaim its subscriber numbers following a recent channel blackout that impacted nearly 10 million users who were unable to access Disney’s networks, including ESPN and ABC. After extensive negotiations, YouTube TV and Disney have finalized a new multi-year deal, reinstating these channels on the platform.

The blackout, which endured for 15 days, significantly disrupted services, especially for sports enthusiasts missing crucial live events. Consequently, a number of subscribers contemplated or proceeded with canceling their subscription. In response, YouTube TV is providing competitive discounts, including $60 off the first month, to lure back former subscribers. This offer brings down the standard plan price from $82.99 to $22.99 for the first month, creating a compelling incentive.

This “win-back” strategy underscores YouTube TV’s dedication to recovering its lost audience. Nonetheless, the service confronts hurdles, as MLB.TV is set to transition to the ESPN app in 2026, leaving it out of YouTube TV’s anticipated sports bundle. Regardless, YouTube TV remains committed to broadening its content selection and maintaining its subscriber community.

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T-Mobile Presents Complimentary Apple TV Promotion in Light of Imminent Price Hike

### Changes to T-Mobile’s Apple TV Subscription: Key Information

If you are a T-Mobile subscriber taking advantage of a free Apple TV subscription included in your phone service, prepare for upcoming modifications starting in January. T-Mobile has revealed that it will no longer cover the recent increase in Apple TV pricing, which has jumped from $9.99 to $12.99 per month earlier this year.

#### Transition from Complimentary to Discounted

For several months, T-Mobile has been footing the bill for the Apple TV subscription for eligible customers. However, come January, this complimentary benefit will shift to a discounted rate. T-Mobile will offer a monthly deduction of $9.99 on the Apple TV subscription, which means that customers intending to maintain their access will face an increase of $3 in their monthly charges.

#### Subscriber Options

Those who wish to avoid the extra cost can easily cancel their discounted Apple TV access via the T-Life app. This development might lead some users to rethink their choices, including switching to other carriers that could provide different benefits.

#### Alternative Options for Apple Enthusiasts

For individuals deeply embedded in the Apple ecosystem, a more budget-friendly option for accessing Apple TV might come from the Apple One bundle. This package encompasses Apple Music, Apple TV, Apple Arcade, and 50 GB of iCloud storage for a monthly price of $19.95. It may represent a more attractive choice for users aiming to optimize their subscriptions while reducing expenses.

#### Conclusion

As T-Mobile modifies its Apple TV offering, customers should assess their choices and determine whether to continue the service at the new rate or investigate alternatives. With the rising expenses associated with streaming services, being aware of subscription adjustments is essential for effectively managing your entertainment expenditures.

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Limited-Time Apple Card Offer: Receive $75 in Daily Cash

### Apple Card Special Limited Time Promotion: Receive $75 in Bonus Daily Cash

Apple has recently unveiled a special limited-time promotion for new users registering for the Apple Card, marking a significant shift since the card usually does not offer sign-up bonuses. This offer is especially enticing for those thinking about applying for the card, as it permits users to earn $75 in Bonus Daily Cash after spending $75 within the first 30 days of account activation.

#### Promotion Details

The promotion, originally slated to end on November 17, has been prolonged to January 12, 2025. This extension provides prospective new cardholders extra time to capitalize on this exceptional opportunity. Essentially, by spending $75, users can perceive it as receiving their initial $75 worth of purchases at no cost.

#### Cash Back Benefits

The Apple Card is crafted to offer users a clear cash-back rewards framework. Cardholders can obtain:

– **3% cash back** on purchases made at Apple and designated retail partners.
– **2% cash back** on all purchases conducted using Apple Pay.
– **1% cash back** on purchases made with the physical titanium card.

Some prominent retail partners that provide 3% cash back include Uber/Uber Eats, Walgreens, Nike, and Exxon/Mobil. A comprehensive list of these partners is available through various Apple Card resources.

#### Modification in Partnership

Along with the promotional offer, there are indications that Goldman Sachs might soon withdraw from its partnership with Apple for the Apple Card. Speculation hints that JPMorgan Chase could likely assume the role of the new issuer for the Apple Card in the near future.

#### Summary

This limited-time promotion offers a fantastic chance for those contemplating the Apple Card, particularly due to the absence of standard sign-up bonuses. With the additional advantages of cash back on purchases and the possibility of a new issuer down the line, the Apple Card continues to be an appealing choice for Apple fans and general consumers alike.

For further information regarding the offer, you can visit the official Apple Card website.

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macOS 26.2 Brings Three New Enhancements for Mac Users: Find Out More

**macOS Tahoe 26.2: Overview of New Features**

macOS Tahoe 26.2 is slated for release next month, introducing a variety of exciting new features aimed at enhancing the user experience on Mac devices. Below is a comprehensive overview of three significant additions.

### 1. Edge Light for Video Calls

In a time when remote work and video conferencing have become routine, Apple unveils the Edge Light feature in macOS 26.2 to elevate video call quality. This cutting-edge feature simulates the effect of a ring light by surrounding the edges of the Mac display with a virtual light, brightening the user’s face in low-light settings.

Leveraging the Neural Engine, Edge Light smartly identifies the user’s face and modifies the lighting according to their position and size within the frame. The Image Signal Processor adjusts the brightness to align with the surrounding light conditions, ensuring ideal illumination. Users can manually switch Edge Light on and off, or enable automatic activation during low-light scenarios, as long as they have a 2024 Mac or newer. The feature is compatible with Macs that have Apple silicon, including those with M1 chips and later, and can also be utilized with external cameras and the Apple Studio Display.

### 2. Thunderbolt 5-Powered Mac Clusters

For developers and researchers, macOS 26.2 brings forth a revolutionary feature that enables users to connect multiple Macs via Thunderbolt 5, forming powerful AI supercomputers. This functionality is particularly advantageous for those aiming to run sophisticated local models efficiently.

The new low-latency capability allows for the interconnection of several Macs, such as Mac Studios, each capable of supporting up to 512GB of unified memory. This configuration facilitates the efficient execution of extensive AI models, like the 1 trillion parameter Kimi-K2-Thinking model, surpassing the performance of traditional PCs with high-performance GPUs. The upgraded Thunderbolt 5 connectivity, which delivers speeds of up to 80Gb/s, removes the previous constraints encountered with older Thunderbolt iterations. This clustering feature is not limited to premium models; it also accommodates M4 Pro Mac minis and M4 Pro/Max MacBook Pros, requiring merely standard Thunderbolt 5 cables for configuration.

### 3. Urgent Reminders

The Reminders app in macOS 26.2 undergoes a notable enhancement with the launch of Urgent reminders. Users can now designate reminders with a set due time as ‘Urgent,’ prompting an alarm on their iPhone or iPad when the time arrives. This functionality includes a straightforward toggle in the details view, enabling users to snooze the reminder for nine minutes or mark it as complete.

The Urgent reminders feature guarantees that significant alerts are not overlooked, as it syncs with iOS devices. Upon creating the first Urgent reminder on a Mac, users will receive guidance on how to set up the related alert on their iPhone, improving cross-device integration.

### Conclusion

macOS Tahoe 26.2 is set to enhance user experience through its innovative features, particularly in video calls, AI development, and task management. As the release date nears, users can anticipate these advancements that aim to make their Mac experience more productive and enjoyable.

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Leonard Nimoy and William Shatner Worked Together on a Remarkable Espionage Series Before Star Trek

Prior to William Shatner donning the Captain James T. Kirk uniform and Leonard Nimoy taking on the role of Mr. Spock, exploring the final frontier in “Star Trek,” the duo actually appeared in a legendary spy series. Just two years earlier, in 1964, Shatner and Nimoy had parts in the spy series “The Man from U.N.C.L.E.,” specifically in an episode named “The Project Strigas Affair.”

In the episode, both performers portray minor roles, amidst a plot that is nearly absurdly intricate. As a diplomatic figure strives to escalate tensions between East and West — a trope often seen — U.N.C.L.E. aims to thwart it and subdue the diplomat without martyring him. The agents devise an outrageous scheme by establishing a phony project, Project Strigas, to entice the engineer and fulfill their objective.

This episode holds an IMDb score of 8.6 out of 10, accumulated from over 330 reviews, marking it as the second highest-rated of the series — the top spot is held by “The Mad, Mad Tea Party Affair,” which also features a thrillingly chaotic storyline, rated at 8.7 out of 10. Despite that, “The Project Strigas Affair,” is recognized as one of the most reviewed episodes of the series, especially since many others have received around 200 reviews or fewer. The participation of Shatner and Nimoy likely contributes to that statistic.

Can the Shatner/Nimoy episode be viewed?

The EU Tackles Significant Online User Annoyances

The EU’s significant privacy regulation, GDPR, was one of the most beneficial advancements for the internet in quite some time. Nevertheless, it also brought about a wave of pop-ups prompting users to make decisions regarding cookies.

### A Brief Overview of GDPR

The European Union’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) took effect in 2018, providing the most robust tech privacy safeguards ever introduced. Although the law was limited to EU citizens, numerous tech giants opted to adopt the regulations globally, which in turn benefited all users. The foundation of GDPR involves four key limitations on the collection, storage, and processing of personal data:

– There must be a defined and lawful purpose for data processing.
– Personal data needs to be encrypted.
– Individuals hold the right to access a copy of their data.
– Individuals have the ability to request the deletion of their data.

### The Issue with Cookies

Cookies are small text files that are stored on devices, enabling websites to monitor user actions, such as whether a user has visited the site earlier. While cookies can improve user experience by remembering login details, they can also serve less transparent purposes, like adjusting prices based on user behavior.

### The Frustrating Cookie Consent Requirement

In response to privacy issues, GDPR mandates that websites obtain consent to store cookies. This has led to a maddening pop-up appearing on nearly every site. Many websites engage in “malicious compliance,” presenting convoluted choices that make it simpler to just agree rather than sift through the alternatives.

### The Law is Set to Evolve

The EU has acknowledged that the existing consent framework fails to provide true choice, as the majority of users click “agree” to get rid of the pop-up. Upcoming regulations will permit users to establish a single cookie preference in their browser, which all websites will be required to honor. This adjustment aims to greatly enhance the online experience.

Companies will also no longer be required to request consent for benign uses, such as automatically logging users in after they have signed up. The new guidelines are anticipated to be enacted next year, with a temporary shift obligating websites to provide a simple yes/no option rather than convoluted choices.

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Finalists for the 2025 App Store Awards Revealed

As we near the conclusion of 2025, Apple is preparing to announce the recipients of the 2025 App Store Awards. Apple has revealed today the 45 contenders for the App Store Awards, which cover an extensive array of categories.

Carson Oliver, the head of App Store Worldwide at Apple, shared his enthusiasm for the finalists, stating, “We’re excited to honor the finalists for the App Store Awards, a varied and gifted group of developers from across the globe. Their dedication to quality serves as an inspiration, creating experiences that empower users to unleash their creativity, accomplish more through technological advancements, and embark on new journeys within the realm of gaming.”

These finalists were carefully selected by Apple’s team of App Store editors for crafting outstanding experiences that encourage users to achieve more, rethink their daily processes, and expand creative horizons. The winners are set to be revealed in December.

### The Finalists for the 2025 App Store Awards

#### Finalists for iPhone App of the Year
– **[BandLab](https://apps.apple.com/us/app/bandlab-music-maker-beats/id968585775)**: Assists musicians in recording and mixing tracks with a community aspect.
– **[LADDER](https://apps.apple.com/us/app/ladder-strength-training-plans/id1502936453)**: Eliminates uncertainties in strength training routines.
– **[Tiimo](https://apps.apple.com/us/app/tiimo-ai-planner-to-do/id1480220328)**: Displays tasks in a soothing manner.

#### Finalists for iPhone Game of the Year
– **[Capybara Go!](https://apps.apple.com/us/app/capybara-go/id6596787726)**: Guides players through a whimsical idle adventure as a charming creature.
– **[Pokémon TCG Pocket](https://apps.apple.com/us/app/pok%C3%A9mon-tcg-pocket/id6479970832)**: Enhances the experience of collecting and battling with Pokémon cards.
– **[Thronefall](https://apps.apple.com/us/app/thronefall-a-little-kingdom/id6744029320)**: Merges exciting defense gameplay with simple controls.

#### Finalists for iPad App of the Year
– **[Detail](https://apps.apple.com/us/app/detail-ai-video-editor/id1673518618)**: Transforms the content creation process.
– **[Graintouch](https://apps.apple.com/us/app/graintouch/id6740813845)**: Introduces print art’s charm to a wider creative audience.
– **[Structured](https://apps.apple.com/us/app/structured-daily-planner/id1499198946)**: Maps out busy days in easy-to-read timelines.

#### Finalists for iPad Game of the Year
– **[DREDGE](https://apps.apple.com/us/app/dredge/id6526463862)**: Provides a captivating mystery alongside seamless gameplay.
– **[Infinity Nikki](https://apps.apple.com/us/app/infinity-nikki/id6502622570)**: Immerses players in the enchanting universe of Miraland.
– **[Prince of Persia Lost Crown](https://apps.apple.com/us/app/prince-of-persia-lost-crown/id6504011865)**: Delivers an epic journey from beginning to end.

#### Finalists for Mac App of the Year
– **[Acorn](https://apps.apple.com/us/app/acorn-8/id6737921844)**: The preferred tool for professional-level photo editing.
– **[Essayist](https://apps.apple.com/us/app/essayist-academic-writing-app/id1537845384)**: Simplifies the task of sourcing and formatting academic writings.
– **[Under My Roof](https://apps.apple.com/us/app/under-my-roof-home-inventory/id1524335878)**: Aids homeowners in maintaining organization.

#### Finalists for Mac Game of the Year
– (Details not provided)

#### Finalists for Apple Arcade Game of the Year
– (Details not provided)

#### Finalists for Apple Vision Pro App of the Year
– **[Camo Studio](https://apps.apple.com/us/app/camo-studio-stream-record/id6450313385)**: Provides a versatile approach for livestreaming and video creation.
– **[D-Day: The Camera Soldier](https://apps.apple.com/us/app/d-day-the-camera-soldier/id6737838494)**: Innovates immersive storytelling experiences.
– **[Explore POV](https://apps.apple.com/us/app/explore-pov/id6479555991)**: Engages users through a collection of immersive videos.

#### Finalists for Apple Vision Pro Game of the Year
– **[Fishing Haven](https://apps.apple.com/us/app/fishing-haven/id6737493339)**: Engulfs players in tranquil waters.
– **

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