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Spotify Introduces Lossless Audio in India at a 40% Increased Price Compared to Apple Music, Tripling the Costs of Previous Plans

I must inquire — who will opt for Spotify lossless instead of migrating to Apple Music?

(Image credit: Apoorva Bhardwaj / Android Central)

Although I hold subscriptions to Apple Music and YouTube Music, I primarily use Spotify — largely due to its superior playlists and recommendations. Nevertheless, the absence of a lossless option has been a significant concern for some time, and Spotify is tackling this with the launch of its Premium Platinum plan in India, subsequent to its release in other global regions.

This plan allows users to enjoy lossless audio on Spotify with a bitrate of up to 24-bit/44.1kHz, making it fantastic to stream higher fidelity music on the platform. While this has been eagerly awaited, the downside is the pricing: Premium Platinum is priced at ₹299 ($3.38), representing a 40% hike from the previous ₹179 ($2) family plan. Frustratingly, the family plan is no longer accessible for new users and has been relegated to the legacy tier — existing subscribers can continue to use it.

I have been using Spotify’s family plan for nearly ten years, starting in the U.S. and transitioning to Indian pricing when it launched there. To be honest, the Indian family plan consistently felt like an incredible deal, and it’s evident why Spotify made

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“Documentary ‘Come Visit Me in the Bright Light’ Currently Available on Apple TV”

**Visit Me in the Brightness: An Emotional Documentary About Existence and Affection**

An emotional new documentary titled [Visit Me in the Brightness](https://tinyurl.com/comeseemeinthegoodlightappletv) is currently available for viewing on the Apple TV subscription platform, which provides a [seven-day complimentary trial for newcomers](https://tinyurl.com/getappletvplus).

This recent acquisition from the Sundance Film Festival traces the path of poet Andrea Gibson, who has been diagnosed with terminal cancer. Confronted with this life-changing news, Gibson chooses to embrace the rest of her life with enthusiasm and intention.

Directed by Ryan White, the film details the experiences of Gibson and her partner, Megan Falley, as they manage the challenges of impending loss together. Gibson poignantly states, “my tale is about joy being simpler to discover once we understand we do not have forever to seek it.”

The documentary portrays Gibson’s journey with a mix of assurance and energy, highlighting their candidness and dark humor against the backdrop of serious health obstacles. It features intimate moments such as medical appointments and chemotherapy sessions, offering a raw and genuine depiction of their experiences.

Visit Me in the Brightness won the Audience Festival Favorite award at the 2025 Sundance Festival in January. Sadly, Gibson passed away in August, yet the final version of the film remains a tribute to life, not directly mentioning her passing.

Viewers can watch Visit Me in the Brightness with an [Apple TV subscription](https://tinyurl.com/getappletvplus). The Apple TV app is available on a variety of devices, including Apple products, Android, Roku, Amazon Fire TV, smart TVs, and more. It can also be viewed in a web browser at [tv.apple.com](https://tinyurl.com/getappletvplus).

### Also Streaming on Apple TV

Alongside Visit Me in the Brightness, Apple TV is presently streaming new episodes of various dramas, including [Pluribus](https://tinyurl.com/pluribusappletv), [The Morning Show](https://tinyurl.com/themorningshowappletv), and [The Last Frontier](https://tinyurl.com/thelastfrontier), as well as the comedy series [Loot](https://tinyurl.com/lootappletv) and the food documentary series [Knife Edge](https://tinyurl.com/knifeedgechasingmichelinstars).

Upcoming premieres feature the family-friendly film [The Family Plan 2](https://tinyurl.com/familyplan2appletv) and the cinematic sports drama [F1: The Movie](https://tinyurl.com/fappletv).

For a complete list of what’s streaming on the service, refer to our

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Four-Month Evaluation: The Distinctive Excellence of the Fiio M21 Digital Audio Player and Its Desktop Mode

With the introduction of the M21, Fiio may have released its finest digital audio player to date, highlighting affordability as a primary selling feature. The M21, retailing at $329, presents an enticing offering for audio fans. It boasts a compact 4.7-inch screen and a 4,000mAh battery, operating on Android 13, which is a notable advancement over numerous other players that are still on outdated Android versions.

The M21’s appearance is distinctly different from earlier models, featuring a frosted glass surface that ensures a comfortable hold while resisting smudges and scratches. At 193g, it is lighter than both the M23 and M15S, but still achieves high build quality thanks to its aluminum framework.

This player includes a 3.5mm jack, a balanced 4.4mm output, and USB-C technology, featuring a dedicated USB-C port for desktop mode, which allows the device to utilize USB power rather than drawing from its internal battery. Additionally, the M21 supports a MicroSD card slot and comes equipped with pogo connectors for connecting to a distinctive cassette case, which adds a nostalgic element and provides physical controls for music playback.

Powered by the Snapdragon 680 with 4GB of RAM and 64GB of storage, the M21 features four Cirrus Logic CS43198 DAC chips and a tailored TI OPA1692 amplifier. It is compatible with Bluetooth 5.0 using the AptX suite and offers a neutral sound profile with a slight warmth, producing clear mids and vibrant lows.

In summary, the M21 excels in its design, audio performance, and power, establishing itself as a formidable player in its segment. Its cost-effectiveness, paired with Fiio’s renowned sound and contemporary features, positions it as an appealing choice for those in search of a premium digital audio player.

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Apple and OpenAI’s Request to Dismiss Elon Musk’s Antitrust Case Rejected

A US District Judge has turned down Apple’s attempt to have a lawsuit thrown out that accuses it and OpenAI of participating in anti-competitive behavior within the AI industry. This legal dispute originates from claims made by Elon Musk, who asserts that Apple and OpenAI are collaborating to obstruct other AI firms from reaching the highest positions on the App Store.

Earlier in the year, Musk alleged that Apple and OpenAI were manipulating the App Store to favor OpenAI’s offerings, particularly after Musk’s company, xAI, unveiled new features for its Grok app but did not witness an expected boost in its App Store rankings. Musk publicly declared that Apple’s conduct amounted to an antitrust violation and vowed to pursue legal action.

In reaction to Musk’s allegations, Apple stood by its App Store procedures, claiming they are intended to be equitable and impartial. The company highlighted that it showcases a broad selection of apps based on various objective standards, striving to ensure safe discovery for users and opportunities for developers.

OpenAI’s CEO, Sam Altman, also contributed to the debate by suggesting that Musk had previously skewed the X algorithm to hinder rivals. This exchange led to Apple submitting a motion to dismiss the lawsuit, which Judge Mark Pittmann ultimately rejected.

In his decision, Judge Pittmann stated that the matter needs further scrutiny and that the rejection of the motion to dismiss does not indicate any wrongdoing by Apple or OpenAI. Rather, it implies that more evidence and arguments are required for a thorough assessment of the claims put forth in the lawsuit. The judge remarked that the topics involved are more appropriate for resolution via a motion for summary judgment, suggesting that the legal proceedings will progress in the upcoming months.

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ChatGPT Unveils Group Chat Functionality in Four Areas

**OpenAI Unveils Group Chats with ChatGPT: A Revolutionary Shift in Interaction**

OpenAI is presently testing a groundbreaking feature for ChatGPT that enables users to partake in group chats, signifying a notable advancement in the application of chatbots. This option is being launched in specific regions, including Japan, New Zealand, South Korea, and Taiwan, with intentions for wider distribution contingent on user insights.

The advent of group chats signifies a shift from conventional chatbot exchanges, which usually feature one-on-one dialogues. This fresh capability coincides with similar developments by Microsoft in its Copilot tool, which also prioritizes cooperative communication.

The group chat functionality is powered by the newly introduced GPT-5.1 model, enhancing the chatbot’s capacity to engage in conversations more seamlessly. A significant enhancement is that rate limits are enforced only during ChatGPT’s responses, allowing users to communicate freely without the persistent necessity to prompt the bot after each input. This configuration promotes a more organic exchange of dialogue among group participants.

ChatGPT is designed to track the context of the dialogue, discerning when to engage and when to remain quiet. Users can effortlessly trigger the bot by mentioning “ChatGPT” within their messages. Moreover, the chatbot is now capable of responding to messages with emojis and referencing profile images, enabling it to generate tailored visuals within the group setting, thereby enriching the interactive experience.

As OpenAI continues to improve this feature, it is dedicated to modifying the group chat functionalities based on initial user feedback. The organization aims to broaden access to additional areas in the future, setting the stage for a more collaborative and immersive utilization of AI in daily conversations.

In conclusion, the launch of group chats in ChatGPT represents a significant leap in chatbot technology, promoting a more interactive and community-oriented method of AI communication.

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Significant Notification for Compressor Users

### Apple Resolves Remote Execution Vulnerability in Compressor 4.11.1

Apple has unveiled Compressor 4.11.1, which rectifies a notable security flaw. Compressor is a specialized application aimed at video and audio encoding, transcoding, and format conversion, seamlessly integrating with Final Cut Pro and Motion to optimize conversion processes.

#### Summary of the Update

The recent update, version 4.11, brought support for an array of features and video capture technologies linked to the iPhone 17 series. However, the subsequent release of version 4.11.1 is pivotal due to its emphasis on security improvements.

#### Insights into the Security Vulnerability

The security concern revolves around a remote code execution vulnerability that might be leveraged by an unauthorized user within the same network as a Compressor server. Specifically, this flaw could enable such a user to run arbitrary code, posing a potential threat to users who have activated network-based server functionalities in Compressor.

The vulnerability has been mitigated by adjusting the default settings to deny external connections, thus lessening the risk of exploitation. This issue has been documented under CVE-2025-43515, with acknowledgments to CodeColorist and Pedro Tôrres.

#### Significance of Upgrading

Although the vulnerability could only be exploited under particular circumstances, the issuance of the fix implies that attackers may attempt to target older versions of the application. Thus, it is strongly advised for Compressor users to upgrade to the latest version as promptly as possible to maintain system security.

For further details regarding the security update, users can refer to the official Apple support webpage.

### Final Thoughts

The launch of Compressor 4.11.1 highlights Apple’s dedication to user security, especially within professional tools that manage sensitive media content. Users are urged to remain vigilant and keep their software current to guard against possible vulnerabilities.

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Apple Maps Unveils Look Around and In-Depth City Experience Features in Kansas City

**Discovering Kansas City with Apple’s Comprehensive City Experience and Look Around Features**

Residents of Missouri and Kansas can now delve into the Kansas City metro area with remarkable intricacy, courtesy of Apple’s recent upgrades to Apple Maps. The launch of the Comprehensive City Experience (CCE) and the engaging Look Around feature enables users to traverse the city with heightened precision and insight.

### View Kansas City Up Close or From High Above

Apple has officially introduced support for the Comprehensive City Experience and Look Around in Kansas City. CCE, which has been accessible in chosen cities since 2021, offers users detailed insights into the city’s elevation, neighborhoods, structures, trees, and road attributes, including crosswalks and turn lanes. With Kansas City added to the list of 33 cities and regions worldwide that provide this feature, both locals and visitors can now relish a more detailed perspective of the area.

Alongside CCE, Apple Maps now includes Look Around in Kansas City. This functionality provides a three-dimensional, 360-degree street-level perspective, enabling users to virtually navigate the city. Whether observing local attractions or scouting venues, Look Around enriches the experience for tourists and locals alike.

### Highlighted Attractions to Discover

With the newly added features, organizing sightseeing adventures or virtually hovering over Kansas City’s renowned landmarks has never been simpler. Some of the key spots to visit include:

– Arthur Bryant’s Barbecue
– Children’s Mercy Park
– Country Club Plaza
– CPKC Stadium
– Joe’s Kansas City Bar-B-Que
– Kansas City Library Giant Bookshelf
– Kauffman Stadium
– KC Wheel
– National WWII Museum and Memorial
– Negro Leagues Baseball Museum
– Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art
– One Park Place
– Starlight Theater
– Union Station
– Western Auto

To explore these features firsthand, simply search for Kansas City on Apple Maps.

### Accessory Offers on Amazon

For those keen on enhancing their Apple Maps experience, browse the accessory deals currently available on Amazon.

**FTC Disclaimer:** We utilize income-generating auto affiliate links. Additional information can be found on our website.

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Opera Indicates 500% Growth in European iOS Users Due to DMA Efforts

**Opera’s Extraordinary Surge in iOS Users Post-Digital Markets Act**

Norway-based Opera has announced an impressive fivefold increase in its iOS user count throughout Europe since the Digital Markets Act (DMA) was put into effect in 2024. This surge is linked to various elements, including the DMA’s regulations that improve browser options for users.

In a recent press statement, Opera revealed an 88% jump in daily active iOS users in Europe over the last year, a remarkable increase that follows a 57% rise the prior year. The DMA requires a browser choice interface for European users during device setup, which has significantly contributed to Opera’s expansion. Notably, countries such as France have seen a fivefold rise in active users since the DMA’s rollout.

Jørgen Arnesen, Opera’s Executive Vice President of Mobile, remarked on the company’s growth path, stating, “Fifteen years ago, Opera unveiled the first alternative to Apple Safari for the iPhone. After over a decade of modest growth, we identified a chance to revitalize the browser two years ago, introducing several of our distinctive trademark Opera features such as free browser VPN to iOS users. (…) Since then, the blend of an unwavering emphasis on unique browser innovations, a fairer competitive landscape in Europe, and targeted marketing has fostered the highest growth product we have witnessed in years in our portfolio.”

Currently, Opera is present on the browser choice screen in all 27 countries where it is required, further aiding its growth in Europe. The company credits its success not only to the DMA but also to the launch of features like in-browser VPN and cutting-edge AI functionalities.

For further details, Opera’s complete press release is available on their official investor relations page.

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The Outsiders Unveils Apple Watch Application Focusing on Training Preparedness

one of our preferred fitness trackers for dedicated athletes has received an update including an Apple Watch app. With this development, Gentler Stories’ new software has fully launched after 45 days as it broadens its reach to Apple’s smartwatches.

“The Apple Watch app signifies a pivotal advancement in our development, marking the stage where the product feels sufficiently mature to compete alongside other fitness applications in its segment,” stated Katarina Lotrič, Co-founder & CEO. “We created this app for athletes who do not require motivation; instead, they seek valuable insights into their training readiness. We’ve got the OG outsiders in the office, and witnessing their wish list reflected by early adopters is a positive indication that we are heading in the right direction.”

Distinct from the Gentler Streak app for Apple Watch, which assists users in tracking their effort in real-time and identifying when they are near their limits, The Outsiders delivers crucial information regarding your Training Readiness while on the move. Here’s all the information you need regarding this app’s launch.

What The Outsiders offers to Apple Watch

The primary emphasis of The Outsiders’ Apple Watch app is on Training Readiness. This feature enables athletes to dive deeply into data about recovery and training load to gauge how prepared they are for their next workout. According to the developers, it provides them with a clear understanding of their daily form and what actions they can take next. In addition to athlete readiness, the Apple Watch app underscores the 7-day Training Load Ratio, 7-night Sleeping Heart Rate, 7-night Heart Rate Variability, 7-night Wrist Temperature, 7-Night Respiratory Rate, 7-night Blood Oxygen, and recent nights’ sleep.

In the upcoming update, The Outsiders will incorporate a Training Readiness complication, simplifying the process for users to view their readiness before and after a workout. The Outsiders is <a href="https://apps.apple.com

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Apple Unveils Public Beta 2 of macOS Tahoe 26.2

**macOS Tahoe 26.2 Beta 2: New Features and Installation Instructions**

Public beta testers for macOS can now grab macOS Tahoe 26.2 beta 2, which brings an inventive feature for video conferencing. Here’s what’s new.

### New Edge Light Feature

Recently, Apple unveiled macOS Tahoe 26.2 developer beta 2, showcasing an innovative “Edge Light” feature that improves video calls by brightening the edges of the screen. This unique function empowers users to adjust both the thickness and color temperature of the edge light, with options available in blue, neutral, and amber shades. The outcome emulates the effect of a ring light, which has gained popularity for streaming and video conferencing.

In addition to the new Edge Light feature, beta 2 doesn’t seem to present any other user-facing updates. Still, further investigation might unveil additional noteworthy enhancements.

The current build version being released is 25C5037j, the same as the developer beta 2.

### How to Install macOS Tahoe 26.2 Public Beta 2

To set up macOS Tahoe 26.2 public beta 2, you must first join Apple’s public beta program at

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