Day: June 4, 2025

Uncover the Most Ferocious Bird on the Planet – It’s Not What You Think

Meet the World’s Most Hostile Bird – and No, It Isn’t the One You Assume

When considering aggressive birds, the ostrich probably springs to mind due to the sheer enormity of its feet and discussions about its aggression. In reality, ostriches are not particularly aggressive, typically attacking only when provoked. The true threat, and arguably the world’s most hostile bird, is the cassowary.

Just observing the cassowary, it’s quite clear why it’s deemed such a hostile bird. Not only does it possess enormous feet equipped with huge claws, but it appears as if it emerged straight from the age of the dinosaurs. These colossal, flightless birds can reach heights of up to six feet and weigh as much as 130 pounds.

Considering that cassowaries rank among the most territorial birds on Earth, there’s no doubt as to how they acquired the title of the world’s most hostile bird. It’s not an animal you’d want to encounter in a forest, and anyone residing in northern Australia or New Guinea is likely already aware of their potential danger.

The claws on a cassowary’s sizeable feet are not just for decoration, however. They are capable of delivering lethal injuries. Over the years, there have been numerous instances of these gigantic birds injuring or even killing humans. In fact, a study published way back in 2001 detailed how a cassowary killed a 16-year-old boy who attempted to strike it.

Fortunately, fatal injuries are uncommon, but severe injuries are very possible considering the sheer size of the dagger-like claws found on a cassowary’s feet. They can also sprint at speeds exceeding 30 miles per hour and jump as high as five feet into the air. These birds are certainly not to be trifled with.

However, it’s also crucial to recognize that, like many other “aggressive” creatures, cassowaries are not actively seeking to harm anyone. They are merely acting on their inherent instincts to safeguard their young and be responsible parents. Additionally, there are many other lethal creatures out there, such as the giant water bug.

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Apple Releases Transparency Report for the Initial Six Months of 2024

# Apple’s Transparency Report: Insights from H1 2024

As reported by 404 Media, Apple has revised its Transparency Report for the initial half of 2024, highlighting key trends in the ongoing relationship between the tech behemoth and governments regarding user data. This report emphasizes the shifting strategies of authorities in seeking user information and Apple’s reactions to such demands.

## U.S. Push-Token Requests Surge

A prominent detail of the report is the rise in U.S. push-token requests. Push-token data incorporates metadata that can identify which device received a specific notification from an application, and in certain instances, it might even include unencrypted message content.

In late 2023, the matter drew attention when Senator Ron Wyden revealed that both Apple and Google had been supplying this type of data to law enforcement. Apple specified that it was only permitted to reveal push-token request details starting from the July to December 2022 reporting timeframe.

The statistics from Apple’s most recent report show a considerable escalation in U.S. push-token requests:
– **H1 2023**: 48 requests
– **H2 2023**: 99 requests
– **H1 2024**: 129 requests

Notwithstanding the growth in requests, Apple’s compliance rate has significantly diminished. In H1 2023, Apple adhered to 88% of requests, but this fell to 66% in H2 2023 and plummeted to merely 28% in H1 2024. This suggests a change in Apple’s readiness to share this type of data, potentially in response to public scrutiny.

On a worldwide level, push-token requests nearly doubled year on year, rising from 158 in H1 2023 to 277 in H1 2024, with Apple’s approval rate declining from 77% to 59%.

## Increased Device Data Requests from U.S. Law Enforcement

The report further discloses that U.S. law enforcement has substantially amplified its requests for device data. Over a six-month span, Apple received 12,043 device-data requests from U.S. authorities, detailing a total of 42,747 devices. Apple complied with 85% of these requests.

In contrast, China filed 1,212 device requests but specified an astonishing 365,980 devices, with Apple complying with 95% of those requests, raising concerns about the discrepancies in compliance rates among various nations.

## Decline in Geofence Warrants

Another significant trend is the sharp decrease in geofence warrants. In H1 2023, Apple reported 16 geofence warrants from the U.S., but in H1 2024, this figure fell to just one. Apple did not provide data for that instance, maintaining a record of zero compliance with geofence requests since it began reporting them separately.

This reduction could imply that investigators are moving away from this contentious method of data collection, or it might indicate that they are discovering alternative ways to procure similar data.

## Conclusion

Apple’s H1 2024 Transparency Report illuminates the intricate relationship between technology firms and governmental data requests. The surge in push-token requests and device data inquiries, coupled with a remarkable fall in compliance rates, signifies a notable shift in Apple’s stance on user privacy. The reduction in geofence warrants may suggest evolving investigative strategies, yet the overall environment remains characterized by ongoing tension between privacy advocates and law enforcement requirements.

For more information, the complete 2024 H1 Transparency Report can be retrieved

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tvOS 26 Brings Three New Capabilities for Apple TV 4K in 2023

This year, Apple TV 4K is set to capitalize on the increasing popularity of Apple TV+ through new hardware and software enhancements. The forthcoming tvOS 26 is expected to showcase a number of thrilling features, which should be unveiled soon.

## #1: Revamped tvOS Look, Aligned with iOS 26

A major focus of Apple’s WWDC announcements will be a coherent design across all software ecosystems. iOS 26, macOS 26, iPadOS 26, and others will unveil an updated design with glossy elements drawn from visionOS. tvOS 26 will also embrace this fresh aesthetic, featuring updated UI components and app icons, although the most significant transformations will likely occur within iOS 26.

## #2: Apple’s Innovative ‘Games’ App

Apple intends to boost gaming experiences across its platforms via a new cross-platform ‘Games’ app arriving with tvOS 26. This app will function as a central hub for launching installed tvOS games and will offer features such as:

– A centralized space for game discovery
– Editorial content to inspire game exploration
– Tracking of gaming accomplishments
– Social elements like leaderboards
– The functionality to download new games

This endeavor merges current Game Center and App Store capabilities into a single, enhanced hub.

## #3: Captive Wi-Fi Network Synchronization

Mark Gurman has indicated that iOS 26 will present captive Wi-Fi network synchronization, enabling users to connect to networks necessitating a login screen on one device and access them across all their devices. Initially mentioned for iPhones, iPads, and Macs, this capability is anticipated to also apply to Apple TV 4K with tvOS 26, streamlining the connection process to captive networks.

## Wildcard: Siri’s AI Enhancements

Siri is expected to receive AI enhancements on the Apple TV 4K, although these might not debut with tvOS 26. The anticipated next-generation Apple TV 4K hardware may be required for these updates, which are not expected to roll out until later this year. While an upgraded Siri interface or other new features might be presented, comprehensive AI enhancements will likely be reserved for a future date.

## tvOS 26 Features: Conclusion

The speculated features for tvOS 26 offer merely a sneak peek of what might be approaching. With Apple TV+ gaining momentum, there is optimism for a more user-friendly overhaul of the Apple TV app. The official unveiling of these features is merely days away, and many are keen to discover what new functionalities will be launched.

What new features are you looking forward to in tvOS 26?

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Severance Season 3: Latest News and Details

Severance’s season 2 finale left audiences stunned when it premiered earlier this year, prompting numerous inquiries about what lies ahead for Mark S. and his team in season 3. Here’s everything we know to date regarding Severance season 3 on Apple TV+.

## Severance season 3 officially greenlit by Apple

Severance stands as the most successful series Apple TV+ has ever released—surpassing Ted Lasso in acclaim. Thus, it comes as no shock that Apple has officially renewed the show for another season. The announcement confirming Severance season 3’s renewal came immediately after the season 2 finale aired. Thankfully, the creative team behind the series didn’t wait for Apple’s formal consent before commencing work on the upcoming season, with writing having started even prior to the season 3 renewal.

## Writers are currently developing Severance season 3, with an important new addition

In February, during an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Ben Stiller revealed that Severance season 3 was “in progress” and a writers room was actively engaged in the series in LA. Regarding the show’s writers, last spring Puck disclosed that Severance’s creative team had experienced a significant reshuffling. Due to reported disagreements between creator Dan Erickson and writer-producer Mark Friedman during the initial two seasons, Ben Stiller brought in a vital new hire.

Matt Belloni noted at Puck:

> Stiller interviewed various writer-producers to come in and craft a third season prior to the anticipated WGA strike, and ultimately ended up discreetly hiring Beau Willimon, the creator of House of Cards who most recently worked on Disney+’s excellent Andor…Willimon secured a lucrative deal to join for Season 3, but he soon recognized that assistance was required on Season 2, as episode costs soared to the $20 million range. So for several months now, Willimon has been instrumental in shaping the latter half of Season 2 and devising a framework for Season 3, with the show experiencing significant delays as a result.

It appears that while Willimon contributed notably to season 2, it’s in the forthcoming season 3 where his influence will be more prominently showcased.

## When to anticipate season 3 on Apple TV+

Anyone who has followed Severance since its debut season understands that the interval between seasons was lengthy. Due to production hurdles, rewrites, and Hollywood strikes, nearly three years elapsed between Severance’s first and second seasons. As of now, all that is known about the timing for season 3 is that Ben Stiller hopes “not to keep audiences waiting three years this time.” Stiller and creator Erickson have previously discussed their perfectionistic traits, so even if Severance season 3 avoids similar difficulties during production, it’s still improbable we’ll see the show return anytime soon.

Realistically, Severance season 3 is likely to premiere on Apple TV+ in 2027—with late 2026 being the earliest potential release we can aspire to.

Apple TV+ is available for $9.99 per month and includes popular TV shows and films such as Ted Lasso, Severance, The Morning Show, Silo, and Shrinking. There are also several ways to watch for free.

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WhatsApp Unveils Option for Users to Develop Personalized AI Chatbots Inside the Application

### WhatsApp Unveils Custom AI Chatbots: A New Chapter in Tailored Communication

WhatsApp is preparing to upgrade its platform with a feature that enables users to craft their own personalized chatbots, akin to OpenAI’s Custom GPTs and Google Gemini’s Gems. This groundbreaking enhancement will allow users to partake in dialogues with customized AI assistants, all without the necessity of coding knowledge.

#### How It Operates

As reported by WABetaInfo, the feature is presently being launched to a select batch of beta testers on both iOS and Android platforms. The new segment, named “AI Studio,” offers a user-friendly interface for developing personalized assistants or entertaining characters. Previously, users were required to depend on Meta’s web-based AI Studio or utilize Messenger and Instagram for creating AI assistants. The introduction of AI Studio in WhatsApp simplifies the process considerably.

The AI Studio is crafted to assist users throughout the creation journey, making it accessible to those lacking technical know-how. Users start by selecting a role for their AI, which can vary from a study coach to a travel assistant or even a motivational friend. Following this, they pick a personality style and tone, such as calm and reflective, lively and humorous, or professional and informative. WhatsApp subsequently offers intelligent suggestions to help mold the AI’s behavior and conversational style based on these preferences.

#### Privacy and Sharing Features

By default, the chatbots generated through AI Studio will remain private. Nevertheless, users will have the ability to share their custom bots through a unique link, similar to the sharing functionalities provided by OpenAI and Google’s systems. This feature could cultivate a community of users exchanging their creations, thereby enhancing the overall experience.

#### Future Developments

Even though the feature is still under development and not yet available for broad testing, the emergence of related strings in the latest beta versions suggests that a launch may be imminent. This announcement follows a series of updates from WhatsApp, including the debut of an official iPad app and the experimentation with usernames.

#### Conclusion

WhatsApp’s forthcoming AI Studio signifies a crucial advancement in personalized communication, enabling users to design custom chatbots aligned with their needs and preferences. As the feature becomes available, it holds the potential to transform how users engage with the app, making conversations more interactive and personalized.

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Samsung Leak Uncovers Foldable Storage Information and Galaxy Watch 8 Classic Color Selections

A thought to ponder as we anticipate this summer’s Unpacked event.

(Image credit: Derrek Lee / Android Central)

Essential Information

  • New speculations have surfaced regarding the rumored Galaxy Z Flip 7 FE, hinting at potential storage options of 128GB and 256GB.
  • The premium Flip 7 may offer 256GB and 512GB variants in Coral Red, black, and blue.
  • The Galaxy Watch 8 Classic could feature black and white variants, while there’s talk of the standard Watch 8 coming in 40mm and 44mm sizes.

As we enter summer, Samsung’s upcoming major announcements are near, alongside these exciting leaks.

The latest insights originate from WinFuture (German), with insiders suggesting three Samsung foldables are expected this year. Reports speculate that the Galaxy Z Flip 7 will have options for 256GB and 512GB storage. Additionally, there’s mention of a Galaxy Z Flip 7 FE, offering more limited choices: 128GB and 256GB.

Colors are another aspect of these leaks, although the report primarily focuses on the anticipated flagship Flip 7. The information implies that this device will launch in Coral Red, black, and blue shades.

Samsung Reveals Teaser for Upcoming ‘Ultra’ Foldable Device

It appears that Samsung is set to introduce a premium model to its foldable range.

(Image credit: Samsung)

Essential information

  • Samsung has teased a forthcoming device for its next foldable series, captioned “Explore the next chapter of Ultra.”
  • The device might be referred to as the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold Ultra (with or without a “7”), a premium variant of its current foldables.
  • According to its press announcement, Samsung mentioned that this phone will be compact enough to “fit onto a crowded train,” when folded, and will transform into a multitasking powerhouse when opened.

Samsung is preparing to unveil its forthcoming range of foldables, and in an unexpected blog entry, it signaled that it plans to introduce a new “Ultra” model to its foldable collection, potentially as a relaunch of the Galaxy Z Fold 7 or in addition to it.

Described as “The next chapter of Ultra,” Samsung revealed that it will offer an Ultra experience that extends beyond mere feature enhancements to also modify the device’s form factor, rendering it smaller and more portable.

“Galaxy’s forthcoming chapter aims to deliver an experience that elegantly fuses artistry and engineering to enhance daily interactions,” the blog entry

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Best Netflix Series to Enjoy: Fresh and Ongoing Launches for June 1-7

We present the compilation of all the upcoming shows, films, and specials on Netflix each month, but with the extensive content the streaming platform releases, it may be challenging to keep up with everything. We’re here to assist with a summary of all the fresh and returning shows launching on Netflix this week, spanning comedies, dramas, reality series, and docuseries.

Netflix is starting June with another significant week, featuring nine seasons of original shows and 140 episodes of Pokémon the Series. Drama, romance, sports, comedy — whatever your preference, you’re likely to discover it on Netflix this week.

New and returning Netflix shows (6/1 – 6/7)

Pokémon the Series: XY (June 1)

If you’re as eager as I am to play Pokémon Scarlet and/or Violet on your Nintendo Switch 2 this week, Netflix has a wonderful teaser for us. Pokémon the Series: XY, which many aficionados deem the finest season the series has ever showcased, is now available for streaming on Netflix in its entirety, following Ash and his companions as they traverse the Kalos region and discover Mega Evolutions.

Sara – Woman in the Shadows (June 3)

Already boasting a sizable viewership on Netflix, this Italian drama series shadows ex-secret agent Sara (Teresa Saponangelo) as she probes into a string of crimes following the untimely passing of her son. Throughout her investigation, she uncovers the truth about who her son truly was.

Criminal Code: Season 2 (June 4)

The Brazilian series Criminal Code makes its return for season 2 this week, delivering more drama inspired by actual crimes. This season, Isaac (Alex Nader) and the Phantom Gang will become the main targets of the Federal Police after liberating the Ambassador (Nico García Hume) from prison. The initial season reached No. 1 in Netflix’s Top 10 Non-English Shows.

Eva Lasting: Season 3 (June 4)

Eva Lasting, a Colombian coming-of-age romantic drama, returns for season 3 this Wednesday. The TV-MA Netflix series follows six teenagers navigating life in 1970s Bogotá.

Power Moves with Shaquille O’Neal (June 4)

Power Moves is a fresh six-episode docuseries providing a behind-the-scenes glimpse of NBA legends Shaquille O’Neal and Allen Iverson collaborating with Reebok “to create the next remarkable basketball shoe and attract a new generation of stars.”

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AirPods Poised to Launch Camera Management, Sleep Tracking, Fresh Gestures, and More Functions

**Anticipated AirPods Features Likely at WWDC25**

Apple is preparing to introduce an array of intriguing features for its AirPods during the forthcoming WWDC25 keynote. Following a recent report from 9to5Mac, we have compiled five significant features that could soon improve the user experience for AirPods Pro 2 and AirPods 4 users.

### New Head Gestures

Apple plans to enhance the capabilities of head gestures, which were launched last year. Users will have the ability to nod their heads to answer or reject calls and manage notifications hands-free. The upcoming update will introduce a gesture for modifying the Conversation Awareness volume, enabling users to revert to their initial noise-control settings merely by moving their heads.

### Sleep Auto-Pause

Understanding that many users doze off with their AirPods in, Apple is reportedly creating a feature that recognizes when a user has fallen asleep and automatically halts playback. This feature is intended to remove the necessity for sleep timers, which are not consistently supported by all music and podcast applications. It remains uncertain whether this will operate independently or alongside the existing sleep detection features of the Apple Watch.

### Camera Control

In a much-anticipated development, Apple might roll out Camera Control for AirPods, allowing users to activate the iPhone or iPad camera with a tap on the AirPods stem. This feature recalls the capabilities of the previous EarBuds and could offer a more convenient method for taking pictures, even if it means that users may appear somewhat peculiar while doing so.

### Audio Mix

Apple is also developing a “studio quality” microphone mode for AirPods, akin to the Audio Mix feature introduced with the iPhone 16. This upgrade will utilize machine learning to differentiate between background noise and speech, giving users a selection of various voice options. This could position AirPods as a formidable contender in the creator lav mic arena.

### Wider Classroom Support

To enhance user experience in educational environments, Apple is concentrating on improving the pairing procedure for shared iPads. This feature endeavors to simplify how AirPods connect to iPadOS, minimizing friction and manual steps, which is especially advantageous in classrooms where multiple students share devices.

### Conclusion

Although Apple might opt to postpone or modify some of these features prior to their official unveiling, the possible introduction of these enhancements at WWDC25 is thrilling. The keynote, set for June 9, is expected to feature not only AirPods updates but also significant updates across all Apple platforms, including iOS 26 and macOS 26. As always, 9to5Mac will deliver thorough coverage of the event.

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Google Drive Introduces ‘Catch Me Up’ Functionality Driven by Gemini

The newest functionality assists users in keeping informed about Gemini in Google Drive.

Google Workspace has introduced an update that incorporates an intriguing new feature in Google Drive, referred to as “Catch me up.”

On Tuesday (June 3), Google Drive introduced the “Catch me up” feature, enabling users to remain informed about their files. It is powered by Gemini and can assist in pinpointing their files within Drive by highlighting “changes since it was last viewed and offering an overview of those alterations,” according to the information provided in the accompanying blog post.

These modifications may include file revisions on Docs or pertinent comments on Docs, Sheets, and Slides. The purpose is to underscore changes that might appear useful and significant.

“Catch me up” delivers a comprehensive summary of crucial changes in documents from your Drive, or a rundown of the main alterations and comments in a specific file since it was last accessed, ensuring users are constantly informed.

The feature is located in the Ask Gemini section on the Google Drive homepage, positioned right alongside the “Learn about Gemini in Drive” and “Summarize a folder in Drive” features. Accessing “Catch me up” will reveal the significant changes made to your files through the Gemini pane on the right.

To detail further, for a Google Doc, Gemini can assist with changes made to the file since the last instance a user opened the document. Moreover, it can also provide an overview of what has been modified.

Additionally, for any documents that are regularly edited, there will be a “catch me up” icon indicator right next to the file name, which can easily launch Gemini directly into reviewing the changes.

It is a useful little feature for Google Workspace users, and it started as a phased rollout on June 3 for Rapid Release and Scheduled Release domains. It is accessible to all qualified Google Workspace users and those with a Google One AI premium plan. The feature is also believed to be currently available in the English language.

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