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Producers and Manufacturing Sites of Amazon Fire TVs

for smart TVs and streaming gadgets. The firm’s Fire TV software is licensed to multiple TV producers, making it common to see well-known TV names like Toshiba and Hisense using the Fire TV interface. However, let’s put all third parties aside for a moment: Which company is responsible for creating Amazon’s in-house Fire TVs (the ones labeled as Amazon products), and where are these television sets manufactured? The most likely candidate is TCL, yet finding any current evidence of this collaboration is quite challenging. 

Regrettably, Amazon remains very secretive regarding its own production process, particularly concerning contractual agreements for television manufacturing. One certainty is that Amazon does not produce its own streaming gadgets. In February 2021, Amazon partnered with Cloud Network Technology, a subsidiary owned by Foxconn, with the understanding that the latter would manufacture the former’s Fire TV Sticks.

Regarding Amazon-branded Fire TVs, in September 2021, Amazon asserted that its televisions were being made in-house. Nonetheless, reports around the time of this claim suggest that TCL and additional brands participated in the manufacturing process.

TCL likely produces the majority of Amazon-branded Fire TVs

Guide to Buying the Samsung Galaxy XR Headset: Initial Offers and Key Details

**Google and Samsung Collaborate to Create One of the Most Exciting Devices of 2025**

In a revolutionary partnership, Google and Samsung have introduced the Samsung Galaxy XR, a mixed reality headset poised to transform the augmented and virtual reality landscape in 2025. Officially launched on October 21st, the Galaxy XR symbolizes the collaboration of two technology behemoths, pledging to provide a premium experience that competes with current offerings from Apple and Meta.

The Galaxy XR transcends a mere gaming gadget; it serves as a multifunctional device crafted for entertainment, productivity, and social media use. Equipped with a robust Qualcomm Snapdragon XR2+ Gen 2 chipset and an impressive 3552 x 3840 resolution screen, the headset delivers an engaging experience that is both high-performing and visually striking. In contrast to its rivals, the Galaxy XR is compatible with all Android applications accessible via the Google Play Store from the start, ensuring seamless integration of users’ preferred apps.

With a price tag of $1,799.99 for the 256GB model, the Galaxy XR is marketed as a more economical choice compared to the Apple Vision Pro, which begins at $3,499. The sale includes a complete “Explorer Pack” that features a year of YouTube Premium, Google AI Pro, NBA League Pass, Calm Premium, and additional offerings, making it an attractive option for those looking for a comprehensive mixed reality experience.

As the festive season draws near, prospective buyers are curious whether the Galaxy XR will feature in Black Friday or Cyber Monday promotions. Currently, it is available solely through Samsung, and its presence in other retail channels like Amazon and Best Buy might impact future pricing and deals.

The Samsung Galaxy XR marks a notable advancement in mixed reality technology, providing insight into the future of our engagement with digital content. With its groundbreaking features and competitive pricing, the Galaxy XR is set to emerge as a leading device in 2025, challenging existing norms and establishing new benchmarks in the field.

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watchOS 26 Improves Apple Watch’s Most Favored Face with Two Significant Enhancements

# Apple Watch Photos Face: Upgrades in watchOS 26

The Apple Watch showcases a variety of watch faces, with the Photos face emerging as the top choice among users. In the latest launch of watchOS 26, Apple unveiled two notable upgrades to this cherished watch face, further enhancing the overall user engagement.

## watchOS 26: A Significant Upgrade

Released last month, watchOS 26 is distinguished by its comprehensive improvements, especially regarding watch faces. This update not only brought forth four entirely new watch faces but also extended the always-on seconds functionality to numerous existing faces, boosting both usability and visual appeal.

Apple has continuously acknowledged the Photos watch face as a favorite among users, a distinction that has persisted over time. This acclaim is reflected in Apple’s dedication to consistently refreshing the Photos face with new features, ensuring it remains current and appealing.

## New Features for the Photos Face

In watchOS 26, Apple launched two thrilling enhancements for the Photos watch face:

1. **Featured Photos Option**
Users now have the ability to select ‘Featured’ as a photo source, alongside current options like People, Nature, and Cities. This feature allows for a handpicked selection of high-quality images, akin to the Featured pictures found in the iPhone’s Photos app or iOS Home Screen widgets. By opting for Featured, users can explore a variety of photos without being limited to a certain category or album.

2. **Liquid Glass Time**
The Liquid Glass feature boosts the aesthetic charm of the Photos face by enabling more of the user’s images to be displayed. When personalizing the Photos face, users will find a new ‘Glass’ color option in the Time Color section. This choice complements the existing solid color selections, offering a sophisticated method to display photos while preserving legibility.

## Conclusion

The Photos watch face remains a prominent element of the Apple Watch, and the upgrades introduced in watchOS 26 only reinforce its prominence. With the introduction of the Featured photos option and the Liquid Glass time display, users can experience a more individualized and visually pleasing interface. Whether you’re a long-time enthusiast of the Photos face or contemplating it for the first time, these recent enhancements are certain to enrich your Apple Watch journey.

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Devices and Accessories Compatible with the iPhone 17 USB-C Port

# Investigating the Features of USB-C on the iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro, and iPhone Air

The arrival of USB-C ports on the iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro, and iPhone Air signifies a major transformation in Apple’s connectivity strategy. This transition means that users moving from older iPhone versions will have to swap out their Lightning accessories. Nevertheless, the advantages of USB-C considerably surpass this hassle, providing improved functionality and adaptability.

## Improved Charging and Data Transfer

Using a USB-C cable along with a compatible charger, users can power their iPhones from 0 to 100% more quickly than previously possible. The iPhone 17 Pro models can reach data transfer rates of up to 10Gbps, assuming users opt for a USB-3 certified cable. This feature facilitates swift file transfers and effortless connectivity with numerous devices.

## Universal USB-C Charging

Accompanying the iPhone 17 is a robust woven USB-C cable that enables charging. For those looking for added functionality, Apple provides an assortment of USB-C charging cables available for purchase. The flexibility of USB-C permits users to charge their iPhones with any USB-C power adapter, reducing the number of cables required for various devices. This uniformity also applies to other Apple products, including AirPods, iPads, and MacBooks.

## Power Sharing Abilities

A remarkable characteristic of the latest iPhones is their capacity to function as portable battery chargers. Users can power accessories such as AirPods or even another iPhone by linking them through a USB-C cable. This option is particularly advantageous during emergencies when other power sources may not be accessible.

## Linking to External Displays

USB-C additionally enables users to connect their iPhone 17 to external displays. By employing a USB-C to HDMI cable, users can duplicate their iPhone screen on a 4K TV or monitor without the need for extra adapters. For prolonged use, such as gaming, an Apple USB-C Digital AV adapter can ensure a stable connection while allowing for ongoing charging.

## Accessing Portable Storage

The iPhone 17 accommodates connections to USB-C hard drives and SD card readers, permitting users to handle files directly through the Files app. This function is particularly valuable for photographers aiming to transfer images from their cameras straight to their iPhones. The iPhone 17 Pro’s capability to record ProRes 4K video at high frame rates necessitates the incorporation of high-capacity storage solutions, which can be effortlessly linked via USB-C.

## Peripheral Connection

The USB-C port on the iPhone 17 enables the connection of various plug-and-play gadgets, including wired keyboards and microphones. This ability is beneficial for users needing to capture high-quality audio or requiring a stable internet connection via a USB-C to Ethernet adapter.

## Compatibility with Headphones

For those who favor wired audio, the iPhone 17 is compatible with any USB-C headphones, including Apple’s USB-C EarPods. This compatibility ensures seamless usage across multiple devices, including Macs and iPads.

## Multi-Port Hubs for Broadened Connectivity

The adaptability of USB-C allows for the utilization of multi-port hubs, enabling users to connect various accessories at once. For example, a 5-in-1 hub can assist in establishing connections to external displays, power sources, and USB devices. However, users should be aware that the iPhone can only deliver a maximum of 4.5 watts to powered accessories, making it necessary to have an external power source for more demanding devices.

## Conclusion

The shift to USB-C on the iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro, and iPhone Air unlocks numerous opportunities for users. From enhanced charging and data transfer to the capability of connecting a diverse array of devices, the new port enriches the overall user experience. While it may entail some adaptations for those with current Lightning accessories, the benefits of USB-C present an advantageous upgrade for Apple users.

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Samsung Probes Galaxy S25 Plus Fire Case in South Korea

Samsung’s South Korean forums (translated from Korean to English) mention that “I had the S25+ in my grasp, and it began to overheat and emit a loud noise, prompting me to throw it on the ground where it turned to ash.”

This specific assertion has understandably raised alarms among Samsung users, who haven’t faced such a fiery risk of their device overheating since the Galaxy Note 7 era — when Samsung’s favored Note series encountered similar, albeit far worse, complications. Since that time, Samsung has encountered issues like this, with reports in 2022 indicating that <a data-tooltip-position="top" aria-label="https://www.bgr.com/tech/samsung-galaxy-batteries-might-have-a-serious-swelling-issue/" rel="noopener nofollow

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AirPods Pro 3 Users Experience High-Frequency Sounds While Flying

AirPods Pro 3. Although the earbuds still incorporate the H2 chip from the company, Apple has reengineered them to provide enhanced audio performance, featuring sharper highs and mids along with more resonant bass. With the introduction of new foam ear tips, the company successfully improved Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) to be four times better than the original AirPods Pro, and double the strength of the last generation.

Nonetheless, the latest earbuds come with their own array of problems. Aside from the discomfort that some users have experienced during the initial days of using the new foam tips, which has already led some to refer to it as “bloodgate,” it appears the AirPods Pro 3 act unpredictably while in-flight. Basic Apple Guy highlighted that he began to hear a high-frequency whine emerging from his left AirPod.

He stated: “The problem was that the ear seal of the AirPod would keep loosening, resulting in a noise-cancellation feedback loop and an agonizingly loud piercing screech from the AirPod. Every attempt to readjust only intensified the feedback, particularly if I inadvertently covered the external microphone with my finger. This occurred several times, making the experience so unbearable that I ultimately switched to my backup EarPods for the rest of the flight.”

A firmware update could fall short

Samsung’s One UI 8.5 Update Improves Image Editing Capabilities

Object Eraser is Integrating with Generative Edit in One UI 8.5

Samsung is preparing to enhance photo editing in its One UI 8.5 update by combining two of its AI-driven tools, Object Eraser and Generative Edit, into a unified feature. This combination aims to refine the photo editing experience, allowing users to eliminate unwanted elements and seamlessly fill in backgrounds without alternating between different tools.

Leaked screen recordings, shared by @tarunvats33, demonstrate a more user-friendly workflow that boosts the speed and simplicity of AI photo editing. Currently, Object Eraser and Generative Edit function as distinct features within Samsung’s photo editor. Object Eraser enables users to manually select and erase distractions, while Generative Edit employs AI to fill in missing sections or reposition subjects realistically.

With the forthcoming update, users will gain access to erasing, filling, and reshaping tools directly within Generative Edit. This allows actions like removing an intruding photobomber to be accomplished in a single step, with the tool smartly filling in the background.

This modification is part of Samsung’s initiatives to create more integrated and user-centric photo editing tools. The new feature is anticipated to launch with the One UI 8.5 update, likely debuting alongside the Galaxy S26 series early next year. However, Galaxy S25 owners might experience delays in accessing the beta version due to alterations in Samsung’s product lineup.

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Aspects to Contemplate When Acquiring the Samsung Galaxy XR

It’s an exhilarating beginning for a new age of XR devices, yet even at half the cost of Apple Vision Pro, it’s still a costly investment.

The news since the launch of the Galaxy XR has been quite evident. Samsung’s inaugural Android XR headset is amazing and is being celebrated as the more budget-friendly alternative to the Apple Vision Pro that we’ve been seeking. But does that imply it’s suitable for you?

That inquiry wholly depends on your intended use, of course! Much like the Apple Vision Pro, both Samsung and Google have suggested that the Galaxy XR caters to entertainment and productivity, with a sprinkling of gaming included.

This suggests that if you aim to work using your headset and desire an endless array of monitors around you at all times, the Samsung Galaxy XR is the optimal way to fulfill that aim. Likewise, if you often find yourself at home uninterested in what others are viewing or playing, the Galaxy XR is an excellent means to relax and enjoy or engage in whatever you choose without being ousted from the TV again.

Already leading the charge

Galaxy XR boasts the finest display ever in a VR headset, boasting an astounding 29 million pixels within a pair of micro-OLED panels. Fueled by the Snapdragon XR2 Plus Gen 2 chipset, and since Android XR manages operations, every Android application on the Google Play Store functions seamlessly on the headset.

This ensures that any streaming service, productivity application, or truly any software can be accessed and utilized on the headset, alleviating the need to dramatically change your existing behaviors to dive into the Galaxy XR’s stunning immersive experiences.

Indeed, Galaxy XR stands as the sole VR headset featuring an official Netflix application, permitting you to enjoy the full quality of every series and film without the hassle of browser compatibility or side-loading.

Moreover, connecting the Galaxy XR to a PC wirelessly using the Virtual Desktop app is straightforward, or you can simply connect to a Galaxybook laptop via Samsung’s integrated software. Thus, you can work on your PC without straining your neck (how annoying it is to look down at a laptop for extended periods), and you also gain the advantage of multiple monitors, wherever you are.

This implies you can take your laptop and headset on your next business trip and still experience the comforts of working at home. It also means that lengthy flights can become opportunities to relax and enjoy a massive virtual theater in front of you rather than enduring a seat 15 inches from your face.

A VR gaming titan

VR gamers may find that the Meta Quest 3 is a more advantageous option for standalone VR games, with thousands of titles available via Meta’s store. However, PC VR gamers should give serious thought to the Galaxy XR, as it presently stands as the best wireless headset for PC gaming.

This is due to the Virtual Desktop app’s ability to transmit Galaxy XR’s face tracking, eye tracking, and hand tracking functions to your PC, enabling applications like VRChat to utilize this data to create more realistic avatars. No other wireless VR headset available possesses this capability and power, establishing it as the ultimate choice for wireless PC VR gaming fans.

Do you identify with any of these three categories? If yes, the Galaxy XR might be just the standalone headset you have been anticipating. It enhances everything exceptional about the Meta Quest Pro, providing Apple Vision Pro-like visual quality alongside a groundbreaking advancement in Android app support made possible by Android XR. It’s an extraordinary option for those seeking the pinnacle on the Android side of technology.

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Little Planet: The No-Cost Animal Crossing Virtual Reality Adventure

**Little Planet: A Fresh Chapter in Virtual Reality Social Life Simulation**

Little Planet is on the verge of transforming the social life simulation gaming landscape with its introduction on the Meta Quest platform. Inspired by cherished games such as Animal Crossing and The Little Prince, Little Planet provides a warm, immersive experience where players can gather over 4,000 items, gather resources, construct, and design their personal island utopia. After spending two years in early access, the game will be available for free starting October 30, 2025, and includes special incentives for those who supported it early on.

**What Makes Little Planet Unique?**

1. **Engaging Environment**: In contrast to former titles, Little Planet lets players engage with the items they’ve gathered. Whether it’s playing a piano or shooting hoops with pals, the game presents a lively and captivating setting.

2. **Virtual Pet System**: Players can now select from a range of virtual pets that join them on their journeys. These companions, spanning from whimsical creatures to charming capybaras, introduce an additional level of friendship to the gameplay.

3. **Multiplayer Options**: The newly established multiplayer lobby simplifies connecting with fellow players, partaking in seasonal activities, and enjoying various multiplayer experiences like scavenger hunts and fishing tournaments.

4. **Seasonal Changes**: The game world evolves with the seasons, presenting new locations and activities that ensure gameplay remains fresh and thrilling.

**Launch Information and Incentives**

The free-to-play launch of Little Planet includes a Founders Pack for those who supported early access, containing a year of “Little Planet Premium,” exclusive items, and a distinctive founder’s hoodie and name tag. New players can still buy the early access edition for $20 on October 29 to obtain these benefits.

**Final Thoughts**

With its interactive features, captivating multiplayer choices, and ongoing enhancements, Little Planet is set to become a favorite among enthusiasts of social life simulation games. Regardless of whether you’re an experienced player or new to the genre, Little Planet provides limitless avenues for creativity and connection in a lively virtual realm.

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Apple Secures Partial Win in AirPods Pro Crackling Litigation

**AirPods Pro Class Action Litigation: Summary and Present Status**

Last year, Apple encountered a class action litigation claiming that it did not sufficiently address and resolve crackling and Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) problems impacting first-generation AirPods Pro models. The lawsuit asserted that Apple misrepresented the ANC features and failed to reveal the defects, which resulted in consumer discontent.

**AirPods Pro 1 Issues**

In October 2020, Apple launched a service program for the initial AirPods Pro, recognizing that a manufacturing flaw could cause sound problems in certain units. The company indicated that affected units, produced before October 2022, would be exchanged at no cost. The issues highlighted by Apple included:

– Crackling or static noises that become more noticeable in noisy settings, during physical activity, or while on calls.
– ANC not operating as expected, leading to diminished bass or heightened background noise.

**The Initiated Class Action Litigation**

The class action lawsuit against Apple charged the company with failing to reveal the sound quality flaws and suggested that the service initiative was unproductive, as numerous users received replacement units that similarly displayed the same problems.

Recently, a US District Judge, Noël Wise, dismissed portions of the lawsuit, particularly the nationwide consumer protection and warranty claims, citing a lack of sufficient factual details from the plaintiffs. Furthermore, a claim for unjust enrichment under California law was also dismissed.

Nevertheless, the judge permitted some claims to move forward, especially those alleging that Apple withheld essential facts regarding the sound quality of the AirPods. The court also mentioned it was too early to assess whether Apple had an obligation to disclose the defects after the one-year warranty had lapsed.

As the case unfolds, impacted AirPods Pro 1 users may have the chance to participate in the class action. For more information, the original lawsuit filing and recent court documents can be found on ClassAction.org and Reuters.

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