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    • sparta
    • Comments Off on Cybercriminals Transform 150 Browser Add-ons into Harmful Software: More Information Within
    Cybercriminals Transform 150 Browser Add-ons into Harmful Software: More Information Within

    essential Google Chrome extensions; however, most fail to recognize which ones should be removed. After a protracted seven-year cyberhacking initiative that compromised around 4.3 million Chrome and Edge browsers with spyware, it may be appropriate to take that action. Referred to as ShadyPanda by the cybersecurity analysis firm Koi Security, which initially disclosed the operation in December 2025, this group managed multiple legitimate browser extensions for years before exploiting them to harvest users’ web browsing information. According to Koi Security, the Chinese hacking organization exemplifies how malicious entities target prominent markets like Google and Microsoft Edge, building up users before rolling out software updates that infect victims with harmful malware. In the wake of the report, several additional extensions linked to the operation were publicly disclosed by Hacker News:

    • Clean Master: the top Chrome Cache Cleaner
    • Speedtest Pro-Free Online Internet Speed Test
    • BlockSite
    • Address bar search engine changer
    • SafeSwift New Tab
    • Infinity V+ New Tab
    • OneTab Plus:Tab Management & Productivity
    • WeTab 新标签页
    • Infinity New Tab for Mobile
    • Infinity New Tab (Pro)
    • Infinity New Tab
    • Dream Afar New Tab
    • Download Manager Pro
    • Galaxy Theme Wallpaper HD 4k HomePage
    • Halo 4K Wallpaper HD HomePage

    When Koi revealed the information, many of these applications were still functioning in both Google Chrome and Microsoft Edge browser stores. Nevertheless, in a statement provided to The Hacker News, Microsoft indicated that it had eliminated all the extensions implicated in the scam. Following the incident, specialists advise users to delete any unfamiliar browser extensions, assess privacy permissions, and

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    • sparta
    • Comments Off on Optimizing Apple Health: Key Advice for Improved Utilization
    Optimizing Apple Health: Key Advice for Improved Utilization

    # Optimizing the Apple Health App for a Healthier 2026

    The Apple Health app on iPhone functions as an all-encompassing resource for monitoring different dimensions of your health. By bringing together data from your Apple Watch, importing medical documentation, and linking with external applications, it delivers a flexible platform for health management. Here’s how to enhance your experience with the Apple Health app, particularly as you strive for a healthier lifestyle in 2026.

    ## Apple Watch Connection

    The Apple Watch and Apple Health app are crafted to operate cohesively. While the Apple Fitness app centers on exercise data, the Apple Health app presents a broader outlook, recording metrics such as steps taken, heart rate, and resting heart rate. This comprehensive perspective enables users to examine historical data and trends over time.

    For those lacking an Apple Watch, a variety of third-party fitness trackers, such as WHOOP and smart rings including Oura Ring and Ultrahuman Ring, can also link with the Apple Health app, guaranteeing effective tracking of fitness metrics.

    ## Monitoring Additional Metrics

    In addition to wearables, the Apple Health app accommodates integration with several accessories that can keep an eye on vital health metrics. For example, the Withings BPM Connect blood pressure monitor permits users to easily track their blood pressure daily, automatically uploading results to the app for trend monitoring. The OMRON Evolv is another well-known alternative that provides similar functions at a more affordable price.

    Smart scales also work with the Apple Health app. Devices like the Withings Body Smart Scale and the more advanced Withings Body Scan offer insights into weight and additional metrics without requiring manual data input. More economical alternatives, such as the Wyze Scale Ultra, are available for those seeking budget-friendly choices.

    Along with blood pressure and weight, the Apple Health app can incorporate data from smart thermometers, sleep tracking gadgets, glucose monitors, and more, delivering a thorough view of your health.

    ## Linking with Health Records

    The Apple Health app enables users to directly connect with their medical records, allowing access to lab results, allergies, immunizations, medical conditions, and treatments. To initiate this, go to the Health app, tap your profile image, and select “Medical Records.” Accessibility may differ based on your healthcare provider, but many doctors and hospitals utilizing MyChart should be compatible.

    ## Personalizing the Apple Health Layout

    After your health data is gathered, it’s vital to customize the arrangement of the Apple Health app to highlight the most critical information. By pressing the “Edit” button in the top-right corner, you can reorder metrics to suit your preferences, making key data like step count, heart rate, and blood pressure easily reachable.

    ## Administering Data Sources

    To ensure clarity in your health data, it’s important to manage the sources that feed the Apple Health app with information. By visiting the “Apps” section within your profile, you can control which applications have read and write permissions for your data. For instance, you might restrict the Withings app to only write weight and blood pressure information, avoiding unnecessary clutter in your health records.

    ## Trends and Highlights

    The Apple Health app includes a Trends and Highlights section that provides insights into your health behaviors. For example, you might observe trends showing that you’ve averaged more steps over a designated timeframe, while highlights can notify you of deviations from your typical activity levels.

    ## Medical ID and Data Sharing

    In the Health app, the “Sharing” tab allows you to share your health data with family members or healthcare professionals. You can selectively decide which metrics to share and withdraw access whenever needed. Furthermore, establishing a Medical ID is essential for emergencies, offering crucial information like allergies and medications.

    ## Third-Party Applications

    Many third-party applications integrate with the Apple Health app, enhancing its capabilities. These apps can monitor specific metrics not included in the default setups, offering a more tailored health management experience.

    ## Conclusion

    The Apple Health app is a powerful resource for anyone aiming to enhance their health and well-being. By unifying data from various origins, personalizing the layout, and utilizing third-party accessories, users can gain important insights into their health. As you pursue your health objectives in 2026, consider maximizing the complete potential of the Apple Health app to remain informed and driven.

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    • sparta
    • Comments Off on Apple Labels iPhone 11 Pro as ‘Vintage’: Grasping the Consequences
    Apple Labels iPhone 11 Pro as ‘Vintage’: Grasping the Consequences

    ### iPhone 11 Pro, Apple Watch Series 5, and More Now Labeled as ‘Vintage’

    Apple has a roster of products categorized as ‘vintage’ and ‘obsolete,’ which has recently been updated to include the iPhone 11 Pro, Apple Watch Series 5, among various other devices. This categorization illustrates Apple’s policy on the availability of repairs and service components for older technology.

    #### Clarifying Vintage and Obsolete Terms

    Apple characterizes ‘vintage’ products as those that have not been sold for over five years, while ‘obsolete’ products refer to those that have been discontinued for seven years or more. The differentiation is crucial: obsolete products are ineligible for any servicing, whereas vintage products may still receive repairs, though availability may be restricted.

    #### New Entries to the Vintage Category

    The most recent items included in Apple’s vintage list are:

    – iPhone 11 Pro
    – Apple Watch Series 5
    – 2020 13-inch MacBook Air with Intel
    – iPad Air 3 with Cellular
    – iPhone 8 Plus (128GB variant)

    Of these, the iPhone 11 Pro is notable, as it continues to receive the latest iOS updates. Currently, it is the oldest iPhone model capable of operating iOS 26.

    #### Consequences for Users

    While users can still secure repairs for the iPhone 11 Pro via Apple, its classification as vintage signifies that it will be rendered obsolete in two years, at which time repair options will cease to be available. This change serves as a prompt for users to evaluate their plans for upgrading or replacing devices as they near obsolescence.

    For a full catalog of products identified as vintage or obsolete, users may visit Apple’s official support site.

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    • sparta
    • Comments Off on Frequent Errors Users Commit with Apple’s iPhone Trade-In Program
    Frequent Errors Users Commit with Apple’s iPhone Trade-In Program

    notable modifications to its iPhone range, such as removing the less expensive 128GB versions from all iPhone models. While this is positive news for consumers, the iPhone remains a costly gadget. This is why it might be wise to take advantage of any carrier discounts, financing opportunities, and trade-in offers that can lower the iPhone’s price. Fortunately for iPhone users, Apple has a trade-in program that allows customers to exchange their old iPhone for credit applicable toward a new iPhone purchase.

    In theory, this represents the easiest trade-in method, as you’re working directly with the seller. However, there’s a significant error you might be making when utilizing the Apple Trade-In program, one that isn’t immediately clear: you’re returning your old phone to Apple via shipment rather than delivering it to a retail location. These are the two choices Apple provides. Customers can either send the old iPhone back to Apple or submit it at a retail store.

    Buyers have a 14-day period to ensure that Apple receives the old iPhone. Following this, Apple will assess the device and determine if the original trade-in value still stands. Regardless of how you return your old iPhone to Apple, you should ideally receive the same credit amount. However, this will not occur if the iPhone is damaged during shipping, which is a risk that comes with using the shipping kit Apple provides for home use. Apple may reduce the credited amount to account for the damage or provide you with $0 upon finding the iPhone significantly impaired.

    Feedback from iPhone owners

    <source media="(min-width: 429px)" src

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    • sparta
    • Comments Off on AirPods Pro 3 Unveils Fresh Health Function: An Overview on How to Make Use of It
    AirPods Pro 3 Unveils Fresh Health Function: An Overview on How to Make Use of It

    ### Heart Rate Detection with AirPods Pro 3: All You Need to Know

    AirPods Pro 3 represent an excellent enhancement over their already impressive predecessor, and an often-overlooked benefit of this new version is a robust health feature: heart rate detection. This capability permits users to monitor their heart rate information within the Health app on their iPhone and allows for closing Activity rings without the necessity for an Apple Watch. There are unique advantages within Apple Fitness+ as well.

    #### Steps to Activate Heart Rate Detection

    To leverage the heart rate detection feature, confirm that it is activated. While using AirPods Pro 3, launch the Settings app on your iPhone, select your AirPods’ name at the top of the display, and scroll down to locate ‘Heart Rate.’ Ensure this is toggled to on. Once activated, your heart rate information will be automatically recorded in the Apple Health app on your iPhone. You can view it by opening Health, tapping the search icon in the lower right, and choosing ‘Heart.’

    #### Enhancing Heart Rate Detection Precision

    For the most precise heart rate measurements, Apple suggests the following recommendations:

    1. **Verify the fit**: Conduct a fit test in the Settings app.
    2. **Maintain updated Health app information**: Your height, weight, gender, and age all influence heart rate readings.
    3. **Regularly clean your AirPods**: Remove buildup that could interfere with accurate readings.
    4. **Assess for ear issues or alterations**: Earwax accumulation, moisture, skin conditions, ear piercings, and metal accessories may impact sensor efficacy.

    Adhering to this advice will help ensure your heart rate readings are as precise as possible. If you use both AirPods Pro 3 and an Apple Watch, both devices will monitor your heart rate, with the “highest-confidence source” being recorded at any given moment.

    Have you been utilizing the heart rate tracking feature of AirPods Pro 3? How has it performed for you? Share your thoughts in the comments.

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    • Richard
    • Comments Off on Doctors’ Viewpoints on HBO Max’s “The Pitt”
    Doctors’ Viewpoints on HBO Max’s “The Pitt”

    The top-rated television shows of 2025, as per IMDb, include HBO Max’s The Pitt, a critically acclaimed hospital drama featuring Noah Wyle. The series does a commendable job of illustrating the turmoil and intensity associated with working in an emergency room. What differentiates The Pitt from other hospital dramas is its unwavering dedication to delivering a starkly accurate representation of the ER setting. In straightforward terms, The Pitt eliminates numerous conventional story arcs typical in standard hospital dramas, with melodramatic relationships among doctors serving as a notable instance. Instead, the series prioritizes raw realism.

    The episode structure of The Pitt is also intriguing and contributes to the show’s overall authenticity. Each episode, in particular, unfolds in real time over a single hour within a hospital emergency room. Throughout the season, the show grants viewers a 15-hour window into the realities of an emergency room environment. If this narrative style seems familiar, it’s because it resembles a format made famous by the blockbuster series 24 in the early 2000s.

    Since its launch earlier this year, The Pitt has received overwhelmingly favorable feedback from both audiences and critics. For instance, this past September, the series was awarded the 2025 Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Drama Series. Central to the show’s triumph is its candidly realistic depiction of life within the emergency room.

    Medical professionals declare The Pitt the most authentic hospital drama ever produced

    <source media="(min-width: 429px)" srcset="https://www.bgr.com/img/gallery/how-real-doctors-feel-about-hbo-maxs-the-pitt/doctors-say-the-pitt-is-the-most-realistic-hospital-drama-ever-made-1767006469.webp

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    • Richard
    • Comments Off on Learning to Handle Feelings with Google’s Journal Application
    Learning to Handle Feelings with Google’s Journal Application

    I faced numerous mental health challenges this year, yet this app aided my development and progress.

    Not everyone is fond of journaling. For me, writing has always been an enjoyable and creative escape, which is why I built a career around it. However, I had never intentionally recorded my personal thoughts or viewed it as a method to clarify my mind and comprehend my emotions.

    This year proved to be exceptionally tough for me, filled with mental distress and frequent panic-related breakdowns. Thank goodness for therapy! Nonetheless, there are profound, dark, and painful thoughts that remain unspoken, even to a neutral therapist who is paid to assist you through your mental landscape without judgment. Google’s Journal app, also known as Pixel Journal, significantly helped me process these feelings, release them, and gain a deeper understanding of them.

    Why did I wait until I turned 28 to start journaling as a form of emotional expression? Well, it’s not my first experience with a “diary” of sorts. At the tender age of seven, I owned a cherished fruit-scented diary equipped with a lock and key. I vividly remember eagerly jotting down my feelings and documenting my emotions for weeks. That is, until my siblings discovered it and read it aloud to each other, leaving me utterly embarrassed. In hindsight, I placed too much trust in a flimsy locked diary from a dollar store. But then again, I was only seven.

    Strangely, that anxiety about someone stumbling upon my journal and mocking my deepest thoughts lingered on. At least, it did until I acquired my Pixel 10 Pro this year.

    A smartphone is such a personal item. We already store many of our most private thoughts and aspects of ourselves within it, whether it’s messages between closest friends or discreetly locked folders of pictures we want to keep hidden. It can even include something as trivial as your internet browsing history, cheesy music, or dubious e-books. A smartphone essentially acts as a diary or journal. It’s a reliable companion in life that won’t gossip or betray you. And it’s secured with a password!

    Thus, while setting up my Pixel 10 Pro and discovering the Journal app, I felt ready to release some significant burdens. Issues that plagued my nights, old wounds that drove me to madness at times, everything that my anxiety tends to replay without end, and the overwhelming internal chatter.

    I didn’t anticipate it would benefit me as much as it did, but I’m grateful for the bravery it took to begin. Pixel Journal isn’t some enchantingly magical app that erases my problems. I understand it’s not vastly different from any mental health app I could’ve downloaded that allows date logging, photo uploading, or list-making. However, its preloaded status on my phone and seamless integration with the phone’s user interface proved very beneficial. The AI features were particularly advantageous for me.

    What sets the Google Pixel Journal app apart is its AI-driven prompts and summaries. They validate your feelings, encourage reflection, and aid in learning from your experiences. I’ve received invaluable insights from the late-night musings of my anxious mind. The Journal adapts based on your previous entries and even offers prompts related to earlier topics, facilitating personal growth.

    You can revisit your past by reviewing the built-in calendar to sense how you felt during specific weeks or months. Journal entries can be tagged with emotions and topics. Customization options extend to font type and color. The app links with your Google Photos and allows you to incorporate pictures, videos, locations, and even Health Connect data!

    In addition to all these fantastic features, I appreciate that the app is password-protected, ensuring your privacy is safeguarded. All entries are backed up to your Google account, but all AI processing remains local to your device. For insight into why on-device processing is crucial, I highly recommend a remarkable article written by my senior colleague, Jerry Hildenbrand. Essentially, none of the information you log is utilized for training AI models or advertisements.

    As 2026 approaches, a new year is on the horizon. As a habitual overthinker, high achiever, and planner, my anxiety tends to peak during this period. Perhaps due to my heightened awareness of my thoughts, this year I find myself feeling less afraid.

    I will step into the new year equipped with a valuable mental wellness tool that has greatly assisted me over the past two to three months of 2025. And as odd or trivial as it may seem, I’m genuinely pleased I invested in the Pixel.

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    • Richard
    • Comments Off on New Additions and Material Arriving on Apple TV in January
    New Additions and Material Arriving on Apple TV in January

    Apple TV is poised to start 2026 with an exhilarating collection of returning shows in January. The platform will showcase a diverse array of genres, including espionage thrillers, comedies, and dramas. Here’s an in-depth preview of what Apple TV has in store for this month.

    ### Tehran (Season 3)
    – **Release Date:** January 9
    – **Genre:** Espionage Thriller

    “Tehran” chronicles the journey of Tamar (Niv Sultan), a Mossad hacker-agent who embeds herself in Tehran using a false identity. After going off the grid at the conclusion of season two, Tamar must reinvent her persona and win back the Mossad’s favor to stay alive. This season will feature the return of familiar characters like Shaun Toub and Shila Ommi, alongside newcomers such as Hugh Laurie and Sasson Gabai.

    [Watch Tehran’s first two seasons here](https://tv.apple.com/show/tehran/umc.cmc.337cdk1ou0bmn6frmzxwm7xqd?itscg=30200&itsct=tv_box_link&mttnsubad=umc.cmc.337cdk1ou0bmn6frmzxwm7xqd&at=1000l3cvR).

    ### Hijack (Season 2)
    – **Release Date:** January 14
    – **Genre:** Thriller

    The second season of “Hijack” focuses on a hostage crisis on a Berlin underground train. Sam Nelson (Idris Elba) finds himself in the middle of the turmoil, where each choice could spell catastrophe.

    [Watch Hijack’s first season here](https://tv.apple.com/show/hijack/umc.cmc.1dg08zn0g3zx52hs8npoj5qe3?itscg=30200&itsct=tv_box_link&mttnsubad=umc.cmc.1dg08zn0g3zx52hs8npoj5qe3&at=1000l3cvR).

    ### Drops of God (Season 2)
    – **Release Date:** January 21
    – **Genre:** Drama

    In the second season of “Drops of God,” siblings Camille and Issei embark on a journey to uncover the secret behind the world’s finest wine, a mystery their father could never unravel. Their adventure will challenge their relationship and force them to face hidden rivalries and secrets.

    [Watch Drops of God’s first season here](https://tv.apple.com/show/drops-of-god/umc.cmc.497ttx33nudgzywis3i2bnvuk?itscg=30200&itsct=tv_box_link&mttnsubad=umc.cmc.497ttx33nudgzywis3i2bnvuk&at=1000l3cvR).

    ### Shrinking (Season 3)
    – **Release Date:** January 28
    – **Genre:** Comedy

    “Shrinking” depicts a grieving therapist who starts to defy the norm by being brutally honest with his clients. This season promises to introduce major changes in his life and the lives of those around him.

    [Watch Shrinking’s first two seasons here](https://tv.apple.com/show/shrinking/umc.cmc.apzybj6eqf6pzccd97kev7bs?itscg=30200&itsct=tv_box_link&mttnsubad=umc.cmc.apzybj6eqf6pzccd97kev7bs&at=1000l3cvR).

    ### Yo Gabba GabbaLand! (Season 2)
    – **Release Date:** January 30
    – **Genre:** Kids & Family

    “Yo Gabba GabbaLand!” expands on the original series, blending early childhood milestones with fun and music. The program is designed to assist young kids in tackling preschool challenges in an entertaining and engaging manner.

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    • Richard
    • Comments Off on Nvidia’s Gaming Application Poised for Major Transformations
    Nvidia’s Gaming Application Poised for Major Transformations

    playing Fortnite on your iPhone, but the business is finally enforcing an old policy on most of its users, which might complicate matters for those who enjoy staying focused on the screen.

    Introduced way back in 2018 as a beta streaming service for slower devices, Nvidia’s GeForce NOW is a cloud gaming platform that enables gamers to enjoy hardware-demanding titles on a variety of possibly underpowered gadgets. In 2024, the company revealed that new subscribers would face a 100-hour limit per month, and now this regulation is effectively being extended to all subscribers at the beginning of the year, with one exception for some accounts.

    Although users on the platform prior to the 2024 announcement were given over a year to adjust, Nvidia’s timing is unfortunate for some, as it comes at a moment when AI is making it quite challenging for many to assemble a new computer. While Nvidia asserts this will only influence a small percentage of active users — and likely casual gamers won’t be impacted — it still has many individuals across the internet looking for alternatives.

    Nvidia’s GeForce NOW restricts gaming to 100 hours

    The Nvidia logo emblazoned on a concrete structure outside the firm's headquarters in Santa Clara, California

    UVL/Shutterstock

    Nvidia is familiar with implementing changes to its cloud-gaming platform, GeForce NOW. In February 2024, the company started displaying ads to free users before they began their gaming sessions, with Nvidia stating this would assist in supporting the service while decreasing the time free players had

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    • Richard
    • Comments Off on How to Rapidly Charge Your New Apple Watch After Unboxing
    How to Rapidly Charge Your New Apple Watch After Unboxing

    # Quick Charging for Apple Watch: Key Information

    A notable enhancement in the recent Apple Watch generations is the launch of quick charging functionalities. This capability allows users to rapidly replenish their Apple Watch batteries, making it easier than ever to keep the device operational throughout the day. This feature is available in the newest Apple Watch Series 11 and Apple Watch Ultra 3, along with several former versions.

    ## Which Apple Watch Models Are Compatible with Quick Charging?

    The following Apple Watch versions support quick charging:

    – Apple Watch Series 7
    – Apple Watch Series 8
    – Apple Watch Series 9
    – Apple Watch Series 10
    – Apple Watch Series 11
    – Apple Watch SE 3
    – All Apple Watch Ultra iterations

    For further details, Apple offers a support document that explains the specifics of quick charging for these versions.

    ## What Do You Require to Quick Charge Your Apple Watch?

    To take advantage of quick charging, a few crucial components are necessary:

    1. **Apple USB-C Magnetic Quick Charging Cable**: This cable, which comes with the Apple Watch starting from the Series 7 and Ultra models, has an aluminum casing surrounding the magnetic charger instead of plastic. It is 1 meter long and can be purchased separately for $29. When buying from third-party vendors, be sure to search for the model number A2515.

    2. **USB-C Power Adapter**: Apple has stopped including a power adapter in the packaging, so you will need to use an existing one or buy a new one. Any USB-C power adapter that supports USB Power Delivery of 5W or more is suitable for Apple Watch quick charging. Established brands like Anker provide these adapters for under $20.

    It is essential to be aware that older charging solutions, such as Apple’s MagSafe Duo or the Apple Watch Magnetic Charging Dock, do not offer quick charging, regardless of the cable or power adapter utilized.

    ## Additional Charging Alternatives

    If you are searching for more charging solutions, various third-party options are available:

    – **[Twelve South Butterfly 2-in-1 MagSafe Charger](https://geni.us/3iX4o3s)**
    – **[Belkin Apple Watch Quick Charger Dock](https://geni.us/THnMQA)**
    – **[Belkin 3-in-1 Wireless Charger – Quick Charging Stand](https://geni.us/SxEw)**
    – **

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