From a record-breaking AI seed in Paris to Croatian drones and Lithuanian food tech, Europeâs startup ecosystem had a busy week. The week of 9-15 March was, by any measure, an exceptional one for European venture capital. Two deals alone, one in London, one in Paris,accounted for nearly three billion dollars. But beyond the headline […]
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This is The Stepback, a weekly newsletter breaking down one essential story from the tech world. For more on the slow-motion disaster of live-service games, follow Andrew Webster. The Stepback arrives in our subscribers’ inboxes at 8AM ET. Opt in for The Stepback here. How it started Two years ago, I stood at the top […]
In 2020 and 2021, the social media world seemed to be on the verge of complete change. A new app called TikTok was ascendant, bringing a whole new kind of vertical video to phones everywhere. And another app – not as popular, but growing fast, and already hugely influential among the tech set – looked […]
In just a few months, Apple is anticipated to announce its newest set of operating systems: iOS 27, macOS 27, watchOS 27, and more. Prior reports concerning iOS 27 have strongly emphasized that this year’s operating systems should concentrate on performance enhancements and overall stability.
As per Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman in today’s Power On newsletter, we probably won’t observe any major alterations to the Liquid Glass interface, though minor modifications may still be possible. Liquid Glass has garnered mixed feedback, with certain users criticizing its readability. Nevertheless, some, including Gurman, value its appearance. The design lead in charge of Liquid Glass, Alan Dye, left Apple last year for Meta, resulting in Steve Lemay assuming the design leadership role.
Many were optimistic that fresh design leadership would indicate a change in the interface’s direction. Since the launch of iOS 26, Apple has offered some customization choices for Liquid Glass, such as a ‘Tinted’ option in iOS 26.1 and the capability to disable specific Liquid Glass effects in iOS 26.4. However, Gurman asserts that substantial design modifications are improbable, mentioning that “the latest internal versions of iOS 27 and macOS 27 don’t show significant design changes.” He proposes that advancements to Liquid Glass will be gradual over the next few years.
Although there are no dramatic changes expected, speculation exists that iOS 27 may bring an extra layer of customization to Liquid Glass. During the creation of iOS 26, Apple examined a systemwide slider that would enable users to manage the intensity of the glass effect. While this feature was effectively deployed for the lock screen clock, extending it throughout the entire system encountered engineering hurdles. If Apple can address these challenges for iOS 27, it could greatly impact the user experience with Liquid Glass.
This possible addition is more conjectural than verified, but it would be a welcome improvement for many users, allowing for a more tailored experience beyond the existing ‘Clear’ and ‘Tinted’ choices.
As excitement increases for the forthcoming operating systems, users are left to consider their preferences on Liquid Glass. Would they rather witness more significant changes sooner, or are they satisfied with the current design?
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Jason Momoa, the Hawaiian actor, gained fame after his role as the formidable Khal Drogo in “Game of Thrones.” Although HBO’s hit series marked a significant moment for Momoa, it wasn’t his first television role. The success of this series paved the way for him to take on lead roles in major Hollywood films like “A Minecraft Movie,” “Dune,” and “Fast X.”
Despite the conclusion of the DCEU and Momoa’s established character as Aquaman, announced in 2023, he is certainly not slowing down. Besides portraying Blanka in the anticipated “Street Fighter,” he is also set to return to the revamped DC universe this year, now taking on the role of a villain.
In James Gunn’s forthcoming “Supergirl” film, which will premiere in June 2026, Momoa will appear as the alien bounty hunter Lobo. However, this is not the first occasion the actor has taken on an alien character. Well before Momoa donned a fitted wetsuit, he played a significant part in a memorable sci-fi series you might have overlooked: “Stargate Atlantis.”
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For those who may not know, Syfy’s “Stargate Atlantis” was a military sci-fi adventure series that ran from 2004 to 2009. This show was crafted as a continuation of “Stargate SG-1,” resuming the storyline after its seventh season, and centers around a collective of international scientists and military members who discover Atlantis, a mythical city constructed by an evolved alien civilization.
Technology has progressed beyond merely serving as a tool for productivity or communication; it currently enriches every element of domestic life. Smart home devices have become crucial, spanning areas such as lighting, cleaning, entertainment, and lawn maintenance. Among these, security devices have seen a surge in popularity. Gadgets like video doorbells, motion-activated floodlights, and alarm systems smoothly blend into smart home configurations, boosting security.
A primary weak spot in a home is the door. Smart locks offer an efficient means to safeguard entry points. These devices substitute conventional keyed entry systems with motorized deadbolts that can be managed remotely. Numerous smart locks feature PIN, fingerprint, or smartphone control, rendering home security both accessible and effective.
Consumer Reports has thoroughly assessed smart locks, showcasing some of the finest options available:
1. **Yale Assure Lock SL**: Renowned for its sleek design and minimalist touchscreen, this lock interacts with smart home technology via Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. It supports Amazon Alexa, Hey Google, and Siri, providing remote access through the Yale Access App. At $252, it delivers an extensive feature array.
2. **Eufy Smart Lock Touch S230**: Equipped with fingerprint recognition, this lock scans fingerprints in 0.3 seconds and opens in one second. It also includes PIN access and connects with Alexa. Priced at $159.99, it offers impressive value within the Eufy Security App framework.
3. **Yale Assure Lock 2**: Like the Assure Lock SL, this touchscreen deadbolt links via Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. It is compatible with major smart home systems, including Apple HomeKit and Samsung SmartThings. With a price of $199.99, it features functionalities such as auto-unlock and access code sharing.
4. **Kwikset Halo Touch 959**: This lock accommodates up to 50 fingerprints and employs 128-bit AES encryption for safety. It works with Amazon Alexa and Google Home, but not with Apple Home. At $199, it allows remote access through the Kwikset app.
5. **Schlage Encode Plus**: Compatible with Apple home keys, this lock enables iPhone and Apple Watch users to unlock doors with a simple tap. It holds up to 100 access codes and necessitates a 2.4GHz Wi-Fi connection. Priced at $294, it is rich in features and supports leading smart home ecosystems.
Consumer Reports analyzed these locks based on laboratory assessments and reviews, taking into account their compatibility with smart home technology and overall worth. These smart locks exemplify the premier security enhancements for homeowners desiring convenience and improved protection.
Last fall, President Donald Trump’s executive order raising the fee for H-1B visas to $100,000 – like many of his immigration policies – led to near-immediate chaos. Thousands of workers who had flown overseas to renew their visas ended up stranded abroad. Details about who would be affected only emerged after the fact. Six months […]
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