“Focus Friend and Pokémon TCG Pocket Honored in Google Play’s Best of 2025 Awards”
This year, enthusiasts of Pokémon, Disney character racers, and many others secure the leading positions.
Essential Information
- The Google Play Store has revealed its annual “Best Of” winners, featuring Focus Friend by Hank Green as the Best Overall app and Pokémon TCG Pocket honored as the Best Game.
- Winning Best Multi-device app is Luminar, while Disney Speedstorm is celebrated as the top game in the same category.
- This year, Google emphasizes the various enhancements made to the Play Store, many of which focus on elevating the gaming experience for users.
Notice
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New Beta Firmware Available for AirPods Pro 3 Prior to iOS 26.2 Release
### New AirPods Beta Follows Last Week’s Fresh Public Firmware
Last week, Apple launched a new firmware update for all users owning AirPods Pro 3, AirPods Pro 2, and AirPods 4. Today, the brand has introduced a new firmware release aimed specifically at beta testers with AirPods Pro 3.
#### Upcoming iOS 26.2 and AirPods Live Translation
iOS 26.2 is on the way, set to deliver the AirPods Live Translation feature to a broader audience. This update is anticipated to bring additional AirPods functionalities, as Apple has just released a new beta firmware update for testing.
The most recent firmware build is **8B5025a**. Apple usually schedules AirPods firmware releases separately from its software updates, which can sometimes coincide but often do not. The latest public firmware rollout might be the last before the complete launch of iOS 26.2.
With several weeks left until the public launch, it’s feasible that today’s beta firmware will be prepared for general availability by then. The official notes for the most recent public firmware solely reference “Bug fixes and other enhancements,” hinting that new features may be showcased in the upcoming beta.
Although Apple has not revealed specific information about what to anticipate from today’s beta firmware, users are encouraged to express their feedback and any observable changes in the comments section.
#### Top AirPods Pro Accessories
For users aiming to improve their AirPods experience, considering the best accessories can offer extra functionalities and protection.
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Assessing the Worth of Apple One for Your Requirements
# Apple’s Services and the Worth of Apple One
Apple has significantly broadened its service portfolio, delivering a wide array of offerings that address diverse preferences and requirements. From music streaming and fitness sessions to gaming and news, Apple accommodates everyone. This article examines the services Apple offers and assesses the worth of the Apple One bundle.
## Apple’s Services
Apple presently provides an assortment of services, each featuring its own subscription structure:
– **[Apple Music](https://apple.co/48lJx2o)**: A music streaming platform boasting over 100 million tracks.
– Cost: $10.99 per month
– **[Apple TV](https://apple.co/4qXELj0)**: Enjoy popular TV series and films, including favorites like [Ted Lasso](https://apple.co/3FFS9Fc) and [Severance](https://apple.co/484OQly).
– Cost: $12.99 per month
– **[Apple Fitness+](https://apple.co/4pm7D34)**: A fitness service offering video workouts spanning various styles.
– Cost: $9.99 per month
– **[Apple Arcade](https://apple.co/3XAbEEZ)**: A gaming subscription featuring over 200 games, free from in-app purchases and advertisements.
– Cost: $6.99 per month
– **[Apple News+](https://apple.co/4i7bY7v)**: Access to leading articles, magazines, puzzles, and recipes.
– Cost: $12.99 per month
– **[iCloud+](https://www.apple.com/icloud/)**: Provides cloud storage and added features like iCloud Private Relay.
– Cost: $0.99 per month (50GB), $2.99 per month (200GB), $9.99 per month (2TB)
## Apple One Bundles
To streamline subscriptions, Apple presents three levels of the [Apple One bundle](https://apple.co/4oNyZza), which consolidates multiple services at a reduced price:
### Apple One Individual (Save $12/month)
– Services included:
– Apple TV
– Apple Music
– Apple Arcade
– iCloud+ with 50GB of storage
– Total if bought separately: $31.96
– Cost: $19.95
### Apple One Family (Save $14/month)
– Services included (shareable with up to five individuals):
– Apple TV
– Apple Music
– Apple Arcade
– iCloud+ with 200GB of storage
– Total if bought separately: $39.96
– Cost: $25.95
### Apple One Premier (Save $32/month)
– Services included (shareable with up to five individuals):
– Apple TV
– Apple Music
– Apple Arcade
– Apple Fitness+
– Apple News+
– iCloud+ with 2TB of storage
– Total if bought separately: $69.94
– Cost: $37.95
## Is Apple One Right for You?
Whether Apple One is beneficial for you hinges on your use of Apple’s services. If you’re already subscribed to services like Apple TV and Apple Music, transitioning to
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Grasping the Idea of ‘Proto-Earth’
a series of intense occurrences, transformed it into the planet we recognize today. In essence, proto-Earth represented the initial phase of our world, prior to the moon-creating impact.
The crust of the planet was volatile, there were no oceans, and life had yet to arise from the primordial sludge. It is estimated that proto-Earth was around for merely a fleeting moment in geological terms. It was a desolate molten mass for approximately 100 million years until the catastrophic impact with Theia. This event is believed to have eradicated all remnants of primordial Earth. It changed the makeup of our planet, sending a significant amount of debris into space, which eventually formed the moon as we know it. Consequently, scientists could only speculate about proto-Earth and its possible appearance. Until now, that is.
The recent discoveries regarding proto-Earth
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How to Properly Clean Your Computer Screen
television displays must be cleaned with caution, since both excessive pressure and strong chemicals can harm them irreparably.
Cleaning an LCD screen is often more laborious than polishing the solid glass or plastic surface of a CRT monitor, but it is not exceedingly difficult. Maintaining your monitor free of accumulated dust and the occasional streak is typically just a matter of lightly wiping it with a soft, LCD-compatible microfiber cloth. If the cloth alone doesn’t suffice, you can apply monitor-safe cleaning solutions to enhance your cleaning effectiveness without harming your display’s surface.
A gentle microfiber cloth is your primary cleaning tool
Public Beta 3 of macOS Tahoe 26.2 is Now Released
### Apple Introduces macOS Tahoe 26.2 Public Beta 3: What to Anticipate
In light of the recent arrival of the third round of developer betas, Apple has officially released macOS Tahoe 26.2 public beta 3. This update offers some intriguing advancements for users keen to dive into the newest features and enhancements.
#### Apple’s Public Betas Have Followed a Peculiar Timeline
The last few weeks have experienced a change in the timing of Apple’s public beta launches. Specifically, macOS Tahoe 26.2 public beta 2 made its debut at an odd hour—4:00 p.m. ET—signifying a break from the usual release rhythms. Additionally, during this timeframe, only macOS and tvOS saw public beta builds being issued, even though iOS, iPadOS, and watchOS also had developer builds made available shortly beforehand.
With the introduction of macOS Tahoe 26.2 public beta 3, Apple has synchronized this release with its other operating systems. The build number for this iteration is 25C5048a, which corresponds with the developer beta that was rolled out the previous day.
A notable new feature in macOS Tahoe 26.2 is the addition of the **Edge Light effect**, which improves video calls by providing a virtual ring light effect around the screen’s edges. However, aside from this enhancement, there have been few updates, both visible and in the background. Users can look forward to exploring the beta further to find any additional significant modifications.
#### How to Get Started with macOS Tahoe 26.2 Public Beta 3
For those keen on trying the new public beta, the installation steps are simple. Here’s how to begin:
1. Sign up for Apple’s public beta program at
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Apple Introduces iOS 26.2 Public Beta 2: Fresh Features and Enhancements
# iOS 26.2 Public Beta 2: New Features and Improvements
Apple has recently unveiled the iOS 26.2 public beta 2, which gives users a preview of the forthcoming features and upgrades. This update presents a range of enhancements designed to elevate the user experience across devices. Below is a comprehensive overview of what’s new in this beta version.
## AirDrop Codes
Among the most eagerly awaited features is the revamped AirDrop functionality, enabling users to exchange files between devices without the need to store contacts for 30 days. This capability is currently accessible in the AirDrop section of Settings in iOS 26.2.
[Read more about the upcoming AirDrop codes feature here.](https://9to5mac.com/2025/11/17/ios-26-2s-new-airdrop-feature-upgrade-revealed-in-beta-3/)
## Liquid Glass Level
The Measure app has undergone a redesign influenced by Liquid Glass. This update enhances the design to ensure the numbers shown are clear in various scenarios, improving overall usability.
[Read more about the new design here.](https://9to5mac.com/2025/11/17/ios-26-2-adds-a-cool-liquid-glass-effect-to-the-native-level-tool/)
## iPadOS Split View and Slide Over
iPadOS 26.2 enhances multitasking features by enabling users to drag an app icon out of the Dock to access Slide Over or Split View. This improvement builds on the reintroduction of Slide Over from iPadOS 26.1.
[Read more about the multitasking changes here.](https://9to5mac.com/2025/11/17/slide-over-ipados-26-2-update-feature/)
## Default Voice Assistant Code
Leaked code suggests that Apple is developing a feature that will permit users in Japan to substitute Siri as the default voice assistant when pressing the side button. This modification is being implemented to meet regulatory standards.
[Read more about the leaked code references here.](https://9to5mac.com/2025/11/17/ios-26-2-leak-shows-iphone-might-let-you-replace-siri-as-default-assistant/)
## Games App Navigation
The Games app has been enhanced with additional sorting and filtering options for the library, improved controller navigation, and live score updates during play.
[Read more about the improvements here.](https://9to5mac.com/2025/11/12/ios-26-2s-apple-games-app-has-three-new-improvements/)
## Measure Redesign
The level feature of the Measure app now incorporates the Liquid Glass design, enhancing its visual attractiveness and utility.
[Read more about the Liquid Glass design here.](https://9to5mac.com/2025/11/12/ios-26-2-adds-a-cool-liquid-glass-effect-to-the-native-level-tool/)
## Messages CarPlay Update
Users now have the option to disable pinned chats for Messages in CarPlay settings, allowing for greater customization while utilizing CarPlay.
[Read more about this feature here.](https://9to5mac.com/2025/11/12/ios-26-2-lets-you-disable-new-carplay-feature-in-messages/)
## Additional Enhancements
– Animations when tapping buttons to access menus are considerably smoother now.
## Edge Light Feature on macOS 26 Tahoe
A new feature named Edge Light is being rolled out for Mac users, creating a virtual ring light effect utilizing the screen to enhance lighting during video calls.
[Read more about Edge Light on the Mac here.](https://9to5mac.com/2025/11/12/macos-26-2-adds-new-edge-light-feature/)
## Sleep Score Changes
Apple is adjusting how the Sleep Score functions in sleep monitoring. The top category is now labeled “Very High,” and the thresholds for each category have been modified according to user feedback.
[Read more about the change here.](https://9to5mac.com/2025/11/04/watchos-26-2-sleep-score-changes-apple-watch/)
## Apple Podcasts App Enhancements
The Apple Podcasts app is utilizing AI to enhance user experience by automatically generating chapters, connecting to referenced podcasts, and gathering show links.
[Read more about the updates here.](https://9to5mac.com/2025/11/04/ios-26-2-includes-three-helpful-upgrades-to-apple-podcasts-app/)
## Apple News Design
The News app has been enhanced with quick links to trending sections, improving navigation and user interaction.
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iPadOS 26.2 Public Beta 2 Launched: Latest Features and Enhancements
**iPadOS 26.2 Public Beta 2: Major Updates and Features**
Apple has unveiled the second public beta of iPadOS 26.2, coming after developer beta 3. This release brings forth a variety of improvements, especially in multitasking functionalities and visual design.
### Improvements in Multitasking: Slide Over and Split View
A key enhancement in iPadOS 26.2 public beta 2 is the reinstatement of drag and drop support for starting Split View and Slide Over. This capability had been withdrawn in iPadOS 26 due to modifications in the windowing framework, but its revival has been embraced by users depending on multitasking. This feature enables users to efficiently handle several applications at once, boosting productivity on the iPad.
### Liquid Glass Enhancements
The update further refines the Liquid Glass feature, which was initially introduced in prior betas. The animations for the Lock Screen clock slider have been enhanced for greater fluidity and visual appeal. Moreover, the Lock Screen buttons in the Notification Center now feature Liquid Glass effects, which are more consistent with the design presented during Apple’s WWDC.
### New Features for Mac
Interestingly, despite the emphasis on iPadOS, a new capability dubbed ‘Edge Light’ has been launched for macOS, aimed at improving video call quality. This aspect may find its way to the iPad in future iterations, reflecting Apple’s ongoing dedication to enhancing user experience across its range of devices.
### How to Access the Public Beta
For those eager to experience the latest features, iPadOS 26.2 beta 2 can be accessed via the Settings app under General > Software Update for users already part of Apple’s public beta program. New users may register at beta.apple.com.
### Conclusion
The iPadOS 26.2 public beta 2 delivers significant advancements, particularly in multitasking and visual elements, enriching the overall user experience. As Apple progresses in refining its software, users can anticipate additional updates and features soon.
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Apple Unveils Public Beta 2 for watchOS 26.2 and Other Enhancements
### Public Beta 2 Now Released for watchOS 26.2 and More
Yesterday, Apple introduced developer beta 3 for its various 26.2 software upgrades, and now public beta 2 has been launched for watchOS 26.2. This update reflects Apple’s continuous effort to enhance user experience across its platforms.
If you are a participant in Apple’s public beta program, you can now download a variety of fresh software updates. Public beta 2 for watchOS 26.2 corresponds to the developer beta 3 issued the day before. Importantly, last week featured public betas solely for macOS and tvOS, which have also progressed to public beta 3 now.
Currently, after a day of evaluation, no major new features have been discovered in the recent updates. Nevertheless, users can anticipate bug fixes that may improve device performance.
Among the significant modifications in this batch of betas is the reinstatement of drag and drop functionality for initiating multitasking in iPadOS. Furthermore, a new user interface for Apple’s AirDrop upgrade has been introduced.
Apple persists in fine-tuning its software offerings, and any additional findings from the watchOS 26.2 public beta and other platforms will be updated as they emerge.
For users who have started utilizing the 26.2 public betas across Apple’s platforms, insights on performance and usability are appreciated in the comments section.
### Best Apple Watch Accessories
For individuals seeking to elevate their Apple Watch experience, examining the finest accessories available can offer enhanced functionality and style.
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Top 5 Electric Cars for Winter and Snow, Advised by Specialists
choosing the appropriate EV for usage in winter conditions involving snow necessitates careful consideration of certain technical and performance aspects. Cold temperatures affect driving behavior due to slippery surfaces, snow, and ice, but battery performance is just as crucial. Lithium-ion batteries show decreased chemical reactions in low temperatures, which leads to diminished energy availability and slower charging speeds. Moreover, heating the cabin in EVs directly utilizes battery power, further diminishing the effective driving range.
In addition to reduced range, winter driving requires excellent traction, either all-wheel drive (AWD) or four-wheel drive capability, a well-designed stability control system, and tires suitable for snowy and icy conditions. When assessing EVs for use in winter, important factors should consist of: the extent of range reduction in cold weather (the durability of the battery and thermal systems), whether the vehicle incorporates a heat pump or other effective cabin and battery heating methods, the strength of the driveline and AWD systems in low-grip scenarios, as well as cold weather charging efficiency.
Research indicates that in freezing conditions, many EVs generally operate at 75% to 85% of their optimal temperature range. Vehicles featuring a heat pump generally experience less range loss. In snowy areas, vehicles with a lower center of gravity (due to ground-mounted battery packs), improved chassis stability, and specialized winter/traction models perform better. Let’s examine five EVs that excel in winter and snowy conditions, combining range durability and effective traction.