Day: August 15, 2025

“Reasons to Include Hailee Steinfeld’s Overlooked Apple TV+ Series in Your Watchlist”

Apple TV+ launched in November 2019, taking a less conventional path in streaming by debuting with only a few original TV series — emphasizing a philosophy of quality over quantity. If you were an early subscriber like I was, you may recall one of the standout titles from that initial offering, “Dickinson,” which presents a whimsical yet contemporary retelling of Emily Dickinson’s life. The series features Hailee Steinfeld as the 19th-century poetess, who penned numerous poems throughout her lifetime and passed away at 55 in her Massachusetts family home.

Throughout its three seasons, Apple adds a modern flair to her narrative, utilizing visuals that appear to be historically accurate but are set against a modern soundtrack and contemporary language — all of which showcased the poet in an innovative, original manner. Initially, I didn’t think this specific Apple drama would have widespread appeal, but I must admit I was quite mistaken. One piece of evidence: It’s uncommon to see this, but for whatever it’s worth, the series currently boasts identical 92% ratings from both critics and audiences on Rotten Tomatoes.

In summary, “Dickinson” stands out as one of the most notable additions to the early lineup of Apple’s streaming offerings. Even though the concluding season wrapped up in late 2021, it remains a timeless watch for anyone who didn’t experience it the first time.

Why Dickinson continues to be worth your attention

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Comparison between Google Maps and Waze: Choosing the Optimal Navigation Application

Google Maps dominates the navigation scene on many smartphones, and it’s not without justification. The application presents an abundance of features while delivering directions and other crucial details relevant to your trip. However, it can sometimes be beneficial to explore an alternative navigation app. If Waze — another navigation offering from Google — has caught your interest, you may be curious about the reasons for selecting one over the other.

Both applications hail from the same developer, which may lead you to believe they’re quite similar. However, the truth is that it’s not merely a straightforward yes or no. Each application presents a distinct methodology for navigation and possesses unique features that might make one more advantageous for your preferences.

To begin with, Google Maps is more pragmatic. It concentrates on offering various ways to navigate your journey, while also supplying as much relevant information as possible. Conversely, Waze is more user-centered. This app adapts to your driving habits over time and utilizes this data to identify the quickest route, fostering a sense of belonging within a broader community. Though there are additional aspects to weigh, ultimately, your choice between Google Maps and Waze hinges on identifying what you seek in a navigation application.

The primary distinctions

One of the main differences is the navigation experience provided by each app. Google Maps gives more emphasis on detailed mapping and extensive information, whereas Waze leverages real-time data contributed by its users to optimize driving routes. This could lead you to receive alternative pathways based on current traffic conditions or user-reported incidents. Moreover, Google Maps tends to be better at walking directions and public transportation routes, which Waze does not primarily emphasize.

Another significant aspect is community interaction. Waze features a more social platform, permitting users to report hazards, traffic jams, and police presence, fostering a collaborative driving environment. This sense of community can enhance the driving experience for many users, as they feel they are part of a collective effort to navigate effectively.

In summary, both Google Maps and Waze cover similar ground but approach it from different angles. Your ultimate choice between the two should depend on your specific navigation needs and preferences.

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New iOS 26 Update Improves iPhone Battery Life

Battery life ranks among the most critical features of the iPhone. Whether you’re considering the sleek iPhone 17 Air, the powerhouse iPhone 17 Pro Max, or sticking with your existing device, iOS 26 is introducing a new feature aimed at prolonging your iPhone’s battery: Adaptive Power.

## Adaptive Power introduces a new iOS 26 option to enhance battery longevity

If your iPhone’s battery is running low, iOS has long provided Low Power Mode as a useful resource. While some users opt to keep Low Power Mode activated at all times, that’s quite an extreme measure to extend your iPhone’s battery duration. iOS 26 presents a much more balanced approach.

Adaptive Power is a novel battery setting designed to help your iPhone last longer—especially on days of heavy usage. You can locate it within the Settings app’s Battery section under ‘Power Mode.’ Unlike Low Power Mode, which disables numerous features and significantly affects your experience, Adaptive Power focuses on delivering small battery improvements with minimal effect on performance.

Here’s how Apple defines it:

> “When your battery usage is above average, iPhone can implement minor performance tweaks to prolong your battery life, such as slightly dimming the display brightness or permitting certain activities to take a bit longer. Low Power Mode may activate at 20%.”

In essence, on a “typical use” day, your iPhone battery won’t necessarily be extended significantly—if at all. However, during times of increased usage, Adaptive Power will engage and implement slight adjustments to help conserve your battery for a longer period.

Note: although Apple doesn’t promote Adaptive Power as an AI feature, users participating in the iOS 26 beta have discovered that it’s exclusively available on Apple Intelligence-enabled devices. This means you’ll need an iPhone 16-class model or later, or an iPhone 15 Pro or Pro Max.

Have you tried Adaptive Power in the iOS 26 beta? How has it been functioning for you? Share your thoughts in the comments.

### Top iPhone accessories

*FTC: We utilize revenue-generating auto affiliate links.*

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Best MagSafe Stands for iPhone and StandBy: My Personal Picks

# Optimizing Your iPhone’s StandBy Mode with MagSafe Stands

A notable highlight of iOS 17 is the launch of StandBy mode, which changes your iPhone into a smart display while it is charging and oriented in landscape. This function is especially advantageous when used with a vertical wireless charger, enabling you to fully leverage the information presented when your device is not actively being used.

## What is StandBy Mode?

StandBy mode kicks in when your iPhone is charging and set horizontally. It delivers a customizable display akin to the Apple Watch’s Nightstand Mode, presenting details such as photos, widgets, and various clock styles. Users have the ability to choose themes for the photo showcase, including Nature, Pets, Cities, and People, or opt for specific albums from their Photos library.

The clock presentation in StandBy mode offers various themes, including Digital, Analogue, World, Solar, and Float, with some designs providing extra details like temperature or forthcoming alarms. Notifications, Live Activities, and Siri interactions are also incorporated into this mode, appearing in a full-screen view. Importantly, StandBy mode uses MagSafe technology, enabling it to recall your preferred screen and widget setups based on the charger’s position.

To activate and control StandBy mode, go to the Settings app on your iPhone and select the “StandBy” option.

## My Preferred MagSafe-Compatible iPhone Stands

### Belkin 2-in-1 Wireless Charger with MagSafe

**Price**: $99.99

Belkin’s MagSafe 2-in-1 Wireless Charger includes a stand that charges your iPhone at 15W and features a Qi charging pad for AirPods. Its premium craftsmanship, compact size, and MagSafe certification render it an excellent option for StandBy mode. You can acquire it [here](https://geni.us/OtwVIuR).

### Satechi Aluminum 2-in-1 Magnetic Wireless Charging Stand

**Price**: $59.99

Satechi presents a budget-friendly option with its Aluminum 2-in-1 Magnetic Wireless Charging Stand. While it charges at a peak of 7.5W and needs a separate power adapter, its stylish design and utility make it a worthy selection. Available [here](https://geni.us/Q85rV).

### Anker 3-in-1 Cube with MagSafe

**Price**: $134.95

Anker’s creative 3-in-1 Cube can recharge your iPhone, Apple Watch, and AirPods concurrently in a compact, foldable design. It supports 15W charging for the iPhone, making it a versatile option. Discover it [here](https://geni.us/agFuga7).

### Nomad Stand One

**Price**: $100

For a high-end choice, the Nomad Stand One boasts a durable metal and glass design with a built-in braided USB-C cable. It provides 15W charging and a 21-degree viewing angle, ideal for StandBy mode. Available [here](https://howl.link/esyfbluo9l1qy).

### Twelve South HiRise 3 Deluxe

**Price**: $149.99

The Twelve South HiRise 3 Deluxe facilitates simultaneous charging of an iPhone, Apple Watch, and AirPods. It features a space-efficient design and an adjustable angle for the best viewing experience. You can purchase it

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AI Utilized by Scientists to Eradicate Drug-Resistant Bacteria

ChatGPT and Gemini are utilized to produce drafts, condense documents, analyze intricate subjects, or generate viral videos, while others are applying these models to tackle far more significant challenges. For instance, a study from the MIT Antibiotics-AI Project recently featured in the scientific journal Cell highlights not one but two AI methodologies that enabled scientists to identify unprecedented antibiotics that could potentially combat two perilous drug-resistant bacteria.

The new drugs were not developed solely by artificial intelligence models. Rather, the AI adhered to elaborate directives to identify molecules capable of eliminating Neisseria gonorrhoeae (gonorrhea) and Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). These AI systems produced millions of potential chemical structures that could damage the bacteria and subsequently halt infections. In every instance, researchers employed specific criteria to refine the lists of compounds to suitable candidates. These criteria included stipulations that the resulting antibiotic should be non-harmful to humans and not possess similar characteristics to existing antibiotics that have ceased to be effective against the two bacteria. After imposing these requirements, the researchers identified a select number of promising candidates that exhibit potential in laboratory evaluations.

AI uncovered a novel gonorrhea medication from countless possibilities

Pixel 10 Series Battery Specs Surface, Suggesting Impressive Performance Ahead of August Release

A recent disclosure has illuminated the battery capabilities of the forthcoming Pixel 10 series, presenting information regarding the regulatory listings for the devices’ batteries within the EU. As per the disclosure, the Pixel 10 Pro XL is set to come equipped with a 5,078mAh battery boasting a “B” level efficiency rating, with an anticipated lifespan of around 48 hours before requiring a recharge. Conversely, the Pixel 10 Pro is projected to feature a 4,707mAh battery with an “A” efficiency rating, offering an estimated 51 hours of usage.

Notably, the standard Pixel 10 model is speculated to possess a marginally larger battery than the Pro variant, at 4,835mAh, also achieving an “A” efficiency rating, and an estimated 49 hours of use. This battery capacity exceeds that of the Pixel 9 by 135mAh.

The Pixel 10 series is expected to deliver considerable enhancements in power, with earlier reports indicating that the Pixel 10 Pro and 10 Pro XL may support charging capabilities of 29W and 39W, respectively. Additionally, the Pixel 10 Pro Fold is anticipated to offer an IP68 rating along with Qi2 wireless charging compatibility.

Google’s event for the Pixel 10 series is set for August 20, at which time further information about the devices will be revealed.

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Gemini’s August Announcement: Fresh Guided Learning Resources, Storybooks, and Improved AI Capabilities for Learners

Here’s all the latest developments and ongoing features for the Gemini app.

(Image credit: Google)

Key information to note

  • Google’s August roundup for Gemini Drops outlines the newest enhancements for the AI, including “Guided Learning” aimed at students.
  • This feature offers a structured approach to learning, helping students grasp complex subjects.
  • Additional improvements encompass Gemini’s storybook update featuring fully AI-illustrated children’s stories, “personal context” within the Gemini app, and Temporary Chats.

Following its debut in July, Google is back with its Gemini Drops for August, which showcases numerous exciting features.

Earlier today (Aug 13), Google announced its August edition of Gemini Drops, outlining all new announcements and ongoing developments for users. A significant enhancement is “Guided Learning” for students, allowing them to seek step-by-step assistance from Gemini. Students who wish to delve deeper (and receive support) can input as much information as possible before letting the AI simplify it for better understanding.

Google mentions in today’s announcement that Gemini will also generate “images, diagrams, videos, and interactive quizzes” to further improve a student’s educational experience.

Apple Wallet App Streamlines Amazon Returns and Unveils New Functionalities

### Amazon Return Codes Can Now Be Stored in Apple Wallet

A recent enhancement from Amazon has enabled users to store Amazon return codes directly within Apple’s Wallet application. This feature is part of Amazon’s continuous efforts to improve the shopping and return process for its customers.

Amazon has been well-known for its ease of making purchases. Through the Amazon app on iPhone, users can effortlessly reorder items and enjoy rapid delivery. The return procedure has also progressed, enabling customers to return products without the need for packaging or labels. Instead, users can simply take the opened item to a specified drop-off point, where it will be handled for return.

The newest upgrade allows users to use the ‘Add to Apple Wallet’ option within the Amazon iOS app. Rather than depending solely on the in-app return code, customers can now save this code to their Apple Wallet. This integration is advantageous as it gathers all essential return information in one location, simplifying access to the code when necessary, without relying on a stable cellular connection.

### iOS 26 Allows You to Monitor Amazon Orders in Wallet Too

Alongside return codes, Apple’s Wallet application will soon facilitate order tracking for Amazon purchases with the forthcoming iOS 26 update. This enhancement will greatly bolster the current order tracking capabilities in Wallet.

iOS 26 will feature a capability where Apple Intelligence can automatically retrieve order details from users’ email accounts and directly store them in the Wallet app. Consequently, users will be able to monitor their orders from different retailers, including Amazon, all in one place.

With this new functionality, Wallet will alert users when their Amazon orders have been shipped or delivered, offering a more unified tracking experience. This update is part of a series of improvements aimed at enhancing the overall capabilities of Apple’s Wallet app in iOS 26.

Have you begun using Apple Wallet to handle your Amazon returns or keep track of your purchases? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments.

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Apple’s Ongoing Discreet Endorsement of Liquid Glass Technology

During the WWDC 2025 keynote, Apple introduced its much-anticipated Liquid Glass redesign for not just the iPhone software, but for all of its operating systems. Easily the most significant enhancement to Apple’s software since iOS 7, the Liquid Glass interface renders the interaction with your iPhone more intuitive, while also unifying the company’s six distinct operating systems.

Liquid Glass signifies a convergence for iOS, iPadOS, macOS, tvOS, watchOS, and visionOS. Not only do these operating systems all now share the same “26” suffix, but they also exhibit a similar design language, which enhances the fluidity of the Apple ecosystem more than ever.

The most prominent changes to the interface are particularly evident in iOS 26, iPadOS 26, and macOS Tahoe, as Apple strives to make switching between devices as seamless as possible. However, while the company is typically very discreet regarding its forthcoming features, it has actually been hinting at the Liquid Glass design for over a year, and we’ve only just come to the realization.

Subtle hints for Apple’s Liquid Glass aesthetics

Believe it or not, Apple has been hinting at the Liquid Glass design since the M4 iPad Pro release. After that, the company teased Liquid Glass once more during the launch of the iPhone 16 Pro models and the iPhone 16e. As pointed out by X user WorkaholicDavid, all three wallpapers released together with these products clearly echo Apple’s design language for Liquid Glass.

Apple has been signaling Liquid Glass all along, right under our noses, and we failed to notice.

It’s reflected in product wallpapers for at least a year now.

For the M4 iPad Pro, Apple introduced a black wallpaper featuring a bubbly “Pro” inscribed in reflective colors. We can also now observe that the iPhone 16 Pro’s wallpaper displays something akin to Liquid Glass interacting with various objects, while the iPhone 16e wallpaper showcases a bubble bouncing against a glass backdrop.

Though it was impossible to predict beforehand, we now recognize that Apple has been teasing this design shift with some of its most significant products for a while. The M4 iPad Pro was a breakthrough for Apple’s tablets, while the iPhone 16 Pro models represent the most powerful iPhones on the market today. Lastly, the iPhone 16e signifies the onset of a new range of Apple smartphones. Apple typically hints at new features on invitations for its keynotes, but it is rare for the company to leave breadcrumbs like these so far in advance.

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Leaked Metal Framework of iPhone 17 Pro Unveils Major Design Modifications

Apple reveals the iPhone 17, and these design revelations are already familiar to iPhone enthusiasts who track the latest Apple leaks and speculation. Nevertheless, there has been a notable update this week that is quite unexpected. Images that emerged online suggest that the iPhone 17 Pro models will not incorporate glass-and-metal backs as was previously thought. Instead, Apple may be opting for a predominantly metal back for the high-end iPhones.

Initial iPhone 17 predictions stated that the Pro and Pro Max variants would launch with a two-tone design on the rear. Apple intended to use metal for the elongated camera bar at the top, seamlessly integrating it with glass that would cover the rest of the back panel. Early forecasts hinted at a two-tone color scheme, while more recent leaks have pointed out that Apple will provide the iPhone 17 Pro and 17 Pro Max with uniform finishes, making the two-tone design imperceptible to users. If this leak holds true, we could be witnessing a design shift for the iPhone 17 Pro that is at least as significant as the rumored 5.5mm thickness of the iPhone 17 Air.

What we know about the iPhone 17 Pro metal chassis leak

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