Tag: Source: Bgr.com

EU Suggests Major Changes to Cookie Alert Regulations and AI Management

In a freshly released document, the European Commission discloses its intention to reduce the frequency of cookie pop-ups while also clarifying and simplifying AI regulations. As stated in a press release, the EU aims to update the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) by lessening the prevalence of bothersome cookie banner pop-ups along with refining AI guidelines.

With these forthcoming modifications, users will have the ability to express their consent with a single click and store their cookie preferences through their browser settings or operating system. This way, users won’t need to provide or refuse cookie tracking permission each time they visit a new page.

However, that’s not the only alteration proposed by the European Commission, which is also advocating for a “digital omnibus package.” This would ease existing regulations concerning AI, cybersecurity, and data within the European Union. Here’s what you need to know about these amendments and their potential implementation timeline.

EU aims to accelerate AI integration

According to the press release, the European Commission seeks to help businesses save up to 5 billion euros in administrative expenditures by the year 2029. This goal could be achieved by standardizing how cybersecurity matters are reported, as businesses currently must prepare various reports following different regulations. An additional enhancement is that for “high-risk” AI systems, companies would only be required to fulfill all obligations once the necessary support tools and standards are established, allowing them a grace period of up to 16 months for compliance.

The new legislation would also clarify rules under the Data Act, and a new “European Business Wallet” for enterprises would provide digital signing, timestamping, document sharing, and secure cross-border business identification, which could potentially lead to annual savings of up to 150 billion euros. Nonetheless, the EU aims to cut administrative burdens by at least 25% by the conclusion of 2029.

Conversely, opponents of these changes, including European Digital Rights, argue that the EC’s proposals could undermine the core principles of human rights and technology policy within the EU. With the proposal now made public, it must be presented to the European Parliament and the Council of the European Union for approval.

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Reasons the M4 MacBook Air is a Superior Black Friday Buy Compared to the M1

For the majority of the last five years, the M1 MacBook Air has been the clear selection for users transitioning from an Intel Mac. Outstanding battery life, swift performance, and above all: dependable. While the M2 MacBook Air introduced a redesign and the M3 option a minor spec upgrade, the M1 variant remained the preferred MacBook to purchase due to its affordability.

This Black Friday will not be an exception, as shoppers may discover this laptop priced as low as $600. Nevertheless, there are additional factors to ponder before acquiring this model in late 2025. For instance, the M1 model found on online marketplaces comes with 8GB of RAM and 256GB of storage, which has become insufficient for the present AI and multitasking tasks most users handle daily. Furthermore, Apple continues to provide an outdated design and subpar webcam. For this reason, this Black Friday, opting for the M4 MacBook Air would be advisable.

The M4 MacBook Air may very well be Apple’s best offer currently available

With discounts anticipated around $750, the M4 MacBook Air will be priced $150 more than the M1 model. However, customers will benefit from an entirely new design, a significantly more powerful processor, and a base 16GB of RAM, which has become the new benchmark for managing multitasking and AI functionalities. Additionally, you sidestep the purchase of a computer that may begin to lose capabilities shortly.

Although the M1 MacBook models remain excellent computers, Apple is likely to start emphasizing features for newer Macs, as macOS 27 may concentrate exclusively on Apple Silicon devices, and macOS Tahoe signifies the conclusion for Intel Macs.

In light of this, if you’re looking for a new MacBook this Black Friday, acquiring the M4 MacBook Air could very well be the most prudent option. Especially now that Apple has launched the M5 MacBook Pro, while the Air version is still a few months away.

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The Endurance and Oversight of Nuclear Waste

The U.S. government is actively planning to develop next-generation nuclear reactors – it is crucial to grasp the different techniques for storing nuclear waste and the locations for such storage, including deep subterranean sites and temporary storage facilities. Although alternative methods for nuclear waste management have been explored, none have been put into practice as of now.

Where nuclear waste is stored

Google Launches Nano Banana Pro AI Image Creator Using Gemini 3 Pro Technology

It occurred in August with Nano Banana, which initially served as a placeholder until Google formally adopted it as a product name. Subsequently, Nano Banana 2 (Nano Banana Pro) became a sensation a few weeks back, impressing testers with advancements in image generation that surpassed Google’s earlier achievements. Following this, there were speculations that Google would reveal Gemini 3 Pro and Nano Banana 2 simultaneously; however, that was not entirely accurate. Gemini 3 Pro was released on Tuesday, while Google chose to unveil Nano Banana Pro (Gemini 3 Pro Image), its latest cutting-edge model, on Thursday.

Notably, Google introduced a new Generative UI experience for Gemini 3, where AI generates immersive visuals for prompts requiring a visual component. Google mentioned that the Generative UI utilizes an image generator to produce these visual experiences, yet did not reveal its identity. The launch of Nano Banana Pro is even more logical in this context. Nano Banana Pro is developed on Gemini Pro technology, employing its “cutting-edge reasoning and real-world knowledge to enhance information visualization like never before.”

What are the updates in Nano Banana Pro?

12 Things You Must Avoid Doing to Your iPhone

iPhone 17 Pro has become an integral part of our daily lives, brimming with emails, searches, and a wealth of personal information. 

Although we are heavily reliant on and connected to our smartphones, we often overlook small details that can significantly influence our experience. Ultimately, the way you use your iPhone is vital for its durability, efficiency, and sustained battery life. Many users unknowingly adopt habits that could diminish the lifespan of their iPhone or impede its speed over time.

In this article, we will explore the realm of iPhones and identify several common errors that might be quietly jeopardizing your privacy or hindering the overall functionality of your device. From inadequate charging practices to overlooking backups, we’ll outline 12 actions iPhone users should avoid. Some of these insights may come as a surprise, while others could reveal lesser-known aspects of your cherished iPhone.

Install unverified applications

Samsung XR Smart Glasses Disclosure Unveils Possible Competitor to Meta Glasses

the Galaxy XR headset was unveiled last month, a spatial computing device akin to the Apple Vision Pro. The Galaxy XR headset is now offered in both Korea and the U.S., retailing at $1,799.99, roughly half of Apple’s pricing for its headset. Driven by Google’s Android XR operating system, the Galaxy XR marks Samsung’s inaugural venture into extended reality. The company is also developing Android XR smart glasses aimed at competing with offerings like the Ray-Ban Meta and other smart glasses equipped with AI. A launch may be imminent for the first Samsung XR smart glasses, as information leaked sheds light on the hardware that Samsung is working on.

The Korean powerhouse announced during the Galaxy XR introduction that it is also creating AI smart glasses. “In partnership with Google, Samsung is collaborating with the innovative lifestyle brand Warby Parker, recognized for utilizing technology to craft beautifully designed eyewear and provide outstanding customer experiences,” Samsung stated in a press release. “Concurrently, Samsung is joining forces with Gentle Monster to offer trendy, fashion-forward eyewear that merges state-of-the-art AI-native technology with cultural significance and design leadership.” Samsung noted that these gadgets “will combine advanced XR functionality with style, comfort, and practicality, fostering boundary-free exploration, work, and leisure in everyday life,” yet specifics were not disclosed.

A month following these announcements, the Dutch blog Galaxy Club has revealed information regarding one of these Samsung XR eyewear products, a device with the codename SM-O200P. It remains uncertain at this moment if it is associated with the Warby Parker or Gentle Monster brand.

The Samsung XR glasses hardware

According to Galaxy Club, the Samsung

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Noah Wyle’s Part in a Largely Overlooked Spielberg-Produced Science Fiction Series Prior to Brad Pitt

renewed for a second season set to debut in early 2026, you might want to catch Noah Wyle enchant on screen again while you await. In that event, you may find it intriguing to discover an overlooked Steven Spielberg-produced sci-fi series from a few years back titled “Falling Skies.” It’s also notably relevant given all the recent interstellar developments and possible alien life findings.

“Falling Skies” centers around Tom Mason — portrayed by Wyle — a former history lecturer who becomes the second-in-command of the 2nd Massachusetts Militia Regiment. Their mission is to resist an alien invasion in a devastated world. Throughout its five seasons, the narrative unfolds in layers, revealing what transpired on Earth, the reasons behind the alien assaults, and their intentions for humanity’s future. It leans more towards fantasy compared to something like “The Pitt,” but you can witness Wyle’s acting talent, especially alongside his remarkable co-stars, Moon Bloodgood, Will Patton, Drew Roy, and Colin Cunningham. You can stream “Falling Skies” right now on HBO Max, just

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Devices You Must Avoid Connecting to Extension Cords or Power Strips

extremely common at retailers like Harbor Freight and Ikea.  

While they offer advantages in terms of ease of use and portability, extension cords and power strips may not be the ideal choice for every type of electronic device. These peripherals have a designated load capacity and a finite lifespan. Overloading them or using them when they are quite old transforms them into potential fire risks. The U.S. Fire Administration (USFA) reported more than 23,000 residential fires resulting from electrical issues in just 2023. Therefore, if you wish to avoid a damaged extension cord or power strip, or even worse, an encounter with the fire department, it’s advisable not to connect the following devices to them.

High-wattage kitchen appliances

How to Stream Netflix on Apple CarPlay

If you’ve ever looked at your Apple CarPlay-compatible infotainment screen and wished it could play Netflix movies and shows, you’re in good company. The interest in such a function was evidently so high that third-party device creators took it upon themselves to connect our cars with streaming services. For those ready to try non-Apple technology, consider the WhyBox Entertainment AI Box.

The device is made to display apps like Netflix, YouTube, and TikTok on your car screen, utilizing a wired USB connection. Its compact form factor allows easy storage in a dashboard compartment or center console, and it includes the USB-C cable necessary for setup. While WhyBox isn’t the sole option for enjoying top Netflix series in your vehicle, it presents a noteworthy alternative to more outdated devices like portable DVD players.

### Important details before using the WhyBox AI Box

The WhyBox AI Box does not provide a Netflix subscription — which means you’ll need to already have a membership, and you will still be subject to the terms of your plan regarding simultaneous streams. For setup, you’ll have to connect the WhyBox to your phone’s mobile hotspot. Be aware that streaming a movie or show via a hotspot will consume mobile data, potentially leading to added charges on your cell plan.

The AI Box is compatible only with iOS 10 or newer and Android 11 or newer. Once linked to an iPhone or Android device, users of WhyBox have reported a responsive and user-friendly interface, quick streaming load times, and good picture quality. Additionally, if after a few months you choose to stop using the WhyBox for streaming, the device has a microSD card slot. This means you can preload movies and shows for viewing in your car without needing an internet connection.

### The broader context for Apple CarPlay and aftermarket enhancements

One of the most advantageous aspects of using Apple CarPlay is the ability to control your infotainment experience with your vehicle’s buttons, knobs, and touchscreen features — a capability that the WhyBox AI Box does not obstruct. In fact, the device enhances convenience by offering plug-and-play functionality: it can quickly recognize paired Bluetooth devices.

Simply start your car and give the AI Box 10-15 seconds to connect with your iPhone. As long as your phone remains connected (ensure both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth are active), you’ll be able to listen, make hands-free calls, and use the AI Box for wireless music streaming, all without the need for drivers or additional software.

We’ve shared the best advice for maximizing your use of Apple CarPlay, but gadgets like the WhyBox Entertainment AI Box allow you to extend beyond the conventional CarPlay experience. If you’re merely seeking a method to convert your wired infotainment to wireless, Apple CarPlay users can use this universal USB device — and it effectively achieves the task for $65 (a bargain when you consider the price of aftermarket head units supporting wireless CarPlay).

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iOS 26.2 Update to Implement New Limitations on Wi-Fi Sharing Between iPhone and Apple Watch in the EU

Numerama reports that iOS 26.2 will eliminate a crucial Apple Watch feature in Europe — the capability to automatically synchronize Wi-Fi networks between an iPhone and an Apple Watch. This modification arises from Apple’s ongoing conflict with the European Union’s Digital Markets Act legislation, which mandates Apple to incorporate various features to align with EU requirements — including one related to interoperability. Beginning with iOS 26.2, if an iPhone must share its Wi-Fi history with an Apple Watch, the company is compelled to permit third-party developers access to the same functionalities.

Nonetheless, the company’s integrated system is fully encrypted, signifying that the Wi-Fi data shared remains private. Under the revised legislation, this data would no longer be encrypted, prompting the company to completely eliminate the feature to prevent third-party developers from acquiring users’ Wi-Fi locations and constructing new profiles to target them with additional advertisements. That said, here’s how syncing Wi-Fi between the iPhone and the iPad will function starting with watchOS 26.2 and iOS 26.2 in Europe.

Syncing Wi-Fi between iPhone and Apple Watch will become more bothersome in the EU