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New Legislation in California Expected to Change Online Browsing Habits

already provides a similar option in the user settings of Firefox, so it isn’t exactly a new feature. However, despite the fact that Google’s new desktop web search application isn’t a conventional browser, it still allows web searching, making it intriguing to observe how user data will be managed there.

What alterations does this new legislation bring?

Gemini 3 Pro Benchmark Results Unveiled Before Release

the timeline for when Google will reveal Gemini 3 Pro remains uncertain, yet the next-gen Gemini AI model has surfaced in online leaks for the past few weeks, sparking theories that a launch could be on the horizon. Recently, there have been claims that Google might debut Gemini 3 Pro together with Nano Banana 2, the upcoming AI image model also disclosed in leaks. Fast-forward to mid-November, and details about the Gemini 3 Pro model card have emerged online, featuring benchmark tests that assess Google’s latest models against its prior version, Gemini 2.5 Pro, and its chief competitors, Anthropic’s Claude Sonnet 4.5 and OpenAI’s recently launched GPT-5.1 model, which is currently the standard in ChatGPT.

The document seems to be authentic, with user cheaty sharing a screenshot of the benchmark, a link to the Google page where the Gemini 3 Pro model card was located, and an archived download link for anyone to use to view the model card. The benchmark is

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Users Recommend This Complimentary Substitute for Adobe Photoshop

Adobe’s Photoshop is a remarkable tool for photo editing and visual design with virtually no real competitors. While there are other options available, none quite rival the extensive array of features, user-friendly interface, and comprehensive tools that Photoshop offers. However, Adobe’s fees can be quite steep, and the company has made some frustratingly anti-consumer choices in recent years. This has led to actions from the FTC against the company. Therefore, it’s refreshing when new competition emerges, such as Affinity, a free Photoshop-inspired alternative now owned by Canva. It claims to provide genuine creative freedom with a multitude of photo editing and design tools within a single app. But is it worth trying?

Both regular users and reviewers appear to be fond of it; some are contemplating abandoning Photoshop entirely. Available for Windows and macOS as a desktop application rather than a web app, Affinity offers integrated professional-quality photo-editing tools organized into distinct palettes. The application features separate workspaces or desktops for vector, pixel, and layout editing, allowing flexibility to use multiple tools simultaneously. Additionally, the interface can be customized to include all your preferred and frequently used features. An iPad version is expected to be released soon, and Affinity incorporates optional AI tools from Canva. In other words, you can choose to edit manually and completely avoid using the AI if you prefer. The primary requirement is that you must have a Canva account to access it and will need to log in to start the app.

Is Affinity genuinely free, and will it remain free to use?

Apple Faces Exit of Another Prominent Product Designer After Jonny Ive’s Departure

Bloomberg. Chowdhury’s exit is viewed as particularly significant due to his “increasing visibility within the design team.” Apple’s industrial design group, which was previously led by Jony Ive, is among the most esteemed and vital teams in the organization. The team, by its very nature, is limited in size. Therefore, the departure of even one designer can lead to a substantial effect.

Chowdhury first came on board at Apple as an industrial designer in January 2019. Throughout his nearly six years with the company, he likely contributed to the design of many Apple products. Bloomberg reports that he was instrumental in the creation of the iPhone Air. Importantly, reports of disappointing sales had no bearing on Chowdhury’s choice to leave the company. It is also noteworthy that the iPhone Air, from a design standpoint, ranks among the most remarkable products we’ve seen from Apple in quite a while.

Apple’s design department has experienced numerous exits in recent years

Other important DSLR camera features

Grasping an HDMI Port ‘Dummy Plug’

High-Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) standard has been in existence since 2002 and is currently the most prevalent method for transmitting a video signal from a device to a display. But what if there is no need to send video to a screen, yet you still wish to utilize your device? This is where an HDMI dummy plug comes into action, facilitating what is referred to as headless operation. This may sound cumbersome, but in the context of HDMI, it simply implies that you can operate your system without a connected monitor.

These plugs deceive the host computer into believing that a display is connected when it is not. A prime example of the practicality of an HDMI dummy plug is when you need to keep a computer running for extended periods, perhaps for home automation, without the necessity of accessing the monitor. Maintaining a monitor and cables occupies a significant amount of space, particularly when utilizing a small form-factor PC for various automation tasks.

The energy consumption of a monitor may also be a factor for those who may have a PC running continuously throughout the day. Moreover, a primary consideration for many is utilizing an HDMI dummy plug for game streaming: if a monitor is not connected, your GPU may be restricted from outputting at maximum resolution, as it is searching for a display to establish the correct output size.

Optimal applications

Gemini Can Substitute Siri on iPhone with Specific Restrictions

the iOS 26.4 update coming next spring is expected to finally introduce the AI voice assistant concept that Apple showcased at WWDC 2024 last year. This information is based on current reports, although nothing is assured. Apple has the option to postpone the new Siri AI features, similar to its actions earlier this year. Nonetheless, MacRumors indicates that select iPhone users will have the opportunity to switch Siri for another voice assistant, including Gemini, a more advanced AI tool than Siri, once iOS 26.2 is released. While this may seem like positive news for iPhone users, the feature will not be globally accessible, due to two significant conditions.

Firstly, you can change Siri for another assistant only in Japan, where Apple must comply with new legislation mandating smartphone manufacturers to allow competing services on their devices. Secondly, iPhone users in Japan looking to replace Siri with Gemini or another voice assistant cannot simply choose a different option in Settings. App developers must activate this functionality. For Gemini, Google would need to integrate the new feature into one of its existing applications. That is the sole method to set a voice assistant like Gemini as the default on the iPhone.

How the iPhone’s new assistants will operate

Suggested Budget-Friendly Electronics to Purchase at Costco

Amazon generally features a wide array of products that simplify life, but Costco equally offers a selection of electronics that are definitely worth considering. Renowned for its bulk food items and home necessities, Costco is an excellent spot for discovering budget-friendly electronics as well.

Although you’ll consistently find larger items like laptops, TVs, and more, there are several budget-friendly electronics priced under $40 that will appeal to almost everyone. These may be minor acquisitions, yet they deliver significant functionality and are all supported by genuine user endorsements. Given that reviews are often quite sparse on the Costco website, we’ve also taken into account ratings from other e-commerce sites to ensure we select gadgets that will genuinely enhance your life. Take a look at them below and add them to your Costco shopping list.

Berkshire Life Heated Throw

Costco offers a fall must-have that will keep you warm during the chilly months: a heated blanket. This heated throw from Berkshire Life has amassed over 4,000 user reviews with an impressive score of 4.7 stars. Customers have acknowledged the soft, plush material that feels luxurious, as well as the even heat distribution, ideal for unwinding on the couch or getting additional warmth during the night. It features four heat settings, letting you customize the temperature to suit your liking. For safety, it automatically powers down after four hours of use.

Furthermore, this blanket is reversible, with one side being soft and “fuzzy” while the opposite side is smooth and velvety. This provides you with two different textures to choose from and makes for an adaptable gift. Additionally, since it’s machine washable, maintaining its cleanliness is a breeze. One Costco reviewer mentioned that all they had to do was detach the cord, toss it in the washing machine, and tumble dry without heat, and it performed flawlessly just two minutes later.

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iPhone 17 Increases Apple’s Market Share to 25% in China’s Mobile Phone Sales

a report from Counterpoint Research indicates that one out of every four smartphones sold in China during October was an iPhone. This marks the first occasion since 2022 that Apple has reached this achievement, although this time it is contending with heightened competition in the premium market. The surge in iPhone sales in the nation is largely attributed to the iPhone 17 series, with each new model reportedly showcasing performance improvements over its iPhone 16 counterparts by mid-to-high double-digit percentages. These numbers are estimates, as only Apple can provide precise statistics. Nevertheless, the compiled data from Counterpoint Research affirms what has been clear since mid-September: The new iPhones are proving to be a significant triumph for Apple on a global scale, with three models sold out for several weeks.

Counterpoint Research discovered that the iPhone 17 series made up approximately 80% of Apple’s iPhone sales in China. Apple achieved a 37% increase in iPhone unit sales compared to last year. Furthermore, the report states that Apple’s success has buoyed China’s smartphone market by 8%. Regarding Apple’s primary rivals in the country, Oppo’s sales experienced a 19% uptick in October relative to one year ago, while Huawei’s sales saw a decline of 19%. Oppo introduced a new device, the Find X9, whereas Huawei’s forthcoming flagship is scheduled for release next week. Analysts anticipate that Apple will maintain its strong performance in the country, despite the launch of the Huawei Mate 80 series, flagship models that will rival the iPhone 17 series.

The entry-level iPhone 17 is a major success