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    • sparta
    • Comments Off on Forthcoming Debut of Four New iPhones Next Year, Featuring a Nearby Introduction
    Forthcoming Debut of Four New iPhones Next Year, Featuring a Nearby Introduction

    Apple is probably finished launching new devices this year, but the company is planning many for 2026, which includes four new iPhone models—one of them is expected to be released very soon.

    ## iPhone 17e

    The initial iPhone release from Apple for 2026 is rumored to occur quite early in the year. It’s the iPhone 17e—successor of iPhone 16e and the final member of the iPhone 17 series.

    The iPhone 17e is said to include various upgrades compared to its predecessor, such as:

    – A19 chip, an upgrade from the A18
    – Dynamic Island instead of a notch
    – Center Stage front camera
    – Slimmer bezels for a contemporary look

    The major drawbacks when compared to the standard iPhone 17 are that it will still feature just one rear camera, the screen will not offer ProMotion or always-on capabilities, and it will lack Camera Control.

    However, with an anticipated price of $599, the iPhone 17e could be an attractive option for those looking for budget-friendly upgrades.

    ## iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max

    The iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max are set to launch next fall, likely in September.

    Apple’s premium new models are expected to enhance the features that have made the iPhone 17 Pro extremely popular. This includes:

    While the new iPhone 18 Pro models may not see significant alterations, if this year’s success of the 17 Pro is any indication, the upcoming flagship devices might also gain a strong following.

    ## iPhone Fold / iPhone Ultra

    After years of speculation, Apple’s inaugural foldable iPhone is finally set to debut in fall 2026.

    The iPhone Fold / iPhone Ultra is anticipated to launch at a price rumored to be around $2,000 or more.

    It’s expected to have a design similar to the iPhone Air, featuring an exceptionally sleek titanium frame. The inner display is projected to be approximately 7.6 inches, while the outer display will measure about 5.4 inches. It will employ a book-style folding design, reportedly without any screen crease.

    The iPhone Fold could potentially include the largest battery ever seen in an iPhone, although due to the new form factor, it’s uncertain if that would automatically guarantee the best battery life ever.

    The foldable will also feature the A20 Pro chip from the iPhone 18 Pro. Regarding cameras, there are expected to be two rear cameras, alongside two front-facing cameras—one for each display.

    Lastly, Apple is rumored to incorporate Touch ID rather than Face ID due to size limitations and the presence of two distinct displays.

    ## 2026 iPhones wrap-up: No iPhone 18?

    A key model that Apple would typically reveal is no longer anticipated for 2026.

    Generally, each year, a base model iPhone is introduced in the fall alongside Pro variants. However, rumors suggest that the base iPhone 18 is being postponed a few months into an early 2027 release timeframe.

    That situation could certainly change. But according to the latest reports, Apple intends to release the premium iPhone 18 models in fall 2026. Then, in spring 2027, we can expect the more affordable base iPhone 18, iPhone 18e, and potentially the iPhone Air 2.

    What insights do you have regarding Apple’s new iPhone lineup for 2026? Share your thoughts in the comments.

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    • Richard
    • Comments Off on Explore a Stylish, Premium Substitute for Cumbersome Speakers
    Explore a Stylish, Premium Substitute for Cumbersome Speakers

    When configuring surround sound for your residence, there’s no need to depend on large tower speakers. Instead, think about the compact yet powerful bookshelf speakers. These speakers are sized to fit on a shelf while providing remarkable sound quality. For instance, the 30-watt Audio-Technica AT-SP3X bookshelf speakers are affordably priced at $269 and offer superb sound alongside integrated subwoofers. They can be connected through standard wiring or wirelessly via Bluetooth, minimizing cable mess.

    If you seek greater power and are okay with wires, the 200-watt KEF Q150B speakers make an excellent choice, available at $400 for the pair. For individuals with a stereo amplifier or AV receiver, the Micca MB42X G2 serves as an option for passive speakers. Conversely, powered (active) speakers like the $180 HiVi-Swans OS-10 HiFi stereo speakers or the $700 ELAC Debut ConneX bookshelf speakers do not require a receiver. The main point is that high-quality audio can be enjoyed without cumbersome speakers, thanks to the compact design of bookshelf models. There are also outstanding wireless options available for audiophiles.

    **The advantages of bookshelf speakers**

    Bookshelf speakers provide an excellent substitute for large units due to their compact form factor. Designed for smaller spaces, they usually deliver superb audio performance in small to medium-sized rooms. Their size allows for easy setup, though some systems may need a power outlet. The Audio-Technica AT-SP3X pair is a solid entry point, being relatively affordable, providing 30 watts of power, and including a built-in subwoofer for improved bass.

    They feature dual RCA jacks for traditional wired connections and built-in Bluetooth for wireless access, enabling connectivity to devices like smart TVs without needing HDMI cables. The Audio-Technica speakers also incorporate a power button and built-in volume control, making a receiver unnecessary. With an average Amazon rating of 4.5 stars from more than 200 reviews, users commend their sound quality. For those looking for an even more compact choice, exploring prominent Bluetooth speaker brands is recommended.

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    • Richard
    • Comments Off on Speculated Improvements for Apple Studio Display 2 Feature Four Key Upgrades
    Speculated Improvements for Apple Studio Display 2 Feature Four Key Upgrades

    Studio Display monitor. Three years post-launch, this screen remains one of the top choices for those seeking a larger display for their Mac. Nevertheless, concerns voiced during its announcement in 2022 still persist as issues into 2025. After all, this $1,500+ device is confined to a 60Hz refresh rate and lacks HDR support, which are features expected in a premium display. That said, a leaked code unearthed by Macworld indicates that the upgrades Apple is gearing up for the Studio Display 2 are more significant than anticipated.

    Moreover, if Apple adheres to trends, it could be planning to unveil the Studio Display 2 in conjunction with a new version of the Mac Studio, which is forecasted to feature an entirely new M5 Ultra processor. With the M5 already experiencing considerable enhancements in graphics performance and AI, the M5 Ultra could transform the AI sector as the most effective chip for these functions.

    Even Studio Display owners might choose to transition to the next iteration

    <source media="(min-width: 429px)" srcset="https://www.bgr.com/img/gallery/four-game-changing-upgrades-are-rumored-to-come-to-apple-studio-display-2/even-studio-display-owners-might-decide-to-upgrade-to-the-next-generation-176546

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    • sparta
    • Comments Off on Leaked Code Uncovers Apple’s Forthcoming Smart Home Hub and Additional Accessory
    Leaked Code Uncovers Apple’s Forthcoming Smart Home Hub and Additional Accessory

    Apple’s forthcoming smart home hub, referred to as HomePad. This device will symbolize the company’s fresh initiative in the smart home sector, as it presently only markets Apple TV units and HomePod speakers. Although the launch of this item appears connected to Apple’s ability to introduce an entirely new Siri, it seems the firm may be preparing for an official launch early next year.

    Leaked code uncovered by Macworld discloses additional information about Apple’s hidden smart home hub, while also indicating a brand-new accessory that might debut alongside the HomePad. Labeled “J229,” this device has the capability to identify alarm sounds similar to the HomePod, take pictures (presumably with an integrated camera), and is not classified as an independent product, but as an accessory, suggesting it may be part of Apple’s renewed focus on smart home technologies. That said, it’s possible we could witness Apple moving into the home security camera arena, as this accessory appears to align with that.

    What we know regarding Apple’s smart home hub

    <source media="(max-width: 428px)" srcset="https://www.bgr.com/img/gallery/leaked-code-teases-apples-secret-smart-home-hub-and-surprise-accessory/heres-what-we

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    • sparta
    • Comments Off on Six Useful Applications for Your Raspberry Pi That You May Not Anticipate
    Six Useful Applications for Your Raspberry Pi That You May Not Anticipate

    Raspberry Pi 5 equipped with 16GB of RAM and a quad-core CPU, all for an attractive price of $120. While these machines are primarily utilized for educational functions, such as programming or robotics endeavors using the onboard GPIO pins, the potential applications of these micro workstations are nearly boundless, supported by a vibrant community committed to developing DIY projects.

    If you possess a Raspberry Pi and are eager to explore these devices, we’ve curated a select range of applications that span from establishing a cloud server to eliminating network-wide advertisements and beyond. These concepts are cost-effective, practical, and will assist in daily tasks with minimal setup, requiring just a few accessories to enhance your project.

    Establish Your Own Raspberry Pi-Driven Cloud

    Data backup is crucial for all computer users, and lacking a copy of your important information could mean risking the loss of months or even years of effort. While storing a duplicate of your data online may be convenient, relying on third-party solutions such as Google Drive and iCloud+ isn’t always the best choice, and there are certain files you should avoid placing in cloud storage due to their vulnerability to data breaches and hacks.

    Hence, you can establish a personal cloud affordably using a Raspberry Pi, keeping your sensitive data off the web. This cloud storage system can be managed autonomously around the clock with total control and at no ongoing expense, as it requires only a one-time investment. For this setup, USB 3.0 and sufficient RAM are advisable, available from a Raspberry Pi 4 or newer. Additionally, you will need storage device(s), a case for their protection, a power adapter, an SD card to install the operating system, and an Ethernet cable.

    <a href="https://pimylifeup.com/

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    • Richard
    • Comments Off on Gemini for Home’s Early Access Initiative Launches for Everyone in 24 Hours
    Gemini for Home’s Early Access Initiative Launches for Everyone in 24 Hours

    **Gemini for Home: Broadening Early Access in the U.S.**

    Google is making remarkable progress in smart home innovations with the rollout of its Gemini for Home early access initiative, now offered exclusively to households in the U.S. This effort signifies a crucial transformation as Gemini is slated to take the place of Google Assistant on all Home and Nest devices released since 2016, which includes third-party speakers and displays.

    **Key Information:**
    – **Swift Expansion:** The early access initiative for Gemini for Home is now available to all users in the U.S., with invitations dispatched within 24 hours of sign-up.
    – **Device Compatibility:** Gemini will be incorporated into all Google Home and Nest devices, delivering a complete experience on newer models such as the Nest Hub (2nd-gen) and Nest Audio, while older devices will receive a simplified version.
    – **Third-Party Inclusion:** Even with Google’s cessation of support for third-party Assistant devices in 2023, these gadgets will still receive the Gemini upgrade.

    **How to Enroll in the Early Access Initiative:**
    Users keen on trying Gemini for Home can easily register via the Google Home app. By navigating to the Home settings and selecting Early Access, users can choose to receive an invitation swiftly.

    **Feedback and Future Enhancements:**
    Google highlights the significance of user feedback in fine-tuning Gemini for Home. Early users are encouraged to share their feedback and report any concerns through the Google Home app or the specific Gemini for Home known issues thread.

    This expansion highlights Google’s dedication to improving smart home experiences, with Gemini set to deliver more tailored and efficient interactions within the domestic setting. As the program progresses, U.S. users have a unique chance to influence the evolution of smart home technology.

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    • Richard
    • Comments Off on OpenAI and Disney Forge Significant Licensing Deal for Character Utilization on Sora
    OpenAI and Disney Forge Significant Licensing Deal for Character Utilization on Sora

    Disney characters are arriving on OpenAI’s Sora video generation application — this time, with authorization. OpenAI and Disney have just revealed a “historic agreement” that will feature select Sora content on Disney+.

    This partnership forms part of an overarching $1 billion equity investment in OpenAI by Disney. The licensing agreement will begin with a duration of three years. Disney is positioned to enhance its equity investment in OpenAI down the line.

    Besides the licensing deal and equity stake, Disney will obtain access to OpenAI APIs “to create new products, tools, and experiences, including for Disney+,” as stated by OpenAI. Additionally, Disney will implement ChatGPT for its workforce as a component of the arrangement.

    OpenAI launched Sora for iPhone at the close of September. At first, there were minimal constraints regarding the intellectual property types users could produce. OpenAI gradually imposed restrictions on the use of licensed characters without consent following the initial rollout.

    Now, OpenAI and Disney are promoting the new “historic agreement” as “a crucial step in establishing significant standards for responsible AI in entertainment.”

    With the license, fans will have the opportunity to view curated selections of Sora-generated videos on Disney+, and OpenAI and Disney will work together to apply OpenAI’s models to drive new experiences for Disney+ subscribers, enhancing innovative and creative means to engage with Disney’s narratives and characters. Sora and ChatGPT Images are anticipated to begin generating fan-inspired videos featuring Disney’s multi-brand licensed characters in early 2026.

    Among the characters fans will be able to incorporate in their creations are Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Lilo, Stitch, Ariel, Belle, Beast, Cinderella, Baymax, Simba, Mufasa, along with characters from the realms of Encanto, Frozen, Inside Out, Moana, Monsters Inc., Toy Story, Up, Zootopia, and many others; in addition to iconic animated or illustrated versions of Marvel and Lucasfilm characters like Black Panther, Captain America, Deadpool, Groot, Iron Man, Loki, Thor, Thanos, Darth Vader, Han Solo, Luke Skywalker, Leia, the Mandalorian, Stormtroopers, Yoda, and more.

    You can view the complete announcement here. Sora is available for free on the App Store.

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    • sparta
    • Comments Off on Apple’s Case Against App Store Age Verification Exposes Its Weaknesses
    Apple’s Case Against App Store Age Verification Exposes Its Weaknesses

    **Apple’s Campaign Against the App Store Age Verification Proposal: A Privacy Dilemma**

    Apple CEO Tim Cook recently made a trip to Washington, D.C., to advocate against a suggested App Store age verification measure called the App Store Accountability Act. This proposed law recommends that app stores, like Apple’s and Google’s, should bear the legal responsibility for confirming the ages of users instead of individual developers. The initiative seeks to simplify the age verification process, necessitating that users verify their age just once to the app store, which would subsequently oversee age-gating for applications accordingly.

    ### The App Store Age Verification Measure

    The App Store Accountability Act has gained momentum as a potential answer to the tedious age verification procedure. At present, users are required to provide age verification to multiple developers each time they download an application with a minimum age limit. The suggested legislation would transfer this duty to the app stores, permitting a more centralized and efficient verification process.

    ### Apple’s Rejection

    Apple has actively opposed the notion, with Cook’s recent lobbying endeavors emphasizing the company’s position. Hilary Ware, Apple’s chief of privacy, expressed the company’s apprehensions in a correspondence to Congress, contending that the suggested law could endanger user privacy by compelling adults to reveal personal details for app downloads.

    ### The Privacy Discussion

    While Apple positions the proposal as a privacy risk, the actual scenario may be rather the reverse. The fundamental concern isn’t whether users are required to supply personal information to verify their age, but rather the frequency of such requirements. Mandating users to present sensitive information to numerous developers introduces a considerable privacy threat. Conversely, permitting a reliable entity like Apple to manage age verification once could improve user privacy and security.

    This proposal could enhance the user experience, as individuals would only need to confirm their age a single time instead of repeatedly for each new application download. This centralized system could lessen the risks tied to disclosing personal information to several developers.

    ### The Future of Age Confirmation

    Although it is reasonable for Apple to hesitate before accepting legal responsibility for age verification, embracing this transition could enable the company to emerge as a leader in privacy-conscious solutions. By championing a streamlined approach that emphasizes user privacy, Apple could bolster its reputation and credibility among consumers.

    In summary, the App Store age verification proposal offers Apple a chance to showcase its dedication to user privacy while easing the app download process. As conversations regarding this legislation progress, the equilibrium between privacy and responsibility will be a pivotal element in determining the future of app store guidelines.

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    • sparta
    • Comments Off on Five Obsolete Devices That Have Become Obsolete
    Five Obsolete Devices That Have Become Obsolete

    vinyl turntables equipped with contemporary enhancements are gaining more popularity. Similarly, a sense of nostalgia is prompting millennials and Gen Z to gravitate towards disposable cameras. Nevertheless, the fascination with these devices caters to a specific segment of purchasers, and it’s improbable that outdated technology will reclaim its former status in the mainstream market. Here are five gadgets that were once trendy and deemed necessary, but are now rarely utilized.

    Numeric keypad phones

    <img class="gallery-image " src="https://www.bgr.com/img/gallery/five-old-school

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    • Richard
    • Comments Off on Guide to Utilizing the Google Maps Parking Location Feature Available Only on iPhone
    Guide to Utilizing the Google Maps Parking Location Feature Available Only on iPhone

    The Google Maps functionality will prove useful, particularly if you’ve ever found yourself taking longer than anticipated to locate your vehicle in a crowded area. Google Maps assists in recalling your car’s parking location — a feature that has been around for several years. Recently, however, Google enhanced it significantly, automating the process for iPhone users. Previously, it was necessary to remember to manually mark your parking space, which is just as easy to overlook as recalling where you left your car without navigational app assistance.

    The reason behind Google opting for an automated parking feature exclusively on iPhone, instead of debuting it on Android first, remains unclear. Typically, Google releases the same map functionalities on both systems, although Android usually takes precedence. Being in control of the operating system allows Google to implement new Google Maps features more swiftly on Android than iPhone. Interestingly, Apple Maps already offers automatic parking location marking. All that’s required is an iPhone 6 or newer operating on iOS 10 or above to access this feature.

    The process within Apple Maps is not entirely automatic. You must activate the Show Parked Location setting in Maps, and afterward, the app will log your parking location once the iPhone disconnects from CarPlay or the Bluetooth system of your vehicle. The connection is essential, as it notifies the app that you are no longer inside your car.

    How Google Maps helps you save your parking location on iPhone

    <source media="(min-width: 429px)" srcset="https://www.bgr.com/img/gallery/how-to-use-the-latest-iphone-exclusive-google-maps-parking-location-feature/how-google-maps-saves-your-parking-location-on-iphone-1765459407.webp

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