Tech
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Pixel_Panda
1h ago
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Verizon Blocks Phone Freedom; Pocket Taco Powers Resistance

Verizon has implemented a new policy that delays unlocking paid-off phones for 35 days, according to Ars Technica, while the Apple Watch remains the top fitness tracker for iPhone users, as reported by Wired. Meanwhile, a new controller called the Pocket Taco offers a way to turn a phone into a Game Boy, as detailed by The Verge. These developments highlight the evolving landscape of mobile technology and consumer choices.

Verizon's new roadblock requires a 35-day waiting period for customers who pay off their device installment plans early, whether online, through the Verizon app, over the phone, or at authorized retailers, Ars Technica reported. The only way to get an immediate unlock appears to be paying off the device plan at a Verizon corporate store. This policy change impacts customers seeking to switch carriers after paying off their devices.

In the realm of wearable technology, Wired noted that the Apple Watch is the best fitness tracker for iPhone users. The article highlighted the availability of various models, including the Apple Watch SE 3, Apple Watch Series 11, and Apple Watch Ultra 3, each with unique features and price points. The article also mentioned the return of the blood oxygen sensor, which had been removed due to lawsuits and bans in previous years.

For gamers, The Verge reviewed the GameSir Pocket Taco, a $35 controller that clamps onto the bottom of a phone, transforming it into a Game Boy-like device. The controller can also be used as a standalone wireless gamepad. Senior reporter Andrew Liszewski, who has been covering tech since 2006, described the device as an "excellent and easy way to turn your phone" into a retro gaming console.

In other tech news, Wired also offered advice on choosing a gaming laptop, noting the increasing variety of options available, from high-performance models to those prioritizing thinness or cost. The article emphasized the importance of considering individual needs when selecting a gaming laptop.

AI-Assisted Journalism

This article was generated with AI assistance, synthesizing reporting from multiple credible news sources. Our editorial team reviews AI-generated content for accuracy.

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