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China Builds a Massive Floating Island for Comprehensive Deep Sea Study in Any Weather

China has initiated the construction of the largest mobile research platform globally, designed to connect simulated laboratory tests with authentic oceanic conditions. This open-ocean “floating island” can be rapidly mobilized and deployed to various regions with diverse testing environments. Engineers at Shanghai Jiao Tong University have crafted this research facility with dual semi-submersible hulls, enabling researchers to operate under different environmental conditions while at sea for extended durations.

The platform will facilitate the testing of mining technologies such as drills and deep-sea robots. As China’s robotics sector experiences swift growth, this platform could expedite the advancement of underwater autonomous systems, including sizable ones. It can accommodate equipment weighing up to 110 tons and is capable of conducting tests at depths reaching 32,800 feet (10,000 meters). In comparison, the ocean’s deepest location, the Mariana Trench, is at 36,000 feet (11,000 meters), thus allowing it to explore nearly any underwater region.

The potential applications of this project extend beyond just oil and mining exploration. It may also be utilized for typhoon forecasting, provide insight into marine ecosystems, and assist scientists in seeking clues concerning the origins of life, such as elusive subatomic particles located a mile below the ocean’s surface.

How China developed a platform that’s stable like a rig yet can maneuver like a vessel

Conventional marine platforms encounter significant constraints. Research vessels are mobile but struggle to maintain their position in turbulent waters. On the other hand, fixed oil rigs provide stability but lack mobility. In contrast, the mobile island is both stable and relocatable when necessary. The engineers devised the platform utilizing a semi-submersible twin-hull framework that can alternate between different configurations. To ensure stability, the hulls are filled with water, lowering the ship and enhancing its resistance to waves. To navigate, the hulls expel the water, allowing the platform to elevate. According to engineers, it can navigate and steer similarly to a traditional vessel.

It will be capable of maintaining anchor at a single spot for months, even during ty

Three Budget-Friendly Android Devices Offering Greater Power Than the Samsung Galaxy A37

Samsung’s smartphone range. It showcases a 6.7-inch OLED screen with a refresh rate of 120Hz, a 5,000mAh battery, and boasts an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance. The device is driven by the Exynos 1480 SoC and operates on Android 16 with One UI 8.5 layered on top. Notably, this phone is slated to receive Android OS and security updates for a duration of six years, which is commendable for a mid-tier smartphone. It is available for purchase starting at $450 in the U.S. through Samsung’s retail outlets, the official website, numerous wireless carriers, and Amazon. Although initial hands-on evaluations suggest that the Galaxy A37 is a satisfactory mid-range option, it doesn’t offer any significant enhancements over the Galaxy A36, which already ranks among the best budget gaming devices and even the top budget smartphones for frequent travelers.

The only significant modification is the new Exynos chip, which is somewhat disappointing as the A37 is priced $50 higher than its predecessor. While the price hike is probably due to escalating component costs, it renders the phone less appealing as a value proposition. Therefore, if you wish to investigate all available alternatives and seek similarly priced devices that can deliver superior performance with their enhanced internals, you’re in luck. A number of budget or mid-range Android smartphones are worth considering over the Galaxy A37. Here’s a glimpse at three of the leading options.

Google Pixel 10a

Even though it’s $50 pricier than the base model of the Galaxy A37, the Pixel 10a is a more powerful and capable device, attributed to its flagship-level Tensor G4 chip and 8GB of RAM. It is also highly recommended as one of the best, if not the top, value-for-money Android smartphones, and it features in our selections of budget devices that are astonishingly overpowered. Additionally, the Pixel 10a comes with an aluminum body, a brighter display featuring 3,000 nits, and is poised to receive an extra year of Android updates.

While the Pixel lacks a third rear camera, Google phones have long been celebrated for their exceptional computational photography abilities, as highlighted in numerous expert evaluations. Other notable features of the Google device include Wi-Fi 6e for enhanced connectivity, dual-frequency GPS for improved location accuracy in crowded areas, a more advanced USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-C port, and support for wireless charging. The Pixel 10a is available starting at $500 on Amazon, <a href="https://r.bttn.io?btn_ref=org-225e4e0aac880b8f&btn_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.bestbuy.com%2Fproduct%2Fgoogle-pixel-10a-128gb-unlocked-obsidian%2FJ39TC8CKQW%2Fsku%2F6668565&btn_pub_ref=

The Terrashroom’s Result Following Shark Tank: Updates After Season 16

“Shark Tank” viewers are aware that the items showcased on the program are at various phases of development and launch. Some, such as Gunnar Glasses, have experienced some level of success and seek assistance from the Sharks to scale their operations. Conversely, there are firms still in the nascent stages with no products shipped yet, like the Amber Phone Charging Station.

Terrashroom, which featured in Season 16, Episode 4 of “Shark Tank,” belongs to this latter group. Founder Jared Steele approached the Sharks requesting $175,000 for 2.5% equity in his unique mushroom cultivation chamber, claiming it had acquired 6,500 paying customers (with over 20,000 on an email waitlist) and generated $780,000 in revenue over the initial year and a half.

While the Sharks showed initial interest in Terrashroom, most withdrew upon discovering that Steele had not yet delivered any products. Only Kevin O’Leary remained, proposing the funding in return for 15% of the company — much to the irritation of fellow Shark Lori Greiner, who attempted to dissuade him from the offer. However, when Steele attempted to negotiate with a 5% counter, Mr. Wonderful promptly retracted his offer, leaving Terrashroom without a deal.

What transpired with the Terrashroom after Shark Tank?

Terrashroom enjoyed some early success. In July 2024, the company dispatched its initial 23 units, garnering favorable early reviews. Following some design modifications, the company aimed to deliver the first 1,500 units of the final product between October 2024 and January 2025. However, it remains uncertain if these actually reached customers, as Terrashroom fell silent for several months following a September 2024 investor update.

In June 2025, founder Jared Steele declared that he was promptly closing Terrashroom. In a final corporate update, Steele expressed regret for underestimating the workload and overpromising the product. He also pointed to manufacturing challenges, an alarmingly low customer retention rate, shifts in the mushroom market, and health issues related to stress as contributing factors. The company’s precarious financial state also meant that Terrashroom was unable to refund deposits for unfinished purchases. Steele has created a customer claims form and has pledged personally to reimburse those who did not receive what they paid for in a bid to make amends. Nonetheless, this has not prevented many disgruntled customers from feeling deceived and accusing Terrashroom of being a scam.

Since the announcement, Terrashroom’s website and social media platforms have been erased, with the exception of its LinkedIn account. As for Steele, he has been involved with a few small businesses in the Austin, TX area since winding down his company. Terrashroom exemplifies a situation where financial backing and guidance from one of the Sharks might have been advantageous, though perhaps not sufficient to achieve its overly ambitious objectives. Although maybe scientists could have contributed, given their advancements in turning mushrooms into computers.

UmbrelOS: A Sleek Debian-Based Personal Cloud Operating System

Umbrel OS

UmbrelOS is a Debian-based home cloud OS with a neat web-based interface that works on devices like Raspberry Pi SBCs, mini PCs, old computers, and more. Having been first released in 2020, the OS is not exactly new, but I only discovered it today after noticing it was one of the supported operating systems for the Pironman 5 Pro Max enclosure for the Raspberry Pi 5. It initially launched as a tool for running a Bitcoin full node on a Raspberry Pi easily, but eventually turned into a home cloud OS that competes against other open-source solutions such as OpenMediaVault or CasaOS/ZimaOS. UmbrelOS highlights: Intuitive web dashboard at umbrel.local or your device’s IP. Umbrel App Store — Over 300 apps, including Nextcloud or Immich for media and document storage, Jellyfin for media streaming, Home Assistant automation framework, Vaultwarden password manager, Bitcoin and Lightning nodes, AdGuard Home adblocker, and AI-related tools […]

The post UmbrelOS – A Debian-based personal home cloud OS with a slick user interface appeared first on CNX Software – Embedded Systems News.

Why Tires on Electric Vehicles Deteriorate More Quickly Than Those on Gas-Powered Cars

new electric vehicle battery technology that enables these automobiles to compete with what conventional gasoline cars provide, featuring extended ranges and extra functionalities. Nevertheless, in spite of the progress that a number of these modern vehicles may have achieved, there’s still one issue that troubles EV owners: tire degradation. But what makes electric vehicles more susceptible to tire attrition compared to traditional gasoline automobiles? It appears there are several distinct factors at play here.

It’s vital to recognize just how much more rapidly EVs can deplete their tires. Scott Clark, a past Michelin executive, disclosed in 2021 that electric vehicles generally deteriorate their tires up to 20% quicker than typical gasoline cars. Whether that precise figure holds true five years later remains uncertain; however, not a great deal regarding the mechanics of EVs has altered significantly during that timeframe — they continue to possess greater instant torque than gasoline-driven vehicles, and frequently tend to be heavier. All of this exerts additional stress on the tires, which results in accelerated wear.

There’s another aspect to take into account, as well, which is that electric cars must utilize tires specifically designed for EVs. Michelin clarifies that electric vehicle tires are constructed to leverage “advanced techniques,” which aids in providing a robust and high-performance structure for the tire, referred to by the company as a “tire carcass.” Some of these tires even feature varied belt angles, which can enhance the tire’s shape.

Weight and design cause EV tires to deteriorate faster

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Accessory Allows 4K Gaming of Switch 2 Games on iPad and iMac Screens

# Making Use of Your iMac as a Display: An In-Depth Guide

Apple’s iMacs are renowned for their exceptional display panels, but up until recently, there was limited ability to use these displays with devices outside of macOS. The formerly favored Target Display Mode has been phased out, leaving many users with high-quality screens that remain largely unexploited once their computing capabilities become outdated. Fortunately, a feasible solution exists that enables you to utilize your iMac’s display for an array of HDMI input sources.

## The Answer

To convert your iMac into a multifunctional display, you will require a 4K capture card and a specific application available on the Mac App Store. The suggested capture card is the **UGREEN 4K 60Hz capture card**, which is priced around $95. This device is recognized for its dependable performance, accommodating 4K resolution at 60Hz, which is crucial for a seamless viewing experience. It also features HDR support, making it an excellent choice for those wishing to connect devices such as a MacBook Pro or an iPad Pro.

On the application front, the **UVC Video Capture** app from the Mac App Store is an appropriate option. It necessitates a $9.99 yearly subscription but provides a free trial for users to evaluate its features. For iPad users, the **Orion app** is available, which offers basic functionalities for free and additional features for a one-time fee.

### Installation Steps

Establishing this configuration is simple:

1. Connect your HDMI source device (like a Nintendo Switch 2, PS5, or Xbox) to the UGREEN capture card.
2. Insert the capture card’s USB-C cable into your iMac or iPad.
3. Launch the UVC Video Capture app, and your content will start streaming smoothly.

Users have noted low latency with this arrangement, rendering it almost indistinguishable from native output. For example, playing games like Mario Kart World and Fortnite on the iMac has been a fluid experience.

## Wrap-Up

Although it would be optimal for Apple to restore and improve Target Display Mode, the current workaround involving a capture card and application effectively enables users to fully utilize their iMac’s display features. This solution is especially advantageous for those aiming to use their iMac or iPad as a larger screen for gaming or other HDMI-compatible devices.

Are you considering this configuration for your iMac, or do you prefer to use your iPad as a larger display? Share your opinions in the comments.

Top 5 Essential Devices for Bird Enthusiasts

smart outdoor devices can enhance this pastime. Previously, the sole choice was a pair of binoculars along with some printed guides to make the most of the experience, but now there are additional options. Tools such as Wi-Fi cameras and innovative bird feeders facilitate the spotting of these birds without disturbing their environment.

Indeed, while several general smart devices are effective for this interest, numerous companies have started creating gadgets specifically for bird watching. Brands like Birdfy and Bird Buddy provide an array of products tailored for these aficionados, including high-definition cameras capable of identifying species with assistance from AI. Thus, even in the absence of human observers, these birds can be captured in their natural habitats.

This category is so varied that even those who are not dedicated enthusiasts and look for something more casual are likely to discover a suitable option. There are plenty of compact devices designed for smaller areas. They come not only at reasonable prices but also include user-friendly apps for anyone wishing to engage with nature in a manner that seemed unimaginable just a few years ago.

GoPro HERO12 Black

Although it is not a device designed exclusively for bird watching, the GoPro HERO12 Black remains a remarkable choice for hobbyists. As noted in our GoPro HERO12 Black review, it features an outstanding camera that can record in 5.3K, allowing for the capture of the key details of the birds being observed. However, to function at its peak, it requires some camouflage accessories and a touch of creativity to blend into the surroundings.

Conversely, while concealing it properly requires some effort to prevent startling certain bird species, the result is exceptional image quality. The camera provides excellent stabilization, ensuring that even recordings in windy conditions or similar environments maintain sharp and steady visuals. This GoPro model is also capable of recording time-lapses for those who appreciate photographing these moments in sequence.

GoPro has designed this model for outdoor usage,