Author: alex

Mac mini M4 drops to $499 in early Black Friday deals Apple’s 2024 Mac mini M4 has hit an early Black Friday low: the 16GB/256GB base model is on sale for $499 (down from $599). That 17% discount brings a powerful, compact desktop to a price only about $30 above its all‑time low, making it an attractive pick for anyone building a small but capable workstation. We rated the Mac mini M4 highly in review (90) thanks to its strong performance for the size, front‑facing USB‑C and headphone ports, and a default 16GB of RAM — a notable step up from previous minis. If you need more storage or memory, higher‑spec models are also discounted in this round of deals. Current deals to watch Mac mini M4 — 16GB /…

macOS Tahoe icons get squircle ‘Liquid Glass’ look — designers raise concerns With macOS 26 “Tahoe,” Apple rolled out a broad visual refresh that includes a new system icon style based on the squircle shape and a "Liquid Glass" design language. The aim is a consistent, harmonious look across system and app icons, but the change has prompted debate about whether the new icons lose too much detail. Many of the redesigned icons — notably the Preview app’s icon — appear flatter, simpler and with shallower visual depth compared with earlier versions. Critics argue the reduction in texture and layered detail hurts recognizability and personality, while proponents say the uniform squircle grid makes the interface cleaner and more modern. What changed Shape and language: Icons follow a squircle (rounded square)…

Google TV Streamer 4K hits a record-low $75 ahead of Black Friday The Google TV Streamer 4K is on sale for a record-low $75 ahead of Black Friday — a noteworthy discount from its usual $100 price. The device packs a faster processor than Google’s previous streamers, plus 4GB of RAM and 32GB of storage for smoother app switching and more local content. This set-top wedge design includes a compact remote you can ping from the streamer if you misplace it. Note: an HDMI cable may be required if you don’t already have one. Why this deal matters Performance: Faster processor (about 22% quicker vs older models) makes navigation and app loading snappier. Storage & memory: 32GB storage and 4GB RAM give room for apps and smoother multitasking. Smart home…

Toy Story 5 teaser: toys vs a tablet called "Lilypad" — in theaters June 2026 Pixar released a new teaser trailer for Toy Story 5 that pits Woody, Buzz and the rest of Andy/Bonnie’s toys against a new electronic rival: a frog‑themed tablet called Lilypad. The clip frames the device as a seductive new source of play that could displace classic toys, asking bluntly, "Is the age of toys over?" The teaser leans into a familiar emotional beat from the franchise — toys worrying about being forgotten — while updating the threat for today’s kids: consumer electronics and screens. The short trailer uses INXS’s "Never Tear Us Apart" and shows Bonnie receiving a parcel containing Lilypad, voiced by Greta Lee. What we know Premise: The toys must cope with the…

BSI 2025: progress in defenses, but security still critical for small businesses and private users Germany’s Federal Office for Information Security (BSI) published its 2025 annual report covering July 2024–June 2025. The agency notes some progress in defending against cyberattacks but warns the overall security situation remains critical. The report highlights a notable rise in newly discovered vulnerabilities and points to persistent security deficits — particularly among small businesses and private users, who often lack resources or practices to keep systems hardened and up to date. Key findings Timeframe: the analysis covers July 2024 through June 2025. Improved defenses: some sectors showed better incident response and resilience. Rising vulnerabilities: the number of newly discovered security flaws increased during the period. At‑risk groups: small enterprises and private users were identified as…

Google announces Private AI Compute: private cloud for sensitive AI tasks Google has introduced Private AI Compute, a new architecture designed to offload intensive AI workloads to a private cloud when a user’s device lacks sufficient compute power — while keeping strong privacy guarantees. The concept mirrors recent moves by other platform vendors to offer privacy‑focused cloud‑backed AI, like Apple’s Private Cloud Compute. Private AI Compute aims to let apps perform more advanced generative or detection tasks without sending identifiable data to public AI services. According to Google, the system is built to minimize exposure of personal data and to ensure that sensitive processing remains within a controlled environment. Key points Purpose: Offload heavy AI tasks that exceed device capabilities while preserving user privacy. Privacy focus: Uses a private, controlled…

Nomad Tracking Card Pro: a premium metal wallet tracker compatible with Apple’s Find My Nomad has introduced the Tracking Card Pro — a new wallet card designed for people who prefer metal over plastic. The card is compatible with Apple’s "Find My" network, letting users locate a misplaced wallet through Apple’s device network while offering a sleeker, more premium design than typical plastic tags. Rather than a mass-market plastic tracker, the Tracking Card Pro aims at customers who value materials and style. It follows a trend where banks and accessory makers ship metal credit cards and luxury wallet accessories for a refined look and feel. What we know Compatibility: Works with Apple’s Find My network for locating lost items. Design: Metal construction intended for wallet use and a premium aesthetic.…

Gran Turismo 7 Power Pack DLC arrives Dec 4: 50 races, 24‑hour endurance and GT Sophy 3.0 Sony and Polyphony Digital will release a paid Power Pack DLC for Gran Turismo 7 on December 4, 2025. The expansion unlocks 50 new races across 20 themed categories, including lengthy 24‑hour endurance events and full‑race seasons that guide you from practice and qualifying through the main event. The DLC also includes access to Gran Turismo Sophy 3.0, an updated AI opponent designed for more realistic, competitive behavior — promising intense, tail‑to‑nose battles that push players’ limits. Players will also receive 5 million in‑game credits with the pack. Pricing has not yet been announced; the DLC will be available via the PlayStation Store. What’s new in the Power Pack 50 new races spanning…

PokéPark Kanto opens Feb 5, 2026 — Japan’s first permanent Pokémon theme park PokéPark Kanto, the first permanent Pokémon theme park, will welcome visitors on February 5, 2026. Located inside Tokyo’s Yomiuriland amusement park, the new attraction requires an add‑on pass and splits into two main areas: Pokémon Forest and Sedge Town. Unlike previous temporary Pokémon attractions, PokéPark Kanto is a lasting installation designed to immerse guests in the world of Pokémon. The park’s design emphasizes exploration and interaction, with life‑like statues and themed rides that evoke classic moments from the franchise. Main zones & attractions Pokémon Forest: Hills, tall‑grass paths, rocky trails and tunnels where visitors encounter Pokémon displays staged to look like natural behaviors — battling, playing and exploring. Sedge Town: The park’s town center featuring a Pokémon…

Sony’s new 27" PlayStation monitor: 240Hz, HDR, VRR and a DualSense charging hook Sony revealed a new official PlayStation monitor during its State of Play Japan showcase. The 27-inch QHD display supports a 240Hz refresh rate, HDR and variable refresh rate (VRR), and includes a built-in charging hook for your DualSense controller that folds down from the rear of the monitor. Despite the 240Hz panel, Sony limits PS5 gaming to 120Hz — the higher refresh rate is primarily aimed at PC gamers. The monitor will be available in the US and Japan sometime next year; Sony has not announced pricing yet. Key specs and features Display: 27-inch QHD (2560×1440) Refresh rate: Up to 240Hz (PC); PS5 capped at 120Hz HDR & VRR: Support for HDR and variable refresh rate DualSense…