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Blog Posts

2.1-Channel Audio HAT for Raspberry Pi Features Texas Instruments TAS5825M Class-D Amplifier

Louder Raspberry Hat Plus

Previously, we wrote about the Louder Raspberry Pi, an open-source media center that integrates the Louder Raspberry Hat based on a 25W TAS5805M Class-D amplifier. Now, the developer has introduced the Louder Raspberry Hat Plus, upgrading from the TAS5805M amplifier to the more powerful TAS5825M, capable of driving up to 53W in mono (PBTL) mode while offering improved efficiency and thermal performance. The Louder Raspberry Hat Plus is compatible with all Raspberry Pi models and comes in 1X and 2X variants. The 1X version delivers up to 2×32W at 8Ω or 2×45W at 4Ω, the 2X version, on the other hand, supports 2×32W plus a dedicated 53W subwoofer channel, with bridge mode available for higher mono output. The board also integrates a DSP with 15-band parametric EQ per channel, 128-tap FIR filtering, 3-band DRC, selectable LF/HF crossovers, digital volume and gain control (32-step analog gain), selectable modulation schemes, adjustable switching […]

The post 2.1-channel audio HAT for Raspberry Pi features Texas Instruments TAS5825M class-D amplifier appeared first on CNX Software – Embedded Systems News.

Galaxy Wearables App Revamped with Contemporary Design, Removes Support for Legacy Devices

Samsung is preparing for its highly awaited announcements next week, setting the groundwork for the introduction of new updates and products. The technology leader is reportedly refining its Galaxy Wearable app for the major reveal of One UI 8.5, which will deliver notable user interface enhancements and support for new devices.

As per a report from SamMobile, Samsung is releasing an update for the Galaxy Wearable app, featuring the One UI 8.5 upgrades. This update is especially thrilling as it incorporates support for the forthcoming Galaxy Buds 4 and 4 Pro. There is much speculation that these new earbuds will be officially announced during Samsung’s Galaxy Unpacked event next week, heightening excitement.

However, the update also brings some unwelcome news for users of older devices. Samsung has indicated that the Galaxy Fit and Galaxy Fit e will no longer receive support, reflecting a shift towards newer technologies. While the update is being rolled out in specific regions, users in others, including the U.S., may need to wait a little longer to access it.

The mention of support for the Galaxy Buds 4 and 4 Pro has become a significant topic of discussion, with rumors about these earbuds having been in circulation for months. Recent leaks point to a redesign that abandons the pointed, triangular stem shape of the previous model, favoring a more rounded appearance. The Buds 4 are anticipated to omit silicone eartips, a modification that may split opinions among users.

Samsung has confirmed that its Galaxy Unpacked event is set for February 25, 2026, in San Francisco, California. The event is expected to unveil the next generation of Samsung products, including the Galaxy S26 series, which already has a reserve program in place.

As Samsung continues to advance its software and product innovations, anticipation is growing around what the Galaxy Buds 4 and 4 Pro will deliver in terms of audio quality. The previous versions, especially the 3 Pro, received acclaim for their rich and intricate sound, and expectations are elevated for the upcoming series to maintain or even improve this benchmark.

Will Stancil: Champion of the People or Just a Nuisance?

I met Will Stancil two days before he got booted from his neighborhood Signal chat. We were at the Uptown Minneapolis VFW at an event hosted by Rep. Ilhan Omar, a thank-you party for Minnesotans who fought ICE in ways big and small. There were tacos and drinks, and dancing, though I never saw Stancil […]

Anker Unveils Slim 45W Charger Featuring Integrated Display

**Anker Introduces the Nano 45W Charger with Smart Display at CES 2026**

At CES 2026, Anker unveiled a groundbreaking product that has swiftly caught the spotlight: the Nano 45W charger equipped with a smart display. This sleek power adapter is now available for purchase, blending practicality with contemporary aesthetics.

**Compact Design and Power**

The Anker Nano 45W charger distinguishes itself due to its size, ranking among the smallest 45W power adapters available. Despite its petite build, it provides full 45W charging output, positioning it as an ideal option for rapid charging devices such as the iPhone 17 Pro, which can achieve up to 50% charge in just 20 minutes. Furthermore, it is capable of charging iPads and MacBook Airs, offering versatility for users with various devices.

**Innovative Features**

A standout characteristic of the Nano 45W charger is its 180-degree prongs. This configuration permits users to connect the charger at two distinct angles, boosting usability in different environments. The USB-C port is thoughtfully located at the top of the charger, allowing space for the smart display.

The smart display itself represents a major enhancement, delivering real-time data regarding the charging speed and identifying the connected device. This feature enables the charger to adjust charging speeds according to the particular device, ensuring effective power delivery.

**Care Mode for Battery Health**

Anker has also introduced a ‘care mode’ feature, activated by tapping the charger. This mode reduces the charging rate, which can aid in maintaining battery health during overnight charging, a considerate addition for users worried about battery life.

**Availability and Pricing**

The Anker Nano 45W charger is up for grabs at an introductory price of $30 on Amazon, with options in several colors, including Black, White, Orange, and Blue. Some colors might carry a slightly higher price of $35. Following the launch offer, the standard price will be $40.

**Conclusion**

The Anker Nano 45W charger with smart display represents a significant progression in charging technology, merging compact design with inventive features that enhance user experience. For those looking to upgrade their charging solutions, this product is an enticing option that should not be overlooked.

Apple Must Shift Away from 60Hz Screens

**The Argument for 120Hz Screens in Apple’s Mid-Tier Products**

It’s been almost ten years since Apple launched its inaugural 120Hz ProMotion display with the 2017 iPad Pro. Regardless of this technological leap, Apple still regards 120Hz as a premium feature, prompting inquiries about its influence on user satisfaction and product competitiveness.

**The Progression of 120Hz Screens**

Apple’s recent choice to incorporate a 120Hz display in the standard iPhone 17 signifies a major advancement, particularly since this feature was first introduced in the iPhone 13 Pro four years earlier. While some contend that the average user might not detect the distinction between 60Hz and 120Hz, the enhanced experience provided by a higher refresh rate is indisputable. Users frequently perceive devices equipped with 120Hz displays as quicker and more agile, boosting overall contentment even if they can’t identify the reason.

**Cost Variations in Apple’s Product Range**

The pricing framework of Apple’s products further complicates the dialogue regarding display technology. The iPad Air, which starts at $599 for the base 11-inch model, comes with a 60Hz display, while the iPad Pro kicks off at $999 for its base 11-inch variant, featuring 120Hz. This $400 price difference indicates that few consumers are likely to select the iPad Pro mainly for the refresh rate, as the extra expense is considerable.

In the past, smaller price differentials more convincingly justified reserving specific features for Pro models. Yet, as these price distinctions have expanded, the reasoning for restricting features like 120Hz to higher-end products becomes less persuasive. For example, the MacBook Air is priced starting at $999, while the cheapest MacBook Pro starts at $1599. This difference prompts the question of why features such as 120Hz displays are not more broadly accessible across Apple’s mid-range products.

**Market Benchmarks and Consumer Anticipations**

Within the wider market, several laptops available around $999 already incorporate 120Hz displays, establishing a benchmark that Apple seems hesitant to fulfill. Although the company has traditionally prioritized enhancing user experience through thoughtful design and features, the choice to restrict display refresh rates appears to conflict with this principle. Consumers expect a specific level of performance and responsiveness, especially at elevated price ranges.

**The Prospects of Apple’s Display Technology**

As technology continues to progress, the demand for higher refresh rates in mid-tier products will probably increase. While it’s justifiable for Apple to retain some distinction among product tiers, a 120Hz display should not be regarded as an exclusive attribute for high-end models. Even a compromise, like introducing a 90Hz option, could improve the user experience without devaluing the premium offerings.

In summary, as Apple keeps innovating and fine-tuning its product range, the integration of 120Hz displays in mid-range products like the iPad Air and MacBook Air should be reevaluated. Such a decision would not only align with industry norms but also elevate the overall user experience, reinforcing Apple’s dedication to quality and performance.

Apple Set to Launch More Than Five New Products in the Upcoming Weeks

**New Apple Offerings on the Way: What to Anticipate**

Following a relatively subdued beginning to the year, Apple is preparing for an exhilarating few weeks with the expected introduction of several new devices. Recent reports from Bloomberg indicate that the tech powerhouse is poised to reveal a variety of new Macs and Mac-related accessories soon. Here’s a comprehensive overview of what is coming up.

### New Mac Offerings

Apple is set to launch several new Macs, which may include:

– **Affordable MacBook**: This model will utilize the A18 Pro chip and will feature a display that is slightly under 13 inches. It is also anticipated to be available in multiple colors, attracting a wider customer base.

– **M5 MacBook Air**: This iteration is predicted to provide a spec upgrade, retaining the current design while boosting performance.

– **M5 Pro and M5 Max MacBook Pro Variants**: Following the introduction of the base M5 model last autumn, these new MacBook Pro versions are likely to present notable advancements in processing speed and graphics performance.

– **New Mac Displays**: Apple is reportedly developing at least one new external display for the Mac, expected to showcase a heightened refresh rate and superior picture quality, fulfilling a long-standing request from users.

Mark Gurman from Bloomberg has noted that Apple plans to unveil the new MacBook Pros during the macOS 26.3 cycle, with a product announcement likely set for the week of March 2. This aligns with Apple’s customary release pattern, generating excitement among fans and professionals alike.

### Additional New Devices

Alongside the new Macs, Apple is also anticipated to reveal several other products shortly:

– **iPhone 17e**: A new entry-level iPhone is forthcoming, promising to offer the latest features at a more budget-friendly price.

– **New Entry-Level iPad**: In conjunction with the iPhone, a new entry-level iPad is expected, which will probably feature enhanced specifications.

– **M4 iPad Air**: This model is forecasted to deliver improved performance and functionalities, further broadening Apple’s tablet range.

### Conclusion

With an assortment of new products on the brink of release, including the highly awaited affordable A18 Pro MacBook and new external displays, Apple fans have a great deal to anticipate in the near future. The forthcoming launches not only represent Apple’s dedication to innovation but also underscore its sensitivity to consumer demands, especially in the Mac and iPad categories. As the announcements approach, enthusiasm continues to grow within the Apple community.

Poll: Choice Between iPhone Fold and iPhone Flip

# The Future of Apple’s Folding iPhone: iPhone Fold vs. iPhone Flip

When whispers of a folding iPhone initially emerged, conjectures centered on two possible designs: the iPhone Fold and the iPhone Flip. Recent updates imply that Apple is favoring the roll-out of a book-style iPhone Fold first, although there are signs that both designs might eventually come to fruition.

## iPhone Fold vs. iPhone Flip

The two suggested form factors for Apple’s folding smartphone are different in their aesthetics and capabilities.

### iPhone Fold

The iPhone Fold is crafted to keep a size akin to current iPhones when closed, yet it unfolds to showcase a display that rivals that of the iPad mini. Reports reveal that production plans for the iPhone Fold are progressing smoothly, having reached the engineering validation and testing stage, with about 100 prototypes already created. This model seeks to deliver a more expansive screen experience while keeping portability in mind.

### iPhone Flip

On the other hand, the iPhone Flip employs a clamshell design, collapsing into a compact form that is roughly half the height and width of current iPhones. This design echoes traditional flip phones, like the Motorola Razr, and presents a more convenient alternative for users who favor a smaller device. While there is no confirmation that Apple will manufacture an iPhone Flip, industry experts, including Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, have indicated that the company is contemplating this design and has undertaken tests on prototypes.

## Consumer Appeal

At this point, it is unclear whether Apple will unveil the iPhone Flip alongside the iPhone Fold. The opportunity for consumers to select between these two cutting-edge designs raises inquiries about which form factor will connect more with users. The iPhone Fold delivers a broader display for multitasking and media enjoyment, while the iPhone Flip offers a nostalgic, compact choice for those prioritizing portability.

In summary, as Apple continues to investigate the potential of folding smartphones, the excitement surrounding the iPhone Fold and iPhone Flip intensifies. Consumers are keen to find out which design will eventually launch and how it will influence the future of mobile technology.

Future MacBooks May Utilize Samsung Technology to Tackle Privacy Issues

Samsung has unveiled a new privacy feature for its Galaxy S26 Ultra smartphone, which might soon be integrated into future MacBooks, as per recent reports. This development presents an ironic turn, considering that MacBooks were innovators in adopting wide viewing angle displays, which have now led to privacy issues in public environments.

### Display Viewing Angles

In the past, laptop displays had restricted viewing angles, necessitating users to sit directly in front of the screen for optimal clarity. Viewing the screen from an angle caused poor visibility, making it hard for others to see the content. Apple was one of the first to introduce displays with wide viewing angles, facilitating improved visibility from different positions. Nowadays, MacBook displays are easily viewable from any angle.

### The Privacy Problem

Nonetheless, the wide viewing angles that improve usability also introduce privacy challenges. In public areas, such as coffee shops or airplanes, the ability for those nearby to see confidential information can become an issue. To tackle this, third-party privacy screens are available for MacBooks and other laptops, reestablishing the narrow viewing angles of earlier models.

### Samsung’s Privacy Display

Samsung’s forthcoming Galaxy S26 Ultra includes a new Privacy Display, crafted to balance wide-angle viewing with an option for narrow-angle viewing for sensitive content. This feature enables users to tailor their privacy settings for specific apps or sensitive information, such as passwords and notifications. Users can modify visibility levels according to their privacy requirements, offering a customized solution rather than a uniform approach.

### Reportedly Coming to MacBooks in 2029

Market research entity Omdia forecasts that MacBooks will integrate similar privacy display technology by 2029. The postponement in implementation is linked to two primary reasons: the necessity for Apple to refresh its MacBook range to OLED technology and the extra time needed for Samsung to adapt its technology for larger laptop displays.

This potential integration of Samsung’s privacy feature into MacBooks signifies a notable change in addressing privacy issues, merging the advantages of wide viewing angles with the need for confidentiality in various situations.