Tag: Source: Bgr.com

Google Allows ‘Seasoned’ Android Users to Sideload Applications

Apple has introduced sideloading for the iPhone in select countries.

Meanwhile, earlier this year, Android enthusiasts found themselves facing a dilemma when Google declared it would complicate the process of sideloading apps for security reasons. Although the tech titan asserted that sideloading would not be eliminated, many users remained skeptical about this assurance. Now, it appears Google is reconsidering its strategy, revealing that it will maintain the option for sideloading applications, but only for “experienced” users.

The company mentioned in a recent blog post that, according to “feedback and our ongoing discussions with the community, we are developing a new advanced process that allows experienced users to accept the risks associated with installing unverified software.” Additionally, Google emphasizes that it is creating the system with anti-coercive measures to ensure users are not “deceived into circumventing” any of the safeguards implemented with this change.

What does ‘experienced user’ signify?

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New Study Evaluates Weak Sales of iPhone 16e and Its Consequences

Apple’s iPhone 16e is not performing strongly in terms of sales. According to a source, known for accurately predicting future Apple products, the company’s attempt to launch a lower-priced iPhone has not met expectations. However, Apple is said to be planning to proceed with the iPhone 17e next year.

If we are to believe the claim regarding the iPhone 16e, it does not necessarily reflect a failed product. The design of the iPhone 16e caters to a specific market segment that prioritizes cost-effectiveness over the latest features. This model aims to draw in iPhone consumers who might otherwise switch to Android if an economical iPhone option weren’t available. In essence, there were no expectations for the iPhone 16e to become a massive commercial success. That was not its intended purpose.

Moreover, previous reports from reliable sources suggest that the iPhone 16e accounted for 11% of all iPhone sales in the U.S. during its release quarter. This figure aligns with previous iPhone SE launches. Although the overall sales of the iPhone 16e have since declined, the device has been available for nearly nine months at this point. Does this label the iPhone 16e as a failure? Unless we have insight into Apple’s original sales forecasts for the device, it remains difficult for anyone to make a definitive judgment on that matter.

The iPhone 17 could be enticing potential iPhone 16e customers

Nintendo Switch 2 Update Likely Deactivates Third-Party Docks

Reddit and YouTube have reported that their third-party docks ceased functioning following the installation of the latest system update, Version 21.0.0.

The exact reason behind this update crippling the docks remains uncertain, as Nintendo has not divulged specific details regarding the issue. Nonetheless, there is speculation that Nintendo may have either intentionally or unintentionally altered the USB-C standard on the console with the new update, which could be the root of the problem.

The silver lining is that Nintendo Switch 2 consoles that have not yet updated to Version 21.0.0 should remain unaffected by the bricking. However, given that Nintendo does not allow users to delay updates for long when connected to the internet, it is likely that you have only a brief window before they compel you to update. It’s also important to mention that some users assert that restarting the Switch 2 console multiple times appears to resolve the issue, enabling the dock to function once more.

Why is having multiple docks necessary?

The Five Most Expensive NASA Space Missions Ever

NASA is confronted with significant budget reductions that could severely impede scientific advancement. Indeed, the budget proposal for 2026 suggests a funding decrease for NASA by around 24% and aims to cut nearly 50% of its science financial allocation. Such reductions may postpone, diminish, or even halt future space missions. Consequently, U.S. leadership in space exploration is encountering considerable obstacles.

The substantial costs associated with missions stem from several factors: highly specialized engineering, stringent environmental and reliability standards, extended lead-times, launch costs, human-rated safety measures, and the necessity to function in remote or extreme conditions. In essence: Ambitious goals require substantial financial investment.

Space shuttle program (1972 – 2011)

Google Drive Incorporates NotebookLM’s Premier Feature

feature made its debut in Google Docs this past August, and it is now arriving in Google Drive as a whole, streamlining the process of summarizing PDFs stored in your cloud.

Google revealed the new feature in a blog entry for Workspace. This update is merely a segment of the ongoing modifications that the company is implementing with Gemini. To utilize this feature, users simply need to open a PDF and locate the Audio Overview button at the top of the document. Clicking this button will prompt a confirmation to create an Audio Overview, and once accepted, Gemini will begin processing.

Similar to NotebookLM, this will produce a spoken summary of the content, which can be played back directly on your device. Naturally, the time required to generate the overview may vary depending on the size of the PDF. Initially, the feature supports only English language PDFs, but like all Gemini capabilities, it is expected to expand in the future.

How Audio Overviews transform the landscape

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Android Auto’s Enhanced Capabilities in Relation to Apple CarPlay

Android Auto, equipped with its key applications, provides greater opportunities to personalize your experience. An increased number of third-party apps, superior virtual assistant functionality, and quicker wireless connections differentiate Android Auto from Apple CarPlay. For those who prefer variety over uniformity, Android Auto takes the lead in this comparison. Here are my four favorite features of Android Auto that demonstrate how Google’s platform advances further than Apple CarPlay.

A wider range of apps is supported by Android Auto

Why Fighter Pilots Utilize Complete Air Conditioning in Alaskan Winter Flights

activate your intelligent A/C. This is quite straightforward and logical, but only if you are at home. If you’re aboard something a bit more complex, like a military fighter jet, you may find yourself operating the A/C at full capacity, even while soaring at extreme altitudes during the coldest, harshest Alaskan winters. This phenomenon is not mainly related to the aircraft itself, but rather to the pounds of sweaty equipment a pilot usually dons.

Regardless of how frigid it is outside the aircraft, the interior of a jet’s cockpit can become incredibly hot due to a mix of the sun blazing down overhead and the bulky, heavy gear and clothing the pilot is equipped with. Although a jet’s Environmental Control System (ECS) could offer warmth if the pilot wishes, it is technically more prudent for the pilot to be bundled up just in case they need to exit the vehicle swiftly.

The A/C remains operational to offset the pilot’s overheated gear

Tesla Aims to Incorporate CarPlay into Its Cars

In a surprising development, Tesla is allegedly working to incorporate Apple CarPlay into its automobiles, a decision that many Tesla users have eagerly anticipated. This transition represents a notable shift in Tesla’s strategy, as the company has traditionally resisted adding CarPlay, opting instead to enhance its own infotainment system. Tesla’s hesitance stemmed in part from its inclination to replicate Apple’s method of managing the user experience. Nevertheless, with 83% of drivers utilizing CarPlay or Android Auto in their main vehicles, Tesla’s disregard for these platforms has been an exception in the industry.

The choice to adopt CarPlay is motivated by Tesla’s goal to increase sales, which have fallen short of projections in 2025. Although Tesla has experienced remarkable sales growth over the last five years, the company now views CarPlay as a possible driver for additional sales gains. Notably, Tesla intends to deploy a simplified version of CarPlay that will operate as a display window within its larger interface, rather than dominating the entire touchscreen as seen in other cars.

On the other hand, General Motors (GM) is reinforcing its anti-CarPlay strategy, opting to eliminate CarPlay from its electric vehicles. GM asserts that it can deliver a superior user experience through its own infotainment system, which it claims provides a more engaging environment. However, this choice may impact vehicle sales, as GM seeks to manage user data to develop subscription-based services. Only time will reveal if GM’s strategy will yield success, but Tesla’s recent shift indicates that CarPlay’s popularity is hard to overlook.

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Researchers Create Robotic Eye with Enhanced Vision Compared to Humans

The Science Robotics journal published in October 2025 features an article titled “Bioinspired photoresponsive soft robotic lens.” The researchers propose that the PHySL represents an innovative advancement for the future. Its potential applications include soft robots capable of visual perception, versatile medical instruments, and intelligent wearable technology. A study has revealed that human vision is not as effective as we might expect, largely because our brain handles much of the processing, indicating that this lens could address the shortcomings where human vision proves to be inadequate.

The specifics of this robotic eye

Amazon Provides 50% Off on Top-Rated Wireless Headphones

JBL Tune 520BTs are Bluetooth on-ear headphones that typically cost $59.95, but during a special promotion, you can snag them for just $29.95 on Amazon. While these Bluetooth 5.3 headphones may not be the top choice available on Amazon, their capacity to deliver 57 hours of audio playback on a single charge is impressive. Recharging from 0% to 100% takes about 2 hours via USB-C, but a quick five-minute charge can grant you 3 hours of listening time.

Equipped with a 33mm single dynamic driver, these headphones provide sound with a frequency range of 20 Hz to 20 kHz. With an impedance of 30 Ohms, you won’t face difficulty using these headphones with a smartphone or similar devices. Moreover, they reach a loudness of 102 dB, which should suffice for most users. However, do not expect any noise-cancellation features that premium models like the Sony WH-1000XM4s include.

With the JBL Tune 520BTs, you have the ability to manage your music playback directly from the headphones themselves. Additionally, these headphones can fold flat when not being used. These two characteristics, along with their rapid charging features, make them an excellent option for travelers. But what feedback are customers providing about this product?

A long list of satisfied customers

The JBL Tune 520BTs boast over 8,400 reviews on Amazon, earning an average score of 4.6 out of 5 stars, with 79% of buyers giving the headphones a five-star rating. Customers primarily praised the sound quality of the device. Positive feedback highlights that distortion was absent during playback and that the audio is clear. Users also mentioned that the headphones were loud enough to enjoy the music distinctly, even in somewhat noisy settings like on an airplane.

The battery longevity of the headphones has also garnered positive remarks, with it being specifically noted

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