Apple restructures streaming around growth — Apple TV stays ad-free Apple is reorganizing its streaming business and putting renewed emphasis on the newly renamed Apple TV brand. In an interview, Apple’s services chief Eddy Cue confirmed the service will remain free of ad interruptions as part of a deliberate strategy to grow the subscription base. The change reflects a clearer positioning for Apple’s video offering: the company is prioritizing a subscriber-first, ad-free experience rather than shifting to an ad-supported model. Apple TV+ is reportedly being rebranded back to Apple TV to streamline the brand and highlight expansion plans. What this means for viewers Ad-free promise: Apple is sticking with an ad-free approach — a selling point for users who prefer uninterrupted viewing. Growth focus: The rebrand and strategy aim to…

Apple Watch SE 3 hits record low — $200, plus discounts on Apple Watch Ultra 3 Apple's Watch SE 3 is on sale for a record low of $200 — a strong pick for anyone looking for an affordable Apple Watch this holiday season. The SE 3 uses the same chipset found in Apple’s flagship models and now includes an always‑on display and fast‑charging support, making it more capable for daily use and sleep tracking. Also on sale: the Apple Watch Ultra 3 is discounted (about $100 off in some listings) and remains the choice for outdoor enthusiasts who want satellite communications, longer battery life and a larger 49mm display. Why the SE 3 is a great budget option Performance: Shares the flagship chipset for snappy performance and longevity. Always‑on…

Spotify tests AI recaps for audiobooks to help you pick up where you left off Spotify is testing an AI-powered feature that generates short recaps for audiobooks to summarize the story up to the point where a listener stopped. Recaps become available after about 15–20 minutes of listening and update as the listener progresses, providing a quick refresher without spoiling future plot points. The feature is currently limited to Spotify’s iOS app and a select number of English-language titles. Spotify emphasized that it won’t train large language models on authors’ works or use narrators’ performances to build voice generation — the recaps are intended solely to help listeners resume their books more easily. How the recaps work Recaps appear after a listener has reached roughly 15–20 minutes into an audiobook.…

Google opens early access for developer verification, but keeps an "advanced" sideload option for experienced users Google has begun inviting developers who distribute apps exclusively outside the Play Store to early access its new developer identity verification in the Android Developer Console. The verification program is intended to make it harder for bad actors to distribute malware by tying app distribution to real, verifiable developer identities. Crucially, Google also revealed it will provide an "advanced flow" that allows experienced users to install unverified apps if they accept the risks. The company says this choice responds to developer and power‑user feedback while aiming to prevent scams that rely on tricking people into sideloading malicious software. How the system will work (so far) Developer verification: Developers who want their apps to run…

Secret Santa gift ideas under $50 — thoughtful, budget-friendly picks Shopping for Secret Santa doesn’t have to be stressful or expensive. For under $50 you can find clever, useful gifts that feel personal — from small collectibles and desk gadgets to practical tech accessories. Here are curated ideas to help you win the exchange without breaking the bank. These picks work for coworkers, casual friends and family members you only see at holiday parties. Aim for something that says you put thought into the gift: useful, widely liked, and easy to wrap. Top categories and examples Collectibles & minis: LEGO minis, Funko Pop keychains or small model kits — great for fans and easy to personalize. Audio & accessories: Budget earbuds, compact Bluetooth speakers or a charging cable set —…

DJI Neo 2 announced — a lightweight, beginner-friendly camera drone DJI has introduced the Neo 2, a compact camera drone aimed primarily at casual users and pilots with limited flight experience. The company highlights its low weight for easy transport, comprehensive obstacle sensing and flight automation that lowers the barrier to getting stable aerial footage on the go. Key elements of the Neo 2’s design include sensors around the chassis that detect obstacles in all directions, helping the drone avoid collisions during typical hobbyist flights. A small display beside the camera provides quick status feedback, while automated flight modes assist newcomers with takeoff, landing and smooth tracking shots. What to expect Compact, travel‑friendly build: Low weight and small footprint make the Neo 2 easy to carry for weekend trips and…

Apple extends holiday return window for 2025 purchases Apple has updated its holiday return policy for the 2025 season. Items delivered between November 12 and December 25, 2025 are eligible for an extended return window — giving shoppers extra time to return or exchange gifts bought for the holidays. This change follows similar moves from other major retailers aiming to make holiday returns less stressful. The extended window typically applies to products ordered from Apple’s online store and delivered within the specified dates; check Apple’s return terms for exact eligibility. What changed Eligibility window: Purchases delivered between Nov 12 and Dec 25, 2025 qualify for the extended return period. Applies to Apple Store purchases: Most items bought from Apple’s online or physical stores are covered, but always verify exclusions (gift…

Valve’s hardware offensive: Steam Machine, Steam Controller and Steam Frame headed for spring Valve has announced a new lineup of hardware aimed at expanding its presence in living‑room and VR gaming. The reveal includes a console‑style Steam Machine, an updated Steam Controller and a new Steam Frame VR headset — all expected to arrive in the spring. The Steam Machine is positioned as a compact, TV‑focused PC running SteamOS. Valve says it will offer front ports for easy access and modern display/network outputs on the back. Early messaging frames the device as more powerful than the Steam Deck and as a local streaming hub for other Steam devices. What we know so far Steam Machine: a console‑style SteamOS PC designed for the living room; Valve pitches it for TV gaming…

Google requires developer verification for sideloaded apps on certified Android devices Google is introducing a new developer verification requirement for Android that aims to reduce fraud from manipulated apps installed outside the Play Store. Under the change, apps installed on certified Android devices will need to be associated with identifiable, verified developers — a move targeted at scams that trick users into installing malicious finance or security apps via links and third‑party stores. The policy is a response to a rise in fraudulent app campaigns that often rely on sideloading or installs outside Google Play. By tying apps to verified developer identities on certified devices, Google expects it will be easier to trace and block bad actors while giving users more confidence when they install software. What changes for users…

Apple brings Digital ID to Wallet using passport chip and biometrics — launching at 250+ TSA checkpoints Apple is introducing a new Digital ID feature for U.S. users that lets people add an ID in Apple Wallet based on data from their U.S. passport chip. The company plans a phased rollout at TSA checkpoints across more than 250 U.S. airports, initially enabling travelers to present a verified digital passport at airport security. The system pairs passport chip data with biometric verification, which Apple says helps confirm identity during the enrollment and presentation process. The move is designed to speed up airport checks while offering a digital alternative to carrying a physical passport. How it works (overview) The Digital ID is created from the passport chip data and linked to biometric…