Technologies

BALKAN E-SIM: Mobile Internet for Travelers Without Borders

BALKAN E-SIM: Your Ally in the World of Travel

Traveling is not just about moving from one point to another. It’s an opportunity to discover new horizons, immerse oneself in diverse cultures, and savor the moment. However, to share your adventures and stay connected anywhere on the globe, a reliable companion in the form of mobile internet is essential. BALKAN E-SIM embodies this idea, offering travelers the ability to stay online in any country, on any continent.

Freedom of Connection Across the Globe

With BALKAN E-SIM, travelers gain guaranteed access to mobile internet in over 150 countries worldwide. No need to search for local SIM cards or worry about high roaming tariffs. Simply install the app, choose a convenient tariff plan, and the whole world is at your fingertips.

Security and Reliability of Your Data First

With BALKAN E-SIM, your personal data is safeguarded using state-of-the-art technologies. It’s not just internet; it’s a tool that ensures a secure and reliable connection on the go. Capture memories, share them in real-time, and rest assured about security concerns.

Flexible Plans Tailored to Your Travel Needs

BALKAN E-SIM provides flexible tariff plans adapted to various travel needs. Stay informed about your expenditures and pay only for the internet you truly need.

Detailed Reports and Real-time Expense Management

The app offers detailed data usage reports, allowing you to monitor your expenses in real-time. It’s a control tool that helps travelers manage their budget on the fly.

BALKAN E-SIM: Your Ally in the World of Travel

BALKAN E-SIM doesn’t just provide internet; it’s your reliable companion, ensuring uninterrupted connectivity anywhere on the globe. Travel freely, stay connected, and share your adventures with the world. With BALKAN E-SIM, the world is connected to you.

Learn more and download the BALKAN E-SIM app.

Technologies

iPhone 17 Preorders Spike and Overall Phone Sales Aren’t Slowing Down Despite Tariffs

Global smartphone shipments saw a notable increase in the third quarter of 2025. Plus, preorders for Apple’s new iPhone 17 beat out the iPhone 16.

Despite tariffs and market uncertainty, global smartphone shipments increased 2.6% in the third quarter of 2025, compared to the same time last year, according to the International Data Corporation. Additionally, preorders for the iPhone 17, which launched last month, outpaced last year’s iPhone 16.

These increased sales include premium phones like the latest iPhones and Samsung foldables, suggesting yet again that pricier phones still sell in periods of economic strain. It’s a remarkable achievement, says IDC senior research director Nabila Popal, citing shrewd financing options as the reason people keep buying these high-end phones, which cost anywhere from $800 to nearly $2,000.

«[Phone makers] have mastered the art of innovation not only in hardware and software to entice upgrades but also in removing purchase friction. They have flawlessly combined cutting-edge devices with innovative financing models and aggressive trade-in programs that make the upgrading decision a ‘no-brainer’ for consumers,» Popal said in an IDC press release.

Apple sold 58.6 million iPhones this quarter, an increase of 2.9% over the same period in 2024, with more preorders for the iPhone 17 series than its predecessor. But Samsung wasn’t far behind, with its Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Galaxy Z Flip 7 selling better than all of the company’s prior foldables. The company still reigns atop the phone market with 61.4 million phones sold, representing 19% of the market in the third quarter of this year — an increase of 6.3% from the same period last year. Meanwhile, Apple lands slightly behind Samsung with 18.2% market share this quarter.

The other phone makers trailing Apple and Samsung are, in order: Xiaomi, with 13.5% of the market; Transsion, with 9%; and Vivo with 8.9%. The remaining companies in the phones industry, from Chinese stalwarts like Oppo and Honor to Motorola and Google, make up the remaining 31.4% of the market for the quarter. All told, 322.7 million phones were sold, up from 314.6 million in the third quarter of 2024, according to IDC.

IDC’s findings for the third quarter continue the small but steady growth of phone sales over the year, including a modest 1% increase in the preceding three months — which includes the April deadline when President Donald Trump unveiled sweeping tariffs. In the second quarter, IDC cited midrange devices like Samsung’s Galaxy A36 and other phones that started incorporating AI. But even persistent tariffs haven’t slowed down people’s appetites for pricier phones in the third quarter.

Technologies

Today’s NYT Mini Crossword Answers for Tuesday, Oct. 14

Here are the answers for The New York Times Mini Crossword for Oct. 14.

Looking for the most recent Mini Crossword answer? Click here for today’s Mini Crossword hints, as well as our daily answers and hints for The New York Times Wordle, Strands, Connections and Connections: Sports Edition puzzles.

Today’s Mini Crossword has an odd vertical shape, with an extra Across clue, and only four Down clues. The clues are not terribly difficult, but one or two could be tricky. Read on if you need the answers. And if you could use some hints and guidance for daily solving, check out our Mini Crossword tips.

If you’re looking for today’s Wordle, Connections, Connections: Sports Edition and Strands answers, you can visit CNET’s NYT puzzle hints page.

Read more: Tips and Tricks for Solving The New York Times Mini Crossword

Let’s get to those Mini Crossword clues and answers.