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Save Cash on My Preferred Chromebook Prior to Black Friday

This Chromebook justifies its price, even without any discounts.

(Image credit: Andrew Myrick / Android Central)

Thanksgiving hasn’t even arrived, and we’ve already encountered some amazing Black Friday offers on Chromebooks. Now, you can get $45 off my top pick for the year, the Lenovo Chromebook Plus 14.

This promotion is from Lenovo, specifically for the highest-end variant. It features 16GB of RAM and 256GB of storage paired with the Kompanio Ultra 910 and a stunning 14-inch OLED screen.

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Nvidia’s Shield TV Gets Fresh Software Update Following Ten Years

Nvidia maintains long-term assistance for Shield TV.

(Image credit: Android Central)

Key information

  • Nvidia has rolled out a new Shield Experience 9.2.2 update, ensuring continued support for the long-standing Shield TV.
  • This update emphasizes stability enhancements and resolves several user-reported issues related to quality of life.
  • New accessibility features feature a pairing alert sound and an interface for modifying timeout settings.

Notice

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Summary of iPhone Pocket, iOS 26.2 Beta 2, and Upcoming Advancements for iPhone Air

### New Highlights in the 26.2 Betas: An In-Depth Look

In the newest edition of the 9to5Mac Happy Hour podcast, hosts Benjamin Mayo and Chance Miller delve into the thrilling new features that have been introduced in the 26.2 betas. One notable addition is the innovative Edge Light mode, crafted to elevate the user interface by adding a gentle glow around app icons and notifications, enhancing their visual allure and ease of use. Moreover, the incorporation of Liquid Glass across the system promises a more seamless and refined user experience, highlighting Apple’s dedication to aesthetic appeal and functional design.

### Digital IDs in Wallet

Apple has also garnered attention with the introduction of Digital IDs in the Wallet app. This functionality enables users to securely keep their identification documents on their devices, streamlining access and management of personal data. As digital identification becomes more crucial across different sectors, this initiative positions Apple at the forefront of digital security and convenience.

### The Prospects of the iPhone Air

The conversation also explores the prospects of the iPhone Air, raising inquiries regarding its potential discontinuation or redesign. As Apple persists in innovating and broadening its product range, the future of the iPhone Air remains ambiguous, leaving fans and customers keen for further updates.

### Has Apple Concluded for the Year?

In the Happy Hour Plus segment, the hosts reflect on whether Apple has finalized its new product launches for the year. With the holiday season on the horizon, many are speculating about the chance of unexpected announcements or product releases that could further enhance Apple’s offerings.

### Engage in the Discussion

Listeners are invited to participate in the podcast by sending questions and feedback via Twitter, Mastodon, or email. For those seeking an ad-free experience and extra content, the 9to5Mac Happy Hour Plus subscription provides exclusive advantages, including bonus episodes and discussions before and after the show.

### Final Thoughts

The recent developments from Apple, encompassing the 26.2 betas and the launch of Digital IDs, demonstrate the company’s continuous commitment to innovation and user satisfaction. As conversations about the future of the iPhone Air progress, the tech community remains eager to discover what Apple will reveal next.

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9to5Mac Daily: November 13, 2025 – Summary of New macOS Edge Light Functionalities and Extra Enhancements

**9to5Mac Daily: Your Destination for Daily Apple News and Insights**

In the rapidly evolving tech environment, keeping abreast of the latest news and trends is essential, particularly for Apple fans. 9to5Mac Daily acts as a trustworthy resource for daily summaries of the most important events within the Apple ecosystem. This podcast, accessible on various platforms, guarantees that listeners stay informed about the newest advancements, product releases, and industry insights.

**Podcast Accessibility**

Listeners can find 9to5Mac Daily on numerous platforms, including [iTunes and Apple’s Podcasts app](https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/9to5mac-daily/id1331816080), [Stitcher](https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/9to5mac-daily), [TuneIn](https://tunein.com/radio/9to5Mac-Daily-p1089524/), [Google Play](https://play.google.com/music/m/I5d4dzs7dauazmfxvvrynyiuram?t=9to5Mac_Daily), and through a [dedicated RSS feed](https://feedpress.me/9to5macdaily) for users of Overcast and other podcast applications. This availability allows listeners to join in at their leisure, ensuring they never overlook an episode.

**Sponsorship and Deals**

The podcast is supported by Backblaze, a cloud storage provider that prioritizes data protection. They provide a special offer where users can enter the code “9to5daily” for a 20% discount or explore their services for free. This collaboration not only backs the podcast but also offers listeners important tools to protect their data.

**Content and Subscription Perks**

New episodes of 9to5Mac Daily are produced every weekday, serving as a steady source of information. Subscribers can choose to join 9to5Mac Daily Plus, which presents an ad-free listening experience and exclusive content, enhancing the overall enjoyment. This subscription option enables fans to directly support the program while reaping unique benefits.

**Interaction and Input**

Listeners are invited to share their opinions and suggestions by contacting via email at [email protected]. Furthermore, reviews on platforms like [Apple Podcasts](https://geo.itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/id1331816080?at=10laZc&pt=11l8808) and endorsements in

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Apple Unveils New Firmware for AirPods Pro 3 Along with Extra Updates

### New Update for AirPods Firmware Arrives as iOS 26.2 Approaches Release

Apple has rolled out fresh firmware updates for its AirPods Pro 3 and AirPods Pro 2 variants. This update is being issued as iOS 26.2 is under preparation, following the earlier firmware release that aligned with iOS 26.1.

#### Firmware Specifications

The most recent firmware versions are listed below:
– **AirPods Pro 3**: 8B25
– **AirPods Pro 2**: 8B21

The previous firmware version was 8A358, which applied to both AirPods Pro models. The latest updates bring about minor differences in the build numbers.

#### iOS 26.2 and AirPods Functionality

iOS 26.2 is presently in beta testing, with a public release anticipated next month. This update will debut the AirPods Live Translation feature in the EU for users. However, there are currently no additional AirPods-specific adjustments reported.

#### Updating AirPods Firmware

Apple does not offer a manual way to install firmware updates. Instead, updates are conducted automatically under specific circumstances. To ensure your AirPods receive the update, follow these instructions:

1. Make sure your AirPods are within Bluetooth range of your iPhone, iPad, or Mac that is connected to Wi-Fi.
2. Place your AirPods in the charging case and close the lid.
3. Connect the charging case to a power source with a charging cable.
4. Keep the lid of the case closed and wait for a minimum of 30 minutes for the firmware to upgrade.
5. Open the lid of the charging case to reconnect your AirPods to your device.
6. Verify the firmware version to confirm the update.

Apple will later refresh its firmware information page with details about the new updates. For now, the release notes are likely to include routine phrases such as “Bug fixes and other improvements.”

#### Feedback from Users

Users are invited to contribute their experiences with the new firmware. If you have updated, have you observed any changes in functionality or performance? Your insights could be beneficial to others in the community.

### Top Accessories for AirPods Pro

For those interested in enhancing their AirPods Pro experience, exploring a variety of accessories that may improve their functionality and convenience is recommended.

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Spotify Launches AI-Powered Audiobook Summaries on iOS and Improves Playlist Shuffle Capabilities

Spotify is launching a beta feature on its iOS application that improves the audiobook listening experience by offering users a summary of the narrative up to their last listening point. This feature, named Recap, is aimed at assisting users in easily reengaging with audiobooks without needing to replay earlier sections.

### Previously on…

As of today, a select range of English audiobooks on the Spotify iOS app will come equipped with the Recap functionality. This AI-driven summary provides listeners with a succinct overview of the plot up to the last point they listened to. Spotify equates Recaps to a “previously on” segment from TV shows, designed to minimize interruptions and sustain engagement in the narrative.

Spotify has partnered with its publishing associates to create this feature, which forms part of a larger effort to make audiobook consumption more intuitive and user-friendly. The Recap button will appear above the audiobook’s Chapters list after users have listened for the initial 15-20 minutes. It will be routinely updated to mirror the listener’s progress, enabling them to reenter the story without facing spoilers or needing a complete summary.

Notably, Spotify assures users that the content from the audiobooks will not be employed for large language model (LLM) training, and the Recap feature is not meant to substitute for the genuine experience of listening to the book.

### Expanded Shuffle Controls

Alongside the Recap feature, Spotify has unveiled a new shuffle option for Premium subscribers known as “Fewer Repeats.” This feature diminishes the chances of recently played tracks recurring during playlist shuffles. Users still have the option to revert to the “Standard” shuffle mode if they prefer the earlier randomization approach.

To modify the Shuffle settings, Premium users can execute the following steps:

1. Access your Spotify Settings.
2. Choose Playback.
3. Select either Fewer Repeats or Standard Shuffle.

Spotify highlights that choosing increased randomness might result in hearing the same songs more often, so users aiming to limit repetitions should adhere to the default “Fewer Repeats” setting.

For additional details about the new Shuffle controls, users can refer to Spotify’s official announcement. More information regarding the Recaps feature can also be located in Spotify’s newsroom.

### Conclusion

With the rollout of the Recap feature and improved shuffle controls, Spotify continues to innovate in the audiobook and music streaming sector, striving to offer a more seamless and enjoyable experience for its users.

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Apple’s iPhone 18 Pro Could Address Two Major User Demands

# Envisioning the iPhone 18 Pro: Modifications in Design and Improved Battery Performance

Despite the recent launch of the iPhone 17 Pro, Apple is already wrapping up significant details for next year’s iPhone 18 Pro. Recent leaks indicate that two major user requests may be fulfilled in the upcoming iteration.

## 1. Addressing the Two-Tone Rear Color Design

Among the latest speculations concerning the iPhone 18 Pro, a prominent alteration is a revision of the device’s rear design. The iPhone 17 Pro sports a two-tone color palette, where the aluminum surface contrasts with the glass section. While some users like this distinctive appearance, others find it less attractive.

Leak source Instant Digital has revealed that Apple is developing a fix for this design flaw. As per the leak, the iPhone 18 Pro will include new back glass that reduces the color disparity between the glass and the aluminum rear panel, resulting in a more cohesive and harmonious look. This echoes a prior leak from Digital Chat Station, which indicated alterations to the glass segment on the iPhone 18 Pro.

Although it’s still unclear how closely Apple can harmonize the aluminum and glass hues, there is hope that the design will enhance in the iPhone 18 Pro.

## 2. Enhancing Battery Life Even Further

Another intriguing leak from Instant Digital implies that the iPhone 18 Pro Max will be bulkier and heavier than its predecessor, the 17 Pro Max. Apple has underscored the ‘Pro’ aspect of its devices, refining their design to achieve the best battery performance yet. This modification has been favorably received by users, as demonstrated by robust sales figures for the iPhone 17 Pro.

While the leak specifically references the iPhone 18 Pro Max, it’s probable that similar enhancements will be rolled out to the iPhone 18 Pro. For example, prior to the iPhone 17’s release, there were expectations for a thicker, heavier Pro Max variant, but Apple chose to apply these modifications to both Pro models.

Even with apprehensions regarding how thick and heavy the iPhone Pro could become, Apple seems to be catering to user preferences for devices that emphasize battery longevity over slim design. The iPhone 18 Pro Max could act as a standard for measuring user preferences concerning device weight and thickness.

In summary, the speculated design updates and enhanced battery life for the iPhone 18 Pro reveal Apple’s attentiveness to user feedback. As excitement grows for the next generation of the iPhone, it will be fascinating to observe how these adjustments are embraced by the public.

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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