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    • sparta
    • Comments Off on Three Reasons to Think About Buying AirPods Pro 2 in 2025
    Three Reasons to Think About Buying AirPods Pro 2 in 2025

    ### AirPods Pro 2: A Smart Investment Despite Upcoming Releases

    As September draws near, the tech world looks forward to the debut of the iPhone 17 series, which might feature a new iteration of AirPods Pro. Although the existing AirPods Pro have been on the market for almost three years, prospective buyers shouldn’t feel pressured to hold out for the upcoming model.

    #### AirPods Pro 2 Keep Improving

    Apple has persistently enhanced the AirPods Pro 2, even amidst rumors of a new version. Recently, Apple rolled out noteworthy health functionalities, including a medical-grade FDA-cleared hearing aid capability and a new hearing safety feature. Moreover, with the forthcoming iOS 26, users can look forward to additional upgrades, such as a live translation capability that facilitates real-time multilingual conversations through the AirPods Pro 2.

    While the AirPods Pro 3 may introduce features like a heart-rate monitor, the existing model stands strong in the market, continually advancing with software updates.

    #### USB-C Has Already Arrived

    A significant improvement for the AirPods Pro 2 is the transition to USB-C. Originally introduced with a Lightning connector, Apple transitioned the model to USB-C a year later, coinciding with the iPhone 15 series. This modification simplifies charging for users aiming to streamline their device ecosystem.

    #### There’s No Better Time Than Now

    Though the idea of waiting for the AirPods Pro 3 might be appealing, it’s crucial to weigh the consequences of that choice. The new version could debut at a higher price, potentially starting at $249 or even $279, particularly with the launch of AirPods 4 featuring Active Noise Cancellation. Conversely, the current promotions on AirPods Pro 2 make them a desirable option, with prices as low as $199 at third-party vendors.

    Buying now not only conserves funds but also enables users to immediately take advantage of the AirPods Pro 2’s benefits, particularly if they are upgrading from older models or shifting to wireless headphones.

    #### Conclusion

    With continuous enhancements and appealing pricing, the AirPods Pro 2 remain an enticing option for consumers. The uncertainty surrounding global tariffs and possible price hikes for future models further strengthens the argument for purchasing now.

    As we await the speculated September launch of AirPods Pro 3, the current model continues to offer value and functionality.

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    • sparta
    • Comments Off on Indie App Highlight: ‘Sequel’ – An Application for Monitoring Your Preferred Films and Television Series
    Indie App Highlight: ‘Sequel’ – An Application for Monitoring Your Preferred Films and Television Series

    # Indie App Spotlight: Sequel – Your Premier Media Tracker

    Welcome to the Indie App Spotlight, a weekly feature by 9to5Mac that showcases the newest advancements in the indie app scene. This week, we are thrilled to present **Sequel**, a comprehensive app designed to assist you in tracking your favorite movies, TV series, books, games, and beyond.

    ## Key Features

    Sequel distinguishes itself with an intuitive interface that simplifies the navigation of various media formats. The app effectively organizes your content while offering distinct elements customized for each type, guaranteeing a smooth user experience.

    A notable aspect of Sequel is the **Magic Lookup**. This creative tool permits users to share lengthy articles and online content related to their beloved shows and films with the app. Sequel examines the content and archives it for future use, making it simpler to keep tabs on everything you wish to investigate.

    With the recent 2.5 update, Sequel has rolled out the option to open media from trusted sources. This capability allows users to swiftly discover more about saved items or even complete purchases directly within the app. The update also features new layout configurations, boosting the adaptability of the interface. Furthermore, users can establish notifications for upcoming releases, ensuring they remain informed about new content.

    ## Download Sequel

    Sequel is available at no cost on the App Store for devices operating on iOS 17 and later, and it also includes a native app for Apple Vision Pro. For those desiring an enhanced experience, Sequel+ is offered for $2.99 monthly or $19.99 annually. The free version allows users to track an unlimited number of items and create up to five collections, while Sequel+ unlocks premium features like Magic Lookup.

    For anyone aiming to optimize their media organization, Sequel is an essential app that merges functionality with an easy-to-use design.

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    • sparta
    • Comments Off on Apple’s F1 Film Expected to Generate $300 Million at the Box Office This Weekend
    Apple’s F1 Film Expected to Generate $300 Million at the Box Office This Weekend

    **F1 The Film: A Cinematic Triumph**

    Fewer than two weeks post-premiere, Apple’s *F1 The Film* is nearing the $300 million milestone at the international box office. This remarkable figure places the movie more than halfway to eclipsing the total worldwide earnings of all its prior theatrical releases, highlighting its aspirations for success on the big screen.

    ### On Course for a Historic Performance

    In its opening weekend, *F1 The Film* is projected to have earned roughly $145 million. This amount aligns it with the $176 million opening weekend figures of other blockbuster films like *Killers of the Flower Moon*, *Napoleon*, *Argylle*, and *Fly Me to the Moon*. Importantly, this opening weekend not only established a record for Apple Original Films but also represented the most successful debut of Brad Pitt’s career.

    Per a report from the *Financial Times*, the film is set to comfortably surpass the $517 million combined global box office of Apple’s earlier theatrical endeavors. This achievement may also mark a crucial moment for Apple: realizing profitability from a high-budget film.

    > “Apple is also approaching another possible milestone: generating profit from a high-budget film. *F1*, co-produced by Pitt’s Plan B Entertainment and Jerry Bruckheimer Films, had a production budget exceeding $200 million, with distribution expenses estimated to be over $50 million.”

    Regarding the release of *F1 The Film* on Apple TV, the company has not yet unveiled any specific plans. Nonetheless, information about the anticipated release window can be sourced from various platforms.

    Apple TV+ is now offered at $9.99 monthly and features a variety of acclaimed shows and films, including *Ted Lasso*, *Severance*, *The Studio*, *The Morning Show*, *Shrinking*, and *Silo*.

    Have you viewed *F1 The Film*? Are you eager to see it at home? Share your insights in the comments.

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    • Richard
    • Comments Off on Apple’s Creation of an Affordable MacBook: Will It Thrive?
    Apple’s Creation of an Affordable MacBook: Will It Thrive?

    ### Apple’s Coming Budget MacBook: What to Anticipate

    This week, analyst Ming-Chi Kuo disclosed that Apple is exploring a new area of the laptop market with an affordable MacBook variant. This upcoming machine is likely to incorporate the A18 Pro chip, which is also utilized in the iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max. The projected introductory price for this MacBook is set to be under that of the MacBook Air, presenting an interesting addition to Apple’s offerings.

    #### Rumor Update

    The speculated MacBook is reported to feature a 13-inch screen and will come in four colors akin to those of the basic iPad: blue, yellow, pink, and silver. Mass production is anticipated to begin in either the fourth quarter of this year or the first quarter of 2026. While the launch of a more budget-friendly MacBook is encouraging, it prompts questions regarding whether Apple will provide a quality device or merely create a model that lacks important features.

    #### What Will Apple Omit?

    Speculation indicates that the new entry-level MacBook might be priced between $699 and $799. This pricing approach reflects Apple’s past product launches, where they sometimes released models that were not as competitively priced as anticipated. For example, the revamped entry-level iPad debuted at $449, a notable increase from its predecessor’s $329 price tag.

    To minimize expenses, Apple might contemplate eliminating specific features in the new MacBook. One potential cut is keeping 8GB of RAM instead of the 16GB standard present in the latest MacBook Air versions. Other possible omissions could include the exclusion of an additional USB-C port, Touch ID, a Center Stage webcam, and a reduction in battery life.

    #### New MacBook: Worth the Price?

    If the MacBook is priced at $699 with 8GB of RAM and some feature adjustments, it could still be regarded as a viable choice. However, at $799, the value proposition diminishes, particularly since MacBook Air models frequently go on sale around that price point. For instance, the M4 MacBook Air, which begins with 16GB of unified memory, is currently priced at $849, and older models have been available for as low as $699 during clearance events.

    Moreover, students in the U.S. may gain from a $50-$100 educational discount, which could potentially decrease the starting price to between $599 and $749, enhancing its appeal to that audience.

    #### Conclusion

    Though the more affordable MacBook is still a few months away from launch, it contends with tough competition from discounted older MacBook Air versions. If Apple succeeds in releasing this new MacBook without sacrificing too many essential features, it could pleasantly surprise consumers. Kuo estimates that Apple will sell between 5 to 7 million units of this model in 2026, reflecting confidence in its market viability.

    As the launch date draws near, many will be eager to see if Apple achieves the right balance between cost-effectiveness and performance in this latest MacBook edition.

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    • sparta
    • Comments Off on “Top 5 TV Shows You Must Stream Right Now with the Highest Ratings”
    “Top 5 TV Shows You Must Stream Right Now with the Highest Ratings”

    **This Week’s Leading Streaming TV Shows**

    1. **The Bear** (Hulu): An FX series centered around a gourmet chef who moves back to Chicago to manage his deceased brother’s floundering sandwich shop, portraying the excitement of kitchen dynamics and personal challenges.

    2. **Squid Game** (Netflix): A South Korean thriller of survival where 456 players engage in deadly childhood games for a monetary reward, recognized as Netflix’s most popular series.

    3. **Countdown** (Prime Video): An LAPD detective becomes part of a clandestine task force to probe the murder of a Homeland Security official, revealing a nefarious scheme that endangers millions.

    4. **Smoke** (Apple TV+): Dennis Lehane’s suspenseful narrative follows arson investigator Dave Gudsen alongside detective Michelle Calderone as they pursue serial arsonists, filled with unforeseen developments.

    5. **Ironheart** (Disney+): A Marvel miniseries that tracks Riri Williams, an MIT student and creator, as she develops an armored suit influenced by Iron Man, confronting magical foes.

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    • Richard
    • Comments Off on Tech News Digest: Initial Glimpse of Galaxy Z Fold 7, Nothing Phone 3’s Creative Design, and More
    Tech News Digest: Initial Glimpse of Galaxy Z Fold 7, Nothing Phone 3’s Creative Design, and More

    A summary of the most prominent technology-related news that made headlines this week.

    (Image credit: Harish Jonnalagadda / Android Central)
    Weekly News

    (Image credit: Future)

    Weekly News is our segment where we showcase and summarize some of the leading stories from the week so you can stay updated on the newest tech news.

    This is Android Central’s Weekly News, your essential resource for a brief overview of the week’s most crucial tech stories. Here, we explore the primary headlines that present the latest updates and advancements shaping the digital sphere.

    This week, the rumored Galaxy Z Fold 7 appears unboxed, Nothing Phone 3 debuts with its distinctive design, OnePlus faces backlash for supposedly gathering personal data, Meta’s upcoming Ray-Ban ‘Hypernova’ glasses are leaked, and <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href

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    • Richard
    • Comments Off on Affordable Prime Day Items I’m Buying
    Affordable Prime Day Items I’m Buying

    Saving money is an essential ability that can aid you in attaining financial security and accomplishing your long-term objectives. Here are some effective suggestions to enhance your saving practices:

    1. **Formulate a Budget**: Begin by monitoring your income and expenditures to gain insight into your spending habits. This will enable you to pinpoint areas where you can reduce costs and direct more resources towards savings.

    2. **Establish Savings Objectives**: Whether it’s for an emergency fund, a holiday, or retirement, having clear objectives can inspire you to save. Decide how much you need to set aside and establish a timeline for achieving it.

    3. **Automate Your Savings**: Arrange for automatic transfers from your checking to your savings account. This guarantees that you save regularly without requiring additional thought.

    4. **Eliminate Unneeded Expenses**: Examine your spending behavior and find non-essential costs that you could minimize or get rid of. This could involve dining out less frequently, canceling subscriptions you don’t use, or seeking more affordable alternatives for services.

    5. **Make Smart Purchases**: Search for discounts, utilize coupons, and compare prices prior to making purchases. Buying in bulk and capitalizing on sales can also yield considerable savings.

    6. **Steer Clear of Impulse Buys**: Prior to purchasing, reflect on whether it is a necessity or a desire. Pausing for 24 hours before deciding can assist you in avoiding spontaneous purchases.

    7. **Create an Emergency Fund**: Strive to save at least three to six months’ worth of living expenses. This fund will furnish a financial safety net in the event of unforeseen circumstances like job loss or medical emergencies.

    8. **Invest Carefully**: Think about investing in stocks, bonds, or mutual funds to enhance your savings over time. Consult with a financial expert to formulate an investment plan that corresponds with your risk appetite and aspirations.

    9. **Evaluate and Revise**: Frequently assess your budget and savings strategy to ensure you remain on course. Modify your approach as necessary to adapt to changes in your financial circumstances or objectives.

    By employing these tactics, you can create a robust financial base and attain improved economic security. Keep in mind, saving money is a gradual journey, and persistence is vital.

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    • Richard
    • Comments Off on Astronomers Discover a Novel Category of Black Holes
    Astronomers Discover a Novel Category of Black Holes

    Scientists have identified a new category of black hole that is too massive to have originated from a star yet still too slender to serve as a foundation for an entire galaxy. These black holes are now being called “lite” intermediate-mass black holes (IMBH), and they are particularly challenging to detect due to the low frequencies of their signals.

    The search for these IMBHs has arisen because we have encountered ultramassive black holes that can reach millions of times the mass of our sun, while others can be as small as 50 solar masses or less. Astronomers were eager to determine where mid-sized black holes might be positioned, prompting them to intensify their search.

    Their findings confirmed that lite intermediate-mass black holes do exist. Nevertheless, locating them proves to be a challenge. To facilitate this process, researchers utilized Virgo and LIGO, two gravitational wave observatories. With the help of these detectors, astronomers successfully identified several black holes varying from 100 to 300 times the mass of the sun.

    Although still considerable in size, these black holes lack the power necessary to have formed from dying stars or to bind galaxies together. So, what role do they play in the universe? Researchers speculate that they may have formed through mergers occurring throughout the cosmos. During a observational run from 2019 to 2020, the LIGO and Virgo network recorded 11 mergers that could correspond to these cosmic entities.

    A report detailing the findings is published in The Astrophysical Journal Letters. In this publication, the researchers explain how they identified this new class of black holes, outlining the precise methods used in their discovery and the significance of their work. The expectation is that some of these smaller black holes might provide insight into the era when the first stars lived and perished.

    As we continue to discover more of these lite intermediate-mass black holes, researchers believe there is even more reason to be enthusiastic about them. Gaining an understanding of these black holes could not only reveal the mysteries of the early universe but also enhance the models we use to comprehend the universe in its entirety.

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    • sparta
    • Comments Off on “Ten Years On, Ongoing Problems from Apple Music’s Introduction Remain Unaddressed”
    “Ten Years On, Ongoing Problems from Apple Music’s Introduction Remain Unaddressed”

    It has been ten years since Apple launched Apple Music, signaling a decade since many people started subscribing to music platforms. Throughout this time, Apple Music has progressed, gradually substituting iTunes and the iTunes Store, while iTunes Match continues to be available in 2025. Even with ongoing support and updates, users still encounter enduring challenges. Here are seven persistent issues with Apple Music that require resolution:

    1. **New Mac app**: The Apple Music interface on Mac leaves much to be desired. It mirrors the antiquated iTunes, despite recent macOS designs, resulting in user dissatisfaction.

    2. **Independent app**: Apple Music ought to function separately from OS updates, enabling prompt bug fixes and feature enhancements, akin to Spotify.

    3. **Accurate song countdown**: Inconsistencies in play counts across various app sections create confusion for users, and it remains impossible to merge play counts for single and album versions.

    4. **Duplicate albums**: A recurring issue causes tracks to show up in several albums, interrupting playlists and necessitating user deletions while hoping for a solution.

    5. **Apple Music Replay troubles**: The revamped Replay feature continues to lag, with monthly summaries arriving later than Spotify’s timely refreshes.

    6. **Absence of social experiences**: Apple Music’s social functionalities are obscured, in contrast to Spotify’s easily accessible friend activity, which encourages interaction and exploration.

    Rectifying these problems could improve user contentment and strengthen Apple Music’s standing in the competitive streaming landscape.

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    • sparta
    • Comments Off on Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6 Review: Advancements and Enhancements Following a Year
    Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6 Review: Advancements and Enhancements Following a Year

    With the imminent release of the Galaxy Z Flip 7, I decided to examine how the Galaxy Z Flip 6 has fared since its debut a year prior.

    The launch of the Galaxy Z Flip 7 is fast approaching, and we’re anticipating substantial updates and enhancements for Samsung’s upcoming flip device. Rumored improvements such as a larger cover display, a sleeker design, a bigger battery, and a more robust chipset suggest that the Z Flip 7 could represent a considerable advancement over the Galaxy Z Flip 6.

    Nonetheless, with the new version approaching, I wanted to evaluate the Galaxy Z Flip 6 to determine how it has stood the test of time over the last year. While I’ve been primarily focused on the Razr Plus 2024 from last year and the Razr Ultra from this year, the Galaxy Z Flip 6 remains one of my preferred flip devices from Samsung due to its sturdy hardware and dependable software performance.

    Here are my primary observations from using the Galaxy Z Flip 6 throughout the past year and my hopes for how the Galaxy Z Flip 7 will enhance an already remarkable device.

    One UI 7 revitalizes this smartphone

    Upon its debut, the Galaxy Z Flip 6 ran One UI 6 built on Android 14, which represented a significant improvement that brought enhancements to the Quick Settings panel, introduced new camera editing capabilities, and launched Galaxy AI.

    Although the arrival of the One UI 7 update was frustratingly delayed, it introduced a myriad of changes, including a redesigned quick settings/notification panel, live notifications, a new Now Bar, and a revamped multitasking interface. Most notably, this update included the long-awaited vertically scrolling app drawer, an option that Samsung users previously accessed only through the Good Lock application.

    One UI 7 has been a refreshing enhancement, rendering animations smoother than ever and making the Z Flip 6 feel nearly like an entirely new device within less than a year of its release.

    The device also boasts a plethora of AI capabilities that function quite well on the somewhat older chip. Photo editing is straightforward, translating full conversations is simple, and the phone adeptly manages AI-generated materials, from text summaries to images. Drawing Assist remains one of my top features, allowing you to transform photos into nearly anything (within reason) by sketching or inputting your desires.

    I dislike that One UI 7 seemingly removed the corner swipe trigger for AI assistants, but Gemini has proven itself to be a very competent alternative to Google Assistant and Bixby.

    One UI 7 is merely the first significant update for the Galaxy Z Flip 6. One UI 8 is forthcoming and is already in beta for the Galaxy S25 series. With Android 16, Samsung is set to enhance features like AI Select, Reminders and Routines, Auracast, and more.

    Three beta versions for One UI 8 have already been released, even though the program has yet to arrive for the Galaxy Z Flip 6. However, given that stable Android 16 is already available for the Pixel and the upcoming launch of the Galaxy Z Flip 7, we anticipate Samsung will broaden the update in some capacity relatively soon.

    The camera optimizes its constraints

    Cameras on flip phones aren’t typically recognized for their excellence and are usually restricted to just two sensors. Samsung continues to optimize the situation, particularly with the Galaxy Z Flip 6’s enhanced 50MP main camera. As I noted in my review, I remain satisfied with the photos taken by the Galaxy Z Flip 6.

    Recently, I compared images from the Galaxy Z Flip 6 to those from the new Motorola Razr Ultra 2025, and Samsung’s flip phone performed admirably in numerous scenarios. The color temperature leans slightly cooler, but photos can appear quite similar between the two in favorable lighting. I find the Razr Ultra images to be a great achievement for Motorola, yet it’s also impressive that the Galaxy Z Flip 6 can keep pace.

    The discrepancies primarily exist in zoom quality and low-light performance. Digital zoom quality somewhat mitigates the absence of a telephoto lens. While both devices provide lossless zoom at 2x, the Galaxy Z Flip 6 excels at higher zoom levels, retaining a decent level of detail even at 10x, whereas the Razr Ultra struggles.

    As for low-light and nighttime photography, Samsung does its utmost to illuminate images, which can sometimes yield satisfactory results. However, it may also overdo the illumination, resulting in fairly noisy photos, thus making images appear inferior to those captured with the Razr Ultra 2025.

    Beyond image quality, I’ve genuinely enjoyed utilizing the cameras. The flip phone design enhances the photographic experience through its flexibility, enabling you to capture selfies via the cover screen or switch to Camcorder Mode for quick, easy, and stable video recording.

    Regrettably, Samsung continues to conceal a wealth of valuable camera settings.

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