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China and Japan Might Alleviate Apple’s Rising Prices Following AI Sector Expansion

an increased demand for RAM and other parts is already impacting the industry as a whole. Nonetheless, RAM is not the sole component that producers are having difficulty sourcing; a significant Japanese firm responsible for a glass cloth fiber used in iPhone models and various other popular devices is struggling to meet the requirements of Apple, Qualcomm, Nvidia, Google, Amazon, and others.

This glass cloth is composed of fine glass fibers that strengthen layers in printed circuit boards (PCBs), with the most common fibers being produced by Japan’s Nitto Boseki (also known as Nittobo). As reported by Nikkei Asia, Apple was an early user of Nittobo’s glass cloth. However, with AI companies demanding vast quantities of high-performance PCBs, this particular glass cloth has allegedly placed Apple in jeopardy of experiencing a supply deficit.

Nikkei Asia notes that industry insiders are labeling this pressure as “one of the major bottlenecks for the electronics production and AI sector for 2026.” Apple has been closely observing the development by not only dispatching its personnel to Japan to secure the material but also contacting other firms that could assist the company in avoiding potential launch delays, product deficits, or price increases.

Apple is facing supply chain challenges

Budget-Friendly Audiophile Devices to Elevate Your Music Experience

 article regarding the FiiO Snowsky DAC/Amp, you understand that a small investment can significantly enhance your phone’s audio quality. We chose to build upon this concept to provide you with a comprehensive compilation of affordable audio gadgets that will elevate your listening experience — encompassing everything from headphones and mobile accessories to home speakers and beyond.

The reality about premium audio is that spending does not always correlate with superior sound. Indeed, investing more in the right audiophile headphones can yield great returns in sound clarity, yet that increased expenditure does not automatically guarantee proportional value. Nonetheless, there are several areas where individuals frequently economize. Whether you’re equipped with subpar headphones and need to inject some vitality into them or possess a speaker setup at home that requires a bit of enhancement, we have some alternatives tailored for you.

1. Moondrop Echo-A Portable USB-C DAC/AMP

Although the FiiO Snowsky suggestion mentioned earlier remains excellent, the Moondrop Echo-A presents a somewhat more straightforward plug-and-play solution. FiiO provides in-line charging and additional app control, but you must install the app to unlock its full capabilities. Conversely, if you seek high-quality 3.5-millimeter wired audio, the Moondrop Echo-A is an obvious choice to pack in your travel gear. 

Initially, Moondrop is a brand well-regarded by audiophiles that offers some of the finest in-ear-monitor-style

One UI 8.5 Gears Up for Significant Performance Enhancement for Galaxy Devices

Details are surfacing on social media, and if accurate, Galaxy phones are set to be speedy.

What you need to know

– A source suggests that Samsung has released an update for its One UI 8.5 beta that enhances its Android kernel version.
– Consequently, the post asserts that One UI 8.5 feels “smoother” and “more responsive,” potentially an experience that users will encounter in the upcoming beta.
– Another source claims that what was first noted might actually be Samsung’s stable release intentions for One UI 8.5.
– Samsung launched One UI 8.5 Beta 3 to testers earlier in January, featuring a significant 1.2GB download that includes an extensive list of fixes.

Samsung is reportedly making a significant system-level adjustment for its forthcoming One UI software that could transform the experience for Galaxy phones.

This week, prominent social media source Ice Universe disclosed some information about a supposed kernel upgrade for Samsung’s One UI 8.5 (via SamMobile). As noted by the publication, the kernel acts as the “bridge” between a device’s software and hardware, and Ice Universe states that Samsung has upgraded its version from 6.6.77 to 6.6.98.

Their post emphasizes that this marks the first instance of the company upgrading its kernel, and it was done unexpectedly.

The leak indicates that this alteration was found in Samsung’s One UI 8.5 ZZAA version for the Galaxy S25 series, currently participating in the Beta Program. In their evaluations, Ice Universe reports that Samsung’s One UI system “is smoother and more responsive.” Furthermore, they mention “touch response, animations, and overall fluidity have been enhanced.”

Rumors branch out in two directions from this point. On one hand, Ice Universe suggests that testers might access this major update in One UI 8.5 Beta 4. Conversely, another source, TheOneCID, asserts this could be Samsung’s official One UI 8.5 version for release. Their post mentions discovery of a corresponding CZAA build on the U.S. and Canadian servers for Samsung’s devices.

Speculations indicated One UI 8.5 would be significant.

We will need to observe how developments unfold from here, as we have only recently gotten One UI 8.5 Beta 3 in January. Shortly after the turn of the year, Samsung introduced Beta 3 for its next significant One UI update, which came with a 1.2GB download. The company was engaged in correcting numerous items for users, including lock screen issues, gallery delays, and more.

One major complaint users had regarding the new software was its unusual battery drain. Samsung’s patch notes indicate it has implemented a fix for that “excessive” battery drain issue caused by specific apps. Beta 2 for One UI 8.5 was released on December 22, just a few weeks prior to Beta 3.

It may be reasonable to conclude we are in for another update before the Galaxy S26 series is poised to debut.

Users not on the beta received their January 2026 security update this week as well. This update addressed significant security vulnerabilities, delivering approximately 55 fixes to the Galaxy S25 series.

Apple’s Newest Model Incorporates Vision Comprehension and Image Creation for Improved Performance

Apple researchers have released a study on Manzano, a multimodal framework that combines visual comprehension and text-to-image generation while reducing the performance and quality trade-offs evident in existing models. The study, titled [MANZANO: A Simple and Scalable Unified Multimodal Model with a Hybrid Vision Tokenizer](https://machinelearning.apple.com/research/manzano), introduces a cohesive method that enables both image comprehension and creation within a singular framework.

Present-day multimodal models frequently encounter difficulties in reconciling visual comprehension with generative capabilities. Generally, these models either emphasize autoregressive image generation at the cost of visual understanding or the other way around. This challenge stems from the conflicting needs of visual tokenization, where autoregressive generation thrives on discrete image tokens, whereas understanding necessitates continuous embeddings. Numerous current models adopt a dual-tokenizer approach, resulting in inefficiencies and task conflicts.

Manzano resolves these challenges by utilizing an autoregressive language model (LLM) to anticipate the semantic meaning of an image, which is subsequently processed by a diffusion decoder to generate the actual pixels. The structure of Manzano consists of three essential elements:

1. A hybrid vision tokenizer that produces both continuous and discrete visual representations.
2. An LLM decoder that forecasts the subsequent discrete image or text tokens from a combined vocabulary.
3. An image decoder that translates the anticipated image tokens into pixel data.

This groundbreaking architecture enables Manzano to adeptly manage intricate prompts, achieving performance on par with top models like GPT-4o and Nano Banana. Across various benchmarks, both the 3B and 30B parameter versions of Manzano displayed superior or competitive outcomes compared to other leading unified multimodal LLMs.

The researchers evaluated Manzano with a spectrum of model sizes, ranging from 300 million parameters to 30 billion parameters, to analyze how performance scales with increased model size. Furthermore, Manzano excels in image editing tasks, including instruction-guided editing, style transfer, inpainting/outpainting, and depth estimation.

For a detailed examination of Manzano’s architecture, tokenizer training, diffusion decoder design, and evaluation findings, the complete study can be accessed [here](https://machinelearning.apple.com/research/manzano). This research highlights Apple’s ongoing endeavors to improve image generation capabilities, with potential future applications in their products.

Mint Mobile Provides T-Mobile-Enabled Unlimited Plan at $15/Month for Verizon Users

There’s no time like the present to make the switch

(Image credit: Mint Mobile)

Android 17 Leak Unveils Major Quick Settings Revamp for Improved Usability

Android 17 may reverse one of Google’s most aggravating UI choices.

What you should know

– Android 17 might finally refresh Quick Settings after years of the same chaotic pull-down interface.
– Standard Pixel devices could receive this as an option, allowing users to pick between the traditional combined view and the new split format.
– Tablets and foldables probably won’t have a choice — split view might be obligatory on larger displays such as the Pixel Fold.
– Wi-Fi and mobile data toggles might be divided again, reversing Android 12’s debated unified Internet toggle.

The Quick Settings panel in Android has remained unchanged for years, and it seems Google may finally address that flaw.

Recent leaks regarding Android 17 indicate that Google is preparing for a significant update in how notifications and system toggles function. According to Mystic Leaks on Telegram, Android may soon feature a tidier, more structured split instead of a single wide pull-down for everything.

Presently, Android’s notification shade and Quick Settings occupy the same congested area on stock devices like Pixel phones. Pull down once for notifications, and pull down again for toggles. It functions, but it’s cluttered, particularly on larger phones where everything seems piled together.

The latest leak mentions that Google is evaluating a genuine split layout in Android 17. This means that swiping from the left edge would display only notifications, while swiping from the right would showcase Quick Settings.

If this rings a bell, it’s because brands like Samsung and Xiaomi already implement a similar method. The distinctiveness is that Google would make this official within Android itself, instead of relegating it to custom skins.

For regular Pixel users, this alteration appears to be optional. You’ll likely be able to navigate to Settings > Notifications and toggle between the traditional “Combined” view and the newly proposed “Separate” layout, as reported earlier by Android Authority.

However, for those with a tablet or a foldable, options may be limited. The leak specifies that split-view mode will be mandatory on larger-screen devices. On a Pixel Fold, you could switch to split view on the inner display, while only the outer screen might permit reverting to the traditional merged look. This approach is sensible for larger screens, but compelling power users to adapt their workflow carries some risk.

Wi-Fi and mobile data toggles may finally become less bothersome

The second enhancement is more nuanced and, according to some, long overdue.

Android 12 introduced the combined Internet toggle, which required a mini menu to alternate between Wi-Fi and mobile data. Google claimed this helped avoid accidental disconnects, but users believed it complicated matters. That discussion continues.

The new leak proposes that Android 17 could reintroduce separate toggles for Wi-Fi and mobile data. Mystic Leaks suggests that Google is testing layouts that load more quickly and offer one-tap access.

This approach reduces accidental taps for casual users while delivering faster control for power users. It’s a rare win-win for Android’s interface.

Of course, none of these modifications are yet guaranteed. They remain concealed in early Android 17 builds, meaning Google could revise, postpone, or even scrap them entirely prior to launch.

Netflix Debuts Its Inaugural Original Podcasts: Future Launches and Information

Netflix is officially making its entrance into the podcasting world, representing a major extension of its content repertoire. Following the recent debut of video podcasts through a collaboration with Spotify, Netflix is now poised to launch its first original podcasts featuring well-known figures.

### Launch of Netflix Original Podcasts with Pete Davidson and Michael Irvin

Podcasting has experienced a dramatic rise in popularity, fueled by platforms such as YouTube and Spotify, with Apple Podcasts also witnessing a revival. The medium has become essential to political campaigns and promotional efforts for films and television, underscored by the Golden Globes’ establishment of an award for ‘Best Podcast.’

Acknowledging the increasing impact of podcasts, Netflix, the foremost global streaming service, has opted to embrace the movement. The company has secured partnerships with Spotify and iHeartRadio for exclusive video podcasts, while also introducing its own original content.

Netflix has revealed its first two in-house podcasts:

– **The Pete Davidson Show**, debuting on Friday, January 30
– **The White House with Michael Irvin**, launching on Monday, January 19

#### Show Descriptions

**The Pete Davidson Show**: This podcast showcases the former *Saturday Night Live* star in a relaxed atmosphere, engaging in open discussions with friends. The show guarantees an unfiltered approach to conversations.

**The White House with Michael Irvin**: This sports-themed podcast will address current sports headlines, game evaluations, and commentary. It will present two episodes weekly and will feature a rotating cast of co-hosts, including former NFL All-Pro wide receiver Brandon Marshall, who is also engaged in the show’s production.

New episodes of *The Pete Davidson Show* will be published every Friday, whereas *The White House with Michael Irvin* will deliver two episodes each week. Both podcasts will be available to anyone with a Netflix subscription, fitting with the platform’s goal to assimilate various types of content.

As Netflix broadens its podcast offerings, it prompts the inquiry of how audiences will interact with this novel format. The fusion of video and audio content could transform the podcasting landscape, creating an exhilarating advancement for both the platform and its subscribers.

Three Key Gemini-Enhanced Siri Functions That Android Misses

Google’s Gemini will drive the new Siri. The Information released a report detailing this collaboration, highlighting some prospective capabilities of Apple’s virtual assistant. As per the report, Apple will have the ability to incorporate even more functionalities than what was pledged at WWDC 2024.

The updated Siri will finally eliminate the “I can’t help you with that” reply and will instead provide factual information, narrate stories, function as an effective assistant, and even deliver emotional support. According to a source close to the situation, The Information states that Siri will assist you in planning your next travel arrangements. Future features, which may be disclosed during the WWDC 2026 keynote, could encompass the ability to recall previous discussions and propose actions based on app information.

However, the most intriguing aspect of these speculated features (enabled by Gemini) is that even Android users do not have access to similar functionalities, given the present capabilities of Google Gemini. This raises the question of whether the rumored functions of the new Siri expansion are developments made by Apple itself — or if Google might reveal some of them at its upcoming I/O conference to level the playing field.

These are the speculated distinctions between Google Gemini and a Gemini-enhanced Siri

“Uncover the Overlooked ’90s Sci-Fi Techno-Thriller from James Cameron”

Elon Musk’s Neuralink captures memories, enabling the user to experience them again. Yet, when Lenny acquires a memory detailing a murder, it entangles him and Bassett’s character in a conspiracy he strives to reveal.

In a movie centered on clinging to the past and the cherished memories we possess, there’s a poignant irony in “Strange Days” that eludes easy grasp. This may be due to the film not reaching the same success as Cameron’s other productions. Grossing nearly $8 million at the box office against a $42 million budget, it turned out to be a commercial disappointment, evolving into a cult classic now absent from any streaming platform. However, even if you haven’t stumbled upon this overlooked Cameron-written film, you may very well have caught a snippet of it in one of the biggest hits of the late ’90s.

Strange Days found a renewed presence in a Fatboy Slim track

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Gemini’s ‘Personal Insight’ Employs Google Apps for Pertinent Responses

Gemini familiarizes itself with your personal information to assist you in your daily activities.

(Image credit: Google)