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Four Budget-Friendly Ways to Convert Your Home into a Smart House

upgrades for smart homes, such as devices that facilitate automation throughout the home, enhance energy efficiency, and provide more enjoyable entertainment options. You don’t need to spend a fortune to incorporate these smart home features into your space. Affordable smart home technology exists, delivering remarkable functionality at a much lower cost than many individuals expect when envisioning a futuristic home.

Focusing on the priorities of newcomers and tech enthusiasts who have budget considerations, we’ve compiled several ways to transform your residence into a smart home. Each option offers practical advantages along with the possibility of added enjoyment, as a smart home should be as entertaining as it is practical. So, whether you reside in a house or an apartment, whether you are enhancing vital smart home devices or searching for your first purchase, here are some cost-effective, enjoyable, and easy-to-install smart home solutions.

Smart plugs

Netflix’s Significant Mistake: Terminating the Celebrated Sci-Fi Show

“The OA” is notable due to Netflix’s choice to discontinue the show after two seasons, even though “Part II” concluded with a remarkable cliffhanger that the series’ fanbase longed to see resolved.

Immediately, fans of “The OA” began protesting, imploring Netflix to rethink its decision. The outcry wasn’t confined to the internet, as some supporters rallied in person outside Netflix’s headquarters following the cancellation of Season 2 in 2019. Nonetheless, Netflix remained steadfast. Although there were discussions about producing a film to wrap up “The OA” narrative, it ultimately did not happen, despite enthusiasm from fans and the creators.

While “The OA” was canceled, Netflix brought other projects back to life. It revived shows like “You” (Lifetime), “Manifest” (NBC), and “Lucifer” (Fox) between 2018 and 2021. These are merely a few instances of canceled television series that Netflix opted to revive and provide a new opportunity on its service. This further solidifies why the cancellation of “The OA” is easily regarded as one of Netflix’s greatest blunders to date and continues to be one of the company’s most perplexing choices, even after an executive disclosed how Netflix selects shows for cancellation.

Why did Netflix cancel The OA?

Copilot Money Introduces Web Edition to Improve Financial Transparency

# Copilot Money: An In-Depth Guide to Financial Management

Copilot Money is a distinguished application crafted to offer a personalized approach to handling finances. It consolidates your entire financial ecosystem into an elegantly designed platform, which has been acknowledged by Apple numerous times for its exceptional quality.

## Functionality of Copilot Money

Copilot Money links with thousands of financial institutions, featuring customized integrations for platforms such as Venmo and Amazon. By leveraging Apple’s FinanceKit framework, it enables users to monitor their Apple Card and Apple Card Savings Account data in real-time, setting it apart from other budgeting tools.

### Main Features

The application categorizes your financial information into several intuitive tabs:

– **Dashboard**: Provides a snapshot of spending, earnings, recent transactions, monthly achievements, upcoming recurring expenses, and popular budget categories.
– **Transactions**: Lists all transactions across various accounts with options to filter by account, category, and month.
– **Investments**: Supplies a unified interface for tracking all investments.
– **Accounts**: Delivers a comprehensive overview of all financial accounts, sorted by type.
– **Categories**: Segments expenditures by category.
– **Recurrings**: Enumerates all recurring transactions and impending payments.
– **Goals**: Aids in reserving funds for significant objectives, with recommendations based on cash flow and spending habits.
– **Cash Flow**: Provides a transparent analysis of income, expenditures, and net earnings.

Users enjoy complete autonomy over their financial oversight, permitting custom categories, adjustable income tracking, and transaction labels.

## Now Available on the Web

Copilot Money has recently launched a web version, allowing users to oversee their finances from any location. The web interface reflects the app’s design and features, ensuring seamless integration across devices while upholding strict privacy and security policies.

## Why You Should Use Copilot Money Now

With 2026 on the horizon, it’s a perfect moment to reevaluate your financial state. Copilot Money strives to alleviate monetary anxiety and improve transparency, offering users a complete perspective on their finances. The app negates the necessity for spreadsheets or multiple applications, centralizing everything within a single accessible platform.

## Special Savings

Copilot Money is endorsed by many, including the 9to5Mac team. The app enjoys a remarkable App Store rating of 4.8 from 25,000 reviews and has garnered several awards:

– **App Store Awards**: Editor’s Choice
– **Apple Design Awards**: 2024 Finalist
– **App Store Awards**: 2023 Finalist
– Highlighted in various Apple categories for its design and performance.

Privacy is fundamental to Copilot Money, with no advertisements, data selling, or undisclosed collaborations.

For 9to5Mac readers, Copilot Money is offering an extended two-month free trial with the code **9TO5MAC** and a 26% discount on the annual plan for new users who subscribe through the provided link.

In summary, Copilot Money emerges as a comprehensive tool for managing personal finances, making it an essential resource for anyone aiming to take charge of their financial life.

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Opt for Apple Maps for enhanced privacy

Apple Music Gets Significant Upgrade with iOS 26.2: Essential Modifications Detailed

iOS 26.2 brings continued enhancements to the listening experience. Alongside bug corrections, Apple Music now presents the Favorite Songs playlist prominently in Top Picks on the home tab. Additionally, users can view lyrics for their downloaded tracks within the app while streaming, even without an internet connection.

This update ensures that Apple Music subscribers will no longer have to wonder what an artist is singing. This feature is particularly beneficial when an Apple Music user is airborne without Wi-Fi, rehearsing songs from their beloved artists while queuing for a concert, or simply when they lack a stable internet connection but wish to sing along to fresh or less familiar tunes.

With this newly introduced functionality, Apple Music subscribers gain an advantage that Spotify users lack. Furthermore, Apple Music users do not need to take any extra steps to access their song lyrics; they just need to ensure they are on iOS 26.2. However, if offline lyrics do not appear, one can re-download a previously available offline song.

Apple Music received substantial updates in iOS 26

Preferred Attributes for Apple CarPlay in 2026

CarPlay has achieved significant progress since its debut ten years ago. Over the last few years, Apple has enhanced this experience with new additions and CarPlay Ultra, ultimately revamping both iterations with the launch of iOS 26.

With the introduction of iOS 26, Apple has provided a fresh look to CarPlay featuring Liquid Glass, reorganized notifications and calls to prevent them from dominating the entire display, enhancing driver focus on the road. The novel CarPlay Ultra experience utilizes all vehicle displays to deliver optimal synergy between the car and Apple’s software.

Nonetheless, several features remain absent from CarPlay that users would eagerly welcome in 2026, whether via forthcoming iOS 26 updates or the next significant release, iOS 27. While details regarding the features arriving with iOS 27 are limited, there are a few consistent requests from drivers regarding CarPlay. Here are some of those wishes.

Apple should introduce video applications

Samsung’s Affordable Collection Progresses with Galaxy A17 5G and Tab A11 Plus

Samsung’s newest budget offerings, the Galaxy A17 5G and Galaxy Tab A11 Plus, are creating a buzz by featuring specifications usually associated with high-end devices. The Galaxy A17 5G, following in the footsteps of 2025’s best-selling Android smartphone, presents a single variant with 4GB RAM and 128GB storage, straying from the multiple configurations of its predecessor. Nonetheless, Samsung assures users of six years of Android updates and security patches, a considerable benefit for those looking for longevity.

The A17 5G flaunts a 6.7-inch FHD+ Super AMOLED screen with a 90Hz refresh rate, driven by the Exynos 1330 chipset and a 5,000mAh battery that supports 25W fast charging. It is equipped with a 50MP primary camera featuring Optical Image Stabilization for improved low-light shots, along with a 5MP ultrawide lens and a 2MP macro camera.

On the other hand, the Galaxy Tab A11 Plus features an 11-inch LCD display with a 90Hz refresh rate, quad speakers enhanced by Dolby Atmos, and a 3.5mm headphone jack. It is available in 6GB/128GB and 8GB/256GB configurations, powered by a MediaTek MT8775 processor, coupled with a 7,040mAh battery and the option for 5G connectivity.

Both gadgets come equipped with sophisticated AI functionalities such as Circle to Search and Google’s Gemini assistant, enabling users to execute tasks like product identification or email drafting without the necessity for a top-tier device. The Galaxy A17 5G is priced at $200 and will be available in black, blue, and gray starting January 7, while the Galaxy Tab A11 Plus begins at $250, offered in gray and silver from January 8.

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Thieaudio’s Valhalla: A $1,999 IEM Featuring 19 Drivers Per Ear Delivering Outstanding Sound Quality

This $1,999 universal IEM is in a league of its own.

It’s not often that I get to try out a $1,999 IEM, and Thieaudio has undoubtedly succeeded with the Valhalla. I’d argue that it targets enthusiasts, though there are many other models that provide excellent sound without the hefty price tag of the Valhalla. If you’re simply looking for well-made IEMs that sound great and are comfortable, there are plenty of fantastic options available for under $100.

But what if you desire the very best? The finest design, the highest sound quality, and the top drivers on the market today. This is where Thieaudio sets itself apart; the brand has been thriving over the past two years, and IEMs like the Monarch MKIII have gained popularity due to their sound tuning and design.

And now we have the Valhalla. Priced at $1,999 on Linsoul Audio, these IEMs are Thieaudio’s priciest by a significant margin, and they are truly remarkable. Each earbud features 19 balanced armature drivers, which is almost excessive. It’s essential to discuss the drivers, as each earbud contains four Sonion 38D1XJ007 subwoofer drivers for precise bass, ten Sonion E50DT0005 low-midrange and mid-range drivers, four Knowles RDE 33729 treble drivers, and a Knowles WBFK 30095 tweeter that offers a level of treble extension that most IEMs cannot match.

As expected from a product of this caliber, there are numerous innovations. Noteworthy is the Precision Bass System, Thieaudio’s answer to providing a “subwoofer-like” experience in an IEM. It features a distinctive resonance chamber optimized to create vibrant sub-bass; essentially, the Valhalla boasts one of the finest bass extensions of any flagship IEM.

Additionally, it employs custom tubing to ensure “smooth transitions” throughout the entire frequency spectrum, and it’s evident that Thieaudio has meticulously attended to every detail with the Valhalla. This becomes immediately apparent once you start using the IEMs; their design is striking, and it’s clear these are premium IEMs.

The Valhalla’s shell is constructed from titanium, making it durable; I’ve been using these IEMs for nearly four months now, and they remain in pristine condition. I have every confidence in their durability, and while the shells are somewhat larger — presumably to fit all the drivers — they do not apply excessive pressure and are relatively lightweight. Surprisingly, these IEMs are quite comfortable to wear.

What truly sets these IEMs apart is the faceplate design; Thieaudio offers a total of 15 designs, allowing you to customize the shell to your taste. I received the standard model, and I quite like its aesthetic; it features a bright etched pattern that catches the eye without appearing gaudy.

Thieaudio’s logo is accentuated at the base, and the overall design effectively underscores the premium quality of the IEMs. I also appreciate the matte finish on the shells, which resist smudges much better. You receive the typical mix of silicone and foam ear tips, though I would have preferred a broader selection in this area. While other brands include additional pairs in the package, Thieaudio provides the same set that comes with the Monarch MKIII.

Fortunately, the included tips offer good isolation and a snug fit. The sound nozzle is quite large and angled, and due to the design of the IEMs, the Valhalla extends out from your ears. However, once you achieve a proper fit, you won’t even feel that you’re wearing the IEMs, and the lightweight construction makes a significant difference.

Thieaudio has excelled with the included EliteNoir cable; this silver-plated cable features a braided design, is pretty flexible, and comes with a modular system that includes 3.5mm and balanced 4.4mm plugs. It connects to the Valhalla using the standard 2-pin connector. To complete the package, you also receive a hard shell case with a suede lining to securely hold the Valhalla, the cable, and all the extras.

Truthfully, the sound quality is outstanding — that’s a given when you consider the extensive engineering behind the Valhalla and the number of drivers involved. The IEMs deliver a deliciously rich and detailed low-end, with impressive sub-bass vibrancy that enhances the listening experience. Overall, the bass is well-controlled while still providing a solid

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Choosing the Perfect HDMI Cable for Your Smart Television

Selecting the appropriate HDMI cable for your smart TV or devices linked to your television should be a simple task. While there are various types of standard HDMI cables, with the most recent being HDMI 2.2 unveiled at CES 2025, you don’t need to stress too much about them.

In fact, as long as you don’t have a very outdated device at home, all your devices should feature the same HDMI port. Additionally, there typically isn’t a significant price difference among the different versions, which allows you to indulge in the latest technologies without excessive costs.

That said, even though the general recommendation is to opt for the latest HDMI cable version available, it ultimately depends on the technologies supported by your TV. You can determine this by checking the manual or searching for your TV model online. Once you have this information, you’ll have a clearer understanding of which cable to choose. Nonetheless, here are a few more tips before you rush to your Amazon cart to purchase your new HDMI cable.

Up-to-date is advantageous, but perhaps you don’t need much more

Upcoming Apple Product Launches for 2025

# Apple Introduced 16+ New Products in 2025: Here’s the Complete List

Apple has once again captured attention with the release of an impressive range of new hardware in 2025. From iPhones to Macs, the tech behemoth has launched over 16 new products this year. Here’s a thorough summary of the thrilling new offerings.

## February

### iPhone 16e
Apple presented the iPhone 16e, which takes over from the iPhone SE as the entry-level choice. It boasts a 6.1-inch OLED screen, Face ID, and is powered by the A18 chip with Apple Intelligence capabilities. The device begins at $599 for the 128GB variant and includes a 48MP Fusion camera along with a USB-C port, departing from the conventional Lightning port.

## March

### MacBook Air
The updated MacBook Air models, available in 13-inch and 15-inch configurations, are now equipped with the M4 chip. The starting price has been reduced to $999, and the models support two external displays, come with a 12MP Center Stage camera, and offer up to 18 hours of battery performance.

### Mac Studio
The Mac Studio has been refreshed with the M4 Max and M3 Ultra chips. It features Thunderbolt 5 connectivity, which allows transfer speeds of 120Gb/s, and starts at $1,999 for the M4 Max version.

### iPad
The 11th-generation iPad has received an upgrade to the A16 Bionic chip while keeping its starting price at $349. It now provides double the base storage, increasing from 64GB to 128GB.

### iPad Air
The iPad Air has been enhanced with the M3 chip, improving performance with hardware-accelerated ray tracing. A newly designed Magic Keyboard is also available at a reduced price of $269.

## September

### iPhone 17
The iPhone 17 features a 6.3-inch display, ProMotion technology, and enhanced battery life, starting at $799. It is powered by the A19 chip and comes with upgraded dual cameras.

### iPhone Air
The iPhone Air, Apple’s slimmest iPhone at 5.6mm, boasts a 6.5-inch display and operates on the A19 Pro chip. Priced at $999, it features a titanium frame and a single 48MP camera.

### iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max
The iPhone 17 Pro begins at $1,099 with doubled base storage, while the Pro Max retains its $1,199 price point. Both versions are equipped with the A19 Pro chip, enhanced thermal design, and a new camera bar layout.

### Apple Watch SE 3
The third-generation Apple Watch SE offers a larger display and improved durability, maintaining a starting price of $249. It comes with features like an Always-On display and rapid charging.

### Apple Watch Series 11
The Apple Watch Series 11 introduces 5G connectivity and hypertension detection, featuring the S10 chip and enhanced battery life.

### Apple Watch Ultra 3
The Apple Watch Ultra 3 provides substantial battery enhancements and 5G support, priced at $799. It includes blood pressure monitoring and advanced fitness functionalities.

### AirPods Pro 3
The AirPods Pro 3 feature enhanced Active Noise Cancellation and introduce a heart rate sensor for tracking workouts, priced at $249.

## October

### Vision Pro
The Vision Pro has been upgraded with the M5 chip, delivering improved performance and a starting price of $3,499.

### iPad Pro
The iPad Pro now features the M5 chip in both 11-inch and 13-inch models, boosting AI performance and connectivity options.

### MacBook Pro
The refreshed 14-inch MacBook Pro, starting at $1,599, features the M5 chip, delivering enhanced graphics performance and battery longevity.

## Wrap Up
Apple’s 2025 product lineup highlights considerable advancements across its devices, catering to a diverse range of users. What was your favorite release this year? As we look forward to 2026, anticipation builds for even more groundbreaking products from Apple.

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