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    • Richard
    • Comments Off on Apple TV+ Keeps Providing Exceptional Sci-Fi Series
    Apple TV+ Keeps Providing Exceptional Sci-Fi Series

    Apple TV+ has unveiled the trailer for Season 3 of the alien invasion series “Invasion,” highlighting the platform’s prowess in the sci-fi realm. Set to premiere on August 22, the upcoming season brings together the show’s diverse characters as they face a heightened alien menace. The extraterrestrials, now more menacing than ever, are broadening their grip on Earth, leading to a worldwide coalition aimed at breaching the alien mothership to save humankind.

    Returning cast includes Golshifteh Farahani, Shioli Kutsuna, Shamier Anderson, India Brown, Shane Zaza, and Enver Gjokaj, with Erika Alexander joining the cast. The series, crafted by Simon Kinberg and David Weil, is recognized for its cinematic breadth and stunning visuals.

    Apple TV+ has positioned itself as a premier destination for sophisticated sci-fi, featuring acclaimed series such as “Severance,” “Silo,” “For All Mankind,” “Foundation,” and “Dark Matter.” “Severance” and “For All Mankind” have garnered significant acclaim, boasting Rotten Tomatoes scores of 96% and 92%, respectively. The platform continues to provide innovative sci-fi experiences, with new seasons of “Foundation” and “Severance” in the works. “Invasion’s” comeback underscores Apple TV+’s dedication to high-caliber, emotionally impactful sci-fi narratives.

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    • Richard
    • Comments Off on Opera One Update Brings Much-Anticipated Features
    Opera One Update Brings Much-Anticipated Features

    The newest Opera One update unveils two eagerly awaited features, bolstering its status as a premium yet frequently underappreciated browser. After moving from Safari to Microsoft Edge, and ultimately to Opera One, I found the recent enhancements from Opera particularly intriguing.

    The first notable addition is the Opera Translate feature, designed to break down language barriers for users globally. When users come across a webpage in a language different from their default setting, Opera now provides a translation option. This feature supports over 40 languages at launch, leveraging Lingvanex’s AI-driven technology for accurate language processing. Notably, Opera guarantees that all translations are managed internally, following stringent privacy protocols without the involvement of third-party services.

    Tomasz Stawarz, Director of Product at Opera, highlighted the importance of this feature: “The internet connects the world, but language can still be a barrier to exploring its full potential. With the introduction of Opera Translate, we’re giving our users access to content and ideas from across the globe without compromising their privacy.”

    In addition, Opera improves its distinctive Split Screen feature, enabling multitasking by permitting access to the toolbar even while in this mode. Key highlights include:

    – **Access to Toolbar functions:** Users can now utilize Pinboards, the Snapshot tool, Flow, Bookmarks, Downloads, the Easy Setup menu, and other customizable Toolbar functions while in Split Screen.
    – **Player in Toolbar:** The Music Player remains available even when Split Screen mode is active.

    Furthermore, Opera GX, the company’s acclaimed gaming browser, has also incorporated the new Translate feature, alongside upgrades to Tab Islands and custom cursors. These enhancements collectively improve the user experience, solidifying Opera’s reputation as a versatile and privacy-conscious browser choice.

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    • Richard
    • Comments Off on Apple Reports Initial iPhone Quarterly Growth in Two Years, Counteracting Decrease in China
    Apple Reports Initial iPhone Quarterly Growth in Two Years, Counteracting Decrease in China

    **Apple’s Comeback in China: A Two-Year Battle and Signs of Renewal**

    Over the last two years, Apple has encountered considerable obstacles in the Chinese market, largely due to the U.S.-China trade conflict and local government incentives that favor domestic smartphone makers. Nevertheless, recent occurrences suggest that Apple might be regaining its strength in this vital market.

    ### A Two-Year Extended Decline in China

    Apple’s performance in China has been lackluster, with the company having reported year-over-year revenue growth in just one quarter since Q3 2022. The other quarters experienced drops as severe as 13%. This decline was worsened by intensified trade disputes between the U.S. and China, resulting in a reduction in shipments. In Q1, Apple was the sole major smartphone producer to report a drop in shipments, starkly contrasting with its rivals.

    In spite of these obstacles, signs of recovery started to surface. In April, iPhone sales exhibited a slight increase, and Apple strategically decided to engage in the Chinese government’s subsidy program, which contributed to boosting demand. This action, along with other elements, played a part in indicating an early sign of sales recovery.

    ### Prospects May Be Improving

    Recent figures from Counterpoint Research indicate that Apple is witnessing a turnaround in China. The research firm reported an 8% rise in iPhone sales for the quarter ending in June, representing the first sales increase in two years. Ethan Qi, an associate director at Counterpoint, pointed out that Apple’s pricing modifications in May were well-placed, coinciding with the 618 shopping festival, a major event in China’s e-commerce landscape where retailers provide substantial discounts.

    The timing of these price adjustments seems to have positively impacted consumer purchasing behavior, enabling Apple to take advantage of the heightened shopping activity during this timeframe.

    As Apple approaches the release of its fiscal Q3 earnings results on July 31, which will encompass the months of April, May, and June, the company and its stakeholders will be closely monitoring to see if this upward sales trend persists.

    In summary, although Apple has endured a tough two-year stretch in China, recent data implies that the company is starting to bounce back, propelled by strategic pricing tactics and favorable market conditions. The upcoming months will be vital in assessing whether this recovery can be maintained.

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    • Richard
    • Comments Off on Study Shows Sports More Efficient for Exercise Compared to Running or Swimming
    Study Shows Sports More Efficient for Exercise Compared to Running or Swimming

    For many years, medical professionals have pointed to swimming and running as two of the premier methods for enhancing muscle strength and bolstering cardiovascular health. However, recent research indicates that racket sports such as tennis might be even more beneficial for your overall health.

    The [latest study](https://www.mayoclinicproceedings.org/article/S0025-6196(18)30538-X/abstract), featured in *Mayo Clinic Proceedings*, claims that certain sports often seen as recreational are advantageous for heart health and may contribute to a longer lifespan. The research, which involved over 8,500 participants in Denmark, revealed that tennis and badminton in particular were linked to the most significant increases in longevity compared to other physical activities.

    Moreover, the findings reveal that tennis can extend life expectancy by up to 9.7 years, while badminton provides an average increase of 6.2 years. In contrast, running and swimming contributed only 3.2 years and 3.4 years to life expectancy, respectively. Another [recent research](https://bjsm.bmj.com/content/41/11/760) conducted by British scholars also corroborates these results, examining the overall effects of diverse sports on players’ health.

    A significant reason racket sports are so beneficial lies in their ability to keep players in steady motion, featuring bursts of speed and frequent changes in direction, all of which can significantly enhance physical health. Consequently, players are continually burning calories, making tennis one of the most effective methods for managing weight.

    Additionally, the researchers concurred that the repetitive, weight-bearing activities inherent in racket sports promote bone growth and density, which are vital as people age. This finding paves the way for other cardiovascular-oriented sports to serve as feasible alternatives for those aiming to shed pounds, beyond the usual swimming or running.

    Given the challenges of establishing a consistent exercise routine, along with various studies hinting at how

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    • sparta
    • Comments Off on How to Take Breathtaking 4th of July Pictures with Your Android Device: 5 Professional Suggestions
    How to Take Breathtaking 4th of July Pictures with Your Android Device: 5 Professional Suggestions

    You don’t have to possess an extravagant camera, but utilizing the appropriate mode is essential.

    (Photo credit: Brady Snyder / Android Central)

    Many of us take countless pictures and videos annually on our smartphones, but it’s likely that none match the excitement of the fireworks captures we manage to obtain. With Independence Day celebrations starting, the American skies are about to burst with color from fireworks displays nationwide. In actuality, several fireworks events are already kicking off early and are set to continue throughout the weekend.

    If your intention is to photograph the vibrant skies, you’ll be pleased to discover that your beloved Android device is more than equipped to seize the moment. Nevertheless, simply aiming your phone camera at the sky and clicking won’t yield the finest results. You must adjust your phone’s camera settings and, if available, include accessories to achieve the ideal image.

    Here are the top five tips and tricks that every Android phone user should be aware of when capturing firework photos before the Independence Day weekend.

    • sparta
    • Comments Off on Comparison of Attributes: Nothing Phone 3 vs. Google Pixel 9
    Comparison of Attributes: Nothing Phone 3 vs. Google Pixel 9

    The Nothing Phone 3 takes on the Google Pixel 9 in a captivating showdown of budget-friendly Android devices.

    Nothing Phone 3
    • Richard
    • Comments Off on Early Smartphone Price Cuts and Frequently Asked Questions for Prime Day Motorola Offers
    Early Smartphone Price Cuts and Frequently Asked Questions for Prime Day Motorola Offers

    The finest Motorola phone offers this side of Black Friday.

    (Image credit: Future)
    Navigate to:

    • Quick links
    • Prime Day Motorola offers
    • Prime Day Questions

    The initial four-day Amazon Prime Day event is scheduled to commence on July 8th, indicating we’re about to witness some of the top Motorola offers of the year.

    Whether you’re looking for an affordable phone or an ultra-premium foldable, Motorola has consistently produced some of the finest Android devices for years, and Prime Day often signifies the best opportunity to purchase them — unless you’re inclined to wait until Black Friday, of course.

    Although the sale officially launches next week, I’m already diligently collecting the top promotions from around the web so you don’t need to hold off. Many of these ongoing Motorola deals originate from carriers and come with certain stipulations,

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    • Richard
    • Comments Off on New AirTag Functionality Improves Travel Experience: Here’s How It Operates
    New AirTag Functionality Improves Travel Experience: Here’s How It Operates

    ### Retrieve Lost Luggage More Quickly with Updated AirTag Feature

    The vacation period has arrived, and for numerous travelers, this might be the initial journey since Apple rolled out a fresh capability for AirTag in iOS 18.2. One of the most favored applications for AirTag is as a luggage tracker. Airlines misplace luggage daily, and AirTag offers a straightforward method for you to swiftly locate your belongings. Recently, this procedure has been greatly simplified with a feature known as Share Item Location.

    Within the Find My app, users can now temporarily share an AirTag or any other item’s location with another person. This feature includes a specific component for airlines, as Apple has collaborated with them to incorporate AirTag-enabled luggage retrieval into their customer service systems. If your luggage is misplaced, you can share the AirTag’s location with the airline, enabling them to locate it more quickly. Once your luggage is returned, the airline’s access to the location link is automatically terminated.

    ### Steps to Use Share Item Location

    If your AirTag or another Find My-compatible device goes missing during your travels, follow these instructions to reclaim it:

    1. Launch the Find My app on your iPhone, iPad, or Mac.
    2. Navigate to the Items tab.
    3. Choose the AirTag or other lost item.
    4. Scroll down to find ‘Share Item Location.’
    5. Follow the instructions to initiate sharing.

    This procedure will create a URL that can be sent to your airline, allowing them to track the AirTag directly. Each airline has its own way of sharing the link, but typically, they provide a sharing option as part of their customer support process.

    Airlines that support this feature include prominent U.S. carriers such as American Airlines, Delta, and United. Furthermore, many additional airlines have joined, including the recent involvement of JetBlue.

    Have you tried AirTag’s new feature to locate a lost item yet? How effective was it? Share your experiences in the comments.

    ### Top AirTag Discounts and Accessories

    *FTC: We utilize income-generating auto affiliate links.*

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    • sparta
    • Comments Off on Comparison of Oakley Meta HSTN Glasses and Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses: Traits and Observations
    Comparison of Oakley Meta HSTN Glasses and Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses: Traits and Observations

    The choice is not purely about aesthetics this time.

    When picking a pair of spectacles, you generally decide based on style or cost. Yet, smart eyewear like Ray-Ban Meta and Oakley Meta HSTN (pronounced “how-stuhn”) include various additional elements to evaluate, such as camera performance, battery longevity, charging efficiency, and more.

    Although Oakley Meta HSTN represents a significant improvement over what made Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses successful, a noticeable price disparity exists between the two options. Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses have been frequently discounted lately, with prices dropping to approximately $240 for one pair. On the other hand, Oakley Meta HSTN is set to release on July 11 at $399, while some design options may set you back $499. That’s quite a price difference!

    But do Oakley glasses justify their price? Designer labels often carry a higher cost simply due to branding, but Oakley Meta HSTN successfully delivers additional value at a higher expense. Here’s why.

    Oakley Meta HSTN glasses vs. Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses: Specifications

    Category | Oakley Meta HSTN | Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses
    — | — | —
    Camera | 12MP Ultrawide | 12MP Ultrawide
    Photo resolution | 3024 X 4032 pixels (Portrait default) | 3024 X 4032 pixels (Portrait default)
    Video resolution | 3K (exact resolution unknown, check back for updates) | 1440 x 1920 pixels at 30 fps (Vertical default)
    Water resistance | IPX4 | IPX4
    Speakers | Open ear | Open ear
    Interface | Touchpad on side, Meta AI for voice and camera | Touchpad on side, Meta AI for voice and camera
    Microphones | 5-mic Array | 5-mic Array
    Storage | Unknown (check back for updates) | 32GB; approximately 100+ videos (30 sec) and 500+ photos (3 frame burst)
    Connectivity | Wi-Fi 6; Bluetooth 5.3 | Wi-Fi 6; Bluetooth 5.3
    Compatibility | iOS; Android | iOS; Android
    Battery | 8 hours per charge | 4 hours per charge: 30 minutes live streaming
    Charging (glasses) case | Up to 48 hours | Up to 32 hours

    Oakley Meta HSTN glasses vs. Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses: Design and Aesthetics

    Ray-Ban and Oakley target very distinct markets and demographics, though both brands fall under the parent company EssilorLuxottica. Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses were an excellent pick for the initial two generations of Meta smart glasses offerings. They are available in three unique Ray-Ban styles: Wayfarer, Skyler, and Headliner.

    Wayfarers come in seven different hues, Skylers are offered in eight colors, and Headliners are offered in an impressive ten shades, all with a variety of lens types and colors, including options like transitions, polarized lenses, and prescription lenses.

    On the other hand, Oakley Meta HSTN consists of just one primary style — the HSTN, as suggested by its name. Oakley Meta HSTN is also only available in four primary colors: Black, Warm Grey, Clear, and Brown Smoke. For each of these frame shades, you can choose from six different lens hues: Warm Grey, Clear, Grey Transitions, Ruby, PRIZM Polar Deep Water, or PRISM Polar Black.

    Based on this, it’s clear that Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses cater to individuals looking for a variety of styles and shades. However, as previously mentioned, the choice isn’t solely about style. Functionality plays a part as well.

    While Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses provide more aesthetic and color choices, Oakley Meta HSTN is crafted to be a sportier, performance-centric option of smart glasses. Meta explicitly states this in the “How to choose” section of its AI Glasses product page.

    Regardless of the model, style, or color you decide on, all Meta AI glasses come equipped with a single camera located on one side of the front frame and a privacy LED positioned on the opposite side. They also feature over-the-ear speakers integrated into the arms of the glasses, a battery that endures for several hours, and can be recharged using the included storage case.

    This storage case functions similarly to an earbud case, meaning you’ll recharge the case’s battery by connecting a USB-C cable to its port. You can then place the glasses in the carrying case whenever they require a recharge, and the case’s battery will provide multiple full charges to your glasses before needing to be replenished itself.

    In any case, purchasing a pair of Meta AI glasses means acquiring a set of frames.

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    • Richard
    • Comments Off on Intelligent Eyewear Compatible with Nintendo Switch 2 and Various Other Renowned Platforms
    Intelligent Eyewear Compatible with Nintendo Switch 2 and Various Other Renowned Platforms

    Playing games on an enormous virtual screen is incredibly enjoyable, but it’s essential to have the right eyewear that pairs well with your preferred console.

    At Android Central, we have a passion for smart glasses. This category possesses immense potential and encompasses a surprisingly diverse range of applications, from allowing you to capture photos and videos hands-free to enjoying movies or playing games while on the move. Wearing a pair of smart glasses makes them fantastic for daily activities.

    However, choosing the ideal smart glasses can be quite challenging. You must navigate various types of glasses (AI glasses, smart display glasses, true wireless glasses, etc.), in addition to ensuring that your devices are compatible with your selection of eyewear. Typically, the best smart glasses are plug-and-play, but a handful of manufacturers complicate things unnecessarily.

    I’m pointing fingers at you, Nintendo. With the Switch 2, Nintendo has once again made it challenging to connect smart glasses directly to the system for gameplay, despite the inclusion of a perfectly functional USB-C port on top.

    Fortunately, I’ve tested numerous smart glasses and can precisely guide you on the combination needed to enjoy your Switch 2 games on the go, with an exquisite OLED display right before your eyes—without any neck strain! I’ve also evaluated them on various other platforms and handheld devices, including the Steam Deck, PS5, and an array of smartphones, tablets, and laptops. Here’s what you require to enjoy gaming with smart glasses while traveling!

    Top smart glasses for the Nintendo Switch 2

    The Switch 2 poses the greatest challenge for pairing with smart glasses because Nintendo enjoys keeping things under tight control. This issue was present with the original Nintendo Switch and, sadly, implies that you’ll likely always require some form of adapter or dock connected to your Switch 2 to utilize a pair of smart glasses.

    Luckily, Viture is here to assist. A Viture Pro Mobile Dock can be connected to your Switch 2, deceiving the system into believing it’s hooked up to a TV. You’ll then attach a pair of smart glasses to the Viture dock and experience gaming on a massive virtual display. Additionally, this dock comes with a built-in 10,000mAh power bank, giving you numerous extra hours of playtime compared to the standard battery life of the Switch 2.

    Naturally, like with anything related to Nintendo devices, you’ll need to take an extra step to ensure everything functions correctly the first time. Follow these instructions:

    1. After acquiring your Viture Pro Mobile Dock, visit the Viture firmware update page on a PC or Mac using a Chromium-based browser (Chrome or Edge will work).

    2. Connect the mobile dock to your computer with the short USB-C cable that came with your Viture dock, then hit the connect button.

    3. Choose Mobile Dock from the list of devices that pops up and click connect.

    4. From the list of available firmware versions, select the firmware labeled For Switch 2 Only. As of this writing, that’s version 2.01.03.0.02_20250613.

    5. Press the update button to switch your Viture Pro Mobile Dock to the firmware compatible with the Switch 2.

    6. If successful, a pop-up message will confirm, stating “Your firmware is now on the selected version.”

    Now, your Viture Pro Mobile Dock contains the correct security keys to connect with the Switch 2. If you want it to be compatible with the original Switch again, you’ll need to revert to the older firmware. The firmware update website will specify which version is suitable for the original Switch; simply follow the above steps to switch out the firmware when necessary.

    Time to choose your smart glasses! Viture clearly hopes you’ll utilize its smart glasses alongside its dock, but this dock has been crafted as a universal accessory that functions with any glasses or monitor you connect to it. I recommend the RayNeo Air 3S, as they represent the most affordable smart glasses available and feature 3840Hz PWM dimming at all brightness levels, making them a fantastic option for both your budget and your vision.

    While I might typically endorse Viture Pro smart glasses, the company has a new model launching soon that you might want to hold out for. At the very least, a new release should result in significant discounts on the older version.

    Xreal Air glasses also appear to work well with the dock; however, for some unknown reason, Xreal One and Xreal One Pro do not. If you attempt to connect these, you’ll simply end up with a yellow and red display. Given that these products are produced by different manufacturers, encountering compatibility issues like this is somewhat to be expected.

    Xreal has an upcoming product this year called Xreal Neo, which operates quite similarly to the Viture Pro Mobile Dock, yet it won’t require firmware changes to function across various systems, including the Switch 2. At the

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