Meta’s $800 Ray-Ban Display Eyewear Sees Strong Demand
Supply is lagging behind demand.
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Apple Focuses on Advancing Smart Glasses Instead of More Affordable Vision Pro Version
an M5 version of the Vision Pro headset is expected soon, with speculation suggesting that a more affordable, lighter model is also under development. While the upgraded Vision Pro model may be revealed shortly, Bloomberg indicates that Apple has recently shifted its focus towards a pair of smart glasses — including a version that features a display. Reportedly, Apple informed employees last week that it is reallocating staff engaged in the development of the more economical and lighter Vision Pro model to the smart glasses initiative. However, the new Vision Pro version has not been scrapped.
This shift comes in light of recent changes in the industry, such as the lukewarm reception of the costly Vision Pro headset and the increasing popularity of AI smart glasses from competing brands. Meta’s Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses have surged in popularity over the past few years, with the company recently launching updated models. The $799 Meta Ray-Ban Display version now incorporates a built-in display, making it one of the top smart glasses available. Samsung is also reported to be developing AI smart glasses that are anticipated to launch in late 2026. Although Apple is lagging behind in AI capabilities even on iPhones, the company is reportedly making rapid progress in these areas as well.
What features will the Apple smart glasses provide?
AirPods Pro 3 Disassembly Uncovers Ongoing Problem in Apple’s Newest Wireless Earbuds
AirPods Pro 3 introduced with fresh features and numerous enhancements during the iPhone 17 launch event. The modified AirPods Pro 3 design boasts a new case and foam-infused tips, enhancing Active Noise Cancellation (ANC). This new AirPods Pro version is resistant to dust and water and incorporates heart rate sensors within the earbuds. The Live Translation function and extended battery life of the earbuds round out the critical aspects to know about the AirPods Pro 3. With an unchanged price of $249 in the U.S., the AirPods Pro 3 rank among the top choices for headphones available.
Nonetheless, Apple has not yet addressed the most significant drawback of AirPods — repairability. The wireless earbuds and their case are non-repairable, meaning the internal batteries cannot be replaced when they deteriorate over time. iFixit has conducted a teardown of the AirPods Pro 3, illustrating the challenges of opening an earbud to change the battery. The revamped case proves just as difficult to disassemble, even for seasoned professionals at iFixit.
The iFixit AirPods Pro 3 teardown: An inevitable outcome
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Alternative Applications for Old USB Drives Aside from Storage
USB drives are often seen simply as portable storage. For years, they were the primary choice for transferring files, images, and music between computers. However, with the rise of cloud storage and the ease of file sharing, many older flash drives now lie dormant in drawers. The reality is that these devices can be transformed for a variety of innovative, useful, and unexpected purposes beyond mere storage.
Absolutely, your USB drive may boast significant capacity, but certain applications only need a handful of megabytes, which means even the tiniest and most outdated drives can be useful. They can offer added security, enhance performance, or even fuel creative endeavors, giving them fresh usefulness instead of gathering dust. The options are wider than many anticipate, and numerous ones are straightforward enough for anyone to attempt. Here are nine clever ways to utilize old USB drives that extend far beyond storage.
Implement a USB drive as a tangible login
Factors Behind the Affordable Price of Google’s Most Neglected Android Device in Contrast to the iPhone 17
some of Google’s superior AI capabilities. The Pixel 9a comes at a notably lower price, as it features reduced memory, inferior cameras, and less premium materials—unlike the flagship model, which boasts a glass back rather than a plastic one.
With the unveiling of the iPhone 17 series, you might be deliberating between options. Should you choose the entry-level iPhone 17 or the economical Pixel 9a? Presently, the Pixel 9a is priced at $499 compared to the iPhone 17’s $799, attributed to its slower chipset and lesser camera quality. If your main consideration is budget, then the Pixel 9a is the way to go, even though the iPhone 17 presents exceptional value. No doubt about it. On the flip side, if you prioritize performance, the iPhone 17 takes the edge. Nevertheless, the Pixel 9a’s performance suffices for the majority of users. It provides all the essentials at a very appealing price. Even better, unlike many budget Android devices, the Pixel 9a is supported by Google, offering seven years of security updates.
The Tensor G4 is not the fastest but performs adequately
Whether it be smartphones, laptops, or desktops, Apple’s processors are exceptional. When comparing Apple’s silicon to Google’s, the contest is imbalanced. The A19 and A19 Pro chips, present in the iPhone 17 family, outperform Google’s Tensor G4 chip in both single-core and multi-core performance. Additionally, Apple’s chip features superior integrated graphics, which is advantageous for gaming.
If you’re engaged in demanding tasks, such as video editing or gaming, an iPhone 17 might be the better choice. However, for the average user, the Google Pixel 9a exceeds expectations.
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Disney+ Unveils Future App Overhaul for iOS and tvOS
Disney+ is preparing for a major app overhaul, converting it into a centralized space for not just Disney+ offerings but also titles from Hulu and ESPN. This redesign aligns with Hulu’s shift towards a global identity, replacing the existing ‘Star’ branding used internationally.
The announcement showcases various key enhancements to the Disney+ app, especially for the tvOS version, with changes for iOS anticipated soon thereafter. A new navigation bar will be placed at the top of the interface, introducing a “For You” tab that acts as the home screen for tailored content suggestions and options to resume viewing from where users paused. This layout echoes features present in Apple’s TV app and Netflix’s latest redesign.
Inside the navigation bar, specific tabs for Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN will be present, ensuring users see only those tabs pertinent to their current subscriptions. This structure facilitates smooth exploration of each service’s library. Moreover, a fresh ‘Live’ tab will allow swift access to around-the-clock streams and live television, appealing to users who favor a traditional TV format.
Profiles will be showcased more prominently, assisting users in recognizing which profile they are utilizing, a vital aspect considering Disney’s enhanced personalized video algorithm designed to improve content suggestions.
Additional noteworthy adjustments include:
– New badge labels like “Season Finale,” “New Series,” and “New Movie” for streamlined content recognition.
– Cinematic-style poster images for titles, mirroring recent enhancements in Apple’s TV app.
– Video display features within the Hero carousel for a more immersive visual experience.
– A dynamic brand row highlighting recent offerings from the respective brands.
– The rollout of widgets on iOS for faster access to content.
Disney has also revealed intentions to roll out mobile-first and mobile-exclusive experiences in the upcoming year, although specific information has yet to be disclosed.
The redesign’s goal is to improve user interaction and simplify content discovery across Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN, establishing it as a holistic entertainment platform.
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Possible Abrogation of Postponed Vision Air in Sight
### The Prospective Path of Apple’s Vision Pro and the Expected Vision Air
Apple’s Vision Pro has drawn considerable interest since its debut, yet the technology powerhouse is allegedly developing a more cost-effective and lighter alternative, possibly named Vision Air. Initial projections for its release have differed, with rumors suggesting timelines extending to 2027. Nevertheless, recent information indicates that Apple might be postponing this launch to concentrate on crafting smart glasses that could rival Meta’s products.
#### The Challenges Surrounding Vision Pro
Although the Vision Pro is an impressive technological innovation, it confronts two primary obstacles: its steep starting price of $3,500 and its weight. This cost situates it above even premium MacBook Pro models, rendering it unaffordable for many potential consumers, including loyal Apple enthusiasts. Moreover, preliminary reviews have pointed out discomfort during extended usage, with users noting that the headset could become bothersome after only an hour.
#### Vision Air: A Remedial Approach to Current Limitations
The Vision Air is anticipated to remedy the flaws of the Vision Pro. Analysts forecast that this new variant will lower the price to a more reasonable range of $1,500 to $2,000. Numerous prospective purchasers have expressed that they would think about acquiring at these price levels.
To improve comfort, Apple might remove the EyeSight feature, which has not gained popularity and is perceived by many as a novelty. Additionally, the design of the headset is expected to use less metal, contributing to a lighter build. Though there are indications of reduced resolution displays, they should remain adequate for most uses.
#### The Indicated Postponement
Current reports suggest that Apple is redirecting resources from the Vision Air initiative to accelerate the creation of smart glasses. Internally, Apple has opted to halt the Vision Air’s development, originally set for a 2027 launch, to prioritize the more immediate smart glasses project. This change signifies Apple’s worry about lagging behind rivals like Meta in the swiftly changing smart glasses domain.
#### The Hazard of Becoming Obsolete
Increasing apprehension surrounds the possibility that delaying the Vision Air’s release could threaten its relevance. As smart glasses technology progresses, the demand for a cumbersome headset may lessen. By 2028, if smart glasses can satisfy most user expectations, a standalone headset may be deemed outdated.
While the Vision Pro and Vision Air are intended as individual devices, their practicality may be eclipsed by the functionalities of smart glasses. Many users already operate devices such as iPhones and MacBooks, which might meet their requirements without needing an additional headset.
#### Conclusion: The Outlook of Apple’s AR/VR Vision
As Apple maneuvers through the intricacies of the AR/VR environment, the choice to favor smart glasses over the Vision Air could transform its product direction. The prospect of a glasses product that seamlessly integrates with existing Apple gadgets raises inquiries about the necessity of a standalone headset.
As events progress, the tech community is keenly anticipating how Apple will establish its standing in the competitive AR/VR arena. What remains uncertain is whether the Vision Air will ever come to fruition or if it will be eclipsed by the swift progress in smart glasses technology.
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Instagram Unveils ‘Exploring’ Functionality, Setting Reels as the Default Display in the Application
### Reels Being Evaluated as Instagram App’s Primary Tab for Selected Users
Instagram is in the midst of testing a notable modification to its app layout by designating Reels as the primary tab for a chosen group of users. This initiative, shared by Adam Mosseri, Instagram’s head, demonstrates the platform’s continuous development and its attempts to rival popular applications such as TikTok.
#### The Test Announcement
In a recent update on Threads, Mosseri disclosed that the evaluation is being launched for a limited number of users in India. He underscored the significance of this modification, stating, “A great way to get a lot of heat is to redesign an app used by a few billion people, so I don’t take this idea lightly.” He pointed out that Reels and Direct Messages (DMs) have been crucial in propelling Instagram’s growth in recent years, motivating the consideration of elevating these features within the app.
At present, the Reels tab occupies the fourth position in the Instagram app. Should the test prove to be effective, users will encounter Reels as the initial tab upon opening the app, thus bypassing the conventional Home view. Nevertheless, users taking part in the test can choose to revert to the original configuration if they wish.
#### Rationale Behind the Change
Mosseri’s announcement outlines several compelling justifications for this possible transformation. First, the surge attributed to Reels and DMs implies that users may prefer these features over the classic photo feed. This observation could suggest a wider trend in user inclinations, resonating with the growing appeal of short-form video content.
Secondly, Instagram is directly contending with TikTok, which has successfully drawn a vast audience through its captivating video-focused design. By embracing a similar strategy, Instagram seeks to maintain its user base and intrigue new users who favor video content over still images.
Additionally, Instagram has already adopted a Reels-first format in its new iPad app, indicating that a comparable modification could be forthcoming for the iPhone app.
#### Conclusion
As Instagram trials this fresh layout, user reactions will be vital in deciding whether the adjustment will be extended more widely. The platform’s emphasis on Reels signifies a substantial transition in content consumption patterns, and how users respond to this potential new default setting will influence Instagram’s future trajectory.
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An Inside Glimpse into Apple Music’s New Studio in Culver City
In June, to commemorate the inaugural decade of Apple Music, Apple introduced a new studio facility in Culver City, California. Aiming to further assist artists with cutting-edge technology and tools to foster creativity, the Apple Music Culver City studio swiftly emerged as one of the most vital centers for the streamer’s radio programming and more.
During the Beats Powerbeats Fit event, BGR had the opportunity to be among the first media outlets to explore the new Apple Music Culver City studio, which features two state-of-the-art radio studios equipped with immersive Spatial Audio playback, a 4,000-square-foot soundstage, a dedicated Spatial Audio mixing room, photo and social media workspaces, editing rooms, artist support green rooms, and private isolation booths.
Moreover, we were privileged to visit the A-List Corridor and Archive Corridor, showcasing visuals and artwork representing Apple Music’s most significant milestones. Here’s everything essential about the new studio.
Apple Music’s latest studio in Los Angeles is a three-story structure covering over 15,000 square feet. During our tour, we witnessed some live Apple Music radio shows and had a brief conversation with Zane Lowe just before his live segment.
The environment resonates with music and creativity, and Apple claims it is constantly inviting new artists and backing new initiatives. Although the studio has been operational for only a few months, Apple is already producing shows and hosting live broadcasts in Culver City. One of the standout features of the building is the Spatial Audio mixing room, which illustrates the full potential of the Dolby Atmos technology and the way listening to music should be truly immersive.
We also had the opportunity to attend one of the Apple Music Awards in person, and Apple was actively promoting the 2026 Super Bowl halftime show featuring Bad Bunny, which signifies the artist’s first performance in the country since expressing concerns regarding Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents.
Apple asserts that there is much more on the horizon for Apple Music, as it aims to keep enhancing support for artists and its audience with high-quality offerings and exclusive features. In line with this, we also engaged in a conversation with Apple Music head Oliver Schusser regarding the platform, its evolution, and the potential for further advancement in the coming months and years.
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Grasping the “Slow Charger” Alert on iPhone: Interpretation and Remedies
# Grasping iPhone Charging: Quick vs. Standard Chargers
If you possess an iPhone operating on iOS 26, you might have observed a new toggle on your lock screen that shows the projected time to charge to 80%. Conversely, if your device shows ‘Slow Charger,’ it indicates that you are utilizing a charger that lacks sufficient power.
## Recognizing Slow Chargers
The ‘Slow Charger’ notification generally appears when utilizing an older power brick or cable that cannot accommodate fast charging. To enable fast charging via a wired connection, it is advisable to employ a charging brick rated at 30 watts or higher, paired with an appropriate USB-C cable.
## The Significance of Contemporary Accessories
Current iPhones, like the iPhone 17, are equipped with larger batteries in comparison to previous models. If you have recently transitioned from an older iPhone and have moved from Lightning to USB-C, you may lack the essential fast charging accessories. For example, outdated USB-A chargers can only deliver a maximum of 7.5 watts, often just 5 watts, resulting in charging durations of three hours or more for an iPhone 17.
With the proper accessories, fast charging capabilities can range between 20 watts and 30 watts, enabling you to charge your device from zero to 50% in less than 30 minutes.
## Selecting the Appropriate Charger
The brand of the power adapter does not matter significantly, as any USB-C charger compatible with Power Delivery should work. Apple endorses its new Dynamic Charger for the iPhone 17, which is optimized for speed and energy efficiency. Nonetheless, budget-friendly alternatives from brands like Anker or Belkin will also perform well.
### Wireless Quick Charging
If you are utilizing Qi wireless charging, you might also encounter the Slow Charger alert. This could stem from employing a first-generation Qi charger that outputs less than 10 watts. To realize fast wireless charging, seek official MagSafe accessories or those that comply with the Qi2 standard. The most recent iPhones support wireless charging speeds of up to 25 watts.
For instance, the Belkin MagSafe charger can deliver up to 25 watts of power, while a basic wireless charging pad might provide speeds of 15 watts.
## No Immediate Need for Upgrade
Whether your iPhone shows the Slow Charger status or not, there is no safety concern or risk of damage when using a slower charger. The primary consideration is convenience; if you usually charge your phone overnight, a slower charger might be adequate. However, for those aiming for the quickest charging speeds, the options detailed above can assist you in achieving that, both through wired and wireless methods.
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