Month: September 2025

Innovative Rendering Method Eases Digital Mapping of Mars

Cornell University) on August 2, 2025. It has been sent to the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) for publication.

The study addresses the increasing complexity of planetary missions that currently depend on digital terrain maps (DTMs) for landing and navigation in GPS-denied environments like Mars. However, DTMs are challenging to utilize, requiring manual image refinement and having issues with variable lighting. The ongoing exploration of locations such as Mars hinges on the availability of high-quality DTMs. The researchers explored AI methods like neural volume rendering to tackle this problem.

Their proposition is known as Neural Terrain Maps (NTM). It integrates data into comprehensive 3D maps derived from satellite images using cutting-edge AI rendering techniques. These maps will boast high resolution, even when using imperfect camera data. This approach may enhance future Mars missions, for instance, in investigating the critical possibility of water on Mars.

The investigation into digital mapping of Mars

Kuo Verifies Touch ID in iPhone Fold; In-Display Option Unlikely

### The Much-Awaited Release of the iPhone Fold

Apple’s entry into the foldable smartphone sector has generated considerable excitement, with industry expert Ming-Chi Kuo shedding light on the forthcoming iPhone Fold. Scheduled for launch next year, this gadget is poised to transform the smartphone landscape with its groundbreaking design and capabilities.

#### Design and Specifications

The iPhone Fold is speculated to showcase a 5.5-inch external screen and a larger 7.8-inch internal display when fully opened. This design cleverly combines the features of both an iPhone and an iPad mini, appealing to users who desire flexibility in their devices. The projected price tag for this flagship model is approximately $2,000, reflecting its sophisticated technology and craftsmanship.

Apple has adopted a careful stance in crafting the iPhone Fold, following its “best-not-first” mantra. This policy has permitted Apple to gain insights from the experiences of rivals, notably Samsung, which introduced its initial foldable phone seven years ago. Apple’s postponement is attributed to the ambition to eradicate visible creases in the display, a hurdle that has reportedly been tackled by its display partner, Samsung.

#### Touch ID Integration

A key component of the iPhone Fold’s design is the inclusion of Touch ID. Kuo has suggested that the gadget will employ a side-button Touch ID sensor rather than Face ID. This choice is influenced by the device’s slender profile, anticipated to be around 4.5mm thick when opened. The TrueDepth scanning module necessary for Face ID would surpass this thickness, making it unfeasible for the iPhone Fold.

Despite speculation regarding the potential for an in-display ultrasonic Touch ID sensor, Kuo believes this is improbable. The cost-efficiency of a single Touch ID sensor located on the side button, in contrast to the complexity and expense of installing dual Face ID scanners for both the external and internal displays, reinforces this choice.

#### Camera Features

The iPhone Fold is projected to include dual selfie cameras—one for the external display and another for the internal display—along with two rear cameras that will operate in both folded and unfolded positions. This configuration aims to elevate the photography experience, catering to users who emphasize camera performance in their devices.

#### Conclusion

As Apple gears up to step into the foldable smartphone arena, the iPhone Fold signifies a notable advancement in mobile technology. With its cutting-edge design, strategic Touch ID integration, and enhanced camera capabilities, the iPhone Fold is set to attract the interest of consumers seeking a versatile and high-performance gadget. As the launch timeline nears, additional information is anticipated to surface, reinforcing the iPhone Fold’s position in Apple’s product offerings.

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Labor Day Promotions on Apple Items: Reduced Prices on M4 MacBook Air/Pro, iPads, AirPods, Accessories, and Additional Products

### Labor Day Apple Promotions: Enjoy Massive Savings on MacBooks, iPads, and More

Labor Day has become a hallmark of extensive sales and markdowns, and this year is no different, particularly for Apple fans. A wide array of impressive discounts is available throughout Apple’s latest lineup and earlier-generation devices, making it the perfect moment to acquire new tech.

#### Current Offers on Apple Products

This year’s Labor Day promotions have been unfolding for over a week, with numerous offers still up for grabs as the holiday nears. Here’s a detailed look at some of the top deals:

1. **MacBook Savings**:
– **M4 MacBook Pro Variants**: Up to **$300 off** on sought-after configurations.
– 14-inch M4 Max MacBook Pro (24GB/1TB) for **$2,899** (Regular $3,199)
– 14-inch M4 MacBook Pro (16GB/512GB) for **$1,299** (Regular $1,599)
– 14-inch M4 MacBook Pro (16GB/1TB) for **$1,499** (Regular $1,799)
– **M4 MacBook Air**: Now offered at **$200 off**, making it an excellent choice for users seeking performance without awaiting next year’s releases.

2. **iPad Promotions**:
– **M3 iPad Air**: Currently **$150 off** across the board, aligning with the lowest prices recently recorded.
– **M4 iPad Pro**: Significant savings are on offer, alongside exclusive deals for 9to5 readers.

3. **AirPods Discounts**:
– **AirPods 4**: The base model is now only **$1 off** the all-time low price, while the ANC version is also seeing noteworthy markdowns.

4. **iPhone Discounts**:
– With the upcoming iPhone 17 launch, noteworthy discounts on prior models are available. Up to **$720 off** on iPhone 15 Pro Max and notable savings on the iPhone 15 and 16 Pro models can be found.

#### Accessory Deals and More

In addition to the primary product discounts, there are also offers on accessories, HomeKit devices, e-bikes, and power stations, ensuring a thorough shopping experience for tech aficionados.

#### Conclusion

Labor Day offers an outstanding chance for shoppers to capitalize on exceptional discounts on Apple products. Whether you’re aiming to upgrade your MacBook, purchase a new iPad, or obtain the latest AirPods, this is the ideal moment to buy. With markdowns reaching up to $300 off on MacBooks and significant savings on iPads and iPhones, buyers can discover fantastic deals that will extend well past the holiday.

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Apple Store Unveils New Layout Showcasing Merged Genius Bar and Pickup Counter

### The Advancement of Apple’s Pickup Counter: Improving Customer Experience

A specialized Pickup counter has surfaced as a vital innovation in the design of Apple stores in recent years, simplifying the process for customers choosing in-store pickup of their online purchases. This initiative, launched in 2021, marks a transition towards a more effective retail experience.

#### Express Counters Leading to Pickup

Apple’s progression towards swift pickup initiated over ten years ago with the launch of Express Counters. These counters showcased a variety of sought-after products, including iPhones and iPads, and found particular success in markets like China. The COVID-19 pandemic further propelled the rise of curbside pickup for pre-ordered goods, underscoring the need for a faster collection method. This prompted the creation of the Pickup counter, enabling customers to collect their orders in just minutes, drastically cutting down wait times compared to conventional approaches.

#### Merging Genius Bar and Pickup Counter

Recently, Apple has unified the Pickup counter with the Genius Bar in its modern store layouts, including the new Apple Hebbal store in Bengaluru, India. This integration acts as an efficient space-saving solution in smaller retail settings while ensuring a straightforward and effective pickup process for customers. The configuration allows for quick order collection with minimal hassle, even though it may slightly increase foot traffic at the Genius Bar. Nevertheless, the short duration of pickup visits is not expected to create substantial congestion.

#### Apple Hebbal Store

The Apple Hebbal store exemplifies this innovative design concept, with no significant alterations reported in its configuration. For those curious, a collection of images from the store’s grand opening is available in Apple’s official announcement. Furthermore, customers can acquire exclusive wallpapers from the new store, deepening their connection to the brand.

#### Featured Accessories

Apple persistently highlights the role of accessories in enriching the user experience. The amalgamation of the Pickup counter with the Genius Bar not only maximizes space but also reinforces Apple’s dedication to delivering a seamless shopping experience. As the company evolves its retail approach, the emphasis continues to be on customer convenience and satisfaction.

In summary, Apple’s Pickup counter signifies a noteworthy progression in retail design, reflecting the company’s ability to adapt to shifting consumer demands and preferences. By merging essential services such as product pickup and technical support, Apple is establishing new benchmarks in customer service within the technology retail sector.

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iPhone X, the most significant iPhone Apple has ever produced

CarPlay Ultra Anticipated to Debut on Budget Electric Vehicles After Luxury Car Rollout

### The Launch of CarPlay Ultra: A Revolutionary Shift for In-Car Technology

Apple CarPlay has solidified its place in contemporary automobiles, enriching the driving journey by merging iPhone features with automotive systems. This year, Apple has unveiled CarPlay Ultra, a noteworthy enhancement that guarantees more profound integration with a car’s user interface. Initially limited to luxury vehicles costing approximately $200,000, the market is anticipated to shift with the arrival of budget-friendly alternatives.

#### What is CarPlay Ultra?

CarPlay Ultra signifies a significant progression in Apple’s in-vehicle technology. Unlike its earlier version, which largely duplicated iPhone applications onto the automobile’s screen, CarPlay Ultra supersedes the entire user interface of the car. This implies that not only do drivers gain access to their preferred applications, but they can also manage critical features such as climate control and navigation directly via an Apple-crafted interface. The system is showcased on both the main infotainment display and the digital instrument cluster positioned behind the steering wheel, fostering a seamless user experience.

#### Current Availability and Future Outlook

Presently, Aston Martin is the sole car manufacturer to have integrated CarPlay Ultra into its vehicles. Nonetheless, various other brands are investigating the incorporation of this sophisticated system into their forthcoming models. Particularly, Hyundai is ready to make a noteworthy entry in this domain with its forthcoming Ioniq 3 electric vehicle.

#### The Hyundai Ioniq 3: A Possible Revolutionary Product

As per insights from Top Gear, the Hyundai Ioniq 3 is slated to support CarPlay Ultra, potentially making it the first budget electric vehicle to feature this advanced integration. With an approximate price of $35,000, the Ioniq 3 is anticipated to offer a range of about 365 miles on a single charge, presenting an appealing choice for buyers seeking both affordability and state-of-the-art technology.

The Ioniq 3 will come equipped with a digitally-centric interface that not only incorporates CarPlay Ultra but also permits extensive personalization. This includes innovative synthesized sound effects that elevate the driving experience, further resonating with the contemporary digital lifestyle.

#### Conclusion

The debut of CarPlay Ultra signifies a notable advancement in the amalgamation of technology within vehicles. With the Hyundai Ioniq 3 poised to introduce this sophisticated system at a more attainable price point, it could lead the way for a wider acceptance of CarPlay Ultra in the automotive sector. As manufacturers persist in innovating and adopting new technologies, consumers can anticipate a more interconnected and intuitive driving experience. The Hyundai Ioniq 3 will be highlighted at the Munich Motor Show from September 9 to September 14, providing an initial glimpse of this thrilling new vehicle.

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Apple Ought to Think About Bringing Back This Previously Eliminated iMac Feature

### Target Display Mode: A Retrospective and Its Potential Comeback

Some time ago, Apple incorporated a software function within macOS on previous iMac models referred to as Target Display Mode. This function enabled users to utilize their iMac as an external display, offering an additional screen option when the iMac became too obsolete to operate effectively as a computer. Nevertheless, with the launch of the 5K iMac in 2015, Apple phased out this feature due to technical constraints that existed at that time.

#### Technical Constraints and Phasing Out

The main factor behind the phasing out of Target Display Mode was Thunderbolt 2’s inability to support the high display bandwidth necessary for 5K resolution. Consequently, the final iMac models that could utilize this feature were those released in 2014, which had displays of lower resolution. Apple commenced phasing out the functionality with the introduction of macOS Mojave, meaning that users with 2014 iMacs or earlier could not upgrade to Mojave and employ their machines as external displays. The feature was entirely eliminated with the advent of macOS Big Sur, making older iMacs unrecognized as possible display outputs.

#### Present Technology Landscape

Currently, advancements in technology, especially with Thunderbolt 4 and Apple Silicon, have significantly enhanced bandwidth capacities. This prompts the inquiry: Could Apple bring back Target Display Mode? Many believe that Apple might be reluctant, as it could affect sales of their Studio Display, which is priced higher than an iMac yet lacks computational abilities. Critics contend that reintroducing Target Display Mode could deter potential customers from selecting the Studio Display.

#### Arguments for Reintroduction

Although the Studio Display caters to a niche market, there are strong arguments for considering the return of Target Display Mode. While the iMac remains a viable choice, it has drawbacks like a smaller display size and lower brightness compared to newer options. Reinstating this feature would enable current iMac owners to prolong the life of their devices, preventing these high-quality displays from being wasted as users transition to newer models.

#### Sustainability and Future Implications

Apple has made sustainability a fundamental aspect of its product design ethos. Thus, it appears contradictory to eliminate a function that could extend the useful life of the iMac, especially when it could be achieved through a simple software update. Moreover, there are rumors that the next iteration of the Studio Display may incorporate a 120Hz miniLED panel, making it a more appealing choice for consumers evaluating display specifications.

#### Conclusion

To sum up, the possible reintroduction of Target Display Mode could benefit both Apple and its users. It would offer a pragmatic solution for current iMac users while aligning with Apple’s sustainability objectives. As technology progresses, it may be prudent for Apple to reconsider this feature, enabling users to optimize the functionality of their devices.

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