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    • Comments Off on The COROS PACE 4: The Best Budget Running Watch of 2025
    The COROS PACE 4: The Best Budget Running Watch of 2025

    COROS has introduced the PACE 4, an exciting new model in its acclaimed running watch lineup, scheduled to be released on November 10 across the U.S., U.K., France, Spain, Germany, and China. At a price of $249, the PACE 4 brings substantial improvements over its predecessor, the PACE 3. These upgrades feature a 1,500-nit AMOLED screen with a 2.5D curved edge, dual microphones for voice recording, and a sturdy design. With a remarkable 19-day battery life, dual-band GPS, and tailored marathon training programs, it presents a strong option for committed runners.

    The AMOLED display on the PACE 4 enhances visibility, and its battery performance exceeds that of the PACE 3, lasting four days longer during typical use and 16 hours longer when utilizing dual-frequency GPS. The watch is equipped with fitness features like EvoLab, training load metrics, and custom plans, ideal for serious athletes. Although it lacks offline maps, the capabilities of the PACE 4 compete with pricier alternatives such as the Garmin Forerunner 165, which includes ECGs, dual-frequency GPS, and other functionalities.

    Weighing 32g (nylon) or 40g (silicone), the PACE 4 is both lightweight and comfortable for extended runs. It features a 1.2-inch AMOLED touch screen, 5 ATM water resistance, and an array of sensors including PPG, altimeter, and SpO2. The watch supports connectivity through Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, along with navigational tools like breadcrumb trails and turn-by-turn directions.

    The accuracy of the PACE 4 was evaluated alongside the Garmin Forerunner 970, demonstrating dependable heart rate and GPS tracking. It excelled in various environments, consistently maintaining signal precision even in tough conditions. With its sturdy hardware and attractive pricing, the PACE 4 emerges as an excellent option for runners in search of a feature-laden yet budget-friendly watch. Now available on coros.com, it will hit global retailers in December.

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    • sparta
    • Comments Off on Samsung Provides a Six-Month Video Exercise Subscription to Galaxy Watch 8 Purchasers
    Samsung Provides a Six-Month Video Exercise Subscription to Galaxy Watch 8 Purchasers

    The Samsung Health Fitness tab now features iFit workouts, allowing anyone to access up to seven workouts monthly without the $10/month fee.

    (Image credit: Brady Snyder / Android Central)

    Essential Information

    • Samsung Health has incorporated hundreds of “premium workouts from elite trainers” across seven categories: barre, HIIT, mindfulness, Pilates, recovery, strength, and yoga.
    • Users can view workout metrics on their Galaxy Watch while engaged in an iFit session.
    • An iFit subscription is priced at $9.99/month or $99.99/year, yet you can access one on-demand video per category each month.
    • New purchasers of the Galaxy Watch 8 or Ultra will receive six months of unlimited iFit workouts complimentary before a subscription is needed.

    Samsung has outsourced its solution to video workouts similar to those offered by Fitbit Premium and Apple Fitness Plus. On Monday, Samsung officially revealed its collaboration with iFit, a workout platform accessible through fitness machines such as NordicTrack and ProForm. Consequently, iFit workouts will now be included in Samsung Health and on Galaxy Watches.

    iFit initially disclosed this alliance in July, indicating that its collection of strength, yoga, Pilates, cardio, recovery, mindfulness, HIIT, and barre programs will be available to Samsung Health users in Australia, Canada, France, Germany, India, Italy, New Zealand, Spain, the U.K., and the U.S.

    While a monthly fee of $10 is required for full workout access, Samsung clarified that “one on-demand video per category will be available each month at no charge.” This implies that anyone can explore up to seven workouts per month, likely allowing for multiple views.

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    • sparta
    • Comments Off on Baseus Inspire XP1 Earbuds: Bose-Enhanced Spatial Audio and Exceptional Sound Quality at 50% of the Cost of Rivals
    Baseus Inspire XP1 Earbuds: Bose-Enhanced Spatial Audio and Exceptional Sound Quality at 50% of the Cost of Rivals

    The $109 Inspire XP1 earbuds may very well represent the finest bargain in this segment. Baseus, a Chinese accessory brand, has made noteworthy advancements in the audio equipment industry with the Inspire XP1 earbuds. With a price tag of $109 on Amazon, these earbuds present an impressive value given their attributes. Tuned by Bose, they produce sound quality on par with the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Gen 2 earbuds, renowned for their exceptional audio.

    The Inspire XP1 earbuds feature a contoured design, guaranteeing comfort during prolonged usage. Offered in two hues, they showcase a style reminiscent of Bose’s QC Ultra Gen 2. Although they forgo the fin-style configuration, the earbuds are more compact and lightweight, delivering outstanding noise isolation with their included tips.

    Connecting through Bluetooth 6.1, the earbuds provide dependable connectivity and can pair with multiple devices. They come equipped with a low-latency mode for gaming and a transparency setting. The active noise cancellation (ANC) is effective up to 50dB, making them perfect for bustling surroundings. The earbuds shine in call clarity, attributed to their six internal microphones.

    Audio quality is remarkable, featuring a balanced sound profile along with a bass boost option. While AptX audio support is missing, they do offer spatial audio, enriching the listening experience. Their IPX4 sweat resistance makes them appropriate for workouts, though not ideal for use in rainy conditions.

    The Inspire XP1 earbuds deliver over seven hours of battery life, with quick charging allowing for two hours of playback from a mere 10-minute charge. In summary, the Inspire XP1 earbuds merge comfort, sound excellence, and cost-effectiveness, establishing themselves as a leading option in their category.

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    • sparta
    • Comments Off on How to Obtain a $20 Credit on YouTube TV After the Disney Channel Blackout
    How to Obtain a $20 Credit on YouTube TV After the Disney Channel Blackout

    YouTube TV subscribers can now obtain a $20 credit via the platform’s desktop site while Disney-owned channels are still not accessible. This credit will be applicable to the upcoming billing cycle and can be retrieved by going to YouTube TV’s website, clicking on the profile picture, selecting Settings, and heading to Updates. Users should then click on Disney Content and follow the steps to secure the credit. This promotion arises amid persistent conflicts between YouTube TV and Disney, leading to the withdrawal of popular channels such as ABC and ESPN. The credit is intended to reimburse users for the disruption during this time.

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    • sparta
    • Comments Off on Five Costco Electronics Items with Largely Adverse Customer Feedback
    Five Costco Electronics Items with Largely Adverse Customer Feedback

    electronics selections, such as televisions. However, this does not imply that all Costco electronics are a good investment. Browsing the Costco online shop, you can discover countless electronics that have not been well-received by customers. This compilation includes some of the most poorly rated electronics available on the site. 

    Not every product on this compilation has numerous reviews. At first glance, three adverse reviews for a product might not appear to be substantial, but when considering there are only six reviews total, that results in a 50% positive satisfaction rate. This list features a variety of electronics with ratings beneath three out of five stars, encompassing a camera, headphones, and an EV charger.

    Nonetheless, a few of these items could be worth experimenting with yourself. Costco is known for its liberal return policy that allows members to return many products hassle-free. It’s also possible that Costco has rectified an issue mentioned by customers regarding these products since the negative reviews surfaced. Here’s what customers found unsatisfactory about each product so you can understand the concerns better.

    Sony WH1000XM5/SA

    The Sony WH1000XM5/SA is an over-ear Bluetooth headphone featuring two 30 mm dynamic drivers with a frequency response range of 4 to 40,000 Hz. A major advantage of this device is its noise-cancelling functionality. With eight microphones, the headphones’ Auto NC Optimizer captures sound and eliminates unwanted noise. Additionally, you can use the microphones to take phone calls with Precise Voice Pickup Technology, which is designed to capture your voice even in noisy settings.

    Sony states that the headphones can provide around 40 hours of uninterrupted music playback on a single charge, or 30 hours if the noise-cancelling feature is activated. You can

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    • sparta
    • Comments Off on Effectiveness of Autonomous Vehicles in Wintry Conditions
    Effectiveness of Autonomous Vehicles in Wintry Conditions

    Driverless vehicles might be drawing nearer to widespread adoption, yet one barrier still proves challenging for even the most advanced algorithms — snow. When the roadways are blanketed in white during winter, the cameras, lidar, and radar systems that navigate autonomous cars suddenly encounter an environment they can’t easily decipher. Snow can obscure lane markings, create unpredictable light reflections, and even imitate physical objects, bewildering the perception systems that driverless vehicles rely on.

    As reported by The Verge, Waymo, Alphabet’s autonomous car branch, has been discreetly testing its robotaxis in snowy conditions to assess their performance when visibility declines and traction is lost. The objective is straightforward: to ensure autonomous vehicles are just as adept in sleet and snow as they are on dry roads. However, the challenge is substantial, posing a dilemma for companies eager to deploy their robotaxis in various U.S. cities and beyond.

    The sensors that identify pedestrians and road edges can become encrusted in slush, leading to diminished GPS accuracy, particularly during heavy snowfall, and icy surfaces complicate braking predictions. Nonetheless, self-driving car firms like Waymo remain undeterred. According to The Verge, they are equipping their vehicles through thousands of simulated snow scenarios and actual tests in frigid cities to educate their AI on managing the unforeseen. The findings so far indicate that autonomous cars can operate in snowy conditions, albeit not perfectly, at least for now. Let’s explore why winter driving poses such a challenge for autonomous systems and what the industry is doing to make all-weather robotaxis a reality.

    How snow confounds self-driving sensors

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    • sparta
    • Comments Off on China Demands Apple to Eliminate Top Gay Dating Apps
    China Demands Apple to Eliminate Top Gay Dating Apps

    Apple has taken down two of the most widely used gay dating applications in China from its App Store to adhere to a governmental directive. This action comes in response to an order from the Cyberspace Administration of China, the principal internet regulator and censorship body within the country. The applications, Blued and Finka, have also been eliminated from various Android app stores in China, as reported by Wired.

    Usually, Apple provides a standard response regarding adherence to local legislation, but this time it contained more detailed information. An Apple representative confirmed that the removal was restricted to the Chinese storefront and mentioned that the apps had not been accessible in other nations for a while. Earlier this year, the creator of Finka opted to take the app down from stores outside of China, while Blued was exclusively available within the nation.

    Blued, which boasted over 49 million registered users in 2020, along with Finka’s removal, seems to be part of a larger effort to suppress LGBTQ+ content and rights in China. While homosexuality was decriminalized in the 1990s, the Chinese government does not acknowledge same-sex marriage, and the LGBTQ+ community has experienced escalating pressure in recent times. Numerous gay rights organizations have been shut down, and social media outlets often censor LGBTQ+ material.

    Apple’s adherence to local regulations is vital, particularly as China continues to be an important market and manufacturing center for the company. Yet, this move raises questions about the corporation’s dedication to its principles, especially considering CEO Tim Cook’s public position on LGBTQ+ rights. Cook has underscored the significance of visibility and equality, asserting that coming out as gay was a moral obligation for him.

    The removal of these applications underscores the persistent difficulties faced by the LGBTQ+ community in China and the challenges that multinational corporations face while navigating local laws and cultural standards.

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    • Richard
    • Comments Off on Hands-On Evaluation: Investigating the Aesthetics and Components of the OnePlus 15 Featuring Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 Ahead of Worldwide Release
    Hands-On Evaluation: Investigating the Aesthetics and Components of the OnePlus 15 Featuring Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 Ahead of Worldwide Release

    OnePlus has continually captivated the smartphone industry with its blend of top-tier specifications and competitive pricing, and the OnePlus 15 is no different. Released in China in late October, the worldwide launch is scheduled for November 13, with a slight holdup in U.S. availability due to FCC approval matters. The OnePlus 15 upholds the brand’s legacy of providing value by including all essentials in the package, such as a fast charger, which is increasingly uncommon among flagship devices today.

    The OnePlus 15 is driven by the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chipset, guaranteeing notable performance enhancements compared to its predecessor. It boasts a 6.78-inch flat OLED screen with a resolution of 1272 x 2772 and a refresh rate of up to 165Hz. The device’s camera system comprises a 50MP primary sensor, a 50MP ultrawide lens, and a 50MP telephoto lens, delivering versatile photography options.

    OnePlus has also prioritized design, choosing flat surfaces and a distinctive ceramic-like finish on the aluminum frame, offering a luxurious feel and natural resistance to fingerprints. The phone houses a significant 7,300mAh battery, facilitating fast wired and wireless charging.

    Inside the box, users will discover the OnePlus 15, a charging cable, a fast charger, a preinstalled screen protector, a SIM tool, and manuals. This all-inclusive package guarantees that users have everything required to fully enjoy their new device right from the start.

    In summary, the OnePlus 15 is poised to be a formidable player in the flagship smartphone arena, presenting impressive specifications, careful design, and exceptional value for investment.

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    • Richard
    • Comments Off on Galaxy S26 Series Anticipated to Release Sooner with Possible Price Hike
    Galaxy S26 Series Anticipated to Release Sooner with Possible Price Hike

    A late January release anticipated

    (Image credit: Nicholas Sutrich / Android Central)

    Key information

    • Samsung is expected to unveil the Galaxy S26 series in late January 2026, with sales commencing by mid-February.
    • The Galaxy S26 Ultra will utilize Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 worldwide, while the other variants will incorporate Exynos 2600 processors.
    • Prices for the Galaxy S26 series might increase as a result of higher component prices such as RAM and SoC chips.
    • The Galaxy S26 Ultra could come with a more prominent front camera cutout, the largest ever seen on an Ultra model.

    Notice

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    • sparta
    • Comments Off on Gemini’s Latest API Tool Connects with Reliable Data Sources
    Gemini’s Latest API Tool Connects with Reliable Data Sources

    The tool enables developers to utilize their reliable data as the basis for Gemini.

    Important details:
    – Google is introducing the File Search Tool, a user-friendly RAG system integrated within the Gemini API.
    – The File Search Tool can utilize documents and databases to provide Gemini responses with factual context.
    – Responses from the Gemini API that utilize the File Search Tool include citations that allow users to verify the model’s output.

    Google is incorporating a native retrieval-augmented generation (RAG) system into the Gemini API to facilitate developers in reinforcing their AI tools with substantial data. This feature, known as the File Search Tool, is described by the company as a “straightforward, embedded, and scalable approach to grounding Gemini with your data.” It produces outputs from the Gemini API that are “more precise, pertinent, and verifiable,” according to the announcement blog post.

    The File Search Tool utilizes the Gemini Embedding model but relieves users of the substantial effort needed to create a custom RAG system. Instead, the tool manages file storage, chunking, embeddings, and dynamic context injection automatically. Following this, the File Search Tool employs vector search to interpret a provided prompt and determine related information and data from the supplied documents.

    Google states that the File Search Tool can reveal pertinent information from submitted documents even if the precise words or phrases are not present. Furthermore, the model’s responses are straightforward to verify, as citations indicate exactly where the File Search Tool and Gemini API derived an answer. Users can subsequently validate the model’s output to confirm accuracy.

    The File Search Tool accommodates a broad range of application and text-based file formats, detailed here. It encompasses most major file formats and programming types, including PDF, DOCX, TXT, and JSON. This facilitates the process of transferring your existing database to the Gemini API through the File Search Tool.

    Requirements to try the File Search Tool:
    A demonstration application is available in the Google AI Studio, allowing developers to see how the File Search Tool can be integrated into their business applications. The tool is paid, yet developers only need to pay a fixed fee of $0.15 per 1 million tokens for the initial embedding and indexing of their files. Following this, storage and embedding generation are free for each individual query.

    Google mentions that this payment structure “makes the File Search Tool not only significantly easier but also very economical to develop and expand.” It is now accessible in the Gemini API for those interested in testing it.

    This marks the second announcement related to the Gemini API this week, as Google previously revealed support for JSON Schema, simplifying the API’s use in multi-agent workflows.

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