Author: Richard

Unveiling the Concealed Strength of Oakley Meta HSTNs After a Week of Usage

Meta’s partnership with Oakley has led to the launch of a new series of smart glasses tailored for athletes, and the justification for this emphasis is becoming more apparent. The Oakley Meta HSTN smart glasses merge aesthetics with practicality, delivering features that address the demands of active individuals. These glasses feature Oakley’s distinctive HSTN design and are available in exclusive colors, along with the choice of PRIZM lenses, which are recognized for improving visual sharpness and contrast.

A key feature of these smart glasses is their capacity to record and share first-person footage of workouts, aided by enhanced camera clarity and battery longevity compared to earlier versions like the Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses. The improved image stabilization is especially advantageous for athletes, guaranteeing steady video recording even during intense activities.

In trials, the Oakley Meta HSTN glasses exhibited remarkable stabilization across diverse surfaces and activities, from running on flat ground to tackling stairs and hills. Although the glasses can film in 3K resolution, the 1080p option is suggested for its better stabilization and battery performance.

The glasses are crafted to remain securely fitted during most exercises, such as running, pull-ups, and weightlifting, though they may shift during more vigorous movements such as burpees. Despite this minor limitation, the Oakley Meta HSTN smart glasses represent a significant asset for athletes aiming to document their fitness journeys without using their hands.

While these glasses do not yet include sophisticated workout metrics like heart rate tracking, they shine in offering a distinctive viewpoint on physical activities. The limited edition glasses equipped with PRIZM lenses are presently available for $499, with additional styles and lenses anticipated soon at a more affordable price. These smart glasses are set to evolve into a vital accessory for athletes, enhancing other fitness technologies like smartwatches.

Read More
Implications of Thawing Arctic Permafrost

thawing permafrost present? The consequences of permafrost melting would be catastrophic. Sea levels will increase and coastlines will be compromised. The modified ecosystems will restrict water supply for flora, fauna, and people. A significant worry occupying scientists’ thoughts is that thawing permafrost may unleash toxic industrial pollutants that have been securely contained within it.

What could transpire if the permafrost melts

Current Offers: M4 MacBook Air Beginning at $799, M4 MacBook Pro Marked Down by $300, Apple Watch Ultra 2 Cut by $150, and Additional Savings

### Top Offers on MacBooks and Apple Products This Week

As we embark on another week of thrilling deals, this issue of *9to5Toys Lunch Break* features some of the most outstanding discounts of the year on MacBooks. Amazon is presently providing major price reductions on various configurations of the M4 MacBook Air and M4 MacBook Pro, making it an ideal moment to acquire Apple’s latest technology.

#### M4 MacBook Air Savings

Amazon has reduced the prices on nearly every model of the M4 MacBook Air by **$200**, with prices beginning as low as **$799**. This includes both 16GB and 24GB RAM versions in all color choices. This promotion represents the lowest prices recorded online, even better than those offered on Prime Day.

Previously, price reductions on the M4 MacBook Air were restricted to certain models and colors, but this week’s offer provides a flat $200 off universally. This is a rare chance to purchase Apple’s most budget-friendly current-generation MacBook at such a low cost, making it one of the top offers of the year.

#### M4 MacBook Pro Discounts

Alongside the MacBook Air deals, the M4 MacBook Pro is also witnessing substantial discounts. The entry-level model, equipped with a 14-inch display, 16GB of RAM, and a 512GB SSD, is now offered at **$1,299**, reduced from its usual price of **$1,599**. This indicates a **$300** price reduction, marking the best price ever seen on Amazon for this model.

Other configurations of the M4 MacBook Pro are also discounted, including:
– **14-inch M4 MacBook Pro 16GB/1TB**: Now **$1,499** (Reg. $1,799)
– **14-inch M4 MacBook Pro 24GB/1TB**: Now **$1,699** (Reg. $1,999)
– **16-inch M4 Pro MacBook Pro 24GB/1TB**: Now **$2,234** (Reg. $2,499)

These offers present a fantastic opportunity for those seeking to upgrade their laptops with powerful specifications at lower prices.

#### Apple Watch Ultra 2 Offers

In addition to the MacBooks, numerous models of the Apple Watch Ultra 2 have also returned to **$650**, a **$149** reduction from the standard price of **$799**. This includes various versions with different band selections, making it an excellent time to buy this high-end smartwatch.

The Apple Watch Ultra 2 seldom experiences such considerable discounts, particularly on the Natural Titanium models. This sale is especially significant as it follows closely after Prime Day, when prices were comparably low.

#### Accessories and Additional Offers

This week also highlights discounts on a variety of accessories, including the latest **AirPods Max (USB-C)**, which are now listed at **$449.99**, reduced from **$549**. For those searching for even greater savings, Best Buy is providing open-box models at **$412.99**, offering substantial savings while still ensuring quality with a one-year warranty.

### Conclusion

With notable discounts on MacBooks, the Apple Watch Ultra 2, and other accessories, this week offers an outstanding opportunity for Apple fans and prospective buyers to capitalize on these limited-time offers. Whether upgrading your laptop or buying a new smartwatch, these deals are among the best available this year.

Read More
Upcoming Apple TV+ Films This Autumn Present the Most Impressive Collection to Date

Apple TV+ is primarily recognized for its original television series, but the platform has recently begun achieving success in filmmaking as well. Soon to arrive are three prominent new films that are poised to deliver Apple TV+ its most impressive fall lineup yet.

#1: Highest 2 Lowest

The immediate movie debuting on Apple TV+ will bring together Denzel Washington and Spike Lee once more. Highest 2 Lowest premieres on **Friday, September 5** after a limited theatrical release on August 15. Set in New York City, this crime thriller is helmed by Spike Lee and boasts a stellar cast, led by Denzel Washington, A$AP Rocky, and Jeffrey Wright.

Here’s Apple’s official description:

> When a legendary music mogul (Denzel Washington), known for having the “best ears in the business,” finds himself the target of a ransom scheme, he is caught in a life-or-death ethical quandary. Denzel Washington and Spike Lee collaborate for the fifth time in their enduring partnership, reimagining the great filmmaker Akira Kurosawa’s crime thriller “High and Low,” now set against the gritty backdrop of present-day New York City.

#2: The Lost Bus

The Lost Bus is set to arrive on Apple TV+ this fall as the next project from Paul Greengrass (Jason Bourne series, United 93). Matthew McConaughey and America Ferrera headline this thriller-drama based on true events. While Apple has yet to announce a specific release date beyond “fall,” The Lost Bus will have a limited theatrical launch for awards consideration, with an Apple TV+ release expected to follow within a few weeks.

Here’s Apple’s description:

> From director Paul Greengrass, and inspired by actual events, “The Lost Bus” takes viewers on a tense journey through one of America’s most dangerous wildfires as a wayward school bus driver (Matthew McConaughey) and a devoted school teacher (America Ferrera) strive to rescue 22 children from the consuming flames.

#3: F1 The Movie

F1 The Movie is currently accumulating its theatrical box office returns. It surpassed $500 million this past weekend and will receive an IMAX re-release next month. Director Joseph Kosinski’s follow-up to Top Gun: Maverick was designed to be experienced on the largest screen available. Following its theatrical run, the film will be available on Apple TV+. Apple has not yet announced an official premiere date for F1 on Apple TV+, but a fall release is highly anticipated.

For those unfamiliar with F1 The Movie, here’s Apple’s description:

> Nicknamed “the greatest that never was,” Sonny Hayes (Brad Pitt) was FORMULA 1’s brightest young talent of the 1990s until an accident on the track nearly derailed his career. Thirty years later, he’s a wandering racer-for-hire when his former teammate Ruben Cervantes (Javier Bardem), who owns a struggling FORMULA 1 team on the brink of collapse, seeks him out. Ruben persuades Sonny to return to FORMULA 1 for one last chance to salvage the team and aim for the top. He will race alongside Joshua Pearce (Damson Idris), the team’s ambitious rookie eager to make his mark. However, as the engines roar to life, Sonny’s past resurfaces, revealing that in FORMULA 1, your teammate can also be your fiercest rival — and the path to redemption is one that cannot be traversed alone.

Which of these fall films from Apple TV+ are you most looking forward to? Share your thoughts in the comments.

Apple TV+ is available for $9.99 per month, showcasing popular shows and films like Ted Lasso, Severance, The Morning Show, Silo, and Shrinking.

Read More
9to5Mac Daily: July 28, 2025 – Summary of AirPods Public Beta and Other Updates

### 9to5Mac Daily: Your Go-To for Daily Apple Updates

In the dynamic realm of technology, keeping abreast of the newest news and trends is crucial, particularly for Apple fans. The **9to5Mac Daily** podcast acts as a trustworthy outlet for daily summaries of the primary stories pertaining to Apple and its ecosystem. Accessible on multiple platforms, including [iTunes](https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/9to5mac-daily/id1331816080), [Stitcher](https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/9to5mac-daily), [TuneIn](https://tunein.com/radio/9to5Mac-Daily-p1089524/), and [Google Play](https://play.google.com/music/m/I5d4dzs7dauazmfxvvrynyiuram?t=9to5Mac_Daily), listeners can conveniently find new episodes every weekday.

#### What to Anticipate from 9to5Mac Daily

Every installment of 9to5Mac Daily includes conversations about the freshest happenings in the Apple realm, featuring product launches, software enhancements, and insights from the industry. The podcast is crafted to keep listeners informed and engaged with brief summaries of key news pieces.

Listeners can also take pleasure in an audio summary of the day’s leading stories, making it simple to stay informed while on the move. The podcast comprises an array of segments, ensuring there is content for everyone, whether you are a casual user or a tech aficionado.

#### Subscription and Assistance

To improve the listening experience, 9to5Mac provides a subscription service via [9to5Mac Daily Plus](https://9to5mac.com/join/). Subscribers benefit from ad-free episodes and unique bonus content, creating a more enriching experience without distractions.

#### Further Resources

For those wanting to safeguard their online security, the podcast is sponsored by [Bitwarden](https://bit.ly/4jXqkHC), a password management tool that offers features such as Apple Watch integration and secure autofill capabilities. This collaboration underscores the significance of cybersecurity in the current digital environment.

#### Connect with the Community

Listeners are invited to express their opinions and comments by contacting via email at

Read More
Details on the Data Breach of the Well-Known iPhone Dating Application Tea

Tea Dating Advice in the App Store has gained popularity lately, causing quite a stir along the way. Tea is an application exclusively for women, who must confirm their identity by submitting selfies and images of photo identification. The aim of Tea is to enable women to have private discussions regarding the men they are seeing and to help each other avoid engaging with potentially undesirable individuals.

Recently, Tea soared to new heights in the App Store, becoming the foremost free app on Apple, surpassing 2 million downloads. It also climbed the rankings in the Play Store, as the app is accessible on Android devices as well. However, it wasn’t only women who noticed its rise. Some men felt uneasy about the app’s presence. The New York Times highlighted that some detractors on the anonymous forum 4chan called for the hacking of Tea.

A hack did, in fact, take place on Friday, July 25, but neither the Tea app nor the website was compromised. Rather, an unprotected database containing tens of thousands of records was found online. Anyone with the correct link could gain access and view user information, including selfie photos, ID images, and conversation screenshots. Location data could also be extracted from the pictures. Tea acknowledged the data breach after it became widely disseminated online.

What personal information did the hackers obtain?

Apple’s Approach to Reinvent Journaling through iOS 26

A few years back, Apple introduced its initial approach to journaling with the Journal app. As a dedicated Notes user, particularly for journaling purposes, I decided to explore it. While I quickly realized that this privacy-focused app aimed at fostering deeper introspection and self-discovery as part of an initiative to help users connect with their emotions throughout the day, I also found it somewhat restricting.

In the ensuing years, the company began to better anticipate when I would actually be inclined to jot something down, sending me prompts to reflect after an intense workout, meeting up with friends, or exploring new places, which was delightful.

Nonetheless, there were several features absent in the app that prevented me from revisiting it for extended periods, only to eventually give it another shot and, inevitably, forget about it again after. With the launch of the first iOS 26 public beta, I thought I might attempt it once more.

4 improvements Apple made to the Journal app in iOS 26

There are several factors motivating me to return to journaling with iOS 26. Your experience may vary, but primarily, what I appreciate most about it is how inviting it is to write within the app. Growing up as a teenager captivated by Tumblr, it also heightened my appreciation for aesthetically pleasing apps, which is precisely what Apple’s Journal embodies.

With iOS 26, I can at last differentiate my reflections from late-night musings, personal insights, and other journal entries. After all, sometimes you simply wish to contemplate a rewarding workout or a fun night out with friends without reminding yourself how close you are to hitting 30. Yikes. Another fantastic update is that Apple is extending the Journal app to Mac and iPad. While I usually utilize my Mac for work, there are occasions when I take a moment to note down a thought or similar on my iPhone. Now I can do this on any of my preferred platforms.

Additionally, Apple is enhancing the Journal app’s appeal by including the option to add images and introducing a new map view that displays entries based on their geographical location. “Oh, wow, I was going through a mental breakdown in London,” “I felt truly joyful in Paris,” or “I recall how much I miss Rio.” I can’t confirm or deny that I’ve had such thoughts, but these are intriguing new methods to utilize the Journal app.

Reflect on your day with the Journal app

Jokes aside, Apple’s Journal app stands out as one of the most compelling journaling options since it’s Apple’s exclusive offering. You could already secure it with Face ID authentication, eliminating any concerns about someone accessing your deepest thoughts on a server or in the event of losing your iPhone. There’s no need to synchronize your Journal entries from your iPhone to your iPad or Mac. You can maintain entirely distinct diaries across these devices, which can be advantageous if you share your device (like the iPad) with multiple users.

Users of iPhone, iPad, and Mac can benefit from these new Journal features in iOS 26, iPadOS 26, and macOS Tahoe, courtesy of Apple’s recently unveiled public betas. These software enhancements are anticipated to roll out to all users later this fall. We will keep discussing all the latest iOS 26 features, hidden gems, and more, as we continue our testing.

Read More
One iPhone 17 Pro Camera Speculation That Must Be Refuted

**Speculated Attributes of the iPhone 17 Pro Camera System**

Fresh speculations regarding the iPhone 17 Pro camera system have surfaced, hinting at possible enhancements that could improve the user experience. Although the source does not have a verified history, the assertions are captivating and merit investigation.

### 1. Apple Pro Camera Application

One of the most eagerly awaited features is the launch of an official pro camera application from Apple. This application is anticipated to supplement the streamlined user interface of the current Camera app in iOS 26, which centers around basic Photo and Video functionalities. The pro app would presumably comprise advanced features like manual exposure and focusing, targeting photography lovers who desire greater control over their images. This initiative is consistent with Apple’s earlier approach of providing specialized applications, such as the Final Cut Camera app for videos, making the pro camera application a plausible enhancement.

### 2. Additional Camera Control Button

Another speculated feature is the inclusion of an extra Camera Control button positioned on the upper edge of the iPhone. This configuration aims to simplify portrait photography by granting easier access to the shutter button. However, there is skepticism regarding this feature, as numerous users may not frequently engage with the current Camera Control button. Nevertheless, some photographers value the added convenience of multiple control options, rendering this feature potentially beneficial for a targeted demographic.

### 3. 8x Telephoto Lens

The most contentious speculation pertains to an enhancement of the telephoto lens, boosting its optical zoom from 5x to 8x. While this may attract certain users, such as birdwatchers and sports enthusiasts, it raises issues for casual photographers. The present 5x lens has already faced criticism for being overly narrow for general application, and an 8x lens would further constrain versatility, potentially rendering it impractical for the majority of users. Critics suggest that Apple should focus on usability rather than pursuing higher zoom capabilities, as excessive zoom can result in reduced image quality and practicality.

### Conclusion

The speculated features of the iPhone 17 Pro camera system offer a combination of thrilling opportunities and potential pitfalls. The launch of a pro camera application could substantially enhance the photography experience for aficionados, while the additional Camera Control button may serve a particular user group. However, the suggested 8x telephoto lens prompts concerns about feasibility and usability for the average photographer. As these speculations evolve, it will be intriguing to observe how Apple reconciles innovation with user demands in its forthcoming iPhone launch.

Read More
Uncover the Latest iOS 26 Apple Music Function

iOS 26 public beta is now accessible, allowing us to explore more of the new features that will accompany this forthcoming operating system upgrade. As a long-time Apple Music user, I am always excited about new functionalities in the music streaming platform. Sadly, many of them remain unavailable until significant iOS updates are released.

Nonetheless, Apple has declared this a remarkable year for Apple Music with at least seven thrilling features debuting alongside the new OS updates. From the revamped Apple Music app on Mac to the Lyrics Translation and Lyrics Pronunciation functionalities included in tvOS 26’s Apple Music Sing, Apple continues to deliver one of the premier music streaming services available today.

Nevertheless, there was a key feature that the company did not mention during the WWDC 2025 keynote, yet it has quickly become my favorite since I began testing iOS 26. This feature allows me to pin my favorite tracks.

Pins shine in Apple Music for iOS 26

Lenovo Duet 11 Chromebook Now $120 Discounted in Best Buy’s Back to School Promotions

As the new school year approaches, retailers are beginning to unveil attractive discounts on Chromebooks, tablets, and various devices. For instance, Best Buy is offering a $120 reduction on the Lenovo Duet 11 2-in-1 Chromebook tablet, which serves as both a compact, portable laptop and a conventional tablet.

Similar to most 2-in-1 tablets, this Chromebook comes with a fully detachable keyboard and touchscreen, making it perfect for students, professionals, or anyone looking for added flexibility from their tablet. The display measures 10.95 inches, making it more compact than most laptops for enhanced portability. It also comes equipped with front and back cameras, a headphone jack, and two built-in speakers.

Best Buy’s major back-to-school event features a $120 discount on the Lenovo Duet 11 Chromebook this year. This is a fantastic price if you’re in the market for a budget-friendly laptop-tablet hybrid, particularly with the detachable keyboard included.

✅Recommended if: you want a lightweight and portable laptop that also serves as a tablet; you desire a device with a relatively long battery life; you seek a tablet but would like one that comes with a keyboard.

❌Skip this deal if: you’re in search of a high-performance laptop capable of handling demanding tasks; you require over 128GB of storage; you don’t require a touchscreen.

The Lenovo Chromebook Duet 11 is one of today’s many excellent 2-in-1 tablet and laptop choices, featuring a basic touchscreen and detachable keyboard that are ideal for people on the move.

The Duet 11 boasts a 10.95-inch IPS touch display with a 60Hz refresh rate, along with 4GB of RAM, 128GB of storage, and a MediaTek Kompanio 800 CPU. Lenovo claims that it will last up to 12 hours on a single charge, and it also features a 5MP front camera and an 8MP rear camera. It runs on the light and efficient Chrome OS, and while it may not offer significant power in terms of performance, it’s sufficiently fast for most casual users completing basic tasks. In terms of connectivity, the Duet 11 includes a 3.5mm jack and two USB-C ports.

In any event, it’s a pretty solid deal for under $300, if you’re indeed searching for a 2-in-1 tablet-laptop combination.

Read More