Tag: Source: Bgr.com

Crucial USB-C-Compatible Gadgets for Your Smartphone

utilize the USB-C port on your phone to stream Netflix on your television. Additionally, with numerous phone accessories embracing the USB-C port, you can enhance your mobile device’s capabilities even further. Gadgets such as a portable SSD, compact projector, credit card reader, gaming controller, and thermal imaging camera can demonstrate precisely how to optimize your phone’s USB-C port.

SanDisk 1TB Extreme Portable SSD

There’s a limit to the number of files that can be stored on your phone these days. If you’re a passionate photographer or frequently deal with large files, you may find your phone storage running out more quickly than expected. This is why having an external storage solution like the SanDisk 1TB Extreme Portable SSD is a smart choice.

With a generous capacity of 1TB, this portable SSD by SanDisk utilizes USB 3.2 Gen 2 technology, delivering read speeds that reach up to 1,050MBps and

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Apple Music’s Lack of Spotify’s ChatGPT Integration Presents Difficulties

**Apple Music Lacks Spotify’s ChatGPT Integration And That’s A Concern**

In a recent Substack article, OpenAI’s Applications CEO, Fidji Simo, addressed the development of ChatGPT from a text-centric service to a more user-friendly and interconnected platform. This evolution includes incorporating third-party applications like Booking, Canva, Coursera, Expedia, Figma, Spotify, and Zillow. While Apple Music was first highlighted as a prospective ChatGPT partner, this mention was subsequently removed, indicating that the partnership may still be in progress.

OpenAI serves as a crucial collaborator for Apple, being the exclusive third-party model that can boost Apple Intelligence. By integrating ChatGPT with Apple Intelligence, Siri’s functions are enhanced, enabling it to undertake tasks such as refining writing tools, responding to inquiries, and generating images. The expected integration with Apple Music might improve song recommendations, increasing the service’s competitiveness.

**Spotify’s ChatGPT Integration: A Benchmark for Apple Music**

Spotify’s ChatGPT integration is smooth and effortless. Users can pair their accounts to obtain tailored recommendations and playlists. This functionality enables users to create playlists based on particular prompts and fine-tune suggestions by mood, genre, or activity. Although Spotify’s algorithm is quite strong, the inclusion of ChatGPT brings a dimension of interactivity that could greatly benefit Apple Music, which is currently lacking in AI-enhanced features.

**ChatGPT: The Siri We Desired**

Apple Music has advanced its algorithm and curated playlists throughout the years, but it still does not measure up to Spotify. ChatGPT’s potential integration could remedy this by comprehending user tastes and delivering superior recommendations. Interacting with ChatGPT in natural discussions about musical preferences could assist users in uncovering new artists and tracks, enriching the Apple Music journey.

ChatGPT has evolved into a vital resource for iPhone users, and its integration with Apple Music could offer subscribers a more sophisticated algorithm and enhanced service. BGR will keep users posted once this collaboration is formally announced and provide advice on how to optimize its advantages.

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Rivian’s CEO Clarifies the Reasons Behind the Non-Integration of Apple CarPlay in Their Vehicles

planning to introduce CarPlay in some form into its vehicles, Rivian’s CEO and founder RJ Scaringe remains adamant that his company will never incorporate a layer of CarPlay into its vehicles. In fact, he even playfully commented on Tesla’s possible concession. Throughout the years, numerous automakers have fluctuated between supporting and abandoning CarPlay, yet Tesla and Rivian have -– for the time being -– upheld their stance of steering clear of CarPlay in favor of delivering a “superior” experience with their own hardware and software.

Nevertheless, that doesn’t imply Rivian is disregarding Apple’s technologies entirely. The automaker has incorporated Apple Music and, more recently, revealed iPhone Car Key support for the second generation of its vehicles, enabling owners to use their iPhone to unlock the vehicle’s doors or ignite the engine. Although Rivian continues to attract Apple enthusiasts with new features, CarPlay remains unattainable. However, Rivian customers appear to be relatively unbothered.

Rivian claims that AI is at fault

Grasping the Capabilities of Advanced Automotive Audio Systems

When envisioning the ideal soundstage, or essentially the zenith of flawless audio, the setting you’re likely imagining is not typically found within a vehicle. While high-end vehicle audio systems deliver impressive sound quality, a room—specifically, a rectangular space equipped with optimal gear—provides the best acoustics. The crux of the matter is that there’s a greater area for sound waves to reverberate in a room compared to the confines of your standard vehicle cabin. Nonetheless, a groundbreaking speaker system from Warwick Acoustics is set to completely redefine that traditional understanding. Warwick’s innovation has the ability to generate an “unmatched soundstage,” featuring authentic 3D surround sound.

The majority of speakers, including the wireless models designed for true audio enthusiasts, utilize a cone-like dynamic mechanism. In contrast, the Warwick Acoustics speaker is almost flat. These enhanced attributes are made possible through an innovative design. Known as electrostatic speakers, a flat diaphragm is sandwiched between two perforated metal plates. These plates function as electrodes, with the diaphragm receiving an electrical charge. As the audio signal is conveyed to the speaker, it creates an electrostatic field that mobilizes the diaphragm. However, when compared to traditional dynamic speakers with their conical structure, Warwick’s design is thinner and significantly lighter—about 90% less in weight. These speakers also emit distinctive sound waves, contributing to the perception that the sound is emanating from a greater distance.

What causes the Warwick electrostatic speakers to sound distant?

Sound waves tend to flatten as they propagate, generating areas of compression and rarefaction, much like ripples formed on the surface of disturbed water. The responsiveness of these waves shapes your perception of the sound source or the path it took. This is similar to the audio production of standard speakers that utilize conical shapes. Their waves disperse and flatten to create a sense of directionality. However, within a vehicle, those waves have limited travel, especially before they reach your ears, which results in a consistently close sound.

Warwick Acoustics’ electrostatic speakers generate flat sound waves. “This can be perceived as a sound originating from a greater distance,” explains Ian Hubbard, the company’s chief commercial officer. The nearly flat waves create the illusion of being in a larger venue with expansive acoustics, simulating sound that appears to come from as far away as 30 meters (98 feet). This is akin to how soundbars—such as the new Marshall Heston 60—deliver loud, high-fidelity audio within compact designs.

In addition, the speed and precision of the electrostatic speakers offer another advantage. Hubbard notes that their performance minimizes the necessity of manipulating audio “through digital methods,” making them smaller, more affordable, and requiring less energy for the “digital signal processing (DSP) components.” In essence, they are capable of delivering more while consuming less. Their slim profile allows for installation in headrests, seat materials, above the dashboard, and within the doors.

The speakers are constructed without rare earth elements, relying instead on sustainable upcycled and recycled components. Warwick claims that they are set to debut in a “global luxury car manufacturer,” with a launch planned for 2026. In the meantime, you can always pick up a pair of premium headphones for audiophiles to enjoy music wherever you may roam.

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Google CC: A Morning Email Helper for Gmail Users

Google’s expansive suite of applications and services offers a significant benefit for the Gemini AI experience. The chatbot functions as an assistant, prepared to deliver information instantly on a variety of subjects, including tasks that may relate to content housed within Google apps. For instance, it could be an email in Gmail and a document in Google Drive that are both crucial for a project, and Gemini can retrieve that information if it has access to both. This represents just one of the AI assistance experiences that Google has envisioned.

In addition to linking Gemini with Gmail and Drive, Google has introduced a novel AI assistant named CC that will operate within Gmail to help you stay organized throughout your day. Unlike Gemini, which is available globally, CC is an experimental productivity assistant restricted to users in the U.S. and Canada. Individuals can gain access to CC after registering via a Google Labs waitlist. It remains uncertain how many users Google’s trial will initially support or the anticipated wait time, but Google indicated that CC will be accessible to adult users of Google consumer accounts, beginning with Google AI Ultra subscribers at the highest premium level of Gemini ($250/month).

Interestingly, CC appears to be a counterpart to ChatGPT Pulse, a proactive AI agent within ChatGPT that provides a morning briefing experience in the chat app. Pulse can also connect to applications such as Gmail and Calendar, though this is optional. Similar to CC, Pulse necessitates the costly $200/month ChatGPT Pro subscription.

What functionalities does CC offer with Gmail?

Once access is granted, CC will start pulling information from Gmail, Calendar, and Google Drive to present a customized to-do list each day called “Your Day Ahead.” CC might be the solution to a challenge many individuals face: managing their inbox. Ironically, CC will send daily briefs via email, but these will be emails you’ll want to engage with. The video above demonstrates a CC brief, showing the assistant pulling pertinent information from Google apps and prioritizing tasks. Driven by Gemini, CC will provide you a succinct overview of your calendar and remind you of critical deadlines and events, such as paying a car loan or attending a social gathering.

Additional useful features of CC might include offering updates on your deliveries and providing extra contextual information regarding events. One entry in the “Your Day Ahead” email in the video is noted as “Private Hose Viewing.” CC specifies the event’s location, reminds the user this is their second visit, and suggests they “remember to check the backyard space.” Presumably, this suggestion comes from an email or note the user created after the first visit.

The CC assistant can also be utilized to create content, such as drafting emails and keeping track of ideas and tasks. To communicate instructions to CC, you will need to send them via email in Gmail, rather than using a separate chat application. This method may not represent the most optimal interaction, as one of the aims of utilizing a product like CC is to reduce the number of emails. That being said, CC is not a finalized product: It is unclear whether it will evolve into an optional feature in Gmail or Gemini, but Google will likely continue to enhance the CC experience while it explores its capabilities.

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Evaluation of OnePlus 15R: Outstanding Battery Life at a Budget-Friendly Cost

The OnePlus 15R: An In-Depth Review

The OnePlus 15R constitutes a significant addition to the OnePlus family, closely mirroring the design of the regular OnePlus 15. The key difference is its reduced camera module size, while it sustains the same design aesthetic as its pricier sibling. Offered in Charcoal Black and Mint Breeze, the latter presents a refreshing light green shade. Both models showcase a frosted glass back, delivering a luxurious feel while reducing smudges. The minimalist design is highlighted by the OnePlus logo and the camera module located on the back.

Regarding sturdiness, the OnePlus 15R stands out with its IP66, IP68, IP69, and IP69K ratings, ensuring exceptional protection against high-pressure water jets, dust, and immersion. This degree of durability is uncommon among smartphones, particularly in this price range, guaranteeing the device’s robustness under various circumstances.

The design incorporates the flat-edge style popular among contemporary smartphones, featuring gentle curves along the edges for improved comfort during extended usage. The camera module is located in the top-left corner, slightly elevated from the device’s body.

A notable element is the “Plus Key” positioned on the left side, which substitutes the conventional ringer switch. This customizable button is mainly designed for OnePlus’s Mind Space feature but can be adjusted for additional functions like launching the camera or toggling the flashlight. Nevertheless, its customization flexibility is limited compared to the iPhone’s Action Button, as it cannot be programmed to open any application.

Common features consist of a USB-C port at the bottom, accompanied by the power button and volume rocker on the right side. The front glass is crafted from Corning Gorilla Glass 7i, offering decent scratch and drop resistance. All in all, the OnePlus 15R is an elegant, well-built device that surpasses its budget-friendly classification.

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Google’s Ingenious “Avatar: The Last Airbender” Easter Egg Pleases Die-Hard Fans

Reddit users who came across this easter egg on Google view it as a nostalgic nod to this iconic moment, although some argue that, rather than being a purposeful easter egg, it might merely be a chance occurrence within Google’s search algorithm. Some users theorize that individuals searching for video snippets or interpretations of the quote were simply entering “war in Ba Sing Se” on Google, leading the tool to organically begin suggesting the correction to guide users toward the

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Tesla’s Newest Product Launch Falls Short as It Isn’t an Electric Car

Tesla is a brand that stands for breakthrough advancements, the forefront of technology, and innovative systems that intertwine science-fiction with reality. Alright, perhaps that’s a little overstated, but the company is recognized for stretching the limits of contemporary technology with its electric vehicles, robotics, and much more. Unsurprisingly, you would anticipate that its next offering would continue to challenge those limits. A high-tech sandwich maker? A sophisticated shuttle for individuals to explore low earth orbit? Perhaps a cutting-edge diving device for discovering the ocean’s mysteries? As it turns out, it’s nothing of the sort. It’s [simply a basic pickleball paddle](https://shop.tesla.com/product/tesla-plaid-pickleball-paddle-by-selkirk?sku=2272753-00-A) — basic in the sense that it lacks any connected technology or wireless attributes. Also basic in that, well, it’s quite basic.

Tesla claims it’s “optimized for high performance play,” so there’s that, at least. What’s even more concerning is its price tag of $350, in a sport where quality gear typically costs under $100. Manufactured by Selkirk, and “inspired by the aerodynamic [design of Tesla vehicles](https://www.bgr.com/2049186/is-tesla-cyber-truck-reliable-according-consumer-reports/),” this one-of-a-kind paddle boasts a custom composition with embedded weights, an edgeless design, and an open throat face. Tesla asserts that it took months of partnership and extensive research and development to create this distinctive paddle. It also includes a carrying bag, which is a nice addition, I suppose.

### What makes the Tesla pickleball paddle unique?

“[Paddle up, human](https://x.com/tesla_na/status/1999554694826365256/photo/1).” That’s how Tesla announced the pickleball paddle on X — which may or may not be clever. A bit less clever is the composition of the board, regarding the materials used, not the design. All together, it’s a carbon fiber board with a foam core featuring some unique styles and functional design aspects developed through “a shared passion for quality and performance.” Selkirk Co-Owner & Director of Research & Development Tom Barnes and Tesla’s Director of Product Design Javier Verdura collaborated to develop this robust mixed-material paddle.

Speaking [to Business Insider](https://www.businessinsider.com/tesla-latest-launch-expensive-lifestyle-product-pickleball-paddle-2025-12), Tom Barnes mentions that the paddle “wasn’t merely a branding endeavor, [but] a genuine engineering collaboration.” He notes that after over a year of exchanging data, perfecting paddle geometry, and conducting stress tests on prototypes, possibly with Tesla’s robots, the paddle came to fruition. The limited batch of paddles also sold out rapidly, within less than three hours post-launch. This aligns with the brand’s previous success, given that the Tesla Model Y was the [first EV ever to earn the title of the world’s best-selling car](https://www.bgr.com/tech/tesla-model-y-becomes-first-ev-ever-to-be-the-worlds-best-selling-car/). However, this isn’t a car; it’s a pickleball paddle. At least it didn’t feature the boxed edges of

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Consumer Reports’ Evaluation of Tesla Cybertruck’s Dependability

latest due to steel panels detaching – it prompts one to question how dependable the cyberpunk-esque vehicle truly is. Consumer Reports has concluded its evaluation, providing revised ratings for the Cybertruck, which offers everyone a clearer understanding of its reliability — and, quite frankly, it’s not impressive. The rating is considerably low. Actually, it’s below average, and it’s among the lowest reliability ratings for the brand as a whole. However, here’s the point. The Cybertruck is probably unreliable currently because it’s new and the technology it contains is also new, rather than merely being badly constructed. Tesla’s other models have experienced developmental challenges before, and consequently, reliability scores have improved as the technology has advanced.

In summary, the Tesla brand ranks 9th in reliability out of 26, marking its highest rating ever in Consumer Reports’ rankings. According to Consumer Reports, the Cybertruck’s reliability rating suffers for several reasons. The numerous recalls raise concerns, accompanied by minor construction quality issues such as uneven panel seams, door malfunctions, and other aesthetic inconsistencies. However, it also points out that many of these issues are early design flaws typical of first-year models that will probably be resolved in subsequent versions. Additional concerns relate to new technologies in general, like software OTA updates, the unique single-wiper configuration, steer-by-wire systems, and 48-volt architecture. The Cybertruck’s difficulties, along with public perception, are linked to the rapidly decreasing value of used Tesla Cybertrucks.

What are the thoughts of Cybertruck owners on it, though?

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