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Crucial Measures to Execute Prior to Installing iOS 26.1

iOS 26.1 has just been launched, marking the initial significant software update following the introduction of the iPhone 17. This release is set to provide performance enhancements, new functionalities, and corrections based on preliminary user input. Similar to most mid-cycle iOS updates, 26.1 does not constitute a complete redesign but serves as a refinement that addresses the inconsistencies of iOS 26 while boosting stability across compatible iPhones.

Prior to downloading and installing iOS 26.1, it is advisable to spend a few moments getting your device ready. Remember to back up your data, clear up storage space if necessary, and ensure your iPhone is fully charged. These simple precautions can help you avoid potential installation complications. These minor measures significantly aid in preventing typical problems such as failed downloads or battery depletion during the installation process.

Whether you are most thrilled about the internal improvements or the small selection of new functionalities Apple has planned, being prepared in advance guarantees a seamless transition to the latest version of iOS. Updating promptly not only provides you with the most recent security updates but also optimizes the performance of your iPhone.

Back up your data

Top 5 Highly-Rated Electronics on Amazon Priced Below $10

Addtam outlet extender is an excellent purchase at only $9.99. It converts one duplex wall outlet into six widely spaced AC outlets, in addition to four dedicated USB ports (including two USB-C). This allows you to connect bulkier adapters and charge smartphones, tablets, or other devices without requiring a separate USB wall charger. It can charge up to 10 electronic devices at once. Furthermore, it features built-in surge protection to shield your devices from damage due to power fluctuations.

It has achieved an impressive rating of 4.7/5 from more than 7,000 customer reviews, highlighting the value it provides for less than $10. Happy customers have endorsed its usefulness as a fantastic addition to various rooms in the home, like the living room and bathroom. It’s

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Android Smartphones Are Currently Preventing More Scams Compared to iPhones, According to Google

Android’s Fight Against Fraudulent Messages

In a notable advancement aimed at improving user safety, Android is said to be blocking more than 10 billion fraudulent messages every month. This initiative forms part of Google’s larger mission to safeguard users from deceitful operations through sophisticated AI technologies.

Pixel Devices Pioneering the Effort

Google’s Pixel devices are leading this campaign, providing top-tier protection against fraud. Independent research has shown that Pixel smartphones offer the most effective scam and fraud defense features found in the industry.

Side-by-Side Comparison: Android vs. iPhone

A new Google study, executed in partnership with YouGov, gathered insights from 5,000 smartphone users in the US, India, and Brazil. The results indicated that Android users are less prone to receive scam messages when compared to iPhone users. Specifically, Android users were 58% more likely to state they did not get any scam texts in the week preceding the survey.

AI-Driven Protection

The AI tools from Android are essential in identifying and intercepting fraudulent messages more efficiently than iOS. The AI safeguards encompass ten critical security domains, while iPhone only covers two. This all-encompassing strategy guarantees that Android users benefit from enhanced security.

RCS and Fraud Mitigation

Google’s rollout of Rich Communication Services (RCS) has significantly strengthened its fraud prevention strategies. RCS has played a vital role in blocking over 100 million dubious numbers, stopping possible scams from being delivered to users.

Final Thoughts

Although iPhones have historically been viewed as more secure, Android’s preemptive strategies and AI-enhanced tools have established it as a frontrunner in mobile security. With continuous improvements, Android is consistently setting new benchmarks in safeguarding users against scams and fraud.

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Retroid Unveils Pocket 6, Fulfilling Community Anticipations for an Alternative Gadget

It’s been quite an eventful week for Retroid.

(Image credit: Retroid)

Essential Information

  • Retroid has unveiled the Pocket G2 along with the Pocket 6.
  • The Pocket G2 is currently available for purchase, and will be on sale for the upcoming two weeks.
  • Following its initial announcement of the Pocket 6, Retroid changed its stance based on community input.

Surprisingly, it has been nearly a year since Retroid introduced the Pocket 5 and Pocket Mini. Both devices were equipped with the Snapdragon 865, categorizing them as the most advanced gaming handhelds from the company. Earlier this week, two new models were launched, with the Pocket G2 and Pocket 6 set to be the upcoming flagship devices from Retroid.

Beginning with the Pocket G2, this device is fundamentally the Retroid Pocket 5, but features a new design and enhanced internal components. Specifically, the Snapdragon 865 is swapped out for the Snapdragon G2 Gen 2, which was announced at GDC 2025 alongside the G3 Gen 3 and G1 Gen 2. Performance-wise, the G2 Gen 2 appears to sit between the Snapdragon 865 and the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2.

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“Thief VR: Classic Series Returns with Budget-Friendly Release on PSVR and Meta Quest”

**Thief VR’s Inaugural Meta Quest Gameplay Trailer: All We Hoped to Discover**

The much-anticipated Thief VR is slated to launch on December 4, 2025, on PlayStation VR2, Meta Quest, and Steam VR platforms. This marks the initial VR installment in the iconic Thief franchise and the first new game in the series in over ten years. Gamers will embody a new character, Magpie, engaging in stealth-focused gameplay with the recognizable voice of Stephen Russell, who previously voiced Garrett in the original games.

The recently unveiled gameplay trailer presents the first-ever recorded Meta Quest 3 gameplay, showcasing stunning graphics and captivating environments. The trailer implies that Thief VR: Legacy of Shadow will provide a visually breathtaking experience comparable to significant titles like Batman Arkham Shadow.

Created by Vertigo Games, renowned for Arizona Sunshine, in collaboration with Maze Theory, the minds behind Peaky Blinders VR, Thief VR aims to offer a VR-centric experience designed by seasoned developers. In spite of its high-profile status, the game is set to release at an approachable price of $29.99, with a preorder discount of $26.99 available.

For those keen on experiencing Thief VR on Meta Quest 3 or Quest 3S, it’s suggested to keep an eye out for potential sales during Black Friday, as discounts on these headsets have been observed lately. With its reasonable pricing and the skill of experienced VR developers, Thief VR: Legacy of Shadow is set to become an essential title for VR aficionados.

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Google Maps Unveils New Battery-Saving Feature for Improved Performance

New Energy-Saving Mode Converts Google Maps to Monochrome for Extended Battery Life

Google Maps is finally addressing its battery consumption issue with a new power-saving mode that prioritizes navigation when your device is low on battery. This feature intends to display only vital information such as upcoming turns, distance, and ETA while minimizing visual distractions. Maps will transition to a monochrome setting, eliminating colors and additional UI components to decrease power usage.

Google Maps tends to drain battery life. While it’s the application you depend on most when you’re lost or on a lengthy journey, it’s also the one that can rapidly deplete your battery, potentially leaving you with a dead screen. Although your phone’s overall battery saver mode aims to assist, it frequently exacerbates the situation by restricting GPS functionality precisely when you need it most.

Google has evidently listened to our shared concerns, as the company appears to be developing a specialized power-saving mode integrated directly into the Google Maps app for Android, employing a rigorous strategy to maintain your phone’s charge.

Initial code discovered by the team at Android Authority implies a complete reimagining of how Maps functions when your battery is low. The feature was noted in the latest Google Maps for Android (version 25.44.03.824313610), where code snippets mention a “Power saving mode” that presents solely “key information such as next turns.”

Rather than depending on your device’s general battery saver, Maps’ integrated mode is crafted to safeguard what is crucial: navigation. When activated, the display reportedly shifts to a monochrome view, removing its vibrant graphics and other interface features.

Stripped to the Essentials

The application continues to present key details like your next turn, distance, and estimated arrival time, but eliminates everything else to minimize power consumption. This new mode could be activated by pressing the power button during navigation, making its use quick and instinctive.

Preliminary code indicates this mode functions across driving, walking, and cycling navigation, although public transit routes may not be supported at this time. It also seems that this feature operates separately from Android’s system-wide battery saver, allowing its use at any time, even when the standard saver mode is disabled.

This could significantly benefit anyone needing Maps to last through extensive journeys or hikes. However, there are a few drawbacks. Landscape mode might not be operational, which could pose challenges for drivers who utilize their phones horizontally. The black-and-white interface may also obscure critical elements like traffic or highlighted routes, but it’s a reasonable exchange for enhanced battery longevity.

While there isn’t an official launch date available yet, it may preview in a future beta before making its way into the stable version. Once it becomes available, it could be one of those minor yet genuinely beneficial updates that make a significant improvement the next time you are navigating with 5% battery remaining and no charger available.

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Pixel 10 and Pixel 9 Speakerphone Problem Continues to be Unresolved Indefinitely

This is not the sole issue circulating.

(Image credit: Nicholas Sutrich / Android Central)

Essential information

  • Users of Pixel 10 and Pixel 9 have noted that past complaints regarding a speakerphone glitch in the Phone app appear to have been disregarded by Google.
  • It has been noted that the company has classified the matter as “won’t fix (Infeasible)” on the Issue Tracker, citing insufficient “actionable” data.
  • Google’s Pixel 10 is currently experiencing two significant issues: unstable camera performance due to EIS and application crashes following the October update.

Notice

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Mosyle Provides IT with Tools for the Age of Agentic AI Browsers Featuring ChatGPT Atlas

# The Ascendance of Agentic AI in IT: Revolutionizing the Browser Experience

Agentic AI is a concept that is gaining more significance for IT teams, as it has the potential to alter their operations dramatically. With the increasing adoption of Software as a Service (SaaS) applications, the web browser has transitioned from being just a gateway to the internet. A fresh wave of browsers, imbued with agentic AI functionalities, is poised to transform the daily activities of both users and IT professionals.

## What Does Agentic AI Entail?

Agentic AI pertains to artificial intelligence systems that can autonomously execute tasks on behalf of users. These systems can condense information, analyze data, and take actions aligned with user requirements. The advent of agentic browsers indicates a transformation in how technology engages with users, offering a more instinctive and effective experience.

### Key Developments

The recent introduction of ChatGPT Atlas by OpenAI illustrates the potential of agentic AI. This tool is crafted to integrate smoothly into current environments, such as those overseen by Mosyle, a leading provider in the Apple IT sector. Mosyle is equipping teams for the future of agentic AI by adding ChatGPT Atlas to its app catalog, making it accessible for immediate deployment.

## Improving IT Operations

ChatGPT Atlas is now integrated into the Mosyle App Catalog, enabling IT teams to deploy it remotely with complete automation. The integration encompasses the automatic management of privacy permissions, such as Full Disk Access, which aids in importing favorites and browsing history from browsers like Safari and Chrome.

The role of agentic browsers in IT problem-solving is critical. When device problems or outages arise, AI must access more than just logs or telemetry data. It needs to understand user actions, recent modifications, and fundamental causes. By sourcing context from communication platforms like Slack and internal knowledge repositories, agentic AI can offer a holistic view of the issue, converting the troubleshooting process from a lengthy manual task into swift, automated insights.

## Streamlining Apple Device Management

Mosyle has refined its products for the next generation of AI browsers, including ChatGPT Atlas. This integration empowers the AI to grasp the Mosyle ecosystem, enabling IT and security teams to oversee Apple devices more efficiently. ChatGPT Atlas can assist administrators with onboarding, assess account settings, deliver optimization recommendations, and automate activities like group and profile creation through its Agent Mode.

This technological progression is reminiscent of the initial stages of mobile device management. Agentic AI is altering the tools that IT teams deploy, with the browser emerging as a novel command hub for operations. Mosyle’s proactive strategy in readying ChatGPT Atlas for Apple fleets underscores the industry’s trajectory.

## The Outlook for IT Management

As agentic browsers become commonplace, IT teams need to adjust to this evolving environment. Companies that actively adopt AI-driven workflows will secure a competitive advantage, allowing them to tackle challenges more rapidly and efficiently. The future of Apple IT will go beyond basic device management; it will include the oversight of intelligence that boosts team productivity, offers richer context, and resolves issues preemptively.

In summary, the incorporation of agentic AI into routine tools like browsers is poised to reshape the IT environment. As organizations gear up for this transition, the emphasis will increasingly be placed on utilizing intelligence to enhance operations and elevate overall efficiency.

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Channels Unveils Multiview Functionality and Improved Features for Viewing and Recording TV Anywhere

# Channels 7.0 Update: An In-Depth Look

Channels is a well-known cord-cutting application that enables users to seamlessly watch, record, and organize their beloved TV shows and films. With the recent release of Channels 7.0 for iPhone, iPad, and Apple TV, the app marks its 10th anniversary with a variety of new features and upgrades aimed at enhancing the user experience.

## What is Channels?

For those who are not aware, Channels allows users to view and record live television from multiple sources, such as antennas, cable TV via a TV tuner, or established streaming services. For instance, if you hold a subscription to Fubo TV, you can effortlessly log into your Fubo account within Channels to access and manage your media all in one user-friendly application.

## Key Features of Channels 7.0

### Enhanced Browsing Experience

The Channels team has redesigned the app, featuring vibrant new artwork and updated layouts. This enhancement improves the browsing experience, making it simpler for users to find and enjoy their content.

– **Improved Movie Layout**: Users can now more readily see crucial details like cast, directors, and writers.
– **Exploration Options**:
– Discover films featuring the same cast, directors, or writers.
– Browse any added extras for the movie.
– Jump to other films within the same franchise.
– Explore collections related to the movie.
– Find similar films within your library.

### TV Show Enhancements

Comparable enhancements have been made for TV shows, with easier access to the next unwatched episode in a series, ensuring users can effortlessly track their viewing progress.

### Customizable Design

All the new backgrounds and logos brought into the Channels design can be fully customized, permitting users to tailor their viewing experience.

### Multiview Support

One of the most notable updates in Channels 7.0 is the addition of Multiview support for Apple TV 4K and iPad. This functionality enables users to watch up to four live TV channels simultaneously, ideal for sports enthusiasts or anyone wanting to monitor multiple events concurrently.

– **Multiview Features**:
– Access Multiview through the context menu in the Guide or On Now.
– Include more channels via the built-in Quick Guide.
– Select from various layouts suited to the number of channels being viewed.
– Easily manage channels using the remote.

### Intro and Credits Detection

Channels now offers an intro and credits detection feature, allowing users to skip the opening and closing scenes of their shows and films. While still in development and requiring manual opt-in, it promises to further improve the viewing experience.

## Conclusion

Channels 7.0 signifies a major advancement for the app, concentrating on user experience and content discovery. With its new features, including enhanced browsing, customizable designs, Multiview support, and intro/credits detection, Channels remains a top choice for cord-cutters. For additional information, users can visit the [Channels website](https://getchannels.com) or explore the app on the

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