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Complimentary Application Facilitates Wireless File Transfer from Computer to Steam Deck or Laptop

more than just portable gaming libraries. If you wish, you can convert your Steam Deck into a multifaceted media hub. However, part of this process necessitates the ability to easily transfer assets back and forth between your PC and Steam Deck. Fortunately, Valve’s SteamOS allows for native app installations, similar to other Linux-based systems.

You have the option to install various Steam Deck-compatible applications via the Discover Software Center. Some of these applications are revolutionary and can provide you access to non-Steam titles. Other applications assist in managing the Steam Deck’s everyday functions, such as wirelessly sharing screenshots, mods, and videos across your devices. LocalSend is a no-cost application that accomplishes that feat; however, differing from well-known alternatives like KDE Connect, LocalSend offers more flexibility, security, and efficiency. LocalSend serves as an excellent option for those aiming to import and export extensive collections of files to their Steam Decks locally, while also prioritizing user privacy thanks to its open-source framework. The application is compatible with Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS.

Additionally, LocalSend operates without advertisements, and no data is stored on a server, eliminating any potential intermediary that could access or view your files when in the cloud. Nevertheless, as a precautionary measure, LocalSend implements HTTPS encryption to ensure your data remains secure, rendering it indecipherable to anyone on the network. The application also employs dynamically generated TLS/SSL certificates to authenticate devices and recipients.

LocalSend is a no-cost application that transmits files privately and securely within your local network

Why Avatar: Fire And Ash Reshot Its Major Ending at the Last Moment

When discussing films, the written content and what ultimately appears on screen can be vastly different. For instance, upon the leak of the original script for “Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker,” some fans believed it surpassed the actual film. Yet, alterations can sometimes be essential, such as when two separate Marvel actors nearly took on the role of Jake Sully in “Avatar.” Even more significantly, for “Avatar: Fire and Ash,” the complete ending required a rework during post-production.

In a conversation with The National, director James Cameron shared that the initial ending for “Avatar: Fire and Ash” was entirely redone to create a version he deemed more suitable for the franchise. Since “Fire and Ash” premiered on December 19, audiences won’t experience what the original ending entailed, but we can provide a glimpse into Cameron’s original vision.

We endeavored to steer clear of spoilers, but given that this pertains to an ending, please heed this spoiler alert. As of this writing, “Avatar: Fire and Ash” boasts a 67% Tomatometer score and a 91% Popcornmeter score on Rotten Tomatoes, with film critics consistently voicing similar concerns. The ending doesn’t seem to be among those critiques, indicating Cameron may have made the right choice.

Reasons Behind James Cameron’s Alteration of the Ending

In his talk with The National, director James Cameron – who previously worked his magic on a Kurt Russell sci-fi film – disclosed that “Avatar: Fire and Ash” initially contained a wholly different conclusion, prompting the director to reshoot numerous scenes. At first, Cameron envisioned the movie showcasing Na’vi leader and former marine Jake Sully bringing together all the clans in Pandora by equipping them with automatic weaponry. However, as he progressed with editing, he began to understand that the initial ending was overly connected to American colonialism – a time when early settlers displaced native populations significantly.

Addressing the publication, Cameron remarked, “At a certain point, it just struck me – [the film’s conclusion] aligns with colonial history. Equipping the tribes and forcing them to fight against one another is genuinely misguided.” He added, “That was part of the North American genocide of indigenous peoples. I can’t allow Jake to replicate that.” Adjusting the ending for a better fit with the film’s anti-colonialist message wasn’t straightforward, as it involved cutting other elements from the film and bringing back the original cast for reshoots.

Fortunately, the actors were eager to revise the ending. Sam Worthington, who portrays Jake Sully, told The National that “Avatar” reshoots are commonplace. “I’d receive a call saying, ‘hey man, can you come in? I want to experiment with something.’

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The Twilight Zone Episode That Influenced Michael B. Jordan’s “Sinners”

sci-fi films inspired by timeless short narratives, or even a Matt Damon romantic sci-fi film adapted from a Philip K. Dick tale, demonstrates that the film sector is adept at exploring every possible concept. For director Ryan Coogler, the muse for his 2025 Southern-Gothic horror film “Sinners” originated from a reference some sci-fi enthusiasts may find recognizable.

In his conversation with the media, Coogler shared an array of influential works that ignited his creative process for “Sinners,” notably an episode from Season 3 of the iconic series “The Twilight Zone” called “The Last Rites of Jeff Myrtlebank.” It is essential to clarify that we are referring to the original 1959 series by creator and performer Rod Serling, not the 2019 Jordan Peele reboot of “The Twilight Zone.” The summary of this particular episode may sound familiar to fans of “Sinners.”

Featuring Michael B. Jordan, Jack O’Connell, and Hailee Steinfeld, “Sinners” has garnered significant attention since its U.S. premiere in April 2025. With a domestic opening of $48 million, the film has accrued nearly $368 million globally. As of this writing, it has also received 187 award nominations and secured 69 wins. This includes multiple nominations for the 2026 Critics Choice Awards, such as Best Picture, Best Director for Ryan Coogler, and Best Actor for Michael B. Jordan.

Sinners draws from a sci-fi classic

In a discussion with SciFiNow in January 2025, director Ryan Co

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NASA Unveils New Head Amid Worries

National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Jared “Rook” Isaacman is also the youngest individual to ever assume the role. Isaacman steps in as NASA prepares to “expand the frontiers of human exploration, stimulate the orbital economy, foster scientific advancement, and create innovations for the good of all humanity.” Characterized as a pilot, astronaut, accomplished entrepreneur, philanthropist, and trailblazer in commercial spaceflight, Isaacman expresses his commitment to “attaining ambitious objectives, such as returning American astronauts to the Moon, establishing a lasting presence on the lunar surface, and laying the foundation to fulfill President Trump’s vision of placing the Stars and Stripes on Mars.”

This is indeed thrilling, and if NASA is moving towards deeper space exploration and a return to the moon, why should there be any concern? While his accomplishments are certainly praiseworthy, Isaacman is also a billionaire connected to SpaceX and “private” space exploration. He is widely recognized as an amateur jet pilot who became among the first non-professional astronauts to conduct a spacewalk.

Critics are particularly unsettled by Isaacman’s connections to Elon Musk and SpaceX, a private entity that NASA often collaborates with for space launches and more. Could this lead to more advantageous terms and improved contract situations for SpaceX? Only time will tell, but Isaacman asserts that the association is purely commercial and “no different from that of NASA.” The organization is already taking significant strides toward the Artemis II mission, which will see astronauts returning to the lunar surface. Isaacman is sure to have an impact on that mission and the missions that follow.

Ties to SpaceX and Elon Musk

Top 5 Apple Devices of 2025: An In-Depth Analysis

With the end of 2025 approaching, it’s time to reflect on all that Apple introduced in the previous twelve months. Unlike some previous years, the company didn’t inundate us with new hardware, yet 2025 still delivered numerous thrilling surprises for enthusiasts.

In June, Apple showcased iOS 26 along with other significant updates for its software ecosystem. Transitioning from iOS 19 to iOS 26 brought uniformity to the expanding array of products and their standalone software, coupled with a fresh method to enhance the interconnectedness of Apple devices, particularly the iPhone, iPad, and Mac, featuring the introduction of the Liquid Glass user interface.

With the anticipated debut of the first iPhone Fold next year alongside a completely refreshed MacBook Pro equipped with Face ID, touch screen, and even 5G functionality, it makes sense for Apple to blend the capabilities of the iPhone, iPad, and Mac. Meanwhile, as we await Apple’s upcoming year of launches, we reflected on the products the company introduced in 2025 and which ones stand out as the finest.

iPhone 17

As chatter about the iPhone 17 began to circulate, I must admit I wasn’t overly enthusiastic about this specific model. After all, while Apple would unveil brand-new designs for the Pro and Air series, the standard version appeared to resemble the iPhone 16 almost entirely. While the base model was indeed the top iPhone Apple presented in 2024, what would motivate an upgrade?

However, upon the iPhone 17’s arrival, it turned out to be a sensation. First and foremost, Apple retained the same pricing while boosting the base storage to 256GB—twice the capacity of the previous version. Enhanced battery life, a more effective processor, and exciting new colors contributed to making this iPhone a highly desirable option for those looking to upgrade.

Moreover, Apple made substantial enhancements to the cameras on the iPhone 17, with the front-facing lens receiving the upgrade it warranted, alongside the addition of two 48MP sensors to the main cameras. Mixing all of that with a more durable iPhone featuring Ceramic Shield 2 and Apple’s own Wi-Fi and Bluetooth chip, the iPhone 17 could be considered the best non-Pro iPhone the company has ever released. Furthermore, rumors indicate this iPhone will remain available until early 2027, implying that purchasers now shouldn’t feel tempted by a new base model anytime soon.

iPhone 17 Pro Max

To be honest, it’s not every year that the Pro model turns out to be the best iPhone that Apple produces. For the past three years, the standard model has outshone the Pro in terms of value, but this year’s scenario is different. Apple significantly elevated its standards with the iPhone 17 Pro Max. While the design and color options might provoke mixed opinions, the company finally bestowed the high-end models with the premium experience they deserved.

The new A19 Pro chip is quicker and more efficient than ever, and when users push its limits, a newly incorporated vapor chamber efficiently cools the device. In practical use, this translates to a display that rarely dims, unlike in previous generations, with extended battery life.

The selfie camera enhancement on the iPhone 17 Pro Max is also notable, and having three 48MP lenses on the rear with improved optical zoom makes capturing videos and photos an even more enjoyable experience. Other advancements encompass Ceramic Shield 2, a proprietary Wi-Fi and Bluetooth chip, and storage options of up to 2TB, making this iPhone even more advantageous for content creators. Overall, the iPhone 17 Pro Max stands as a robust choice to retain for years ahead, at least until the company reveals its anticipated iPhone 20.

Apple Watch SE 3

Three years later, Apple has thoroughly redefined the Apple Watch SE. In its third generation, this smartwatch remarkably stands out as the best choice for Apple users in 2025. While the Apple Watch Series 11 or Apple Watch Ultra 3 can serve as enticing upgrades for those with older Apple Watches or first-time buyers, the reality is that the third-generation SE model provides everything most users require—at a more appealing price than the other options.

Apple enhanced the Apple Watch SE 3 with an always-on display, upgraded sensors for sleep apnea alerts and temperature monitoring, a faster S10 chip featuring new gestures and a quicker on-device Siri, along with 5G capabilities. With the new processor, Apple introduced an enhanced Low Power Mode that allows up to 32 hours of battery life, in addition to fast-charging features that can recharge the battery from 0 to 80% in just 45 minutes.

The company also doubled the storage capacity to

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How to Utilize Android Applications on Mac or PC: 4 Approaches Clarified

**4 Methods To Access Android Apps On Your Mac Or PC**

In the interest of convenience, a multitude of applications today are crafted to be cross-platform. They function on both mobile and desktop platforms, enabling you to effortlessly transition between devices without starting over. It’s also more convenient to access your work from any location, whether you’re on the move, at home, or in the office.

However, while several applications are compatible with both your smartphone and computer, some are restricted to mobile devices only. They lack desktop versions, effectively binding you to your phone whenever you wish to use them. The positive news, however, is that there are alternatives if you want to run Android-only apps on your desktop. From Android emulators to screen mirroring applications, here are some straightforward methods to run your favorite Android apps for fitness tracking, reading, and more, directly on your PC or Mac. The best part: They are completely free.

### Connect your Android phone to your Windows computer with Phone Link

Windows 11 provides a built-in method to manage your Android phone via your PC — utilizing Phone Link. This desktop application wirelessly links your smartphone to your computer, enabling you to check your texts, make calls, browse your images, and even open Android apps straight from your PC. You can also receive phone notifications on your desktop. For checking texts, calls, and images, you’ll utilize Phone Link’s own interface. However, regarding Android apps, Phone Link effectively mirrors your smartphone’s display to access them. Here’s how to set up Phone Link:

1. Link your Android phone and PC to the same Wi-Fi network.
2. Install Link to Windows on your Android device. Some Samsung and HONOR devices may already have this pre-installed.
3. Open Phone Link on your PC.
4. On the Phone Link welcome screen, select Android.
5. When asked, enter your computer PIN or password.
6. From your Android device, scan the QR code displayed on your PC.
7. Tap Continue on your Android device.
8. Enter the code shown on your PC.
9. Log in to your Microsoft account.
10. Click Continue on both Phone Link and Link to Windows.
11. In Phone Link on your computer, navigate to the Apps tab at the top.
12. Select the app you wish to use.
13. Back on your Android device, select Allow to enable screen mirroring from your phone to the PC.
14. Use the Android app as you usually would.

Keep in mind that with this method, you may encounter some lag while navigating the apps. It also won’t function if your Android device is offline, locked, or connected to a different network than your PC.

### Play Android games on Windows using Google Play Games

If the sole Android applications you wish to run on your computer are games, Google Play Games is your answer. Google Play Games is a desktop application made for Windows, which syncs games from your Android device to your PC, allowing for quick switching between the two. It transfers your Google Play Games profile, including your game library, progress, and even Google Play Points.

At the very least, your PC should operate on Windows 10 (v2004) and have 10GB of free SSD storage, 8GB of RAM, an Intel UHD Graphics 630 GPU (or equivalent), and four CPU cores. To utilize Google Play Games to play Android games on your computer, do the following:

1. Go to the Google Play Games download site on your PC’s browser.
2. Click Download on PC.
3. Install the downloaded EXE file.
4. Select Sign in with Google.
5. In the browser tab that opens, choose the Google account you also utilize for the Play Store on your Android devices.
6. Back in the Google Play Games application, confirm your Play Games profile.
7. Read and accept the terms and conditions.
8. Click Finish.

Now, you can view all the various Android games. Choose one you’d like to install on your Windows computer and begin playing. Keep in mind that not all Google Play games are playable on your PC. Look for either a green checkmark or green laptop icon on the game’s download page. A green checkmark indicates the developers optimized the game specifically for Windows, while a green laptop means it has been tested for playability. You may also notice a yellow laptop icon (game is untested so it may or may not run well), or a red cross icon (game is unavailable for installation), beside an individual listing.

### Use the MuMuPlayer Android emulator

Another straightforward way to access Android apps on your computer is through Android emulators. Android emulators essentially simulate the Android OS environment on your PC or Mac, making it feel like you’re using a genuine mobile device. Among the numerous emulators available, many users highly recommend MuMu

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“5 Best Android Applications to Substitute Cumbersome Devices”

run AI chatbots locally on your iPhone or Android device effortlessly. This is made possible by the ongoing progress in mobile chips that have been developed over many years of research. Aside from incorporating powerful chips capable of executing processor-heavy tasks, manufacturers also integrate numerous sensors on your Android phone that enable the device to perform more than just communication, web browsing, and social networking.

Your Android phone includes multiple sensors, each contributing unique functionalities to the device. However, you may not encounter them in your everyday activities with the pre-installed applications. Fortunately, numerous Android apps capitalize on your phone’s sensors, enabling you to replace certain bulky gadgets. Instead of purchasing an additional device, downloading an app and utilizing it might be all that’s necessary.

While there are a multitude of apps available on the Google Play Store, we concentrated exclusively on those that render specific gadgets outdated and that we continue to utilize today. You can review our complete methodology at the conclusion of the article.

Light Meter – Lux Meter

If you’re a studio photographer or someone who is light-sensitive, you may wish to adjust your environment to ensure there is neither too much nor too little light. Your initial impulse might be to purchase a light meter, and there are numerous options accessible from online retailers and large stores. While you can discover models priced under $30, you don’t actually need to buy a tangible light meter when an app can fulfill that role.

Light Meter – Lux Meter is a free app that enables your phone to measure light and provides outcomes in units commonly used for measuring illuminance, such as lux and footcandles. The app uses your phone’s ambient sensor, typically located on the front near the selfie camera, to measure light.

Using Lux Meter is straightforward. Simply launch the app, direct your phone’s screen towards the light source, and view the measurement result. The app is versatile, allowing you to switch between measurement units and display formats for digital or analog, as well as to calibrate the sensor for accuracy. Nevertheless, the calibration technique provided by the app could be improved. <a href="https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.lux.light.m

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Utilizing Apple CarPlay for Monitoring Your Vehicle: Essential Information You Should Have

not certain about what CarPlay accomplishes, it essentially provides an iOS experience while driving without needing to physically engage with your iPhone. Among various features, Apple CarPlay offers multiple free applications users swear by during their journeys, but vehicle tracking is not included.

There isn’t a definite method to track your vehicle via CarPlay, as this feature is not available. While CarPlay connects to your infotainment system, it merely mirrors your iPhone, which means it detaches from the vehicle when you do. Although Apple CarPlay cannot monitor your car once you’ve left it, there are some alternative solutions, one of which necessitates an additional Apple device and another that only assists in particular circumstances.

A straightforward starting point is to verify if your vehicle comes equipped with integrated GPS. This has become increasingly typical in newer cars and is often paired with location tracking functionality. Unfortunately, a subscription may be required to utilize these features, but this largely hinges on the manufacturer.

Apple AirTags provide a vehicle tracking alternative

Google Delays Substitution of Google Assistant with Gemini on Devices

transition from Google Assistant to Gemini. The change is no longer on the immediate horizon, based on a recent Google update regarding the plans. Instead, Google has extended the timeline to next year. “Earlier this year, we communicated our intention to enhance the Assistant experience to Gemini on most mobile devices by the conclusion of 2025,” Google stated in a support document. “We are revising our previously declared timeline to ensure a smooth transition, and will persist in our efforts to upgrade Assistant users to Gemini on mobile devices into 2026.” Google indicated that further details regarding its plans will be disclosed in the forthcoming year.

Google’s aim to substitute Google Assistant with Gemini is not surprising. Google has been working to evolve Gemini into the logical successor for Google Assistant for several years. The voice assistant debuted nearly ten years ago, during the pre-generative-AI technology era. Gemini has swiftly surpassed it, as the AI chatbot demonstrates superior understanding of natural language compared to Google Assistant, and its generative abilities far outshine those of Google Assistant.

Nonetheless, the transition process has been anything but effortless, as users have pointed out Gemini’s limitations in managing routine tasks that Google Assistant executed reliably, such as setting alarms or handling home routines. Additionally, Google’s Gemini-associated data collection practices were perceived as problematic, although Google updated the Gemini privacy policy to enable users to make phone calls and send messages via Gemini while opting out of using these interactions for training future versions of Gemini.

You can still revert to Google Assistant

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