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Blog Posts

Creative Methods to Reuse Your Vintage Chromebooks

recognize the constraints of Chromebooks and consider an upgrade. Keep in mind, you don’t have to discard yours just yet. Even older Chromebooks come equipped with decent webcams, relatively loud speakers, reliable Wi-Fi connectivity, and a sharp display, which can be used in various ways throughout your home.

The challenge with repurposing an old Chromebook, or any computer for that matter, lies in people’s expectations for it to perform every function, which restricts its utility. It simply needs to excel at one task. Once you identify that single function it can still manage, whether it’s for data storage, showing images and videos, or serving as a home security camera, it will prove to be unexpectedly valuable. This approach not only aids in saving a significant amount of money but also helps reduce electronic waste.

Transform it into a digital photo frame

Samsung Introduces Galaxy Buds 4 Series Featuring Improved Sound Quality and a Groundbreaking New Function

The Galaxy Buds 4 and Galaxy Buds 4 Pro have been officially announced, delivering improved audio quality and a variety of significant enhancements. Priced from $179, the Galaxy Buds 4 boast superior sound, an upgraded design, and enhanced Active Noise Cancellation (ANC). Samsung has improved the stem design by incorporating pinch controls for more convenient playback and noise management. Larger speakers and support for 24-bit audio ensure crisper bass and a more immersive listening experience.

The latest AI capabilities encompass head gestures and more intelligent conversation detection with nickname functionality. The Galaxy Buds 4 Pro still utilize silicone in-ear tips, whereas the standard Galaxy Buds 4 maintain the open-ear style with better-fitting earbud heads. The stems now support pinch controls for both noise cancellation and playback management. The charging case design has been refreshed, with color choices that include White, Black, and Pink Gold.

Audio enhancements feature larger drivers with a broader woofer and an updated tweeter, delivering natural and immersive sound along with cleaner bass tones. Improved ANC efficacy and a sophisticated EQ system dynamically modify frequency levels for optimal noise cancellation. The Super Clear Call function employs super wideband call technology to minimize background sounds.

New software functionalities include head gestures for managing calls and notifications, AI assistant compatibility, and a refined conversation detection system that transitions to transparency mode when your name is recognized. The Galaxy Buds 4 and Galaxy Buds 4 Pro are up for pre-order and set to launch on March 11, with the Galaxy Buds 4 retailing at $179.99 and the Galaxy Buds 4 Pro at $249.99.

Selecting the Ideal Color for Your Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra

Admire the vibrant hues of the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra.

The prominent and powerful Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra is offered in four readily accessible colors, along with two extra shades that can only be found online. Given the numerous enhancements over its predecessor, the S25 Ultra, opting for the S26 Ultra is a straightforward choice. The challenging part, however, will be deciding which color of the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra to purchase. Allow me to simplify this decision by displaying all the available shades in their stunning brilliance, followed by some helpful tips.

The impressive Galaxy S26 Ultra is available in six colors

Samsung Galaxy S26 Screenshots Exceed Pixel’s Performance

Samsung has launched a cutting-edge feature known as Screenshot Analyzer in its latest Galaxy S26 series, aimed at improving how users manage their screenshots. This functionality automatically sorts screenshots into intelligent categories such as boarding passes, chats, web pages, QR codes, and social media updates, simplifying the organization and retrieval process for users. Furthermore, Screenshot Analyzer permits users to access the original source of a screenshot with a single tap, a capability that operates directly within the Gallery app instead of being a standalone application.

The Galaxy S26 series, marketed as “Agentic AI” smartphones, is loaded with a variety of AI functionalities, including the enhanced Bixby with One UI 8.5. Nevertheless, the Screenshot Analyzer is particularly noteworthy as an effective tool for managing the mess of screenshots that many individuals tend to accumulate. By pressing “Go to source,” users can return to the original site of the screenshot, like an email or a chat application, although it remains uncertain if it will lead to the precise message within a conversation thread.

This feature is regarded as a step forward compared to Google’s Pixel Screenshots app, as it integrates effortlessly with the existing Gallery app, negating the need for an additional application. While direct experience with the feature is still forthcoming, it holds the promise of delivering a more streamlined and organized approach to handling screenshots, particularly for users with extensive collections on their devices. As Samsung persists in its innovation with AI-powered features, the Screenshot Analyzer is set to be an essential enhancement for Galaxy S26 owners.

Samsung Care Plus to Provide Device Replacements Beginning with Galaxy S26

If you’ve consistently overlooked Samsung Care, this might prompt you to reconsider. At Samsung’s Galaxy Unpacked event, a report disclosed that Samsung Care Plus subscribers might soon enjoy device replacements. This service is anticipated to commence with the Galaxy S26 series but is presently a U.K. exclusive feature. Samsung Care Plus has already rolled out major enhancements, including limitless battery and screen repairs. The initiative now seeks to provide complete device replacements within 48 hours of reaching out to their representatives. Although this is currently restricted to the U.K., there is optimism that similar assistance will extend to additional regions. Current Samsung Care Plus subscribers might also gain new advantages this year. This development could enhance the attractiveness of Samsung Care Plus for consumers, offering a safety net for those concerned about significant device damage.

Best Safeguard Cases for Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra

Each of these stylish S26 Ultra cases provides something advantageous for your device.

The impressive S26 Ultra is now available in six colors. Whether you’re aiming to refresh its dull color palette or intend to incorporate durable shock-proofing, the finest Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra cases are ready to serve your needs. There are practical selections at every price range, featuring functionalities like a stand, a phone holder, and occasionally, even an additional button!

Chic and practical Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra cases for everyone

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Pitaka Aaron Button Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra Edge Case

Top choice

The Pitaka Aaron Button Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra Edge Case is not only remarkably slim (1.2mm) and light (25g) but also introduces an extra customizable button to your S26 Ultra! Offered in several colors, this magnetic case is surely worth the investment.

Thinborne Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra Aramid Fiber Case

Best for scratch resistance

Constructed from aerospace-grade 600D aramid fiber, the Thinborne Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra Aramid Fiber Case is exceptionally scratch-resistant. This lightweight MagSafe case is available in three colors and includes a glass screen protector in the package.

ESR Galaxy S26 Ultra Classic Hybrid Magnetic Case

Best for camera support

With color options that range from clear to translucent blue and colored frames, the ESR Galaxy S26 Ultra Classic Hybrid Magnetic Case features a stand that doubles as protective raised edges for the camera unit. It is both budget-friendly and highly useful.

Dbrand Grip Case for Galaxy S26 Ultra

Best for grip

Dbrand’s Grip Case for the Galaxy S26 Ultra is among the best regarding an anti-slip design. You can select from nearly 50 patterns, it includes a built-in MagSafe ring, and the textured sides provide exceptional grip.

BURGA Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra Tough Magnetic Case

Best for style

BURGA’s Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra Tough Magnetic Case is available in hundreds of delightful, artistic, and fun designs. This dual-layer magnetic case is thin, shock-resistant, and reasonably streamlined. Additionally, you can further customize it for an extra fee.

Spigen Ultra Hybrid MagFit for Galaxy S26 Ultra

Best for clarity

Spigen’s cases are remarkably affordable and perform comparably to premium brands. The Spigen Ultra Hybrid MagFit Galaxy S26 Ultra case

Mous Limitless Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra Case

Best for shock resistance

Mous manufactures some of the slimmest phone cases available, making it a leading choice when selecting S26 Ultra cases. The Mous Limitless S26 Ultra Case supports Qi2 accessories, features lanyard holes on the side, and provides substantial shock absorption.

Ringke UX Magnetic for Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra

Best for clip stand

In contrast to the camera stand on the ESR case, the Ringke UX Magnetic case for the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra features a more traditional clip-style stand on the rear. This economical bumper cover also boasts a magnetic ring, thickly raised edges, and a transparent back.

SUPCASE UB Pro Mag for Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra

Best for ruggedness

The SUPCASE UB Pro Mag for the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra is so robust that you could drop it from a height of 20ft, and it would still remain intact. The UB Pro Mag includes a built-in screen protector, thick bezels all around, powerful N52 magnets, a stand, and a belt clip.

Find a Galaxy S26 Ultra case that doesn’t add bulk to your phone

The aim of acquiring one or two of the finest Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra cases is to enhance drop protection and include useful features. However, you don’t want to excessively bulk up your S26 Ultra since it is already quite substantial. A 6.9-inch device doesn’t need additional weight, especially since Samsung made significant efforts to slim it down further with this generation.

Pitaka’s Aaron Button Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra Edge Case is remarkably slim and light, adding minimal weight to the device. This may lower its impact protection, but you still benefit from scratch resistance. Being a magnetic case allows you to pair it with an adequate magnetic grip to avoid falls. The most compelling feature of the Pitaka Aaron Button Case is that it offers an extra button for the S26 Ultra, which can be customized to your preference. This introduces another layer of functionality to the powerful S26 Ultra, making it the top case for the phone.

Similar to the phone itself, Galaxy S26 Ultra cases tend to be on the pricier side. Excellent choices can often reach the three-digit price range. If you’re not looking to spend approximately $100 on an S26 Ultra phone case, consider more affordable options from brands like Spigen and Ringke.

Apple and Amazon Confront Accusations of Failing to Comply with Spanish Antitrust Directive for Almost Two Years

Following a decision in 2023 that penalized Apple and Amazon for anti-competitive distribution terms, Spain’s competition authority is now indicating that the companies delayed compliance and may impose an additional penalty. Here are the specifics.

### A little context

In 2023, Spain’s Comisión Nacional de los Mercados y la Competencia (CNMC) levied fines totaling €194 million (around $230 million) against Apple and Amazon due to anti-competitive behavior.

This case originated in 2018, when the two firms established a multi-national agreement that limited the sale of Apple and Beats products to authorized resellers of Apple. The arrangement – which was effective in the US, UK, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Japan, and India – led to the establishment of an official Apple Store on Amazon.

Moreover, the agreement limited advertising opportunities for Apple’s competitors on Amazon’s Spanish site when users searched for Apple products, allegedly obstructing over 90% of the existing retailers selling Apple devices on the platform.

At that time, the CNMC determined that the agreement was anti-competitive and imposed fines (€143.6 million on Apple and €50.5 million on Amazon), while also mandating the immediate removal of the offending clauses.

Both companies lodged appeals against the CNMC’s 2023 ruling with Spain’s High Court, resulting in a suspension of the original fine pending a verdict.

### Updates on the case

However, the companies’ appeal concerning the original fine did not free them from the requirement to eliminate the anti-competitive clauses.

Therefore, when the CNMC discovered that Apple and Amazon delayed their removal until May 2025, nearly two years after being instructed to act immediately, it initiated a separate investigation for non-compliance.

As reported today, this investigation has now been completed, and the results could lead to an additional penalty beyond the original one:

Last October, the regulatory body suggested commencing an inquiry into the companies’ inaction under the cease-and-desist directive until May 2025, when the clauses were removed. At the time, the regulator indicated potential signs of infringement due to non-compliance.

In a statement, Apple expressed its disagreement with the CNMC’s conclusions, asserting that it had consistently adhered to authority orders. The company also portrayed the matter as an initiative to combat counterfeit products rather than an effort to hinder legitimate competition on Amazon.

Amazon, for its part, also communicated to Reuters its disagreement with the ruling and plans to appeal, asserting that it would be contrary to its own interests to curtail the visibility of small and medium-sized sellers.

Samsung Unveils ‘Finder’ Search Key in One UI 8.5, Comparable to Apple’s iOS Functionality

The Galaxy S26 trio has officially launched, unveiling One UI 8.5. While Samsung appears to be postponing its next significant Android upgrade until summer, this mid-cycle update introduces fresh visual features. Among these, one functionality in the S26’s software seemingly draws inspiration from a rival.

In a hands-on assessment of the Galaxy S26 Ultra, 9to5Google’s Ben Schoon noted a new search capability incorporated into the page indicators on Samsung’s home screen. This feature enables users to swiftly access information from both on-device content and the internet, including calendar events, pictures, notes, and documents. The incorporation of Galaxy AI enhances the search functionality, facilitating the discovery of specific information. This innovation is viewed as a smart use of space for a search shortcut, akin to Google’s integrated search bar.

However, this functionality closely resembles Apple’s Spotlight search featured on iOS devices, which similarly allows users to seek data both locally and online. The main difference lies in the nomenclature; Samsung has labeled its variant as “Finder,” entirely removing the ‘S’ branding from the search bar. This decision has sparked interest, as “Finder” carries historical significance, being part of Apple’s ecosystem since the debut of the first Mac over 40 years ago.

While the new search function is a positive enhancement for Samsung users, it also underscores a trend of adopting concepts from Apple, especially following the launch of the Galaxy S25 Edge. The choice of “Finder” could even be perceived as provocative, indicating a possible need for Samsung to rethink this branding in forthcoming updates.

For those keen on the Galaxy S26 series, pre-orders are now open on Samsung’s website, providing trade-in values up to $900 or $150 in store credit for additional devices without a trade-in.

New AAA Title Scheduled for Unique Day-One Release on Mac

### Crimson Desert Launches March 19 on macOS Alongside PC, PS5, and More

Next week signifies an important moment for Mac users with the introduction of several new MacBooks. However, an even more thrilling occurrence is on the way: the debut of *Crimson Desert*, a much-anticipated AAA game, which will arrive on March 19 with a same-day macOS launch.

#### A New Age for Mac Gaming

Traditionally, gaming on the Mac has been behind the PC market, with numerous AAA titles either unavailable on macOS or released significantly later than on other platforms. *Crimson Desert* stands out as a notable exception to this pattern, launching concurrently on macOS, PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and beyond.

Crafted by Pearl Abyss, *Crimson Desert* is an open-world action-adventure game that has sparked significant enthusiasm among gamers. The game can be pre-ordered on Steam, with the Standard edition priced at $69.99 and the Deluxe edition at $79.99.

#### System Specifications

Before finalizing a purchase, prospective players should verify the system specifications to confirm their Mac can support the game. Apple has previously emphasized that *Crimson Desert* will leverage advanced software technologies, such as MetalFX Upscaling, to enhance performance and provide high-quality visuals. The game will also utilize the M3 and M4 chip families, featuring ray tracing capabilities for a captivating gaming experience.

#### Excitement and Upcoming Announcements

Apple revealed last summer that *Crimson Desert* would be included in a slate of nine new games heading to the Mac. Considering the company’s previous promotion of the title, it is probable that it will make an appearance again during the upcoming announcement of the M5 Pro and M5 Max chips.

As the release date draws nearer, many Mac users are excited to delve into *Crimson Desert*. Are you excited to play this game on your Mac? Share your views in the comments.

Where to preorder all of Samsung’s new Galaxy S26 phones

As expected, Samsung has taken the wraps off its flagship lineup for 2026. Introduced during the company’s recent Unpacked event, the new Galaxy devices – which include the standard S26, the larger S26 Plus, and the high-end S26 Ultra – will be available on March 11th. Preorders are now open ahead of launch, with pricing […]