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News from the Digital Communication, Web & Web Gis 2.0 World
02 Gen 2025
How Urban Design Can Benefit Parents and Kids - Planetizen
In an article in Bloomberg CityLab, Alexandra Lange argues that cities should build more spaces that are safe and friendly to children and families.
According to Lange, “Parenting experts say children need to learn independence and resilience. But cities and suburbs don’t offer safe pedestrian and bike routes to school, malls kick teenagers out on the weekends, and free time disappears under a spreadsheet of activities.” Parents, meanwhile, have to find ways to shuttle their kids to various places, often with few options other than driving.
Lange points to examples dating back as far as the early 20th century, when planners more consciously began trying to design safe, connected, family-friendly neighborhoods. She also lists ways cities can encourage family-friendly spaces without changing their existing housing stock: “Widening sidewalks, closing streets for play on afternoons and weekends, adding speed humps and opening schoolyards after hours can immediately provide the same ease for impromptu hang-outs, with even more potential playmates.”
Lange points out that, even if you don’t have children, “most of the amenities that would make having a family easier benefit everyone. You might not care about slow streets, shaded benches, or walkable shops now, but you are one pregnancy, knee operation, or visit from an older relative away from becoming suddenly, even painfully, aware of the location of every bench, elevator, ramp and bathroom on your daily commute.”
Geography United States Category Infrastructure Land Use Social / Demographics Transportation Urban Development Tags Publication Bloomberg CityLab Publication Date Tue, 12/31/2024 - 12:00 Publication Links Burned Out Parents Need Better Public Spaces 2 minutesHow Urban Design Can Benefit Parents and Kids - Planetizen
In an article in Bloomberg CityLab, Alexandra Lange argues that cities should build more spaces that are safe and friendly to children and families.
According to Lange, “Parenting experts say children need to learn independence and resilience. But cities and suburbs don’t offer safe pedestrian and bike routes to school, malls kick teenagers out on the weekends, and free time disappears under a spreadsheet of activities.” Parents, meanwhile, have to find ways to shuttle their kids to various places, often with few options other than driving.
Lange points to examples dating back as far as the early 20th century, when planners more consciously began trying to design safe, connected, family-friendly neighborhoods. She also lists ways cities can encourage family-friendly spaces without changing their existing housing stock: “Widening sidewalks, closing streets for play on afternoons and weekends, adding speed humps and opening schoolyards after hours can immediately provide the same ease for impromptu hang-outs, with even more potential playmates.”
Lange points out that, even if you don’t have children, “most of the amenities that would make having a family easier benefit everyone. You might not care about slow streets, shaded benches, or walkable shops now, but you are one pregnancy, knee operation, or visit from an older relative away from becoming suddenly, even painfully, aware of the location of every bench, elevator, ramp and bathroom on your daily commute.”
Geography United States Category Infrastructure Land Use Social / Demographics Transportation Urban Development Tags Publication Bloomberg CityLab Publication Date Tue, 12/31/2024 - 12:00 Publication Links Burned Out Parents Need Better Public Spaces 2 minutesNew ‘Hades’ moray eel discovered by accident - Popular Science
The newly discovered Hades’ snake moray (Uropterygius hades) is right at home in muddy river mouths. This moray eel is dark brown and appears to be an expert burrower. Unlike other moray eels that are brightly colored and live in primarily saltwater environments, Hades’ snake moray can be found in estuaries across southern Japan, Taiwan, the Philippines, southern Java, and Fiji. Its unique features are described in a study published in December 2024 in the journal ZooKeys.
A living Uropterygius hades in a tank. CREDIT: Wen-Chien Huang.There are roughly 230 known species of moray eels, with most living in salty marine environments. The freshwater moray (Gymnothorax polyuranodon) has been confirmed to spend most of its life in fresh water. The slender giant moray (Strophidon sathete) and a few other species can also tolerate and occasionally enter lower-salinity environments such as river mouths. However, most moray eels specifically adapted to an estuary habitat with mixed salt and fresh water are considered rare.
This new and particularly dark moral eel was also discovered by accident. Three of the study’s co-authors from Taiwan’s National Sun Yat-sen University were investigating a cave of the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River in the Philippines, hoping to survey the aquatic animals in the area and find a different cave eel species, the bean-eyed snake moray (Uropterygius cyamommatus. While they did not find any bean-eyed snake morays, they collected a slender moray with a strange dark color.
They brought several specimens back to their lab and performed DNA testing to see how its genes compared to other known moray eels. While it was in a tank, the team observed that the Hades’ snake moray burrowed tail first. This behavior is rarely seen in moray eels. It also appears to be highly sensitive to light and kept trying to hide when it was exposed to any sort of illumination. Its small eyes are believed to be an adaptation to life in low-light environments. It also has a reduced number of head sensory pores, which the team believes helps the pores avoid clogging.
[ Related: How citizen scientists are protecting ‘glass eels.’ ]
According to the team, its small and sensitive eyes and lack of sensory pores on the head suggests it may rely on its senses of smell and taste–or chemoreception––to sense changes to the chemicals in their environment rather than vision to find food or avoid its predators.This allows the eel to stay burrowed in the mud, yet still find prey and avoid being eaten.
This new moral eel was described by a team of scientists from the National Sun Yat-sen University in Taiwan, Western Philippines University, and Kitakyushu Museum of Natural History and Human History in Japan. They named it after Hades, the Greek god of the underworld, as a way to emphasize its intimidating appearance and its dark and murky habitat. This idea was inspired by study co-author Wen-Chien Huang from National Sun Yat-sen University who was influenced by actor Ralph Fiennes’ portrayal of Hades in the film Clash of the Titans.
The post New ‘Hades’ moray eel discovered by accident appeared first on Popular Science.
How Smaller Supermarkets Could Transform American Communities - Planetizen
Ah, the American big-box grocery store. Conveniently large enough to stock everything your mind (or stomach) could desire, with an equally impressive, massive parking lot — often even larger than the store itself. Isn’t that a beautiful view? The culmination of decades of experimentation in grocery store design can be found at your local Walmart. Even if you don’t live in the United States or Canada, you might have seen them in movies. Everything is big in America, and that includes its supermarkets. Today, our colossal supermarkets might feel normal. But behind those tall ceilings, oversized halls, and massive parking lots lie some concerning issues.
Well, how did we get here?Our supermarkets were not always like this. In 1916, in Memphis, Clarence Saunders invented the first modern supermarket, Piggly Wiggly, changing the lives of Americans forever. Never before have Americans been able to buy all they wanted in the same place. If you wanted a steak, you had to go to the butcher; if you wanted a cake you went to the baker; now you could get it all in the same place. Of course, supermarkets back then did not look like they do today. They did not have acres of parking and the store footprint was smaller.
Back in the 1930s, the average square footage of a downtown supermarket was 8,000 square feet. Now, according to data provided by the Food Industry Association, the total size of a supermarket has increased to an average of 48,754 square feet — a sixfold increase. Naturally, urban sprawl and car dependency are to blame, and while the reasons for our car-centric culture are complex and beyond the scope of this article, their impact on the evolution of supermarkets is undeniable. No matter the reasons we have our current reality, one where most Americans drive to oversized big box supermarkets that perpetuate our paved paradise.
We need to rethink how we use space. But why are we here in the first place? The status quo is due in part to off-street parking minimums, construction requirements all projects must follow that dictate how many parking spots are required for the business type. These mandates often create an oversupply of — often free — parking, incentivizing the use of motor vehicles and making it easy to drive everywhere at the expense of pedestrians and people using public transit.
The high cost of big box storesParking not only takes up lots of land, but it is expensive as well. Have you ever considered how much a parking space costs? Maybe $2,000, or $5,000? Try $24,000. According to a study published in the Magazine of the American Planning Association “in 2015 the average construction cost (excluding land cost) for parking structures was about $24,000 per space for aboveground parking;” this translates to approximately $32,000 in 2024 dollars. This is an obscene amount of money; as the study notes, it is equal to or more than the total net worth of hundreds of thousands of individuals across the country. This presents a bigger question: how do businesses then pay for the parking? Well, by passing on the cost to consumers, of course! In another article published in The Washington Post by UCLA urban planning professor, Donald Shoup, (author of the bible of parking The High Cost of Free Parking), he mentions how parking requirements seem to lower the cost of driving, but in reality the cost is just transferred to everything else. Supermarkets raise the price of groceries for everyone, regardless of your mode choice. Shoup notes, “People who are too poor to own a car pay more for their groceries to ensure that richer people can park free when they drive to the store,” This creates serious equity concerns, as the cost burden of parking disproportionately impacts those who can least afford it.
Downstream effectsIf being an eyesore to the urban landscape and one of the main contributors to urban sprawl is not enough, big box stores keep hurting the communities they land in in other ways. For instance, the rapid expansion of big box stores has been linked to the decline of small businesses. According to a 2008 paper from the Department of Economics at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), the rapid expansion of Walmart during the last decades of the 20th century, “explains about 40–50% of the net change in the number of small discount stores.” The presence of Walmart Supercenters may also have health implications for the communities they serve. According to a study published in the Journal of Urban Economics, the proliferation of Walmart Supercenters is correlated with a 10.5 percent rise in obesity since the late 1980s. This is not surprising, as the effects of the built environment on our physical and mental health have been widely studied.
Do not get me wrong, I am not saying it is all bad things. After all, big box stores do bring certain conveniences and price savings to many shoppers. Who doesn’t need to buy oversized boxes of protein granola bars from time to time? Nevertheless, years of experimentation have proved that the model is not without flaws that affect communities in ways that can’t be ignored.
Alternative modelsWill the famous American big box store remain king forever? The latest trends seem to show a different future in American retailing. According to a recent article published in CBNC news, big box stores seem to be shrinking, Stores such as “Target, Macy’s, and Nordstrom have all added smaller square-foot locations in recent years,” and even superstore giant Walmart, has entered into the small-shop game a decade ago by developing a smaller version of its megastore called “Walmart Express.” Some people might ask, how do we know Americans even like smaller supermarkets anymore? Grocery stores are big for a reason. However, two very successful modestly sized supermarket chains already exist in the United States: Trader Joe's and Aldi.
We have all heard about Trader Joe’s, and if you know something about it, you know it is nothing like your local Walmart. With an average size of 15,000 square feet, you can find them in urban neighborhoods and even outside of high-density areas, they remain small. It is no secret that the store has been widely successful, and while its small size is not the only factor, its devoted following demonstrates that Americans still like the model of smaller grocers such as Trader Joe's. The grocery brand has thrived so much on the small store model that they have even come forward and said that they do not plan on opening bigger stores any time soon.
Another interesting example of an alternative supermarket model is Aldi. Despite having a business approach that is different from Trader Joe’s (whichwants to make you feel you are buying fancy farmers’ market food), Aldi does not care about glamour. Its stores feature no fancy displays and products famously stay on the boxes they came from. All this makes Aldi a rather frugal shopping experience. But just like Trader Joe's, Aldi presents a modestly size supermarket making it more welcoming to communities. Its shop size typically ranges from 17,825 to 18,000 square feet. With more than 2000 shops nationwide, Aldi — with the help of its cheap products and mid-sized shops — has repeatedly been the fastest-growing store in the last couple of years.
Both supermarkets, while different in their respects, represent a strong model for smaller supermarkets and their success around the nation.
A slew of community benefitsAdditionally, smaller supermarkets could incentivize more communities to accept investments in grocery stores as they are less invasive and can avoid the hassles of big-box logistics. At the same time, having smaller parking lots will reduce the indirect cost passed on to consumers (though, for a definitive solution for this, parking minimums need to be abolished) and put stores closer to where Americans live, making buying food more convenient and reducing the distance consumers have to transport themselves to it. Some Americans might now choose to walk or bike to the store, or even just drive less. This will create less traffic, and reduce vehicle miles traveled and the amount of impermeable surfaces such as parking lots.
While these smaller grocers don’t have many issues positioning themselves in American communities, cities could do more to encourage these opportunities. For instance, other shops such as Walgreens have been closing stores around the nation recently, announcing that they plan to shut down 1,200 stores. These are great spaces,as businesses such as Walgreens are already well positioned across the nation and have an average store size of about 14,500 square feet — pretty similar to the average of Trader Joe's. In my opinion, these are prime real state locations for future small grocers.
Focusing on the urban form of grocery stores is not only important because it shapes the communities we live in, but because it provides one of our most basic needs — food. When talking about nearby amenities where they want to live, people usually have transportation and food accessibility in mind. Smaller grocery stores can even serve as anchor businesses for communities. According to a report prepared by national research and action institute Policy Link and the non-profit organization The Food Trust, “New and improved healthy food retail in underserved communities creates jobs and helps to revitalize low-income neighborhoods.” This makes sense: vibrant food stores generate foot traffic and incentivize further real state investment such as restaurants, banks, and pharmacies. By creating smaller grocery stores, the necessary initial investment is smaller, making it easier to perform.
Increasing the number of small grocery stores might not be as far-fetched as we think. Various states possess relatively older walkable communities (State programs such as the New Jersey Transit Village Initiative already take advantage of this characteristic) — making them prime locations for smaller supermarkets.
But even then the general trend might surprise us. Food stores across the nation are not as far away as we think. According to an article from the Economic Research Service of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), “in 2015, the median distance to the nearest food store for the overall U.S. population was 0.9 miles.” In other words, half of the American population lives within a 15-minute walk from a grocery store. Yet despite this seemingly short distance, 88 percent of American households drive to the grocery store.
It is clear that external factors such as convenience and preference play a big factor, but even people who do not drive are affected by this, and choose to walk/bike to places farther than their closest food store to access certain products. The answer, like many other things, is our built environment. Yeah, it is a 15-minute walk, but is it a pleasant walk? Are cars driving at slow speed near you? Is the environment visually attractive? Do you have sidewalks? Or shade in the summer? In many American suburbs, the answer is no. Car dependency means pedestrians are not the priority. In comparison, a 15-minute walk in a dense, vibrant community where pedestrian infrastructure and attractive urban design are in place feels very different. Changing how a walk feels, and how safe it is, can make the whole difference.
Toward a new paradigmWhile Americans have become accustomed to big box grocery stores and their convenience, they come at societal costs. Hurting small businesses, promoting car dependency, and creating inequity are only a few of the consequences of the current grocery store paradigm. Trends show that staple big box giants have slowly started to embrace smaller stores, and the vast success of existent small grocery stores across the nation could serve as a call to shift to a new model. Additionally, smaller stores are less invasive to neighborhoods, making them a friendlier face to the communities they serve. If positioned correctly, they could even serve as an economic anchor for struggling communities.
To support this effort we need to support the abolition of outdated parking minimums (which can decrease the total footprint of the store and make it easier to re-purpose older buildings). Laws like Euclidean zoning restrict the development of small grocery stores — and many other businesses —in places where they could thrive. Change may come slowly, but it can start small — one Trader Joe’s at a time.
Category Architecture Community / Economic Development Land Use Urban Development Tags 10 minutesHow Smaller Supermarkets Could Transform American Communities - Planetizen
Ah, the American big-box grocery store. Conveniently large enough to stock everything your mind (or stomach) could desire, with an equally impressive, massive parking lot — often even larger than the store itself. Isn’t that a beautiful view? The culmination of decades of experimentation in grocery store design can be found at your local Walmart. Even if you don’t live in the United States or Canada, you might have seen them in movies. Everything is big in America, and that includes its supermarkets. Today, our colossal supermarkets might feel normal. But behind those tall ceilings, oversized halls, and massive parking lots lie some concerning issues.
Well, how did we get here?Our supermarkets were not always like this. In 1916, in Memphis, Clarence Saunders invented the first modern supermarket, Piggly Wiggly, changing the lives of Americans forever. Never before have Americans been able to buy all they wanted in the same place. If you wanted a steak, you had to go to the butcher; if you wanted a cake you went to the baker; now you could get it all in the same place. Of course, supermarkets back then did not look like they do today. They did not have acres of parking and the store footprint was smaller.
Back in the 1930s, the average square footage of a downtown supermarket was 8,000 square feet. Now, according to data provided by the Food Industry Association, the total size of a supermarket has increased to an average of 48,754 square feet — a sixfold increase. Naturally, urban sprawl and car dependency are to blame, and while the reasons for our car-centric culture are complex and beyond the scope of this article, their impact on the evolution of supermarkets is undeniable. No matter the reasons we have our current reality, one where most Americans drive to oversized big box supermarkets that perpetuate our paved paradise.
We need to rethink how we use space. But why are we here in the first place? The status quo is due in part to off-street parking minimums, construction requirements all projects must follow that dictate how many parking spots are required for the business type. These mandates often create an oversupply of — often free — parking, incentivizing the use of motor vehicles and making it easy to drive everywhere at the expense of pedestrians and people using public transit.
The high cost of big box storesParking not only takes up lots of land, but it is expensive as well. Have you ever considered how much a parking space costs? Maybe $2,000, or $5,000? Try $24,000. According to a study published in the Magazine of the American Planning Association “in 2015 the average construction cost (excluding land cost) for parking structures was about $24,000 per space for aboveground parking;” this translates to approximately $32,000 in 2024 dollars. This is an obscene amount of money; as the study notes, it is equal to or more than the total net worth of hundreds of thousands of individuals across the country. This presents a bigger question: how do businesses then pay for the parking? Well, by passing on the cost to consumers, of course! In another article published in The Washington Post by UCLA urban planning professor, Donald Shoup, (author of the bible of parking The High Cost of Free Parking), he mentions how parking requirements seem to lower the cost of driving, but in reality the cost is just transferred to everything else. Supermarkets raise the price of groceries for everyone, regardless of your mode choice. Shoup notes, “People who are too poor to own a car pay more for their groceries to ensure that richer people can park free when they drive to the store,” This creates serious equity concerns, as the cost burden of parking disproportionately impacts those who can least afford it.
Downstream effectsIf being an eyesore to the urban landscape and one of the main contributors to urban sprawl is not enough, big box stores keep hurting the communities they land in in other ways. For instance, the rapid expansion of big box stores has been linked to the decline of small businesses. According to a 2008 paper from the Department of Economics at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), the rapid expansion of Walmart during the last decades of the 20th century, “explains about 40–50% of the net change in the number of small discount stores.” The presence of Walmart Supercenters may also have health implications for the communities they serve. According to a study published in the Journal of Urban Economics, the proliferation of Walmart Supercenters is correlated with a 10.5 percent rise in obesity since the late 1980s. This is not surprising, as the effects of the built environment on our physical and mental health have been widely studied.
Do not get me wrong, I am not saying it is all bad things. After all, big box stores do bring certain conveniences and price savings to many shoppers. Who doesn’t need to buy oversized boxes of protein granola bars from time to time? Nevertheless, years of experimentation have proved that the model is not without flaws that affect communities in ways that can’t be ignored.
Alternative modelsWill the famous American big box store remain king forever? The latest trends seem to show a different future in American retailing. According to a recent article published in CBNC news, big box stores seem to be shrinking, Stores such as “Target, Macy’s, and Nordstrom have all added smaller square-foot locations in recent years,” and even superstore giant Walmart, has entered into the small-shop game a decade ago by developing a smaller version of its megastore called “Walmart Express.” Some people might ask, how do we know Americans even like smaller supermarkets anymore? Grocery stores are big for a reason. However, two very successful modestly sized supermarket chains already exist in the United States: Trader Joe's and Aldi.
We have all heard about Trader Joe’s, and if you know something about it, you know it is nothing like your local Walmart. With an average size of 15,000 square feet, you can find them in urban neighborhoods and even outside of high-density areas, they remain small. It is no secret that the store has been widely successful, and while its small size is not the only factor, its devoted following demonstrates that Americans still like the model of smaller grocers such as Trader Joe's. The grocery brand has thrived so much on the small store model that they have even come forward and said that they do not plan on opening bigger stores any time soon.
Another interesting example of an alternative supermarket model is Aldi. Despite having a business approach that is different from Trader Joe’s (whichwants to make you feel you are buying fancy farmers’ market food), Aldi does not care about glamour. Its stores feature no fancy displays and products famously stay on the boxes they came from. All this makes Aldi a rather frugal shopping experience. But just like Trader Joe's, Aldi presents a modestly size supermarket making it more welcoming to communities. Its shop size typically ranges from 17,825 to 18,000 square feet. With more than 2000 shops nationwide, Aldi — with the help of its cheap products and mid-sized shops — has repeatedly been the fastest-growing store in the last couple of years.
Both supermarkets, while different in their respects, represent a strong model for smaller supermarkets and their success around the nation.
A slew of community benefitsAdditionally, smaller supermarkets could incentivize more communities to accept investments in grocery stores as they are less invasive and can avoid the hassles of big-box logistics. At the same time, having smaller parking lots will reduce the indirect cost passed on to consumers (though, for a definitive solution for this, parking minimums need to be abolished) and put stores closer to where Americans live, making buying food more convenient and reducing the distance consumers have to transport themselves to it. Some Americans might now choose to walk or bike to the store, or even just drive less. This will create less traffic, and reduce vehicle miles traveled and the amount of impermeable surfaces such as parking lots.
While these smaller grocers don’t have many issues positioning themselves in American communities, cities could do more to encourage these opportunities. For instance, other shops such as Walgreens have been closing stores around the nation recently, announcing that they plan to shut down 1,200 stores. These are great spaces,as businesses such as Walgreens are already well positioned across the nation and have an average store size of about 14,500 square feet — pretty similar to the average of Trader Joe's. In my opinion, these are prime real state locations for future small grocers.
Focusing on the urban form of grocery stores is not only important because it shapes the communities we live in, but because it provides one of our most basic needs — food. When talking about nearby amenities where they want to live, people usually have transportation and food accessibility in mind. Smaller grocery stores can even serve as anchor businesses for communities. According to a report prepared by national research and action institute Policy Link and the non-profit organization The Food Trust, “New and improved healthy food retail in underserved communities creates jobs and helps to revitalize low-income neighborhoods.” This makes sense: vibrant food stores generate foot traffic and incentivize further real state investment such as restaurants, banks, and pharmacies. By creating smaller grocery stores, the necessary initial investment is smaller, making it easier to perform.
Increasing the number of small grocery stores might not be as far-fetched as we think. Various states possess relatively older walkable communities (State programs such as the New Jersey Transit Village Initiative already take advantage of this characteristic) — making them prime locations for smaller supermarkets.
But even then the general trend might surprise us. Food stores across the nation are not as far away as we think. According to an article from the Economic Research Service of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), “in 2015, the median distance to the nearest food store for the overall U.S. population was 0.9 miles.” In other words, half of the American population lives within a 15-minute walk from a grocery store. Yet despite this seemingly short distance, 88 percent of American households drive to the grocery store.
It is clear that external factors such as convenience and preference play a big factor, but even people who do not drive are affected by this, and choose to walk/bike to places farther than their closest food store to access certain products. The answer, like many other things, is our built environment. Yeah, it is a 15-minute walk, but is it a pleasant walk? Are cars driving at slow speed near you? Is the environment visually attractive? Do you have sidewalks? Or shade in the summer? In many American suburbs, the answer is no. Car dependency means pedestrians are not the priority. In comparison, a 15-minute walk in a dense, vibrant community where pedestrian infrastructure and attractive urban design are in place feels very different. Changing how a walk feels, and how safe it is, can make the whole difference.
Toward a new paradigmWhile Americans have become accustomed to big box grocery stores and their convenience, they come at societal costs. Hurting small businesses, promoting car dependency, and creating inequity are only a few of the consequences of the current grocery store paradigm. Trends show that staple big box giants have slowly started to embrace smaller stores, and the vast success of existent small grocery stores across the nation could serve as a call to shift to a new model. Additionally, smaller stores are less invasive to neighborhoods, making them a friendlier face to the communities they serve. If positioned correctly, they could even serve as an economic anchor for struggling communities.
To support this effort we need to support the abolition of outdated parking minimums (which can decrease the total footprint of the store and make it easier to re-purpose older buildings). Laws like Euclidean zoning restrict the development of small grocery stores — and many other businesses —in places where they could thrive. Change may come slowly, but it can start small — one Trader Joe’s at a time.
Category Architecture Community / Economic Development Land Use Urban Development Tags 10 minutesApple Discounts Products in China Amid Fierce Competition - MacRumors
Between January 4 and January 7, Apple will provide discounts of up to 500 yuan (approximately $68) on the iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max models through its website and Apple Stores in mainland China. The iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus models will be discounted by 400 yuan, while iPhone 14 and iPhone 15 models will receive markdowns of up to 300 yuan. Other products, including the MacBook Air, iPad, Apple Watch, AirPods, and Apple Pencil, will also see price reductions, with the MacBook Air eligible for a discount of up to 800 yuan. The promotional items are available in limited quantities, with only 29,300 iPhones included in the sale. The promotion is tied to specific payment methods, such as WeChat Pay and Alipay.
Apple rarely offers direct discounts on its latest products, particularly its flagship iPhone models. Such promotions are usually handled by third-party retailers in China, especially during major shopping events like Singles Day, when platforms like Alibaba's Tmall and Pinduoduo slash prices to drive sales. For instance, during the last Singles Day shopping festival in November, iPhone 16 models were discounted by as much as 1,600 yuan on Tmall. The timing of the latest promotion comes as Apple faces heightened competition from Huawei and other Chinese brands, although the company did offer a similar promotion last year.Tag: China
This article, "Apple Discounts Products in China Amid Fierce Competition" first appeared on MacRumors.com
Discuss this article in our forums
Apple Discounts Products in China Amid Fierce Competition - MacRumors
Between January 4 and January 7, Apple will provide discounts of up to 500 yuan (approximately $68) on the iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max models through its website and Apple Stores in mainland China. The iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus models will be discounted by 400 yuan, while iPhone 14 and iPhone 15 models will receive markdowns of up to 300 yuan. Other products, including the MacBook Air, iPad, Apple Watch, AirPods, and Apple Pencil, will also see price reductions, with the MacBook Air eligible for a discount of up to 800 yuan. The promotional items are available in limited quantities, with only 29,300 iPhones included in the sale. The promotion is tied to specific payment methods, such as WeChat Pay and Alipay.
Apple rarely offers direct discounts on its latest products, particularly its flagship iPhone models. Such promotions are usually handled by third-party retailers in China, especially during major shopping events like Singles Day, when platforms like Alibaba's Tmall and Pinduoduo slash prices to drive sales. For instance, during the last Singles Day shopping festival in November, iPhone 16 models were discounted by as much as 1,600 yuan on Tmall. The timing of the latest promotion comes as Apple faces heightened competition from Huawei and other Chinese brands, although the company did offer a similar promotion last year.Tag: China
This article, "Apple Discounts Products in China Amid Fierce Competition" first appeared on MacRumors.com
Discuss this article in our forums
Apple Plans to Expand iPhone Driver's Licenses to These 7 U.S. States - MacRumors
Below, we outline which U.S. states and territories offer the feature, and additional states that have committed to rolling it out in the future. 2025 just began, and many of the states listed below will likely roll out the feature throughout the year.
Supported States
- Arizona (since March 2022)
- Maryland (since May 2022)
- Colorado (since November 2022)
- Georgia (since May 2023)
- Ohio (since July 2024)
- Hawaii (since August 2024)
- California (since September 2024)
- Iowa (since October 2024)
- New Mexico (since December 2024)
Future States
Apple said the following states have "signed on" to adopt the feature in the future:
- Montana
- West Virginia
- Connecticut
- Kentucky
- Mississippi
- Oklahoma
- Utah
Participating Airports
Apple Wallet app IDs can be used at select TSA checkpoints within select U.S. airports:
- Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI)
- Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA)
- Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX)
- Denver International Airport (DEN)
- Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)
- Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky Airport (CVG)
- John Glenn Columbus International Airport (CMH)
- San Francisco International Airport (SFO)
- San Jose Mineta International Airport (SJC)
- Los Angeles International (LAX)
- Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL)
- Des Moines International Airport (DSM)
- Eastern Iowa Airport (CID)
- Albuquerque International Sunport (ABQ)
- Lea County Regional Airport (HOB)
- Luis Munoz Marin International Airport (SJU)
In addition to participating TSA checkpoints, Apple in September announced that users would soon be able to present an Apple Wallet ID for CLEAR member enrollment at airports. Apple Wallet IDs can also be used to show proof of age or identity at select businesses and venues in the U.S., although Apple does not maintain a list of specific locations for this.Tag: Apple Wallet
This article, "Apple Plans to Expand iPhone Driver's Licenses to These 7 U.S. States" first appeared on MacRumors.com
Discuss this article in our forums
Apple Plans to Expand iPhone Driver's Licenses to These 7 U.S. States - MacRumors
Below, we outline which U.S. states and territories offer the feature, and additional states that have committed to rolling it out in the future. 2025 just began, and many of the states listed below will likely roll out the feature throughout the year.
Supported States
- Arizona (since March 2022)
- Maryland (since May 2022)
- Colorado (since November 2022)
- Georgia (since May 2023)
- Ohio (since July 2024)
- Hawaii (since August 2024)
- California (since September 2024)
- Iowa (since October 2024)
- New Mexico (since December 2024)
Future States
Apple said the following states have "signed on" to adopt the feature in the future:
- Montana
- West Virginia
- Connecticut
- Kentucky
- Mississippi
- Oklahoma
- Utah
Participating Airports
Apple Wallet app IDs can be used at select TSA checkpoints within select U.S. airports:
- Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI)
- Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA)
- Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX)
- Denver International Airport (DEN)
- Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)
- Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky Airport (CVG)
- John Glenn Columbus International Airport (CMH)
- San Francisco International Airport (SFO)
- San Jose Mineta International Airport (SJC)
- Los Angeles International (LAX)
- Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL)
- Des Moines International Airport (DSM)
- Eastern Iowa Airport (CID)
- Albuquerque International Sunport (ABQ)
- Lea County Regional Airport (HOB)
- Luis Munoz Marin International Airport (SJU)
In addition to participating TSA checkpoints, Apple in September announced that users would soon be able to present an Apple Wallet ID for CLEAR member enrollment at airports. Apple Wallet IDs can also be used to show proof of age or identity at select businesses and venues in the U.S., although Apple does not maintain a list of specific locations for this.Tag: Apple Wallet
This article, "Apple Plans to Expand iPhone Driver's Licenses to These 7 U.S. States" first appeared on MacRumors.com
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New MacBook Air Models Coming Soon With These Rumored Features - MacRumors
Below, we recap rumors about the next MacBook Air models.
New Features
Expected
The new MacBook Air models are expected to be equipped with Apple's already-released M4 chip, which has a 10-core CPU and a 10-core GPU.
Apple already updated the MacBook Pro, iMac, and Mac mini with M4 chips a few months ago. Geekbench 6 results showed that the M4 chip is up to 25% faster than the M3 chip in terms of multi-core CPU performance, while the chip's power efficiency improvements should contribute to the MacBook Air getting longer battery life.
Apple recently increased the minimum RAM included in all MacBook Air models from 8GB to 16GB, so expect 16GB of RAM for base 2025 configurations.
Apple last redesigned the MacBook Air in 2022. No major external design changes have been rumored for the next MacBook Air models.
Likely
Following in the footsteps of the MacBook Pro, the next MacBook Air models will likely have an upgraded 12-megapixel camera with support for Center Stage, a feature that automatically keeps you centered on video as you move around. The camera will likely also support Desk View, which shows an overhead view of your desk.
Center Stage is available in video calling apps like FaceTime and Zoom. The feature was previously limited to newer iPad models and Macs connected to Apple's external Studio Display. The new MacBook Pro and iMac models were the first Macs to support Center Stage without needing to rely on a Studio Display.
The new MacBook Air models will likely be equipped with three Thunderbolt 4 ports, whereas the current models have two Thunderbolt 3 ports. The new models will likely support up to two external displays, even when the lid is open.
Possible
The latest MacBook Pro and iMac models can be configured with a nano-texture display, which has a special coating that better scatters light to further minimize glare on the screen. It is possible that Apple will extend this option to the new MacBook Air models, unless it opts to keep the option exclusive to the MacBook Pro among its laptops.
Timing
Last month, Apple released macOS Sequoia 15.2, and in doing so it accidentally confirmed new MacBook Air models are coming this year.
Bloomberg's Mark Gurman recently said the new MacBook Air models will be announced "earlier" than some other devices rumored to launch this spring, such as a new iPhone SE. This likely means the new MacBook Air models will be announced in a press release on the Apple Newsroom website at some point from January through March, whereas the other devices might be announced at Apple's usual spring event in March or April. Apple would be getting the minor MacBook Air update out of the way early.Related Roundup: MacBook AirBuyer's Guide: 15" MacBook Air (Neutral), 13" MacBook Air (Caution)Related Forum: MacBook Air
This article, "New MacBook Air Models Coming Soon With These Rumored Features" first appeared on MacRumors.com
Discuss this article in our forums
New MacBook Air Models Coming Soon With These Rumored Features - MacRumors
Below, we recap rumors about the next MacBook Air models.
New Features
Expected
The new MacBook Air models are expected to be equipped with Apple's already-released M4 chip, which has a 10-core CPU and a 10-core GPU.
Apple already updated the MacBook Pro, iMac, and Mac mini with M4 chips a few months ago. Geekbench 6 results showed that the M4 chip is up to 25% faster than the M3 chip in terms of multi-core CPU performance, while the chip's power efficiency improvements should contribute to the MacBook Air getting longer battery life.
Apple recently increased the minimum RAM included in all MacBook Air models from 8GB to 16GB, so expect 16GB of RAM for base 2025 configurations.
Apple last redesigned the MacBook Air in 2022. No major external design changes have been rumored for the next MacBook Air models.
Likely
Following in the footsteps of the MacBook Pro, the next MacBook Air models will likely have an upgraded 12-megapixel camera with support for Center Stage, a feature that automatically keeps you centered on video as you move around. The camera will likely also support Desk View, which shows an overhead view of your desk.
Center Stage is available in video calling apps like FaceTime and Zoom. The feature was previously limited to newer iPad models and Macs connected to Apple's external Studio Display. The new MacBook Pro and iMac models were the first Macs to support Center Stage without needing to rely on a Studio Display.
The new MacBook Air models will likely be equipped with three Thunderbolt 4 ports, whereas the current models have two Thunderbolt 3 ports. The new models will likely support up to two external displays, even when the lid is open.
Possible
The latest MacBook Pro and iMac models can be configured with a nano-texture display, which has a special coating that better scatters light to further minimize glare on the screen. It is possible that Apple will extend this option to the new MacBook Air models, unless it opts to keep the option exclusive to the MacBook Pro among its laptops.
Timing
Last month, Apple released macOS Sequoia 15.2, and in doing so it accidentally confirmed new MacBook Air models are coming this year.
Bloomberg's Mark Gurman recently said the new MacBook Air models will be announced "earlier" than some other devices rumored to launch this spring, such as a new iPhone SE. This likely means the new MacBook Air models will be announced in a press release on the Apple Newsroom website at some point from January through March, whereas the other devices might be announced at Apple's usual spring event in March or April. Apple would be getting the minor MacBook Air update out of the way early.Related Roundup: MacBook AirBuyer's Guide: 15" MacBook Air (Neutral), 13" MacBook Air (Caution)Related Forum: MacBook Air
This article, "New MacBook Air Models Coming Soon With These Rumored Features" first appeared on MacRumors.com
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Everything you can do with Microsoft’s Copilot AI assistant on Windows - Popular Science
It’s impossible to ignore the rapid rise in the capabilities of artificial intelligence tools in recent months. Microsoft hasn’t been shy in stuffing Windows full of AI features: Windows computers now come with a dedicated key for launching Copilot, Microsoft’s AI assistant, which has been integrated into the operating system.
We’ll guide you through everything you can use Copilot for on your Windows laptop or desktop, and how you can get it up and running. We’ll also explain the difference between Copilot and a Copilot+ PC, which is a label you might have spotted if you’ve been shopping for a Windows computer lately.
Copilot on WindowsWhen it comes to the Copilot assistant inside Windows, it’s very similar to the Copilot app on the web. You can jump between the web app and the app in Windows, using the same Microsoft account, and carry on where you left off. Your chat history should also be synced between Windows and the web.
There are a number of ways to launch Copilot on Windows. You can launch it from the Start menu like any other program: Just search for it or find it in the main apps list. You might also find WIndows has pinned it to the taskbar. Copilot can also be launched by pressing the Copilot key on your keyboard (two curved rectangles next to each other), if you’ve got a newer PC with the key included.
Copilot gives you some ideas for getting started. Screenshot: MicrosoftOnce you’re into Copilot, you can sign in with your Microsoft account, and start chatting. You’ll see some suggestions for conversation topics: daily news, motivation or meditation tricks, or prompts for a short story, as examples. Just type in the Message Copilot box to get started, or click the microphone icon to the right, if you’d rather talk instead. Bear in mind that your chats are still saved when you quit the app and open it up again (click the clock icon to see your chat history).
You can ask Copilot questions (like how DNA works or when Brazil became a country), get it to generate text for everything from emails to poems, and use it for advice too—with the usual caveats about AI hallucinations. It’s always worth double-checking what AI tells you, though you will notice that for some answers you’ll get references back to the web, so you can verify the accuracy of the information.
Copilot can work with images as well. Screenshot: MicrosoftCopilot can be useful in the same way that AI chatbots like ChatGPT and Gemini can be. You can ask about how to boost your confidence, for example, or how to do something on Windows, or how to best wrap an oddly shaped present. Click the + (plus) button to the left of the input box, and you can start a new chat or upload an image to use with Copilot. You can ask about the contents of an image, or use them as prompts (so something like “give me a recipe with this ingredient”).
You’re also able to create your own AI art with Copilot—just ask it to draw something or create an image of something. As with other similar AI tools, the more specific you are about what you want to see and its style, the more likely you are to get something close to what you wanted. Each image comes with a download button next to it (the downward arrow), so you can save it somewhere else.
Using Copilot+ PCsYou may have noticed you can now buy Windows laptops that are classed as Copilot+ PCs too. Rather confusingly, these don’t have a different version of Copilot installed, but they do have a specific bit of hardware inside: A neural processing unit (NPU), which means more AI processing can be done faster on the actual device, without having to transfer data to and from the cloud.
You can get Copilot on Windows 11 whether or not you have a Copilot+ PC in front of you, and you’ll be able to access all of the features mentioned above. There are some extra features that a Copilot+ PC gives you, including Windows Studio Effects, which lets you add AI-powered visual enhancements to your video calls.
Use AI to enhance your Paint pictures. Screenshot: MicrosoftAnother additional feature is something called Cocreator in Paint. Load up the application, use a text prompt to describe what you’d like a picture of, and then start drawing: The Cocreator AI will soup up your scribblings so they enhance what you’ve already done. Just click Cocreator in the toolbar at the top to get started.
Then there’s Windows Recall, though this is only in testing for early adopters at the moment. It takes snapshots over time of what you’re doing on your PC—snapshots that are kept local and encrypted—and then lets you search back through them to find a file, webpage, idea, or whatever else. It makes it easier to get back to something you’ve previously been working on.
Recall helps you go back in time on your PC. Screenshot: MicrosoftIf you’re part of the Windows Insider program, Recall is available as a preinstalled app. Once it’s up and running, you can load it from the Start menu or taskbar, and see a timeline of screenshots going back from the current point. You can browse these images manually, or search for something specific (so searching for “Popular Science,” for example, would bring up all the times you were looking at the Popular Science website).
Copilot+ PCs also give you Automatic Super Resolution, which can tweak screen resolution during gaming to improve quality, and Live Translate, which translates any audio on your computer in real time. There’s also a Cocreator-like tool in Photos, that lets you reimagine existing images in different styles or with different elements.
The post Everything you can do with Microsoft’s Copilot AI assistant on Windows appeared first on Popular Science.
NYC E-Scooter Program Threatened Despite High Ridership - Planetizen
Despite the massive popularity of an e-scooter rental program in Queens, New York, city officials are pushing to end the program, writes Gersh Kuntzman in Streetsblog NYC.
“According to Lime, one of three companies operating scooters in eastern Queens, 32,000 customers took nearly 330,000 trips between the June launch and mid-December. And Bird, its competitor, told Streetsblog that its 12,544 unique riders took 132,930 scooter trips, averaging about one mile per trip.” Lime says it provided 1.8 million rides in 2024, while Bird provided oer half a million rides in Queens and the Bronx. And with such a high percentage of trips starting or ending near transit stops, it’s clear that the e-scooter network is becoming a key first-mile/last-mile connectivity tool for residents.
Yet city officials are citing vague “constituent concerns” and “safety hazards” as reasons to eliminate the program. In a statement, a borough council spokesperson wrote, “Since the program’s inception, there have been e-scooters recklessly left on sidewalks and in front of homes, driveways, small businesses, senior centers, places of worship, and other community institutions in Southeast Queens.”
Geography New York Category Technology Transportation Tags Publication StreetsBlog NYC Publication Date Tue, 12/31/2024 - 12:00 Publication Links Scooter Use is Soaring From Bronx to Queens: Report 1 minuteNYC E-Scooter Program Threatened Despite High Ridership - Planetizen
Despite the massive popularity of an e-scooter rental program in Queens, New York, city officials are pushing to end the program, writes Gersh Kuntzman in Streetsblog NYC.
“According to Lime, one of three companies operating scooters in eastern Queens, 32,000 customers took nearly 330,000 trips between the June launch and mid-December. And Bird, its competitor, told Streetsblog that its 12,544 unique riders took 132,930 scooter trips, averaging about one mile per trip.” Lime says it provided 1.8 million rides in 2024, while Bird provided oer half a million rides in Queens and the Bronx. And with such a high percentage of trips starting or ending near transit stops, it’s clear that the e-scooter network is becoming a key first-mile/last-mile connectivity tool for residents.
Yet city officials are citing vague “constituent concerns” and “safety hazards” as reasons to eliminate the program. In a statement, a borough council spokesperson wrote, “Since the program’s inception, there have been e-scooters recklessly left on sidewalks and in front of homes, driveways, small businesses, senior centers, places of worship, and other community institutions in Southeast Queens.”
Geography New York Category Technology Transportation Tags Publication StreetsBlog NYC Publication Date Tue, 12/31/2024 - 12:00 Publication Links Scooter Use is Soaring From Bronx to Queens: Report 1 minuteYour inner child wants you to buy this retro game console - Popular Science
If you’re dreading the long winter nights, the Kinhank Super Console X2 Pro is here to save the season—and your sanity. With over 70,000 pre-loaded retro games, this gaming emulator console brings back the joy of childhood classics while offering all the modern conveniences you’d expect today.
From Pac-Man and Sonic to Dark Souls and Rocket League, you’ll find titles spanning generations and genres. The best part? It all runs smoothly thanks to the powerful S905X2 chip and the Mali-G31MP2 GPU, delivering stunning 4K UHD visuals for a truly immersive experience.
This isn’t just any retro gaming box—it’s a two-in-one powerhouse. Powered by dual systems, Android 9.0 for streaming and apps, and EmuELEC 4.5 for gaming, the Super Console X2 gives you versatility at your fingertips. Switch effortlessly from binging your favorite streaming apps to playing 8-bit classics or even downloading free 3D games for endless adventures.
Connectivity? It’s got you covered. With dual-band Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.0, and plug-and-play functionality, this console works seamlessly with your TV, computer, projector, or laptop. Plus, it supports multiplayer gaming, so you can challenge friends and family to see who still dominates Street Fighter II or Mario Kart.
At just $99.99, this compact console packs massive entertainment value into one sleek device. Whether you’re revisiting retro favorites, discovering new 3D hits, or streaming shows, it’s the perfect companion for those chilly months indoors. Invite some friends over and make a retro game night out of it.
Turn your winter hibernation into a retro gaming marathon with this retro gaming and streaming console.
Get the Kinhank Super Console X2 Pro with two controllers, a 256GB game card, a 4GB TF card, and a remote for just $99.99 (reg. $159).
StackSocial prices subject to change.
Kinhank Super Console X2 Pro Retro Gaming Emulator & Streaming Console – $99.99
The post Your inner child wants you to buy this retro game console appeared first on Popular Science.
You might forget all about cloud storage when you switch to this dual USB drive in 2025 - Popular Science
When your phone screen starts flashing the low-storage notifications a little more than usual, your first instinct is probably to grab some cloud storage. It’s the easiest option, right? Sure, but do you really want to pay a recurring fee for extra space? We definitely don’t, which is why it might be time to switch back to a thumb drive.
No, it’s not the thumb drive you had in middle school. This one is a dual USB drive with USB-A and USB-C ends for double compatibility, comes with 1TB of storage, and has super-quick transfer speeds. And unlike your usual cloud storage options, you’ll never have to pay a recurring fee again once you order your flash drive for only $69.97 (reg. $109).
Cloud storage, who? There’s a new thumb drive in townYour life is already overrun with subscriptions for everything from Netflix to your Equinox membership, so why would you want to pay yet another subscription for your cloud storage, too?
Imagine starting 2025 with one less subscription and actually owning your storage by investing in this thumb drive—you could save upwards of $10 a month for the same amount of space this one offers! This baby has an impressive 1TB capacity, so check out what you could store: about 250,000 photos, 2,500 hours of video, or 2 million documents, depending on their size.
So, 1TB might seem a little excessive, but consider this: it might just last you forever, or at least for the near future. And since this high-speed flash drive has a 30Mbps transfer speed, you won’t have to wait hours to move your files and photos. Transferring Word documents, a vacation photo album, and even a 1GB video could take less than 30 seconds.
Say goodbye to cloud storage fees in the new year with your new favorite storage solution.
Grab this USB-A and USB-C 1TB flash drive for just $69.97 while supplies still last or before the price goes back up on Dec. 12 at 11:59 p.m. PT!
StackSocial prices subject to change.
Dual USB-C + USB-A 3.2 High Speed Flash Drive (1TB)
Only $69.97 at Popular Science
The post You might forget all about cloud storage when you switch to this dual USB drive in 2025 appeared first on Popular Science.
iPhone 15, su eBay continua il risparmio grazie ad un codice sconto - TheAppleLounge
iPhone 15, su eBay continua il risparmio grazie ad un codice sconto - TheAppleLounge
The Interactive Climate Atlas - Google Maps Mania
The Interactive Climate Atlas - Google Maps Mania
L’uso di nuvole di punti 3D, nuovi spunti in agricoltura - GEOmedia News
Ormai l’uso delle nuvole di punti 3D rientra nella normale prassi di quanto riteniamo sia l’essenza della acquisizione digitale della realtà.
Ma quello che conta del supporto digitale che otteniamo è il suo possibile uso successivo che potrebbe, a seconda dei casi, richiedere ulteriori e costosi effort per arrivare a produrre gli elaborati e i modelli utili alle varie attività a cui sono indirizzati, sempre ammesso che i dati acquisiti siano sufficienti.
In ambiti come l'architettura e l'ingegneria edile, l'uso delle nuvole di punti ha cambiato il modo di analizzare le opere. Spesso l'attenzione si sposta dai punti che caratterizzano l'essenza morfologica o strutturale dell'opera a punti marginali o irrilevanti. Nei nuovi approcci di rilevamento e restituzione, il focus su somiglianze visive, sulla creazione di rappresentazioni digitali automatiche e sulle procedure per ottenerle rischia di diventare l'unico parametro tenuto in considerazione, a discapito di altri aspetti fondamentali.
Un simile approccio può produrre risultati diversi invece per l’uso in agricoltura ove le acquisizioni digitali con nuvole di punti 3D non
...Overture Maps Foundation e la cartografia delle infrastrutture per i trasporti - GEOmedia News
Il modello di OpenStreetMap (OSM), basato su una mappatura collaborativa guidata dalla comunità, promuove la partecipazione collettiva, ma presenta alcune criticità.
Il problema si manifesta in tutta la sua criticità se pensiamo alle infrastrutture che valicano i confini dei vari paesi come le infrastrutture dei trasporti dove spesso gli ID vengono variati e danno origine alla duplicazione di dati, con ciò complicando il riferimento preciso a sezioni specifiche della rete. La Overture Maps Foundation, che si propone di rivoluzionare il settore della cartografia introducendo una mappa aperta, facile da usare e interoperabile, sta tentando di unificare tutti i set di dati aperti in una singola mappa suddivisa in cinque categorie principali: Base, Aree amministrative, Edifici, Luoghi e Trasporti.
Mentre OpenStreetMap (OSM) si concentra sulla creazione di un ambiente di mappatura incentrato sulla comunità, semplificando il processo di modifica delle mappe, Overture adotta un approccio differente. Il suo obiettivo principale è soddisfare le esigenze specifiche degli sviluppatori, migliorando la qualità complessiva dei dati delle mappe e garantendo
...iPhone SE 4, Apple pensa a cambiare nome con iPhone 16E? - TheAppleLounge
iPhone SE 4, Apple pensa a cambiare nome con iPhone 16E? - TheAppleLounge
01 Gen 2025
Inside the company ripping apart classic Porsche 911s to restore them with impeccable detail - Popular Science
According to legend, Singer Vehicle Design founder and executive chairman Rob Dickinson was a young boy the first time his dad pointed out a Porsche 911. He was instantly smitten. Dickinson turned that passion into a multi-million dollar business, reimagining classic Porsche models with his own twist.
To be perfectly clear, Singer is not sponsored, approved, endorsed by, or in any way associated or affiliated with Porsche. Customers bring their own 911 to the Singer shop—not just any old 911, but an air-cooled 964 version model from 1989-1994—for a complete makeover. The cars are completely disassembled and modified around the original chassis with a process driven by Singer’s obsessive attention to detail.
Painted Carbon Fiber Bodywork. Modified 3.8 Litre Twin Turbo Mezger Engine. Every Porsche 911 reimagined by Singer takes about 10 months to restore once the specification process is complete and the handwork begins. Images: Jackson Cockrell, Singer Vehicle DesignEvery piece, every bolt, every single tiny thing is evaluated and lovingly recrafted. Dickinson started Singer to recreate the classic 911 with modern science while keeping the essence of the car and making it better.
“I scrawled ‘Everything is important’ on a wall 10 years ago,” Dickinson says. “It all needs to be addressed with the same amount of excessiveness. This is part of what our clients love–that it’s bonkers. It’s the most important sports car in the world, which is why I chose the 911 to be the lens through which the Singer brand operates.”
For all of its engineering advancements and technology, here’s the surprise: At the end of the day, the car is analog. That means no touchscreens and no self-driving coding. It’s faithful to the era, and intensely focused on crafting a perfect vehicle, not a cyborg imitation.
Recreating a cultural German iconNamed partially after Norbert Singer, who began his career as a racing engineer in the development department of Porsche in 1970, the Singer Group now employs upwards of 600 staff in California and the UK. The 300th Porsche 911 reimagined through Singer’s Classic restoration services department was completed in February 2024, with unrelenting demand that has no end in sight.
“Whether you love the Porsche 911 or not, it’s a culturally important icon with millions and millions of faithful fans,” Dickinson points out. “Perhaps wisely or unwisely, we put ourselves out there as suggesting that we take this spectacular icon of a car and reimagine it to be better than it was when it started. And a little bit more relevant for the modern world.”
A client collaborates with Singer, picking their menu items to create the car they want to create within the boundaries Singer sets. It may be equipped with a normally aspirated or turbocharged engine. It may include body work that evokes the early 911 F-Model first introduced in the early 1960s, or the later 911 G-Model, or even a specific Porsche racing car, all based on the 964.
Founded by Rob Dickinson, Singer Vehicle Design has a multi-year waiting list. Image: Jackson Cockrell, Singer Vehicle Design DREW PHILLIPSThese cars are not recreations or continuations; they’re not simply restored, either. To riff on a classic 1970s TV show, these Singer-rebuilt supercars are like the Six Million Dollar Man: They can rebuild it. They have the technology. They can make it better than it was. Better, stronger, faster. One Porsche 911 reimagined by Singer might not cost you six million dollars, but it will approach a million or more. And that’s because of Singer’s fixation on perfection.
From start to finish, a Singer project can take about 10 months once the process begins, and the company has a long line out the door, says Maz Fawaz, the company’s CEO. Customers approaching Singer today might get their car back in three years after it proceeds through the gauntlet of disassembly and reassembly, guided by a cadre of experts in their craft. On the engineering side, Fawaz says, there are a multitude of Singer employees with motorsports experience, including F1, who understand the material science.
Tearing apart a 911 to put it back together, better, stronger, and technically perfectThe first step–disassembly–happens off-site from Singer’s pristine Torrance, California shop floor. Mostly, because it’s extremely grimy work.
“Imagine bringing in a car from 1990,” Fawaz explains. “It’s old and generally very, very dirty. Typically, the donor cars are high mileage, not precious.”
A donor car is media blasted to remove the muck and the paint down to bare metal, then given a rust inhibitor coating before transport to the Singer site. Then the team repairs and bolsters the chassis, using seam welding, then they remove the body panels, replacing them with lighter, stronger carbon fiber panels. The car is effectively restyled and rebodied. Finally, it’s painted and gets a full “shakedown” to check for squeaks and rattles.
Using modern technology and classic restoration techniques, Singer completely disassembles classic 911 examples and modifies them. Images: Jackson Cockrell, Singer Vehicle DesignFrom a design perspective, the Singer shop is technologically advanced while blending analog methods. The team will both create a full-size clay model and use Autodesk Alias, which is the surfacing software used all over the world for car design. Singer uses modern milling techniques to mill from clay and build hard models before the baton is handed off to the engineers. The shop also displays artisanal skill in painting and surfacing the cars, wrapping the cars in leather. It runs the gamut from cutting-edge rapid prototyping and computer software to very old-fashioned ways of doing things. Whatever is needed to get the job done, Dickinson says.
“We start with a very specific 911, then deconstruct it and make the cars lighter, stiffer, and more beautiful than ever,” Fawaz says. “We use carbon fiber, aluminum, and titanium a lot, and we optimize the cast performance without resorting to expensive modeling.”
For all of its high-tech tools and materials, the Singer designers put these vehicles together more like a high-end watchmaker puts together a timepiece. “We treat the paint, leather, and trim the way we’d treat jewelry, not a car,” Dickinson says. “When we started, we built one or two cars per year. Now, we’re at the bleeding edge, proving that a restoration company can scale itself.”
Perfection takes time: A Singer restoration project can take 10 months. Image: Jackson Cockrell, Singer Vehicle Design DREW PHILLIPSThe post Inside the company ripping apart classic Porsche 911s to restore them with impeccable detail appeared first on Popular Science.
What Do You Want to See From Apple in 2025? - MacRumors
Early in the year, we're expecting to get the iPhone SE 4, a low-cost iPad, M4 MacBook Air models, and a new iPad Air, then later, we'll get a new smart home "Command Center," a whole new iPhone 17 lineup, new Apple Watch models, the Mac Pro and Mac Studio, plus a bunch more.
While we know what's likely to launch based on rumors and past release information, we want to hear from the MacRumors community. What are you hoping to see Apple release this year?
Are you looking forward to a new version of Siri? New iPhone features? A more cohesive smart home strategy? What do you want to see in iOS 19 and macOS 16?
Let us know your thoughts in the comments, and take a look at our What to Expect guide for an overview of the current rumors. We'll be hearing a lot more about Apple's 2025 plans in the coming months, and as always, we'll have in-depth coverage at MacRumors.com.
If you want to discuss Apple's upcoming products, our MacRumors forums are an excellent resource, plus they're a great place to get help on current Apple products, software, and just to find like-minded folks in the Apple community.
A big thank you to our readers and our forum members for continuing to make MacRumors the number one source for Apple news, rumors, and advice. MacRumors celebrated its 24th birthday this year, thanks to our dedicated supporters. We're looking forward to another year of rumors and product launches in 2025. Happy New Year!
This article, "What Do You Want to See From Apple in 2025?" first appeared on MacRumors.com
Discuss this article in our forums
What Do You Want to See From Apple in 2025? - MacRumors
Early in the year, we're expecting to get the iPhone SE 4, a low-cost iPad, M4 MacBook Air models, and a new iPad Air, then later, we'll get a new smart home "Command Center," a whole new iPhone 17 lineup, new Apple Watch models, the Mac Pro and Mac Studio, plus a bunch more.
While we know what's likely to launch based on rumors and past release information, we want to hear from the MacRumors community. What are you hoping to see Apple release this year?
Are you looking forward to a new version of Siri? New iPhone features? A more cohesive smart home strategy? What do you want to see in iOS 19 and macOS 16?
Let us know your thoughts in the comments, and take a look at our What to Expect guide for an overview of the current rumors. We'll be hearing a lot more about Apple's 2025 plans in the coming months, and as always, we'll have in-depth coverage at MacRumors.com.
If you want to discuss Apple's upcoming products, our MacRumors forums are an excellent resource, plus they're a great place to get help on current Apple products, software, and just to find like-minded folks in the Apple community.
A big thank you to our readers and our forum members for continuing to make MacRumors the number one source for Apple news, rumors, and advice. MacRumors celebrated its 24th birthday this year, thanks to our dedicated supporters. We're looking forward to another year of rumors and product launches in 2025. Happy New Year!
This article, "What Do You Want to See From Apple in 2025?" first appeared on MacRumors.com
Discuss this article in our forums
Apple Shares Special Wallpaper and Watch Face to Celebrate New Store - MacRumors
To celebrate the store's upcoming grand opening, Apple has shared both a special wallpaper and Apple Watch face featuring a custom-designed Apple logo.
The wallpaper is available for the iPhone, iPad, and Mac.
Ahead of the Chinese New Year later this month, Apple will be running a promotion in China that offers savings on select products. The promotion runs from January 4 through January 7, and details are available on Apple's online store.
Apple's annual Japanese New Year promotion is now underway, with customers in Japan able to receive savings and/or a special AirTag with select purchases.
(Thanks, Filip Chudzinski!)Tag: Apple Store
This article, "Apple Shares Special Wallpaper and Watch Face to Celebrate New Store" first appeared on MacRumors.com
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Apple Shares Special Wallpaper and Watch Face to Celebrate New Store - MacRumors
To celebrate the store's upcoming grand opening, Apple has shared both a special wallpaper and Apple Watch face featuring a custom-designed Apple logo.
The wallpaper is available for the iPhone, iPad, and Mac.
Ahead of the Chinese New Year later this month, Apple will be running a promotion in China that offers savings on select products. The promotion runs from January 4 through January 7, and details are available on Apple's online store.
Apple's annual Japanese New Year promotion is now underway, with customers in Japan able to receive savings and/or a special AirTag with select purchases.
(Thanks, Filip Chudzinski!)Tag: Apple Store
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'iPhone SE 4' Rumored to Be Named 'iPhone 16E' - MacRumors
The device succeeding the third-generation iPhone SE will be named the iPhone 16E, according to a December 13 post from Fixed Focus Digital, an account with over two million followers on Chinese social media platform Weibo. On December 31, another leaker known as Majin Bu on X also cited a source who said the device's name will be iPhone 16E.
It is unclear if the name would use a capital E, or if the name would end up being iPhone 16e, or iPhone 16 with an E inside a square. Or perhaps iPhone 16 SE? Or, this rumor is simply wrong and Apple sticks with iPhone SE branding.
"Fixed Focus Digital" doesn't have a very established track record with Apple rumors yet. The account accurately claimed the iPhone 16 Pro models would be available in a new bronze finish, which ended up being Desert Titanium, but the color had already been rumored at the time. On the other hand, the account was wrong about the number of iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus color options that would be available. The account's make-or-break moment will mostly come down to whether its claims about the iPhone SE's successor using the same chassis as the iPhone 16 and being named iPhone 16E prove to be accurate.
In any case, the device is said to have a similar design as the base iPhone 14, which is similar to the base iPhone 16. Rumored features include a 6.1-inch OLED display, Face ID, a USB-C port, a single 48-megapixel rear camera, a newer A-series chip and 8GB of RAM for Apple Intelligence, and the first Apple-designed 5G modem. It is not clear if the device will have an Action button, which debuted on the iPhone 15 Pro models.
Apple announced the current iPhone SE during an online event in March 2022. The device looks similar to the iPhone 8, with outdated features such as a Touch ID button, Lightning port, and thick bezels around the display. In the U.S., the iPhone SE currently starts at $429, but at least a slight price increase seems likely for the next model.Related Roundup: iPhone SETags: Fixed Focus Digital, Majin BuBuyer's Guide: iPhone SE (Don't Buy)Related Forum: iPhone
This article, "'iPhone SE 4' Rumored to Be Named 'iPhone 16E'" first appeared on MacRumors.com
Discuss this article in our forums
'iPhone SE 4' Rumored to Be Named 'iPhone 16E' - MacRumors
The device succeeding the third-generation iPhone SE will be named the iPhone 16E, according to a December 13 post from Fixed Focus Digital, an account with over two million followers on Chinese social media platform Weibo. On December 31, another leaker known as Majin Bu on X also cited a source who said the device's name will be iPhone 16E.
It is unclear if the name would use a capital E, or if the name would end up being iPhone 16e, or iPhone 16 with an E inside a square. Or perhaps iPhone 16 SE? Or, this rumor is simply wrong and Apple sticks with iPhone SE branding.
"Fixed Focus Digital" doesn't have a very established track record with Apple rumors yet. The account accurately claimed the iPhone 16 Pro models would be available in a new bronze finish, which ended up being Desert Titanium, but the color had already been rumored at the time. On the other hand, the account was wrong about the number of iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus color options that would be available. The account's make-or-break moment will mostly come down to whether its claims about the iPhone SE's successor using the same chassis as the iPhone 16 and being named iPhone 16E prove to be accurate.
In any case, the device is said to have a similar design as the base iPhone 14, which is similar to the base iPhone 16. Rumored features include a 6.1-inch OLED display, Face ID, a USB-C port, a single 48-megapixel rear camera, a newer A-series chip and 8GB of RAM for Apple Intelligence, and the first Apple-designed 5G modem. It is not clear if the device will have an Action button, which debuted on the iPhone 15 Pro models.
Apple announced the current iPhone SE during an online event in March 2022. The device looks similar to the iPhone 8, with outdated features such as a Touch ID button, Lightning port, and thick bezels around the display. In the U.S., the iPhone SE currently starts at $429, but at least a slight price increase seems likely for the next model.Related Roundup: iPhone SETags: Fixed Focus Digital, Majin BuBuyer's Guide: iPhone SE (Don't Buy)Related Forum: iPhone
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Chicago Made Hundreds of Accessibility Upgrades in 2024 - Planetizen
The city of Chicago make accessibility improvements to over 100 city bus stops in 2024, according to a press release from the city, bringing more of Chicago’s infrastructure into compliance with the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA).
In 2023, a federal judge ruled that the city violated ADA by not doing enough to accommodate people with disabilities at intersections.
Since 2022, Chicago has made improvements at over 200 bus stops and 400 intersections. “Infrastructure improvements vary based on the existing conditions at each bus stop. At locations with grass parkways, upgrades typically involve adding concrete pads adjacent to the curb to create accessible landings. Locations with uneven or narrow landings may require more significant work, including curb adjustments or other infrastructure improvements, to ensure accessibility.”
The city has a goal to make all 145 of its rail stations fully accessible by 2038.
Geography Illinois Category Social / Demographics Transportation Tags- Chicago
- Public Transit
- Accessibility
- Americans with Disabilities Act
- ADA Compliance
- Pedestrian Safety
- Pedestrian infrastructure
Chicago Made Hundreds of Accessibility Upgrades in 2024 - Planetizen
The city of Chicago make accessibility improvements to over 100 city bus stops in 2024, according to a press release from the city, bringing more of Chicago’s infrastructure into compliance with the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA).
In 2023, a federal judge ruled that the city violated ADA by not doing enough to accommodate people with disabilities at intersections.
Since 2022, Chicago has made improvements at over 200 bus stops and 400 intersections. “Infrastructure improvements vary based on the existing conditions at each bus stop. At locations with grass parkways, upgrades typically involve adding concrete pads adjacent to the curb to create accessible landings. Locations with uneven or narrow landings may require more significant work, including curb adjustments or other infrastructure improvements, to ensure accessibility.”
The city has a goal to make all 145 of its rail stations fully accessible by 2038.
Geography Illinois Category Social / Demographics Transportation Tags- Chicago
- Public Transit
- Accessibility
- Americans with Disabilities Act
- ADA Compliance
- Pedestrian Safety
- Pedestrian infrastructure
Oak Survival in the Great Lakes: Adapting to a Changing World - Planetizen
Oaks in the Great Lakes region face increasing threats from climate change, including rising temperatures, severe storms, and invasive pests, according to a study by Michigan Technological University. These conditions are stressing oak populations, leaving them vulnerable to diseases like oak wilt and attacks from insects such as the two-lined chestnut borer. The warming climate also extends the range and lifespan of harmful pests, exacerbating their impact on these vital trees. Oaks play a crucial ecological role, providing food and habitat for various wildlife species, including bears and turkeys, making their decline a significant environmental concern.
Invasive species and insufficient fire management further contribute to the challenges oaks face. The Michigan Tech study warns of emerging pests like oak gall wasps and stresses the need for vigilance in timber imports to prevent the spread of harmful insects. Historically, oaks thrived due to their adaptability to fire disturbances, which helped suppress competing species. However, the decline in controlled burns has reduced their ability to regenerate, compounding the threats posed by climate change.
Despite these challenges, oaks demonstrate resilience through their adaptation to extreme conditions and extensive root systems. Researchers emphasize the importance of monitoring pest populations and maintaining fire as a landscape management tool. Addressing these issues will be critical to preserving oak ecosystems and their broader environmental benefits in the face of a changing climate.
Geography Michigan Category Community / Economic Development Environment Landscape Architecture Tags Publication Planet Detroit Publication Date Fri, 12/13/2024 - 12:00 Publication Links Climate change puts oak trees in Great Lakes at risk 1 minuteOak Survival in the Great Lakes: Adapting to a Changing World - Planetizen
Oaks in the Great Lakes region face increasing threats from climate change, including rising temperatures, severe storms, and invasive pests, according to a study by Michigan Technological University. These conditions are stressing oak populations, leaving them vulnerable to diseases like oak wilt and attacks from insects such as the two-lined chestnut borer. The warming climate also extends the range and lifespan of harmful pests, exacerbating their impact on these vital trees. Oaks play a crucial ecological role, providing food and habitat for various wildlife species, including bears and turkeys, making their decline a significant environmental concern.
Invasive species and insufficient fire management further contribute to the challenges oaks face. The Michigan Tech study warns of emerging pests like oak gall wasps and stresses the need for vigilance in timber imports to prevent the spread of harmful insects. Historically, oaks thrived due to their adaptability to fire disturbances, which helped suppress competing species. However, the decline in controlled burns has reduced their ability to regenerate, compounding the threats posed by climate change.
Despite these challenges, oaks demonstrate resilience through their adaptation to extreme conditions and extensive root systems. Researchers emphasize the importance of monitoring pest populations and maintaining fire as a landscape management tool. Addressing these issues will be critical to preserving oak ecosystems and their broader environmental benefits in the face of a changing climate.
Geography Michigan Category Community / Economic Development Environment Landscape Architecture Tags Publication Planet Detroit Publication Date Fri, 12/13/2024 - 12:00 Publication Links Climate change puts oak trees in Great Lakes at risk 1 minuteApple Said Next-Generation CarPlay Would 'Arrive' in 2024… It Didn't - MacRumors
At this point, it is unclear if next-generation CarPlay will ever launch. Apple has not publicly commented on its plans in quite a long time, but it continued to make preparations behind the scenes throughout 2024. In November, for example, a few redesigned next-generation CarPlay icons appeared within iOS 18.2's code.
Apple did not respond to our several requests for comment about next-generation CarPlay throughout 2024. It would not be surprising if the timeframe listed on Apple's website is quietly updated to 2025 over the coming days.
It is unclear if Apple needs more time to finish developing next-generation CarPlay, or if car makers have decided not to adopt the system, or something else. Apple first previewed next-generation CarPlay at WWDC 2022, more than two and a half years ago. Just over a year ago, Aston Martin and Porsche previewed next-generation CarPlay instrument cluster designs, but neither brand has rolled out the system.
Apple said other committed car makers included Acura, Audi, Ford, Honda, Infiniti, Jaguar, Land Rover, Lincoln, Mercedes-Benz, Nissan, Polestar, Renault, and Volvo.
Apple promised that next-generation CarPlay would have deep integration with the instrument cluster and climate controls, support for multiple displays across the dashboard, a dedicated FM radio app, customizable widgets, and more. The interface would be tailored to each vehicle model and automaker's brand identity.
Here is how Apple describes it:This next generation of CarPlay is the ultimate iPhone experience for the car. It provides content for all the driver's screens including the instrument cluster. This ensures a cohesive design experience that is the very best of your car and your iPhone — with designs for each automaker that express your vehicle’s character and brand. Vehicle functions like radio and temperature controls are handled right from CarPlay. And personalization options ranging from widgets to selecting curated gauge cluster designs make it unique to the driver.Next-generation CarPlay is expected to be available in new vehicles only, if it ever launches. It is not an update to the standard CarPlay software.
Will next-generation CarPlay eventually launch, or will it become vaporware? We don't know, but it certainly did not "arrive in 2024" as planned.Related Roundup: CarPlayRelated Forum: HomePod, HomeKit, CarPlay, Home & Auto Technology
This article, "Apple Said Next-Generation CarPlay Would 'Arrive' in 2024… It Didn't" first appeared on MacRumors.com
Discuss this article in our forums
Apple Said Next-Generation CarPlay Would 'Arrive' in 2024… It Didn't - MacRumors
At this point, it is unclear if next-generation CarPlay will ever launch. Apple has not publicly commented on its plans in quite a long time, but it continued to make preparations behind the scenes throughout 2024. In November, for example, a few redesigned next-generation CarPlay icons appeared within iOS 18.2's code.
Apple did not respond to our several requests for comment about next-generation CarPlay throughout 2024. It would not be surprising if the timeframe listed on Apple's website is quietly updated to 2025 over the coming days.
It is unclear if Apple needs more time to finish developing next-generation CarPlay, or if car makers have decided not to adopt the system, or something else. Apple first previewed next-generation CarPlay at WWDC 2022, more than two and a half years ago. Just over a year ago, Aston Martin and Porsche previewed next-generation CarPlay instrument cluster designs, but neither brand has rolled out the system.
Apple said other committed car makers included Acura, Audi, Ford, Honda, Infiniti, Jaguar, Land Rover, Lincoln, Mercedes-Benz, Nissan, Polestar, Renault, and Volvo.
Apple promised that next-generation CarPlay would have deep integration with the instrument cluster and climate controls, support for multiple displays across the dashboard, a dedicated FM radio app, customizable widgets, and more. The interface would be tailored to each vehicle model and automaker's brand identity.
Here is how Apple describes it:This next generation of CarPlay is the ultimate iPhone experience for the car. It provides content for all the driver's screens including the instrument cluster. This ensures a cohesive design experience that is the very best of your car and your iPhone — with designs for each automaker that express your vehicle’s character and brand. Vehicle functions like radio and temperature controls are handled right from CarPlay. And personalization options ranging from widgets to selecting curated gauge cluster designs make it unique to the driver.Next-generation CarPlay is expected to be available in new vehicles only, if it ever launches. It is not an update to the standard CarPlay software.
Will next-generation CarPlay eventually launch, or will it become vaporware? We don't know, but it certainly did not "arrive in 2024" as planned.Related Roundup: CarPlayRelated Forum: HomePod, HomeKit, CarPlay, Home & Auto Technology
This article, "Apple Said Next-Generation CarPlay Would 'Arrive' in 2024… It Didn't" first appeared on MacRumors.com
Discuss this article in our forums
New year, new savings—Microsoft Visual Studio Pro is at its lowest price EVER! ($30) - Popular Science
It’s happening again. You’ve been staring at your screen for what feels like forever, convinced the bug in your code is playing hide and seek. You’ve tried every trick in the book, and you’re about to chuck your laptop across the room in pure rage because it’s still there.
Before you do, you can borrow our copy of Microsoft Visual Studio Professional to find and squash that bug. Its advanced debugging tools are like having a pair of X-ray glasses to spot bugs in seconds instead of hours. What a lifesaver. Want your own download to start the new year with the right tools? They’re only $29.97 right now (reg. $499)—that’s the lowest price they’ve ever been, but only until Jan. 12.
AI coding tools that work like magicDebugging and saving your sanity (and the fate of your laptop) aren’t the only standout features of this 64-bit IDE. Visual Studio Pro helps you avoid bugs in the first place with IntelliCode.
As you type, IntelliCode offers AI-powered completion suggestions based on context and patterns. Imagine writing a complex algorithm for your app and IntelliCode helping you predict the following lines, reducing the amount of typing and the chance of errors so you can focus on the fun stuff. You might just wonder why you waited until 2025 to get Visual Studio Pro.
Team up and code like prosVisual Studio Pro is also a collaborative code editor if you’re working on a website or app with your buddies (maybe you’ll create an app to replace X). Live Share allows real-time collaboration, including shared debugging cycles, text and voice chat, and code editing and review sessions.
For each piece of code, CodeLens displays who modified it and when, so you always have a record of who’s responsible for creating the best features of your app. (Or creating that annoying bug that you had to track down).
Don’t let another year roll by without any coding assistance.
Code faster and collaborate seamlessly with Microsoft Visual Studio Professional 2022 for Windows at $29.97 (reg. $499) until Jan. 12 at 11:59 p.m. PT. No coupon is needed, but inventory is limited!
StackSocial prices subject to change.
Microsoft Visual Studio Professional 2022 for Windows
Only $29.97 at Popular Science
The post New year, new savings—Microsoft Visual Studio Pro is at its lowest price EVER! ($30) appeared first on Popular Science.
Bike Resolutions for the New Year - Planetizen
“Instead of setting up for potential failure with lofty goals, we have crafted a set of resolutions focused on amplifying the shared love of cycling for a happy bicycle new year,” writes Ron Johnson in Momentum.
Among Johnson’s suggestions: take “aimless, social bike rides” that have no other purpose than to get on your bike and connect with friends and neighbors. If you associate biking with the drudgery of your commute, a social ride with new friends could reignite the spark of joy that you may have lost as a jaded bike commuter.
Johnson also suggests learning about bike maintenance, taking a bike tour (whether a cross-country trip or a two-day jaunt), prioritizing cycling when possible, and exploring night riding. Importantly, Johnson adds, people can advocate for improved bike infrastructure and safety to make cycling safer for everyone. “Whether it’s participating in organized rides, supporting bike-friendly policies, or volunteering time to promote cycling awareness, try to contribute to making their community more bicycle-friendly.”
May this year bring not only pedal-powered adventures but also a deepening appreciation for the incredible journey that is life on two wheels.
Geography World United States Category Transportation Tags Publication Momentum Magazine Publication Date Tue, 12/31/2024 - 12:00 Publication Links 12 Resolutions for a Very Bicycle New Year 1 minuteBike Resolutions for the New Year - Planetizen
“Instead of setting up for potential failure with lofty goals, we have crafted a set of resolutions focused on amplifying the shared love of cycling for a happy bicycle new year,” writes Ron Johnson in Momentum.
Among Johnson’s suggestions: take “aimless, social bike rides” that have no other purpose than to get on your bike and connect with friends and neighbors. If you associate biking with the drudgery of your commute, a social ride with new friends could reignite the spark of joy that you may have lost as a jaded bike commuter.
Johnson also suggests learning about bike maintenance, taking a bike tour (whether a cross-country trip or a two-day jaunt), prioritizing cycling when possible, and exploring night riding. Importantly, Johnson adds, people can advocate for improved bike infrastructure and safety to make cycling safer for everyone. “Whether it’s participating in organized rides, supporting bike-friendly policies, or volunteering time to promote cycling awareness, try to contribute to making their community more bicycle-friendly.”
May this year bring not only pedal-powered adventures but also a deepening appreciation for the incredible journey that is life on two wheels.
Geography World United States Category Transportation Tags Publication Momentum Magazine Publication Date Tue, 12/31/2024 - 12:00 Publication Links 12 Resolutions for a Very Bicycle New Year 1 minuteJanuary stargazing: Ring in 2025 with a meteor shower, ‘planet parade,’ and best chance to spot Mars - Popular Science
A new year means it’s time for a new cosmic calendar! While the lack of daylight in the Northern Hemisphere can really suck out all of our energy, more darkness means opportunities to look at the night sky and wonder. The bitter cold air in the winter is also less hazy than it is during the summer, so stars and planets like Mars can be easier to spot–as long as there isn’t a ton of cloud cover. Here are some cosmic events to look for as we ring in 2025.
January 3– Quadrantids Meteor Shower Predicted PeakTechnically the first meteor shower of the year, the Quadrantids typically begins in the middle of November of the preceding year. This year, it is predicted to peak in the early morning hours on January 3 and will wrap up by the end of the month. According to Earth Sky, it is one of four annual meteor showers with a sharp peek.
The Quadrantids can produce over 100 meteors per hour under a dark sky without a bright moon. It is also known for producing the occasional fireball. According to NASA, “fireballs are larger explosions of light and color that can persist longer than an average meteor streak. This is due to the fact that fireballs originate from larger particles of material. Fireballs are also brighter, with magnitudes brighter than -3.”
On January 3, looking for shooting stars just before dawn local time wherever you are will be the best bet for stargazing. The moon is not expected to interfere with this year’s Quadrantids, but cloud cover still could get in the way.
January 10– Planet Parade Begins2025 opens with the chance to spot upwards of six planets together in the night sky. According to the Farmer’s Almanac, starting around January, Mars, Jupiter, Uranus, Venus, Neptune, and Saturn will form an arc in the evening sky. By the end of February, Mercury will replace Saturn.
Skygazers can look south and scan the sky from left to right (or east to west) for a look at each planet. According to Hunter Miller, an astronomy educator with the Adler Planetarium, the optimal time to try and spot all of the planets at once will be between 5:30 p.m. and 7 p.m. local time.
“The optimal timing and location of the planets in the sky will vary slightly throughout the month, so I recommend utilizing a sky observing app like Stellarium to know exactly where to look from your location at any given time,” Miller told NBC Chicago.
The planet parade will continue through February. For the best days to see which plants, consult the Farmer’s Almanac. If you are really keen to spot these planets in all their glory, a backyard telescope will also really help.
[ Related: 7 US parks where you can get stunning nightsky views. ]
January 13– Full Wolf MoonThis year’s first full moon will reach its peak illumination on January 13 at 5:27 p.m. EST. If peak illumination occurs during daylight hours where you are located, the moon will still be bright and visible in the northeastern horizon after sunset.
This moon is called the Wolf Moon, which is believed to have Celtic and Old English roots. It references the hungry packs of wolves that prowl during the winter months in some countries. Additional names for January’s full moon include the Great Spirit Moon or Gichimanidoo-giizis in Anishinaabemowin (Ojibwe), the Winter Moon or Ukiuq in Inupiat, and Someone’s Ears are Freezing Moon or Teyakohuhtya’ks in Oneida.
January 16– Mars at OppositionOn January 16, the red planet will be at its closest approach to Earth. Since its face will be fully illuminated by the sun, Mars will be brighter than it will be at any other time this year. According to SeaSky, this is the best time to view and photograph Mars. Additionally, a medium-sized telescope will also help skygazers see some of the dark details on the Mars’ orange surface. To spot it, look towards the eastern sky later in the evening.
The same general skygazing rules are key this month: Go to a dark spot away from the bright lights of a city or town and let your eyes adjust to the darkness for about a half an hour.
The post January stargazing: Ring in 2025 with a meteor shower, ‘planet parade,’ and best chance to spot Mars appeared first on Popular Science.
Save Lives on Our Roads Using the Safe System Approach - Planetizen
Save Lives on Our Roads Using the Safe System Approach - Planetizen
Your chance to make 2025 the year you own a MacBook is here - Popular Science
Sound the alarm! Did you hear? 2025 might just be the year you own a MacBook Air. If you’re wondering how, it’s because this refurbished model has had its price tag slashed by over 70 percent. Instead of shelling out the usual $999 for a new model, shopping refurbished lets you grab one for $229.97 with free shipping, but only while supplies last.
Let us clear something up—refurbished is not the same as used! Sure, this MacBook Air had another life before arriving at your doorstep, but it’s been cleaned and restored, so it comes to you in near-mint condition. Aka, you might not even be able to tell that someone’s ever used it. But even if there is a slight mark, who cares? You’re paying only a fraction of the retail price!
New year, new(ish) MacBookYour dream of having your very own MacBook Air might just come true this year, and you’ll love that this model is perfect for daily productivity. Use it to check your email, online shop for New Year’s deals, or do your annual rewatch of the Harry Potter series.
Since it’s a few years old, it’s not one of those speedy models you’ve probably seen in Apple’s latest ads, so we don’t recommend downloading high-performance or graphics-intensive games or software. You might run into a few processing issues there.
There’s so much more to love about this laptop, aside from the fact that it’s a MacBook. Check it out:
- 13.3” display with HD graphics so movies and images come to life
- A 128GB capacity for easy local storage
- Up to 12 hours of battery life on a full charge
- Weighs less than three pounds for seamless portability
Another bonus? While it’s an older model, it comes with all the extra ports Apple got rid of in its newer MacBook models.
Enter the new year with a near-mint 13.3″ MacBook Air, now price-dropped to just $229.97 with free shipping until Jan. 12 at 11:59 p.m. PT. Act while supplies last!
StackSocial prices subject to change.
Apple MacBook Air 13.3″ (2017) 1.8GHz i5 8GB RAM 128GB SSD Silver (Refurbished)
Only $229.97 at Popular Science
The post Your chance to make 2025 the year you own a MacBook is here appeared first on Popular Science.
2024 - the Year in Maps - Google Maps Mania
2024 - the Year in Maps - Google Maps Mania
Apple Broke a 13-Year Hardware Streak in 2024 - MacRumors
While Apple unveiled a large number of significant hardware refreshes in 2024, such as the redesigned iPad Pro and Mac mini, these were all evolutions of existing categories, not entirely new product lines. The only entirely new announcement of note, Apple Intelligence, was software-based and does not qualify as new hardware. This makes 2024 the first year since 2009 in which Apple did not release a completely new hardware product. Here's a look back at the major new products announced each year from 2010 to 2023:
- 2023: Apple Vision Pro
- 2022: Mac Studio, Studio Display, and Apple Watch Ultra
- 2021: AirTag
- 2020: Apple Silicon, MagSafe for iPhone ecosystem, HomePod mini, and AirPods Max
- 2019: AirPods Pro, Pro Display XDR, and Apple Card
- 2018: iPhone XS Max
- 2017: iMac Pro, HomePod, and iPhone X
- 2016: iPhone SE and AirPods
- 2015: iPad Pro, Apple Pencil, and Apple TV HD
- 2014: Apple Watch
- 2013: iPhone 5C and iPad Air
- 2012: iPad mini
- 2011: Thunderbolt Display
- 2010: iPad
2024 stands out for its lack of a new category, focusing instead on enhancing existing devices and introducing new software features.
It's worth noting that many of Apple's product lines have reached a high level of maturity. Instead of creating entirely new categories, Apple is seemingly doubling down on perfecting its existing lineup, as demonstrated by the introduction of OLED display technology to the iPad Pro, the more refined design of the Apple Watch Series 10, or the M4 family of Apple silicon chips.
While Apple Vision Pro was announced in 2023, it did not launch until February 2024, and constitutes a major new "spatial computing" product line for the company. It demanded a whole new OS, accessory ecosystem, retail store space, and more. As a result, is likely that Vision Pro dominated Apple's focus in 2023 and 2024.
Similarly, Apple's pivot toward AI in the form of Apple Intelligence was announced in June 2024. Apple Intelligence seeks to reshape how users interact with their devices, introducing unprecedented levels of personalized automation and generation on Apple devices. Since Apple Intelligence exists solely as software for existing product lines, Apple focused on expanding Apple Intelligence support in 2024, exemplified by the introduction of the iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, and seventh-generation iPad mini, as well as bumping the entire Mac lineup up to 16GB of memory as standard.
Apple's long-rumored, but ill-fated, electric vehicle project, may also have diverted substantial resources before its reported cancellation. This effort, combined with the monumental development demands of Apple Intelligence and the Vision Pro, likely consumed a significant portion of Apple's recent R&D capacity.
Moreover, Apple's 2024 product lineup is still likely feeling the lingering effects of the global slowdown during COVID-19, as most Apple products operate on a development cycle of two to four years. These overlapping factors may explain why 2024 lacked the introduction of an entirely new hardware product line.
Compounding this, the global tech market has seen slowing growth in consumer hardware, with many buyers opting to extend the lifecycle of their devices. It would therefore make sense that Apple has prioritized incremental upgrades such as the Apple Pencil Pro and fourth-generation AirPods, over launching new product categories that require significant consumer adoption and investment.
2025 is rumored to see the introduction of a smart home "Command Center" resembling a HomePod with a 7-inch display, which could constitute an all-new product line amid Apple's expected refocus on the smart home. Beyond this, no totally new hardware product lines are expected this year.
This article, "Apple Broke a 13-Year Hardware Streak in 2024" first appeared on MacRumors.com
Discuss this article in our forums
Apple Broke a 13-Year Hardware Streak in 2024 - MacRumors
While Apple unveiled a large number of significant hardware refreshes in 2024, such as the redesigned iPad Pro and Mac mini, these were all evolutions of existing categories, not entirely new product lines. The only entirely new announcement of note, Apple Intelligence, was software-based and does not qualify as new hardware. This makes 2024 the first year since 2009 in which Apple did not release a completely new hardware product. Here's a look back at the major new products announced each year from 2010 to 2023:
- 2023: Apple Vision Pro
- 2022: Mac Studio, Studio Display, and Apple Watch Ultra
- 2021: AirTag
- 2020: Apple Silicon, MagSafe for iPhone ecosystem, HomePod mini, and AirPods Max
- 2019: AirPods Pro, Pro Display XDR, and Apple Card
- 2018: iPhone XS Max
- 2017: iMac Pro, HomePod, and iPhone X
- 2016: iPhone SE and AirPods
- 2015: iPad Pro, Apple Pencil, and Apple TV HD
- 2014: Apple Watch
- 2013: iPhone 5C and iPad Air
- 2012: iPad mini
- 2011: Thunderbolt Display
- 2010: iPad
2024 stands out for its lack of a new category, focusing instead on enhancing existing devices and introducing new software features.
It's worth noting that many of Apple's product lines have reached a high level of maturity. Instead of creating entirely new categories, Apple is seemingly doubling down on perfecting its existing lineup, as demonstrated by the introduction of OLED display technology to the iPad Pro, the more refined design of the Apple Watch Series 10, or the M4 family of Apple silicon chips.
While Apple Vision Pro was announced in 2023, it did not launch until February 2024, and constitutes a major new "spatial computing" product line for the company. It demanded a whole new OS, accessory ecosystem, retail store space, and more. As a result, is likely that Vision Pro dominated Apple's focus in 2023 and 2024.
Similarly, Apple's pivot toward AI in the form of Apple Intelligence was announced in June 2024. Apple Intelligence seeks to reshape how users interact with their devices, introducing unprecedented levels of personalized automation and generation on Apple devices. Since Apple Intelligence exists solely as software for existing product lines, Apple focused on expanding Apple Intelligence support in 2024, exemplified by the introduction of the iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, and seventh-generation iPad mini, as well as bumping the entire Mac lineup up to 16GB of memory as standard.
Apple's long-rumored, but ill-fated, electric vehicle project, may also have diverted substantial resources before its reported cancellation. This effort, combined with the monumental development demands of Apple Intelligence and the Vision Pro, likely consumed a significant portion of Apple's recent R&D capacity.
Moreover, Apple's 2024 product lineup is still likely feeling the lingering effects of the global slowdown during COVID-19, as most Apple products operate on a development cycle of two to four years. These overlapping factors may explain why 2024 lacked the introduction of an entirely new hardware product line.
Compounding this, the global tech market has seen slowing growth in consumer hardware, with many buyers opting to extend the lifecycle of their devices. It would therefore make sense that Apple has prioritized incremental upgrades such as the Apple Pencil Pro and fourth-generation AirPods, over launching new product categories that require significant consumer adoption and investment.
2025 is rumored to see the introduction of a smart home "Command Center" resembling a HomePod with a 7-inch display, which could constitute an all-new product line amid Apple's expected refocus on the smart home. Beyond this, no totally new hardware product lines are expected this year.
This article, "Apple Broke a 13-Year Hardware Streak in 2024" first appeared on MacRumors.com
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31 Dic 2024
Apple Vision Pro May Now Be Out of Production - MacRumors
In October, The Information's Wayne Ma reported that Apple had abruptly reduced production of the Vision Pro headset ahead of potential plans to stop making the current version of the device completely by the end of 2024. With the year now coming to an end, this means that the device may no longer be in active production.
Citing multiple people "directly involved" in making components for the headset, the report said that the scaling back of production began in the early summer. This indicated that Apple now has a sufficient number of Vision Pro units in its inventory to meet demand for the device's remaining lifespan through to 2025. Historically, it is not unusual for Apple to do this with low-demand products, such as the iPhone 12 mini.
The Vision Pro is widely reported to have seen weak demand due to insufficient content and its high price point. The Information said that Vision Pro suppliers have now produced enough components for between 500,000 to 600,000 headsets. Some factories suspended production of Vision Pro components as early as May based on Apple's weak sales forecasts, and warehouses remain filled with tens of thousands of undelivered parts.
Apple is said to have told Luxshare, a Chinese company that serves as the Vision Pro's assembler, that it would need to wind down production in November. Luxshare was making around 1,000 Vision Pro headsets per day as of October, which was half that being produced at its peak. Apple will apparently still be able to resume Vision Pro production if sales pick up since the production lines are not yet due to be dismantled.
Moreover, Apple has purportedly suspended work on the original second-generation Vision Pro for at least a year to focus on developing a lower-cost headset. Interestingly, Apple told suppliers to prepare to build four million low-cost headsets over the entire lifespan of the future product. This is half the total number of Vision Pros that Apple told suppliers to produce, suggesting that sales expectations are even lower for the cheaper headset.
Weak demand for the Vision Pro has been attributed to its high $3,499 price point and insufficient content ecosystem. Apple CEO Tim Cook described the device as an "early-adopter product," targeting users interested in cutting-edge technology rather than the broader mass market.
Although Apple's work on the second-generation Vision Pro has apparently stalled, there are some indications that the company could release "an incremental update to the product with limited changes to its physical design," such as a chip upgrade, according to The Information. Corroborating this, Kuo and Bloomberg's Mark Gurman have indicated that a more iterative second-generation Vision Pro is in active development, adding the introduction of an M5 chip and Apple Intelligence. Gurman has projected the device could launch between fall 2025 and spring 2026. This updated model is expected to reuse many components from the first-generation Vision Pro to offset the surplus inventory in Apple's supply chain.Related Roundup: Apple Vision ProTag: The InformationBuyer's Guide: Vision Pro (Buy Now)Related Forum: Apple Vision Pro
This article, "Apple Vision Pro May Now Be Out of Production" first appeared on MacRumors.com
Discuss this article in our forums
Apple Vision Pro May Now Be Out of Production - MacRumors
In October, The Information's Wayne Ma reported that Apple had abruptly reduced production of the Vision Pro headset ahead of potential plans to stop making the current version of the device completely by the end of 2024. With the year now coming to an end, this means that the device may no longer be in active production.
Citing multiple people "directly involved" in making components for the headset, the report said that the scaling back of production began in the early summer. This indicated that Apple now has a sufficient number of Vision Pro units in its inventory to meet demand for the device's remaining lifespan through to 2025. Historically, it is not unusual for Apple to do this with low-demand products, such as the iPhone 12 mini.
The Vision Pro is widely reported to have seen weak demand due to insufficient content and its high price point. The Information said that Vision Pro suppliers have now produced enough components for between 500,000 to 600,000 headsets. Some factories suspended production of Vision Pro components as early as May based on Apple's weak sales forecasts, and warehouses remain filled with tens of thousands of undelivered parts.
Apple is said to have told Luxshare, a Chinese company that serves as the Vision Pro's assembler, that it would need to wind down production in November. Luxshare was making around 1,000 Vision Pro headsets per day as of October, which was half that being produced at its peak. Apple will apparently still be able to resume Vision Pro production if sales pick up since the production lines are not yet due to be dismantled.
Moreover, Apple has purportedly suspended work on the original second-generation Vision Pro for at least a year to focus on developing a lower-cost headset. Interestingly, Apple told suppliers to prepare to build four million low-cost headsets over the entire lifespan of the future product. This is half the total number of Vision Pros that Apple told suppliers to produce, suggesting that sales expectations are even lower for the cheaper headset.
Weak demand for the Vision Pro has been attributed to its high $3,499 price point and insufficient content ecosystem. Apple CEO Tim Cook described the device as an "early-adopter product," targeting users interested in cutting-edge technology rather than the broader mass market.
Although Apple's work on the second-generation Vision Pro has apparently stalled, there are some indications that the company could release "an incremental update to the product with limited changes to its physical design," such as a chip upgrade, according to The Information. Corroborating this, Kuo and Bloomberg's Mark Gurman have indicated that a more iterative second-generation Vision Pro is in active development, adding the introduction of an M5 chip and Apple Intelligence. Gurman has projected the device could launch between fall 2025 and spring 2026. This updated model is expected to reuse many components from the first-generation Vision Pro to offset the surplus inventory in Apple's supply chain.Related Roundup: Apple Vision ProTag: The InformationBuyer's Guide: Vision Pro (Buy Now)Related Forum: Apple Vision Pro
This article, "Apple Vision Pro May Now Be Out of Production" first appeared on MacRumors.com
Discuss this article in our forums
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