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10 Jul 2025
Apple Releases Safari Technology Preview 223 With Bug Fixes and Performance Improvements - MacRumors
Safari Technology Preview 223 includes fixes and updates for CSS, JavaScript, Rendering, SVG, Text, Web API, Web Extensions, and Web Inspector.
The current Safari Technology Preview release is compatible with machines running macOS Sequoia and macOS Tahoe, the newest version of macOS that's set to launch this later this year.
The Safari Technology Preview update is available through the Software Update mechanism in System Preferences or System Settings to anyone who has downloaded the browser from Apple’s website. Complete release notes for the update are available on the Safari Technology Preview website.
Apple’s aim with Safari Technology Preview is to gather feedback from developers and users on its browser development process. Safari Technology Preview can run side-by-side with the existing Safari browser and while it is designed for developers, it does not require a developer account to download and use.
This article, "Apple Releases Safari Technology Preview 223 With Bug Fixes and Performance Improvements" first appeared on MacRumors.com
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Apple Releases Safari Technology Preview 223 With Bug Fixes and Performance Improvements - MacRumors
Safari Technology Preview 223 includes fixes and updates for CSS, JavaScript, Rendering, SVG, Text, Web API, Web Extensions, and Web Inspector.
The current Safari Technology Preview release is compatible with machines running macOS Sequoia and macOS Tahoe, the newest version of macOS that's set to launch this later this year.
The Safari Technology Preview update is available through the Software Update mechanism in System Preferences or System Settings to anyone who has downloaded the browser from Apple’s website. Complete release notes for the update are available on the Safari Technology Preview website.
Apple’s aim with Safari Technology Preview is to gather feedback from developers and users on its browser development process. Safari Technology Preview can run side-by-side with the existing Safari browser and while it is designed for developers, it does not require a developer account to download and use.
This article, "Apple Releases Safari Technology Preview 223 With Bug Fixes and Performance Improvements" first appeared on MacRumors.com
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You have four days left to snag a Sam’s Club membership for $20 (reg. $50) - Popular Science
Want to free up some room in your budget for summer fun? You’re in luck, because you can kick off a full year of savings with this Sam’s Club Membership deal. But you’ll need to act fast—this membership with Auto-Renew is just $20 (reg. $50) through July 13 at 11:59 p.m. PT.
Your summer just got cheaper with this Sam’s Club membership dealReady to start saving on everything from food to furniture? A Sam’s Club membership opens the warehouse door to budget-friendly options, bulk purchasing, and long-term savings on everyday essentials, electronics, and even your prescriptions.
There are deals on every shelf in the store, and they don’t stop once you leave. Sam’s Club members can also save big on hotel bookings, car rentals, life events, and more.
Don’t have time to head inside? You can take advantage of curbside pickup for orders over $50. And when you get home, you can rest easy knowing Sam’s Club is committed to sustainability with bulk packaging, eco-friendly products, and energy-efficient operations.
Lock in major savings on a 1-Year Sam’s Club Membership with Auto-Renew for just $20 (reg. $50) now through July 13 at 11:59 p.m. PT.
StackSocial prices subject to change.
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1-Year Sam’s Club Membership with Auto-Renew
The post You have four days left to snag a Sam’s Club membership for $20 (reg. $50) appeared first on Popular Science.
Confirm conspiracy theories & catch creatures with this nighttime gadget - Popular Science
One of our biggest flaws as humans is that we can’t see in the dark. Okay, so maybe that’s not our greatest flaw, but it’s still a pretty big one. Whether you want to watch animals gather in your backyard or catch the next Mothman, these night-vision binoculars can help remedy that fatal flaw so you can get a glimpse of what lurks beyond.
But infrared capabilities aren’t the only cool feature of this gadget. If you spot a mama possum with her whole family on her back—or an extraterrestrial being—you can take HD photos or videos with the binoculars.
Now that summer is in full swing, you can grab these mini binoculars for $89.99. But hurry—if you wait, you might miss your chance to be the first one to capture a photo of the elusive Mothman.
StackSocial prices subject to change.
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Mini Digital Night Vision Binoculars with 1080p HD Recording
Let’s talk specsUnlike old, clunky binoculars, these are only four inches long and fit right in your pocket, backpack, or purse. Whether you’re scouting the great beyond or relaxing in your yard, use the handy 4x digital zoom that lets you see up to 1,000 feet away, even in complete darkness.
Don’t forget the obvious perk of being able to snap 12MP photos and record 1080p videos. Everything you capture is saved to the included memory card for easy sharing. So, you know, if you capture some rare UFO footage, you can easily share it on YouTube.
Grab a pair of mini night vision binoculars for $89.99 (reg. $159.99) before they sell out.
The post Confirm conspiracy theories & catch creatures with this nighttime gadget appeared first on Popular Science.
09 Jul 2025
Apple Remains in Trump's Crosshairs as Trade Advisor Again Criticizes China Reliance - MacRumors
Earlier this week, Navarro targeted Apple in a CNBC interview criticizing Tim Cook for failing to move Apple manufacturing from China to the United States. Navarro accused Cook of delaying the manufacturing shift, and called it "the longest-running soap opera in Silicon Valley." Navarro claimed that Cook is not moving fast enough to meet Trump's demands for U.S.-based manufacturing.
Navarro went on to say that it is "inconceivable" that Apple is not able to manufacture the iPhone elsewhere.
Going back to the first Trump term, Tim Cook has continually asked for more time in order to move his factories out of China. I mean, it's the longest running soap opera in Silicon Valley. And my problem with Tim Cook is he never takes the steps to actually do that. And with all these new advanced manufacturing techniques and the way things are moving with AI and things like that, it's inconceivable to me that Tim Cook could not produce his iPhones elsewhere around the world and in this country.
Apple is facing steep tariffs in China and other countries as the Trump administration renegotiates trade deals. This week, Trump has been announcing tariffs on various countries. The Philippines, Japan, South Korea, and Malaysia are facing 25 percent tariffs, while tariffs in Indonesia are at 32 percent and tariffs in Thailand are at 36 percent. Vietnam tariffs are 20 percent. The tariffs announced this week are set to go into effect on August 1, a new extended deadline Trump implemented on Monday.
U.S. President Donald Trump has said several times that Apple is capable of manufacturing its iPhones and other devices in the U.S., but industry experts suggest that it's next to impossible. Disregarding the expense of the move and the cost of building up new factories with advanced machinery, it would be unlikely that Apple and its suppliers would be able to find enough people with the necessary skillset to make iPhones. Cook maintains that Apple manufactures its devices in China because China has specialized expertise in advanced manufacturing.
Apple sources components from more than 50 countries around the world, and it gets rare earth minerals from 79 countries. There is no feasible way for Apple to source all of the iPhone's components from a single country. Even if Apple were only assembling the iPhone in the U.S., and it had the skilled employees available, the cost of living and wages in the U.S. would raise the price of the iPhone significantly.
Back in May, Trump threatened Apple with a 25 percent tariff if Apple does not manufacture and build iPhones sold in the United States in the U.S. Trump also complained that he has had a problem with Cook "building all over India," and he went as far as demanding that Apple stop expanding in India.
This article, "Apple Remains in Trump's Crosshairs as Trade Advisor Again Criticizes China Reliance" first appeared on MacRumors.com
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Apple Remains in Trump's Crosshairs as Trade Advisor Again Criticizes China Reliance - MacRumors
Earlier this week, Navarro targeted Apple in a CNBC interview criticizing Tim Cook for failing to move Apple manufacturing from China to the United States. Navarro accused Cook of delaying the manufacturing shift, and called it "the longest-running soap opera in Silicon Valley." Navarro claimed that Cook is not moving fast enough to meet Trump's demands for U.S.-based manufacturing.
Navarro went on to say that it is "inconceivable" that Apple is not able to manufacture the iPhone elsewhere.
Going back to the first Trump term, Tim Cook has continually asked for more time in order to move his factories out of China. I mean, it's the longest running soap opera in Silicon Valley. And my problem with Tim Cook is he never takes the steps to actually do that. And with all these new advanced manufacturing techniques and the way things are moving with AI and things like that, it's inconceivable to me that Tim Cook could not produce his iPhones elsewhere around the world and in this country.
Apple is facing steep tariffs in China and other countries as the Trump administration renegotiates trade deals. This week, Trump has been announcing tariffs on various countries. The Philippines, Japan, South Korea, and Malaysia are facing 25 percent tariffs, while tariffs in Indonesia are at 32 percent and tariffs in Thailand are at 36 percent. Vietnam tariffs are 20 percent. The tariffs announced this week are set to go into effect on August 1, a new extended deadline Trump implemented on Monday.
U.S. President Donald Trump has said several times that Apple is capable of manufacturing its iPhones and other devices in the U.S., but industry experts suggest that it's next to impossible. Disregarding the expense of the move and the cost of building up new factories with advanced machinery, it would be unlikely that Apple and its suppliers would be able to find enough people with the necessary skillset to make iPhones. Cook maintains that Apple manufactures its devices in China because China has specialized expertise in advanced manufacturing.
Apple sources components from more than 50 countries around the world, and it gets rare earth minerals from 79 countries. There is no feasible way for Apple to source all of the iPhone's components from a single country. Even if Apple were only assembling the iPhone in the U.S., and it had the skilled employees available, the cost of living and wages in the U.S. would raise the price of the iPhone significantly.
Back in May, Trump threatened Apple with a 25 percent tariff if Apple does not manufacture and build iPhones sold in the United States in the U.S. Trump also complained that he has had a problem with Cook "building all over India," and he went as far as demanding that Apple stop expanding in India.
This article, "Apple Remains in Trump's Crosshairs as Trade Advisor Again Criticizes China Reliance" first appeared on MacRumors.com
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I never leave the house without this Leatherman multitool and it’s 30% off for Prime Day - Popular Science
As a gear editor, I have accumulated quite a few multitools, many of which hang out in a drawer near my desk. Recently, however, I have been carrying the Leatherman Signal, and I have found that it hits a sweet spot between utility, design, and weight. Currently, the Signal is 30 percent off when you purchase the Blue/Red colorway. If that’s not your style, there are several Leatherman multitools on sale right now, all of which deserve a spot in your pocket. Remember, if you don’t have an active Amazon Prime subscription, you can sign up for a free 30-day trial here.
LEATHERMAN, Signal, 19-in-1 Multitool — $98 (was $140) The built-in clip makes it easy to keep track of.Leatherman
See ItAs the name suggests, this survival tool has a built-in whistle, as well as a fire starter so that you can signal people in case of an emergency. Beyond that, it offers a full suite of handy tools, including pliers, screwdrivers, a can/bottle opener, and more for a total of 19 different tools. It’s just 4.5 inches long when collapsed and weighs 7.5 ounces, so it’s a great option for everyday carry.
There are a ton of Signal colors, but only the blue/red colorway is discounted. I personally like the look of it a lot, so that’s not an issue for me. Also, it’s a tool, so anything is more interesting than the typical silver.
LEATHERMAN, FREE P4 Multitool with Magnetic Locking — $112 (was $149) I’ve been using the Leatherman Fre P2 for a couple weeks. Here it is in some plants. See ItThis is the other tool I typically carry. I’ve had one of these basically since the company launched its magnetic locking system, and it has treated me well ever since. It flips open and closed with a one-handed motion. It’s simple to carry, has a built-in clip, and hasn’t needed a lick of maintenance in the several years I’ve had it.
More Leatherman multitool and pocket knife deals- LEATHERMAN, Bit Kit, 21 Double-Ended Screwdriver Bits for Multi-Tools $22 (was $40)
- Leatherman, Bolster, Multi-tool 13-in-1 $37.46 (was $50)
- LEATHERMAN, FREE P2 Multitool with Magnetic Locking $97.46 (was $130)
- LEATHERMAN, FREE T2 Multitool and EDC Pocket Knife with Magnetic Locking $37.46 (was $50)
- LEATHERMAN, FREE K4 EDC Pocket Multitool with Knife, Magnetic Locking $80 (was $100)
- LEATHERMAN, Raptor Response Emergency Shears $64 (was $80)
- LEATHERMAN, FREE K2, Folding Pocketknife, 8-in-1 Multi-tool $72 (was $90)
The post I never leave the house without this Leatherman multitool and it’s 30% off for Prime Day appeared first on Popular Science.
Nvidia Beats Apple to $4 Trillion Market Value - MacRumors
Apple became the world's first $3 trillion company in January 2022, and it was at one point the
world's most valuable public company, but it has been unable to maintain that position with competition from Nvidia and Microsoft.
Nvidia first hit the $3 trillion mark in June 2024, and it's at the $4 trillion mark just over a year later. Nvidia is now the world's most valuable publicly traded company, with Microsoft taking second place and Apple coming in third.
Microsoft has a market value of $3.74T, while Apple has a $3.14T market value. Microsoft is expected to hit the $4T mark ahead of Apple. Amazon, Alphabet, and Meta have market values of $2.36T, $2.15T, and $1.84, respectively.
Nvidia's value has soared over the last few years due to demand for its AI server chips.
This article, "Nvidia Beats Apple to $4 Trillion Market Value" first appeared on MacRumors.com
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Nvidia Beats Apple to $4 Trillion Market Value - MacRumors
Apple became the world's first $3 trillion company in January 2022, and it was at one point the
world's most valuable public company, but it has been unable to maintain that position with competition from Nvidia and Microsoft.
Nvidia first hit the $3 trillion mark in June 2024, and it's at the $4 trillion mark just over a year later. Nvidia is now the world's most valuable publicly traded company, with Microsoft taking second place and Apple coming in third.
Microsoft has a market value of $3.74T, while Apple has a $3.14T market value. Microsoft is expected to hit the $4T mark ahead of Apple. Amazon, Alphabet, and Meta have market values of $2.36T, $2.15T, and $1.84, respectively.
Nvidia's value has soared over the last few years due to demand for its AI server chips.
This article, "Nvidia Beats Apple to $4 Trillion Market Value" first appeared on MacRumors.com
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Get Beats headphones with 2 years of AppleCare+ for as low as $94 during Amazon’s Prime Day Sale - Popular Science
There are lots of great headphone deals out there for Prime Day, but if you’re an Apple user, these Beats deals will be hard to pass up. Right now, tons of Beats headphones are deeply discounted, and each pair comes with two years of AppleCare+ protection, which oversees the hardware, battery, and even the charging cable that comes with the headphones. We’re big fans of making things last as long as possible here at PopSci, so two years of guaranteed usage out of a pair of headphones sounds solid to us.
Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 Wireless Bluetooth Earbuds with AppleCare+ (2 years) – Electric Orange — $199 (was $279)Stan Horaczek
See ItThese have become my go-to workout headphones, and I use them even when I’m just walking around. The flexible arm that goes over the ear keeps them locked in place even during hard workouts. Plus, they do just about everything a high-end pair of AirPods will do. They offer Spatial audio, super-fast device connection, and even onboard heart rate monitoring.
If you want to get the full scoop, you can see my complete review here. But, in short, they’re great inside the gym and out.
Beats Studio Buds with AppleCare+ for Headphones (2 Years) – White — $94 (was $179) You won’t be able to hear them if you hold them like this. Put them in your ears. See ItIf you want true in-ear earbuds, the Studio Buds fit the bill for even less money. These buds are extremely light and lock in place when you’re moving around. They’re not built for the gym, but they can withstand some sweat and precipitation under normal situations. They get eight hours of playback from a single charge and 24 hours total with the case’s built-in battery. Plus, they have active noise-cancellation, which is surprising at this size and price point. Check out my full review here.
More Beats headphones and speakers Prime Day deals- Beats Studio Pro with AppleCare+ for Headphones (2 Years) – Black : Electronics $189 (was $379)
- Beats Solo4 with AppleCare+ for Headphones (2 Years) – Matte Black $119 (was $229)
- Beats Pill – Wireless Bluetooth Speaker with AppleCare+ (2 Years) – Champagne Gold $119 (was $179)
- Beats Solo Buds – Wireless Bluetooth Earbuds | 18 Hours of Battery Life | Apple & Android Compatibility | Built-in Microphone – Storm Gray : Electronics $49 (was $80)
- Beats Flex Wireless Earbuds – Apple W1 Headphone Chip, Magnetic Earphones, Class 1 Bluetooth, 12 Hours of Listening Time, Built-in Microphone – Flame Blue $40 (was $70)
- Beats Studio Buds + | True Wireless Noise Cancelling Earbuds, Enhanced Apple & Android Compatibility, Built-in Microphone, Sweat Resistant Bluetooth Headphones, Spatial Audio – Cosmic Silver $90 (was $170)
The post Get Beats headphones with 2 years of AppleCare+ for as low as $94 during Amazon’s Prime Day Sale appeared first on Popular Science.
Neanderthals made a ‘Swiss Army knife’ from cave lion bone - Popular Science
A famous prehistoric cave site in Belgium has yielded the oldest multifunctional tool of its kind. This Ice Age “Swiss Army knife” wasn’t crafted by early Homo sapiens, however. Instead, the handy accessory came from our evolutionary cousin, the Neanderthal. The findings are detailed in a study published in Scientific Reports.
Neanderthals often get a bad rap. Despite mounting evidence to the contrary, many present-day Homo sapiens still believe that the archaic lineage died out largely because they were essentially dumber than their Cro-Magnon competitors. But while their cognitive abilities may have played a part in the larger story, Neanderthals simply weren’t as less-evolved as they’re depicted. For example, in 2024 researchers discovered what appear to be tchotchkes collected by Neanderthals at the Prado Vargas Cave system in Burgos, Spain.
More recently,a team conducting ongoing excavations at Scaldina Cave archeological trove in central Belgium found an animal bone with clear indications of intentional shaping. Further analysis showed it to be a tibia bone from a cave lion (Panthera spelaea), a species of extinct panther that roamed present-day Europe until roughly 13,000 years ago. Additional tests also indicated the bone is around 130,000-years-old, dating back to the end of the Saalian glaciation period.
Archeologists at Belgium’s University of Ghent were particularly intrigued by multiple intentional markings carved into the bone. In all, the team determined that the tibia featured four separate tools, as well as signs of repurposing. The study’s authors theorize that some of the tools were initially utilized for jobs like chiseling. Later, Neanderthal artisans broke the bone and reused it for crafting flint tools—a process known as retouching. While the multitool’s additional uses remain unknown, the team argues it offers decisive evidence of Neanderthal ingenuity.
The refitting of Sc1982-345-25 and Sc1986-1278-160 allows for the reconstruction of a diaphysis fragment of a left tibia (A,B). The bifacial reshaping observed on the distal part (C,D) presents a polish (F) that occurred prior to the breakage of the bone as it is present on both side of the fracture. Combined with blow fractures observed on the proximal part (A,B), these are all indicators supporting the multifunctional use of this tibial fragment as an intermediate tool as suggested in the drawing by S. Lambermont (E), before the different fragments were used separately as retouchers as illustrated in Figs. 3A,B. Credit: Scientific Reports“The intentional transformation of lion bones into functional tools highlights Neanderthals’ cognitive skills, adaptability, and capacity for resource utilization beyond their immediate survival needs,” they explained in the study.
Beyond its direct usage, the bone tool also helps contextualize Neanderthal’s relationship to cave lions, which coexisted alongside them for hundreds of thousands of years. Other archeological sites have yielded evidence of lion skinning and butchering, but the Scaldina discovery is the first time experts have found a tool made from one of the animal’s bones.
Additionally, the methods Neanderthals used to make the lion multitool are identical to those found on other items in the cave, including some made from bear bones. Because of this, the study’s authors argue it’s possible Neanderthals didn’t attach much symbolic meaning to the animals—or, at least, no more than they did for the bears. Instead, they likely hunted these animals out of practicality.
The researchers hope to continue studying the latest find to potentially determine its additional uses. Meanwhile, the tool offers other archeologists an example to search for at other dig sites. In any case, one thing is clear: it’s time to give long-maligned Neanderthals the credit they deserve.
The post Neanderthals made a ‘Swiss Army knife’ from cave lion bone appeared first on Popular Science.
Apple's Promised RCS Upgrade Still Not Implemented in iOS 26 Beta - MacRumors
End-to-end encryption for RCS was announced in March, as part of version 3.0 of the RCS Universal Profile, a global standard for RCS features and specifications. This means that Apple has indirectly confirmed that it will support RCS Universal Profile 3.0, which includes not only end-to-end encryption for RCS, but several other iMessage-like enhancements for RCS that were originally introduced in RCS Universal Profile 2.7.
Apple has to wait on carriers to implement RCS Universal Profile 3.0 too, so it is understandable why the process is taking time.
Here are five new capabilities to expect for RCS conversations on the iPhone, iPad, and Mac, once Apple rolls out support for RCS Universal Profile 3.0:
- End-to-end encryption, which will prevent Apple and any other third party from being able to read messages and attachments while they are being sent between devices, as has always been the case with iMessage
- In-line replies
- Edit messages
- Unsend messages
- Full-fledged Tapback support for RCS messages, with no special workarounds
RCS will be playing catch up with iMessage in many ways. iMessage conversations with blue bubbles have already supported end-to-end encryption by default since iOS 5. In addition, iMessage has supported in-line replies since iOS 14, while the options to edit and unsend iMessages were introduced with iOS 16.
It seems likely that Apple will roll out these RCS upgrades at some point during the iOS 26, iPadOS 26, macOS 26, and watchOS 26 software cycle.Related Roundups: iOS 26, iPadOS 26Tags: Messages, RCSRelated Forum: iOS 26
This article, "Apple's Promised RCS Upgrade Still Not Implemented in iOS 26 Beta" first appeared on MacRumors.com
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Apple's Promised RCS Upgrade Still Not Implemented in iOS 26 Beta - MacRumors
End-to-end encryption for RCS was announced in March, as part of version 3.0 of the RCS Universal Profile, a global standard for RCS features and specifications. This means that Apple has indirectly confirmed that it will support RCS Universal Profile 3.0, which includes not only end-to-end encryption for RCS, but several other iMessage-like enhancements for RCS that were originally introduced in RCS Universal Profile 2.7.
Apple has to wait on carriers to implement RCS Universal Profile 3.0 too, so it is understandable why the process is taking time.
Here are five new capabilities to expect for RCS conversations on the iPhone, iPad, and Mac, once Apple rolls out support for RCS Universal Profile 3.0:
- End-to-end encryption, which will prevent Apple and any other third party from being able to read messages and attachments while they are being sent between devices, as has always been the case with iMessage
- In-line replies
- Edit messages
- Unsend messages
- Full-fledged Tapback support for RCS messages, with no special workarounds
RCS will be playing catch up with iMessage in many ways. iMessage conversations with blue bubbles have already supported end-to-end encryption by default since iOS 5. In addition, iMessage has supported in-line replies since iOS 14, while the options to edit and unsend iMessages were introduced with iOS 16.
It seems likely that Apple will roll out these RCS upgrades at some point during the iOS 26, iPadOS 26, macOS 26, and watchOS 26 software cycle.Related Roundups: iOS 26, iPadOS 26Tags: Messages, RCSRelated Forum: iOS 26
This article, "Apple's Promised RCS Upgrade Still Not Implemented in iOS 26 Beta" first appeared on MacRumors.com
Discuss this article in our forums
Bother your neighbors with these editor-approved Prime Day deals on Bluetooth speakers - Popular Science
Amazon Prime Day’s chaos, but it’s the kind of chaos we can get behind when it drops some of our favorite Bluetooth speakers to their lowest prices of the year. Whether you want a portable speaker that thumps through thunderstorms or just something that doesn’t sound like a shoebox, there’s a match. We’ve already tested and rounded up ones that earn their carry weight in our best portable Bluetooth speakers and best party speakers lists, and now’s the moment to snag one so you can crank the volume before they jack the prices back up. But remember, these deals vanish July 11, or sooner if the bins run dry, and you must be a Prime member (if you don’t have an active Amazon Prime subscription, you can sign up for a free 30-day trial here).
Sony ULT Field 5 Wireless Portable Bluetooth Speaker — $194.95 (was $329.99) The lights make it look fun at night.Sony
See ItSony’s ULT FIELD 5 is a Bluetooth speaker built to hit hard without looking like it’s trying. It’s the sonic sequel to the already excellent SRS-XG300, but with more edge and less bloat—physically and sonically. Dual tweeters and passive radiators give it real punch, especially if you’re streaming LDAC from an Android device, but it still plays nice with iPhone AAC. The shimmering SONY logo and ambient LEDs lean into the vibe. IP67 means it’s beach-proof, and it lasts up to 25 hours (plus acts as a power bank). It’s not true wide stereo, but ULT mode punches big, clean, and bassy. Think party muscle in a polished frame.
Ultimate Ears WONDERBOOM 4 Waterproof Bluetooth Outdoor Speaker — $66.49 (was $99.99) This is like a sound hand grenade.Ultimate Ears
See ItThe Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 4 is one of the best ultra-portable Bluetooth speakers you can toss in a tote. It’s floatable, drop-tested, and IP67-rated, which means it’s just as comfortable in a kayak as on a kitchen counter. Sound is 360-ish, with Outdoor Mode featuring beefed-up bass for the size, plus a new podcast mode that evens out voices. No app, no EQ, just buttons and Bluetooth 5.3. You can pair two for stereo if you want. It’s the speaker you bring when you don’t want to mess with settings—just press play and have fun. (As happy to hang next to the shampoo as it is off a backpack carabiner, it’s also a great shower speaker.)
Klipsch Nashville Portable Bluetooth Speaker — $97 (was $159) We really like the blacked-out look.Klipsch
See ItThe Klipsch Nashville portable speaker can hold a note and hold up under the conditions of a pool party or beach bash. With front and rear 2.25-inch drivers, dual bass radiators, and IP67 durability, it’s built for road trips and pool decks alike. Mono playback still feels rich, and the Klipsch Connect app lets you fine-tune the EQ. You get Bluetooth 5.3, 24-hour battery life, USB-C charging, and even a power bank function if your phone dies mid-playlist. No aux or Wi-Fi here—Bluetooth only—but “Broadcast Mode” lets you link up to 10 Klipsch speakers for a fuller wall of sound. It’s a compact speaker with some serious voice.
JBL PartyBox Stage 320 – Portable Party Speaker with Telescopic Handle & Wide, Sturdy Wheels — $499.95 (was $599.95) This speaker can power a block party.JBL
See ItThe JBL PartyBox 320 brings big bass on big wheels. This speaker isn’t trying to be discreet. It’s a rolling 240-watt block of bass, light, and Bluetooth 5.3. Dual 6.5-inch woofers, dome tweeters, and a synced LED light show make it equal parts speaker and spectacle. Battery life hits up to 18 hours, and there’s a swappable pack if you’re really going the distance. Built-in handle, wide wheels, IPX4 splash protection—it’s made to follow you from patio to parking lot. Add a mic, Auracast pairing, and some imagination, and the playlist/karaoke party never stands still.
More portable speaker deals, some at their lowest price of the year- Ultimate Ears MINIROLL Ultra-Portable Waterproof Bluetooth Speaker, $47.49 (was $79.99)
- Ultimate Ears EVERBOOM Wireless Floatable Bluetooth Portable Speaker, Big Bass, 360-Degree Sound, $189.99 (was $269.99)
- Bose SoundLink Flex Portable Bluetooth Speaker (2nd Gen), $129 (was $149)
- Bose SoundLink Max Portable Speaker, $299 (was $399)
- Fender x Teufel ROCKSTER CROSS Portable Wireless Bluetooth Speaker, $149 (was $179)
- soundcore Rave 3S AI Party Speaker with 2 Wireless Microphones, 200W Sound, $279 (was $349.99)
- SOUNDBOKS Go – Portable 121 dB Bluetooth Speaker – Splash and Shockproof – 40 Hours Battery Life, $599.25 (was $799)
- SOUNDBOKS 4 – 126dB Performance Bluetooth Speaker – with 40 Hours of Battery in Metallic Gray, $947 (was $1,199)
- Marshall Emberton II Portable Bluetooth Speaker, $99 (was $179.00)
- Marshall Acton III Bluetooth Home Speaker, $199 (was $299)
- Marshall Stanmore III Bluetooth Home Speaker, $299 (was $399)
- JBL Authentics 200 – Retro Style Smart Home Speaker with Built-in Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and Voice Assistants, $199 (was $379)
- JBL Authentics 300 – Portable Retro Style Wireless Bluetooth/WiFi Home Speaker, $299 (was $449)
- TREBLAB HD77 – Portable Bluetooth Speaker – 360° Sound, 30W Audio with Impactful Bass, 20H Battery, $63.97 (was $129.97)
- TREBLAB Ultra Loud Wireless Speaker – 60W Stereo Sound with Deep Bass, 20H Playtime, $109.97 ($159.97)
The post Bother your neighbors with these editor-approved Prime Day deals on Bluetooth speakers appeared first on Popular Science.
OpenAI Finalizes Deal for Jony Ive's 'io' AI Hardware Company - MacRumors
The io Products team has now officially merged with OpenAI, though Jony Ive and his LoveFrom design firm remain independent. Ive and LoveFrom have taken over "deep design and creative responsibilities" at OpenAI. OpenAI paid an estimated $6.5 billion for io.
OpenAI first announced plans to purchase Jony Ive's startup back in May, and at the time, the two shared a video on their future plans. Ive and Altman are creating a new family of AI devices. "The products that we're using to deliver and connect us to unimaginable technology, they're decades old," said Jony Ive in the acquisition announcement. "It's just common sense to at least think surely there's something beyond these legacy products."
Ive will design the AI device that OpenAI will eventually launch, and several former Apple design employees who co-founded io with Ive are also moving to OpenAI. While Ive provides design, OpenAI will handle the AI expertise.
Recent information indicates that Ive and Altman's first device won't be an in-ear device or wearable, and will instead sit in a pocket or on a desk alongside a Mac and an iPhone. Other rumors suggest that the pocket-sized product will be contextually aware of the wearer's surroundings and life, providing insight screen-free.Tags: Jony Ive, OpenAI
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OpenAI Finalizes Deal for Jony Ive's 'io' AI Hardware Company - MacRumors
The io Products team has now officially merged with OpenAI, though Jony Ive and his LoveFrom design firm remain independent. Ive and LoveFrom have taken over "deep design and creative responsibilities" at OpenAI. OpenAI paid an estimated $6.5 billion for io.
OpenAI first announced plans to purchase Jony Ive's startup back in May, and at the time, the two shared a video on their future plans. Ive and Altman are creating a new family of AI devices. "The products that we're using to deliver and connect us to unimaginable technology, they're decades old," said Jony Ive in the acquisition announcement. "It's just common sense to at least think surely there's something beyond these legacy products."
Ive will design the AI device that OpenAI will eventually launch, and several former Apple design employees who co-founded io with Ive are also moving to OpenAI. While Ive provides design, OpenAI will handle the AI expertise.
Recent information indicates that Ive and Altman's first device won't be an in-ear device or wearable, and will instead sit in a pocket or on a desk alongside a Mac and an iPhone. Other rumors suggest that the pocket-sized product will be contextually aware of the wearer's surroundings and life, providing insight screen-free.Tags: Jony Ive, OpenAI
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Apple's Back to School Offer With Free AirPods About to Begin in Europe - MacRumors
Apple's online educational store is currently showing a "we'll be right back" message in a long list of countries, and this is typically an indicator that the Back to School offer is incoming. The offer should begin in these countries within a matter of hours.
We did a quick check of Apple's website, and it appears the offer will be going live in the U.K., Ireland, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Portugal, Austria, Belgium, Czechia, the Netherlands, Hungary, Poland, Switzerland, Denmark, Finland, Norway, Sweden, and a few other countries and territories in Europe, as well as in Türkiye.
In countries where the offer is already live, eligible students can receive free AirPods 4 when they purchase an eligible new Mac or iPad from Apple. AirPods Pro 2 are also available at a discount. Aside from AirPods, the promotion also offers various other accessories for free or at a discount, such as the Apple Pencil Pro or a Magic Keyboard.
The free AirPods or other accessory are included in addition to Apple's standard year-round 10% educational discount on select Mac and iPad models.
In the U.S., the promotion ends on September 30.Tag: Back to School Promotion
This article, "Apple's Back to School Offer With Free AirPods About to Begin in Europe" first appeared on MacRumors.com
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Apple's Back to School Offer With Free AirPods About to Begin in Europe - MacRumors
Apple's online educational store is currently showing a "we'll be right back" message in a long list of countries, and this is typically an indicator that the Back to School offer is incoming. The offer should begin in these countries within a matter of hours.
We did a quick check of Apple's website, and it appears the offer will be going live in the U.K., Ireland, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Portugal, Austria, Belgium, Czechia, the Netherlands, Hungary, Poland, Switzerland, Denmark, Finland, Norway, Sweden, and a few other countries and territories in Europe, as well as in Türkiye.
In countries where the offer is already live, eligible students can receive free AirPods 4 when they purchase an eligible new Mac or iPad from Apple. AirPods Pro 2 are also available at a discount. Aside from AirPods, the promotion also offers various other accessories for free or at a discount, such as the Apple Pencil Pro or a Magic Keyboard.
The free AirPods or other accessory are included in addition to Apple's standard year-round 10% educational discount on select Mac and iPad models.
In the U.S., the promotion ends on September 30.Tag: Back to School Promotion
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Crashing into an asteroid creates chaotic space boulders - Popular Science
In the almost three years since NASA proved that it could successfully deflect an asteroid, we’ve learned a lot about these space rocks. The September 2022 collision of a spacecraft into the asteroid moon Dimorphos completely changed the space rock’s orbit. However, this groundbreaking test also showed smashing into an asteroid can trigger a barrage of boulders. The resulting chunks of rock carried more than three times the momentum of the spacecraft that crashed into Dimorphos. The ejected boulders created forces in unexpected directions that could complicate other attempts to deflect an asteroid, according to a study published this month in the Planetary Science Journal.
“We succeeded in deflecting an asteroid, moving it from its orbit,” study co-author and University of Maryland astronomer Tony Farnham said in a statement. “Our research shows that while the direct impact of the DART spacecraft caused this change, the boulders ejected gave an additional kick that was almost as big. That additional factor changes the physics we need to consider when planning these types of missions.”
The team used images taken by LICIACube, a small Italian spacecraft that observed DART’s aftermath. They tracked 104 boulders ranging from 0.2 to 3.6 meters (about half a foot to 11 feet) in radius as they shot across space away from Dimorphos at speeds up to 52 meters per second (116 miles per hour). Using those images, the astronomers determined the three-dimensional locations and velocities of the ejected rocks.
“We saw that the boulders weren’t scattered randomly in space,” Farnham said. “Instead, they were clustered in two pretty distinct groups, with an absence of material elsewhere, which means that something unknown is at work here.”
[ Related: 5 ways we know DART crushed that asteroid (but not literally). ]
The largest debris cluster they studied contains about 70 percent of the objects measured in the study. It was ejected south of the asteroid at high velocities and shallow angles. The authors believe that these ejected boulders likely came from specific sources. One source could be the larger boulders on Dimorphos that were shattered by DART’s solar panels in the seconds before the main body of the car-sized spacecraft hit its surface.
“DART’s solar panels likely hit two big boulders, called Atabaque and Bodhran, on the asteroid,” added study co-author and astronomer Jessica Sunshine. “Evidence suggests that the southern cluster of ejected material is probably made up of fragments from Atabaque, a 3.3-meter-radius boulder.”
Sunshine served as deputy principal investigator for the NASA Deep Impact mission to probe the surface of Comet P/Tempel 1. She compared DART’s results with Deep Impact’s, noting that the surface features and target composition of the space rock fundamentally shape the impact outcomes.
“Deep Impact hit a surface that was essentially very small, uniform particles, so its ejecta was relatively smooth and continuous,” Sunshine explained. “And here, we see that DART hit a surface that was rocky and full of large boulders, resulting in chaotic and filamentary structures in its ejecta patterns. Comparing these two missions side-by-side gives us this insight into how different types of celestial bodies respond to impacts, which is crucial to ensuring that a planetary defense mission is successful.”
Additionally, the momentum from the DART impact’s ejected boulders was mostly perpendicular to the spacecraft’s trajectory. This indicates that it could have tilted Dimorphos’ orbital plane by up to one degree–potentially sending it tumbling into space. Understanding the effect that this boulder debris has will be key to the European Space Agency’s Hera mission, which will arrive at the Didymos-Dimorphos system in 2026.
“Data gathered from LICIACube provides additional perspectives on impact events, especially as DART was originally designed to solely rely on Earth-based observations,” Farnham said. “Hera will do the same by giving us another direct view of the impact’s aftermath, relying on the predictions we’ve made using data gathered from DART.”
Farnham notes that these perspectives and close-up images from LICIACube gave the DART team crucial information that would have been impossible to detect from Earth. This includes the data on the asteroid boulders themselves. This new study suggests the importance of considering all of these variables when planning future asteroid deflection missions.
“If an asteroid was tumbling toward us, and we knew we had to move it a specific amount to prevent it from hitting Earth, then all these subtleties become very, very important,” Sunshine added. “You can think of it as a cosmic pool game. We might miss the pocket if we don’t consider all the variables.”
The post Crashing into an asteroid creates chaotic space boulders appeared first on Popular Science.
Prime Day TV Deals Include Year's Best Prices on Popular Smart TVs - MacRumors
Note: MacRumors is an affiliate partner with Amazon. When you click a link and make a purchase, we may receive a small payment, which helps us keep the site running.
Below we've collected some of the best TV deals you can find during Prime Day, including those from Samsung, Sony, Hisense, LG, Panasonic, Toshiba, and more. Shoppers should remember that Prime Day sales are typically time sensitive, so purchase quickly if you're interested.
UP TO 50% OFFAmazon Prime Day TV Deals
It's also worth noting that some deals require an Amazon Prime membership to get Prime Day deals. You can sign up for a free 30-day trial of Prime on Amazon if you're a new customer; afterwards the service runs for $14.99/month or $139/year.
Special for 2025, Amazon is also offering a free six month trial to Prime for Young Adults right now. Prime for Young Adults is a discounted Prime membership for anyone age 18-24 that offers all of the Prime benefits at $69.00 per year, half of the price of regular Prime.
50-Inch TVs
- 55-inch Roku Smart TV - $249.00, down from $349.99
- 55-inch LG 4K Smart TV - $326.99, down from $376.99
- 50-inch Vizio 4K Smart TV - $398.00, down from $629.99
- 55-inch Hisense Mini-LED 4K Smart Fire TV - $447.99, down from $799.99
- 55-inch Amazon Fire TV - $699.99, down from $819.99
- 55-inch Samsung The Frame QLED Smart TV (2025 Model) - $1,097.99, down from $1,297.99
60-Inch TVs
- 65-inch 4K UHD Amazon Fire TV - $449.99, down from $719.99
- 65-inch Panasonic 4K Ultra HD Smart Fire TV - $479.99, down from $549.99
- 65-inch Sony 4K Ultra HD Bravia Smart TV - $698.00, down from $799.00
- 65-inch Sony 4K Ultra HD TV - $1,698.00, down from $3,499.00
- 65-inch Samsung The Frame Pro QLED Smart TV (2025 Model) - $1,897.99, down from $2,197.99
- 65-inch LG G3 OLED 4K TV - $2,530.09, down from $2,799.99
70-Inch TVs
- 75-inch Toshiba LED 4K UHD Smart Fire TV - $429.99, down from $649.99
- 75-inch Hisense QLED 4K Smart TV - $529.99, down from $699.99
- 75-inch Hisense 4K UHD Fire TV - $599.99, down from $799.00
- 75-inch Samsung QLED 4K TV - $877.99, down from $997.99
80-Inch TVs
- 85-inch Hisense QLED 4K Smart Fire TV - $799.99, down from $1,099.99
- 86-inch LG Smart TV - $899.99, down from $1,096.99
- 85-inch Samsung QLED Smart TV - $989.97, down from $1,697.99
If you're on the hunt for more discounts, be sure to visit our Apple Deals roundup where we recap the best Apple-related bargains of the past week.
Deals Newsletter
Interested in hearing more about the best deals you can find in 2025? Sign up for our Deals Newsletter and we'll keep you updated so you don't miss the biggest deals of the season!
Related Roundup: Apple DealsTag: Prime Day
This article, "Prime Day TV Deals Include Year's Best Prices on Popular Smart TVs" first appeared on MacRumors.com
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Prime Day TV Deals Include Year's Best Prices on Popular Smart TVs - MacRumors
Note: MacRumors is an affiliate partner with Amazon. When you click a link and make a purchase, we may receive a small payment, which helps us keep the site running.
Below we've collected some of the best TV deals you can find during Prime Day, including those from Samsung, Sony, Hisense, LG, Panasonic, Toshiba, and more. Shoppers should remember that Prime Day sales are typically time sensitive, so purchase quickly if you're interested.
UP TO 50% OFFAmazon Prime Day TV Deals
It's also worth noting that some deals require an Amazon Prime membership to get Prime Day deals. You can sign up for a free 30-day trial of Prime on Amazon if you're a new customer; afterwards the service runs for $14.99/month or $139/year.
Special for 2025, Amazon is also offering a free six month trial to Prime for Young Adults right now. Prime for Young Adults is a discounted Prime membership for anyone age 18-24 that offers all of the Prime benefits at $69.00 per year, half of the price of regular Prime.
50-Inch TVs
- 55-inch Roku Smart TV - $249.00, down from $349.99
- 55-inch LG 4K Smart TV - $326.99, down from $376.99
- 50-inch Vizio 4K Smart TV - $398.00, down from $629.99
- 55-inch Hisense Mini-LED 4K Smart Fire TV - $447.99, down from $799.99
- 55-inch Amazon Fire TV - $699.99, down from $819.99
- 55-inch Samsung The Frame QLED Smart TV (2025 Model) - $1,097.99, down from $1,297.99
60-Inch TVs
- 65-inch 4K UHD Amazon Fire TV - $449.99, down from $719.99
- 65-inch Panasonic 4K Ultra HD Smart Fire TV - $479.99, down from $549.99
- 65-inch Sony 4K Ultra HD Bravia Smart TV - $698.00, down from $799.00
- 65-inch Sony 4K Ultra HD TV - $1,698.00, down from $3,499.00
- 65-inch Samsung The Frame Pro QLED Smart TV (2025 Model) - $1,897.99, down from $2,197.99
- 65-inch LG G3 OLED 4K TV - $2,530.09, down from $2,799.99
70-Inch TVs
- 75-inch Toshiba LED 4K UHD Smart Fire TV - $429.99, down from $649.99
- 75-inch Hisense QLED 4K Smart TV - $529.99, down from $699.99
- 75-inch Hisense 4K UHD Fire TV - $599.99, down from $799.00
- 75-inch Samsung QLED 4K TV - $877.99, down from $997.99
80-Inch TVs
- 85-inch Hisense QLED 4K Smart Fire TV - $799.99, down from $1,099.99
- 86-inch LG Smart TV - $899.99, down from $1,096.99
- 85-inch Samsung QLED Smart TV - $989.97, down from $1,697.99
If you're on the hunt for more discounts, be sure to visit our Apple Deals roundup where we recap the best Apple-related bargains of the past week.
Deals Newsletter
Interested in hearing more about the best deals you can find in 2025? Sign up for our Deals Newsletter and we'll keep you updated so you don't miss the biggest deals of the season!
Related Roundup: Apple DealsTag: Prime Day
This article, "Prime Day TV Deals Include Year's Best Prices on Popular Smart TVs" first appeared on MacRumors.com
Discuss this article in our forums
San Francisco Mayor Backtracks on Homelessness Goal - Planetizen
San Francisco Mayor Dan Lurie is backing away from his bold promises to reduce homelessness in the city, which remains 1,000 shelter beds short of meeting demand, report Josh Koehn and David Sjostedt in The San Francisco Standard.
The mayor ran on a promise of building 1,500 additional shelter beds. Now, his office announced it is “shifting its strategy on homelessness” and abandoning that goal in favor of “fixing a broken system that fails to properly coordinate agencies and address the root causes of homelessness, such as drug addiction and mental health issues,” according to Kunal Modi, the mayor’s top policy chief on homelessness.
Although the city has added (“or announced plans for”) at least 436 shelter beds during Lurie’s administration, it has also slated 241 beds for closure. “Margot Kushel, a homelessness researcher at UCSF, commended the administration’s revised approach but stressed that there remains a shortage of shelter beds — even as the city arrests people for repeatedly pitching tents on the street.”
Geography California Category Housing Tags Publication The San Francisco Standard Publication Date Tue, 07/08/2025 - 12:00 Publication Links 1,000 homeless beds short of goal, Lurie abandons signature campaign promise 1 minuteSan Francisco Mayor Backtracks on Homelessness Goal - Planetizen
San Francisco Mayor Dan Lurie is backing away from his bold promises to reduce homelessness in the city, which remains 1,000 shelter beds short of meeting demand, report Josh Koehn and David Sjostedt in The San Francisco Standard.
The mayor ran on a promise of building 1,500 additional shelter beds. Now, his office announced it is “shifting its strategy on homelessness” and abandoning that goal in favor of “fixing a broken system that fails to properly coordinate agencies and address the root causes of homelessness, such as drug addiction and mental health issues,” according to Kunal Modi, the mayor’s top policy chief on homelessness.
Although the city has added (“or announced plans for”) at least 436 shelter beds during Lurie’s administration, it has also slated 241 beds for closure. “Margot Kushel, a homelessness researcher at UCSF, commended the administration’s revised approach but stressed that there remains a shortage of shelter beds — even as the city arrests people for repeatedly pitching tents on the street.”
Geography California Category Housing Tags Publication The San Francisco Standard Publication Date Tue, 07/08/2025 - 12:00 Publication Links 1,000 homeless beds short of goal, Lurie abandons signature campaign promise 1 minuteNew pseudoscorpions with dragon-like jaws discovered in a South Korea cave - Popular Science
Pseudoscorpions may lack the pointy, poisonous tail of their more famous desert-dwelling cousins, but their crab-like front pincers still make them look quite formidable. Now, these small, sometimes overlooked arachnids are getting a closer look. Four new species of these tiny arachnids have been uncovered in the dark caves of South Korea. They have jaws like dragons and are even completely blind, according to a study published July 9 in the journal PLOS One.
What are pseudoscorpions?Pseudoscorpions are harmless to humans and related to spiders and “real” scorpions. They eat small insects, other arthropods, and larvae. They live in many habitats, and are often found in tiny crevices, under tree bark, and in humid environments full of leaf litter and moss. They also can be found in dark, damp places like caves.
Since South Korea is home to hundreds of unexplored caves and close to countries with several pseudoscorpion species, arachnologists were curious what pseudoscorpions could be lurking in these limestone cave systems and lava tubes spread across two extensive mountain ranges.
A pseudoscorpion from the genus Paratemnoides in South Korea. CREDIT: Kyung–Hoon Jeong.“Pseudoscorpions are awesome animals,” Kyung–Hoon Jeong, a study co-author and arachnologist at South Korea’s Jeonbuk National University, tells Popular Science. “We can divide pseudoscorpions in two types–basal lineage and modern lineage.”
The basal lineage cannot move far, making them endemic wherever they live. Scientists can use their distribution to learn more about their geographical secrets, according to Kyung–Hoon.
The modern lineage does a little bit more. They hitchhike on other animals and make houses out of their silk.
Blind dragonsOnly five pseudoscorpion species have been recorded from caves in South Korea, compared to the hundreds that have been documented in countries like China. This study brings that total up to nine.
“Many people have believed there is only one species (Spelaeochthonius dentifier) distributed in Korea. However, our result was totally different,” says Kyung–Hoon.
The newly discovered species are named Spelaeochthonius dugigulensis, S. geumgulensis, S. magwihalmigulensis, and S.yamigulensis. Those in the family Pseudotyrannochthoniidae are often referred to as “dragon pseudoscorpions,” due to their large front appandages that resemble dragon jaws.
All four new species strongly adapted to cave living and were only found in a single cave system. These new additions have an orange to brown color. They are mostly blind, and have dragon-like jaws that can clamp down on the smaller organisms. However, they are not all the same.
Habitus of Spelaeochthonius dugigulensis. A. Holotype male, dorsal view; B. Holotype male, ventral view; C. Paratype female, dorsal view; D. Paratype female, ventral view. Scale bar: 1 mm. CREDIT: Jeong et al., 2025, PLOS One“Each species in the cave has big differences, both in morphology and genetically,” says Kyung–Hoon. “Additionally, their relevance is supported by the connection between Korea and Japan.”
This indicates that these pseudoscorpions likely were more widespread in East Asia before the Sea of Japan formed between the countries roughly 28 to 13 million years ago. They then likely traveled between the two over water, hitching rides on other organisms.
While the team is still studying these new arachnids, their perfect adaptations to cave life means that they can only survive if their habitat stays intact. Pollution and climate change could threaten these small and endemic animals, according to Kyung–Hoon.
“Our study highlights the conservation value of pseudoscorpions, we believe that the interest of this small animal could bring attention to their habitats and environment,” he concludes.
The post New pseudoscorpions with dragon-like jaws discovered in a South Korea cave appeared first on Popular Science.
Apple to Upgrade Vision Pro in Two Ways Later This Year - MacRumors
Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo said late last year that a new Vision Pro coming in 2025 would have an M5 chip, and Gurman also said around the same timeframe that Apple would update the Vision Pro with the M5 chip. Just last month, Kuo maintained that the updated Vision Pro would use an M5 chip, but it now appears that information about the M5 could be incorrect.
The current version of the Vision Pro includes an M2 chip, so even if the upgraded model won't get the M5 chip, the M4 should still bring significant performance improvements. Apple is also testing a version of the device that has an upgraded Neural Engine with a higher number of cores, which would improve processing for AI tasks.
Along with the faster processor, Apple plans to update the Vision Pro with a strap that will make the headset more comfortable to wear for longer periods of time. Straps that Apple is working on are meant to cut down on head pain and neck strain, but there's no information on what Apple has in mind. Apple already has two Vision Pro straps, including one that goes around the back of the head and a second add-on strap that better distributes weight at the top of the head.
After the second-generation Vision Pro that's coming out this year, the device will not see another update in 2026. Apple is instead planning to debut a redesigned model in 2027. The redesigned model, which Kuo has referred to as a "Vision Air," is expected to be significantly lighter.
Gurman says that Apple is working on another variation of the Vision Pro that could be tethered to an iPhone or Mac for enterprise applications and reduced lag. Apple had been designing Mac-connected glasses that would work as a computer display, but Apple paused work on that project back in January.
Apple is developing a set of smart glasses that are similar to Meta's Ray-Bans and that are supposed to come out in 2026. Those glasses won't feature augmented reality capabilities, but they will serve as a precursor to true AR glasses.Related Roundup: Apple Vision ProBuyer's Guide: Vision Pro (Neutral)Related Forum: Apple Vision Pro
This article, "Apple to Upgrade Vision Pro in Two Ways Later This Year" first appeared on MacRumors.com
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Apple to Upgrade Vision Pro in Two Ways Later This Year - MacRumors
Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo said late last year that a new Vision Pro coming in 2025 would have an M5 chip, and Gurman also said around the same timeframe that Apple would update the Vision Pro with the M5 chip. Just last month, Kuo maintained that the updated Vision Pro would use an M5 chip, but it now appears that information about the M5 could be incorrect.
The current version of the Vision Pro includes an M2 chip, so even if the upgraded model won't get the M5 chip, the M4 should still bring significant performance improvements. Apple is also testing a version of the device that has an upgraded Neural Engine with a higher number of cores, which would improve processing for AI tasks.
Along with the faster processor, Apple plans to update the Vision Pro with a strap that will make the headset more comfortable to wear for longer periods of time. Straps that Apple is working on are meant to cut down on head pain and neck strain, but there's no information on what Apple has in mind. Apple already has two Vision Pro straps, including one that goes around the back of the head and a second add-on strap that better distributes weight at the top of the head.
After the second-generation Vision Pro that's coming out this year, the device will not see another update in 2026. Apple is instead planning to debut a redesigned model in 2027. The redesigned model, which Kuo has referred to as a "Vision Air," is expected to be significantly lighter.
Gurman says that Apple is working on another variation of the Vision Pro that could be tethered to an iPhone or Mac for enterprise applications and reduced lag. Apple had been designing Mac-connected glasses that would work as a computer display, but Apple paused work on that project back in January.
Apple is developing a set of smart glasses that are similar to Meta's Ray-Bans and that are supposed to come out in 2026. Those glasses won't feature augmented reality capabilities, but they will serve as a precursor to true AR glasses.Related Roundup: Apple Vision ProBuyer's Guide: Vision Pro (Neutral)Related Forum: Apple Vision Pro
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How Trump's HUD Budget Proposal Would Harm Homelessness Response - Planetizen
The article explores the far-reaching consequences of President Trump’s proposed FY 2026 budget, which seeks to consolidate three major homeless assistance programs—Continuum of Care grants, Housing Opportunities for Persons With AIDS (HOPWA), and the Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG)—into a single block grant. This move would eliminate specialized housing and services for vulnerable populations like people with HIV/AIDS and those with chronic mental illness.
Experts warn that the restructuring would dismantle the country’s coordinated homeless response system, cut more than $500 million in critical funding, and impose a two-year cap on assistance. Overall, the changes in the budget risk leaving over 275,000 people without housing. Programs like Denver’s Beacon Place and initiatives in Atlanta and Boston, which rely on continuum of care funding, could be severely impacted.
Critics—including leaders from the National Alliance to End Homelessness, Metro Denver Homeless Initiative, and the National Low Income Housing Coalition—say the proposal would ultimately increase homelessness rather than reduce it.
Geography United States Colorado Category Housing Tags Publication Shelterforce Magazine Publication Date Fri, 06/27/2025 - 12:00 Publication Links How Trump's HUD Budget Proposal Would Harm Homelessness Response 1 minuteHow Trump's HUD Budget Proposal Would Harm Homelessness Response - Planetizen
The article explores the far-reaching consequences of President Trump’s proposed FY 2026 budget, which seeks to consolidate three major homeless assistance programs—Continuum of Care grants, Housing Opportunities for Persons With AIDS (HOPWA), and the Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG)—into a single block grant. This move would eliminate specialized housing and services for vulnerable populations like people with HIV/AIDS and those with chronic mental illness.
Experts warn that the restructuring would dismantle the country’s coordinated homeless response system, cut more than $500 million in critical funding, and impose a two-year cap on assistance. Overall, the changes in the budget risk leaving over 275,000 people without housing. Programs like Denver’s Beacon Place and initiatives in Atlanta and Boston, which rely on continuum of care funding, could be severely impacted.
Critics—including leaders from the National Alliance to End Homelessness, Metro Denver Homeless Initiative, and the National Low Income Housing Coalition—say the proposal would ultimately increase homelessness rather than reduce it.
Geography United States Colorado Category Housing Tags Publication Shelterforce Magazine Publication Date Fri, 06/27/2025 - 12:00 Publication Links How Trump's HUD Budget Proposal Would Harm Homelessness Response 1 minute8 Ways iPadOS 26 Makes Your iPad More Like a Mac - MacRumors
From enhanced multitasking to advanced file management, iPadOS 26 pushes Apple's tablet deeper into Mac territory, without sacrificing the unique strengths that make the iPad so versatile. Here are eight ways iPadOS 26 makes the iPad feel more like a Mac than ever.
Menu Bar
Within any active app, swipe down from the top of the screen and you will see a new, fully functioning macOS-style menu bar. With the foremost dropdown menu being the app's name (where app settings are typically accessed), other standard menus can include File, Edit, Format, View, Window, and Help. As you'd expect, the menu bar is dynamic, and will display menus specific to the app. In Safari you get Bookmarks and History, for instance.
Windowed Apps
In Settings ➝ Multitasking & Gestures, there's a new Windowed Apps mode that essentially lets you arrange and resize multiple windows in a single space, just like on a Mac. The new mode can also be invoked from Control Center, thanks to a new button that with a long press lets you switch between Windowed Apps and Stage Manager.
You can move multiple app windows and stack them on top of each other by dragging each window from the top, and you can individually resize them by dragging the bottom-right corner. And if you quickly drag an app window to a corner of the screen, it will automatically expand to fill that half of the screen. Tapping a space on the Home Screen will also scatter all open windows to the sides of the screen, giving you space to open other apps.
Traffic Lights
In the top-left corner of every window you'll now see three familiar traffic lights, straight out of macOS. Tapping the symbol expands it into red, amber, and green buttons for closing, minimizing, and expanding the window to fullscreen.
Long-pressing the buttons also reveals the Mac-style Move & Resize and Fill & Arrange options, as well as an option to park the app off-screen to Add a New Window (if the app supports it).
App Exposé
In the new Windowed Apps mode, iPadOS 26 also includes an App Exposé-style view that's similar to the App Switcher. Swipe up from the bottom of the screen to invoke the view, which shows all the open apps in the current space. You can also scroll the new interface to see your other open apps, whether they're sharing spaces or open in full-screen mode.
Preview
The iPad finally includes the Mac's long-standing Preview app, only now with Apple Pencil support, enabling you to easily open, edit, and mark up a range of images, documents, and file types. The Preview app's browsing menu is a lot like the Files interface, where you can browse your files and check out recent and shared items. You can also scan documents from right within the app.
Trackpad Pointer
If you have a Magic Keyboard trackpad or a Bluetooth mouse connected to your iPad, the cursor is now a Mac-like pointer rather than a circle. And if you shake it, the pointer will get bigger so that you can easily locate it on the screen.
Advanced File Management
In iPadOS 26, the iPad's Files app is enhanced with a new List view that features resizable columns and collapsible folders, and new filters, allowing users to see more document details at a glance and organize their files. To help you identify folders more easily, the app now supports folder customization with custom colors, icons, and emoji, all of which sync across devices.
In Files, iPadOS 26 also allows you to set a default app for opening specific files or file types, thanks to a new Open With... option in the contextual dropdown menu. You can also change the default app in the new Get Info panel.
Folders in Dock
In the Files app, long press on a folder and you'll see a new Add to Dock option in the contextual dropdown menu. So you can now park any folder in your Dock, and if you long press on its icon, you'll see Mac-style display options to view the content as a Grid or a Fan, as well as the typical sorting preferences.
In iPadOS 26, you can now fit up to 23 icons in the Dock, so there's nothing stopping you from adding multiple folders. In Settings ➝ Multitasking & Gestures, there's also a new option to Automatically Show and Hide the Dock, just like in macOS.Related Roundups: iOS 26, iPadOS 26Related Forum: iOS 26
This article, "8 Ways iPadOS 26 Makes Your iPad More Like a Mac" first appeared on MacRumors.com
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8 Ways iPadOS 26 Makes Your iPad More Like a Mac - MacRumors
From enhanced multitasking to advanced file management, iPadOS 26 pushes Apple's tablet deeper into Mac territory, without sacrificing the unique strengths that make the iPad so versatile. Here are eight ways iPadOS 26 makes the iPad feel more like a Mac than ever.
Menu Bar
Within any active app, swipe down from the top of the screen and you will see a new, fully functioning macOS-style menu bar. With the foremost dropdown menu being the app's name (where app settings are typically accessed), other standard menus can include File, Edit, Format, View, Window, and Help. As you'd expect, the menu bar is dynamic, and will display menus specific to the app. In Safari you get Bookmarks and History, for instance.
Windowed Apps
In Settings ➝ Multitasking & Gestures, there's a new Windowed Apps mode that essentially lets you arrange and resize multiple windows in a single space, just like on a Mac. The new mode can also be invoked from Control Center, thanks to a new button that with a long press lets you switch between Windowed Apps and Stage Manager.
You can move multiple app windows and stack them on top of each other by dragging each window from the top, and you can individually resize them by dragging the bottom-right corner. And if you quickly drag an app window to a corner of the screen, it will automatically expand to fill that half of the screen. Tapping a space on the Home Screen will also scatter all open windows to the sides of the screen, giving you space to open other apps.
Traffic Lights
In the top-left corner of every window you'll now see three familiar traffic lights, straight out of macOS. Tapping the symbol expands it into red, amber, and green buttons for closing, minimizing, and expanding the window to fullscreen.
Long-pressing the buttons also reveals the Mac-style Move & Resize and Fill & Arrange options, as well as an option to park the app off-screen to Add a New Window (if the app supports it).
App Exposé
In the new Windowed Apps mode, iPadOS 26 also includes an App Exposé-style view that's similar to the App Switcher. Swipe up from the bottom of the screen to invoke the view, which shows all the open apps in the current space. You can also scroll the new interface to see your other open apps, whether they're sharing spaces or open in full-screen mode.
Preview
The iPad finally includes the Mac's long-standing Preview app, only now with Apple Pencil support, enabling you to easily open, edit, and mark up a range of images, documents, and file types. The Preview app's browsing menu is a lot like the Files interface, where you can browse your files and check out recent and shared items. You can also scan documents from right within the app.
Trackpad Pointer
If you have a Magic Keyboard trackpad or a Bluetooth mouse connected to your iPad, the cursor is now a Mac-like pointer rather than a circle. And if you shake it, the pointer will get bigger so that you can easily locate it on the screen.
Advanced File Management
In iPadOS 26, the iPad's Files app is enhanced with a new List view that features resizable columns and collapsible folders, and new filters, allowing users to see more document details at a glance and organize their files. To help you identify folders more easily, the app now supports folder customization with custom colors, icons, and emoji, all of which sync across devices.
In Files, iPadOS 26 also allows you to set a default app for opening specific files or file types, thanks to a new Open With... option in the contextual dropdown menu. You can also change the default app in the new Get Info panel.
Folders in Dock
In the Files app, long press on a folder and you'll see a new Add to Dock option in the contextual dropdown menu. So you can now park any folder in your Dock, and if you long press on its icon, you'll see Mac-style display options to view the content as a Grid or a Fan, as well as the typical sorting preferences.
In iPadOS 26, you can now fit up to 23 icons in the Dock, so there's nothing stopping you from adding multiple folders. In Settings ➝ Multitasking & Gestures, there's also a new option to Automatically Show and Hide the Dock, just like in macOS.Related Roundups: iOS 26, iPadOS 26Related Forum: iOS 26
This article, "8 Ways iPadOS 26 Makes Your iPad More Like a Mac" first appeared on MacRumors.com
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iPhone Users Who Pay for iCloud Storage Receive These Five Perks - MacRumors
Here are the perks included with all iCloud+ plans:
- Private Relay keeps your Safari browsing history entirely private from network providers, websites, and even Apple.
- Hide My Email generates unique, random email addresses whenever needed.
- HomeKit Secure Video allows you to capture and review home security footage in an end-to-end encrypted format.
- Custom email domains enable you to personalize your iCloud email address.
- You can create event invitations in the Apple Invites app.
This article, "iPhone Users Who Pay for iCloud Storage Receive These Five Perks" first appeared on MacRumors.com
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iPhone Users Who Pay for iCloud Storage Receive These Five Perks - MacRumors
Here are the perks included with all iCloud+ plans:
- Private Relay keeps your Safari browsing history entirely private from network providers, websites, and even Apple.
- Hide My Email generates unique, random email addresses whenever needed.
- HomeKit Secure Video allows you to capture and review home security footage in an end-to-end encrypted format.
- Custom email domains enable you to personalize your iCloud email address.
- You can create event invitations in the Apple Invites app.
This article, "iPhone Users Who Pay for iCloud Storage Receive These Five Perks" first appeared on MacRumors.com
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The Vast Potential of the Right-of-Way - Planetizen
Writing in Streetsblog USA, Coby Lefkowitz attempts to convince readers that the right of way is the single most important element of the built environment.
A Right of Way is the technical term for the space between two property lines facing each other on a block. Specifically, it includes the roadway, sidewalks, public lawns, and sometimes even a portion of the private front lawn for each parcel. We’re going to stretch this definition to mean the entire area between two building faces.
For Lefkowitz, right of ways are key to creating good cities because “they frame our entire sense of place” and serve as the foundations for everything that happens on city streets. “When a ROW is too wide, we feel small and exposed. These are not good feelings. But making the right of way too narrow is also a mistake, as it can induce claustrophobia.”
Lefkowitz focuses on narrowing these areas to reduce vehicle speed, create more interesting streets, and reduce temperatures by providing shade trees and permeable surfaces. Moreover, “People are more likely to walk down a lane, or pop into a shop, if the way feels appropriately scaled for pedestrians.”
Pointing to the “remarkable transformation” of a nine-block stretch of boulevard in Lancaster, California, where a wide, unfriendly street was reimagined into a vibrant commercial boulevard, Lefkowitz asks, “hat other wonders might be possible at a broader scale, across the country? How much human flourishing (and economic productivity) are we leaving on the table?”
Geography United States Category Infrastructure Land Use Transportation Urban Development Tags- Right of way
- Built Environment
- Urban Design
- Walkability
- Economic Development
- Pedestrian infrastructure
- Complete Streets
The Vast Potential of the Right-of-Way - Planetizen
Writing in Streetsblog USA, Coby Lefkowitz attempts to convince readers that the right of way is the single most important element of the built environment.
A Right of Way is the technical term for the space between two property lines facing each other on a block. Specifically, it includes the roadway, sidewalks, public lawns, and sometimes even a portion of the private front lawn for each parcel. We’re going to stretch this definition to mean the entire area between two building faces.
For Lefkowitz, right of ways are key to creating good cities because “they frame our entire sense of place” and serve as the foundations for everything that happens on city streets. “When a ROW is too wide, we feel small and exposed. These are not good feelings. But making the right of way too narrow is also a mistake, as it can induce claustrophobia.”
Lefkowitz focuses on narrowing these areas to reduce vehicle speed, create more interesting streets, and reduce temperatures by providing shade trees and permeable surfaces. Moreover, “People are more likely to walk down a lane, or pop into a shop, if the way feels appropriately scaled for pedestrians.”
Pointing to the “remarkable transformation” of a nine-block stretch of boulevard in Lancaster, California, where a wide, unfriendly street was reimagined into a vibrant commercial boulevard, Lefkowitz asks, “hat other wonders might be possible at a broader scale, across the country? How much human flourishing (and economic productivity) are we leaving on the table?”
Geography United States Category Infrastructure Land Use Transportation Urban Development Tags- Right of way
- Built Environment
- Urban Design
- Walkability
- Economic Development
- Pedestrian infrastructure
- Complete Streets
The US Army is selling their horses - Popular Science
The United States military has utilized horses since the nation’s inception, but its equine era is finally ending. On July 2, the US Army announced plans to shutter its Military Working Equid (MWE) program, an organization within the Department of Defense (DoD) that oversees its remaining animals. The decision will save the government an estimated $2 million annually, allowing it to “align more resources with warfighting capability and readiness.”
According to Task & Purpose, the DoD currently owns 236 horses, donkeys, and mules. The MWE Task Force composed of equine veterinarian experts will spend the next year orchestrating their sale, transfer, or donation to “vetted owners,” citing federal law. Meanwhile, army bases in California, Arizona, Kansas, Oklahoma, and Texas will sunset their MWE programs.
European colonial settlers relied on horses for centuries, but official US cavalry forces are traceable all the way back to the Revolutionary War. However, their adoption was borne out of defeat. At the Battle of White Plains on October 28, 1776, General George Washington’s soldiers were forced to retreat following an attack from a small contingent of British dragoons. Learning from the mistake, Washington later asked the Continental Congress to approve the creation of a light cavalry. By the end of 1776, Washington was expanding his forces to include 3,000 mounted soldiers.
A separate United States Cavalry was not formed until 1861, but it remained a distinct Army branch until World War II. The last actual horse-led charge took place on January 16, 1942, when the 26th Cavalry Regiment stormed Japanese forces at the Battle of Batann near the village of Morong in the Philippines.
The military’s use of horses, donkeys, and mules continued to decrease over the ensuing decades, with the equines primarily relegated to non-combat endeavors and ceremonial processions. Even so, the animals still occasionally returned to war zones. In 2001, Army Special Forces relied on horses provided by Northern Alliance partners during the early days of the Afghanistan invasion.
Despite the MWE’s end, the DoD will continue owning a handful of horses at Joint Base San Antonio in Texas and in the Military District of Washington in DC. In Texas, they’ll remain a part of the historic 3rd Regiment, also known as The Old Guard, while others will pull carriages as caisson units at Arlington National Cemetery. In 2023, officials suspended the memorial site tradition after a damning report revealed significant animal mistreatment, as well as the death of two horses. In June 2025, the caisson program restarted following an $18 million overhaul by the Army.
The post The US Army is selling their horses appeared first on Popular Science.
DJI’s waterproof 4K action camera is just $199 for Prime Day - Popular Science
Last Prime Day, the DJI Osmo action camera was one of the most popular deals with PopSci readers. This year, the updated version is even cheaper at just $199 for the Essentials bundle. That’s a full $50 cheaper than I have seen it all year. Several other DJI products for creatives are also on sale during Prime Day, including a gimbal stabilizer for smartphones and a fancy drone that you can use to shoot aerial videos or freak out your dog. Remember, if you don’t have an active Amazon Prime subscription, you can sign up for a free 30-day trial here.
DJI Osmo Action 4 Essential Combo, 4K/120fps Waterproof Action Camera — $199 (was $289) This camera can go places your smartphone camera can’t.DJI
See ItThis action camera can go places your smartphone camera can’t. Plus, it has some serious hardware advantages. It can capture 4K footage at up to 120 fps, which makes for super-smooth footage. It’s waterproof down to 18 meters without extra protection, and it’s rugged enough to take serious bumps that would shatter a typical smartphone.
DJI’s drone experience has given the company excellent chops when it comes to image stabilization. The Osmo camera automatically de-jiggles your footage, even when you’re taking it on extremely bumpy terrain. It has a touchscreen display, a very clever quick-mounting system, and a wide-angle lens to capture all the action. This really is an impressive set of features for under $200.
DJI Osmo Action 4 Adventure Combo — $309 (was $399) The extra batteries and charger come in clutch if you’re trying to shoot long sessions.DJI
See ItAny time someone buys an action camera of any kind, I always recommend extra batteries. This $309 kit comes with three batteries, as well as an extendable handle, quick-release connectors, and all the other accessories that come with the standard kit. The included battery case acts as a multi-cell charger, so you can keep all of your batteries ready to shoot whenever.
More of a GoPro fan? We’ve got a deal on the Hero13 5.3K action cam to share with you! DJI Osmo Mobile 7P Gimbal Stabilizer — $125 (was $149) You’ll be shocked how much of a difference a gimbal can make when shooting video on the move.DJI
See ItThis is one of the most advanced smartphone stabilizers around. It has three-axis stabilization that works with impressive precision. It almost feels like magic the first time you use it, and it compensates for your movements. This is the advanced version of the Osmo Mobile, so it includes a tracking module that keeps you in frame when you’re shooting walk-and-talk videos. It has a built-in light, as well as native connectivity for the DJI wireless microphone system if you want to upgrade your audio down the line. It works with all the major smartphones and is easy to learn, even if you’re a novice.
DJI Air 3 (DJI RC-N2), Drone with Medium Tele & Wide-Angle Dual Primary Camera — $934 (was $1,099) This dual-camera drone is ready for pro-grade content creation.DJI
See ItYou probably know DJI best for its drones, and the Air 3 is a great choice if you’re trying to get serious about creating images from the sky. This craft has a pair of primary cameras for wide and telephoto shots. That’s an upgrade over the digital “zooming” that single-camera crafts have to do. The drone itself has onboard collision avoidance systems to prevent it from mashing itself into a tree while you’re trying to create content. Plus, an arsenal of pre-programmed modes allows you to create cinematic content with very little learning curve. This is a drone that’s ready for pro-grade work.
The post DJI’s waterproof 4K action camera is just $199 for Prime Day appeared first on Popular Science.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker - Planetizen
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker - Planetizen
Florida Seniors Face Rising Homelessness Risk - Planetizen
Florida seniors make up a growing portion of the state’s unhoused population as the housing crisis continues, reports David Jones for WESH.
“According to data from the Homeless Services Network of Central Florida, an umbrella organization for homeless advocacy groups across Orange, Osceola and Seminole Counties, 664 homeless people counted in January were age 55 and over,” a number that has been growing since 2023 in a region where rents have jumped 38.5 percent since 2017.
Residents of manufactured homes, long a reliable source of affordable housing for seniors, are finding themselves faced with steep land rent hikes as more mobile home parks are bought out by institutional investors. Meanwhile, “Rents in the Orlando-Kissimmee-Sanford metropolitan area, consisting of Orange, Osceola, Seminole and Lake Counties, averaged $1,553 in April, according to ApartmentList.com.” According to Martha Are, CEO of the Homeless Services Network, “We continue to see more seniors on the streets, and there’s some national estimates that say the numbers could increase as much, over a 15-year period, the number of seniors could triple.”
Geography Florida Category Housing Tags Publication WESH Publication Date Tue, 07/08/2025 - 12:00 Publication Links Affordability crisis fueling rise in elderly homelessness in Florida 1 minuteFlorida Seniors Face Rising Homelessness Risk - Planetizen
Florida seniors make up a growing portion of the state’s unhoused population as the housing crisis continues, reports David Jones for WESH.
“According to data from the Homeless Services Network of Central Florida, an umbrella organization for homeless advocacy groups across Orange, Osceola and Seminole Counties, 664 homeless people counted in January were age 55 and over,” a number that has been growing since 2023 in a region where rents have jumped 38.5 percent since 2017.
Residents of manufactured homes, long a reliable source of affordable housing for seniors, are finding themselves faced with steep land rent hikes as more mobile home parks are bought out by institutional investors. Meanwhile, “Rents in the Orlando-Kissimmee-Sanford metropolitan area, consisting of Orange, Osceola, Seminole and Lake Counties, averaged $1,553 in April, according to ApartmentList.com.” According to Martha Are, CEO of the Homeless Services Network, “We continue to see more seniors on the streets, and there’s some national estimates that say the numbers could increase as much, over a 15-year period, the number of seniors could triple.”
Geography Florida Category Housing Tags Publication WESH Publication Date Tue, 07/08/2025 - 12:00 Publication Links Affordability crisis fueling rise in elderly homelessness in Florida 1 minute50 years of the ‘Jaws effect’ - Popular Science
Fifty years ago, Jaws kept scores of people away from the ocean–the primal fear of what lurks beneath, a terrifying soundtrack dominated by two low notes, and the constant need for a bigger boat. But for one family, the pull of the big blue was inescapable. In the wake of the film’s success, the late Peter Benchley, the bestselling author of the novel Jaws, and his wife Wendy Benchley happily took up the mantle of shark and ocean conservationists.
“We certainly were brought into the ocean world through the movie Jaws,” Wendy Benchley tells Popular Science. “And what a treat for us! What a marvelous thing to have happened in our lives. As Peter always said, to write a book and then to have the whole world of the ocean open up to us is a miraculous thing. Not many writers have that privilege.”
People line up outside of the Rivoli Theater in New York City to see Jaws in 1975. CREDIT: Courtesy of Universal Studios Licensing LLC. Courtesy of Universal Studios Licensing LLCTheir decades of ocean conservation work is part of a new documentary Jaws @ 50: The Definitive Inside Story, celebrating the film that was the first real summer blockbuster, and preyed upon both our fascination and fears of these apex predators.
For even the most logical-minded viewers, the fear captured on the frames of the 1975 film is pretty real. The ocean water turns red, as a (usually unseen) mechanical shark chews up people in the surf or somehow on top of a boat. Yet it was just that–a fictional depiction of the power and behavior of a white shark. After watching the rise of macho trophy hunting of sharks following the film, even director Steven Spielberg felt remorse for giving sharks such a terrible reputation–particulary of the film’s main non-human character, the white shark (Carcharodon carcharias). The white shark population has decreased by as much as 80 percent in the half century since the film was released.
“We were pretty horrified to see that some people took it as a license to kill sharks, and that was very distressing,” says Bechley. “We decided to work with environmental groups to start to educate people about how important sharks are, and to talk about real sharks. Not the 25-foot fictional shark that was in the movie, but real sharks that are sort of 12 to 15-feet-long and not these huge monsters.”
[ Related: Why the creators of ‘Jaws’ regretted making sharks the monsters. ]
While the urge to kill these incredible fish has waned, sharks remain in trouble. Their primary threats are habitat loss, over-fishing, and climate change. Benchley is particularly proud of the work conservation group WildAid has done to educate about the dangers of shark finning for soup. According to the group, demand for the dish has decreased in China by about 50 to 70 percent and about 37 percent in Thailand. Yet, the demand is still present so there is more conservation work needed. Benchley also cites the success of the world’s marine protected areas, since just a little bit of conservation work in the ocean can go a long way.
“They are really helping to bring back a healthy ocean,” Benchley says. “Marine protected areas are like national parks in the ocean. If you give the ocean time to rest, marine species are allowed to grow and propagate. Then they get bigger and they swim out and you can catch a bigger fish, but meanwhile, you’re creating thousands more fish.”
Wendy Benchley, Executive Producer and Ocean Conservationist advocate is pictured during an interview for National Geographic’s Jaws @ 50: The Definitive Inside Story. CREDIT: National Geographic/Chris Johnson. Chris JohnsonThe other side of the Jaws effect depicted in the documentary is one of increased knowledge, excitement, and even love for the world’s sharks. After the film’s release, Benchley says that applications to the University of Miami’s Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science increased by 30 percent. An entire generation was inspired by the film to research sharks, corals, octopus, and everything in between.
“There were just hundreds of people who were fascinated and wanted to be Hooper [marine scientist Matt Hooper played by Richard Dreyfuss] or the excitement and the drama of the ocean was opened up to them,” says Benchley. “And the science has been accumulating. We now know where the sharks swim, we’re understanding where they pup, and that’s that’s very important. With more information, we have more people who are fascinated and want to help preserve them.”
A still taken from Super 8 footage of the mechanical shark in the water on the set of Jaws. CREDIT: Abby Fligor).Abby Fligor
Seeing such a human story in what otherwise would have been a monster movie, is part of what has made the film endure for half a century. Or as horror director Jordan Peele puts it in Jaws @ 50, “horror doesn’t have to make you feel icky.”
At its core, it’s a film about people and how we respond to challenges, mass hysteria, and the fear of the unknown. One of Benchley’s favorite parts of Jaws is not her husband’s cameo as a TV news reporter sent to cover the shark attacks. Instead, it’s a tranquil scene depicting police chief Martin Brody [Roy Scheider] sitting at the dining room table with his son Sean [Jay Mello].
“Of course, there are the big, dramatic moments, but it’s my feeling that it’s the local people and the vignettes of how people really live and all their differences and how they cope with this menace that they can’t control,” says Benchley. “That’s what I think gives the lasting human and human power to the movie.”
Jaws @ 50: The Definitive Inside Story premieres on Thursday, July 10 at 9 pm EST on NatGeoTV. It can be streamed the next day on DisneyPlus and Hulu.
The post 50 years of the ‘Jaws effect’ appeared first on Popular Science.
Find out why this brand new ASUS Chromebook is only $169.97 - Popular Science
Want to add a Chromebook to your tech collection? It’s more affordable than ever if you with one of these open-box 2024 ASUS 2-in-1 Chromebooks. Open box means it’s in brand new condition, possibly with imperfect packaging, and it can be yours for the lowest price ever for our alternative to Prime Day: $169.97 (usually $329.99), plus free shipping!
Are ASUS Chromebooks worth it?Chromebooks are great because they’re light enough to take anywhere, but don’t make the mistake of thinking this one is fragile. It has a sleek, lightweight frame made from military-grade aluminum that houses an efficient MediaTek Kompanio 520 Processor. The detachable keyboard even protects your screen when you’re on the road. Along with 8GB RAM and 128GB eMMC storage, this is a machine built for multitasking on the go. The 2-way push-pop garaged stylus is your quick-charging tool for easy navigation.
For such a thin design, it’s shocking that it includes a front and rear camera, stereo speakers, and a USB-C and audio jack. There’s also 12 hours of battery life and a detachable keyboard for versatility. Surf the web wherever you go in this eco-friendly (30% recycled aluminum!) 0.61 kg device.
It sounds expensive, but this Chromebook has been marked down during our own version of Prime Day.
That’s how you can get one of these ASUS Chromebooks on sale for only $169.97, and shipping is even free.
This sale ends on July 15 at 11:59 p.m. PT.
StackSocial prices subject to change.
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ASUS Chromebook CM30 (2024) Detachable Touchscreen 8GB RAM 128GB eMMC (Open Box)
The post Find out why this brand new ASUS Chromebook is only $169.97 appeared first on Popular Science.
Escape reality with this Prime Day deal on the Meta Quest 3S VR headset - Popular Science
Right now, Amazon’s annual Prime Day shopping holiday is in full swing. There are lots of great deals to be found, but this Meta Quest 3S bargain is one you shouldn’t miss. At $249, this is the cheapest the Quest 3S has ever been, which makes this a great time to dive into mixed reality or upgrade your headset if you’re using an older model. This deal will likely sell out or end before the Prime Day promotion ends July 11, so grab one now if you’re thinking about it. Remember, if you don’t have an active Prime subscription, you can sign up for a free 30-day trial here.
Meta Quest 3S 128GB VR headset — $249 (was $299) Cameras on the outside of the headset allow it to mix reality with the digital world. See ItMeta’s mixed reality headset has a camera array on the outside of the device, so it can integrate digital on-screen images with the real world. Want to sit at your desk and have a gigantic monitor in front of you? You can do it. You can also virtually sit courtside at basketball games or fully immerse yourself into awesome games like Beat Saber.
This kit includes the headset as well as a pair of advanced controllers. The 3S offers twice the graphics performance as the Quest 2 that came before it, and it’s comfortable even for long sessions. I recently tried it for productivity for the first time, and I was impressed with how useful it actually is. Having the freedom to put my computer screens in any size and orientation in VR has made my regular desk feel extremely boring.
While you’re at it, maybe buy one for your pet mouse, too.
The post Escape reality with this Prime Day deal on the Meta Quest 3S VR headset appeared first on Popular Science.
IKEA Goes All-In on Matter for Apple HomeKit Compatibility - MacRumors
Starting in January 2026, the Swedish furniture giant will release more than 20 new Matter-over-Thread smart lights, sensors, and remotes. The products will work directly with Apple Home, Amazon Alexa, Google Home, and Samsung SmartThings through native Matter compatibility. Pricing will remain comparable to current products, which start under $10.
To recap, Thread is a low-power wireless mesh protocol that runs on the 2.4GHz band and is designed for devices such as sensors, bulbs, plugs, and shades. It's IP-based, so devices can talk directly to each other over the internet, and on other networks via a Thread Border Router (such as a HomePod mini or Apple TV 4K).
Meanwhile, Matter is an open-sourced, IP-based connectivity software layer for smart home devices that was co-developed by Apple, Amazon, Google, and others. It works over Wi-Fi, Ethernet, and Thread.
IKEA also recently rolled out a beta update for its Dirigera smart home hub that activates its built-in Thread radio and adds support for Matter. With this update, Dirigera now works as both a Matter Controller and a Thread Border Router, so it can connect to and control any compatible Matter device – including those from other brands – as well as IKEA's upcoming Matter-based product line, which is set to replace its current Zigbee offerings.
"We want to remove barriers to complexity, we want it to be simple to use, and we just want it to work," David Granath of IKEA of Sweden told The Verge. "If you're an Apple user, take our bulb and onboard it to your Apple Home."
The news should be a welcome development for HomeKit users, who previously faced limited affordable options. IKEA's existing smart home products required workarounds or lengthy waits for HomeKit support. With Matter, any compatible device automatically works with Apple Home without additional certification.Tags: Ikea, Matter, Thread
This article, "IKEA Goes All-In on Matter for Apple HomeKit Compatibility" first appeared on MacRumors.com
Discuss this article in our forums
IKEA Goes All-In on Matter for Apple HomeKit Compatibility - MacRumors
Starting in January 2026, the Swedish furniture giant will release more than 20 new Matter-over-Thread smart lights, sensors, and remotes. The products will work directly with Apple Home, Amazon Alexa, Google Home, and Samsung SmartThings through native Matter compatibility. Pricing will remain comparable to current products, which start under $10.
To recap, Thread is a low-power wireless mesh protocol that runs on the 2.4GHz band and is designed for devices such as sensors, bulbs, plugs, and shades. It's IP-based, so devices can talk directly to each other over the internet, and on other networks via a Thread Border Router (such as a HomePod mini or Apple TV 4K).
Meanwhile, Matter is an open-sourced, IP-based connectivity software layer for smart home devices that was co-developed by Apple, Amazon, Google, and others. It works over Wi-Fi, Ethernet, and Thread.
IKEA also recently rolled out a beta update for its Dirigera smart home hub that activates its built-in Thread radio and adds support for Matter. With this update, Dirigera now works as both a Matter Controller and a Thread Border Router, so it can connect to and control any compatible Matter device – including those from other brands – as well as IKEA's upcoming Matter-based product line, which is set to replace its current Zigbee offerings.
"We want to remove barriers to complexity, we want it to be simple to use, and we just want it to work," David Granath of IKEA of Sweden told The Verge. "If you're an Apple user, take our bulb and onboard it to your Apple Home."
The news should be a welcome development for HomeKit users, who previously faced limited affordable options. IKEA's existing smart home products required workarounds or lengthy waits for HomeKit support. With Matter, any compatible device automatically works with Apple Home without additional certification.Tags: Ikea, Matter, Thread
This article, "IKEA Goes All-In on Matter for Apple HomeKit Compatibility" first appeared on MacRumors.com
Discuss this article in our forums
Milwaukee Launches Vision Zero Plan - Planetizen
Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson announced a new Vision Zero action plan for the city, which has seen a 7 percent decline in traffic deaths between 2023 and 2024.
As Jeramey Jannene reports in Urban Milwaukee, “The new action plan, unanimously adopted by the Common Council last week, includes seven strategies: build safe streets for all users by prioritizing the most dangerous roads; supporting accountability in the justice system; supporting vibrant, people-centered places; promoting traffic safety through communication and education; ensuring timely and effective EMS and medical care advocacy for safer vehicles; and champion and advocate for state-level changes to laws and practices.”
According to the mayor, the city is “redesigning 9% of the streets where 59% of the serious crashes happen,” using tax increment financing to build better bike infrastructure, and evaluating its licensing system to keep dangerous drivers off the streets. Johnson also said the city has equipped fire stations with whole blood to enable EMTs to save lives and treat patients faster when crashes happen.
Geography Wisconsin Category Infrastructure Transportation Tags- Milwaukee
- Road Safety
- Vision Zero
- Complete Streets
- Pedestrian Safety
- Bike Infrastructure
- Pedestrian infrastructure
Milwaukee Launches Vision Zero Plan - Planetizen
Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson announced a new Vision Zero action plan for the city, which has seen a 7 percent decline in traffic deaths between 2023 and 2024.
As Jeramey Jannene reports in Urban Milwaukee, “The new action plan, unanimously adopted by the Common Council last week, includes seven strategies: build safe streets for all users by prioritizing the most dangerous roads; supporting accountability in the justice system; supporting vibrant, people-centered places; promoting traffic safety through communication and education; ensuring timely and effective EMS and medical care advocacy for safer vehicles; and champion and advocate for state-level changes to laws and practices.”
According to the mayor, the city is “redesigning 9% of the streets where 59% of the serious crashes happen,” using tax increment financing to build better bike infrastructure, and evaluating its licensing system to keep dangerous drivers off the streets. Johnson also said the city has equipped fire stations with whole blood to enable EMTs to save lives and treat patients faster when crashes happen.
Geography Wisconsin Category Infrastructure Transportation Tags- Milwaukee
- Road Safety
- Vision Zero
- Complete Streets
- Pedestrian Safety
- Bike Infrastructure
- Pedestrian infrastructure
We’ve never seen one of these MacBook Pros this cheap - Popular Science
Miss the Touch Bar?
It’s not gone for good. You can still get a Touch Bar MacBook with secure login and quick access to volume and brightness controls, along with your favorite applications and tools, but you have to know where to look. For a limited time only, this refurbished Apple MacBook Pro 13″ Touchbar is available for its lowest price ever for our alternative to Prime Day: only $324.97 (suggested price $1,499).
A Touch Bar is only the startThis is an incredible deal for a laptop in Grade “A” near-mint condition. At just over 3 pounds, in thin, sleek aluminum, it comes loaded with a 3.1GHz dual-core Intel Core i5 with Turbo Boost up to 3.5GHz and 8GB RAM. You shouldn’t have any trouble running through your to-do list or multitasking across apps, but it might struggle with more demanding applications for video editing or gaming. Storage is roomy with 512GB, and the retina display has a resolution of 2560×1600 pixels and 500 nits brightness for crisp, gorgeous visuals.
Performance is quick and responsive with the second-generation Touch Bar, which lets you customize how you use your computer a little easier than the row of function keys. Minimize your movements for efficiency while you edit your photos (yes, really), make calculations, or set up Apple Pay for purchases all in the Touch Bar. Or customize it to your heart’s content.
Not much time left.
Get a refurbished Apple MacBook Pro 13″ Touchbar (2017) for $324.97 (suggested price $1,499)
This sale only lasts until July 15, 11:59 p.m. PT.
StackSocial prices subject to change.
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Apple MacBook Pro 13″ Touchbar (2017) 3.1GHz i5 8GB RAM 512GB SSD Space Gray (Refurbished)
The post We’ve never seen one of these MacBook Pros this cheap appeared first on Popular Science.
HBO Max Name Returns After Two Years as Max - MacRumors
The streaming service's website and mobile apps now display the HBO Max branding once again. Max.com redirects to hbomax.com, while both the Apple App Store and Google Play Store have updated their listings. Users won't need to download a new app, as existing installations will automatically update to show the HBO Max name.
The App Store update includes a cheeky note: "Same app. New-ish name. The plot twist everyone has been waiting for: Max is now HBO Max."
This change reverses the 2023 rebrand that dropped the HBO name in favor of the generic "Max" moniker. The original decision aimed to incorporate Discovery content following the companies' merger, but the move faced immediate backlash from subscribers and industry observers.
Warner Bros. Discovery acknowledged the misstep in May, citing consumer feedback and the strength of the HBO brand's reputation for quality content. The company said it wanted to focus on "something distinct and great" rather than trying to be "everything for everyone."
The streaming service has now cycled through HBO Go, HBO Now, HBO, HBO Max, Max, and back to HBO Max again.Tag: HBO Max
This article, "HBO Max Name Returns After Two Years as Max" first appeared on MacRumors.com
Discuss this article in our forums
HBO Max Name Returns After Two Years as Max - MacRumors
The streaming service's website and mobile apps now display the HBO Max branding once again. Max.com redirects to hbomax.com, while both the Apple App Store and Google Play Store have updated their listings. Users won't need to download a new app, as existing installations will automatically update to show the HBO Max name.
The App Store update includes a cheeky note: "Same app. New-ish name. The plot twist everyone has been waiting for: Max is now HBO Max."
This change reverses the 2023 rebrand that dropped the HBO name in favor of the generic "Max" moniker. The original decision aimed to incorporate Discovery content following the companies' merger, but the move faced immediate backlash from subscribers and industry observers.
Warner Bros. Discovery acknowledged the misstep in May, citing consumer feedback and the strength of the HBO brand's reputation for quality content. The company said it wanted to focus on "something distinct and great" rather than trying to be "everything for everyone."
The streaming service has now cycled through HBO Go, HBO Now, HBO, HBO Max, Max, and back to HBO Max again.Tag: HBO Max
This article, "HBO Max Name Returns After Two Years as Max" first appeared on MacRumors.com
Discuss this article in our forums