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Google Chrome 151 to End Support for macOS 12 Monterey

The Chrome Platform Status blog has verified that Chrome 150 will be the final version that supports macOS 12. Here’s the implication of that.

## This signifies no security updates, as well

From [Chrome Platform Status](https://chromestatus.com/feature/5077742779498496):

> Chrome 150 will be the final version compatible with macOS 12; Chrome 151 and later versions will not support macOS 12, which is beyond its support period with Apple. Operating on a supported OS is critical for maintaining security.

The article clarifies that while Chrome 150 will still function on Macs utilizing macOS 12 Monterey, it will show a warning infobar, as it “will not receive any further updates.”

This indicates that, apart from lacking new features, these Macs will also be devoid of bug fixes, performance enhancements, and, most crucially, security updates for [Google Chrome](https://9to5mac.com/guides/google-chrome/), putting users at increased risk of attacks.

Therefore, if you are a Chrome user still on macOS 12 Monterey, take heed: later this year, you will need to either upgrade to macOS 13 Ventura or a later version, or change browsers.

As for when this will take place, it remains uncertain.

Google has not provided a definitive timeline, but Chrome generally receives updates every 4 weeks for major releases. With the current stable version at 143, version 151 is likely to be released in roughly 32 weeks, around mid-to-late August.

Are you still on macOS 12 Monterey? Share your thoughts in the comments.

How Your Smartwatch Could Be Distributing Your Personal Health Information

Google searches might not be as confidential as you assume; various regulations exist that oversee the handling and distribution of personal health information. So, how much of this data can genuinely be sold to others?

How your health data could be jeopardized

Fresh Group Chat Capabilities Launched in iOS 26’s Messages Application

# iOS 26: Thrilling New Group Chat Features in Messages

iOS 26 brings a variety of upgrades for iPhone users, especially within the Messages app. Below are five significant new features that improve group chat interactions.

## 1. Typing Indicators

Typing indicators have been a fundamental part of iMessage for individual conversations. With iOS 26, this capability is now extended to group chats. Users can observe when others are composing messages, making discussions more dynamic and engaging.

## 2. Polls

The new Polls feature enables users to swiftly collect feedback from group members. Available through the ‘+’ button in the lower-left section of Messages, users can create polls to assess availability, meal choices, and more. For those utilizing Apple Intelligence, poll suggestions will pop up above the keyboard, simplifying the process.

## 3. Apple Cash for Groups

Apple Cash, which facilitates secure payments among Apple users, is now integrated into group chats. Once exclusive to one-on-one messaging, this feature allows users to conveniently send and request payments in group situations, such as sharing costs after outings or during group travels.

## 4. Backgrounds

To personalize group chats, iOS 26 offers customizable backgrounds. Users can press the group icon at the top of the chat to access the Backgrounds area, where they can select from pre-existing options or upload their own photos. Any chosen background will be visible to all group participants, enhancing the aesthetic of the chat.

## 5. Adding Contacts from Groups

iOS 26 streamlines the way users can add unknown numbers from group chats to their personal contacts. By selecting the group icon, users can see all current members and can easily add anyone not already in their contacts with the new ‘Add to Contacts’ feature, making it simple to keep new connections.

These fresh features in iOS 26 are designed to boost communication and interaction within group chats, making them more enjoyable and effective for users.

New Study Offers Understanding on Why Comet 3I/Atlas Is Improbable to Be Extraterrestrial

several analysts suspected that 3I/ATLAS was of alien origin. However, a recent publication may shed light on the true nature of this peculiar object. Spoiler alert: It probably isn’t extraterrestrial.

Submitted to the Research Notes of the AAS, the study compares the behavior of 3I/ATLAS to other comets traversing our solar system, associating its unusual flight paths with a phenomenon known as outgassing, which can alter speed, rotation, and orbital trajectory. The paper’s author, Marshall Eubanks, stated that the team assessed the object’s non-gravitational acceleration using two interplanetary spacecraft. The findings, according to Eubanks, indicated that the object exhibited typical behaviors of other comets moving through our solar system.

This paper largely dispels months of conjecture, during which a contingent of Harvard astrophysicists theorized that 3I/ATLAS could be a fragment of extraterrestrial technology. Avi Loeb, a Harvard astrophysicist, even entertained the idea on the Joe Rogan podcast after publishing a draft paper on the topic in July 2025. Concerns heightened in late December when astronomers noted that the comet was emitting an unusual radio signal. However, this isn’t the first occasion that Loeb and others have raised the alien possibility in recent times. For instance, in 2017, the comet Oumuamua passed through the solar system displaying comparable traits. This time, though, interplanetary spacecraft enabled astronomers to perform innovative experiments, measuring the comet’s non-gravitational acceleration without tracking multiple orbits. Therefore, the comet’s legacy may serve as a glimpse into the makeup of distant solar systems, rather than evidence of visitors from beyond.

An interstellar guest?

3I/ATLAS has intrigued the scientific community since its detection by the Asteroid Terrestrial-impact Last Alert System (ATLAS) survey telescope in Rio Hurtado, Chile, in July 2025. Due to its course and velocity, ATLAS concluded that the comet came from beyond our solar system, marking it as only the third recorded interstellar object of this type. Featuring a substantial icy core that scientists estimate to be between 1,400 feet and 3.5 miles in diameter, the comet is enveloped by a luminous cloud of dust and gas, referred to as a coma. Following a hyperbolic path, which means it is traveling too quickly to be captured into a closed orbit around the sun, the comet achieved a peak velocity of 153,000 mph as it traversed beyond Mars’ orbit in October 2025.

The speculation that 3I/ATLAS might be an interplanetary, extraterrestrial visitor stemmed from these remarkably distinctive characteristics, particularly its unusual flight pattern. Based on Avi Loeb’s publication – titled “Is the Interstellar Object 3I/ATLAS Alien Technology?” — the comet’s trajectory is exceedingly unlikely, navigating a path that brushes unusually close to Venus, Jupiter, and Mars, which Loeb’s team assessed would only happen 0.005

Hollywood Icons Evaluated for Blade Runner Prior to Selecting Harrison Ford

is continuously unveiling a plethora of new films and television series — over the past forty years, the actor wasn’t even close to being the first pick to portray the film’s main character, Rick Deckard. Although he is now recognized for his iconic roles in classic films like “American Graffiti,” “Apocalypse Now,” and the two original “Star Wars” films that were released prior to “Blade Runner,” Ford had not yet risen to leading man status.

As stated in a 2012 Time article, the film’s producers examined a roster of well-known actors, including Jack Nicholson, Paul Newman, Sean Connery, Clint Eastwood, Peter Falk, Nick Nolte, Al Pacino, Burt Reynolds, Dustin Hoffman, and even Arnold Schwarzenegger. However, once Scott and his team witnessed Ford in scenes from some initial footage of Steven Spielberg’s “Raiders of the Lost Ark,” the choice to cast him as Deckard was unanimous, according to the movie’s producer, Michael Deeley (as reported by Los Angeles Magazine). Yet, this decision did not please everyone. As Scott recounted in a 2025 interview for GQ, “I recall my financiers saying, ‘Who the f*** is Harrison Ford?’ I told them, ‘You’re gonna find out.’ Thus, [he] became my leading man.”

Indeed, they did, along with the rest of the world, as his choice ultimately proved to be ideal, in hindsight.

Blade Runner was a critical and financial failure before it was deemed a masterpiece

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How to Reuse and Make the Most of Your Old Hard Drive

still not entirely without value. Maintaining a physical backup of crucial information, utilizing third-party applications, and preserving your digital artifacts are all legitimate motives to keep them, so hold onto your hard drive for now.

Consider alternatives to Windows

How to Resolve the 5 Most Frequent Issues with the Steam Deck

its astonishingly diverse applications, extending even past gaming. Naturally, no technological device is entirely free from issues. While the Steam Deck has gained significant popularity, it remains prone to common nuisances such as joystick drift, power malfunctions, and connectivity issues.

The challenge with a handheld gaming PC compared to a conventional gaming PC tower is that, similar to a laptop, it presents greater difficulty when it comes to opening up and diagnosing physical issues. Nonetheless, the Steam Deck is designed with advanced users in mind, incorporating a range of failsafes and techniques that might assist you in addressing the most frequent problems. Ideally, you won’t have to disassemble your Steam Deck to resolve these specific quirks, particularly as doing so would invalidate its warranty. Before resorting to modifications, consider these easier solutions for the common challenges.

The Steam Deck is completely unresponsive

Amazon Provides 20% Off on Well-Liked Color Kindle E-Reader

Amazon’s Kindle Colorsoft is now available for $50 less, perfect for those in search of an ad-free color e-reader.

Snagging a great price on an e-reader can be a challenge, so it’s wise to remain vigilant whenever Amazon has a sale. For example, today, consumers can take advantage of 20% off the Amazon Kindle Colorsoft, translating to a $50 reduction on our top pick for color e-readers.

This specific offer for the Kindle Colorsoft applies to the no-ad version. Even as a color model, it delivers a reading experience akin to high-contrast paper, similar to some of the finest E ink tablets, while boasting 16GB of storage. Additionally, it provides various contrast modes for reading, allowing you to personalize the display settings to your preferences.

<pAs one of Amazon's premium e-readers, the Colorsoft showcases impressive battery performance with every charge. When you factor in water resistance, an extensive library of titles, and a 7-inch screen, you’re looking at an excellent discounted deal on a reliable device.

✅Recommended if: you seek the finest color Kindle, equipped with numerous page customization options and reading modes; you desire an e-reader that delivers enduring battery life without compromising bright, high-contrast page visuals; you prefer a device with a screen around 7 inches suitable for various indoor and outdoor lighting scenarios.

❌Skip this deal if: a color display doesn’t matter to you and you’d rather save an additional $100 on a black and white option; you’d rather opt for an inexpensive tablet for reading instead of investing more in the Kindle lineup’s paper displays; you’re looking for an e-reader with a different screen size.

The Amazon Kindle Colorsoft stands out as an excellent color e-reader, offering a 7-inch color screen, an IPX8 waterproof rating, wireless and USB-C charging, and a battery life of up to eight weeks. The display offers 150 ppi in color and 300 ppi in black and white, along with a 16-level gray scale brightness. At its usual price, the Colorsoft might seem a bit costly for those unsure about needing a color display, but the $200 price point appears considerably more enticing.

Although the retailer provides a “Signature Edition” Colorsoft model with added storage and enhanced features, this promotion is for the ad-free version with 16GB of internal storage. Still, it’s a pretty attractive price for the standard model, making it suitable for either first-time e-reader purchasers or those seeking an upgrade from a budget option.

Employing a Bluetooth Sleep Speaker Beneath My Pillow Improves Nighttime Listening in Contrast to a Phone

This device utilizes the technology found in bone-conduction headphones and places it underneath your pillow for unobtrusive sleep listening.

In recent years, one thing audio consumers have demonstrated is their preference for experiencing sound without having devices inserted into their ears. Consequently, bone-conduction headphones, open earbuds, and even smart glasses equipped with open-air speakers have gained popularity. Presently, audio brands are exploring how to leverage these technologies to improve the listening experience during sleep.

It may seem peculiar to those who haven’t experienced it, but a significant number of individuals take pleasure in listening to white noise, podcasts, audiobooks, or music as they drift off to sleep. Some attempt to use their regular earbuds for this purpose, which can be uncomfortable for those who sleep on their sides. Others invest in specialized sleep earbuds, like the excellent Soundcore Sleep A30 that I tested earlier. A few simply utilize their phone speaker placed under their pillow, hoping for satisfactory results.

While none of these alternatives is flawless, Jabees aims to offer a different solution with a Bluetooth speaker intended for placement under your pillow. I’ve tried it, and while it’s not without flaws, it appears to be the best option for side sleepers unwilling to wear earbuds to bed.

How the Jabees Peace Pillow Speaker operates

The Jabees Peace Pillow Speaker is compact enough to fit in your hand, which may come as a surprise. This was not what I anticipated when the audio accessory arrived. After using it, I realized that the pillow speaker’s small and portable size could be its most significant advantage. I often struggle to sleep while traveling because my internal clock gets disrupted, and having a small pillow speaker for white noise or music while on the go seems appealing.

It operates using a type of bone conduction similar to that found in bone-conduction headphones. Though marketed as a bone-conduction pillow speaker, that description isn’t entirely accurate. Bone conduction headphones transmit sound vibrations through the bones in your cheek, which are then detected by your inner ear. In contrast, this pillow speaker transmits sound vibrations through your pillow, which can then be heard by your ear.

Disregarding the marketing misrepresentation, the key point is that it functions effectively. With the speaker positioned under your pillow, it amplifies the vibrations, making them easily audible at medium-to-high volumes. You should place the speaker under the section of your pillow where your ear rests for the best experience.

It’s a Bluetooth speaker, but this device can also operate independently with audio files stored on a microSD card. The “plus version” includes a 1GB card with eight white noise and nature sounds. The standard version is only about $4 less expensive, so opting for the plus bundle is advisable if you intend to use the white noise feature. Those who wish to merely connect to their phone can forgo the microSD card and save some money.

There are three high-visibility yellow buttons for turning the device on/off and adjusting volume. Some buttons have multiple functions; for instance, the power button is also used for pairing, and the volume up button can activate a sleep timer. Speaking of which, this feature is useful if you don’t want your music playing throughout the night — it can automatically stop after 30 minutes, one hour, or two hours.

The battery can last up to 10 hours, ensuring you’ll receive a complete night’s sleep from the speaker, though not significantly more. Utilizing the sleep timer may extend its use over a week. Recharging via USB-C is quite simple: just connect the pillow speaker where your phone charges overnight and you’re good to go.

It’s superior to your phone, but inferior to sleep earbuds (for certain users)

The price is an important consideration here — it’s $36 for the standard version or $40 for the plus bundle inclusive of a microSD card. This should give you an idea of the sound quality of the Jabees pillow speaker. While the quality isn’t exceptional, it far surpasses a phone speaker. This is because a phone speaker projects sound downwards, while this pillow speaker transmits vibrations upwards through your pillow.

When using it, you’ll need to determine whether you prefer the pillow speaker to be discreet or loud. At a volume I find comfortable, it is sufficiently loud that someone beside you may be able to hear it. Lower volumes are less disruptive to sleeping partners, but are more effective for background white noise than for music and podcasts that require attention.

When comparing a phone speaker to the Jabees Peace, I would opt for the dedicated pillow speaker. As a side sleeper, I benefit from louder volumes and improved clarity compared to my phone, without the discomfort of earbuds. Additionally, I appreciate being able to use my phone or place it on a nightstand while still enjoying music playing beneath my pillow. However, it may not suit everyone.

Sleep earbuds remain the superior choice for individuals requiring high volume without

New Leak Uncovers Essential Information Regarding the OnePlus Open 2

Following two years of speculation, new information suggests we may have to say goodbye. The highly awaited OnePlus Open 2, a foldable smartphone that had generated significant buzz, might never be released. Recent reports indicate that OnePlus has supposedly canceled the global debut of this device, which was anticipated to include an 8.1-inch 2K resolution primary display, a 50MP camera, and a 32MP front-facing lens. The OnePlus Open 2 was rumored to feature a sleek chassis and support for wireless charging, positioning it as a sought-after successor to the initial OnePlus Open launched in late 2023.

The news of the cancellation is a letdown for many who had been looking forward to the device, particularly after leaks pointed to it being in an advanced testing phase. The OnePlus Open 2 was predicted to be equipped with the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5, offering options for 1TB of storage and 16GB of RAM. However, rising RAM costs and other factors might have played a role in the decision to cease production.

In spite of this setback, some fans remain hopeful that OnePlus may revisit the endeavor down the line. The brand is recognized for its innovative smartphone designs, and the OnePlus Open 2 was projected to surpass rivals like the Honor Magic V3 in terms of slimness and aesthetics. As supporters come to terms with the news, the chance of a future launch remains unclear, prompting many to ponder if they will ever experience what could have been a revolutionary foldable device.