BMW i3 (here’s the situation), Toyota RAV4 EV, and Chevrolet S-10 EV (here are 13 EVs that have been phased out in the U.S.). Regarding the electric vehicles that will not reach 2026, here are five more that will cause some disappointment.
Disney-branded networks are back on YouTube TV. YouTube TV revealed the agreement in an email to users on Friday night, highlighting that channels such as ABC and ESPN can now be viewed again. Moreover, any previously recorded content from Disney-branded networks on YouTube TV’s cloud DVR is now accessible once more.
Since many YouTube TV customers subscribed mainly for ESPN, YouTube TV announced earlier last week that all users are entitled to a one-time $20 credit. The good news is that this newly established agreement won’t affect the credit. Users who haven’t redeemed the credit yet can do so by navigating to the “Updates” section found in Membership Settings. From there, on-screen instructions will facilitate the quick application of the $20 credit to their next monthly bill.
In an internal communication sent to Disney staff, the company stated: “Although this was a tough period, it ultimately resulted in a favorable outcome for both consumers and our organization, with an agreement that acknowledges the significant worth of the high-quality entertainment, sports, and news that audiences have come to expect from Disney.”
a reason to consider that Starlink might encounter challenges if used on a national scale. In fact, it doesn’t imply that these various types of Starlink dishes are literally plummeting to Earth like massive anvils from the sky (the satellites typically disintegrate before any significant parts can touch the ground). Nevertheless, this does indicate a substantial amount of unnecessary orbital drag occurring. And the primary offender is the ruler of our solar system, the sun.
Thanks in part to a comparatively active solar cycle — featuring solar flares, sunspots, and coronal mass ejections — the upper atmosphere is absorbing a considerable amount of heat, leading to its expansion. With this expansion comes an increase in the amount of drag imposed on low-Earth orbiting spacecraft. When the gravitational pull becomes too overwhelming, the dishes “drop” out of orbit, resulting in objects like Starlink satellites disintegrating in the upper atmosphere.
**The AI Boogeyman**
In recent years, artificial intelligence (AI) has undergone rapid advancements, becoming a pivotal subject of conversation in both technological and societal realms. The notion of AI as a “boogeyman” has surfaced, driven by both intrigue and trepidation. This article investigates the factors contributing to this viewpoint and examines the potential consequences of AI’s progression.
**The Rise of AI Concerns**
AI’s potential has increased dramatically, leading to its incorporation into numerous facets of everyday life. From virtual assistants and recommendation systems to self-driving cars and sophisticated robotics, AI is transforming industries and individual experiences. However, this swift evolution has also raised alarms regarding its possible ramifications.
A recent poll conducted by Yahoo and YouGov underscores the public’s unease. The survey indicates that a large segment of Americans believes AI could surpass human intellect and might pose a risk to humanity. Specifically, 53% of those surveyed deem it likely that AI could ultimately annihilate humanity. This anxiety stems from the uncertainties surrounding AI’s future capabilities and the moral quandaries it introduces.
**Understanding the Fear**
The apprehension surrounding AI as a boogeyman is complex. A significant concern is the potential loss of control. As AI systems gain more autonomy, the uneasiness that they might function independently of human oversight increases. This is exacerbated by the possibility of AI being exploited for malicious purposes, be it through cyberattacks, misinformation efforts, or other harmful acts.
Additionally, the depiction of AI in mainstream media frequently gravitates toward dystopian themes, where AI systems rebel against their makers. These fictional narratives, albeit often exaggerated, resonate with profound anxieties regarding technology’s strength and unpredictability.
**The Reality of AI’s Impact**
In spite of these apprehensions, it’s crucial to acknowledge the favorable prospects of AI. Many specialists contend that AI can serve as a positive force, tackling intricate issues like climate change, healthcare, and resource management. AI’s capacity to analyze extensive data sets swiftly and precisely can lead to significant advancements in these fields, enhancing quality of life and sustainability.
However, achieving these advantages necessitates a thorough examination of AI’s ethical considerations. Guaranteeing transparency, accountability, and equity in AI systems is vital for cultivating public trust and alleviating concerns. Policymakers, technologists, and ethicists must work together to create frameworks that regulate AI’s evolution and application.
**Conclusion**
The concept of AI as a boogeyman encapsulates both the wonder and fear that accompany technological evolution. While anxieties regarding AI’s potential to harm humanity are not without basis, they shouldn’t overshadow the prospects it offers. By confronting ethical issues and promoting responsible AI innovation, society can leverage AI’s capabilities for constructive transformation while minimizing dangers. As we traverse this intricate terrain, open discussions and informed decision-making will be essential in shaping a future where AI acts as a valuable resource rather than a cause for alarm.
Read MoreThe Woojer Vest 4, an advanced haptic vest, has just been released and is currently being offered at a reduced price of $50 off. Initially set at $349, the vest is now priced at $299 as part of an early Black Friday promotion. This latest model features a lighter, sleeker, and more breathable design when compared to its forerunner, the Woojer Vest 3, which was priced at $499.
The Woojer Vest 4 amplifies the experience of gaming, music, and movies by delivering full-body haptic feedback. It utilizes Woojer’s patented technology to transform sound into tactile sensations, enabling users to experience the action in games or the rhythm in music without unwanted noise interference. The vest smartly eliminates background sounds like voices and music, concentrating on providing the intended effects.
To operate the Woojer Vest 4, users can connect it to their devices through a 3.5mm audio cable or Bluetooth. The Woojer app on a smartphone facilitates easy adjustments of volume, haptic intensity, and mode configurations. The vest can be used alongside wired or Bluetooth headphones for a harmonized audio and haptic experience.
For those who consider a full vest to be excessive, the Woojer Body Strap 4 presents a more streamlined alternative, delivering a single point of rumble that can be positioned on various parts of the body. The Woojer Vest 4 is perfect for gamers and music lovers eager to elevate their entertainment experiences.
Read Morecost approximately $20.6 billion, encompassing expenses for the spacecraft, launch vehicles, and the development and operations leading up to the actual missions. When factoring in the costs of the ground facilities, employee salaries, and overhead, that total escalates to around $25.8 billion. Adjusted for 2025 inflation, utilizing the current Consumer Price Index (CPI), that amounts to about $189 billion.
Nevertheless, if you also take into account Project Gemini and the robotic lunar initiative, which preceded Apollo and warrant consideration, the actual cost is closer to $28 billion, adjusted to $280 billion in 2025. That’s a significant sum. It also equals the net worth of Jeff Bezos, one of the wealthiest individuals on Earth — actually more. Aside from envisioning the enormous pile of money, it underscores the extensive investment in the 13-year crewed moon missions, not only in financial terms but in total expenditure. It resulted in six successful lunar landings before the United States ended the program, a achievement that undoubtedly endures through time.
### AirPods Pro 3: A Thorough Evaluation
Upon the launch of the AirPods Pro 3, many users, myself included, felt uncertain about upgrading from the already impressive AirPods Pro 2. However, after experiencing the new model, I can assert that my initial doubts were unfounded.
#### Comfort is Key
The most notable advancement in the AirPods Pro 3 is the comfort. They feel lighter and more snug in the ears, making extended use far easier. Apple states that these are the “most secure and best-fitting AirPods ever,” a claim backed by detailed user feedback. The redesigned shape and foam-infused ear tips enhance the listening experience, allowing users to almost forget they are wearing them.
#### Enhanced Transparency Mode
Although Apple doesn’t highlight this feature prominently, the AirPods Pro 3 provide a noticeably improved transparency mode compared to the earlier version. This enhancement is likely a result of the better seal formed by the foam-infused ear tips. Users who found it difficult to chat while wearing AirPods will welcome this upgrade, facilitating conversations without the need to take out the earbuds.
#### Consistent Sound Quality
For those who loved the audio quality of the AirPods Pro 2, the listening experience remains stable with the AirPods Pro 3. While there may not be significant advancements in sound quality, this is reassuring news for current users who enjoy their existing sound profile.
#### Reduced Overall Battery Life
One downside of the AirPods Pro 3 is the overall battery life being less than its predecessor. Although the earbuds themselves provide up to 10 hours of listening in transparency mode—an improvement over the 6 hours from the AirPods Pro 2—the charging case has diminished battery capacity. The total usage time with the case is now 24 hours, down from 30 hours with the earlier model. Users might notice a rise in reminders to recharge their AirPods, which could be a slight hassle.
#### Final Thoughts
In summary, the AirPods Pro 3 represent an impressive upgrade that deserves attention from those using older AirPods. While they may appear to be a subtle enhancement on paper, the real-life experience is considerably improved. Apple Stores provide demos, and testing them out is strongly encouraged.
Moreover, the AirPods Pro 3 are packaged with a somewhat larger case that is lighter, contributing positively to the overall user experience. For those interested, the AirPods Pro 3 are available on Amazon for $249.
#### Suggested Accessories
For anyone aiming to enrich their Apple experience, consider checking out a variety of accessories that pair well with the AirPods Pro 3.
**Connect with Michael:** [X/Twitter](https://x.com/mbrkhrdt), [Bluesky](https://bsky.app/profile/michaelb.nyc),
Read More# The iPhone’s Portrait Mode and the Sandmarc 2x Telephoto Lens: An In-Depth Exploration of Depth of Field
The iPhone’s Portrait mode utilizes computational photography to replicate the shallow depth of field commonly found in digital SLR or mirrorless cameras with larger sensors. Over time, this feature has transformed from a basic function into a credible choice for portrait photography, though it still falls short of entirely mimicking traditional cameras’ effects.
## A Brief Overview of Depth of Field
Depth of field (DoF) denotes the range of distance in a photograph that appears clearly defined. Photographers frequently adjust DoF to accomplish different artistic effects. For example, a narrow aperture (such as f/16) results in a deep DoF, ensuring that everything from the foreground to the background is in focus. In contrast, a wide aperture (like f/1.4) yields a shallow DoF, where only a limited segment of the image is sharp, while the remainder is out of focus. This effect is highly sought after in portrait photography to separate the subject from the background.
## The Shortcomings of Portrait Mode
The iPhone’s Portrait mode replicates shallow depth of field by detecting the foreground and artificially softening the background. Recent updates have enhanced this feature, providing a more gradual focus transition. Nonetheless, despite these improvements, Portrait mode can occasionally yield artificial results, resembling a green-screen cutout effect. While the photographs may appear appealing on an iPhone display, enlarging them for printing frequently exposes noticeable flaws, making true optical shallow depth of field more desirable.
## Authentic Bokeh
One method to achieve a shallow depth of field is through the use of a longer lens. With the launch of a 5x telephoto lens, iPhone users have started to experience authentic bokeh effects. However, this demands that the photographer maintain a considerable distance from the subject, which restricts the types of portraits that can be effectively captured.
## Introducing the Sandmarc 2x Telephoto Lens
The Sandmarc 2x Telephoto lens overcomes the constraints of the iPhone’s built-in functionalities. This lens can be attached using a provided clip or a specialized iPhone case, crafted for compatibility with MagSafe accessories. The lens converts the iPhone’s primary camera into a 48mm equivalent, closely mirroring the favored 50mm focal length by portrait photographers.
While the Sandmarc lens may not yield extremely shallow depth of field, it does provide adequate background separation for typical portrait images, even in crowded settings.
## Practical Use
The Sandmarc 2x Telephoto lens amplifies the iPhone’s photographic capabilities, particularly in difficult conditions. For instance, in a cluttered scenario, the lens can establish enough separation between the subject and the background, facilitating more visually appealing photos. It also allows for tighter framing without sacrificing the overall composition.
## Example Shots
The effectiveness of the Sandmarc lens is evident in various example shots. In a bustling environment, the lens creates sufficient separation to accentuate the subject against a chaotic background. When positioned with a more distant backdrop, the outcomes can be especially striking, highlighting the lens’s capacity to produce a delightful bokeh effect.
## Cost and Final Thoughts
The Sandmarc Telephoto 2x Lens Edition is available for $159.99. While this may appear high for an iPhone accessory, it represents a valuable investment for dedicated iPhone photographers and videographers who depend on their devices as primary cameras. Furthermore, it acts as a useful tool for those employing an iPhone as a supplementary camera in DSLR setups.
Parents who often capture images of their children might also find this lens advantageous, especially if they print or showcase their photos in larger sizes, where the limitations of Portrait mode are more noticeable. For casual users who mainly view images on their devices, Portrait mode may be adequate.
In summary, the Sandmarc Telephoto 2x Lens Edition substantially increases the iPhone’s photographic versatility, making it a worthy addition for anyone looking to enhance their portrait photography. The lens can be purchased on the Sandmarc website.
Read Moreenhance Wi-Fi performance. Test these options prior to investing a few hundred dollars in a new Wi-Fi router that could be fast – yet you may find you don’t even require it at all.
While wireless internet connections and Wi-Fi offer the convenience of mobility, such as when you’re seeking to work in another space distant from the modem and router, they can also lead to issues concerning speed and reliability. This is particularly true in the realm of online gaming, where high latency and connection problems can be a hindrance, especially in competitive scenarios. Enhancing reliability can be achieved by implementing a Wi-Fi mesh network or using range extenders. However, to completely eradicate these concerns, wired Ethernet is the optimal choice, providing options such as 40GbE and 100GbE, with speeds reaching up to 100 gigabits per second (Gbps). The challenge arises when your device lacks an Ethernet port. Fortunately, a small $15 device available on Amazon from Ugreen can convert your USB port into an Ethernet or LAN port.
By connecting the adapter to an open USB port on your device, you effectively transform it into an Ethernet port capable of gigabit speeds. It is compatible with laptops, tablets, Mac Mini, TV boxes, and even the Nintendo Switch (both regular and OLED models). Its plug-and-play functionality is compatible with most devices, allowing you to connect and utilize it effortlessly without the need for driver installation. Numerous users have indicated in reviews that it is reasonably priced, dependable, and performs as promised, offering a welcome speed increase over wireless connections.
What are the reasons for needing a USB to Ethernet adapter?
There are primarily two reasons for wanting a device like this. The first is to take advantage of the enhanced wired connectivity compared to wireless when your device lacks an Ethernet or LAN port: higher speeds, improved reliability, and reduced latency. The second reason is that if your device is older and adheres to a slower LAN standard, it may not support gigabit LAN speeds. The former scenario is likely the more frequent situation, as faster gigabit speeds became standard around 2010.
In essence, this USB-to-Ethernet adapter allows you to gain better internet connectivity on devices that typically do not support LAN connections. Spending $15 is a minor investment to gain access to that capability. The Nintendo Switch exemplifies a device that would benefit from this adapter, along with laptops and tablets that solely feature USB-C or USB-A ports. This enables you to utilize the quicker connection for streaming movies and media, gaming, or browsing modern websites with greater reliability. Overall, USB to Ethernet adapters receive positive feedback from their users. Moreover, you can set up a wired network connection in your home with reliability without the hassle of installing or running Ethernet cables.
Read More
