Author: Richard

Jon Bernthal Confirmed to Return as The Punisher in “Spider-Man: Brand New Day”

Another well-known face from the Marvel Cinematic Universe is gearing up for the upcoming *Spider-Man* film. As reported by *Deadline* and *The Hollywood Reporter*, Jon Bernthal will be reprising his role as Frank Castle (also known as the Punisher) in *Spider-Man: Brand New Day*, which will be the comic character’s first cinematic appearance since 2008’s *Punisher: War Zone*.

Bernthal first appeared as the Punisher in season 2 of Marvel’s *Daredevil* series on Netflix and subsequently starred in a self-titled spinoff. His character then went into hiding along with the rest of the Defenders until Marvel reintroduced Daredevil and the Punisher in *Daredevil: Born Again* earlier this year, officially incorporating them into the MCU.

Additionally, Marvel has revealed that Bernthal is penning a Punisher special, which Marvel Television head Brad Winderbaum describes as “a shotgun blast of a story.”

Now it is confirmed that we will see Frank Castle at least two more times in the MCU, as Bernthal has been cast in the new *Spider-Man* sequel. Speculation about his casting first emerged on *The Hot Mic* podcast in January, but it now appears to be officially verified.

Regarding the implications for *Brand New Day*, this indicates that Marvel is emphasizing a street-level narrative this time. After all, the world has forgotten who Peter Parker is after the events of *No Way Home*, so Spidey will likely need to rebuild himself from the ground up. And the Punisher may not have much to offer against a multiversal or galactic menace.

Bernthal will be part of a cast that includes returning stars Tom Holland, Zendaya, and Jacob Batalon, along with newcomers Sadie Sink (*Stranger Things*) and Liza Colón-Zayas (*The Bear*). Destin Daniel Cretton will direct a screenplay he co-wrote with Chris McKenna.

Currently, *Spider-Man: Brand New Day* is set to premiere in theaters on July 31, 2026.

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Report Claims Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge Sales Underperform Against Projections

The South Korean giant Samsung is encountering difficulties with its Galaxy S25 Edge, which may have a considerable effect on its strategies for the forthcoming Galaxy S26 series. Sources from South Korea suggest that the sales of the Galaxy S25 Edge have fallen short of projections, with production reportedly dropping just a month after its launch. This decline could have repercussions for Samsung’s plans regarding the Galaxy S26 lineup.

The Galaxy S25 Edge, recognized for its sleek design, has received criticism for its trade-offs, such as a battery-draining chip and display, a compact 3,900mAh battery, sluggish 25W charging, and the lack of a telephoto camera. These aspects might have played a role in its underwhelming performance in the market.

There were speculations that the Galaxy S25 Edge could take the place of the Plus model in the Galaxy S series due to its comparable specifications but slimmer profile. Nevertheless, the low demand for the S25 Edge may compel Samsung to reevaluate this approach.

In light of these difficulties, Samsung is reportedly ramping up production of its upcoming foldable devices, possibly to offset risks linked to U.S. tariffs. This pivot underscores the company’s necessity to adjust to evolving market trends and consumer demands.

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iPhones and iPads Launch EU Energy Labels: Essential Insights Unveiled

**Apple’s Latest Energy Labels: Adherence to EU Standards**

For those residing in the European Union and visiting Apple’s website today, you’ll see a new piece of information alongside iPhones and iPads: vibrant energy labels that rate each model’s efficiency, longevity, and repairability. This update is not optional; it reflects Apple’s adherence to a new EU regulation that has recently come into force.

The labels designate a grade ranging from A to G for energy efficiency and durability metrics, such as impact resistance and repairability. However, Apple has raised concerns about the clarity of the regulation.

### Insights on the Fresh EU Regulations

With today’s updates, Apple released a 44-page technical document outlining its labeling approach, citing the regulation’s ambiguity. The document states:

> “The EU’s recent Energy Labelling regulation for smartphones and tablets sets forth several interim testing methods that contain vague language. Consequently, some metrics on the energy label are shaped by the decisions made by manufacturers and test laboratories interpreting the regulation. This document aims to clarify Apple’s selected testing methodology and the resultant scores, which were, in some instances, voluntarily adjusted lower to reflect potential differences in interpretation. We are eager to collaborate with other stakeholders to resolve test method ambiguities moving forward.”

Apple is not completely content with how certain grades are determined. The company asserts that its current iPhone models would meet the highest “A” grade on the energy efficiency index. Nonetheless, it has voluntarily adjusted its own rating down to a “B,” which it describes as being cautious. The worry is that independent laboratories might interpret the EU’s testing protocols differently, which could lead to a lower public score.

This cautious downgrade strategy also extends to iPhone drop resistance ratings. Apple contends that the EU’s standardized drop tests might not truly reflect real-life durability, as they rely on various factors, such as the kind of wood and steel employed for impact surfaces.

### What the Labels Indicate and Where to Locate Them

The energy labels encompass six primary categories:

– Energy efficiency per charge
– Battery longevity (number of complete charge cycles)
– Repairability
– Ingress protection (water and dust resistance)
– Drop impact resistance
– Battery life per cycle (hours of usage per full charge)

For consumers, the most prominent feature is a new icon (a vibrant little tag) that appears on iPhone and iPad product pages for EU countries, including on every product’s purchase page. Clicking or tapping the icon displays the full label, which can also be accessed in the environmental section of each product’s technical specifications.

Moreover, there is a downloadable PDF with additional information, including battery capacity in milliamp-hours (mAh), the device’s scratch resistance rating on the Mohs hardness scale, and the guaranteed minimum number of years each product will continue to receive security updates.

In addition to the website updates, Apple will now provide a printed version of the energy label inside the box with each new iPhone and iPad sold in the EU, starting with products produced from this point onward.

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Apple Unveils Original Casting Tape for Ms. Casey from “Severance”

### Severance Season 3: What We Know Up to This Point

For those impatiently anticipating [Severance](https://apple.co/4mI15ey) season 3, Apple has released a small piece of content to ease the craving. The company has shared an uncommon video on its YouTube channel: the initial audition tape of Dichen Lachman ([Jurassic World: Dominion](https://apple.co/44rVXUA)) for the character of Ms. Casey. Check it out below.

#### Mild Season 1 Spoilers Below

The two-minute [video](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fgtlNQDP-XA) features Lachman performing two scenes that fans of the series will immediately recognize: one depicts the early wellness session with Irving B., and the other shows Ms. Casey quietly observing Helly R.

What makes the video particularly enjoyable for fans is seeing how distinct her portrayal was at this initial phase. Ms. Casey, as presented in the completed show, became known for her stoic, near-robotic delivery. However, in this early version, Lachman portrays her with a bit more emotion, highlighting character development from audition to final product.

There are also some nuanced variations in the dialogue, with lines that either didn’t make the cut or were later adjusted into something slightly more impactful or unsettling.

#### Now, What’s Happening with Season 3?

Apple officially [confirmed](https://9to5mac.com/2025/06/04/severance-season-3-heres-everything-we-know-so-far/) season 3 of [Severance](https://apple.co/4mI15ey) right after the season 2 finale, and it is already in production. Writer Beau Willimon ([House of Cards](https://apple.co/4egyJnN), [Andor](https://apple.co/4lkrr4P)), who was brought in to resolve issues toward the end of season 2, is expected to assume a larger role in crafting season 3.

For the more anxious fans, the promising news is that showrunner Ben Stiller ([Tropic Thunder](https://apple.co/4093RzG), [The Secret Life of Walter Mitty](https://apple.co/45RdZRx)) has indicated that it won’t take as long as the almost three-year gap between seasons 1 and 2. The downside is that most projections still suggest a late 2026 or even 2027 release for season 3 on Apple TV+.

[Watch Severance seasons 1 and 2 on Apple TV+](https://apple.co/4mI15ey).

Apple TV+ is [available for $9.99 per month](https://tv.apple.com/channel/tvs.sbd.4000?itscg=30200&itsct=tv%5C_box%5C_link&at=1000l3cvR) and includes popular TV series and films like [The Studio](https://tv.apple.com/show/the-studio/umc.cmc.7518algxc4lsoobtsx30dqb52?itscg=30200&itsct=tv_box_link&mttnsubad=umc.cmc.7518algxc4lsoobtsx30dqb52&at=1000l3cvR), [The Morning Show](https://tv.apple.com/show/the-morning-show/umc.cmc.25tn3v8ku4b39tr6ccgb8nl6m?itscg=30200&itsct=tv_box_link&mttnsubad=umc.cmc.25tn3v8ku4b39tr6ccgb8nl6m&at=1000l3cvR), [Shrinking](https://tv.apple.com/show/shrinking/umc.cmc.apzybj6eqf6pzccd97kev7bs?itscg=30200&itsct=tv_box_link&mttnsubad=umc.cmc.apzybj6eqf6pzccd97kev7bs&at=1000l3cFK), and

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New Hues Anticipated for iPhone 17 Standard Version: Two Rival Choices Unveiled

**Apple’s iPhone 17: An Overview of Possible New Colors and Features**

As revealed by leaker Majin Bu, Apple is in the process of evaluating two new color options for the iPhone 17 base models: Purple and Green. Nonetheless, it seems that only one of these shades will be chosen for the official unveiling later this year, with Purple reportedly holding the advantage.

### Purple vs. Green

Reports suggest that both Purple and Green are being considered for the aluminum-bodied iPhone 17 and iPhone 17 Plus. The Purple tone has generated considerable enthusiasm within Apple, described internally as a “vibrant hue” that pairs beautifully with the aluminum frame. Bu portrays the Purple as “a lively and contemporary shade designed for those seeking a device with a bold identity.” In comparison, the Green alternative is characterized as providing a “fresh and organic tone, perfect for a minimalistic yet impactful aesthetic.” Despite the allure of both shades, speculation indicates that Purple is the more probable choice for the final launch.

Traditionally, Purple has been a favored option for iPhones, making appearances as a mid-cycle offering or as one of the debut colors for models like the iPhone 12, 13, and 15. Conversely, Green has been less commonly featured in the iPhone series.

### What Else to Anticipate

In addition to color selections, the iPhone 17 base models are expected to showcase notable enhancements. Specifically, Apple is anticipated to roll out a larger display and integrate 120Hz refresh rates for the first time in its base models. This improvement promises to facilitate smoother scrolling, enhanced animations, and superior battery management.

Furthermore, the iPhone 17 is rumored to operate on the new A18 chip and will include a single rear camera, marked by a pill-shaped horizontal bump that spans the width of the device. While the color options remain uncertain until the official announcement in September, the expected features suggest that the iPhone 17 will represent a significant upgrade for Apple fans.

As the launch date nears, the anticipation surrounding the prospective color selections and technological innovations continues to escalate. Which color would you choose for your next iPhone? Have you ever owned a Green or Purple iPhone?

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T-Mobile Considers Launching 36-Month Payment Plans, Leaks Indicate

As the prices of smartphones continue to climb, acquiring a device outright has turned into a challenge for numerous consumers. Thus, financing via carriers has emerged as a favored choice. Historically, this involved a 24-month plan, but in recent years, leading carriers such as Verizon and AT&T have lengthened their plans to 36 months to keep subscribers for a more extended period. Initially, T-Mobile was resistant to this shift, but recent developments indicate a change in their approach.

**T-Mobile Weighs 36-Month Plans**

Based on internal documents acquired by The Mobile Report, T-Mobile is pondering the launch of 36-month Equipment Installment Plans (EIPs) for specific devices. This speculation intensified when T-Mobile momentarily updated the product pages for certain Samsung Galaxy Watch models to show the new 36-month payment alternative, although these modifications were promptly reverted. The Mobile Report secured a screenshot of this fleeting update.

Currently, T-Mobile provides a “New in Two” guarantee for some devices, allowing Go5G Plus customers to finance new devices over a 24-month period. Shifting to 36-month plans would require modifications to this program, potentially transforming it into a “New in Three” model. However, the Go5G plans have been recently terminated for new customers.

**Consequences of the Shift**

The transition to 36-month plans appears unavoidable, as it corresponds with industry patterns and offers financial advantages to T-Mobile by lowering customer turnover and boosting profitability. While the adjustment may not be immediate, it seems to be a strategic choice to secure longer-term commitments from customers.

As T-Mobile deliberates this change, consumers should remain vigilant and get ready for possible adjustments in their financing options.

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Samsung Improves Android’s Earthquake Notifications with Added Features

These urgent notifications provide users with additional choices and control in these essential situations.

(Image credit: Nicholas Sutrich / Android Central)

Key information to consider

  • A source revealed details of a One UI variant of an earthquake alert that Samsung is working on.
  • Although it maintains the primary functionalities of Google’s Android version, Samsung allows users to adjust the “seismic intensity threshold” levels and offers emergency alternatives.
  • Recently, Google has introduced its earthquake alerts to Wear OS devices in regions classified as “high-risk.”

Samsung has developed its own version of an Android safety feature for seismic events, enhancing usability for users.

Proof of Samsung’s adaptation of Android’s earthquake alerts was identified by Galaxy Techie on X while in development for One UI (via 9to5Google). A significant highlight is the ability for users to customize the “seismic intensity threshold.” Users can establish one intensity during daylight hours and a different one for nighttime. The company’s preliminary development permits users to modify the seismic intensity from 1.0 to 4.0, likely following the Richter Scale used for earthquake measurement.

Samsung recommends specific values, like 2.0 during the day and 3.0 at night, since sudden emergencies while sleeping can be extremely hazardous.

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HomeKit Weekly: Aqara W100 Climate Sensor Improves Accuracy in Monitoring and Smart Management for HomeKit Users

# Aqara W100 Climate Sensor: An In-Depth Review

In the field of smart home innovations, the capability to observe and manage your surroundings is evolving with greater complexity. The Aqara W100 Climate Sensor distinguishes itself as an essential component of any HomeKit configuration, offering users comprehensive insights into their indoor atmosphere along with an array of automation functions.

## What Metrics Can You Monitor with the Aqara W100?

The Aqara W100 surpasses simple temperature measurements. It is equipped with a clear LCD display that shows various metrics, allowing for effortless monitoring of your surroundings at a glance. Here’s what this device can track:

– **Temperature**: Precise measurements of the ambient temperature.
– **Humidity**: Keeping tabs on humidity levels for optimal comfort.
– **Battery Level**: Monitor battery health for upkeep.
– **Signal Strength**: Gauge the device’s connectivity.
– **External Sensor Data**: When synced with extra sensors, it can present their information.
– **Local Weather Info**: Shares weather updates when no external sensor is in use.

## What Actions Can You Perform with the Aqara W100

The Aqara W100 comes with three physical buttons, each of which can be configured for single, double, and long press actions. This capability opens up a myriad of possibilities for automations within the Aqara ecosystem. Users can execute actions like:

– Switching off lights
– Drawing shades
– Activating a “movie night” scene with various accessories

Having physical buttons enables seamless management of your smart home environment without the need for a smartphone.

## Configuring the Aqara W100 in HomeKit

Getting the Aqara W100 set up in HomeKit is simple. The instruction manual contains a Matter code for basic sensor monitoring, located under the device’s back cover. It’s recommended to keep this code in an easily accessible place, such as an Apple Note or an app like HomePass.

Once connected to HomeKit, users can set up automations based on the readings from the Aqara W100. For example, you can configure a fan to turn on if the temperature surpasses a certain limit or have the air conditioning activated if it becomes excessively warm in a child’s room.

## Conclusion

The Aqara W100 Climate Sensor is an excellent option for anyone looking to upgrade their HomeKit setup. It delivers precise temperature and humidity data, an intuitive LCD interface, and programmable buttons for diverse automations. With dual compatibility for Zigbee and Thread, it offers versatility in integrating with various smart home ecosystems.

Nonetheless, there are some limitations to keep in mind. The decision to use an LCD display instead of an E-Ink alternative may not suit everyone’s preferences, and the button functionalities may vary depending on the particular platform utilized. While integration with HomeKit is smooth, some users might desire more direct functionalities within the HomeKit environment.

Overall, if you’re in search of a dependable climate sensor that integrates effortlessly with HomeKit and provides additional control features, the Aqara W100 is certainly worth considering. It can be purchased on [Amazon](https://amzn.to/4dxgF8F) or directly from

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Logitech MX Master 4 Launches New Button Functionality

### Logitech MX Master 4: What We Know So Far

After last month’s Brazilian certification and a swiftly retracted teaser image leak, Logitech’s upcoming mouse, the MX Master 4, has now surfaced in a filing with the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO), offering a clearer insight into its design and features.

#### Design Overview

At first sight, the MX Master 4 retains the design ethos that has made the MX Master 3 and 3S favored by power users. Nonetheless, there are distinct alterations that differentiate it from its forerunners.

One of the most substantial updates is the addition of a third button on the side of the mouse. While the specific function of this button is still not clear, users are speculating that it might act as another remappable button or relate to AI capabilities.

The side profile of the mouse has also been revamped with a sharper cutout, which improves the visibility of the customizable thumb button. This button now seems to encompass the entire thumb rest area, replacing the smaller, subtler button present in the current generation.

Furthermore, Logitech has moved the charging and battery indicator LED to sit directly beneath the main scroll wheel, just below the mode-switching button for MagSpeed scrolling.

Minor adjustments include reshaped primary click buttons and a slightly elevated position for the side scroll wheel, which was first observed in the now-famed teaser image that emerged on Instagram last month.

#### Specs and Release Details

Currently, specific information regarding the MX Master 4’s specifications, pricing, and materials is still under wraps. However, there is optimism that Logitech has tackled the material quality and Bluetooth reliability issues highlighted by existing users.

With both Anatel certification and EUIPO filings now accessible to the public, along with the presence of marketing images, it is likely that an official launch is on the horizon.

For those keen on the MX Master series, discounts can be found on platforms such as Amazon.

#### Conclusion

The Logitech MX Master 4 is poised to be a promising addition to the MX Master lineup, featuring an updated design and attributes aimed at enhancing user experience. As we look forward to more information on its specifications and launch date, excitement among power users continues to build.

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Apple Investors Initiate Legal Action Over Holdups in Apple Intelligence and Siri Progress

### Apple Confronts Shareholder Litigation Over AI Integration Assertions

Apple Inc. is presently involved in a notable legal dispute following the launch of its Apple Intelligence program. Shareholders have filed a proposed class action lawsuit against the technology titan, claiming that the company distorted the expected timeline and functionalities of integrating sophisticated artificial intelligence into its Siri voice assistant. This lawsuit, as outlined by Reuters, asserts that such distortion has negatively impacted iPhone sales and the firm’s stock value.

#### Claims of Distortion

The lawsuit particularly focuses on Apple executives, including CEO Tim Cook, CFO Kevan Parekh, and former CFO Luca Maestri. Shareholders, spearheaded by Eric Tucker, contend that during the June 2024 Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC), Apple implied that AI would greatly improve the forthcoming iPhone 16 models. However, the actual unveiling of Apple Intelligence, which was intended to enhance Siri’s performance, was viewed as lackluster, with only minor adjustments revealed.

The complaint underscores that shareholders endured considerable losses, potentially reaching hundreds of billions of dollars, in the year leading up to June 9, 2025. This timeframe coincided with Apple’s launch of various product features and design enhancements, while advancements in AI were strikingly limited.

#### Postponement and Absence of Updates

The lawsuit notes the announcement of a delay in the deployment of a more powerful Siri in March 2025 as a crucial instance when the “truth started to surface.” Moreover, it highlights the WWDC 2025 event, where Apple did not reveal any noteworthy updates regarding advanced Siri functionalities, intensifying shareholder apprehensions.

A contentious point within the litigation is whether Apple possessed a working prototype of the improved Siri that was promised at WWDC 2024. Apple executives have categorically rejected allegations that the feature was merely “demoware.” Nonetheless, industry analysts, including John Gruber, have questioned Apple’s claims, suggesting that the anticipated features may not have been developed as advertised.

#### Allegations of Vaporware

Gruber’s description of the Siri upgrades as “vaporware” is specifically mentioned in the lawsuit, particularly concerning his article titled “Something Is Rotten in the State of Cupertino.” This term denotes products that are announced but fail to materialize, raising concerns about Apple’s transparency and the viability of its AI efforts.

#### Further Legal Obstacles

This lawsuit is not the sole legal challenge Apple faces regarding its AI capabilities. The company is also under scrutiny from a separate class action lawsuit for allegedly deceiving consumers about the status of Siri and the functionalities of Apple Intelligence.

As the case progresses in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California, it remains uncertain how Apple will address these allegations and what ramifications they may have for the company’s future within the competitive tech arena.

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