NASA has completed a flight readiness review for the Artemis 2 crewed mission around the moon, setting the stage for an April launch.
Hands-On: Livestream with 7 Cameras Using This Costly Tech
At SXSW’s international tech exhibition, Mashable’s tech editor went hands-on with Obsbot, a multi-camera livestreaming setup.
Performance Comparison: Lightroom Classic 15.0 vs 15.2
We used Puget Bench to measure the performance gain photographers and photo editors can expect to see by upgrading from Lightroom Classic 15.0 to 15.2.
The post Lightroom Classic 15.0 vs 15.2 Performance Comparison appeared first on Puget Systems.
Sales automation startup Rox AI reaches $1.2B valuation, sources report
Rox, founded in 2024 by the former chief growth officer of New Relic, offers an AI-native alternative to CRM tools.
The Sci-Fi Movie Featuring Will Smith That Gained Military Opposition Because of a Particular Plot Detail
As cheesy and absurd as Roland Emmerich’s 1996 sci-fi hit “Independence Day” can seem in hindsight, it undeniably captivated audiences in the mid-’90s. Ranked among the top alien invasion films ever, it featured Will Smith, Bill Pullman, Jeff Goldblum, Mary McDonnell, and the kind of disaster visuals that effortlessly drew us into theaters to indulge in warm popcorn. Many of us who watched the movie at the time, whether as children or adults, might have trouble remembering specific plot elements beyond the compelling “UFOs attack Earth” concept. Yet, there’s a crucial component in Emmerich and Dean Devlin’s screenplay revealed around the film’s midpoint: we discover that Area 51 — the heavily guarded U.S. Air Force base that was “stormed” by a group of foolish individuals in 2019 — is real when Smith’s character transports an alien there after narrowly escaping a lethal aerial confrontation with it.
In 1996, the reality of that military base had not yet been officially acknowledged. Moreover, according to Devlin and Emmerich’s DVD commentary (via Cinemablend), the U.S. military intended to support “Independence Day” with several resources, but had one condition requiring a significant plot alteration. As Devlin recalled, “The United States military was going to back this and provide us with many costumes and aircraft. Their sole request was for us to eliminate Area 51 from the film, which we didn’t want to do. Therefore, they retracted their support.”
Roland Emmerich and Dean Devlin were determined to include Area 51 in the narrative (even if its portrayal was quite exaggerated) because, frankly, the film would have been less effective without it. Furthermore, it served as a brilliant means to revitalize conspiracy theories about the government and its clandestine operations concerning UFOs and the like—building on the success initiated by “The X-Files” (which Ryan Coogler is rebooting for Disney+) three years earlier. As Emmerich noted in the DVD commentary, “This is likely one of the most significant twists in the film. Midway through, suddenly, you encounter Area 51. There’s this mythology surrounding this site where they house spaceships. For Dean and me, it was the most crucial aspect because it connects this mythology that people believe in to the movie, making it feel more authentic.”
It’s safe to conclude that it resonated, as “Independence Day” dominated the box office that summer, raking in a staggering $817 million globally against its $75 million budget and becoming the highest-grossing film of 1996 (despite tough competition from classics like “Scream,” “The Rock,” and “Jerry Maguire”). While critics were somewhat lukewarm (Roger Ebert awarded it two and a half stars out of four), audiences devoured it, and the film even won the Oscar for best visual effects in 1997. One thing is certain, Emmerich and Devlin made the right decision to adhere to their vision, even at the cost of losing military support.
Google Chrome to Arrive on Arm-powered Linux Devices Later This Year
You can download Chrome for Linux, and you can download Chrome for Arm devices – but if you’ve got a computer running Linux on Arm, not so much! Now, Google says it’s finally bringing Chrome to ARM64 Linux machines in Q2 2026, following Chrome for Arm Macs in 2020 and Chrome for Windows on Arm […]
Google Enables Gemini to Manage Applications on the Galaxy S26
Samsung and Google have unveiled an innovative feature for the Galaxy S26 series, enabling Gemini to automate tasks across different applications. This new screen automation functionality allows users to easily order food, book rides, and navigate through apps. Initially launched in the U.S. and Korea, the feature empowers Gemini to execute multi-step actions, such as ordering groceries or hailing a cab, by managing apps within a virtual window. Users have the option to intervene at any time to halt or manually steer the process. Presently compatible with apps like Lyft, Uber, Grubhub, and Starbucks, Google intends to broaden this feature to Pixel 10 devices shortly, ensuring a broader rollout to improve user convenience and efficiency.
App Launches MacBook Neo and iMac Accent Hues for Every Mac Device
### Activating Device-Specific Accent Colors on macOS
macOS has historically provided users with the capability to tailor their interface, and with the launch of the new MacBook Neo, Apple has introduced accent color choices tied to specific devices. These hues improve the visual experience, personalizing the interface further. Interestingly, any Mac can access these exclusive color options via a third-party application known as Accents.
#### What is Accents?
Accents is a complimentary application created by Mahdi Bchatnia, available for download on [his website](https://mahdi.jp/apps/accents). This tool enables users to unveil the distinctive accent colors usually reserved for specific devices such as the iMac and MacBook Neo. For those who enjoy a vibrant interface, this app offers an exciting means to elevate their macOS experience.
#### The Attraction of Multicolor
While users might have their inclinations regarding accent colors, the multicolor option is particularly favored by many. It infuses a lively and dynamic ambiance into the desktop setting, making it more visually enticing. The capability to unlock Apple’s device-specific shades provides an additional layer of customization that numerous users will value.
#### New Wallpapers with macOS 26.4
Alongside the accent colors, the MacBook Neo debuts a fresh collection of color-coordinated wallpapers that enhance the device’s aesthetic. Thankfully, these wallpapers will be accessible to all Macs with the impending macOS 26.4 software update. This update not only augments the visual allure of the operating system but also guarantees that users can enjoy a unified appearance across their devices.
#### Additional Resources
For individuals keen on discovering more about the MacBook Neo, which retails for $599, a comprehensive review is available on [9to5Mac](https://9to5mac.com/2026/03/10/macbook-neo-review/). The review offers insights into the device’s attributes, performance, and overall worth.
#### Conclusion
The launch of the Accents app and the forthcoming macOS 26.4 update reinforces Apple’s dedication to user customization and aesthetic charm. By activating device-specific accent colors and providing new wallpapers, Apple empowers users to craft a more personalized and enjoyable computing atmosphere. Whether one favors a classic appearance or a vibrant multicolor design, there are now greater options than ever to customize your Mac to your preferences.
Ex-Microsoft Executive Evaluates the MacBook Neo: Highlights the Significance of Upholding Elevated Standards
### The MacBook Neo Could Be Microsoft’s Unchosen Path
Steven Sinofsky, the former President of Microsoft’s Windows Division, has recently shared a contemplative review of the MacBook Neo, examining its significance and contrasting it with Microsoft’s historical endeavors in the lightweight ARM-based PC domain. Sinofsky, who was part of Microsoft from 1989 until 2012, has since created a blog, Learning by Shipping, where he shares insights regarding technology management and strategies.
In his article titled “Mac Neo and my afternoon of reflection and melancholy,” Sinofsky recognizes the broad praise for the MacBook Neo, while also reflecting on the errors Microsoft made during its own efforts to innovate in this arena. He reminisces about the introduction of Windows 8 and the Surface tablet, suggesting that Microsoft possessed the essential elements for success yet failed to adapt the ecosystem to a new app model swiftly enough. This postponement, he contends, resulted in a lack of adoption and ultimately stifled the potential of ARM-based devices.
Sinofsky indicates that although Microsoft sought to develop a unique ARM ecosystem, the company’s dedication to backward compatibility constrained its capacity for innovation. In contrast, Apple has devoted years to guiding developers toward new APIs and frameworks, facilitating a smoother transition to ARM for Macs, thereby rendering the MacBook Neo a practical product.
He stresses that the MacBook Neo doesn’t necessarily require enhancements; it merely needs to uphold its quality. He foresees that in five years, the Neo will surpass many rival devices while likely maintaining its price point, owing to the continuous progression of technology.
To explore Sinofsky’s insights and the full context of his reflections, you can read his complete post [here](https://hardcoresoftware.learningbyshipping.com/p/239-mac-neo-and-my-afternoon-of-reflection).
Disclosure Day Trailer: Steven Spielberg and Aliens—A Perfect Match
Josh O’Connor and Emily Blunt star in Steven Spielberg’s sci-fi film “Disclosure Day,” out June 12.
