Author: sparta

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    • Comments Off on Base Power Unveils Membership-Oriented Electricity Sales Approach Comparable to Costco
    Base Power Unveils Membership-Oriented Electricity Sales Approach Comparable to Costco

    partially because of the widespread use of AI — and trust is diminishing, with potential local electrical fluctuations and interruptions. Hence, it stands to reason that backup power is gaining in attractiveness, merely to maintain essential functions. Backup power options present a feasible solution, yet a genuine backup generator that can support a household and family can exceed $15,000. That constitutes a significant initial investment.

    Base is working to provide a more attainable and economical option for homeowners, featuring a monthly membership fee of $19, and a leased battery backup system for a singular payment of $695. However, the Base membership rate isn’t fixed. You might incur higher costs depending on fees, services, and other platform options, but overall, it’s still preferable to the exorbitant installation costs of a full-house generator, at least for some consumers. Zach Dell, CEO of Base Power, stated to Fortune that the product is secure and dependable, while a Costco-like subscription is “just significantly more economical.” He characterizes the competition as “premium” providers catering to “very affluent individuals,” in contrast to Base, which aims to deliver solutions for the general population.

    Where and when will Base be accessible?

    Emergency standby home generator outdoors.

    Douglas Rissing/Getty Images

    At present, Base Power has rolled out over 100 megawatt-hours of battery capacity in residential zones, with ambitions to establish an initial battery production facility in Austin, Texas. They’ve also indicated plans for a second factory

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    • Comments Off on 16 Essential Meta Quest Game Announcements and Unexpected Releases Accessible Now
    16 Essential Meta Quest Game Announcements and Unexpected Releases Accessible Now

    Almost half of these titles are available for play today, with a lot to anticipate in the upcoming months.

    The holiday season has arrived, bringing along a multitude of new games ready for those unwrapping new consoles hidden beneath the tree, in addition to plenty of options for those of us who already own one. The Meta Quest 3 and Meta Quest 3S are experiencing a significant influx of new titles, and the latest VR Games Showcase recently revealed 20 more announcements that will certainly delight your headset.

    However, the VRGS is not the only show in town; several developers have also stealthily released new trailers and announcements for upcoming games that you simply cannot miss. Here’s everything I’ve carefully selected below!

    Available now!

    You can catch the complete VR Games Showcase above, which includes the announcements I have compiled here along with a multitude of others, but let’s first explore the games available to play right now before we dive into the wishlist items. I will provide links to each trailer and store listing below so you can experience the games without delay!

    Vampire Survivors but it’s in virtual reality (trailer) (Meta store link): This one caught me by surprise! Vampire Survivors transitions to pseudo-3D with this exclusive VR version, featuring all the massive hordes you’ve come to know in the iconic game, now with the uniquely immersive experience of a diorama.

    Hotel Infinity (trailer) (Meta store link): Set aside a 2m by 2m square space of your physical floor and get ready to explore Hotel Infinity as if you were Tanjiro entering the Infinity Castle. The environment consistently shifts and transforms as you physically navigate through it, showcasing MC Escher-style impossible architecture that will continually amaze you. It’s an ideal representation of the capabilities of VR.

    Glassbreakers: Champions of Moss (trailer) (Meta store link): I don’t have much knowledge about MOBAs and have never played DOTA, but this Moss offshoot has piqued my interest. It’s a real-time strategy game resembling a mix between Demeo Battles and classic board games like Catan, and its quick battle format makes it perfect for an engaging weeknight VR session.

    Syberia VR (trailer) (Meta store link): The classic point-and-click adventure game from the early 2000s has just been remastered and is fully playable in VR on the Meta Quest. I adored this game in my high school years and am excited to experience the entire journey again from a new viewpoint!

    EXOSHOCK (trailer) (Meta store link): There are plenty of VR shooters available, but occasionally one emerges that distinguishes itself from the crowd. This co-op PvE sci-fi squad shooter aims to redefine teamwork among friends with unique combat mechanics and a memorable art style. Give the alpha client a try by joining the Discord now.

    Banners & Bastions (trailer) (Meta store link): I previously played Banners & Bastions during its early access phase, and now a significant update introduces loads of new content, including major UX enhancements, controller compatibility, new bosses and adversaries, and more! It’s a fast-paced strategy puzzle game you’ve got to experience!

    Dimensional Double Shift (trailer) (Meta store link): The creators of Job Simulator have taken the well-established formula and incorporated multiplayer, encouraging teammates to collaborate for high scores while fulfilling orders, repairing cars, and exploring the uniqueness of each dimension. The New Joysey dimension recently launched on Meta Quest, and the game will also be available on Galaxy XR starting December 11.

    Coming soon

    Star Trek: Infection: This sci-fi horror title offers a notably different perspective on what I would typically expect from a Star Trek game, but perhaps that’s what makes it so captivating! We anticipate this one to debut before the year concludes.

    Deadly Delivery (trailer): Have you ever pondered how all those creatures inhabit dungeons in the age of Amazon and Door Dash? Deadly Delivery provides the answer by allowing you and three friends to dress as goblins and deliver packages to the dungeon inhabitants. But beware, as these dungeons come equipped with numerous traps and hostile residents. Set to release on December 4.

    How To God (trailer): Ever played Black & White on the PC in the 2000s? How to God places players in control of a world, granting them divine powers and a giant creature that may or may not heed their commands. It’s a virtual pet simulation combined with a Civilization-style world builder! I tried it in early access, and now it is launching for everyone on December 4.

    Men in Black (trailer): Talk about a surprise release! From the developers of Jurassic World Aftermath and Augmented Empire comes a game that places you directly in the literal shoes of the famous Men in Black. It’s characterized as a stealth action game providing you with access to countless gadgets and the mission to eliminate

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    • Comments Off on Save More Than 20% on Hulu’s Streaming Package by Transitioning from YouTube TV
    Save More Than 20% on Hulu’s Streaming Package by Transitioning from YouTube TV

    Who needs Black Friday when streaming offers are already this impressive?

    (Image credit: Jay Bonggolto / Android Central)

    The season for Black Friday streaming offers is upon us, but there’s no need to wait until November 28th to seize one of Hulu’s top deals. Register for the Hulu with Live TV, Disney Plus, and ESPN+ package before November 18th and you will receive a 20% discount on your first three months of streaming. That date is just around the corner, so if you’re interested, don’t delay!

    This Black Friday streaming offer emerges during a well-publicized dispute between Disney Plus and YouTube TV. The Google-managed live TV platform recently lost access to several Disney channels due to the ongoing conflict, and as talks progress, the abrupt removal of ABC and ESPN content has prompted many users to abandon YouTube TV entirely.

    Luckily for users (and unfortunately for YouTube), Hulu has come to the rescue with this package deal, ensuring you won’t miss anything. Hulu with Live TV provides immediate access to 95 live channels – comprising local news, ESPN sports, and cable networks like NBC, Paramount, and Discovery – along with regular streaming content from Hulu, Disney Plus (with advertisements), and ESPN Select.

    Of course, a resolution between Disney and YouTube TV is expected to occur eventually, so if you’d prefer to stick with your current service, it’s worth noting that YouTube is providing a $20 credit as a form of apology. However, if you’re tired of corporate executives interfering with your beloved live programming – after all, they did disrupt Monday Night Football – there are numerous streaming alternatives to explore. The Hulu discount mentioned earlier is just the cherry on top.

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    • Comments Off on iPhone Progression: Advancing Past Steve Jobs’ Product Approach and Foreseeing Upcoming Developments
    iPhone Progression: Advancing Past Steve Jobs’ Product Approach and Foreseeing Upcoming Developments

    Apple’s Expanding iPhone Portfolio: Addressing Early Challenges

    Apple Inc. has experienced considerable change since the death of its co-founder, Steve Jobs. The company has broadened its iPhone portfolio to cater to a varied and expanding user demographic, yet this diversification has resulted in some initial difficulties.

    ### Recent Changes to Apple’s iPhone Offerings

    Over the past year, Apple has implemented significant modifications to its iPhone lineup:

    – The iPhone SE has been phased out and succeeded by the iPhone 16e, which is positioned at a higher price tier with expectations for yearly updates.
    – The iPhone Plus has been discontinued as well, paving the path for the new iPhone Air, which offers a distinct set of features and benefits.
    – The iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max have been upgraded with a more distinguished ‘Pro’ identity, featuring sturdier designs and enhanced camera capabilities.

    Even with the rollout of these new models, the response has been varied. The iPhone 17 Pro seems to be performing well in terms of sales, while both the iPhone Air and iPhone 16e are reportedly encountering difficulties in the marketplace.

    ### Reflecting on Steve Jobs’ Product Philosophy

    Steve Jobs was recognized for his focus on simplicity within product lines. Upon returning to Apple, he established a 2×2 product matrix to streamline the company’s offerings. This framework sorted products into consumer and professional categories, which aided in maintaining clarity for customers.

    Traditionally, the iPhone lineup adhered to a similar format, including two consumer models (iPhone and iPhone Plus) and two professional models (iPhone Pro and Pro Max), with the iPhone SE acting as an affordable alternative. However, the recent adjustments have added complexity that strays from this usual structure.

    ### The Prospective Future of Apple’s iPhone Lineup

    Looking forward, Apple is poised to launch six flagship iPhones within the next 18 months:

    – iPhone 18e
    – iPhone 18
    – iPhone Air 2
    – iPhone 18 Pro
    – iPhone 18 Pro Max
    – iPhone Fold

    This broadened lineup offers both possibilities and hurdles for Apple. While it strives to meet the diverse needs of its user base, the intricacy of the offerings may bewilder consumers.

    ### Conclusion

    Apple’s efforts to diversify its iPhone lineup illustrate its growth and the necessity to appeal to a wider audience. Nonetheless, the early challenges faced by the iPhone Air and iPhone 16e indicate that the company might need to refine its approach. As Apple navigates these initial hurdles, the emphasis will be on effectively distinguishing each product while preserving the simplicity that defined Jobs’ vision. The future of the iPhone lineup may call for patience and flexibility as Apple continues to progress in a competitive landscape.

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    • Comments Off on Key Aspects of macOS Tahoe That I Have Employed Following Two Months of Usage
    Key Aspects of macOS Tahoe That I Have Employed Following Two Months of Usage

    ### Discovering the New Functionalities of macOS Tahoe: What Resonated in My Workflow

    macOS Tahoe has launched numerous productivity and continuity enhancements that promise to improve user experience. After a couple of months of usage, I’ve realized that merely a handful of these functionalities have blended seamlessly into my daily workflow. This article emphasizes the features that have left a lasting impression.

    #### Live Activities Mirroring

    Among the most notable features for me has been Live Activities mirroring. This addition has been a wonderful surprise, particularly for food orders. Even though I didn’t actively seek out iPhone Live Activity mirroring, it has become a consistent reminder of the updates in macOS this year.

    As someone who prefers a tidy menu bar—utilizing applications like Bartender to conceal most icons—it’s easy to miss features like this. Nonetheless, Live Activities mirroring has shown to be practical, surfacing when required and enabling swift access to the app via iPhone Mirroring.

    #### World Clock and List Calendar Widgets

    With my global work responsibilities, the World Clock desktop widget has proven to be an essential asset. It aids me in managing time zones across Brazil, Pacific Time, Eastern Time, Mexico City, and Barcelona. Moreover, the List Calendar widget has turned out to be crucial for organizing my podcast schedules.

    Both widgets can be accessed effortlessly with a swipe or a trackpad gesture, integrating so smoothly into my workflow that I often prefer using my Mac for quick checks over my iPhone. Despite my initial hesitance regarding desktop clutter, these widgets have become vital.

    #### Honorable Mentions

    – **Spotlight**: The inclusion of clipboard history, keyboard shortcuts, and automations in Spotlight is praiseworthy. However, as a seasoned user of Keyboard Maestro and TextExpander, I feel adequately equipped. For newcomers to automation, the enhanced Spotlight serves as an excellent introduction.

    – **Control Center**: Initially, I believed that the ability to add Control Center items to the menu bar would not interest me, but it has turned out to be a genuinely beneficial feature. The introduction of Control Center was a highly awaited enhancement at WWDC, even if I don’t utilize it as often as others may.

    – **Liquid Glass**: I admired the Liquid Glass redesign from its inception, although its influence on macOS feels less significant than on iOS. As a Dark Mode user, the updated transparency settings are subtle and less apparent, rendering it feel less impactful on macOS.

    ### Conclusion

    Although macOS Tahoe has rolled out a range of features, not every one has struck a chord with every user. The Live Activities mirroring, World Clock, and List Calendar widgets have become integral to my workflow, while other functionalities, although impressive, have not made a considerable impression. What features have you found most beneficial in macOS Tahoe? Share your insights in the comments.

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    • Comments Off on Apple Provides Complimentary Chapter from Carol’s Book ‘Pluribus’
    Apple Provides Complimentary Chapter from Carol’s Book ‘Pluribus’

    ### Pluribus: Apple TV’s New Sci-Fi Series and the Release of Bloodsong of Wycaro

    Apple TV has just unveiled its latest must-see series, **Pluribus**, which has swiftly attracted attention for its captivating narrative and intriguing characters. The show stars Rhea Seehorn in the prominent role of Carol Sturka, a character who serves as a key player in the series and is also a bestselling author of romantasy novels.

    #### Bloodsong of Wycaro Excerpt Now Available on Apple Books

    In a creative marketing initiative, Apple Books has made available a complimentary chapter from Carol’s fictional novel, **Bloodsong of Wycaro**. This exclusive excerpt enables fans of the series to immerse themselves deeper into Carol Sturka’s world and experience the storytelling style that has enthralled readers within the show.

    The excerpt can be downloaded from Apple Books, offering readers a sneak peek into the fourth installment of Carol’s grand romantasy trilogy. The description from Apple Books invites readers to accompany Lucasia, the captain of the duneship Mercator, as she traverses the perilous sands of Wycaro in search of a remedy for her ailing crew. The narrative promises a mix of adventure, romance, and intrigue, as Lucasia faces her past and the trials of her present.

    #### Marketing Strategy and Series Availability

    Apple TV’s promotional strategy for **Pluribus** has been recognized for its inventiveness, reminiscent of the marketing campaigns for other hit series such as **Severance**. The show currently offers three episodes, with new installments scheduled for release weekly until December 26.

    For those keen to delve into **Pluribus** and the associated literary work, Apple TV is available for a subscription rate of $12.99 per month. The platform boasts a wide array of popular shows and films, including beloved titles like **Ted Lasso** and **Severance**.

    #### Conclusion

    The debut of the **Bloodsong of Wycaro** excerpt is a distinctive enhancement to the viewing journey of **Pluribus**, enriching the narrative landscape of the series. Fans are urged to download the free chapter and immerse themselves in Carol Sturka’s universe, while also enjoying the developing storyline of **Pluribus** on Apple TV.

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    • Comments Off on Apple Watch Blood Oxygen Function Faces ITC Examination After Redesign
    Apple Watch Blood Oxygen Function Faces ITC Examination After Redesign

    In August 2025, Apple brought back a revamped version of its Blood Oxygen feature for the Apple Watch in the United States, signifying a major comeback after an 18-month break. This hiatus was attributed to a patent conflict with health tech firm Masimo, which prompted Apple to market the Apple Watch without this capability for a duration.

    The International Trade Commission (ITC) has now launched a new proceeding to ascertain if this revamped feature should also encounter a ban because of the continuing patent disputes with Masimo. The ITC’s latest filings reveal that they are undertaking a combined modification and enforcement proceeding to evaluate the legality of the revamped Blood Oxygen feature regarding the original import ban.

    The ITC’s choice to revisit the case arises from the release of the redesigned Apple Watch, which was not included in the initial probe. The main focus of this proceeding will hinge on whether Apple infringes on Masimo’s patents by offering an Apple Watch that, when connected to an iPhone, utilizes the contested technology.

    A critical component of the ITC’s assessment is the operation of the Apple Watch alongside the iPhone. The inquiry will investigate if the union of the two devices activates the patented features at stake. Apple’s updated Blood Oxygen feature enables users to start a test on their Apple Watch, gathering the required data. However, the findings are not shown on the watch itself; rather, they are available through the Health app on the connected iPhone, specifically within the Respiratory section.

    The ITC has signaled that it anticipates reaching a verdict on this issue within six months, which could have considerable consequences for Apple’s product lines and its ongoing legal skirmishes with Masimo.

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    • Comments Off on Examining the Obstacles and Setbacks in the Android Gaming Handheld Sector: Perspectives on a Leading Industry Contender
    Examining the Obstacles and Setbacks in the Android Gaming Handheld Sector: Perspectives on a Leading Industry Contender

    Know what you’re entering before you invest your funds.

    (Image credit: AYANEO)
    Outside the Alphabet

    (Image credit: Nicholas Sutrich / Android Central)

    Outside the Alphabet is a weekly column that delves into the technology landscape both within and outside of Mountain View.

    It’s an exhilarating period to be a gaming enthusiast, as we have witnessed a plethora of devices launched in the past year, with even more on the way. I mean, <a data-analytics

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    • Comments Off on Researchers Uncover Most Ancient Documented Air Sample Encased in Antarctica
    Researchers Uncover Most Ancient Documented Air Sample Encased in Antarctica

    have discovered life flourishing beneath Antarctica in the past, but their most recent discovery is not quite as intricate. A group of researchers from the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute has collected samples from the Antarctic ice in a location known as Allan Hills. The samples consist of ice and air — in fact, exceptionally ancient air — trapped in minuscule air bubbles within the ice. This represents the most ancient air ever recorded and offers scientists a peek into the conditions of the planet in earlier times.

    While it might appear straightforward to locate ancient ice and air, the Earth is so geologically dynamic that obtaining such samples can prove challenging, much less acquiring ones that offer significant information about historical climate conditions. Additionally, this is made possible solely due to Antarctica’s distinct characteristics. The accumulation of ice and snow ensnares substances and freezes them, forming a kind of time capsule that ultimately becomes sealed and buried beneath the surface. To access these frozen time capsules, researchers employ what are known as vertical cores, lengthy sections of ice removed from below the surface. They can utilize the samples and the data collected to reconstruct the planet’s environmental state at the moment the original materials were ensnared. Naturally, the information is confined to the Antarctic area.

    What insights do we have regarding the air samples and the Earth’s history?

    <source media="(max-width: 428px)" srcset="https://www.bgr.com/img/gallery/scientists-have-discovered-the-oldest-recorded-air-frozen-in-antarctica/what-do

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