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Google Cuts Features in Gemini’s Free Tier Because of High Demand for Gemini 3

The leaked benchmark results for Gemini 3 Pro provide insight into what we can anticipate from Google’s most advanced AI model to date. Once it became available, users rushed to explore the full range of capabilities that Gemini 3 Pro presented — including generative UI. Naturally, users had to navigate a few hurdles to activate Gemini 3 AI, but even so, the effort was well justified in unlocking the model’s fullest potential. However, it appears that users have been leveraging Gemini 3 excessively, prompting Google to restrict the free tier of the AI chatbot to mitigate bandwidth consumption.

Google has typically been somewhat accommodating with its constraints across its various AI offerings. For instance, AI Mode in Chrome appears to not necessitate any particular AI subscription for utilization, and even the company’s premier image generation model — Nano Banana — was free for Gemini users, albeit with certain limitations. Now, those constraints are set to become more stringent, as recent modifications to the Gemini app access support page (via 9to5Google) imply that the company has significantly reduced the access to more advanced AI features for users on the free tier.

Deeper thinking is becoming somewhat more restricted

Why tempered glass stands out as the best choice

Any form of screen protection is preferable to having none at all. Even an inexpensive plastic film can be a lifesaver for your phone’s screen — particularly when it comes to shielding against surface scratches, dirt, and dust. However, since many plastic screen protectors are crafted from materials like thermoplastic polyurethane and thermoplastic elastomer, they tend to be too lightweight and flexible to offer the protection that a tempered glass shield provides. During their production, tempered glass protectors undergo a demanding heating and cooling procedure that renders them five times stronger than standard plastic protectors. They excel at safeguarding against scratches and cracks, and owing to their superior transparency, they deliver a clearer viewing experience compared to plastic covers.

Thanks to their enhanced rigidity, tempered glass protectors are typically simpler to apply, often leading to fewer air bubbles than seen with plastic varieties. It’s worth noting that very few screen protectors can eliminate all fingerprints. Luckily, if your Android or iOS device gathers smudges, <a href="https://www.bgr.com/2010696/how-to-get-fingerprints-off-android-phone-screen/" target

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Google Pixel 9a discounted by 30% for Cyber Monday

Although labeled as the Pixel 9 (which was Google’s flagship for 2024), the Google Pixel 9a was actually launched later, in April 2025. Initially priced at $499 on Amazon, it is now available for $349 — a 30% reduction — for Cyber Monday. This mid-tier Android smartphone is equipped with the Google Tensor G4 chip and 8GB of RAM, offering two options for internal storage: 128GB and 256GB.

The phone features a 6.3-inch Actua display shielded by Corning Gorilla Glass 3. It provides a resolution of 1080×2424, a refresh rate between 60 to 120Hz, with HDR support and 16 million color options. The front-facing camera is 13MP, while the rear offers a dual-camera setup; one camera is 48MP for wide shots, and the second is 13MP for ultrawide perspectives. Both rear cameras support Super Res Zoom up to 8x. For video recording, the rear cameras can shoot up to 4K@30 or 60fps with up to five times digital zoom. The front camera can also record 4K videos, albeit at only 30fps.

In addition to the Corning Gorilla cover glass, the Pixel 9a is constructed from other durable materials. Its body has an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance. The metal frame features a fingerprint-resistant coating, and color options include obsidian, porcelain, iris, or peony. For power, the Pixel 9a is backed by a 5,100mAh battery, offering about 30 hours of usage, extendable to 100 hours with the Extreme Battery Saver mode. On the software side, the Pixel 9a runs on the latest Android 15 version and will receive support for seven years.

Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra (512GB) now priced at $1,019.99

The <a href="https://r.b

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T-Mobile Expands Tablet and Watch Payment Plans to Two-Year Duration

Will smartphone payment plans be the next to exceed 36 months?

(Image credit: Nicholas Sutrich / Android Central)

Essential Information

  • T-Mobile is lengthening its installment plans to 36 months for selected devices.
  • Smartwatches and tablets must be purchased outright or via three-year installment options.
  • Currently, smartphones are still available through 24-month installment opportunities.

Notice

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Google Limits Usage of Gemini 3 Pro and Nano Banana Pro Because of Strong Demand

Struggling to keep pace with the skyrocketing demand.

(Image credit: Google / YouTube)

Essential information

  • Access limits for Gemini 3 Pro and Nano Banana Pro have been diminished without any formal communication from Google.
  • The rising interest in Gemini 3 Pro leads Google to limit free access and encourage paid upgrades.
  • Users on the free tier are now experiencing inconsistent access, affecting those who depend on these tools for their daily tasks.

Notice

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Verizon Provides Complimentary Smart TV or $200 Gift Card with Home Internet Service Trial

Cyber Monday 2025 will be remembered for years to come.

(Image credit: Verizon)

With Black Friday behind us, Cyber Monday is on the horizon, and Verizon is ready to demonstrate that amazing tech deals can be found beyond conventional retailers. For a limited time, when you enroll in Verizon’s Fios 1 Gig or 2 Gig Home Internet service, you can select from a host of FREE gifts, including a 43-inch Samsung QLED smart TV, a portable Marshall speaker, the Galaxy Tab S10 FE tablet, and several others. If these gadgets don’t catch your eye, Verizon’s Cyber Monday promotion is also offering a FREE $200 Target gift card for those who, like me, can’t make up their minds.

Not keen on Verizon Fios? It’s notable that Verizon 5G Home Internet is also providing the same array of free gift choices. The only caveat is that these Verizon Home Internet offers will end at midnight on Cyber Monday, so act quickly if you’re interested!

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Enjoy More Than 50% Discount on Google Pixel 10 and a Year of Wireless with This Can’t-Miss Cyber Monday Offer

If you’re in search of an exceptional deal this holiday season, the Google Pixel 10 promotion from Mint Mobile is worth your attention. Although Black Friday and Cyber Monday are filled with offers, this specific deal has flown under the radar despite its remarkable value. Mint Mobile is featuring the Google Pixel 10 at a considerable discount, along with a year of their Unlimited plan.

The Google Pixel 10, a premium smartphone, usually retails for $799. Yet, Mint Mobile’s promotion reduces the phone’s cost by $450 and provides 50% off the wireless plan. This translates to acquiring the phone and a year of unlimited T-Mobile-supported wireless service for just $529. This is $70 lower than Amazon’s phone-only deal, which lacks any wireless service.

The Pixel 10 is a premier device, boasting a 6.3-inch OLED display, 12GB of RAM, and the Tensor G5 processor. It also showcases outstanding camera technology and seven years of software updates. Mint Mobile, recognized for its budget-friendly plans and T-Mobile network coverage, supplies unlimited talk, text, and data, as well as a mobile hotspot and international calls to select nations.

This offer is ideal for those considering a carrier switch or seeking a complete package without the inconvenience of purchasing phone and service separately. With no trade-in necessary, it’s a simple proposal that could lead to savings and enhance your mobile experience for the upcoming year.

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Quick Share Integration Leads to Wi-Fi Interference on Pixel 10: Users Seek Short-Term Solutions

The bridge appears somewhat unstable.

What you should know:
– Google’s Quick Share update affects Wi-Fi connection for Pixel 10 users.
– Temporary solutions involve uninstalling the Quick Share extension or utilizing Bluetooth.
– Google has not officially responded to the ongoing Wi-Fi problems.

The recent Quick Share update from Google, designed to simplify file sharing between Pixel 10 devices and Apple users, has unintentionally caused Wi-Fi connectivity problems, leaving numerous users dissatisfied as their connections drop simply by interacting with the app (as noted by Piunika Web).

Some users have taken to Google’s forum to disclose that accessing the Quick Share menu immediately disrupts the phone’s Wi-Fi connection. One user mentioned that upon opening the sharing menu to transmit a file, the Wi-Fi disconnected. When they attempted to reconnect while the menu remained open, the network list displayed their network, but it refused to connect.

Based on several reports thus far, this situation appears to originate from the latest Quick Share extension update (1.0.815689706). Another user on Reddit reported that their Pixel 10 Pro XL started to malfunction right after the Quick Share extension update. After performing a brief troubleshooting of the extension, they confirmed that the Wi-Fi issue was solely due to this update.

What might be behind this problem, according to Gemini, is that the typical Wi-Fi hardware (such as that found in the Pixel) is generally designed for Wi-Fi Direct (a standard protocol). However, with this recent update, Google may be compelling this hardware to mimic AWDL (a proprietary Apple protocol), which could lead to network instability and disconnections.

Although Google has not yet officially acknowledged the issue, several temporary workarounds are circulating that might assist in resolving this problem. Pixel 10 users have two available options: You can either opt to remove this extension until a fix is provided, by navigating to Settings > Apps > See all apps, finding the “Quick Share extension,” and selecting “Uninstall updates.”

Alternatively, if you urgently need to transfer a file to an Apple device, you can temporarily avoid the driver conflict by manually switching your Wi-Fi off before accessing the Quick Share menu; this compels the transfer to occur via Bluetooth or mobile data, although you may need to reboot your phone afterward to reconnect to your Wi-Fi.

Android Central has contacted Google regarding the issue, and we will update this article once additional information is available.

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Apple Unveils Two Major Enhancements for Vision Pro

# Apple Vision Pro: Significant Enhancements in visionOS 26

The Apple Vision Pro, now approaching two years of age, has seen considerable upgrades through both software and hardware refinements. Recently, Apple unveiled substantial enhancements across two fundamental areas of the product, elevating user experience and comfort.

## New Spatial Personas in visionOS 26

The introduction of Personas was among the most discussed aspects when the Vision Pro debuted, initially receiving a mix of feedback. Critics observed that although the technology was remarkable, it frequently skirted the edges of the uncanny valley, rendering it less relatable. However, with the launch of visionOS 26, Apple has transitioned the feature out of beta, offering a strikingly realistic enhancement.

The advancements in Personas have garnered positive reactions, as they now provide more authentic interactions. Prominent technology reviewers, including Brian Tong and iJustine, held discussions with Apple representatives utilizing the upgraded Personas feature during a FaceTime call within visionOS 26, demonstrating its functionalities. In addition, Vincent Zhong showcased the new capabilities by participating in shared spatial activities, such as playing mahjong with friends, which further highlighted the improved social interactions facilitated by the revamped Personas.

This evolution of the Personas feature holds particular importance as social isolation may pose a challenge for Vision Pro users. The realistic shared spatial experiences now accessible signify a considerable advancement, enhancing the device’s appeal for social engagements.

## Dual Knit Band for Enhanced Comfort

Another domain where Apple has progressed is in the comfort level of the Vision Pro headset. Users have often raised concerns regarding the device’s weight, leading Apple to offer several band options at launch. With the arrival of the M5 Vision Pro, Apple has substituted the older bands with a new Dual Knit Band.

While heavier than its predecessors, the Dual Knit Band is engineered to enhance comfort by redistributing weight, reducing pressure on the face. Available for a separate purchase at $99, this new band has garnered favorable reviews from users and critics alike. Chance Miller from 9to5Mac remarked that the Dual Knit Band represents a noteworthy improvement, delivering increased comfort, adjustability, and ease of use compared to earlier versions.

Although achieving a lighter Vision Pro remains a goal for future models, the Dual Knit Band acts as a productive interim solution, enhancing the overall user experience during prolonged use.

In summary, the latest enhancements to the Apple Vision Pro, especially the new spatial Personas and the Dual Knit Band, represent a considerable advancement in responding to user feedback and boosting comfort and functionality. As Apple continues to fine-tune its offerings, these enhancements are poised to play a vital role in the device’s acceptance and success in the market.

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Anker Unveils 14-in-1 Docking Station for MacBook with 30% Black Friday Savings

### Anker’s DL7400 Desktop Dock: A Detailed Overview

Anker has recently launched an intriguing collaboration with Black Myth, presenting a selection of limited-edition themed products. The initial product in this series is the 14-in-1 DL7400 desktop dock, which is now open for hands-on evaluations.

#### Black Friday Offers

For Black Friday, Anker is providing considerable reductions on the DL7400 desktop dock. The base model is available for $209.99, while the limited edition collaboration is offered at $271.99. These promotions present an excellent chance for consumers aiming to upgrade their workspace.

#### Product Summary

The Anker DL7400 desktop dock boasts an impressive selection of 14 ports, creating a flexible addition to any arrangement. Notable features include:

– **USB-C Uplink Port**: A 10Gbps, 140W USB-C uplink port for effortless connectivity with Mac devices.
– **Extra Ports**: Three additional 10Gbps USB-C ports, an SD and microSD slot, three USB-A ports, two HDMI ports, one DisplayPort, and an audio jack.
– **Ethernet Connection**: A 2.5GB Ethernet port for dependable internet access.

This dock is especially advantageous for MacBook Air or iMac users, who generally face limited connectivity options. The DL7400 not only enhances connectivity but also delivers up to 140W of power, ensuring swift charging for attached devices.

#### Display Features

A standout characteristic of the DL7400 is its capacity to support multiple displays through DisplayLink technology. Users can connect up to three displays via a single USB-C cable, supporting one 8K display or two 4K displays. This functionality is particularly beneficial for users with older generation Apple Silicon Macs, which are often restricted to a single external display.

#### User Experience

The dock includes an intuitive LCD screen that shows charging speeds and port connections. Users can also modify settings using the display and a side dial, improving the overall user interaction.

#### Initial Thoughts

The limited edition design of the DL7400 is visually appealing, taking cues from the Black Myth Wukong series. While the design infuses character compared to regular models, it does come with a higher price tag.

In practical application, the DL7400 has shown itself to be an essential tool for both MacBook and iMac users, effectively minimizing desk clutter by merging multiple cables into a single dock.

#### Final Thoughts

For those keen on enhancing their workspace, the Anker DL7400 desktop dock is available at a reduced price during Black Friday. The standard version is up for grabs at $209.99, while the limited edition version is set at $271.99. These deals are limited-time, making this the perfect opportunity for consumers to acquire a premium docking solution.

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