Author: alex

Labor Day: iPad Air (M3) — $150 Off Apple's iPad Air (M3) is currently discounted by $150 on Amazon: the 11-inch model starts at $449 and the 13-inch model at $649. These prices represent a record low for the M3 iPad Air and make it an excellent value for most buyers. Why it’s a good buy M3 chip: Around a ~16% performance boost over the M2 iPad Air, making the tablet feel snappier and more future-proof. Better display & speakers: Improved over the entry-level iPad, and wider accessory support (Apple Pencil, Magic Keyboard equivalents). 13-inch option: Great for artists and users seeking a laptop-like experience. Trade-offs No 120Hz ProMotion OLED like the iPad Pro — refresh rate remains a disadvantage versus Pro models. No Face ID — still uses Touch…

Google Messages adds QR-code verification for RCS end-to-end encryption (beta) Google has begun rolling out a QR-code-based verification method for end-to-end encrypted RCS chats in Google Messages. The feature is currently in beta and aims to simplify verifying that the person you’re messaging is the intended contact. What’s changing Instead of comparing an 80-digit encryption key, you can now show a QR code or scan your contact’s QR code from the conversation details to verify keys. The 80-digit numeric comparison remains available as a fallback if the QR method fails. Google says this is part of a unified public-key verification system that will work across apps. Requirements & rollout The feature is rolling out in Google Messages beta and targets Android 9 and newer. Not yet on the stable channel…

Ultra Roller Complete: New Premium Robot Vacuums from Dreame and Mova Dreame and Mova — long-standing partners in smart home appliances — have each announced new premium robot vacuums announced almost simultaneously. Both brands deliver similar but complementary features: Dreame traditionally focuses on the upper price segment while Mova offers comparable tech at slightly lower prices. Key features (reported) Powerful suction (reported around 28,000 Pa for the Mova Z60 / comparable to Dreame premium models) HydroForce continuous roller mop system — continuous fresh-water roller for better mopping results AutoShield / AutoSeal carpet guard to protect carpets from water while mopping Extendable roller and side brushes (MaxiReach) for better edge and corner cleaning Compact retractable LDS navigation keeping low profile to fit under furniture LiftPro / suspension chassis to clear higher…

UGREEN MagFlow 2-in-1: Now Qi2-certified and up to 25W UGREEN has expanded its MagFlow lineup with a new Qi2-certified 2-in-1 wireless charging station capable of up to 25W. Previously the MagFlow 2-in-1 was available in 15W and a simpler 7.5W version for iPhone users; the new model brings a noticeable boost in wireless charging speed while keeping the familiar magnetic, foldable design. Key specs Qi2 certified magnetic charging Up to 25W total output 2-in-1: phone (magnetic alignment) + earbuds/AirPods Foldable, compact design with adjustable angle Safety: improved temperature management & foreign-object detection Compatibility & availability Designed for MagSafe-compatible iPhones (iPhone 12 and later series) and wireless-charging earbuds such as AirPods. Official product pages for MagFlow chargers are listed on UGREEN's site; some retailer listings (Best Buy) show MagFlow 2-in-1 models.…

Insta360 Link 2 & Link 2C: 4K AI webcams at historic lows Reportedly about a year after launch, the Insta360 Link 2 and Link 2C 4K webcams are currently at their lowest prices to date. According to reports, the Link 2C is being offered for €109 (down from €170) and the Link 2 for €169 (down from €230). These webcams target users who value high-quality video and AI-driven features for streaming, conferencing, and content creation. Key points Models: Insta360 Link 2 and Link 2C Current reported prices (Germany): Link 2C €109 (was €170); Link 2 €169 (was €230) Main features: 4K video (typically 30fps), AI framing/auto-tracking, adjustable field of view and software customization Ideal for: creators, streamers, remote professionals, and anyone needing higher-quality webcam footage Availability & US pricing US…

Apple erwägt Drittanbieter-AI-Partnerschaften für Siri Apple prüft Berichten zufolge, ob Siri künftig statt ausschließlich auf eigene KI-Modelle auf externe Lösungen von Anbietern wie Google (Gemini), OpenAI oder Anthropic zurückgreifen soll. Diese Gespräche stehen im Zusammenhang mit Verzögerungen beim geplanten AI-gestützten Siri‑Update, das nun auf Frühjahr 2026 verschoben wurde. Wesentliche Punkte Apple testet weiterhin eigene Foundation Models, führt aber parallel Gespräche mit Drittanbietern. Die Verzögerung des Siri‑Overhauls wird auf Probleme mit Zuverlässigkeit und Leistung eigener Modelle zurückgeführt. Ein Wechsel zu Drittanbietern wäre ein strategischer Richtungswechsel für Apple und würde branchenweite Trends zur Zusammenarbeit bei KI widerspiegeln. Es gibt noch keine endgültige Entscheidung; Gespräche befinden sich in einem frühen Stadium. Weitere Infos: https://techcrunch.com/2025/08/22/apple-is-in-talks-to-use-googles-gemini-for-siri-revamp-report-says/

Best Air Purifiers for 2025 — Guide & Picks Indoor air can be up to five times more polluted than outdoor air. Energy-efficient homes trap pollutants from cooking, cleaning chemicals, fragrances, pets, smoke and off-gassing furniture. When outdoor air is clean, opening windows for at least 15 minutes a day dramatically improves indoor air quality. If outdoor air is unhealthy (wildfire smoke, heavy traffic pollution, or high pollen), a quality air purifier is the next best option. What air purifiers can and can’t do Air purifiers remove particulate matter (PM2.5/PM10) and—when equipped with activated carbon—can reduce VOCs and odors. HEPA (true HEPA) filters capture very small particles like dust, pollen, mold spores, smoke and some bacteria. No consumer air purifier can reduce CO2; ventilation (opening windows or mechanical ventilation) is…

Disney+ to add ZDF Studios catalogue (“ZDF Filme und Serien”) — report (unconfirmed) Summary (English): According to a report on ifun.de, from 27 August Disney+ will expand its German‑language offering with a large collection of regional productions licensed from ZDF Studios. Branded as “ZDF Filme und Serien”, the selection is said to grow to more than 3,000 episodes and films by the end of the year. Original (German excerpt): "Ab dem 27. August ergänzt Disney+ sein deutschsprachiges Angebot um eine umfangreiche Sammlung regionaler Produktionen. Grundlage ist ein mehrjähriger Lizenzvertrag mit ZDF Studios, durch den zahlreiche Serien und Filme auf der Plattform verfügbar werden. Unter dem Namen ‚ZDF Filme und Serien‘ entsteht bis Ende des Jahres eine Auswahl von mehr als 3.000 Episoden und Filmen […]" What we checked I ran…

Best Portable Bluetooth Speakers — Quick Guide & Top Picks Portable Bluetooth speakers let you take music anywhere — from quiet nights at home to beach days and backyard parties. The best models balance battery life, reliable pairing, durable build and clear sound. Below is a short guide to what matters and a few top picks to consider. Top picks Sonos Roam 2 — Compact, durable, IP67 rated. Search on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Sonos+Roam+2&tag=f1rede-20 Monoprice Soundstage3 — Big sound for the price; might be harder to find. Search on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Monoprice+Soundstage3&tag=f1rede-20 JBL Boombox 3 — Loud, bass-forward and rugged; good for parties. Search on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/s?k=JBL+Boombox+3&tag=f1rede-20 Soundcore Motion X500 — Strong mids/highs and spatial audio features; good value when discounted. Search on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Soundcore+Motion+X500&tag=f1rede-20 What to consider Weather-proofing: Look for IP ratings…

UGREEN MagFlow Qi2: 25W Qi 2.2 Magnetic Power Bank (10,000 mAh)UGREEN has launched the MagFlow Qi2, billed as the world’s first Qi 2.2–certified magnetic power bank. It raises wireless power for portable chargers to up to 25W and is aimed at MagSafe/iPhone users who want faster wireless charging on the go.Key specificationsWireless: Qi 2.2 magnetic, up to 25W wireless chargingCapacity: 10,000 mAhBuilt‑in cable: Braided USB‑C cable that doubles as a carry strap; supports 30W two‑way wired chargingPorts: Magnetic wireless pad + two USB‑C ports — can charge up to three devices simultaneouslyCompatibility: Optimized for Apple MagSafe / current iPhone modelsSafety: Improved thermal control, foreign object detection and intelligent current managementAvailabilityThe MagFlow Qi2 was announced in July 2025 and is available from UGREEN’s online store with shipping expected in late August…