Author: sparta

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    • Comments Off on Limited Edition Beats Pill Now Not Available for Sale
    Limited Edition Beats Pill Now Not Available for Sale

    Last year, Beats enhanced its popular Beats Pill speaker with a refreshed design, better specifications, and double the battery lifespan when compared to the 2015 version. Then, this May, the company based in Los Angeles launched new color options for the product.

    Although Beats is recognized for creating special versions of its items through collaborations with athletes, designers, and influencers, BGR recently noticed an exclusive Beats Pill edition on social media that seems unavailable anywhere else.

    A few days prior, fitness coach and influencer Sam Taylor shared a distinctive Beats Pill featuring hues of pink transitioning into cream with black details on her Instagram Story. Currently, Beats offers five different shades of its speaker, none of which are as striking as this one.

    If you visit Beats’ website or even attempt to search through third-party sellers, you won’t find any evidence of this special version of the speaker, which, as illustrated in the image below, perfectly complements the exclusive LeBron James Nike sneakers.

    So, what’s the story behind this exclusive Beats Pill color?

    There’s only one way to obtain this exclusive Beats Pill edition.

    Initially, I suspected Beats was hinting at a new version via an influencer’s Instagram post. After all, the company frequently provides unreleased products to influencers prior to an official announcement to generate excitement. However, this instance is distinct.

    So, here’s some background. Last fall, LeBron James launched his inaugural training sneaker, the Nike LeBron TR 1. Friends and family, along with select athletes and influencers in the sports and fitness sectors, received this exclusive colorway for the sneakers in addition to this singular Beats Pill. Quite a collaboration, right?

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    • Comments Off on “Future Nintendo Switch 2 Titles Launching in July 2025”
    “Future Nintendo Switch 2 Titles Launching in July 2025”

    It’s been roughly a month since the Nintendo Switch 2 debuted, and we’re still eagerly anticipating additional games to enjoy on the new console. At this stage, we wouldn’t fault you for feeling weary of racing the same Mario Kart World tracks over and over. Fortunately, while the release schedule for July is fairly calm, there are several significant new titles arriving on the Switch 2 this month, including a brand new first-party Nintendo title.

    Unquestionably, Donkey Kong Bananza is the star attraction of the Switch 2 lineup in July. Some gamers are even dubbing it the console’s first “true” launch game, especially now that it has been revealed that it was developed by a significant portion of the team behind Super Mario Odyssey. That being said, it’s merely one of about six new releases on Switch 2 this month, so let’s take a closer look.

    **Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3 + 4 (July 11)**

    Following the success of Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 1 + 2, Pro Skater 3 + 4 serves as another remake of the beloved skating titles from 2001 and 2002. Alongside classic parks like Foundry, College, and Alcatraz, players can also expect new locations, including a deserted water park. Familiar pro skaters will be available, featuring special guest skaters Doom Slayer and Michelangelo, as well as Officer Dick and Constable Richard (both voiced by Jack Black).

    It’s essential to mention that the remake of Pro Skater 4 does not include the open-ended career mode seen in the original game; instead, it retains the same two-minute runs as the first three entries. However, you can increase the timer up to an hour.

    **Donkey Kong Bananza (July 17)**

    For the first time since 1999, Donkey Kong returns to headline his own 3D adventure, this time joined by young Pauline. In Donkey Kong Bananza, DK and Pauline explore the underground realm in pursuit of the Planet Core, rumored to possess the ability to fulfill any wish. DK can break through walls, dig tunnels, and smash through the ground, while Pauline utilizes her unique singing abilities to empower DK.

    **Shadow Labyrinth (July 18)**

    Shadow Labyrinth — sometimes referred to as “grimdark Pac-Man” — follows Swordsman No. 8 and the floating yellow orb named Puck, who awakens him as they navigate a mysterious planet teeming with foes. In this 2D action platformer, you gain new skills and gear to enhance your power, and you can also merge with Puck. If you’re curious about the narrative, check out the sixth episode of Secret Level on Prime Video.

    **Super Mario Party Jamboree – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition + Jamboree TV (July 24)**

    Super Mario Party Jamboree marks the thirteenth installment in the beloved party game series, and it’s also the third for the Nintendo Switch. In July, the Nintendo Switch 2 Edition of the game is being released, introducing an array of new features, including an exclusive game show called Jamboree TV, minigames utilizing the Joy-Con 2 mouse controls, the capability to attach a USB-C camera to bring players into the game, and enhanced resolution.

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    • Comments Off on Evidence Indicates Disinterest in Netflix Original Films
    Evidence Indicates Disinterest in Netflix Original Films

    Netflix may have triumphed in our living spaces, but when it involves achieving success in cinema? The statistics reveal the truth. And it’s not flattering.

    The most recent indication of Netflix’s challenges with feature films comes from The New York Times, which revealed a reader-chosen compilation of the top 100 films of the 21st century. Over 200,000 participants contributed, and among the multitude of original films Netflix has produced since embarking on its original movie journey over a decade ago, can you guess how many made the list?

    Not a single one.

    Knives Out, positioned at #91 on the list, at least has a peripheral association with the platform, as the original was released in theaters by Lionsgate in 2019; Netflix subsequently landed a $450 million deal for the sequels. But that’s the extent of it.

    Clearly, this should serve as a sobering wake-up call for Netflix, which has invested years and billions in trying to persuade everyone that it holds just as much credibility in filmmaking as it does in television. The company has indeed attempted to purchase its way into cinematic acknowledgment: Alfonso Cuarón’s Roma, Noah Baumbach’s Marriage Story, and David Fincher’s Mank all garnered awards recognition and critical acclaim. Yet, Netflix still tends to come up short in the areas that matter most.

    At this year’s Oscars (the 97th), the streamer’s main emphasis was on the cringeworthy Emilia Pérez, yet another Netflix production to accumulate numerous nominations while departing with two minor awards — for Best Original Song, “El Mal,” and Best Supporting Actress (Zoe Saldaña). That film, by the way, currently holds a dismal 17% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes, based on over 10,000 user ratings.

    In my view, this ongoing divide between prestige and audience reception points to a larger issue that Netflix has thus far struggled to rectify. Its films repeatedly tick all the appropriate boxes — from award-winning directors to high-profile stars — yet they seem to come and go without leaving much of a cultural mark. Meanwhile, Netflix continues to invest astonishing sums in film projects, often with minimal returns. A recent instance is The Electric State, a 2025 sci-fi blockbuster from the Russo brothers that is reported to have cost an eye-popping $320 million.

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    • Comments Off on Uncover This Essential Apple TV+ Show for July 4th Festivities
    Uncover This Essential Apple TV+ Show for July 4th Festivities

    There’s a singular way I believe Americans should commemorate this Fourth of July: by reflecting on what makes this nation a place where people aspire to reside. In spite of the disputes involving the government, there’s one element that bonds us all together, whether we’re Americans or not, and that’s hope.

    That’s why, regardless of whether you view America as everything you envisioned it to be currently or if it appears to be at its lowest point ever, there’s one Apple TV+ series that could inspire hope on this significant day: Little America.

    Little America was among the initial Apple TV+ shows that premiered after the first wave of Apple Originals. I recall being at the airport traveling internationally and utilizing my 4G connection (the iPhone 12 hadn’t yet been launched) to download the first three episodes of the series.

    This anthology series from Emmy-nominated Lee Eisenberg showcases uplifting, real-life tales of immigrants. While America has historically represented greatness, strength, and freedom, this show narrates the journeys of those who are determined to carve out a life in this land of dreams.

    The inaugural season consists of eight episodes, each spotlighting a voyage of hope and fresh starts. Here are a few episodes that I particularly enjoy:

    – **The Manager:** A 12-year-old must learn to manage a motel in Utah independently when his parents are sent back to India.
    – **The Jaguar:** An undocumented teen from Mexico seeks to transform her life through competitive squash, aided by a coach who encourages her to aim high.
    – **The Son:** When Rafiq flees Syria after his father finds out he is gay, he’s compelled to go into hiding and discover what “home” truly signifies.
    – **The Baker:** The sole daughter in a family of 22 siblings is sent from Uganda to pursue her education in the US. To fulfill her version of the American Dream, she sells chocolate chip cookies from a basket perched on her head.

    The series also includes a second season, which debuted a few years later.

    ## Wrap up

    Celebrate the Fourth of July with those you cherish, but remember there are numerous “little Americans” who also contribute to propelling this country forward, enhancing it, and remaining faithful to its promise.

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    • Comments Off on Inside Apple’s Durability Laboratory: Evaluating the Robustness of Its Items
    Inside Apple’s Durability Laboratory: Evaluating the Robustness of Its Items

    Apple’s Durability Evaluation: Guaranteeing Dependability in Difficult Environments

    Apple is celebrated for its dedication to excellence and sturdiness in its offerings. To maintain this standing, the company implements thorough assessments throughout the development phase, guaranteeing that devices can endure various challenging conditions. Before a new iPhone is released, Apple evaluates at least 10,000 units to encompass all possible situations.

    Recently, Apple opened its testing facilities to a selected group of attendees at WWDC 2025, giving them a look into the demanding conditions that its devices are put through. This isn’t the first instance of Apple allowing access; notable tech reviewer MKBHD previously toured the lab and shared information about the testing protocols. However, a recent report from Counterpoint Research has given a more comprehensive overview of the numerous tests Apple undertakes, which can be divided into four primary categories: Environmental, Water, Impact, and Vibration.

    ### Environmental Testing

    Environmental evaluations aim to imitate the varying climate challenges that devices encounter across 175 nations. These tests involve exposure to extreme circumstances such as salt, high light intensity, and dust from settings like the Arizona desert. For example, tests replicate the impact of fine sand particles entering the iPhone’s speakers or charging port. Furthermore, Apple engineers synthetic versions of sweat and earwax for testing AirPods, refining tests based on user data to mirror actual usage.

    ### Water Testing

    Apple utilizes IP ratings to assess defense against water and dust, with the iPhone 16 Pro featuring an IP68 rating—the highest available. This rating signifies that the device must exhibit no dust ingress and continue operating after being submerged in water up to six meters for one hour. The water testing procedure starts with a simple drip test to simulate rain, followed by more stringent assessments involving jets of water and high-pressure splashes. Successful navigation of these tests grants the device various IP ratings, with additional evaluations for common liquid threats such as sodas and perfumes.

    ### Drop Testing

    Drop evaluations are essential for understanding how devices will endure in real-life situations. Apple acknowledges that each drop is distinct, affected by variables such as height, surface material, and impact angle. To duplicate these circumstances, Apple has engineered a robotic system that releases devices from different heights and angles onto varied surfaces, including particle board, granite, and asphalt. Each drop is carefully scrutinized through an application utilized by Apple engineers to gauge performance.

    ### Vibration Testing

    Though often neglected, vibration testing is critical for confirming that devices can endure the demands of daily use, such as being transported on a motorcycle over rugged terrain. Apple’s vibration tests expose devices to a diverse range of frequencies using a vibration table, replicating various shaking environments that products may face during transit. Devices are secured on the table for prolonged periods, experiencing multiple frequencies to ensure durability.

    ### Conclusion

    Apple’s stringent testing protocols signify its commitment to delivering dependable and resilient devices. By replicating a vast array of environmental conditions, water exposure, drop impacts, and vibrations, Apple ensures that its products can face the challenges of daily life. This pledge to quality not only enhances user experience but also solidifies the brand’s reputation for excellence in technology.

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    • Comments Off on Reasons I Persist in Opting for the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 After One Year
    Reasons I Persist in Opting for the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 After One Year

    ## Software Can Make or Break Everything, Regardless of the Hardware

    In the constantly changing realm of technology, the relationship between software and hardware is vital. While hardware offers the physical structure, it is software that animates devices, controlling their functionality, performance, and user interface. This interactive connection is apparent in several technological fields, from smartphones to computers and more.

    ### The Role of Software in Enhancing Hardware

    Software serves as the link between the user and the hardware, turning commands into actions. It maximizes hardware potential, ensuring devices function efficiently and effectively. For example, the camera hardware of a smartphone is only as effective as the software that handles the images. Sophisticated algorithms and AI improvements can greatly enhance photo quality, showcasing how software can boost hardware performance.

    ### The Impact of Poor Software on High-End Hardware

    On the other hand, even the most sophisticated hardware can become ineffective due to inadequate software. A powerful computer equipped with outdated or poorly designed software may experience sluggish performance, frequent crashes, and security risks. This underscores the significance of regular software updates and maintenance to guarantee that hardware functions at its maximum capacity.

    ### Case Study: Smartphones

    The smartphone market exemplifies how software can determine the success of a device. Consider the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold series, for example. Although the hardware advancements in foldable screens are revolutionary, the user experience depends on the software’s capability to transition smoothly between different screen configurations and optimize app performance. Software updates that enhance multitasking and battery performance can greatly improve the user experience, making the device more attractive to consumers.

    ### The Future of Software and Hardware Integration

    As technology progresses, the integration of software and hardware will become increasingly essential. Emerging technologies such as augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) rely significantly on software to deliver immersive experiences that hardware alone cannot provide. The evolution of AI-driven software will further boost hardware capacities, allowing for smarter, more intuitive devices.

    ### Conclusion

    In summary, while hardware lays the groundwork, it is software that ultimately determines a device’s success or failure. The interdependent relationship between the two is crucial for achieving optimal performance and user satisfaction. As technology continues to advance, prioritizing the development of sturdy, innovative software will remain vital in realizing the full potential of hardware innovations.

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    • Comments Off on Donald Trump’s Correspondence with Apple Concerning TikTok’s Presence on the App Store
    Donald Trump’s Correspondence with Apple Concerning TikTok’s Presence on the App Store

    **Legal Dispute Concerning TikTok: Tony Tan’s Opposition to the Trump Administration’s Guarantees**

    Tony Tan, a shareholder of Google, has recently garnered attention by acquiring and releasing correspondence from the Trump administration that assured technology firms, including Apple and Google, that they would not encounter legal repercussions for continuing to operate TikTok. These correspondences, dispatched during the last days of Trump’s presidency, effectively urged companies to overlook legal constraints, guaranteeing that the president would shield them.

    ### A Brief Backstory

    The saga regarding the TikTok ban has been fraught with chaos, characterized by numerous legal and political tactics. In a notable action, President Biden enacted the “Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act,” which required ByteDance, TikTok’s parent company, to divest its U.S. operations by January 19, 2025, or be subjected to a ban. However, after assuming office, President Trump issued an executive order that postponed the ban and extended the deadline to April 5, 2025. This decision followed a brief offline period for TikTok in the U.S., but access was reinstated after Trump’s guarantees concerning the extension’s constitutionality.

    On April 4, 2025, Trump further pushed back the deadline to June 19, 2025, and his administration sent correspondence to several tech firms, including Apple, Google, and Amazon, indicating that these companies would not face legal ramifications for continuing to support TikTok during this timeframe. Tan obtained these letters through a Freedom of Information Act lawsuit.

    ### The Letters’ Content

    The letters, especially one directed to Apple, underscored the president’s constitutional authority in matters of national security and foreign relations. It asserted that an abrupt termination of TikTok would hinder these responsibilities and concluded that the Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act did not violate presidential powers. The letters reassured companies that they could carry on their activities without facing liabilities under the Act during the designated periods.

    ### What Mr. Tan Has Stated

    Tony Tan has voiced strong opposition to the assurances given by the Trump administration. In a declaration, he contended that the postponements of the TikTok ban lack legal grounds and cautioned that firms that continue to host TikTok risk exposing themselves to considerable legal liabilities. He pointed out that under federal law, both Trump and any subsequent president could prosecute these companies for infractions for up to five years.

    Tan has initiated legal proceedings against Alphabet, Google’s parent company, aiming to scrutinize its choice to reinstate TikTok to the Play Store following the executive order. He believes this could result in “hundreds of billions of dollars in liability,” affecting shareholders like himself.

    Legal professionals have resonated with Tan’s apprehensions, with some arguing that the president’s failure to enforce the law as mandated by the Constitution is alarming. Alan Z. Rozenshtein, a law professor, highlighted the constitutional obligation for presidents to ensure laws are faithfully executed, suggesting that the situation surrounding TikTok transcends mere corporate concerns; it implicates essential legal and constitutional issues.

    ### Conclusion

    As the legal conflict persists, it remains ambiguous whether the correspondence from the Trump administration will offer enduring protection for companies affiliated with TikTok or merely function as temporary political defense. Tony Tan’s endeavors underscore the intricacies and potential consequences of corporate decisions amid evolving political environments. For the time being, he remains alert in his quest for accountability, ensuring that shareholders are not left susceptible to unexpected legal predicaments.

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    • Comments Off on Most-Viewed Apple TV+ Films and Series in June
    Most-Viewed Apple TV+ Films and Series in June

    **Top 10 Apple TV+ Titles to Watch This Weekend**

    Searching for fresh content to enjoy this weekend? JustWatch has unveiled its most recent list of the most-viewed Apple TV+ titles for the previous month, reflecting viewer data from June 1 to 30. Here are the top 10 films and series that attracted the viewers’ interest.

    ### Top 10 Apple TV+ Movies in June, Worldwide

    1. **Echo Valley**
    – **Synopsis**: Julianne Moore portrays Kate, whose quiet existence is disrupted by her distressed daughter (Sydney Sweeney), who arrives terrified and bloodstained. As Kate reveals the startling truth, she learns how far she will go for her child.
    – [Watch Echo Valley on Apple TV+](https://apple.co/4e4Cbli)

    2. **Fountain of Youth**
    – **Synopsis**: A treasure-seeking genius (John Krasinski) gathers a team for an expedition, needing the assistance of his estranged sister (Natalie Portman) to outmaneuver dangers.
    – [Watch The Fountain of Youth on Apple TV+](https://apple.co/3Ztnli4)

    3. **The Gorge**
    – **Synopsis**: Two agents (Miles Teller and Anya Taylor-Joy) develop a close bond while guarding opposite ends of a strange gorge. They must join forces to combat an emerging threat.
    – [Watch The Gorge on Apple TV+](https://apple.co/3SxMT9Z)

    4. **The Family Plan**
    – **Synopsis**: Dan Morgan, a loyal husband and former hitman, must take his unsuspecting family on a chaotic road trip when his past catches up with him.
    – [Watch The Family Plan on Apple TV+](https://apple.co/44N85zG)

    5. **Killers of the Flower Moon**
    – **Synopsis**: Set in the 1920s in Oklahoma, the film chronicles the Osage Nation being murdered one after another following the discovery of oil on their territory, leading to an FBI inquiry.
    – [Watch Killers of the Flower Moon on Apple TV+](https://apple.co/4mrcxuF)

    6. **Palmer**
    – **Synopsis**: After 12 years behind bars, former football player Eddie Palmer returns home and forms an unexpected connection with a troubled young boy, but his history looms over his new life.
    – [Watch Palmer on Apple TV+](https://apple.co/3GaKxvj)

    7. **Fly Me to the Moon**
    – **Synopsis**: Scarlett Johansson and Channing Tatum star in this tale of a marketing expert and a launch director joining forces for NASA’s Apollo 11 mission.
    – [Watch Fly Me to the Moon on Apple TV+](https://apple.co/44x6YCS)

    8. **Wolfs**
    – **Synopsis**: Competing fixers (George Clooney and Brad Pitt) are forced to set aside their differences to conceal a significant official’s blunder during one chaotic night.
    – [Watch Wolfs on Apple TV+](https://apple.co/44TSjlF)

    9. **Napoleon**
    – **Synopsis**: A close look at Napoleon Bonaparte’s ascent to power, seen through the lens of his tumultuous relationship with his wife, Josephine.
    – [Watch Napoleon on Apple TV+](https://apple.co/3GwPn61)

    10. **The Greatest Beer Run Ever**
    – **Synopsis**: Based on actual events, Chickie (Zac Efron) undertakes a wild mission to deliver beer to his friends fighting in Vietnam, transforming his life and outlook.
    – [Watch The Greatest Beer Run Ever on Apple TV+](https://apple.co/45U411B)

    ### Top 10 Apple TV+ Series in June, Worldwide

    1. **Murderbot**
    – **Synopsis**: In a technologically advanced future, a renegade security robot (Alexander Skarsgård) acquires free will and joins a mission to safeguard scientists while secretly yearning to binge-watch soap operas.
    – [Watch Murderbot on Apple TV+](https://apple.co/44xwd8e)

    2. **Stick**
    – **Synopsis**: Pryce Cahill (Owen Wilson) guides a teenage golf prodigy while grappling with his own career setbacks.
    – [Watch Stick on Apple TV+](https://apple.co/3HFlKjd)

    3. **Your Friends and Neighbors**
    – **Synopsis**: A financial mogul (Jon Hamm) turns to stealing from his affluent neighbors following his downfall, leading to unforeseen thrills and risks.
    –

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