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    • sparta
    • Comments Off on Suggested Budget-Friendly Electronics to Purchase at Costco
    Suggested Budget-Friendly Electronics to Purchase at Costco

    Amazon generally features a wide array of products that simplify life, but Costco equally offers a selection of electronics that are definitely worth considering. Renowned for its bulk food items and home necessities, Costco is an excellent spot for discovering budget-friendly electronics as well.

    Although you’ll consistently find larger items like laptops, TVs, and more, there are several budget-friendly electronics priced under $40 that will appeal to almost everyone. These may be minor acquisitions, yet they deliver significant functionality and are all supported by genuine user endorsements. Given that reviews are often quite sparse on the Costco website, we’ve also taken into account ratings from other e-commerce sites to ensure we select gadgets that will genuinely enhance your life. Take a look at them below and add them to your Costco shopping list.

    Berkshire Life Heated Throw

    Costco offers a fall must-have that will keep you warm during the chilly months: a heated blanket. This heated throw from Berkshire Life has amassed over 4,000 user reviews with an impressive score of 4.7 stars. Customers have acknowledged the soft, plush material that feels luxurious, as well as the even heat distribution, ideal for unwinding on the couch or getting additional warmth during the night. It features four heat settings, letting you customize the temperature to suit your liking. For safety, it automatically powers down after four hours of use.

    Furthermore, this blanket is reversible, with one side being soft and “fuzzy” while the opposite side is smooth and velvety. This provides you with two different textures to choose from and makes for an adaptable gift. Additionally, since it’s machine washable, maintaining its cleanliness is a breeze. One Costco reviewer mentioned that all they had to do was detach the cord, toss it in the washing machine, and tumble dry without heat, and it performed flawlessly just two minutes later.

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    • Richard
    • Comments Off on iPhone 17 Increases Apple’s Market Share to 25% in China’s Mobile Phone Sales
    iPhone 17 Increases Apple’s Market Share to 25% in China’s Mobile Phone Sales

    a report from Counterpoint Research indicates that one out of every four smartphones sold in China during October was an iPhone. This marks the first occasion since 2022 that Apple has reached this achievement, although this time it is contending with heightened competition in the premium market. The surge in iPhone sales in the nation is largely attributed to the iPhone 17 series, with each new model reportedly showcasing performance improvements over its iPhone 16 counterparts by mid-to-high double-digit percentages. These numbers are estimates, as only Apple can provide precise statistics. Nevertheless, the compiled data from Counterpoint Research affirms what has been clear since mid-September: The new iPhones are proving to be a significant triumph for Apple on a global scale, with three models sold out for several weeks.

    Counterpoint Research discovered that the iPhone 17 series made up approximately 80% of Apple’s iPhone sales in China. Apple achieved a 37% increase in iPhone unit sales compared to last year. Furthermore, the report states that Apple’s success has buoyed China’s smartphone market by 8%. Regarding Apple’s primary rivals in the country, Oppo’s sales experienced a 19% uptick in October relative to one year ago, while Huawei’s sales saw a decline of 19%. Oppo introduced a new device, the Find X9, whereas Huawei’s forthcoming flagship is scheduled for release next week. Analysts anticipate that Apple will maintain its strong performance in the country, despite the launch of the Huawei Mate 80 series, flagship models that will rival the iPhone 17 series.

    The entry-level iPhone 17 is a major success

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    • Richard
    • Comments Off on Leak Unveils Thinner, Lighter Galaxy S26 Variants Outdoing Apple’s Latest iPhones
    Leak Unveils Thinner, Lighter Galaxy S26 Variants Outdoing Apple’s Latest iPhones

    A recent leak exposes Samsung’s strategy for creating lightweight devices.

    Key details:
    – A new leak indicates that the complete Galaxy S26 series is aimed at being much thinner and lighter compared to the iPhone 17 competition.
    – The S26 Ultra is expected to be significantly more streamlined and lightweight compared to its earlier version.
    – The leaked specifications show: S26 weighing 164g/6.9mm, S26 Plus at 191g/7.3mm, and S26 Ultra at 214g/7.9mm.

    The forthcoming Samsung Galaxy S26 lineup is pursuing a campaign against weight and volume, intending to deliver a substantial impact against the iPhone 17 series. A recent leak from the credible source @UniverseIce on X discloses that the S26 range is distinctly lighter and sleeker than its Apple counterparts.

    As per the leak, the standard Galaxy S26 is reported to be 164g and approximately 6.9mm thick. The S26 Plus weighs around 191g and measures 7.3mm in thickness. The S26 Ultra is said to weigh about 214g and have a thickness of 7.9mm.

    In contrast, the iPhone 17 is approximately 177g and 7.95mm thick for the base variant, while the Pro Max model weighs about 231g and has a measurement of 8.75 mm. Thus, if the leaks hold true, Samsung is striving for leaner and lighter flagship devices throughout the S26 lineup.

    For users, managing less weight can result in improved handling and comfort, particularly in this era of flagship phones which continue to increase in size and mass.

    The standard model emerges as the new lightweight champion

    If the reported weight and thickness of the base S26 are valid, it would be lighter and thinner than many premium Android devices available today, especially when compared to the iPhone or even the previous Galaxy S25 series. At 164g, it is merely 1 gram heavier than the Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge.

    The Plus version finds a middle ground, while the S26 Ultra remains elite but is noticeably lighter/slimmer than the former S25 Ultra (which weighed about 218g and measured roughly 8.2mm).

    Nonetheless, the weights and dimensions are not confirmed — they stem from a chart circulated by insiders. Adjustments might occur. For instance, Android Headlines had previously reported the base S26 to be 7.24mm thick, suggesting Samsung might have made modifications.

    The central inquiry is what sacrifices Samsung might have made to achieve this slender design. Typically, reducing a phone’s thickness can impact battery longevity and camera size. A lighter or thinner device could imply compromises in battery capacity, thermal management, or camera components. It is hoped that these alterations won’t result in a reduced battery or fewer features in Samsung’s forthcoming flagship devices.

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    • sparta
    • Comments Off on Samsung Unveils November 2025 Security Update for Two Generations of Galaxy Z Flip and Fold
    Samsung Unveils November 2025 Security Update for Two Generations of Galaxy Z Flip and Fold

    The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6, Flip 7, alongside the Galaxy Z Fold 6 and Fold 7, are being updated with a new security patch.

    (Image credit: Brady Snyder / Android Central)

    Essential information

    • Samsung is dispatching the November 2025 security update for its foldable devices from 2024 and 2025.
    • This update features nearly 40 repairs for identified security issues and has a size range of 350MB to 450MB.
    • The update has also been issued to the Galaxy S25, S24, S23 models today, along with the Galaxy Tab S11.

    Notice

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    • sparta
    • Comments Off on Survey Data Shows Notable Enhancements in Wi-Fi Speed on iPhone 17 Attributable to Apple N1 Chip
    Survey Data Shows Notable Enhancements in Wi-Fi Speed on iPhone 17 Attributable to Apple N1 Chip

    ### Wi-Fi Performance of iPhone 17: An Advancement with the N1 Chip

    Recent insights from Ookla, the parent company of Speedtest.net, indicate notable enhancements in Wi-Fi performance for iPhone 17 users, attributed to the newly designed Apple N1 chip. This analysis shows that the latest iPhone models, which encompass the iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro, and iPhone Air, reach significantly quicker download and upload speeds than the earlier iPhone 16.

    #### Key Insights

    Per Ookla’s examination, the typical download and upload speeds on iPhones using the N1 chip are around 40% greater than those of the iPhone 16. For instance, in North America, the iPhone 16 registers average download speeds of 323 Mbps, whereas the iPhone 17 showcases an impressive average of 416 Mbps.

    #### Performance Variations by Region

    The performance enhancements provided by the N1 chip are evident across different regions, though the degree of improvement may differ. Particularly, the iPhone 17 shows enhanced performance in locations with poor signal reception, surpassing older models that employed Qualcomm modems. This suggests that the new chip is especially efficient in demanding environments, offering users a more dependable connection.

    #### Support for Wi-Fi 7 and Real-World Consequences

    The N1 chip accommodates the new Wi-Fi 7 standard, although some users have expressed concerns regarding the iPhone 17’s constraint to the 160 MHz frequency instead of the broader 320 MHz band. Nonetheless, Ookla’s results imply that this limitation does not markedly affect real-world speeds. While other brands may claim compatibility with 320 MHz connections, the iPhone 17 has established itself as a frontrunner in Wi-Fi performance among premium smartphones in North America.

    It’s crucial to recognize that the availability of Wi-Fi 7 routers that can exploit the 320 MHz band is still scarce. Additionally, the advantages of a wider spectrum lessen with increased distance from the access point, emphasizing the iPhone 17’s performance benefits in practical scenarios.

    #### Conclusion

    The rollout of the N1 chip signifies a major leap in Wi-Fi capabilities for the iPhone series. As an inaugural in-house chip, its performance and efficiency denote a notable accomplishment for Apple’s silicon development teams. The N1 chip not only bolsters Wi-Fi connectivity but also coordinates integrated Bluetooth and Thread radios, enhancing overall device performance.

    In conclusion, the Ookla report highlights the exceptional Wi-Fi performance of the iPhone 17, reinforcing Apple’s dedication to innovation and user satisfaction in mobile technology.

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    • Richard
    • Comments Off on Ongoing Disruptions Impacting Various Applications and Websites, Including X
    Ongoing Disruptions Impacting Various Applications and Websites, Including X

    **Cloudflare Outage Results in Extensive Disruption Across Major Applications and Websites**

    A large number of applications and websites are presently facing outages or have completely gone offline due to a problem with Cloudflare, a prominent infrastructure network provider. The Cloudflare Content Delivery Network (CDN) underpins many well-known applications, which means that any interruption in its services can lead to widespread effects across the internet.

    One of the most impacted platforms is the social media site X, formerly known as Twitter. Users are reporting issues with posting new content and updating their timelines, suggesting that the issue is affecting internet users worldwide.

    Cloudflare has recognized the situation, announcing that it is looking into a problem that is triggering error code 500 server outages. The firm confirmed that the issue is impacting multiple clients and has persisted for around half an hour. Those affected may encounter a message instructing them to “Please unblock challenges.cloudflare.com to proceed,” while others may receive standard error code 500 alerts.

    For users, there is not much that can be done except to wait for Cloudflare to fix the issue and restore services. This incident follows a similar event just last month, when Amazon Web Services (AWS) faced outages that disrupted various services, including Amazon Alexa, Snapchat, and ChatGPT.

    As the situation unfolds, users are encouraged to remain patient and keep an eye out for updates from Cloudflare regarding the resolution of the outage.

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    • Richard
    • Comments Off on iPhone 17 Achieves Unprecedented Sales in Difficult Chinese Market
    iPhone 17 Achieves Unprecedented Sales in Difficult Chinese Market

    ### iPhone 17 Sales Boost in China: A Market Overview

    A recent market analysis report reveals that the iPhone 17 series is witnessing extraordinary sales in China, a market that has historically presented difficulties for Apple. The findings show that one out of every four smartphones sold in China during October was an iPhone, with total sales exceeding the previous record established in 2021.

    #### Apple’s Intricate Relationship with China

    Apple’s connection with China is complex. Although the company has worked to diversify its manufacturing to nations like India and Thailand, it still heavily relies on China as its main production center. This dependency has prompted Apple to make considerable concessions, such as taking down VPN apps from the Chinese App Store and permitting iCloud data to be hosted on servers linked to the Chinese government.

    Alongside manufacturing obstacles, Apple experiences pressure from the Chinese authorities, who have at times motivated consumers to prefer local brands over iPhones. This presents a challenge to Apple’s standing in one of its major markets. Additionally, the attractiveness of iPhone applications in China does not align with that in other regions, complicating the company’s efforts to preserve its market presence.

    #### Robust Growth Despite Challenges

    Regardless of these difficulties, Counterpoint Research presents optimistic news for Apple. The overall Chinese smartphone market expanded by 8% year-on-year in October, while iPhone sales soared by a remarkable 37%. This increase was primarily fueled by the iPhone 17 series, with all three models showcasing mid-to-high double-digit growth rates when compared to the iPhone 16 series. Significantly, the base model of the iPhone 17 emerged as the top-selling variant.

    This sales spike signifies the best beginning to a December quarter for Apple, with total sell-through far surpassing the previous peak in October 2021. The accomplishment of attaining a 25% market share in October is especially remarkable, reflecting Apple’s supremacy in the smartphone market, eclipsing rivals like Mi and Vivo, which captured 16% and 17% of sales, respectively.

    #### Changes in Consumer Preferences

    Counterpoint’s evaluation indicates that Apple has effectively drawn in former Huawei users, as Huawei’s sales decreased by 19% year-on-year. The iPhone 17’s strong results illustrate a shift in consumer preferences, with numerous customers choosing Apple’s products over local brands.

    While the report emphasizes the success of the iPhone 17 models, it lacks specific information regarding the sales of the iPhone Air. Nonetheless, the overall trend implies that Apple’s strategy in China is producing favorable outcomes, even in a tough environment.

    ### Conclusion

    The iPhone 17’s remarkable sales figures in China highlight Apple’s fortitude and capability to maneuver through a complicated market landscape. As the company continues to adjust to the challenges posed by the Chinese government and local competition, its recent achievements serve as evidence of the lasting allure of its products among consumers.

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    • Richard
    • Comments Off on iPadOS 26.2 Brings Back Drag-and-Drop Application Multitasking Functionality
    iPadOS 26.2 Brings Back Drag-and-Drop Application Multitasking Functionality

    iPadOS 26 is reintroducing window tiling and background processing, as Apple gradually reinstates some beneficial functionalities from earlier iPadOS iterations. With the release of iPadOS 26.1, the company has brought back Slide Over for the iPad, allowing you to showcase an app in front of all other applications. To access this feature, simply tap the three-button menu, long-press the green icon, and select Enter Slide Over. This functionality enables you to keep information such as a video, a reference AI chatbot app, the Notes app, and more, consistently visible while using different applications.

    Now, with iPadOS 26.2 Beta 3, Apple is reinstating another vital multitasking capability — the option to drag and drop apps. Although quite handy, this feature was eliminated in iPadOS 26. Currently, if you’re experimenting with the Beta 3 of iPadOS 26.2, you can easily switch between applications by dragging them from the Dock, Spotlight Search, or App Library and placing them on the home screen.

    Drag and drop enhances the iPadOS 26 experience

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    • Richard
    • Comments Off on The Anticipated Length of Earth’s Oxygen-Abundant Atmosphere
    The Anticipated Length of Earth’s Oxygen-Abundant Atmosphere

    oxygen concentrations are expected to drop significantly lower in the future. Indeed, a recent study indicates that Earth will exhaust its breathable air in approximately 1 billion years.

    Researchers Kazumi Ozaki from Toho University and Christopher Reinhard from the Georgia Institute of Technology developed a computer model to project the future of Earth and its atmosphere. By conducting nearly 400,000 simulation runs, they compiled their findings and published them in the journal Nature Geoscience in 2021. The findings suggest that the oxygen-rich atmosphere of Earth will disappear in one billion years. The silver lining is that none of us currently living will experience that transition; however, many scientists now contend that the loss of atmospheric oxygen will signal the definitive end of life on Earth, so let’s delve into the factors contributing to this decline and envision what the planet will resemble in its aftermath.

    Why Earth’s oxygen-abundant air won’t endure indefinitely

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    • sparta
    • Comments Off on Assessing the Advantages of Wireless Headphones Versus Wired Alternatives
    Assessing the Advantages of Wireless Headphones Versus Wired Alternatives

    Blue headphones placed flat on a yellow background

    Dani Vg/Getty Images

    If you’re considering purchasing headphones, you might be curious if the widely popular true-wireless earbuds are the optimal choice. But how do the classic wired headphones from earlier times compare? Are those a better selection? The concise answer is: Yes, though this hinges on how you define “better.” While the specifications of headphones can be measured quantitatively, much of the experience relies on your personal perception of the audio quality in your music.

    A wired set of headphones or earbuds conveys sound through a cable, usually connected via a 3.5-millimeter or quarter-inch connector. This allows the audio signal to be delivered almost instantaneously and in full. In contrast, wireless headphones generally transmit a signal using various radio frequency (RF) technologies, such as Bluetooth or Wi-Fi, which can sometimes introduce disturbances or risks of losing the connection in certain scenarios.

    Wireless music transmission is intricate

    Hands comparing wireless and wired earbuds side by side

    Ivan Kyryk/Getty Images

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