Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold Long-Term Review: Still Worth It?

Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Smartphones, Google, Product Reviews, Videos,

Imagine a phone so thin it rivals the latest iPad Pro, yet it's packed with Google's AI smarts and folds seamlessly in half. That’s the Pixel 9 Pro Fold—a cutting-edge device that redefines elegance and functionality in the foldable smartphone market. But does its second iteration live up to expectations? Let’s dive in and explore everything that makes this device stand out, from its impossibly slim design to its powerful AI integration.

Ultra-Slim Hardware That’s a Marvel of Engineering

The Pixel 9 Pro Fold feels like something straight out of a sci-fi movie. At just 0.2 inches thick when opened, it’s one of the slimmest smartphones ever created, rivaling the thinness of the iPad Pro. Google achieved this feat with ingenious engineering, particularly the hinge mechanism. This hinge folds completely flat, ensuring smooth transitions between phone and tablet modes. It’s a small but impactful detail that enhances everyday usability.

Weighing in at 9.1 ounces, the device strikes a perfect balance between portability and durability. While it’s not the lightest foldable on the market, the weight distribution makes it feel sturdy and premium in hand. If you’ve ever struggled with a clunky foldable, you’ll appreciate the sleekness that Google has achieved here.

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Apple’s HUGE Siri Apple Intelligence Fumble w/ John Gruber - Geared Up 205

Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Apple, Smartphones, Software, Videos,

Tech legend John Gruber joins Andru Edwards and Jon Rettinger to unravel the story behind Apple Intelligence and its delayed features in this episode of Geared Up. From early WWDC promises to today's reality, they dissect how Apple got comfortable showcasing features it didn't hav eready, and what that says about their internal culture, marketing strategy, and the future of Siri.

Required reading for this episode: Something is Rotten in the State of Cupertino

Gruber shares rare behind-the-scenes insights, including his personal evolution in covering Apple and the moment he realized the company had broken a decades-long precedent. The trio also explores the rocky launch of Vision Pro, Apple's approach to foldables, and why Apple Maps is a cautionary tale for Apple Intelligence.

Head to the Geared Up YouTube channel to subscribe so you don't miss an episode.

The Dreame X50 Ultra Is Be the Smartest Robot Vacuum You Can Buy

Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Smart Home, Product Reviews, Videos,

Most robot vacuums promise convenience. Fewer deliver on that promise. The Dreame X50 Ultra, though, doesn’t just show up with fancy tech specs. It works in the real world. It climbs. It ducks under furniture. It avoids cables. It might actually be one of the most thoughtful smart home devices I’ve ever tested.

Let’s start with navigation. The VersaLift system sounds like marketing fluff, but it’s not. The vacuum has a LiDAR sensor that physically drops lower to let the unit slide under couches and cabinets. This isn’t something you see in typical robot vacuums, which usually treat low-clearance spaces as off-limits. Add in 3D structured light and AI-powered cameras that identify over 200 types of obstacles, and you get a vacuum that’s actually aware of its environment. It moves with a sense of purpose.

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iPhone 16e Review: Apple Just Killed the Budget iPhone

Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Apple, Smartphones, Product Reviews, Videos,

The days of a truly budget-friendly iPhone are over. With the launch of the iPhone 16E, Apple has redefined its entry-level iPhone lineup - but at a higher starting price of $599. The question is, does this new model deliver enough value to justify the cost, or are there better options available? Let’s break it all down.

Unboxing the iPhone 16e: What’s Inside?

If you’re familiar with Apple’s minimalist approach, you already know what to expect. The iPhone 16e comes in a slim box containing the phone itself, a braided USB-C cable (marking the end of the Lightning port), and eSIM setup instructions - no SIM ejector tool, charger, or wired headphones included.

Apple also introduced five silicone case options for the iPhone 16e: lake green, fuchsia, winter blue, white, and black. While the cases add some flair to the otherwise basic black and white phone options, neither the cases nor the phone support MagSafe, which is a notable omission.

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Apple’s C1 Modem: The Silent Revolution Inside the iPhone 16e

Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Apple, Smartphones, Features, Videos,

Every iPhone launch brings the usual fanfare - new cameras, brighter screens, and the inevitable comparison charts. But this year, Apple made a quiet yet monumental move: introducing the C1 modem inside the iPhone 16e. This is Apple’s first in-house modem chip, a shift that could redefine how iPhones connect to the world, just as Apple Silicon did for processing power.

Why Modems Matter More Than You Think

The modem is one of the most crucial components in any smartphone. It’s the bridge between your phone and the world, translating signals from cell towers into the data that powers your web browsing, video streaming, and even your voice calls. A great modem means faster speeds, better battery efficiency, and a smoother experience when networks get congested. Apple knows this, which is why the move to develop its own modem is such a big deal.

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Apple Vision Pro Just Got a Big AI Upgrade! What’s New in visionOS 2.4

Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Apple, Wearables, Software, Videos,

Apple Vision Pro users, your headset is finally getting the update you've been waiting for. visionOS 2.4 is here in beta, and while it’s not a revolutionary overhaul, it’s a significant step toward making the device feel more polished, more useful, and less like a prototype with potential.

Let’s start with the biggest news: Apple Intelligence is finally coming to the Vision Pro. But before you get too excited, this is mostly Apple playing catch-up with the AI features already available on iPhones, iPads, and Macs. You can now rewrite, proofread, and summarize text anywhere in the system, which is great if you’re composing an email or drafting notes on the go. Smart Reply makes an appearance in Messages and Mail, which is particularly useful on a device where typing can be cumbersome. And then there’s Genmoji—Apple’s AI-generated emoji tool—which lets you create custom emojis on the fly. It’s a fun addition, even if it feels more like a novelty than a game-changer.

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Apple’s $400,000,000 Secret to Saving the Planet

Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Apple, Videos,

Apple is on a mission to hit carbon neutrality by 2030—a goal that goes far beyond its products and supply chain. This video explores the tech giant’s groundbreaking Restore Fund, a $200 million initiative aimed at reforesting Brazil’s Atlantic Forest while tackling the hardest-to-eliminate 25% of its carbon footprint.

A key highlight of this story is an exclusive interview with Lisa Jackson, Apple’s Vice President of Environment, Policy, and Social Initiatives. Lisa shares insights into how Apple’s Restore Fund is blending corporate responsibility with tangible environmental results, and how their commitment to renewable energy and carbon neutrality is setting a new standard for the tech industry.

The story dives into the heart of the Atlantic Forest, where Apple and local partners like Symbiosis are restoring biodiversity, planting resilient trees, and using cutting-edge tech like the iPhone’s LIDAR to measure their impact. The video examines whether nature-based solutions like the Restore Fund can scale up fast enough to make a significant difference and how global companies like Apple are shifting from minimizing harm to actively restoring ecosystems.

Is Apple Intelligence All Hype? w/ Taylor Lorenz - Geared Up 202

Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Apple, Smartphones, Podcasts, Videos,

AI has been hyped up like the world’s next superstar athlete, but when it comes time to perform, has it actually stuck the landing? In this episode, we dive into the state of AI today, breaking down what’s working, what’s failing, and how companies like Apple, Google, and OpenAI are shaping the future.

We discuss Apple Intelligence, its delayed rollout, and whether Apple’s privacy-first approach is actually hurting its AI capabilities. Plus, what’s going on with AI-generated images, the evolution of Siri, and the battle between Google Gemini, ChatGPT, and Apple’s attempts to keep up. And of course, we analyze whether companies are just slapping "AI" on everything from bird feeders to massage chairs to sell more products.

On top of that, we discuss T-Mobile’s partnership with Starlink and the conspiracy theories running rampant about Elon Musk tracking everything. Also, are we witnessing the slow demise of TikTok in the U.S.? Taylor Lorenz joins the discussion to break it all down.

The Dreame X40 Ultra is the Ultimate HANDS-OFF Robot Vacuum!

Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Smart Home, Product Reviews, Videos,

What if I told you there's a robot vacuum that not only cleans your floors, but also outsmarts every obstacle in your home and gives you a literal break from maintenance for months at a time? Today, we're diving into a cleaning beast that might just change how you think about smart home tech. This is the Dreame X40 Ultra.

The Dreame X40 Ultra is one of the most advanced robot vacuums I've come across in a while. This thing combines modern tech upgrades with a focus on hands-off intelligent cleaning. It can handle tricky pet hair to dusty corners without constant supervision. Let's break down why the X40 Ultra is making waves and why you might never need to clean your floors manually again.

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