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Mint Mobile Lowers Top Data Plan to Very Affordable Price — Duration Unknown

Mint has just revived an iconic offer.

(Image credit: Android Central)

If you’re considering a new wireless plan, I’ve just discovered a Mint Mobile promotion that warrants your prompt consideration. For a short duration, new users signing up with the T-Mobile-owned MVNO will receive their initial three months of service for merely $15 per month ($45 total), regardless of the selected plan.

This allows you to secure three months of Mint’s Unlimited plan — one of our top picks in the unlimited offerings — at an impressive 50% discount, with no conditions attached. If you’ve been seeking a reason to switch to Mint, I believe you’ve just found it.

<div data-image="https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/cNfSyKCaNDAiPxukdZBSfG-200-100.jpg" data-link="https://mint-mobile.pxf.io/c/221109/444520/7915?subId1=hawk-custom-tracking&sharedId=hawk&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.mintmobile.com%2Fplans%2F" data-link-merchant="Mint Mobile" data-link-text="View Deal" data-merchant-id="33311" data-merchant-name="Mint Mobile" data-merchant-network="ImpactRad" data-merchant-url="mintmobile.com" data-model-name="Mint Mobile New Customer Offer: Get three months of the Unlimited plan for $15 per month at Mint" data-show-fallback="

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Highlights of the Keynote Announcements at WWDC 2025

**Apple’s WWDC 2025: Key Announcements and Innovations**

Apple’s Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) 2025 highlighted a range of thrilling updates and functionalities throughout its ecosystem. Although the company played down notable changes to Siri, the event brimmed with innovations that aim to elevate user experience across all Apple devices. Below is a thorough summary of the key announcements.

### Liquid Glass Design

Apple unveiled a fresh design concept called Liquid Glass, poised to redefine the aesthetics of all Apple devices. This groundbreaking material mirrors and bends its surroundings, generating a lively and visually captivating interface. The Liquid Glass design permeates iOS 26, iPadOS 26, macOS Tahoe 26, watchOS 26, and tvOS 26, guaranteeing a unified experience while preserving the distinctive traits of each platform. Controls and navigation in apps have been revamped to align flawlessly with modern hardware, boosting user engagement.

### Live Translation Feature

A major enhancement in communication arrives with the launch of Live Translation across Messages, FaceTime, and Phone applications. This functionality permits users to engage effortlessly across language differences, featuring real-time translation of messages and spoken dialogue. The integration of Apple-developed models ensures that private conversations stay confidential, as all translations occur on-device.

### On-Screen Visual Intelligence

Apple’s Visual Intelligence has progressed beyond the camera to encompass on-screen content. Users can now interact with what appears on their iPhone displays, inquiring about objects and searching for related products or information. This feature promotes productivity by allowing users to act upon the content they’re observing, such as adding events to their calendars based on identified information.

### Fitness Buddy on Apple Watch

The Apple Watch presents a new feature termed Workout Buddy, intended to inspire users during their exercise sessions. This feature evaluates workout metrics and fitness history to deliver personalized insights and motivation in real-time. Utilizing a dynamic voice model, Workout Buddy provides encouraging feedback, enriching the workout experience.

### Foundation Models for Developers

Apple is equipping developers with access to on-device Apple Intelligence features via the Foundation Models framework. This facilitates the creation of intelligent applications that operate offline while upholding user privacy. The framework supports Swift, allowing for straightforward integration of Apple Intelligence into various applications.

### Apple Intelligence-Infused Shortcuts

Shortcuts have become more potent with the integration of Apple Intelligence functionalities. Users can now formulate intelligent actions that utilize AI for tasks such as summarizing text or generating images. This enhancement enables more personalized and efficient workflows.

### iPadOS 26: Full Windowing Capabilities

iPadOS 26 signifies a considerable upgrade with the introduction of full windowing capabilities. Users can now resize, position, and manage multiple app windows seamlessly. The revamped windowing system boosts multitasking, permitting users to operate more effectively on their iPads.

### macOS 26: Continuity and Spotlight Enhancements

macOS 26 features the Liquid Glass design alongside significant upgrades in Continuity and Spotlight. Users can now make and receive phone calls directly from their Macs, with capabilities such as Call Screening and Hold Assist. Spotlight has been redesigned to deliver smarter search results and enable users to carry out actions without needing to switch apps.

### visionOS 26: Enhanced Spatial Experiences

visionOS 26 brings major advancements, including spatial widgets and shared experiences. Users can now enjoy more lifelike spatial photographs and improved 360-degree video support, making the Apple Vision Pro a more immersive platform for entertainment and collaboration.

### tvOS: Liquid Glass and Karaoke Features

tvOS also undergoes the Liquid Glass transformation, enhancing the visual experience on Apple TV. Furthermore, a new karaoke feature allows users to utilize their iPhones as microphones, amplifying their voices for an enjoyable sing-along experience.

### AirPods: New Features for Creators

AirPods now enable studio-quality audio recording and a camera remote feature, simplifying the process for content creators to capture high-quality audio and video. These enhancements cater to podcasters, singers, and other creators, providing versatile tools for content generation.

### Conclusion

WWDC 2025 has laid the groundwork for an exhilarating future for Apple users, prioritizing the enhancement of user experience through innovative design and intelligent features. The introduction of Liquid Glass, Live Translation, and various improvements across platforms highlights Apple’s dedication to developing a unified and user-friendly ecosystem. As users delve into these new features, the opportunities for creativity and productivity continue to grow.

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iOS 26 Unveils Function to Show Projected Charging Duration for iPhone Battery

### iPhone Battery Settings Enhancement in iOS 26: Features and Improvements

With the introduction of iOS 26, Apple has rolled out noteworthy enhancements to the iPhone’s battery settings, improving user experience and offering greater control over battery management. Among the key features is the new **Adaptive Power** mode, which seeks to maximize battery life based on user behavior.

#### Smart Battery Management

The iPhone now monitors additional battery metrics, including average power usage over the course of the day. This functionality provides users with insights into their battery consumption habits, assisting them in making educated choices regarding their device’s power management.

#### Display of Estimated Charging Time

A highlight of the updates is the capability to view the estimated time left to charge the battery to 80%. When the iPhone is connected to a power outlet, this information is clearly shown on the lock screen. For instance, if the battery is at 77% and linked to a slow charger, the device will indicate that it will take roughly seven minutes to attain 80%. This feature is especially beneficial for users employing different charging methods since it adjusts the estimate according to the current charging speed.

#### Overhauled Battery Settings

In addition to the lock screen feature, users can access detailed charging time estimates in the redesigned Settings -> Battery menu. This section now offers real-time data regarding the current charging status, including the remaining time to achieve a full charge. If the device is disconnected, it shows the current battery percentage and the last charged amount.

#### Improved Consumption Monitoring

The revamped Battery settings interface features a new graph that juxtaposes current battery usage against daily and weekly averages. This tool alerts users if any application is consuming an excessive amount of battery, offering insights into possible battery drain sources.

#### Adaptive Power Mode

The launch of **Adaptive Power** mode provides users with an extra tool for prolonging battery life. This mode works in conjunction with the existing Low Power Mode and makes subtle performance tweaks when the device senses above-normal battery consumption. For example, it might slightly dim the display or postpone certain background processes to save battery life. Apple characterizes this feature as adaptive, meaning it will activate only under specific circumstances, ensuring that users experience minimal disruption to their device’s performance when battery levels are adequate.

#### Conclusion

The modifications to iPhone battery settings in iOS 26 demonstrate Apple’s dedication to enhancing user experience through smart battery management. With features such as estimated charging time, detailed consumption monitoring, and Adaptive Power mode, users can gain a better understanding and management of their device’s battery life, ensuring optimal performance throughout the day.

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Perspectives from Designers Regarding Apple’s Liquid Glass Design

**The Influence of Apple’s Liquid Glass Design Language on User Experience**

With the launch of a major revision to the visuals of Apple devices, the tech community is buzzing with conversations about the new Liquid Glass design language. This innovative approach to design has received varied responses from design and UI experts, showcasing a mix of enthusiasm and apprehension regarding its functionality.

### A Daring New Appearance

The Liquid Glass design language marks a shift from Apple’s prior flat design style, seeking to establish a more dynamic and captivating user interface. Designers such as Serhii Popov, a software engineer at MacPaw, have lauded the new aesthetic as “truly fresh,” indicating that it improves the overall user experience by making interfaces feel larger and more inviting to interact with. This view is supported by Josh Puckett, cofounder of Iteration, who contends that the reintegration of dimensionality into digital surfaces will pave the way for a trend toward more expressive and experience-focused software design.

Allan Yu, a product designer at Output, also finds the aesthetic charm of the new design appealing, referring to it as “gorgeous.” This enthusiasm underscores a shared optimism among certain designers that Apple’s new direction could motivate a wider movement in digital design.

### Usability Issues

However, despite the favorable commentary regarding the visual elements of the Liquid Glass design, there is a prevailing agreement among professionals about significant readability challenges. Many designers have voiced concerns that the current version may be overly visually distracting, with excessive motion and shifting components hindering users’ ability to concentrate. This feedback indicates that although the design is visually striking, it may struggle to function effectively in practical scenarios.

For example, a reader from 9to5Mac expressed this duality, mentioning that while the design is breathtaking at first sight, it becomes a distraction in real-world use. The aspiration among many is that Apple will refine the design prior to its official release, possibly by lessening background transparency and reducing attention-diverting animations.

### The Way Forward

As Apple progresses in honing the Liquid Glass design language, the insights from designers and users will be vital in defining its final version. The design community’s readiness to allow Apple time to adjust the appearance based on initial beta feedback reflects a collective interest in witnessing the company thrive in this adventurous initiative.

In summary, the Liquid Glass design language has ignited a vibrant discussion among design professionals, emphasizing both its promise for innovation and the hurdles it encounters concerning usability. As Apple advances, striking a balance between visual allure and functional clarity will be essential for the success of this new design strategy.

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macOS 26 Launches Spotlight Actions, Clipboard Manager, Custom Shortcuts, and More Features

# Spotlight Takes the Spotlight in macOS Tahoe 26

Following years of gradual improvements, Spotlight is now in the spotlight in macOS Tahoe 26, which Apple touts as its most significant update to date. This version seeks to transform Spotlight from merely a file and app launcher into a comprehensive productivity layer throughout macOS, akin to the experience that Alfred and Raycast users have enjoyed for years.

## A Quicker, More Relevant Spotlight

Spotlight now strives to be the quickest method to explore and engage with content on your Mac. By employing on-device intelligence, it brings forth the most pertinent files, applications, shortcuts, and actions tailored to user context, including recent behavior, daily habits, shortcuts, and clipboard contents. File results are prioritized and categorized by relevance, enabling users to refine results instantly for more exact searches.

## System and App Actions, Integrated

A key change is the ability to access system and app actions directly through Spotlight. Users can now efficiently carry out tasks such as:

– Creating a calendar event
– Sending an email or message
– Starting a timer or voice memo
– Playing a podcast
– Running Shortcuts
– Activating app-specific commands, including menu bar items

These actions can be performed without leaving the keyboard or switching between applications. Apple claims that Spotlight now reveals hundreds of these actions, with developers having the ability to present even more via the App Intents API. A multitude of actions are context-aware and provide parameter fields right in the Spotlight UI, allowing users to input details without needing to launch the complete app.

## Quick Keys: Fresh Muscle Memory for Mac

macOS Tahoe 26 presents Quick Keys, short character sequences that function as keyboard shortcuts for common actions. For instance, typing “sm” can send a message, while “ar” creates a reminder. These Quick Keys are automatically generated based on user activity, establishing a fresh layer of muscle memory for Spotlight enthusiasts and reflecting features found in third-party launchers like Alfred.

## iPhone Apps and App Mirroring

Thanks to Apple’s expanding Continuity framework, Spotlight can now bring forth and launch iPhone applications through iPhone Mirroring. During the demonstration, Apple illustrated how users could launch and manage iPhone-exclusive apps directly from Spotlight on macOS, using Headspace as an example.

## Native Clipboard History

Another noteworthy addition is clipboard history, now directly accessible within Spotlight. Users can search and explore previously copied items, including text, links, and images. A visual preview column on the left side of the Spotlight window enables users to identify from which app or context specific content was copied.

## Spotlight + Shortcuts + Apple Intelligence

In macOS Tahoe 26, Spotlight receives enhanced integration with Shortcuts and Apple Intelligence. During the WWDC demonstration, Apple showcased how users could initiate a custom “Create Tagline” shortcut from Spotlight, automatically utilizing content from the clipboard and receiving AI-generated suggestions in return.

For continuous updates and complete coverage of WWDC25, head to our news hub.

Are you looking forward to the revamped Spotlight? Was the demonstration sufficient to prompt you to switch from a third-party application? Share your thoughts in the comments.

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Apple Tackles Siri Lag and Unveils Upcoming Enhancements

### Craig Federighi Assures That Apple Will Deliver Every Previously Announced Siri Feature ‘and More’

At Apple’s latest WWDC keynote, the organization tackled ongoing worries about the delayed Siri features that were first revealed last year and have not yet launched. In a recent interview, Craig Federighi, Apple’s software leader, shared insights into the factors causing these delays and teased further features on the horizon.

#### Insights on the Delays

In a conversation with YouTuber iJustine, Federighi detailed the obstacles encountered in delivering the anticipated Siri functionalities, which were initially planned for iOS 18. He emphasized the necessity of reliability in user experience, saying:

> “What we communicated previously was that we were really striving to get those [features] to come together.

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8 iOS 26 Messaging Functions Now On Par with WhatsApp

Apple has finally revealed iOS 26, showcasing a range of new features for the Messages app, an essential element of the iPhone experience. In the face of fierce competition from messaging powerhouses such as WhatsApp and Telegram, Apple has rolled out several improvements to keep its users engaged. Here are the eight new features that are poised to change how you interact with the Messages app:

1. **Liquid Glass Design**: iOS 26 features the Liquid Glass design language, creating a harmonious and consistent appearance across all Apple operating systems. This design enhancement ensures the Messages app integrates flawlessly with the overall system’s aesthetic.

2. **Live Translation**: Driven by Apple Intelligence, this feature empowers users to converse in different languages effortlessly. Translations show up in real-time for each message, facilitating smooth interactions between speakers of various languages, like English and Spanish.

3. **Screen Messages from Unknown Senders**: iOS 26 incorporates a specialized folder for messages from unfamiliar senders. Users have the option to designate senders as known, seek additional information, or remove messages entirely. These messages stay muted until the user opts to accept them.

4. **Custom Backgrounds**: Users now have the ability to customize group chats by choosing a specific color, photo, or AI-generated image through Image Playground. This feature, which has been available on WhatsApp for a while, is finally making its debut in iMessage.

5. **Create Polls**: The functionality to create polls within chats is another feature taken from WhatsApp. Apple Intelligence can even propose polls based on the topic of conversation, making group decision-making more engaging and effective.

6. **Typing Indicators**: In group chats, iOS 26 now reveals who is typing, providing greater context to discussions. This advancement from the previous generic typing bubble allows users to know precisely who is participating in the chat.

7. **Apple Cash**: Users can now request, send, and receive Apple Cash in group chats, simplifying financial transactions among friends and family.

These features are crafted to enrich user experience, making the Messages app more competitive and flexible. With these enhancements, Apple strives to uphold its status as a leader in the messaging app arena, providing users with innovative communication tools.

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Significant ChatGPT Disruption Indicates the Need to Contemplate a Transition to Gemini

Open AI’s ChatGPT is currently experiencing disruptions for numerous users worldwide.

(Image credit: Jay Bonggolto / Android Central)

Essential information

  • ChatGPT is undergoing a significant worldwide outage preventing users from utilizing the AI chatbot.
  • The disruption appears to have initiated at 2 am ET and remains unresolved, with users encountering error notifications when attempting to submit queries.
  • OpenAI has acknowledged the outage and is actively working on a remedy.
  • Many ChatGPT users are exploring AI alternatives such as Google’s Gemini, Grok, and Perplexity AI.

The outage affecting OpenAI’s ChatGPT commenced earlier this morning. As reported by DownDetector, numerous outage reports began to surface around 2:20 am ET, with a noticeable increase in reports around 5:30 am ET in the U.S.

The outage for the AI chatbot has continued to escalate over the last several hours as individuals in Europe, North America, and Australia encounter issues accessing ChatGPT.

This disruption affects both free and paid versions of the AI chatbot, with users receiving error messages when attempting to access the service or ChatGPT failing to load completely.

Threads Unveils Direct Messaging Functionality in Upcoming Release

The direct messaging feature is designed to foster improved connectivity and effortless engagement on the social media platform.

(Image credit: Nicholas Sutrich / Android Central)

Essential Information

  • Threads is currently trialing its direct messages (DM) functionality in locations such as Hong Kong, Thailand, and Argentina.
  • These DMs will be separate from those on Instagram, enabling direct discussions within the Threads application without switching platforms.
  • The rollout of DMs aligns with ongoing initiatives to improve user satisfaction, following the implementation of public custom feeds and shareable links earlier this year.

Launched in 2023, Threads by Meta emerged as a swift competitor to X (previously known as Twitter). Nearly two years into its existence, some key functionalities like DMs remain unavailable on the platform. However, this may change as Threads begins testing DMs this week.

Mark Zuckerberg has indicated that Threads is initiating a DM test this week, which has noticeably been a high-demand feature from users. Although users can communicate with others via Threads or comments, the demand for private interactions has been persistent, prompting Meta to trial this feature in select regions.

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