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Apple Black Friday Offer: Get a Gift Card Worth Up to $250 with Purchase of Mac, iPhone, iPad, and More

**Apple’s Black Friday Shopping Event: Key Information**

The Apple Store has officially unveiled its Black Friday shopping event, scheduled from November 28 to December 1. Throughout this time, customers can earn gift cards worth up to $250 when acquiring eligible products, including Mac, iPhone, iPad, and Apple Watch.

### Gift Card Promotions

Apple’s Black Friday deal features a tiered gift card structure based on the product acquired:

– **$250 Gift Card**: Available with the purchase of a MacBook Pro equipped with the M4 Pro or M4 Max chip.
– **$200 Gift Card**: Granted for the 15-inch MacBook Air.
– **$175 Gift Card**: Offered for the 13-inch MacBook Air.
– **$150 Gift Card**: Provided with any M4 iMac model.
– **$100 Gift Card**: Offered with the purchase of a Mac mini or an iPad Air (11-inch or 13-inch).
– **$75 Gift Card**: Available for the iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, or AirPods Max.
– **$50 Gift Card**: Granted with the purchase of the iPhone 16e, basic A16 iPad, iPad mini, Apple Watch Series 11, Apple Watch SE 3, AirPods Pro 3, HomePod, or selected Beats wireless headphones.
– **$25 Gift Card**: Available for AirPods 4, Apple TV 4K, Beats Pill, iPad Magic Keyboard, or Apple Pencil Pro.

### Comparison to Other Retailers

While the gift card deals may appear enticing, they frequently don’t offer the best value compared to discounts from other retailers. For instance, AirPods 4 can currently be purchased on Amazon at a greater discount than the $25 gift card value provided by Apple. Likewise, the 15-inch MacBook Air is reduced by $250 on Amazon, exceeding the $200 gift card value from Apple.

### Exclusions and Limitations

Importantly, Apple’s Black Friday promotion excludes its latest high-end products, including the iPhone 17 lineup and the newly launched M5 MacBook Pro and M5 iPad Pro. Additionally, the gift cards cannot be utilized to lower the purchase price at the moment of transaction; they can only be redeemed for future hardware acquisitions or subscriptions/digital in-app purchases on the Apple Account.

### Conclusion

The Apple Black Friday shopping event takes place from November 28 to December 1, presenting various gift card values for qualifying purchases. While the promotion may appeal to shoppers, it is vital to compare these offers with discounts from other retailers to secure the best value. Similar promotions are also available in most Apple Store countries around the globe.

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“Plaud’s AI Note-Taker Surpasses Anticipations with Exclusive Discount Promotion”

Plaud’s Note is an outstanding AI-powered recorder that excels at converting audio to text, making it a crucial resource for individuals who regularly participate in meetings and briefings. The device is portable, roughly the dimensions of a credit card, featuring a sturdy metal casing and a sleek design. It easily connects to a phone with a magnetic ring or leather case, and it operates simply with a single button for recording and an LED light indicator.

The Plaud Note employs cutting-edge AI technologies like GPT-5 for transcription, providing precise outcomes with minimal errors. The associated Plaud app improves the overall experience by offering essential quotes, comprehensive summaries, and additional valuable insights. This functionality differentiates it from other AI note-taking instruments.

Nevertheless, the practicality of the device has been called into question due to its pricing model. The Plaud Note is priced at $159, but full features necessitate a subscription. The Unlimited plan is available for $239 per year, while the Pro plan grants 20 hours of transcription monthly for $99 annually. The Starter plan, which comes with the device, only allows for five hours of transcription, proving inadequate for frequent users.

In spite of its functions, the necessity of the Plaud Note is arguable, as several contemporary smartphones include similar recording and transcription capabilities at no extra cost. For example, Google’s Recorder on Pixel phones and AI-based recorders on various smartphones offer comparable features for free.

In summary, the Plaud Note is a thoughtfully crafted and efficient tool for those open to subscribing. It is especially advantageous for students and professionals who need thorough meeting transcripts. However, for basic transcription requirements, a smartphone could meet the needs without the added financial burden. The device is presently offered at a discounted rate of $127, providing a more budget-friendly option for potential users.

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Samsung Tablet Currently 52% Discounted for Black Friday Promotion

The Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 Lite represents a budget-friendly tablet alternative that includes the Samsung S Pen, making it an appealing option for individuals in search of an economical device with stylus features. This tablet becomes especially attractive during promotional periods such as Black Friday, where price reductions enhance its availability.

Key Features:
– **Display and Design**: The Galaxy Tab S6 Lite boasts a 10.4-inch LCD screen, which, although not AMOLED, provides a vibrant and engaging viewing experience. Its design is complemented by a headphone jack, USB-C port, and stereo speakers, improving its multimedia functions.
– **Performance**: Driven by an Exynos 9611 chipset and outfitted with 4GB of RAM, the S6 Lite is adequate for routine activities, though it may fall short for users in need of high-performance gadgets.
– **Battery Life**: Featuring a 7,040mAh battery, the tablet assures up to 14 hours of usage, making it a dependable partner for long sessions.
– **Storage Options**: The device comes with a 64GB storage option, expandable to 128GB, and additionally supports expandable storage of up to 512GB with a microSD card.
– **Camera**: It is equipped with a 5MP front camera and an 8MP rear camera, sufficient for basic photography and video conferencing.

Pros:
– The addition of the S Pen at a lower cost is a major benefit, as this capability was typically exclusive to Samsung’s premium tablets.
– The tablet’s extended battery life and the presence of a headphone jack offer practical advantages for users.

Cons:
– It does not feature a fingerprint sensor and may not appeal to users searching for top-level performance.
– While adequate, the LCD display doesn’t compare to the quality of AMOLED screens.

In summary, the Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 Lite is a reliable option for those in search of an economical tablet with stylus capabilities. It is particularly suitable for students, young professionals, or anyone needing a dependable device for everyday tasks without overspending.

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A Guide to Selecting the Optimal OnePlus 15 Color Choice

The OnePlus 15 is available in three distinct colors.

If you’re thinking about purchasing the OnePlus 15, you may be curious about which color to select. This version offers three colorways, each coming in 16GB/512GB and 12GB/256GB storage configurations. This variety simplifies the decision-making process regarding color.

Traditionally, the best OnePlus smartphones include a black option, paired with several unique textures. This year, however, it’s a uniform matte finish across the entire range. Unfortunately, if you’re after a glossy look or a leather-back finish, you’ll be disappointed. Let’s dive into the available choices.

The OnePlus 15 emphasizes matte finishes.

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Our knowledgeable reviewers dedicate substantial time to testing and evaluating products and services so that you can select what’s best for your needs. Learn more about our testing methods.

OnePlus 15 – Sand Storm

Beige flag

Sand Storm features a cool-toned beige with an almost milky appearance. This design is highly monochromatic, with both the camera bar and the buttons coated in the same hue.

OnePlus 15 – Ultra Violet

Playful purple

Ultra Violet showcases a finish that blends matte and satin, accompanied by a very subtle color-shifting paint job that adds a playful touch in varying light. The glossy sides enhance the overall look of the device.

OnePlus 15 – Infinite Black

Boring black

Infinite Black presents a typical matte black color scheme paired with a coordinating camera island and buttons. Unfortunately, it doesn’t really make a statement.

Your color choice should reflect your personality.

When contemplating which color of the OnePlus 15 to acquire, consider which hue best aligns with your identity. A smartphone is an incredibly personal item, often mirroring who we are. Thus, selecting a colorway when purchasing a phone is not always a simple task.

I adore the OnePlus 15 in Ultra Violet because it’s among my favorite colors. And if there’s one trait of those who cherish purple, it’s their complete commitment to that passion. Setting aside my strong affection for the shade, Ultra Violet stands out as the most distinctive option in the 15 series. It boasts an impressive duochrome effect with a blend of purple and opal. The matte finish enhances the color shift while also toning it down, and the shiny purple trim exudes luxury.

However, if vibrant colors aren’t your preference, the monochrome choices like the beige Sand Storm and plain black Infinite Black might be more suitable. Lighter shades, such as Sand Storm, tend to show scratches and dirt more prominently, so if you plan to use the OnePlus 15 without a case, I recommend choosing Infinite Black for safety.

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Sony WH-1000XM6 Headphones Enjoy Major Price Cut, Achieving Record Low Price

The WH-1000XM6 may not introduce drastic improvements, but that’s perfectly fine — especially now that it’s discounted.

I’ve been a long-time admirer of Sony’s 1000X series headphones, to the point where I bought several models post-testing. However, the WH-1000XM5 didn’t appeal to me; the design left much to be desired, and the lack of an inward folding feature made it unsuitable for travel.

Thus, I looked forward to trying out the WH-1000XM6. Although Sony didn’t alter the audio drivers extensively, the WH-1000XM6 showcases a significantly improved design; the hinge now features a folding mechanism, making it again convenient for travel. The case is far less bulky compared to its predecessor, and I was able to fit it into my travel bag with ease.

With Sony launching the WH-1000XM6 two years following the WH-1000XM5, a price increase is unavoidable; the headset is priced at $449, yet it’s currently on sale for $398. This represents a modest reduction of 13%, but every bit counts.

✅Recommended if: You travel frequently. The WH-1000XM6 offers unparalleled noise isolation, excelling as a travel headset due to its new folding hinge design.

❌Skip this deal if: You prefer a neutral sound profile. In that case, consider the Bose QC Ultra Gen 2. Additionally, the WH-1000XM6 lacks ingress protection, which is another factor to keep in mind.

Throughout the month I assessed the WH-1000XM6, I noticed no design flaws, and the headset appears more durable than its predecessor. Comfort levels are solid too, thanks to the cushioned ear pads and headband, alongside reasonable adjustability. Similar to its predecessors, the headset does not provide ingress protection, so I wouldn’t recommend using it during gym sessions.

The sole usability concern is that the WH-1000XM6 exhibits a higher clamping force, creating a discernible amount of pressure. This can become bothersome over time, which is one reason I opted not to take the WH-1000XM6 on a recent long-haul flight — I lean towards the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Gen 2 for this purpose.

The QC Ultra Gen 2 is far more comfortable for prolonged wear, and I encountered no issues on a 16-hour flight, even though it’s 9g heavier — I can’t fathom enduring that with the WH-1000XM6. The WH-1000XM6 truly shines in noise isolation; Sony excels in Active Noise Cancellation (ANC), and this year is no exception. The headset effectively blocks ambient noise in loud environments, slightly surpassing Bose.

Regarding audio performance, the WH-1000XM6 retains a bit of a bass emphasis, albeit less pronounced than its predecessors. The headset features the same 30mm driver as the WH-1000XM5, but alterations to the tuning yield a somewhat distinct sound.

There’s a minor enhancement to the bass, delivering added depth and energy to the audio, though overall, the tuning remains enjoyable. While I still favor Bose’s neutral soundstage, it’s undeniable that the WH-1000XM6 is crafted to be vibrant in this aspect.

You can effortlessly modify the sound, adjust the EQ, and switch modes via the Sony Sound Connect app. It also allows you to fine-tune transparency settings, set up 36-degree sound, and modify gesture controls. Speaking of which, the headset features intuitive gestures, triggering actions smoothly.

Sony’s LDAC codec remains functional on the headset, ensuring seamless streaming of lossless music to the headset from your Android device — Google collaborated with Sony to incorporate LDAC into Android 8.0 Oreo, and all subsequent OS versions come with the codec pre-installed.

As for battery life, the WH-1000XM6 surpassed the promised 30 hours, outlasting the QC Ultra Gen 2 by 90 minutes. It also supports fast charging, providing three hours of playback from a mere 10-minute charge, which proved invaluable on occasions when I neglected to charge the headset before heading out.

Overall, I’m impressed with what Sony accomplished with the WH-1000XM6. The design shows marked improvement this generation, making travel more manageable. The audio quality has progressed, and it delivers top-notch noise isolation along with a wealth of practical features. I still lean towards the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Gen 2 due to fit preference, but if you’ve used Sony’s headsets before, the WH-1000XM6 is sure to impress you. And with the

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How to Activate the Crucial Setting for Utilizing Gemini 3

leaked benchmarks for Gemini 3 Pro have already provided us with a substantial understanding. However, unlike ChatGPT, Gemini lacks a straightforward method to identify which model you are accessing. So, how can you determine if you’re using Gemini 3 or the previous Gemini 2.5 Pro?

Well, beyond the apparent quality of the responses — which should be improved with Gemini 3 — Google mentions there’s one crucial setting you can alter when entering a prompt into Gemini on both desktop and Android to verify that you’re utilizing the latest model. This setting is simple to locate, and to be frank, unless you’re engaging the chatbot for complex tasks, you might not have even considered adjusting it.

Activate this setting to access Gemini 3 now

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Gemini Unveils Tool to Recognize AI-Created Images

recently introduced Gemini 3, enhancing its AI chatbot with greater capabilities, such as generative UI. However, it isn’t this newfound ability that stands out as the most thrilling alteration to the Gemini model at this moment. In fact, one particularly intriguing advancement in Google’s AI lies in its newfound ability to determine if an image was produced by AI.

Granted, the concept of using AI to identify AI-generated content may seem somewhat absurd on its own. Nonetheless, possessing additional tools to ascertain whether something was crafted by AI is becoming increasingly vital as a growing number of AI solutions emerge, enabling users to generate convincing content that can easily be mistaken for something human-made. The capability to inspect images for an invisible watermark in AI-generated material is now being introduced for Gemini.

AI reporting on AI

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Inexpensive Smart TV Offers Great Value for Only $109 on Amazon

An Affordable Smart TV That Delivers Exceptional Value for Just $109 on Amazon

In the current marketplace, discovering a high-quality television at an economical price can be a daunting task. Although TV prices have decreased, not every budget-friendly choice is truly worthwhile. Nonetheless, the VIZIO 32-inch Full HD 1080p Smart TV available on Amazon at $109 stands out as a rare find. This offer presents a 32% reduction from its original price of $159.99, rendering it an enticing option for individuals in search of a dependable and feature-rich television.

This VIZIO model features its own operating system, granting access to a broad selection of streaming applications and services. It’s especially attractive to gamers, boasting specifications like HDR10 support through HDMI and an automatic Low Latency Mode for gaming consoles and computers. The TV’s VIZIO ThinFrame design makes it suitable for a variety of spaces, making it a flexible choice for any room.

In addition to the 32-inch variant, Amazon also provides a larger 40-inch model for $138. Both versions offer full 1080p HD clarity and a complete array LED backlight. The presence of the WatchFree+ app allows users to access free On Demand titles and channels, needing only a complimentary VIZIO account.

With a 4.1-star rating from more than 6,000 reviews on Amazon, this VIZIO Smart TV receives commendations for its extensive range of pre-installed apps, excellent picture and sound quality, and affordability. As the holiday season approaches, this offer is an excellent chance to enhance your TV or finalize your holiday shopping list without overspending.

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Anker’s Prime 3-in-1 MagSafe Charging Station Delivers 25W Qi2 Power for iPhone Owners

### Anker Prime 3-in-1 MagSafe Charger: An In-Depth Evaluation

With the holiday season nearing, numerous individuals are searching for premium tech accessories, and the Anker Prime 3-in-1 MagSafe charger emerges as a leading option. This charging station is tailored for Apple enthusiasts, offering an effortless method for simultaneously charging an iPhone, Apple Watch, and AirPods.

#### Key Features

1. **25W MagSafe Charging with Qi2.2 Compatibility**: The Anker Prime charger embraces cutting-edge charging protocols, delivering as much as 25W of power to compatible gadgets. This is especially advantageous for the iPhone 16 and iPhone 17 models, enabling users to fully utilize the quickest charging capabilities on the market.

2. **High-Quality Construction**: With a price tag of $229.99, the Anker Prime 3-in-1 charger validates its expense through its upscale design. The unboxing experience is remarkable, and the charger feels solid and well-crafted, adorned with sleek stainless steel arms that boost its visual charm.

3. **Detailed Charging Information**: A notable attribute of this charging stand is its integrated display, which offers instant information regarding the charging status of each connected gadget. Users can keep track of overall power output and the wattage being drawn by their devices, ensuring peak charging efficiency.

4. **Rotatable MagSafe Ring**: The charger features a rotatable hinge for the iPhone MagSafe ring, enabling users to swivel their device for optimal viewing angles. This versatility is a considerable benefit over numerous fixed-position chargers available today.

5. **Integrated Cooling Fan**: To avert overheating during charging—a frequent concern with wireless chargers—the Anker Prime is equipped with a built-in fan. This not only helps to sustain a safe temperature but also aids in achieving quicker charging rates and minimizing battery wear over time.

#### Conclusion

The Anker Prime 3-in-1 MagSafe charger is a superb option for anyone aiming to enhance their MagSafe setup. It merges utility with an elegant design, making it a perfect complement to any nightstand or office space. With its compatibility with the latest charging standards and clever features, it offers a dependable and efficient charging solution for iPhones, Apple Watches, and AirPods.

For those interested, the Anker Prime 3-in-1 MagSafe charging station can be purchased on Amazon for $229.99, available in both Phantom Gray and White variants.

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iFixit Examines the 3D-Printed USB-C Connector of the iPhone Air

Following Apple’s announcement yesterday regarding its 3D printing process for the Apple Watch Series 11 and Ultra 3, iFixIt has performed a thorough analysis of the company’s 3D printing methodologies. Here’s what they found.

### Apple Appears to Employ a Technique Mentioned in a Medical Study

Although largely expected from Apple, iFixIt has released a compelling review of how Apple applies 3D printing techniques in its new hardware. In their disassembly of the iPhone Air, iFixIt observed an interesting aspect concerning the device’s 3D-printed USB-C port: a “chainlink-like, circular surface pattern” that confounded 3D printing specialists. At the 50µm scale, this pattern seemed quite unconventional.

iFixIt’s discoveries contradicted previous claims that suggested Apple was utilizing a method known as binder jetting, which combines a powder with a binder material for adhesion. Instead, they uncovered strong evidence that Apple seems to be adopting a technique described in a medical paper from six years prior, which elaborates on the benefits of creating 10-50µm structures on titanium surfaces using pulsed laser ablation to provide anti-bacterial properties in prosthetics. While the iPhone Air’s 3D-printed USB-C does not appear to exhibit such anti-bacterial characteristics, it seems to implement the general technique referenced in the study.

After reviewing Apple’s press release detailing the 3D printing process for the Apple Watch Series 11 and Ultra 3, iFixIt validated some of their conclusions. Apple outlined a method that involves a variety of machines, each equipped with six lasers that construct 900 layers of titanium to form each Apple Watch casing. Although the process was not specifically labeled ‘pulsed laser ablation,’ it supported iFixIt’s findings.

iFixIt elaborated on the benefits of this technique, including the avoidance of overheating the surrounding material, which prevents warping or discoloration, as well as reducing energy or material waste during production. Their article offers insightful perspectives on this pioneering approach.

Furthermore, they examined Apple’s assertion regarding the utilization of “aerospace grade” titanium in the iPhone Air. iFixIt highlighted that this term does not represent an actual titanium grade. Despite the initial enthusiasm surrounding Apple’s adoption of 3D printing in some of its products, they remarked that this evolution does not significantly improve repairability, as the method is not conducive to straightforward at-home printing.

In summary, Apple’s progress in 3D printing technology represents a meaningful advancement in manufacturing processes, showcasing cutting-edge techniques that may affect future hardware development while also raising concerns about repairability and material classifications.

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