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Mint Mobile’s Black Friday Promotion Provides 50% Discount on All Unlimited Plans

My preferred MVNO is back with a fresh holiday promotion.

(Image credit: Android Central)

To be completely transparent: I’m an avid enthusiast of Mint Mobile offers, so I’ve been eagerly anticipating the Black Friday promotion from the T-Mobile-affiliated MVNO. Luckily for me, the provider didn’t let me down. Visit Mint Mobile’s website immediately and you’ll receive a flat 50% discount when you enroll in the Unlimited plan, reducing the data plan price to $15 a month.

In contrast to some Mint Mobile promotions that necessitate paying for a full year of service ahead of time, all three of the MVNO’s Unlimited plans will provide you with the 50% discount, whether you opt for 3, 6, or 12 months of service. There’s no need to purchase a device for this Black Friday offer, allowing you to savor months of limitless T-Mobile-supported wireless for as low as 45 dollars right now. Indeed, it’s that fantastic.

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Android Auto’s Enhanced Capabilities in Relation to Apple CarPlay

Android Auto, equipped with its key applications, provides greater opportunities to personalize your experience. An increased number of third-party apps, superior virtual assistant functionality, and quicker wireless connections differentiate Android Auto from Apple CarPlay. For those who prefer variety over uniformity, Android Auto takes the lead in this comparison. Here are my four favorite features of Android Auto that demonstrate how Google’s platform advances further than Apple CarPlay.

A wider range of apps is supported by Android Auto

Why Fighter Pilots Utilize Complete Air Conditioning in Alaskan Winter Flights

activate your intelligent A/C. This is quite straightforward and logical, but only if you are at home. If you’re aboard something a bit more complex, like a military fighter jet, you may find yourself operating the A/C at full capacity, even while soaring at extreme altitudes during the coldest, harshest Alaskan winters. This phenomenon is not mainly related to the aircraft itself, but rather to the pounds of sweaty equipment a pilot usually dons.

Regardless of how frigid it is outside the aircraft, the interior of a jet’s cockpit can become incredibly hot due to a mix of the sun blazing down overhead and the bulky, heavy gear and clothing the pilot is equipped with. Although a jet’s Environmental Control System (ECS) could offer warmth if the pilot wishes, it is technically more prudent for the pilot to be bundled up just in case they need to exit the vehicle swiftly.

The A/C remains operational to offset the pilot’s overheated gear

Tesla Aims to Incorporate CarPlay into Its Cars

In a surprising development, Tesla is allegedly working to incorporate Apple CarPlay into its automobiles, a decision that many Tesla users have eagerly anticipated. This transition represents a notable shift in Tesla’s strategy, as the company has traditionally resisted adding CarPlay, opting instead to enhance its own infotainment system. Tesla’s hesitance stemmed in part from its inclination to replicate Apple’s method of managing the user experience. Nevertheless, with 83% of drivers utilizing CarPlay or Android Auto in their main vehicles, Tesla’s disregard for these platforms has been an exception in the industry.

The choice to adopt CarPlay is motivated by Tesla’s goal to increase sales, which have fallen short of projections in 2025. Although Tesla has experienced remarkable sales growth over the last five years, the company now views CarPlay as a possible driver for additional sales gains. Notably, Tesla intends to deploy a simplified version of CarPlay that will operate as a display window within its larger interface, rather than dominating the entire touchscreen as seen in other cars.

On the other hand, General Motors (GM) is reinforcing its anti-CarPlay strategy, opting to eliminate CarPlay from its electric vehicles. GM asserts that it can deliver a superior user experience through its own infotainment system, which it claims provides a more engaging environment. However, this choice may impact vehicle sales, as GM seeks to manage user data to develop subscription-based services. Only time will reveal if GM’s strategy will yield success, but Tesla’s recent shift indicates that CarPlay’s popularity is hard to overlook.

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MLS Matches to Watch on Apple TV Next Season at No Additional Subscription Cost

The core Apple TV service is poised to elevate its live sports offerings beginning next season, according to The Athletic. The MLS Season Pass, which now necessitates an extra annual payment of $79 for Apple TV users, will be included in the regular Apple TV subscription. This modification is projected to enhance the overall value of the subscription, priced at $12.99 per month in the U.S. or part of the Apple One bundle.

In the past, only a select number of games were available without the MLS Season Pass, with recent playoff matches being an exception. Most of the season’s matches required the additional subscription, which analysts argue has limited the growth and visibility of Major League Soccer (MLS) in the U.S., especially among younger audiences. By removing the paywall for the Season Pass, Apple seeks to boost viewership and engagement with MLS.

Current projections indicate that the MLS Season Pass has roughly 1-2 million subscribers worldwide, a sharp contrast to the more than 50 million Apple TV subscribers. The forthcoming adjustment is set to greatly expand the live sports offerings on Apple TV in 2026, which will encompass not just MLS but also MLB Friday Night Baseball and Formula 1 as part of the core service. This strategic initiative is anticipated to draw in more viewers and strengthen Apple TV’s standing in the competitive streaming market.

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Google Launches Legal Action Against Significant Phishing Network Aiming at Millions

This is the first time a lawsuit is being filed against ‘Lighthouse’.

(Image credit: Google)

Essential insights

  • Google initiates a lawsuit targeting ‘Lighthouse’ Phishing-as-a-Service impacting over 1 million global victims.
  • The firm pushes for bipartisan legislation to address scam threats within the U.S. Congress.
  • Google has rolled out new tools to assist users in identifying and steering clear of scams efficiently.

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Valve’s Latest VR Headset Enhances Hybrid Gaming Experience through Steam Deck Integration and Android App Sideloading: An Evaluation Against Quest 3

The Strength of Steam: All Within a Surprisingly Lightweight and Nimble VR Headset

The gaming community is buzzing with excitement for Valve’s newest creation, the Steam Frame. This innovative standalone VR headset is set to transform how gamers engage with their beloved titles, providing an effortless fusion of VR and non-VR experiences. With the Steam Frame, Valve seeks to deliver the strength of Steam in an unexpectedly lightweight and nimble form, making it an essential item for every gaming aficionado.

Valve’s Steam Frame is conceptualized as a “Steam Deck for your face,” enabling users to access their complete Steam library, regardless of their preference for VR or conventional gaming. This adaptability is revolutionary, granting gamers the liberty to play what they desire, in the manner they choose, and wherever they wish. The headset’s capability to operate both VR and non-VR games makes it a formidable addition to any gamer’s arsenal.

One of the notable aspects of the Steam Frame is its modular architecture. The front module, containing the lenses and computing components, is easily detachable and weighs merely 190g. This design decision not only makes the headset extraordinarily lightweight but also guarantees its durability by facilitating straightforward upgrades and upkeep.

The hardware of the Steam Frame is striking, featuring a 144Hz display and integrated eye tracking, making it ideal for PCVR gaming. Valve has also incorporated a dedicated streaming USB stick, which allows for high-quality wireless streaming from a PC to the headset. This guarantees seamless gameplay devoid of network traffic issues, a frequent inconvenience with other wireless VR systems.

While the Steam Frame shines in many aspects, it does possess certain drawbacks. Currently, the headset only supports black and white passthrough vision, which may discourage some users from employing it for non-VR gaming. However, Valve has engineered the headset with a port for camera attachments, indicating that color passthrough could be forthcoming.

The Steam Frame is poised to contend with other VR headsets like the Meta Quest 3, which provides full-color passthrough and a robust catalog of AAA VR games. However, the Steam Frame’s capability to execute Android applications and its modular structure provide it with a distinct advantage in the marketplace.

In summary, the Steam Frame signifies a major advancement in VR technology, offering gamers unmatched versatility and access to their cherished Steam titles. Whether you’re a VR enthusiast or a mainstream gamer, the Steam Frame is set to become a vital component of your gaming setup, bringing the strength of Steam into a lightweight and agile headset.

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Researchers Create Robotic Eye with Enhanced Vision Compared to Humans

The Science Robotics journal published in October 2025 features an article titled “Bioinspired photoresponsive soft robotic lens.” The researchers propose that the PHySL represents an innovative advancement for the future. Its potential applications include soft robots capable of visual perception, versatile medical instruments, and intelligent wearable technology. A study has revealed that human vision is not as effective as we might expect, largely because our brain handles much of the processing, indicating that this lens could address the shortcomings where human vision proves to be inadequate.

The specifics of this robotic eye

Amazon Provides 50% Off on Top-Rated Wireless Headphones

JBL Tune 520BTs are Bluetooth on-ear headphones that typically cost $59.95, but during a special promotion, you can snag them for just $29.95 on Amazon. While these Bluetooth 5.3 headphones may not be the top choice available on Amazon, their capacity to deliver 57 hours of audio playback on a single charge is impressive. Recharging from 0% to 100% takes about 2 hours via USB-C, but a quick five-minute charge can grant you 3 hours of listening time.

Equipped with a 33mm single dynamic driver, these headphones provide sound with a frequency range of 20 Hz to 20 kHz. With an impedance of 30 Ohms, you won’t face difficulty using these headphones with a smartphone or similar devices. Moreover, they reach a loudness of 102 dB, which should suffice for most users. However, do not expect any noise-cancellation features that premium models like the Sony WH-1000XM4s include.

With the JBL Tune 520BTs, you have the ability to manage your music playback directly from the headphones themselves. Additionally, these headphones can fold flat when not being used. These two characteristics, along with their rapid charging features, make them an excellent option for travelers. But what feedback are customers providing about this product?

A long list of satisfied customers

The JBL Tune 520BTs boast over 8,400 reviews on Amazon, earning an average score of 4.6 out of 5 stars, with 79% of buyers giving the headphones a five-star rating. Customers primarily praised the sound quality of the device. Positive feedback highlights that distortion was absent during playback and that the audio is clear. Users also mentioned that the headphones were loud enough to enjoy the music distinctly, even in somewhat noisy settings like on an airplane.

The battery longevity of the headphones has also garnered positive remarks, with it being specifically noted

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Apple Launches Mini Apps Partnership Initiative for Developers

### Apple Launches Mini Apps Partner Program: A Fresh Revenue Stream for Developers

Earlier today, news broke of a major agreement between Apple and Tencent, the parent company of WeChat, which will allow Apple to receive a 15% commission on income generated from mini apps. This initiative is part of Apple’s recently unveiled Mini Apps Partner Program, designed to offer developers an opportunity for increased revenue through lower commission rates.

#### Insight into the Mini Apps Partner Program

Since 2017, Apple has championed mini apps and games on the App Store. The freshly launched Mini Apps Partner Program builds on this foundation, enabling developers to generate supplementary income from their mini app products. As stated on the Apple Developer website, the program aims to assist developers in expanding their businesses while improving the availability of mini apps on the App Store, all while ensuring an excellent customer experience.

Participating developers can take advantage of a reduced commission rate of 15% on eligible in-app purchases. However, to be eligible for this lower rate, developers must ensure their apps support certain App Store technologies, such as the Declared Age Range API and the Advanced Commerce API. These technologies are fundamental to delivering a safe and smooth experience for users of all ages.

#### Eligibility and Enrollment Process

Developers are not automatically accepted into the Mini Apps Partner Program. Rather, they must submit an application by filling out a request form found on the Apple Developer website. This page details the complete terms and conditions for eligibility, along with a useful Q&A section that defines what qualifies as a mini app in-app purchase.

Examples of qualifying purchases are:

1. **Consumables**: Products like currency, lives, or other resources that are bought and utilized instantly within a single qualifying mini app. These purchases cannot be shared or used across multiple mini apps.

2. **Auto-renewing subscriptions**: Subscriptions that are acquired and accessed within a single qualifying mini app.

#### Final Thoughts

The Mini Apps Partner Program signifies a calculated initiative by Apple to strengthen its ecosystem and present developers with new revenue avenues. By providing a lowered commission rate, Apple is motivating developers to create and host mini apps, which could enhance the overall user experience on the App Store. For developers keen on participating, additional information and the application process are available on the

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