Author: Richard

Google Earth Commemorates 20th Anniversary with a Sentimental Worldwide Journey

Prepare yourself for some trips down memory lane.

(Image credit: Google)

Essential information

  • Google Earth celebrates its 20th anniversary and introduces a virtual time machine, enabling users to scroll through years of Street View recollections directly within the application.
  • You can now rewind Street View within Google Earth to observe how locations appeared many years ago.
  • An array of AI-driven features is debuting in Google Earth, allowing users to assess tree cover, monitor urban heat, and design cooler, greener cities.

Google Earth has reached its 20th year, highlighting two decades of the service enabling us to rotate the globe on our devices. To commemorate its 20th anniversary, Google Earth is releasing a nostalgic update: historical Street View, now integrated into the Earth experience.

What begun as a 3D mapping application has transformed into a vast time machine in your hand, filled with satellite images, unique findings, and even cinematic reunions. With the latest enhancement, you can now enter Street View and turn back the clock to explore how your neighborhood or street appeared a decade or two in the past.

virtually time-traveled to see how places evolved and locate their cherished ones in imagery.

Budget-Friendly Chromebooks Ready Ahead of Prime Day

Amazon isn’t the sole destination for fantastic bargains on Chromebooks

(Image credit: Andrew Myrick / Android Central)

Prime Day 2025 is approaching quickly, making it an ideal moment to begin considering what you might want to acquire. Even though it occurs right in the midst of summer, Prime Day is also an excellent opportunity to prepare for the upcoming school year. And you know what that entails — Chromebook offers.

Nonetheless, Amazon isn’t the only venue for finding price cuts on some of the finest Chromebooks, as Best Buy typically features promotions at the same time. In fact, if you’re in search of a new Chromebook, there are already some excellent deals available, like the Lenovo Chromebook Duet 11, <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://bestbuy.7tiv.net/c/1943169/614286/10014?subId1=ac-us-7710816890626729131&sharedId=ac-us&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.bestbuy.com%2Fsite%2Flenovo-duet-11-chromebook-11-2k-lcd-touchscreen-2-in-1-tablet-mediatek-kompanio-838-4gb-ram-128gb-emmc-with-keyboard-luna-gray%2F6597397.p%3FskuId%3D6597397" data-url="https://www.bestbuy.com/site/lenovo-duet-11-chromebook-11-2k-lcd-touchscreen-2-in-1-tablet-mediatek-kompanio-838-4gb-ram-128gb-emmc-with-keyboard-luna-gray/6597397.p?skuId=6597397" target="_blank" referrerpolicy="no-referrer-when-downgrade" rel="sponsored noopener" data-hl-processed="hawklinks" data-placeholder-url="https://bestbuy.7tiv.net/c/1943169/614286/10014?subId1=hawk-custom-tracking&sharedId=hawk-prefix&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.bestbuy.com%2Fsite%2Flenovo-duet-11-chromebook-11-2k-lcd-touchscreen-2-in-1-tablet-mediatek-kompanio

Read More
Power Bank Featuring Retractable USB-C Cable Now on Sale Ahead of Prime Day

Baseus has unveiled a fresh innovation with its newest power bank, the Enercore Power Bank, featuring a built-in retractable USB-C cable. This 20,000mAh power bank charges at 67W and comes with a 2.3ft retractable cable, enhancing user convenience by eliminating the need to carry extra cables. The power bank is listed at $59, but a discount reduces the price to $44 on Amazon with a coupon and code. The Enercore Power Bank showcases a unique blue hue and includes a display panel indicating the remaining battery charge. The retractable cable can be extended to four different lengths, allowing for flexibility and a tangle-free experience. It accommodates various power profiles for efficient charging across multiple devices. Additionally, the power bank features a standard USB-C port for charging extra devices. In summary, the Enercore Power Bank delivers a dependable and efficient charging solution, particularly at the promotional price.

Read More
Logitech Casa Pop Up Desk: An Adaptable Option for Working Remotely

# Logitech Casa Pop Up Desk: A Portable Solution for Mobile Work

Logitech has recently unveiled the Casa Pop Up Desk, a multifunctional device tailored for individuals who desire a permanent desk setup while traveling. With a price tag of $179.99, this item seeks to improve the experience for those who often work in cafés or outdoor environments.

## Overview

The Casa Pop Up Desk transcends being just a chic desk accessory; it comes equipped with a stowable keyboard and trackpad, providing a holistic answer for mobile work. The desk includes a compartment for keeping necessary items such as cables, earbuds, and flash drives, ensuring that users have quick access to everything they require.

## Thoughts

In terms of pricing, it’s important to consider that Apple’s Magic Trackpad is priced at $129 on its own. Thus, the Casa Pop Up Desk’s cost seems justified, particularly when accounting for the accompanying keyboard and trackpad.

Although the trackpad may not match the sophistication of Apple’s version, it performs satisfactorily. It emits a distinctive clicking sound and operates on a traditional diving-board mechanism. Nevertheless, it supports macOS gestures, provided that users install the Logi Options+ companion app. Early tests indicated that three-finger gestures did not function immediately.

On the other hand, the keyboard impresses. Those accustomed to Logitech’s MX keyboards will recognize the excellence. The keys are thoughtfully designed, the construction is robust, and it incorporates all essential Mac-specific keys.

The desk itself is mainly made from plastic materials but effectively fulfills its role. When opened, the book-style case features a magnetic click that holds it in an elevated stance, improving the laptop usage experience.

## Wrap Up

All in all, the Casa Pop Up Desk is a product that caters to the needs of its intended audience. While it may not suit everyone, it presents a practical alternative to acquiring separate elements like a Magic Trackpad, keyboard, and laptop stand, which could easily surpass $250.

Logitech’s offering combines these components into a compact folio design for $179. Available in three shades, including a personal favorite of Tan/Purple, it appeals to various aesthetic tastes.

For those interested, the Casa Pop Up Desk can be found on Amazon, and current Amazon Prime Visa holders can take advantage of a 10% bonus on this purchase.

**Buy Logitech Casa Pop Up Desk on Amazon:**

Read More
Leak Indicates iPhone 17 Pro Could Include Vapor Chamber Cooling Technology

### Apple’s Cutting-Edge Vapor Chamber Cooling Technology for iPhone 17 Pro

A leak from Majin Bu gives insight into Apple’s possible answer to a major issue in high-performance smartphones: managing heat. The forthcoming iPhone 17 Pro series is rumored to integrate a vapor chamber, a technology currently utilized in gaming laptops and premium Android devices.

#### Unpacking Vapor Chamber Technology

In contrast to the graphite sheet cooling technology used in iPhones, which only distributes heat across a surface, a vapor chamber functions via a phase change process. Within the enclosed metal plate, liquid vaporizes when heated, moves to a cooler area, condenses, and then cycles back. This mechanism allows for quicker and more consistent heat distribution, effectively addressing the thermal issues created by powerful components.

Notably, Apple may introduce the vapor chamber system in conjunction with its existing graphite cooling sheets, indicating a hybrid methodology rather than a full substitution.

#### Visual Insights into the Vapor Chamber

The pre-production image provided by Bu depicts what seems to be the base plate for the vapor chamber system, featuring detailed micro-perforated copper patterns characteristic of vapor chamber production. This design highlights the sophisticated cooling technology Apple is embedding in its devices.

#### The Demand for Enhanced Cooling

The implementation of the vapor chamber system is driven by the requirements of the new A19 Pro chip, which is anticipated to produce notable heat not only during gaming or GPU-intensive tasks but also while running generative AI models on the device. These operations necessitate prolonged thermal management, making effective heat dissipation essential.

Alongside the vapor chamber, Apple is said to be exploring lighter chassis materials, such as aluminum, to further improve heat dissipation from the device’s frame.

#### Conclusion

As Apple gears up to launch the iPhone 17 Pro, the addition of a vapor chamber cooling system signifies a major leap forward in smartphone technology. This innovation seeks to address the rising thermal challenges posed by potent processors and demanding applications. The tech community is keenly awaiting whether Apple will effectively incorporate this technology in the upcoming release.

Read More
Research Indicates a Transiting Star Might Displace Earth from the Solar System

The cosmos is in perpetual motion. Though evidence of wandering black holes and rogue planets has surfaced, recent studies indicate that a roaming star might exist in the vastness. Regrettably, if it were to approach our solar system too closely, it could very well propel our planet toward the sun. It might even expel Earth from the solar system entirely.

Presently, the likelihood of this occurring isn’t precisely negligible, but it isn’t particularly high either. Nevertheless, it is a topic that scientists have been investigating. As per a fresh study published in the journal Icarus, if a star were to drift by our solar system, the potential chaos it could unleash could be far greater than previously anticipated.

Among the most catastrophic outcomes that could arise include the complete expulsion of Earth from the solar system or even its reeling back into the Sun. Naturally, these are extreme scenarios, and this doesn’t imply that such events are certain to happen. However, we are well aware that the cosmos can be quite unpredictable. This is precisely why NASA and various organizations have been diligently developing strategies for asteroid defense.

The turmoil that a wandering star could instigate is largely due to the extra gravitational force it would exert in the vicinity. This could lead to instability amongst several planets in our system. Indeed, researchers contend that over the course of several billion years, passing stars may destabilize the orbits of our outer planets. Should that occur, it would likely impact all the planets in our solar system.

Some studies have even suggested that the potential presence of an additional planet situated between Mars and Jupiter might have disrupted Earth’s orbit, had it ever been real.

This concern has been a topic of extensive discussion over the years, with some experts pointing out that even a minor alteration in Jupiter’s orbit could have strange repercussions for Earth’s trajectory. Given that our planet is the sole one discovered to reside within the “habitable zone” of a star, any variation in orbit could have monumental implications for humanity’s future. Fortunately, we will likely detect any approaching star before it gets close enough to forcefully remove Earth from its orbit.

Read More
T-Mobile Set to Introduce T-Satellite Service in Partnership with Starlink Next Month, Teaming Up with Apple on Satellite-Enabled Apps

### T-Mobile’s T-Satellite Service: Enhancing Connectivity Beyond Conventional Networks

T-Mobile has been rigorously testing its T-Satellite service, which utilizes SpaceX’s Starlink satellites to deliver connectivity in regions where traditional cellular networks are inadequate. The beta testing period has been in progress for several weeks, with a commercial launch scheduled for July 23. This groundbreaking service is designed to improve communication for users, particularly in remote areas.

#### Launch Information and Compatibility

The T-Satellite service will be accessible not only to T-Mobile subscribers but also to customers from various other carriers. To access the service, users will require a free, unlocked SIM or eSIM slot on a compatible mobile device. At the outset, the service will facilitate text messaging through satellite connections when access to traditional networks is limited.

#### Service Expansion

Beginning October 1, T-Mobile intends to upgrade T-Satellite by introducing data connectivity, enabling users to utilize satellite-optimized applications. The company is partnering with prominent app developers, such as AccuWeather, AllTrails, Apple, Google, WhatsApp, and others, to provide a smooth experience for users in remote locations.

#### Pricing Model

Although the beta phase has been complimentary, T-Mobile has disclosed its pricing strategy for the official rollout. T-Satellite will be offered at no extra charge for customers subscribed to T-Mobile’s Experience Beyond plan. For users on other networks, including AT&T and Verizon, the service will be available for a monthly charge of $10. Importantly, the service will also feature 911 texting capabilities via satellite, ensuring essential safety options for all mobile users with compatible devices, independent of their carrier.

#### Summary

T-Mobile’s T-Satellite service marks a notable advancement in mobile connectivity, especially for individuals in underserved regions. With the forthcoming launch and the anticipation of new features, T-Mobile is committed to ensuring that users remain connected even in the most difficult circumstances.

Read More
iOS 26 Beta 2 Suggests Possible iPhone 17 Air Screen Resolution

### iOS 26 Beta 2 Unveils Fresh Clownfish Wallpaper: An Insight into the iPhone 17 Air

The newly launched second beta of iOS 26 has sparked enthusiasm among Apple fans with the debut of a fresh asset showcasing the classic clownfish wallpaper, which was originally introduced with the first iPhone. This wallpaper was revisited in 2022 alongside the launch of iOS 16, but its current presentation is particularly noteworthy due to its distinctive resolution, hinting at the possible release of a new device, likely the speculated iPhone 17 Air.

#### New Wallpaper Resolution

The clownfish wallpaper in the iOS 26 beta 2 is crafted for a device featuring a screen resolution of 420 x 912 points, equivalent to 1260 x 2736 pixels in 3x retina mode. This resolution is significant as it lies between the iPhone 16 Pro and the iPhone 16 Pro Max, suggesting that it could be customized for a new model that Apple is poised to introduce.

#### Rumored Features of the iPhone 17 Air

The iPhone 17 Air is anticipated to sport a dramatically different design, focusing on a sleek and ultra-slim profile. Prior reports have suggested that the device’s resolution would hover around 1260 x 2740 pixels, closely matching the specifications of the clownfish wallpaper found in the latest beta.

The expected display size for the iPhone 17 Air is 6.6 inches, placing it between the current iPhone 16 Pro (6.27 inches) and iPhone 16 Pro Max (6.8 inches). Furthermore, there are expectations that the iPhone 17 Air will feature a 120Hz-capable ProMotion display, distinguishing it from the standard models like the iPhone 16e.

#### Visual Comparisons

Mock-ups contrasting the present iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max with the forthcoming iPhone 17 Air depict how the new device slots seamlessly between the two in terms of screen resolution. The emphasis on a slimmer design may also impact its visual attractiveness, likely mirroring the smaller iPhone 16 Pro more than its larger sibling.

#### Conclusion

As enthusiasm mounts for Apple’s next series of iPhones, the fresh clownfish wallpaper in iOS 26 beta 2 acts as an enticing clue regarding the features and design of the iPhone 17 Air. For those keen to remain informed on the latest updates surrounding Apple’s upcoming devices, sources like 9to5Mac’s iPhone 17 Air Guide will offer continuous insights and information.

For further details, visit

Read More
Reasons I Continue to Endorse Sonos Headphones Even with Their Flaws

Get your hands on one of the finest over-ear models for Android while enjoying significant savings for a short period.

(Image credit: Ted Kritsonis / Android Central)

I’ve routinely tested the Sonos Ace throughout the year since their debut, and honestly, they aren’t flawless. The retail price of $449 is quite high compared to some rivals, to start with. However, Sonos excels in many areas with its inaugural set of over-ear headphones, particularly in terms of comfort that leads the industry. If the price were about $100 lower, it would be a resounding recommendation, which is why a promotion from Walmart piqued my interest.

The retailer is reducing the Sonos Ace’s standard price by $117, lowering it to $332.29. This makes it considerably cheaper than Sony’s WH-1000XM6, Bose’s QuietComfort Ultra, and <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.androidcentral.com/tag/apple" data-auto-tag-linker="true" data-before-rewrite

Read More