Day: July 1, 2025

    • Richard
    • Comments Off on Netflix Unveils Sequels to Beloved Film Blockbusters This Month
    Netflix Unveils Sequels to Beloved Film Blockbusters This Month

    For numerous subscribers, Netflix’s lineup for July is set to appear quite recognizable. Amid the customary assortment of comedies, documentaries, and esteemed television this month, the platform is also capitalizing on the strength of legacy appeal with two prominent movie sequels: The Old Guard 2, which premieres tomorrow (July 2), and Happy Gilmore 2, arriving July 25. One taps into ‘90s nostalgia while the other resurrects a successful streaming phenomenon. Collectively, they demonstrate that Netflix’s summer offerings are not solely focused on fresh concepts — they also celebrate cherished classics with ample tales still to unfold.

    Significant Netflix movie sequels arriving this month

    Let’s kick off with the most significant attempt, pun intended.

    In Happy Gilmore 2, Adam Sandler reprises his role as the hockey-loving golfer who made rage entertaining long before memes existed. The original Happy Gilmore (1996) has only increased in popularity over the years, finding renewed life with every new generation of audience. Now, nearly thirty years later, Netflix is wagering that there’s still fuel in the tank, and Sandler is joined by returning cast members along with some unexpected cameos — for a narrative that reportedly explores the theme of legacy. It essentially sounds like classic Sandler, refreshed for the Netflix era.

    Meanwhile, The Old Guard 2 continues from where the 2020 film concluded and follows a group of immortal warriors led by Charlize Theron. The original film was a success for Netflix, attracting sufficient viewers to become one of the platform’s most-viewed titles upon its release. The sequel promises more of what fans cherished, from action-packed adventures around the globe to grand set pieces and an even richer mythology woven into the narrative. There’s also a new director this time around (Victoria Mahoney), which introduces a fresh creative perspective to a franchise I’ve previously described as Netflix’s equivalent to The Avengers.

    With the streaming rivalry essentially a continual race these days, it makes perfect sense for Netflix to leverage intellectual properties that already possess a built-in audience. Sequels present a secure gamble, particularly when they feature familiar, bankable stars and the audience’s favorable sentiments tied to the originals. And for viewers inundated with an endless ocean of content, the familiarity of titles like Happy Gilmore or The Old Guard simplifies the decision to hit “play” considerably.

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    • Richard
    • Comments Off on The Nothing Phone 3 Launches Showcasing Back Screen and Premium Attributes
    The Nothing Phone 3 Launches Showcasing Back Screen and Premium Attributes

    A vast battery, rapid charging, a quicker processor, enhanced cameras, and a substitute for the Glyph Interface signify a significant achievement for Nothing. The Nothing Phone 3 is officially launched, featuring a distinctive design that the company describes as “joyful, expressive, and unmistakably Nothing.” The back is not only unique and visually appealing but also replaces Nothing’s signature Glyph Interface with an alternative: a micro-LED screen known as the Glyph Matrix.

    As the term suggests, this is a purposefully low-resolution display aimed at achieving a retro chic look, akin to the way the company has incorporated dot matrix-style fonts and UI components into its phones for years. However, the Glyph Matrix is not merely a charming little screen or a diminutive substitute for the Glyph Interface LEDs found in earlier Nothing models; it offers a completely new array of functionalities that enhance Nothing’s most distinctive characteristic.

    A press of the button on the back will cycle through a battery status indicator, stopwatch, mirror, digital clock, solar clock, and even a few custom games referred to as Glyph Toys. It also mimics Glyph Interface features, like notifications for individual contacts and progress indicators. Nothing has also released a Glyph Matrix SDK for the Nothing Community to create new games, so anticipate significant grassroots backing for this feature.

    On the rear is a trio of upgraded cameras that address one of the few shortcomings of the Nothing Phone 2, featuring a new 1/1.3” 50MP main sensor with OIS, a 50MP ultra-wide sensor, a new 50MP periscope camera with OIS and 3x optical zoom, as well as a 50MP front-facing camera with a 114-degree FoV. All sensors support recording of 4K60 video and come with “pro-designed presets” that we appreciated on the Nothing Phone 3a.

    Turning to the front, you will find a 6.67-inch AMOLED display offering peak brightness of up to 4500 nits (HDR) and 1600 nits (HMB), featuring 2160 Hz PWM dimming for visual comfort in dim environments and a variable refresh rate from 30Hz to 120Hz. Nothing reports that the bezels are uniformly 1.87 mm around the device, and the Nothing Phone 3 is 18% slimmer than the Phone 2. It also holds an IP68 rating for water and dust resistance.

    The Nothing Phone 3 debuts in India with a 5,500mAh silicon-carbon battery, while the rest of the globe receives a slightly smaller 5,150mAh silicon-carbon battery. Charging capabilities reach up to 65W, alongside 15W wireless charging, aligning it with most flagship devices.

    Powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 processor, users can expect excellent battery longevity coupled with substantial processing capability, boasting up to 60% enhanced CPU performance, 88% GPU performance, and 125% photo processing enhancement compared to the Snapdragon 8s Gen 3.

    The Nothing Phone 3 comes with Nothing OS 3.5, based on Android 15. The company’s AI-driven Essential Space is included, alongside new features like Essential Search and Flip To Record, which expand Nothing’s AI offerings. Android 16 and Nothing OS 4.0 are slated to arrive in Q3 2025, with Nothing ensuring 5 years of major Android updates and 7 years of security updates for Phone 3.

    Preorders for the Nothing Phone 3 commence today, July 1, in India, accompanied by numerous promotions for early customers, including trade-in offers and free items. Nothing states that Indian customers who prebook will receive a complimentary pair of Nothing Ear earbuds, along with a 1-year extended warranty. Global preorders begin on July 4 at nothing.tech and “select partners,” with shipping expected by July 15 marking the start of the open sales period.

    The Nothing Phone 3 is available in white and black and offers two configurations: 12GB RAM and 256GB storage priced at INR 62,999 / £799 / €799 / $799, while the model featuring 16GB of RAM and 512GB of storage is available for INR 72,999 / £899 / €899 / $899. For the first time, Nothing is officially selling Phone 3 in the U.S., marking the inaugural occasion the company has conducted open sales of its devices in the country, and it guarantees compatibility with all U.S. networks.

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    • Richard
    • Comments Off on The Nothing Headphone 1 Seeks to Revolutionize and Transform the Audio Industry
    The Nothing Headphone 1 Seeks to Revolutionize and Transform the Audio Industry

    Nothing’s inaugural over-ear headphones are not merely for audio enjoyment – they’re ‘crafted to be noticed.’

    Key Information

    – The Nothing Headphone (1) has just been released, reintroducing tangible buttons, rollers, and paddles, allowing you to avoid disturbing your playlist with an unintentional swipe.
    – Nothing’s premier over-ear headphones showcase a distinctive design featuring sleek aluminum elements and soft memory foam.
    – Available in black or white for £299/$299/€299, pre-orders commence on July 4.

    Today, Nothing officially entered the over-ear audio market with headphones promising an immersive auditory experience, intuitive controls, and a design that exudes “transparency” (quite literally).

    Introducing the Nothing Headphone (1) — a stylish tribute to audiophiles, design enthusiasts, and anyone weary of standard plastic devices clamped onto their heads.

    In an era where gadgets typically depend on tactile controls, Nothing chose a different path. These headphones forgo conventional touch controls for something more gratifying: physical roller, paddle, and button controls. This prevents the unintentional pausing of your music from a stray finger swipe.

    Eye-catching Aesthetics

    Nothing has consistently focused on producing designs that defy the ordinary. The Headphone (1) upholds this philosophy with aluminum highlights and even CNC machined elements. Their memory foam ear cushions ensure a snug fit without compressing your skull.

    Collaborating with KEF (as previously speculated), Nothing has equipped these headphones with 40mm drivers, spatial audio, and head tracking so your audio experience adapts to your movement. Additionally, there’s adaptive ANC plus a microphone system attuned to 28 million noise scenarios.

    Impressive Battery Life

    With a complete charge, you can expect 35 hours of playback with ANC activated, and if you’re short on time, a quick five-minute charge provides over two hours of use.

    Bluetooth 5.3 entails fewer disruptions, while dual-device pairing allows seamless transitions from your laptop to your phone without the usual Bluetooth struggle.

    The Nothing X app empowers you to control your audio experience with an 8-band EQ or personalize it with “Channel Hop,” a one-touch shortcut to toggle between your recent audio applications.

    For those moments of contemplation, the custom Button can activate a unique feature called Essential Space, which serves as a voice-activated tool for jotting down random thoughts, reminders, or partially sung lyrics you’d prefer not to overlook.

    The Headphone (1) will be offered in black and white for £299/$299/€299. Global pre-orders commence on July 4 at nothing.tech and selected partners, with general sales starting on July 15, 2025.

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    • Richard
    • Comments Off on Spigen Readies Early Case Listings for Incoming Galaxy Z Flip 7 Series
    Spigen Readies Early Case Listings for Incoming Galaxy Z Flip 7 Series

    This initial blunder appears to validate the FE variant as well.

    What you should know

    – Official links to Spigen’s forthcoming case lineup for the Galaxy Z Flip 7 and Galaxy Z Flip 7 FE were discovered earlier this morning (July 1).
    – Although the links are now inactive (returning a 404 Error), Spigen’s mistake suggests that Samsung is getting ready to launch a Galaxy Z Flip 7 FE, according to recent speculation.
    – The Flip 7 FE has reportedly been navigating through certification databases (FCC, NBTC, BIS) and rumors indicate it will feature a 3.4-inch cover display and a slightly smaller 6.7-inch internal screen.

    We’re all excitedly anticipating the next Samsung foldables, and it appears one case manufacturer may have jumped the gun (just a bit).

    Earlier today, Namerah Saud-Fatmi from Android Central noticed an unusual event: the emergence of Spigen case collection pages for the Galaxy Z Flip 7 and Flip 7 FE. The key aspect of this find is the (alleged) confirmation that Samsung is preparing for an official release of the Galaxy Z Flip 7 FE alongside its flagship models this year.

    In addition to these listings coming up, Spigen has also created detailed categories for these two models.

    It doesn’t appear that Spigen has uploaded the anticipated cases for the two foldables yet. Furthermore, shortly after their emergence, Spigen seemingly took down both pages. Clicking the link now leads to a “404 Error—Oops! Not Found” page. In our latest search, you can still find the company’s official links for the would-be cases by entering “Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7 Spigen case” in Google Search.

    Finally, an FE clamshell?

    Anticipating the Galaxy Z Flip 7 flagship model seems obvious; however, we’ve been hearing speculation about an FE variant for some time, and new “evidence” continues to surface. A recent find, made through an NBTC (National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission) listing, reportedly disclosed the certification details for the Flip 7 FE. The listing highlighted the phone’s two model numbers: SM-F761B and SM-F761U, which are believed to represent Samsung’s intended marketing regions.

    Beyond the NBTC (Thailand) certification, the device has apparently also passed through the FCC and BIS.

    Now, with Spigen’s premature case collection slip-up, perhaps that’s all we need to “confirm” the Flip 7 FE is genuine. But, just to be cautious, let’s await an official word from Samsung.

    Previous leaks from March hinted at the Flip 7 FE’s design through some leaked images. It appears the Korean OEM is producing an FE device that mirrors the Flip 6’s aesthetics with the tab-like folder cover display. Leaks suggested the phone could feature a 3.4-inch cover display (with two cameras) and a slightly smaller 6.7-inch internal screen. Further rumors imply the phone might also include a 4,000mAh battery setup.

    Speculation has been mixed regarding its choice of chip. Some rumors speculate whether the Exynos 2500 could be utilized, but the latest whispers claim it will be the Exynos 2400e.

    For additional news and information on Samsung’s upcoming foldables, check out our Ultimate Guide.

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    • sparta
    • Comments Off on Innovative Additions in Apple Photos for iOS 16
    Innovative Additions in Apple Photos for iOS 16

    Apple’s Photos application underwent a significant transformation last year, and iOS 26 introduces several new updates. Here’s a rundown of all the new features arriving in the Photos app with iOS 26.

    ## New Liquid Glass Design

    One of the most significant modifications affecting all Apple applications this year is the ‘Liquid Glass’ design in iOS 26. Specifically within the Photos app, you will encounter Liquid Glass UI elements throughout, including the buttons, navigation tabs, popup menus, and more. While your photos and videos continue to be the main visual focus of the app, the implementation of Liquid Glass in Photos isn’t as extensive as in some other applications—but it’s still a refreshing change that’s hard to overlook.

    ## Tab Bar Navigation Returns

    The previous year, when Apple revamped the Photos app in iOS 18, the most notable alteration was in navigation. The beloved tab bar was removed, replaced by a single-screen UI. After receiving a lot of discontent from users, Apple has reinstated tab bar navigation in Photos for iOS 26. Although it’s not a complete return to the exact layout prior to iOS 18, the navigation in Photos is now much more reminiscent of its earlier form, featuring three tabs:

    – Library
    – Collections
    – Search

    The Library functions similarly to previous iterations of the app, while Collections brings together all the new, customizable sections introduced with iOS 18.

    ## Spatialize Photos

    A standout feature of visionOS 2 last year was the ability to “spatialize” your photos. Now, iOS 26 brings that functionality to the iPhone through the Photos app. When viewing a photo, a new button located in the top-right corner allows you to view a ‘Spatial Scene’ version of the image. This essentially adds depth to your photo, allowing you to pan around to explore different dimensions. It’s an exciting feature within the Photos app, but it truly excels when using Spatial Scenes as your Lock Screen wallpaper.

    ## New Customization Settings

    Within the new Collections tab, Apple is providing users with even greater customization capabilities than before. While you could already fully customize and reorder the sections displayed in your Photos app, iOS 26 introduces:

    1. New viewing settings for your collections
    2. The ability to collapse and expand individual collections

    For the former, tapping the three dots at the top of the Collections tab reveals three viewing options. You can have all collections uniform in size, either all small or all large, or you can stick with the default option which makes certain collections visually more prominent than others. The option to temporarily collapse specific sections should also make it easier to navigate through your Collections view.

    ## Photos in iOS 26: Wrap-Up

    This year’s Photos update demonstrates Apple’s efforts to advance the app while also utilizing iOS 26 to reintroduce some familiarity that users lost with iOS 18. It may not be as feature-rich as the previous year, but following the considerable overhaul, a year of stability could be precisely what Photos users desire most.

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    • Richard
    • Comments Off on AI-Created Rock Band Surpasses 500,000 Streams on Spotify
    AI-Created Rock Band Surpasses 500,000 Streams on Spotify

    **Spotify: AI Band Surpasses 500,000 Listeners at Record Speed**

    In an extraordinary accomplishment, an AI-created rock band called The Velvet Sundown has exceeded 500,000 listeners on Spotify in just a matter of weeks. This milestone underscores the increasing impact of artificial intelligence in the music realm, where AI is not only producing text, images, and videos but is also crafting music that resonates with audiences globally.

    The Velvet Sundown, a band that does not exist in a conventional way, has successfully enchanted listeners with its distinctive sound, described as a blend of 1970s psychedelic elements, cinematic alt-pop, and ethereal analog soul. The band’s music, marked by rich reverb, whirling organs, and tremolo-laden guitar riffs, has been streamed widely, even though many listeners are unaware of its AI origins.

    The band’s swift ascent to fame has incited conversations regarding the role of AI in music creation. While some welcome this innovation, others voice concerns about transparency and the potential replacement of human musicians. The Velvet Sundown’s presence on Spotify, noted by a “Verified Artist” badge, has sparked discussions about the necessity for clear labeling of AI-created content.

    As AI continues to advance, its influence on the music industry is unmistakable. The Velvet Sundown’s success narrative is a testament to AI’s capability to forge engaging music experiences, challenging conventional understandings of artistry and creativity. However, it also prompts critical inquiries about the future of music and the ethical implications surrounding AI-generated art.

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