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Blog Posts

How AT&T Created the Most Iconic Phone Ever

For years, even decades, virtually everyone in the United States had the same phone. Nobody really thought about it, it didn’t even matter what it was called – it was just The Phone. Well, The Phone was called the Western Electric 500, and when landline phones ruled the world, the Western Electric 500 ruled the […]

Five Reliable Refurbished iPhones Priced Below $500 That Will Still Be Dependable in 2026

### Five Excellent Used iPhone Choices for Thrifty Shoppers

If you want to get a new iPhone but consider the iPhone 17 too expensive, there are fantastic alternatives in the used market. Here are five excellent selections that cater to various needs and budgets.

#### #1 – iPhone 15 Pro
The iPhone 15 Pro stands out as a superb option for those in search of premium features, including a ProMotion display, advanced Apple Intelligence, and a telephoto lens. Fueled by the A17 Pro chip, it guarantees both durability and efficiency. Currently, an unlocked 128GB iPhone 15 Pro is available for about $487 on Amazon Renewed, presenting a budget-friendly alternative to the iPhone 17. For individuals who favor larger screens, the iPhone 15 Pro Max can be acquired for $572.

#### #2 – iPhone 15
For those seeking the most budget-friendly iPhone with USB-C and Dynamic Island, the iPhone 15 is a superb option. It comes equipped with a 48MP camera and remarkable battery life. An unlocked 128GB iPhone 15 has a price tag of $389 on Amazon Renewed, while the iPhone 15 Plus is available for $408, providing a larger display.

#### #3 – iPhone 13 mini
The iPhone 13 mini is perfect for enthusiasts of compact devices, featuring the A15 Bionic chip and a vibrant 800 nit OLED display. Despite being older, it continues to be a capable phone. Currently, the iPhone 13 mini can be had for around $230 in the 128GB variant, making it one of the most budget-friendly choices on this list.

#### #4 – iPhone 14 Plus
If you desire a larger iPhone without overspending, the iPhone 14 Plus is an excellent selection. It boasts a strong camera setup and impressive battery life. Priced at roughly $309 on Amazon Renewed, it offers tremendous value for a larger device. An honorable mention is the iPhone 13 Pro Max, which features top-tier qualities and is available for about $409.

#### #5 – iPhone SE 3
The iPhone SE 3 represents a budget-conscious choice that still delivers with its A15 chip and 5G capabilities. It features a 4.7-inch LCD screen and a home button, reminiscent of the iPhone 8. The iPhone SE 3 can be acquired for as low as $129 on Amazon Renewed, making it the most affordable iPhone option. For those requiring additional storage, the 128GB version is available for $179.

These five used iPhones offer a variety of features and prices, ensuring you can find a device that meets your needs without overspending.

China Builds a Massive Floating Island for Comprehensive Deep Sea Study in Any Weather

China has initiated the construction of the largest mobile research platform globally, designed to connect simulated laboratory tests with authentic oceanic conditions. This open-ocean “floating island” can be rapidly mobilized and deployed to various regions with diverse testing environments. Engineers at Shanghai Jiao Tong University have crafted this research facility with dual semi-submersible hulls, enabling researchers to operate under different environmental conditions while at sea for extended durations.

The platform will facilitate the testing of mining technologies such as drills and deep-sea robots. As China’s robotics sector experiences swift growth, this platform could expedite the advancement of underwater autonomous systems, including sizable ones. It can accommodate equipment weighing up to 110 tons and is capable of conducting tests at depths reaching 32,800 feet (10,000 meters). In comparison, the ocean’s deepest location, the Mariana Trench, is at 36,000 feet (11,000 meters), thus allowing it to explore nearly any underwater region.

The potential applications of this project extend beyond just oil and mining exploration. It may also be utilized for typhoon forecasting, provide insight into marine ecosystems, and assist scientists in seeking clues concerning the origins of life, such as elusive subatomic particles located a mile below the ocean’s surface.

How China developed a platform that’s stable like a rig yet can maneuver like a vessel

Conventional marine platforms encounter significant constraints. Research vessels are mobile but struggle to maintain their position in turbulent waters. On the other hand, fixed oil rigs provide stability but lack mobility. In contrast, the mobile island is both stable and relocatable when necessary. The engineers devised the platform utilizing a semi-submersible twin-hull framework that can alternate between different configurations. To ensure stability, the hulls are filled with water, lowering the ship and enhancing its resistance to waves. To navigate, the hulls expel the water, allowing the platform to elevate. According to engineers, it can navigate and steer similarly to a traditional vessel.

It will be capable of maintaining anchor at a single spot for months, even during ty

Leading User-Endorsed External Xbox Series X Controllers

The Xbox Series X is a remarkable console boasting an extensive game library, largely due to its Game Pass service. Yet, the standard Xbox Series X controller, although effective, falls short of the sophisticated features available in rivals such as the PlayStation 5 DualSense or the Switch Pro controllers. For gamers looking for improved gameplay experiences, numerous third-party controllers present enhanced features and design aspects.

**Razer Wolverine Ultimate V3**: Renowned for excellence, Razer’s Wolverine Ultimate V3 is a highly acclaimed controller equipped with six additional buttons, customizable thumbstick caps, and Hall effect joysticks. Offered in both standard and Tournament Edition versions, it provides a luxurious experience but comes with a steep price tag.

**8BitDo Ultimate 2C and 2**: These controllers present outstanding value with features including programmable bumper buttons and Hall effect joysticks. They connect through Bluetooth and 2.4 GHz wireless, making them adaptable for a range of devices. Despite their lighter construction, they receive praise for their responsive controls and competitive pricing.

**Hyperkin Xenon**: This controller evokes Xbox 360 nostalgia while incorporating modern technology. It boasts upgraded vibration and trigger mechanics, although it is wired only, which may deter some users. Its ergonomic design and reasonable cost render it a favored option.

**Scuf Valor Pro**: As a successor to the discontinued Instinct Pro, the Scuf Valor Pro features customizable paddles, adjustable triggers, and a 1000 HZ polling rate. Available in both wired and wireless formats, it delivers a premium experience, albeit at a high price.

**GameSir G7**: GameSir’s G7 series includes the G7 Pro Wireless and G7 SE Wired models, featuring Hall effect triggers and interchangeable faceplates. Known for their robust ergonomics and cutting-edge technology, these controllers provide excellent value for their cost.

The choice of these controllers was influenced by user feedback and popularity, concentrating on those that surpass standard Xbox controllers in terms of features and user satisfaction.

The NFC Reader available on your smartphone provides capabilities beyond simple Tap-to-Pay features.

contactless payment solutions, such as Apple Pay. It can also facilitate the activation and use of digital transit tickets, like those for your local transportation service.

The main limitation of NFC, which is also the reason it is generally viewed as a more secure transmission method, is that the wireless range is quite short. Thus, you need to be in close proximity (within touching distance) for it to function. Additionally, you can configure a setting that permits tag scanning only when your phone is unlocked through a “Require device unlock for NFC” feature for enhanced security (this setting is dependent on the OEM).

However, if distance becomes an issue and you lack access to your phone, then you might find it difficult to take advantage of functionalities like scanning tags or sharing your Wi-Fi information using this feature. These are useful functionalities, but they are not the sole capabilities of the NFC reader embedded in your smartphone. It appears that there are three operational modes for NFC: card emulation mode, reader and writer mode, and peer-to-peer mode.

NFC allows you to quickly exchange digital business cards and contact information

Three Budget-Friendly Android Devices Offering Greater Power Than the Samsung Galaxy A37

Samsung’s smartphone range. It showcases a 6.7-inch OLED screen with a refresh rate of 120Hz, a 5,000mAh battery, and boasts an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance. The device is driven by the Exynos 1480 SoC and operates on Android 16 with One UI 8.5 layered on top. Notably, this phone is slated to receive Android OS and security updates for a duration of six years, which is commendable for a mid-tier smartphone. It is available for purchase starting at $450 in the U.S. through Samsung’s retail outlets, the official website, numerous wireless carriers, and Amazon. Although initial hands-on evaluations suggest that the Galaxy A37 is a satisfactory mid-range option, it doesn’t offer any significant enhancements over the Galaxy A36, which already ranks among the best budget gaming devices and even the top budget smartphones for frequent travelers.

The only significant modification is the new Exynos chip, which is somewhat disappointing as the A37 is priced $50 higher than its predecessor. While the price hike is probably due to escalating component costs, it renders the phone less appealing as a value proposition. Therefore, if you wish to investigate all available alternatives and seek similarly priced devices that can deliver superior performance with their enhanced internals, you’re in luck. A number of budget or mid-range Android smartphones are worth considering over the Galaxy A37. Here’s a glimpse at three of the leading options.

Google Pixel 10a

Even though it’s $50 pricier than the base model of the Galaxy A37, the Pixel 10a is a more powerful and capable device, attributed to its flagship-level Tensor G4 chip and 8GB of RAM. It is also highly recommended as one of the best, if not the top, value-for-money Android smartphones, and it features in our selections of budget devices that are astonishingly overpowered. Additionally, the Pixel 10a comes with an aluminum body, a brighter display featuring 3,000 nits, and is poised to receive an extra year of Android updates.

While the Pixel lacks a third rear camera, Google phones have long been celebrated for their exceptional computational photography abilities, as highlighted in numerous expert evaluations. Other notable features of the Google device include Wi-Fi 6e for enhanced connectivity, dual-frequency GPS for improved location accuracy in crowded areas, a more advanced USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-C port, and support for wireless charging. The Pixel 10a is available starting at $500 on Amazon, <a href="https://r.bttn.io?btn_ref=org-225e4e0aac880b8f&btn_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.bestbuy.com%2Fproduct%2Fgoogle-pixel-10a-128gb-unlocked-obsidian%2FJ39TC8CKQW%2Fsku%2F6668565&btn_pub_ref=

The AI Code Wars Intensify

This is The Stepback, a weekly newsletter breaking down one essential story from the tech world. For more on the AI coding and vibe-coding booms, follow David Pierce. The Stepback arrives in our subscribers’ inboxes at 8AM ET. Opt in for The Stepback here. How it started Writing code was a killer app for AI […]