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    • Richard
    • Comments Off on London Thieves Favor iPhones Instead of Androids, Returning Android Gadgets to Their Owners
    London Thieves Favor iPhones Instead of Androids, Returning Android Gadgets to Their Owners

    London Centric, the men began to run, but the one who took the phone paused to hand back the device to the astonished victim. Sam’s experience isn’t uncommon, as other Android users in London faced similar treatment after having their devices stolen. The publication provides a few more instances of thieves abandoning stolen Android phones upon realizing they weren’t iPhones. Notably, in the comments section of the article, a user named Sarah mentioned that they had their older Pixel phone stolen on two occasions and discarded twice.

    London Centric points out that the UK mobile market is nearly evenly divided between iPhone and Android. Statistically, one would anticipate random phone thefts to affect iPhone and Android users in a similar manner. The total number of stolen devices would be distributed evenly across the two rival platforms. However, that isn’t what is occurring in London, where thieves predominantly favor the iPhone over Android. Last month, the BBC reported that a traced stolen iPhone prompted an investigation which unveiled a large smartphone smuggling operation that authorities believe is responsible for exporting 40% of the phones stolen in London, amounting to approximately 40,000 devices sent to China annually. In July, The Guardian stated that two-fifths of Europe’s mobile phone thefts occur in the UK, with London being the primary center. Data from the Metropolitan Police indicated that roughly 80,000 phones were stolen in the capital last year, with iPhones being the more common target.

    Why thieves prefer iPhones instead of Android

    <div class="slide-key image-holder gallery-image-holder credit-image-wrap" data-post-url="https://www.bgr.com/2030867/london-thieves-return-phone-android-instead-iphone/" data-post-title="London Thieves Will Return Your Phone If It's Android Instead Of iPhone" data-slide-num="1" data-post

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    • sparta
    • Comments Off on Finalists for the 2025 App Store Awards Revealed
    Finalists for the 2025 App Store Awards Revealed

    As we near the conclusion of 2025, Apple is preparing to announce the recipients of the 2025 App Store Awards. Apple has revealed today the 45 contenders for the App Store Awards, which cover an extensive array of categories.

    Carson Oliver, the head of App Store Worldwide at Apple, shared his enthusiasm for the finalists, stating, “We’re excited to honor the finalists for the App Store Awards, a varied and gifted group of developers from across the globe. Their dedication to quality serves as an inspiration, creating experiences that empower users to unleash their creativity, accomplish more through technological advancements, and embark on new journeys within the realm of gaming.”

    These finalists were carefully selected by Apple’s team of App Store editors for crafting outstanding experiences that encourage users to achieve more, rethink their daily processes, and expand creative horizons. The winners are set to be revealed in December.

    ### The Finalists for the 2025 App Store Awards

    #### Finalists for iPhone App of the Year
    – **[BandLab](https://apps.apple.com/us/app/bandlab-music-maker-beats/id968585775)**: Assists musicians in recording and mixing tracks with a community aspect.
    – **[LADDER](https://apps.apple.com/us/app/ladder-strength-training-plans/id1502936453)**: Eliminates uncertainties in strength training routines.
    – **[Tiimo](https://apps.apple.com/us/app/tiimo-ai-planner-to-do/id1480220328)**: Displays tasks in a soothing manner.

    #### Finalists for iPhone Game of the Year
    – **[Capybara Go!](https://apps.apple.com/us/app/capybara-go/id6596787726)**: Guides players through a whimsical idle adventure as a charming creature.
    – **[Pokémon TCG Pocket](https://apps.apple.com/us/app/pok%C3%A9mon-tcg-pocket/id6479970832)**: Enhances the experience of collecting and battling with Pokémon cards.
    – **[Thronefall](https://apps.apple.com/us/app/thronefall-a-little-kingdom/id6744029320)**: Merges exciting defense gameplay with simple controls.

    #### Finalists for iPad App of the Year
    – **[Detail](https://apps.apple.com/us/app/detail-ai-video-editor/id1673518618)**: Transforms the content creation process.
    – **[Graintouch](https://apps.apple.com/us/app/graintouch/id6740813845)**: Introduces print art’s charm to a wider creative audience.
    – **[Structured](https://apps.apple.com/us/app/structured-daily-planner/id1499198946)**: Maps out busy days in easy-to-read timelines.

    #### Finalists for iPad Game of the Year
    – **[DREDGE](https://apps.apple.com/us/app/dredge/id6526463862)**: Provides a captivating mystery alongside seamless gameplay.
    – **[Infinity Nikki](https://apps.apple.com/us/app/infinity-nikki/id6502622570)**: Immerses players in the enchanting universe of Miraland.
    – **[Prince of Persia Lost Crown](https://apps.apple.com/us/app/prince-of-persia-lost-crown/id6504011865)**: Delivers an epic journey from beginning to end.

    #### Finalists for Mac App of the Year
    – **[Acorn](https://apps.apple.com/us/app/acorn-8/id6737921844)**: The preferred tool for professional-level photo editing.
    – **[Essayist](https://apps.apple.com/us/app/essayist-academic-writing-app/id1537845384)**: Simplifies the task of sourcing and formatting academic writings.
    – **[Under My Roof](https://apps.apple.com/us/app/under-my-roof-home-inventory/id1524335878)**: Aids homeowners in maintaining organization.

    #### Finalists for Mac Game of the Year
    – (Details not provided)

    #### Finalists for Apple Arcade Game of the Year
    – (Details not provided)

    #### Finalists for Apple Vision Pro App of the Year
    – **[Camo Studio](https://apps.apple.com/us/app/camo-studio-stream-record/id6450313385)**: Provides a versatile approach for livestreaming and video creation.
    – **[D-Day: The Camera Soldier](https://apps.apple.com/us/app/d-day-the-camera-soldier/id6737838494)**: Innovates immersive storytelling experiences.
    – **[Explore POV](https://apps.apple.com/us/app/explore-pov/id6479555991)**: Engages users through a collection of immersive videos.

    #### Finalists for Apple Vision Pro Game of the Year
    – **[Fishing Haven](https://apps.apple.com/us/app/fishing-haven/id6737493339)**: Engulfs players in tranquil waters.
    – **

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    • sparta
    • Comments Off on The Transition from Mac Pro to Mac Studios: A Review of Evolving Demands in Professional Computing
    The Transition from Mac Pro to Mac Studios: A Review of Evolving Demands in Professional Computing

    **The Transformation of the Mac Pro: A Change in Apple’s High-End Desktop Vision**

    During the Intel era, the Mac Pro was the machine many coveted, even if our reasons for purchasing one were tenuous. It was unquestionably the most robust Mac and the easiest to upgrade – not to mention one of the most aesthetically pleasing devices the company ever produced.

    The 2023 Mac Pro was even more stunning than its predecessor, but with Apple’s new Silicon architecture, the signs of change were evident.

    ### Apple Silicon Altered Everything

    The key to the strength and upgradability of the Mac Pro was the option to install CPUs and GPUs of your choosing, along with extra RAM and hard drives or SSDs. However, the transition to Apple Silicon centralized everything onto a single board. This change rendered the machines significantly less upgradeable than in the past, prompting inquiries about the necessity of the Mac Pro. While Apple initially offered it with a more powerful chip, that chip could have been incorporated into any other Mac.

    Concerns regarding the need for the Mac Pro were further reinforced by the introduction of the Mac Studio in 2022. An M2 Ultra upgrade a year later led to the two devices providing similar performance levels. The situation deteriorated for the Mac Pro when the Mac Studio acquired an M3 Ultra chip, making it more powerful than the existing Mac Pro while also being considerably less expensive.

    The sole benefit of the larger and pricier Mac Pro is the presence of PCIe expansion slots and extra ports. However, since PCIe slots no longer support more powerful graphics cards, they serve a very specific purpose these days. In most instances, a Thunderbolt connection to an external accessory is adequate.

    ### Apple Has ‘Deprioritized’ the Mac Pro

    Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman disclosed that Apple has “largely deprioritized the Mac Pro.” Apple is no longer developing an M4 Ultra chip, and the Mac Pro intended to feature that chip has also been scrapped. The upcoming high-end Apple Silicon chip will be the M5 Ultra, which is currently only intended for the Mac Studio.

    Internally, the belief is that the Mac Studio now embodies both the present and future of Apple’s high-performance desktop strategy. While it is disheartening to see the potential discontinuation of the Mac Pro, this choice is logical considering that its primary justification—expandability—no longer holds true. Apart from a small segment of users who require internal storage options, the distinctions between the Mac Pro and the Mac Studio are minimal.

    ### macOS Tahoe 26.2 Offers Another Justification

    A new functionality in macOS Tahoe 26.2 further emphasizes the Mac Pro’s obsolescence. This update enables users to form clusters of Mac Studios, facilitating powerful AI supercomputing abilities. The new low-latency feature allows multiple Macs to connect via Thunderbolt 5, simplifying the process for developers and researchers to conduct large-scale local models.

    With macOS Tahoe 26.2, Apple introduces full-speed Thunderbolt 5 connectivity of up to 80Gb/s. This clustering capability extends beyond the Mac Studio; it is also compatible with the M4 Pro Mac mini and M4 Pro/Max MacBook Pro. Developers can create clusters without specialized hardware, utilizing standard Thunderbolt 5 cables and compatible Macs.

    In addition, macOS Tahoe 26.2 will provide Apple’s open-source MLX project with full access to the neural accelerators on the M5 chip, greatly enhancing AI inferencing speed.

    ### Conclusion

    The transformation of the Mac Pro signifies a notable shift in Apple’s perspective on professional desktops. As the Mac Studio gains prominence, the Mac Pro’s significance wanes, underscoring the evolving landscape of computing demands and capabilities. With powerful new features in macOS and the integration of Apple Silicon, the future of Apple’s professional computing strategy seems to focus on the Mac Studio, relegating the Mac Pro to a relic of a past era.

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    • sparta
    • Comments Off on iPhone Owners Can Now Incorporate Driver’s Licenses into Apple Wallet Beginning Today
    iPhone Owners Can Now Incorporate Driver’s Licenses into Apple Wallet Beginning Today

    ### Support for Driver’s Licenses in Apple Wallet for Illinois

    Starting from November 19, 2025, residents of Illinois can integrate their driver’s licenses and state identification into the Apple Wallet application, signifying a major advancement in the range of digital identification options available for iPhone users. This functionality is part of Apple’s continuous initiative to improve the accessibility and safety of digital wallets.

    #### Operational Details

    To incorporate a driver’s license or state ID into the Apple Wallet, users should adhere to a simple procedure. Initially, they need to capture an image of their physical license and perform a Face ID-like scan for identity confirmation. Following a brief verification period, the digital ID will become accessible within the Wallet application.

    Once integrated, the digital driver’s license can be utilized for various functions, such as in-person transactions, online shopping, and at designated businesses. Importantly, it is valid at TSA checkpoints in more than 250 airports nationwide, including prominent locations like O’Hare and Midway.

    #### Growth of Digital ID Features

    With Illinois on board, Apple Wallet now accommodates digital driver’s licenses across 13 states and Puerto Rico. This enhancement follows Apple’s recent introduction of Digital ID features in the Wallet app, which enables U.S. passport holders to digitize their identification.

    #### Privacy and Security Measures

    Apple highlights that the incorporation of driver’s licenses and state IDs into the Wallet app aims to offer users a secure and private method to handle their identification. Jennifer Bailey, Apple’s vice president of Apple Pay and Apple Wallet, noted that this capability brings users closer to replacing their physical wallets with a digital version, improving the convenience of daily tasks such as traveling and dining.

    #### Prospective Updates

    While Apple has yet to provide an exhaustive list of businesses that accept mobile driver’s licenses, users can seek more details on where they can utilize their digital IDs. The company also suggests that more applications for Digital ID acceptance will be rolled out in the future, expanding the Wallet app’s capabilities.

    In conclusion, the incorporation of driver’s licenses and state IDs into Apple Wallet in Illinois signifies a crucial move toward a more digital and efficient method of identification, improving user convenience and emphasizing security and privacy.

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    • sparta
    • Comments Off on Microsoft Unveils Long-Expected Privacy Update for Teams After 8 Years
    Microsoft Unveils Long-Expected Privacy Update for Teams After 8 Years

    Skype has disappeared. Nonetheless, there has been a particular feature absent from the platform since its inception, and it has finally arrived. Prevent Screen Capture is an innovative function that has just been introduced for Windows and Android devices, enabling users to obstruct screenshots and recordings from other call participants.

    This feature is disabled by default and can be turned on by the meeting organizer within the Advanced Protection section of the Meeting Options menu. Activating this option prevents standard screen capture methods, such as using the Print Screen key, for attendees in the meeting. However, that is not the extent of it. It also restricts various third-party applications.

    <pScreenshots captured through third-party techniques will feature a black rectangle overlaying the Teams window to obscure its content. Additionally, if you attempt to screen record on Android, you will encounter a notification stating that recording is prohibited. It’s important to note that although blocking is in place, you can still capture images with external devices like your smartphone. If you are using a non-supported platform, such as macOS or iOS, you may still enter a meeting with Prevent Screen Capture active, but you will be limited to audio-only participation.

    New features arriving for Teams

    Teams logo on a phone

    El editorial/Shutterstock

    A multitude of updates arrived in Microsoft Teams alongside Prevent Screen Capture in the November 13 update. Executable files will now be prohibited from sending in chats to safeguard users against malware and other harmful software. Private messages are now routed to a shared mailbox for the entire private channel instead of being sent separately by users. Moreover, users can now organize meetings within private channels, which have seen their maximum member capacity raised from 250 to 5,000.

    This update also introduced a significant feature to Teams known as Immersive Events. These events occur in a 3D space that can be personalized with various models, videos, and images, allowing up to 300 participants to join the environment with their…

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    • Richard
    • Comments Off on Google Maps Will Display Real-Time Availability of EV Chargers for Holiday Trips
    Google Maps Will Display Real-Time Availability of EV Chargers for Holiday Trips

    Google Maps can be quite useful. It can aid you in discovering a new area or navigating your local city more effectively. This includes helping you with charging your electric vehicle, an essential action to keep you moving.

    Google Maps will display EV charger availability in real-time.Google

    Beginning next week, Google Maps is set to provide a significant enhancement for EV users regarding their vehicle charging. The application will employ AI to inform you about the number of chargers available at a designated site, catering to hundreds of thousands of charging stations globally. Google Maps already indicates EV availability along your journey, which may involve particular networks (Tesla Superchargers, Electrify America, and others), but that’s insufficient. The chargers could be occupied when you arrive to recharge the battery. The updated feature allows Google to utilize AI to assess historical data and estimate whether your upcoming EV charging location will have available chargers by the time you reach it. As shown above, that data will be presented in Google Maps on Android Auto and vehicles equipped with Google integrated.

    New Gemini AI capabilities in Maps and anonymous feedback

    <picture id="pe3a3

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    • sparta
    • Comments Off on YouTube TV Obtains ESPN Unlimited, Yet Baseball Enthusiasts Encounter a Major Disadvantage
    YouTube TV Obtains ESPN Unlimited, Yet Baseball Enthusiasts Encounter a Major Disadvantage

    YouTube TV subscribers have recently undergone a major alteration in their sports streaming alternatives due to a pact with Disney. While this agreement permits YouTube TV to keep ESPN, it importantly omits the MLB.TV package. Beginning in 2026, MLB.TV will be incorporated into the ESPN app, eliminating it from third-party services such as YouTube TV. This transition enables Major League Baseball to streamline its out-of-market streaming under ESPN’s management, overseeing pricing, distribution, and bundling directly.

    The recent conclusion of a two-week impasse between YouTube TV and Disney culminated in complimentary access to ESPN Unlimited by the close of 2026, which initially appeared beneficial for subscribers. Nonetheless, baseball enthusiasts may find it disappointing that MLB.TV, an essential add-on for sports fans, is excluded from the new package. Instead, MLB has opted to transition MLB.TV into the ESPN app, consolidating its out-of-market games within ESPN’s direct-to-consumer framework.

    This alteration signifies that while YouTube TV now provides additional ESPN content, it does not encompass MLB.TV. The decision is part of MLB’s revamped rights arrangement, granting ESPN complete authority over out-of-market streaming. This shift illustrates the growing fragmentation of sports streaming, where a single subscription seldom covers all desired programming.

    The future will disclose how MLB intends to price the new configuration within the ESPN app and whether it will continue as a standalone add-on or integrate into a broader bundle. YouTube TV might explore a distinct agreement for MLB.TV, but currently, subscribers aiming for comprehensive MLB coverage will require more than just YouTube TV, despite the extra ESPN channels.

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    • sparta
    • Comments Off on Garmin’s November 2025 Update Broadens Venu 4’s Key Feature to More Watches
    Garmin’s November 2025 Update Broadens Venu 4’s Key Feature to More Watches

    **Health Status Trends: Grasping Your Resting Heart Rate, Blood Oxygen, and More**

    In the changing realm of health technology, gaining insight into our body’s signals has become more straightforward than ever. The most recent innovations in wearable technology, especially smartwatches, enable the tracking of various health metrics like resting heart rate, blood oxygen saturation, and others. These metrics offer an in-depth perspective on our health status, helping us observe trends and make educated choices regarding our wellness.

    **Resting Heart Rate: A Critical Metric**

    Resting heart rate (RHR) serves as an important measure of how effectively your heart functions. A lower RHR usually signifies more effective heart operation and enhanced cardiovascular fitness. Observing variations in your RHR may assist in recognizing possible health concerns. For example, a sudden rise in RHR could point to stress, illness, or excessive training.

    **Blood Oxygen Saturation: Essential for Wellness**

    Blood oxygen saturation, quantified as SpO2, reflects the efficiency of oxygen distribution throughout your body. Keeping oxygen levels within an optimal range is crucial for overall wellness, impacting energy, cognitive abilities, and immune function. Modern wearable devices now enable continuous SpO2 tracking, notifying users of any significant changes from their normal levels.

    **Health Status Widgets: An All-Encompassing Overview**

    The advent of health status widgets in smartwatches, such as those found in Garmin’s Venu 4, has transformed how we interpret our health information. These widgets integrate data from various metrics, including RHR, SpO2, heart rate variability (HRV), respiration, and skin temperature, to create a baseline for your body. Variations from this baseline may indicate potential health concerns, encouraging users to take preventive actions.

    **The Influence of Technology in Health Monitoring**

    With the November 2025 update, Garmin has broadened the reach of its Health Status feature across a wider array of devices. This update allows users to obtain detailed health insights directly on their watches or via the Garmin Connect app. For the latest models, the Health Status widget is accessible on the watch itself, offering immediate feedback on your health trends.

    **Conclusion**

    The capability to monitor and assess health metrics like resting heart rate and blood oxygen saturation empowers individuals to manage their health proactively. By recognizing these trends, users can make knowledgeable choices, seek medical assistance when needed, and ultimately achieve healthier lifestyles. As technology evolves, the incorporation of all-encompassing health monitoring features in wearables will increasingly play a crucial role in personal health management.

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    • Richard
    • Comments Off on OnePlus 15R Teased Ahead of Expected Release Next Month
    OnePlus 15R Teased Ahead of Expected Release Next Month

    OnePlus is creating excitement with the preview of its upcoming budget smartphone, the OnePlus 15R, in both India and the UK. This new model is likely to be unveiled next month, showcasing the latest OxygenOS 16 along with a dual-camera arrangement. The OnePlus 15R may be a rebranded iteration of the OnePlus Ace 6, which was recently introduced in China, and is expected to arrive in India with enhanced display and battery capabilities.

    The device is projected to feature a Snapdragon 8 Elite processor and a new Plus Key for AI features. The OnePlus 15R will be equipped with OxygenOS 16, based on Android 16, mirroring the flagship iteration. Teaser visuals on OnePlus’s UK site display the device in olive green and black shades.

    Speculation hints that the OnePlus 15R will boast a larger 6.8-inch screen with a 165Hz refresh rate, an impressive 7,800 mAh battery that supports 120W fast charging, and a dual rear camera configuration with a 50MP main lens. The launch in India is believed to take place in the second week of December, with pricing anticipated to be similar to its predecessor at approximately $599. The OnePlus 15R may align with the launch trajectory of the OnePlus 13R, which debuted in North America in January of last year.

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