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Astronomers Uncover Third Interstellar Object Traversing Solar System

Astronomers have recently validated the finding of an unusual guest from outside our solar system — a newly identified interstellar comet. Officially designated 3I/ATLAS, the comet was initially observed on July 1 by NASA’s ATLAS survey telescope located in Chile.

This marks just the third recognized interstellar object to traverse our cosmic vicinity, following the trails of 1I/ʻOumuamua in 2017 and 2I/Borisov in 2019.

The interstellar comet is presently journeying towards the inner solar system from the direction of the constellation Sagittarius. It remains over 400 million miles away from the Sun but is anticipated to hit its closest point—just within Mars’s orbit—around October 30. Even at this proximity, however, it poses no danger to Earth.

What makes this object particularly thrilling is its origin. Unlike standard comets that revolve around the Sun, 3I/ATLAS originates from interstellar space. This implies it probably formed in a different star system and spent ages wandering between the stars before being temporarily captured by our Sun’s gravity. The ESA also shared details about the discovery on Bluesky before it received its official name.

Following its discovery, astronomers have compiled further “pre-discovery” images of the interstellar comet, with some tracing back to mid-June. These images were captured by several observatories, including ATLAS stations across the globe and the Zwicky Transient Facility in California. By merging past and current data, researchers are striving to refine the comet’s path and gain additional insights into its composition.

Examining an interstellar comet like this provides a unique opportunity to investigate the foundational elements of planets and stars beyond our solar system. Scientists are hurriedly collecting as much information as they can while it is still observable by ground-based telescopes. By December, 3I/ATLAS will re-emerge from behind the Sun, presenting a second opportunity for observation.

Its precise size and composition are still under investigation, but researchers are optimistic that it will yield new understandings of how other planetary systems develop and change. Although these types of visitors are uncommon, astronomers predict that our solar system may be concealing millions of similar interstellar objects deep within the Oort Cloud surrounding the solar system.

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Peacock Unveils Gripping Documentary on Idaho College Student Homicides

Peacock’s latest true-crime documentary, *The Idaho Student Murders*, provides a new perspective on a criminal case that alarmed people nationwide. The 90-minute film, now ready for streaming, recounts the heartbreaking 2022 murders that unsettled the town of Moscow, Idaho — a horrific series of killings that continues to make news years later, particularly because a significant development in the case emerged just this week.

Directed by Catharine Park and produced in collaboration with the creators of the popular podcast *The Idaho Massacre* from KT Studios and iHeartMedia, the documentary aligns with a surprising courtroom event: On July 2, Bryan Kohberger — the individual accused of murdering four University of Idaho students — unexpectedly decided to plead guilty.

Kohberger, 30, had previously insisted on his innocence. However, in a Boise courtroom this week, he shocked everyone when he responded “yes” after a judge asked if he had taken the lives of Kaylee Goncalves, Madison Mogen, Xana Kernodle, and Ethan Chapin. This plea agreement allowed him to avoid the death penalty, concluding a case that had persisted for nearly three years.

The Peacock documentary serves as a narrative of the murders and features unprecedented interviews, including those with Kaylee’s brother and close friends of the victims. This means *The Idaho Student Murders* truly endeavors to present a human-focused perspective on the tragedy, while also exploring Kohberger’s background to offer a more comprehensive view of the individual at the heart of the murders.

Blending narrative storytelling with a journalistic approach to reporting, executive producers Catharine Park and Stephanie Lydecker guide viewers through the investigation and evidence, while revisiting the crime’s effects on families and the wider Moscow community. At its essence, this documentary is a tale of sorrow and the far-reaching consequences of a singular act of violence. And now, with Kohberger having formally confessed, it seems that the families of the victims may start to experience some long-awaited sense of closure.

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June Experiences Growth in App Store Earnings and Downloads, Even with a Drop in User Expenditure on Games

**App Store Performance Insights: Revenue Growth and Changing User Spending Trends**

Bank of America has recently reviewed the latest performance statistics from the App Store, uncovering a significant trend: while revenue is rising at a quicker pace than downloads, users are altering their spending behaviors.

As per the report, which cites data from SensorTower, global App Store revenue saw a 12% year-over-year increase in June, whereas downloads only improved by 4%. This expanding gap signifies a favorable shift in monetization techniques, with users increasingly directing their expenditures towards non-gaming categories.

A noteworthy point from the report indicates that gaming, despite remaining the largest revenue-generating category, made up only 45% of total App Store revenue in the quarter, a reduction from over 50% in previous years. This transition implies that users are broadening their spending distribution across diverse app categories.

### Productivity Apps on the Increase

Bank of America observed that categories like Photo & Video, Lifestyle, Books, Education, and Utilities each gained roughly 100 basis points (or 1%) in market share. Notably, Productivity apps experienced a rise of 200 basis points (or 2%), marking the highest percentage change among categories. This diversification in expenditure could provide a long-term benefit for Apple, as developers start to investigate new monetization approaches beyond conventional gaming.

### Regulatory Landscape and Stock Forecast

Regarding the regulatory environment, especially in light of the Epic Games case, Bank of America reported no significant effect on App Store revenue to date. The firm sustained a “Buy” rating on Apple stock, setting a target price of $235, fueled by expectations of robust capital returns, leadership potential in on-device AI, and growth prospects in upcoming product categories.

This analysis follows closely after JPMorgan revised Apple’s stock price target from $240 to $230 while keeping an “Overweight” rating, reflecting a favorable outlook on the company’s long-term strategy.

### Conclusion

The information provided by Bank of America suggests a transforming environment in App Store spending, with users increasingly choosing to invest in non-gaming apps. This trend, alongside a stable regulatory atmosphere and optimistic stock forecast, indicates a bright future for Apple as it navigates the changing app economy.

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New Titles Added to Apple Arcade: Angry Birds Bounce and Three Additional Games Launched

As promised, Apple Arcade has recently expanded its ever-growing subscription-based library of ad-free games by adding four new titles. Here’s the complete list:

### Angry Birds Bounce
Join forces with Red, Chuck, Bomb, and the entire crew on an exciting new expedition. Angry Birds Bounce merges the timeless appeal of Angry Birds with a creative arcade brick-breaker twist. When the pigs invade their islands, the birds must bounce back — quite literally — merging into formidable flocks and propelling themselves to vanquish a horde of piggies and reclaim their territory. Featuring strategic rogue-lite gameplay, every level presents a fresh challenge where players will perfect precision shots, unlock thrilling power-ups, and create distinctive combos throughout each run. [Play Angry Birds Bounce on Apple Arcade](https://apple.co/4lc6qtl)

### Kingdom Rush 5: Alliance TD+
The newest entry in the acclaimed tower defense series enhances the fast-paced, engaging gameplay of its predecessors while elevating the intensity with increased power, chaos, and strategy like never before. For the first time in the series, players can command two heroes in every stage. With 15 epic heroes to select from, 17 unique towers, 32 upgradable characters, 22 intricate campaign stages, and more than 40 enemy types, Kingdom Rush 5: Alliance TD+ provides exhilarating gameplay, the signature humor that fans adore, and limitless replayability. The game includes all downloadable content and is available on iPhone, iPad, and Mac. [Play Kingdom Rush 5: Alliance TD+ on Apple Arcade](https://apple.co/4lcHMZl)

### Suika Game+
The trending puzzle game where players drop fruits into a box is making its way to Apple Arcade. The objective of Suika Game – Aladdin X+ is to merge matching fruits into larger creations, culminating in the ultimate treat: a watermelon. The game’s lively physics introduce an entertaining challenge. While dropping and combining bouncing fruits, players must carefully prevent them from spilling out of the box. They will compete with players globally and strive for the top of the daily, monthly, or all-time leaderboards. [Play Suika Game+ on Apple Arcade](https://apple.co/4lWX30L)

### Crayola Scribble Scrubbie Pets+
Creativity merges with responsibility as players delve into vibrant 3D realms to color, care for, and interact with more than 90 cute digital pets. Inspired by the best-selling Crayola toy, this game enables young players to develop empathy and responsibility through engaging pet care activities such as grooming, feeding, and washing, while also enhancing attention and memory skills with detail-oriented gameplay. With limitless creative enjoyment using digital Crayola art tools and imaginative adventures across colorful 3D landscapes, Crayola Scribble Scrubbie Pets+ transforms the conventional pet toy into an immersive digital experience.

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Leaked Animations in One UI 8 Unveil Samsung’s Speculated Tri-Fold Device Ahead of Its Official Release

The word is that a complete unveiling is imminent.

(Image credit: Andrew Myrick / Android Central)

Essential information

  • An informant has allegedly uncovered several animations within Samsung’s One UI 8 software that highlight its anticipated tri-fold design.
  • The animations imply a design that may resemble the Galaxy Z Fold series, featuring a vertical camera layout on top of an island, as previously observed.
  • Speculation suggests that Samsung might incorporate two “inward-folding” screens for the tri-fold; however, one side must first fold inward before the other.
  • Rumors indicate this device may be dubbed the “Galaxy G Fold,” boasting a nearly 10-inch display, potentially making its debut next week during Unpacked.

We have been eagerly anticipating Samsung’s initial venture into the trifold arena, and it appears its One UI software is equally prepared.

The trifold, earlier rumored to be named the “Galaxy G Fold,” was identified in a One UI 8 exploration by informant AssembleDebug (Android Authority). Nevertheless, as noted in the post, Samsung’s internal coding designates the device as the “Multifold 7,” likely a codename. The more significant evidence pertains to supporting animations for the device’s functionalities. One animation illustrates the folding mechanism of the trifold, with the leftmost section unfolding to reveal the entire display.

The informant went further, indicating that the One UI 8 animation implies Samsung has opted for two “inward-folding” screens. However, the

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Amazon Echo Buds Offered at 68% Discount for Prime Members Ahead of Prime Day
(Image credit: Amazon)

The most significant Amazon sale of the year is nearly here, and the retailer has already started rolling out impressive earbud offers and substantial markdowns on some of our preferred Android gadgets. This encompasses the store’s decision to reduce the price of the Amazon Echo Buds by 68% for Prime members, translating into a savings of $95.

Do not let the attractive price mislead you; the Amazon Echo Buds provide adaptable, personalized sound with ANC and can last up to 15 hours on a single charge with the included charging case. I wouldn’t suggest purchasing these earbuds at the regular price, but due to Amazon’s early Fire sale, they’re an undeniable bargain.

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Speculations about MacBook Incorporating iPhone Processor, AI Siri Partnerships, and Fresh EU App Store Guidelines

### Apple’s Anticipated Economical MacBook Air and App Store Modifications

In recent conversations, Benjamin and Chance explore the thrilling rumor emerging from Ming-Chi Kuo about Apple’s intentions to launch a new, cost-effective MacBook Air. This forthcoming model is expected to feature the A18 Pro CPU, which may significantly boost performance while keeping a lower price tag. This initiative corresponds with Apple’s goal to attract a wider demographic, particularly students and cost-conscious consumers who desire the reliability of Mac products without the premium expense.

#### A Transformative Phase for the MacBook Air

The expected MacBook Air featuring the A18 Pro CPU could signify a crucial transformation in Apple’s laptop lineup. The A-series chips have already demonstrated their prowess in mobile devices, and their incorporation into laptops could offer users enhanced processing capabilities and energy efficiency. This advancement may redefine the entry-level laptop sector, rendering high-performance computing more attainable.

#### App Store Guidelines in the EU

Alongside hardware enhancements, Apple has unveiled a convoluted new set of App Store guidelines in the European Union that has left many baffled. These modifications are likely a reaction to escalating regulatory examinations and rivalry within the app market. The particulars of these guidelines remain ambiguous, but they are anticipated to affect developers and consumers alike, potentially changing how apps are distributed and monetized in the EU.

#### AI Fusion with Siri

Moreover, Apple seems to be investigating the possibility of augmenting Siri’s functionalities by incorporating third-party AI models. This willingness to embrace external technologies could result in a more adaptable and competent virtual assistant, addressing long-standing criticisms about Siri’s performance when compared to rivals. By utilizing third-party advancements, Apple could significantly enhance user experience and capability.

### Conclusion

As Apple prepares for these possible transformations, the tech community observes attentively. The amalgamation of a new, wallet-friendly MacBook Air, intricate App Store guidelines, and progress in AI for Siri could influence the trajectory of Apple’s product ecosystem. For those keen on remaining informed about these changes, subscribing to platforms like 9to5Mac Happy Hour Plus can provide deeper insights and exclusive material.

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9to5Mac Daily: July 3, 2025 – Daily Highlights of iOS 26

**9to5Mac Daily: Your Destination for Daily Apple News and Insights**

In the rapidly evolving tech landscape, keeping abreast of the latest developments is vital, particularly for Apple fans. 9to5Mac Daily is a podcast aimed at offering listeners a summary of the day’s key stories, centering on Apple and its ecosystem. Accessible on multiple platforms, such as iTunes, Stitcher, TuneIn, Google Play, and via a specific RSS feed, this podcast guarantees that you won’t miss any critical news.

**What to Anticipate from 9to5Mac Daily**

Each episode of 9to5Mac Daily is produced on weekdays, providing listeners with a reliable source of information. The podcast spans various subjects, from product announcements and software upgrades to industry patterns and insider perspectives. By subscribing, you can ensure that fresh episodes reach your selected podcast player immediately upon release.

**Sponsorship and Highlights**

The podcast is backed by Bitwarden, a password management solution that includes features like Apple Watch authenticator integration, secure autofill options, and enterprise-level security tools. This collaboration underscores the significance of security in today’s digital landscape, particularly for users overseeing multiple accounts.

**Exclusive Material and Contributions**

Listeners can choose to back the podcast directly through 9to5Mac Daily Plus. By subscribing, you can access ad-free versions of episodes and unlock bonus material, enhancing your overall listening journey.

**Interaction and Community**

9to5Mac Daily promotes listener interaction. You can share your opinions by emailing the team or by reviewing the podcast on platforms like Apple Podcasts and Overcast. This input aids in refining the show and enables more individuals to learn about the insightful discussions featured in each episode.

**Final Thoughts**

For anyone keen on Apple news and technology, 9to5Mac Daily serves as an essential resource. With its dedication to delivering timely updates and captivating content, it proves to be a must-listen for tech devotees. Whether you’re on the go, working out, or just unwinding at home, tuning into 9to5Mac Daily keeps you informed and connected with the Apple community.

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泄露的苹果标识揭示了2026年即将推出的Mac型号

Apple is poised to unveil an exhilarating array of new product launches for the rest of the year, which includes at least two fresh Mac models. Recent analyses reveal that Apple is not only strategizing releases for 2025 but also has models projected through 2026.

### Report Details 15 Upcoming Mac Models Anticipated Through 2026

Marko Zivkovic from AppleInsider reports that there are 15 new Mac models in the works. Insider sources indicate that Apple is preparing to roll out its M5 chip shortly, with devices utilizing the M6 chip expected to present substantial changes by late 2026. Apple’s product identifiers adhere to a familiar scheme, enabling forecasts about which identifiers are linked to upcoming Mac models.

The following Macs are predicted to debut in the year ahead, though the precise release timelines are based on speculation and Apple’s expected plan:

– M5 MacBook Pro in both 14-inch and 16-inch configurations
– M5 iMac
– M5 Pro Mac mini
– M5 MacBook Air in 13-inch and 15-inch configurations
– New Mac Pro
– Two Mac Studio variations (presumably Max and Ultra editions)
– An unidentified model that could be the rumored MacBook with A18 Pro

A number of these upcoming models correspond with Apple’s known patterns for Mac enhancements incorporating M-series chips. Nonetheless, a notable point is the identifiers for next year’s M6 MacBook Pro models, coded as ‘K114’ and ‘K116’, which relate to screen sizes. This indicates that despite speculation regarding a major hardware redesign, the next MacBook Pro will likely retain the same 14-inch and 16-inch sizes.

The previous redesign of the MacBook Pro shifted its displays from 13- and 15-inch to the current 14- and 16-inch variants. It seems that while numerous facets of the design might evolve, the screen sizes will remain unchanged.

As Apple progresses in innovation and broadens its Mac lineup, the forthcoming years are set to unveil thrilling advancements and new functionalities for users.

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