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How to Utilize FaceTime on Android Devices with an Easy Alternative

iOS 18 along with the compatible macOS 15. With merely a few taps or clicks, you can initiate a video or audio call with your friends or family. Beyond standard one-on-one video and audio calls, FaceTime provides a multitude of other features, such as group calls, end-to-end encryption, the capacity to transition a FaceTime call to another Apple device, customize a virtual background, react with responses, share your screen, and utilize SharePlay.

While it’s widely recognized that FaceTime operates on Apple devices, you may not be aware that Android users can also participate in FaceTime for both one-on-one and group calls. Admittedly, there isn’t a FaceTime for Android application available in the Google Play Store, but that doesn’t imply billions of Android users are unable to join a FaceTime call. FaceTime permits individuals with Apple devices to invite others, including those using an Android phone, to join a call through their web browser. Here’s how this process functions.

How to FaceTime on Android

Google Pixel Tablet Reaches All-Time Low Price in Amazon’s Labor Day Sale

Enhance your home’s Pixel ecosystem with this remarkable offer.

(Image credit: Nicholas Sutrich / Android Central)

Inexpensive tablet offers are emerging for Labor Day, and an Amazon promotion that cuts 38% off the Google Pixel Tablet clearly illustrates this trend. This reduces the device’s retail price to its all-time low, yielding a $150 savings.

Significantly, the Google Pixel tablet stands out as our top choice in the best tablet for Pixel enthusiasts category, thanks to its integrated Pixel UI, seamless access to Google Voice Assistant for smart device management, and its price—prior to the Labor Day offer.

This offer pertains to the base 128GB model of the tablet, though it is also possible to upgrade to 256GB if additional storage is required. The device comes equipped with a variety of Google AI features, including

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Top 10 Crucial Steps to Consider with Your New Google Pixel 10

Begin your journey with the new Pixel 10 using these helpful tips and tricks!

(Image credit: Derrek Lee / Android Central)
Remote Black Hole Mirrors Eye of Sauron from Lord of the Rings

The “The Lord of the Rings” novels and those who appreciated Peter Jackson’s award-winning film adaptations of the tale will recognize the Eye of Sauron. This term referred to how the main villain of the narrative, Sauron, monitored his warfare and sought the One Ring. Positioned at the pinnacle of Barad-dûr, the eye bore a likeness to a dark void encircled by fire.

A recent finding called this antagonist to mind as a group of scientists aimed to comprehend how formidable jets from blazars can propel particles to astonishingly high energies, generating both gamma rays and neutrinos. Their results appeared in the Astronomy & Astrophysics journal titled “Examining the jet cone of the neutrino-associated very high-energy blazar PKS 1424+240” on August 12, 2025.

In this research, the team concentrated on a blazar known as PKS 1424+240 (a blazar is a term for a galaxy energized by a black hole). The blazar under examination bore a striking resemblance to the Eye of Sauron, and their investigation may contribute to elucidating what is known as the Doppler factor dilemma.

How the Eye of Sauron black hole got its name

Do you have a Galaxy S8 or S9 that’s been collecting dust in your junk drawer for the last couple of years? The one you keep remembering to exchange for credit toward shiny new gadgets like the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7? That device may actually be more valuable than you realize. Many of those older Samsung models — including your Galaxy S8s, S9s, Note 8s, and even some from the A-series — remain surprisingly effective. The cameras produce excellent images, the microphones are clear, and all those sensors that seemed so advanced back in 2017 continue to perform well.

Samsung has recognized this, too. That’s why it launched a program called Galaxy Upcycling at Home. Instead of allowing old phones to collect dust as expensive paperweights, the initiative allows you to convert them into smart home sensors. The process is straightforward with no complex adjustments or coding required — simply download the update via SmartThings, and your phone can serve as a motion detector or sound monitor. It’s an intelligent option, although it’s compatible only with S, Note, and Z series models released from 2018 or later (essentially, at least an S9 or Note9).

The microphones and light sensors in these gadgets frequently outperform the inexpensive smart sensors you’ll find on Amazon. Furthermore, if you’re already using SmartThings (or are considering it), this project is an effortless way to enhance your setup without additional spending. Samsung presents it as a step towards sustainability, but in reality, it’s simply practical.

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Samsung’s Impending Unpacked Event, Pixel 10 Battery Refresh, Nothing Phone 3 Dispute, and More Updates

A Summary of the Most Noteworthy Tech News This Week

This week in technology, numerous significant announcements and updates have drawn the industry’s focus. Here’s a brief summary of the key stories:

1. **Samsung’s Autumn Unpacked Event**: Samsung has revealed a Virtual Unpacked event set for September 4, where it is anticipated to launch new gadgets. The event will feature the Galaxy Buds 3 FE and Galaxy Tab S10 Lite, with speculation surrounding the debut of the Galaxy S25 FE and Galaxy Tab S11.

2. **Pixel 10’s Debated Battery Function**: The Google Pixel 10 series has rolled out a “Battery Health Assistance” function that users are unable to turn off. This feature is designed to extend battery longevity by lowering charging speed and voltage after 200 charge cycles, resulting in longer charging durations.

3. **Nothing Phone 3’s Stock Photo Controversy**: Nothing has come under fire for utilizing stock images in its promotional material for the Phone 3, asserting they were captured with the device. The company has admitted to the error, indicating that the images were used inappropriately.

4. **Launch of Samsung’s XR Headset**: Samsung is preparing to release its XR headset, Project Moohan, which is expected to be priced between $1,799 and $2,999. The headset is set to launch in Korea on October 13, providing immersive visuals and sophisticated navigation features.

5. **Leak of Samsung Galaxy S25 FE Specifications**: A leak has disclosed the specifications of the forthcoming Galaxy S25 FE, boasting a 6.7-inch Dynamic AMOLED display and a triple camera arrangement. The device is predicted to be lighter and slimmer compared to its predecessor.

These stories underscore the continuous innovations and obstacles within the technology sector, offering insight into the forthcoming devices and functionalities. Stay tuned for further updates as these events progress.

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Lawsuit Initiated Against OpenAI for Supposed Involvement in Teen’s Suicide

Has AI exceeded its limits?

The swift progress of artificial intelligence (AI) has ignited a worldwide discussion regarding its possible advantages and dangers. Although AI has transformed sectors and enhanced efficiencies, it has also brought up issues related to ethical considerations, privacy, and its effect on society. The inquiry “Has AI exceeded its limits?” is becoming more pertinent as we maneuver through the intricacies of embedding AI in our everyday existence.

The ability of AI to revolutionize sectors is unquestionable. In healthcare, AI algorithms are capable of examining medical data to aid in diagnostics and treatment strategies, possibly preserving lives. In finance, AI systems can identify fraudulent activities and enhance trading methods. Nonetheless, the implementation of AI also prompts ethical dilemmas. For example, the application of AI in surveillance and facial recognition has led to discussions about privacy and individual freedoms. Detractors contend that AI systems can reinforce biases found in their training data, resulting in unjust outcomes in areas such as recruitment and law enforcement.

The recent legal action involving OpenAI’s ChatGPT emphasizes the potential hazards of AI when it interacts with susceptible individuals. The instance, where a young person reportedly received harmful guidance from an AI chatbot, highlights the necessity for strong safety protocols and ethical standards in AI development. It raises inquiries regarding the accountability of AI developers in ensuring their systems do not inflict harm.

Furthermore, AI’s influence on employment poses an escalating concern. Automation propelled by AI could replace jobs, leading to economic and societal hurdles. While AI can generate fresh opportunities, the shift might not be seamless for every worker, requiring policies that facilitate retraining and adaptation.

In summary, while AI possesses tremendous potential for beneficial transformation, it is vital to tackle the ethical, social, and economic hurdles it introduces. Ensuring that AI development is driven by ethical standards and solid regulations is crucial to avert harm and guarantee that AI serves the interests of society as a whole. The issue of whether AI has exceeded its limits goes beyond technological prowess; it encompasses our shared responsibility to influence its effect on the planet.

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Apple Ought to Think About Reintroducing a Discontinued iPad Accessory

### The Advancement of iPad Keyboards: An Examination of the Smart Keyboard Folio

In recent times, Apple has greatly broadened its iPad keyboard selection, transitioning from a simple range of Smart Keyboards for each iPad model to a more intricate collection of choices, including the Magic Keyboard. This change has brought forth an assortment of features and designs, but it has also caused some uncertainty among users about which keyboard is most suitable for their requirements.

#### The Elegance of the Smart Keyboard Folio

The Smart Keyboard Folio stood out in Apple’s earlier offerings, recognized for its elegance and practicality. Unlike the latest Magic Keyboard, which features a conventional scissor mechanism along with a trackpad, the Smart Keyboard Folio was lightweight and adaptable. It functioned as both a keyboard and a protective folio for the iPad, enabling users to easily fold it back when it was not in use.

For instance, the Smart Keyboard Folio designed for the 11-inch iPad Pro had a weight of around 300 grams (0.66 lbs), making it an ideal portable solution for users seeking a keyboard without added weight. On the other hand, the Magic Keyboard weighs about 600 grams (1.32 lbs), effectively doubling the weight and commitment needed from users.

#### The Transition in Apple’s Keyboard Selections

Apple launched the Magic Keyboard in 2020, yet the Smart Keyboard Folio continued to be available for the subsequent iPad Pro and iPad Air models for a couple of years. Nonetheless, the phasing out of the Smart Keyboard Folio became clear in 2022 when Apple did not release a version for the 10th generation iPad. The final blow occurred in 2024 with the introduction of the M4 iPad Pro, which showcased a new set of magnets that were not compatible with the Smart Keyboard Folio.

#### The Requirement for Lightweight Options

The shift to the Magic Keyboard has created a more laptop-like experience for iPad users, but this may not cater to everyone’s preferences. Numerous users lean towards a lightweight keyboard that does not necessitate full commitment to a laptop-style arrangement. The Smart Keyboard Folio filled this gap exceptionally, offering a solution that was straightforward to use and carry.

While it seems improbable that Apple will bring back the Smart Keyboard Folio, there exists a considerable market for a lightweight iPad keyboard that emphasizes portability and simplicity. Users searching for a balance between functionality and convenience may find themselves yearning for the era of the Smart Keyboard Folio.

#### Conclusion

The progression of Apple’s iPad keyboard lineup mirrors a broader trend towards more intricate and feature-dense devices. However, the absence of the Smart Keyboard Folio underscores a void in the market for lightweight, user-friendly keyboards. As Apple continues to innovate, it will be intriguing to see if they will respond to this demand for simplicity in forthcoming products.

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The Biggest SSD Up for Grabs in 2025

PS5’s rapid SSD technology has rendered loading screens obsolete. What you require is a high-capacity SSD that excels in both storage and speed.

In theory, you could purchase the largest SSD available today. There’s nothing holding you back, other than the staggering cost, of course. The Solidigm offers a colossal 122.88TB PCIe 4.0 SSD priced at $15,500, though it can sometimes be found for as low as $14,500. While this is primarily aimed at the data center sector, anyone with a sufficient bank balance can acquire it. The only drawback is that, due to its dimensions and PCIe connection, it is incompatible with anything apart from a PC — it won’t function on a laptop, PS5, or Steam Deck. But if you possess the funds and a PC, why not indulge? You can install every game of the year contender from the past five years and still retain extra space.

The biggest M.2 SSD for your PC, laptop, and gaming console