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Crucial USB Devices Strongly Suggested by iPhone Users

gadgets that can be connected to your device. However, despite the numerous options accessible, determining what is genuinely beneficial and what is deceptive can be challenging.

Thankfully, you can’t go wrong with suggestions from fellow iPhone users who courageously tried various USB devices. We’ve assembled a compilation of the best iPhone USB gadgets based on product ratings on Amazon that other users vouch for.

The compilation features practical gadgets that enhance your iPhone experience, including a flash drive — unlike the typical iPhone accessories such as power banks, charging cables, and adapters commonly found in most online lists. For further information concerning our selection process for these products, the complete methodology can be found at the conclusion of the article.

Backbone One Mobile Gaming Controller

Your iPhone is packed with impressive capabilities and excels in mobile gaming. Yet, relying on touch screen controls isn’t always ideal for certain genres of games like action-oriented RPGs. Backbone’s One Mobile gaming controller resolves this by presenting a familiar layout for playing those game types. The device features a design inspired by traditional controllers with a D-pad, joysticks, and buttons, ensuring you’ll feel comfortable using it.

This controller is compatible with USB-C iPhones, beginning with the iPhone 15 series. It is also adjustable, accommodating any model from the iPhone 15 to the iPhone 17. You can utilize the controller to enjoy mobile games on your iPhone (from the App Store or Apple Arcade). Additionally, it allows gaming from external platforms like Steam and Xbox Cloud Gaming. The Backbone companion app enables you to aggregate your games from various sources into a unified interface, <a href="https://www.bgr.com/tech/this-controller-could-turn-your-iphone-into-a-real-gaming-console

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Amazon’s Best-Selling Apple Watch Priced at a $200 Savings Ahead of the Holidays

The Apple Watch requires no explanation as the prominent smart wearable from one of today’s leading technology firms. Beyond the elegant and fashionable case and band styles that shape the exterior, the software is user-friendly and consistently receives updates that introduce new functionalities, the most recent being in watchOS 26.2. These updates feature fresh watch faces, new user interface modifications, and overall performance enhancements to ensure the device operates more efficiently. It also aids in prolonging the lifespan of older models for those who purchased them a while back.

Considering all of this, potential buyers might be thrilled to learn that the popular Apple Watch SE 3, equipped with GPS and in the 40mm size, is now $200 ahead of the holiday season, reduced from its regular price of $249. On Amazon alone, the Apple Watch SE 3 has amassed over 500 ratings worldwide, boasting a 4.8 out of 5 aggregate score, with 87% of all reviews rated five stars. Digging deeper, users have remarked that it “performs excellently,” is the “ideal upgrade” from a previous version, or is simply the “best everyday watch” overall.

The design, user experience, and features all meet user satisfaction; however, as often seen with smart devices under frequent use, the battery life has mixed reviews based on usage patterns. Apple indicates that you can expect around 18 hours of battery life. Some users report longer durations, while others experience less. Nevertheless, with Apple’s health monitoring functionalities, seamless integration with iPhones and Macs, and added safety features like crash or fall detection, the Apple Watch stands out in the wearable technology market. This offer reduces the regular price by $50, giving you one of the most budget-friendly options in the Apple Watch range.

Why consider this Apple Watch deal?

The Apple Watch SE 3 update is a feature of Apple’s latest 2025 lineup, which also includes the Apple Watch Ultra 3 and Series 11. Notably, the SE 3 aims to be the most cost-effective option, showcasing the S10 chip, an always-on display — a first for the budget model — and new gesture controls. Its popularity arises from the fact that it maintains usability and premium features without compromising quality to achieve a lower price point — you still receive many of the same functionalities and technologies found in pricier Apple Watch versions, validating the watchOS software.

That’s precisely what makes the current Amazon deal so appealing. The Apple Watch SE 3 is already attractively priced, but this offer discounts it by $50, making it even more affordable ahead of the holidays. Certainly, it would serve as an ideal smartwatch for anyone looking to indulge, but it also makes for a remarkable gift, especially for someone dear to you.

It may be obvious to mention that the Apple Watch excels at far more than just showing time, but there are numerous lesser-known features that make it an excellent gift for the active and busy individuals you know. For instance, you can control your Apple TV with your Apple Watch, craft personalized workouts, function as a quick-access walkie-talkie with fellow Apple Watch users, and identify sleep issues such as sleep apnea. Of course, that’s just the tip of the iceberg. This deal is likely to gain popularity, especially given those Amazon user reviews. Users truly appreciate the Apple Watch SE 3.

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“Upgrade Opportunity to Save Costs for Users of Older Amazon Fire TV Sticks”

the Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max is affordable and user-friendly, making it a potential candidate for replacing your outdated model. What you might not realize is that you can make it even more economical by trading in an older Fire TV Stick or any unused Amazon device, such as an Echo Dot. Through Amazon’s trade-in program, you can return the Amazon Fire TV Stick Lite, Fire TV Stick International, or Fire TV Stick HD to receive a $3 discount in addition to a gift card that can offer up to 20% off through the trade-in value.

The Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max enhances the resolution to 4K quality, as indicated by its name, and also features a more advanced search option that supports Alexa, enabling you to utilize voice commands to locate your preferred content. Additionally, it is compatible with Dolby Vision, HDR10+, and Dolby Atmos Audio formats, and comes with 16GB of onboard storage for apps and games, which Amazon claims is twice as much as the original Fire TV Stick 4K.

Why should you consider upgrading to the Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max?

The Surge of Free Ad-Funded Streaming Services Over Paid Offerings

The Television Trend Taking Over Premium Streaming Services

While cable television has largely fallen out of favor in favor of a more personalized TV streaming experience, a notable issue remains in today’s TV viewing: Prices are on the rise. Numerous streaming services hike their subscription rates year after year. Signing up for a streaming app because of intriguing show selections and pricing can swiftly turn problematic when the service starts to seem pricier than its value.

This dissatisfaction has resulted in a rising trend of consumers choosing free streaming services as well. A number of free streaming platforms and applications appeal to those seeking entertainment without overspending. For instance, the Roku Channel provides free TV shows, movies, and even TV channels that can easily compete with what paid streaming services deliver.

Free streaming platforms like these are a breath of fresh air. Take Disney+ as an example of this. When it debuted in 2019, its monthly fee was $6.99. Now, by the end of 2025, it has risen to $12.99 per month. Netflix began at $7.99 monthly, and today the rate can soar up to $24.99. The tendency of these services to provide bundles and various plans, some ad-supported and others ad-free, may further confuse consumers who simply seek an economical, straightforward viewing experience.

The Streaming Services Gaining Popularity

The Roku Channel stands out as a widely-used streaming service offering free movies and TV channels. Roku TV supports several top-notch streaming platforms, and its Featured Free section showcases channels like CBS News, NFL, CBS Sports, and Haystack News. Other free movie and show options include “Outlander,” “The Masked Singer,” “2 Broke Girls,” “Yellowjackets,” and numerous others. Although the free offerings may be limited, Roku TV frequently updates them so viewers can anticipate new content in the Featured Free section.

Tubi is another app available for free on mobile and streaming devices. It boasts hundreds of thousands of free movies and TV series comparable to paid streaming platforms, including unique original shows. Tubi also features Tubi Kids and a Spanish channel. Live TV on Tubi includes channels like NFL, NBA, Dateline, and EbonyTV. Movie highlights encompass “Titanic,” “Coraline,” “Tomb Raider,” and “Spider-Man: Homecoming.” Among its extensive television offerings are “Empire,” “Merlin,” “Master Chef,” and WWE’s “NXT.”

Kanopy is distinct in that its free film offerings come through collaborations with universities and libraries. You can access Kanopy via the Apple or Google app stores, streaming devices, and smart TV app stores. Some of its films feature “Memento,” “The Truman Show,” “The Mask You Live In,” and various foreign films.

Alternative Strategies People Are Using to Cut Streaming Costs

It remains relatively easy to discover free streaming choices if you seek them out, such as the popular Freevee streaming app integrated with Prime Video. These alternatives are appealing due to rising costs and the intricate management of multiple premium services. If free movie and TV streaming options like those mentioned previously do not attract you, there are other methods that others are employing to save money which you might consider.

One approach is to unsubscribe from a streaming service once the show you wanted to watch has concluded. Therefore, if you’re subscribing solely to catch the latest season of a series, after that season finishes, terminate your subscription to avoid wasting money. You may also opt for lower-priced options within these streaming apps, such as paying less per month and tolerating ads when they appear, rather than spending more to skip them. A third approach is to search for specific streaming services offering bundled options that allow you to save some funds. For instance, Disney+ presents a bundle including Disney+, Hulu, and HBO Max for $19.99 monthly with ads, or another version that includes Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN Unlimited for $29.99 a month with ads.

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How to Turn Off Siri Suggestions in Apple CarPlay

one of the most frustrating iOS features — particularly since Apple Intelligence came into play. As a part of iOS, Siri is also integrated into the Apple CarPlay experience. It can help you get directions, check reminders, play a song similar to the one currently playing, and more.

The Apple assistant additionally provides Siri Suggestions, a functionality that analyzes your iPhone usage to propose activities you might like to pursue. For those using CarPlay, Siri might recommend closing the garage door upon arriving home or prompt you to drive to a meeting. If you prefer to forgo Siri Suggestions while driving, turning off the feature in CarPlay is straightforward: just access the Settings menu and toggle Suggestions in CarPlay on or off.

But what if you’d like to receive some of the suggestions from Siri, but not all of them? In that instance, keep Suggestions enabled, and try this approach instead. When a Siri Suggestion appears on your CarPlay dashboard that you don’t wish to follow, simply long-press it. A pop-up will show up asking if you’d like to Clear for This Drive or Cancel. Select the first option, and Siri won’t disturb you with that suggestion for the remainder of your drive.

How to turn off Siri Suggestions with an iPhone

Although there are many concealed Apple CarPlay features — such as disabling Siri Suggestions — that can enhance your experience, you can also easily enable or turn off Siri Suggestions directly from your iPhone. Simply go to Settings, tap on Siri, and toggle on or off any of the following: Show in App, Show on Home Screen, Suggest App, or Suggest Notifications. To fully eliminate Siri Suggestions in iOS, set all these options to off.

Alternatively, you can customize Suggestions settings for each app individually by navigating to Settings > Siri and then selecting the desired app to adjust. Here, you can enable or disable it. <a

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Uncover 10 Remarkable Free iPhone Applications You Might Not Be Aware Of

apps definitely worth checking out, and they don’t require you to spend a cent, or at least their primary features are available for free.

In the same way we compiled the top free Android apps you might not be aware of, we are curating ten equally free iPhone apps that definitely deserve more recognition than they currently receive. Each app offers something distinctive, whether it’s a smart feature, an improved approach to something you already do, or a fix for an inconvenience you never knew you could address.

Transit

The name really captures its essence. Transit assists with, well, transit. Public transport can seem like a game of chance, particularly when you find yourself at a bus stop questioning if you just missed your ride or if it’s genuinely delayed. The app resolves this issue by providing you with real-time arrival and departure schedules for buses, trains, and subways in over 1000 cities across 29 nations. This way, you won’t have to keep waiting bewildered at a bus stop or perpetually refreshing old timetables.

The app features a user-friendly interface that makes locating your route incredibly straightforward. You simply open it, check for nearby options, and receive live updates on when your bus or train is actually set to arrive or depart. Moreover, the 4.

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Testing in Progress for iPhone 18 Pro’s Under-Display Face ID Feature

20th-anniversary iPhone, anticipated to avoid any display cutouts in 2027. A source named Smart Pikachu mentioned on Weibo that Apple is actively experimenting with the screen technology necessary for the Face ID sensors to function while situated beneath the OLED panel. As reported by MacRumors, this Weibo account has a history of accurately revealing supply chain insights regarding Android hardware advancements in China.

In particular, Smart Pikachu states that Apple is evaluating a “spliced micro-transparent glass” window that may be integrated into the display to enable the TrueDepth camera’s infrared sensors to penetrate the panel. The infrared projection needs to reach the user’s face, enabling the Face ID camera to then capture the 3D map of that face for user authentication. The system must operate perfectly, meaning the OLED panel cannot obstruct the infrared transmission. This remains speculation, as Apple has not yet provided details on integrating the 3D face recognition system beneath the iPhone display. Notably, rumors about under-display Face ID emerged several years ago.

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Distinctions Between SpaceX’s Starship V2 and V1

unscheduled disassembly.”

Several of the modifications are readily apparent, such as the increase in height. The V2 stands at 171 feet (52.1m), which is a 6-foot increase from the V1’s 165 feet (50.3m). This additional height allows for more propellant; approximately 300 extra metric tons. More crucially, the V2 has reduced its empty weight from 100 metric tons to 85 metric tons while increasing its fuel capacity from 1,200 metric tons to 1,500 metric tons.

Rockets’ success hinges on their mass ratio, defining the correlation between propellant mass and dry mass. Shedding 15 tons of structural weight while adding 300 tons of fuel enhances the V2’s margins for orbital burns and landings. The lighter framework implies more fuel availability for re-entry, as well as greater payload capacity, which equates to improved performance in actual missions, not just in testing scenarios. By evaluating the V1’s test missions, engineers identified issues with thermal management and control during re-entry, particularly the vehicle’s aerodynamic stability. Utilizing this information, the V2 addresses those design flaws, rectifying those vulnerabilities.

How SpaceX tackled the re-entry challenges

Android to Notify Users of Possible Scams When Screen Sharing Requests Occur During Calls

improving Android with enhanced security measures — such as advanced features designed to shield you from message fraud — and the company is now advancing further with in-call scam defense that Google claims will assist in identifying if con artists are attempting to gain access to your financial applications. This new feature is included in an expanding pilot initiative, which Google states is now being made available to a larger user base.

Essentially, when you’re on a call and sharing your screen while launching a financial app like your banking application, the new system will verify if the individual you are conversing with is in your contacts. If that individual is not, your Android device will produce a warning indicating that the call is likely a scam, suggesting that fraudsters might be using the call to compromise your finances. The company detailed the feature in a recent security blog entry, and this latest pilot follows closely on the heels of Google’s newest Circle to Search scam verifier, which enables you to circle elements on your screen to check for scams as well.

Disrupting the scammers’ influence

The whole new system is crafted to disrupt the “influence” that fraudsters can sometimes exert with their social engineering strategies. Google notes that once the warning activates, you will be required to wait for 30 seconds before proceeding. During this interval, the sense of urgency often exploited by scammers should ideally be countered by rational thought, giving you an opportunity to refrain from divulging your banking details to a malicious entity.

As mentioned earlier, the feature initially launched as part of a pilot program in the UK, and Google asserts that it “assisted thousands of users in terminating calls that could have cost them a considerable sum of money.” Certainly,

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