When buyers inquire about an itemâs availability, sellers can use Meta AI to automatically draft replies using information from their listing, such as the description, availability, pickup location, and price.
“Harrison Ford’s Sci-Fi Western: A Significant Box Office Failure”
Harrison Ford’s involvement with science fiction is notable, but that’s what happens when you portray the scruffy nerf herder Han Solo and outshine the likes of Jack Nicholson, Paul Newman, and Sean Connery for a role in “Blade Runner.” Although the iconic actor has often downplayed the cinematic legacies he contributed to, they undeniably solidified the career he enjoys today. Nevertheless, looking back, there’s one sci-fi amalgamation that had all the necessary elements to become a wildly successful venture yet instead turned out to be a box-office disappointment of cosmic proportions.
In 2011, Ford joined forces with Daniel Craig, Olivia Wilde, and Sam Rockwell in the Jon Favreau-directed comic book adaptation, “Cowboys & Aliens.” At this juncture in his career, Favreau was thriving, having laid the groundwork for the Marvel Cinematic Universe through his direction of “Iron Man” and “Iron Man 2” in 2008 and 2010. Shifting focus to another section of the comic book realm, “Cowboys & Aliens” was based on a 2006 sci-fi Western, casting Craig as a memory-impaired outlaw who, alongside a rancher (Ford), must defend themselves against extraterrestrial threats armed with far more than just revolvers. Unfortunately, despite the potential for a thrilling adventure, viewers didn’t fully resonate with the film, primarily due to the stiff competition it faced.
Cowboys & Aliens struggled at the box office
With a production budget of $163 million, “Cowboys & Aliens” barely managed to cover its costs, earning around $176 million at the box office, according to The Numbers. The film faced fierce rivalry upon its release in late July 2021, with Chris Evans debuting as the iconic superhero in “Captain America: The First Avenger” — a universe Ford would later join – and losing the top position to “The Smurfs.” This was also the week preceding our introduction to the chest-thumping leader, Caesar (Andy Serkis) in “Rise of the Planet of the Apes,” adding to the robust competition.
Even when sharing the same timeframe as Smurfs and intelligent apes, “Cowboys & Aliens” failed to impress critics. It garnered a mere 44% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, with Time Out stating, “what began as ‘True Grit’-meets-‘War of the Worlds’ ultimately resembles — dare we say it — ‘Wild Wild West.'” Slate also viewed the film as a squandered chance, remarking that, “it’s amusing to consider what ‘Cowboys & Aliens’ could have been had any creativity ventured beyond the title page.”
While Ford attempted another foray into science fiction two years later with the similarly received “Ender’s Game,” by 2015 he would return to his roots with “Star Wars: Episode VII – The Force Awakens,” which remains his most successful film to date. This demonstrates that, despite all the film’s flaws, the nerf herder is truly all we require.
“Anticipated ‘Xbox Mode’ Converts PCs into Gaming Consoles”
# ‘Xbox Mode’ Is Set to Transform Your PC Into A Gaming Console
There have been numerous [rumors circulating regarding the next Xbox console](https://www.bgr.com/2116738/new-xbox-console-pc-games-support-confirmed/) for some time now. Reports suggest these claims hold weight, as Xbox CEO Asha Sharma affirmed the new console, codenamed “Project Helix,” earlier this month. During the 2026 Game Developer Conference (GDC), additional information about Microsoft’s ambitions with the forthcoming console emerged, highlighting how Microsoft and Xbox aim to enhance the interaction between players and games across the various platforms within Microsoft’s ecosystem.
One strategy to implement this vision is through the “Xbox Mode” on Windows 11. This initiative could serve to further close the divide between Microsoft’s consoles and PCs, particularly as the tech giant strengthens its commitment to enable its next console to support both PC and Xbox titles. According to Jason Ronald, the Vice President of Next Generation at Xbox, the new PC mode is set to begin rolling out in April in select regions.
Moreover, Ronald mentioned that Xbox Mode will feature a user interface akin to that of the ROG Xbox Ally models, even describing the UI on the handheld PCs as an “early version” of the upcoming feature. Given Microsoft’s communication about Project Helix, it wouldn’t be surprising if this Xbox Mode experience becomes what we ultimately see on the company’s soon-to-be-released hardware.
## Creating a more interconnected Xbox experience
By connecting the Xbox handheld gaming PC with Windows systems, Microsoft could be laying the groundwork for Project Helix, further supported by recent reports indicating a shift away from its “This is an Xbox” messaging. The initial announcement for the 2024 campaign, intended to showcase how Xbox games could operate across various platforms, has since been removed. Therefore, the new leadership at Xbox likely hasn’t abandoned the console just yet.
If you haven’t explored the [ROG Xbox Ally X](https://www.bgr.com/1997323/rog-xbox-ally-x-review/), its interface closely resembles that of the Xbox app — featuring a side-oriented navigation bar. Nevertheless, the graphics exhibit a style that feels somewhat similar to the Steam Deck’s menu, making navigation simpler than the default Xbox app. Additionally, when using the Ally and Ally X, the interface entirely detaches you from desktop mode, allowing for easier navigation of options and buttons using your Xbox controller. The nearest equivalent on Windows right now is probably Steam’s Big Picture mode, which simplifies interacting with the popular gaming software via a controller.
## The future of Xbox merges console and computer
Project Helix faces the task of revitalizing the underwhelming reign of the Xbox Series X. Ronald disclosed that the company anticipates shipping prototypes of the next console to developers as early as 2027. The rollout of Xbox Mode on Windows 11 will serve as a solid step towards familiarizing users with what to anticipate from Project Helix, providing Microsoft the opportunity to gauge its performance in the hands of everyday gamers.
In addition, early exposure to the platform’s design may attract users to choose the console for their living room, alleviating concerns about building a PC — particularly if Microsoft can offer it at an appealing price point. While Microsoft has yet to disclose further information on pricing, the [current chip shortages](https://www.bgr.com/2012625/ai-chip-shortages-could-lead-to-more-expensive-smartphones/) make low prices appear highly unlikely.
Facebook Marketplace Introduces AI Auto-Replies for Annoying ‘Is This Still Available?’ Messages
Facebook Marketplace is adding a bunch of new AI-powered tools that are supposed to make selling items on the platform a little more efficient. One feature will use Meta AI to automatically respond to those annoying “Is this still available?” messages. You can toggle on the auto-reply option when creating a listing, and Meta AI […]
A Sequel for KPop Demon Hunters is Announced
Get ready to get even more KPop, demonier, and as huntery as possible. Netflix’s smash-hit, Oscar-nominated animated film KPop Demon Hunters is returning for a sequel, with the fictional Korean girl group HUNTR/X coming back to lay down pop hits and smash evil boybands (and/or other demons). Maggie Kang and Chris Appelhans will once again […]
Apple Grand Central Retail Store Currently Closed for Exclusive Event
**Closure of Apple Grand Central: An Enigmatic Special Event**
Apple’s retail store located in Grand Central Terminal, New York City, is closed today and tomorrow for an unspecified special event. Customers who plan to visit the store will be refused entry until its reopening on Saturday, March 14, at 10 am.
During this period of closure, Apple has displayed signs urging customers to shop online or explore other nearby retail outlets. This sudden shutdown has generated intrigue among fans and bystanders.
Parker Ortolani, a patron of the location, captured what seems to be arrangements for a special program or production, possibly associated with Apple’s forthcoming 50th anniversary commemoration. The Grand Central site has previously hosted media interviews and promotional events, further fueling speculation regarding the ongoing closure.
As the circumstances unfold, information will be shared about the nature of the activities occurring at Apple Grand Central.
Webflow Acquires AI Content-Generation Platform Vidoso to Enhance Marketing Suite
Founded in 2024, Vidoso uses large language models to help organizations generate marketing collateral like images, presentations, video clips, blog posts, and social media content.
Lucid Motors Unveils ‘Lunar’ Robotaxi Concept
The concept was a highlight of Lucid’s investor day, in which the company detailed its ambitions to push deeper into autonomy while pumping out new, affordable EVs.
Tinder Entices Users to Return to Online Dating with In-Person Events and Virtual Speed Dating
Tinder just got a major revamp as it attempts to re-engange its user base and attract younger daters. This includes in-person events, AI enhancements, and even virtual speed dating.
Elevate Your Galaxy S26 Ultra Photography with Just Two Easy Changes
If your images appear lackluster or low-resolution, Focus Enhancer might be the culprit.
One of my preferred methods for capturing images using a smartphone is by utilizing the telephoto lenses located on the back. The Galaxy S26 Ultra boasts at least one additional lens compared to most smartphones, providing Ultra users with even more opportunities to snap incredible photos, regardless of the distance to the subject.
However, I found myself feeling somewhat… unimpressed… by the quality of certain “telephoto macro” photos I captured with the Galaxy S26 Ultra. To state that numerous images resembled those taken with a 2010 device is no exaggeration, and I realized too late that these images were genuinely subpar. Examine any of the examples below closely to see what I mean.
Fortunately, I simply needed to disable two excessively “helpful” settings that ultimately proved less helpful than anticipated. After making this adjustment, the telephoto macros from the Galaxy S26 Ultra’s 3x and 5x lenses provided the rich bokeh background I had been seeking, accompanied by crisp details and a tight focus that truly makes photos stand out.
Focus “Enhancer?” I disagree.
Notice all that compression and lack of clarity in the image of my cat when Focus Enhancer is active in the comparison above? Click the full-screen option on the image to grasp my point. It’s not merely poor; it’s utterly embarrassing for a $1300 device launched in 2026 to produce. However, it turns out this isn’t due to the Galaxy S26 Ultra’s hardware. It’s the software.
By default, the Galaxy S26 Ultra’s software automatically selects among the four rear cameras based on the distance from the subject, lighting conditions, and the zoom level. While this can be effective in certain scenarios, I find that Samsung’s software often overestimates its capabilities. That’s why I choose to disable these features and take control myself.
Rest assured, disabling these options will not prevent you from capturing macro images using any lens you prefer, but we’ll discuss that shortly.
The initial step is to turn off Auto Lens Switching, which necessitates downloading Samsung’s camera assistant application. Thankfully, there’s a shortcut within the camera software that streamlines the process Samsung previously required.
How to disable Auto Lens Switching and Focus Enhancer
1. Open the camera application.
2. Tap the options icon next to the camera zoom buttons. It appears as four dots.
3. Tap the settings gear to access camera settings.
4. Scroll down to Camera Assistant and click the download button beside it.
5. When the Galaxy Apps store launches, tap the Install button to set up Samsung Camera Assistant.
With Camera Assistant now installed and ready for action, return to your camera application and access camera settings, then proceed as follows:
1. In camera settings, scroll down to and tap Camera Assistant.
2. Near the top, toggle the switch for Auto lens switching to disable it.
3. Go back to the camera viewfinder and tap the 3x zoom button.
4. Move within a few inches of any object until the Macro button appears to the left of the zoom buttons. It resembles a flower.
5. Tap the Macro button to turn off Focus Enhancer. The icon will be greyed out and have a line crossed through it when it is turned off.
“Telephoto macro” will elevate your smartphone photography experience
As telephoto cameras have improved over the years, I’ve relished using them to enhance my photography and produce images that resemble those taken with a much more powerful camera than your smartphone. This is because pictures captured with these sensors frequently showcase a shallow depth of field and beautiful bokeh (the background blur that emphasizes a subject), along with sharp detail in the elements you wish to photograph.
If you enjoy capturing images of animals, food, flowers, or simply want to take artsy shots for Instagram (people still do that, right?), then the telephoto macro technique is exactly what you need. And now that the automatic lens-switching nonsense has been disabled, you can select the lens and compose the shot precisely, instead of relying on software that lacks contextual understanding.
The next time you take a photo, try tapping that 3x or 5x button and aligning the shot. You’ll need to pull the phone back slightly—usually a few more inches— which also aids in framing the shot more deliberately.
When it comes to food, I find this approach allows me to compose my frames very intentionally, adding rich depth to the photo that makes it appear as if someone with a professional camera took it. Family and pet photos are increasingly shot using telephoto lenses these days, as they accentuate the subject and generate rich, portrait-quality images without the fringing and blur calculation errors.
