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    • sparta
    • Comments Off on iPhone 17 Pro Max Might Be the Ultimate ‘Max’ Version Boasting the Biggest Screen
    iPhone 17 Pro Max Might Be the Ultimate ‘Max’ Version Boasting the Biggest Screen

    When consumers opt for the Pro Max variant of the iPhone, it is frequently for one primary reason: screen size. However, this year’s iPhone 17 Pro Max could be the final ‘Max’ version to genuinely provide the largest iPhone display. Here’s the explanation.

    ## ‘Max’ May Not Represent the Largest When Foldable iPhone Displays Emerge

    Typically, the term “max” suggests something that cannot be exceeded. There is nothing more “max” than max.

    Naturally, Apple has taken its own path with definitions since the introduction of the first M1 Ultra chip, going beyond the M1 “Max.” Next year, all indications suggest a similar scenario unfolding within the iPhone range.

    Apple is projected to unveil an iPhone 18 Pro Max, but it will not actually feature the largest iPhone screen. This is because we are also expecting an iPhone Fold. Or perhaps Apple will refer to it as the iPhone “Ultra”?

    The iPhone Fold will mark Apple’s inaugural foldable iPhone. Speculations indicate it will possess a 5.5-inch outer display—small by contemporary iPhone standards. Yet, when that display is unfolded, its 7.8-inch size will easily claim the title for the largest iPhone screen.

    Details about the iPhone 18 Pro Max are still scarce, but thus far, there haven’t been any hints of a change in screen size. Apple just upgraded the Pro Max size last year, making it improbable to do so again in 2026. Assuming consistency with the existing model, here’s what we can anticipate:

    – iPhone 18 Pro Max: 6.9-inch display
    – iPhone Fold: 7.8-inch inner display

    ## Deciding Between iPhone 18 Pro Max and Fold

    For the first time, Apple’s iPhone series will feature a model with a screen larger than the Pro Max. This may create a dilemma for traditional Pro Max users. If you desire the largest iPhone available, does that imply selecting the Fold?

    For power users and early adopters, perhaps. However, I believe many others will continue with their reliable Pro Max size—at least for one more year. The Fold will introduce a completely new iPhone form factor, providing a combination of iPhone and iPad mini in one device.

    Not everyone will be inclined to gamble on something new and unfamiliar, particularly at the rumored price point exceeding $2,000. Nevertheless, regardless of the iPhone Fold’s potential popularity—or lack thereof—it feels peculiar to state that the iPhone 17 Pro Max could be the last ‘Max’ model with the largest iPhone screen.

    If you typically use an iPhone Pro Max, do you think you’ll transition to the Fold? Why or why not? Share your thoughts in the comments.

    ## Top iPhone Accessories

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    • Richard
    • Comments Off on Apple Unveils New Immersive ‘Elevated’ Episode for Apple Vision Pro to Honor Fall
    Apple Unveils New Immersive ‘Elevated’ Episode for Apple Vision Pro to Honor Fall

    Apple has recently introduced an engaging short film called “Maine,” a part of its Elevated series, crafted specifically for the Apple Vision Pro. This comes after the success of the inaugural episode, “Hawai’i,” which premiered last year. Both episodes run for around six minutes and feature breathtaking aerial shots of their unique settings.

    The newest episode, “Maine,” is narrated by Oscar-winning actor Tim Robbins, famed for his performances in films like “The Shawshank Redemption” and “Mystic River.” The film allows viewers to glide over Maine’s beautiful autumn scenery, showcasing rugged coastlines, crystal-clear lakes, and vibrant forests painted in fall hues of orange, crimson, and gold.

    Apple revealed the launch of “Maine” through a post on X, along with a trailer that emphasizes the stunning visuals audiences can anticipate. The Elevated series is offered exclusively on the Apple Vision Pro, which enriches the immersive experience through its state-of-the-art technology.

    In addition to the Elevated series, Apple TV+ provides a range of popular shows and movies for a subscription cost of $12.99 monthly, including popular titles like “Severance,” “The Morning Show,” and “Silo.”

    For those keen on delving into the immersive realm of Elevated, “Maine” and its predecessor “Hawai’i” offer a mesmerizing insight into the splendor of nature, all while accompanied by the calming narration of Tim Robbins.

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    • sparta
    • Comments Off on The Procedure and Result of Marking a Number as Spam or Junk on Your Mobile Device
    The Procedure and Result of Marking a Number as Spam or Junk on Your Mobile Device

    spam calls that can thankfully be prevented. Sometimes it’s blatantly obvious, particularly when the call or message is from someone seeking banking details, credit card information, and other forms of personal financial data. Other instances can make it much trickier to determine if it’s fraudulent or not.

    This is why telecommunications providers like Apple and Google allow customers to report these phishing entities and groups as spam or junk. When you report, your mobile carrier, the device maker, third-party databases — and in some instances, the FCC and FTC — are alerted about the offender.

    From the carrier’s perspective, the reported number gets listed in a spam database, which is why you may have received a call or two with a “Spam Likely” notification on your display; this occurs when enough users have reported the number, prompting your carrier to take action. Therefore, the more spam you report, the more secure your carrier network becomes for you and others.

    It’s also important to note that phone companies utilize various AI and machine-learning technologies to track and categorize spam calls and texts, including Google’s latest AI-driven scam detection. So, the more you report, the more effective these automated systems will become at identifying spam initially.

    Scammers never take a break, so we mustn’t either

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    • sparta
    • Comments Off on The Greatest Benefit of AI Progress on Mobile Devices
    The Greatest Benefit of AI Progress on Mobile Devices

    AI is omnipresent, and surprisingly, that’s actually beneficial for a change.

    As we rush into a new era in mobile applications, one that ultimately strives to be an “agent” handling everything for us, it’s astonishing to reflect on the progress we’ve made in such a brief period. An increasing number of people are relying on ChatGPT, for better or worse, while Google is making efforts to integrate Gemini into every possible area. Moreover, we’re continuously seeing more “AI-enhanced” features with each upcoming flagship smartphone launch.

    That being said, I understand that when it comes to actually utilizing AI on my diverse array of smartphones, Chromebooks, gaming handhelds, and the like, ultimately, everyone’s AI experience is similar. I ought to rephrase that to say, “everyone’s AI experience has the potential to be similar.” Regardless of how it’s articulated, the fundamental concept remains unchanged, as users with an iPhone 17 Pro, Pixel 10 Pro Fold, or Samsung Galaxy A26 can all leverage AI for the same tasks.

    No, I’m not referring to the functionalities that Apple, Google, and Samsung attempt to market in various advertisements. That’s nice and all, but the shared feature between a device priced close to $2,000 and one that’s less than $200 is that both can download the same AI applications.

    Presently, the leading contenders are Gemini, ChatGPT, Copilot, Claude, Perplexity, Grok, and DeepSeek. All these applications, along with many others, are accessible on either platform, guaranteeing you’ll consistently have access to your discussions and creations. Yes, there might be instances when the iOS version of ChatGPT receives something first, but the same can certainly hold true for Gemini on Android.

    As of this writing, ChatGPT occupies the top position in the Play Store, with the next AI chatbot application not appearing until Microsoft Copilot at tenth place. Interestingly, the reverse is true on the Apple App Store, where Google Gemini currently ranks as the top free app, followed by ChatGPT in second and DeepSeek in fifth. This clearly illustrates that Google’s marketing efforts are bearing fruit, though there’s a solid argument to suggest that the iPhone serves as a better Google device than Android.

    Apple is trying to catch up

    Naturally, there’s another perspective on this, which reignites the classic “iOS vs. Android” discussion. Simply put, Siri is inadequate and pales in comparison to Gemini, ChatGPT, or even DeepSeek. Apple is so far behind that it formed a partnership with OpenAI and Google while launching “Apple Intelligence” last year.

    Recently, Mark Gurman of Bloomberg disclosed that Apple “is preparing to introduce its own artificial intelligence-driven web search tool next year, intensifying competition with OpenAI and Perplexity AI Inc.” Based on the report, this appears to be an Apple-branded rendition of Gemini, as Gurman mentions “The companies reached a formal agreement…to evaluate and test a Google-developed AI model to assist the voice assistant.”

    However, Apple isn’t halting there, as this AI-driven search will also be integrated into Siri. But rather than merely determining the game score or identifying a brand name, it’s said that Siri will finally be capable of “leveraging personal data and on-screen content to better address queries.” By reallocating resources from other divisions and sharpening its focus, Apple could unveil this significant upgrade as early as March 2026 with iOS 26.4.

    Even so, while we await this major AI transformation, you can still download apps like Gemini, ChatGPT, Copilot, or Perplexity and execute numerous AI-related functions we anticipate seeing from Apple and Siri.

    Everyone else is expanding the divide

    In the meantime, Google has just unveiled new Gemini models, alongside a thorough overhaul and redesign of the Google Home app. Additionally, Gemini will be made available on our current smart speakers and Nest Hubs, a feature we’ve been anxiously looking forward to.

    Simultaneously, OpenAI recently announced “Instant Checkout in ChatGPT,” enabling users to make purchases through AI. It also launched “ChatGPT Pulse,” which will “provide personalized updates based on your conversations, feedback, and linked applications such as your calendar.”

    Why is any of this significant? Because all those innovative features from Google and OpenAI will soon be accessible on any device (if they aren’t already). So, while needing to install an app isn’t as fluid as having it embedded at the operating system level, does it truly matter considering the plethora of options available, especially when you can simply choose the app that suits you best in a given situation?

    To answer my own question, no, it doesn’t genuinely matter. At least for now.

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    • Richard
    • Comments Off on How to Enjoy Steam Games on Your Android Device
    How to Enjoy Steam Games on Your Android Device

    RedMagic 10S Pro serves as an excellent illustration of the capabilities of a high-performance gaming smartphone. With every update, the Android operating system is becoming increasingly feature-rich and versatile, especially following the June 2025 launch of Android 16.

    And while applications tailored for the Android ecosystem continue to impress, they still fall short compared to what’s available on a PC through platforms like Steam. With over 55,000 games at your disposal, Steam stands as a significant player in the gaming industry. However, Android gamers are no longer restricted to the offerings of the Google Play Store, as Steam can now be accessed on Android devices via a platform called GameNative.

    By installing GameNative on your Android device, you unlock your entire Steam game library while on the move. GameNative acts as a compatibility layer that operates on top of Android, enabling users to reach and play their Steam titles in a native-like setting. Installation is straightforward, making it an ideal option for mobile gamers seeking additional choices.

    Guide to installing GameNative

    <source media="(max-width: 428px)" srcset="https://www.bgr.com/img/gallery/yes-you-can-play-steam-games-on-your-android-phone-heres-how/how-to-install-gamenative-1759237341.sm

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    • Richard
    • Comments Off on Apple Launches New Crossbody Strap Accessory, Gaining Favor with Users
    Apple Launches New Crossbody Strap Accessory, Gaining Favor with Users

    ### Apple’s Crossbody Strap: A Novel Accessory for iPhone Users

    With the unveiling of the iPhone 17 and iPhone Air, Apple has rolled out an array of new accessories, and among them, the Crossbody Strap has attracted considerable interest. This accessory, crafted for both convenience and style, has swiftly become a favored option among users, resulting in significant availability challenges shortly after its introduction.

    #### Availability and Popularity

    Nearly a month post-launch, the Crossbody Strap continues to face substantial backorders. Various colors of the strap are not available for immediate shipping, with projections indicating delivery timelines pushing into November. Of the ten color selections, six are backordered for more than a month, while a seventh color is delayed until late October. This constrained availability emphasizes the accessory’s popularity, as users are enthusiastic about enhancing their iPhone experience with this chic addition.

    #### User Experience

    Users have positively received the Crossbody Strap, valuing its practicality. One user recounted their experience searching for an iPhone upgrade for their partner. The buzz surrounding the Crossbody Strap was evident, particularly since the user’s partner sought a more functional replacement for their existing lanyard case. After testing the strap in an Apple Store, they deemed it a worthy upgrade.

    Nonetheless, the persistent backorder situation has rendered it difficult for many potential purchasers to secure the strap. In-store stock also fluctuates, with numerous colors unavailable at local Apple Stores, complicating the buying experience. Even online retailers such as Amazon are experiencing shipping delays for the Crossbody Strap.

    #### Conclusion

    The swift sell-out of the Crossbody Strap and its ongoing backorder status indicate that it has resonated well with users of the iPhone 17 and iPhone Air. Although the precise initial supply figures are unclear, the accessory’s popularity is evident. As more users embrace the Crossbody Strap, it will be intriguing to observe how Apple responds to the demand and whether it evolves into a fundamental accessory for iPhone users moving forward.

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    • Richard
    • Comments Off on Automating Halloween Decor with Smart Plugs and Scenes in HomeKit
    Automating Halloween Decor with Smart Plugs and Scenes in HomeKit

    # Automating Halloween Decorations with HomeKit

    Halloween brings a chance for creativity and enjoyment, and for many, it means intricate decorations that can compete with those of the festive Christmas season. Across neighborhoods nationwide, homes are turned into eerie displays complete with lights, inflatable specters, and more. For those looking to elevate their Halloween decor, automating these decorations using HomeKit can streamline the process and enhance the overall experience.

    ## Necessary HomeKit Equipment

    To start automating your Halloween decorations, you’ll need a HomeKit hub, like an Apple TV or HomePod. Although it is possible to manage devices without a hub, having one enables you to execute automations and control everything from a distance.

    ### Smart Plugs for Indoor Decorations

    For interior decorations such as illuminated pumpkins or window lights, standard HomeKit smart plugs offer the simplest solution. After connecting, you can control these decorations through Siri, the Home app, or by configuring automations. A typical automation is to program the decorations to activate at sunset, leveraging HomeKit’s ability to determine local sunset times based on your home’s location.

    ### Outdoor Smart Plugs

    When it comes to outdoor decorations, it’s crucial to utilize smart plugs rated for outdoor use. These plugs are built to endure varied weather conditions, making them apt for strobe lights, fog machines, or large inflatable setups. The installation process mirrors that of indoor plugs: connect the decoration to the smart plug, insert the smart plug into an outlet, and add it to HomeKit.

    Investing in several outdoor smart plugs can save time and energy, helping you automate your Halloween display and reuse the same equipment for Christmas.

    ## Setting Up Automations and Scenes

    To automate your Halloween decorations, adhere to these steps to create a scene and establish automations for switching the decorations on and off.

    ### Create a Scene for All Decorations

    1. Launch the Home app on your iPhone or iPad.
    2. Tap the plus icon and select “Add Scene.”
    3. Opt for “Custom,” name it “Halloween Night,” and hit “Add Accessories.”
    4. Choose your indoor and outdoor smart plugs and any lights you wish to include.
    5. Set each accessory to “On,” and then tap “Done” to save the scene.

    ### Automation 1: Turn On at Sunset

    1. Navigate to the Automations section and tap the plus icon.
    2. Select “Time of Day Occurs.”
    3. Choose “Sunset,” select “Every Day,” and tap “Next.”
    4. Opt for “Scenes and Accessories,” select “Halloween Night,” then tap “Next” to finalize.

    ### Automation 2: Turn Off at 11:00 PM

    1. In Automations, tap the plus icon and choose “Time of Day Occurs.”
    2. Set the time to 11:00 PM, select “Every Day,” and then tap “Next.”
    3. Tap “Choose Scenes and Accessories,” select the same plugs and lights utilized earlier, set each one to “Off,” and tap “Next.”
    4. Review the summary, then tap “Done” to save.

    With these automations established, your HomeKit-enabled Halloween decorations will automatically activate at sunset and turn off at 11:00 PM, letting you enjoy the festivities without manual effort. You can also manually trigger the “Halloween Night” scene via Control Center, the Home app, or through Siri.

    ## Conclusion

    By following these guidelines to automate your Halloween decorations, you can craft a festive ambiance with minimal hassle. With just a few cost-effective HomeKit smart plugs and straightforward automations, you can brighten your home, inflate your gigantic ghost, and automatically activate your indoor pumpkins. This method not only simplifies your Halloween setup but also enables you to repurpose the same equipment for Christmas by merely renaming the scene. Embrace the magic of a smart home this Halloween!

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    • Richard
    • Comments Off on Amazon Introduces 36% Price Reduction on Fire Max 11 Productivity Bundle Prior to Prime Day
    Amazon Introduces 36% Price Reduction on Fire Max 11 Productivity Bundle Prior to Prime Day

    The Fire Max 11 is ideal for both professional and leisure activities, particularly with these additional accessories.

    Fire Max 11
    (Image credit: Andrew Myrick / Android Central)

    It’s that season when Amazon rolls out some of its most significant tablet discounts, and though Prime Day is still on the horizon, this latest offer presents a great value. In the days leading up to the sale, the retailer is providing 36% off this Amazon Fire Max 11 “productivity” bundle, which includes an original keyboard and stylus.

    The Fire Max 11 truly stands out as the top Fire tablet for work and recreation, largely due to its robust CPU, expansive 11-inch screen, and the inclusion of these original accessories that are typically sold individually.

    This specific offer pertains to the Fire Max 11 equipped with 64GB of storage. While that may be limited, the tablet also features a microSD slot for users wishing to enhance their storage capacity. Amazon claims it delivers up to 14 hours of battery performance per charge, in addition to featuring both front and rear cameras.

    Amazon Fire Max 11 productivity bundle: $369.97 $236.49 for Early Prime Day promotions

    Amazon has reduced the cost of its Fire Max 11 tablet bundle by over $130, providing consumers with a tablet, keyboard, and stylus for just $236. The Fire Max 11 boasts a generous tablet display, a superior processor compared to other Fire models, and up to 14 hours of battery life on a single charge.

    ✅Recommended if: you seek a high-performance tablet with extended battery life suitable for work, intense gaming, or other high-demand tasks; you want a tablet that comes bundled with a keyboard and/or stylus; you favor a larger display of around 11 inches.

    ❌Skip this deal if: you prefer having access to the Google Play Store without manual installation; you require a tablet featuring a 3.5mm headphone jack; you need a tablet with a higher-resolution selfie camera than 8MP, and you can afford to upgrade.

    The Amazon Fire Max 11 is unquestionably the top choice in the Fire tablet series, and it remains reasonably priced. With its 11-inch TUV display and approximately 14-hour battery life, this tablet is crafted to accommodate a diverse array of work needs while remaining lightweight for portability. This bundle offers exceptional value with a keyboard and stylus, yielding $133 in savings.

    It also has both front and back cameras, each with 8MP, along with dual-speaker audio, a fingerprint reader, and USB-C audio functionalities. Unfortunately, it lacks a 3.5mm headphone jack, but this can be addressed through USB-C or Bluetooth options.

    This promotion is for the Fire Max 11 bundle comprising only 64GB of storage, but it also incorporates a microSD slot for expandable storage capacity of up to 1TB. Performance is driven by the high-performance MediaTek MTK8188J processor, along with split screen and other multitasking capabilities supported by the included 4GB of RAM.

    The takeaway is that if you were already interested in acquiring a tablet, keyboard, and stylus package deal, this could be an excellent opportunity to take advantage of.

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    • Richard
    • Comments Off on Evaluating YouTube Music’s AI Presenters: Reexploring Your Beloved Tracks
    Evaluating YouTube Music’s AI Presenters: Reexploring Your Beloved Tracks

    YouTube Music has launched a new feature named “Beyond the Beat,” which features AI hosts that deliver commentary and insights on songs, reminiscent of a radio show. This function is currently being tested through YouTube Labs, enabling users to try it out prior to a broader rollout. To join in, users need to be subscribed to YouTube Music or YouTube Premium and register via the YouTube Labs page. The AI hosts provide backstories and trivia regarding the tracks, though users have the option to silence the commentary if they wish. Testers are encouraged to provide feedback to enhance the feature. Nevertheless, participation is restricted to a limited group of US-based users.

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    • Richard
    • Comments Off on Apple TV+ Sustains Success with Anticipated Major Film Launch
    Apple TV+ Sustains Success with Anticipated Major Film Launch

    Apple TV+ has lately witnessed a significant boost in its success with movie releases, reflecting a clear change in strategy that has resulted in three consecutive victories within a single month. This article delves into the recent accomplishments of Apple TV+ in the film sector, emphasizing its celebrated releases and forthcoming projects.

    ### Apple TV+ Achieves Three Consecutive Movie Wins in Just One Month

    Since its inception, Apple TV+ has thrived in crafting top-notch television shows, yet its film projects have had varied outcomes. Nevertheless, recent movie releases have signified a pivotal change. Most notably, **CODA** made history as the first film from a streaming service to claim the Oscar for Best Picture, establishing a benchmark that Apple aims to enhance.

    In the past few weeks, Apple TV+ has launched three notable films:

    1. **Highest 2 Lowest** – A crime thriller set in New York City featuring Denzel Washington.
    2. **All of You** – A romantic sci-fi drama starring Brett Goldstein and Imogen Poots.
    3. **The Lost Bus** – A gripping thriller led by Matthew McConaughey.

    These films have received favorable reviews from critics and audiences alike, suggesting an effective strategic pivot towards prioritizing Apple TV+ premieres instead of theatrical releases.

    ### F1 The Movie Anticipated to Be the Streamer’s Most Significant Title Yet

    Despite its streaming emphasis, Apple has not entirely forsaken theatrical releases. **F1 The Movie** emerges as Apple’s most prominent theatrical outing to date, achieving noteworthy box office results. After its successful screening, the film is projected to be accessible for digital rental or purchase soon, with an expected arrival on Apple TV+ before the year’s end.

    The box office triumph of **F1 The Movie** is likely to generate heightened interest on the streaming service, reinforcing the idea that box office performance frequently aligns with streaming success.

    ### Conclusion

    Apple TV+ is currently experiencing a prosperous phase in its film offerings, with a promising slate that indicates a bright outlook for the service. As it continues to unveil acclaimed films and gears up for the debut of major titles such as **F1 The Movie**, Apple TV+ is reinforcing its status as a formidable contender in the streaming arena. Movie enthusiasts can anticipate an exciting variety of content in the upcoming months.

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