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VR Flourishes in 2025 as XR Glasses Increase in Popularity

A historic amount of new VR headsets were revealed, smart glasses emerged as a truly breakout segment, and prospects for XR continue to brighten.

By all indications, 2025 marked a significant year for XR. The acronym XR, which represents eXtended Reality, encompasses VR, AR, and all related technologies, forming one of the few consensus terms within the industry. The wearable face computer market expanded throughout 2025, all beginning with VR.

The past year was crucial for major VR launches, and while some of that momentum carried into 2025 with titles such as Deadpool VR, Alien: Rogue Incursion, Thief VR: Legacy of Shadows, and others, the true triumphs belonged to indie developers. This is largely because, for reasons unknown, Meta Quest players appear to favor smaller games that generate substantial buzz on social media.

A prime example is Animal Company, which attracted “over 1 billion views organically” on TikTok, as per a blog post from a Meta developer profile. This led it to secure the 5th-highest first-year revenue for a VR title, boasting over 1 million active monthly users and inspiring numerous clones. UG VR represents another success, following the same trend of free-to-play games with in-app DLC options.

This change has pleased smaller teams, yet it has also driven several businesses to shut down. Meta dismissed numerous employees across its first-party VR development studios, and we witnessed the closure of established studios like Toast Interactive and WIMO Games. The silver lining is that the Quest once again surpassed most major consoles in sales this Black Friday/Cyber Monday, according to publicly available data, a trend that has become a holiday staple over the years.

All of this culminated in early December when Meta chose to cut 30% of Reality Labs’ budget starting in January 2026, a decision that had been overdue as the department’s expenditures had spiraled out of control over the years, while other Meta divisions have faced 10% year-over-year cuts since 2022.

While that may sound negative at first, it is setting the stage for a more efficient Meta Quest. Two lead product and UI designers from Apple joined Meta in early December, and it is rumored that they will be involved in redesigning the Quest UI and crafting the Quest 4 into an ultra-light, sleek, gaming-centric headset.

This shift is also notable because Meta finally faces significant competition in the industry. Apple launched an upgraded Vision Pro with a new chipset and a more comfortable head strap in August. Additionally, Samsung has finally introduced the Galaxy XR headset alongside Android XR.

To enhance things further, we had the opportunity to test Android XR on Xreal’s Project Aura smart glasses, expected to launch in 2026. This represents a complete VR headset operating system within a pair of lightweight and comfortable smart glasses, poised to be a substantial game-changer next year.

Moreover, Valve announced a new VR headset named the Steam Frame. This headset operates on a new version of SteamOS that can run Windows VR games on a mobile chipset and also natively handle Android games. It is anticipated to create significant impact, as you might expect, in early 2026.

The year smart glasses triumphed

The VR sector has never seemed more active, but the smart glasses category has not experienced the level of success it achieved until 2025. Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses served as the turning point the industry required, and Meta intensified its commitment to dominate this segment for years ahead.

The company increased production of its glasses back in February, then launched a series of new glasses to raving reviews in the fall. Ray-Ban Gen 2, Oakley Meta HSTN, Oakley Meta Vanguard, and Meta Ray-Ban Display Glasses all caused significant impact, likely resulting in even more substantial sales, establishing Meta as the leading smart glasses provider after years of investing billions in research and development.

However, the standout was the Meta Ray-Ban Display Glasses. These are the first consumer-ready version of Meta’s smart glasses featuring a display, and while they come with a high price tag, they represent a crucial milestone in the smart glasses race.

This was also the year when Google began taking smart glasses seriously again. We experienced Google and Samsung’s prototype smart glasses back in May, and a subsequent Android XR event in December provided us with even deeper insights into the company’s ambitious plans for 2026.

This does not merely imply AI glasses to rival Ray-Ban and Oakley Meta smart glasses; it also indicates plans to leverage partnerships with existing smart glasses manufacturers. Magic Leap smart glasses powered by Android XR were showcased in October and will enter competition with Meta Ray-Ban Display Glasses, while Xreal Project Aura is going all-in with a complete VR UI in a stylish pair of smart glasses.

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9to5Mac Daily Briefing: December 19, 2025 – Perspectives on iPhone Fold and Apple Music Progress

**9to5Mac Daily: Your Go-To Source for Daily Apple News and Insights**

In the rapidly evolving tech landscape, keeping abreast of the latest updates is essential, particularly for Apple fans. 9to5Mac Daily presents a simple way to catch up on the most important stories affecting the Apple ecosystem. This podcast is crafted to keep listeners updated on recent developments, product launches, and insights from the industry.

**Tune in for the Daily Recap**

Every weekday, 9to5Mac Daily delivers a summary of the leading stories, making it simple for listeners to stay informed while on the move. The podcast can be accessed on numerous platforms, including [iTunes and Apple’s Podcasts app](https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/9to5mac-daily/id1331816080), [Stitcher](https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/9to5mac-daily), [TuneIn](https://tunein.com/radio/9to5Mac-Daily-p1089524/), [Google Play](https://play.google.com/music/m/I5d4dzs7dauazmfxvvrynyiuram?t=9to5Mac_Daily), and through a [dedicated RSS feed](https://feedpress.me/9to5macdaily) for Overcast and other podcast apps.

**Special Deals for Listeners**

9to5Mac Daily is more than just news; it also provides exclusive deals to its audience. There is currently a promotion from Backblaze, offering a 30% discount for 9to5Mac listeners using the code **9to5Xmas** until the month’s end. This promotion is an excellent opportunity to ensure peace of mind with dependable backup solutions.

**What to Anticipate in Each Episode**

Listeners can count on new episodes each weekday, guaranteeing they receive timely updates on Apple-centric news. The podcast encompasses a wide array of subjects, such as product announcements, software upgrades, and industry trends. By subscribing to the podcast, listeners can ensure they receive new episodes as soon as they are released.

**Support the Podcast**

For those wishing to support the podcast directly, the option to subscribe to 9to5Mac Daily Plus is available. This subscription unlocks ad-free versions of every episode and grants access to bonus content, enhancing the overall listening experience.

**Engage with the Community**

Listeners are invited to share their opinions and feedback. They can connect via email at [[email protected]](mailto:[email protected]) or leave reviews on platforms such as [Apple Podcasts](https://geo.itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/id1331816080?at=10laZc&pt=11l8808) and

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Stanford Provides Complimentary Access to 2025 SwiftUI Development Lectures

### All 16 Lectures of Stanford’s CS193p Course Now Free to Access

The complete set of 16 videos and accompanying materials from the Spring 2025 edition of Stanford’s CS193p course, “Developing Applications for iOS using SwiftUI,” is now freely available online. This initiative aligns with Stanford University’s ongoing efforts since 2020 to provide educational resources to a wider public by sharing course content on YouTube and their official site.

#### Course Overview

CS193p aims to familiarize students with the basic principles of iOS development. The course has become popular owing to its thorough curriculum and high-quality teaching, making it an essential resource for aspiring iOS developers. The recent launch of the Spring 2025 lectures continues Stanford’s dedication to open education.

#### Access to Course Materials

Currently, all 16 lectures from the Spring 2025 course can be viewed on the [course website](https://cs193p.stanford.edu/) and via a

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Apple Ceases Signing of iOS 26.1: Consequences for Users

### Downgrading to iOS 26.1 Now Unfeasible

If you are currently using iOS 26.2 and were thinking about downgrading, regrettably, you have lost your chance. Apple has officially ceased signing iOS 26.1, which indicates that users can no longer go back to this earlier version.

Apple generally stops signing older iOS versions once newer updates are verified to be stable and secure. This practice holds particular significance when the latest release resolves major security vulnerabilities that exist in previous builds.

Recently, iOS 26.2 brought essential updates, including solutions for two critical zero-day vulnerabilities. With these security issues now revealed, users still on iOS 26.1 may find themselves increasingly exposed to threats. By blocking downgrades, Apple is effectively protecting users from returning to a version that is becoming more perilous over time.

For those keen on discovering the new features and improvements that come with iOS 26.2, further details can be found through numerous technology news sources.

In conclusion, if you were pondering a downgrade to iOS 26.1, it is no longer a feasible option, and users are advised to keep their devices updated with the latest iOS version to maintain security.

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Amazon Introduces New Echo Dot Smart Speaker Featuring 20% Holiday Savings

The Echo Dot Max is the top-performing speaker in the series to date. Opting for an affordable smart speaker doesn’t have to mean sacrificing audio quality in your home, particularly with the introduction of Amazon’s most robust smart speaker to date. Following its release earlier this year, the retailer has already slashed the price of the Echo Dot Max by 20%.

In addition to its larger size and advanced AI functions, the smart speaker features both a woofer and a tweeter, delivering a fuller sound experience with an extended frequency range. Consequently, Amazon states that the Echo Dot Max provides three times the bass compared to its earlier version and is equipped with an enhanced processing chip for quicker response times.

This speaker also incorporates a newer model of the company’s sensing platform, which allows the Alexa Plus system to leverage environmental awareness for automating smart home functions more effectively. Some of the notable upgrades from previous iterations include improved wake-word recognition, faster overall responses, and more efficient local AI processing.

Its compatibility with various smart home device brands makes it an ideal choice as a smart home hub, all priced under $100 (or only $80 during this promotional period).

Amazon introduced the Echo Dot Max just over a month ago, and it has already seen a $20 price drop from the retailer in anticipation of the holiday season. Besides featuring both a woofer and a tweeter for superior audio performance, it also boasts the AZ3 Pro Chip, making it Amazon’s fastest device to date, alongside Alexa Plus.

The device is also equipped with Omnisense, which utilizes data from audio along with various other well-known household sensors to enhance Alexa Plus’s environmental awareness. This enables the device to, for instance, automatically switch off lights when no one is home, alert users to open doors, and execute a variety of other helpful contextual automation tasks.

Furthermore, it can connect with other Alexa speakers, providing stereo sound or multi-room audio, making it worthwhile to consider acquiring a few of these units while they are available at a discount.

✅ Recommended if: you’re seeking the best-sounding Amazon smart speaker on the market; you desire a smart home hub equipped with advanced AI and voice control features, but you’re looking to keep the cost under $80; you’re interested in a device that can manage products from Matter, Thread, Zigbee, and other smart device brands, as well as connect to other Echo speakers.

❌ Skip this deal if: you don’t require the smart capabilities and are merely in search of a decent Bluetooth speaker for home use; you are indifferent to audio quality and prefer to save even more by choosing one of the less expensive smart speakers available; you don’t utilize Amazon or Alexa products and would rather choose a leading smart speaker from a different brand.

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Google Modifies Schedule for Gemini Shift of The Assistant

**Google’s Strategic Break for the AI Transition: A Festive Reflection**

With the holiday season on the horizon, Google is initiating a strategic break to better equip itself for a major transformation in its AI approach. The company has revealed a postponement in its initial plans to retire the Google Assistant, choosing instead to facilitate a smoother transition to its upcoming AI, Gemini. This choice signifies a crucial juncture in Google’s AI path, demonstrating its dedication to ensuring a seamless user experience during this technological change.

**Notable Developments:**

1. **Postponement of Transition:** Google has opted to prolong the existence of its Assistant on devices, originally intended for discontinuation by the end of 2025. The revised plan now aims for 2026, which will mark ten years since the Assistant’s launch.

2. **Smooth Transition:** The company underscores a “smooth transition” to Gemini, its advanced AI, on mobile platforms. This modification is designed to grant users a more cohesive and effective AI experience.

3. **Ongoing Support:** In spite of the delay, Google is steadfast in its commitment to phasing out the Assistant in favor of Gemini. The transition will cover numerous devices, including smart home products and wearables, broadening Gemini’s scope and functionalities.

4. **Upcoming Updates:** Google intends to share more information regarding the transition in the forthcoming months, ensuring that users are adequately informed about the transformations and improvements Gemini will introduce.

**Effects on Users:**

The choice to delay the transition emphasizes Google’s commitment to upholding a high level of user satisfaction. By taking extra time to enhance the integration of Gemini, Google seeks to provide a more customized and robust AI assistant. This strategy is anticipated to boost the efficiency and usability of AI throughout Google’s ecosystem, from mobile devices to smart home technology.

**Final Thoughts:**

As Google maneuvers this essential AI transformation, the holiday break presents a chance for contemplation and preparation. The company’s promise of a smooth transition showcases its emphasis on user contentment and technological progress. As 2026 draws nearer, users can look forward to a new chapter of AI potential with Gemini, set to reshape the landscape of digital assistants.

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Performance Evaluation of Top Asian Android OEMs in 2025: Achievements and Obstacles in the Face of Fierce Rivalry

Most Asian smartphone companies achieved remarkable success in 2025, yet one thing became apparent this year: OnePlus is fading away.

This year has seen an impressive lineup of smartphone launches, with Vivo, OPPO, and Huawei standing out with their offerings. The tri-folding Mate XT kicked off the year with a bang, and camera-centric models like the Vivo X200 Ultra and Find X8 Ultra demonstrated the potential of Chinese brands investing in this domain.

It’s not solely about camera capabilities; the latest flagship models reveal how advanced these smartphones have become. Battery technology has progressed significantly in the past year, with 7,000mAh batteries becoming quite common. I had the opportunity to test all the devices released by Chinese phone makers this year, and I will assess the performance of each brand based on their 2025 launches. Let’s dive in.

Vivo: A+

Without a doubt, Vivo is currently my preferred Android brand. It has produced top-notch cameras over the past two years, and in 2025, it revamped its software with the global launch of OriginOS. The Vivo X300 Pro is my top recommendation for the best cameras currently available, and it excels as an all-around device as well. Vivo is making all the right moves in the mid-range segment with models like the V50 and V60, while the foldable X Fold 5 remains competitive against the Galaxy Z Fold 7.

OPPO: A

OPPO also enjoyed a remarkable year, with the Find X9 Pro being an exceptional device — it serves as my daily phone, and I don’t foresee myself switching to another device for at least another month. The brand has re-entered Western markets, which is a positive development.

I appreciate OPPO’s approach to foldables as well; the Find N5 launched nearly a year ago, yet it still holds its ground remarkably well. The only area where the brand could improve is wearables; it produces decent smartwatches, but they remain limited to China — I would love to see these introduced in more global markets.

Huawei: A

Huawei is not letting the trade ban hinder its ability to produce remarkable phones. The Mate XT is the most innovative device I’ve encountered, and the tri-folding design is nothing short of amazing. The Pura 80 Ultra boasts one of the finest zoom lenses available, and the newly released Mate X7 elevates foldable camera tech. Although Huawei’s software is still catching up to industry norms, its hardware design is clearly ahead.

I also appreciate Huawei’s efforts in creating a more extensive ecosystem. The Watch Ultimate 2 is my favorite smartwatch, the 12-inch MatePad Pro is the finest Android tablet I’ve ever used, and this year the brand launched several impressive earbuds. Additionally, with recent models like the Mate X7 allowing MicroG installation during the initial setup, accessing Google services on Huawei devices has never been easier.

POCO: B

I genuinely can’t criticize POCO’s performance this year. The F7 Ultra highlighted the brand’s imaging capabilities, the X7 Pro emerged as a fantastic budget option, and the F7 managed to compete effectively against its rivals. With the F8 Ultra, the brand now possesses a strong contender in the $700 price range.

POCO must enhance its presence in India, its largest international market. By not launching the F8 Ultra in India, it is conceding ground to Realme. Besides that, the software requires a revamp, but that primarily rests with Xiaomi rather than POCO.

Realme: B

I began to take renewed interest in Realme in 2025, and I admire what the brand is achieving. As a Formula 1 fan, it’s thrilling to see Realme collaborate with the Aston Martin F1 team, and the GT 7 Pro and GT 8 Pro Dream Edition models are impressive. I’m also enthusiastic about the Ricoh partnership; as demonstrated by other Chinese brands over the years, collaborating with a leading camera company can yield significant advantages, and I’m curious to see how this evolves for Realme.

If anything, Realme seems to be the brand now receiving all the limited edition models within the BBK portfolio. This used to be OnePlus’ niche, but that has changed in 2025, as illustrated by the Realme 15 Pro Game of Thrones edition.

Honor: C

Honor continues to produce solid smartphones, but its software initiatives trail behind its competitors. I’m not referring to update policies — Honor aligns with Samsung and Google for flagship updates — but the actual user interface experience. Although Honor claims its software is developed entirely internally, it still retains elements of EMUI, lacking coherence.

While Honor devices have competent cameras

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Upcoming Unavailability of ChatGPT’s Voice Function on macOS

**ChatGPT Voice Functionality on Mac App to Be Phased Out**

If you frequently utilize the ChatGPT Voice capability in the Mac app, you need to know that this feature will be retired starting January 15, 2026. OpenAI has communicated this alteration in the release notes of the latest update for the ChatGPT Mac application.

### Possibly Temporary Measure

The official announcement from OpenAI reveals that the discontinuation of the Voice feature on macOS is part of a tactical change to improve voice interactions across all their platforms. Though this information may be disheartening for users dependent on the Voice mode, it is expected to be a short-term hindrance.

Per the release notes, the Voice functionality will remain accessible on other platforms, such as chatgpt.com, iOS, Android, and Windows. Notably, no other features of ChatGPT on macOS will be affected by this modification.

### Prospects for Voice Interfaces

Voice interfaces are becoming increasingly essential in user engagement with AI solutions. It is improbable that OpenAI will entirely eliminate the Voice feature, particularly given its prospective role in upcoming hardware advancements. The company’s focus on developing “more cohesive and enhanced voice experiences” implies they might be working on a new framework for the Voice feature that is not compatible with the present version on macOS.

### Moving to Other Platforms

As the January 15 deadline draws near, users intending to keep using the Voice feature will have to migrate to the web version or the iOS/iPadOS versions of ChatGPT. This transition might necessitate some adaptation, but it is anticipated that OpenAI will ultimately reintroduce an upgraded Voice experience on macOS.

For those who depend significantly on voice interactions, it is recommended to investigate alternative platforms in the interim to guarantee a smooth experience with ChatGPT.

### Final Thoughts

To summarize, while the discontinuation of the Voice feature on the ChatGPT Mac app may result in a short-lived inconvenience, it is part of a larger plan to enhance voice functionalities across OpenAI’s applications. Users should gear up for this transition and think about utilizing other platforms to continue their voice interaction requirements with ChatGPT.

For additional updates, stay tuned to OpenAI’s official communications and the ChatGPT release notes.

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“Essential 5 Windows 11 Settings to Adjust Immediately”

In October 2025, Microsoft officially discontinued support for Windows 10. This indicates that your computer will cease to receive software updates, security patches, and any technical assistance going forward. To ensure your PC continues to operate efficiently and remains secure from malware, Microsoft advises users to transition to Windows 11. This not only guarantees ongoing support but also introduces enhancements such as new Windows 11 AI functionalities, integration with Android and iOS through Phone Link, and improved security.

However, Windows 11 isn’t automatically configured to meet your requirements initiall. Some default settings may hinder your PC’s performance, while others may be superfluous and even create inconvenience. Fortunately, similar to its forerunners, Windows 11 is highly customizable and grants you control over what you want or do not want to utilize. If you’ve recently installed Windows 11 and wish to optimize your computer, here are five settings that you might consider adjusting.

### Disable Search the web results in the Start menu

The Windows Start menu has made significant progress over the years, incorporating new useful features such as pinned apps, recent files, and intelligent suggestions. However, not every modification in the Start menu is beneficial. Certain additions — like “Search the web” results — merely clutter the interface, particularly since most users rely on the Start menu to find local files and applications, rather than searching the internet. The good news is that it’s possible to disable this feature, although it requires more than simply navigating to Settings. Additionally, there is a different method for disabling “Search the web” results in the Start menu depending on whether you are using Windows Home or Windows Pro.

To eliminate the web results from the Start Menu on your Windows Home, follow these steps:

1. Open Registry Editor from the Start Menu.
2. Click Yes when prompted.
3. Under Computer, expand the folder HKEY_CURRENT_USER.
4. Open the Software folder.
5. Navigate to Policies.
6. Choose Microsoft.
7. Double-click on Windows.
8. Right-click in an empty area in the right-hand panel.
9. Click on New.
10. Select Key.
11. Name the Key as Explorer.
12. Open the Explorer folder.
13. Go to the right-side panel.
14. Right-click in an empty area again.
15. Choose New.
16. Navigate to DWORD (32-bit) Value.
17. Name it “DisableSearchBoxSuggestions.”
18. Double-click on DisableSearchBoxSuggestions to modify it.
19. Alter the Value data from 0 to 1.
20. Click OK to confirm the change.
21. Restart your computer.

After completing this, when you utilize the search bar in the Start Menu, only your local files and applications will appear in the results. If you are using Windows Pro or Enterprise, there is a quicker method to disable web results in the Start Menu. Open “Edit group policy” in the Start Menu and navigate to Administrative Templates under Computer Configuration. Double-click on Windows Components, then Search. Access “Do not allow web search” and set it to Enabled. Repeat this for “Don’t search the web or display web results in Search.” Finally, restart your PC to implement the changes.

### Adjust the apps and placement of the taskbar and Start Menu

Windows 11 underwent several redesigns of the taskbar and Start Menu. Perhaps the most noticeable alteration is the centered taskbar, which resembles the Dock in macOS. The Start Menu now features pinned apps, some of which may not even be installed on your computer. If you are among those who do not prefer the centered taskbar or the default pinned apps in the Start Menu, you can modify these settings in Windows 11.

You have various options for customizing the taskbar. To conceal the search box, follow these steps:

1. Right-click on the taskbar.
2. Select Taskbar settings.
3. Under Taskbar items, change Search to Hide instead of Search box. This will remove the search box from the taskbar. You can also toggle off Task view within the same settings.

To alter the alignment of the Taskbar, do the following:

1. Expand Taskbar behaviors.
2. Change Taskbar alignment from Center to Left.

To remove or pin apps to the taskbar:

1. Right-click on the app you wish to remove from the taskbar.
2. Select Unpin from taskbar.
3. In the Start Menu, search for the app you want to pin to the taskbar.
4. Right-click on the search result that appears.
5. Select Pin to taskbar.

To modify the Start Menu, follow these steps:

1. Open the Start Menu.
2. Right-click on the apps you wish to remove from the Pinned section.
3. Select Unpin from Start.
4. In the search bar, type the app you prefer to

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