“Nothing Phone 3a Gets Android 16 Update, Showcasing Prompt Support for Affordable Devices”
Nothing has just equipped its latest budget smartphones with their finest software to date.
Essential information
- Nothing is rolling out the stable update for Phone 3a series, featuring Android 16 alongside Nothing OS 4.0, marking a significant boost in performance and stability.
- This update enhances system animations, refines background task management, and improves battery efficiency.
- An updated AI Usage Dashboard within Essential Space now precisely monitors LLM activity, indicating when AI functionalities are active.
Notice
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Cyber Monday Offers: AirPods 4 featuring ANC at $99, MacBooks discounted by $250, Nomad Titanium Band available at 25% off, and additional savings
### Walmart Prolongs Cyber Monday Sale: Essential Offers to Explore
As the festive shopping season progresses, Walmart has announced an extension of its Cyber Monday sale for another day, encouraging retailers like Amazon to keep their prices competitive on sought-after products. This article showcases some of the top deals that are still on offer, featuring notable markdowns on Apple merchandise and related accessories.
#### AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation at $99
A highlighted promotion is the **AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation**, currently listed for **$99**, which reflects a **45% reduction** from the standard price of $179. This offer remains live on Amazon, making it one of the top deals available after Black Friday and Cyber Monday. The price reduction is significant as AirPods 4 with ANC had not been previously available for less than $119 prior to this holiday period.
#### M4 Mac Mini at $479
For consumers in search of a robust yet budget-friendly desktop solution, the **M4 Mac Mini** is now selling for **$479**, reduced from its original price of $599. This model comes equipped with **16GB of RAM and 256GB of storage**, resulting in a **$120 discount**. The M4 Mac Mini is lauded for its performance and affordability, making it a compelling choice for individuals seeking a capable device at a more accessible price.
#### M4 MacBook Air and M5 MacBook Pro Discounts
The **M4 MacBook Air** and **M5 MacBook Pro** have also experienced significant markdowns, with **$250 off** on select models. Nonetheless, inventory is limited, and numerous color variants are already out of stock. These laptops are perfect for those desiring cutting-edge technology at a diminished cost, particularly with the M5 MacBook Pro having been released recently.
#### Apple Watch Series 11 Deals
Additionally, the **Apple Watch Series 11** is offered at its lowest prices ever, starting from **$329**. These promotions are time-sensitive, as prices are likely to increase shortly. The discounts on the Apple Watch Series 11 were especially pronounced during Cyber Monday, with certain configurations experiencing price drops of up to **$70**.
#### Accessories and Charging Deals
In addition to major electronics, there are noteworthy savings on accessories as well. For example, a **40L laptop backpack** from tomtoc is being sold for **$66**, and a **retractable 100W USB-C cable** is available for only **$7**. These accessories enhance the primary tech acquisitions and offer further opportunities for savings.
#### Nomad Black Friday Sale
Nomad is offering a Black Friday sale with discounts reaching up to **75%** on various accessories, including leather iPhone cases and Apple Watch bands. This sale presents a fantastic chance for consumers looking to enrich their Apple ecosystem with premium accessories at lowered prices.
### Conclusion
With Walmart’s extension of its Cyber Monday sale and Amazon’s price matching on essential items, shoppers still have the opportunity to secure fantastic deals on popular technology products. From AirPods to MacBooks and accessories, these discounts present a chance to save significantly during the holiday shopping season. However, as inventory runs low, it’s wise to act swiftly to lock in these offers before they vanish.
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iOS 26.2 Brings Three New Personalization Features for iPhone Users
iOS 26.2 is set to roll out to all users shortly, bringing several fresh options to tailor the appearance and functionality of your iPhone. Here’s what to expect.
## #1: Enhanced Liquid Glass slider for Lock Screen clock
The Lock Screen serves as one of the prime avenues for personalizing your iPhone’s aesthetics and experience. With iOS 26, Apple introduced the capability to utilize a Liquid Glass design for the Lock Screen’s clock. Now, with iOS 26.2, the slider for modifying the clock’s opacity has been improved, allowing for greater transparency or opacity than previously. Ensure your clock is set to the ‘Glass’ option, rather than ‘Solid,’ and experiment to achieve the ideal appearance for your Lock Screen. This upgraded slider can be accessed regardless of the font choice you’ve made, though enlarging the clock can only be done with the default font.
## #2: New screen flash option for notifications
Notifications have historically included a unique accessibility feature that offers an additional visual alert. You can configure your iPhone’s camera flash to activate upon receiving an alert. This feature is beneficial for those with hearing impairments and also serves as a great way to enhance notification visibility. In iOS 26.2, a new option has been introduced. Navigate to Settings ⇾ Accessibility ⇾ Audio & Visual ⇾ Flash for Alerts to find a new ‘Screen’ choice. With the ‘Screen’ feature enabled, notifications will make your iPhone’s screen brighten fully for a short duration before dimming back to the regular brightness. You can also combine it with the camera flash for a more pronounced effect.
## #3: Reminders alarm settings
iOS 26.2 introduces a new ‘Urgent’ toggle for time-sensitive reminders within Apple’s Reminders app. It stands out as one of the most appreciated new features in the update. By default, when an ‘Urgent’ reminder is due, an alarm will activate on your iPhone’s Lock Screen, offering ‘Snooze’ and ‘Stop’ options similar to your morning wake-up alarm. However, under Settings ⇾ Apps ⇾ Reminders, you have the option to modify this setting to swap the ‘Snooze’ selection with a ‘Complete’ button instead. The ‘Complete’ button not only silences the alarm but also immediately marks that reminder as completed.
For more upcoming features arriving on your iPhone in iOS 26.2, explore additional coverage.
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“Safeguard Your Personal Information: Ways Incogni Assists You in Regaining Your Privacy”
**What Portion of Your Data Did You Provide Today?**
Chances are, much more than you are aware of. The multi-billion-dollar data brokerage sector is built on your information, regardless of your permission.
That’s where [Incogni](https://bit.ly/4iHVNxV) steps in. It seeks out and eliminates your personal data from numerous sources, spanning from ChatGPT to the dark web, ensuring continuous protection.
### Keep Your Social Security Number Off the Dark Web
Each day, data brokers gather and trade millions of personal records to the highest bidder. This encompasses phone numbers, home addresses, dates of birth, and even Social Security numbers. Once your information enters these databases, you lose track of who accesses it, when it is resold, or if it has been compromised due to a data breach.
[Incogni](https://bit.ly/4iHVNxV) cleans that data from the internet by tackling data brokers directly, guaranteeing that your private information is permanently eliminated from all broker categories, including questionable People Search Sites.
If you’ve ever looked for your own data online, you likely discovered more than you expected. Information such as your name, phone number, and home and work addresses can reveal insights about:
– Family members and personal connections
– Employment history
– Health indicators
– Financial accounts
– Social Security number-related information
With [Incogni’s Unlimited](https://bit.ly/4iHVNxV) plan, you can reclaim authority over your online privacy, shielding yourself from scams, identity theft, financial fraud, and other dangers to your personal and professional life.
A Reddit user recently shared a frightening scam incident:
> “Someone called me, my ex, his girlfriend, my brother, my cousin, and my parents asking for me. He knew everyone’s names and even my workplace.”
Scammers can uncover your phone number, home address, and even your mother’s maiden name in just two clicks. Your data doesn’t disappear when you relocate or shift jobs; unless erased online, it gets collected, stored, sold to data brokers, and may end up in the hands of scammers.
That’s why it’s time to explore [Incogni](https://bit.ly/4iHVNxV). From social media to genealogy websites, [Incogni](https://bit.ly/4iHVNxV) hunts down and removes your personal information for good.
[Get Incogni Unlimited](https://bit.ly/4iHVNxV) and take charge of your data today. 9to5Mac readers can benefit from an exclusive 55% discount with the code
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Apple TV Subscriptions Spike Attributable to Sports Programming Until 2025
Apple TV is Apple’s acclaimed streaming service subscription. Over six years, Apple original films, documentaries, and series have amassed 640 wins and 2,872 nominations. Therefore, it’s reasonable to conclude that major shows like “The Morning Show,” “Ted Lasso,” “Foundation,” and others contribute significantly to Apple TV subscriptions.
Nevertheless, Bloomberg indicates that sports have been the key factor behind new subscribers for Apple TV. Utilizing data from Antenna, the publication demonstrates that Major League Baseball attracted more sign-ups for the streaming platform than popular series like “The Morning Show” and “Your Friends & Neighbors.”
From April to September, Major League Baseball games were the primary source of subscriptions. For instance, the Dodgers vs. Yankees game in May generated 722K new subscribers, followed by Yankees vs. Phillies in July (698K), and Phillies vs. Mets in June (631K). In comparison, the comeback of “The Morning Show” attracted over 524K subscribers.
Apple TV could achieve even greater success by 2026.
With Apple maintaining its partnership with Major League Baseball and also offering Major League Soccer for free, this will certainly make the $12.99/month subscription more appealing. Furthermore, Apple may benefit from a surge of interest in soccer due to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Additionally, Apple recently declared its status as the official Formula 1 partner in the U.S., providing some content for free, including selected races and all practices. Consequently, it is highly probable that sports will continue to enhance subscriptions throughout 2026.
With Major League Baseball games delivering hundreds of thousands of subscriptions over the analyzed months, another significant contributor was Apple Original’s Stick (over 443K new subscribers), featuring Owen Wilson as a former renowned golf player mentoring a newcomer. BGR will keep you updated as we discover more about Apple’s efforts to enhance its sports offerings, along with other updates regarding the streaming service.
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Key Windows 11 Functions You Ought to Utilize
whether you’re using Windows 11 Home or Pro. These functionalities can streamline activities, boost efficiency, and improve your overall experience.
Eliminate objects and backgrounds from images in the Photos app
Marinel Sigue/BGR
If you find yourself needing to remove an object or the background from a picture, your initial thought might be to use Photoshop. However, you don’t have to buy third-party software to make these adjustments. Windows 11 has a free alternative to Photoshop that you may not be aware of — the Photos app.
Photos is not just an image viewer. It includes a simple editor, equipped with features for removing objects and backgrounds. Both tools are driven by AI, making them fast and user-friendly, with minimal manual effort needed. To delete specific items and the background from your photos on Windows 11, follow these steps:
- Launch the image in Photos.
- Click the Edit button at the top left corner.
- To eliminate an object from the picture:
- Select Erase.
- Adjust the brush size to a smaller value if you’re dealing with tiny items, or increase it for larger areas.
- Brush over the object you
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Pokémon Legends: Z-A DLC Trailer Reveals Mega Lucario Z and Extra Features
In anticipation of the December 10 launch, The Pokémon Company has released two additional trailers for the upcoming Mega Dimension DLC for “Pokémon Legends: Z-A” on both the Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2. One of the trailers introduces Mega Lucario Z, a brand-new Mega-Evolved form of the well-loved Mega Lucario. An intriguing aspect of this reveal is that Mega Evolutions first appeared 12 years ago with the release of “Pokémon X” and “Pokémon Y”—an innovative feature that allowed certain Pokémon to transform into extraordinarily powerful versions of themselves for a limited time.
At that time, some Pokémon possessed Mega Evolution X or Y variants, including Charizard and Mewtwo. Moreover, in promoting “Pokémon Legends: Z-A” earlier this year, the company revealed that Raichu would also receive X and Y forms in this latest installment. Now, it appears that the narrative unfolding in “Pokémon Legends: Z-A” introduces a new form of Mega Evolution alongside new species.
Essential details about Mega Lucario Z
Per the Pokémon Company, Mega Lucario Z is classified as a Fighting/Steel type. Its Pokédex entry states that “while Mega Lucario can harness its vast aura into a destructive force, Mega Lucario Z envelops its whole body in its aura, empowering itself to enhance its defense, agility, and flexibility. Mega Lucario Z has the ability to manipulate its aura in various manners, like extending the aura to form a shield or directing it into powerful strikes by focusing the aura into particular areas of its body, such as its legs or fists.”
Additionally, the company clarifies that, in contrast to previously established Mega Evolutions, Z Mega Evolutions require less time to execute moves after receiving commands. The trade-off is that employing numerous moves in rapid succession depletes Mega Power faster, reducing their effectiveness in extended encounters.
Furthermore, purchasers of the DLC can take part in an additional side quest where they will encounter the Legendary Pokémon Mewtwo. After obtaining Mewtwonite X and Mewtwonite Y through Mystery Gift, players can embark on this new adventure. “Pokémon Legends: Z-A” is available on both Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2, having been launched on October 16, 2025.
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Anticipated iPhone 17 Version Set to Arrive Early Next Year with Three Speculated New Features
Apple is said to be introducing another iPhone 17 model in early 2026: the iPhone 17e, which aims to deliver a similar experience to the iPhone 17 at a more affordable price. Below are three new speculated features that will enhance its appeal compared to its predecessor, the iPhone 16e.
## #1: A19 Chip
One of the most effective ways to ensure your iPhone remains relevant for the future is to choose a model equipped with the newest Apple silicon. The iPhone 17e meets this criterion, as it is anticipated to incorporate Apple’s latest A19 chip. The A19 represents a slight upgrade over the A18 in CPU capabilities, but its true strength lies in the GPU—especially for applications like AI and gaming. The flagship iPhone 17 includes the same A19 chip, but you can access it for a lower cost with the 17e.
## #2: Dynamic Island
Last year’s iPhone 16e was launched with a design that mirrored the iPhone 14—complete with a display notch. However, sources suggest that the upcoming iPhone 17e will move away from the notch to adopt a Dynamic Island instead. The Dynamic Island features a more compact cutout than the notch and also includes impressive software functionalities such as Live Activities support. Apple has consistently integrated the Dynamic Island across its product range, with the iPhone 16e being the only exception. It’s exciting to see that it will soon be included in every new iPhone iteration.
## #3: Center Stage Front Camera
A highlight of the iPhone 17 series was the introduction of a new 18MP Center Stage front camera. This camera allows for group selfies when the iPhone is held vertically, automatically adjusting to perfectly frame everyone. Analyst Jeff Pu recently noted in a research report that the iPhone 17e will also feature this enhanced camera. This new front camera marks a considerable improvement over the iPhone 16e, making it a welcome addition to the budget model.
Are you considering purchasing the iPhone 17e? Which features matter most to you? Share your thoughts in the comments.
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10 Unexpectedly Handy Devices for Your Bathroom
Raspberry Pi initiatives to enhance your smart home experience. For others, taking a simpler path might be a wiser choice.
We’ve identified 10 various gadgets that can enhance your bathroom with useful improvements. These devices either augment items you may already possess or frequently utilize. They range from boosting your dental care routine to simplifying your post-shower preparation. Even if your bathroom time is minimal, discovering methods to streamline your routine while you are there is beneficial.
Renpho Smart Scale
If you’re seeking an easy-to-use device to monitor your health, a smart scale is a dependable choice. The Renpho Smart Scale is a popular option highly endorsed by numerous users. It pairs with your smartphone via an app, offering detailed insights beyond just your weight. It also integrates with several other wearables and apps that you might already have, like Samsung Health, Fitbit, or Apple Health. The Renpho Smart Scale is currently priced at $21.99 on Amazon and boasts a 4.6-star rating based
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Why TCL Televisions Are Affordable
a large-display option from TCL — frequently found alongside premium brands like Samsung and LG, yet priced as if it were entry-level — you might naturally question: How can the TCL TV be so affordable? It’s the same inquiry many have posed regarding Hisense, and the answer primarily hinges on intentional business tactics, production scale, and cost-versus-prestige compromises.
A key factor in why TCL is capable of offering TVs at a relatively low price point revolves around strategy. TCL heavily relies on high-volume production, vertical integration, and stringent cost management, which allows it to manufacture panels and components on a large scale while sidestepping many of the costs that inflate prices for high-end brands. By possessing substantial portions of its supply chain, the company lowers dependence on external vendors and can swiftly adapt to new technologies without the conventional markups linked to third-party sourcing.
Furthermore, pricing is affected by how TCL decides to distribute its resources. Rather than emphasizing ultra-luxurious design elements or state-of-the-art flagship features, TCL focuses on providing robust baseline performance, bright displays, reasonable contrast, and vibrant colors, all coupled with Roku TV or Google TV software that keeps overall product costs manageable.