Here's what's making news today in tech — picked from the 10 sources I trust, translated for normal humans.
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EU iPhone and iPad Users Could Still Face Months-Long Wait for Siri AI
Apple's upgraded Siri features are still unavailable in Europe because Apple and European regulators are at a standoff over digital rules. Bloomberg reporter Mark Gurman says even the best case is another five months of waiting for European iPhone users. For Portage County: This does not affect you directly, but it shows that even Apple's newest features can be held back by legal disputes, so do not assume a software update means you get everything advertised.
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iPhone 18 Pro's Triple Live Activity Support Comes With a Catch
The new iPhone 18 Pro can show up to three small notification bubbles at the top of the screen at once, but the third spot is reserved for Apple's own alerts like music or maps. You cannot fill that third slot with a third-party app, even if you expected to. For Portage County: If you upgraded to an iPhone 18 Pro hoping to see more app alerts at a glance, know that one of those three spots is always Apple's, not yours to assign.
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Today Marks the 15th Anniversary of Steve Jobs' Death
Fifteen years ago, Apple co-founder Steve Jobs died of pancreatic cancer at age 56, just one day after Apple unveiled the iPhone 4S. Apple still keeps a remembrance page online where over a million people have shared memories of him. For Portage County: If you want to leave a note or read what others have written, you can visit apple.com and search "Remembering Steve" to find the page.
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Every Starlink Dish Available: How To Know Which Setup May Be Right For You
Starlink offers several different satellite internet dish options depending on whether you need internet at home, in an RV, or on a boat. The dishes and plans vary in price and speed, so picking the wrong one can cost you money. For Portage County: If you live in a rural area where Spectrum or AT&T do not reach well, Starlink is worth a look, and Bill can help you figure out which dish fits your situation.
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The reason the Mac mini is cheaper than a MacBook
A Mac mini costs less than a MacBook mainly because it does not include a screen, keyboard, or trackpad, so you supply those yourself. If you already own a monitor and keyboard, a Mac mini can be a smart, affordable way to get a capable Apple computer. For Portage County: If you are thinking about switching to Apple but the price feels steep, ask Bill whether a Mac mini might save you money using gear you already have.
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Your Fire TV is hiding diagnostic tools that fix streaming problems you can't solve any other way
Your Amazon Fire TV has built-in diagnostic tools hidden in the settings that can pinpoint why your streaming keeps dropping or your audio sounds off. The article found four of these hidden menus that most people never know exist. For Portage County: Next time your Fire TV acts up, before calling for help, go to Settings, then My Fire TV, then About, and tap the remote quickly to look for a hidden diagnostics option.
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How to improve your iPhone's call quality
If calls on your iPhone sound muffled or keep dropping, a few simple steps can fix most problems without a trip to the store. Checking your network connection, turning off Wi-Fi Calling if it is unstable, and cleaning the microphone opening are good places to start. For Portage County: If your iPhone calls have been unclear lately, try wiping the bottom microphone gently with a dry toothbrush, then call Bill if the problem continues.
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You should avoid using a screen protector on your MacBook — here's why
Putting a screen protector on a MacBook can actually damage the screen over time because the laptop lid presses the protector against the keyboard and leaves permanent marks. Apple designs MacBook screens to be used without added film or glass on top. For Portage County: If someone has suggested a screen protector for your MacBook, skip it and use a soft sleeve instead to protect the whole laptop when you carry it.
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3 free projects to try before throwing away your old Wi-Fi router
When you replace your home router, your old one does not have to go in the trash. You can set it up as a Wi-Fi extender to reach a back bedroom, use it as a wired network switch, or turn it into a guest network for visitors. For Portage County: Before you toss an old router, ask Bill if it can be repurposed to fix a dead spot in your home, which could save you the cost of buying a separate Wi-Fi extender.
This digest is auto-generated daily at 6 AM ET from leading tech news sources.
Notice something off? Reply or text Bill at (330) 200-8042.
— Bill's Home Tech, Atwater, OH