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16 Dec 2024
Eufy Launches 4K E30 Indoor Camera With HomeKit Support - MacRumors
The Eufy Indoor Cam E30 features a 4K resolution for crisp, sharp video, and it is compatible with HomeKit. However, since Apple's Home app only supports the viewing of streams up to 1080p, users will need to use the official Eufy app to see the inside of their property in all its 4K glory.
The E30 connects via the 2.4GHz Wi-Fi band, and the PTZ camera provides a 360-degree view in the horizontal plane, as well as controls within the Eufy app to manually adjust the angle. The camera can also be fixed to ceilings with a mounting plate (included).
The E30 also includes a built-in spotlight enabling standard night vision and color night vision. Users have the option to install an SD card for local on-device recording, minus the associated monthly fees incurred by cloud-based recording plans, but Eufy does still offer a cloud-based option.
As HomeKitNews notes, Eufy has not provided information on whether the Indoor Cam E30 supports HomeKit Secure Video, so buyer beware. But given that most other Eufy models support it, there is a good chance this one does, too.
HomeKit Secure Video is encrypted and stored in iCloud and footage is viewed in the Home app. All detection is also done on-device for privacy purposes, with no data sent to Eufy. This would likely be the preferable option for users who remember Eufy's camera security controversy.
Thanks to improvements in AI, Eufy says that the camera can now distinguish between humans and pets, as well as different types of audio, making it better able to detect, identify, and track movement. The camera also has an integrated speaker, suggesting this model supports two-way audio like other Eufy models.
The Eufy Indoor Cam E30 is available directly from the Eufy website costing $69.99, and the company is currently running a $10 promotional discount using the code WSPEV2ASHVSZ. Tag: Anker
This article, "Eufy Launches 4K E30 Indoor Camera With HomeKit Support" first appeared on MacRumors.com
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Eufy Launches 4K E30 Indoor Camera With HomeKit Support - MacRumors
The Eufy Indoor Cam E30 features a 4K resolution for crisp, sharp video, and it is compatible with HomeKit. However, since Apple's Home app only supports the viewing of streams up to 1080p, users will need to use the official Eufy app to see the inside of their property in all its 4K glory.
The E30 connects via the 2.4GHz Wi-Fi band, and the PTZ camera provides a 360-degree view in the horizontal plane, as well as controls within the Eufy app to manually adjust the angle. The camera can also be fixed to ceilings with a mounting plate (included).
The E30 also includes a built-in spotlight enabling standard night vision and color night vision. Users have the option to install an SD card for local on-device recording, minus the associated monthly fees incurred by cloud-based recording plans, but Eufy does still offer a cloud-based option.
As HomeKitNews notes, Eufy has not provided information on whether the Indoor Cam E30 supports HomeKit Secure Video, so buyer beware. But given that most other Eufy models support it, there is a good chance this one does, too.
HomeKit Secure Video is encrypted and stored in iCloud and footage is viewed in the Home app. All detection is also done on-device for privacy purposes, with no data sent to Eufy. This would likely be the preferable option for users who remember Eufy's camera security controversy.
Thanks to improvements in AI, Eufy says that the camera can now distinguish between humans and pets, as well as different types of audio, making it better able to detect, identify, and track movement. The camera also has an integrated speaker, suggesting this model supports two-way audio like other Eufy models.
The Eufy Indoor Cam E30 is available directly from the Eufy website costing $69.99, and the company is currently running a $10 promotional discount using the code WSPEV2ASHVSZ. Tag: Anker
This article, "Eufy Launches 4K E30 Indoor Camera With HomeKit Support" first appeared on MacRumors.com
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Foldable iPad With ~20-Inch Display Likely Set for 2028 Launch - MacRumors
Writing in his latest Power On newsletter, Gurman says that Apple has been developing the foldable for a couple of years now, and is aiming for a ~20-inch display to appeal to customers who want the biggest possible display in a portable device.
Gurman says Apple's main goal is to avoid the crease that runs through the middle of the screen above the hinge when the device is in the open position. The crease has remained evident in even the current crop of foldable phones from Samsung, which has tried and failed to get rid of it since its breakout Galaxy Fold device, released in 2019.
In contrast, Apple wants its foldable iPad to look like "a single, uninterrupted piece of glass." Whether this is achievable remains unclear, though the company is said to have made progress: Gurman reports that prototypes of this new product within Apple's industrial design group have a nearly invisible crease. "It's too early to tell if Apple will be able to get rid of it altogether," notes the reporter.
As for which operating system the foldable iPad will run, Gurman admits that it's not yet clear, but he did have this to say:
My guess is that it will be iPadOS or a variant of it. I don't believe it will be a true iPad-Mac hybrid, but the device will have elements of both. By the time 2028 rolls around, iPadOS should be advanced enough to run macOS apps, but it also makes sense to support iPad accessories like the Apple Pencil. Gurman says the majority of Apple's work on foldables is focused on the "higher-end" 20-inch device, but he maintains that Apple continues to explore the long-rumored foldable iPhone concept. Despite Apple's status as the only major smartphone maker without a foldable, Gurman does not foresee a foldable iPhone arriving before 2026 at the earliest.
Last week, MacRumors reported on a document shared on X that allegedly reveals Apple's display plans. The roadmap shows that Apple aims to use an 18.8-inch foldable screen between 2028 and 2030, and Gurman says that this "generally lines up with what I've heard about an Apple foldable computer."
Notably, a report over the weekend by The Wall Street Journal claimed that Apple is planning two foldable devices, one of which is "intended to serve as a laptop" and "has a screen that unfolds to be nearly as large as some desktop monitors, at about 19 inches." It is not immediately clear if this and the foldable iPad reported by Gurman are one and the same, but it's a possibility.
Meanwhile, the smaller device is said to be essentially an iPhone with an inward-folding design that unfolds to a display size that would be larger than an iPhone 16 Pro Max. The WSJ report said Apple executives are pushing for a 2026 release, but the company may need another year to address technical challenges, one of which is presumably related to the crease.Tags: Bloomberg, Foldable iPad, Foldable iPhone, Mark Gurman
This article, "Foldable iPad With ~20-Inch Display Likely Set for 2028 Launch" first appeared on MacRumors.com
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Foldable iPad With ~20-Inch Display Likely Set for 2028 Launch - MacRumors
Writing in his latest Power On newsletter, Gurman says that Apple has been developing the foldable for a couple of years now, and is aiming for a ~20-inch display to appeal to customers who want the biggest possible display in a portable device.
Gurman says Apple's main goal is to avoid the crease that runs through the middle of the screen above the hinge when the device is in the open position. The crease has remained evident in even the current crop of foldable phones from Samsung, which has tried and failed to get rid of it since its breakout Galaxy Fold device, released in 2019.
In contrast, Apple wants its foldable iPad to look like "a single, uninterrupted piece of glass." Whether this is achievable remains unclear, though the company is said to have made progress: Gurman reports that prototypes of this new product within Apple's industrial design group have a nearly invisible crease. "It's too early to tell if Apple will be able to get rid of it altogether," notes the reporter.
As for which operating system the foldable iPad will run, Gurman admits that it's not yet clear, but he did have this to say:
My guess is that it will be iPadOS or a variant of it. I don't believe it will be a true iPad-Mac hybrid, but the device will have elements of both. By the time 2028 rolls around, iPadOS should be advanced enough to run macOS apps, but it also makes sense to support iPad accessories like the Apple Pencil. Gurman says the majority of Apple's work on foldables is focused on the "higher-end" 20-inch device, but he maintains that Apple continues to explore the long-rumored foldable iPhone concept. Despite Apple's status as the only major smartphone maker without a foldable, Gurman does not foresee a foldable iPhone arriving before 2026 at the earliest.
Last week, MacRumors reported on a document shared on X that allegedly reveals Apple's display plans. The roadmap shows that Apple aims to use an 18.8-inch foldable screen between 2028 and 2030, and Gurman says that this "generally lines up with what I've heard about an Apple foldable computer."
Notably, a report over the weekend by The Wall Street Journal claimed that Apple is planning two foldable devices, one of which is "intended to serve as a laptop" and "has a screen that unfolds to be nearly as large as some desktop monitors, at about 19 inches." It is not immediately clear if this and the foldable iPad reported by Gurman are one and the same, but it's a possibility.
Meanwhile, the smaller device is said to be essentially an iPhone with an inward-folding design that unfolds to a display size that would be larger than an iPhone 16 Pro Max. The WSJ report said Apple executives are pushing for a 2026 release, but the company may need another year to address technical challenges, one of which is presumably related to the crease.Tags: Bloomberg, Foldable iPad, Foldable iPhone, Mark Gurman
This article, "Foldable iPad With ~20-Inch Display Likely Set for 2028 Launch" first appeared on MacRumors.com
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iOS 18.2: Bring Volume Slider Back to iPhone Lock Screen - MacRumors
The feature in question is the on-screen volume control slider in the Lock Screen media player interface. Prior to 2022, the volume slider was a familiar presence on the Lock Screen whenever media was playing. When Apple released iOS 16, however, it removed the control without explaining the reason.
Thankfully, Apple has brought back the control as an option in iOS 18.2. If you've updated your device, you'll find a toggle in Settings ➝ Accessibility ➝ Audio & Visual, labeled Always Show Volume Control. Enable the switch, and you'll be able to adjust volume from the Lock Screen without having to unlock your iPhone or use the physical volume buttons.
Elsewhere in iOS 18.2, provided you have a compatible device, you will find several Apple Intelligence features, including Image Playground and Genmoji. Be sure to check out our complete guide for full details on what's included.
This article, "iOS 18.2: Bring Volume Slider Back to iPhone Lock Screen" first appeared on MacRumors.com
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iOS 18.2: Bring Volume Slider Back to iPhone Lock Screen - MacRumors
The feature in question is the on-screen volume control slider in the Lock Screen media player interface. Prior to 2022, the volume slider was a familiar presence on the Lock Screen whenever media was playing. When Apple released iOS 16, however, it removed the control without explaining the reason.
Thankfully, Apple has brought back the control as an option in iOS 18.2. If you've updated your device, you'll find a toggle in Settings ➝ Accessibility ➝ Audio & Visual, labeled Always Show Volume Control. Enable the switch, and you'll be able to adjust volume from the Lock Screen without having to unlock your iPhone or use the physical volume buttons.
Elsewhere in iOS 18.2, provided you have a compatible device, you will find several Apple Intelligence features, including Image Playground and Genmoji. Be sure to check out our complete guide for full details on what's included.
This article, "iOS 18.2: Bring Volume Slider Back to iPhone Lock Screen" first appeared on MacRumors.com
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iPad pieghevole, Apple pronta a lanciarlo nel 2028 - TheAppleLounge
iPad pieghevole, Apple pronta a lanciarlo nel 2028 - TheAppleLounge
Bronze Age butchery and cannibalism unearthed in England - Popular Science
Archeological discoveries can reveal the brighter sides of humanity. Collecting tchotchkes, our ancestors potentially comforting or sheltering one another in the face of a cataclysmic disaster, or building owl toys for children show how caring we can be as a species. However, other findings can reveal our darker side.
That more bleak part of human nature can be found in the bones uncovered from an archeological site in Charterhouse Warren, Somerset, England. A team recently analyzed over 3,000 bones found there decades ago that date back to the Early Bronze Age. The remains of at least 37 individuals here were killed, butchered, and likely partially eaten before they were thrown down a shaft that is 49-feet-deep. The analysis is detailed in a study published December 15 in the journal Antiquity and represents the largest-scale example of interpersonal violence from British prehistory.
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A rare and grisly findWhile hundreds of human skeletons dating back between 2500 and 1500 BCE in the area, direct evidence of a violent conflict is quite rare to come by.
“We actually find more evidence for injuries to skeletons dating to the Neolithic period in Britain than the Early Bronze Age, so Charterhouse Warren stands out as something very unusual,” study co-author and University of Oxford archeologist Rick Schulting said in a statement. “It paints a considerably darker picture of the period than many would have expected.”
During the 1970s, the scattered bones of at least 37 individuals were discovered in the 49-feet-deep shaft. The bones belonged to a mixture of men, women, and children, which likely means they were representative of a community.
Examples of cranial trauma. Top) perimortem injury to the left posterior of the frontal bone (a), cutmarks can also be seen on the frontal bone (b) and patinated bevel of the internal cranial surface is apparent around the injury (c); middle) cranium with a perforating injury to mid-frontal bone (d), a closer view shows radiating fracture lines (e) and the internal view shows patinated bevel (f ); bottom) adult cranium (g), close inspection shows cutmarks running along the mid-frontal (h) and a perimortem blunt force fracture to the conjoining right frontal bone fragment (i) Images by Schulting et al. Antiquity, December 2024. CREDIT: Schulting et al. Antiquity, December 2024. Searching for motivation–and a reason for cannibalismThe skulls have evidence of a violent death from blunt force trauma, unlike the majority of contemporary burials. Researchers from multiple institutions further analyzed the bones to try and learn more about how these people died. They found several cutmarks and fractures that occurred at or near the time of death on the bones. The team believes that this is evidence that they were intentionally butchered and may have been partly consumed.
To find clues to why people in Early Bronze Age Britain might cannibalize their dead, they looked at the nearby Palaeolithic site of Gough’s Cave in Cheddar Gorge. Evidence uncovered there suggests that cannibalism was likely a funeral rite in the area. However, Charterhouse Warren is a bit different. The evidence of a violent death with no indication of a fight or struggle implies that the victims were caught off guard. The team believes it is likely that they were all massacred and the butchering was done by their enemies.
[ Related: Bronze Age village was ‘pretty cozy’—until Britain’s Pompeii. ]
Abundant cattle bones have been found mixed in with the human bones suggests that people at Charterhouse Warren probably had enough to eat, so it is unlikely that they were killed strictly for food.
Instead, cannibalism may have been a way to “other” and dehumanize the deceased. The killers were likening their enemies to animals by eating their flesh and mixing their bones in with animal bones.
‘People in prehistory could match more recent atrocities’The conflict was likely caused by social factors. Theft or insults may have led to tensions which then escalated out of proportion. Additionally, two of the children had evidence of plague in their teeth. The fear of such a deadly illness may have also exacerbated tensions. Scientists at the The Francis Crick Institute found these signs of plague at Charterhouse Warren in a 2023 study and they were a “completely unexpected” finding, according to Schulting. However, the team still does not know what–if any–impact plague had on this conflict.
Right hemi-mandible of child aged about 10 years (a) with detail of cutmarks on the ascending ramus (b). Image credit: Schulting et al. Antiquity, December 2024. CREDIT: Schulting et al. Antiquity, December 2024.As a whole, the discovery of such violence at Charterhouse Warren shows that in at least this instance, perceived slights and cycles of revenge could result in violent actions.
“Charterhouse Warren is one of those rare archaeological sites that challenges the way we think about the past,” said Schulting. “It is a stark reminder that people in prehistory could match more recent atrocities and shines a light on a dark side of human behaviour. That it is unlikely to have been a one-off event makes it even more important that its story is told.”
The post Bronze Age butchery and cannibalism unearthed in England appeared first on Popular Science.
ESA - Immagine della settimana: Ghiacciaio Jakobshavn, Groenlandia (16 dicembre 2024) - GEOmedia News
Queste immagini estive delle missioni Copernicus Sentinel-2 e Sentinel-1 mostrano viste satellitari diverse della costa occidentale della Groenlandia.
L'immagine ottica di Sentinel-2 sulla sinistra, acquisita il 5 agosto 2024, evidenzia l'imboccatura dell'Ilulissat Icefjord, chiaramente visibile di colore bianco. Questo fiordo ospita il ghiacciaio Jakobshavn, chiamato in groenlandese Sermeq Kujalleq, uno dei ghiacciai più veloci e più attivi del mondo.
Scarica immagine ottica HighRes (46,00 GB - .TIF)
Il ghiacciaio Jakobshavn drena circa il 6,5% della calotta glaciale della Groenlandia e produce circa il 10% dei suoi iceberg. Molti di questi iceberg sono così grandi da arenarsi nelle zone meno profonde del fiordo, dove rimangono per anni fino a quando non si sciolgono abbastanza da frantumarsi e disperdersi.
Nell'immagine diversi iceberg appaiono come punti bianchi sparsi nel fiordo, punteggiando le acque della baia di Disko come fossero stelle nel cielo notturno. Questi imponenti iceberg, alcuni dei quali raggiungono l’altezza di 100 m sopra il livello dell'acqua, nascondono porzioni ancora più grandi sotto la superficie. Le loro
...15 Dec 2024
AirTag 2 Expected to Launch Next Year With 'Considerable' Upgrade to Item Tracking - MacRumors
In his Power On newsletter today, Gurman said the new AirTag will use Apple's second-generation Ultra Wideband chip, or equivalent technology. The chip debuted last year in the iPhone 15 and the Apple Watch Ultra 2, and Apple said it offers up to three times the range as its first-generation Ultra Wideband chip in the current AirTag. Indeed, Gurman said the new AirTag should offer triple the range as the current model.
On the iPhone 15 and iPhone 16 models, there is a Precision Finding feature that can help you to find your friends in busy places, and it offers up to approximately 60 meters (around 200 feet) range. The new AirTag could offer similar range.
Last month, Gurman said the new AirTag will be released around mid-2025. In addition to longer range, he said the new AirTag's built-in speaker will be more difficult to remove, as a stalking-related safety measure. Overall, though, he does not expect the accessory to receive any major design changes when it is updated next year.
Apple released the AirTag in April 2021, so there will have been around a four-year wait for the second-generation model.Tags: AirTag, Mark Gurman
This article, "AirTag 2 Expected to Launch Next Year With 'Considerable' Upgrade to Item Tracking" first appeared on MacRumors.com
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AirTag 2 Expected to Launch Next Year With 'Considerable' Upgrade to Item Tracking - MacRumors
In his Power On newsletter today, Gurman said the new AirTag will use Apple's second-generation Ultra Wideband chip, or equivalent technology. The chip debuted last year in the iPhone 15 and the Apple Watch Ultra 2, and Apple said it offers up to three times the range as its first-generation Ultra Wideband chip in the current AirTag. Indeed, Gurman said the new AirTag should offer triple the range as the current model.
On the iPhone 15 and iPhone 16 models, there is a Precision Finding feature that can help you to find your friends in busy places, and it offers up to approximately 60 meters (around 200 feet) range. The new AirTag could offer similar range.
Last month, Gurman said the new AirTag will be released around mid-2025. In addition to longer range, he said the new AirTag's built-in speaker will be more difficult to remove, as a stalking-related safety measure. Overall, though, he does not expect the accessory to receive any major design changes when it is updated next year.
Apple released the AirTag in April 2021, so there will have been around a four-year wait for the second-generation model.Tags: AirTag, Mark Gurman
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December Wildfires Could Signal Shifting Fire Season - Planetizen
A lack of rain and seasonal Santa Ana winds are creating dangerously dry conditions in Southern California, where the Franklin Fire has burned over 4,000 acres just this last week.
In an article for High Country News, Kylie Mohr explains that the combination of dry vegetation and strong winds is fueling stronger wildfires in California and elsewhere. According to climatology professor John Abatzoglou, “We are still waiting for the onset of the wet season in that part of the state, which would meaningfully wet the fuels and put the threat of large fires to bed.”
“The winds will die down and rain will eventually return to Southern California, but this one-two punch of high wind and parched landscapes will recur and intensify in the future. Climate change projections suggest Southern California’s wet season will narrow, and its rainy season arrive later.” A delayed rainy season — a pattern showing up over the last six decades — signals increased risk in years to come.
Geography United States California Category Environment Land Use Tags Publication High Country News Publication Date Thu, 12/12/2024 - 12:00 Publication Links Wildfire … in December? 1 minuteDecember Wildfires Could Signal Shifting Fire Season - Planetizen
A lack of rain and seasonal Santa Ana winds are creating dangerously dry conditions in Southern California, where the Franklin Fire has burned over 4,000 acres just this last week.
In an article for High Country News, Kylie Mohr explains that the combination of dry vegetation and strong winds is fueling stronger wildfires in California and elsewhere. According to climatology professor John Abatzoglou, “We are still waiting for the onset of the wet season in that part of the state, which would meaningfully wet the fuels and put the threat of large fires to bed.”
“The winds will die down and rain will eventually return to Southern California, but this one-two punch of high wind and parched landscapes will recur and intensify in the future. Climate change projections suggest Southern California’s wet season will narrow, and its rainy season arrive later.” A delayed rainy season — a pattern showing up over the last six decades — signals increased risk in years to come.
Geography United States California Category Environment Land Use Tags Publication High Country News Publication Date Thu, 12/12/2024 - 12:00 Publication Links Wildfire … in December? 1 minuteDon’t even think about hiking on a glacier without a guide - Popular Science
Glaciers are magnificent natural structures, dense sheets of ice that can stretch for miles and be a few yards to thousands of feet thick. It’s no wonder many adventurous travelers put hiking one high on their bucket list. But while glaciers may seem like stable, non-threatening slabs of solid terrain perfect for exploration, they can in fact be far from it.
Just head to one of North America’s most popular glaciers–the Athabasca Glacier in Alberta, Canada–and listen for guides to yell at solo wanderers, warning of unseen threats to their safety. That’s because under their feet, there could be a world of hidden hazards, including crevasses and icy rivers, and one wrong step could land explorers in the hospital–or worse. So if you’re headed to hoof it on a glacier, don’t even consider taking a stroll on the surface without hiring a guide if you don’t have extensive training and experience.
Glacier scienceWhile glaciers may seem to be sheets of ice as dense and stable as concrete, that couldn’t be further from the truth. In fact, glaciers are living, breathing things, explains Maria Intxaustegi, a mountaineering guide and member of the expedition team on Lindblad National Geographic Expedition ships, including those that sail to Antarctica where glaciers abound. Meaning they are far from static structures, but are constantly shifting and moving, changing, receding and growing.
“Glacier terrain is a highly dynamic landscape and without proper awareness and methods to route find and mitigate the challenging terrain it is beyond most people’s abilities,” agrees Tim Patterson, a certified guide with the Association of Canadian Mountain Guides (ACMG) and founder of Zuc’min Guiding, which operates in partnership with IceWalks in British Columbia and Alberta, Canada.
Glaciers are shaped by centuries of snow compacting and turning to ice. Many sprout from one large continental mass called an ice sheet in a veritable river of frozen liquid that flows down valleys, usually between peaks, all the weight of frozen water succumbing to gravity and running downward and out. Those fingers of ice, also called tributaries, eventually terminate, often at a water line or a stretch of ground where the ice simply peters out, though other types of glaciers like cirque and hanging glaciers that exist in natural bowls in the landscape tend not to have a traditional terminus.
And much like a typical river, over even a single year glaciers can change, grow and shrink dramatically. Annual precipitation in the form of snow adds to their size while factors like warming temperatures cause them to melt and shrink. A balance of both keeps them stable.
Unfortunately, most glaciers around the world are rapidly retreating instead of growing as a result of climate change. But however they’re moving, they slowly creep over rocks, sediment, even water, and change the landscape as they scrape slowly forward or back. But it’s not just the rock beneath that is altered by moving ice; the glacier itself moves, shifts, and opens up. But not just on the surface; beneath is where the real dangers lie.
Beware of sneaky crevassesPossibly the most dangerous feature glaciers possess as a result of their natural movement is crevasses, stress fractures in the ice that crack and open up as a result of shifting ice. As a glacier ebbs and flows, ice sliding on rock causes friction, which can weaken the ice and open gaps in the structure. These can be a few inches deep to a few kilometers deep, Intxaustegi explains. And they can mean injury or death in seconds if you fall into one. The worst part: they can be covered by thin layers of snow or ice, making them invisible from the surface if you don’t know what you’re looking for.
“They hide so well,” Intxaustegi says. Even well-trained individuals can miss them if they’re not careful. What’s worse, a crevasse only needs to be a few feet deep to result in broken bones or other serious injuries, she continues.
That means understanding the science of snow and ice and understanding when it looks solid but is hiding a crevasse. When and how to travel on ice takes lots of education, but also experience, Patterson says.
Not that crevasses are all that lurk beneath the surface.
Glacial millsWater features known as millwells or moulin (also called glacial mills) form where surface water exploits a weakness in the ice and makes a circular, vertical shaft that connects to streams beneath the glacier that eventually flow to the terminus or the end of the ice—known as the toe or leading edge. These under-ice waterways can be as narrow as a few inches in diameter, meaning if you end up in one, it could result in serious injury or death.
What’s more, “Water features like millwells change depending on water flows and sometimes create holes that were not visible only days before,” Patterson states. So even if you’ve been on a guided hike a month or a year before, on the exact same glacier you could still be completely unaware of what worlds exist underneath your feet.
Patterson recalls a story of a friend and mentor who got a closer look at one than he bargained for. The individual was a park ranger at the time and slipped into a glacial mill on the Saskatchewan Glacier in the 1970s. He then slid down an under-ice waterway for several minutes before–extremely luckily–getting spit out alive at the outflow lake some 220 yards from where he fell in.
Other hazardsIn addition to crevasses and millwells, there are plenty of other hazards you may encounter on your way to a glacier. Patterson says rockfalls, flooding, ice falls, and highly technical terrain can all pose extreme risks to explorers who may underestimate the perils of wilderness landscapes.
Find your glacier guideBut all of this doesn’t mean you should avoid glacier-based adventures. On the contrary, in many glacier-rich destinations, guides and guide companies abound. To find a reputable company that knows plenty about how and when to travel on the ice, check for guide’s certifications and experience in glaciated terrain, specifically glacier travel and crevasse rescue training.
These individuals can not only guide you safely over the ice, but take you to places that you wouldn’t have found on your own, educate you about the landscape, and share meaningful histories as you explore. Whatever you do, go with someone who knows. And come back safe and alive.
The post Don’t even think about hiking on a glacier without a guide appeared first on Popular Science.
'iPhone 17 Air' With 'Major' Design Changes and 19-Inch MacBook Detailed in New Report - MacRumors
The paywalled report published today corroborated the widely-rumored "iPhone 17 Air" with an "ultrathin" design that is thinner than current iPhone models. The report did not mention a specific measurement, but previous rumors have indicated the device could be anywhere from 5mm to 6.25mm thin, whereas the iPhone 16 lineup starts at 7.8mm. The thinnest-ever model was the iPhone 6 at 6.9mm, so the iPhone 17 Air would beat that record.
In line with previous rumors, the report said the iPhone 17 Air will be "giving up" some features available in the Pro models. For example, the report said the device will have a "simplified" camera system, but no other details were provided. Accordingly, the report said the device will be priced lower than the Pro lineup, which in the U.S. starts at $999.
Apple is expected to unveil the iPhone 17 Air in September 2025.
Apple is also planning two foldable devices for release later, according to the report. It said one of the devices will essentially be the largest-ever MacBook with a foldable 19-inch screen, while the other is a foldable iPhone that would unfold to have an inwards-facing display that is larger than the one on the 6.9-inch iPhone 16 Pro Max.
The report said Apple is aiming to release the foldable iPhone in 2026 or 2027, while the MacBook with a foldable screen would likely debut later. Both of the devices have been rumored to be in development several times in recent years.
Apple is said to have faced major challenges with developing a foldable iPhone, including with the device's hinge and the protective layer that covers the screen. Apple apparently once considered a foldable iPhone with an outward-facing display, but it has settled on a large inner display, according to the report. Related Roundup: iPhone 17Tags: Foldable iPhone, Foldable MacBook, The Wall Street Journal
This article, "'iPhone 17 Air' With 'Major' Design Changes and 19-Inch MacBook Detailed in New Report" first appeared on MacRumors.com
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'iPhone 17 Air' With 'Major' Design Changes and 19-Inch MacBook Detailed in New Report - MacRumors
The paywalled report published today corroborated the widely-rumored "iPhone 17 Air" with an "ultrathin" design that is thinner than current iPhone models. The report did not mention a specific measurement, but previous rumors have indicated the device could be anywhere from 5mm to 6.25mm thin, whereas the iPhone 16 lineup starts at 7.8mm. The thinnest-ever model was the iPhone 6 at 6.9mm, so the iPhone 17 Air would beat that record.
In line with previous rumors, the report said the iPhone 17 Air will be "giving up" some features available in the Pro models. For example, the report said the device will have a "simplified" camera system, but no other details were provided. Accordingly, the report said the device will be priced lower than the Pro lineup, which in the U.S. starts at $999.
Apple is expected to unveil the iPhone 17 Air in September 2025.
Apple is also planning two foldable devices for release later, according to the report. It said one of the devices will essentially be the largest-ever MacBook with a foldable 19-inch screen, while the other is a foldable iPhone that would unfold to have an inwards-facing display that is larger than the one on the 6.9-inch iPhone 16 Pro Max.
The report said Apple is aiming to release the foldable iPhone in 2026 or 2027, while the MacBook with a foldable screen would likely debut later. Both of the devices have been rumored to be in development several times in recent years.
Apple is said to have faced major challenges with developing a foldable iPhone, including with the device's hinge and the protective layer that covers the screen. Apple apparently once considered a foldable iPhone with an outward-facing display, but it has settled on a large inner display, according to the report. Related Roundup: iPhone 17Tags: Foldable iPhone, Foldable MacBook, The Wall Street Journal
This article, "'iPhone 17 Air' With 'Major' Design Changes and 19-Inch MacBook Detailed in New Report" first appeared on MacRumors.com
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Audit: Portland’s Vision Zero Needs More Data, Funding - Planetizen
A November audit of the Portland Bureau of Transportation’s Vision Zero program calls on the bureau to do more to evaluate the program’s progress as traffic deaths in the cities continue to rise.
As Jim Redden reports in Portland Tribune, “The audit credited PBOT with reducing speed limits across the city and installing more red light enforcement cameras. But it said the effectiveness of some other safety improvements were not being measured.”
The audit calls for a “more systematic approach” that would help the department understand which safety projects are succeeding and which are ineffective.
PBOT spokesperson Dylan Rivera agreed with the assessment but called on the state legislature to increase funding for transportation and safety efforts, saying, “We need the state Legislature to make a big investment in transportation in 2025, by increasing the funding available from the state highway fund that provides the formula funding that cities and counties across Oregon depend on for basic safety, maintenance and livability needs.”
Geography Oregon Category Infrastructure Transportation Tags- Portland
- Portland Bureau of Transportation
- Traffic Safety
- Vision Zero
- Road Safety
- Pedestrian Safety
- Traffic Deaths
- Traffic Fatalities
Audit: Portland’s Vision Zero Needs More Data, Funding - Planetizen
A November audit of the Portland Bureau of Transportation’s Vision Zero program calls on the bureau to do more to evaluate the program’s progress as traffic deaths in the cities continue to rise.
As Jim Redden reports in Portland Tribune, “The audit credited PBOT with reducing speed limits across the city and installing more red light enforcement cameras. But it said the effectiveness of some other safety improvements were not being measured.”
The audit calls for a “more systematic approach” that would help the department understand which safety projects are succeeding and which are ineffective.
PBOT spokesperson Dylan Rivera agreed with the assessment but called on the state legislature to increase funding for transportation and safety efforts, saying, “We need the state Legislature to make a big investment in transportation in 2025, by increasing the funding available from the state highway fund that provides the formula funding that cities and counties across Oregon depend on for basic safety, maintenance and livability needs.”
Geography Oregon Category Infrastructure Transportation Tags- Portland
- Portland Bureau of Transportation
- Traffic Safety
- Vision Zero
- Road Safety
- Pedestrian Safety
- Traffic Deaths
- Traffic Fatalities
Apple 'Working' on Redesigned Magic Mouse With a Long-Awaited 'Fix' - MacRumors
In his Power On newsletter today, Gurman said Apple in recent months has been working on a "full overhaul" of the Magic Mouse with a design that "better fits the modern era." However, he does not expect the new Magic Mouse to be released in the "next 12 to 18 months," so it sounds like the accessory will launch in mid-2026 at the earliest.
While the Magic Mouse switched from Lightning to USB-C a few months ago, the charging port is still located on the bottom of the mouse, which prevents it from being used while charging. This is only a minor inconvenience, as charging the mouse is a quick and infrequent process, but it sounds like Apple will finally relocate the port.
"Apple is looking to create something that's more relevant, while also fixing longstanding complaints — yes, including the charging port issue," said Gurman.
He also suggested the next Magic Mouse will be more ergonomic and comfortable to use.
While no specific design details about the next Magic Mouse were shared, perhaps Apple will take some inspiration from popular alternatives for the Mac, like Logitech's excellent MX Master 3S. That mouse features an ergonomic design with a thumb rest, a front-facing USB-C charging port, precision tracking, two scroll wheels, and more.
Logitech's MX Master 3S
The overall look of the Magic Mouse has not changed much since 2009, so a redesign has been a long time coming. Notable changes over the years include the mouse switching from AA batteries to a built-in rechargeable battery in 2015, new color-matching options with the iMac in 2021, and the switch from Lightning to USB-C this year. Overall, the Magic Mouse has not received much attention from Apple over the past decade.
Will the next Magic Mouse cost more? No word on that from Gurman, yet. The current model is priced at $79 in the U.S. on a standalone basis, and it is included at no additional cost with the purchase of an iMac or a Mac Pro.Tags: Magic Mouse, Mark Gurman
This article, "Apple 'Working' on Redesigned Magic Mouse With a Long-Awaited 'Fix'" first appeared on MacRumors.com
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Apple 'Working' on Redesigned Magic Mouse With a Long-Awaited 'Fix' - MacRumors
In his Power On newsletter today, Gurman said Apple in recent months has been working on a "full overhaul" of the Magic Mouse with a design that "better fits the modern era." However, he does not expect the new Magic Mouse to be released in the "next 12 to 18 months," so it sounds like the accessory will launch in mid-2026 at the earliest.
While the Magic Mouse switched from Lightning to USB-C a few months ago, the charging port is still located on the bottom of the mouse, which prevents it from being used while charging. This is only a minor inconvenience, as charging the mouse is a quick and infrequent process, but it sounds like Apple will finally relocate the port.
"Apple is looking to create something that's more relevant, while also fixing longstanding complaints — yes, including the charging port issue," said Gurman.
He also suggested the next Magic Mouse will be more ergonomic and comfortable to use.
While no specific design details about the next Magic Mouse were shared, perhaps Apple will take some inspiration from popular alternatives for the Mac, like Logitech's excellent MX Master 3S. That mouse features an ergonomic design with a thumb rest, a front-facing USB-C charging port, precision tracking, two scroll wheels, and more.
Logitech's MX Master 3S
The overall look of the Magic Mouse has not changed much since 2009, so a redesign has been a long time coming. Notable changes over the years include the mouse switching from AA batteries to a built-in rechargeable battery in 2015, new color-matching options with the iMac in 2021, and the switch from Lightning to USB-C this year. Overall, the Magic Mouse has not received much attention from Apple over the past decade.
Will the next Magic Mouse cost more? No word on that from Gurman, yet. The current model is priced at $79 in the U.S. on a standalone basis, and it is included at no additional cost with the purchase of an iMac or a Mac Pro.Tags: Magic Mouse, Mark Gurman
This article, "Apple 'Working' on Redesigned Magic Mouse With a Long-Awaited 'Fix'" first appeared on MacRumors.com
Discuss this article in our forums
How Will Rhode Island Spend a $120M Housing Bond? - Planetizen
Rhode Island state leaders are considering using public funds for affordable housing development after voters approved a $120 million housing bond that includes $10 million for public housing development.
As Jared Brey explains in Governing, “While it’s not clear exactly how the program will work, or even whether it will happen, advocates have been pushing for the state to create a public development entity similar to one used in Montgomery County, Maryland. There, the county invests directly in mixed-income housing projects, and instead of profiting off the market-rate units, it uses the income to subsidize reduced rents for lower-income people and reinvests its equity in other projects.”
More cities and states are experimenting with funding models that can support affordable housing even in the absence of federal assistance (President-elect Trump has proposed further cuts to housing vouchers and other federal assistance programs).
As the pandemic exacerbated the housing crisis, Rhode Island put more funding into affordable housing, investing $330 million in American Rescue Act dollars in housing programs. However, this only produced roughly 1,500 new housing units, signaling the inefficiency of the existing development system. Proponents of a state development entity suggest it could help direct state funds more effectively to mixed-income developments.
Geography Rhode Island Category Government / Politics Housing Tags Publication Governing Publication Date Wed, 12/11/2024 - 12:00 Publication Links Rhode Island Could Create a 'Public Developer' to Address Housing Crisis 1 minuteHow Will Rhode Island Spend a $120M Housing Bond? - Planetizen
Rhode Island state leaders are considering using public funds for affordable housing development after voters approved a $120 million housing bond that includes $10 million for public housing development.
As Jared Brey explains in Governing, “While it’s not clear exactly how the program will work, or even whether it will happen, advocates have been pushing for the state to create a public development entity similar to one used in Montgomery County, Maryland. There, the county invests directly in mixed-income housing projects, and instead of profiting off the market-rate units, it uses the income to subsidize reduced rents for lower-income people and reinvests its equity in other projects.”
More cities and states are experimenting with funding models that can support affordable housing even in the absence of federal assistance (President-elect Trump has proposed further cuts to housing vouchers and other federal assistance programs).
As the pandemic exacerbated the housing crisis, Rhode Island put more funding into affordable housing, investing $330 million in American Rescue Act dollars in housing programs. However, this only produced roughly 1,500 new housing units, signaling the inefficiency of the existing development system. Proponents of a state development entity suggest it could help direct state funds more effectively to mixed-income developments.
Geography Rhode Island Category Government / Politics Housing Tags Publication Governing Publication Date Wed, 12/11/2024 - 12:00 Publication Links Rhode Island Could Create a 'Public Developer' to Address Housing Crisis 1 minuteKeep a movie theater in your bag with this mini smart projector - Popular Science
What if your living room could transform into a full-blown movie theater, a gaming den, or the ultimate party zone with just one device? Meet the XGODY Gimbal 3 Smart Mini Projector.
Compact, portable, and packed with features, this mini projector is your ticket to an immersive big-screen experience—without the big price tag. At just $69.99 (down from $169) and with free shipping, it’s the perfect upgrade for anyone who loves movies, gaming, or entertaining in style.
You’ve probably seen it on TikTok or Instagram: sleek, wall-mounted setups with glowing visuals turning ordinary walls into spectacular screens. The XGODY Gimbal 3 is the perfect gadget for this trend. Its 180-degree rotating lens and automatic keystone correction make it easy to project the ideal image, whether mounted on a wall, placed on a table, or propped up outdoors for a backyard movie night.
The XGODY Gimbal 3 also connects seamlessly to devices like PlayStation, Xbox, and Nintendo Switch via HDMI, delivering lag-free, larger-than-life gaming. Add in the ability to sync your favorite apps through its Android 11 OS, and this projector becomes your entertainment hub, ready for Netflix marathons or TikTok-inspired dance parties.
This isn’t just for cozy movie nights (although it’s great for that, too). The XGODY Gimbal 3 is a hit for gatherings. Hosting a birthday party? Stream photos and videos for a personalized touch. Throwing a game night? Pair it with your console for some serious multiplayer action. With its Bluetooth connectivity, you can even hook it up to external speakers for richer, more immersive sound.
Thanks to its Wi-Fi 6 compatibility, you’ll never have to deal with buffering at the worst moments. The connection is smooth, the visuals are clear, and your guests will be asking where you got this little tech marvel.
Pick up the XGODY Smart Mini Projector for just $69.99 and order through 11:59 p.m. PT on Dec. 15 for on-time Christmas delivery.
StackSocial prices subject to change.
XGODY Gimbal 3 1280×720 Smart Mini Projector – $69.99
The post Keep a movie theater in your bag with this mini smart projector appeared first on Popular Science.
Retrofitting Old Cities for Sustainability - Planetizen
The effects of climate change are imminent, and cities are responsible for changing how they operate to improve their carbon footprints. However, city planners often face challenges in designing and executing sustainable retrofits while preserving their heritage.
Challenges in retrofitting old citiesRetrofitting initiatives often present challenges in cities.
Economic viabilityDue to the complexity of the technologies, retrofitting a historic urban environment could be expensive. For example, to retrofit a permeable pavement, the original material will be removed, which means the city pays for the removal and installation costs. This is economically unattractive, especially since green methods mostly only show long-term cost-effectiveness and are subjective to the users.
Even with renewable energy retrofit in buildings, cost savings depend on residents' actions. A person setting the air conditioner temperature at 70 degrees Fahrenheit might see reduced energy bills faster than someone who sets it at 60 degrees F.
Heritage valuesMany old cities are rife with buildings with historical and cultural significance. Retrofitting these could change their classic features, which many may consider disrespectful. For example, installing green windows may mean removing stained glass.
Implementing sustainable technology without compromising historical integrity requires awareness, expertise and efficiency. However, heritage quality and sustainability can sometimes be mutually exclusive, so planners might need to let go of one to prioritize the other.
Lack of awarenessMany still need to learn about modern sustainable technology. For example, in the U.K., almost 33.3% of people think gas is a form of green heating and 70% don’t know what heat pumps are.
This also contributes to a need for more experts in designing and implementing comprehensive and efficient urban retrofitting projects. In the U.S., 47 cities list green jobs without relevant strategies in their climate action plan. Some even omit the need for these jobs.
Another consequence of the lack of awareness is inadequate resources to execute these projects. Stakeholders generally don’t invest in these technologies because they don’t see the purpose and don’t engage in overcoming the hurdles of retrofitting old cities.
Effective ways to retrofit historic urban settingsReimagining old cities for environmental sustainability may be complex, but it’s possible when done effectively. Here are some multi-pronged strategies to plan a historic urban retrofit.
Engage with stakeholdersUrban planners must ensure stakeholders are committed to improving the city’s sustainability. Educating them on the benefits of retrofitting to improve public health is necessary. For example, air pollution — a consequence of global warming — causes 7 million premature deaths yearly. Education could also lead to hiring more experts and investing in relevant technologies.
Research on suitable green technologiesInnovations are expanding in urban sustainability, and planners should research and choose the right technologies to match a city’s build and potential. These technologies should also not compromise the area's aesthetics and heritage value. One example is the automatic waste collection system, which reduces garbage trucks’ carbon footprint and keeps the building visually untouched.
Optimize costsRetrofitting projects are costly, so planners must widen their options by researching financial opportunities such as green bonds, tax exemptions and government incentives like pollution-reduction subsidies in the U.S. Planners can also have investor talks to improve their risk perception and explain the long-term cost-effectiveness, like how energy efficiency contributes to a 12%-17% decrease in operating expenses.
Success stories of sustainable heritage citiesMany cities are moving toward a sustainable approach in their operations. An example is Copenhagen, Denmark — one of the world's most sustainable cities.
It has many retrofit projects, such as redesigning the Copenhagen Harbour into swimming pools and the district heating network in 2014. In addition, Tokyo, Japan, also prioritizes urban sustainability with a pledge to implement renewable power in buildings and use hydrogen produced by these energy sources for urban development.
Sustainability is the way forward for historic citiesSustainability is crucial for cities to operate efficiently. To this end, stakeholders and urban planners must work together to balance heritage and green efforts.
Category Energy Environment History / Preservation Urban Development Tags- Historic Preservation
- Sustainability
- Retrofits
- Energy Efficiency
- Resilience
- Renewable Energy
- Historic Cities
Retrofitting Old Cities for Sustainability - Planetizen
The effects of climate change are imminent, and cities are responsible for changing how they operate to improve their carbon footprints. However, city planners often face challenges in designing and executing sustainable retrofits while preserving their heritage.
Challenges in retrofitting old citiesRetrofitting initiatives often present challenges in cities.
Economic viabilityDue to the complexity of the technologies, retrofitting a historic urban environment could be expensive. For example, to retrofit a permeable pavement, the original material will be removed, which means the city pays for the removal and installation costs. This is economically unattractive, especially since green methods mostly only show long-term cost-effectiveness and are subjective to the users.
Even with renewable energy retrofit in buildings, cost savings depend on residents' actions. A person setting the air conditioner temperature at 70 degrees Fahrenheit might see reduced energy bills faster than someone who sets it at 60 degrees F.
Heritage valuesMany old cities are rife with buildings with historical and cultural significance. Retrofitting these could change their classic features, which many may consider disrespectful. For example, installing green windows may mean removing stained glass.
Implementing sustainable technology without compromising historical integrity requires awareness, expertise and efficiency. However, heritage quality and sustainability can sometimes be mutually exclusive, so planners might need to let go of one to prioritize the other.
Lack of awarenessMany still need to learn about modern sustainable technology. For example, in the U.K., almost 33.3% of people think gas is a form of green heating and 70% don’t know what heat pumps are.
This also contributes to a need for more experts in designing and implementing comprehensive and efficient urban retrofitting projects. In the U.S., 47 cities list green jobs without relevant strategies in their climate action plan. Some even omit the need for these jobs.
Another consequence of the lack of awareness is inadequate resources to execute these projects. Stakeholders generally don’t invest in these technologies because they don’t see the purpose and don’t engage in overcoming the hurdles of retrofitting old cities.
Effective ways to retrofit historic urban settingsReimagining old cities for environmental sustainability may be complex, but it’s possible when done effectively. Here are some multi-pronged strategies to plan a historic urban retrofit.
Engage with stakeholdersUrban planners must ensure stakeholders are committed to improving the city’s sustainability. Educating them on the benefits of retrofitting to improve public health is necessary. For example, air pollution — a consequence of global warming — causes 7 million premature deaths yearly. Education could also lead to hiring more experts and investing in relevant technologies.
Research on suitable green technologiesInnovations are expanding in urban sustainability, and planners should research and choose the right technologies to match a city’s build and potential. These technologies should also not compromise the area's aesthetics and heritage value. One example is the automatic waste collection system, which reduces garbage trucks’ carbon footprint and keeps the building visually untouched.
Optimize costsRetrofitting projects are costly, so planners must widen their options by researching financial opportunities such as green bonds, tax exemptions and government incentives like pollution-reduction subsidies in the U.S. Planners can also have investor talks to improve their risk perception and explain the long-term cost-effectiveness, like how energy efficiency contributes to a 12%-17% decrease in operating expenses.
Success stories of sustainable heritage citiesMany cities are moving toward a sustainable approach in their operations. An example is Copenhagen, Denmark — one of the world's most sustainable cities.
It has many retrofit projects, such as redesigning the Copenhagen Harbour into swimming pools and the district heating network in 2014. In addition, Tokyo, Japan, also prioritizes urban sustainability with a pledge to implement renewable power in buildings and use hydrogen produced by these energy sources for urban development.
Sustainability is the way forward for historic citiesSustainability is crucial for cities to operate efficiently. To this end, stakeholders and urban planners must work together to balance heritage and green efforts.
Category Energy Environment History / Preservation Urban Development Tags- Historic Preservation
- Sustainability
- Retrofits
- Energy Efficiency
- Resilience
- Renewable Energy
- Historic Cities
The app that (finally) helped me kick my TikTok addiction for a healthier one - Popular Science
I’ll go ahead and admit that I have a full-blown addiction to scrolling on my phone, TikTok and Instagram, specifically. I originally (attempted) to set a 2024 goal of spending less time online and returning my focus to reading, but, well, I failed. However, I did discover a neat little app that made me fall back in love with reading a few weeks ago!
Meet Pearls, the book summaries app that has basically made my 2024 resolution not so much of a bust. You could read a new book in just 15 minutes with Pearls, and lifetime access is now only $29.99 (reg. $99) while supplies last.
It got to the point where I literally couldn’t tear myself away from my phone for longer than an hour, and it was then that I knew enough was enough. I was so ready to ditch the doomscrolling, and thankfully, Pearls has helped me put my time to good use so I can be a productive member of my book club and even win weekly trivia.
One of my favorite subjects is history, and that’s the category I immediately searched for on the app. But if you’re not much of a history buff, Pearls also offers 2,000+ book summaries on hot topics like psychology, science, health, happiness, and even parenting!
Once I got into the habit of opening Pearls instead of TikTok, I was hooked on reading again—and listening sometimes when I was commuting or cleaning my house. The app started learning about my interests as I used it, so I started getting personalized recs to continue my self-improvement and reading journey.
I’m not going to lie and say I was fully committed to my journey, but Pearls kept me motivated and on track to actually reaching my 2024 goal of learning. There’s a built-in reading tracker and planner, which I absolutely love for structuring the rest of my reading and learning goals until the new year!
So there you have it: what could be the key to breaking your own doomscrolling habit in 2025 (or now). If you want to make better use of your texting thumbs, grab the Pearls book summaries app for just $29.99 to start growing your mind!
StackSocial prices subject to change.
Pearls Book Summaries Premium Plan: Lifetime Subscription
Only $29.99 at Popular Science
The post The app that (finally) helped me kick my TikTok addiction for a healthier one appeared first on Popular Science.
14 Dec 2024
25 enchanting images from the Wildlife Photographer of the Year People’s Choice awards - Popular Science
A lounging seal, a bloodied-but-undeterred honey badger, and a cheetah cub given a second chance at life: the finalists for the 2024 Wildlife Photographer of the Year People’s Choice awards absolutely captivate.
After selecting 100 Wildlife Photographer of the Year finalists from 60,000 entries, the judges picked out an additional 25 images to compete in a public vote.
“Spiked”Found throughout Botswana, honey badgers are famously ferocious. They often chase animals many times their own size. This honey badger got an unpleasant surprise when it attacked the normally nocturnal Cape porcupine. The badger grabbed the porcupine’s right leg. In defence, the porcupine repeatedly backed into its attacker, piercing it with many quills. During a lull in the attack, the porcupine managed to shuffle away, its leg badly damaged. After a short retreat, the bloodied badger returned. It finished off the porcupine under a bush close to the original attack then dragged it into its underground den.
Credit: David Northall / Wildlife Photographer of the Year People’s Choice Award 2024
The Wildlife Photographer of the Year awards is developed and produced by the Natural History Museum, London. Voting is open until January 29, 2025. Take a scroll through the stunning images (click to expand to full size) and cast your vote at the National History Museum website.
“The Brave Gecko”One hunting strategy of the southern pale chanting goshawk is to walk or run on the ground in pursuit of prey. Willie watched as the little lizard put up a brave fight against its large attacker. Unfortunately, there was no hope of survival, but Willie was impressed by the gecko’s bravery.
Credit: Willie Burger van Schalkwyk / Wildlife Photographer of the Year People’s Choice Award 2024 Willie van Schalkwyk “Concert in the Forest”
The first rains come in French Guiana after a long dry spell. They’re a release for all wildlife, but especially for amphibians. When it rains, the ponds fill with water. Dozens of species descend from the canopy or come out of the ground. They’re here to lay their eggs in the water, in an event called ‘explosive breeding’. The density of individuals is hard to imagine. It made for a special night for Vincent, who is both a herpetologist and a photographer. The call of the Surinam golden-eyed tree frog is so powerful it can be heard hundreds of metres away.
Credit: Vincent Preme / Wildlife Photographer of the Year People’s Choice Award 2024 “Snuffling Sengi”
Sengis mainly eat insects and look for their prey at dusk and dawn. They rely on a combination of good vision and excellent sense of smell to find food. Piotr watched this sengi over several weeks in Gorongosa National Park, Mozambique. It followed the same network
of trails every day, looking for beetles and other tasty morsels among the leaf litter. Sengis are extremely shy and skittish, so Piotr set up a remote camera to photograph the little creature sniffing for food.
Credit: Piotr Naskrecki / Wildlife Photographer of the Year People’s Choice Award 2024 Piotr Naskrecki “Curious Connection”
On a trek through the forest, Nora’s guide signalled for the group to stop near the bank of a swamp. They heard the call of a chimp first, then the leaves around them started to rustle and a group of chimpanzees appeared. This family is called the Rekambo group. A group of researchers from the Ozouga Chimpanzee Project is studying them. Nora couldn’t believe her luck when they started to climb the nearby trees. As she peered through her viewfinder, a large male paused and looked down at them. The chimp craned its neck forward and its eyes seemed to widen, as if to get a better look.
Credit: Nora Milligan / Wildlife Photographer of the Year People’s Choice Award 2024 “Sneak Attack”
In the Norwegian archipelago of Svalbard, a walrus carcass had attracted a female polar bear and her two cubs. But one of the cubs was more interested in playing in the water than eating. The cub was having fun diving under the water and resurfacing, playing with the seaweed and kelp. The northern fulmar resting on the surface of the water awakened the cub’s desire to hunt. Erlend watched as it attempted several underwater surprise attacks on the bird, only to fail each time. Play hunting like this is essential learning for a young bear. Eventually it will have to survive in the Arctic without its mother.
Credit: Erlend Haarberg / Wildlife Photographer of the Year People’s Choice Award 2024 “Unsold”
Captured from her home plains in the Somali Region, she was transported for several days on the back of a camel to the northern coast of Somaliland. Illegal wildlife trafficking is a problem in the Somali Region. Farmers catch and sell cheetah cubs to traffickers, claiming that the cheetahs attack their livestock. Sometimes the farmers and traffickers cannot sell the cubs immediately. The bigger the cheetahs get, the harder it is to find buyers. Some end up being killed and their parts sold, their bones shipped to Yemen and then to other Asian markets. They are then sold as tiger bones and used to make Chinese bone wine. After hissing at the camera, the cub started chirping, calling out for its mother.
This photograph was taken during a rescue operation after the local authorities got an anonymous tip. The rescue was successful, and the young cheetah was taken to a safe place.
Credit: Jose Fragozo / Wildlife Photographer of the Year People’s Choice Award 2024 “Slap Shot”
Savannah enjoys photographing North American beavers in this pond in Jackson, Wyoming, USA. As she approached the shoreline, a beaver cruised cautiously by after emerging from its lodge. It cocked its tail up and brought it down with a resounding crack. Savannah had been trying to document this dramatic beaver behaviour for years. Beavers use tail smacks to alert their family group to a newcomer. Despite the theatrics, beavers usually relax quickly after discovering the newcomer doesn’t pose a threat.
Credit: by Savannah Rose / Wildlife Photographer of the Year People’s Choice Award 2024 “Whiteout”
Michel had been looking for stoats in the snow for many years. The magic of snowfall fascinates Michel every winter. He wanted to take a photograph that showed how the stoats blend in with the whiteness of the landscape. He’d seen a few in Switzerland but never in his native Belgium. Then, finally his dream came true. He lay in the snow with a white camouflage net covering all but his lens. This curious stoat came out of its snowy hole and sat up from time to time, observing its territory just before setting off to hunt.
Credit: by Michel d’Oultremont / Wildlife Photographer of the Year People’s Choice Award 2024 “Meeting in the Marsh”
Michael has been chronicling the lives of endangered whooping cranes since early 2019. The biologist acted with cat-like quickness to check the bird’s health and change a transmitter that was no longer working. The transmitter helps biologists track these non-migratory birds and learn more about them. This experimental population was reintroduced in Bayou Country in 2011. In the 1940s there were roughly 20 whooping cranes in the region. Since then, numbers have climbed to over 800.
Credit: by Michael Forsberg / Wildlife Photographer of the Year People’s Choice Award 2024 “A Good Scratch”
Mark took this image in a remote inlet along the Northwest Passage in the Canadian Arctic. Hundreds of beluga whales come here to socialise and exfoliate in the shallow water. The passage is also a safe haven, away from the predatory orcas. Belugas are extremely sociable mammals. They live, hunt and migrate together in pods that can range from quite small into the hundreds. Nicknamed ‘the canaries of the sea’, they produce a series of chirps, clicks, whistles and squeals that Mark found otherworldly.
Credit: Mark Williams / Wildlife Photographer of the Year People’s Choice Award 2024 Mark Williams “Forest of Dreams”
Northern giant petrels are large seabirds. They’re used to flying above the waves for weeks without encountering land. Samuel was surprised to find this one in such a woody environment. Like many other seabirds, it breeds on islands where there are fewer predators. Samuel took this image from a distance and left quickly to avoid disturbing the bird.
Credit: Samuel Bloch / Wildlife Photographer of the Year People’s Choice Award 2024 “Edge of Night”
A ghostly barn owl exits the hayloft window of a derelict barn to hunt in fields outside Vancouver, Canada. Jess quietly watched the owl for several nights to understand its habits. He set up an invisible beam that would trigger a flash when the owl flew out of the barn. Simultaneously, a slow shutter speed gathered ambient light cast on the clouds and barn. On the tenth night, all the moving parts came together as the owl left to begin its hunt.
Credit: Jess Findlay / Wildlife Photographer of the Year People’s Choice Award 2024 “Togetherness”
Known for their bright red ‘stockings’, these primates are found only in Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia. The species is critically endangered because of habitat loss, hunting and the illegal pet trade. After days observing the area looking for evidence of the monkeys, Ivan managed to find a small group. Late one evening, he saw these two mating. Compared to other species of monkey he’d seen mating, it was an unexpectedly gradual and graceful affair!
Credit: Ivan Ivanek / Wildlife Photographer of the Year People’s Choice Award 2024 “Annoying Neighbour”
The little owl and the European roller are very different birds, but their nests and feeding requirements are similar. This means they sometimes breed near each other. The male roller makes a sport of annoying other birds that stray into its breeding area during the short mating season. It makes a surprise ambush, flying at full speed behind them. To catch such a fleeting scene, Bence spent 27 days watching from a hide. The little owl seemed nonplussed by the spectacle.
Credit: by Bence Máté / Wildlife Photographer of the Year People’s Choice Award 2024 BENCE MATE “No Access”
Residents had been leaving food scraps on the pavement for foxes. But Ian noticed that badgers from a nearby sett were also coming to forage. After seeing a badger walking along the pavement by this wall late one night, he decided to photograph it. He set up a small hide on the edge of the road to take his picture. Only the light from a lamppost illuminated the creature as it ambled along, seemingly glancing up at the badger graffiti just in front of it.
Credit: Ian Wood / Wildlife Photographer of the Year People’s Choice Award 2024 “Earth and Sky”
A double lenticular cloud is illuminated at nightfall by the lava emitted from the Villarrica volcano, Chile. Villarica is in the town of Pucón in the south of Chile. It’s one of the country’s most active volcanoes and last erupted in 2015. Francisco takes regular trips to Villarrica to monitor its activity. On this visit, he stayed nearby for 10 nights. He says every trip is “quite an adventure – never knowing what the volcano might surprise you with”. Some nights are calm, others furious as in this photograph, where the brightness of the crater illuminates the night sky.
Credit: Francisco Negroni / Wildlife Photographer of the Year People’s Choice Award 2024 “Aspen Shadows”
It was early spring in the Lamar Valley, and this pack was in search of its next meal. Watching from a distance, Devon saw them heading towards this patch of aspens and thought it would make a compelling image. The wolves walked right past these trees and then continued to follow the tree line, eventually disappearing over the hillside.
Credit: Devon Pradhuman / Wildlife Photographer of the Year People’s Choice Award 2024 “Evening Song”
During a popular fair in Münster called the Send, an interesting atmosphere arose behind the castle. The evening mood was gentle, and Christian had singing birds on one side and party music on the other. In front of the fairground lights, this Eurasian blackbird posed for its song. Although blackbirds are a common sight, Christian likes to photograph them in distinctive ways. Here, the silhouette of the bird set against a colourful backdrop gives the image an artistic flair.
Credit: Christian Brinkmann / Wildlife Photographer of the Year People’s Choice Award 2024 “Fallen from the Sky”
It was a summer morning in the San Bartolomeo valley, in the Majella National Park, Italy. Carlo had visited this small stream many times. He expected to see the graceful flight of butterflies and dragonflies along it. He never thought he would find such a still life, a sad collage of dead insects calmly floating in the water. It hadn’t been particularly hot and there hadn’t been any storms in the previous days. To this day Carlo has no explanation of why the insects died.
Credit: Carlo D’Aurizio / Wildlife Photographer of the Year People’s Choice Award 2024 “Drifting Dinner”
A decorator crab perches on top of a sea squirt to comb the water for drifting plankton. Noam took this photograph during a night dive off Komodo island, Indonesia. The sea squirt provided the crab with the perfect stage to feed on drifting plankton. The crab had camouflaged and armed itself with tiny hydroids known as Tubularia. These can sting other animals and so helped protect the crab from predators. Noam watched the crab gracefully search for food, illuminated by the camera flash as if in a spotlight centre stage.
Credit: Noam Kortler / Wildlife Photographer of the Year People’s Choice Award 2024 “Wolf Pack”
Indian wolves were once found all across India. Now, their number has dwindled to as few as 3,000. Living so close to humans poses many risks. Farming has fragmented their rolling grassland habitat, and feeding on cattle carcasses puts them at risk of disease. But Indian wolves are hardy animals. With better grassland management and protection, they could make a strong comeback. Arvind was photographing this pack playing in the grassy fields. One of them came and sat down at the edge of the agricultural crop, and one by one four others joined it. They paused for a few seconds before they ran off again, playing and chasing one another.
Credit: Arvind Ramamurthy / Wildlife Photographer of the Year People’s Choice Award 2024 “Scanning the Realm”
A puma stands on a windswept outcrop in the rugged mountain terrain of Torres del Paine National Park, Chile. It is a symbol of hope. A successful conservation movement led to the creation of the national park and a rise in ecotourism in the region. This has also helped to reduce conflict between pumas and local gauchos (sheep farmers). The gauchos view pumas more positively because they’re attracting tourists, which is good for income. The introduction of sheepdogs has also helped. The dogs confront any approaching pumas and stop them attacking the sheep. In turn, the pumas hunt their natural prey, and the gauchos are less likely to shoot them.
Credit: Aaron Baggenstos / Wildlife Photographer of the Year People’s Choice Award 2024
The post 25 enchanting images from the Wildlife Photographer of the Year People’s Choice awards appeared first on Popular Science.
UGREEN Takes Up to 40% Off Uno Chargers and More in Amazon Sale - MacRumors
Note: MacRumors is an affiliate partner with Amazon. When you click a link and make a purchase, we may receive a small payment, which helps us keep the site running.
The highlight is UGREEN's 100W 4-Port USB-C Charger, priced at $47.99, down from $59.99. We reviewed this entire line of chargers earlier this month, so if you want to find out more about how they work and what they look like, be sure to check out that review.
UP TO 40% OFFUGREEN Charging SaleUno Chargers
- 65W 3-Port USB-C Charger - $32.49, down from $49.99
- 5,000 mAh Magnetic Power Bank with Stand - $33.74, down from $44.99
- 10,000 mAh Power Bank with Built-In USB-C Cable - $37.49, down from $49.99
- 100W 4-Port USB-C Charger - $47.99, down from $59.99
Wall Chargers
- 35W 2-Port USB-C Charger - $15.99, down from $19.99
- 65W 3-Port USB-C Charger - $25.19, down from $39.99
- 100W 4-Port USB-C Charger - $38.99, down from $54.99
- 160W 4-Port USB-C Charger - $79.99, down from $99.99
Portable Batteries
- 10,000 mAh Magnetic Power Bank with Stand - $29.99, down from $49.99
- MagSafe Portable Charger - $39.99, down from $59.99
- 12,000 mAh Power Bank with Smart Display - $39.99, down from $49.99
- 25,000 mAh Portable Battery - $65.99 with on-page coupon, down from $99.99
- 25,000 mAh Power Bank with Smart Display - $89.99, down from $129.99
Wireless Chargers
- MagFlow 2-in-1 Magnetic Wireless Charging Station - $23.99, down from $39.99
- MagFlow Magnetic Foldable Charging Station - $27.99, down from $39.99
- MagSafe Charger Stand - $82.49, down from $109.99
If you're on the hunt for more discounts, be sure to visit our Apple Deals roundup where we recap the best Apple-related bargains of the past week.
Deals Newsletter
Interested in hearing more about the best deals you can find during the holiday season? Sign up for our Deals Newsletter and we'll keep you updated so you don't miss the biggest deals of the season!
Related Roundup: Apple Deals
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UGREEN Takes Up to 40% Off Uno Chargers and More in Amazon Sale - MacRumors
Note: MacRumors is an affiliate partner with Amazon. When you click a link and make a purchase, we may receive a small payment, which helps us keep the site running.
The highlight is UGREEN's 100W 4-Port USB-C Charger, priced at $47.99, down from $59.99. We reviewed this entire line of chargers earlier this month, so if you want to find out more about how they work and what they look like, be sure to check out that review.
UP TO 40% OFFUGREEN Charging SaleUno Chargers
- 65W 3-Port USB-C Charger - $32.49, down from $49.99
- 5,000 mAh Magnetic Power Bank with Stand - $33.74, down from $44.99
- 10,000 mAh Power Bank with Built-In USB-C Cable - $37.49, down from $49.99
- 100W 4-Port USB-C Charger - $47.99, down from $59.99
Wall Chargers
- 35W 2-Port USB-C Charger - $15.99, down from $19.99
- 65W 3-Port USB-C Charger - $25.19, down from $39.99
- 100W 4-Port USB-C Charger - $38.99, down from $54.99
- 160W 4-Port USB-C Charger - $79.99, down from $99.99
Portable Batteries
- 10,000 mAh Magnetic Power Bank with Stand - $29.99, down from $49.99
- MagSafe Portable Charger - $39.99, down from $59.99
- 12,000 mAh Power Bank with Smart Display - $39.99, down from $49.99
- 25,000 mAh Portable Battery - $65.99 with on-page coupon, down from $99.99
- 25,000 mAh Power Bank with Smart Display - $89.99, down from $129.99
Wireless Chargers
- MagFlow 2-in-1 Magnetic Wireless Charging Station - $23.99, down from $39.99
- MagFlow Magnetic Foldable Charging Station - $27.99, down from $39.99
- MagSafe Charger Stand - $82.49, down from $109.99
If you're on the hunt for more discounts, be sure to visit our Apple Deals roundup where we recap the best Apple-related bargains of the past week.
Deals Newsletter
Interested in hearing more about the best deals you can find during the holiday season? Sign up for our Deals Newsletter and we'll keep you updated so you don't miss the biggest deals of the season!
Related Roundup: Apple Deals
This article, "UGREEN Takes Up to 40% Off Uno Chargers and More in Amazon Sale" first appeared on MacRumors.com
Discuss this article in our forums
How to set up iPhone Sleep Focus mode for some peace and quiet - Popular Science
You’re probably familiar with your iPhone’s Do Not Disturb feature. The Focus mode feature works like a more customizable version of Do Not Disturb. In fact, Do Not Disturb is actually one of the Focus modes you can choose from.
The various Focus modes take the basic idea of Do Not Disturb—shutting off notifications on your phone—and build on it. You get the option to set different settings for a variety of scenarios: Driving, exercising, working, or whatever you want.
You might not want any interruptions at the gym, for example. At the office, you might only let Slack and Outlook ping you. While you’re driving, only your family can contact you. The feature reflects the different stages of each day.
And that brings us to Sleep Focus: A particular mode designed for nighttime, with a few extras attached: Not only can you set who is allowed to contact you and who isn’t, you can also use it to build up a healthier, more regular sleep pattern.
Set up Sleep Focus You can choose what can distract you in Sleep Focus mode. Credit: David NieldYou can have multiple Sleep Focus modes on your iPhone: You might have one for weekdays, one for weekends, and one for when you’re on vacation, for example. Head to Settings on your iPhone, then tap Focus and Sleep. If you don’t see Sleep listed, tap + (the plus icon, top right), then Sleep and Customize Focus.
Next, you can set the rules for this mode, as you can for any other Focus mode. Tap People, and you can select specific contacts who are allowed to get in touch with you while the Sleep Focus mode is active, and specific contacts who aren’t. Select Apps, and you can do the same for apps (remember many apps will have their own notification rule settings you can configure as well).
Further down is an Options menu: From here you’re able to customize how silenced notifications are handled—those are the alerts that aren’t allowed to distract you, based on the People and Apps settings. You can choose hide notification badges, for example, and hide these notifications from the lock screen.
Additional customizations can be added by tapping Choose under the Lock Screen or Home Screen thumbnails—your iPhone can then switch to a specific lock screen or home screen when Sleep Focus is active (maybe one with fewer distractions). There’s another Options menu here, which lets you enable a special Sleep Screen lock screen: A simplified version of your current lock screen that hides the wallpaper.
The last bit of customization on offer is the Add Filter button. Tap this and you can tell certain apps and system settings how to behave when Sleep Focus is enabled: So you can always switch to a more limited tab group in Safari, for example, or always have dark mode turn itself on at the same time.
Set a sleep schedule Schedules can be used in tandem with Sleep Focus. Credit: David NieldYou can also set a sleep schedule to go alongside your Sleep Focus mode, if you want: This means Sleep Focus kicks in automatically at certain times of the day, saving you having to enable it manually (though you can do that too), and hopefully ensuring you get to bed at a consistent time each night.
This sleep schedule will be displayed on the Sleep Focus setup page, but you actually need to head over to the Health app to configure it. In the Health app, tap Browse > Sleep > Sleep Schedule, then turn on the toggle switch. You’ll then get another toggle switch that sets whether or not your Sleep Focus mode and sleep schedule work in tandem.
With the feature enabled, you can customize it: Tap Add Schedule to create a new schedule, or Edit to change an existing one. This is where you can set your phone up to work differently on different days of the week. Each schedule can have different times for getting to bed and getting up, and you have the option to set an accompanying alarm on your phone for each schedule.
Further down the screen you can set up prompts, reminders, and tracking for your sleep schedule—essentially telling iOS (and your connected Apple Watch, if you have one), how much help you’d like to stick to the schedule. You can choose to set a sleep goal for each night, for instance, which the Health app will keep track of.
If you link Sleep Focus with your sleep schedule, then it’ll turn on automatically. If you ever need to to turn Sleep Focus on or off manually, swipe down from the top right of the screen to access Control Center, then tap Focus and Sleep (tap the three dots next to Sleep then Settings if you want to customize it first).
The post How to set up iPhone Sleep Focus mode for some peace and quiet appeared first on Popular Science.
Top Stories: iOS 18.2 Out Now, iPhone and Mac Rumors, and More - MacRumors
This week also saw a number of hardware rumors including Apple itself leaking the existence of upcoming M4 MacBook Air models, plus we heard details about the next iPhone SE, the so-called "iPhone 17 Air," next-generation Apple Watch features, and updated Apple TV and HomePod mini models, so read on below for more!
iOS 18.2 Features: Everything New in iOS 18.2
As expected, Apple this week released iOS 18.2 and related updates like macOS Sequoia 15.2 to the public. The updates bring a number of new Apple Intelligence features to compatible devices while officially opening up Apple Intelligence to several countries beyond the U.S. for the first time.
There's plenty more than just Apple Intelligence features, though, so check out our list of 20 new things your iPhone can do in iOS 18.2, as well as our complete guide to the changes included in the update.
iPhone 17 'Air' Expected to Be ~2mm Thinner Than iPhone 16 Pro
Apple has been rumored to be developing a slim new iPhone model for next year's lineup, and Bloomberg's Mark Gurman has corroborated previous claims that the device will be around 2mm thinner than the iPhone 16 Pro, likely putting it at a little over 6mm thick.
Meanwhile, rumors about a redesign for next year's iPhone 17 Pro models continue circulate, including claims of a new rectangular camera bump.
iPhone SE 4 Said to Feature 48MP Rear Lens, 12MP TrueDepth Camera
Apple's fourth-generation iPhone SE is rumored to launch early next year, and it sounds like it'll be getting some significant upgrades.
While the most obvious change will be the end of the Home Button as it shifts to an all-screen front with a notch for Face ID, the front and rear cameras will reportedly be seeing upgrades to 12 megapixels and 48 megapixels respectively. The current iPhone SE includes a 7-megapixel front camera and a 12-megapixel rear camera.
macOS Sequoia 15.2 Confirms New M4 MacBook Air Models Are Coming
As part of its major operating system update releases this week, Apple accidentally made available a version of macOS Sequoia 15.2 that confirms upcoming MacBook Air models featuring the M4 chip.
The operating system update included references to "MacBook Air (13-inch, M4, 2025)" and "MacBook Air (15-inch, M4, 2025)," which we're expecting to be released early in the year.
Apple Watch Could Get Blood Pressure Monitoring in 2025
Apple has been putting significant effort into developing new health-related capabilities for the Apple Watch, and it sounds like blood pressure sensing may make it into the 2025 models. The feature reportedly won't provide exact pressure readings, but could alert a wearer if it detects hypertension.
Meanwhile, the Apple Watch Ultra 3 is expected to debut next year with support for texting via satellite. Apple has been rolling out satellite connectivity features for the iPhone over the past few years, including the ability in iOS 18 to send texts to anyone, and it looks like that capability will be expanding to Apple's wrist-worn device.
New Apple TV and HomePod Mini Launching in 2025
There have been scattered rumors over the past couple of years about an update to the Apple TV, and a fresh report from Bloomberg's Mark Gurman says we can expect one to debut in 2025, seemingly at some point prior to the traditional September iPhone event.
A new HomePod mini is also in the works for 2025, and both devices will reportedly use a new Wi-Fi and Bluetooth chip developed in-house by Apple, replacing a component traditionally provided by Broadcom. The Apple chip will then make its way into the iPhone 17 lineup later in the year, followed by the iPad and Mac lineups in 2026.
MacRumors Newsletter
Each week, we publish an email newsletter like this highlighting the top Apple stories, making it a great way to get a bite-sized recap of the week hitting all of the major topics we've covered and tying together related stories for a big-picture view.
So if you want to have top stories like the above recap delivered to your email inbox each week, subscribe to our newsletter!Tag: Top Stories
This article, "Top Stories: iOS 18.2 Out Now, iPhone and Mac Rumors, and More" first appeared on MacRumors.com
Discuss this article in our forums
Top Stories: iOS 18.2 Out Now, iPhone and Mac Rumors, and More - MacRumors
This week also saw a number of hardware rumors including Apple itself leaking the existence of upcoming M4 MacBook Air models, plus we heard details about the next iPhone SE, the so-called "iPhone 17 Air," next-generation Apple Watch features, and updated Apple TV and HomePod mini models, so read on below for more!
iOS 18.2 Features: Everything New in iOS 18.2
As expected, Apple this week released iOS 18.2 and related updates like macOS Sequoia 15.2 to the public. The updates bring a number of new Apple Intelligence features to compatible devices while officially opening up Apple Intelligence to several countries beyond the U.S. for the first time.
There's plenty more than just Apple Intelligence features, though, so check out our list of 20 new things your iPhone can do in iOS 18.2, as well as our complete guide to the changes included in the update.
iPhone 17 'Air' Expected to Be ~2mm Thinner Than iPhone 16 Pro
Apple has been rumored to be developing a slim new iPhone model for next year's lineup, and Bloomberg's Mark Gurman has corroborated previous claims that the device will be around 2mm thinner than the iPhone 16 Pro, likely putting it at a little over 6mm thick.
Meanwhile, rumors about a redesign for next year's iPhone 17 Pro models continue circulate, including claims of a new rectangular camera bump.
iPhone SE 4 Said to Feature 48MP Rear Lens, 12MP TrueDepth Camera
Apple's fourth-generation iPhone SE is rumored to launch early next year, and it sounds like it'll be getting some significant upgrades.
While the most obvious change will be the end of the Home Button as it shifts to an all-screen front with a notch for Face ID, the front and rear cameras will reportedly be seeing upgrades to 12 megapixels and 48 megapixels respectively. The current iPhone SE includes a 7-megapixel front camera and a 12-megapixel rear camera.
macOS Sequoia 15.2 Confirms New M4 MacBook Air Models Are Coming
As part of its major operating system update releases this week, Apple accidentally made available a version of macOS Sequoia 15.2 that confirms upcoming MacBook Air models featuring the M4 chip.
The operating system update included references to "MacBook Air (13-inch, M4, 2025)" and "MacBook Air (15-inch, M4, 2025)," which we're expecting to be released early in the year.
Apple Watch Could Get Blood Pressure Monitoring in 2025
Apple has been putting significant effort into developing new health-related capabilities for the Apple Watch, and it sounds like blood pressure sensing may make it into the 2025 models. The feature reportedly won't provide exact pressure readings, but could alert a wearer if it detects hypertension.
Meanwhile, the Apple Watch Ultra 3 is expected to debut next year with support for texting via satellite. Apple has been rolling out satellite connectivity features for the iPhone over the past few years, including the ability in iOS 18 to send texts to anyone, and it looks like that capability will be expanding to Apple's wrist-worn device.
New Apple TV and HomePod Mini Launching in 2025
There have been scattered rumors over the past couple of years about an update to the Apple TV, and a fresh report from Bloomberg's Mark Gurman says we can expect one to debut in 2025, seemingly at some point prior to the traditional September iPhone event.
A new HomePod mini is also in the works for 2025, and both devices will reportedly use a new Wi-Fi and Bluetooth chip developed in-house by Apple, replacing a component traditionally provided by Broadcom. The Apple chip will then make its way into the iPhone 17 lineup later in the year, followed by the iPad and Mac lineups in 2026.
MacRumors Newsletter
Each week, we publish an email newsletter like this highlighting the top Apple stories, making it a great way to get a bite-sized recap of the week hitting all of the major topics we've covered and tying together related stories for a big-picture view.
So if you want to have top stories like the above recap delivered to your email inbox each week, subscribe to our newsletter!Tag: Top Stories
This article, "Top Stories: iOS 18.2 Out Now, iPhone and Mac Rumors, and More" first appeared on MacRumors.com
Discuss this article in our forums
Make 2025 the year you actually quit your job—this is how you’ll do it - Popular Science
You work hard, too hard, but it feels like no one notices. And now, with the push to return to the office, it’s harder than ever to find a balance between your job and your life. You keep saying it, but it’s time to set a New Year’s resolution to actually make a career change, and working in IT could be your way out of that dead-end job.
Taking the first step always feels daunting, but you could start making your quiet exit with these online CompTIA training courses. Essentially, you’ll study, take a certification exam, and be qualified for the job that interests you—sometimes without needing a degree.
While other platforms charge hundreds of dollars for CompTIA exam prep, you can get 17 courses here for only $49.99. And that’s for lifetime access. You never have to feel rushed.
Cheers to your new career … what’ll it be, though?You’ve heard people say they work in IT, but what exactly are they doing at work? And what interests you?
If you like to solve tech problems, take the CompTIA Fundamentals+ course and become an IT support specialist. You could help employees set up new devices, fix pesky printer issues, and help them when they get locked out of accounts, like a superhero.
For those who want to protect systems from hackers, become a penetration tester by taking the CompTIA PenTest+ course. You’ll learn to simulate cyberattacks to uncover system vulnerabilities, like an undercover spy.
These are just two examples of future careers—the e-learning bundle has 17 possible paths you could wander down. Are you ready to make the jump next year and beyond?
Get this IT training bundle for life at $49.99 (a $493 value) and make 2025 your year.
StackSocial prices subject to change.
The Complete 2025 CompTIA Certification Training Super Bundle by IDUNOVA – $49.99
The post Make 2025 the year you actually quit your job—this is how you’ll do it appeared first on Popular Science.
Why do some cats have orange fur? New hue clues in an old mystery. - Popular Science
Just as you shouldn’t judge a book by its cover, it’s unfair to judge a cat by its fur color. Yet humans seem to have a sweet spot for orange cats. Videos of their antics fill the internet, and gingers get the leading roles in TV and movies too (think: Garfield, Heathcliff, and Puss in Boots). A 2012 survey found that people are more likely to view orange cats as friendly compared to other cats. But despite their popularity, the genetic basis of their striking fur color has puzzled scientists for decades.
In humans, reddish orange hair has been linked to certain variants of the melanocortin-1 receptor (MC1R) gene. This gene controls the production of melanin, the pigment that gives hair, skin, and eyes their color, by cells called melanocytes. These cells can make one of two forms of melanin—the red/yellow pheomelanin and the black/brown eumelanin. With particular variants of the MC1R gene, melanocytes produce mostly pheomelanin, leading to red hair and fair skin.
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It would be simple to assume that the MC1R gene is also responsible for orange fur in cats—but this is not the case. Scientists noticed that most cats with multicolor coats, like calicos or tortoiseshells, are female. This led them to believe that the genes for orange and black fur are on the X chromosome. Since females have two X chromosomes, they can inherit different fur color genes from their parents, creating mixed colors. Males, with only one X chromosome, usually have fur that’s all one color, orange or black, based on the gene they get from their mother. Since the MC1R is not on the X chromosome in cats, it cannot be the gene that causes orange fur.
To figure out what causes orange fur in cats, geneticist Greg Barsh and his team at Stanford University studied the DNA on the X chromosome of male orange cats. They found that all of them had a specific stretch of DNA, about 1.28 million base pairs long, that was the same. Inside this region, they identified 51 unique DNA variants that orange cats have but non-orange cats don’t have. However, 48 of these variants also appear in some breeds that don’t have orange or calico fur, so they can’t be linked to orange fur color. This allowed Barsh’s team to narrow it down to three DNA variants. Two of these were in parts of the DNA that don’t seem to affect how genes work, but the third—a deletion of about 5,000 base pairs—was located near the Arhgap36 gene. The proximity of this deletion to a working gene made it more likely to be the cause of orange fur.
Barsh and his colleagues saw that all 145 orange cats they studied, as well as 6 calico and tortoiseshell cats (which also have orange patches), had the same stretch of missing DNA near the Arhgap36 gene, while 37 non-orange cats did not.
They then analyzed skin samples from orange and non-orange cat fetuses and found that the Arhgap36 gene was much more active, producing 13 times more RNA protein, in the melanocytes of orange cats compared to those of non-orange cats. So the deletion of nearby DNA must make the Arhgap36 gene more active.
But how is this gene linked to orange fur?
Further experiments showed that when Arhgap36 is more active, it weakens the effects of the MC1R gene, which normally controls melanin production, and instructs melanocytes to produce red/yellow pheomelanin instead of black/brown eumelanin, the researchers reported in a preprint posted on bioRxiv in November 2024.
Surprisingly, another research group, led by developmental biologist Hiroyuki Sasaki at Kyushu University in Japan, independently discovered the same genetic characteristic associated with orange fur at the same time. They also published their findings on bioXriv. Both studies will now need to go through peer review to verify the findings.
“The fact that two groups independently identified the same gene suggests that it is likely correct,” Jonathan Losos, an evolutionary biologist at Washington University in St. Louis, tells Popular Science.
This finding could generate important research into when orange fur color first appeared, says Losos. “Now that we know the gene for orange, we can look for it in ancient DNA studies of cat specimens from archaeological sites.”
“More generally, we can investigate the evolutionary significance of orange color,” he adds.
Scientists have known since 1961 that the multicolor fur coats seen in calico and tortoiseshell cats is due to a phenomenon in female mammals called X chromosome inactivation, where one of the two X chromosomes in each cell is randomly inactivated. In cats carrying two different color genes, one black and one orange, X inactivation causes different colors to be expressed in different parts of the body. “We’ve known that was happening for a long time, but now that we know the actual gene, we can get a much more detailed explanation about how the variegation is actually produced,” says Losos.
At minimum, this discovery likely confirms that orange cats truly have something that sets them apart from other cats. And, as Losos notes, “it’s a big breakthrough that opens the door to a lot of interesting studies.”
This story is part of Popular Science’s Ask Us Anything series, where we answer your most outlandish, mind-burning questions, from the ordinary to the off-the-wall. Have something you’ve always wanted to know? Ask us.
The post Why do some cats have orange fur? New hue clues in an old mystery. appeared first on Popular Science.
Upgrade your computer with this Microsoft Bundle for less than $50 - Popular Science
We’ve gotten to the point where a 2019 PC is ancient, according to the tech world. Mine was using so much RAM just to run a single program that I feared I would have to drop a couple hundred dollars to upgrade it. I scoured Black Friday deals, but just like dating after my divorce, nothing felt right. Although my computer was a bit of a dinosaur, I wasn’t ready to send it to its grave just yet. I stumbled upon this bundle that includes Microsoft Office Professional Plus and Windows 11 Pro. As a last resort to salvage my Samsung, $45.97 was a small price to pay.
They say you can’t teach an old dog new tricks, but with the help of Windows 11, your computer can be back in commission. Windows 11 Pro runs with fewer background processes, freeing up valuable RAM and CPU for browsing, gaming, and streaming. The sleek interface, easy-to-navigate, and improved graphics make for the ultimate gaming experience. Lose the lags, not the game. You can even protect yourself from hackers or malware with biometric logins and Smart App control.
Aside from increased accessibility for personal life, you can also boost your professional endeavors with Microsoft Office Professional Plus 2019. You get lifetime access to the robust suite of Microsoft tools. It only works for one device, but after upgrading to Windows 11 Pro, I don’t see myself getting a new computer in the foreseeable future. Get instant access to the 2019 versions of Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Outlook, and more. Whether you’re looking to boost productivity before an end-of-the-year review or searching for a new gig for 2025, everything you need will be at your fingertips and easy to access, thanks to this bundle.
Turn your computer from useless to useful with the power of Microsoft Office and Windows 11 Pro. From personal life to professional, enjoy the ease of use and sleek look and feel of your new operating system while tackling tough work projects, rewriting your resume, or playing your favorite game with the guys. Grab this Microsoft bundle. Usually $428.00, it’s on sale for $45.97.
StackSocial prices subject to change.
The All-in-One Microsoft Office Pro 2019 for Windows: Lifetime License + Windows 11 Pro Bundle – $45.97
The post Upgrade your computer with this Microsoft Bundle for less than $50 appeared first on Popular Science.
iMac Pro Launched Seven Years Ago Today - MacRumors
In April 2017, Apple uncharacteristically apologised for its approach to the Mac in recent years and pre-announced it was working on a "completely rethought" Mac Pro with a modular design, a new pro-level iMac, and a new high-end external display. At WWDC that year, Apple unveiled the iMac Pro, after years of rumors about a "Pro" iMac. The iMac Pro sought to placate many of Apple's discontented professional Mac users, coming around four years after the launch of the controversial "trashcan" Mac Pro, but two years before the current Mac Pro design, which returned to a modular tower design.
Apple presented the iMac Pro as "the most powerful Mac ever made." It featured 8-, 10-, 14-, or 18-core Intel Xeon processor options, a 5K display, AMD Vega graphics, ECC memory, and 10 Gigabit Ethernet, with a starting price of $4,999. It was also the first Mac to contain a custom T2 chip, as well as the first desktop Mac to be available in Space Gray. While it did not have a slot to easily access the memory like the 27-inch iMac, the processor, memory, and storage were not soldered in place and could easily be removed if the display was disassembled.
In March 2021, Apple announced that it was discontinuing the iMac Pro. By that time, the machine had been surpassed by the 2019 Mac Pro, a significant final update for the 27-inch iMac, and the first Apple silicon Macs. The iMac Pro's position in Apple's product lineup is now effectively held by the Mac Studio and the Studio Display.
Yet after the launch of the 24-inch Apple silicon iMac in April 2021 and the discontinuation of the 27-inch iMac in March 2022, interest in an iMac Pro with a larger display has increased. Bloomberg's Mark Gurman believed that Apple was still "working on a larger-screened iMac aimed at the professional market," a rumor supported by Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, as of 2022. Yet other reports claimed Apple has no plans to release a new high-end iMac at all.
Rumors suggest that a larger-screened iMac that could be positioned as an iMac Pro will launch in 2025. In July 2024, Bloomberg's Mark Gurman said that Apple is still exploring a larger iMac, but it is unclear when it could be released. See our full guide for more information.Tag: 2025 iMac ProRelated Forum: iMac
This article, "iMac Pro Launched Seven Years Ago Today" first appeared on MacRumors.com
Discuss this article in our forums
iMac Pro Launched Seven Years Ago Today - MacRumors
In April 2017, Apple uncharacteristically apologised for its approach to the Mac in recent years and pre-announced it was working on a "completely rethought" Mac Pro with a modular design, a new pro-level iMac, and a new high-end external display. At WWDC that year, Apple unveiled the iMac Pro, after years of rumors about a "Pro" iMac. The iMac Pro sought to placate many of Apple's discontented professional Mac users, coming around four years after the launch of the controversial "trashcan" Mac Pro, but two years before the current Mac Pro design, which returned to a modular tower design.
Apple presented the iMac Pro as "the most powerful Mac ever made." It featured 8-, 10-, 14-, or 18-core Intel Xeon processor options, a 5K display, AMD Vega graphics, ECC memory, and 10 Gigabit Ethernet, with a starting price of $4,999. It was also the first Mac to contain a custom T2 chip, as well as the first desktop Mac to be available in Space Gray. While it did not have a slot to easily access the memory like the 27-inch iMac, the processor, memory, and storage were not soldered in place and could easily be removed if the display was disassembled.
In March 2021, Apple announced that it was discontinuing the iMac Pro. By that time, the machine had been surpassed by the 2019 Mac Pro, a significant final update for the 27-inch iMac, and the first Apple silicon Macs. The iMac Pro's position in Apple's product lineup is now effectively held by the Mac Studio and the Studio Display.
Yet after the launch of the 24-inch Apple silicon iMac in April 2021 and the discontinuation of the 27-inch iMac in March 2022, interest in an iMac Pro with a larger display has increased. Bloomberg's Mark Gurman believed that Apple was still "working on a larger-screened iMac aimed at the professional market," a rumor supported by Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, as of 2022. Yet other reports claimed Apple has no plans to release a new high-end iMac at all.
Rumors suggest that a larger-screened iMac that could be positioned as an iMac Pro will launch in 2025. In July 2024, Bloomberg's Mark Gurman said that Apple is still exploring a larger iMac, but it is unclear when it could be released. See our full guide for more information.Tag: 2025 iMac ProRelated Forum: iMac
This article, "iMac Pro Launched Seven Years Ago Today" first appeared on MacRumors.com
Discuss this article in our forums
Draw Your Neighborhood - Google Maps Mania
Draw Your Neighborhood - Google Maps Mania
iOS 18.2: What You Can Do With Visual Intelligence - MacRumors
Activating and Using Visual Intelligence
To use Visual Intelligence, you need to hold down on the Camera Control button for a few seconds to activate the Visual Intelligence mode.
Just pressing opens up the camera with Camera Control, so you do need a distinct press and hold gesture to get to it. Make sure you're not already in the Camera app, because it doesn't work if the camera is already active.
The Visual Intelligence interface features a view from the camera, a button to capture a photo, and dedicated "Ask" and "Search" buttons. Ask queries ChatGPT, and Search sends an image to Google Search.
Using Visual Intelligence requires taking a photo of whatever you're looking at. You need to snap a photo, which you can do with the Camera Control button, and select an option. It does not work with a live camera view, and you cannot use photos that you took previously.
Get Details About Places
If you're out somewhere and want to get more information about a restaurant or a retail store, click and hold Camera Control, and then click Camera Control again to take a photo or tap the name of the location at the top of the display.
From there, you can see the hours when the business is open, place an oder for delivery at relevant locations, view the menu, view offered services, make a reservation, call the business, or visit the location's website.
Summarize Text
Take a photo of text from the Visual Intelligence interface. Choose the "Summarize" option to get a summary of what's written.
The Summarize option is useful for long blocks of text, but it is similar to other Apple Intelligence summaries so it is brief and not particularly in-depth.
Read Text Out Loud
Whenever you take a Camera Control image of text, there is an option to hear it read aloud. To use this, just tap the "Read Aloud" button at the bottom of the display, and Siri will read it out loud in your selected Siri voice.
Translate Text
If text that you capture with Visual Intelligence is not in your language (limited to English at this time), you'll see a "Translate" option. You can tap it to get an instant translation.
Go to Website Links
If there's a link in an image that you capture with Visual Intelligence, you'll see a link that you can tap to visit the website.
Send Emails and Make Phone calls
If there is an email address in an image, you can tap it to compose an email in the Mail app. Similarly, if there is a phone number, you'll see an option to call it.
Create a Calendar Event
Using Visual Intelligence on something that has a date will give you an option to add that event to your calendar.
Detect and Save Contact Info
For phone numbers, email addresses, and addresses, Apple says you can add the information to a contact in the Contacts app. You can also open address in the Maps app.
Scan QR Codes
Visual Intelligence can be used to scan a QR code. With QR codes, you don't actually need to snap an image, you simply need to point the camera at the QR code and then tap the link that pops up.
QR code scanning also works in the Camera app without Visual Intelligence active.
Ask ChatGPT
You can take a photo of anything and tap on the "Ask" option to send it to ChatGPT while also asking a question about it. If you take a picture of an item with Visual Intelligence and want to know what it is, for example, you tap on Ask and then type in "What is this?" to get to a ChatGPT interface.
ChatGPT will respond, and you can type back if you have followup questions.
Visual Intelligence uses the ChatGPT Siri integration, which is opt-in. By default, no data is collected, but if you sign in with an OpenAI account, ChatGPT can remember conversations.
Search Google for Items
You can take a picture of any item that you see and tap on the "Search" option to use Google Image Search to find it on the web. This is a feature that's useful for locating items that you might want to buy.
Read More
For more on the features that you get with Apple Intelligence, we have a dedicated Apple Intelligence guide.Related Roundups: iOS 18, iPadOS 18, iPhone 16, iPhone 16 ProBuyer's Guide: iPhone 16 (Buy Now), iPhone 16 Pro (Buy Now)Related Forums: iOS 18, iPadOS 18
This article, "iOS 18.2: What You Can Do With Visual Intelligence" first appeared on MacRumors.com
Discuss this article in our forums
iOS 18.2: What You Can Do With Visual Intelligence - MacRumors
Activating and Using Visual Intelligence
To use Visual Intelligence, you need to hold down on the Camera Control button for a few seconds to activate the Visual Intelligence mode.
Just pressing opens up the camera with Camera Control, so you do need a distinct press and hold gesture to get to it. Make sure you're not already in the Camera app, because it doesn't work if the camera is already active.
The Visual Intelligence interface features a view from the camera, a button to capture a photo, and dedicated "Ask" and "Search" buttons. Ask queries ChatGPT, and Search sends an image to Google Search.
Using Visual Intelligence requires taking a photo of whatever you're looking at. You need to snap a photo, which you can do with the Camera Control button, and select an option. It does not work with a live camera view, and you cannot use photos that you took previously.
Get Details About Places
If you're out somewhere and want to get more information about a restaurant or a retail store, click and hold Camera Control, and then click Camera Control again to take a photo or tap the name of the location at the top of the display.
From there, you can see the hours when the business is open, place an oder for delivery at relevant locations, view the menu, view offered services, make a reservation, call the business, or visit the location's website.
Summarize Text
Take a photo of text from the Visual Intelligence interface. Choose the "Summarize" option to get a summary of what's written.
The Summarize option is useful for long blocks of text, but it is similar to other Apple Intelligence summaries so it is brief and not particularly in-depth.
Read Text Out Loud
Whenever you take a Camera Control image of text, there is an option to hear it read aloud. To use this, just tap the "Read Aloud" button at the bottom of the display, and Siri will read it out loud in your selected Siri voice.
Translate Text
If text that you capture with Visual Intelligence is not in your language (limited to English at this time), you'll see a "Translate" option. You can tap it to get an instant translation.
Go to Website Links
If there's a link in an image that you capture with Visual Intelligence, you'll see a link that you can tap to visit the website.
Send Emails and Make Phone calls
If there is an email address in an image, you can tap it to compose an email in the Mail app. Similarly, if there is a phone number, you'll see an option to call it.
Create a Calendar Event
Using Visual Intelligence on something that has a date will give you an option to add that event to your calendar.
Detect and Save Contact Info
For phone numbers, email addresses, and addresses, Apple says you can add the information to a contact in the Contacts app. You can also open address in the Maps app.
Scan QR Codes
Visual Intelligence can be used to scan a QR code. With QR codes, you don't actually need to snap an image, you simply need to point the camera at the QR code and then tap the link that pops up.
QR code scanning also works in the Camera app without Visual Intelligence active.
Ask ChatGPT
You can take a photo of anything and tap on the "Ask" option to send it to ChatGPT while also asking a question about it. If you take a picture of an item with Visual Intelligence and want to know what it is, for example, you tap on Ask and then type in "What is this?" to get to a ChatGPT interface.
ChatGPT will respond, and you can type back if you have followup questions.
Visual Intelligence uses the ChatGPT Siri integration, which is opt-in. By default, no data is collected, but if you sign in with an OpenAI account, ChatGPT can remember conversations.
Search Google for Items
You can take a picture of any item that you see and tap on the "Search" option to use Google Image Search to find it on the web. This is a feature that's useful for locating items that you might want to buy.
Read More
For more on the features that you get with Apple Intelligence, we have a dedicated Apple Intelligence guide.Related Roundups: iOS 18, iPadOS 18, iPhone 16, iPhone 16 ProBuyer's Guide: iPhone 16 (Buy Now), iPhone 16 Pro (Buy Now)Related Forums: iOS 18, iPadOS 18
This article, "iOS 18.2: What You Can Do With Visual Intelligence" first appeared on MacRumors.com
Discuss this article in our forums
13 Dec 2024
Here’s how your Paul McCartney wannabe can learn how to play the guitar - Popular Science
Know someone who set a goal at the beginning of 2024 to learn the guitar? If they’re anything like us (or most other people), they probably fell short of completing their resolution. This holiday season, give them the opportunity to finally pick up the guitar that’s been gathering dust in the corner of their room and learn how to jam out.
You might just earn a shoutout from them—if they end up winning a Grammy—when you give them these guitar video lessons that can be accessed from their smartphone. Lifetime access to these 14 courses is now only $39.99 (reg. $2,800) while supplies last!
The next Carlos Santana? PerhapsIf your giftee couldn’t commit to learning the guitar this past year due to expensive lessons or hard-to-digest guitar books, they might just love how easy it is to learn the guitar from home with this present.
After you surprise them with these lessons, all they need to do is shake off the dust from their guitar and pull up the video lessons from their smartphone, tablet, or laptop. They’ll have several weeks of material if they set a goal to practice one hour a day.
Whether they’re complete novices or wannabe George Harrison, they might want to start with the basics for a quick refresh. Mastering foundational skills like guitar theory, notes, chords, strumming, and how to read tablature could build the foundation for more advanced techniques.
From there, they could move into the modules for playing jazz, blues, and even childhood tunes on their guitar. Or, they could skip ahead to the ear training lessons, which could show them how to listen to a song like “Here Comes the Sun,” recognize the chord progressions, and replicate them on their guitar, all by ear! They might just have a new party trick to impress friends with.
This bundle even includes a songwriting course in case they dream of playing on the big stage one day. They can learn how the greats like Bob Dylan and Jimi Hendrix wrote iconic hits … and write their very own.
You might just give a wannabe guitar hero their favorite gift yet. Grab this 14-course guitar lessons bundle for just $39.99 while supplies last!
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The post Here’s how your Paul McCartney wannabe can learn how to play the guitar appeared first on Popular Science.
What You Can and Can't Make With iOS 18.2's Genmoji Feature - MacRumors
You can create Genmoji from the emoji keyboard in Messages, Notes, and more, and the characters work much like emoji. Genmoji, like Image Playground, have significant restrictions put in place to prevent people from creating objectionable images, and these guardrails can make it hard to make what you're looking for.
Genmoji are anything but open-ended, so I thought I'd highlight some of what you can and can't do with the custom emojis as of right now.
Humans in Poses and Generic Humans
With anything that's even vaguely humanoid, Genmoji almost always prompts you to choose a person to base the result on. You can choose yourself or a friend or family member that you have images of in Photo Library, or you can use a standard emoji character.
The requirement is aggressive and limiting because it doesn't take into account context, and it prevents the creation of generic human-adjacent items and characters.
Gingerbread man, for example, does not produce a gingerbread man. It prompts for a person and then outputs an irrelevant image that may or may not include some kind of holiday item. If you're wondering if "gingerbread cookie" produces the desired result, it sometimes will and it sometimes won't.
The requirement to add a character isn't too much of a surprise because it means Apple Intelligence cannot pick a skin tone, race, or gender on its own, so there's nothing to default to. But it does result in some restrictions on poses and getting an activity depicted that you prefer. A lot of times, Genmoji that use your image or a friend or family member default to a head and shoulders view, and it can be tricky to get a more full body pose.
This is a bigger problem with Image Playground than Genmoji, but it can still cause frustration.
Humanoid Creatures and Items
Genmoji does not like to generate humanoid creatures that aren't based on a person or an emoji. Trying to get the feature to create a simple garden gnome, for example, is a feat. I couldn't get Genmoji to make a garden gnome with any of the following phrases:
- Gnome
- Garden gnome
- Non-humanoid gnome
- Gnome statue
For all of these entries, Genmoji spat out a picture of an emoji person in an elf-style holiday hat. What did work to get a garden gnome, though, was "statue of a gnome," phrased that specific way. Later, I tried again, and couldn't get it to work even with that. But "statue gnome" worked, so it's hit or miss what you'll get.
There are instances where you can get what you're looking for with workarounds like that, but Apple has Genmoji so locked down that it's a frustrating exercise.
After not being able to make a gnome, I tried a range of mythological creatures. There wasn't a lot of consistency between what I was able to generate and what didn't work.
Creatures Genmoji Generated
- Sasquatch
- Yeti
- Dragon
- Minotaur
- Unicorn
- Hydra
- Ogre
- Leprechaun
- Goblin
- Phoenix
- Hippogriff
- Hellhound
- Manticore (but not really)
- Sphinx
- Bunyip
- Elf
Creatures That Didn't Work
- Mermaid
- Wendigo
- Kraken (Sea monster works instead)
- Wyvern
- Basilisk
- Cockatrice
- Chupacabra
- Tanuki
- Jackalope
- Wolpertinger
- Wampus
- Chimera
- Ouroboros
- Golem
Creatures That Required a Human Character
With creatures in this category, it prompted me to add a person. These worked with varying degrees of success. Centaur added horns, for example, but Orc basically just put the character in armor.
- Vampire
- Werewolf
- Centaur
- Orc
- Fairy
- Selkie (just generated a standard person)
- Anubis (just generated a standard person)
Violence, Nudity, Celebrities, and Copyrights
This category won't come as a surprise. Apple doesn't allow anything that's remotely violent, and Genmoji can't be used to create any copyrighted characters or celebrities.
With Image Playground, you can actually make creations that feature celebrities by uploading a picture, but that's not an option for Genmoji.
You can generate a gun, but the gun can't shoot, even if you want it to shoot bubbles or water. Words like "shooting" are off limits in combination with words like gun.
Apple won't let you make copyrighted items, even an iPhone. Given Genmoji's tendency to warp items, it's no shock that you can't create a funny-looking iPhone.
Anatomy and Facial Expressions
Genmoji is really bad at facial expressions and emotions. It can mostly get happy and sad, but anything with any nuance likely isn't going to happen.
As for anatomy, you're not always going to get the correct number of fingers, toes, or limbs for your creations, but that's not atypical with AI.
Multiple People
Genmoji can't generate something with more than one person, and if you try, it will tell you to describe just one person.
Text
Like most image generation engines, Genmoji doesn't do well with text. Text almost always comes out looking garbled.
What Genmoji Does Really Well
Genmoji works well with animals, even animals that aren't super common. It won't get down to a species level, so you can't, for example, make an accurate swallowtail butterfly, but as long as you're not looking for that kind of specificity, you'll get an accurate butterfly.
Animals combined with objects tends to work well too, as do many objects. Objects that have a lot of parts like a saxophone or a violin can sometimes come out wonky, but for the most part, Genmoji does a good job creating different items and even merging them together.
Giving Genmoji Open-Ended Concepts
If you want to get an idea of how Genmoji works, giving it open-ended prompts that aren't a specific object is a fun exercise.
For example:
- Scrumptious - Genmoji made a rainbow-colored plate with bread, a pumpkin, a tomato, and what looks like an olive. The next several images generated were cakes, and there was also a present and a plate of pasta.
- Delicious - It gave me a steak on a weird pan, a cake, a donut, a cupcake, and a hot air balloon.
- Cuddly - This generated a bear, a bear with flowers, a sleeping cat, a bunny in a basket, a mouse with heart eyes, and an emoji face wrapped in a blanket.
- Snuggly - The first option I got was a smiling face, followed by emoji faces wrapped in blankets.
- Comforting - An arm chair, a rocking chair, a sunset, and several weird emoji faces, none of which are comforting.
- Horrific - A purple monster, a spider with 10 legs, an alien-like emoji face with 10 tentacles, a glowing crystal, a fanged octopus with six legs, and a snake with a fork.
With Genmoji, you're going to get something different every time you put in a description, even if you repeat a description. Images are being generated on the fly, so there is variation with every one.
Genmoji Tips
If you can't get something to work, rephrasing and rearranging words can be successful. Santa raccoon, for example, required a person, but raccoon Santa gave the desired effect of a raccoon in a red hat. Raccoon in a Santa hat works too, but simpler descriptions tend to produce the best results.
While Image Playground has a feature for adding in multiple ideas and refining as you go, Genmoji has a harder time with too much specific detail.
Apple's Genmoji Ad
Apple shared a Genmoji ad yesterday, and as AppleInsider pointed out, the ad is pretty misleading. It shows Genmoji that were not created with Apple Intelligence, and in fact it uses some phrases that simply won't work.
Below, I've listed whether or not I could get the description that Apple uses to work. Some required modifications, some I couldn't make at all, and some came out looking odd.
Apple's Genmoji Ad Keywords That Work (With Caveats)
- Gnome - It worked, but with "statue of a gnome" phrasing.
- Foam - It didn't have a smiley face, but I kind of got there by specifying a pile of shaving cream with eyes and a smile.
- Pink comb
- Skeleton made of chrome
- Dog balloon - I only got a dog holding a balloon until I changed to balloon animal dog.
- Tomato spy - This sort of worked when I used "a tomato dressed like a detective wearing sunglasses," but I could not get a full body tomato spy.
- A horse wearing a tie
- Bucatini with some peas - Most of what it generated looked nothing like pasta, but I did get a pasta-adjacent thing topped with peas.
- Anemones - Just anemones gave me a flower. I had to add sea to get anything resembling Apple's, but even then it looked nothing like an actual sea anemone.
- Blocks of cheese
- Anemones and blocks of cheese bumping MP3s - It did generate a block of cheese and a sea anemone wearing headphones, but I had to use the "wearing headphones" phrasing. The sea anemone didn't look anything like one.
- Pig in the sky - This worked a lot better when I added "winged."
- Clock that can talk - This kind of worked when I asked it to make a grandfather clock with a mouth and eyes, but not with just a clock that can talk. It still didn't look like Apple's.
- A furry cardigan - When I described it as a "furry cardigan that's light pink and has embroidered flowers," I got something like Apple's image.
- Lasso - It generated ropes in circle shapes, but none that were exactly lassos.
- Candy pile - It made candy, but they were all mostly a pile of gumballs
- Can of worms - I thought this would turn out well, but it mostly made cans that had a worm on the front. My favorite was a yellow can with an emoji face that had worms coming out of the mouth.
- Golden smile - Apple's image is a gold tooth. I only got an emoji face when using "golden smile," but I got a creepy gold tooth with a face when I used "gold tooth smiling."
Apple's Genmoji Ad Keywords That Don't Work
- Socrates on mountain skis - Without fail, trying this made me select a person, and it came out looking nothing like Socrates. I couldn't use a historical figure at all.
- 12-sided die - It could not make a die that looked different from a standard die. It also would not let me use "12-sided die" at all, but at least "twelve sided die" made dice.
- Chair that can walk - I couldn't get it to generate a chair that had human-like legs with shoes. It just kept making standard chairs.
- A little painting of a guy in a hat - It kept adding an emoji person with just the head and shoulders. I couldn't get a nondescript "guy in a hat."
- A heart-shaped tat - I only got emoji hearts. One was a realistic heart (the organ) with a pen through it that was inventive, but not what I was looking for.
- Gizmo - This was a straight no. It told me to describe something different.
- Little egg man throws his hands in the air going wild - This got me an emoji character of myself juggling eggs. Adding "man" triggers the person feature. Taking out man got me an egg with arms, but not a fried egg. Adding fried got me a creepy egg with a face and arms.
Sharing Genmoji with Older iPhones and Android Devices
If you make a Genmoji and send it to someone with iOS 18.1 or iOS 18.2, it'll show up like an emoji in iMessage conversations. Genmoji sent to Android users or those who have older iOS or macOS devices will see Genmoji as an image in a text message conversation.
Battery Usage
Creating a bunch of Genmoji or images with Image Playground can cause significant battery drain, because all of the processing is done on-device. An hour and a half of Genmoji creation drained my battery from over 50 percent to five percent.
Your Genmoji Experience
Let us know what you think of Genmoji so far in the comments below. Have you had issues, or is it working well? Is it a feature you're planning to use regularly?Related Roundups: iOS 18, iPadOS 18Tags: Apple Intelligence, GenmojiRelated Forums: iOS 18, iPadOS 18
This article, "What You Can and Can't Make With iOS 18.2's Genmoji Feature" first appeared on MacRumors.com
Discuss this article in our forums
What You Can and Can't Make With iOS 18.2's Genmoji Feature - MacRumors
You can create Genmoji from the emoji keyboard in Messages, Notes, and more, and the characters work much like emoji. Genmoji, like Image Playground, have significant restrictions put in place to prevent people from creating objectionable images, and these guardrails can make it hard to make what you're looking for.
Genmoji are anything but open-ended, so I thought I'd highlight some of what you can and can't do with the custom emojis as of right now.
Humans in Poses and Generic Humans
With anything that's even vaguely humanoid, Genmoji almost always prompts you to choose a person to base the result on. You can choose yourself or a friend or family member that you have images of in Photo Library, or you can use a standard emoji character.
The requirement is aggressive and limiting because it doesn't take into account context, and it prevents the creation of generic human-adjacent items and characters.
Gingerbread man, for example, does not produce a gingerbread man. It prompts for a person and then outputs an irrelevant image that may or may not include some kind of holiday item. If you're wondering if "gingerbread cookie" produces the desired result, it sometimes will and it sometimes won't.
The requirement to add a character isn't too much of a surprise because it means Apple Intelligence cannot pick a skin tone, race, or gender on its own, so there's nothing to default to. But it does result in some restrictions on poses and getting an activity depicted that you prefer. A lot of times, Genmoji that use your image or a friend or family member default to a head and shoulders view, and it can be tricky to get a more full body pose.
This is a bigger problem with Image Playground than Genmoji, but it can still cause frustration.
Humanoid Creatures and Items
Genmoji does not like to generate humanoid creatures that aren't based on a person or an emoji. Trying to get the feature to create a simple garden gnome, for example, is a feat. I couldn't get Genmoji to make a garden gnome with any of the following phrases:
- Gnome
- Garden gnome
- Non-humanoid gnome
- Gnome statue
For all of these entries, Genmoji spat out a picture of an emoji person in an elf-style holiday hat. What did work to get a garden gnome, though, was "statue of a gnome," phrased that specific way. Later, I tried again, and couldn't get it to work even with that. But "statue gnome" worked, so it's hit or miss what you'll get.
There are instances where you can get what you're looking for with workarounds like that, but Apple has Genmoji so locked down that it's a frustrating exercise.
After not being able to make a gnome, I tried a range of mythological creatures. There wasn't a lot of consistency between what I was able to generate and what didn't work.
Creatures Genmoji Generated
- Sasquatch
- Yeti
- Dragon
- Minotaur
- Unicorn
- Hydra
- Ogre
- Leprechaun
- Goblin
- Phoenix
- Hippogriff
- Hellhound
- Manticore (but not really)
- Sphinx
- Bunyip
- Elf
Creatures That Didn't Work
- Mermaid
- Wendigo
- Kraken (Sea monster works instead)
- Wyvern
- Basilisk
- Cockatrice
- Chupacabra
- Tanuki
- Jackalope
- Wolpertinger
- Wampus
- Chimera
- Ouroboros
- Golem
Creatures That Required a Human Character
With creatures in this category, it prompted me to add a person. These worked with varying degrees of success. Centaur added horns, for example, but Orc basically just put the character in armor.
- Vampire
- Werewolf
- Centaur
- Orc
- Fairy
- Selkie (just generated a standard person)
- Anubis (just generated a standard person)
Violence, Nudity, Celebrities, and Copyrights
This category won't come as a surprise. Apple doesn't allow anything that's remotely violent, and Genmoji can't be used to create any copyrighted characters or celebrities.
With Image Playground, you can actually make creations that feature celebrities by uploading a picture, but that's not an option for Genmoji.
You can generate a gun, but the gun can't shoot, even if you want it to shoot bubbles or water. Words like "shooting" are off limits in combination with words like gun.
Apple won't let you make copyrighted items, even an iPhone. Given Genmoji's tendency to warp items, it's no shock that you can't create a funny-looking iPhone.
Anatomy and Facial Expressions
Genmoji is really bad at facial expressions and emotions. It can mostly get happy and sad, but anything with any nuance likely isn't going to happen.
As for anatomy, you're not always going to get the correct number of fingers, toes, or limbs for your creations, but that's not atypical with AI.
Multiple People
Genmoji can't generate something with more than one person, and if you try, it will tell you to describe just one person.
Text
Like most image generation engines, Genmoji doesn't do well with text. Text almost always comes out looking garbled.
What Genmoji Does Really Well
Genmoji works well with animals, even animals that aren't super common. It won't get down to a species level, so you can't, for example, make an accurate swallowtail butterfly, but as long as you're not looking for that kind of specificity, you'll get an accurate butterfly.
Animals combined with objects tends to work well too, as do many objects. Objects that have a lot of parts like a saxophone or a violin can sometimes come out wonky, but for the most part, Genmoji does a good job creating different items and even merging them together.
Giving Genmoji Open-Ended Concepts
If you want to get an idea of how Genmoji works, giving it open-ended prompts that aren't a specific object is a fun exercise.
For example:
- Scrumptious - Genmoji made a rainbow-colored plate with bread, a pumpkin, a tomato, and what looks like an olive. The next several images generated were cakes, and there was also a present and a plate of pasta.
- Delicious - It gave me a steak on a weird pan, a cake, a donut, a cupcake, and a hot air balloon.
- Cuddly - This generated a bear, a bear with flowers, a sleeping cat, a bunny in a basket, a mouse with heart eyes, and an emoji face wrapped in a blanket.
- Snuggly - The first option I got was a smiling face, followed by emoji faces wrapped in blankets.
- Comforting - An arm chair, a rocking chair, a sunset, and several weird emoji faces, none of which are comforting.
- Horrific - A purple monster, a spider with 10 legs, an alien-like emoji face with 10 tentacles, a glowing crystal, a fanged octopus with six legs, and a snake with a fork.
With Genmoji, you're going to get something different every time you put in a description, even if you repeat a description. Images are being generated on the fly, so there is variation with every one.
Genmoji Tips
If you can't get something to work, rephrasing and rearranging words can be successful. Santa raccoon, for example, required a person, but raccoon Santa gave the desired effect of a raccoon in a red hat. Raccoon in a Santa hat works too, but simpler descriptions tend to produce the best results.
While Image Playground has a feature for adding in multiple ideas and refining as you go, Genmoji has a harder time with too much specific detail.
Apple's Genmoji Ad
Apple shared a Genmoji ad yesterday, and as AppleInsider pointed out, the ad is pretty misleading. It shows Genmoji that were not created with Apple Intelligence, and in fact it uses some phrases that simply won't work.
Below, I've listed whether or not I could get the description that Apple uses to work. Some required modifications, some I couldn't make at all, and some came out looking odd.
Apple's Genmoji Ad Keywords That Work (With Caveats)
- Gnome - It worked, but with "statue of a gnome" phrasing.
- Foam - It didn't have a smiley face, but I kind of got there by specifying a pile of shaving cream with eyes and a smile.
- Pink comb
- Skeleton made of chrome
- Dog balloon - I only got a dog holding a balloon until I changed to balloon animal dog.
- Tomato spy - This sort of worked when I used "a tomato dressed like a detective wearing sunglasses," but I could not get a full body tomato spy.
- A horse wearing a tie
- Bucatini with some peas - Most of what it generated looked nothing like pasta, but I did get a pasta-adjacent thing topped with peas.
- Anemones - Just anemones gave me a flower. I had to add sea to get anything resembling Apple's, but even then it looked nothing like an actual sea anemone.
- Blocks of cheese
- Anemones and blocks of cheese bumping MP3s - It did generate a block of cheese and a sea anemone wearing headphones, but I had to use the "wearing headphones" phrasing. The sea anemone didn't look anything like one.
- Pig in the sky - This worked a lot better when I added "winged."
- Clock that can talk - This kind of worked when I asked it to make a grandfather clock with a mouth and eyes, but not with just a clock that can talk. It still didn't look like Apple's.
- A furry cardigan - When I described it as a "furry cardigan that's light pink and has embroidered flowers," I got something like Apple's image.
- Lasso - It generated ropes in circle shapes, but none that were exactly lassos.
- Candy pile - It made candy, but they were all mostly a pile of gumballs
- Can of worms - I thought this would turn out well, but it mostly made cans that had a worm on the front. My favorite was a yellow can with an emoji face that had worms coming out of the mouth.
- Golden smile - Apple's image is a gold tooth. I only got an emoji face when using "golden smile," but I got a creepy gold tooth with a face when I used "gold tooth smiling."
Apple's Genmoji Ad Keywords That Don't Work
- Socrates on mountain skis - Without fail, trying this made me select a person, and it came out looking nothing like Socrates. I couldn't use a historical figure at all.
- 12-sided die - It could not make a die that looked different from a standard die. It also would not let me use "12-sided die" at all, but at least "twelve sided die" made dice.
- Chair that can walk - I couldn't get it to generate a chair that had human-like legs with shoes. It just kept making standard chairs.
- A little painting of a guy in a hat - It kept adding an emoji person with just the head and shoulders. I couldn't get a nondescript "guy in a hat."
- A heart-shaped tat - I only got emoji hearts. One was a realistic heart (the organ) with a pen through it that was inventive, but not what I was looking for.
- Gizmo - This was a straight no. It told me to describe something different.
- Little egg man throws his hands in the air going wild - This got me an emoji character of myself juggling eggs. Adding "man" triggers the person feature. Taking out man got me an egg with arms, but not a fried egg. Adding fried got me a creepy egg with a face and arms.
Sharing Genmoji with Older iPhones and Android Devices
If you make a Genmoji and send it to someone with iOS 18.1 or iOS 18.2, it'll show up like an emoji in iMessage conversations. Genmoji sent to Android users or those who have older iOS or macOS devices will see Genmoji as an image in a text message conversation.
Battery Usage
Creating a bunch of Genmoji or images with Image Playground can cause significant battery drain, because all of the processing is done on-device. An hour and a half of Genmoji creation drained my battery from over 50 percent to five percent.
Your Genmoji Experience
Let us know what you think of Genmoji so far in the comments below. Have you had issues, or is it working well? Is it a feature you're planning to use regularly?Related Roundups: iOS 18, iPadOS 18Tags: Apple Intelligence, GenmojiRelated Forums: iOS 18, iPadOS 18
This article, "What You Can and Can't Make With iOS 18.2's Genmoji Feature" first appeared on MacRumors.com
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This discounted e-scooter is perfect for anyone who loves shortcuts (and hates parking) - Popular Science
Know someone who dreams of a quicker, comfier way to get around town? The Phantom Commuter R1 Pro is here to make their commute as easy as sitting down! With a built-in seat, powerful 500W motor, and max speed of 15.5 mph, this e-scooter on sale for over half off at $289.99 (reg. $599) turns any trip into a breeze—no standing required.
Ideal for city dwellers and suburban shortcut-seekers alike, the R1 Pro has everything to make getting around more enjoyable. It boasts an impressive 28-mile range on a single charge, so whether they’re zipping to work or running errands, there’s plenty of power to keep up. Plus, the sturdy design accommodates up to 265 lbs, offering a reliable ride for everyone on their list.
Safety is a top priority here. The R1 Pro is UL-certified, meeting strict safety standards so they can ride with confidence. And with real rubber, air-filled 12″ tires, they’ll feel smooth and steady over just about any terrain. For added convenience, the scooter folds with a simple 1-click mechanism, making it easy to stow in small spaces or carry along when not in use.
At an affordable price, the Phantom Commuter R1 Pro offers incredible value and unbeatable style, making it the perfect gift for anyone who could use a little extra ease in their daily travels. This holiday, skip the bus pass and treat them to the thrill of easy commuting!
For a limited time, save 51% on this Phantom R1 Pro Seated e-Scooter and gift it to yourself or a loved one for $289.99.
StackSocial prices subject to change.
Phantom R1 Pro Seated e-Scooter – $289.99
The post This discounted e-scooter is perfect for anyone who loves shortcuts (and hates parking) appeared first on Popular Science.
Procrastinator’s gift guide: Great products you can still get in time for the holidays - Popular Science
OK, so you missed out on Black Friday and Cyber Monday. That’s OK. There’s still time to get great gifts shipped if you order right now. But just because you’re in a hurry doesn’t mean you have to compromise. You don’t want to have to buy your gifts at the gas station at 11 p.m. on Christmas Eve (though we wouldn’t mind a bouquet of scratch-offs and a couple of Arnold Palmer tallboys if you’re going out). These gifts are great under any circumstances, but they’re especially appealing right now because they can still make it in time to get under the tree.
Orvis DriCast Hoodie $53Orvis
See ItYes, this is technically a fishing hoodie. In fact, several of the colorways intentionally mimic the look of different types of trout. But you don’t need to be an angler to appreciate this fantastic hoodie. It’s super lightweight, so you can easily layer. It dries quickly and boasts a UPF 50+ rating, which means it blocks harmful sun rays all day.
Leatherman Skeletool CX $89Leatherman
See ItThis 7-tool multitool is a great gift because it’s light enough for anyone to carry and comes in seven different vibrant colorways. You get pliers, a blade, a bottle opener, a bit driver, and wire cutters. The bottle opener doubles as a carabiner so the recipient can clip it onto their belt or bag and not lose it.
Audio-Technica AT-LP60XBT-BK Fully Automatic Bluetooth Belt-Drive Stereo Turntable $199Audio Technica
See ItThis Bluetooth-enabled turntable adds some clever modern amenities to an old-school cool setup. It operates automatically, so you don’t have to worry about scratching records when putting the needle on. The wireless connection provides high-quality audio without running cables around the room or forcing you to rearrange shelves or stands.
Fujifilm INSTAX Mini 12 Purple Holiday Bundle 2024 $89Fujifilm
See ItWe love a holiday product bundle, especially when it’s actually a pretty good deal. This box contains a purple version of the Instax Mini 12 instant film camera (don’t call it a Polaroid!), a pack of film, a carrying case, and an adorable little album in which you can store your shots. Plus, even with all that, you only have to wrap one box.
Rocketbook Core Reusable Spiral Notebook $23Rocketbook
See ItI think notebooks make great gifts overall, but the Rocketbook does more than typical paper. Write or draw on the Rocketbook’s pages, then use the Rocketbook app to scan it onto the web quickly. It recognizes and digitizes your writing. Then, you simply wipe the notebook pages clean and do it all over again.
ORORO Men’s Heated Vest with Battery $84Ororo
See ItWe love heated clothing here at Popular Science. Whether it’s a vest, a jacket, or whatever else, we prefer to be warm. If your gift recipient is the same or spends a ton of time outdoors, this heated vest is the move. A trio of carbon heating elements run through the fleece garment and pull power from a built-in battery to warm up their torso.
Brooklinen Classic Percale Core Sheet Set $143Brooklinen
See ItIf you’ve never slept on really nice sheets, you won’t believe how much better they’ll make your life overall. This classic set of sheets comes in more than a dozen colors and is made from long-staple cotton. I don’t actually know exactly what that means, but they feel cool and clean every time, which is exactly what you want.
Thermal Merino Reversible Cuffed Beanie $35Smartwool
See ItI would prefer it if every single thing I wore was made of Smartwool. This reversible cuffed winter hat comes in 13 different colorways, all more comfortable than any other beanie you’ve ever put on your head. It’s made of Merino 250 base layer fabric, so it keeps heads warm while drawing away moisture, so it’s good from fall all the way to spring.
The post Procrastinator’s gift guide: Great products you can still get in time for the holidays appeared first on Popular Science.
iOS 18.2: Here's How Mail Categories Work - MacRumors
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Mail Categories organizes your email inbox into the following sections: Primary for your most important messages, Transactions for your orders and receipts, Promotions for deals and offers, and Updates for news, subscriptions, and social.
When Mail Categories is enabled, your Primary inbox will be front and center, and then you can swipe over to see other emails that fall into the other categories. The idea is that emails that aren't important like newsletters and deals are tucked away, but there's also an added benefit of having all of your order receipts in one spot, or your emails about sales in one section of your inbox.
There's also a useful feature that aggregates all of the emails from a single sender into one view, so you can see all of your Amazon emails in one place, or everything you've received from an airline. To get to this view, you just need to tap into any email from that sender and then scroll up to see other messages.
The Primary inbox contains emails from other categories, and it's a feature that can make sense for someone with an overwhelming inbox, but it's not likely something that inbox zero people are going to like.
If you don't like Mail Categories, you can swap back over to List View by tapping on the three dots in the upper right corner of the Mail app, but if you do want to give Mail Categories a try, there are a couple tips worth noting.
To get to a view of your inbox with all emails in chronological order without swapping views, just swipe left on the category bar to get to the "All Mail" option.
It's not uncommon for an email to be sent to the wrong category, and if that happens, you can tap into the email, tap on the three dots in the upper right hand corner of the display, and then choose the Categorize Sender option to choose a category manually. If you're in the Primary inbox, though, you need to hit reply and then choose the Categorize Sender option.
When you tap into a message from a sender, you can delete all emails from that sender by using the three dots at the top right of the display and choosing the "Trash All" option.
What do you think of categories in Mail? Is it a feature you plan to use? Let us know in the comments below.Related Roundups: iOS 18, iPadOS 18Related Forums: iOS 18, iPadOS 18
This article, "iOS 18.2: Here's How Mail Categories Work" first appeared on MacRumors.com
Discuss this article in our forums
iOS 18.2: Here's How Mail Categories Work - MacRumors
Subscribe to the MacRumors YouTube channel for more videos.
Mail Categories organizes your email inbox into the following sections: Primary for your most important messages, Transactions for your orders and receipts, Promotions for deals and offers, and Updates for news, subscriptions, and social.
When Mail Categories is enabled, your Primary inbox will be front and center, and then you can swipe over to see other emails that fall into the other categories. The idea is that emails that aren't important like newsletters and deals are tucked away, but there's also an added benefit of having all of your order receipts in one spot, or your emails about sales in one section of your inbox.
There's also a useful feature that aggregates all of the emails from a single sender into one view, so you can see all of your Amazon emails in one place, or everything you've received from an airline. To get to this view, you just need to tap into any email from that sender and then scroll up to see other messages.
The Primary inbox contains emails from other categories, and it's a feature that can make sense for someone with an overwhelming inbox, but it's not likely something that inbox zero people are going to like.
If you don't like Mail Categories, you can swap back over to List View by tapping on the three dots in the upper right corner of the Mail app, but if you do want to give Mail Categories a try, there are a couple tips worth noting.
To get to a view of your inbox with all emails in chronological order without swapping views, just swipe left on the category bar to get to the "All Mail" option.
It's not uncommon for an email to be sent to the wrong category, and if that happens, you can tap into the email, tap on the three dots in the upper right hand corner of the display, and then choose the Categorize Sender option to choose a category manually. If you're in the Primary inbox, though, you need to hit reply and then choose the Categorize Sender option.
When you tap into a message from a sender, you can delete all emails from that sender by using the three dots at the top right of the display and choosing the "Trash All" option.
What do you think of categories in Mail? Is it a feature you plan to use? Let us know in the comments below.Related Roundups: iOS 18, iPadOS 18Related Forums: iOS 18, iPadOS 18
This article, "iOS 18.2: Here's How Mail Categories Work" first appeared on MacRumors.com
Discuss this article in our forums
Past experiences strongly affect empathy in mice - Popular Science
For social animals like humans, it’s critical to be able to recognize and react to the emotional state of others. One particularly important aspect of this ability is empathy—which, in this context, refers specifically to understanding when another person is in emotional distress.
However, individuals can respond in very different ways to seeing someone in such distress. These responses fall into two broad categories. There are prosocial responses: reaching out to the person in distress to provide care and comfort. However, there are also antisocial responses, where seeing someone in distress triggers similar distress and emotional pain in the witness, leading them to recoil from the situation to focus on their own emotions.
The nature of a person’s response is strongly influenced by their own history—and, specifically, whether they’ve had a similar experience to the one they’re witnessing. A new paper published December 12 in Nature Neuroscience explores the neurocognitive basis for how “negative self-experiences” affect responses to emotional distress in others.
The ability to recognize and react to others’ emotions is not confined to humans—many other mammals demonstrate similar facilities. However, it’s been less clear to what extent negative self-experience plays a role in other animals. The paper’s authors examined whether it affected mice’s responses to seeing others in stressful situations and found that the experience does indeed seem to have effects similar to those in humans. This suggests that empathy in humans may well have similar neurological foundations to empathy in mice.
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The researchers found that on the whole, the mice that the paper refers to as “negative self-experienced”—i.e. those who had had an experience similar to the one they were witnessing—tended to display more antisocial, avoidant behavior than than “naïve” mice that had not had the same experience.
They also found that hormones and social hierarchy played a role in the effects of negative self-experience. In males, position in the social hierarchy was important; dominant male mice tended more to antisocial responses than other males. Female mice, meanwhile, were affected by estrus (heat), with those in estrus appearing to be completely unaffected by negative self-experience.
The study also investigated the neurological basis for these results. In humans, the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) plays an important role in moderation of stress and also in social cognition, so the researchers theorized that the same may be true for mice. To test this idea, they suppressed the activity of the mPFC in some of the mice–and specifically, a group of neurons that produce a hormone called corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF), which is known to be involved in responses to stress (the paper describes it as “a master regulator of stress-coping responses.”)
[ Related: How video game tech, AI, and computer vision help decode animal pain and behavior ]
When the researchers inhibited the functioning of these neurons, they found that these negative self-experienced mice showed an increased tendency toward prosocial responses: “[This] re-established the amount of social exploration toward stress demonstrators, which was reduced in the negative self-experienced … group.” They also found that inhibiting these neurons increased prosocial responses in “naïve” mice—i.e. those who did not have negative self-experience. Deliberately activating these cells, by contrast, had no effect on naïve mice, but increased avoidant behavior in mice with negative self-experience.
The paper concludes that in mice, the “influence of self-experience on stress emotion recognition is modulated by CRF activity in the mPFC.” Given that the similar roles that the mPFC and CRF play in humans, Federica Maltese–first author of the study–said in a statement that targeting mPFC CRF neurons might “aid clinical research in developing new targeted therapies aimed at improving the altered emotional responses observed in various psychiatric conditions.” Identifying the neurocognitive foundations of empathy could also open up new possibilities for treatment of conditions where empathy and understanding of others’ emotions are suppressed, such as PTSD, autism, and schizophrenia.
The post Past experiences strongly affect empathy in mice appeared first on Popular Science.