AllYouCanTech

Apple Retail Locations Initiate Holiday Decoration Deployment to Celebrate the Beginning of the Season

Apple is officially welcoming the holiday season by introducing a longer product return period and festive decorations throughout its online and retail spaces. This year’s holiday theme showcases lively orange and blue highlights, echoing the iPhone 17 Pro’s Cosmic Orange and Deep Blue color choices.

The online Apple Store has been refreshed to capture this seasonal ambiance, while brick-and-mortar locations are also embellished with holiday decor. This early November launch indicates Apple’s preparedness for the holiday shopping surge.

Despite rumors regarding possible new product introductions aligning with the holiday season, it seems that Apple might not reveal any new items today. Nonetheless, there are hopes for the debut of new models, including the Apple TV 4K, HomePod mini 2, and AirTag 2, before the year’s end. Traditionally, Apple has unveiled products in December, although such instances are uncommon.

As the holiday season unfolds, shoppers are left contemplating whether Apple will showcase any new products this year or if they will need to wait until 2026 for the next major announcement.

Current Offers: Enjoy Savings of Up to $550 on M4 Pro MacBook Pro, $540 on iPhone 16 Pro Max, Along with Discounts on Nomad Find My Cards and Mac mini

### Today’s 9to5Toys Lunch Break Deals

The newest offers from 9to5Toys are here, showcasing substantial savings on a range of Apple products as part of the current Singles’ Day promotions. Below are some of the highlighted bargains:

#### 1. **M4 Pro MacBook Pro – More than $550 Off**
Best Buy is presenting an outstanding deal on the **14-inch M4 Pro MacBook Pro**, now priced at **$1,446.99 shipped**. This open-box item is in superb condition and comes with a complete 1-year Apple warranty. The original retail value for this model is $1,999, making this savings of over **$550** particularly impressive.

#### 2. **M4 iPad Pro – $250 Price Reduction**
Costco has reduced the price of the **11-inch 256GB M4 iPad Pro** to **$749.99 shipped**, reflecting a nearly **$250 discount** from its initial price of $999. This offer is mainly for Costco members, although non-members can still buy it with a nominal fee. This is among the best prices seen for this model, which has hardly dropped below $150 off since its release.

#### 3. **1TB iPhone 16 Pro Max – $540 Off**
Amazon is selling the **1TB Black Titanium iPhone 16 Pro Max** at a record-low price of **$1,059**, thus marking **$540 off** the standard price of $1,599. This renewed premium model is backed by a 1-year warranty and a 90-day return policy, making it an ideal choice for anyone seeking a high-quality refurbished device.

#### 4. **M4 Mac Mini – Up to $110 Off**
The **M4 Mac Mini** is also experiencing discounts of up to **$110 off**, presenting an affordable option for users in search of a compact yet powerful desktop solution.

#### 5. **Nomad Find My Tracking Card Pro – $39**
Nomad has introduced its new **Find My Tracking Card Pro**, now available for **$39**. This gadget is designed to assist users in tracking their belongings effortlessly.

### Additional Deals on Accessories and Charging
– **Anker 140W 4-Port USB-C Laptop Charger**: Now available for **$66** (Reg. $100).
– **Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen)**: Early Black Friday price reduction.
– **Dbrand’s 2025 Black Friday Sale**: Up to **50% off** on skins and accessories.

These deals showcase some of the most competitive prices on sought-after Apple products and accessories, making it an excellent time for consumers to benefit from these specials.

Evaluation of Even Realities G2: Intelligent Eyewear with an Authentic Appearance and Sensation

### Even Realities G2 Smart Glasses: An In-Depth Look

Amid the hustle of CES 2025, the Even Realities G1 glasses piqued my interest, combining aesthetics with practicality that I found attractive. Fast forward to the present, Even Realities has launched their G2 glasses alongside the R1 smart ring, aiming to significantly improve the user experience. Here’s everything you should know about these groundbreaking products.

#### Updated Design and Battery Performance

The G2 glasses maintain the stylish look of their predecessor while being lighter, coming in at just 36 grams compared to the 50 grams of the Meta Ray-Bans. The upper part of the lens frame has been subtly flattened, and the user interaction has transitioned from a touch nub to an advanced touch pad control system situated on each temple tip. This upgraded system enables users to swipe, slide, scroll, tap, double-tap, and long-press for UI interaction, all while remaining unobtrusive.

The battery life is outstanding, providing up to two days from a single charge, with the case offering an extra 6-7 charges, allowing users up to two weeks without needing a recharge.

#### Display Technology Insights

The G2 glasses come equipped with a display on each lens that delivers notifications, teleprompter features, live translations, and stock updates. The display employs a green matrix font and has been enhanced with HAO 2.0 (Holistic Adaptive Optics) technology, which sharpens and brightens images, rendering them more lifelike even during motion. The new 3D spatial display organizes information into layers, ensuring a seamless user interface.

#### Smart Functionalities

The G2 glasses operate similarly to an Apple Watch for your eyes, providing discreet notifications without breaking your concentration. Notable features include:

– **Teleprompt**: Upload scripts or notes to view directly on the lenses.
– **Maps**: Navigate without needing to check your mobile device.
– **Conversate**: An AI-driven assistant for real-time conversations.
– **Translate**: Supports 29 languages for immediate communication.
– **QuickList and Dashboard**: Keep tasks and calendar entries in sight.

All processing is handled through the related app on your smartphone, keeping the glasses sleek and lightweight.

#### The R1 Smart Ring

To address the G1’s limitations in intuitive interaction, the R1 ring serves as a remote controller for the G2 glasses. Constructed from zirconia ceramic and stainless steel, it includes a touch-sensitive panel allowing users to swipe and tap. Additionally, the ring monitors wellness metrics and offers a Productivity Score to help maintain balance throughout the day.

#### Concluding Thoughts

The Even Realities G2 glasses mark a considerable improvement over the G1, taking into account user feedback while boosting functionality and retaining an elegant design. They provide a passive wearable experience, enabling users to gain from notifications and tools without active involvement.

#### Pricing & Availability

The Even G2 Smart Glasses and R1 Smart Ring are currently available on the Even Realities website. For a limited period, purchasers can enjoy a 50% discount on the R1 and additional accessories with their G2 purchase. The G2 starts at $599, while the R1 is available for $249, offered in grey, brown, and green.

What do you think about the current landscape of wearables? Have you experimented with smart glasses? Let’s have a conversation!

PowerWash Simulator and Other Titles Debuting on Apple Arcade Next Month

### New Titles Arriving on Apple Arcade on December 4

Apple has revealed an enticing selection of new titles scheduled for release on Apple Arcade on December 4. This reveal features beloved games like **PowerWash Simulator**, **SpongeBob Patty Pursuit 2**, and more, broadening the platform’s eclectic gaming selection.

#### Upcoming Titles

The following games will be available on Apple Arcade:

– **PowerWash Simulator**
– **SpongeBob Patty Pursuit 2**
– **Cult of the Lamb Arcade Edition**
– **Subway Surfers+**
– **NARUTO: Ultimate Ninja STORM+**
– **Glassbreakers: Champions of Moss**

**PowerWash Simulator** stands out as a prominent entry. Originally a hit on other systems, its arrival on Apple Arcade is eagerly awaited by enthusiasts. The game provides a unique and rewarding experience of cleaning various surfaces using a power washer, optimized for mobile play with touch controls and gyroscope functionality.

#### Features of PowerWash Simulator

Apple describes PowerWash Simulator as follows:

> “PowerWash Simulator delivers the gratifying experience of erasing dirt and grime to mobile, available exclusively through Apple Arcade. Enhanced with touch controls and gyroscope functionality, players can wash away their concerns with the calming sounds of high-pressure water. Arcade users will also have access to popular packs and tasks at launch, including the SpongeBob SquarePants special pack and bonus tasks, with more special packs to follow after launch at no extra charge.”

#### Subscription Details

Apple Arcade is offered for **$6.99 per month**, granting access to a diverse range of games across iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple TV, and Apple Vision Pro. All titles on the platform are free of advertisements and do not have in-app purchases. Moreover, Apple Arcade is included in the Apple One bundle, providing additional value to subscribers.

#### Conclusion

With the introduction of these new titles, Apple Arcade continues to enrich its gaming catalog, catering to a wide range of interests and tastes. Whether you enjoy simulation games, action-packed adventures, or nostalgic characters, there’s something for everyone in this upcoming release. Which new title are you most eager to try?

iOS 26.2 Brings Improved Notification Capabilities for iPhone Users

### iOS 26.2: Fresh Features and Notification Upgrades

iOS 26.2 is scheduled for launch next month, introducing several changes and enhancements to Apple’s system applications, along with a prominent new notification feature designed to improve user experience.

#### iPhone Screen Flash for Notifications

The rollout of iOS 26.2 brings an intriguing new function that makes the iPhone screen flash brightly when a notification arrives. This feature complements the existing option that activates the camera flash for notifications, which has proven to be a helpful accessibility tool for those who are hard of hearing.

To utilize this new capability, users can head to the Settings app, then navigate to Accessibility > Audio & Visual > Flash for Alerts. This section will present options to enable both the LED Flash and the new ‘Screen’ flash feature. When the ‘Screen’ flash setting is turned on, the iPhone’s display will illuminate fully for a quick moment upon receiving a notification, providing a clear signal, particularly when the always-on display is inactive.

This feature could be a significant alternative for users who do not possess an Apple Watch and depend on visual notifications for alerts.

#### Additional Significant Features in iOS 26.2

Beyond the new notification functionality, iOS 26.2 brings several improvements across different applications:

– **Reminders**: The app now features ‘Urgent’ alarms, helping users prioritize important tasks more efficiently.
– **Podcasts**: AI-generated chapters have been incorporated, simplifying navigation through episodes for users.
– **Apple News**: The app has seen design updates for a more smooth user experience.
– **Apple Music**: Users can now access offline lyrics, enriching the music listening experience.

These enhancements showcase Apple’s dedication to boosting user accessibility and overall utility within its ecosystem.

As the launch date nears, users are encouraged to investigate these new features and ponder how they may improve their everyday engagement with their devices.

Apple asserts that research indicates the EU has incorrectly assessed the impact of app price reductions.

**Apple’s Resistance to the EU’s Digital Markets Act: A Comprehensive Examination**

Apple’s objection to the European Union’s Digital Markets Act (DMA) has escalated, especially after its claim in September that the legislation ought to be rescinded. The corporation has expressed worries that the DMA might result in delays concerning new features and hardware for customers in the EU. Lately, Apple has asserted that a study it financed indicates the DMA has not delivered on its promise to cut app prices.

### A Brief Overview of Apple and the DMA

The DMA represents a key piece of antitrust legislation in Europe that designates certain technology firms as “gatekeepers.” These firms hold sufficient market power to potentially hinder competition. Apple was identified as a gatekeeper because of its significant user base and its control over iPhone app sales. Consequently, the company was required to permit the sale of iPhone apps outside its App Store. In response, Apple has enabled the establishment of alternative app stores and has proposed adjusted terms for developers which could potentially lower commissions.

### Apple Refutes Claims of Reduced App Prices

The EU suggested that the launch of competing app stores would result in lower commissions, thus leading to decreased app prices for users. However, a study carried out by The Analysis Group, funded by Apple, uncovered limited evidence supporting this assertion. The study examined the impact of three significant developments that lowered commissions for app developers:

1. The introduction of third-party app stores with diminished commissions.
2. Altered terms provided by Apple to EU developers, reducing commissions from 30% to 17% for larger developers and from 15% to 10% for smaller firms.
3. The prior adoption of the Small Business Program, which cut commissions in half for smaller developers.

According to Apple, if the EU’s claims were valid, a noticeable decrease in app prices would be anticipated. Nevertheless, the study indicated that around 90% of developers did not reduce their app prices at all, and among those who did, the average reduction was only 2.5%.

Apple remarked, “The DMA has not met its promises, resulting in diminished security, reduced privacy, and a poorer experience for consumers throughout Europe. This study offers further proof that the DMA is not advantageous to consumers in terms of lower prices. Simultaneously, we recognize that the regulation is establishing new obstacles for innovators and startups while exposing consumers to additional risks.”

The company highlighted that the majority of developers do not incur commissions as they opt for ad-supported free apps and pointed out that over 90% of the $1.3 trillion generated by the App Store is directed to developers.

### 9to5Mac’s Perspective

A fundamental premise of antitrust legislation is that heightened competition benefits consumers, either through lower prices or improved product quality as companies retain more revenue. The study financed by Apple implies that the price reductions attributed to the DMA are minimal. While the credibility of The Analysis Group enhances the findings, it is also recognized that developers may opt to preserve savings to reinvest in app upgrades, indirectly benefiting consumers.

Apple has previously contended that the altered commission structure would allow small developers to invest more in their businesses, thus improving the overall quality of offerings within the App Store ecosystem.

### Conclusion

Apple’s resistance to the DMA underscores the intricacies of regulating digital markets and the difficulties in balancing competition with innovation. As the discussion progresses, the ramifications of the DMA on app pricing and developer relations remain a crucial issue for both Apple and the larger tech sector.

iPhone 18 Pro Max Anticipated to Showcase Greater Thickness and Heft, Based on Leaker Insights

# iPhone 18 Pro Max: The Heaviest iPhone Yet?

Apple has implemented a notable transformation in its design approach with the launch of the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max, choosing a more robust and weighty structure in comparison to earlier models. This pattern is anticipated to persist with the forthcoming iPhone 18 Pro Max, which a recent leak indicates will become the heaviest iPhone ever manufactured.

## The Shift to Heavier Models

The iPhone 17 series has revealed a significant difference between slim and thick designs. While the slender iPhone Air has experienced lackluster sales, the bulkier iPhone 17 Pro variants have reportedly performed very well in sales. This consumer inclination signifies a distinct demand for devices that provide more significant features, likely incorporating improved battery longevity and performance.

## Leak Details on iPhone 18 Pro Max

Leaker Instant Digital has provided information on Weibo regarding the iPhone 18 Pro Max, asserting that it will exceed the weight of its predecessor, the iPhone 17 Pro Max, which comes in at 233 grams. The iPhone 18 Pro Max is predicted to weigh over 240 grams, establishing it as the heaviest iPhone to date. For comparison, the iPhone 16 Pro Max weighed 227 grams, while the iPhone 14 Pro Max was previously the heaviest at 240 grams.

The expected weight increase may be linked to a marginally thicker design and possibly a larger battery, following the trend established by current models.

## Consumer Reactions

The reaction to the idea of a heftier iPhone 18 Pro Max is varied. Some users welcome the extra weight for the advantages of improved battery life and sturdiness, while others, including some iPhone Air users, find the growing heft undesirable. However, the sales figures indicate that a noteworthy segment of consumers prefers the chunkier, more durable models.

## Conclusion

As Apple gears up for the launch of the iPhone 18 Pro Max, the choice to increase its weight over its predecessors reflects a strategic alignment with consumer desires for long-lasting devices. Although the increased weight may not be appealing to all, it is evident that many users are ready to accept a thicker phone for better performance and battery life. The iPhone 18 Pro Max is poised to create a stir in the smartphone arena, continuing Apple’s trend of prioritizing customer needs.

Addressing Steve Jobs’ Critiques of the Macintosh Calculator Application: A Thoughtful Account

**The Innovative Management of Upward: Chris Espinosa’s Tactics for Handling Steve Jobs’ Critiques**

Steve Jobs, the co-founder of Apple, was renowned for his stringent standards and frequently blunt critiques of his team’s efforts. His evaluations, whether regarding hardware or software, were straightforward and uncompromising. This set up a distinctive challenge for Apple staff, especially for individuals like Chris Espinosa, who holds the title of the company’s longest-serving employee.

Espinosa, who created the inaugural Macintosh calculator app, faced the intimidating challenge of fulfilling Jobs’ lofty demands. At first, Espinosa thought his calculator design was adequate, but Jobs had different opinions. As Andy Hertzfeld, a pivotal member of the original Macintosh team, noted, Jobs’ remarks were straightforward: “Well, it’s a start, but basically, it stinks.” He pointed out several shortcomings in the design, such as the background color, line thickness, and button dimensions.

The iterative process that ensued was strenuous for Espinosa. Each day, he adjusted elements based on Jobs’ feedback, only to encounter new criticisms. To escape this loop of continual modifications, Espinosa came up with a smart solution. He developed a program that enabled Jobs to adjust every visual element of the calculator through drop-down menus. This included choices for line thickness, button dimensions, and background styles.

When Jobs engaged with this program, he spent roughly ten minutes testing the settings until he landed on a combination that pleased him. This inventive tactic not only spared Espinosa from additional rounds of revisions but also led to a design that remained mostly unaffected for 17 years.

Espinosa’s experience serves as a prime illustration of proficient upward management. By equipping Jobs with the means to convey his preferences explicitly, Espinosa turned a potentially aggravating scenario into a joint achievement.

For those who yearn for the original Macintosh experience, a contemporary app exists that pays tribute to Espinosa’s calculator design.

In summary, Chris Espinosa’s inventive approach to managing Steve Jobs’ critiques highlights the significance of flexibility and creativity in the professional environment, particularly when engaging with demanding leadership.

The Outsiders Introduces Apple Watch Application Tailored for Top Athletes

### The Gentler Stories App: A New Chapter for Athletes with Apple Watch Integration

The Gentler Stories app, tailored for cyclists, runners, and performance-oriented athletes, has recently upgraded its features with the launch of a dedicated Apple Watch app. This innovation signifies a notable advancement in offering users critical insights into their training readiness.

#### Training Readiness at Your Fingertips

The Gentler Stories team had earlier introduced The Outsiders app, which aims to provide a comprehensive exercise experience. The newly launched Apple Watch app highlights “Training Readiness,” a metric that integrates the ratio of acute to chronic training load, body metrics, and sleep quality. This functionality empowers athletes to evaluate their training session preparedness efficiently.

Katarina Lotrič, co-founder and CEO of Gentler Stories, noted the significance of this update, stating, “The Apple Watch app signifies the next phase in our evolution… We developed this app for athletes who aren’t seeking motivation; what they require is meaningful insight into their training readiness.” This perspective underscores the app’s dedication to addressing the specific interests of committed athletes.

#### Key Features of the Apple Watch App

The Apple Watch app not only introduces the Readiness index but also offers a variety of metrics and insights vital for athletes:

– **7-day Training Load Ratio (TLR)**
– **7-night Sleeping Heart Rate**
– **7-night Heart Rate Variability (HRV)**
– **7-night Wrist Temperature**
– **7-night Respiratory Rate**
– **7-night Blood Oxygen**
– **Recent nights’ Sleep**

These elements provide a comprehensive overview of an athlete’s health and readiness, allowing them to make informed training decisions.

#### A Beautifully Designed Experience

The Outsiders app is celebrated for its remarkable animations and intuitive interface, and the Apple Watch iteration preserves this visual charm. Gentler Stories advises wearing the Apple Watch overnight as well as during training sessions to optimize the precision and usefulness of the data gathered.

#### Availability and Access

The Outsiders app is available for free download, with optional in-app purchases for added features. Athletes seeking to enhance their training journey can discover the app by following this

Apple Intelligence Necessitates M2 Mac or Newer, as per Apple’s Site

Apple has recently revised its website to indicate that Apple Intelligence on a Mac necessitates a model with an M2 chip or newer, a departure from the earlier compatibility stipulation of an M1 chip or later. This alteration has sparked concerns among users of M1 Macs, although it is generally thought to be a mistake rather than an intentional revision to the criteria.

A reader from MacRumors was the first to spot this inconsistency, which seems to be confined to the US version of the Apple website. Previously, all listings for Macs affirmed compatibility with “M1 and later,” but they have now been changed to “M2 and later.” This discrepancy is believed to have stemmed from an update concerning the Vision Pro, which originally required only an M2 chip. After the introduction of the M5 model, the requirement was modified to “M2 or later,” but it appears that the responsibility for updating the Mac listings was inadvertently given to someone who applied the same modification across all Mac models.

Currently, the UK website has not shown this alteration, as the Vision Pro is still presented with the initial M2 requirement. This implies that the update may not have been implemented globally yet. Observers expect that this is merely an oversight, and more updates from Apple are anticipated to clarify the matter.

In summary, while the recent modification on Apple’s website has caused some concern among M1 Mac users, it is probably just a minor mistake rather than a major overhaul in compatibility requirements.