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    • sparta
    • Comments Off on Garmin’s August 2025 Update Broadens Forerunner 970 Capabilities to More Watches
    Garmin’s August 2025 Update Broadens Forerunner 970 Capabilities to More Watches

    Garmin has revealed a major update for August 2025, extending advanced running tools from the Forerunner 970 to other high-end watches like the Garmin Fenix 8, Venu X1, and Enduro 3. This update brings features like running tolerance, speed step loss, and running economy, improving the running experience for users. Running tolerance, which is a highlighted feature, evaluates biomechanical load and aids in injury prevention by showing how much impact your body can sustain. Furthermore, the update offers daily recommended track workouts, providing customized tempo, threshold, VO2 Max, anaerobic, and sprint workouts for track exercises.

    Additionally, recent features like the evening report, smart wake alarm, and rucking are being broadened to encompass more models. The update further improves the user experience with functionalities such as Auto Lap by Course Point, race time forecasts, and automatic track detection. Garmin Triathlon Coach delivers customized workouts for running, cycling, and swimming, while the Garmin HRM 600 chest strap provides insights into running economy and speed step loss.

    In addition to running, the update introduces smart features like the Evening Report, smart wake alarm, and a calculator app to the majority of models. The Fenix 8 update includes an emoji keyboard and new types of notifications, while the Forerunner 970 update features LiveTrack spectator messages and custom focus modes. Regrettably, older Garmin watches like the Fenix 7 and Epix Pro Gen 2 will not benefit from these new features, which has left some users feeling let down.

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    • Richard
    • Comments Off on Users Worried About Diminished Features in Google Photos Editor Enhancements
    Users Worried About Diminished Features in Google Photos Editor Enhancements

    Google’s latest modifications to the Photos application have caused discontent among users, especially regarding the revamped photo editing user interface. Marking its 10th anniversary, Google rolled out updates aimed at improving user experience through AI-assisted recommendations and swift edits. Nevertheless, users on the Google Pixel subreddit have voiced their dissatisfaction with the new UI, describing it as cluttered and less effective. The revised editor necessitates additional effort to maneuver sliders and lacks the ease of the former design, rendering quick edits awkward. In spite of Google’s objectives, numerous users are requesting a return to the prior interface, as the updates have not been embraced positively.

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    • Richard
    • Comments Off on Android 16 QPR2 Beta 1: Newly Introduced Features After the Pixel 10 Launch Event
    Android 16 QPR2 Beta 1: Newly Introduced Features After the Pixel 10 Launch Event

    The initial Android QPR2 beta is delivered with an enhanced dark theme and automatically themed app icons.

    Essential information:
    – Google has introduced Android 16 QPR2 Beta 1 immediately following the Pixel 10 series unveiling event.
    – This update includes an expanded dark theme, auto-themed icons, and APIs aimed at developers.
    – The beta will be active until Q4 2025, with QPR1 expected to be released next month, featuring Material 3 enhancements.

    Just when we presumed Google had wrapped up for the day after the substantial Pixel 10 series unveiling, we were mistaken. Shortly after the conclusion of today’s Made by Google event, Google put out the inaugural Android 16 QPR2 Beta 1 for developers, revealing what’s in store for the next significant Android 16 update.

    For those who may not be aware, Google primarily follows a three-month cycle. There are monthly patches that provide security updates, and every few months, Google issues what it refers to as a Quarterly Platform Release, or QPR, which includes significant new functionalities for Pixel smartphones and various Android devices.

    Although the company has yet to launch the stable Android 16 QPR1 update, Google is already distributing the Android 16 QPR2 Beta 1 version for developers. If you possess a compatible Pixel device operating on a previous Android 16 beta, you can download the OTA immediately by navigating to Settings > System > Software updates, or if you’re not part of the program, you can enroll in the beta at google.com/android/beta.

    Android 16 QPR2 Beta 1 introduces an extended dark mode and auto-themed app icons.

    Regarding modifications in Android 16 QPR2 Beta 2, Google states that the new build is centered around enhancements such as elevated user experiences, new APIs tailored for media and productivity applications, and platform features designed to assist developers in debugging and testing their applications.

    For user-visible modifications, QPR2 Beta 1 offers an “extended choice under dark theme” that enforces dark mode even on applications that normally display light mode. Additionally, the build features Auto-themed app icons, which generate a themed icon for an application if the developer hasn’t supplied one. The system implements a color filtering algorithm to ensure the icon matches the theme’s style.

    The inaugural Android 16 QPR2 beta build carries the build number “BP41.250725.006” and includes the latest August security update. The beta program is expected to continue from August 2025 through to the final public launch in Q4, with several beta builds scheduled in the interim.

    It’s important to note that to install the stable Android 16 QPR1 update on your Pixel device, you must first exit the beta program and subsequently update to the stable version once it becomes available next month.

    The Android 16 QPR1 is anticipated to introduce the Material 3 Expressive design to Pixel devices, along with Live Updates notifications and Desktop Mode.

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    • Richard
    • Comments Off on Unprecedented Amounts of Phone Inquiries at US Border Crossings: Awareness of Your Rights
    Unprecedented Amounts of Phone Inquiries at US Border Crossings: Awareness of Your Rights

    # Documenting Phone Searches by US Customs and Border Protection: Key Information You Should Have

    The US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has recently disclosed a notable rise in the volume of phone searches carried out on individuals entering or returning to the United States. In the previous quarter, nearly 15,000 devices were examined, setting a new record for the agency.

    ## The Rise in Device Inspections

    Per newly disclosed statistics from CBP, the agency conducted searches on 14,899 devices from April to June of this year. This number eclipses the previous peak of 12,766 searches performed from January to March 2022 by 16.7%. While these inspections cover a variety of electronic devices, it is probable that most are smartphones. The scope of these inspections can range from a quick manual check to thorough forensic investigations involving complete backups of devices.

    ## Alarm from Civil Rights Organizations

    Civil rights groups have expressed concerns about the ramifications of these searches, especially for individuals like journalists and civil rights attorneys who might hold sensitive information on their gadgets. Esha Bhandari, a deputy director at the American Civil Liberties Union, highlighted the chilling impact these searches could exert on all travelers, asserting that the authority claimed by CBP to execute searches without a warrant is virtually boundless.

    ## The Judicial Framework

    The legal context surrounding these inspections is intricate, particularly for US citizens. Generally, courts have determined that border zones do not fall under the protections of the Fourth Amendment, indicating that a search warrant is unnecessary. Nevertheless, there has been at least one federal court decision that disputes this interpretation. While US citizens cannot be refused entry for declining a search, their devices can be confiscated, and they may encounter additional questioning.

    For non-citizens, the legal circumstances are more straightforward. CBP retains the power to deny entry for any reason, which encompasses the obligation to present devices for examination upon request.

    ## Safeguarding Your Privacy

    If you are worried about the potential of a device inspection, several measures can help protect your privacy:

    1. **Disable Biometrics**: Turn off features such as Face ID and Touch ID to obstruct access to your device during a search. Legal precedents indicate that although you cannot be forced to share a passcode, you might be compelled to provide a fingerprint or facial scan.

    2. **Update Your Device**: Make sure your device is operating on the most recent version of its operating system and set a strong alphanumeric passcode.

    3. **Remove Sensitive Applications**: If you are concerned about a search, think about deleting applications that contain sensitive information, like messaging apps, and reinstalling them after your trip.

    4. **Utilize a Travel Phone**: Some travelers, particularly those with sensitive data, choose to use a separate phone for traveling. This device should not appear as an obvious “burner” phone but should be used normally for a few days prior to travel to avoid raising suspicion.

    By implementing these precautions, travelers can enhance the protection of their personal information while dealing with the intricacies of border security.

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    • sparta
    • Comments Off on South Park Mocks Tim Cook’s Lavish Present to Donald Trump
    South Park Mocks Tim Cook’s Lavish Present to Donald Trump

    **Political Satire in South Park: Exploring Tim Cook’s Role in “Sickofancy”**

    Political satire has consistently been a defining feature of *South Park*, and the latest season elevates this tradition, especially in its critique of the Trump administration. In the third episode, named “Sickofancy,” the narrative cleverly mocks the tradition of gift-giving within politics, highlighted by a scene with Apple CEO Tim Cook.

    In this installment, a procession of guests bestows gifts upon President Trump, humorously suggesting that such offerings have become essential for any presidential favor. Tim Cook, depicted in an almost lifelike manner, gifts Trump a glass along with a 24k gold plaque, reminiscent of an actual incident where Cook presented Trump with a similar item during the launch of the American Manufacturing Program.

    The humor intensifies when Trump is later shown in bed with Satan, clutching Cook’s golden token and contemptuously labeling it as a gift from “some dip**it tech CEO.” This moment captures the show’s irreverent tone, fusing political critique with absurdity.

    Alongside Cook, other prominent personalities appear in the episode, such as Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg, who gifts a golden Meta Quest, and representatives from Florida and Qatar, who present a silver-plated space shuttle and a golden model of a Qatar Airways airplane, respectively.

    The episode reflects the current political climate, employing satire to address modern concerns while ridiculing the ridiculousness of political exchanges. As audiences engage with *South Park*’s portrayal of Tim Cook and the wider implications of gift-giving in political contexts, the series continues to challenge norms and stimulate reflection through its distinct comedic style.

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    • sparta
    • Comments Off on Crowdfunded Mobile Phone Provides Complimentary Internet Access for AI Resources
    Crowdfunded Mobile Phone Provides Complimentary Internet Access for AI Resources

    **iKKO MindOne: A Compact AI-Driven Smartphone Featuring Complimentary Internet for AI Applications**

    Google is not the sole contender investing heavily in AI for its smartphones. While the newly unveiled Pixel 10 series appears promising, another AI-driven smartphone has gained interest: the iKKO MindOne. This tiny new device is wrapping up its campaign on Kickstarter.

    The iKKO MindOne is marketed as “card-sized,” with dimensions of merely 86×72mm and a thickness of only 8.9mm. This translates to 3.39×2.83 inches in size and 0.35 inches in thickness. It is indeed small, even when compared to other compact devices like the iPhone SE, which has been superseded by the iPhone 16e. For those seeking a somewhat larger gadget, iKKO offers an accessory known as the Snap-in-Case, which includes a full physical QWERTY keyboard and a built-in headphone jack.

    As per the information on the company’s Kickstarter page, the AI smartphone operates on Android 15 and includes a secondary lightweight OS named iKKO AI OS. What distinguishes the iKKO MindOne is its commitment to providing free global internet connectivity for AI-driven services. This encompasses language translation and real-time AI assistance akin to Gemini Live. While it does not offer unlimited free internet, it guarantees access to AI services in supported regions.

    The smartphone is akin to the size of a debit card, with the majority of its space taken up by a 4.02-inch AMOLED Sapphire Glass Display. There is no camera cutout on this compact screen, as the phone features a single camera that can rotate. It boasts a 50MP Sony sensor, which can be secured at any position. iKKO demonstrated the camera’s functionalities in a YouTube video, and it produces commendable results.

    Two versions will be available: the MindOne and the MindOne Pro. At this moment, only the MindOne Pro can be accessed via Kickstarter. The standard MindOne will lack the Sapphire Glass display and free global internet for AI services, but that is the sole distinction between the two.

    iKKO promotes the MindOne as a device “where focus meets freedom,” implying it is a smartphone that also serves as an AI-enabled productivity tool. It possesses 4G+ capabilities, 8GB of RAM, and 256GB of internal storage. Additionally, it has a 2200 mAh battery and accommodates a Nano-SIM card that can connect to various network carriers, including AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon.

    All current assertions are founded on the company’s Kickstarter page and promotional videos. The final product’s features may alter before its anticipated shipping date in December 2025. The base MindOne is priced at $389, while the MindOne Pro will retail for $499. Early Kickstarter backers can enjoy savings of up to $130 with early-bird pricing.

    Participating in Kickstarter campaigns entails risk, but iKKO possesses a solid reputation with successful campaigns that have delivered promised products, having previously released its ActiveBuds AI earbuds in 2023.

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    • sparta
    • Comments Off on Presenting the Pixel Buds 2a: Budget-friendly ANC and Gemini Compatibility
    Presenting the Pixel Buds 2a: Budget-friendly ANC and Gemini Compatibility

    The Pixel Buds 2a have been officially unveiled by Google during the Made by Google event, alongside the Pixel 10 series and Pixel Watch 4. Priced at $129, these earbuds incorporate features from the premium Pixel Buds Pro 2 into a more budget-friendly option. The Pixel Buds 2a take over from the Pixel Buds A-series and are the first economical Google earbuds to feature Active Noise Cancellation (ANC), branded as Silent Seal 1.5. Although the ANC might not match the performance of Silent Seal 2.0 found in the Pixel Buds Pro 2, it still represents a notable improvement for the A-series.

    The design of the Pixel Buds 2a is akin to the Pixel Buds Pro 2, showcasing a stem-free design and an oval-shaped white case. They retain the twist-to-adjust fit and hold an IP54 rating for resistance to sweat and rain. Inside, the earbuds are equipped with Google’s Tensor A1 chipset, enabling Gemini features such as message summarization and schedule checks without requiring a phone. The custom speaker driver and high-frequency chamber promise exceptional sound quality.

    Regarding battery performance, the Pixel Buds 2a provide up to 7 hours with ANC activated and up to 20 hours when using the case. With ANC deactivated, they can deliver double the battery life of the first-generation Pixel Buds A-series. Notably, the case features a replaceable battery, allowing for simple substitution without the need to replace the earbuds themselves. The Pixel Buds 2a are also compatible with Find Hub for convenient location tracking.

    Offered in Iris and Hazel colors, the Pixel Buds 2a are available for pre-order now and will be sold on the Google Store, Amazon, and Best Buy starting October 9, 2025.

    In addition, Google has launched a new Moonstone hue for the Pixel Buds Pro 2, coordinating with the new Pixel 10 Pro shade. New capabilities for the Pixel Buds Pro 2 include Adaptive Audio, which modifies settings based on surroundings, Loud Noise Protection, and gesture-based controls for calls and texts. The new color will launch on August 28, 2025, at a price of $229.

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    • Richard
    • Comments Off on Google’s AI Health Coach Set to Debut on Fitbit and Pixel Watches Next Month
    Google’s AI Health Coach Set to Debut on Fitbit and Pixel Watches Next Month

    Google has recently launched an AI-driven personal health coach for Pixel Watch and Fitbit devices, intended to serve as a fitness mentor, sleep guide, and wellbeing consultant. This groundbreaking AI coach tailors itself to users’ objectives, recovery, and activity levels, delivering customized workout and sleep recommendations. The AI health coach, powered by Google Gemini, takes into account wellness metrics, goals, and real-life situations to provide personalized guidance. It modifies workout regimes based on recovery, enabling users to adjust their routines according to their physical condition. Furthermore, the AI coach offers sleep enhancement strategies using sophisticated algorithms to evaluate sleep duration and phases, adapting suggestions based on daily activity levels.

    The AI coach can respond to user inquiries, such as whether to emphasize sleep or exercise, and recommend workouts for specific objectives like weight loss. Google is also introducing a revamped Fitbit app with AI functionalities, presenting clearer metrics and a user-friendly interface. This AI personal health coach will first be offered as a preview for Fitbit Premium users in the U.S., with registrations open for early access. The integration of Google Gemini ensures that the AI coach learns from user behaviors and health data, improving its capability to deliver valuable insights and suggestions.

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    • Richard
    • Comments Off on Google Introduces Pixel Watch 4: Improved Health and Fitness Monitoring Capabilities
    Google Introduces Pixel Watch 4: Improved Health and Fitness Monitoring Capabilities

    The Pixel Watch 4, revealed at Google’s primary event in NYC, brings noteworthy improvements in both design and functionality. This timepiece showcases slimmer bezels with an Actua 360 domed glass display, delivering a nearly borderless experience with a 15% decrease in bezel size. The display is now 50% brighter, achieving up to 3,000 nits of peak brightness, and is safeguarded by Corning Gorilla Glass. The Pixel Watch 4 comes in two sizes, 45mm and 41mm, with prices commencing at $399 for the Wi-Fi variant and $499 for the LTE version.

    Fueled by the Snapdragon W5 Gen 2 and the Cortex-M55 co-processor, the watch incorporates Google’s Gemini AI, enabling users to handle emails, calendar appointments, and playlists. Users can engage the AI simply by raising their wrist. Additionally, the Pixel Watch 4 features a newly designed custom speaker and haptic engine to enhance audio and vibration responsiveness.

    Fitness and health monitoring have been elevated with over 40 workout modes and advanced heart sensors that can identify irregular heartbeats and stress levels. The ECG application offers AFib evaluations, while the body-response sensor provides immediate stress feedback. Sleep tracking capabilities observe sleep duration and phases, and users can enter health information for emergency situations.

    Safety attributes include Loss of Pulse detection, Safety Check, Emergency Sharing, Fall Detection, and Car Crash Detection. The Pixel Watch 4 is the inaugural smartwatch to feature SOS Satellite Communication capabilities.

    The battery life for both models varies, with the 45mm variant providing up to 72 hours in battery saver mode and the 41mm version lasting up to 48 hours. Charging has been modernized with a new Quick Charging Dock, doing away with rear panel pins.

    The Pixel Watch 4 is open for pre-order, featuring new color choices and bands, such as the Moonstone hue for the 45mm model and the Gradient Stretch Band for extra comfort. The official market release is anticipated on October 9.

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