Specifications

• Display: 6.3″ OLED with QHD+ resolution (1440 × 2960, 523 ppi), Gorilla Glass 5
• Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 845 (Octa-core, 64-bit, 2.5 GHz + 1.6 GHz)
• RAM: 4 GB LPDDR4x
• Storage: 64 GB or 128 GB
• Cameras: 12.2 MP main camera with ƒ/1.8, OIS, dual-pixel autofocus; Dual 8.1 MP front cameras (wide + ultrawide)
• Other Features: Qi wireless charging, IP68 water resistance, Android 9.0 Pie

Teardown Process

1. External Design
   • The back is a single piece of glass with a matte finish.
   • No speaker grilles on the aluminum frame due to front-firing speakers.
   • The notch houses dual front cameras.
2. Opening the Device
   • Foam adhesive makes opening difficult; heat and suction tools were required.
   • Surprisingly, the back cover detached before the display.
   • A long fingerprint sensor cable reduces the risk of accidental damage.
3. Internal Components
   • Wireless charging coil secured with strong adhesive.
   • Battery uses stretch-release adhesive but is still difficult to remove.
   • Battery capacity: 13.2 Wh, slightly less than Pixel 2 XL (13.6 Wh) but better than iPhone XS Max (12.08 Wh).
   • Motherboard covered with metal shields and thermal paste for heat dissipation.
   • Speaker assembly sealed with waterproofing adhesive.
4. Key Internal Chips

1. Memory & Processing:
   • Qualcomm Snapdragon 845
   • Micron 4 GB LPDDR4X RAM
   • SK Hynix 64 GB NAND flash

1. Graphics & Security:
   • Google Pixel Visual Core
   • Google Titan M security chip
2. Connectivity & Power Management:
   • Qualcomm RF transceivers, power amplifiers, and envelope trackers
   • Qualcomm power management ICs
3. Other Sensors & Chips:
   • Bosch accelerometer, gyroscope, and pressure sensor
   • Cirrus Logic audio amplifiers
   • NXP NFC controller
4. Cameras
   • Ultrawide selfie camera for group selfies.
   • Rear camera uses AI-enhanced processing with a Sony IMX363 sensor.
5. Display & Build Materials
   • Display supplier: Samsung AMOLED panel (improved over previous LG panels).
   • Display is difficult to replace; requires removing the entire phone frame.
   • Pixel 3 (non-XL) uses an LG panel instead of Samsung’s.

Repairability Score: 4/10

• Pros: Standard T3 Torx screws, stretch-release adhesive for battery.
• Cons: Heavy adhesive use, fragile glass back, difficult display replacement, complete disassembly required for most repairs.

Final Thoughts

The Pixel 3 XL combines premium materials and features but is not very repair-friendly. Strong adhesive, a fragile glass back, and a complex teardown process make self-repairs challenging.

Also Read : HP Laptop Keyboard Not Responding After Water Spill? Here’s How To Fix It

One of the biggest perks of online shopping is the hassle-free return policy. No awkward interactions with store employees, no need to justify why you changed your mind—just drop the parcel at a pickup location, and you’re done.

But what happens after that? Contrary to popular belief, returned items don’t always make it back to store shelves. Many products, especially low-cost ones, can end up discarded. With millions of products being returned daily, the impact of this cycle is massive.

The Reality of Reverse Logistics

Handling returns is an entire industry called “reverse logistics.” Large companies often contract specialized firms to process returns. The first step is “triage,” where workers inspect the item, checking if it includes all accessories, is in working condition, and, in the case of clothing, even sniffing for odors.

A surprising 70% of returned products have no functional issues, yet nearly 20-30% of all online purchases are returned. Processing such a large volume is expensive, and reselling every item isn’t always feasible.

Some products get resold as “open-box” or “b-stock” items at a discount, especially electronics. High-value products like iPhones, laptops, and premium appliances often go through refurbishment and re-enter the market. However, for cheaper products, the cost of repackaging and reselling can outweigh their value, leading them straight to landfills.

The Role of Repair in Resale

Companies like Return Pro specialize in maximizing the resale of returned goods by repairing them when possible. Their repair teams harvest parts from damaged units and use replacements to fix faulty items.

For example, with TVs, the most common issue is a broken screen. If a TV is worth $700 or more, it makes sense to replace the screen and resell the unit. For cheaper models, however, repairing them isn’t economically viable, and they often end up discarded.

Another major challenge is packaging. Customers prefer products in original boxes, but these are often damaged or missing. Some companies solve this by providing new branded boxes, making refurbished products more appealing.

Why Repairability Matters

The entire return-and-resale ecosystem depends on repairability. Companies benefit from designing products that are easier to fix because it reduces waste and saves costs. Apple, for instance, has improved iPhone repairs by making screen and battery replacements easier, allowing them to be fixed in-store rather than shipped elsewhere.

At iFixit, we refurbish every returned toolkit, ensuring that each one is carefully inspected, repaired, and resold. This small effort makes a significant impact on sustainability and waste reduction.

The Cost of Easy Returns

It’s easy to treat online shopping as a risk-free trial system, but every return has an environmental and financial cost. Even if you meticulously repack an item, it still has to be inspected, processed, and often shipped elsewhere.

While large retailers won’t suffer, e-waste affects everyone. The next time you consider a return, think twice—could the product be repurposed, repaired, or donated instead? Making mindful choices can help reduce waste and create a more sustainable future.

Also Read : How to Fix an Overheating iPad and Stop Battery Drain: Simple Solutions

In September, TechCrunch reported that a flaw in WhatsApp’s implementation of the feature enabled users of its browser-based web app to bypass these protections. Normally, “View Once” prevents recipients from saving, sharing, forwarding, copying, screenshotting, or screen recording media. However, the bug allowed users to display and retain the media instead of it vanishing as intended.

On Friday, WhatsApp spokesperson Zade Alsawah confirmed to TechCrunch that the company has rolled out a long-term fix addressing the issue.

“We’re constantly building in layers of privacy protection, and that includes rolling out key updates to View Once on web,” Alsawah said in an email. “As always, we continue to encourage users to only send View Once messages to people they know and trust, and make sure they’re on the latest version of the app.”

The bug was flagged by security researcher Tal Be’ery, who has been investigating WhatsApp’s privacy issues this year. Be’ery alerted both WhatsApp and TechCrunch about the vulnerability. However, he wasn’t the only one to discover it. At the time, several browser extensions and social media posts promoted tools to bypass the feature, enabling users to install an extension and automatically save “View Once” media.

Following WhatsApp’s recent fix, users of those browser extensions, some of which required paid subscriptions, have complained that the tools no longer work. “Does not work AT ALL. Don’t waste your time,” wrote one disgruntled user.

TechCrunch conducted a test on Friday and confirmed that when receiving a “View Once” message on WhatsApp’s web app, the platform now displays a warning message similar to the one shown on its desktop app.

“We have conducted an in-depth verification and self-examination. We have identified several areas where there is room for improvement,” Martin Ma, director of Ecovacs’ security committee, told TechCrunch in an email. “In response, we have initiated targeted improvements and are addressing the issues highlighted.”

The vulnerabilities were first brought to light during a presentation by security researchers Dennis Giese and Braelynn Luedtke at the annual Def Con hacking conference in Las Vegas on August 10. The duo analyzed 11 Ecovacs devices and uncovered multiple security flaws, with one particularly concerning vulnerability standing out: it allows attackers to connect to an Ecovacs robot via Bluetooth from up to 450 feet (approximately 130 meters) away using a phone. Once connected, hackers could take control of the device and remotely monitor users through the robot’s internet-connected features.

Other flaws included a bug that could let someone regain access to a robot vacuum even after selling it and deleting their account, potentially enabling them to spy on the new owners.

Ecovacs’ Initial Response and Change of Heart

When the researchers initially disclosed their findings, Ecovacs responded by saying the vulnerabilities were unlikely to affect typical users and did not commit to fixing them. However, after their presentation at Def Con, the company took a closer look.

In an email to Giese dated August 16, shared with TechCrunch, Ma acknowledged that the talk had “captured [his] attention.” He admitted that Ecovacs had “inadvertently overlooked” the researchers’ initial emails from December 2023 and promised corrective action.

“We have carefully reviewed your points raised in the previous emails and the demos at Def Con 2024, and conducted an in-depth verification and self-examination,” Ma wrote. The company plans to address the issues in two specific models — the Goat G1 and the X1 — as well as in the Ecovacs app.

Ma also praised the researchers for their work, stating, “Your analysis has been greatly valued and appraised by our technical team. Your insights are invaluable in safeguarding the security and integrity of our products, and they contribute significantly to the consumer electronics industry as a whole.”

1. Google: Family Link App

Google offers robust tools through its Family Link app for Android and ChromeOS devices. To set up Family Link, you must first create a family group and link accounts for your children, especially those under 13. The app allows you to:

• Monitor the location of your child’s devices.
• Set daily screen time limits.
• Lock devices at bedtime.
• Approve or block apps.
• Set restrictions on in-app purchases.

The Family Link app is your central hub for managing your children’s Android or Chromebook devices.

Key Features:

• Set daily screen time limits and bedtime restrictions.
• Track your child’s location in real time.
• Control which apps your child can use and download.
• Manage Google services like YouTube and Search.

2. Apple: Family Sharing and Screen Time

Apple’s Family Sharing service lets you manage your family’s devices with a shared Apple ID and iCloud storage. For younger kids, you can create an Apple ID under Family Sharing and manage their device usage. With Screen Time, you can track usage and set restrictions for individual apps.

To set up Family Sharing:

• Open Settings on iPhone/iPad or System Settings on macOS.
• Tap your Apple ID and then Family.
• Add family members or create Apple IDs for kids under 13.

Apple provides six key categories to manage:

• Downtime: Restrict overall device time.
• App Limits: Set time limits for specific apps.
• Communication Limits: Control who your child can communicate with.
• Content & Privacy Restrictions: Limit access to inappropriate content.

Key Features:

• Share apps and subscriptions across family members.
• Set Screen Time limits for specific apps.
• Approve purchases before they happen.
• Enable location tracking with Find My.

3. Microsoft: Family Safety and Screen Time Management

Microsoft allows you to create a family group linked to your Microsoft account, which works across Windows, Xbox, and Android devices. The Microsoft Family Safety app is where you can manage your children’s activities, limit screen time, and track locations.

Key Features:

• Location tracking of family members on mobile and Windows.
• Set screen time limits for Windows, Xbox, and Android devices.
• Manage app usage and web content filters.
• Prevent unauthorized purchases on Xbox and Windows.

To start, visit the Microsoft Family Safety website and set up your family group. You can adjust settings for each child’s profile and make changes as they grow older.

Conclusion:

By utilizing these parental control features from Google, Apple, and Microsoft, you can ensure that your children use their devices safely and responsibly. These controls help you manage screen time, set boundaries, track locations, and limit access to harmful content. Adjust the settings as your children grow, and rest assured knowing that you’re protecting them from the dangers of the digital world.

With the release of iOS 18.3, Apple Intelligence is now automatically enabled for new users and those updating to this version. This AI-driven feature brings several smart capabilities to your device, but if you want to turn it off, here’s a guide to do so.

What’s Powered by Apple Intelligence?

Apple Intelligence is responsible for several features designed to make your device smarter and more intuitive. Some of these include:

• Writing Tools
• ChatGPT Extension via Siri
• Genmoji
• Image Playground
• Image Wand
• Priority Notifications
• Summaries in Mail and Messages
• Notification Summaries
• Reduce Interruptions Focus

These capabilities help streamline your user experience by offering personalized suggestions and optimizations. However, they are only available on select devices like the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 16 range.

How to Turn Off Apple Intelligence

Whether you are using an iPhone, iPad, or Mac, the process to disable Apple Intelligence is the same:

1. Open Settings on your device.
2. Scroll down and tap on Apple Intelligence & Siri.
3. Toggle Apple Intelligence off.

Disabling Specific Features

If you don’t want to turn off Apple Intelligence entirely, you can disable individual features:

1. Open Settings > Apple Intelligence.
2. Scroll down to Apps.
3. Select the app you want to modify, tap on it, and toggle off Learn from this App.

For example, if you want to disable email summarization in the Mail app:

1. Open Settings > Apps.
2. Tap the Mail app.
3. Scroll to Message List and toggle off Summarize Message Preview.

You can also turn off the ChatGPT Extension in Siri:

1. Open Settings > Apple Intelligence.
2. Scroll down and select ChatGPT.
3. Toggle Use ChatGPT off.

Turning Apple Intelligence Back On

If you change your mind and wish to re-enable Apple Intelligence:

1. Open Settings.
2. Scroll down to Apple Intelligence & Siri.
3. Toggle Apple Intelligence back on.

In the cybersecurity domain, identity is often viewed as the “perimeter” protecting an organization. Many cyber breaches originate through techniques like password theft, phishing, and credential stuffing. As a result, securing the identities of not just users, but also applications and machines, has become essential to safeguarding entire systems. Clutch’s platform helps secure critical data, such as API keys, service accounts, tokens, and other credentials, ensuring that enterprises can effectively protect their infrastructure.

Clutch’s platform integrates with nearly 60 widely used infrastructure services, applications, and identity providers, all essential for enterprise environments. Its services include network visibility, risk management, and lifecycle management, provided through a zero-trust security approach, which ensures that all entities, including machines and users, are treated with suspicion until verified.

The platform’s relevance has grown in response to the increasing number of machine identities within large enterprises. Research from Venafi, a competitor of Clutch, reveals that the average number of machine identities in large enterprises has increased significantly—from 320,000 in 2022 to over 1 million in 2024. This trend highlights the growing complexity of managing machine identities, making solutions like Clutch’s critical to enterprise security.

Clutch was founded in October 2023, coinciding with a major security crisis in Israel, which was attacked by Hamas, leading to a war in Gaza. CEO Ofir Har-Chen, who co-founded Clutch alongside Sagi Haas and Tal Kimhi, described the experience as both challenging and motivating. While the chaos made it difficult to find employees at first, it also sharpened the focus of those who joined the company. Despite initial struggles, Clutch managed to build its first minimum-viable product (MVP) within three months.

Har-Chen brings over 20 years of experience in cybersecurity, including roles within the Israeli government and private companies. Haas and Kimhi, also experienced in cybersecurity, previously worked at Axonius, another security firm. With their deep industry knowledge and a growing team, Clutch is positioning itself to further secure enterprise systems against increasingly sophisticated cyber threats.

Let’s take a closer look at Android’s advanced theft detection features and how they can protect your phone.

1. Improved Find My Device

Android’s Find My Device feature has been a lifesaver for many users, but with the latest updates, it has become even more powerful. This tool allows you to locate your lost or stolen phone on a map, remotely lock the device, or even erase all data to prevent unauthorized access.

New updates have made Find My Device more accurate and reliable, with enhanced location tracking capabilities that make it easier to pinpoint the phone’s location. The feature also works even if your phone is offline, giving you a greater chance of recovery.

2. Lockdown Mode

Android has introduced Lockdown Mode to prevent unauthorized access to your phone in case of theft. When enabled, this mode disables biometric unlock methods (like fingerprint or face recognition), as well as notifications on the lock screen. You’ll need to use your PIN, pattern, or password to access your phone, making it more difficult for thieves to bypass security.

Lockdown Mode can be activated easily through the power button menu, providing an extra layer of protection if you believe your phone is at risk.

3. Alerts for Untrusted Devices

If your phone is connected to an unknown or untrusted Bluetooth device, Android will alert you to potential risks. This feature helps protect you from unauthorized devices attempting to access your phone, such as Bluetooth hacking tools used by thieves to unlock your phone.

These alerts give you the opportunity to disconnect from potentially harmful devices immediately, securing your phone from unauthorized access.

4. Google Play Protect

Google’s Play Protect is another essential security feature that helps protect your phone from theft and malicious apps. This tool scans installed apps for any signs of suspicious behavior and ensures that any apps you download from the Google Play Store are safe to use. Play Protect continuously monitors your device in the background, keeping it protected from malware, spyware, and other potential security threats.

If your phone is stolen, Play Protect ensures that malicious apps can’t be installed or run on your device, safeguarding your personal data and information.

5. Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) for Google Accounts

To protect your Google account and any sensitive data linked to it, Android encourages users to enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA). With 2FA, even if someone steals your phone and gains access to your lock screen, they won’t be able to log into your Google account without the second layer of verification.

This added security feature gives you peace of mind knowing that your important accounts, emails, and data are protected.

6. Remote Lock and Wipe Data

In case your phone is stolen, Android allows you to remotely lock the device to prevent unauthorized access. Additionally, if you’re concerned about sensitive information being accessed, you can wipe all data remotely, erasing all personal files, apps, and accounts from your phone.

You can perform this action from the Find My Device website or app, ensuring that your data stays secure, even if the thief manages to evade basic security measures.

7. Safety Check for SIM Cards

Android’s security also includes SIM card protection features, which help you prevent unauthorized use of your phone’s SIM card. If someone attempts to remove your SIM card and use it in another device, you’ll receive an alert notifying you of this action.

This feature ensures that even if your phone is stolen, thieves won’t easily be able to swap SIM cards and gain access to your cellular network or personal information.

8. Secure Lock Screen with Biometric Authentication

The latest Android updates continue to emphasize biometric security features, such as fingerprint recognition and face unlock. These methods add an extra layer of security to your phone, making it more difficult for anyone other than you to access your device.

Fingerprint recognition is fast, secure, and less likely to be bypassed compared to traditional password-based security.

9. Anti-Theft Alerts for SIM Card Swap

Android now offers enhanced SIM card swap protection, which alerts you when your SIM card has been swapped out for another. This feature is crucial for preventing SIM swapping attacks, where thieves gain control of your phone number to intercept calls, messages, and authentication codes.

Conclusion: Keep Your Android Phone Secure

With these advanced theft detection features, Android is making it more challenging for thieves to access your personal data and steal your device. By enabling features like Find My Device, Lockdown Mode, and Two-Factor Authentication, you can ensure your phone remains safe in case of theft.

Taking advantage of Android’s robust security tools will not only help you recover your phone if it goes missing but will also provide peace of mind knowing that your personal information is better protected.

Here’s a breakdown of the most exciting new features you need to know about in iOS 18 and iPadOS 18.

1. Enhanced Focus Mode

Apple’s Focus Mode has received a major upgrade in iOS 18 and iPadOS 18. Now, users can create customized Focus profiles that adapt based on time, location, or app usage. The feature now allows for even more granular control over which notifications you receive and when. For instance, you can set Focus to activate when you arrive at work or begin a specific task, ensuring fewer distractions during critical moments.

2. Interactive Widgets

Widgets have always been a highlight of the iOS experience, but with iOS 18 and iPadOS 18, they’re getting even better. Apple has introduced interactive widgets, allowing users to perform actions directly from the widget itself. Whether it’s toggling settings, checking off tasks in your to-do list, or controlling media playback, widgets are now more functional and customizable than ever before.

3. Advanced Customization for Lock Screen

The lock screen customization has gone through an overhaul with iOS 18 and iPadOS 18. Users can now enjoy more customization options for the lock screen, such as additional wallpaper designs, personalized widgets, and new clock styles. These updates make it easier to express your personal style and have a lock screen that fits your needs and preferences.

4. New Privacy Features: App Privacy Reports & Safety Check

Privacy continues to be a cornerstone of Apple’s philosophy, and iOS 18 and iPadOS 18 offer new features to ensure user safety. The App Privacy Reports now give users deeper insights into how often apps are using sensitive data like location, microphone, and camera access. Additionally, Apple has introduced Safety Check, which helps users manage permissions and control how their personal data is shared, making it easier to safeguard your privacy.

5. Revamped iMessage Features

Apple’s iMessage app has undergone a significant overhaul in iOS 18. There are new message effects, a more robust search function, and the ability to send more types of media through messages. The Sticker Gallery now features a wider range of animated stickers, and SharePlay has been integrated into messaging, allowing users to share media like photos and videos in real time during conversations.

6. Live Activities in Third-Party Apps

Live Activities, a feature introduced with iOS 18, allows third-party apps to display real-time updates on the Lock Screen or in the Dynamic Island (for iPhone 14 Pro users). Whether it’s a sports game score, food delivery status, or live event updates, users can now stay informed at a glance, without needing to open an app.

7. Siri’s Improved AI and Offline Capabilities

Siri’s artificial intelligence has received a significant boost with iOS 18. The assistant is now more accurate and responsive, handling a wider variety of tasks with greater precision. One of the standout features is the ability to perform certain tasks offline. Whether it’s setting reminders or controlling smart home devices, you can now rely on Siri even when you don’t have an internet connection.

8. iPadOS 18 Multitasking Enhancements

iPadOS 18 takes multitasking to the next level, offering improved app switching and support for even more split-screen views. Users can now drag and drop apps seamlessly between different windows, making multitasking more intuitive and efficient. The update also includes a new Stage Manager feature that improves app organization and window management, giving users a desktop-like experience on their iPads.

9. AR and Gaming Enhancements

Apple’s commitment to augmented reality (AR) continues with iOS 18 and iPadOS 18, which introduce advanced AR features. The updates allow for smoother AR experiences, better object tracking, and more interactive AR applications. Additionally, gaming on iOS and iPadOS has been improved, with enhanced graphics and smoother frame rates, making gaming on Apple devices an even better experience.

10. Updates to Apple Maps and CarPlay

Apple Maps has received a host of new features, including better navigation, real-time traffic information, and improved search capabilities. With iOS 18, Maps now includes electric vehicle charging station locations, helping EV owners find charging stations easily. CarPlay also gets a major upgrade with iOS 18, bringing a more integrated experience, including the ability to control even more vehicle functions directly from the CarPlay interface.

Conclusion: A Leap Forward for iPhone and iPad Users

iOS 18 and iPadOS 18 bring significant enhancements that improve the overall user experience. With new privacy features, more customization options, and improved performance, these updates make your iPhone and iPad more powerful and user-friendly than ever before. Whether you’re using your device for work, entertainment, or personal use, these new features will make a real difference in how you interact with your Apple devices.

1. Battery Draining Quickly

Problem:

A fast-draining battery can disrupt your day, making it difficult to stay connected or get work done.

Fix:

• Optimize Settings: Reduce screen brightness and turn on battery saver mode.
• Close Background Apps: Check and close apps running in the background.
• Update Software: Ensure your phone’s operating system is up-to-date to benefit from battery optimization features.
• Replace Battery: If the battery continues to drain rapidly, it might be time for a replacement.

2. Slow Performance

Problem:

Over time, smartphones may become sluggish, making tasks like browsing or gaming frustrating.

Fix:

• Clear Cache: Go to settings and clear app cache to free up storage.
• Uninstall Unused Apps: Remove apps you no longer use to reduce system load.
• Restart Your Device: Rebooting can clear temporary issues and improve performance.
• Factory Reset: As a last resort, perform a factory reset after backing up your data.

3. Overheating

Problem:

Excessive heat can damage internal components and shorten battery life.

Fix:

• Avoid Overuse: Take breaks during extended gaming or video streaming sessions.
• Remove Case: Use your phone without a case while charging or during heavy use.
• Close Intensive Apps: Shut down resource-heavy apps to reduce processor load.
• Keep it Cool: Avoid using your phone under direct sunlight or in hot environments.

4. Connectivity Issues (Wi-Fi or Bluetooth)

Problem:

Difficulty connecting to Wi-Fi or Bluetooth devices can be frustrating.

Fix:

• Toggle Airplane Mode: Turn on and off airplane mode to reset connections.
• Restart Router/Device: Power cycle your router or phone to refresh the connection.
• Forget and Reconnect: Forget the network or device and reconnect with the correct credentials.
• Check Updates: Update your phone’s software to resolve known connectivity bugs.

5. Cracked Screen

Problem:

A cracked screen not only affects the aesthetics but can also hinder usability.

Fix:

• Use a Screen Protector: Apply a tempered glass protector to prevent further damage.
• DIY Repair Kits: Minor cracks can sometimes be fixed with affordable DIY repair kits.
• Professional Repair: Visit an authorized service center for screen replacement.
• Invest in a Case: Prevent future cracks by using a sturdy, shock-absorbing phone case.