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    • sparta
    • Comments Off on Apple TV+ Unveils Trailer for Stillwater Season 4 Prior to August 1 Launch
    Apple TV+ Unveils Trailer for Stillwater Season 4 Prior to August 1 Launch

    ### Stillwater Makes Its Comeback on Apple TV+ on August 1

    Apple has officially revealed the return of its highly praised animated series, **Stillwater**, with a fresh season set to debut on **August 1**. This mindfulness-focused show, inspired by Jon J Muth’s celebrated Zen book series, has attracted notable acclaim and numerous accolades since its launch in 2020.

    #### Synopsis of Stillwater

    **Stillwater** is recognized as one of the most highly acclaimed children’s programs on Apple TV+. The series centers around three siblings—Karl, Addy, and Michael—as they tackle the trials of childhood with the support of their patient and wise neighbor, a panda known as **Stillwater**. Each episode seamlessly merges relatable childhood challenges with mindfulness teachings, breathing practices, and calming narratives, contributing to its acclaim and honors, including a Peabody Award and a Daytime Emmy.

    Apple characterizes the series as an opportunity for families to explore their own Zen through engaging episodes that foster mindfulness and emotional health.

    #### Trailer Launch and Season Highlights

    Just weeks ahead of the premiere, Apple has unveiled a trailer for the forthcoming season, which promises to retain the show’s cheerful and uplifting ambiance. The new season intends to uphold the tradition of combining enjoyment with essential life lessons, making it an ideal choice for children and families alike.

    For viewers eager to catch up or introduce new audiences to the series, the initial three seasons of **Stillwater** are now streaming on Apple TV+.

    #### Subscription Details

    Apple TV+ is offered at **$9.99 per month** and includes a range of popular shows and films, featuring hits like **Ted Lasso**, **Severance**, **The Morning Show**, and more.

    As the return of **Stillwater** nears, families can anticipate more touching stories that promote mindfulness and emotional development among children.

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    • Richard
    • Comments Off on iPhone 17 Air Battery Capacity Leak Underscores Possible Flaw in Latest Edition
    iPhone 17 Air Battery Capacity Leak Underscores Possible Flaw in Latest Edition

    ### iPhone 17 Air: Insights on Battery Capacity

    This autumn, Apple is poised to unveil the remarkably slender iPhone 17 Air, a gadget that assures a stylish aesthetic but might involve trade-offs regarding battery efficiency. Recent revelations have illuminated the anticipated battery capacity of this fresh model, suggesting that it might not fulfill the hopes of numerous users.

    #### Battery Capacity Insights

    As per insider yeux1122, the iPhone 17 Air is projected to have a battery capacity of around 2800mAh. Another source, Instant Digital, corroborated this assertion, mentioning that the battery “is under 3000mAh.” Although this number isn’t definitive, it indicates that the iPhone 17 Air’s battery will most likely remain within the 2800mAh spectrum.

    In contrast to other variants within the iPhone 17 series, the iPhone 17 Air’s battery capacity is considerably lower. For example, the iPhone 17 Pro Max is rumored to boast a battery capacity of approximately 5000mAh, whereas last year’s iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro featured batteries nearing 3500mAh. Even the iPhone 16 Plus, which is comparably sized, had a capacity of 4674mAh.

    #### Consequences of Reduced Battery Capacity

    The diminished battery capacity in the iPhone 17 Air prompts worries about its durability and efficacy, particularly since it will sport a larger display. Users might find themselves needing to recharge the device more often than they would with models that provide greater battery capacities.

    #### Possible Solutions from Apple

    To tackle these battery issues, Apple is allegedly adopting several strategies. A prominent feature is the new Adaptive Power mode in iOS 26, aimed at prolonging battery life by fine-tuning power usage. Moreover, Apple is anticipated to introduce a new battery case accessory, offering users an option for added capacity when necessary.

    #### Conclusion

    While the iPhone 17 Air’s ultra-slim design is expected to appeal to many consumers, the reduced battery capacity could dissuade those who value battery longevity. As the release date nears, potential buyers will have to weigh the advantages of the new design against the possible downsides of lesser battery performance.

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    • Richard
    • Comments Off on HomeKit Weekly: ThorBolt X1 Delivers Outstanding Value as a Home Key Lock Featuring Integrated Thread Support
    HomeKit Weekly: ThorBolt X1 Delivers Outstanding Value as a Home Key Lock Featuring Integrated Thread Support

    # The ThorBolt X1: An In-Depth Guide to HomeKit Door Locks

    If you’re looking for a HomeKit door lock in 2025, it’s essential to select one that features the Home Key capability. Utilizing your iPhone or Apple Watch to tap and unlock your door greatly improves the convenience of smart locks over conventional keys or even the Home app. The ThorBolt X1 emerges as a remarkable option, featuring a variety of functionalities for less than $150.

    ## What is Home Key?

    Home Key offers a smooth user experience for accessing doors. By integrating a compatible lock into the Wallet app on your iPhone, you can simply tap your device to unlock your entrance. This removes the necessity to open an app, input a code, or utilize a physical key. Importantly, thanks to Power Reserve, Home Key remains operational even if your iPhone’s battery runs out. While the Home app is helpful, the Home Key functionality is genuinely groundbreaking.

    ## What’s Included with the ThorBolt X1

    The ThorBolt X1 comes fully assembled and is compatible with most standard US and Canadian doors. It includes a physical key backup, but its most notable feature is the integrated Home Key support, enabling easy unlocking via NFC with your iPhone or Apple Watch.

    Additional attributes consist of a touchscreen keypad and a fingerprint scanner that enhances its performance over time. The ThorBolt X1 can handle up to 100 fingerprints and 100 PIN codes, making it perfect for families or shared environments. Users can adjust settings such as auto-lock and notification sounds through the Sleekpoint app, which also supports firmware updates.

    The lock runs on eight AA batteries, offering around a year of operation. In the event of battery depletion, a USB-C port is provided for emergency power. With an IP65 rating, this lock is appropriate for outdoor use, and its motor functions quietly and efficiently.

    ## What is Thread and Why It’s an Exceptional Feature for a Smart Lock

    A distinctive feature of the ThorBolt X1 is its integrated Thread support. Unlike conventional smart locks that depend on Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, Thread establishes a low-energy mesh network that boosts connectivity and responsiveness. This enables the ThorBolt X1 to communicate directly with your Home hub (such as an Apple TV or HomePod) without relying on Wi-Fi, leading to quicker unlocks and more dependable status updates. This capability greatly enhances the lock’s overall performance, making it a noteworthy option at this price.

    ## Rekeying Support with Schlage SC1

    The ThorBolt X1 is compatible with standard Schlage SC1 cylinders, allowing users to rekey it to synchronize with existing house keys. This feature is especially advantageous for those who already own Schlage locks, as it simplifies key management and ensures uniformity throughout your home.

    ## Installation Process

    Installing the ThorBolt X1 is easy. Most users can finish the installation using just a Philips head screwdriver. After removing the current deadbolt, the ThorBolt X1 can be conveniently installed in its place. Key installation hints include ensuring that the cable is properly routed under the interior plate and that the interior deadbolt component is centered before securing.

    Once installed, users can integrate the lock into the Sleekpoint app and onboard it to HomeKit for automation and Home Key capabilities. The setup is swift, and the lock’s performance is impressive once it’s operational.

    ## Wrap Up on the ThorBolt X1

    The ThorBolt X1 is a sturdy choice for HomeKit fans, providing a comprehensive suite of features for under $150. It incorporates Home Key support, Thread connectivity, fingerprint unlocking, and a physical key backup. Although it doesn’t offer Matter support, the benefits of Home Key functionality outweigh this minor limitation. Offered in black, gray, and silver finishes, the ThorBolt X1 is designed to enhance various door hardware styles.

    For those interested, the ThorBolt X1 is available on

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    • sparta
    • Comments Off on Samsung Galaxy A56 5G Now Up for Grabs at Retailers Throughout the US
    Samsung Galaxy A56 5G Now Up for Grabs at Retailers Throughout the US

    Following the absence of the Galaxy A55 last year, Samsung has made a comeback with the A56.

    (Image credit: Apoorva Bhardwaj / Android Central)

    Key points to consider

    • Samsung has revealed that the Galaxy A56 5G is being launched nationwide across the U.S. at a retail price of $499.
    • This model sports a 6.7-inch FHD Plus Super AMOLED screen, a triple-camera system, and a robust 5,000mAh battery.
    • The Galaxy A56 incorporates Samsung’s “Awesome Intelligence,” featuring Gemini Live, Circle to Search, and an exclusive “Best Face” camera function.
    • It was part of a larger rollout alongside the A36 and A26 in March, but has waited until now to officially debut in the U.S.

    Following the late winter release, Samsung’s budget Galaxy phone for 2025 is now hitting U.S. stores.

    In a communication received today (July 18), Samsung has confirmed that the Galaxy A56 5G is now available in retailers nationwide in the U.S. Official announcements indicate that consumers can purchase the device in Awesome Lightgray and Awesome Graphite. An exclusive Awesome Olive version will be available on Amazon. The Galaxy A56 5G is priced at $499 and offers two storage options: 128GB and 256GB.

    The nationwide launch presents a device featuring a 6.7-inch FHD Plus Super AMOLED display along with a triple camera setup.

    • Richard
    • Comments Off on Possible Price Decrease for Google Pixel 9 After Pixel 10 Debut
    Possible Price Decrease for Google Pixel 9 After Pixel 10 Debut

    It’s time to ponder.

    (Photo credit: Harish Jonnalagadda / Android Central)
    Skip to:

    • What we are aware of

    • Will the Google Pixel 9 see a price drop?


    It’s confirmed: the upcoming Made by Google announcement event is set for Wednesday, August 20th, which indicates we’re (likely) about to get our first glimpse of the Google Pixel 10 series, together with a new Pixel Watch, earbuds, and more.

    Of course, it’s thrilling news, but what implications does it have for last year’s sought-after Pixel 9 series? After all, we’re technically referring to four handsets here — the Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro, Pixel 9 Pro XL, and Pixel 9 Pro Fold. Will these models see price reductions now that they’re being overtaken by newer versions, or will they simply fade away amidst all the new phone launches?

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    • sparta
    • Comments Off on Best Screen Shields for Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 Classic in 2025
    Best Screen Shields for Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 Classic in 2025

    Enhance the scratch-resistant and shatter-proof attributes of your sleek new wearable.

    The finest screen protectors for the Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 Classic are crafted from robust tempered glass designed to prevent cracks, scratches, and shatters. Below are your top choices, some of which come with cases or additional accessories like a bezel ring to enhance the scratch resistance of your 46mm Galaxy Watch 8 Classic. As the Galaxy Watch 8 Classic is available solely in one 46mm size featuring a 1.34-inch AMOLED display, you won’t have to stress about selecting the wrong size.

    Protect your Watch 8 Classic from shattering with these screen protectors

    Why you can rely on Android Central


    Our specialized reviewers dedicate hours to testing and evaluating products and services to help you make the best choice. Discover more about our testing process.

    SPGUARD 4 Pack Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 Classic Tempered Glass
    • Richard
    • Comments Off on An Sneak Peek of Season 2 of “Platonic,” Seth Rogen’s Television Series on Apple TV+
    An Sneak Peek of Season 2 of “Platonic,” Seth Rogen’s Television Series on Apple TV+

    Apple TV+ has just released the trailer for Season 2 of *Platonic* — and judging by the latest footage, Seth Rogen and Rose Byrne are back to showcasing their talent for transforming the chaos of adult life into comedic brilliance.

    Set to premiere worldwide on August 6, *Platonic* is back with a 10-episode season that begins with a two-episode launch, followed by weekly releases until October 1. The series, which currently holds a 93% critics’ rating on Rotten Tomatoes, was co-created by *Neighbors* partners Nick Stoller and Francesca Delbanco, who also take on directing and executive producing roles.

    In Season 2, we reconnect with Will (Rogen) and Sylvia (Byrne), two lifelong best friends facing a fresh set of mid-life challenges. This time, there’s a twist — Will has entered a new romantic relationship, which is already testing his long-standing friendship with Sylvia. “Will and I always get chaotic when he’s dating someone,” Sylvia reveals at one moment in the trailer. However, instead of drifting apart, they agree to either mature or at least pretend to, in order to maintain their connection. Get ready for the awkward couple dinners, disastrous golf outings, and possibly a wedding or two.

    The upcoming season introduces a lineup of comedy heavyweights, including SNL alumni Aidy Bryant, Beck Bennett, and Kyle Mooney. Returning cast members include Luke Macfarlane and Carla Gallo.

    *Platonic* is produced by Sony Pictures Television and Point Grey Pictures, the latter of which also supports Rogen’s other Apple TV+ success, *The Studio*. That show recently made history at the Emmys with 23 nominations, the highest number ever for a debut comedy. Meanwhile, Byrne has another prominent role in a significant Apple TV+ series — the dark comedy *Physical*, where she portrays a troubled 1980s housewife.

    Take a look at the first trailer for *Platonic* Season 2 from Apple TV+.

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    • Richard
    • Comments Off on Figma Introduces Glass Effect Playground for iOS 26 Application Development
    Figma Introduces Glass Effect Playground for iOS 26 Application Development

    During the WWDC 2025 keynote, Apple unveiled iOS 26, showcasing its completely new Liquid Glass design. Significant modifications to the company’s native applications are anticipated, and some developers are likely to adjust their software to embrace this new aesthetic, which Apple characterizes as “beautiful, delightful, and instantly familiar.”

    Replicating glass in software can pose difficulties, yet design tools are racing to master Apple’s Liquid Glass. For example, the newest Sketch Beta now incorporates a glass-like effect for users, and recently, Figma has revealed a comparable feature.

    In a post on X, the company stated: “Let’s touch glass,” accompanied by a 30-second video highlighting the various options that Glass Effect Playground provides. Although it remains in beta, this feature permits users to modify multiple aspects of the interface, such as how light interacts, along with refraction, depth, dispersion, frost, and more.

    Developers and designers are now able to enhance their applications to align more closely with the iOS 26 experience that Apple will introduce in the upcoming months.

    Here’s how Figma explains this innovative Glass feature: “Glass is a new effect in Figma that enables you to modify light, depth, frost, and more to produce dynamic elements in Figma that refract light like actual glass. This playground file will guide you on how to utilize the effect and inspire your creativity to experiment with glass.”

    This new Glass tool emerges just a few months after Config 2025. During the event, Figma introduced Make, a prompt-to-code utility that empowers users to transform an existing design into a fully coded prototype through prompts. The company also launched Figma Sites, which allow teams to publish designs directly to the web with a single click, and Grid, providing designers with a versatile layout featuring improved control and responsiveness on the platform.

    A public beta for iOS 26 is anticipated for next week; however, users will need to wait until later this fall for the general release of iOS 26 to see how third-party applications will appear in the new software. In the meantime, Figma’s Glass Effect Playground can be accessed here.

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    • Richard
    • Comments Off on Upcoming Improvements to Apple One Subscription Service
    Upcoming Improvements to Apple One Subscription Service

    # Apple One: Improvements and Upcoming Features

    For anyone interested in Apple’s services, Apple One has consistently been an excellent choice for consolidating them together while saving some cash. Over the years, new features have regularly been incorporated into Apple’s diverse offerings. Here are the latest enhancements Apple One has received, along with a sneak peek at what lies ahead in iOS 26.

    ## Recent Advantages for Apple One Subscribers

    This year, Apple One has seen significant enhancements primarily from updates to Apple News+. While News+ had early challenges, Apple has gradually transformed it from a magazine-centric platform into a comprehensive source for games and recipes.

    On the gaming side, Apple News+ introduced a totally new ‘Emoji Game.’ Think of it as Wordle, but utilizing emojis instead of letters, and you’ll understand. The Emoji Game presents new puzzles daily to draw users back. It complements existing daily puzzle offerings like Crossword, Sudoku, Quartiles, and Crossword Mini.

    This spring also marked the addition of a new Food section in News+, brimming with thousands of recipes. These recipes are elegantly designed and provide a far superior cooking experience compared to typical recipe websites.

    Earlier this year, Apple One also launched several other notable perks:
    – Apple Invites is an exciting new app for event planning, requiring iCloud+ to set up events.
    – Apple Fitness+ now provides multi-week programs, Strava integration, and additional features.

    More enhancements are on the horizon this fall with iOS 26 and beyond.

    ## Upcoming Apple One Features in iOS 26

    Apple Music is set to receive a particularly extensive update in iOS 26, featuring some of the most significant changes in recent years. New offerings include:

    In iOS 26, Apple Fitness+ will unveil Custom Plans, making it easier than ever to create and adhere to a workout routine. Custom Plans in Apple Fitness+ simplify the process of following a personalized schedule, automatically generating plans based on users’ workout and meditation preferences, such as their favorite activities, durations, trainers, music, and more.

    To help users remain motivated, Stay Consistent provides a pre-built schedule of activities that align with their current routine. Meanwhile, Push Further offers a plan that extends the duration of each day’s workout sessions — or even adds an additional day — making it ideal for those seeking a challenge. For newcomers to Fitness+, Get Started presents a ready-to-go plan based on selected interests or popular activities, offering users an advantageous starting point. Furthermore, Custom Plans can now be found on a dedicated Plans page.

    Apple Arcade will benefit from a newly developed Games app designated for your iPhone. Through the Games app, Arcade users will enjoy easy access to all their installed Arcade titles, the ability to explore the complete Arcade library, view editorial content, and more.

    While most features of the Games app enhance what has already been available, a novel addition is challenges. Challenges present an enjoyable way to engage in competition with your friends. Anticipate that Apple Arcade titles will take the lead in implementing challenges, effectively “transforming single-player games into shared experiences with friends, providing more ways to gather a group, determine a winner, and organize a rematch.”

    These are all revisions to existing Apple One services. Additionally, it’s quite possible that a new service will be introduced in the coming year as well. Speculation suggests that Apple Health+ has been under development for some time, with a launch expected in a future iOS 26 update. The forthcoming service is said to introduce an AI-powered assistant in the Health app along with food tracking capabilities, educational videos, and more.

    ## Apple One in iOS 26: Conclusion

    If you are currently a subscriber of Apple TV+, or if you’re already paying monthly for Apple Music and iCloud+, Apple aims for the recent and forthcoming enhancements to Apple One to entice you toward the bundle. The strength of bundling lies in enhancing the value of the services you already cherish, and that’s precisely what Apple has been delivering and plans to amplify in iOS 26.

    What improvements would you like to see from Apple One? Share your thoughts in the comments.

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    • Richard
    • Comments Off on Phone 3 PWM Rate Consistent, Display Quality Continues to Be a Focus
    Phone 3 PWM Rate Consistent, Display Quality Continues to Be a Focus

    This modification is reported to enhance the screen’s quality at low brightness levels.

    Key points to consider:
    – A spokesperson from Nothing verified to Android Central that the retail software version of the Phone 3 includes a modification to the PWM rate.
    – The firm claims that the device’s PWM rate has been altered from 2,160Hz to 960Hz to enhance the screen’s image quality at lower brightness.
    – The Nothing Phone 3 commenced “open sales” earlier this week, with prices starting at $799.

    Nothing has outlined an adjustment to the PWM rate on its newest flagship that is purported to be advantageous for both the device and the user.

    Earlier today (July 18), a spokesperson from Nothing confirmed to Android Central’s Nicholas Sutrich that the PWM rate for the Phone 3 has been reduced. In their statement, they mentioned that the PWM rate has been decreased from 2,160Hz to 960Hz; however, this only applies at low brightness settings. Nothing noted that while the display can still operate at the original rate (2,160Hz), this amendment should enhance the performance of the display at reduced brightness levels.

    The spokesperson remarked, “…we discovered that display performance at low brightness yields the highest quality image with this revised rate, hence we have prioritized image quality in the final retail software.”

    The technical justification for this was not provided by the Nothing spokesperson at this point. Sutrich mentioned he is investigating it, but there was no solid information available before publication. Interestingly, this is not the first instance of a firm opting to lower its PWM rate in a device for its final retail software. Google has previously taken similar actions with the Pixel 8 Pro.

    Sutrich mentioned that during the lead-up to the launch, the review unit he received was utilizing a 480Hz PWM rate. Following the release of the final software, this was reduced to 240Hz.

    For the benefit of your vision:

    PWM, or “pulse width modulation,” is a technique employed by manufacturers to rapidly switch the display on and off, which creates an illusion of increased or decreased brightness to the eyes. This flickering can lead to significant issues for those sensitive to PWM. Some individuals may experience eye strain, headaches, dizziness, a sense of vertigo, nausea, and a range of other unpleasant sensations.

    There are solutions available if you’ve encountered any of these issues after using your phone for an extended period. Sutrich recommends locking your phone’s display refresh rate, avoiding use in a completely dark environment, and (most importantly) scheduling a visit to the optometrist.

    While the Phone 3’s 2,160Hz PWM rate is designed to be gentle on the eyes, the Phone 3a and 3a Pro have also undergone similar adjustments.

    Nothing’s acknowledgment of its PWM rate modification comes shortly after the company initiated open sales for the Phone 3 in the U.S. The starting price is $799 for configurations of 12/256GB and 16/512GB RAM/storage. Nothing has emphasized the flagship characteristics of the phone while integrating the Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 chip, 50MP camera lenses, and a 5,150mAh battery.

    During the launch period, Nothing confirmed its commitment to providing additional software updates for the Phone 3. The device is set to receive five major Android OS upgrades along with seven years of security updates.

    The Phone 3 is positioned as Nothing’s “true flagship,” showcasing significant CPU and GPU advancements compared to the company’s previous generation model. It features three 50MP cameras and a range of AI functionalities.

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