Tag: Source: Androidcentral.com

Save 18% on This Legendary Kindle E-Reader and Get It by Christmas with Today’s Purchase

The standard Amazon Kindle serves as a reliable e-reader—particularly for below $90.

If you’re in the market for an affordable e-reader this winter, you’re fortunate with Amazon’s current Kindle promotion. At this moment, consumers can enjoy 18% off the Amazon Kindle, reducing the retail price of the entry-level e-reader to just $90.

The 2024 version of the device stands out as the top entry-level Kindle available, providing an economical price alongside a user-friendly display, ample storage for most casual readers, and a compact design that enhances comfort compared to earlier models. It also boasts impressive battery life and is constructed from 75% recycled plastics and 90% recycled magnesium.

This specific offer applies to both the Black and Matcha color options that the device is available in. It’s important to mention that this price pertains to the ad-supported version with a lockscreen, although you can pay slightly more to opt out of those ads. Buyers can also choose to bundle the device with 3 months of Kindle Unlimited, which grants access to over 4 million titles.

✅Recommended if: you prefer a tablet with an attractive, easy-on-the-eyes display and a device that is approximately 6 inches; battery longevity is a key factor for your e-reading needs; you desire a device equipped with Bluetooth and compatibility with platforms like Audible.

❌Skip this deal if: you require an e-reader that incorporates water resistance; you would rather upgrade to the Paperwhite model and have the funds to do so; you want a Kindle compatible with a stylus for note-taking, annotations, and more.

The base model of the Amazon Kindle is an excellent choice for nearly anyone interested in entering the world of e-readers, particularly due to its compact size, up to 6 weeks of battery life, and its enhanced 6-inch display.

When compared to the 2022 Amazon Kindle, the retailer claims the 2024 model is 25% brighter at its maximum setting, featuring a screen brightness comparable to the upgraded Paperwhite. Additionally, it provides improved performance for a smoother and faster page-turn experience, along with other upgraded display features such as adjustable front warm light. The 6-inch screen offers a 300ppi resolution and 16-level gray scale for a clear, high-contrast interface.

It also comes with a USB-C port for charging, Bluetooth compatibility, integration with reading applications like Audible, and an overall excellent design that remains comfortable to hold, even during extended reading sessions.

One of the most notable drawbacks of the base-level Kindle is its absence of a water resistance rating, although it’s still a strong choice at this price point if that feature isn’t a dealbreaker for you.

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NotebookLM Transforms Source Material into Tables Ready for Google Sheets

**Google AI Pro and Ultra Subscribers Access New Data Tables Feature in NotebookLM**

Google has proclaimed the launch of a fresh feature termed Data Tables for its AI-driven tool, NotebookLM. This feature is now accessible for Google AI Pro and Ultra subscribers, with availability for free accounts anticipated to follow shortly.

**Essential Information:**
– **Data Tables Feature:** The new Data Tables feature in NotebookLM organizes crucial data points from multiple sources into formatted tables. These tables can be effortlessly exported to Google Sheets for enhanced data management.
– **Intended Users:** The feature is tailored for students, knowledge professionals, scientific researchers, and everyday consumers, providing an efficient method to manage and visualize data.
– **Application Scenarios:** Google proposes various uses for Data Tables, including converting meeting transcripts into action item tables, synthesizing clinical trial results, creating study tables for exams, and organizing vacation plans with comparison tables.

**Functionality:**
NotebookLM enables users to upload source materials such as videos, websites, or PDFs. The AI subsequently processes this information to produce neat, structured tables, alleviating the manual effort of data extraction for users.

**Latest Enhancements:**
Google has been upgrading NotebookLM with functionalities like Gemini integration and chat history. The introduction of Data Tables represents another advancement in enhancing the tool’s efficiency for data organization and project management.

**Launch Timeline:**
The Data Tables feature is being made available for Google AI Pro and Ultra users beginning today, with free users expected to receive the update in the near future.

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Android 16 QPR3 Beta 1 Improves Essential Features on Pixel Devices

Android 16 QPR3 Beta 1 illustrates that Google continues to address the minor details.

What you should know

– Android 16 QPR3 Beta 1 has arrived just a few weeks after QPR2, likely indicating the final adjustments before Android 17.
– You can now disable the “At a Glance” widget to free up space on your home screen.
– The Quick Settings tile now incorporates a slider to manage beam intensity rather than just a basic on/off toggle.
– A new feature allows you to rearrange the back and recent buttons in the three-button navigation bar.

Just a short time after the launch of Android 16 QPR2 to the stable channel, Google has introduced Android 16 QPR3 Beta 1. This update is likely the last quarterly platform update prior to Android 17, and while it doesn’t introduce significant alterations, it aims to enhance everyday usability for Pixel users.

Quarterly Platform Releases, or QPRs, enable Google to enhance Android between major updates. Rather than waiting for an annual upgrade, these updates provide small enhancements, new functionalities, and background fixes.

Android 16 QPR3 Beta 1 is now accessible for Pixel devices from the Pixel 6 up to the latest models via the Android Beta Program. The stable version is anticipated to launch around March 2026.

At first glance, this beta emphasizes usability modifications that Pixel users have requested. One of the most prominent updates is in flashlight management. Instead of a straightforward on/off toggle, you now receive adjustable brightness, allowing you to modify the intensity based on your needs.

The main feature is the option to eliminate the At a Glance widget from your home screen. In this beta, a new “Show on home screen” choice is available in the widget’s settings. Turn it off, and the widget vanishes, giving you additional space to organize apps, add widgets, or simply enjoy your wallpaper.

Navigation has become more adaptable, as Google allows users to change the order of the traditional three-button navigation keys. This will feel recognizable to anyone familiar with Samsung devices.

Track which app is using your location

Privacy and transparency enhancements are also present. Android 16 QPR3 Beta 1 introduces an expandable location indicator in the status bar, enabling you to easily identify which app is accessing your location. A tap provides more information, rather than just displaying a generic symbol.

The update additionally brings support for over 160 new emojis from Unicode 17.0, subtly modernizing the platform.

Of course, this remains beta software. Bugs, battery issues, and performance inconsistencies are expected, and choosing to participate means you’re committed until the stable release arrives, unless you are okay with resetting your device.

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Samsung Has Officially Introduced Exynos 2600 for the Galaxy S26 Series

Samsung has formally launched the Exynos 2600, representing a major achievement as the first smartphone chipset globally to utilize a 2nm manufacturing process. This innovative advancement promises considerable enhancements in performance, efficiency, and thermal management, establishing a new benchmark in the market.

The Exynos 2600 features a revamped CPU structure, removing low-power cores in favor of a more robust setup. This change leads to up to 39% gains in CPU performance, improved AI processing abilities, and twice the GPU performance in comparison to its forerunner, the Exynos 2500. The chipset’s 10-core CPU, based on Arm’s v9.3 design, includes a primary C1-Ultra core running at 3.8GHz, three high-performance C1-Pro cores operating at 3.25GHz, and three efficiency-oriented C1-Pro cores clocked at 2.75GHz.

Samsung has also tackled previous overheating concerns with the launch of a novel Heat Path Block (HPB) design. This advancement enhances heat dissipation, enabling the chipset to sustain high performance during intensive tasks by effectively dispersing heat and stabilizing the SoC’s temperature.

The Exynos 2600 is anticipated to drive the forthcoming Galaxy S26 series in specific markets, such as Asia and Europe, likely for the base Galaxy S26 and Galaxy S26 Plus variants. Although speculation hinted at a possible exclusive deployment of the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5, the introduction of the Exynos 2600 signifies Samsung’s ongoing approach of regional chipset diversity.

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“Two Exciting New Meta Quest Titles Thrill Enthusiasts of Stealth Classics such as Metal Gear Solid and Splinter Cell”

Thief VR and Espire MR Missions are two remarkable games that embrace classic gameplay ideas while highlighting the distinctive essence of VR gaming. Thief VR, a recent addition to the cherished Thief franchise, provides players with an engaging experience from a new viewpoint. Crafted by Maze Theory and Vertigo Games, it revitalizes the stealth genre with a new hero accompanied by the recognizable voice of Garrett. The game focuses on physical interaction, enabling players to interact with the surroundings in ways conventional games do not, such as utilizing doors as movable barriers or adjusting the mic to “immersive mode” so that guards can detect your presence.

Espire MR Missions, conversely, draws inspiration from Metal Gear Solid and turns your residence into a stealth operation using mixed reality. This game utilizes the room scanning features of the Meta Quest headset to blend real-world aspects into the gameplay, crafting a distinct experience where your living area is part of the mission. With 21 missions that can be adapted to any environment and another eight needing specific dimensions, Espire MR Missions delivers a vibrant and constantly evolving experience.

Both titles underscore the capacity of VR and MR to rejuvenate traditional gaming categories, giving players inventive methods to engage with their preferred stealth mechanics. Whether you are slipping through the darkness in Thief VR or converting your home into a warzone in Espire MR Missions, these games showcase the thrilling potential of immersive gaming’s future.

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December Update for Pixel 10 Tackles Battery Drain and Touch Problems

Google is supposedly getting ready to launch a toggle feature to tackle what numerous users perceive as the most irritating element of its Phone app. This initiative is part of Google’s continuous efforts to improve user satisfaction and respond to feedback from its user base. The particular feature being referred to has not been specified, but the expectation indicates it might be tied to a frequently criticized capability within the app. This advancement follows Google’s recent updates and patches aimed at fixing various problems with its devices, including the Pixel 10 series. Users have mentioned issues such as battery depletion and screen unresponsiveness, which Google has been diligently addressing through software updates. The rollout of a toggle option in the Phone app is anticipated to grant users greater control and personalization, likely enhancing the overall functionality of the app. As Google maintains its focus on refining its software offerings, users are optimistic that this upcoming feature will tackle their issues and improve their experience with Google’s Phone app.

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Samsung’s Leading Laptop Currently $450 Discounted at Best Buy

The Samsung Galaxy Book 5 Pro stands out in the high-end laptop market, featuring a 16-inch touchscreen that enhances user engagement and productivity. This device comes with CoPilot Plus, an AI-powered suite that offers advanced image generation, real-time language translation, and effortless searches, making it perfect for users who demand top-tier performance and multitasking abilities.

The Galaxy Book 5 Pro is driven by an Intel Core Ultra 7 processor, combined with 16GB of RAM and a 1TB SSD, ensuring quick and effective operation. Its Intel Arc 140V Graphics card facilitates gaming and other graphics-heavy tasks, positioning it as a flexible option for both professional and recreational use.

A major highlight of this model is its 3K AMOLED display, which delivers vivid colors and crisp details, enriching the viewing experience whether you are watching videos, editing images, or working on presentations. Despite its premium specifications, the Galaxy Book 5 Pro retains a sleek and lightweight profile, making it convenient for transport.

Currently, the Samsung Galaxy Book 5 Pro is being offered at a reduced price of $1,200, down from its original price of $1,649.99, courtesy of a $450 discount at Best Buy. This makes it a compelling choice for those eager to invest in a high-performance laptop without overspending.

In conclusion, the Samsung Galaxy Book 5 Pro is highly recommended for users in search of a premium laptop with a sizable touchscreen, robust performance, and AI features. However, those who prefer a more cost-effective option or do not need the latest AI functionalities might want to explore other alternatives.

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