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HomeKit Weekly: ULTRALOQ Launches Bolt NFC Compatible with Apple Home Key

# Home Key and the ULTRALOQ Bolt NFC: A Smart Lock Breakthrough

Home Key has become a prominent feature in Apple’s HomeKit ecosystem since its debut, offering a streamlined and convenient method for accessing your home without the complications of traditional keys. The recent release of the ULTRALOQ Bolt NFC lock extends this cutting-edge technology to a wider audience, allowing homeowners to more easily and affordably adopt smart locking options.

## What is Home Key?

Introduced in 2021 with iOS 15, Home Key permits users to store their house keys in the Wallet app on their iPhone or Apple Watch. This capability allows for effortless unlocking of doors by merely tapping the device against a compatible lock. The practicality of Home Key is clear: it functions swiftly and securely, even when the device’s battery is running low. This removes the need for unwieldy key codes or delays caused by Bluetooth connections, delivering a user experience that feels intuitive and contemporary.

## Presenting the ULTRALOQ Bolt NFC

The ULTRALOQ Bolt NFC is the initial lock from the company that supports Apple Home Key, offering an easy installation process and a variety of features that bolster home security. After setup, users can integrate the lock with the Apple Home app and unlock their doors with a simple tap of their iPhone or Apple Watch. The lock functions independently of a hub, supports remote control through WiFi, and features an auto-unlock function for added convenience when your hands are occupied.

Crafted with a stylish and modern look, the ULTRALOQ Bolt NFC integrates effortlessly with different home styles. It also has a physical key slot for emergency access, although most users will probably depend on the Home Key feature.

## Additional Features

The ULTRALOQ Bolt NFC also provides a PIN code feature, making it accessible for guests, children, or anyone without an iPhone. Users can create temporary codes for visitors, like house cleaners or dog walkers, ensuring secure access only during designated times.

The lock’s thumb turn mechanism is designed for smooth and secure operation, replicating the feel of a classic deadbolt. Battery replacement is simple, and installation is user-friendly, accommodating most standard US doors in under an hour.

## Key Features of the ULTRALOQ Bolt NFC

– **Apple Home Key support** for unlocking with iPhone or Apple Watch
– **Express Mode** with power reserve functionality for use when the iPhone battery is depleted
– **Built-in WiFi** for remote access and lock sharing without a hub
– **Auto unlock and auto lock** capabilities for hands-free entry and exit
– **NFC support** for Android devices and ULTRALOQ key fobs
– Compatibility with **Apple Home / HomeKit, Amazon Alexa, Google Home, SmartThings, and IFTTT**
– Up to **one year battery life** depending on usage
– **IP65 weather resistance** and **ANSI Grade 2 security certification**
– Fits most **standard US front doors** with straightforward DIY installation

## Conclusion

The ULTRALOQ Bolt NFC signifies a major leap forward in smart lock technology, especially for those aiming to incorporate Home Key into their homes. Priced below $200, it provides an affordable entry point for homeowners looking to transition from traditional locks or upgrade to smart locks for the first time. With its blend of design, functionality, and security features, the ULTRALOQ Bolt NFC is an attractive choice for anyone wishing to improve their home security with modern convenience.

For more details or to buy the ULTRALOQ Bolt NFC, visit [Amazon](https://amzn.to/4my26Vu) or the

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Apple’s Major Investment in India Generates Billions in Profits

### Apple’s Expanding Influence in India: A Momentum Built Over Years

Recently, there has been an influx of news regarding Apple and its activities in India, spanning retail, production, and more. As reported by Bloomberg, Tim Cook’s latest venture is beginning to yield results. Here are the specifics.

#### A Momentum Built Over Years

As per Bloomberg’s insiders, Apple experienced a 13% increase in revenue from India in the year ending in March, attributed in part to its recent retail growth in the nation. Apple has been proactively enhancing its retail presence in India. Just this week, two new stores made their debut, with more on the way.

Despite the recent grand openings, Apple’s revenue climbed from $8 billion to $9 billion in the 12 months leading to March, with iPhones driving this growth, followed closely by MacBooks, which also witnessed a notable rise in demand.

Another aspect that contributes to Apple’s recent triumph in India stems from within, as noted by Bloomberg:

> In 2023, the US firm reorganized its international business management, establishing India as its dedicated sales region due to the market’s promising growth potential alongside increasing incomes and an expanding middle class. iPhones, which many Indians view as symbols of status, currently make up roughly 7% of the local smartphone market, according to Tarun Pathak of Counterpoint Research.

The report further mentions that a significant portion of the recent growth in iPhone revenue is partially due to Apple’s proactive retail tactics, “by providing student discounts, trade-in options for older devices, and collaborating with banks for credit card rewards.”

Naturally, the company also offers many of these benefits in other regions, but in India, they have clearly shown to be especially effective since Apple renewed its focus on the area.

#### Accessory Promotions on Amazon

Apple’s approach also encompasses alliances with e-commerce platforms such as Amazon, where accessory promotions are commonly available, enriching the overall customer experience and boosting sales.

In summary, Apple’s strategic initiatives in India, which include retail growth and customized marketing tactics, are yielding positive results, signaling a promising future in one of the globe’s rapidly expanding markets.

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Crucial TSA Electronics Regulation for Passengers

M4 iPad Pro. Alternatively, you might just be on a leisure trip but can’t part with your Xbox.

Whatever you are carrying holds significance for you, and you want to adhere to the regulations since fines for TSA violations can reach up to $17,062. If this isn’t your first infraction, the penalties could be even steeper. Some of the largest fines occur when you disrupt the screening process, whether through verbal or physical resistance. That is never advisable. If you are caught attempting to bring a banned item, either in your carry-on or checked baggage, you might not even retrieve the item.

Understanding TSA regulations in detail is crucial to prevent fines, confiscated items, and ensure a smooth trip. TSA may require you to power on your devices to confirm their identity, and they can choose to deny you the ability to bring something aboard if it appears suspicious. In general, most electronic devices are permitted. However, certain devices must comply with specific guidelines regarding their storage or may require X-ray screening before being allowed on the aircraft.

The TSA regulations for powering on electronics

Vince Vaughn’s Renowned Apple TV+ Show Goes Undetected

Apple TV+ series “Bad Monkey,” a quirky crime comedy from “Ted Lasso” co-creator Bill Lawrence, doesn’t hold back in showcasing the kind of bizarre Florida antics that audiences can expect. The series begins with vacationers on a boat retrieving a dismembered arm from the water — an arm that features a rigid middle finger raised high. Indeed, it’s that sort of show. And as if that’s not enough, Vaughn portrays a fast-talking Florida Man who chatters non-stop and never takes things seriously. Specifically, he’s a former police officer who’s currently employed as a health inspector in the Florida Keys after being dismissed from the Miami Police Department.

“However, after coming across a case that starts with a human arm pulled from the water by tourists,” Apple’s streaming service details, “he realizes that if he can uncover murder, he’ll get reinstated. He just needs to navigate through a collection of Floridian eccentricities and one troublesome monkey.”

For better or worse, the show (inspired by <a href="https://r.bttn.io?btn_ref=org-225e4e0aac880b8f&btn_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FBad-Monkey-Carl-Hiaasen-audiobook%2Fdp%2FB00COSOEQM%2Fref%3Dsr_1_1%3Fcrid%3D3AYVOTNHRZCOH%26dib%3DeyJ2IjoiMSJ9.NNxEjPGBpzFs-8uLnbWpZp7-3234VC9zNb0bGatPyNq0pYYab2Od8tnS5bSRVnxvJkCLmVqy-b0f_R

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ChatGPT Unveils Exclusive New Capability Superior to Other Chatbots

the eagerly awaited GPT-5 upgrade, yet the company has remained active. Earlier this week, OpenAI enabled one of the most sought-after paid ChatGPT features for free: Now, everyone has the capability to access ChatGPT projects to manage their chats. Following that, OpenAI unveiled a unique feature not found in competing offerings: Users can now branch conversations in ChatGPT from any given point to select different avenues for their dialogues.

<pA few weeks ago, Sam Altman encouraged ChatGPT power users to submit feature suggestions. X user MicahJanke requested support for branched conversations: "Allow us to diverge from chats at specific moments without losing the node we branched off from. Occasionally, I want to explore multiple potential branches of a conversation, or sometimes I wish to engage in a 1-3 side prompt conversation without confusing the context of the original chat." That post garnered over 1 million views, with numerous other users adding their voices as well.

OpenAI responded to the inquiry on Thursday by announcing that branched conversations would be introduced to ChatGPT on the web. This highly desired feature is currently accessible to users with registered ChatGPT accounts. All they need to do is refresh the web app in their browser and look for the new three-dot menu that appears beneath ChatGPT replies to branch those interactions into distinct conversations.

How branched ChatGPT conversations function

<div class="slide-key image-holder gallery-image-holder credit-image-wrap " data-post-url="https://www.bgr.com/1959993/chatgpt-branch-conversations-new-feature-now-available/" data-post-title="ChatGPT Just Got A Useful New Feature No Other Chatbot Can Match" data-slide-num="1" data-post-id="195999

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Guide for Utilizing Pixel Journal on the Pixel 10

The practice of journaling may not be as widely embraced today as it used to be, but Google aims to sustain it in the digital era with its new Pixel Journal app. Currently available for the Pixel 10, Journal allows you to record your thoughts and experiences through text and images, while providing AI-driven insights on your entries to inspire you.

If you’ve recently purchased a new Pixel 10 series phone, here’s how to set up and utilize Journal.

## Setting up and using Pixel Journal on the Pixel 10

1. Look for **Journal** on your device. It should be found in your app drawer.
2. Upon your initial launch, you will need to select the purpose for which you intend to use it. There are seven objectives to choose from.
3. After that, you can link it to other Google services like **Photos** and **Health Connect**. You may also activate cloud backup and create a distinct PIN for access.
4. Once configured, the first tab, named **Entries**, will display all your journal entries. These can be searched via the magnifying glass located in the upper left corner.
5. The second tab, named **Insights**, sorts your entries chronologically, complete with emotion emojis.
6. You can effortlessly **create a Journal entry** using one of the AI-generated prompts or by tapping on the recent images section. The latter will automatically incorporate the related images into the post.
7. You can **tailor the appearance of your entry** by selecting various fonts or color schemes. If you opted to connect to Health Connect in Step 3, your fitness data can also be logged here.
8. Once you finish crafting a Journal entry, it will be automatically tagged, and an AI-assisted reflection will be produced. You can modify these by scrolling to the bottom of the entry and selecting the emoji.

## Privacy is crucial when utilizing the Pixel Journal app

The Pixel Journal app will house the confidential thoughts and feelings of numerous users, making the privacy of all those entries critically important. Google specifically mentions on its support page that all entries in the app, including backed-up ones, are secure, and that it does not utilize your entries for advertising or targeted ads.

It also clarifies that none of the journal entries contribute to training its GenAI models. For transcribing audio, the Journal app employs an on-device Google service, ensuring that no data is transmitted to the cloud.

The AI features in the Journal app are presently available only in English and Japanese, and users must be 18 years or older to access them. The AI-enabled features include “Deep dive,” which provides various perspectives or new inspiration on your current subject. Mood ID selects the most suitable emoji for your entry, accessible on the Insights tab. To receive an AI-generated reflection for your entry, you must have composed at least five words.

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Samsung Boosts Output as Demand Rises for Galaxy Z Fold 7

It seems the Fold 7 is still going strong.

What you should know

– A report from a South Korean publication indicates that Samsung is striving to ramp up the production of Galaxy Z Fold 7 units due to a surge in demand.
– The company is reportedly aiming to manufacture 260,000 units in September, which is a significant 60,000-unit increase from its initial strategy.
– In July, reports indicated that the Galaxy Z Fold 7 has finally surpassed the Flip in terms of popularity, taking 60% of the pre-order market.

The appeal of the Fold 7 remains high, prompting Samsung to acknowledge this by increasing production.

According to a report from the South Korean publication The Elec, Samsung has developed a new plan for September: it aims to enhance its Galaxy Z Fold 7 output (via 9to5Google). The publication notes that Samsung has contacted its suppliers with updated production numbers for September. This month, the company is said to be planning to produce 260,000 Galaxy Z Fold 7 units, representing a significant 60,000-unit rise from its original forecast.

It seems the demand for the latest book-style foldable has compelled Samsung to ramp up manufacturing. Furthermore, the report mentions that Samsung’s Fold 7 production in 2025 may “exceed” its “annual expectations.”

However, the report states that Samsung had to boost its Fold 7 production in August as well, by about 100,000 units. It adds that “early adopters” (pre-orders) are a crucial factor driving the sharp increase in Fold 7 production on Samsung’s end. This has been previously reported, particularly after the company’s summer Unpacked event.

The favorite one

Concerning the publication’s note about “early adopters,” in July, reports emerged highlighting the Galaxy Z Fold 7’s remarkable performance in South Korea. It was noted that, for the first time, the Fold 7’s pre-orders outpaced those of the Flip 7. The larger foldable captured 60% of the pre-orders after Unpacked, a significant shift from the Flip 6’s 70% share in 2024.

It appears that the modifications and enhancements made to the Fold 7 have encouraged users to rethink their foldable preferences. Certainly, the Fold 7 features a slimmer design and is also considerably lighter than its predecessors.

Moreover, Samsung showcased its Fold 7, outlining all the new and improved features that customers can look forward to. One of the key highlights is that, according to screen tests, the Fold 7 is expected to endure approximately 500,000 folds. In simple terms, Samsung claims this should last the “average user” about 10 years. The phone’s UTG (ultra thin glass) has also been upgraded, ensuring that the crease through these numerous folds should remain minimal.

Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 7 is its slimmest book-style foldable to date. The device showcases a folded thickness of 8.9mm, significantly reducing the bulk and weight compared to earlier models. With Samsung’s 3rd generation Armor FlexHinge, the Galaxy Z Fold 7 is 27% slimmer and approximately 43% lighter.

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iPhone 17 Pro to Swap Titanium for Aluminum: Justifications for the Shift

**Apple’s Transition from Titanium to Aluminum in the iPhone 17 Pro: A Comprehensive Examination**

Amidst the various rumors about Apple’s forthcoming iPhone 17 series, a prominent change is the choice to return to aluminum for the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max variants, stepping away from the titanium utilized in the iPhone 15 Pro. This article delves into the ramifications of this transition, particularly highlighting the advantages of aluminum regarding weight and heat dissipation.

### Aluminum iPhone 17 Pro Design: Principal Advantages

Mark Gurman from Bloomberg points out that one of the major alterations in the design of the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max is the shift back to an aluminum framework. This choice is based on two main benefits: reduction in weight and enhanced heat dissipation. Aluminum is recognized for being lighter than titanium, which can improve the overall user experience, particularly for those used to the heavier feel of the iPhone 15 Pro and 16 Pro models.

### The Significance of Weight and Heat Management

The rivalry in the smartphone industry is intense, and the iPhone 17 Pro models are expected to rival the ultra-thin and lightweight iPhone 17 Air. Decreasing the weight of the Pro models could assist in narrowing the distance between these devices, making the Pro series more attractive to consumers who value portability.

Additionally, the iPhone 17 Pro Max is predicted to feature a larger battery, which could lead to an increase in weight if titanium were utilized again. By selecting aluminum, Apple can alleviate this potential weight increase while still offering a strong device.

Heat dissipation represents another pivotal factor in this choice. As smartphones continue to adopt advanced features, including AI functionalities and improved camera capabilities, effective heat management becomes crucial. Users have experienced overheating problems with the iPhone 15 Pro, especially during demanding tasks like utilizing the camera or operating AI-enhanced applications. While enhancements were introduced with the iPhone 16 Pro, heat management continues to be a concern.

Apple is expected to unveil new heat management technologies in the iPhone 17 series, and the switch to aluminum could further bolster these initiatives. The ability of aluminum to disperse heat more efficiently than titanium could result in a more stable performance during high-demand scenarios.

### Conclusion

Given these factors, the inquiry shifts from why Apple is substituting titanium with aluminum to why they wouldn’t pursue this change. The advantages of reduced weight and improved heat dissipation are considerable, particularly as the iPhone 17 Pro models gear up to compete in a saturated marketplace. As consumers anticipate the official launch of the iPhone 17 series, the effects of this design decision will likely be vital in influencing user experiences and preferences.

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Activating and Leveraging Daily Hub on the Pixel 10

Establish your own individualized daily summary.

(Photo credit: Derrek Lee / Android Central)

A fresh feature introduced with the Google Pixel 10 series smartphones is dubbed Daily Hub. Its purpose is to function as a personal summary, notifying you about forthcoming events on your schedule, pertinent topics you may wish to delve into further, suggested playlists, and more. It resembles Google’s alternative to Samsung’s Now Brief, a consolidation to assist you in starting your day or accessing valuable information as the day progresses.

Setting it up is straightforward. After that, give it a try and determine whether you enjoy it or can do without it.

Steps to activate Daily Hub

1. Navigate to Settings.

NotebookLM Launches Audio Summary AI for Workplace Analysis and Debate Preparation

NotebookLM’s Audio Overview function has now taken on three roles.

(Image credit: Brady Snyder / Android Central)
Disclaimer

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Essential Information

  • NotebookLM’s Audio Overview function can now produce a multi-voice audio snippet where AI personas debate various aspects of your content.
  • The primary purpose is to challenge your ideas by automatically creating counterpoints and critiques you may not have contemplated.
  • This feature enables you to adjust the tone and duration of the generated audio to match your specific requirements.

Google’s NotebookLM is moving away from the tedious, mechanical summary produced by its Audio Overview feature. What began as a clever note-to-audio function is evolving into a comprehensive discussion tool that’s sharper, quicker, and much more dynamic.

Rather than being confined to the same repetitive exchanges, you now

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