• Apple and Google Restore TikTok to App Stores in the U.S.
    www.nytimes.com
    The popular social media app was removed to comply with a new law that banned it in the United States.
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  • TikTok has returned to the Apple App Store
    appleinsider.com
    Apple has finally returned TikTok to the App Store after receiving a letter from US Attorney General Pam Bondi.TikTok returning to Apple App StoreApps controlled by Chinese company ByteDance were banned on January 19 due to failing to meet requirements set by a law. On January 20, newly inaugurated President Trump signed an executive order that aimed to restore TikTok's operation in the United States for 75 days.The President doesn't have the authority to stop the Department of Justice from enforcing laws, so companies like Apple and Google were cautious and didn't restore the app to their app stores. According to a report from Bloomberg, the newly appointed Attorney General Pam Bondi sent a letter to Apple, which has resulted in the promised return of TikTok. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums
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  • Architecture at Zero proposals imagine a new middle school campus for East L.A.
    archinect.com
    A group of eight selected proposals that were submitted for the 2024 edition of the Architecture at Zero competition have been publicized, each featuring a unique idea that responded to the challenge of designing a new middle school in East Los Angeles.The competition breaks down award winners into three categories: Professionals, College/University Students, and High School Students. The brief asked each to design a new campus building for the Griffith STEAM Magnet Middle School that includes science labs, art classroom, maker space, outdoor learning environments, and a teacher workroom.The competition, which is sponsored by AIA California was judged by architect Allison Williams and other experts. Recognized entries will split an award pool of $25,000 in total prizes. The 2024 competition marks the 11th edition of Architecture at Zero, which began in 2011.PROFESSIONALHonor Award
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  • TikTok is back in the App Store
    www.theverge.com
    Nearly a month after it was banned in the US, TikTok has returned to the App Store for iPhones and other Apple devices as well as the Google Play store for Android phones and tablets.The return follows US Attorney General Pam Bondi sending a letter to Apple assuring that it wont be fined for hosting the app, according to Bloomberg, which first reported that the app would return.Apple and Google removed TikTok from their app stores in January to comply with a law banning apps from TikTok owner ByteDance. Although President Donald Trump signed an executive order on January 20th that directed the Department of Justice not to enforce the ban for 75 days, Apple and Google have until now refused to host it in their stores due to the risk of billions of dollars in penalties for doing so.Apple and Google didnt respond to The Verges request for comment about receiving the letter from Bondi. Spokespeople for TikTok and the Department of Justice also didnt respond to requests for comment.Vice President JD Vance has reportedly been tasked by Trump to oversee negotiations for a potential sale of TikTok.
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  • AI for Everyone: The Biggest AI Myths People Still Believe
    towardsai.net
    Author(s): Sophia Banton Originally published on Towards AI. AI for Everyone: The Biggest AI Myths People Still BelieveAI will take away all of our jobs. AI will develop intelligence beyond human control and dominate the world. AI doesnt have personal opinions.I hear these claims all the time but as someone who works in AI, Ive seen firsthand that the truth is far more interesting. Lets separate fact from fiction.1 AI Will Take All Our Jobs The Myth: AI will replace humans, leading to mass unemployment. The Reality: AI automates tasks, not entire jobs it actually creates new work opportunities.Fears about AI-driven job loss arent new people have had the same fears about new technology throughout history. Think back to the introduction of ATMs. People feared bank tellers would become obsolete. The opposite happened: tellers transitioned into customer service and financial advisory roles, and banks actually hired more staff overall. This wasnt a fluke its part of a historical pattern weve seen before.During the Industrial Revolution, automation displaced many traditional workers, but it also created entirely new job categories, like factory supervisors, machine maintenance specialists, and industrial engineers. Todays AI revolution is following the same path, generating new roles such as:AI ethics specialists who ensure AI systems are fair and responsiblePrompt engineers who teach AI how to respond more effectivelyMachine learning auditors who verify AI decisionsAI trainers who help refine and improve AI models Lessons from ExperienceI witnessed this automation transformation firsthand when my team created an AI solution to identify and prioritize influential stakeholders. Previously, teams spent countless hours manually researching who mattered most. Our AI solution automated that process but instead of eliminating jobs, it allowed people to shift their focus from finding the right people to optimizing engagement with them. Instead of replacing human effort, the AI amplified strategic decision-making.Key Takeaway: AI doesnt replace human effort it shifts it. While automation handles repetitive tasks, people are freed up to focus on strategy, creativity, and relationship-building.2 AI Will Become Self-Aware and Take Over (The Terminator Myth) The Myth: AI will wake up and overthrow humanity. The Reality: AI follows the rules we give it it doesnt think or desire like a human.Pop culture fuels many fears about AI taking over. One famous example is Sophia the Robot. Sophia the Robot once joked about world domination, and people panicked. But Sophia is not self-aware its just a chatbot with a humanoid face. The entire fear of AI taking over comes from science fiction, not science. Lessons from ExperienceAI models dont wake up. In fact, they often fail spectacularly when faced with real-world complexity. I once developed an AI to predict trends from physicians notes. It performed exceptionally well on the practice examples, but when tested on actual clinical notes, its accuracy plummeted. The real-world data was too messy filled with shorthand, misspellings, and abbreviations that the model hadnt seen before. AI only knows what it has seen before it doesnt decide to improve itself.Key Takeaway: AI isnt plotting world domination its following math, not malice.3 AI Is Completely Unbiased The Myth: AI is neutral because its based on data, not emotions. The Reality: AI learns and copies human biases from its examples.Bias, or prejudice, can show up in AI responses. This happens because AI learns from existing information, just like a child learns from their surroundings. If the information it learns from has unfairness, the AI might innocently repeat those behaviors when answering our questions or having conversations.Bias in AI isnt theoretical its happening in real-world systems today. We have seen it in areas such as:Credit scoring models offering lower credit limits to women than men, despite similar financial backgrounds. (Stanford HAI)AI-driven risk assessments in the criminal justice system disproportionately flagging minorities as high-risk. (Innocence Project)Facial recognition software making more mistakes with darker skin tones because it was mostly tested on lighter-skinned people. (ACLU)These biases arent intentional, but they are real and can have serious consequences. Lessons from ExperienceWhile building an internal AI solution to identify and prioritize key stakeholders, I was asked whether we should include a column for gender. I declined. Why? Because the data was uneven there were significantly more men in the profession. Including gender would have skewed the AIs decisions, unintentionally reducing the influence scores of women. By recognizing this risk early, we prevented the AI from reinforcing systemic bias and ensured a fairer approach to stakeholder analysis.Key Takeaway: AI is only as fair as what it learns from. Responsible AI means watching out for these biases.4 AI Is Replacing Human Creativity The Myth: AI is taking over art, writing, and music humans will no longer be needed. The Reality: AI assists creativity, but it doesnt replace human originality.This is one of the areas in which modern AI shines brightest the ability to rapidly generate the artistry that lives in our minds. Popular tools like DALLE and Midjourney allow us to dream, and for adults, its a chance to fall in love with art like we did when we were young. But despite their potential, AI tools sit idly, waiting for us. When we make requests, they use the music, paintings, literature, and other works they have learned from to try and create what we ask for. In that regard, AI is relying on our creativity to express its own. Ive experienced this firsthand while using AI for visual storytelling. Lessons from ExperienceI use AI to help generate visuals for my writing. Sometimes, AI adds something unexpected that makes me rethink my own ideas.Below, I asked the AI to help me create an image of my sisters and me as children at a waterfall. I guided the AI, but the yellow bow and the distinct color choices yellow, pink, and blue were all AI-generated. The AI intuitively captured the idea that in families, sisters express themselves in their own unique ways.Despite AIs brilliant additions to my imagination, at the end of the day its my vision shaping the final result. AI isnt replacing my creativity its amplifying it.Key Takeaway: AI enhances creativity it doesnt replace the artist behind the vision.5 AI Fully Understands What We Say The Myth: AI gets us like another human would. The Reality: AI analyzes words based on patterns, not emotionally.Early conversational AIs like Alexa and Siri didnt really understand us. You could ask the same question two different ways and get completely different answers. This wasnt necessarily a bad thing it was just how they worked. Their responses were more rigid and rule-based, meaning they werent great at handling open-ended conversations, but they also didnt go off track as easily.Modern AIs like ChatGPT are better at understanding human language as it is written and spoken, but they still struggle with the quirks of our language things like sarcasm or humor. So, no, they dont fully understand us, but they are getting better at it. And even when they seem to understand us, its just a computer program processing words and making predictions about what the answers should be. Its a remarkable and giant leap for technology, and possibly humanity, but still just a computer program following instructions. Ive tested this firsthand, and the results were eye-opening. Lessons from ExperienceI once tested ChatGPT by feeding it a sarcastic sentence:Me: Oh great, another Monday! My favorite day of the week.AI: Glad to hear you enjoy Mondays! They can be a great start to a productive week!ChatGPT cheerfully responded by agreeing with my sentence. It had no clue I was being sarcastic. This shows that AI doesnt understand words it simply predicts what should come next. Even as conversational AIs like ChatGPT get better, they will still struggle with the subtleties of human expression, like sarcasm and humor. Why? Because they dont truly grasp meaning they just make the best guess of what should come next in conversation.Key Takeaway: Conversational AI is impressive, but its still just using patterns, not true understanding.The Truth About AIAI isnt magic, and its not our enemy. AI is a powerful tool it reflects human ingenuity, but also our biases and limitations. Ive witnessed the myths firsthand, but Ive also seen the incredible potential of AI to improve our lives when used responsibly. So, if youre unsure about AIs role in society and our lives, give it a try and you may unlock new ideas, opportunities and even new forms of self-expression.The greatest myth of all? That AIs future is out of our hands.About the AuthorSophia Banton is an AI Solution Lead specializing in Responsible AI governance, workplace AI adoption, and AI strategy in IT. With a background in bioinformatics, public health, and data science, she brings an interdisciplinary approach to AI implementation and governance. She writes about the real-world impact of AI beyond theory, bridging technical execution with business strategy. Connect with her on LinkedIn or explore more AI insights on Medium.Join thousands of data leaders on the AI newsletter. Join over 80,000 subscribers and keep up to date with the latest developments in AI. From research to projects and ideas. If you are building an AI startup, an AI-related product, or a service, we invite you to consider becoming asponsor. Published via Towards AI
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  • Save 50% Off This Convenient Portable Nintendo Switch Dock Charger
    www.ign.com
    Sometimes bringing along the official Switch dock is a good idea if you know that there will be a TV to hook it up to, but unfortunately the dock is a little bulky and you'll still need to bring along a wall charger. Instead, you might want to check out the Mirabox Portable 36W Nintendo Switch Dock Charger, which is currently only $19.99 after a 50% off coupon code "50LPZWW1". This little gadget charges your Nintendo Switch (at its maximum charging rate) and has an HDMI port to connect your Switch to a TV. It has all the functionality of your dock in a more compact footprint.50% Off Mirabox Portable Nintendo Switch Dock ChargerMirabox 36W Nintendo Switch Dock ChargerThe Mirabox dock charger is clad in your choice of black, white, or the iconic Switch red and blue color scheme. It has three ports: a USB Type-C port, a USB Type-A port, and an HDMI port. The USB Type-C port supports Power Delivery up to 31W, which is more enough juice to charge the Switch at its maximum rate, which is only 18W. That benefit of a faster charging rate, besides quicker charging, is that you can play games while topping up the battery. The HDMI port connects your Switch to your TV. The Mirabox supports up to 1080p resolutions at 60Hz refresh rate.The biggest advantage of the Mirabox is that it is 1/10th the size of the Switch dock. That makes it much easier to stow away in your bag without having to buy yet another larger Switch case. A USB Type-C cable is already included as well, so all you need to supply is your Nintendo Switch and an HDMI cable.Get the 65W model for Steam Deck and Asus ROG AllyMirabox 65W Dock Charger (Better for Asus ROG Ally, Steam Deck)Note that there's a 65W model that is $25.99 after you apply the same code "N9XORL7H". This is overkill for the Nintendo Switch,; however it's the preferred model if you plan to use the charger dock with the Asus ROG Ally, which accepts up to 65W, or the Steam Deck, which accepts up to 38W. The HDMI port also supports up to 4K resolution at 60Hz.Check out more of the best Nintendo Switch deals today.Why Should You Trust IGN's Deals Team?IGN's deals team has a combined 30+ years of experience finding the best discounts in gaming, tech, and just about every other category. We don't try to trick our readers into buying things they don't need at prices that aren't worth buying something at. Our ultimate goal is to surface the best possible deals from brands we trust and our editorial team has personal experience with. You can check out our deals standards here for more information on our process, or keep up with the latest deals we find on IGN's Deals account on Twitter.Eric Song is the IGN commerce manager in charge of finding the best gaming and tech deals every day. When Eric isn't hunting for deals for other people at work, he's hunting for deals for himself during his free time.
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  • The Best iPhone Accessories to Buy in 2025
    www.ign.com
    As one of the best smartphones around, the iPhone comes with a wealth of features to keep you entertained for hours. That doesnt mean you cant enhance your experience even more with a few accessories. Whether you enjoy mobile gaming, want to charge your phone wirelessly, or need to protect your device from scratches, theres an accessory out there thats suitable for you. TL;DR These Are the Best iPhone Accessories in 2025:Apple AirPods Pro 2See it at AmazonSmartish Slim CaseSee it at AmazonAnker USB-C 747 ChargerSee it at AmazoniOttie Velox Magnetic Dash MountSee it at AmazonSpigen Tempered Glass Screen ProtectorSee it at AmazonApple MagSafe ChargerSee it at AmazonAnker MagGo Power BankSee it at AmazonAnker USB-C to USB-C CableSee it at AmazonMophie Powerstation PlusSee it at AmazonRazer Kishi UltraSee it at AmazonJBL Go 3See it at AmazonEcasp Cleaner KitSee it at AmazonThe lastest iPhone lineup, the iPhone 16, comes as a rather barebones package, so you might want to grab a pair of earbuds or a wall charger. It's no secret that the best smartwatch for iPhone is Apple Watch Series 10, and you can always stay in the iOS ecosystem with Apples other official accessories. But going off-piste could mean enjoying some more affordable options on things like screen protectors, chargers, or even a cleaning kit to maintain your smartphone. Contributions from Georgie Peru and Rudie Obias1. Apple AirPods Pro 2Best Wireless Earbuds for iPhoneApple AirPods Pro 2Enjoy Apples H2 chip and experience better noise cancellation, crisp audio, and rich bass. Including four pairs of silicone tips, you can comfortably wear the Apple AirPods Pro 2 for long periods of time.See it at AmazonProduct SpecificationsCompatible Apple iPhoneiPhone 6s or newerMaterialPlasticPrice$249PROSEffective noise-cancelingSeamlessly pair with iPhoneCONSNo high-resolution Bluetooth audioIts no surprise that the Apple AirPods Pro are the best wireless earbuds, especially for iPhones. They feature excellent and rich audio for music and podcasts, top-of-the-line noise canceling to block out ambient and background noise, and they sync seamlessly to the iPhone via iOS and Apple Keychain. These earbuds also have spatial audio features that make listening to your favorite music an immersive experience. These are the very best AirPods you can buy right now.Want a great iPhone earbuds alternative? IGN expert Nick Woodard did hands-on testing of the Apple AirPods 4 with ANC, giving the headphones an 8/10. He even stated the earbuds go head-to-head in several categories with the AirPods Pro 2, making the AirPods 4 a great lower-cost option that still seamlessly works with iPhones. 2. Smartish Slim CaseBest iPhone CaseSmartish Slim CaseLightweight protection doesnt have to cost a lot. With a range of designs to choose from, this stylish iPhone 16 case works with MagSafe chargers and accessories.See it at AmazonProduct SpecificationsCompatible Apple iPhoneiPhone 16, 16 Plus, 16 Pro, 16 Pro MaxMaterialHard plastic and rubber Price$19.99PROSAbsorbs shock during fallMagSafe built-inCONSYellowing of certain color ways over timeThe iPhone is an expensive and delicate piece of tech. Although its less prone to shattering if dropped these days, we still recommend wrapping your phone in a lightweight, yet durable case like the Smartish Slim Case.Made from tough hard plastic and rubber, this case features cushioned corners that absorb and disperse impact away from the phone itself to prevent cracking if dropped. Its also designed with raised bumpers, so the display wont sit flush with a flat surface when facedown. Meanwhile, the Smartish Slim Case is made with MagSafe built-in for wireless charging and other accessories.It comes in nine colors and styles, including black, blue, transparent, purple, and more. Plus, the case is available in various sizes to fit all the latest iPhone 16 models. 3. Anker USB-C 747 ChargerBest Wall Charger for iPhoneAnker USB-C 747 ChargerCharge up multiple devices simultaneously and experience fast charging on your iPhone.See it at AmazonProduct SpecificationsCompatible Apple iPhoneiPhone 6s or newerMaterialPlasticPrice$99.99PROSCharges multiple devices simultaneouslyFaster charging than standard wall chargerCONSLarger than standard charging blockEquipped with three USB-C ports and one USB-A port, the Anker USB-C 747 Charger is the best USB-C charger you can find ready to charge up your iPhone and a few other devices simultaneously all while keeping compact dimensions. Delivering a total of 150W of power, its an absolute workhorse so itll have no trouble juicing up a power-hungry iPad or MacBook and your iPhone at the same time. Even with two or three devices plugged into this wall charger, an iPhone should still hit max charging speeds when connected to the chargers USB-C port. Thats thanks to its dynamic power distribution. Considering the average charging block taps out at 20W, charging will be measurably faster. Anker also includes technology to measure temperature, keeping things safe as you juice up quickly. 4. iOttie Velox Magnetic Dash MountBest Car Mount for iPhoneiOttie Velox Magnetic Dash MountCompatible with MagSafe phone cases, this wireless charger is a must-have if you travel regularly in your car and want to keep your phones battery topped up.See it at AmazonProduct SpecificationsCompatible Apple iPhoneiPhone 8 or newerMaterialSoft plastic and siliconePrice$54.95PROSStrong magnets hold device in placeHas wireless charging functionalityCONSOnly compatible with MagSafe casesIts illegal to use your iPhone while driving distracted driving is one of the biggest causes for accidents. Go hands-free and mount it on your cars dashboard or windshield. The iOttie Velox Magnetic Dash Mount attaches to your car with a strong suction cup, while its powerful magnets keep your device in place to use in either landscape or portrait modes. Its a wireless charger too, so your device will get some juice via your vehicles cigarette lighter. 5. Spigen Tempered Glass Screen ProtectorBest iPhone Screen ProtectorSpigen Tempered Glass Screen ProtectorKeep your iPhone 16 safe with this top-notch screen protector that's easy to install and keeps full functionality of the display. See it at AmazonProduct SpecificationsCompatible Apple iPhoneiPhone 15, iPhone 16MaterialTempered glassPrice$18.99PROSKeeps phone's ultimate clarity and functionality intactExcellent install kitCONSOccasional issues with edge adhesion Made from tempered glass, the Spigen Tempered Glass Screen Protector keeps your iPhone 16s display scratch-free and pristine, preventing pricey screen replacements. This screen protector differentiates itself from others by providing unique layers of protection to the tempered glass while keeping the ultimate clarity and functionality of the phones stunning display fully intact. So, the iPhones sharp resolution and impressive touch response will be just as great with the screen protector installed. If you're specifically buying the new iPhone 16 Pro models, check out the best iPhone 16 Pro screen protectors. Most picks are also available in other iPhone models as well.6. Apple MagSafe ChargerBest Wireless Charger for iPhoneApple MagSafe ChargerApples latest MagSafe Charger provides wireless charging up to 25W, a strong magnetic system, and Qi charging support. See it at AmazonProduct SpecificationsCompatible Apple iPhoneiPhone 12 or newer (for MagSafe)MaterialAluminum and soft plasticPrice$39PROSStrong magnet systemUp to 25W wireless charging speedsCONSDoesn't include wall chargerPlenty of great wireless chargers are available, but when it comes to iPhones, its best to find a charger ready to take advantage of the MagSafe technology the phones are packing. Since Apple invented MagSafe for a stronger, more reliable connection between a wireless charger to an iPhone 12 or later, the company's latest generation of MagSafe Charger is the best, most effective option for the iPhone. The MagSafe Charger features a sleek, slim hockey-puck design with a strong magnet that aligns with the back of the iPhone for charging. The powerful connection between the two devices means there shouldnt be any problem when picking up the phone to answer calls or checking socials while charging. The durable, high-quality materials used in its build mean the charger can handle some wear and tear too. Unlike other wireless chargers, which are often limited to 7.5W speeds when charging an iPhone, the Apple MagSafe Charger can reach up to 25W with a 30W or 35W USB-C power adapter. Unfortunately, that wall charger will need to be purchased separately. Still, this option offers excellent value, as it features Qi2 and Qi support any device that has Qi charging can juice up wirelessly. 7. Anker MagGo Power BankBest Battery Pack for iPhoneAnker MagGo Power BankAlign this Qi2-certified, MagSafe compatible battery pack perfectly to your iPhone and charge wirelessly on the go. See it at AmazonProduct SpecificationsCompatible Apple iPhoneiPhone 12 or newer (for MagSafe)MaterialAluminum and soft plasticPrice$89.99PROSMagSafe compatible for secure connection to iPhoneIncludes a tiny smart displayCONSAdds bulk to deviceNeed to charge up your device on the go? Skip the hassle of cable management by grabbing the Anker MagGo Power Bank instead. Similar to the Apple MagSafe Charger, this battery pack is MagSafe-compatible for a secure, stable connection to the back of your phone. Just be prepared for it to add some bulk to your device. With a 10,000mAh capacity, the Anker MagGo Power Bank can juice up your iPhone about 1.5 times before needing to be recharged itself. Thanks to the MagSafe compatibility, iPhone charging speeds hit up to 15W. If faster charging is necessary, the battery pack can also connect to an iPhone via USB-C instead, delivering up to a 27W output.But what makes the MagGo Power Bank even more of a standout is the tiny smart display on its side. The TFT screen provides handy info on battery levels and charging times, and a little kickstand holds up your phone for easy viewing when charging. Not to mention the fun color options this battery pack comes in. 8. Anker USB-C to USB-C CableBest Charging Cable for iPhoneAnker USB-C to USB-C CableAvailable in a range of lengths, the iPhone 15 and iPhone 16 can be charged easily and affordably with this pair of durable, braided fast charging cables.See it at AmazonProduct SpecificationsCompatible Apple iPhoneiPhone 15 or newerMaterialThermoplastic elastomers and nylonPrice$15.99PROSAvailable in range of sizesDurable braided nylonCONSOnly works for newest iPhonesWhile theres no shortage of cheap iPhone cables, the Anker USB-C to USB-C Cable is one of the best charging cables thanks to its 6ft length and braided-nylon design for durability (it wont fray after a few weeks of use), and its very affordable price at $16 for a two-pack. It also comes in three colors, including black, red, and silver.9. Mophie Powerstation PlusBest Portable Power Bank for iPhoneMophie Powerstation PlusThis 10,000mAh power bank has built-in cables, so you don't have to worry about forgetting them.See it at AmazonProduct SpecificationsCompatible Apple iPhoneiPhone 6s or newerMaterialAluminumPrice$69.99PROSDurable USB-C and Lightning cables attachedCompact buildCONSNot enough power to charge MacBookNothing is worse than running out of juice on your iPhone when youre far away from a wall outlet. For a cable-powered portable charger, the Mophie Powerstation Plus, remedies this problem. With it comes a 10,000mAh battery for an over a full extra charge to your phone. But what makes this power bank a real standout is the inclusion of built-in, durable USB-C and Lightning cables that tuck away neatly when not in use. Its perfect for those constantly losing and tangling wires. Beyond those cables, an additional USB-C port is provided to juice up a third device. However, to enjoy up to 30W charging speeds from the USB-C or 20W from the Lightning cable, only one device can be charged at a time. Thats plenty of power for an iPhone or iPad. Just dont expect to charge a MacBook. Since the Mophie Powerstation Plus will be spending lots of time getting tossed in bags and pockets to take on the go, the solid aluminum frame and compact build are ideal. Four tiny indicator lights on the side of the power bank also let you know when its time for the battery itself to get juiced up. Razer Kishi Ultra Photos10. Razer Kishi UltraBest iPhone Gaming ControllerRazer Kishi UltraThe Razer Kishi Ultra features console-quality controls, a comfortable grip, and a feature-rich app.See it at AmazonProduct SpecificationsCompatible Apple iPhoneiPhone 15, iPhone 16MaterialPlastic Price$99.99PROSMecha-Tactile buttonsCustomizable via the Razer Nexus appCONSSome features only work with Android Its no secret that iPhones weren't always the top gaming phones. Still, Apple has made some headway with the A18 chips found in the iPhone 16 models, especially the extra graphics core living in the iPhone 16 Pro Max. Thats coupled with higher-tier games coming to iOS like Assassins Creed Mirage and Resident Evil. But to really amp up that iPhone gaming experience an extra notch, grabbing the best phone controller is the way to goWe reviewed the Razer Kishi Ultra and absolutely loved this phone controller. It connects directly to iPhone 16 and 15 models via USB-C for zero latency when you play, while the controller stretches, flanking the screen for a comfortable grip. On it comes full-size analog sticks, an 8-way D-pad, and hall-effect triggers. But the star of the show is the ultra-responsive and clicky Mecha-Tactile buttons. L4 and R4 buttons are also ready for some macro inputs. It's a major upgrade from just tapping away at the screen, and you can even use this controller away from your phone by connecting to a PC or iPad via USB-C. The Razer Nexus app makes it simple to tinker with the different buttons and controls. You can remap buttons, adjust dead zones, swap RGB lighting, and more. Unfortunately, using the Kishi Ultra with iOS is slightly more limited than with Android, so Sensa HD Haptics and Virtual Controller Mode arent available. Still, Razer makes it simple to access Apple Arcade, Steam Link, Xbox Game Pass, and PlayStation Remote Play, so you can get gaming quickly on your iPhone. 11. JBL Go 3Best Portable Bluetooth Speaker for iPhoneJBL Go 3Weighing less than half a pound with a tiny form factor to toss in a bag, this option also has a strap and IP67 rating for portability, though theres only a 5-hour battery life.See it at AmazonProduct SpecificationsCompatible Apple iPhoneiPhone 6s or newerMaterialNot listedPrice$39.95PROSUltra-compact designIP67 waterproof ratingCONSLimiting 5 hour battery lifePair your iPhone with the JBL Go 3 via Bluetooth for a powerful sonic punch when on the go. Whether youre streaming podcasts or music, the soundstage is wide with crisp, rich audio despite this speaker's compact design. And when we say compact, we mean it. It weighs less than half a pound and measures just 3.6x2.7x1.6 inches, making it easy to toss in a bag or even throw in a pocket. Adding more reasons why the JBL Go 3 earns the title as the best Bluetooth speaker for portability is its IP67 rating. Its both waterproof and dustproof, so a little dirt and rain wont stop the music whether you're at the beach, by the pool, on a picnic, or around the campfire. The only real downside is the slightly limiting five-hour battery life. 12. Ecasp Cleaner KitBest Cleaning Kit for iPhoneEcasp Cleaner KitKeep all of the ports on your iPhone free of dust and dirt with this handy little cleaning kit. It can even restore charging cables to their former glory after being buried at the bottom of your bag.See it at AmazonProduct SpecificationsCompatible Apple iPhoneAll modelsMaterialMetal and soft velvetPrice$19.99PROSIncludes range of toolsGreat for cleaning various devicesCONSNot the highest qualitySince you touch your phone all day and even press it against your face when making phone calls, its a good idea to clean it every once in a while. Ecasp Cleaner Kit comes with just about everything you need to keep your device clean and working fantastically. Its a multi-tool set to clean the display, port, edges, and more. The kit is also good for cleaning a pair of Apple AirPods, an Apple Watch, an iPad, and cables.iPhone Accessories FAQWhat accessories come with an iPhone?Once upon a time, buying an iPhone meant getting a whole box of goodies. Earlier models of the iPhone, such as the iPhone X, came with wired Apple earbuds, a Lightning to 3.55mm headphone jack adapter, and a power adapter. However, as part of Apples new environmental goals, more recent iPhone models only come with the USB-C charging cable (iPhone 15 and later), with an included recommendation that purchasers re-use your current USB-A to lightning cables, power adapters, and headphones.Can I use any USB-C charger for my iPhone? The occasional rumor will circulate that its bad form to use non-Apple chargers on your iPhone. This is generally not true, as any compabitle cable will work to power your phone, but there are some stipulations to pay attention to. If you want to guarantee you get the highest quality of charging power (and not bunk cords that damage your device's battery), check whether a charger is "MFi-certified," meaning it was made for iPhone and certified by Apple. What gaming accessories are good for iPhones?As big studios continue to release mobile versions of their most popular games, you may be wondering what you can do to optimize your iPhone gaming experience. While the Razer Kishi Ultra is our pick for the best gaming accessory, other options are on the market, including iPhone-compatible wireless gaming controllers. You can even use Playstation's Remote Play app alongside a Sony controller and the best wireless headphones to bring the console experience to your Apple device.
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  • Captain America Brave New World Ending Explained: Adamantium, Vibranium, and the Red Hulk
    www.denofgeek.com
    This article contains spoilers for Captain America: Brave New World.Upon first viewing, some fans may leave Captain America: New World Order feeling a bit let down. The final confrontation between Sam Wilsons Captain America and President Thaddeus Thunderbolt Ross in Red Hulk form featured prominently in commercials and posters, pretty much spoiling the big reveal. Yet, New World Orders connections to little-discussed MCU entries of the past, especially The Incredible Hulk and Eternals, and its important setup for Wolverine of the X-Men, mean that the movies ending isnt quite as simple as it seems.Worry not, True Believers! Weve got the full breakdown for you below.Red Hulk SmashThe Red Hulk reveal at the end comes as a surprise to no one, thanks to the trailers, but Rulks origin and legacy deserves some extra explanation. Writer Jeph Loeb and artist Ed McGuinness created Red Hulk in 2008, with a series that kept the monsters identity a secret for years.As in the comics, the MCU Red Hulk is Thaddeus Ross, portrayed here by Harrison Ford, and as in the comics, Samuel Sterns (Tim Blake Nelson) aka the Leader is instrumental in creating the Red Hulk. The comics present Rosss transformation into the Red Hulk as a tragedy in which he becomes the thing he hates to finally destroy the Hulk. But in Brave New World, Ross becomes the Red Hulk because Sterns hides the formula inside of the Presidents pills.Brave New World ends with Ross restored to human form, contrite because of his actions, and Sterns in prison. Yet, as the Leader loves to remind everyone, hes always six moves ahead. He may very well have a plan to transform Ross once again in a future movieeven if Kevin Feige needs to replace the 82-year-old actor with yet another performer to play Ross.An Incredible ReunionCaptain America may have his name in the title, but Brave New Worlds emotional through-line focuses on Ross. Part of the reason that the Leader gets such access to Ross is because hes created a pill that diminishes the effects of the Presidents fatal heart condition. Ross needs the pills to stay alive, not the destroy the Hulkhis usual motivationbut to reconcile with his daughter Betty.Rosss imprisonment at the end of Brave New World is somewhat bittersweet for Ross. While hes locked away in the Raft, the same place where he sent Sam Wilson (Anthony Mackie) at the end of Captain America: Civil War (where Ross was played by the late William Hurt), Rosss willingness to take responsibility for his wrongdoing prompts Betty to visit him.Bettys arrival may confuse some viewers of Brave New World. Shes played by Liv Tyler, a fairly well-known actor, but the movie plays the moment as if we should recognize her character. We might, if we remember 2008s The Incredible Hulk, in which she played Betty, daughter of Hurts Ross and the love interest of Bruce Banner, then played by Edward Norton.Released just months after Iron Man launched the MCU in 2008, The Incredible Hulk regularly ranks toward the bottom of franchise rankings. For years, it seemed that Marvel wanted to forget about The Incredible Hulk, especially after it replaced Norton with Mark Ruffalo. But the franchise has slowly brought back elements and Bettys return fully restores the film in the MCU timeline.Join our mailing listGet the best of Den of Geek delivered right to your inbox!Isaiah Goes FreeRoss gets the primary emotional arc in Brave New World, but the most sympathetic character is Isaiah Bradley, played with depth by Carl Lumbly. First introduced in The Falcon and the Winter Soldier, Bradley was one of several Black soldiers who became unwilling test subjects in a program to recreate the Super Soldier Serum that changed Steve Rogers into Captain America.Most of the subjects died, but Bradley thrived and was deployed on missions in Korea. However, when Hydra agents captured Bradley, the U.S. disavowed all knowledge, allowing him to rot in a prison. Even after returning to his home, Bradley carried a great deal of justified anger toward the American government, anger that slightly receded through his relationship with Sam.Early in Brave New World, Bradley becomes an unwitting would-be assassin, and thus gets sent back to prison, his worst fear. Thanks to the actions of Sam, his sidekick Joaquin Torres aka Falcon (Danny Ramirez), and Rosss new aide Ruth Bat-Seraph (Shira Haas), Bradley is exonerated and released.As hopeful as Bradleys ending is, it does raise a question. In The Falcon and the Winter Soldier, we also met Bradleys nephew Eli, played by Elijah Richardson. Eli doesnt appear in Brave New World, a strange decision given that Eli becomes Patriot in the comics, one of the founding members of the Young Avengers. Given how much Marvel has pushed the Young Avengers lately, Elis absence seems odd. However, if a Young Avengers movie or show does ever happen, Eli would likely be in it, and Bradleys arc in Brave New World will be relevant.Even more than Patriot, the absence of any Wolverine nods is really confusing. True, weve heard nothing so far about Marvels plans to cast a new version of Loganon the contrary, rumors have suggested that Hugh Jackman will continue playing the Canucklehead in the MCU, despite his characters apparent retirement in a different universe at the end of Deadpool & Wolverine.But the plot of Brave New World revolves around the Celestial Tiamut, who started to emerge from the Earth at the end of Eternals. Sersi (Gemma Chan) and her allies stopped Tiamut from fully hatching, leaving his body as a giant mass in the Indian Ocean. While every other Marvel entry completely ignored the fact that the head and hand of a dead god is sticking out of water, Brave New World finally acknowledges the oddity.In fact, the acknowledgement focuses on a supermetal found only on Tiamuts body, now called Celestial Island. That metal is adamantium, which President Ross describes as more versatile and powerful than even vibranium, the element that makes Wakanda so special.Ross almost didnt need to state out loud that comparison between vibranium and adamantium, because the movie shows the difference between the two metals. Early in the film, Sam reveals that his wings have vibranium in them, allowing better flight and resilience. However, Red Hulk easily rips them apart. Sure, Sam wins the day by shoving a shard of vibranium into Rosss chest and causing it to explode, but the point is clear. Vibrainum just doesnt cut it anymore.The brave new world that Captain America inaugurates requires a better metal, a metal like adamantium. That will become even more apparent when adamantium gets bonded to Logans skeleton, making Wolverine into an unbreakable hero.Captain America: Brave New World is now in theaters.
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  • TikTok set to return to App Store tonight ahead of new iPhone launch next week [U]
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    Update: TikTok is back on the App Store. Breaking news from Mark Gurman at Bloomberg: Trumps attorney general Pam Bondi has reportedly penned a letter to Apple that grants the company permission to restore TikTok in the App Store.The current status of TikTok on the iPhone is complicated. iPhones with TikTok already installed can continue to use the app. TikTok is also available through the web.But TikTok cannot issue app updates through the App Store. The app also cant be re-downloaded if its deleted. And most importantly, for Apples next low-end iPhone launch planned for next week, TikTok cant be transferred from one iPhone to another. The app is not restored from an iCloud backup, for example.Gurman adds that Apple confirmed the app will return Thursday evening.Apple and Google were legally required to delist TikTok from the App Store after Chinas ByteDance failed to divest ownership.Despite the bill passing in Congress and being signed by former President Biden, the Biden administration opted to hold off on enforcement and let the incoming Trump administration decide how to proceed.President Trump signaled support for TikTok remaining available after initially pushing for the app to be banned during his first term in office. Trumps support for delaying the ban came in the form of a 75 day extension for ByteDance to work out a deal with American firms and possibly even the US government.Add 9to5Mac to your Google News feed. FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.Youre reading 9to5Mac experts who break news about Apple and its surrounding ecosystem, day after day. Be sure to check out our homepage for all the latest news, and follow 9to5Mac on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn to stay in the loop. Dont know where to start? Check out our exclusive stories, reviews, how-tos, and subscribe to our YouTube channel
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  • Rare business card signed by Steve Jobs goes up for auction
    9to5mac.com
    From time to time, we see some rare items related to Apples early days going up for auction. If youre one of the people who collect such items, RR Auction is now auctioning off a rare business card signed by Steve Jobs if you have a few thousand dollars to spend.Bids for card signed by Jobs reach $75,000This particular card is from 1983, a year before Apple announced the first Macintosh. The name Steven Jobs is followed by his title as Chairman Board of Directors. The card was signed by Jobs in black ink and features Apples iconic rainbow logo. RR Auction certified the card as authentic despite minor imperfections.RR Auction notes that Jobs was known for being selective about signing memorabilia, which makes signed items quite rare and desired by collectors. Of the 15 total Jobs business cards auctioned by the platform, only four date from this era, and only one was signed by Jobs. This lot represents the second signed 1983 example and stands as one of a few Jobs-signed Apple business cards, the platform says.Bobby Livingston, Executive Vice President of RR Auction, notes that Jobss signed business cards represent a direct connection to the founder of one of the most revolutionary companies in the world.The auction runs until February 20 and bids for the card signed by Jobs have already reached $75,000, with the next bid set at $82,500. According to RR Auction, bids are steadily climbing and exceeding their initial estimate.On a related note, the platform is also auctioning off a replica SpaceX helmet signed by Elon Musk. The current bid for the replica stands at $2,338.Would you buy one of these rare items? Let us know in the comments section below.Add 9to5Mac to your Google News feed. FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.Youre reading 9to5Mac experts who break news about Apple and its surrounding ecosystem, day after day. Be sure to check out our homepage for all the latest news, and follow 9to5Mac on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn to stay in the loop. Dont know where to start? Check out our exclusive stories, reviews, how-tos, and subscribe to our YouTube channel
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