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    • Richard
    • Comments Off on Maximum Length of a USB Cable Before Performance Deterioration
    Maximum Length of a USB Cable Before Performance Deterioration

    Finding the ideal USB cables for your gadget can be challenging. There are not only various USB cable types and speeds to consider, but also the necessity of purchasing one that has sufficient length. This leads to another question: At what length does a USB cable become excessive? Does the length of the USB (which stands for Universal Serial Bus) cable truly impact data transfer speeds and overall effectiveness? The succinct answer is yes, it does.

    The more detailed response is that it largely depends on the type of cable you choose. While this article won’t delve into specifics such as the distinctions between USB4 and USB-C, it will provide clearer insight into what you can expect from a new USB cable and how lengthy it can be while still functioning effectively. The longer a USB cable is, the more probable it is for the signal to weaken. This may result in decreased transfer speeds as well as reduced power output.

    For this reason, it’s crucial to have a solid understanding of what the various types of cables support. USB cables are not a universal solution. There are several kinds of USB connectors and numerous varieties of USB cables. Depending on the cable type, you might have slightly more or less flexibility concerning efficiency depending on the length.

    Optimal lengths for USB cables

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    • Richard
    • Comments Off on Leak Discloses Significant Overhaul and Cutting-Edge Functionality of Samsung Galaxy Buds 4 Pro
    Leak Discloses Significant Overhaul and Cutting-Edge Functionality of Samsung Galaxy Buds 4 Pro

    This appears to be the genuine article for the Galaxy Buds 4 Pro.

    What you should know:
    – The Galaxy Buds 4 Pro might retain the stem-style design while moving away from the pointed, angular appearance of the Buds 3 Pro.
    – The charging case could undergo a transformation as well, transitioning to a flat-lay design and increasing the battery capacity from 515 mAh to approximately 530 mAh.
    – A significant new functionality titled “Head Gestures” might enable users to nod or shake their heads to accept calls, dismiss notifications, and engage with AI.

    According to a new report, the Galaxy Buds 4 Pro are poised to be one of Samsung’s most important audio launches in years.

    The forthcoming Buds 4 Pro (codenamed “Bach”) and their counterpart Buds 4 (“Handel”) have appeared in leaked firmware for One UI 8.5, as revealed by Android Authority, providing us with our clearest insight into what the company has planned.

    In terms of design, the stem-style configuration continues, but the pointed, triangular silhouette of the Galaxy Buds 3 Pro is eliminated. Instead, Samsung might be choosing a more streamlined, flatter stem and a simpler aesthetic for the Buds 4 Pro.

    Moreover, we observe that the icons in One UI 8.5 and leaked images suggest that the standard Buds 4 will embrace this fresh design concept as well.

    The charging case could also feature a new form. Rather than positioning the earbuds vertically, they will be laid flat. We’ve also picked up rumors of a slight battery enhancement, indicating the Buds 4 Pro case could come with around 530 mAh in comparison to the 515 mAh of the Buds 3 Pro. However, it remains unclear whether this battery enhancement applies to the earbuds themselves.

    Ultimate hands-free functionality:
    A key highlight on the software side is the innovative “Head Gestures.” Indeed, you might be able to nod or shake your head to interact with calls/notifications, dismiss alarms or timers, respond to yes/no queries via an AI assistant, and more.

    In addition, the leak discloses other advancements: 360° audio capture, adaptive noise cancellation (ANC), a “Find Your Phone” feature, and improved pairing with phones or tablets.

    All indications point to a launch in early 2026, potentially coinciding with the next Galaxy S series. If you seek high-end earbuds and are already using Samsung products, this may present a worthwhile upgrade.

    As is the case with any leak, nothing is finalized until Samsung provides an official statement. We currently lack details regarding specs, pricing, and worldwide availability. For now, the leaked enhancements imply this could be one of Samsung’s finest earbud launches in recent memory.

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    • sparta
    • Comments Off on Google Play Store Upgrade Makes It Easier to Find Apps for XR Headsets
    Google Play Store Upgrade Makes It Easier to Find Apps for XR Headsets

    The Play Store is now providing you with the appropriate applications for your Android XR devices.

    (Image credit: Jay Bonggolto / Android Central)

    Essential information

    • Google is seemingly incorporating a new “XR headset” chip that displays headset-targeted screenshots, evaluations, and application specifics in the Play Store.
    • An exclusive XR section is now visible under the Apps and Games categories, simplifying the search for mixed-reality and VR applications.
    • This update is perfectly timed to coincide with the upcoming release of significant devices such as the Samsung Galaxy XR headset.

    Notice

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    • sparta
    • Comments Off on Google Tasks Unveils Fresh Deadline Functionality in Recent Update
    Google Tasks Unveils Fresh Deadline Functionality in Recent Update

    Google Tasks has rolled out a new feature that enables users to assign deadline dates to tasks, though it does not provide the option to indicate a specific time. This enhancement is available in the Android version of the application, but the feature to add a deadline can only be utilized when modifying an existing task, not during the task creation phase. Additionally, deadlines do not show up on the primary task list, which may hinder users in monitoring time-sensitive tasks.

    Even with the introduction of deadline dates, the lack of the ability to set exact times diminishes the feature’s practicality, especially in comparison to other task management applications such as Todoist or Due, which provide more extensive scheduling functionalities. This update represents progress for Google Tasks, which has typically been regarded as a straightforward checklist tool instead of a comprehensive task manager.

    For users needing straightforward task planning, the new deadline feature is user-friendly. However, for individuals managing more intricate projects, Google Tasks still falls short on critical features like detailed scheduling, priority levels, and a complete view of all deadlines. The update showcases Google’s effort to boost the app’s capabilities without completely redesigning it, making it more attractive to users desiring more than just a fundamental checklist application. Nevertheless, users looking for advanced task management options may need to seek alternatives.

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    • sparta
    • Comments Off on Poll: Ought the Second Camera on the iPhone Air 2 to be Telephoto or Ultrawide?
    Poll: Ought the Second Camera on the iPhone Air 2 to be Telephoto or Ultrawide?

    ### Speculation About the Second-Generation iPhone Air

    In the past few weeks, conjecture concerning the second-generation iPhone Air has escalated, with multiple reports emerging about its specifications and launch schedule. The most prominent rumors indicate that the upcoming model might feature a second camera, potentially enhancing its photographic functionalities. However, these reports come with contradictory information regarding delays and the overall reception of the initial iPhone Air version.

    #### Main Features and Postponements

    The second-generation iPhone Air is rumored to undergo substantial enhancements, including the introduction of a second camera. While some sources claim that this camera will be an ultrawide lens, others propose that a telephoto lens could offer more advantages to users. The choice of which type of camera to incorporate remains ambiguous, as does the timeline for the device’s introduction. Reports suggest that the unveiling has been postponed indefinitely, mainly to facilitate the integration of this new camera feature.

    #### Camera Alternatives: Ultrawide vs. Telephoto

    The discourse regarding which kind of second camera would be more beneficial has ignited significant dialogue among technology aficionados. The ultrawide lens is often preferred for its capacity to capture extensive landscapes and group settings, whereas the telephoto lens is generally employed for portrait photography and intricate shots from afar.

    Users have been evaluating their personal photography practices through Apple’s Smart Albums in the Photos app, uncovering varied inclinations for lens usage. Many discover that they predominantly use the main lens, with both ultrawide and telephoto lenses being utilized in nearly equal proportions. This variety in usage makes the decision on which additional camera to feature in the new model more complex.

    #### The Argument for Ultrawide

    Proponents of the ultrawide lens assert that it provides distinct capabilities that cannot be duplicated by merely cropping images captured with the main lens. While a telephoto lens offers a different viewpoint, the ultrawide lens enables a wider field of view, which is especially advantageous in landscape photography and when photographing large groups of people.

    Additionally, although digital cropping can mimic a telephoto effect, it cannot reproduce the same wide-angle perspective that an ultrawide lens delivers. This limitation makes the ultrawide lens an attractive option for the second camera, particularly for users who prioritize flexibility in their photography.

    #### Final Thoughts

    As the speculation surrounding the second-generation iPhone Air continues to shift, the decision regarding the type of second camera is a critical point of discussion. Whether Apple chooses an ultrawide or telephoto lens, the selection will significantly influence the device’s attractiveness to photography lovers. As the tech community looks forward to further updates from Apple, the excitement for the next iteration of the iPhone Air increases, underscoring the significance of camera features in contemporary smartphones.

    For the time being, users are encouraged to voice their preferences and opinions on which camera would best fulfill their requirements, contributing to the ongoing dialogue about the future of the iPhone Air.

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    • sparta
    • Comments Off on Why Astute Shoppers Choose Alternative Displays Instead of OLED Televisions
    Why Astute Shoppers Choose Alternative Displays Instead of OLED Televisions

    Sony Bravia 8 II, priced between $2,500 and $3,000. Even the least expensive OLED TVs, such as the Panasonic Z85A and LG B5, are priced above $1,800 for the 65-inch models, making them considerably pricier than the majority of LCD TVs. If you are a savvy shopper seeking the best value for your investment in a TV, an LCD TV can serve as a viable substitute for an OLED TV.

    While LCD TVs might not provide the absolute finest picture, they still offer exceptional performance that will satisfy most viewers. Remember, when we mention LCD TV, we are referring to any television available on the market today that is not an OLED TV, regardless of the marketing terminology applied. This encompasses LED TVs, QLED TVs, QNED TVs, ULED TVs, and Mini-LED TVs. All these televisions fundamentally utilize LCD technology, but they incorporate additional advancements, often reflected in these marketing labels. Setting aside any marketing complexity, here’s how contemporary LCD TVs manage to offer commendable visual performance.

    How LCD TVs are closing the gap in picture quality with OLED TVs

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    • sparta
    • Comments Off on Meta’s $100 Coupon Code Problem: Essential Information You Should Have
    Meta’s $100 Coupon Code Problem: Essential Information You Should Have

    Meta has discreetly acknowledged that it retracted a discount code sent to users the previous week.

    (Image credit: Michael Hicks / Android Central)

    Key points to note

    • Meta distributed $100 discount codes for Quest and Meta smart glasses to loyal clients, but many reported that these codes were invalid.
    • The company has subtly indicated that these were mistakenly sent to select users, and it will not honor the promotion for them.
    • Scroll down to discover alternative methods to save on Quest headsets and Meta smart glasses.
    Notice

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    • sparta
    • Comments Off on Examination of Tim Cook’s Retirement ‘Leak’ as a Tactical Market Response Assessment
    Examination of Tim Cook’s Retirement ‘Leak’ as a Tactical Market Response Assessment

    ### Tim Cook’s Departure: Rumors and Arrangements

    Speculation has been mounting regarding the potential retirement of Apple CEO Tim Cook, particularly after he recently reached the age of 65, a typical milestone for retirement. This speculation has gained momentum with reports suggesting that Apple is increasing its efforts to prepare for his possible successor, potentially as early as next year.

    #### Overview of Tim Cook’s Leadership

    Tim Cook has been leading Apple since 2011, guiding the company through an extraordinary growth phase that has elevated its market valuation from $350 billion to roughly $4 trillion. His management approach and strategic choices have been crucial in sustaining Apple’s status as a frontrunner in technology and innovation.

    In 2021, Cook alluded to his future intentions, mentioning he did not foresee being with Apple in ten years. Nevertheless, he also expressed his commitment to remaining with the company for the foreseeable future, hinting that a transition period may be imminent.

    #### Ongoing Discussions about Succession

    Recent news, especially from the Financial Times, indicates that Apple’s board is actively seeking Cook’s successor. Although John Ternus, Apple’s Senior Vice President of Hardware Engineering, is viewed as a leading candidate, the board is also considering outside options. The announcement’s timing could be strategically aimed for early in the year, permitting the new CEO to adjust before major events like the Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) in June and the upcoming iPhone release in September.

    #### Nature of the Disclosure

    The way this information has emerged implies it may be a purposeful leak. Observers remark that the small circle of individuals aware of such discussions at Apple makes accidental disclosures improbable. Analysts suspect that this information was provided to the media to assess market reactions and ready investors for a possible leadership shift.

    #### Market Responses and Future Effects

    Currently, Apple’s stock has displayed slight variations, suggesting that investors may have already anticipated this leadership alteration. This indicates a degree of readiness for Cook’s eventual retirement, which could lessen any potential market disruption when the announcement is formally made.

    In summary, while Tim Cook’s retirement seems to be approaching, the precise timing remains unclear. The board’s proactive stance on succession planning reflects an intention to ensure a seamless transition that upholds investor confidence and perpetuates Apple’s tradition of innovation and growth. An official announcement may be expected in the first half of next year, with Cook possibly transitioning into an advisory role to further reassure stakeholders.

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    • sparta
    • Comments Off on Microsoft’s Windows 11 25H2 Update Fixes Persistent Issue
    Microsoft’s Windows 11 25H2 Update Fixes Persistent Issue

    Windows 11 comes with its own set of bugs, peculiarities, and oddities, and occasionally, Microsoft addresses some of these problems to offer users a much-needed break. In June of this year, the firm eliminated the notorious Blue Screen of Death, and in August, Microsoft resolved an irritating Bluetooth problem. Recently, the company launched yet another update for Windows 11 that addresses the vexing “Update and shut down” issue that has troubled Windows machines for years. If you’ve ever selected the “Update and shut down” choice only to find your computer restarting after the update is complete, you’re certainly not alone. As reported by Windows Latest, this feature has been malfunctioning since Windows 10 and has only now received a fix.

    The remedy for this frustrating issue was part of the optional KB5067036 update (Windows 11 25H2 Build 26200.7019 or Windows 11 24H2 Build 26100.7019, depending on your version). This update began to be rolled out on October 28, 2025, and is likely already available on your PC if you have enabled the “Get the latest updates as soon as they’re available” setting in Windows Update. If this option is not activated and you’re still encountering the faulty “Update and shut down” issue, you can go to the Windows Update page in Settings and select “Check for updates” to install the KB5067036 update. However, if you prefer not to install the optional upgrade, Microsoft intends to incorporate the fix into a mandatory update on November 11.

    The update and shutdown issue remains a recurring challenge

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    • sparta
    • Comments Off on Report Indicates iPhone Air 2 Was Not Intended for 2026 Launch
    Report Indicates iPhone Air 2 Was Not Intended for 2026 Launch

    The Information reported last week that the launch of Apple’s iPhone Air 2 model, previously rumored for September 2026, won’t occur as suggested. Initially, the news outlet stated that the iPhone Air 2 had been postponed indefinitely. Subsequently, The Information indicated that the iPhone Air 2 might debut as soon as early 2027, featuring a dual-lens camera setup. On Sunday, Bloomberg published Mark Gurman’s latest “Power On” newsletter, where the Apple insider partially corroborated the earlier reports. The iPhone Air 2 is not arriving in 2026. However, Gurman importantly notes that Apple had no intention of releasing the second-generation ultra-thin smartphone in September 2026.

    “From what I’ve heard, the plans for the second-generation iPhone Air weren’t actually set for next year — at least not in the past few months,” Gurman stated. “This wasn’t a delay due to the phone’s sales results. The choice to call the device the iPhone Air (instead of the iPhone 17 Air) indicated that it wasn’t meant to be tied to a yearly release cadence.” Nonetheless, it remains vague what “recent months” refers to. The iPhone Air has been on the market for two months already. In contrast to the three iPhone 17 variants, the iPhone Air was significantly available both online and in physical stores during that period, momentarily selling out in China, where it was only launched last month due to regulatory reasons.

    Gurman also mentions that Apple “didn’t really expect much excitement for the Air.” The company aimed for the iPhone Air to represent 6% to 8% of new iPhone sales, similar to the iPhone 16 Plus from last year. Gurman highlights that Apple didn’t expend any marketing resources.

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