author

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

<div class="slide-key image-holder gallery-image-holder credit-image-wrap " data-post-url="https://www.bgr.com/2069541/harrison-ford-blade-runner-casting-shortlist-hollywood-legends/" data-post-title="Blade Runner Considered Several Hollywood

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.

Apple Podcasts Sets New Popularity Record

### Apple Podcasts Celebrates ‘Best Year Yet’ in 2025 Despite Strong Competition from YouTube and Spotify

In a recent announcement, Apple revealed that 2025 represents a record year for Apple Podcasts, achieving unmatched levels of listeners, plays, and subscribers. This revelation comes as a surprise to many, considering the mounting competition from platforms like YouTube and Spotify, which have notably influenced the podcasting landscape in recent years.

Traditionally, Apple Podcasts has been a leading entity in the podcasting realm. The platform originated from iTunes, where podcasts first surged in popularity, and the term “podcast” itself is taken from Apple’s iPod. However, the emergence of competitors has altered the market dynamics. YouTube and Spotify have acquired significant market share, especially with the advent of video podcasts, which have drawn in a new audience and spurred growth in the podcasting industry. Entities like Netflix are also putting resources into podcasting, further escalating the competition.

In spite of these hurdles, Apple Podcasts documented record figures in 2025. This milestone can be linked to the overall expansion of the podcasting market. While Apple may hold a smaller portion of the market than in the past, the cumulative audience for podcasts has broadened considerably, enabling Apple Podcasts to flourish within this larger framework.

Even though Apple Podcasts has yet to fully adopt video podcasting, recent enhancements to the app, including features rolled out in iOS 26.2, imply that the company is taking steps to improve user experience. As the podcasting sector continues to progress, it remains to be seen if Apple will initiate a more extensive video redesign to compete with its competitors.

The achievements of Apple Podcasts in 2025 prompt inquiries about the platform’s future and its capability to adjust to evolving market circumstances. As the podcasting domain grows, Apple Podcasts might discover new avenues to innovate and reach a broader audience.

9to5Mac Daily: January 12, 2026 – Formal Announcement of Apple’s Agreement with Google Gemini

**9to5Mac Daily: Your Hub for Everyday Apple News and Insights**

In the rapidly evolving sphere of technology, keeping abreast of the latest developments is crucial, particularly for Apple fans. 9to5Mac Daily acts as a trustworthy source for daily summaries of notable news concerning Apple, its offerings, and the wider tech scene. This enlightening podcast aims to keep listeners updated and involved with succinct and pertinent dialogues.

**Podcast Accessibility**

Listeners can tune into 9to5Mac Daily on multiple platforms, making sure that new episodes are merely a click away. The podcast can be found on:

– [iTunes and Apple’s Podcasts app](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/)
– [Google Play](https://play.google.com/music/m/I5d4dzs7dauazmfxvvrynyiuram?t=9to5Mac_Daily)
– [Dedicated RSS feed](https://feedpress.me/9to5macdaily) for Overcast and various podcast players

Fresh episodes are recorded every weekday, ensuring that subscribers get prompt updates on the latest news within the Apple realm.

**Sponsorship and Promotions**

The podcast is backed by Stuff, a productivity application designed to assist users in efficiently organizing their ideas and assignments. By using the code 9TO5 at checkout, listeners can benefit from a 50% discount on their first year, making it an appealing deal for individuals looking to declutter their minds.

**Content Highlights**

Every episode of 9to5Mac Daily encompasses dialogues on multiple subjects, including:

– Recent product unveilings and updates from Apple
– Insights into software enhancements and features
– Examination of market trends and consumer behavior
– Interviews with industry professionals and thought leaders

Listeners are encouraged to subscribe to the podcast to gain additional perks, such as ad-free episodes and exclusive bonus material.

**Engagement and Community**

9to5Mac Daily nurtures a community spirit among its audience. Feedback is invited via email, allowing fans to express their opinions and recommendations. Furthermore, listeners can support the podcast by rating it on platforms like Apple Podcasts and Overcast, contributing to its visibility and reach.

**Conclusion**

For anyone keen on Apple-related news and technological trends, 9to5Mac Daily is an indispensable resource. With its captivating format, varied content, and availability across numerous platforms, it shines as a primary podcast for daily news and insights in the tech domain. Whether you’re a casual user or a devoted Apple enthusiast, tuning into 9to5Mac Daily is an excellent method to remain informed.

Anticipated Smart TV Developments for 2026

new vacuum cleaners capable of ascending stairs and performing dance moves. XGIMI’s MemoMind AI along with AR glasses is paving the way for dual-screen technology. However, the true excitement, particularly for home entertainment, lies in LG’s latest ultra-slim OLED TVs, which are set to revolutionize your living space — or any area they occupy, to be honest. This raises one pivotal question: What can we anticipate from smart TVs in the upcoming years? What innovative features are on the horizon, similar to LG’s Wallpaper series?

With advancements in display technologies and AI integrated into both software and hardware, the consumer tech landscape is bustling. It might surprise you to learn that this is the year of the art TV, showcasing a carefully designed and elegant aesthetics for televisions — take a look at Samsung’s The Frame series. This is also the year when OLED is not the reigning champion anymore. OLEDs remain popular and successful, so fans need not fret, yet other technologies are making significant waves at the electronics showcase. Let’s delve into this.

Ultra-slim, chic, art-oriented TVs

Samsung’s The Frame Series has long been at the forefront of blending art with television, offering direct access to fine art displays along with a variety of distinctive design and technological features. They continue to be available, and Samsung is enhancing the original models, yet there is increasing competition in recent times. Amazon has introduced its Ember Artline series, a comparable lifestyle-oriented TV with a matte finish that provides access to 2,000 free art pieces.

LG’s latest Wallpaper series, <a href="https://www.lg.com/global/newsroom/news/media-entertainment-solution/lg-electronics-unveils-the-wallpaper