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My Top Tech Items of 2025: An In-Depth Evaluation

As 2025 draws to a close, I felt it was time to reflect on the technology that I engaged with throughout the year that truly impacted my daily life. This isn’t just a list based on specifications but rather a personal overview of the products I favored during the year due to their utility or sheer enjoyment. I aimed to highlight a few non-Apple items, yet I also selected my Apple product of the year at the conclusion. Here are my top tech picks of 2025!

For a closer look at all the mentioned products, be sure to check out our video below.

Now, in no specific order, here are my preferred products of the year!

This was introduced on Kickstarter midway through the year, and upon seeing it, I knew I had to have one. They managed to combine a uniquely crafted product with a functionality that evoked nostalgia. That was a winning combination. This dock effortlessly merges vintage Mac nostalgia with contemporary functionality, perfectly tailored for the remarkable M4 Mac mini.

You receive:

– 5-inch integrated display
– 14-in-1 USB-C hub
– Front: 2x USB-A, SD & microSD slots, USB-C
– Rear: 2x USB-A, HDMI 2.1, 2x USB-C, 3.5mm jack
– Integrated NVMe SSD enclosure (up to 8TB)

It’s nostalgic, practical, a great conversation starter, and one of those rare accessories that feels both fun and functional. They are currently available on Amazon for $169!

I recently reviewed this monitor, so if you’d like a complete, thorough overview, I suggest checking out this post. However, this portable monitor resembles something Apple could have designed. It feels akin to a 16-inch iPad set on a Pro Display XDR stand, rendering it both modular and convenient to carry. With an aluminum frame, smooth hinge, and an overall refined finish, it’s perfect for travel and as a permanent fixture on a desk. You get:

– 16-inch display (Full HD or 4K options)
– 270-degree adjustable hinge
– Aluminum build
– Built-in SD card reader
– Mini HDMI port
– USB-C single-cable connection

I primarily use it as a vertical side display for my Mac mini setup but I also take it with me, and it’s fantastic, especially with iPadOS 26! You can find them on Sotsu’s site starting at $599.

I had been using the same Logitech Anywhere 2S for over 8 years. There was no need to upgrade as it performed flawlessly. Then Logitech launched the MX Master 4, and wow. The MX Master 4 is exceptionally comfortable, remarkably precise, and seems custom-made for extended desk sessions. They also introduced a new haptic engine in this mouse that you need to try for yourself.

Key features:

– Ergonomic design
– Haptic scroll wheel with horizontal scrolling
– Customizable gesture buttons
– Great battery life (weeks per charge)
– Multi-device compatibility

The customizations available via the Logitech app are impressive. For those seeking the best, the MX Master 4 is unbeatable. You can buy it on Amazon for $119!

This was the first Qi 2.2 certified charger I tested, and it’s the one I rely on most often. It’s compact, powerful, boasts a stunning Cosmic Orange color, and supports the latest 25W wireless charging standard. Here’s what you need to know:

– Qi2.2 wireless charging (up to 25W)
– Charges iPhone, AirPods, and Apple Watch
– Foldable puck-to-stand design
– Comes with power adapter, cable, and travel case
– Anodized aluminum finish

This charger is practical, travel-friendly, and pairs wonderfully with the Cosmic Orange iPhone 17 Pro. You can order this from Kuxiu’s site for $78, which includes the charger, cable, charging brick, and carrying case.

This year, I wanted to acquire a power bank capable of handling anything. I aimed to charge everything from my AirPods to a 16-inch MacBook Pro if necessary. I wanted it to feature a built-in cable, a diagnostic display indicating charging speeds, and to be flight-compatible. The EcoFlow Rapid Power Pro met all those criteria.

You receive:

– 27,600mAh capacity
– Built-in retractable USB-C cable (up to 140W output)
– 3 Additional USB-C ports (140W +

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Enhance Your Credit Card Benefits with CardPointers – Enjoy a 50% Discount

**Enhance Your Credit Card Rewards with CardPointers: A Summary**

With the holiday shopping season on the horizon, astute consumers are seeking methods to enhance their credit card rewards. A noteworthy tool that has come into the spotlight is CardPointers, an iPhone application crafted to assist users in maximizing their credit card points and rewards. Following its latest update, CardPointers has unveiled various new functionalities and improvements that leverage iOS 26 to the fullest.

### What is CardPointers?

CardPointers is a utility that streamlines the management of credit card rewards. It enables users to track which credit card to utilize for particular purchases, ensuring maximum benefits from their rewards programs. This app acts as a central platform for accessing credit card offers, monthly credits, annual fee renewal reminders, and more, facilitating organization and awareness.

### Key Features of CardPointers

1. **Seamless Amex Offers Integration**: One of CardPointers’ standout capabilities is its automatic addition of available Amex Offers, removing the necessity for users to enter them manually on the Amex website.

2. **Safari Extension**: The application features a superb Safari extension that clearly shows which card to select while shopping online, aiding users in making informed choices instantly.

3. **Liquid Glass Redesign**: The recent update brings a complete redesign with Liquid Glass, offering a contemporary and stylish user interface.

4. **On-device Apple Intelligence**: With the incorporation of Apple’s Foundation Models, users can engage with the application through voice commands. Just ask Siri about your cards or offers for quick access to information.

5. **Dynamic Widgets and Shortcuts**: CardPointers 7 includes extensive keyboard shortcuts and customizable widgets for both iPad and Mac, thus improving user experience and accessibility.

6. **Watch App Enhancements**: The Watch app now defaults to displaying nearby stores, helping users locate venues to use their cards while maintaining their privacy.

7. **AutoPilot Live Activity and CarPlay Widgets**: New functionalities for CarPlay and live activity tracking simplify rewards management while on the move.

8. **Offer Streak Chart**: A new Offer Streak chart allows users to visualize their rewards and effectively monitor their usage.

### Special Offers for 9to5Mac Readers

In a special promotion, 9to5Mac readers can enjoy a 50% discount on CardPointers for holiday shopping. Additionally, those who select the lifetime plan will be rewarded with a $200 savings card as a registration bonus. This presents an ideal moment to invest in the application if you’re aiming to optimize your credit card rewards strategy.

### Conclusion

CardPointers is an essential resource for individuals wishing to maximize their credit card rewards. With its intuitive interface, robust features, and recent enhancements, it distinguishes itself as a must-have application for savvy shoppers. Whether you’re an experienced rewards aficionado or just beginning to delve into credit card benefits, CardPointers can assist you in navigating the intricate arena of credit card offers and rewards effectively.

For further details, CardPointers is available on the App Store, and interested individuals can benefit from the exclusive discounts available through 9to5Mac.

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Apple Seeks to Challenge £1.5 Billion Legal Dispute Over App Store Charges in the UK

**Apple’s Challenge to UK Verdict on App Store Fees**

Apple is in the midst of contesting a major verdict from the UK’s Competition Appeal Tribunal, which determined that the tech behemoth charged millions of customers excessively through inflated commissions on its App Store. This case, which has attracted significant attention, underscores the ongoing friction between large tech firms and advocates for consumer rights.

### A Brief Overview

In October 2023, the Competition Appeal Tribunal concluded that Apple had exploited its dominant role in the App Store by enforcing what it considered to be excessive and unjust commissions on app sales and in-app transactions. This verdict resulted from a lawsuit initiated on behalf of 36 million British consumers by Dr. Rachael Kent, a senior lecturer in digital economy and society at King’s College London. The lawsuit addresses App Store sales dating as far back as October 2015.

Dr. Kent stated that the ruling represented a crucial moment in consumer advocacy against major tech firms, indicating a change in how consumers are addressing perceived inequities in the digital marketplace. She remarked, “It’s definitely a tipping point,” highlighting the increasing awareness of the financial consequences of digital services.

The tribunal’s ruling emphasized that Apple had sustained a monopoly in the app distribution sector, effectively barring competition and imposing exorbitant commissions on developers. This decision could potentially result in substantial financial consequences for Apple, with projected penalties nearing £1.5 billion.

### Apple’s Challenge

In reaction to the tribunal’s ruling, Apple has lodged an appeal in a bid to reverse the judgment. The company contends that the ruling might have extensive ramifications not just for its business model but also for the wider tech sector. Apple’s appeal is set within a broader context where various class action lawsuits are advancing against both Apple and Google, with consumers and small enterprises seeking more than £6 billion in restitution for alleged infringements of competition laws.

The appeal process is notably important as it utilizes an opt-out mechanism, permitting millions of consumers to collectively pursue claims against the tech giants. This method has been praised by campaigners as a possible turning point in the struggle against monopolistic behavior in the tech industry.

This represents Apple’s second attempt to contest the ruling, following a previous effort that was denied in November 2023. The outcome of this appeal could establish a precedent for the operations of tech companies in the UK and possibly affect regulations in other regions.

### Conclusion

As Apple aims to dispute the tribunal’s ruling, the case exemplifies wider issues surrounding consumer rights and the power dynamics between major tech companies and their users. The result of this appeal will not only affect Apple’s financial status but may also indicate a transition in regulatory strategies regarding digital marketplaces, potentially resulting in heightened scrutiny and modifications in how tech companies operate their platforms.

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Grasping the Expenses and Constraints of Google Photos

Google revealed a strict cap of 15 gigabytes for Photos’ complimentary storage, sharing this threshold with Gmail and Drive, to “keep up with the surging demand for storage.” Although certain Pixel devices maintained their complimentary photo storage post-2021, Google Photos largely transitioned to a voluntary subscription model that necessitates Google One for additional storage.

Google Photos continues to hold significant value alongside other crucial Android applications, given that it’s free to install and allows you to save a limited number of photos, regardless of their quality. However, if you truly wish to utilize all of Google Photos’ features without anxiety over storage, you will need to invest in a Google One subscription. This indicates that Google Photos can be used free of charge, but it comes with restrictions that ultimately necessitate a subscription to avail the complete service. Thus, it operates both as a free and a paid option simultaneously.

It’s clear why determining whether Google Photos is free can be perplexing when the attributes and cost to unlock the full potential of Google Photos are contingent on a subscription to what appears to be a separate service. Nevertheless, we are here to clarify the situation.

Google Photos has certain restrictions and a subscription requirement

Top 10 Most-Viewed Television Programs of 2025, Highlighting Famous Apple TV Series

In the streaming era, it can be challenging to accurately ascertain the overall popularity of any specific show. However, Nielsen is generally regarded as the provider of the most reliable streaming service data, and it has now disclosed the top 10 most-viewed shows of 2025.

### Severance Amongst the Top 10 Original Series on All Streaming Platforms

When evaluating the success of one TV show in comparison to another, much depends on the streaming service in question. Netflix boasts the largest subscriber count by far, which explains why its series typically receive the highest overall views. This trend has been reaffirmed in 2025; however, Apple TV also made its mark on the top 10 list.

As reported by Bloomberg, here are the leading original shows of the year in the US, gauged by minutes viewed:

1. Squid Game
2. Wednesday
3. Love Island
4. Reacher
5. Ginny & Georgia
6. Love Is Blind
7. The Night Agent
8. Severance
9. The Summer I Turned Pretty
10. You

The list is primarily filled with Netflix series, alongside a few from Prime Video. Yet, Severance ranked at number 8, accumulating seven billion minutes viewed, in contrast to the 18.6 billion minutes for the top-show Squid Game.

It’s essential to note that Nielsen’s data only extends up to November 9. Therefore, while Pluribus has become quite popular for Apple, its release was not until November 7.

On that note, Stranger Things season 5 is also expected to make this list when the year-end data is concluded.

With those caveats in mind, Nielsen’s top 10 list offers an intriguing snapshot of 2025’s biggest successes. Additionally, Severance securing a spot on the list amid the significantly larger subscriber bases of Netflix and Prime Video represents a remarkable achievement for Apple.

Apple TV is available for $12.99 per month and offers popular TV shows and movies such as Ted Lasso, Severance, Pluribus, and more. It is also accessible through the Apple One bundle.

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Five Essential USB Devices for Tech Lovers

exciting new devices that utilize your vehicle’s USB port, guaranteed to please any automotive enthusiast. Ranging from portable battery jump starters to a heads-up display and even a USB hub tailored for motorcycles. 

Modern automobiles are equipped with a host of technologies, featuring an array of ports, displays, and functionalities that would astonish anyone who last purchased a car back in the 1970s. For these newer models, it’s quite straightforward to leverage built-in USB ports by incorporating the newest gadgets. However, there are numerous vehicles currently on the roads that may lack all the modern features characteristic of new cars and motorcycles. In such cases, there are simple methods to introduce USB-compatible devices. If you are an automotive enthusiast, or know someone who is, the following accessories should definitely catch your attention.

3-in-1 Vehicle Charger Adapter

Owners of older vehicles might find themselves with little more than a solitary USB port, if they have one at all. Many older models came equipped with an auxiliary port for connecting a phone or media player while on the road, but with the rise of smartphone mirroring, options to link media to vintage cars have become problematic. But what if there existed a compact device that resolves both of these concerns?

The <a href="https://r.bttn.io?btn_ref=org-225e4e0aac880b8f&btn_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FGXY-KIT-Retractable-Car-Charger%2Fdp%2FB0DRJGMWWX%2Fref%3Dsxin_16_pa_sp_search_thematic_sspa%3Fcontent-id%3Damzn1.sym.0e03d1cf-3de2-40e1-8dbf-c9a35a6c3a38%3Aamzn1.sym.0e03d1cf-3de2-40e1-8dbf-c9a35a6c3a38%26crid%3D1BEIW53ALE6KH%26cv_ct_cx%3

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How to Remove Google Play Services Updates on Android and Things to Keep in Mind

never perform on your Android device. Nonetheless, you can uninstall updates and turn it off. Go to Settings > Apps > All Apps > Google Play Services. You should find an option to uninstall updates. Choose that first. Wait for it to complete. Then, select Disable. A warning will appear notifying you that disabling Google Play Services may lead to unpredictable behavior. Confirm, and you’re finished. As noted, you might experience issues with other applications and services afterward.

What occurs if you disable Google Play Services?

How to Utilize the Latest AirDrop Functionality Unveiled in iOS 26.2

iOS 26.2 introduced numerous adjustments and overall enhancements to the iPhone experience, one of which included a crucial AirDrop functionality. Over time, Apple has modified AirDrop to safeguard against uninvited individuals sending unsolicited files when your iPhone is unlocked.

What initially began as a means of censorship in China with iOS 16.1.1, wherein Apple had to start restricting AirDrop’s “Everyone” feature for a duration of 10 minutes, the company later extended this limitation universally with iOS 16.2. With iOS 18, Apple aimed to ameliorate this situation by introducing NameDrop; which not only allows users to bump two iPhones together to exchange contacts, but also serves as the more efficient method for sharing an AirDrop file nowadays.

Nevertheless, if you prefer not to disclose your contact details to individuals you aren’t very familiar with, Apple has provided a way to continue sharing data with them for a specified timeframe. When dispatching an AirDrop file on iOS 26.2, Apple now presents a one-time code for unknown recipients that enables you to keep sending them data for up to 30 days. This functionality is advantageous for educators, tour guides, and others who frequently share files, but wish to refrain from adding individuals as contacts.

Understanding how one-time code AirDrop operates

Reasons Projectors Have Become More Economical

XGIMI projector types to steer clear of some of these problems.

Let’s delve into how the current budget projector market operates and why it is advantageous for certain companies to take shortcuts. Some retailers even stretch the truth in advertising, facing potential lawsuits over misleading brightness claims that fall short of actual performance. All of this influences the larger projector marketplace, and for consumers, it’s crucial to grasp what they receive when purchasing an inexpensive projector.

The commercial approach

9to5Mac Daily: December 29, 2025 – Conversation Regarding iPhone Fold Speculations and Mac Issues

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

In the rapidly evolving tech landscape, keeping up with the newest updates is essential for both enthusiasts and professionals. 9to5Mac Daily acts as a dependable source for Apple-related information, providing a brief overview of the most important stories each day. The podcast aims to keep its audience informed about the latest happenings within the Apple ecosystem, from product releases to software upgrades.

**Podcast Availability**

Listeners can conveniently tune into 9to5Mac Daily across multiple 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 via a [dedicated RSS feed](https://feedpress.me/9to5macdaily) for Overcast and other podcast applications. New episodes are recorded daily on weekdays, ensuring that subscribers receive prompt updates on the newest news.

**Sponsorship and Offers**

The podcast receives support from sponsors like Roborock, which provides discounts on its flagship vacuums. These promotions offer listeners chances to save on popular products while supporting the podcast.

**Subscription Perks**

For listeners wishing to elevate their experience, 9to5Mac Daily Plus presents a subscription alternative. Subscribing allows listeners to access ad-free episodes and unique bonus content, making it a worthwhile option for devoted followers of the show.

**Listener Interaction and Feedback**

Listeners are invited to share their opinions and feedback about the podcast. They can contact 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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