5 Not-So-Famous Characteristics of Your Amazon Fire TV Stick
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Read MoreIn 2026, the realm of fitness brands such as Garmin and Fitbit is set for notable transformation. With technological advancements, these brands need to evolve to fulfill the increasing expectations of consumers looking for more from their wearable gadgets. Here are several distinct suggestions on how Garmin and Fitbit can enhance their products:
1. **Advanced Health Monitoring**: Garmin and Fitbit ought to emphasize the incorporation of sophisticated health monitoring capabilities. This encompasses more precise heart rate tracking, blood oxygen level assessment, and potentially even non-invasive glucose monitoring. These functionalities can deliver users comprehensive health information, assisting them in managing their wellness more efficiently.
2. **Longer Battery Life**: A frequent concern regarding wearables is battery longevity. By prioritizing investment in more effective battery technology or solar charging options, these brands can produce devices that demand less frequent recharging, thereby improving user convenience.
3. **Smooth Integration with Other Devices**: As smart home and IoT gadgets gain traction, Garmin and Fitbit should guarantee their devices can effortlessly interconnect with other platforms. This may involve collaborations with tech leaders to facilitate seamless data interchange and control via smart assistants.
4. **Personalized User Experience**: Customization is essential. Enabling users to modify their watch faces, alerts, and health objectives can enhance the devices’ attractiveness. Furthermore, providing AI-driven insights and suggestions based on unique user data can enrich the overall experience.
5. **Commitment to Sustainability**: Given the rising awareness of environmental concerns, Garmin and Fitbit should contemplate utilizing eco-friendly materials and establishing recycling initiatives for outdated devices. This not only attracts environmentally-conscious consumers but also aligns with global sustainability objectives.
6. **Broader Fitness and Wellness Features**: Going beyond standard fitness tracking, these brands can investigate functionalities like stress management, guided meditation, and sleep coaching. By adopting a comprehensive approach to wellness, they can appeal to a wider audience.
7. **Improved Durability and Repairability**: Enhancing devices to be more robust and easier to repair can prolong their lifespan, providing better value for consumers. This strategy can also minimize electronic waste, supporting sustainability initiatives.
8. **Attractive Pricing Strategies**: As the market grows more crowded, presenting competitive pricing or subscription models for premium features can draw in budget-minded consumers without sacrificing quality.
By concentrating on these aspects, Garmin and Fitbit can not only preserve their dominance in the wearable market but also establish new benchmarks for innovation and customer satisfaction in 2026.
Read MoreHere are our top applications and streaming platforms for 2025!
The United States possesses the most extensive fleet of nuclear reactors globally. With 94 reactors distributed among 54 power plants, the U.S. produces approximately 97 gigawatts (GW) of nuclear energy, far exceeding France, China, and Russia, despite only incorporating three reactors since 1996. The most significant of these facilities is Plant Vogtle in Waynesboro, Georgia, generating around 4.8 GW of electricity. In May 2025, the Trump administration unveiled new programs to initiate a “nuclear renaissance,” intending to elevate total capacity to 300 GW by 2050.
The strategy focuses on advancing America’s next-generation nuclear reactor technology by constructing ten AP1000 reactors over the next five years, primarily via an $80 billion collaboration with Canadian nuclear company Westinghouse Electric. Vogtle integrated two Westinghouse AP1000s in 2023 and 2024, respectively. Although this made the Waynesboro plant the largest in the nation, the expansion project extended seven years and overshot initial estimates by $21 billion. To stimulate progress, the Trump administration directed the Nuclear Regulatory Commission to lessen oversight, reduce personnel, and expedite permit approvals.
By aiming to reduce bureaucratic obstacles, the decision has raised safety and regulatory independence concerns among some experts. Despite these issues, U.S. officials are convinced that enhancing nuclear energy infrastructure is crucial to satisfy its surging energy demands, which reached all-time highs in 2024. In the future, nuclear energy may help bridge the gap between American consumption and capacity as these pressures persist.
Establishing the Vogtle nuclear power plant
When the expansion of the Vogtle nuclear power plant was sanctioned in 2009, it marked the first project of its type in nearly three decades. Prior to this, a lack of political determination, largely due to infamous accidents like Three Mile Island and soaring construction expenses, left U.S. nuclear capacity stalled. At that time, the addition to the Alvin W. Vogtle Electric Generating Plant was viewed as a potential turning point. By adding 2.5 GW of capacity, sufficient to elevate nuclear to 19% of the overall generation grid, the two new reactors would position the facility above Arizona’s Palo Verde plant as the largest in the nation.
Regrettably, the project would become more of a cautionary example than a strong endorsement. Financial concerns have haunted the power plant since its inception in 1970. It took almost 20 years for the first two reactors to become operational, with construction costs ballooning from an estimated $660 million to an astonishing $8.9 billion by the time Vogtle’s second reactor began operation in 1989. Seventeen years later, Southern Co., the parent organization of Vogtle’s operator Georgia Power, declared intentions to incorporate two Westinghouse AP1000 reactors at the site.
However, when the first of these reactors commenced service in 2023, a series of delays due to technical problems, funding issues, and legal disputes had more than doubled the cost estimates to $30 billion. A simultaneous project at the V.C. Summer plant in South Carolina was halted before completion, amplifying concerns regarding U.S. nuclear expansion. Nonetheless, the generating capacity of the Vogtle plant highlights the significant potential of the American nuclear industry if it can overcome such financial hurdles.
Prospects for nuclear power in the U.S.
Despite challenges affecting construction, investment in Westinghouse Electric indicates that regulators view the Vogtle nuclear facility as a potential template for nuclear growth in the U.S. While nuclear energy may not be entirely clean, the plant is credited with preventing 10 million metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions annually. Currently, the 94 nuclear reactors in the U.S. account for more than half of the nation’s carbon-free electricity generation and approximately 18% of its total electricity supply.
This generation occurs despite the decommissioning of 12 reactors since 2013, as improved efficiency raised nuclear capacity rates to a record 94% in 2019. As a comparison, the average capacity for U.S. reactors in 1991 was merely 70%. Developing more efficient, high-capacity nuclear reactors may be vital for an energy sector addressing growing electricity demands. In particular, the rapid growth of the AI industry and its subsequent demand for data centers has led major tech companies to fully embrace nuclear technology, with Google, Microsoft, and other tech giants entering agreements to revive former nuclear plants.
Both the Biden and Trump administrations have backed this shift towards nuclear power, culminating in the previously mentioned $80 billion investment initiative. However, America’s nuclear revolution is expected to unfold gradually, with experts forecasting a mere 27% increase in capacity by 2060. Although many believe that smaller, more easily deployed nuclear reactors could offer a cost-effective solution to the challenges experienced at the Vogtle plant, the U.S. government intends to incorporate 10 additional AP1000 reactors into the American infrastructure.
Read More### The Emergence of MacSync Stealer: An Escalating Danger to macOS Security
Recent findings from Jamf Threat Labs have brought to light a troubling development in macOS security, with a focus on a new iteration of the MacSync Stealer malware. This version has successfully circumvented Apple’s stringent third-party application safeguards, prompting concerns regarding the efficacy of existing security protocols.
#### Grasping the Danger
The MacSync Stealer malware family has become infamous for its capacity to penetrate macOS systems while masquerading as legitimate software. The most recent variant was spread through a harmful application that was both code-signed with a legitimate Developer ID and had received notarization from Apple. As a result, Apple’s Gatekeeper, designed to block unverified applications, had no basis for stopping the app from executing.
Traditionally, Apple’s security framework has depended on cryptographic signing and notarization to confirm that applications distributed outside the Mac App Store are secure. Nonetheless, this framework operates on the premise that a signed application is trustworthy. Regrettably, malicious actors have discovered ways to exploit this trust by acquiring valid developer certificates, enabling them to distribute malware that appears indistinguishable from authentic software during installation.
#### Tactics Employed by Attackers
The strategies utilized by threat actors to disseminate this malware are becoming increasingly advanced. A number of attackers utilize compromised or acquired Developer ID certificates from illicit channels, which significantly diminishes the chances of detection. The initial binary of the malware typically comprises a straightforward Swift-based executable that passes Apple’s static analysis assessments and looks harmless.
The genuine malicious actions transpire later, when the application connects to external servers to fetch additional payloads. Should these payloads be absent during the notarization stage, Apple’s security scanners lack the capability to scrutinize them, enabling the malware to evade identification. This design flaw in the notarization procedure, which assesses only what is present at the time of submission, has turned into a critical vulnerability that attackers are taking advantage of.
#### Context and Future Consequences
The first recorded instance of Apple-notarized malware dates back to 2020, with further discoveries reinforcing the ongoing trend. While some might contend that the issue has reached a pivotal stage, it is crucial to acknowledge that the system is performing as designed. Code signing and notarization were never intended to ensure constant safety; they simply create a traceable connection to a legitimate developer, allowing for revocation when misuse is detected.
As we approach 2026, this attack vector is likely to keep evolving, requiring continuous vigilance and adjustments in security practices.
#### Recommendations for Users
To lessen the dangers linked with malware, users are encouraged to download software solely from trusted developers or the Mac App Store. By following these recommendations, users can substantially lower their risk of encountering harmful applications.
In summary, the rise of variants like the MacSync Stealer emphasizes the necessity for ongoing enhancement of security measures and user vigilance. As the threat landscape changes, so too must our defenses in response.
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The smart TV scene in 2025 was primarily characterized by minor enhancements, featuring new OLED, Mini-LED, and QLED models from leading smart TV manufacturers. Some of the standout and highly-rated devices from the year comprised Samsung’s S95F OLED TV, deemed the top TV of the year; a reliable high-end OLED TV – Sony Bravia 8 II; and a well-reviewed mid-range option – TCL QM6K.
Nonetheless, we witnessed a significant breakthrough with the introduction of RGB MiniLED technology. Hisense debuted its inaugural RGB MiniLED TV, the 116UX, recognized as the largest smart TV available for purchase on Amazon. Simultaneously, Samsung incorporated similar foundational technology in its MR95F model, referring to it as Micro RGB. As 2025 nears its conclusion, many may be curious about the future of smart TVs in 2026. Thankfully, manufacturers have begun unveiling their strategies for the upcoming year as they gear up to showcase their products at the CES trade show in Las Vegas next month, indicating that 2026 will be marked by RGB MiniLED and Micro RGB TVs. Here are a few of the most thrilling smart TV models anticipated for the coming year.
LG is set to embrace the RGB MiniLED technology trend with its forthcoming Micro RGB evo television. Also referred to as the LG MRGB95, this smart TV will launch in 2026, available in sizes of 75 inches, 86 inches, and 100 inches, making the LG RGB MiniLED TV much more suitable for home environments compared to the enormous 116-inch and 115-inch options from Hisense and Samsung, respectively.
LG has announced that the TV will be equipped with the newly enhanced α (Alpha) 11 AI Processor Gen 3, promising improved upscaling and additional features, assisted by AI. The company has also disclosed that the TV will be capable of covering the complete BT.2020, DCI-P3, and Adobe RGB color spectra, which are quite impressive and yield enhanced color accuracy and far more realistic visuals than current smart TV offerings.
Among its other features, the TV will include over a thousand dimming zones, which is modest in comparison, as the Hisense 116UX boasts 3,584 dimming zones and the Samsung MR95F has roughly 5,000. The limited quantity of dimming zones may influence the TV’s black levels and HDR capabilities. There are no updates on pricing or additional specifications; however, we
Read Morea high-quality VPN service may not appear to be worth the investment at first sight. However, once you understand what you’re sacrificing by opting for a free alternative, you’ll realize the value of a paid subscription to SurfShark, NordVPN, ExpressVPN, and Proton VPN.
Free VPNs fall into two types: dependable VPNs from reputable companies that offer significantly limited features, and less constrained VPNs that operate normally but collect your data for profit. The free offerings from major providers often turn out to be somewhat basic for certain tasks, while the unrestricted options may lack sufficient privacy. Free VPNs like VPN by Google and Proton VPN’s complimentary service exemplify the first type, while Betternet and Hola VPN engage in data-harvesting practices that could render them unsafe. As with any free service, before you dive in, review the small print, examine their Privacy Policy, and look for independent reviews.
Universal Serial Bus, or USB, is frequently accompanied by acronyms and shorthand when discussing various related technologies that aren’t particularly popular or widely recognized. For instance, it may not be common knowledge what the “C” in a USB-C port signifies. USB PD, which stands for USB Power Delivery, is slightly more familiar but still likely unknown to many individuals. Another abbreviation often linked to USB PD yet not widely recognized is EPR. It refers to Extended Power Range, a specification for power delivery. This denotes that a specific USB port can provide between 101W and 240W of power.
EPR was introduced in the USB PD 3.1 standard as a successor to the Standard Power Range (SPR), which permits power delivery of up to 100W using USB ports. It has effectively eliminated the necessity for large proprietary power adapters that we typically receive with gaming laptops and other devices requiring similar power, such as e-bikes and power tools. Here’s everything you should know about USB PD EPR (Extended Power Range).
USB PD has been quite successful in transforming the way we charge and power devices. Nevertheless, its original 100W cap limited its use for high-powered devices. However, EPR has changed that with its 240W cap. It achieves higher power delivery by permitting higher voltage through USB PD connections while maintaining the same 5A current as SPR. EPR has introduced three additional voltage tiers: 28V, 36V, and 48V, which correspond to 140W, 180W, and 240W of power when combined with a 5A current.
However, EPR isn’t confined to these voltage levels. Just as the Programmable Power Supply (PPS) extension of USB PD allows voltage selection in increments of 20mV for optimal delivery, EPR features an Adjustable Voltage Supply (AVS) that also permits voltage selection in increments of 100m.
Read MoreRotten Tomatoes. The creator transformed the series from his own bestselling novel released in 2016 with the same title, showcasing a strong commitment to the original narrative. Crouch undoubtedly possesses a talent for utilizing television as a narrative form — having been a writer for “Wayward Pines” and also co-creating “Good Behavior” before “Dark Matter” — and is adept at leveraging all the tools TV provides to steer clear of genre limitations.
“Dark Matter” depicts the story of family man and scientist Jason Dessen (Joel Edgerton), his wonderful wife Daniela Dessen (Jennifer Connelly), and their teenage son Charlie (Oakes Fegley). Jason is abducted by an alternate iteration of himself from a parallel universe, referred to as Jason2. Catapulted into a reality where everything has changed, from his profession to his loved ones, Jason gradually discovers a massive metal cube and a chemical substance created by his double that, when merged, enables travel between dimensions.
Upon realizing what transpired and how, Jason teams up with Jason2’s girlfriend, Amanda (Alice Braga), as he confides in her that he is not the person she adores — at least not internally. Together, they embark on journeys across multiple parallel universes, slowly unraveling the workings of the dimension machine, with the aim of locating the original universe from which Jason was taken. Meanwhile, his counterpart strives to integrate into the life he always dreamed of but never had the opportunity to experience due to his selfish choices and fixation on science.
Your upcoming Samsung flagship may have a higher price tag.
Key points to consider:
– Samsung has reportedly yet to finalize the pricing for the Galaxy S26, despite the launch being just a few months away.
– Increases in component costs are believed to be the primary issue, particularly concerning camera modules, OLED displays, and memory.
– To manage expenses, Samsung is opting for Exynos chips in certain Galaxy S26 and S26 Plus models, while more expensive Snapdragon chips will be used for significant markets such as the U.S.
With only a couple of months remaining before the anticipated launch in February 2026, you might assume Samsung has everything concerning the Galaxy S26 series organized. However, reports from Korea indicate that the company has not yet established the pricing.
According to a report from The Bell, Samsung is experiencing difficulties in determining the prices for its new flagship devices — the Galaxy S26, S26 Plus, and S26 Ultra — due to the economics not aligning (via SamMobile).
The primary challenge is that the production of these phones has grown significantly more expensive. Various essential components are simultaneously increasing in cost, including camera modules, OLED displays, and notably mobile DRAM (memory).
Hardware expenses are escalating:
IDC has noted that the rising demand for AI data centers has made memory chips more difficult to acquire, resulting in price hikes across the board. With elevated costs, tighter profit margins, and global economic hurdles, Samsung must reassess its pricing strategy to avoid losing customers.
Samsung President Roh Tae-Moon is reportedly requesting that suppliers reduce their prices, but there are limits to what can be accomplished. The company is already marketing the Galaxy Z TriFold at a loss to showcase its technology and gain market share. Nonetheless, the Galaxy S series serves as Samsung’s primary profit generator, meaning it cannot afford to operate at a loss on millions of these handsets merely to keep prices down.
To navigate these expenses, Samsung is employing varied processors across different models. The standard Galaxy S26 and S26 Plus are likely to incorporate Samsung’s own Exynos 2600 chip in certain areas. This approach helps the company avoid the additional costs associated with Qualcomm’s Snapdragon chips.
However, the Ultra edition and likely the standard models in major markets such as the U.S. will still utilize Qualcomm chips, which are not inexpensive. As Samsung cannot forego these higher-priced chips, it faces a challenging choice: either accept diminished profits or increase prices and face the risk of selling fewer devices.
The official announcement is anticipated in February 2026. In the meantime, if you’re eager for the S26, starting to save some extra funds now would be wise. You might find it necessary.
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