Apple plans to split iPhone 18 launch into two phases in 2026
Apple is planning to split the launch of its iPhone 18 range, expected in 2026, by about half a year, The Information reported, citing supply chain sources. The company is planning to release the Pro versions of the iPhone 18 in fall 2026, and push the release of the less expensive iPhone 18, along with []
The best foldable phones for 2025
Foldable phones have gone from futuristic novelties to genuinely useful devices that blend portability with big-screen versatility. Whether you're into multitasking, mobile gaming or just love having a phone that turns heads, the best foldable phones you can buy offer powerful performance, durable designs and impressive displays that unfold to reveal more room for apps, videos and productivity. From book-style designs to flip-style clamshells, the best foldable phone for you depends on how you like to use your device. Some models focus on flagship-level power and multitasking features, while others aim to keep things compact and stylish. Either way, these folding handsets are pushing the boundaries of what smartphones can do. Note: For this guide, were focusing on devices that are widely available in North America and Europe. Thats because while there are even more options for people who live in Asia (especially China), they are often difficult to buy from abroad and may not support your local carriers. Table of contents Best foldable phones for 2025 How we test foldable phones Are foldable phones worth it? A note on durability Foldable phone FAQs Best foldable phones for 2025 How we test foldable phones When evaluating new foldable phones, we consider the same general criteria as we do when were judging the best smartphones . Devices need to have good battery life (at least a full days use), bright inner displays (peaks of at least 1,000 nits), sharp cameras and responsive performance. That said, foldable phones come in different shapes (and sizes); there are varying designs that may appeal to different types of people. For those who prefer more compact and stylish devices, flip phone-style foldables resemble old-school namesakes but with flexible interior displays (typically six to seven inches diagonally) and smaller outer screens, often referred to as the cover display. Alternatively, for power users and people who want to maximize mobile productivity, there are larger book-style foldables (with seven to eight-inch main displays) that can transform from a candy bar-style phone to essentially a small tablet when opened. Are foldable phones worth it? A note on durability Aside from their displays, the biggest difference between foldable phones and more traditional handsets is durability. Thats because while some models like the Pixel 9 Pro Fold and Samsungs foldables offer IPX8 water resistance (which is good for submersions of up to five feet for 30 minutes), their flexible screens which are largely made from plastic present some unique challenges. Most foldables come with factory-installed screen protectors. However, unlike regular phones, users are instructed not to remove them without assistance from approved service centers. Thankfully, Samsung phones do offer one free screen protector replacement for its foldables, while Google charges between $29 and $129 depending on the warranty status of your device. That said, while we cant do long-term testing for every new foldable phone on the market, after personally using the Galaxy Z Fold 3 and Galaxy Z Fold 4 each for a year, Ive found that Samsungs pre-installed screen protector tends to start bubbling nine to 12 months after purchase. So youll probably want to factor in that your foldable may need some sort of servicing after about a year unless you plan on removing the screen protector entirely (which is possible, but goes against most manufacturers' instructions). Furthermore, foldable phone owners need to be mindful about keeping sharp objects away from their flexible displays, as rocks, keys or even pressing down very hard with a fingernail can leave permanent marks. In the event that you need to get a flexible screen serviced, youre potentially facing a much higher repair bill when compared to a typical phone (up to $500 or more depending on the model and the severity of the damage). In short, while the ruggedness of foldable phones has improved a lot, they're still more delicate than traditional handsets, which is something you need to account for. However, foldables continue to evolve, with better AI features, improved specs and a more refined form factors that makes them even more practical. Whether youre after a flip phone for nostalgia or a big screen device for multitasking, todays foldable phones offer exciting possibilities you just have to decide if theyre the right fit for you. Foldable phone FAQs What is the difference between a foldable phone and a flip phone? Foldable and flip phones both use flexible displays, but the way they fold and what that means for usability is different. A foldable phone typically opens like a book, giving you a larger tablet-like screen inside, which is great for multitasking or media. A flip phone, on the other hand, folds vertically to become more compact, kind of like the classic clamshell phones of the early 2000s. Flip phones are more pocket-friendly, while foldables offer more screen real estate when open. What is the disadvantage of a foldable phone? The biggest trade-offs with foldable phones are price and durability. They're often more expensive than traditional smartphones, thanks to the complex hinge mechanisms and flexible displays. Battery life can sometimes take a hit too, especially with larger screens. And while the tech has come a long way, foldables can still be a bit bulkier and not quite as seamless as regular slab phones when it comes to everyday use. Are foldable phones less durable than other phones? Generally, yes at least for now. Foldable phones use flexible displays and intricate hinges, which can be more prone to wear and tear over time compared to standard phones with solid glass screens. That said, newer models have gotten tougher with improved hinge designs, water resistance and stronger ultra-thin glass. They're definitely more durable than they used to be, but they still require a bit more care than your average smartphone. Georgie Peru contributed to this report. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/mobile/smartphones/best-foldable-phones-160030013.html?src=rss
Home Loan Rates Improve for Borrowers: Current Mortgage Rates for May 5, 2025
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Apple Said to Switch to Staggered Release Schedule for iPhone 18 Series, Foldable iPhone
Apple has yet to launch the iPhone 17 series, which is expected to arrive in September this year. However, details about the iPhone 18 lineup, which is not expected until late 2026, have started surfacing online. The rumoured handsets have been tipped to come with improved RAM and chipsets. A new report suggests that the Cupertino tech giant could switch up its plans for the release of its phones starting in 2026.
Spotify's US App Update with Purchase Links Gets Apple Approval
Spotify said on Friday its US app update has secured Apple's approval to show pricing information and external payment links. The Swedish streaming giant, along with several other tech firms, had been at loggerheads with Apple over its App Store policies, which required developers to pay a commission on in-app purchases, including subscriptions.
Apple shared a new video on Saturday, offering a hands-on experience of the different Apple Intelligence tools it offers. The new video comes just a few days after the Cupertino-based tech giant released a video focused on its artificial intelligence (AI) clean-up tools use cases. Interestingly, the company first introduced its suite of AI features in December 2024, with the release of the iOS 18.2 update.
MotoPad 60 Pro Review | Brings a lot to the table without burning a hole in your pocket
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Vivo T4 Review: Nearly Perfect
Vivos newest mid-range smartphone appears to check all the boxes for the perfect low-end mid-range smartphone. It has a stylish design, a capable processor and a large battery that lasts long and also charges quickly. However, after testing it out we found that it is not perfect. But it might still find its way into the hands of some buyers. Heres why.
Bitcoin Price Drops to $94,000 Ahead of US FOMC Meeting as Altcoin Momentum Slows
The overall crypto market dipped by 1.50 percent in the last 24 hours. On Monday, May 5, Bitcoin and Ether both registered small losses. Majority altcoins dropped in their prices as the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) gets set to assess US' economic status this week. Market is volatile and analysts advice caution to investors.
Apple Said to Be Working With Anthropic on AI-Powered Version of Xcode
Apple is reportedly working with Anthropic to develop an artificial intelligence (AI) supported version of Xcode. The Cupertino-based tech giants official integrated development environment (IDE) for developing software across all its platforms was upgraded with an AI coding companion dubbed Swift Assist last year. But now, the company is planning to integrate AI capabilities much more comprehensively.
Apple is reportedly eyeing a significant redesign for its iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max. The Cupertino-based tech giant is expected to pack under-display Face ID for the first time alongside a new screen layout for next year's flagship iPhone models. This design shift could serve as a transitional step toward the 2027 iPhone, which will mark the 20th anniversary of the iPhone with a completely seamless display.
CMF Phone 2 Pro with 50 MP telephoto camera goes on sale today: Features, offers and availability
CMF Phone 2 Pro comes in four shades: two matte finish (Black and Light Green) and two with dual tones (Orange and White)
Motorola Edge 60s Launch Date Set for May 8; Design, Colourways Revealed
Motorola Edge 60s will be unveiled in China soon. Alongside announcing the launch date, the company has revealed the design and colour options of the upcoming handset. The phone will be unveiled in the country alongside the base and Provariants of the Edge 60 and the Razr 60 clamshell foldable lineup. The company has revealed the RAM, storage configurations, and some build details of the Edge 60s version.
ID. Buzz recall appears to make automotive history
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has recalled almost 5,700 ID. Buzz electric vans because the VW-made vehicle has too much space in the back. OK, let us explain. The U.S. regulator has found that the third-row bench seat of the ID. Buzz is ostensibly designed for two people and therefore has two seat []
Today's NYT Connections: Sports Edition Hints and Answers for May 5, #224
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We dont speak for all moms, but a brief and unscientific survey has confirmed one gift most moms will love across the board: Time. Unspoken for, unstructured, zero-obligation time. While we couldnt find extra hours on sale anywhere online, we did find some gadgets and gizmos that help save time and others that make precious down time more enjoyable. Our recommendations include some of the gifts weve given to the moms in our own lives as well as what the moms on staff would want for themselves. Most have a tech bent, because we are who we are, but all should appeal to any mom who wants to make the most of their time. Check out the rest of our gift ideas here. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/the-14-best-gifts-for-moms-130044717.html?src=rss
Nintendo is suing the accessory brand that flaunted Switch 2 mockups ahead of its reveal
Nintendo is going after the company that showed off unauthorized mockups of the not-yet-announced Switch 2 at CES 2025. In a lawsuit filed on Friday, Nintendo accuses accessory maker Genki of trademark infringement, unfair competition and false advertising, arguing that Genki embarked upon a strategic campaign intended to capitalize on the public interest surrounding Nintendos next-generation console. According to Nintendo, Genki promoted accessories it claimed are compatible with the Switch 2 despite not having official access to the console, and used the Switch logo to do so. Following the initial reports in January that Genki brought Switch 2 mockups to CES and published a video said to show a 3D render of the console, Nintendo released a statement to say that neither the hardware nor imagery were official, per IGN . While Genki reportedly claimed it had access to a Switch 2 at first, the company later wrote on X that it does not own or possess a black market console, and told Game*Spark (translated by Automaton ) that its mockups were based solely on leaked information. In the lawsuit, Nintendo says Genkis statements were contradictory and inconsistent, yet the company maintained its representation to consumers that its accessories will be compatible with the Nintendo Switch 2 upon the consoles release. Nintendo officially announced the Switch 2 on January 16, a little over a week after the mockups made their CES appearance. Even in the months since, Nintendo alleges, Genki continues to exploit the attention of the media and fan base and usurp and threaten sales of Nintendos own accessories, through means including piggybacking on Nintendo Direct with its own Genki Direct event immediately after. In a statement shared on X following the filing, Genki said it is taking [the lawsuit] seriously and working with legal counsel to respond thoughtfully. What we can say is this: Genki has always been an independent company focused on building innovative gaming accessories for the community we love, Genkis post continued. Were proud of the work weve done, and we stand by the quality and originality of our products. While we cant comment in detail, were continuing preparations to fulfill orders and showcase our newest products at PAX East this week. The Nintendo Switch 2 arrives after years of rumors and speculation. In the lawsuit, Nintendo notes that it began planning the next-gen console shortly after the release of the first. Pre-orders for the Nintendo Switch 2 opened in April, and the console will be available on June 5 . This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/nintendo/nintendo-is-suing-the-accessory-brand-that-flaunted-switch-2-mockups-ahead-of-its-reveal-210341646.html?src=rss
Turn Your Forgotten Devices Into Cash Thanks to These 8 Sites
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Today's NYT Connections Hints, Answers and Help for May 5, #694
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Best Cloud Web Hosting for 2025
Cloud web hosting is one of the best options for fast-growing websites -- and these companies offer the top cloud hosting services on the market today.
SpaceXs Texas HQ, Starbase, is officially on its way to becoming a city
The votes are in and residents of a small swath of southern Texas are in favor of Starbase becoming a real city. The newly-designated city is home to SpaceX and many of its employees, and its where Elon Musks company builds rocket engines, launches spacecraft and manufactures other space-related tech. According to the final vote tally, 212 residents voted in favor of incorporating as Starbase, while six voted against the measure but, its worth noting that most of the eligible voters in the locale are SpaceX employees and only 143 votes were needed to make Starbase a city. Musk celebrated on X, while the city also made its first post, stating that becoming a city will help us continue building the best community possible for the men and women building the future of humanity's place in space. The idea for Starbase dates back to March 2021, when Musk first teased the idea on what was then Twitter. Now that the vote has taken place, Starbase will be separated from Cameron County as its own roughly 1.5-square mile city. This designation is particularly important considering SpaceX may be able to circumvent governmental red tape when it comes to scheduling rocket launches. Previously, Musks company had to get permission from county authorities to close a nearby highway or restrict public access to Boca Chica Beach and Boca Chica State Park for rocket launches. While the vote to designate Starbase as an official Texas city passed, county commissioners and judges still need to declare the election results official, according to Remi Garza, the elections administrator for Cameron County. Even though SpaceX may get a helping hand with Starbase handling its own building and permitting processes, Cameron County Judge Eddie Trevino told NBC News that any changes to the existing procedures that SpaceX has to go through would be unnecessary. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/science/space/spacexs-texas-hq-starbase-is-officially-on-its-way-to-becoming-a-city-185643351.html?src=rss
Formula 1 Drivers Just Hit the Track in These Full-Sized Lego Cars
At the Miami Grand Prix's driver's parade, the sport's biggest stars rode in drivable Lego cars that took eight months to build. It was as awesome as it sounds.
MiMo 7B: Xiaomis Open Source AI Is A Tough New Rival To ChatGPT
Xiaomi has officially entered the artificial intelligence space with the release of its first open-source reasoning model, MiMo 7B . Developed by the companys newly established Big Model Core Team , MiMo represents a strategic shift from Xiaomis traditional hardware focus to advanced AI research and development. Despite having just 7 billion parameters , MiMo has demonstrated strong performance in complex reasoning tasks, surpassing much larger models like OpenAIs o1-mini and Alibabas 32B QwQ-Preview . This performance has placed Xiaomi in the spotlight for producing a highly efficient and compact model capable of rivaling more resource-intensive competitors. Benchmark Performance and Design Strategy MiMo 7B has outperformed its peers on benchmarks such as AIME 24-25 (a test for mathematical reasoning) and LiveCodeBench v5 (a programming challenge dataset). This success is attributed to a well-structured development process consisting of both pre-training and post-training innovations. Pre-training Strategies Included: Rich Reasoning Corpus : Focused on extracting and integrating complex reasoning knowledge. Synthetic Data Generation : Produced approximately 200 billion tokens of expert-level reasoning data to improve training depth. Progressive Difficulty Training : Employed a three-phase training method with increasing levels of difficulty. Extensive Token Exposure : Trained across a vast 25 trillion tokens , ensuring comprehensive learning. Post-training Enhancements: Test Difficulty-Driven Rewards : Introduced a novel approach for addressing reward sparsity in complex algorithmic tasks. Data Re-sampling Techniques : Applied to stabilize reinforcement learning processes. Seamless Rollout System : Increased training efficiency by 2.29 times and validation speed by 1.96 times , streamlining the reinforcement learning (RL) pipeline. A Broader Vision for AI The release of MiMo underscores Xiaomis broader ambitions in the AI sector. While previously known for consumer electronics and smart devices, Xiaomi is now positioning itself as a serious player in AI model development. By open-sourcing MiMo , Xiaomi is contributing to the collaborative AI research ecosystem, fostering innovation beyond proprietary development. Developers and AI researchers can now access MiMo 7B and its full technical documentation via Xiaomis official Hugging Face repository , offering a valuable tool for further experimentation and development. This move reflects Xiaomis intent to build a strong presence in AI while supporting the open-source community. MiMo 7B: Xiaomis Open Source AI Is A Tough New Rival To ChatGPT , original content from Ubergizmo . Read our Copyrights and terms of use .
NASAs SPHEREx space telescope has begun its mission to map the entire sky in 3D
A space observatory designed to map the entire sky over a period of two years to further our understanding of the early universe has started snapping images. SPHEREx, which launched in early March , got started with its observations this past week after over a month of setup procedures and system checks, according to NASA . The space telescope will complete about 14.5 orbits of Earth per day, capturing roughly 3,600 images daily and observing the sky in an unprecedented 102 wavelengths of infrared light. Its observations will eventually be combined to create four all-sky maps. SPHERExs 25 month survey will be a comprehensive one. The spacecraft orbits Earth from north to south, passing over the poles, and each day it takes images along one circular strip of the sky, NASA explains. As the days pass and the planet moves around the Sun, SPHERExs field of view shifts as well so that after six months, the observatory will have looked out into space in every direction. Researchers will use the SPHEREx observations to study the universes expansion in the moments after the big bang, and search for the ingredients for life elsewhere in the Milky Way. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/science/space/nasas-spherex-space-telescope-has-begun-its-mission-to-map-the-entire-sky-in-3d-173458720.html?src=rss
Apple reportedly wants to split up the iPhones release schedule
Instead of deciding between four new models of iPhones every fall, you may have to choose among three in both the spring and the fall. A new report from The Information claims that Apple will change the release cycle for its smartphones, starting with the iPhone 18 in 2026. According to The Information , three unnamed supply chain sources detailed that the more expensive models will launch first, meaning the Pro models will keep the fall release window and the standard model iPhones will get pushed to the following spring. Its a notable departure from the typical all-at-once release schedule, but it could indicate that Apple wants to make room for other models, like the long-rumored foldable iPhone . If the report is accurate, Apple would release the iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max and potentially the foldable iPhone in fall 2026, followed by the iPhone 18 base model, the iPhone 18 Slim and the iPhone 18e in spring 2027. If youve been paying close attention to Apples releases, this change may not be much of a surprise. While the company has been releasing its annual batch of new iPhones in September or October since the iPhone 5, Apple started breaking from the schedule with the introduction of the iPhone SE models, which were usually released in March or April. More recently, Apple introduced the iPhone 16e in February to replace the SE range. As for the iPhone 17 , were still expecting Apples regularly programmed schedule with four new devices to be revealed this September. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/mobile/smartphones/apple-reportedly-wants-to-split-up-the-iphones-release-schedule-164737099.html?src=rss
Best Buy has now traded out its official Spring Sale with a brand new and extremely wide ranging Outlet Event , offering up to 60% off clearance, open-box, and refurbished items. The deals span a wide array of product categories from Apple and Samsung tech through to small kitchen appliances, smart TVs, smartwatches, gaming gear, headphones and earbuds, gym equipment, and much more. more
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ChatGPT's New Shopping Features Found Exactly What I've Been Missing
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AquaRest Discover AR150 Hot Tub Review: Super Soaking
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'The Last of Us' Is On Tonight: When to Watch Season 2, Episode 4
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Got an iPhone? Here are 11 features youre probably not usingbut should
Macworld These days, iPhones can do a lot and we mean a lot . From photography and video editing to gaming and artificial intelligence, its enough to make you forget they can also, you know, make phone calls and send text messages. With all these headline features, its not surprising that a bunch of clever capabilities slip through the cracks. Whether youre an Apple veteran or an iOS newbie, we bet there are scores of interesting iPhone features that you never knew existed. Here, weve rounded up some of the best iPhone settings youre probably not using. NameDrop: Easily share contacts NameDrop, which lets you touch two iPhones together to exchange contacts, is a great example of Apples seamless and intelligent integration between hardware and software, and its something that few other phone makers could pull off. Just bring the top ends of two iPhones running iOS 17 or later close to each other and hold them there until you see a bubble-like animation show on their displays. Once that happens, NameDrop will be shared between the two users like magic, and you can then choose the fields you want to share before exchanging your details or tap Receive Only to get their info without sending your own. And heres a bonus: The feature also works when sending Apple Cash to another iPhone user. Back Tap: Add a button to the back of your iPhone Some iPhone features feel so natural that you wonder why you didnt know about them before, and Back Tap certainly qualifies. With a quick double or triple tap on the back of your phone, you can open your camera app, turn on the flashlight, switch apps, and more. To get started, open the Settings app on your iPhone and head to Accessibility > Touch > Back Tap . Select either Double Tap or Triple Tap , then pick an option from the extensive list. You can run system functions, activate accessibility controls, and even launch a shortcut, which is a clever way to kickstart a powerful workflow with minimal effort. Foundry Visual Look Up: Use the camera to learn about nature How many times have you seen an animal or plant and found yourself scratching your head over what it was? With your iPhone, theres no need to be left wondering what you saw just use Visual Look Up. Simply snap a photo of the animal or plant in question, open the image in the Photos app, then swipe up. Youll see an option to Look Up Plant or Look Up Animal, which will show likely matches and similar images. If you have an iPhone with Camera Control, you can use the visual intelligence feature to tap into Apple Intelligence or ChatGPT to get similar assistance. Tap and hold the Camera Control for a couple of seconds until a new camera window bursts onto your screen. Point your camera at the object in question, and an animal or plant name will appear at the top. (If it says Maybe, tap the name to see a few options of what it could be. If ChatGPT is more certain, it will show the name of what it thinks it is, and you can tap it to get some information.) Foundry Song Recognition: Identify music that you hear Shazam is a fantastic way to discover a new song or identify those earworm songs that you cant quite remember the names ofbut with your iPhone, you dont need to open the Shazam app itself every time. You can put a handy Shazam button right into the Control Center for quick access instead. Open the Control Center by swiping down from your iPhones top-right corner. From here, tap the + in the top-left corner, tap Add a Control , type recognize music in the search bar, and then tap the result. The next time you hear a song you cant identify, open the Control Center and tap the Shazam button, and itll identify the song within seconds. Foundry Timer Control: Start a countdown in no time Theres another handy hidden feature that can be found in the Control Center that lets you swiftly set up a timer without hunting for the Clock app. You probably know that you can jump to the Timer section in the Clock app by tapping the dedicated Control Center button, but you might not know theres an even shorter shortcut. Tap and hold the Timer button in the Control Center, and a slider will appear on your screen. Move your finger up or down the slider to increase or decrease the duration in one-minute increments and tap Start to begin. Flashlight: Adjust the width of your beam Everyone knows that your iPhone can provide a helpful flashlight to guide you through the darkness. But did you know that you can adjust the width and distance of its beam in just a few taps? To do so, tap to turn on your phones flashlight (or ask Siri), and the icon will appear in the Dynamic Island. Its not just a reminder that its ontap it and youll be able to adjust the light beam by moving left (to make the beam narrower and more intense) or right (to make it wider and more diffuse). You can also move your finger up and down to increase or decrease the lights strength as usual. Foundry Measure: Use the iPhones hidden virtual ruler Most of us dont carry tape measures around with us, but there are times when we need one. Not to worry your iPhone actually has a hidden Measure app that can help. To find it, tap the Search box on your iPhones Home screen and type Measure to find the Measure app. Open it, and itll activate the rear camera with two options: Measure and Level. To measure something, aim your phone at one edge of the object you want to measure, tap the plus (+) symbol, then move your camera to the other edge and tap the plus symbol again. The length of the object will appear on your screen. You can calculate multiple lengths by tapping + again after youve taken the first measurement. On iPhone 12 Pro or later with a Lidar sensor, you can move your phone near the subject and the line will transform into a ruler that displays incremental units of length. Pro phones can also gauge the height of a person who appears in the Measure apps viewfinder. Foundry Widgets: Get quick info on the Lock screen Widgets arent just for the Home screenyou can add a few to your Lock screen as well to view data at a glance. To add widgets to your Lock Screen, tap and hold the screen until the Customize button appears. Tap it, then tap Lock Screen. Underneath the time, youll see an empty rectangle with a box labeled Add Widgets underneath it. Just tap any widgets from the list and theyll be added to this box. Foundry App Tracking: Stop apps from following your activity When you open an app for the first time, you might see a pop-up window asking if you want to let the app track you across other apps and websites. If you find yourself getting tired of repeatedly tapping Ask App Not to Track, theres a simple fix that will reject tracking attempts once and for all. Open the Settings app and navigate to Privacy & Security > Tracking , then disable the toggle next to Allow Apps to Request to Track . When you do this, you wont get any more prompts about being trackeddisabling this toggle tells iOS to automatically reject all app tracking attempts on your behalf, so you can protect your privacy without all the annoying pop-ups. Default apps: Open links in the apps you want For years, Apple devices have been heavily locked down, and thats even extended to controlling your default apps for email, web browsing, and more. Thats no longer the case, though, so if you want to switch up your default apps, its now easier than ever. To start customizing your app choices, open the Settings app and go to Apps > Default Apps . Youll see several options, from email and messaging to web browsing and translation. Just tap one, then pick an app from the resulting list. Your options will be limited to apps installed on your iPhone, so make sure youve downloaded your apps of choice before getting started. Foundry Text replacement: Give your thumbs a break Tired of typing all the time? Use text replacement. This automatically fills out words and phrases when you enter a shortcut. For instance, you could create a text replacement shortcut that enters your email address whenever you type @@ or to automatically capitalize BBQ when you type bbq.. This feature can be enabled in Settings > General > Keyboard > Text Replacement. There, tap + to add a new entry. The Shortcut box contains the condensed word or phrase you want to use, while the Phrase box is for the full version that will be inserted by your phone. Alternatively, if theres a word or phrase that you dont want to be corrected, create a new text replacement entry and type it into the same field, but keep the Shortcut box empty.
Most affordable Apple M4 MacBook Pro just hit $1,385 Amazon all-time low, M4 Pro up to $350 off
After a lull in notable price drops on Apples M4 MacBook Pro lineup in favor of new all-time low pricing on M4 MacBook Air models from $849 , the deals are back. Amazon is now once again offering some of its best prices to date on select configurations with a particular highlight here landing on the most affordable model the 14-inch M4 MacBook Pro with 16GB of RAM and the 512GB SSD starting from $1,384.85 shipped . Regularly $1,599, this is $214 off the going rate and the lowest price we can find. more
NYT Mini Crossword today: puzzle answers for Sunday, May 4
The NYT Mini crossword might be a lot smaller than a normal crossword, but it isn't easy. If you're stuck with today's crossword, we've got answers for you.
NYT Strands today: hints, spangram and answers for Sunday, May 4
Strands is a tricky take on the classic word search from NYT Games. If you're stuck and cannot solve today's puzzle, we've got help and hints for you here.
NYT Crossword: answers for Sunday, May 4
The New York Times crossword puzzle can be tough, even if it isn't the Sunday issue! If you're stuck, we're here to help you out with today's clues and answers.
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We are finally getting the very first chance to save on the new Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 earbuds in brand-new condition. We featured a few chances to score an open-box set for less on the black set, but Amazon is now offering all four colors down at $199.95 shipped . Regularly $250, this is a straight up $50 off the going rate and the first deal on Amazon. more
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Doctor Who Lucky Day review: Pete, I owe you an apology
Spoilers for Lucky Day. When the writers for this season of Doctor Who were announced, one name in the roster put me instantly on edge. Pete McTighe may have a distinguished filmography but, in this house, hes known as the person who wrote Kerblam. Thats the Chibnall-era episode summed up as Space Amazon is great and the people protesting poor working conditions and mass-layoffs are the real villains. Imagine then, my delighted surprise when Lucky Day doesnt just get its politics right, but it does so with molotov cocktails in hand. James Pardon/BBC Studios/Disney/Bad Wolf Its 2007 and the Doctor and Belinda land in London as the clock strikes midnight on New Years Day. The Doctor, Vindicator in hand, gets another set of coordinates before realizing a small boy, Conrad Clack, saw the TARDIS land. He hands Conrad a 50 pence piece and tells him its his lucky day, before the boy sprints back to his mother. But shes not interested in his story about a magical blue box, striking the boy and saying shes had enough of his lies. Conrad next encounters the TARDIS 17 years later when he spots it parked down a dark alley. There's a nearby door with a broken lock and he ventures inside to a closed down department store, where hes stalked by an unseen monster. After a few seconds, the monster brushes past Conrad, leaving green slime on his neck which is how it marks its prey. When the creature, the Shreek, emerges into the open ready to strike, its zapped away by the Doctor and Ruby. From the shadows, Conrad watches the Doctor hand Ruby a vial of antidote as she, too, was marked as prey. He stalks them back to the TARDIS and overhears their conversation half an hour prior, she was hanging out with the Beatles, putting this just after The Devils Chord . He snaps a picture of Ruby and puts it online, asking the internet if anyone has seen this woman. He tracks down Ruby at some point after she stops traveling in the TARDIS, and invites her onto his podcast. Conrad tries to flirt with his guest, and a quick montage shows them date and start to get serious about each other. He even confesses he was present during that first encounter with the Shreek, and Ruby hands him a vial of antidote. She says the Shreek, which had tagged him with green slime, was preparing to return to this dimension to hunt him again. But UNIT the Doctors military allies here on Earth captured it (off-screen). The pair go to a countryside village where Conrad introduces her to his friends in a quiet pub. But, as night draws in, the lights begin to flicker, and the blink-and-you-miss-it blurs of scary monsters appear outside. One of Conrads friends, Sparky, goes missing, and Ruby calls UNIT who leap into action despite no signs of a Shreek incursion. Conrad confesses to Ruby he didnt take the antidote, wanting to prove to her he was as brave as the Doctor to win her heart. When UNIT arrives, soldiers face off with a pair of Shreek monsters until they reveal theyre just Conrads stooges in rubber suits. Conrad isnt an innocent caught up in a crisis he cant comprehend, hes a conspiracy theorist streamer claiming UNIT is a sham organization. Hes the type to engineer stunts and deceptively edit the resulting footage to smear his targets. I wont name the real world figures Conrad is inspired by as wed get angry emails from their lawyers, but Im sure you can work out who they are. Conrads encounter with UNIT was livestreamed, and theres another montage of people talking to their generic social media followers decrying the organization. Hes arrested, but quickly released, and given a welcome press tour by the British media, including a favorable BBC News report and a joke on the UK version of The Masked Singer . Conrad even gets consoled during an interview on The One Show a prime time talk / magazine show by its real presenter Alex Jones (not that one). UNITs overseers in the UK government and Geneva buckle to public pressure to put UNIT under close scrutiny. As its head, Kate Lethbridge-Stewart says, imagine the fate of the world if any dictator got their hands on UNITs arsenal of captured alien technology. Someone senior at UNIT demands the caged (and real ) Shreek captured off-screen be removed from London and brought up to the helipad ready for transit. Meanwhile, Conrad has a man on the inside, who has been radicalized into believing his own employers are a sham, who helps him break into UNIT HQ. Kate refuses to lock the building down, insisting that its time the issue was solved once and for all. Conrad, with a stolen UNIT rifle in hand, tries to bait Kate into attacking her on camera with some vicious slander about her father, the legendary Brigadier . Kate is happy the Doctor isnt here, since he wont stop her from doing what the audience has been demanding she do for the last few minutes. She opens the cage holding the Shreek and lets it go for Conrad. Like all two-bit bullies, Conrad crumbles in the face of real danger and starts begging for mercy but Kate refuses. Sadly, Shirley hands Ruby a taser, which she uses to knock out the Shreek before it can bite Conrads head off. Now that his life has been saved, Conrad goes back to playing up for the livestream, boasting that UNITs special effects have gotten better. At which point the Shreek wakes up and bites his arm off. Theres a sharp cut, and next we see Conrad waking up in a prison cell with a contraption around his arm, presumably keeping it joined to his elbow. Suddenly, he hears the TARDIS noise and is brought aboard for the Doctor to tell him that hes a bitter, sad person who will die in prison. But Conrad is unrepentant and says he rejects the Doctors reality. After hes returned to the cell, hes visited by Mrs. Flood, who confirms what he saw was real, and that shes letting him free as its his lucky day. Lara Cornell/BBC Studios/Disney/Bad Wolf It does appear as if I owe Pete McTighe a fulsome apology and must assume he isnt at fault for all of the reactionary politics of Kerblam. Lucky Day is both a worthy sequel to 73 Yards and a sign that, if Doctor Who is just weeks from an enforced hiatus, then its going out swinging. Its got a lot of targets, including the BBCs habitual reputation-laundering of unsavory characters. The notion of who is in the wrong is made explicitly clear here, too, and Conrad occupies the same political (and narrative) circles as Roger ap Gwillam (Albion TV gets a reference). Like a lot of this years run, the episode feels like an overstuffed script which was then cut down to fit a specific runtime. But the structural work underpinning things feel more solid here, so while a lot of the connective tissue is absent, its not to the detriment of the story. Kates decision to unleash the Shreek may have been well-telegraphed but its better than the solution appearing out of nowhere because theres five minutes left to run. Theres an element of the show playing to its strengths, and the genre savviness of its audience here as well. If you know the beats of a girl-meets-boy romance movie, then youll spot this is a cracked-ish mirror version of that. And we dont need much evidence of Conrads villainy calling the Doctor, UNIT and Kate a bunch of frauds to make money from his online audience since we know they are our heroes . Plus, anyone who slanders Brigadier Lethbridge-Stewart, after all, deserves to get whats coming to them. Lucky Day is smart about how it introduces us to Conrad, too, giving us obvious red flags from the get-go. Adult Conrad has no reservations about taking a picture of a stranger and sharing it online for the internet to identify on his behalf. Theres a hint of judgment in how he asks about her relationship to and with the Doctor, mirroring the way Alan Budd flirted with Belinda in The Robot Revolution . In fact, its an interesting counterpoint to that episode, since we get enough time with Conrad early on to learn to at least be wary of him, rather than it being a fairly unsupported third-act twist. If theres one downside, its that the episode leans on the trope that survivors of abuse perpetuate that cycle of abuse. Conrad gets hit in the head by his mother and while its hard to assume a pattern of behavior from one scene, it didnt seem like it was the first time. Much as we saw in Lux , there are limits to the storytelling possibilities inherent in a series about an immortal science clown traveling anywhere in time and space in a blue box. This episode is also focused on Rubys post-TARDIS life, which has left her in a vulnerable position. As she admits at the end of the episode, her time with the Doctor was spent in a constant state of panic and peril. Shes tired, shes alone and the first man she tried to form a relationship with turned out to be using her. Thats bound to leave a scar, but the after effects of a trip in the TARDIS is rarely discussed in the context of the series itself. The majority of the classic series' companions lacked detailed interior lives, while modern day ones often move on to other exciting things rather than back to a normal life. Mrs. Flood Corner BBC Studios/Disney/Bad Wolf It does appear as if the structure of the series isnt just Russell T. Davies relying on a familiar rhythm but something more deliberate. Lucky Day is the fourth in a row that shares themes and elements with the same numbered episode in last years lineup. Itll be interesting to see how much of next weeks The Story and the Engine, and the following weeks The Interstellar Song Contest shares with their counterparts from the first series. Its plausible that the time fracture that was featured in The Robot Revolution has, somehow, knocked the series off its previously-planned course. That either within the shows fiction or in its metafiction, were explicitly seeing parallel versions of those previous episodes. If you recall from that episode, too, the Doctor says he was told to meet Belinda by an unknown person. What if he was chasing down Conrads lead, and if so, would that be enough to create a paradox (even if the TARDIS can avoid such obstacles)? Then theres the fact Conrad says he explicitly rejects the Doctors reality, which feels like a telling way of wording things. Especially as this seasons two-part finale is titled Wish World and The Reality War, although that title is hardly a massive clue. After all, last seasons finale was Empire of Death , as opposed to The one in which it turns out Stuekh has been clinging to the TARDIS roof for God knows however long. Im not sure I want to read too much into Mrs. Flood releasing Conrad since that, like last week, could simply be a topper to the story. It may be that shes simply letting him out to wreak more havoc and undermine UNIT and the Doctors goals rather than anything specific. Not to mention that if Mrs. Flood is a dimension-surfing entity hell-bent on destroying the Doctor, shes hardly going to have much use for a schmucky YouTuber. This week, the BBC announced that The Reality War would not be getting its customary early in the day stream online. Instead, itll hit the iPlayer and Disney+ at the same time as the UK broadcast, and both episodes are being lined up for a small cinema release . Thats reserved for big event episodes, and it adds more weight to the rumor Gatwa has already left the show. Not to mention hes starring in the play Born With Teeth from August 13 through November 11 which would prevent him from shooting a season for 2026. Outside the mystery box elements of the show, this season feels as if its having a meta conversation with itself. Lucky Day, for instance, takes a similar premise as Love and Monsters, a Doctor-lite episode focusing on one of the so-called ordinary people who are peripherally involved in the Doctors adventures. Conrad is initially presented as one of the lost souls who are drawn to the Doctor you could almost describe them as fans but who dont shine brightly enough to get the Time Lords special attention. Oh, and I cant think of any reason beyond silly fan service that Conrads streaming outfit is called Think Tank beyond a deep cut nod to 1974s Robot. After all, theres almost nothing in common between the two entities and their goals are ostensibly in conflict. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/entertainment/tv-movies/doctor-who-lucky-day-review-pete-i-owe-you-an-apology-190037017.html?src=rss
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Half-Life 3 is reportedly playable in its entirety and could be announced this year
Cue a new batch of Half-Life 3 confirmed memes. The latest rumor surrounding Valves long-awaited next installment in the Half-Life series claims that the game is currently playable, end-to-end and could even be announced in the summer, followed by a release in winter of this year. The speculation comes from Tyler McVicker, whos known for reporting on Valve rumors , during his latest Q&A livestream . According to McVicker, the game is currently playable from beginning to end, which he guesses could put it on track for an announcement and release this year. Besides McVickers hours-long livestream, there have been other recent hints about Valves progress on its highly anticipated title . In March, Valve concept artist Evgeniy Evstratiy claimed that he was in the room where Valve made Half-Life 3 on CG Voices Podcast . In the same month, another Valve leaker, Gabe Follower, claimed that Half-Life 3 would be the end of Gordons adventure, potentially signaling a non-cliffhanger ending to one of gamings best franchises. Outside of these rumors, internet sleuths discovered code referencing HLX, which is widely thought to be the codename for Half-Life 3 , in major updates to Deadlock and Dota 2 . While these rumors are unconfirmed, they are promising signs of life for Half-Life 3 . McVicker said during his livestream that the HLX project wont be another virtual reality game like Half-Life: Alyx and that there are procedural generation features that arent for terrain generation or roguelike mechanics. Before you get your hopes up, remember that Half-Life 2 recently celebrated its 20-year anniversary , and we still dont have any official confirmation from Valve about a follow-up game. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/half-life-3-is-reportedly-playable-in-its-entirety-and-could-be-announced-this-year-183030499.html?src=rss
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Kids under 13 will soon get supervised access to Google Gemini
Google Gemini is adding nannying to its chatbot skillset. According to a New York Times report , Google will make Gemini available to users under 13, so long as theyre under a parent-managed Google account using Family Link. In an email sent to parents, Google said that kids will get access to Gemini to ask questions, get homework help and make up stories. This expanded availability will come with guardrails for its new user base, Google spokesperson Karl Ryan told NYTimes , adding that it would prevent Gemini from offering up unsafe content to kids. In the email, Google acknowledged that Gemini can make mistakes and recommended that parents teach their kids how to fact-check Geminis responses. Along with double-checking, Google suggested reminding younger users that Gemini isnt human and to not enter any sensitive or personal data into conversations. Even with those measures, the email still warned that children could encounter content you dont want to see. With the staggering pace of AI chatbot adoption, concerns about underage users have been bubbling up to the surface thanks to instances of factually incorrect or suggestive responses. In a report published last week, Common Sense Media warned that AI chatbots were encouraging harmful behaviors, providing inappropriate content, and potentially exacerbating mental health conditions for users under 18. Recently, the Wall Street Journal reported that Metas AI chatbots were able to engage in sexual conversations with minors. On top of dodging unsafe conversations, Google said it wont use any data from its younger Gemini users to train its AI models. For now, Google said its gradually rolling out access to Gemini for supervised accounts. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/ai/kids-under-13-will-soon-get-supervised-access-to-google-gemini-164017036.html?src=rss
Its the first Saturday of May, which means Free Comic Book Day is here, and this year, even Tamagotchi is getting in on the fun. Bandai has released a limited edition comic for the event, and it sports the new moniker thats been fueling fan speculation for months: Tamagotchi Paradise. The comic will only be available in physical form, so if you want one, youll have to take a trip to your local comic store to pick it up. You can find participating shops using the FCBD store locator . Internet sleuths first spotted a trademark filing for Tamagotchi Paradise earlier this year, sparking theories about the companys plans for an upcoming device. The comic doesnt outright confirm anything theres no official statement about whether the device and previously unseen characters pictured in its pages will be brought to market but it sure does seem to suggest that something really cool is on the way. Per the Tamagotchi website: For the first time, you'll explore a new Tamagotchi Planet, a vibrant, magical world. Meet brand-new Tamagotchi friends as they live, grow, and thrive on their home planet! You'll discover how they navigate their everyday lives in this whimsical world, interacting with their environment, forming bonds, and experiencing their own unique challenges. It's an inside look at their adorable existence in Tamagotchi Paradise. Im kind of getting Pokmon Snap vibes from it all, at least in the idea of observing Tamagotchi characters in the wild, which would be a pretty fun and fresh approach to the Tamagotchi universe. But we don't know for sure what any of this means yet. If the purpose of this comic was just to drum up the hype around a new version of the virtual pet toy well, its working. Im now dying to know more. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/entertainment/bandai-releases-tamagotchi-paradise-comic-for-free-comic-book-day-and-it-may-hint-at-the-next-device-160602490.html?src=rss
The inexplicable indie Garn47 just received another major update
Garn47 is a small indie title that's part 3D platforming, part exploration, and part weird.
