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    • sparta
    • Comments Off on iOS 26 Brings Back Clear Button for iPhone Calculator
    iOS 26 Brings Back Clear Button for iPhone Calculator

    ### iOS 26 Calculator Redesign: A Thorough Examination

    With the launch of iOS 18, Apple unveiled a major overhaul of the Calculator app, which featured the contentious elimination of the classic C/AC button in place of a back button. This shift ignited significant backlash from loyal users, leading to conversations in various media channels, including a piece in *The Atlantic*. Acknowledging the dissatisfaction among its user community, Apple has implemented important changes in iOS 26, reintroducing the C/AC button while adding a backspace key.

    #### Main Features of the iOS 26 Calculator

    1. **Backspace Key**:
    – Placed in the top-left corner of the number keypad, the backspace key enables users to erase one digit at a time. This capability is particularly advantageous for rectifying minor input mistakes without needing to erase the entire calculation.

    2. **C/AC Button**:
    – The C (Clear) button is intended to eliminate the last entered number in a calculation. For example, if a user types “32 + 45 + 270,” hitting C will remove “270,” changing the display back to “32 + 45 +.” This feature is crucial for users who might inadvertently enter an incorrect digit during complex calculations.
    – When no number is present (when the display reads zero), the button switches to AC (All Clear), which erases all ongoing computations and resets the calculator to its original state.

    3. **Negation Operator**:
    – The +/- key, which enables users to switch the sign of a number, has not been discarded but has been moved to the bottom left of the keypad. This adjustment follows the removal of the previous button for changing between calculator modes from that position.

    4. **Mode Switcher**:
    – The option to toggle among basic, scientific, and Math Notes modes has been shifted to a new toolbar button at the top-right of the screen, enhancing the user interface while keeping access to various calculation modes efficient.

    #### Conclusion

    The revisions in iOS 26 demonstrate Apple’s attentiveness to user input, striving to balance innovation with user comfort. The return of the C/AC button coupled with the addition of the backspace key provides a more flexible and user-friendly experience for both casual and dedicated calculator users. As iOS 26 progresses through its beta testing stage, users can look forward to its official rollout in the fall, delivering these upgrades to their devices.

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    • sparta
    • Comments Off on Top 5 Best Mobile Plans for Students in 2025
    Top 5 Best Mobile Plans for Students in 2025

    Excellent coverage for learners of every age.

    Skip to:

    • Overview

    • Top choice

    • Top MVNO

    • Top budget option

    • Top features

    • Top premium choice

    • Top international option

    • Selecting the right plan


    <aside data-block-type="embed" data-hawk-json="{"buyingGuideBlocksData":[{"modelName":"Visible Plus Pro","navigationLink":"#section-best-overall","starRating":90,"productName":"1. Visible Plus Pro","productHeader":"Top choice","pro":"Unlimited talk, text, and premium data from Verizon","pros":["Unlimited talk, text, and premium data from Verizon","Unlimited mobile hotspot","International benefits, including free calls to over 85 countries globally","Starts at $45 monthly with a 5-year price guarantee"],"cons":["No discounts for multiple lines","Less cost-effective than certain MVNO plans","Some students might not utilize all the additional services"]},{"modelName":"Mint Mobile Unlimited","navigationLink":"#section-best-mvno","starRating":80,"productName":"2. Mint Mobile Unlimited","productHeader":"Top MVNO","pro":"Affordable coverage on T-Mobile's celebrated 5G network","pros":["Affordable coverage on T-Mobile's celebrated 5G network","Easy bulk purchase plan format","Great discounts on Android devices","All plans come with a mobile hotspot and free calls to Mexico, Canada, and the UK"],"cons":["Plan must be purchased in 3, 6, or 12-month segments","Not ideal for heavy data consumers","Benefits are quite limited"]},{"modelName":"Tello 5GB","navigationLink":"#section-best-budget","starRating":80,"productName":"3. Tello 5GB","productHeader":"Top budget option","pro":"Extremely customizable plans","pros":["Extremely customizable plans","Service on T-Mobile's 5G / 4G LTE network","Plans feature hotspot and Wi-Fi calling","Free calls to more than 60 international locations"],"cons":["Speeds may decrease during network congestion","Somewhat restricted phone options","Taxes not included in the monthly fee"]},{"modelName":"Verizon Welcome Unlimited","navigationLink":"#section-best-features","starRating":90,"productName":"4. Verizon Welcome Unlimited","productHeader":"Top features","pro":"Unlimited talk, text, and data on Verizon's 5G / 4G LTE network","pros":

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    • Richard
    • Comments Off on Guide for Registering with T-Mobile’s T-Satellite and Starlink Phone Services
    Guide for Registering with T-Mobile’s T-Satellite and Starlink Phone Services

    The Federal Communications Commission has given the green light to T-Mobile and Starlink’s initiative to extend internet coverage, marking T-Satellite’s exit from beta and its permanent presence. Although the beta phase has concluded, those who didn’t participate can now register for T-Satellite. The service remains in its early stages, so 6G-like speeds shouldn’t be anticipated, particularly for longer video content. Nonetheless, users can perform various tasks, including sharing location, sending texts, images, voice messages, and even brief videos. Looking ahead, T-Satellite plans to enable applications like WhatsApp, AccuWeather, and X to utilize and relay data over Starlink.

    Thus far, feedback on the satellite service has been encouraging. T-Satellite provides coverage across the continental U.S., segments of southern Alaska, and even Hawaii and Puerto Rico, as stated by T-Mobile. It appears that T-Satellite will be an essential network for individuals who frequently venture off the grid, including backpackers, climbers, and residents of isolated regions. Although this technology is accessible in a more restricted way on iPhones, which feature Messages via satellite, the entry barrier to obtaining Starlink has now been greatly reduced — and it’s more affordable than you might think. Here’s how to enroll in the service.

    How to enroll in T-Satellite now that it has exited beta

    <source media

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    • Richard
    • Comments Off on Claude AI Acquires Capability to Explore and Cite Past Discussions
    Claude AI Acquires Capability to Explore and Cite Past Discussions

    Claude, created by Anthropic, stands as a major rival to AI models such as ChatGPT and Gemini. Although it has rolled out functionalities like web search, comprehensive research assistance, and voice mode, these were previously offered by ChatGPT. Recently, Claude underwent a substantial memory enhancement, enabling it to refer back to earlier chats, akin to a feature found in ChatGPT. This “Search and reference chats” capability is now accessible on web, desktop, and mobile devices.

    Anthropic’s support documentation clarifies that Claude’s chat memory is transient and operates on a chat-by-chat basis, unlike ChatGPT’s extensive memory functions. Currently, the feature is being deployed to Claude Max, Team, and Enterprise users, with intentions to extend it to additional users shortly.

    To activate this feature, users should head to the “Settings” menu, select “Profile,” and toggle the “Search and reference chats” option in the “Preferences” area. This empowers Claude to search through prior conversations for context, but it does not create a user profile or retain user-specific data.

    Claude can search across all chats or narrow down searches to designated projects. Users cannot exclude certain chats from searches unless they are deleted. Turning off the feature stops Claude from referencing previous chats, but it also limits access to earlier conversations. In comparison, ChatGPT necessitates the activation of both “Reference chat history” and “Reference saved memories” to utilize similar functionalities, which are also available to free users.

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    • sparta
    • Comments Off on Amazon and Apple Excel in Meeting Affordable Housing Pledges While Other Tech Firms Face Challenges
    Amazon and Apple Excel in Meeting Affordable Housing Pledges While Other Tech Firms Face Challenges

    ### The Affordable Housing Dilemma in Silicon Valley: An In-Depth Look at Tech Giants’ Contributions

    The emergence of Silicon Valley as a technology center has resulted in considerable economic advantages, yet it has also sparked a critical affordable housing dilemma. The surge of high-paying job opportunities, notably within the tech industry, has escalated housing demand and prices, rendering it more challenging for typical wage earners to secure affordable housing solutions in the region.

    #### The Role of Tech Corporations

    In light of the escalating housing dilemma, numerous tech giants have committed to aiding in solutions. Apple, specifically, has undertaken significant measures since 2019 when it unveiled a $2.5 billion initiative aimed at tackling the housing deficiency. By July 2024, Apple had allocated over $1.6 billion from this promise, financing the building and preservation of more than 10,000 affordable housing units, offering financial aid to those vulnerable to homelessness, and providing down-payment support to first-time buyers.

    Kristina Raspe, Apple’s vice president of global real estate and facilities, voiced pride in the company’s collaborations with community organizations to improve access to affordable housing. Nevertheless, uncertainty still lingers regarding the $300 million worth of land in San Jose that Apple committed for developing affordable housing.

    #### Comparison with Other Tech Corporations

    Although Apple has achieved notable advances, other tech firms have found it challenging to fulfill their pledges. Meta Platforms promised $1 billion yet has only utilized around $200 million, mainly on loans for extremely low-income residents. Similarly, Google, which also pledged $1 billion, is still negotiating the construction of 15,000 committed homes, with no actual building initiated to date.

    On the other hand, Amazon has thrived in its housing initiatives, albeit not specifically within Silicon Valley. The company has met its $2.2 billion promise and has subsequently committed an additional $1.4 billion for housing projects in Seattle and Nashville.

    #### Conclusion

    The affordable housing dilemma in Silicon Valley continues to be a critical concern, worsened by the swift expansion of the tech sector. While Apple has positioned itself as a frontrunner in combating this issue, the overall response from tech giants has been varied. Ongoing efforts and accountability will be essential to ensure that the commitments made convert into real enhancements for those affected by the housing crisis.

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    • Richard
    • Comments Off on Grasping the Contentious Surge of eSIMs and User Issues
    Grasping the Contentious Surge of eSIMs and User Issues

    Let’s discuss technology.

    (Image credit: Android Central)

    Welcome to Ask Jerry, a place where we address any and all inquiries you may have regarding the smart devices in your life. I’m Jerry, and I have dedicated much of my life to working with technology. With a background in engineering and R&D, I have been writing about Android and Google for the last 15 years.

    Ask Jerry

    (Image credit: Future)

    Ask Jerry is a feature where we tackle your pressing Android/tech queries with the assistance of long-time Android Central editor Jerry Hildenbrand.

    I am also quite adept at researching information about various topics — that’s a significant part of the job here at Android Central — and I enjoy assisting people (another crucial aspect of our work!). If you have concerns regarding your technology, I would be eager to discuss them.

    Feel free to email me at [email protected], and I will attempt to help resolve any issues. You can choose to remain anonymous if you wish, and we assure you that we will not disclose any information outside of what we cover here.

    • Richard
    • Comments Off on Oura Unveils Groundbreaking Functions for Expecting Mothers and Women in Perimenopause
    Oura Unveils Groundbreaking Functions for Expecting Mothers and Women in Perimenopause

    The innovative Pregnancy Insights tool is poised to transform how expectant mothers monitor their health throughout the course of pregnancy. Introduced by Oura, this feature is created to assist women in tracking essential changes during all trimesters, offering important insights and support during this significant time.

    **Key Information:**
    – Oura launches Pregnancy Insights to monitor health variations and provide assistance to mothers-to-be.
    – A new Perimenopause Check-In feature is also introduced for tracking symptoms and generating personalized health reports.
    – Pregnancy Insights will be accessible starting August 12, 2025, with the Perimenopause Check-In debuting in the U.S. on August 13.

    Oura’s Pregnancy Insights aims to fill the gap in accessible information for pregnant women concerning typical health variations. The tool delivers educational content and monitors new metrics such as Gestational Age, trimester rings, and weekly insights. A trends view will illustrate modifications in key metrics like temperature fluctuations, resting heart rate, heart rate variability, and respiratory rate. The Keeping Track system enables users to log symptoms, experiences, and feelings.

    Furthermore, Readiness, Sleep, Rest Mode, and Recovery Mode insights are now framed in the context of pregnancy, aiding women in grasping the influence on their scores.

    **Perimenopause Feature:**
    Oura has also revealed its inaugural Perimenopause Check-In feature. This tool integrates self-reported symptoms with wearable data, granting women access to healthcare resources through the app. Users are provided with a tailored assessment and a PDF report that condenses symptoms, biometric trends, and cycle information for convenient sharing with healthcare professionals.

    Both tools are integral to Oura’s promise to advance women’s health through cutting-edge technology. The Pregnancy Insights and Perimenopause Check-In features deliver comprehensive support for women throughout crucial life phases, enhancing their comprehension and management of health variations.

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    • sparta
    • Comments Off on Factors Leading to Certain Tesla Superchargers Not Receiving Approval for Use in California
    Factors Leading to Certain Tesla Superchargers Not Receiving Approval for Use in California

    The growing popularity of electric vehicles (EVs), particularly in California, has spurred the need for a comprehensive network of charging stations. Tesla is recognized for its advanced electric vehicles and boasts its own charging infrastructure, known as Superchargers. There are more than 70,000 Tesla Superchargers globally, and they are user-friendly — even Ford vehicles and other EVs can utilize Superchargers. Drivers simply connect their vehicle and can track the charging status via a smartphone app or the car’s display screen.

    Nonetheless, lawmakers in California aim to introduce new regulations for the EV charging sector that mirror the operational standards of the gasoline station industry. The issue revolves around the necessity for a uniform method to assess how much EV charging costs and the rationale behind it when drivers are required to pay. The challenge lies in the existence of an extensive network of EV charging stations that do not comply with these criteria.

    Certain Tesla Superchargers violate a California law

    Conventional gas pumps display stickers ensuring they have been inspected by the government and adhere to specific standards. California intends to broaden these regulations to encompass EV charging stations. While EV charging used to be complimentary, increased demand has led to the introduction of fees and charges associated with it. This caught the notice of the Division of Measurement Standards (DMS).

    The DMS is worried because there is no established standard at EV stations to quantify how much charge is being provided, which could result in drivers spending more while receiving less. These stations differ in their pricing models, which may involve charging merely for access, charging based on the amount of power consumed, or charging according to the duration of the charging process. This last aspect concerns measurement expert Kevin Schnepp from the DMS, who told E&E News, “If someone was selling you something based on time, and they controlled the time that it was dispensed, would you trust them?” This may be governed by California Business and Professions Code § 12500.5, which declares, “It shall be unlawful to sell or use for commercial purposes any weight or measure, or any weighing, measuring, or counting instrument or device, of a type or design that has not first been so approved by the department.”

    Implications for Tesla

    Tesla Superchargers operate under a pay-per-use model along with additional charges, like idle fees applied per minute if a driver leaves their vehicle at a station after charging is completed. There are also congestion fees if a location is busy, with many ambiguous terms in their service agreement: “The congestion fee rate for each location, the site occupancy threshold, and the battery charge level where congestion fees may accrue may change from time to time.”

    In response to the DMS, Tesla issued a statement: “Charging an EV is a fundamentally different consumer experience than refueling a traditional gas powered automobile. Where a gas pump can complete a fill-up in a matter of minutes,

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    • Richard
    • Comments Off on iPhone 17 Air Anticipated to Include Binned GPU, Based on Leaker Insights
    iPhone 17 Air Anticipated to Include Binned GPU, Based on Leaker Insights

    ### iPhone 17 Air to Feature Binned GPU

    A recent leak has disclosed that the forthcoming iPhone 17 Air will be equipped with a “binned” variant of the A19 Pro chip, which will incorporate only five graphics cores instead of the usual six available in the Pro versions. This detail was confirmed by the leaker, Fixed Focus Digital, indicating that prospective buyers should brace themselves for certain trade-offs if they choose Apple’s slimmest iPhone thus far.

    #### Insight into Binned Chips

    The production of chips utilizing advanced technology nodes is exceptionally complex, and even slight manufacturing mistakes can result in non-operational CPU or GPU cores. When such problems emerge, the affected chips are frequently “binned,” which means they are sorted according to their performance capabilities. Instead of discarding these chips, corporations like Apple leverage them in devices with lower specifications, as demonstrated with the M1 MacBook Air in 2020.

    The iPhone 17 Air will employ a binned A19 Pro chip, suggesting that while it shares the same architecture as its Pro models, it will offer diminished graphical performance due to its five-core GPU setup.

    ### Another Element Affecting Performance

    Although the decrease in GPU cores may not greatly influence everyday users, it could be evident for gamers or individuals involved in resource-heavy tasks like video editing. Moreover, the slender design of the iPhone 17 Air might restrict its heat dissipation capability. This could result in thermal throttling happening earlier than in the Pro models, further impacting performance during demanding applications.

    ### A Series of Compromises

    The stylish design of the iPhone 17 Air is accompanied by various compromises. One of the most noticeable is the presence of a single camera, unlike the triple-camera system found in the Pro models. Additionally, the battery capacity is anticipated to be less due to the limitations of fitting components into a more slender casing.

    Other compromises include the absence of ProMotion features in the display, leading to less fluid scrolling compared to the Pro models. The iPhone 17 Air will also not support the latest iterations of 5G technology and will come with only one speaker, further setting it apart from its higher-end variants.

    ### Conclusion

    The iPhone 17 Air is set to draw interest with its sleek design, but potential customers should be mindful of the trade-offs involved. With a binned GPU, diminished camera features, and other restrictions, it is crucial to reflect on whether these compromises meet individual requirements and usage habits before making a buying decision.

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    • Richard
    • Comments Off on Apple TV+ Programs Offered at No Cost on United Airlines Flights
    Apple TV+ Programs Offered at No Cost on United Airlines Flights

    **Apple TV+ Now Accessible on United Airlines In-Flight Entertainment**

    In a noteworthy advancement for travelers, United Airlines has revealed a new collaboration with Apple, permitting passengers to enjoy Apple TV+ shows on in-flight entertainment systems throughout its fleet. This partnership signifies an expansion of Apple’s presence in the airline sector, following a comparable agreement with American Airlines.

    **Access to Apple Originals**

    United travelers can now access a collection of popular Apple Originals at no extra charge. Among the titles offered are critically acclaimed series such as *Severance*, *Slow Horses*, and *Ted Lasso*. The airline intends to consistently update its selections, adding more titles monthly to enrich the viewing experience for its passengers.

    **Viewing Options**

    Customers can watch these shows either through the in-flight entertainment system located at their seatbacks or via the United app. A specific Apple TV+ channel has been established to store this new content, making it convenient for travelers to locate and view their favorite shows during their flight.

    **Content Restrictions**

    It is crucial to point out that the complete Apple TV+ library is not presently accessible on United flights. Currently, only the initial seasons of select flagship shows can be viewed. For example, while passengers can watch the first season of *Severance*, the second season is not available for viewing. This approach seems designed to encourage viewers to subscribe to Apple TV+ to continue enjoying the series they started during their flight.

    **Launch Titles and Future Additions**

    At the beginning of this partnership, United Airlines will provide the full first seasons of several popular series, including *Severance*, *Shrinking*, *Ted Lasso*, *Slow Horses*, and *Silo*. Furthermore, the airline plans to roll out *The Morning Show* and *Bad Sisters* in September, further broadening the content selection available to passengers.

    For more details on this exciting partnership, you can read the official press release

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