Blog

    • sparta
    • Comments Off on Japan Poised to Be the 29th Nation to Permit Third-Party iPhone App Stores
    Japan Poised to Be the 29th Nation to Permit Third-Party iPhone App Stores

    Apple’s dominance over iPhone app sales is poised for further decline, as indicated by a recent tweet revealing third-party app stores in the iOS 26.2 beta in Japan. This development follows the ruling by Japan’s Fair Trade Commission in August, mandating that both Apple and Google must allow alternative app stores.

    This change will make Japan the 29th nation to gain access to third-party app stores for the iPhone, with additional countries likely to follow as courts and antitrust officials keep issuing decisions.

    ## Third-party app stores for the iPhone

    Apple is under antitrust scrutiny globally due to its near-total control over iPhone app sales. In most regions, aside from exceptional cases, developers cannot sell an iPhone app directly to users without incurring Apple’s commission.

    Authorities in multiple nations have deemed this practice unlawful and have required Apple to enable third-party app stores on the iPhone.

    A key development was the EU’s Digital Markets Act (DMA), which mandated Apple to allow third-party app stores across all 27 member states. Brazil has followed suit, Australia is expected to do so soon, with further cases still to be resolved worldwide.

    Apple continues to resist in each of these situations, even advocating for the repeal of the EU’s DMA.

    ## Third-party app store support in Japan

    Japan is yet another nation where Apple is being pressed to allow third-party app stores. Screenshots shared by developer Cizzuk indicate that support for these is now present in the iOS 26.2 beta.

    The tweet states:

    > iOS 26.2 Beta 1 now enables alternative app stores in Japan as well!!!!!! You can use AltStore PAL and Epic Games Store!

    ## 9to5Mac’s Take

    I’ve maintained for years that Apple would benefit more by aligning with future legislative trends, taking proactive steps rather than persistently defending its current stance, and that it would incur minimal financial loss by doing so. While both sides have exhibited stubbornness, it’s glaringly evident that Apple cannot triumph in this scenario.

    Nonetheless, the company has entrenched itself further, going so far as to have a senior Apple executive perjure themselves! It appears evident that Apple will need to be forcibly compelled to allow third-party app stores on a country-by-country basis.

    Read More
    • Richard
    • Comments Off on OpenAI’s Sora Video-Creation Application Now Accessible for Android Users
    OpenAI’s Sora Video-Creation Application Now Accessible for Android Users

    OpenAI has recently rolled out its AI-driven video creation app, Sora, to Android users following its debut on iOS. The application enables users to generate, share, and remix AI-created videos based on text prompts. At present, Sora is accessible in seven nations: the U.S., Canada, Japan, Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, and Vietnam, with usage necessitating an invitation code.

    Sora presents a distinctive fusion of video production and social networking, showcasing a TikTok-esque vertical feed of AI-generated videos. Users can produce videos just by detailing their preferred content and selecting from a range of styles, such as cinematic or animated. Furthermore, the app features a “Cameo” option, which permits users to include themselves or others in videos using an image.

    In spite of initial backlash concerning deepfakes and copyright matters, OpenAI has implemented enhancements, leading to considerable success for the app, which surpassed 1 million downloads on iOS within five days of its introduction. Now, Android users in eligible countries can enjoy Sora, while others will have to await additional access.

    Read More
    • Richard
    • Comments Off on Authority on Android Innovation
    Authority on Android Innovation

    Are you prepared to launch a podcast, YouTube channel, streaming, or improve your audio for calls? Integrated computer microphones are often quite poor, so here’s an effective way to enhance your recordings without breaking the bank. The Razer Seiren V3 Mini USB Microphone is presently priced at $40.99.

    Purchase the Razer Seiren V3 Mini USB Microphone for only $40.99 ($19 discount)

    This deal is available through Amazon. Please be aware that only the Black color variant is marked down to this level. The Quarts Pink and White variants are also discounted, but are somewhat more expensive.

    The Razer Seiren V3 Mini is super stylish and features the Razer design aesthetic that many of you adore. Appearance isn’t everything, however. It’s also a great microphone!

    The supercardioid pickup pattern guarantees a focus on your voice, reducing ambient noise. Additionally, it comes with a shock mount that absorbs any unintentional bumps or vibrations.

    You can also tap the top to mute the microphone, and an LED light will show the microphone’s status. It connects via USB, providing a simple plug-and-play experience. But if you wish to delve deeper, you can tailor the audio using the Razr Synapse app.

    Naturally, this isn’t a heavy-duty option, but for $40.99, it is a really appealing little microphone that will certainly elevate your audio quality. Grab it while the deal lasts!

    Read More
    • Richard
    • Comments Off on M4 to M5 MacBook Pro Benchmarks Indicate Notable Performance Improvements, However Restricted Practical Benefits
    M4 to M5 MacBook Pro Benchmarks Indicate Notable Performance Improvements, However Restricted Practical Benefits

    The majority of users replace their MacBook Pro no more often than once every five years, with many extending that period even further. Nevertheless, Apple frequently markets its newest models as markedly improved, as demonstrated by the introduction of the M5 MacBook Pro.

    Apple asserts that the M5 chip provides considerable enhancements in AI performance and overall chip functionalities. Built upon third-generation 3-nanometer technology, the M5 incorporates a 10-core GPU architecture with a Neural Accelerator embedded in each core, achieving over four times the peak GPU compute performance relative to the M4. The GPU further showcases improved graphics capabilities, featuring third-generation ray tracing, resulting in a graphics performance increase of up to 45 percent compared to the M4. The CPU of the M5 includes up to six efficiency cores and four performance cores, offering a 15 percent enhancement in multithreaded performance. Additionally, the M5 is equipped with a superior 16-core Neural Engine and nearly a 30 percent rise in unified memory bandwidth.

    Benchmark assessments validate Apple’s assertions, revealing notable disparities between the M4 and M5 MacBook Pro. For example, the M5 recorded write speeds of 6440MBps and read speeds of 6725.6MBps, in contrast to the M4’s 3265.3MBps write speed and 2904MBps read speed, indicating a considerable performance boost.

    However, practical usage evaluations imply that the tangible advantages of upgrading might not be as significant. In an evaluation by Macworld’s John Brandon, the time saved during demanding tasks was negligible. For instance, exporting 562 photos in Lightroom required 66 seconds on the M4 and 56 seconds on the M5, whereas a complex Blender render took 595 seconds on the M4 and 585 seconds on the M5. The time disparity for these tasks was merely 9 to 10 seconds, which might not make the upgrade worthwhile for many users.

    In summary, although the M5 MacBook Pro demonstrates remarkable technical progress, the real-world performance enhancements may not be substantial enough to justify an upgrade for those using the previous generation.

    Read More
    • sparta
    • Comments Off on Comparison of the New Motorola Edge 70 and iPhone Air
    Comparison of the New Motorola Edge 70 and iPhone Air

    # The Ultrathin iPhone Air vs. The New Motorola Edge 70

    The smartphone industry is perpetually transforming, with companies striving to create the thinnest devices. The recent contest in this field has seen the iPhone Air become the thinnest smartphone on the market, surpassing the Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge. Nonetheless, the rivalry remains intense, particularly with the launch of the Motorola Edge 70.

    ## The Ultrathin iPhone Air

    The iPhone Air has established a new benchmark for thinness, measuring merely 5.6mm thick. This makes it the most slender iPhone to date, exceeding the former record held by the iPhone 6, which was unveiled in 2014. The iPhone Air’s elegant design not only outperforms the Galaxy S25 Edge’s thickness of 5.8mm but also secures its position as the thinnest smartphone among standard non-foldable devices.

    It’s crucial to highlight that when factoring in folding phones, the iPhone Air is outperformed by numerous models that reach thicknesses of just 4.2mm when unfolded. Moreover, past smartphones from 2014 and 2016 have also been recorded as slimmer than the iPhone Air.

    ## The New Motorola Edge 70

    The Motorola Edge 70, while marginally thicker at 5.99mm, offers a compelling option in the ultra-slim smartphone segment. A notable feature is its less pronounced camera bump, reminiscent of prior iPhone Pro versions. This design decision contributes to a sleeker appearance.

    Despite its slender frame, the Motorola Edge 70 does not skimp on performance. It is equipped with three rear cameras, Face Unlock, and an integrated fingerprint scanner, all while housing a punch-hole front camera. Additionally, Motorola has successfully included a powerful 4800mAh battery, which the manufacturer asserts can deliver up to 50 hours of usage—nearly double the battery life of the iPhone Air.

    Moreover, the Edge 70 features an AI chatbot aimed at enhancing user experience by interpreting on-screen content. However, its actual effectiveness in practice is yet to be evaluated.

    While the iPhone Air may attract enthusiasts within the Apple ecosystem, the Motorola Edge 70 illustrates the possibilities of slim smartphone design and may motivate further innovations from Apple and other brands.

    ## Conclusion

    The race for the title of the thinnest smartphone persists, with the iPhone Air currently at the forefront. However, the Motorola Edge 70 makes a strong argument for individuals seeking a blend of slimness and functionality. As technology progresses, users can anticipate even more thrilling advancements in smartphone design and capabilities.

    Read More
    • sparta
    • Comments Off on Google Duo’s Closure Postponed by Multiple Months
    Google Duo’s Closure Postponed by Multiple Months

    Duo functionalities were scheduled to vanish by September 2025, but they will remain available for a while longer.

    (Image credit: Harish Jonnalagadda / Android Central)

    Essential information

    • Google has postponed the planned discontinuation of Duo calling features from September 2025 to January 2026.
    • This extension grants Google Duo users additional time to backup their data and configurations.
    • Certain legacy Duo calling features, such as Knock Knock, will be permanently removed once the sunset occurs.

    Notice

    Read More

    • Richard
    • Comments Off on Steps to Securely Extract a Damaged Plug from Your Phone’s USB Port
    Steps to Securely Extract a Damaged Plug from Your Phone’s USB Port

    plugging unusual devices into your phone’s port or utilizing your Android’s USB port for purposes other than charging, you need to connect a cable into that lone spot. While the finest USB cables for your gadgets are relatively robust, they can deteriorate over time, and in the worst-case scenario, might even break right off while attached. Don’t worry just yet, however, because as long as you possess a steady hand and a small instrument like tweezers, pliers, or a nail clipper, it’s feasible to extract it.

    It’s naturally distressing to have a USB plug break off in your phone’s USB port; as long as it stays lodged there, you won’t be able to charge your phone or transfer data. The closeness to your phone’s essential charging mechanisms can also be concerning, as mishandling those ports could result in irreversible damage, not to mention a potential electrical risk. All of this indicates that, while you certainly can manage this repair on your own without excessive difficulty, you should tackle the situation with a justified level of care and caution to ensure your phone survives intact.

    You’ll require the appropriate tool and a steady hand

    <source media="(max-width: 428px)"

    Read More
    • sparta
    • Comments Off on iOS 26.2 Beta 1 Brings Personalization Features for Lock Screen Liquid Glass Effect
    iOS 26.2 Beta 1 Brings Personalization Features for Lock Screen Liquid Glass Effect

    Apple has recently launched iOS 26.2 Beta 1, which introduces a new capability enabling users to personalize the Liquid Glass effect on the Lock Screen. This update comes after the iOS 26.1 release that made the Liquid Glass transparency adjustment toggle accessible to all iPhone users. The updated feature in iOS 26.2 Beta 1 offers a slider to modify the transparency of the clock on the Lock Screen, allowing users to align it with the operating system’s overall transparency settings.

    To modify the clock’s transparency, users can press and hold the wallpaper, select Customize, choose the clock, and utilize the slider beneath the color options to change transparency levels. The clock can also be solidified by tapping the appropriate button below the slider. This customization method is equally applicable to iPads running iPadOS 26.2 Beta 1.

    In iOS 26, Apple has experimented with various levels of transparency, but recent updates suggest a move towards providing greater customization options. While the Liquid Glass layer cannot be entirely removed, users can adjust transparency settings to improve readability. The primary Liquid Glass transparency option is located in the Settings app under Display & Brightness, with choices for Clear and Tinted. Furthermore, the Accessibility menu includes a Reduce Transparency toggle in the Display & Text Size section for additional customization.

    Users can also modify app icon transparency on the Home Screen. By pressing and holding the wallpaper until the app icons start to jiggle, users can tap the Edit button, select Customize, and use the slider to change icon transparency. This feature allows for transparent icons while maintaining legibility, enhancing the overall user experience in iOS 26.

    Read More
    • sparta
    • Comments Off on Apple TV’s Upcoming Series Pluribus to Include Official Companion Podcast
    Apple TV’s Upcoming Series Pluribus to Include Official Companion Podcast

    **Pluribus: A Fresh Sci-Fi Drama on Apple TV with an Official Companion Podcast**

    The eagerly awaited sci-fi drama *Pluribus* is scheduled to debut on Apple TV this Friday, November 7. Created by Vince Gilligan, famous for his work on *Breaking Bad*, the series features Rhea Seehorn as Carol, a character navigating a society afflicted by a contagion of joy. With substantial marketing efforts from Apple, expectations for this new series are notably elevated.

    In a significant development, Apple TV has revealed the introduction of an official companion podcast titled *Pluribus: The Official Podcast*. This signifies a resurgence in producing original podcasts for its series, a trend that had diminished recently. Preceding companion podcasts for programs like *Foundation* and *Prehistoric Planet* set a standard, but the recent *Severance* podcast was produced by an external network, implying a shift away from internal productions.

    *Pluribus: The Official Podcast* will be created by Apple itself, ensuring a seamless link between the show and its associated discussions. Hosted by show editor Chris McCaleb, the podcast will showcase detailed conversations with Vince Gilligan, Rhea Seehorn, and other vital members of the cast and crew. This behind-the-scenes perspective aims to enhance the viewing experience and engage fans more deeply with the series.

    Listeners can look forward to a new episode of the podcast being released each Friday, aligning with the weekly release of *Pluribus* episodes on Apple TV. This approach not only boosts the show’s visibility but also cultivates a community of fans eager to explore the creative process behind the series.

    As *Pluribus* gears up for its debut, both the show and its companion podcast are positioned to attract the attention of audiences and critics alike, offering an engaging journey through a distinctive narrative landscape.

    Read More
    • sparta
    • Comments Off on Android Devices Might Misstate Network Signal Strength
    Android Devices Might Misstate Network Signal Strength

    A recent examination of Android’s programming has uncovered fascinating details regarding how the operating system manages cellular signal strength. As reported by Nick vs Networking, Android devices might be artificially enhancing the signal strength shown to users, displaying one bar more than the actual signal. This phenomenon is allegedly facilitated by a code string, KEY_INFLATE_SIGNAL_STRENGTH_BOOL, which is linked with several prominent carriers, including Verizon, AT&T, and Xfinity Mobile.

    The report indicates that this enhancement could be enabled remotely by carriers via an OTA update, though it is still uncertain who is ultimately accountable for this functionality. Users are able to check their actual signal strength by reviewing the dBm measurement in the “About Phone” and “SIM Status” sections within their device settings. A dBm value closer to zero signifies a stronger signal, with -70dBm deemed excellent and -85dBm as the limit for probable coverage concerns.

    This disclosure poses inquiries about transparency and consumer confidence in mobile carriers. Concurrently, Verizon is already looking toward 6G technology, with the goal of boosting speed, minimizing latency, and incorporating AI for better connectivity. The company intends to partner with industry frontrunners like Samsung and Nokia to establish a cohesive global 6G network, promising peak data rates of 1,000Gbps and reduced latency for users around the globe.

    Read More