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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

    <source media="(max-width: 428

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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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    • sparta
    • Comments Off on Apple @ Work Podcast: A Summary of the Present Condition of Passkeys
    Apple @ Work Podcast: A Summary of the Present Condition of Passkeys

    ### The Significance of Password Management in Today’s Digital World

    In a time when digital security is vital, the handling of passwords has become an essential part of protecting personal and organizational information. As cyber threats become more advanced, it is crucial to grasp the tools and methods available for effective password management.

    #### The Growth of Password Management Tools

    With the increase of online accounts, the typical individual now oversees countless passwords. This complexity frequently results in poor password behaviors, such as reusing passwords over various sites or choosing easily guessable passwords. To address these challenges, password management tools have surfaced as indispensable resources. These applications securely keep and encrypt passwords, enabling users to create strong, unique passwords for every account without the hassle of remembering them.

    #### Dashlane’s Perspectives on Password Security

    In a recent segment of Apple @ Work, Rew Islam from Dashlane talked about the company’s latest publication titled “The 2025 Dashlane Passkey Power 20.” This report underscores the changing landscape of password management and the growing acceptance of passkeys as a safer substitute for conventional passwords. Passkeys eliminate the requirement for passwords by utilizing cryptographic keys stored on devices, significantly diminishing the risk of phishing schemes and credential theft.

    #### The Advantages of Utilizing Passkeys

    1. **Improved Security**: Passkeys provide greater security than standard passwords because they are not vulnerable to typical attacks like brute force or phishing.

    2. **User Ease**: With passkeys, users can validate their identity without the burden of recalling complex passwords, resulting in a more seamless user experience.

    3. **Lowered Risk of Data Leaks**: By removing passwords, organizations can greatly reduce the likelihood of data leaks resulting from compromised credentials.

    #### The Responsibility of Organizations in Password Management

    Organizations have a vital role in encouraging secure password practices among their employees. Adopting password management solutions and informing staff about the significance of strong, unique passwords can assist in minimizing security risks. Additionally, organizations should contemplate implementing passkey technology as part of their cybersecurity plan to stay ahead of possible threats.

    #### Conclusion

    As the digital environment continues to advance, our strategies for password management must adapt as well. Tools like Dashlane are leading the charge towards a more secure future, where reliance on conventional passwords decreases in favor of innovative technologies like passkeys. By emphasizing password security, both individuals and organizations can enhance the protection of their sensitive information in an increasingly interconnected environment.

    For more insights and to keep informed on the latest developments in password management, consider tuning into previous episodes of the Apple @ Work podcast and examining the resources offered by industry pioneers such as Dashlane and Mosyle.

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    • Richard
    • Comments Off on Latest Enhancements in iOS 26.2 Beta 3 for iPhone
    Latest Enhancements in iOS 26.2 Beta 3 for iPhone

    December’s rollout of iOS 26.2 sees Apple continuing its trials for this anticipated operating system upgrade. With the introduction of beta 3, the firm has incorporated even more features, including additional mentions of the in-progress PIN for AirDrop functionality.

    Within the Settings app, the AirDrop section now includes a “Manage Known AirDrop Contacts” feature, allowing users to show up for 30 days to individuals with whom they have exchanged a one-time code. However, the current beta prevents users from creating this one-time code, yet it is noteworthy that Apple is being clear about this forthcoming feature.

    Additionally, Apple’s developer documentation indicates that Hypertension Notifications will be accessible through a new API. This will enable third-party applications to seek permission to access these notifications from the Apple Watch, allowing them to integrate this information into their applications for greater utility for other users. Here’s what else is on the docket in iOS 26.2 beta 3.

    Apple to implement a significant update to the Side Button

    <source media="(max-width: 428px)" srcset="https://www.bgr.com/img/gallery/ios-26-2-beta-3

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