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“Extraordinarily Cozy Earbuds Currently 17% Discounted at Amazon: Revolutionize Your Music Experience”

Cozy design combines with high-end specifications, perfectly timed for the Back To School period.

(Image credit: Brady Snyder / Android Central)

When individuals approach me in search of Back To School bargains, wireless earbuds are typically one of the top recommendations I make. A reliable set of earbuds with noise-canceling features is absolutely vital when you’re attempting to focus on studying in a loud setting, and they’re also useful for enjoying music or catching up on your favorite series without disrupting your roommates. Purchasing just before the new academic term allows you to benefit from numerous student-oriented discounts, such as this deal that offers a 17% reduction on the Google Pixel Buds Pro 2, which rank among the finest wireless earbuds I have ever experienced.

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HomeKit Weekly: Assessing the Ecovacs Deebot X8 Pro Omni as a Leading Robot Vacuum for HomeKit Compatibility

# iOS 18.4 and the Ecovacs Deebot X8 Pro Omni: A Transformative Chapter for Robot Vacuums within HomeKit

The launch of iOS 18.4 has enabled integration for robot vacuums in HomeKit, facilitating the connection of Matter-compatible devices into current smart home systems. The Ecovacs Deebot X8 Pro Omni is among the pioneering units to take advantage of this innovative feature. After an extensive testing period, this article reviews its functionality, characteristics, and overall worth as a cleaning tool.

## HomeKit and Matter Compatibility with the Ecovacs Deebot X8 Pro Omni

Engineered to be compatible with HomeKit via Matter, the Ecovacs Deebot X8 Pro Omni can be accessed through the Home app and is manageable using Siri. Users are able to initiate cleaning operations and configure automations without hassle. Nonetheless, to unlock the vacuum’s complete functionality, the Ecovacs app is required for mapping rooms, calibrating suction power, and scheduling cleaning sessions. While HomeKit support boosts ease for fundamental tasks, the app is crucial for utilizing more sophisticated features.

## Discussion on the Vacuum

The Ecovacs Deebot X8 Pro Omni has established itself as a smart and effective cleaning apparatus. Over time, it has learned to navigate its surroundings, successfully avoiding hurdles such as lamp cords. Users can create a daily cleaning timetable, and the vacuum integrates effortlessly within family routines. It adeptly handles various floor surfaces, including plush rugs, and features self-emptying capabilities that reduce maintenance needs.

Although the mopping function is not discussed in this review, the vacuum excels in its primary function. Routine upkeep, including filter and brush replacements, is essential, and acquiring an accessory set is advisable for prolonged use.

## Ecovacs Deebot X8 Pro Omni – Key Specifications

– **Suction Power:** 18,000Pa, effective against dust and pet hair
– **Mopping Feature:** OZMO Roller Mop operating at 200 RPM and 4,000Pa pressure
– **Self-Cleaning Mop:** 16 water jets with hot water rinse (167°F)
– **Dustbin:** Self-emptying into base station bag (lasts up to 90 days)
– **Carpet Auto-Lift:** Elevates mop by 10mm to avoid dampening carpets
– **ZeroTangle 2.0 Brush:** Minimizes hair tangling
– **Navigation:** Lidar and front camera for mapping and obstacle avoidance
– **Voice Control:** Works with Siri, Alexa, Google Assistant, and built-in YIKO
– **Battery Life:** Up to 200 minutes in default mode
– **Dimensions:** 14 inches wide, 4 inches high; dock size: 21 inches high, 14 inches wide, 11.5 inches deep

## Conclusion on the Ecovacs Deebot X8 Pro Omni

The current integration of the Ecovacs Deebot X8 Pro Omni with HomeKit is confined to basic functionalities such as commencing and halting cleaning sessions and mode switching. For more comprehensive control, users will require the Ecovacs app for detailed settings and maintenance oversight.

In spite of the limitations of Matter’s present capabilities, the Deebot X8 Pro Omni provides commendable performance as a robotic vacuum. It efficiently learns its environment, maneuvers around obstacles, and adheres to a routine cleaning schedule. For individuals seeking a dependable robot vacuum that fits within a smart home configuration, the Ecovacs Deebot X8 Pro Omni represents an attractive option.

For further details or to make a purchase, visit

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Guide for Utilizing the Blood Oxygen Application on Apple Watch

Apple has ultimately revamped and reintroduced the Blood Oxygen feature on the Apple Watch Series 9, Apple Watch Series 10, and Apple Watch Ultra 2 in the United States. This functionality monitors the percentage of oxygen that your red blood cells transport from your lungs throughout your body, and it can be remarkably beneficial for understanding your overall health.

Utilizing applications like Gentler Streak, having access to the blood oxygen measurement aids you in gauging your readiness for a new day of exercises or alerts you if you are on the verge of falling ill. Although this feature does not have FDA approval like the ECG app on the Apple Watch, it remains a valuable wellness tool, and we will share how to maximize its use.

Whether you overlooked the Blood Oxygen app on the Apple Watch prior to its removal or you were excited to witness its return in iOS 18.6.1 and watchOS 11.6.1, we are here to guide you on how to utilize the feature on your Apple Watch and how to locate the pertinent metrics on your iPhone.

How to assess your blood oxygen levels

Enhance Your Google Flights Offers by Interacting with a Fresh AI

provide ChatGPT with a prompt or inform Gemini of your travel desires for your upcoming journey, and the chatbots are capable of delivering quick support. Some AIs even possess agent functionalities allowing them to make bookings on your behalf.

However, what if rather than approaching ChatGPT or Gemini for your travel queries, you utilized a Google Flights-associated service and naturally asked it to discover flight bargains for you to a targeted location, or even to surprise you with destination ideas? Google debuted such a feature on Thursday, and many users are eager to try out Flight Deals when organizing their next getaway. This AI attribute might be particularly beneficial in a landscape where airlines leverage generative AI to optimize profits through dynamic pricing, even as Google Flights already has a tool to uncover the most cost-effective journeys.

Google Flights will continue to function as an independent application that can assist you in locating less expensive flights to your upcoming destination. You won’t need to depend on the new AI functionalities within Flight Deals for that. Ultimately, the AI-enabled Flight Deals offering will only be a beta version available to users in three regions: the U.S., Canada, and India, at the outset. It’s uncertain when Flight Deals will expand its availability more broadly.

How Flight Deals operates in Google Flights

Explore the Updates in Google Contacts Featuring the Fresh Material 3 Design

The Contacts application has recently experienced a notable overhaul, implementing the new Material 3 Expressive design framework. This enhancement brings a more streamlined layout with container-style contact cards, improving the visual attractiveness and functionality of the app. The contact information page now showcases larger, pill-shaped icons for actions such as calling and messaging, making them more visible and easier to engage with. Furthermore, Google is experimenting with customizable full-screen calling cards in the Phone beta application, which enables users to tailor their incoming call displays with full-screen imagery and individualized fonts and colors. This redesign is consistent with updates across other Google applications, including Gmail and Messages, as part of a wider deployment of the Material 3 Expressive design. The update is presently being rolled out through the Google Play Store, and users can anticipate these modifications with version 4.6.1.x of the Contacts app.

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Sony WH-1000XM6 Headphones Establish New Benchmarks in Sound Excellence

**Sony WH-1000XM6: An In-Depth Evaluation**

The Sony WH-1000XM6 headphones have established a new standard in the realm of wireless sound, enhancing the legacy of earlier models with upgraded features and performance. With a commendable 4 out of 5 stars rating from Android Central, these headphones are praised for their remarkable active noise cancellation (ANC) and audio quality, making them an excellent choice for both audiophiles and casual users.

**Advantages:**
– **Exceptional ANC Capability:** The WH-1000XM6 provides superior noise cancellation compared to earlier versions, effectively masking background noise.
– **Enhanced Sound Quality:** With finely tuned audio, these headphones offer a vibrant and immersive listening experience.
– **Great for Calls:** The upgraded microphone system guarantees clear voice transmission, making them suitable for phone and video conversations.
– **Compact Design:** The foldable design allows for easy transportation, ideal for travelers.
– **Feature-Loaded:** Equipped with attributes like touch controls, customizable sound options, and voice assistant compatibility.
– **Robust Battery Life:** Delivers up to 30 hours of playback time with ANC activated, ensuring enduring performance.

**Disadvantages:**
– **Absence of Wired USB-C Playback:** Missing the wired audio option through USB-C, which may be a limitation for some users.
– **App Interface Requires Refinement:** The companion app could improve with a more user-friendly design.
– **High Price Point:** Priced at $428, they are on the pricier side.

**Design and Construction:**
The WH-1000XM6 headphones retain the elegant and comfortable aesthetics of their predecessors, with enhancements for increased durability and comfort. The headphones fold flat and inward, minimizing their size for easier storage. The headband has been reimagined for improved comfort, and the ear cups come with replaceable memory foam cushions.

**Functionality:**
These headphones shine in noise cancellation, attributed to the new QN3 processor and a set of 12 microphones that detect and diminish ambient noise. The sound quality is notably impressive, with 30mm drivers providing clear and dynamic sound. They support high-resolution audio via the LDAC codec, although aptX HD support is absent.

**Attributes:**
Sony’s Sound Connect app provides a variety of settings, including a custom EQ feature known as Find Your Equalizer, which adjusts the sound to your liking. The headphones also feature adaptive sound control, automatically modifying settings based on your activities and surroundings. Touch controls on the ear cups make it easy to manage playback and volume.

**Battery Performance:**
With up to 30 hours of battery life with ANC engaged, the WH-1000XM6 can comfortably endure lengthy flights or daily travels. A rapid charge function offers up to three hours of playback with just a three-minute charge.

**Final Thoughts:**
The Sony WH-1000XM6 headphones are a commendable successor to the praised WH-1000XM5, presenting notable enhancements in noise cancellation, audio quality, and features. While they carry a significant price tag, their performance and construction quality justify the expenditure for those in search of premium wireless headphones.

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Apple Watch Series 11 Set to Launch Three New Features Next Month

A fresh lineup of Apple Watch models is set to debut soon. The Apple Watch Ultra 3 will undoubtedly capture significant attention, but the new Apple Watch Series 11 is also on the horizon—here are the speculated new features.

## #1: Enhanced S11 SiP

While the iPhone incorporates A-class chips like A18 and Macs and iPads frequently use M-class chips such as M4, the Apple Watch utilizes an S-class SiP (“System in Package”). Last year, the Apple Watch Series 10 introduced a new S10 SiP. Although Apple doesn’t consistently present new SiPs every year, recent leaks have suggested that S11 is definitely arriving this year. The S11 SiP in the Apple Watch Series 11 should bring performance enhancements that are particularly important for new AI functionalities arriving with watchOS 26. It may also allow for new exclusive features, as SiP upgrades sometimes can.

## #2: High Blood Pressure Monitoring

Health and fitness are vital reasons many individuals opt for an Apple Watch. This year, a significant new health feature is anticipated. High blood pressure monitoring is reportedly coming with the Apple Watch Series 11. This feature will utilize new sensors included in the Watch, alerting users to possible hypertension. Mark Gurman clarifies:

>The blood-pressure functionality…is intended to operate similarly to Apple’s sleep apnea monitor. While it won’t provide users with specific measurements—like diastolic or systolic readings—it will notify them that they might be experiencing hypertension.

Hypertension monitoring could greatly influence how users are informed about a crucial medical condition. This aligns well with many existing health features of the Apple Watch.

## #3: 5G Cellular Capability

Longtime fans of Apple may recall that when 5G was introduced to the iPhone in 2020, Apple made a considerable fuss about it. Five years on, the company has deployed 5G on both iPhone and iPad, yet the Apple Watch still only operates on 4G LTE. According to Bloomberg, that is set to change this year. The Apple Watch Ultra 3 will support 5G cellular, and the Apple Watch Series 11 is expected to do the same. 5G will be incorporated through a specialized ‘5G RedCap’ service designed for low power consumption devices like wearables. This change comes as Apple transitions away from Intel for its Apple Watch modem supplier, opting for MediaTek’s cellular modems instead.

## Apple Watch Series 11 Features: Conclusion

In summary, last year’s Series 10 introduced a broader range of enhancements than what we anticipate from the Apple Watch Series 11. The new, larger LTPO3 OLED screen, a slimmer case, quicker charging, and the enhanced speaker were all robust upgrades. Even though features such as screen and case size are expected to remain unchanged, Apple may still introduce an appealing new material finish or a trendy new color. Speculation around features has generally been less pronounced this year. This could indicate either that not many changes are on the way, or Apple has some surprises ready to unveil.

What new features do you wish to see in an Apple Watch Series 11? Share your thoughts in the comments.

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Possible Counterfeit Apple Invitation for iPhone 17 Event Implies Potential Genuine Date

In recent days, social media has been inundated with a purported leak of an iPhone 17 event invitation. Titled “Futurebound,” this invite suggests an in-person Apple Event at the Steve Jobs Theater in Apple Park on September 9.

While at least two sources have confirmed that the iPhone 17 event is likely slated for September 9, it appears this invite is merely a tactic to generate buzz. Historically, Apple Event invitations have never leaked prior to their release to the media, and are typically sent only a couple of weeks ahead of the official keynote.

Years ago, you may recall Siri hinting at an upcoming Apple Event, but the company has never had its invitation disclosed prematurely. Even if the date turns out to be accurate, which will only be confirmed once Apple distributes the actual invites, this is merely another instance of social media hype that typically surfaces leading up to significant Apple announcements.

iPhone 17 could still launch on September 9

Apple tends to schedule iPhone gatherings a week following Labor Day, which falls on September 1. The company commonly holds these events on Tuesdays, making the September 9 date logical. Pre-sales could then commence on September 12, with general availability beginning on September 19 as customers start obtaining the new models.

This eagerly awaited Apple Event is anticipated to showcase four new iPhone 17 models, including the ultra-slim iPhone 17 Air. Additionally, Apple is expected to unveil up to three new Apple Watch models during the keynote. Other speculated devices that might make an appearance at the event include the AirPods Pro 3 and AirTag 2.

While M5 Macs are now anticipated in early 2026, it seems Apple has enough products lined up for another potential event in the upcoming months, including a new Apple TV 4K, HomePod mini 2, new M4 iPad Air, M5 iPad Pro, an A19 Pro iPad mini, and A18 iPad. Additionally, there appears to be an extensive array of home robots currently under development behind the scenes.

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“Steam Deck OLED Highlights Unique Function Missing in Nintendo Switch 2”

Steam Deck OLED stands as a massive handheld gaming system regarding both dimensions and capability. It incorporates everything Nintendo executed well with the first Switch and enhances it further; even with the release of Switch 2, the Steam Deck OLED remains unmatched in one critical area: the screen.

Although the Switch 2 is Nintendo’s most awaited and pricey console ever, it features a dreadfully poor display. One may argue that the initial game lineup fell short or that the Switch 2 offers simply a repeat of what the original Switch provided, yet the screen quality is indisputable. Since its release, users have raised concerns regarding the quality of its LCD screens. While rumors of a potential Nintendo Switch 2 OLED refresh surfaced prior to its launch, the absence of an OLED screen has been disheartening. However, the main issue with the display revolves around its performance. In a recent Monitors Unboxed video, the Switch 2 recorded the slowest response time among all monitors evaluated — and it is even 50% slower than the display of the original Switch.

Additional display issues deserve attention, including color, banding, insufficient brightness for HDR content, and image ghosting, which are particularly disliked by tablet users. In contrast, the Steam Deck OLED’s screen is a pleasure to use. The display is vivid, quick, and colors are precise. What’s there not to appreciate?

Reasons the Steam Deck OLED display stands out

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Ultrahuman and viO Partner to Introduce a Groundbreaking Cycle and Ovulation Monitoring Feature

Women’s health advances with the latest PowerPlug from Ring Air.

Key Details

– Ultrahuman has revealed the acquisition of viO Health Tech, enabling the introduction of its new PowerPlug: Cycle & Ovulation Pro.
– This enhancement aids users in comprehending their cycles on a broader scale, recognizing that many do not fit into the conventional 28-day cycle framework.
– Ultrahuman asserts that its cycle and ovulation tracking can assist women dealing with PCOS and endometriosis.
– The new PowerPlug is now available for Ring Air users in the U.S., EU, U.K., Canada, and Australia for $3.99 monthly or $39 annually.

Ultrahuman introduces a significant health-oriented feature to assist women in effectively monitoring their menstrual cycles and ovulation phases.

Earlier today (Aug 15), Ultrahuman announced its acquisition of viO Health Tech, which has eased the rollout of the Cycle & Ovulation Pro for Ring Air. This feature is currently being launched for customers in the U.S., EU, U.K., Canada, and Australia. Ultrahuman emphasizes that viO caters to women with “varied cycle patterns,” as most tracking services predominantly focus on the standard 28-day cycles.

The Cycle & Ovulation Pro feature is backed by Ultrahuman’s “15 years of R&D.” According to the press release, the feature employs a temperature-sensing algorithm originally developed for viO’s OvuSense. This algorithm has successfully passed FDA regulations concerning “intervaginal temperature-based ovulation tracking.”

The algorithm will track and display physiological changes within a woman’s body over time.

Ultrahuman claims that women will gain improved insights into their cycles and ovulation periods as their circumstances change. Cycle & Ovulation Pro is designed to gather a woman’s “physiological patterns and temperature biomarkers” via the Ring Air. This ensures tracking on the Ring Air that boasts an accuracy of 90% or greater. Moreover, Cycle & Ovulation Pro will provide fertility planning assistance for women, guiding them through various cycle types for “precise ovulation confirmations.”

Logging Changes & Recognizing Patterns

Cycle Flags represent another element of this Pro feature. Ultrahuman states that Cycle Flags consider your temperature data to “reveal hidden patterns” to enhance your understanding of cycle variability. Notable trends could include “early or late ovulation, short luteal phase, the lack of ovulation,” and more. As previously noted, the Cycle & Ovulation Pro feature is tailored to support all women, including those outside the “normal” 28-cycle duration.

Ultrahuman highlights that this feature is intended to assist women with PCOS or endometriosis.

Ultimately, Cycle & Ovulation Pro includes a logging feature, allowing women to document their moods, symptoms, and behavioral changes. These variations might correspond with “cycle phases,” according to Ultrahuman, and could aid women in recognizing “long-term” health trends.

Cycle & Ovulation Pro is accessible to users with the Ultrahuman Ring Air in the U.S., EU, U.K., Canada, and Australia for $3.99 per month or $39 per year. The company hints that additional regions will follow. Most importantly, those utilizing the regular Cycle & Ovulation PowerPlug can continue their usage without interruptions.

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