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US version of TikTok may still use Chinese algorithm — summary & analysis Recent reports say a potential US–China deal could license TikTok's Chinese algorithm for use in a US version of the app, while placing ownership/control with American investors. Key names mentioned in reporting include Wang Jingtao, deputy director of China's Cyberspace Administration, who said the deal would include "licensing the algorithm and other intellectual property rights." The Financial Times and other outlets have reported on the talks; an original summary appeared on Engadget — read the Engadget report. Why this matters TikTok's recommendation algorithm has been central to US concerns about influence and data control. Licensing the algorithm to a US-run entity raises questions about whether algorithmic behavior can be audited, modified, or fully detached from its original…

Apple Watch SE 3 vs Apple Watch Series 11 — Quick Comparison and Buying Guide The new Apple Watch SE 3 (starts at $249; $299 for cellular) has closed the gap with the flagship Series 11 (starts at $399). Both run watchOS 26 and share the S10 chip, Always‑On Retina displays, 5G on cellular models, important safety features (Fall & Crash Detection, Emergency SOS), and many core health and tracking tools. But the Series 11 still leads in advanced health sensing, display brightness/size, battery life and premium materials. What’s the same watchOS 26 and S10 chip (similar performance) Always‑On Retina display (first for SE line) Basic health & safety: heart notifications, sleep tracking, temperature sensing, Cycle Tracking, noise monitoring, Fall & Crash Detection 5G on cellular models, gesture controls, water…

Apple Watch Ultra 3 — Satellite comms, S10 chip, up to 42‑hour battery Apple’s new Watch Ultra 3 brings several upgrades focused on connectivity and endurance. Key highlights: Satellite communications — Emergency SOS via satellite, plus Messages and Find My via satellite. Apple includes two years of satellite service; Messages and Find My via satellite require an active cellular plan (Emergency SOS via satellite works without a paid watch plan for emergency use). S10 chip — New 64‑bit S10 processor for improved performance and efficiency. Display & battery — Larger LTPO3 wide‑angle OLED with thinner bezels; Apple claims up to 42 hours of battery life (longer in low‑power modes). Connectivity & health — 5G support, dual‑frequency GPS, hypertension notifications, Sleep Score and other health features introduced with Series 11, plus…

Apple AirPods Pro (3rd generation) — Quick Summary Apple’s AirPods Pro (3rd gen) bring notable upgrades: stronger active noise cancellation, a redesigned fit, and an integrated optical heart‑rate sensor that works with Apple Fitness and compatible third‑party apps. Early reports note improved passive isolation from the new ear‑tip design, plus advanced computational audio. Some users may find the new shape takes getting used to, and there are tradeoffs around battery life in certain use cases. Key features Active Noise Cancellation (ANC): Apple claims meaningful ANC improvements over the previous generation (Apple has reported roughly 2× the cancellation vs AirPods Pro 2). Ear tips & fit: New ear‑tip design for better seal and passive isolation; the earbuds also have a redesigned housing. Heart‑rate sensor: Integrated optical sensor that feeds data to…

macOS Tahoe — Apple lists all system changes in detail Apple released macOS Tahoe and published an official PDF summarizing the operating system's many updates. The document groups changes by theme, from visual refinements to small but useful improvements across built-in apps. Highlights "Liquid Glass" visuals — a refreshed look and visual refinements across the system. UI and system tweaks — subtle changes intended to improve clarity and usability. App improvements — refinements in Finder, Safari, Mail, Messages and other everyday apps. Read the official overview and full PDF on Apple's site: Apple — macOS Tahoe What macOS change are you most looking forward to? Share your thoughts below.

Beats launches new iPhone 17 cases — now with discounts Beats (Apple’s audio-focused brand) released a new lineup of iPhone 17 cases covering iPhone 17, 17 Pro, 17 Pro Max and iPhone Air. The range includes three models: Matte Case — slim profile, matte finish, MagSafe support. Kickstand Case — includes a detachable lanyard that converts into a kickstand. Rugged Case — reinforced sides, textured grip and higher impact protection. All cases support MagSafe and Camera Control. Launch prices were roughly $45 (Matte), $59 (Kickstand) and $79 (Rugged). Recent promotions have cut prices by up to ~25% (e.g., base case ≈ $36, Rugged ≈ $60). Quick facts Compatibility: iPhone 17, 17 Pro, 17 Pro Max, iPhone Air Features: MagSafe, Camera Control, lanyard/kickstand on Kickstand model Colors: multiple colors aligned with…

Remind Me Faster 6.0 brings quick-entry Reminders to Mac Remind Me Faster, the fast-entry companion app for Apple Reminders, has reached version 6.0 and is now available for macOS. The update brings the app's quick reminder creation workflow to the Mac, making it easier to add tasks without diving through the Reminders app menus. Main new features macOS support — create reminders quickly on your Mac. Natural language input — type phrases like “Reply to Alex tomorrow 10am” to set time, list, or priority. One-tap presets — save common times or locations for faster entry. Quick access — launchers for Lock Screen, Control Center, and the share sheet/action button provide speedy entry points across devices. Where to get it: Remind Me Faster on the App Store: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/remind-me-faster/id985555908 Release date: The…

Best Budgeting Apps After Mint Shutdown (2025) As a former Mint user, I needed a new budgeting app after Intuit shut down Mint in March 2024 and encouraged users to migrate to Credit Karma. After testing Credit Karma and several top competitors, I found Credit Karma wasn’t a full replacement for Mint. I tested a short-list of budgeting apps to find alternatives that import accounts, track spending, show net worth and monitor credit — and I’ve shared my findings here to help you choose the best app for your needs. Top alternatives and quick notes NerdWallet — solid free tools and financial product comparisons. Quicken Simplifi — polished budgeting and a good alternative for those who liked Mint’s structure. PocketGuard — used to be a strong free tracker but now…

Aqara Shutter Switch H2 EU — Matter, Thread & Zigbee for roller shutters (≈€60) Aqara has expanded its European lineup with the Shutter Switch H2 EU: an in-wall smart switch designed for 4-wire bidirectional AC motors used in roller shutters, blinds and Venetian systems. Priced at around €60, it brings Thread (Matter) and Zigbee support for flexible integration. Key features Protocols: Thread (Matter-ready) and Zigbee Designed for 4‑wire bidirectional AC shutter/blind motors Precise position control: 1–100% (up/down/pause) Supports wireless switches and automations within the Aqara ecosystem Available now across EU retailers and certified on CSA IoT Official product/certification page: CSA IoT – Shutter Switch H2 EU Search on Amazon (US affiliate): Aqara Shutter Switch H2 EU on Amazon (search link) Who is it for? If you use motorized blinds or…

Amazon Offers 3 Months Free Kindle Unlimited for Prime Members Amazon is giving Prime members an early Deal Days perk: 3 months of Kindle Unlimited for free. The subscription normally costs about $11.99 per month in the US, so this trial can save you roughly $36 if you use the full period. What you get: Access to millions of eBooks and thousands of audiobooks Read on Kindle devices or the free Kindle app Offer confirmed for Prime members in the US and Germany as part of early Deal Days/Prime Day promotions How to claim: sign in to your Prime account and activate the Kindle Unlimited trial. After three months, the subscription will auto-renew at the standard monthly price unless you cancel. Important: Cancel before the trial ends if you don’t…