u/aridoasis

I stumbled upon the Ollee while looking for watches similar to the Pebble. Something low-key but with a handful of smart features. The delay and lack of communication for the Round 2 really put a sour taste in my mouth. My timing was pretty lucky as I managed to order the EL module. I'm super excited to get the Ollee and the F105, and start tinkering!

I'm hoping the devs come through with the notifications update. That'll round out (pun intended) all the features I'd like on the watch.

I've just gotten back into reading and have quite enjoyed books from Dylan Drakes (Cubs & Campfires, Bears & Bakeries). Could anyone recommend similar stories? I'm looking for cozy reads that still have some very spicy interludes.

I've also switched to Kobo, so that might limit my access to some Amazon-exclusive authors.

TIA!

I've just gotten back into reading and have quite enjoyed books from Dylan Drakes (Cubs & Campfires, Bears & Bakeries). Could anyone recommend similar stories? I'm looking for cozy reads that still have some very spicy interludes.

I've also switched to Kobo, so that might limit my access to some Amazon-exclusive authors.

TIA!

Pixels 6-10 have historically had modem issues with the Exynos modems. How's the Mediatek modem on the 11? Any noticeable first impressions?

To preface:

I currently own an Ioniq5 and my lease is ending next year. I've started to look at my options and was initially set on the Rivian R2. With the price in Canada not released yet, and the possible tarrifs on top, I can't quite justify the possible cost given the range and features. What I know is that I'm all in on the EV exprience and want to purchase my next EV instead of leasing. I've looked up and down the EV options and have 3 shortlisted with prices reflecting the options/packages I want. The practical option: Subaru Uncharted (55K CAD). The throw money at things options: Audi Q4 e-Tron (75K CAD) and BMW iX3 (85K CAD). I would have wanted to stick with the Ioniq as it's been a great car, but the Hyundai dealerships around me are ass when it comes to providing service.

The thing that stands out for me with the iX3 over the Q4 e-Tron is the almost 635 KM mixed range EPA rating. It would be my firts luxury car, so I have some reservations. Is everything that it brings to the table worth the price tag?

Forgive my rambling - I'm just trying to air out my thoughts and ultimately convince myself that sticking with the Pixel line is what's best for me. I feel like writing it out helps convince myself that I'm making the right decision.

I got the 10PF earlier this year and have been very happy with it. But seeing the "new" form factor of the Galaxy Fold 8, I considered a potential switch. It's the smaller phone that becomes a tablet when you need it, with the aspect ratio that works well for most media. The 5.5" screen diagonal would also sit better in my average-size hands. I had to then take a moment to reflect as to what I like about my Pixel what I would compromise if I switch to the Galaxy.

For the things I like, I'll preface that software matters more to me than hardware. Several software features that I use daily are Now Playing, Circle to Search, Magic Erase, Live Translate, and Call Assist (Call Notes and Hold for Me). Lesser used ones are Top Shot and Add Me. As far as apps, I like the deep integration with Gboard, Google Photos, Google Messages, and Google Health. As far as hardware, the cameras take good photos with excellent colour output, especially for darker subjects. I have two dogs with mostly black fur, and the Pixel captures them best (compared to an iPhone 14 Pro and a Galaxy S26 Ultra). I also appreciate the proper dust rating on the 10PF for added peace of mind. Adding to that, I have a Pixel Watch and Fitbit Air.

I've used OneUI in the past (Z Flip 6), and it seems like I would lose out on my favourite features if I make the leap. I wasn't a big fan of the dual AI model either—Galaxy AI + Gemini. The same goes for app doubling—Calendar, Photos, Notes, etc. Also, some Galaxy AI features rely on using stock Samsung apps, like Auto Translate needing the Samsung keyboard.

At the end of the day, it's the Pixel software experience that keeps me coming back to Pixel. I've tried iOS and I've tried Galaxy, but it never felt quite right. It's not perfect and it's not for everyone, but every time I step out of it, I find myself trying to replicate it.

So here's to hoping that in a future iteration, Google returns to the OG Fold's form.

End rant. Thanks for reading.

Hey all, I'm hoping to get some advice from seasoned travelers RE sleep/nap options.

My flight arrives at T2 at 6:30 AM and the connecting flight departs at T1 at 6:00 PM. I've booked a transit tour from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM to kill some time.

I'm looking for somewhere to take a quick nap (at least 2h) before heading to the transit tour. I've looked at the transit hotel (Darakhyu?) but their online reservation blocks for day use only start at 8:00 AM, otherwise overnight is 8:00 PM to 8:00AM. I was hoping to be able to get settled by 7:00 AM at the earliest. I saw that there are Relax and Nap Zones, but from what I gather I would need to clear transfer security to get to them which doesn't work with the transit tour.

Any suggestions? Is the 8:00AM reservation at Darakhyu my only option?

TIA!

Context: My company provides short and long term disability coverage through a 3rd party. The process is to talk to your manager about the time that you need off, fill out a form, and send it to the 3rd party. The 3rd party processes the claim and gives approval. My manager and HR are not made aware of the details of the claim.

Situation summary:

In late May, I submitted my leave claim form and confirmed it was received, explaining to my case manager that I needed approval before stopping work because the uncertainty was worsening my health. Over the next few days, the third-party provider repeatedly failed to send promised follow-up forms, forcing me to have the exact same conversation multiple times. After two weeks of total silence, I escalated the issue to my HR representative, only to discover that the form the provider claimed to be waiting on was actually the original one I had already submitted.

Although a manager from the third-party company promised a quick resolution, my case manager called me back only to ignore our previous conversations and demand a completely new form because the dates on the original had passed due to their own processing delays. When I pushed back, the case manager minimized the situation and blamed a heavy workload. Currently, it has been over a month with no resolution; I have begrudgingly sent the new form to my healthcare provider, and HR is now monitoring the case after I requested a new case manager. This entire ordeal has severely impacted my mental health, worsening the very condition that required me to take leave in the first place.

I've condensed the timeline and details as to not give too much away.

Do I have any recourse? Would it be worth talking to an employment or disability lawyer? I'm at my wits end.