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Activating Your Android Phone’s Hotspot from a Distance Without Unlocking

public environment where Wi-Fi isn’t entirely safe (or even worse, the access is limited), or when facing an unreliable home network. In these circumstances, ensuring you have a dependable hotspot option available when necessary is essential.

If your mobile plan offers data, your smartphone can already serve as an excellent hotspot source for any Wi-Fi-enabled device. Nevertheless, using it can significantly deplete the battery, reducing the time you can stay connected. Fortunately, there are straightforward solutions that allow you to access a hotspot without controlling it from your phone. Depending on the devices you possess, you can activate built-in features like instant hotspot or tethering for a largely hands-free experience from your phone. It does necessitate some prior configuration, a compatible OS, and an active Google account to implement.

Enable instant tethering on your Android phone and Chromebook

Things You Should Refrain from Monitoring with an Apple AirTag

The duration of an Apple AirTag’s battery life will provide you with a clearer understanding of when and where to utilize them. Regarding ethical considerations and safety, Apple has implemented various AirTag features aimed at safeguarding individuals in specific circumstances. Therefore, although an AirTag can be beneficial for certain items, proceed with caution before attaching them indiscriminately.

Pets

A Handbook for Capturing Calls on Your Pixel Smartphone

The Google Phone app has expanded call recording capabilities to more areas — here’s how to access it.

(Image credit: Nicholas Sutrich / Android Central)

Google Pixel devices offer various call recording options, previously restricted to certain regions until November, when Google made basic call recording available globally. Now, Pixel users can record calls directly through the Google Phone app without relying on third-party applications.

This call recording feature is a simpler alternative to Call Notes, which is the AI-driven recording and summarization tool found on the Pixel 9 and later models. Announced in September, it is now being widely deployed for Google Pixel users around the world. Here’s what you need to know about recording calls on a Pixel device, covering availability, settings, and usage.

Requirements for using Pixel call recording

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Establishing When Firmware Updates for AirPods Take Place on Your iPhone

### Grasping AirPods Firmware Updates: A Handbook for Installation and Supervision

Apple has newly introduced updated firmware for the AirPods Pro 3 and AirPods Pro 2, yet the method for upgrading these gadgets isn’t as easy as it is for other Apple devices such as iPhones or Macs. This article will steer you through the prerequisites for a successful update and how to oversee the installation process.

#### The Update Procedure for AirPods

Updating your iPhone, iPad, or Mac is generally a straightforward task: go to the Software Update section, start the update, and wait for it to finish. However, updating AirPods firmware requires several particular conditions that must be fulfilled:

1. **Charging Case Power**: Make sure that your AirPods charging case is plugged into a power source.
2. **Wi-Fi and Bluetooth**: Both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth have to be turned on your iPhone.
3. **Proper Sequence of Events**: Adhere to the necessary actions to start the update.

Even by adhering to these guidelines, Apple does not provide a definitive sign that the firmware is being installed. Instead, users are instructed to “wait at least 30 minutes for the firmware to update.”

#### Recognizing Active Firmware Updates

A recent article from Macworld has disclosed a concealed method to ascertain if an AirPods firmware update is underway. According to Mahmoud Itani, there is a noteworthy behavior in the AirPods settings panel within the iOS Settings application:

– Typically, when you place your AirPods back in their charging case and close the lid, the AirPods settings panel vanishes within seconds.
– However, during a firmware update, this panel may stay visible for several minutes, signifying that an update is actively taking place.

Itani witnessed this occurrence on two distinct occasions where the AirPods settings remained accessible even after the AirPods were replaced in their case. He verified the firmware update by checking the build numbers right after the update procedure.

The visibility of the AirPods menu in the Settings app indicates an active connection between your iPhone and the AirPods, implying that the firmware installation is in progress.

#### Conclusion

Though upgrading AirPods firmware may appear complicated in comparison to other Apple gadgets, comprehending the required conditions and observing the settings panel can aid you in verifying that the update is ongoing. If you’ve noted this behavior in the Settings app, please share your insights in the comments.

Stay updated on the latest AirPods offers and accessories to enhance your acoustic experience.

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Availability of iPhone 17 for Christmas: Present Stock Details

the iPhone 17 models that were still unavailable last week, encompassing the standard iPhone 17 and the iPhone 17 Pro Max.

Shoppers searching for the iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone Air variants should find the two devices in stores and online with relative simplicity. All color and storage options should dispatch immediately after placing the order. The iPhone 17 Pro Max inventory is also generally accessible worldwide, with a few exceptions. Specifically, the 1TB variant continues to be out of stock in the U.S. Among all four iPhones, the base iPhone 17 model remains the hardest to locate, although delivery delays have improved.

Nonetheless, the shipping estimates are set at 3-5 days for all color and storage configurations for the base iPhone 17 models in those regions where the device is sold out online. Certain iPhone 17 Pro Max editions will similarly ship within 3-5 days, depending on the region. The earlier you place your order, the better your chances of having the iPhone 17 delivered to your doorstep in time for Christmas.

iPhone 17 sold out for three months later

MacBook Air Offered at Historic Low Price Under $750 During Holiday Promotions

### Holiday Mac Offers: Unmatched Deals on MacBook Air, MacBook Pro, and Mac Mini

As the festive season draws near, tech aficionados and Apple supporters are eagerly seeking the finest deals on Mac products. This year, Best Buy has unveiled an outstanding deal on the M4 MacBook Air, reducing it to its all-time low price of $749, which coincides with the Black Friday rate. Alongside this incredible markdown, shoppers will receive a $25 Best Buy gift card with their purchase, enhancing the attractiveness of the offer.

#### Current Deals on Mac Products

Beyond the MacBook Air, there are active promotions on other favored Apple products, such as the MacBook Pro and Mac mini. Whether you appreciate the elegant design of the Mac mini, the portability of the MacBook Air, or the powerful performance of the MacBook Pro, there is a deal that satisfies every taste this holiday season.

The M4 MacBook Air is highlighted as one of the top choices available, particularly with the additional benefit of the Best Buy gift card. This card can be utilized for various accessories, including dongles, cables, or even a protective sleeve for your new device.

#### New Launches and Price Reductions

Apple has also launched its cutting-edge M5 chip, which powers the latest iPad Pro and the new MacBook Pro models. The 14-inch M5 MacBook Pro is now available at a substantial discount, with prices slashed to a historic low of $1,349 from its usual price of $1,599. This offers savings of up to $200, making it a compelling choice for those seeking state-of-the-art technology.

B&H, a prominent retailer for Apple products, is also providing competitive pricing on popular M5 MacBook Pro configurations, guaranteeing a variety of options for customers.

#### The Adaptability of the Mac Mini

For those who favor a desktop setup, the Mac mini continues to be an excellent selection. With prices beginning at $479, the current-generation Mac mini offers outstanding value. Although it may not be as favored as the MacBook Air, it delivers robust performance and functionality, rendering it a worthwhile option for holiday shoppers.

#### Final Thoughts

This holiday season, the selection of deals on Mac products is remarkable, featuring considerable discounts on the MacBook Air, MacBook Pro, and Mac mini. Whether you’re upgrading your existing device or buying a gift for a loved one, these deals present a fantastic opportunity to invest in high-caliber Apple technology. Make sure to take advantage of these limited-time offers as you embark on your holiday shopping!

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Five Crucial CISA Security Recommendations for iPhone Users

iPhone 17 features a robust new security capability, yet even those utilizing Apple’s most advanced technology must comprehend and apply fundamental security practices. The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) has issued an update to its Mobile Communications Best Practices Guidelines, offering five key pieces of advice tailored for iPhone users.

CISA serves as the primary authority for federal cybersecurity, aiming to mitigate risks to the nation’s cyber and physical infrastructure. It delivers security recommendations to both governmental bodies and the public, and its security advice is grounded in government intelligence and historical cyberattack analyses. The recently revised guidance for iPhone users is not overly complex or difficult to adopt. In fact, the five recommendations from CISA are simple actions you can implement immediately.

Activate Lockdown Mode

“5 Possible Attributes of Apple AirTag 2 That Might Improve Its Usefulness”

details regarding Apple’s HomePod and a brand-new security device, Macworld persists in uncovering specifics about the company’s forthcoming products based on an internal leaked iOS build. This time, the outlet has managed to gather additional insights into the long-anticipated AirTag 2. This item tracker was anticipated to debut sometime this year, but despite numerous indications that the business was poised to unveil it, Apple opted to postpone its announcement. Curiously, the same occurred with the first AirTag release, which faced delays of a couple of years.

That being said, the anticipation for the AirTag 2 could prove to be worthwhile, as the leaked code discloses multiple significant enhancements. Apple’s item tracker is said to be more easily discoverable in crowded environments, possess improved battery management, and even extend the range for iPhone users to find their belongings using Precision Finding feature. Here’s what you should know about it.

AirTag 2 might be worth the wait, even though we don’t know when it’s releasing

Reasons Behind the Rising Use of VPNs Among Americans

You’d be insane not to utilize a VPN service in this era: Indeed, it can primarily be used to access media from different countries, but in the current environment, it serves a greater purpose. With an increasing number of regions implementing laws that restrict access to websites and content through so-called age verification regulations, VPNs can assist in circumventing those as well. Missouri’s recent statewide verification regulations serve as a prime example, with in-state inquiries for VPNs quadrupling following their enactment.

The issues arise from the manner in which the verification is executed to lift the restrictions. The Age Verification Providers Association indicates that any website or application containing one-third or more of “material harmful to minors” must confirm users’ ages prior to granting access. Other states with similar legislation include Florida, Louisiana, Utah, Mississippi, Arkansas, Texas, North and South Carolina, among others. Not only are the definitions of “harmful content” ambiguous, but age verification is conducted through concerning methods. Scanning or photographing your government-issued ID and other sensitive documents isn’t an unmanageable task, yet it poses certain risks.

After you finalize the verification procedure, that information is available online with no assurance that it will stay secure. The law prohibits involved entities from keeping identifying information unless mandated by law enforcement, but that offers little comfort. Some of the largest data breaches in history happened at companies that should have been able to adequately secure user data, and the same could easily occur with IDs needed for verification.

Age verification regulations might do more harm than good