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Leak suggests Samsung Qi2 charger may rival MagSafe for Galaxy S26

Samsung is said to be preparing to launch an integrated magnetic charging feature for its forthcoming Galaxy S26 series, which could eliminate the requirement for specific “Qi2 Ready” cases. A leaked 25W Qi2 magnetic charger (model EP-P2900) indicates that Samsung is embracing a MagSafe-like system, akin to Apple’s, for its Galaxy devices. This charger is anticipated to be compatible with Galaxy S series, Z foldables, and Galaxy Buds, pointing towards a cohesive strategy within Samsung’s ecosystem.

In the past, Samsung has provided Qi2-certified wireless chargers but hasn’t included a genuine magnetic charging system within its devices. The introduction of the new Qi2 dock hints at a move towards this integration. Qi2 represents the next-generation wireless charging standard that utilizes alignment technology popularized by Apple.

The leaked details suggest that Samsung’s proprietary dock will deliver charging speeds of 25W, exceeding the company’s traditional 15W limit on wireless charging rates. This implies the adoption of the newer Qi2.2 standard, with the charger available in a Dark Gray finish. The shift to Qi2 could indicate that Samsung will at last provide a consolidated magnetic system, following Google’s Pixel 10 series, which recently introduced built-in magnets.

Nonetheless, the full 25W wireless charging capability may be reserved for the Galaxy S26 Ultra, while the standard Galaxy S26 and S26 Plus could be restricted to 20W. This move might signify a notable change in Samsung’s strategy towards wireless charging, bringing it closer in line with Apple’s MagSafe technology.

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Costco’s Budget-Friendly Answer for Reducing Office Mess

A home office ought to be a serene and productive environment that enhances your brain activity the instant you enter. Unfortunately, these areas of the house frequently become cluttered catch-all zones filled with disorder. However, restoring order is simply a matter of one quality piece of furniture, and the Bayside Furnishings Onin Room Divider with 8 Storage Bins at Costco is priced at just $180, offering a fantastic budget-friendly choice.

Costco patrons have rated this product 4.7 out of 5 stars, based on more than 2,900 reviews, with the majority assigning it a perfect score of 5/5. Commending the item, one user mentioned, “This storage unit accommodates an unexpected volume of items… the bins are roomy and sturdy… One individual can assemble it.” The Onin Room Divider can be configured both vertically and horizontally, utilizing a cam-lock mechanism for fast and easy setup. Each fabric bin features handles and label slots, allowing you to customize your organizational project. Additionally, if you opt for greater height over width, the included anti-tipping hardware secures the furniture to the wall. Whether aiming to enhance efficiency while working from home or simply desiring an organized spot for gadgets that facilitate remote work, the Onin Room Divider is an excellent choice.

Essential tips before purchasing:

Ideal for stowing everything from books and clothes to vinyl records, figurines, and various knickknacks, the Onin Room Divider can also function as an entertainment center for your television and AV gear. Those of us with a wall-mounted TV can store gaming consoles, streaming devices, and other home theater equipment on top of the furniture or within its many compartments, effectively concealing all the cords connected from our devices to the mounted TV.

A couple of considerations: Costco customers have noted that the shipping box is quite heavy, so having an extra set of hands to assist in bringing it inside your home or workplace may be beneficial. Other buyers have also emphasized the necessity of inspecting the box and its contents for any signs of damage.

Bayside Furnishings provides a brief list of cleaning and maintenance recommendations, with two key tips being to utilize a wood conditioning cleaner free of wax or silicones, and to be cautious as substances like medications, perfumes, and alcohol can lead to serious damage if not addressed immediately.

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How to Protect Your Smart Home from Hackers: 5 Proven Tactics

Smart home devices can enhance your daily life, but this convenience is not without its drawbacks. These smart gadgets frequently lack robust authentication methods. They are prone to data breaches, as many do not implement encryption or rely on obsolete software. Such devices make for easy targets for cybercriminals. Gaining access to just one of your connected devices can jeopardize your entire network. Risks like privacy invasion, surveillance, or unauthorized control over smart devices are very real. Your residence could even serve as a launching pad for larger scale attacks, including DDoS assaults. Fortunately, you don’t have to risk your security to relish the benefits of your smart home.

Adopting a few smart habits and protocols can significantly decrease the threat posed by hackers. Ensuring safety can be straightforward, such as using robust passwords or keeping your smart home network isolated from the internet. Regularly updating your devices’ firmware and ensuring that all communications between them are encrypted can provide additional safeguards. Now, let’s delve into five straightforward strategies to bolster the security of your smart home.

Utilize a local network

A Comprehensive Examination of the iQOO 15: The Perfect Rival to the POCO F8 Ultra with a Notable Edge

**Android Central Verdict: iQOO 15 Review**

The iQOO 15, although it comes with a higher price point compared to its predecessor, is an admirable smartphone that excels in various important aspects. With a score of 4 out of 5 stars, it presents a solid array of features that establish it as a formidable player in the market.

**Pros:**
– **Exceptional Battery Life:** The iQOO 15 features an impressive silicon battery, granting users up to a day and a half of use even in demanding situations.
– **Remarkable Internals:** Packed with the latest Qualcomm silicon, the phone adeptly manages intensive tasks and gaming.
– **Brilliant Display:** The 6.85-inch 2K QHD AMOLED screen provides vivid colors and exceptional brightness, ranking it among the finest in its category.
– **Enhanced Camera:** The main camera has been upgraded, delivering superior photo quality compared to earlier models.
– **Sturdiness:** Rated with IP68 and IP69 ingress protection, the iQOO 15 is designed to endure dust and water exposure.
– **OS Upgrades:** The device guarantees five Android OS updates, promoting longevity and ongoing performance enhancements.

**Cons:**
– **Increased Price:** The iQOO 15 is notably pricier than its predecessor, which may dissuade some potential buyers.
– **Wide-Angle Lens:** The wide-angle lens fails to impress when compared to the main camera, lacking similar quality.
– **Aesthetic Design:** The design of the iQOO 15 is not as captivating as that of former models, possibly making it less appealing to those seeking a striking device.

**Conclusion:**
The iQOO 15 is an impressive gadget with outstanding battery life, a bright display, and enhanced camera features. Nevertheless, its elevated price and more subdued design could render it less attractive to some buyers. Despite these shortcomings, it continues to be a solid competitor against options from Google and Samsung, especially for those who prioritize performance and battery longevity.

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Another Senior Apple Executive Possibly Departing the Company Shortly

Bloomberg. Srouji is presently the Senior Vice President of Hardware Technologies at Apple — a role that positions him as one of the most significant and influential employees within the organization. Under Srouji’s guidance, Apple has steadily introduced leading-edge chip designs. On Apple’s leadership page, the company highlights that Srouji “created pioneering custom chips and hardware technologies, including Apple silicon, batteries, cameras, storage controllers, sensors, displays, and various other essential technologies across Apple’s complete product range.” As per the report, Srouji recently informed Apple CEO Tim Cook of his thoughts about potentially leaving Apple for another organization.

While past departures of executives have not noticeably affected Apple, Srouji’s exit would represent a substantial setback. It is difficult to exaggerate Srouji’s significance to Apple. Every chip that powers Apple’s devices originates from Srouji’s team. Moreover, Apple’s in-house processors — from the M-series chips in the Mac to the A19 Pro chips in the iPhone 17 Pro — assist in distinguishing the company’s offerings from a saturated market of competitors. Srouji is essentially the chief designer behind Apple’s immensely successful hardware.

Apple’s leadership team is undergoing a transition

Meta Pushes Back Launch of New Mixed-Reality Glasses to 2027

The shift comes after a significant expansion of the leadership team at Meta’s Reality Labs. Reports indicate that Meta has postponed the launch timeline for its new mixed-reality smart glasses to 2027. In a series of internal communications reviewed by Business Insider, Meta’s leadership expressed the need to “get the details right.” The communications also disclose a new wearable device and the upcoming Quest headset.

Meta is reconfiguring its product roadmap for wearables and mixed-reality headsets, as reported by Business Insider. The report references an internal memo from Maher Saba, the vice president of Meta’s Reality Labs Foundation. It indicates that the next-generation mixed-reality glasses are now slated for a 2027 release rather than 2026. Additionally, a prototype wearable and a new Quest headset are reportedly in development.

Initially, the company aimed to release the mixed-reality glasses, codenamed “Phoenix,” in the latter half of 2026. The release has now shifted to the first half of 2027. This slight delay is meant to provide Meta “a lot more breathing room to get the details right,” according to another memo obtained by Business Insider.

“There’s a considerable amount happening with tight timelines and significant changes to our core UX, and we will not sacrifice delivering a fully refined and dependable experience,” stated Metaverse leaders Gabriel Aul and Ryan Cairns, as reported.

In a different memo authored by Saba, there is mention of a “limited edition” wearable version codenamed “Malibu 2,” expected in 2026. The upcoming Meta Quest headset is also described as a “major upgrade” that will “significantly enhance unit economics,” according to Aul and Cairns.

While the memos do not directly refer to the matter, it seems that these delays may relate to the changes in Meta’s design leadership announced this week. Apple designers Alan Dye and Billy Sorrentino are transitioning to Meta to work under Reality Labs. Dye, who led Apple’s human interface design efforts for ten years, is establishing a new design lab at Meta.

Dye will collaborate with Meta’s CTO Andrew Bosworth, who commented that he is “joining Meta to assist in crafting the future of computing at the convergence of AI, wearables, and spatial computing.”

The two Apple designers are making the move to Meta after contributing to projects like Liquid Glass, the Apple Watch, visionOS, and Apple Vision Pro. The memos highlighted “significant changes to our core UX,” which the newly recruited design leaders at Meta may wish to influence.

These delays occur as Meta anticipates strong competition in the smart glasses and virtual reality markets. New Android XR hardware is expected to debut next year to compete with Meta’s glasses and Meta Quest headsets, and Google will share further details in a livestream this coming Monday, Dec. 8.

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How to Turn Your Raspberry Pi into a Local AI Assistant

enhance your smart home’s intelligence through countless methods to improve your bedroom – but one specific GitHub contributor surpassed expectations. Simone Marzulli took the initiative to create his own local AI agent and subsequently trained it to operate on a Raspberry Pi 5. Quite remarkable, if you ask us.

Marzulli’s primary objective was straightforward, at least theoretically: nothing should exit the Raspberry Pi. This literally meant he aimed to prevent any AI tasks from being transferred to third-party services; he aimed to protect his personal data, and we understand his reasoning. Additionally, Simone desired all these in-house scripts to utilize open large language models (LLMs), and he wanted his AI assistant to respond to vocal commands.

Marzulli then acquired a compact chassis, screen, and cooling fan for his Pi-based agent. His final product — a smart display he refers to as Max Headbox — is truly remarkable.

A screen-headed assistant for your workspace

Max Headbox was crafted to be an expressive, screen-driven AI assistant that showcased a face (designed using GIMP to animate one of Microsoft’s Fluent Emojis) and would respond to vocal commands upon hearing a trigger word. Marzulli even incorporated touchscreen features, where a tap would activate the system’s microphone to initiate his voice instructions.

Another tap would terminate the recording, and he could also tap while the LLM was replying to cancel the request entirely. He chose a minimalist interface, too, featuring rotating, colored ribbons as his three main indicators: ready for trigger word (blue), voice is currently being recorded (red), and LLM is active (rainbow).

Regarding the open models that were employed

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Apple TV Unveils New F1 Streaming Agreement Highlighting Driver Onboard Cameras

**Apple Assumes Command: Transition of F1 Broadcasting in the U.S.**

The end of the 2025 Formula 1 championship signifies a major change in the broadcasting scene for motorsport enthusiasts in the United States. Starting next year, Apple will become the sole broadcaster for F1, concluding ESPN’s lengthy coverage. This change is part of a five-year alliance revealed by Apple, which will see every race streamed via an Apple TV subscription beginning with the 2026 season.

### Novel Streaming Experience

Apple’s entry into F1 broadcasting is set to improve the viewing pleasure for fans. A recent advertisement on social media introduced the new F1 channel within the Apple TV app, highlighting a modern interface designed for straightforward navigation. The inaugural race weekend is planned for March 6-8, 2026, yet fans can anticipate the service to launch earlier, potentially featuring preseason material.

Subscribers to Apple TV will access all Formula 1 offerings at no extra cost. This encompasses not only the Grand Prix races but also practice sessions, qualifying, and sprint races throughout the season. The integration of onboard driver cameras and a Multiview function will allow fans to experience multiple angles during races, a feature previously exclusive to F1.TV.

### Improved Features and Access

Apple’s dedication to enhancing the F1 watching experience goes beyond simple race coverage. The platform is anticipated to roll out further features and production upgrades in the upcoming months, guaranteeing that fans access the latest technology and content. For those especially devoted to F1, Apple TV subscribers will also be able to sign into the F1.TV website or applications, retaining access to the vast content previously available to F1.TV subscribers without needing a separate subscription.

### Subscription Information

At present, an Apple TV subscription is priced at $12.99 per month or $99 per year. Fans may also choose the Apple One bundle, which provides Apple TV at a reduced rate along with other Apple services, including iCloud storage. This tactical approach not only streamlines access to F1 content but also positions Apple as a prominent player in the sports broadcasting field.

### Conclusion

As the 2025 F1 championship wraps up, the shift to Apple as the exclusive U.S. broadcaster signals a new chapter for motorsport fans. With cutting-edge features and a comprehensive streaming service, Apple seeks to enhance the F1 viewing experience, rendering it more accessible and engaging for fans nationwide. As the 2026 season draws near, excitement mounts for what is expected to be an exhilarating new phase in Formula 1 broadcasting.

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Utilizing LiDAR on Your iPhone: A Manual and Its Advantages

iPhone features that many individuals are unaware of — measuring a person’s height, augmented reality gaming, and improved camera autofocus. With the LiDAR technology integrated into your iPhone, you can enhance your interaction with the surroundings.

Nonetheless, it’s crucial to understand that the LiDAR scanner isn’t available as a standard feature on every iPhone. It is exclusively included in the Pro versions of both the iPhone and iPad, commencing with the iPhone 12 Pro and Pro Max, as well as the iPad Pro 11-inch (2nd generation) and 12.9-inch (4th generation). If you possess one of these devices, here’s how to utilize the LiDAR.

How to make use of your iPhone’s LiDAR sensor with native applications

Gemini Unveils ‘My Stuff’ Folder to Improve User Navigation

Google is rolling out a dark mode for its online interface, enhancing accessibility and user experience. This fresh design, part of the Gemini web interface overhaul, showcases a contemporary aesthetic with a dark theme selection. The update aligns with the introduction of Gemini’s sophisticated AI models, intended to enrich online interactions. The revamped web version features a simplified “My Stuff” folder for convenient access to previously created content. The homepage now displays a bluish-gray backdrop in light mode and a solid-black background in dark mode, accompanied by a more engaging user interface. These updates demonstrate Google’s dedication to delivering a more visually appealing and user-friendly online experience.

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