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Early Prime Day Promotion Presents 40% Off on Leading Smart TV Substitute

The Fire TV Stick is an excellent contemporary streaming device, available in 4K without breaking the bank.

In today’s market, securing a bargain on streaming devices is more accessible than ever, even from major industry leaders. Currently, Amazon has reduced the price of the Fire TV Stick 4K by 40%, bringing it down to just below $30.

The attraction of a Fire Stick is clear to many: it simply requires the user to connect the device to their HDMI port, sign into their Wi-Fi, and voilà, they can begin streaming from their preferred services.

This plug-and-play design can also provide access to high-definition streaming with the 4K, 4K Max Fire TV Stick, and Fire TV Cube models. Alternatively, users who don’t need 4K can save a few extra dollars with the HD model, which still supports 1080p streaming.

Prime Day returns October 7th – see FAQ and deal predictions

Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K: $49.99 $29.99 at Amazon

Amazon is currently offering its 4K Fire TV Stick at a discount of $20 off the regular price, which equates to a 40% savings. For anyone seeking a quick and simple streaming option for a 4K TV, $30 is a reasonable cost, and it’s hard to dispute the ease of use of Amazon’s Fire TV Sticks.

✅Recommended if: you’re in search of a straightforward plug-and-play streaming option for your 4K TV; you want a system that provides easy access to Alexa voice commands, Xbox gaming, and other contemporary features; you have subscriptions to streaming services such as Netflix, HBO Max, Disney Plus, or others, and you want to log in to these apps and start enjoying content.

❌Skip this deal if: you prefer to upgrade to the Fire TV Stick 4K Max or Fire TV Cube, or if 4K picture quality is not a priority; your TV lacks 4K resolution, and you’d prefer to save a few extra dollars by selecting the Fire TV Stick HD; you need a device that supports DVD playback or other physical media.

The Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K provides essential 4K streaming on compatible televisions and stands out as the top Fire TV Stick for the majority of average consumers. Like most of Amazon’s other devices in its range, it can be directly plugged into your TV to begin watching your favorite streaming platforms. The remote features hands-free voice commands via Alexa, allowing for effortless control of playback, volume, and even smart home devices.

The Fire TV Stick 4K features 8GB of internal storage for apps and 2GB of RAM, matching the other premium choices while exceeding Amazon’s HD model.

It uses Wi-Fi 6 and offers cloud gaming through Amazon Luna and Xbox Game Pass. It is also compatible with Dolby Atmos audio and includes video capabilities such as Dolby Vision and the latest HDR formats.

In summary, it’s certainly best suited for those who own a 4K TV, but for those who do, $30 is a compelling deal to access high-resolution streaming.

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Contrasting iPhone 17 Pro with iPhone 15 Pro: Is an Upgrade After Two Generations Warranted?

# Apple’s iPhone 17 Pro vs. iPhone 15 Pro: What Can You Expect from a Two-Year Upgrade?

Apple’s iPhone 17 Pro brings a significant revamp that enriches the ‘Pro’ experience, but if you’re thinking about moving up from the iPhone 15 Pro, it’s crucial to recognize the main differences.

## Displays: Larger, Brighter, and More Scratch-Resistant

The iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max showcase various display enhancements compared to the 15 Pro:

1. **Bigger Displays**: The iPhone 17 Pro features a 6.3-inch screen, while the Pro Max boasts a 6.9-inch display, surpassing the 6.1-inch and 6.7-inch screens found on the iPhone 15 Pro.

2. **Improved Brightness**: The peak brightness has risen to 3000 nits outdoors, an increase from 2000 nits seen in the 15 Pro.

3. **Lowest Brightness**: The 17 Pro can reach a minimum brightness of 1 nit, perfect for low-light environments.

4. **Enhanced Scratch Resistance**: The upgraded Ceramic Shield 2 offers up to three times better scratch protection.

## Cameras: Significant Enhancements on iPhone 17 Pro

Although both the iPhone 17 Pro and 15 Pro come with 48MP Main cameras, the 17 Pro brings notable improvements:

– The Ultra Wide and Telephoto lenses are now also 48MP, improved from 12MP.
– The iPhone 17 Pro provides 4x and 8x optical zoom features, compared to the 3x optical zoom on the 15 Pro and 5x on the 15 Pro Max.
– The front-facing camera has received an upgrade with a new square sensor, featuring an 18MP resolution and enhanced functionalities like Center Stage for group selfies and ultra-stabilized 4K HDR video recording.

## Performance: Increased Power, More RAM, Reduced Heat

The iPhone 17 Pro is equipped with the new A19 Pro chip, incorporating 12GB of RAM and a vapor chamber cooling system that improves prolonged performance. In contrast, the iPhone 15 Pro utilizes the A17 Pro chip with 8GB of RAM and has experienced thermal issues during heavy usage. The performance enhancements from the upgraded chip and extra RAM are projected to be considerable.

## Battery: Unprecedented Improvements

The iPhone 17 Pro shows remarkable battery advancements:

– **Video Playback Duration**: Up to 33 hours for the iPhone 17 Pro compared to 23 hours for the 15 Pro.
– **Charging Efficiency**: The 17 Pro supports 25W charging, while the 15 Pro supports 15W, with both models featuring accelerated charging abilities.

## Design Materials: More Sturdy, But Not for Everyone

The iPhone 17 Pro showcases a new aluminum unibody design available in Cosmic Orange, Deep Blue, and Silver, featuring a recognizable full-width camera plateau. In contrast, the iPhone 15 Pro keeps a traditional appearance with a titanium frame and standard colors. The updated Ceramic Shield covering both the front and back boosts durability.

## iPhone 17 Pro vs iPhone 15 Pro: Conclusion

The longer the gap between iPhone upgrades, the more noticeable the improvements become. The iPhone 17 Pro provides considerable upgrades over the 15 Pro in crucial aspects like cameras, battery life, and performance. Its novel design also offers a unique look compared to earlier models. The decision to upgrade relies on personal preferences and requirements.

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iPhone 17 Battery Endurance Evaluation Shows Remarkable Efficiency in Every Model

### Battery Life Shootout: iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro, and iPhone Air

The newest battery life evaluations for Apple’s latest iPhone 17 series, which includes the iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro, and iPhone Air, have showcased encouraging outcomes regarding endurance during nonstop video streaming. Carried out by The Tech Chap, the evaluations contrasted the performance of these latest models with the prior iPhone 16 Pro Max.

#### Performance Overview

In the benchmark assessment, the iPhone 16 Pro Max recorded a commendable 7 hours and 29 minutes of battery duration. In contrast, the newly launched iPhone 17 Pro Max exceeded this figure, lasting an outstanding 7 hours and 58 minutes. Significantly, even the more compact iPhone 17 Pro outshone the 16 Pro Max, showcasing substantial year-over-year advancements in battery efficiency for the Pro variants.

#### iPhone Air Performance

The iPhone Air, which boasts the smallest battery capacity among the new models due to its sleek design, performed sufficiently but placed last in the review. It lasted 6 hours and 43 minutes before needing a recharge. The base iPhone 17 was not far behind, achieving 6 hours and 55 minutes. The gap in battery life between the iPhone Air and the Pro models was roughly an hour and a half, or around 12% more for the Pro versions.

#### Factors Influencing Battery Life

It’s essential to acknowledge that battery life can fluctuate considerably due to various factors, including the nature of activities undertaken, signal strength, display brightness, and more. Daily usage evaluations, such as those carried out by Chance Miller at 9to5Mac, suggested that the iPhone Air might deplete its battery by dinner time, underlining the importance for users to take into account their individual usage habits.

The evaluations conducted by The Tech Chap centered on YouTube video playback, a function that the iPhone Air’s A19 Pro chip can manage efficiently. Nevertheless, actual performance may vary based on diverse applications and usage contexts.

#### Conclusion

As the iPhone 17 series officially hits the market, additional battery face-off tests are anticipated to surface. These will offer a more extensive insight into the battery performance across various models and usage scenarios. For users contemplating the iPhone Air, although it might not rival the Pro models in longevity, its performance remains praiseworthy considering its design limitations.

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The Genuine Creator of the Lightbulb

Everybody recognizes that we owe a debt of gratitude to Thomas Edison for the creation of the electric lightbulb, a pivotal advancement in human development … or do we? Considered by numerous people to be the preeminent inventor in history, Edison amassed over 1,000 patents under his name. Yet, throughout his lifetime and beyond, he faced persistent allegations of copying others’ work. In reality, Edison frequently functioned more as an enhancer than a true inventor, showing reluctance to acknowledge those whose concepts he elaborated on. The electric lightbulb, his most notable achievement, was no exception.

Edison introduced his renowned lightbulb in 1879, marking the first commercially viable type of electric lighting worldwide. Nevertheless, the foundations of this innovation can be traced back more than seventy-five years prior, well before Edison’s time. It would be inaccurate to claim the lightbulb was an isolated invention. Instead, it was a technology cultivated over many years, through gradual milestones reached by numerous individuals in both America and Europe. The initial versions of electric lighting may appear quite alien from a contemporary perspective, but without them, the endeavors of Thomas Edison, along with all subsequent innovations, could not have occurred.

The early trailblazers of electric lighting

Why Nothing’s AI-Native Operating System Might Challenge Anticipations

A unique funding declaration does not equate to a hardware roadmap. This assertion highlights a prevalent misunderstanding within the tech sector, where news of new funding is frequently taken for comprehensive plans regarding future products. Recently, Nothing’s CEO Carl Pei revealed that the company had obtained additional funding. Although this announcement generated enthusiasm, it was not matched by an elaborate hardware roadmap. Rather, it suggested future opportunities, including the potential incorporation of AI into Nothing’s offerings.

Pei’s declaration was calculated, intended to generate excitement and curiosity without committing to particular product specifics. The statement implied that Nothing intends to introduce a new product in the autumn and is investigating AI integration. However, it refrained from offering a definitive timeline or technical details for forthcoming hardware.

This strategy is not exclusive to Nothing. Numerous tech firms utilize funding announcements to create buzz and attract interest from investors and consumers alike. Nonetheless, such announcements ought not to be confused with a hardware roadmap, which lays out a comprehensive plan for product development and launches.

In the technology field, a hardware roadmap is essential for steering product development and ensuring that new offerings align with market needs. It delineates the timeline, features, and specifications of forthcoming products, providing a transparent pathway for development teams to adhere to. In the absence of a roadmap, companies face the risk of producing offerings that do not resonate with consumer preferences or market dynamics.

While funding announcements may signify a company’s expansion and potential, they lack the comprehensive insights necessary to comprehend a company’s future products. Consumers and investors should exercise caution when interpreting these statements and seek further information, such as product specifications and launch timelines, to obtain a clearer picture of a company’s intentions.

In summary, although inventive funding announcements can spark excitement and interest, they should not be confused with a hardware roadmap. Enterprises like Nothing leverage these declarations to cultivate hype, but they must also deliver detailed plans to facilitate successful product development and alignment with market demands.

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Comparison of AirPods Pro 3 and AirPods Pro 1: Significant Enhancements Across Two Generations

**AirPods Pro 3: A Thorough Enhancement After Six Years**

The eagerly awaited release of the AirPods Pro 3 is imminent, bringing noteworthy upgrades compared to previous versions. For users of the original AirPods Pro or the AirPods Pro 2, the new model showcases an array of features that enhance the auditory experience. Here’s an in-depth overview of the advancements the AirPods Pro 3 offers after six years of development.

### Superior Noise Cancellation

One of the key improvements in the AirPods Pro 3 is the improved noise cancellation capability. Apple has indicated that the noise cancellation is now four times more efficient than that in the original AirPods Pro. This enhancement is especially advantageous for individuals in busy city surroundings or those who value sound isolation. Moreover, the added foam-infused ear tips ensure a better seal, boosting both comfort and noise reduction.

### Contemporary Features

The AirPods Pro 3 come with a variety of contemporary features that were missing in earlier iterations. These feature:

– **Volume Control**: Users can now swipe up and down on the stems for volume adjustments.
– **U2 Chip**: The new charging case is equipped with a U2 chip, simplifying location tracking if lost.
– **Adaptive Audio**: This capability modifies noise reduction in relation to the surrounding environment.
– **Charging Options**: Compatibility with Apple Watch magnetic chargers and USB-C ports.
– **Enhanced Durability**: Superior sweat resistance along with improved dust resistance.
– **Personalized Spatial Audio**: Customized audio experiences tailored for users.

### Battery Endurance

The battery life of the AirPods Pro 3 shows a considerable enhancement over the initial model. While the first-generation AirPods Pro provided 4.5 hours of listening time with noise cancellation active, the new edition can last up to 10 hours. Apple asserts a duration of up to 8 hours with noise cancellation functioning and 10 hours in transparency mode utilizing the Hearing Aid feature. Nonetheless, engaging the heart rate monitor may shorten battery life to roughly 6.5 hours. Ultimately, users can anticipate nearly twice the listening time per session.

### Health Improvements

The AirPods Pro 3 unveil a variety of health-oriented features, differentiating them from earlier versions. Significant health functionalities include:

– **Heart Rate Monitor**: This facilitates activity tracking without the need for an Apple Watch, integrating seamlessly with the Apple Fitness app.
– **Hearing Protection**: This feature protects users’ hearing in loud environments across all listening modes.
– **Hearing Aid Functionality**: Created to aid individuals with hearing challenges, this feature amplifies environmental sounds and can be adjusted through a proper testing process.

While certain health capabilities were present in the AirPods Pro 2, the activity tracking features are exclusive to the new iteration.

### Real-Time Translation

The AirPods Pro 3 additionally offer live translation, a feature that enables real-time interactions in different languages. This function allows the earbuds to capture spoken words, translate them, and convey the translated message back to the user. A supplementary iPhone app aids in translating replies, thereby making cross-language communication more straightforward and effective.

### Conclusion

In summary, the AirPods Pro 3 signify an extraordinary leap forward for users still relying on the original AirPods Pro or older models. With substantial enhancements in noise cancellation, battery life, health features, and modern conveniences, they are set to improve the audio experience for many. Pre-orders are live, with a launch price of $249, presenting them as an appealing option for anyone aiming to upgrade their audio equipment.

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Anticipated Resurgence of Highly Acclaimed Apple TV+ Series Next Week: Reviews Accessible

**Slow Horses Season 5: Insights from Critics**

Slow Horses season 5 debuts next Wednesday, September 24, and initial feedback has arrived for the eagerly awaited comeback of the Apple TV+ spy drama. Critics have expressed their viewpoints on what to foresee from this new chapter, and the general agreement is that the series keeps delivering excellence.

### Continued Brilliance

Per the reviews, Slow Horses season 5 upholds the impressive level established by its earlier seasons. The Telegraph comments, “Slow Horses is unique: a long-lasting series that hasn’t seen a decline in quality. There’s an exceptional sense of assurance regarding the way it is crafted.” Radio Times labels this season as “the most humorous edition yet” and also the finest to date. Collider remarks that season 5 feels like a “comfort-food episode” that is fun without attempting to surpass its past seasons.

While the humor is emphasized as a highlight, some reviewers note that character development might not achieve the same emotional resonance found in previous seasons. Nevertheless, the overall impression stays favorable, with Slow Horses being viewed as one of the top shows on television.

### Season Synopsis

The official synopsis for season 5 unfolds a storyline focused on tech enthusiast Roddy Ho, who raises eyebrows among his peers with his stylish new girlfriend. As strange incidents occur throughout the city, the Slow Horses crew must piece together the clues, all while following the “London Rules” of espionage: watch your back.

This season comprises six intricately linked episodes and wraps up with a hint for season 6, which has already been shot. Moreover, season 7 is said to be in development, ensuring fans can anticipate even more content ahead.

### Source Material and Future Outlook

The series draws inspiration from Mick Herron’s Slough House book collection, which offers a solid basis for its narrative. With a skilled creative team behind the series, Slow Horses is set to provide high-quality entertainment for many more years.

Fans can catch up on the initial four seasons of Slow Horses on Apple TV+, available for $12.99 monthly and featuring a wide array of other popular shows and films.

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Garmin Venu 4 Brings Major Improvements to Health and Fitness Coaching

Garmin has introduced the Venu 4, its newest smartwatch with notable advancements in both hardware and software. Starting at $549, the Venu 4 comes in two sizes and features a battery life of 10–12 days. Major hardware upgrades consist of a more vibrant display, an LED flashlight, dual-band GPS, and a combination of stainless steel and polymer in its case. The watch also unveils an updated “Garmin Fitness Coach,” which provides tailored workouts for 25 different activity types, going beyond just running and cycling.

The Venu 4’s “Health Status” function tracks indicators such as heart rate variability (HRV), skin temperature, and respiration, notifying users if these indicators stray from their normal levels due to reasons like illness or physical activity. Furthermore, Garmin has launched “Lifestyle Logging,” enabling users to monitor habits like alcohol or caffeine intake, which can affect health metrics.

Enhanced sleep tracking is offered, which includes “sleep alignment” information to evaluate circadian rhythm synchronization and “sleep consistency” from the past week. These functionalities aim to deliver a holistic view of the user’s health and how lifestyle choices impact it.

Fitness aficionados will find value in the daily recommended workouts and the revamped Garmin Fitness Coach, which accommodates a broad array of indoor and outdoor activities. The “mixed session activity profile” feature permits users to document various activity types in a single session, catering to varied workout routines.

The Venu 4 also carries features from other Garmin devices, such as the ability to follow downloaded GPX routes and monitor training load and effect. However, premium features like mapping are reserved for the Venu X1.

Released on September 22, the Garmin Venu 4 is available in 41mm and 45mm sizes, with a luxurious leather band option at $599. Despite a $100 price increase compared to the Venu 3, the new features of the Venu 4 may warrant the expense for those looking for enhanced health and fitness tracking. Alongside the Venu 4, Garmin has also unveiled the Instinct Crossover AMOLED and Bounce 2 kids watch.

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Android 16 Update Brings Required Auto-Themed Icons for Applications

Android 16 QPR2 to Implement Auto-Themed Icons Across Applications

With the forthcoming Android 16 QPR2 update, Google is poised to make notable adjustments to app icon theming, requiring a uniform user interface experience across all apps. This upgrade will mandate the use of auto-themed icons, employing a monochromatic filter to match the system’s theme, thus improving visual consistency.

Beginning on October 15, 2025, regulations in the Google Play Store will compel developers to ensure their app icons align with the system’s theming. This alteration is part of a wider initiative aimed at enhancing user experience by guaranteeing that all app icons conform to the Material You design standards, which developers have applied inconsistently up to this point.

With the launch of the Pixel 10 series, the Android 16 QPR2 Beta will unveil these alterations, expanding upon the Material 3 Expressive design enhancements introduced in Android 16 QPR1. The mandatory dark mode feature will also be rolled out, applying a dark theme to apps lacking native support.

Google’s newly developed icon theming engine will automatically implement a color-filtering algorithm, converting app icons to a monochrome aesthetic. This guarantees that all icons are in harmony with the selected theme, resolving prior issues where certain icons seemed out of alignment.

Developers have been officially informed of these changes, with updates to the Google Play Developer Distribution Agreement permitting users to alter app colors or themes. This initiative seeks to avert conflicts regarding brand icon modifications and shield Google from potential takedown requests.

For new developers, these guidelines came into force on September 15, 2025. Google’s enforcement of universal icon theming mirrors a similar strategy by Apple with iOS 18, representing a significant move toward a unified and visually engaging Android ecosystem.

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