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BenQ GP520 Evaluation: Elevating Film Evenings and Gaming Adventures with Apple TV 4K

# Investigating the BenQ GP520 4K HDR Projector: A Fun and Practical Substitute for TVs

In recent evaluations of different BenQ products, the BenQ GP520 4K HDR projector has emerged as a standout. This cutting-edge device has demonstrated its utility as a practical substitute for conventional TVs, particularly for individuals desiring a cinematic experience without the significant expenditure typically linked to high-end displays.

## Why This Projector is Enjoyable to Use

The appeal of a projector like the BenQ GP520 resides in its capacity to replicate a movie theater ambiance within the comfort of your home. With the incorporation of Apple Vision Pro, users can relish an immersive viewing experience on a grand scale. The GP520 excels at delivering this cinematic atmosphere in communal areas, making it ideal for family movie nights or gatherings with friends.

A major benefit of the GP520 is its simplicity of use. There’s no requirement for elaborate setup or mounting equipment; just place it on a flat surface directed at a blank wall, and you’re set to go. This versatility allows for spontaneous movie nights in various environments, from playrooms to expansive living spaces. The projector functioned wonderfully under different lighting situations, remaining effective both during daylight and after dark.

## How the BenQ GP520 Integrates into Daily Life

Boasting impressive specifications such as 4K resolution and a 2600 lumen output, the BenQ GP520 is crafted for adaptability. Its built-in intelligent features permit automatic adjustments in size, focus, and color, enhancing the user experience without manual intervention. This flexibility makes it easy to shift the projector between different rooms, while maintaining top-notch visuals.

The GP520 also comes with an integrated Google TV system, enabling users to effortlessly access a wide array of streaming services. Connecting an Apple TV 4K via HDMI further amplifies the experience, granting access to 4K HDR content and the ease of managing everything with a single remote.

## From Apple TV 4K to iPad Gaming

The BenQ GP520 serves not just for movie viewing; it’s also fine-tuned for gaming. Families can relish gaming sessions on consoles like the Xbox Series S, and when the console is out of reach, the projector can connect with an iPad Pro using USB-C. This functionality allows gaming without the concern of battery depletion, establishing it as a versatile entertainment center.

At a price of $1499, the BenQ GP520 might appear to be a considerable investment for those unfamiliar with projectors. However, its premium features like automatic obstacle avoidance, digital keystone correction, and auto focus enhance the viewing experience from standard to extraordinary. The GP520 competes well with other models in the 4K resolution category, making it an exceptional choice for anyone serious about upgrading their home entertainment configuration.

## Conclusion

The BenQ GP520 4K HDR projector presents a fun and practical substitute for conventional televisions, merging user-friendliness with high-performance output. Its adaptability in varied environments, combined with its gaming functions, makes it an enticing option for families and entertainment enthusiasts alike. For those intrigued by projectors, the GP520 offers a persuasive argument for making the transition.

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Apple Support App to Unveil AI Assistant in iOS 26

Apple has faced challenges in establishing its presence in the realm of generative AI thus far, yet the company remains determined to emerge as a genuine rival in the sector in the near future. In line with this, indications of an AI-driven “Support Assistant” for the Apple Support app were discovered in Apple’s code this week by MacRumors contributor Aaron Perris.

From his observations, iPhone users will have the capability to interact with the Support Assistant within the Apple Support app, which can be downloaded for free from the App Store. Perris also highlighted that the app already features a chat option. Users can engage with a live Apple support agent through the app, initiating a conversation via the Messages app.

Presumably, the AI-enhanced Support Assistant will present a different approach. The anticipation is that users will be able to communicate directly with the chatbot from the app and obtain assistance while the assistant leverages its generative AI training. The option to connect with a live agent still exists, but users might opt to gather the information they require from the AI initially.

According to the code reviewed by Perris, the Support Assistant “employs generative models” to deliver responses “pertaining to specific Apple products and services.” Like other AI chatbots, Apple cautions that the Support Assistant may produce “incorrect, misleading, incomplete, offensive, or harmful outputs,” so it’s advisable not to follow its guidance without discretion.

Perris also discovered a mention of content uploading in the code, which could suggest that users will have the ability to upload documents or images while seeking assistance from the AI. Additionally, Apple mentions collaborating with partners to develop the Support Assistant, raising the possibility that the new feature is powered by ChatGPT, akin to other recent introductions like Writing Tools.

It remains unclear when (or if) the feature will be officially launched, but it’s among several new initiatives underway for Apple’s operating systems that have yet to be publicly revealed. For example, we recently learned about two new features for Apple Maps just yesterday.

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The Top Budget-Friendly Android Smartphone to Purchase at This Moment

Motorola has significantly elevated its midrange offerings for 2025. The Moto G Stylus 2025 exemplifies how the brand is integrating flagship-grade specifications into budget-friendly models. Initially priced at $399, this device is currently being offered at a 10% discount for Prime Day, reducing the cost to $359. With capabilities that compete with the Galaxy S25, the Moto G Stylus 2025 features a Super HD+ AMOLED display, a 5,000mAh battery, and 68W rapid charging. The 50MP main camera and AI functionalities such as Circle to Search and Sketch to Image boost its attractiveness. While it comes with two OS upgrades and three years of security updates, it may not offer the same longevity as Samsung or Pixel devices. Still, the Moto G Stylus 2025 is an excellent option for those in the market for an economical Android phone with impressive battery life, a vibrant display, and an integrated stylus.

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Marshall Speaker Reaches Unprecedented Low Price

This Marshall speaker has never been offered at such a significant discount before.

(Image credit: Namerah Saud Fatmi / Android Central)

The Marshall Emberton II may not be the latest speaker on the market, but it remains exceptional in sound quality. While we’ve witnessed this speaker go on sale before, the current Amazon Prime Day offer marks an unprecedented low price.

I am thrilled to see one of my top Bluetooth speaker deals back, allowing you to snag the Emberton II for just $94.99 on Amazon. That’s nearly 50% off its original retail value!

I have previously reviewed the Marshall Emberton II Bluetooth speaker. This premium audio device surpassed anything I had previously encountered of this size during my evaluation. It’s genuinely astonishing that such a compact speaker can deliver such well-tuned audio. I’m absolutely delighted that it’s available again at a price below $100.

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Apple Secures Patent for Trackball Functionality in Apple Pencil Adaptable to Multiple Surfaces

The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office has recently issued Apple U.S. Patent No. 12,353,649, signifying the company’s innovative strategy regarding the future of the Apple Pencil. This patent uncovers Apple’s investigation into a stylus that incorporates sophisticated optical sensors, which are capable of detecting motion, orientation, and position in three-dimensional space without needing to touch a screen. Such a development would allow users to draw on nearly any surface or even in mid-air within a confined range.

The patent details two varieties of optical sensors that might be incorporated into the stylus: optical flow sensors and laser speckle flow sensors. Optical flow sensors operate similarly to optical mice, identifying motion by examining variations in light from one frame to the next. Conversely, laser speckle flow sensors monitor changes in granular laser reflections as the stylus is moved. Both systems can sense movement while hovering above a surface, enabling the stylus to work on non-touch-sensitive materials like wood or paper.

Moreover, the patent mentions a variant of the Apple Pencil that includes a trackball tip which rolls as the stylus is navigated. Rather than utilizing conventional mechanical encoders, Apple suggests employing internal optical sensors to track the trackball’s movement. This design is intended to boost the stylus’s performance while reducing the chances of scratches and contamination on the tip.

The patent additionally proposes the inclusion of various other sensors, such as inertial measurement units and force detectors, which could facilitate advanced features like gesture input, handwriting recognition, and 3D drawing. This technology might prove especially advantageous for devices like the Vision Pro or upcoming headsets, where input tools need to operate beyond a flat touchscreen.

In summary, this patent showcases Apple’s dedication to advancing in the spatial computing realm, indicating that the company is actively investigating new opportunities for stylus technology and user engagement.

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Twitter Creator Launches Chat App Without Internet Access

If you’re curious about what Twitter’s creator Jack Dorsey has been engaged in following his establishment of Bluesky, he has actually been focused on a project aimed at providing offline communication via Bluetooth patterns. This week on X, he unveiled Bitchat, a Bluetooth mesh chat application.

Currently in a TestFlight beta phase, he mentioned that the app is under review for release in the App Store. The distinct aspect of this app is its capability to allow users to communicate securely through Bluetooth connectivity, meaning you don’t have to be concerned about having a cellular signal. As long as you’re within approximately 300 meters of another user, communication is possible.

The primary features of Bitchat in its present form are:

– **Offline Communication:** Operates without the internet via Bluetooth mesh networking
– **E2E Encryption:** All communications are secured with Curve25519 + AES-GCM
– **Extended Range:** Messaging peers over distances exceeding 300m
– **Favorites System:** Store-and-forward messages for favorites indefinitely
– **Mentions:** Notify specific users using @nickname
– **Rooms:** Ability to create #rooms for discussions based on topics
– **Password Rooms:** Secure rooms protected by passwords and AES encryption.

Dorsey also disclosed the app’s privacy attributes. Importantly, Bitchat does not gather data — it generates a new ID for each session, and you can triple tap the Bitchat logo to instantly erase all data.

While this doesn’t seem to be the primary reason Dorsey developed the app, I truly believe that it will be the optimal method to communicate with friends and family on a plane or in other locations where cellular connectivity is poor.

After all, at times you just want to quickly share something without sending a text, and none of the existing messaging apps have been able to meet that need for me. Consequently, iMessage, WhatsApp, Telegram, Signal, and other conventional chat applications aren’t always the most reliable choice.

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Samsung’s Affordable Elegance Sees Unprecedented 25% Price Cut on Prime Day

A remarkable midrange device making its mark in budget phone territory.

(Image credit: Samsung)

The much-anticipated Prime Day sale has finally come, bringing a plethora of budget-friendly phone offers. For instance, Amazon has reduced the price of the Samsung Galaxy A36 5G by 25%, making it an excellent midrange phone that remains quite accessible, even at its regular price.

The Galaxy A36 5G features a stunning AMOLED screen with Gorilla Glass protection, alongside a dynamic front camera capable of 4K HDR video recording, 6GB of RAM, and a promise of six generations of OS updates. There are numerous fantastic Prime Day Samsung promotions to check out this week, but if your budget hovers around $300, this is among the top deals available.

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“Context: An AI Technology-Driven Native macOS Application”

# The Ascendancy of AI in Software Engineering: A Case Analysis of Context

Similar to various image and video AI applications that have undergone substantial enhancements, AI coding instruments have also exhibited notable progress. A prominent illustration is developer Indragie Karunaratne, who has recently introduced Context, a native macOS application primarily crafted using Anthropic’s Claude Code.

## Anthropic’s Pioneering Role in AI-Enhanced Development

In the previous year, Anthropic has set itself apart in the domain of AI-enhanced coding. Although rivals have advanced, Anthropic’s Claude models have reliably showcased superior proficiency in code generation. The organization has not been idle; Claude is now embedded in widely-used applications like Anysphere’s Cursor, and it has launched its own coding environment, Claude Code.

In contrast to conventional coding assistants that simply propose snippets within an Integrated Development Environment (IDE), Claude Code serves as a thorough development agent. It has the capability to plan, write code, execute tests, and iterate based on defined objectives, offering a more complete approach to software engineering.

Despite its constraints, Karunaratne emphasizes Claude Code’s remarkable capabilities: “Let me start by mentioning that Claude Code (with the most recent Sonnet 4 and Opus 4 models) is truly adept at writing code. It’s by no means a top 1% programmer, but I would argue that Claude’s output significantly surpasses that of the average developer. The truly astonishing aspect is that it accomplishes this in a fraction of the time that a person would require to implement the entire thing. Picture bringing on a new employee with no background on your project and having them deliver a complete feature mere minutes later.”

## Establishing Context

Context is a distinct tool designed for testing and troubleshooting MCP servers, which enable AI agents’ interactions with platforms and tools commonly utilized by humans. The initiative consists of over 20,000 lines of code, with Karunaratne indicating that only about 1,000 lines were authored by him, while the AI produced the rest.

In an in-depth blog entry, Karunaratne details how Claude Code efficiently managed nearly every facet of the development journey. This encompassed writing in Swift and SwiftUI, managing builds, resolving compiler errors, and even developing release automation scripts. While Claude Code is characterized as “acceptable at Swift and proficient at SwiftUI,” the overall effectiveness it introduces to the development process is noteworthy.

The ramifications of this advancement are substantial. Although we may not yet have reached a stage where entire Fortune 500 companies can function solely on AI-generated code, the capability to delegate significant portions of a project to AI signifies a remarkable transformation in the software development arena.

For further perspective, readers are invited to examine Karunaratne’s thorough blog entry, where he addresses the potential obsolescence of conventional code editors.

## Summary

As AI continues to advance, its integration into software development workflows is becoming more frequent. Developers are urged to contemplate how AI tools can boost their productivity and simplify their coding tasks. The journey of Context illustrates the thrilling possibilities that await at the convergence of AI and software engineering.

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Tim Cook Names New Deputy, Yet Apple’s Next CEO Expected to Be Another Person

### Jeff Williams Retires and Sabih Khan Steps Up

Jeff Williams, frequently viewed as Tim Cook’s trusted ally, is preparing to retire, allowing Sabih Khan, an experienced Apple professional with three decades of service, to take on the Chief Operating Officer role. This shift brings up questions regarding the future leadership of Apple and whether Khan’s new position positions him as a viable successor to Cook.

Williams has been an essential player at Apple, often regarded as a competent interim CEO should Cook choose to resign. With his retirement, Khan’s elevation to COO places him in a direct reporting line to Cook, increasing his visibility and impact within the organization. However, both Williams and Khan face a common hurdle: their age alongside the timing of Cook’s tenure.

### Cook’s Long Tenure Reshapes Who Can Realistically Succeed Him

As Tim Cook nears his 14th year as CEO, the intricacies of succession planning at Apple become more complicated. At 63, Cook exhibits no indications of stepping down soon, which affects the prospective timelines for his heirs. Khan, at 59, emerges as a compelling candidate for the CEO position, yet the realities of age and service complicate matters. Should Cook resign within the next few years, Khan would likely need to guide Apple into his 70s to obtain a noteworthy tenure as CEO.

While strict age restrictions for a CEO do not exist, the board’s obligatory retirement age of 85 introduces another dimension to the succession dialogue. Cook’s potential to serve for 16 or 17 years as CEO implies that any successor must be ready for a long-term commitment.

### The Future of Apple’s Leadership

John Ternus, now 50, is also seen as a strong contender for the CEO role. His experience and increasing tenure at Apple place him favorably for future leadership. As Cook continues to steer the company, Ternus acquires invaluable experience, establishing him as a formidable candidate for the top position when the time arises.

In summary, while Sabih Khan’s advancement to COO indicates a transition in Apple’s leadership framework, the long-range succession strategy remains ambiguous. The age and timing of Cook’s tenure will substantially affect who ultimately takes over, with both Khan and Ternus being pivotal figures in the discussion regarding Apple’s future leadership.

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Apple Keeps Reviving “Slow Horses,” a Highly Rated Series on Apple TV+

Apple TV+ officially revealed today that its enduring spy series Slow Horses, a hit among audiences and critics alike, is not going anywhere for the foreseeable future. In fact, a seventh season of the Apple TV+ series is now in development — a revelation that arrives two months ahead of Season 5’s release on the streaming platform. And truly, it’s easy to understand why we’re receiving this news today.

With its blend of dry British wit, a unique perspective on the realm of espionage, and an unforgettable performance from Gary Oldman, Slow Horses has emerged as one of the standout titles in Apple’s original content roster. Keeping that in mind, here are three reasons why it’s no surprise that Apple continues to renew this unconventional spy thriller — and why the season seven renewal has just been announced.

Consistent critical acclaim

Very few television shows can boast a critical success like Slow Horses. All four seasons that have been made available as of now are Certified Fresh on Rotten Tomatoes, with two achieving a flawless 100% rating from critics. Season 4 was even designated the #1 TV show of 2024 on the platform. This kind of praise from critics only bolsters a show’s standing as peak prestige television.

“Slow Horses‘ fourth season,” I noted in my review of the latest episodes, “delights in upending the conventions of standard espionage dramas. Unlike those in big-budget films, the spies here carry dadbods and showcase a variety of flaws and issues. There’s a gambling addict and an alcoholic. Multiple characters struggle with anger management. They are all rejects who are now at the kids’ table, merely dreaming of a more extraordinary life.”

Gary Oldman’s performance

In his role as the grumpy, foul-mouthed, HR nightmare of a spymaster Jackson Lamb, Oldman delivers one of the most unforgettable portrayals of his career. He has received nominations from the Emmys, BAFTAs, and Golden Globes, which is quite impressive for a character who disparages everyone around him and spends his free time neglecting his hygiene, farting, drinking, and smoking.

His performance is the essence of the series — and a key reason fans like me keep returning.

A perfect fit for Apple’s strategy

Slow Horses aligns perfectly with Apple’s focus on quality over quantity for its streaming service.

As Apple’s European creative director Jay Hunt expressed, the show’s combination of “self-deprecating British humor and high-octane action” makes it an ideal addition to Apple’s carefully curated roster of originals. Moreover, the global success of Slow Horses enhances Apple’s status as a serious contender in the world of prestige dramas. Season 5 is scheduled to premiere on September 24, while the newly announced Season 7 will center on uncovering a perilous mole within the British government.

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