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How Google Connected the File-Sharing Divide by Merging Quick Share with AirDrop

**It’s similar to the substantial RCS initiative between Android and iPhone, but for your documents.**

In a pivotal step to improve cross-platform functionality, Google has unveiled a new update for its Pixel 10 series that enables Android’s Quick Share to operate effortlessly with Apple’s AirDrop. This advancement is reminiscent of the recent RCS (Rich Communication Services) merger between Android and iPhone, intended to enhance messaging experiences. Consequently, file sharing between these two platforms is poised to become simpler.

**Key points to remember:**
– Google has allowed its Pixel 10 series to transmit files from Quick Share to iPhones through AirDrop.
– Users need to adjust their devices to “Everyone for 10 minutes” to enable file exchanges between Android and iPhone.
– Google intends to expand this functionality to more Android devices, widening the range of cross-platform file sharing.

This update, which starts to roll out today, underscores Google’s dedication to promoting better interoperability between Android and iOS devices. The firm assures users that this feature has been designed with security in mind, having undergone thorough evaluation by independent security specialists.

The initiative follows Apple’s recent incorporation of RCS on iPhones with iOS 18, which enhanced messaging between Android and iOS by introducing functionalities such as read receipts and higher-quality images. This was a notable advancement, aligning with Google’s #GetTheMessage campaign that champions improved messaging standards.

The partnership between Google and Apple in advancing file sharing and messaging mirrors a growing trend towards cross-platform integration, promising a more cohesive user experience across different devices. As this update is implemented, users can anticipate a more seamless interaction between their Android and iOS devices, creating a sense of greater connectivity than ever before.

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“Discovering the Ease of Qi2 Magnetic Charging with the Pixel 10 and Anker’s Slim MagSafe Power Bank for Alleviating Battery Worries”

When discussing portable chargers, I’ve grown used to the particular kind of power bank that I must hold in my hand, balancing it while attempting to use my phone, or having it awkwardly stick out from my pocket with a long cable extending to charge my phone. Neither option is especially appealing, but MagSafe and Qi2 come to the rescue.

I recently obtained the Anker MagGo Power Bank (5K), and it’s been a delight to use with my Pixel 10. It is relatively slim, features a quite substantial battery, and is extremely easy to carry when you require additional power. However, even though there are still reasons to appreciate non-MagSafe portable chargers, this Qi2 model has provided me with insight into the genuine advantage of MagSafe, and I’m eager to see its future developments.

What’s more, the Anker MagGo Power Bank (5K) is currently on sale for Black Friday, marking the second occasion I’ve seen it at a discount, making it even more attractive for anyone looking to purchase one.

Undoubtedly, the most compelling feature of the Anker MagGo Power Bank (5K) is its sleek design. The charger is .34 inches thick, which is about as slim as the Pixel 10. Yes, it basically doubles the phone’s width, but it’s far less jarring considering the thickness of the Pixel 10’s camera module.

Anker’s marketing materials for this charger predominantly highlight the iPhone Air, which is quite a bit thinner. Nevertheless, when holding a phone that slender, battery longevity might already be a concern, and a charger that’s somewhat bulkier but equipped with a larger battery seems like a reasonable compromise.

Regarding the actual magnetic connection, it is exceptionally strong, and I’ve never experienced any issues with the charger detaching from the Pixel 10 unless I intended for it to.

Another significant advantage of the charger being slim is that it fits more comfortably in a pocket. Unlike other portable chargers, which are often quite bulky and cumbersome, the Anker MagGo Power Bank (5K) is compact, lightweight, and the best representation of “portable” I’ve encountered in a charger.

The Anker MagGo Power Bank (5K) charges wirelessly at 15W and includes a 5,000mAh battery capacity, aligning with the higher end of many top Android devices. That is sufficient to provide a decent charge when required, although you shouldn’t anticipate it to fully recharge your battery.

This is due to the inefficiency of wireless charging, meaning the power bank typically depletes before my Pixel 10 receives a complete charge. Nevertheless, it should suffice for most users, especially as a backup option. Additionally, the charger does get somewhat warm during use, but not alarmingly so.

Moreover, you can utilize the USB-C port for power output, with a maximum of 20W. While not the quickest, it should prove faster and more efficient compared to wireless charging, as indicated in the chart above.

It also allows for 20W input charging, which is fairly decent, though it entails waiting close to two hours for a full recharge. There is no screen to indicate your current charge status, but four small lights at the bottom fulfill that purpose, which can be activated by pressing the side button.

There are clear disadvantages to having a charger this slim, the primary one being the relatively small capacity. With other power banks, I’m accustomed to having a capacity of at least 10,000mAh, which delivers at least one complete charge and more. Given the increasing battery capacities of top Android phones, I cannot expect a full charge from the Anker MagGo Power Bank (5K), though I still find it helpful for additional power when necessary.

The charging speed also leaves something to be desired, yet it’s not terribly sluggish, particularly if you choose the USB-C method (which somewhat undermines the concept of having a magnetic portable charger).

To address this, Anker provides a 10,000mAh version of the MagGo Power Bank that not only doubles the capacity but also accommodates up to 30W charging through USB-C, in addition to 15W wireless charging. However, at .58 inches, this charger is considerably thicker and doesn’t feel like something I’d like to attach to the back of my phone.

Still, it’s an alternative for anyone looking to gain a bit more from their portable MagSafe charger, and there’s even another 10,000mAh model that features the same capacity and a small display on the side (though it’s even thicker at .78 inches).

On the flip side, if you’re prepared to sacrifice the convenience of a magnetic connection, the Anker Nano Power Bank has served me well and has become my new preferred portable charger. It boasts a retract…

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User Finds Way to Unlock iPhone-Only Functions of AirPods Pro on Android Devices

### LibrePods Introduces Apple Device-Exclusive AirPods Features for Android and Linux

AirPods are primarily crafted for Apple devices, yet they also serve as standard Bluetooth headphones that can pair with any device. An open-source project on GitHub named LibrePods presents a means to access certain audio features exclusive to iPhones on Android and Linux platforms.

If you possess AirPods and aim to broaden their capabilities with your Android or Linux device, LibrePods might be the answer. This open-source initiative by Kavish Devar offers comprehensive guidance on unlocking audio features typically reserved for Apple devices such as the iPhone.

#### Unlocked Features

Below is a compilation of the features available for unlocking, as stated on the GitHub page:

– **Noise Control Modes**: Seamlessly toggle between noise control modes without the need for a long press on your AirPods.
– **Ear Detection**: Automatically manages your music playback when you insert or remove your AirPods, switching to the phone speaker when they are taken out.
– **Battery Status**: Displays precise battery levels for your AirPods.
– **Head Gestures**: Enables you to accept calls simply by nodding your head.
– **Conversational Awareness**: Automatically reduces the volume when you begin to speak.
– **Hearing Aid** (requires VendorID modification).
– **Customize Transparency Mode** (requires VendorID modification).
– **Multi-device Connectivity** (up to 2 devices, requires VendorID modification).
– **Other Customizations**:
– Rename your AirPods.
– Modify long-press actions.
– Access all accessibility options.
– And more!

*Note: Features indicated with an asterisk necessitate altering the VendorID to match that of Apple.*

As with any open-source program, it is wise to exercise caution. The project has been validated on AirPods Pro 2 but is said to be compatible with other models such as AirPods Pro 3, AirPods Max, and beyond.

If you have installed LibrePods, please share your feedback in the comments.

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Bluetti Unveils Premium Line of Portable Power Stations Featuring Discounts Reaching 65%

**Bluetti Broadens Portable Power Station Lineup with Elite Series**

The renewable energy firm Bluetti has launched its latest Elite series of portable power stations, crafted for both residential energy independence and outdoor escapades. For a limited period, readers of 9to5Mac can take advantage of discounts reaching up to 65% on these cutting-edge products.

### Elite 10 Portable Power Station

The highlight of this new collection is the Elite 10 Portable Power Station, which stands as Bluetti’s most compact creation, weighing under four pounds and fitting snugly in your hand. This model is designed for travelers and campers, combining the ease of a power bank with the features of a complete portable power station. It has a capacity of 128Wh and delivers a total output of 200 watts for both AC and DC power. The Elite 10 is equipped with a quick 10-millisecond switching feature, making it ideal for use as an uninterruptible power supply (UPS). Users can charge the unit while simultaneously powering their devices.

– **Price**: Regular price $239, promotional price $139 (42% off)
– [Elite 10 Portable Power Station](https://bit.ly/3JD6SmJ)

### Elite 30 V2 and Elite 200 V2

For users needing greater power, Bluetti is providing substantial savings on the Elite 30 V2 and Elite 200 V2 models. These choices offer increased capacity and performance for a range of uses.

– **Note**: This is the best price ever available for the Elite 200 V2.
– **Coupon**: Enter code 9TO5MAC5OFF for an extra 5% discount.

### Elite 400 Portable Power Station

The latest Elite 400 Portable Power Station carries on the tradition of the Elite 200 V2, featuring a remarkable 3,840Wh capacity and a strong output of 2,600W (3,900W surge). It is engineered to power high-demand devices such as refrigerators and tools while ensuring great portability with its retractable handle and wheels.

– **Price**: Regular price $2,999, discounted price $1,499 (50% off)
– [Elite 400 Portable Power Station](https://bit.ly/43aqQMo)
– **Coupon**: Apply code 9TO5MAC6OFF for an additional 6% discount.

### B500K Expansion Battery

For current Bluetti owners looking to enhance their home backup systems, the new B500K Expansion Battery delivers an enormous 5,120Wh capacity. This battery works with various Bluetti products and can be expanded up to 100kWh by linking multiple units. It is built for straightforward installation and portability, making it a superb option for home or RV applications.

– **Price**: Regular price $2,999, promotional price $1,699 (43% off)
– [B500K Expansion Battery](https://bit.ly/490gIcL)
– **Coupon**: Use code 9TO5MAC56OFF for an extra 6% discount.

### Apex 300 + Expansion Battery Bundles

For those lacking a home backup system, this is an opportune time to invest in the Apex 300 Portable Power Station. Pairing it with either the B300K or B500K expansion batteries not only offers substantial savings but also qualifies for the 30% U.S. Residential Clean Energy Credit, valid until December 31.

– **Coupon**: Enter code 9TO5MAC6OFF for an additional 6% discount.

### More Bluetti Black Friday Offers

These featured products are part of a wider range of Bluetti Black Friday deals. To examine the full selection, follow the provided link. Furthermore, 9to5Mac readers can benefit from an additional 5% discount on most portable power stations and home battery backups using the coupon code 9TO5MAC5OFF at checkout.

For further details on the complete array of Bluetti products, visit

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James Webb Space Telescope Discovers a Supermassive Black Hole

there is a new framework to attempt to elucidate the beginnings of the universe.

The JWST has contributed to the identification of what are known as little red dots. These are light sources from the primordial cosmos that remain somewhat mysterious. Due to the enormous scale of this supermassive black hole, the researchers have nicknamed it the BiRD, or Big Red Dot.

This finding was disclosed in the Astronomy & Astrophysics journal in October 2025 under the heading “A big red dot at cosmic noon”. This research united a global team of scientists from institutions such as Space Telescope Science Institute affiliated with the European Space Agency, Yale University, and the University of Cambridge. Their results may aid in enhancing our understanding of the characteristics of the red dots being detected by the JWST, as well as expanding our comprehension of the primordial cosmos.

What insights have we gained regarding this supermassive black hole?

Perplexity Comet Introduces Mobile Application, First Offered on Android

Perplexity has recently unveiled its AI-driven browser, Comet, for mobile devices, starting with Android. Initially launched on desktop in July, Comet became broadly accessible by October after the company concluded its waitlist. The Android application was introduced following a pre-registration phase on Google Play, representing a crucial advancement as Perplexity seeks to deliver an AI-native browsing experience customized for mobile.

Perplexity’s CEO, Aravind Srinivas, highlighted the intentional effort required to tailor Comet for each operating system and device format, guaranteeing a smooth mobile experience instead of simply duplicating the desktop version. This strategy is noteworthy as many tech firms tend to prioritize iPhone launches. Nonetheless, Perplexity’s emphasis on Android may be attributed to easier access to specific resources, such as the phone’s microphone for voice interactions with the Comet assistant.

The Comet browser for Android provides users with an AI assistant capable of responding to inquiries and executing actions related to the content being viewed. The assistant features enhanced reasoning capabilities and allows users to influence its workflow. Moreover, the app incorporates a Voice Mode, permitting users to participate in voice interactions regarding open tabs, and a smart summarization tool that consolidates information across tabs.

Comet also includes an integrated ad blocker, touted as the “most advanced” tool in the industry for reducing online interruptions. However, this functionality appears to conflict with Perplexity’s previous claims about wanting to learn from users for customized ad experiences.

Comet is presently available at no cost on the Google Play store for Android users, with no confirmed release date for the iPhone version.

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Guide for Selecting the Finest Smart Display Glasses During Black Friday Discounts

This holiday season, Xreal, Viture, and RayNeo are all vying for your choice, but similar to selecting a starting Pokémon, there’s only one optimal pick.

(Image credit: Nicholas Sutrich / Android Central)

Are you looking to snag affordable smart display glasses this Black Friday? The great news is that you don’t need to wait! All three of our top-rated smart glasses are currently on sale a full week in advance of Black Friday starting, but how do you decide among them?

Each pair of glasses offers a substantial wearable OLED display in a sleek design, letting you connect them to your smartphone, Steam Deck, laptop, or a variety of other gadgets. This gives you a personal, private screen without straining your neck. Whether you seek the finest image quality, the lowest cost, or the most extensive compatibility, I’m here to assist you in making the best choice right now.

Top overall smart display glasses

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Gemini AI Now Incorporated with Android Auto for Improved Vehicle Intelligence

From your brainstorming partner to your guide, Gemini is here for you.

(Image credit: Brady Snyder / Android Central)

Essential information

  • Google integrates Gemini AI into Android Auto for upgraded driving assistance and multitasking features.
  • Gemini facilitates smooth communication and sophisticated task management, enhancing user experience during travel.
  • The AI boosts entertainment options, crafting playlists and providing local information while driving.

Google is finally implementing its Gemini intelligence into Android Auto, marking a significant enhancement! It was showcased during Google I/O, and it seems that some users on Reddit began noticing signs of the rollout earlier this month.

Today, the company has officially declared that Android Auto will be globally integrated with Gemini (Nov. 20). With Gemini in your vehicle, you will be able to accomplish more during your commute. This means you can engage in lengthy discussions with it while completing more complex tasks. For example, Gemini can serve as your guide and local authority, fully incorporated into Google Maps.

Gemini will assess reviews to provide business insights, respond to frequent queries, and assist users in locating and navigating to local destinations. If you say, “Hey Google, I need

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Savings of as much as $150 Offered on Garmin’s Leading Two Prior-Generation Timepieces

The Garmin holiday promotion provides considerable discounts on popular smartwatch models, making it an ideal moment for athletes and fitness enthusiasts to enhance their gear without overspending. While the newest models like the Fenix 8 and Forerunner 965 are on offer, the Venu 3 and Forerunner 265 emerge as budget-friendly options that still deliver a complete range of training tools.

The Garmin Forerunner 265, available for $299 at Best Buy, is a flexible choice for outdoor athletes. It comprises features such as training load focus, daily running recommendations, and Garmin’s dual-band GPS for accurate tracking. With a battery life of 13 days, it’s aimed at those dedicated to boosting their performance without requiring the extra features of the Forerunner 965, like offline maps.

For indoor athletes, the Garmin Venu 3, priced at $349, combines style with functionality. It boasts Garmin’s fifth-generation Elevate sensors, which provide ECGs, skin temperature insights, and precise heart rate readings. The Venu 3 also facilitates Bluetooth calling and phone assistant commands, rendering it a versatile option for individuals who appreciate both fitness tracking and smart capabilities.

Both the Forerunner 265 and Venu 3 have received high recommendations in their respective categories, presenting a mix of affordability and functionality. They might miss some of the advanced features available in newer models, yet they offer all the essentials required for most athletes to monitor their development and realize their fitness ambitions.

With the present discounts, these models provide a fantastic opportunity for those eager to step into the Garmin ecosystem or elevate their current devices without selecting the newest and priciest alternatives. Whether you’re a runner, hiker, or someone who enjoys indoor training, the Venu 3 and Forerunner 265 deliver strong features that accommodate a broad array of fitness requirements.

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AirPods Pro 3 and AirPods 4 featuring Active Noise Cancellation Now Offered at Best Prices for Black Friday Week

### Black Friday 2025 Offers on Apple AirPods

Apple has unveiled its yearly holiday gift card promotions, yet substantial reductions on its newest audio devices, including the AirPods Pro 3 and AirPods 4, are not included in this campaign. Nevertheless, with Amazon’s Black Friday Week 2025 event currently happening, shoppers can discover incredible bargains on these in-demand items.

#### AirPods Pro 3: Unbeatable Black Friday Price

The AirPods Pro 3 have emerged as one of the most desired items this Black Friday. At this moment, they are being offered at their most affordable price ever, presenting a great opportunity for those intending to buy a pair. The current price is **$220**, reduced from the usual price of **$249**. This offer is anticipated to be the lowest throughout the month, with only slight variations likely.

– **Apple AirPods Pro 3**: [**$220 (Reg. $249)**](https://geni.us/UlcZU) | Lowest price ever

#### AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation: Amazon’s Best Price

For those seeking a more economical choice, the AirPods 4 featuring Active Noise Cancellation are also experiencing considerable discounts. Offered at **$109.99**, this deal marks a historic low for these earbuds, initially priced at **$179**. This offer provides a fantastic chance for consumers to experience premium audio with ANC at a significantly reduced price.

– **Apple AirPods 4 with ANC**:

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