Blog Posts

Blog Posts

Hollywood Icons Evaluated for Blade Runner Prior to Selecting Harrison Ford

is continuously unveiling a plethora of new films and television series — over the past forty years, the actor wasn’t even close to being the first pick to portray the film’s main character, Rick Deckard. Although he is now recognized for his iconic roles in classic films like “American Graffiti,” “Apocalypse Now,” and the two original “Star Wars” films that were released prior to “Blade Runner,” Ford had not yet risen to leading man status.

As stated in a 2012 Time article, the film’s producers examined a roster of well-known actors, including Jack Nicholson, Paul Newman, Sean Connery, Clint Eastwood, Peter Falk, Nick Nolte, Al Pacino, Burt Reynolds, Dustin Hoffman, and even Arnold Schwarzenegger. However, once Scott and his team witnessed Ford in scenes from some initial footage of Steven Spielberg’s “Raiders of the Lost Ark,” the choice to cast him as Deckard was unanimous, according to the movie’s producer, Michael Deeley (as reported by Los Angeles Magazine). Yet, this decision did not please everyone. As Scott recounted in a 2025 interview for GQ, “I recall my financiers saying, ‘Who the f*** is Harrison Ford?’ I told them, ‘You’re gonna find out.’ Thus, [he] became my leading man.”

Indeed, they did, along with the rest of the world, as his choice ultimately proved to be ideal, in hindsight.

Blade Runner was a critical and financial failure before it was deemed a masterpiece

<div class="slide-key image-holder gallery-image-holder credit-image-wrap " data-post-url="https://www.bgr.com/2069541/harrison-ford-blade-runner-casting-shortlist-hollywood-legends/" data-post-title="Blade Runner Considered Several Hollywood

Budget-Friendly Chromebook Offers for January 2026: Enjoy Discounts of Up to 60% on Lenovo, ASUS, and Other Brands

Enhance your efficiency in 2026 with these Chromebook offers.

(Image credit: Andrew Myrick / Android Central)

Adobe Firefly Launches Compatibility with GPT-Image 1.5 and Provides Short-Term Unlimited Image Creation

### OpenAI’s GPT-Image 1.5 Now Accessible on Adobe Firefly

Adobe has made notable advancements in incorporating AI-driven functionalities across its array of products, enriching the creative experience for users. Recently, Adobe declared the launch of OpenAI’s GPT-Image 1.5 model within Adobe Firefly, a step that highlights the company’s dedication to utilizing advanced technology in its offerings.

To commemorate this integration, Firefly Pro and Premium subscribers can create unlimited images using the GPT-Image 1.5 model until January 15. This promotion enables users to delve into the model’s capabilities without the limitations of generative credits, which are usually necessary for image creation.

Adobe Firefly is crafted to equip users with a powerful platform for generating images, audio, video, and design components. It incorporates various models from top AI laboratories, including OpenAI, Runway, and Google, along with Adobe’s proprietary models. This flexibility renders Firefly a crucial tool for creatives engaging across various mediums.

Firefly is integrated into numerous Adobe applications, such as Photoshop, Illustrator, Adobe Express, Substance 3D, InDesign, Lightroom, and Adobe Stock. The platform functions on a subscription model, providing several tiers of access to generative credits. While the Firefly Free plan offers limited credits, the Standard plan ($9.99/month) grants 2,000 credits, the Pro plan ($19.99/month) provides 4,000 credits, and the Premium plan ($199.99/month) includes a generous 50,000 credits.

Generative credits serve as tokens that users can use to produce high-quality outputs across various Creative Cloud applications. Each time a user generates an image or other content using Firefly or partner models, credits are utilized accordingly. This system facilitates a flexible and scalable method for content creation, accommodating both casual users and professional creatives.

For further details regarding Adobe Firefly and its features, users can explore the official Adobe website. The incorporation of OpenAI’s GPT-Image 1.5 model not only amplifies Firefly’s capabilities but also exemplifies Adobe’s ongoing initiatives to innovate within the creative sector.

Witnessing an NBA Game from Courtside with Apple Vision Pro

**Apple Vision Pro: Revolutionizing the Sports Viewing Landscape**

The Apple Vision Pro has emerged as a transformative force in the arena of sports broadcasting, particularly underscored during its unveiling at WWDC 2023. The immersive video features presented at the event, especially for sports such as the NBA and MLB, indicated a groundbreaking change in how fans interact with live events. Recently, I had the chance to witness a complete NBA matchup—the Los Angeles Lakers against the Milwaukee Bucks—using Apple Immersive Video, and the outcome was remarkable.

### Immersive Viewing Adventure

Due to the intricacies of sports broadcasting rights, I was unable to view the Lakers-Bucks game live. Nevertheless, I accessed a full game replay via Spectrum SportsNet, which offered a specialized broadcast designed for Vision Pro users. This exclusive feed enabled broadcasters to direct viewers with cues, enhancing the immersive quality. For example, they would encourage viewers to glance in specific directions to capture real-time action or commentary.

The broadcast included seven distinct camera perspectives, featuring courtside shots, views from beneath the baskets, and even a high-and-wide angle of the arena. This assortment facilitated a dynamic viewing experience, with the courtside scorer’s table view and basket perspectives being the most frequently used.

### Quality of the Transmission

A significant enhancement compared to previous Immersive Video endeavors was the management of camera transitions. Unlike earlier content that struggled with excessive angle switches, the Lakers-Bucks game exhibited a more fluid flow. Cuts were used judiciously, mainly between the courtside and basket views, which alleviated disorientation.

The video quality was typically high, although some motion blurring occurred during rapid sequences. A score bug displayed vital game information, which I found more intuitive to reference than the conventional scoreboard, further enriching the immersive ambiance.

### Realism and Aural Experience

The experience closely resembled that of being physically present at the game. However, certain challenges remained, such as instances where players blocked views, similar to real-life situations. The audio experience, while satisfactory, had room for improvement. It featured a spatial element that contributed to depth, but overall, it felt somewhat hollow. The lack of direct access to the PA announcer’s commentary was a missed opportunity for a more captivating experience.

### Future Possibilities

This broadcast represents the first of six games to be streamed in Apple Immersive format, indicating that enhancements are likely as the series unfolds. Having never experienced courtside seating before, the Vision Pro provided an impressively close approximation of that encounter.

After finishing the game, I compared it to highlights on the NBA website and found the immersive feed vastly superior. The craving for more immersive content is evident; I envision regularly watching my favorite teams in this format.

### Conclusion

Apple’s entry into sports broadcasting with the Vision Pro shows great promise, holding potential for further integration across diverse sports leagues. As Apple continues to refine this technology, the future of sports viewing could become even more engaging and immersive, radically changing how fans connect with their favorite games. The Vision Pro has established a new benchmark, and the anticipation for more immersive sports content remains high.

How to Reuse and Make the Most of Your Old Hard Drive

still not entirely without value. Maintaining a physical backup of crucial information, utilizing third-party applications, and preserving your digital artifacts are all legitimate motives to keep them, so hold onto your hard drive for now.

Consider alternatives to Windows

“Stephen King’s Time-Traveling Miniseries Featuring James Franco: A Netflix Essential Viewing”

adapting one of the author’s beloved creations or even a plethora of television series you ought to experience if you enjoyed the film “IT,” the individual has undoubtedly made an impression in the realms of writing and entertainment. Yet, there exists one series of his that might have gone unnoticed by many, featuring history, time travel, and “Freaks and Geeks” star James Franco.

For those who crave an abundance of sci-fi or historical narratives, “11.22.63” is presently the #2 series on Netflix as of January 12, 2026. The 2016 miniseries boasts a strong rating on Rotten Tomatoes, and it also secured a Saturn Award for Best Presentation on Television in 2017. Alongside King and Franco, numerous reputable names are linked to this endeavor, and its historical ties to a U.S. tragedy should intrigue even those with minimal interest in time travel.

A series centered on time travel finds itself in prestigious company on Netflix, as the streaming platform is well-acquainted with showcasing films and series based on this concept, including a slasher film that evokes early 2000s nostalgia, and even a thought-provoking series that we deem one of the finest to grace the platform. If you’re looking to binge-watch something and are uncertain about what to explore, fret not, we

How to Resolve the 5 Most Frequent Issues with the Steam Deck

its astonishingly diverse applications, extending even past gaming. Naturally, no technological device is entirely free from issues. While the Steam Deck has gained significant popularity, it remains prone to common nuisances such as joystick drift, power malfunctions, and connectivity issues.

The challenge with a handheld gaming PC compared to a conventional gaming PC tower is that, similar to a laptop, it presents greater difficulty when it comes to opening up and diagnosing physical issues. Nonetheless, the Steam Deck is designed with advanced users in mind, incorporating a range of failsafes and techniques that might assist you in addressing the most frequent problems. Ideally, you won’t have to disassemble your Steam Deck to resolve these specific quirks, particularly as doing so would invalidate its warranty. Before resorting to modifications, consider these easier solutions for the common challenges.

The Steam Deck is completely unresponsive

Amazon Provides 20% Off on Well-Liked Color Kindle E-Reader

Amazon’s Kindle Colorsoft is now available for $50 less, perfect for those in search of an ad-free color e-reader.

Snagging a great price on an e-reader can be a challenge, so it’s wise to remain vigilant whenever Amazon has a sale. For example, today, consumers can take advantage of 20% off the Amazon Kindle Colorsoft, translating to a $50 reduction on our top pick for color e-readers.

This specific offer for the Kindle Colorsoft applies to the no-ad version. Even as a color model, it delivers a reading experience akin to high-contrast paper, similar to some of the finest E ink tablets, while boasting 16GB of storage. Additionally, it provides various contrast modes for reading, allowing you to personalize the display settings to your preferences.

<pAs one of Amazon's premium e-readers, the Colorsoft showcases impressive battery performance with every charge. When you factor in water resistance, an extensive library of titles, and a 7-inch screen, you’re looking at an excellent discounted deal on a reliable device.

✅Recommended if: you seek the finest color Kindle, equipped with numerous page customization options and reading modes; you desire an e-reader that delivers enduring battery life without compromising bright, high-contrast page visuals; you prefer a device with a screen around 7 inches suitable for various indoor and outdoor lighting scenarios.

❌Skip this deal if: a color display doesn’t matter to you and you’d rather save an additional $100 on a black and white option; you’d rather opt for an inexpensive tablet for reading instead of investing more in the Kindle lineup’s paper displays; you’re looking for an e-reader with a different screen size.

The Amazon Kindle Colorsoft stands out as an excellent color e-reader, offering a 7-inch color screen, an IPX8 waterproof rating, wireless and USB-C charging, and a battery life of up to eight weeks. The display offers 150 ppi in color and 300 ppi in black and white, along with a 16-level gray scale brightness. At its usual price, the Colorsoft might seem a bit costly for those unsure about needing a color display, but the $200 price point appears considerably more enticing.

Although the retailer provides a “Signature Edition” Colorsoft model with added storage and enhanced features, this promotion is for the ad-free version with 16GB of internal storage. Still, it’s a pretty attractive price for the standard model, making it suitable for either first-time e-reader purchasers or those seeking an upgrade from a budget option.

Employing a Bluetooth Sleep Speaker Beneath My Pillow Improves Nighttime Listening in Contrast to a Phone

This device utilizes the technology found in bone-conduction headphones and places it underneath your pillow for unobtrusive sleep listening.

In recent years, one thing audio consumers have demonstrated is their preference for experiencing sound without having devices inserted into their ears. Consequently, bone-conduction headphones, open earbuds, and even smart glasses equipped with open-air speakers have gained popularity. Presently, audio brands are exploring how to leverage these technologies to improve the listening experience during sleep.

It may seem peculiar to those who haven’t experienced it, but a significant number of individuals take pleasure in listening to white noise, podcasts, audiobooks, or music as they drift off to sleep. Some attempt to use their regular earbuds for this purpose, which can be uncomfortable for those who sleep on their sides. Others invest in specialized sleep earbuds, like the excellent Soundcore Sleep A30 that I tested earlier. A few simply utilize their phone speaker placed under their pillow, hoping for satisfactory results.

While none of these alternatives is flawless, Jabees aims to offer a different solution with a Bluetooth speaker intended for placement under your pillow. I’ve tried it, and while it’s not without flaws, it appears to be the best option for side sleepers unwilling to wear earbuds to bed.

How the Jabees Peace Pillow Speaker operates

The Jabees Peace Pillow Speaker is compact enough to fit in your hand, which may come as a surprise. This was not what I anticipated when the audio accessory arrived. After using it, I realized that the pillow speaker’s small and portable size could be its most significant advantage. I often struggle to sleep while traveling because my internal clock gets disrupted, and having a small pillow speaker for white noise or music while on the go seems appealing.

It operates using a type of bone conduction similar to that found in bone-conduction headphones. Though marketed as a bone-conduction pillow speaker, that description isn’t entirely accurate. Bone conduction headphones transmit sound vibrations through the bones in your cheek, which are then detected by your inner ear. In contrast, this pillow speaker transmits sound vibrations through your pillow, which can then be heard by your ear.

Disregarding the marketing misrepresentation, the key point is that it functions effectively. With the speaker positioned under your pillow, it amplifies the vibrations, making them easily audible at medium-to-high volumes. You should place the speaker under the section of your pillow where your ear rests for the best experience.

It’s a Bluetooth speaker, but this device can also operate independently with audio files stored on a microSD card. The “plus version” includes a 1GB card with eight white noise and nature sounds. The standard version is only about $4 less expensive, so opting for the plus bundle is advisable if you intend to use the white noise feature. Those who wish to merely connect to their phone can forgo the microSD card and save some money.

There are three high-visibility yellow buttons for turning the device on/off and adjusting volume. Some buttons have multiple functions; for instance, the power button is also used for pairing, and the volume up button can activate a sleep timer. Speaking of which, this feature is useful if you don’t want your music playing throughout the night — it can automatically stop after 30 minutes, one hour, or two hours.

The battery can last up to 10 hours, ensuring you’ll receive a complete night’s sleep from the speaker, though not significantly more. Utilizing the sleep timer may extend its use over a week. Recharging via USB-C is quite simple: just connect the pillow speaker where your phone charges overnight and you’re good to go.

It’s superior to your phone, but inferior to sleep earbuds (for certain users)

The price is an important consideration here — it’s $36 for the standard version or $40 for the plus bundle inclusive of a microSD card. This should give you an idea of the sound quality of the Jabees pillow speaker. While the quality isn’t exceptional, it far surpasses a phone speaker. This is because a phone speaker projects sound downwards, while this pillow speaker transmits vibrations upwards through your pillow.

When using it, you’ll need to determine whether you prefer the pillow speaker to be discreet or loud. At a volume I find comfortable, it is sufficiently loud that someone beside you may be able to hear it. Lower volumes are less disruptive to sleeping partners, but are more effective for background white noise than for music and podcasts that require attention.

When comparing a phone speaker to the Jabees Peace, I would opt for the dedicated pillow speaker. As a side sleeper, I benefit from louder volumes and improved clarity compared to my phone, without the discomfort of earbuds. Additionally, I appreciate being able to use my phone or place it on a nightstand while still enjoying music playing beneath my pillow. However, it may not suit everyone.

Sleep earbuds remain the superior choice for individuals requiring high volume without

New Leak Uncovers Essential Information Regarding the OnePlus Open 2

Following two years of speculation, new information suggests we may have to say goodbye. The highly awaited OnePlus Open 2, a foldable smartphone that had generated significant buzz, might never be released. Recent reports indicate that OnePlus has supposedly canceled the global debut of this device, which was anticipated to include an 8.1-inch 2K resolution primary display, a 50MP camera, and a 32MP front-facing lens. The OnePlus Open 2 was rumored to feature a sleek chassis and support for wireless charging, positioning it as a sought-after successor to the initial OnePlus Open launched in late 2023.

The news of the cancellation is a letdown for many who had been looking forward to the device, particularly after leaks pointed to it being in an advanced testing phase. The OnePlus Open 2 was predicted to be equipped with the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5, offering options for 1TB of storage and 16GB of RAM. However, rising RAM costs and other factors might have played a role in the decision to cease production.

In spite of this setback, some fans remain hopeful that OnePlus may revisit the endeavor down the line. The brand is recognized for its innovative smartphone designs, and the OnePlus Open 2 was projected to surpass rivals like the Honor Magic V3 in terms of slimness and aesthetics. As supporters come to terms with the news, the chance of a future launch remains unclear, prompting many to ponder if they will ever experience what could have been a revolutionary foldable device.