Author: sparta

How the M4 iPad Pro Transformed a Doubter into an Enthusiast

### The M4 iPad Pro: A Revolutionary Advancement in the Tablet Industry

For quite some time, numerous tech aficionados have thought that buying a new iPad at retail price was an unwise decision. The logic was clear: you frequently end up spending more on an iPad than on a similarly configured MacBook, while the iPad appeared restricted by its operating system, iPadOS, instead of its hardware potential. Yet, after nearly a year of utilizing the M4 iPad Pro, my viewpoint has evolved considerably, particularly with the rollout of thrilling new features in iPadOS 26.

#### What Distinguishes the M4 iPad Pro

A hallmark feature of the M4 iPad Pro is its display. Unlike MacBooks, which lack OLED screens, the M4 iPad Pro features a breathtaking Tandem OLED display. Although the M4 MacBook Pro is comparable with its 1000 nit miniLED display, it still does not match the vibrant visuals that the iPad Pro provides. This exceptional display enhances daily activities, making them more enjoyable and immersive.

Additionally, the M4 iPad Pro is sleeker and lighter than its predecessor, enhancing its portability and user experience. The 11-inch variant is merely 0.6mm thinner and 20 grams lighter, while the 13-inch version is 1.3mm thinner and over 100 grams lighter. These seemingly small variations become significant when you’re grasping a large tablet for long stretches.

#### My Insights on Usability

My journey with the M4 iPad Pro has included trying out features like Stage Manager. Nonetheless, I believe that the straightforwardness of the iPad is among its greatest advantages. For me, the split screen functionality is more intuitive and geared towards concentration than the multi-window method that Stage Manager presents.

Another impressive characteristic of the M4 iPad Pro is its exceptional battery longevity. Apple asserts that iPads can deliver up to 10 hours of web surfing, but my experience with the M4 iPad Pro has shown it to surpass these claims. It upholds superb standby time, enabling me to leave it idle for days without significant battery depletion.

In summary, the iPad excels at light tasks such as web surfing, social networking, messaging, and photo editing. Although it may not substitute for a MacBook Pro in more demanding scenarios, it fits effortlessly into my technological environment.

#### Conclusion

In the end, I decided to buy a $999 iPad (without any upgrades) mainly for its outstanding display, and I have no regrets about that choice. While budget-friendly alternatives like the 256GB iPad Air are available at $629, they entail compromises, such as a lesser-quality LCD display. The superior display of the M4 iPad Pro genuinely enhances the overall experience.

The comparison of iPads and MacBooks is not particularly helpful, as they fulfill different roles. I find that using both devices together enables me to utilize the strengths of each, whether it’s the iPad for casual activities or the MacBook for heavier tasks.

If you’re contemplating stepping into the realm of the M4 iPad Pro, it’s definitely worth assessing its capabilities and how it can integrate into your everyday life.

Are you an M4 iPad Pro user? Share your insights in the comments!

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Researchers Investigate the Possible Lifespan Advantages of Coffee Intake

Is Coffee Beneficial for Health?

Is coffee a healthful beverage? Although we’ve encountered various intriguing and frequently contentious studies regarding the health implications of coffee over the years, one fact appears to be evident: there are several health advantages associated with coffee consumption. Yet, researchers indicate that the impact of coffee on your health may greatly depend on how you enjoy it.

In my upbringing, I frequently observed my parents and grandparents having their morning coffee. Eventually, I adopted this routine myself, and it’s uncommon for me to commence my day without a shot or two of caffeine. For many, however, that caffeine hit is accompanied by significant amounts of sugar and cream. On the other hand, some relish the distinct flavor of strong, black coffee, which offers a unique experience not found elsewhere.

Nevertheless, your coffee preparation method is more crucial than you may realize. Of course, there’s the common knowledge that excessive sugar can be detrimental. However, researchers suggest that drinking coffee might actually enhance your lifespan. The key, though, lies in the way you consume it.

A Touch of Sugar Can Make a Difference

Recent findings from a study indicate that the health benefits associated with coffee consumption can differ. Among all the subjects in the study, researchers noted that those who drank their coffee black or with minimal sugar or fat had a 14% lower mortality risk when compared to those who abstained from coffee entirely. Conversely, as more sugar and fat were incorporated, those advantages vanished.

The study encompassed more than just coffee enthusiasts. It analyzed data from over 46,000 adults, with records extending nearly two decades (from 1999 to 2018). Participants reported their dietary intake, including beverages, in a 24-hour timeframe. They also documented their coffee consumption habits, which were evaluated alongside other essential information for the CDC’s National Death Index.

Researchers categorized the data according to the caffeine content of coffee and the quantities of sugar and fat in each serving. For context, “low sugar” was defined by researchers as containing less than 2.5 grams per cup, which roughly corresponds to half a teaspoon—not enough to mask the bitterness that coffee typically possesses.

Not the Entire Picture

The researchers concluded that while the positive effects of coffee consumption did not appear to accumulate over the long term, there were moderately increased advantages for individuals who enjoyed two to three cups daily. Those consuming one cup per day experienced a 16% reduction in overall mortality risk. In contrast, those drinking two to three cups enjoyed a slightly improved 17% reduction. Nevertheless, the benefits did not seem to increase beyond that point. Therefore, in this scenario, more is certainly not better.

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Evaluation of the Logitech Flip Folio: An Appropriate iPad Keyboard Case for Certain Users

### Logitech Flip Folio: A Multifunctional Keyboard Case for iPad

Recently, Logitech introduced a groundbreaking new keyboard case for the iPad Air and iPad Pro, named the Logitech Flip Folio. This item adopts a distinctive strategy for iPad accessories, aiming at a segment that has not been thoroughly tapped into previously.

#### Overview

The Logitech Flip Folio does not make use of the smart connector, marking a shift from other Logitech keyboards for iPad. This design decision is vital to the product’s operation. Unlike conventional iPad keyboards that merge the keyboard and iPad into one cohesive unit, the Flip Folio provides users the option to detach the magnetic Bluetooth keyboard from the iPad. This adaptability permits users to elevate their iPad on a surface while typing with ease.

Although some users may find the lack of a trackpad disappointing—considering its role in the iPad experience—the general idea of the Flip Folio is captivating. The product consists of two components: a sturdy folio case and a magnetic Bluetooth keyboard. The combination is not excessively bulky, rendering it a sensible option for portability. The keyboard functions on CR2016 batteries, which deliver up to two years of battery life under regular use, removing the necessity for frequent recharging.

#### Verdict

Having utilized the Flip Folio for a few weeks, it’s evident that this keyboard is a valuable acquisition for those in search of an iPad keyboard that presents notable versatility. Unlike Apple’s Magic Keyboard, which confines the iPad and keyboard into a singular laptop-like arrangement, the Flip Folio fosters new opportunities for iPad utilization.

The Flip Folio is equipped with numerous magnets that enable users to set their iPad in landscape mode while positioning their phone next to it for improved productivity. Moreover, the keyboard can connect with up to three devices, allowing users to type on their phone as well.

Nonetheless, there is a constraint regarding compatibility with iPad Pro models. The Flip Folio only accommodates the M4 iPad Pro model, leaving M1, M2, or older iPad Pro model users without support. This limitation is perplexing, as the keyboard functions through Bluetooth, but Logitech has verified that earlier iPad Pros are not compatible.

#### Wrap Up & Pricing

In summary, the Logitech Flip Folio is a welcome entry into the market. Although it comes with a higher price point for a keyboard case, it undercuts Apple’s Magic Keyboard by about 50% while offering a markedly different experience.

The Flip Folio is retailing for $159.99 for the 11-inch iPad models and $179.99 for the 13-inch iPad models. It is compatible with M1, M2, and M3 iPad Air models, as well as M4 iPad Pro models.

To conclude, the Logitech Flip Folio signifies a notable advancement in iPad keyboard design, presenting versatility and functionality that appeals to a broad spectrum of users.

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Apple Investigates Purchase of AI Search Firm Perplexity, Based on Report

As Apple races to catch up in the generative AI arena, a recent report indicates that the company is contemplating its largest acquisition to date.

According to Bloomberg, Apple executives have engaged in internal conversations regarding a potential offer for Perplexity AI, a rapidly expanding AI startup renowned for its conversational web search platform.

## This would represent Apple’s largest acquisition to date

As stated by Mark Gurman, these discussions are still in the preliminary phase and may not lead to an official bid, but the concept has allegedly been discussed among Apple’s mergers and acquisitions head Adrian Perica, services chief Eddy Cue, and the company’s top AI leadership.

Perplexity recently concluded a funding round that valued it at $14 billion, which would make an acquisition a groundbreaking step for Apple, significantly higher than the $3 billion Beats acquisition in 2014.

Here’s what Gurman says about the potential acquisition:

> “Acquiring Perplexity would provide Apple with a boost in AI talent, an established brand in the AI realm, and a consumer product. A deal could also help enhance future recruitment efforts.”

While the report mentions that Apple has conducted several meetings with Perplexity in the past few months, and its internal AI divisions have been closely assessing the technology, Apple chose not to comment, and Perplexity stated it has “no awareness of any ongoing or future M&A discussions.”

## The rationale for acquiring Perplexity

Firstly, there’s the potential risk of Apple’s $20 billion annual search agreement with Google being dismantled due to the US government’s ongoing antitrust litigation. Eddy Cue himself hinted at this during his testimony earlier this year, asserting that the industry is shifting away from conventional web search towards AI-powered responses.

Secondly, Perplexity possesses what Apple currently lacks: a consumer-centric AI search product with real-time web access and brand recognition in the AI sector, all at a much lower (though still exorbitant) cost compared to direct rivals like OpenAI. Perplexity even boasts its own iPhone assistant that, despite the system’s deliberate constraints, performs significantly better than Siri and ChatGPT in various tasks.

Perhaps this is the reason, beyond a complete acquisition, that Apple is also reportedly investigating a possible partnership that could integrate Perplexity into Safari as a search alternative or incorporate it into Siri’s responses.

One significant challenge: Samsung. The report indicates that Samsung is nearing the finalization of its own substantial partnership with Perplexity, which could complicate any exclusive deal with Apple. Notably, Bloomberg reported earlier today that Meta has also engaged in acquisition talks with Perplexity but appears to have abandoned the idea in favor of its recent $14B investment in Scale AI.

Do you believe Apple should acquire Perplexity? If not them, who do you think Apple should pursue for acquisition? Share your thoughts in the comments.

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“Reasons True Crime Fans Must See Netflix’s French Docuseries Cocaine Air”

If you’re a fan of the suspenseful storytelling found in true-crime docuseries or the captivating underworld narratives akin to *Narcos*, you’ll want to explore [*Cocaine Air: Smugglers at 30,000 Ft*](https://www.netflix.com/title/81614967), a fresh [Netflix](https://bgr.com/tag/netflix/) docuseries hailing from France. It chronicles an astonishing real-life drug operation that seems almost too outrageous to be true: In 2013, Dominican officials intercepted a private jet ready to take off for France, uncovering 26 suitcases packed with over 1,500 pounds of cocaine.

Interestingly, among the passengers were two esteemed French pilots with military histories.

Thus begins the extraordinary real-life story presented in the Netflix series by journalist-directors Olivier Bouchara and Jérôme Pierrat. *Cocaine Air* differentiates itself from other true-crime documentaries by refraining from providing a straightforward conclusion, instead prompting viewers to form their own judgments: Were pilots Pascal Fauret and Bruno Odos aware of the contents of the 26 suitcases? Or were the legal representatives of both men justified in their claims that they were merely piloting the aircraft, oblivious to the cargo they were carrying (akin to taxi drivers who might not know who or what is entering their cab)?

> “Sometimes, we’d think, ‘Maybe they knew.’ Other times, we doubted everything.”
>
> -Cocaine Air co-director Olivier Bouchara

Complicating matters further: Both individuals had spotless records and military experience, having once transported nuclear arms. Following their arrest in the Dominican Republic in 2013, they managed to flee by boat two years later. They faced conviction in 2019 but were later acquitted in 2021. “When you’re innocent, you almost turn yourself in,” Odos reflects at a moment in the series, [as reported by *Time* magazine](https://time.com/7292948/cocaine-air-netflix-true-story/), attempting to express his innocence.

For what it’s worth, both men were regarded in France as veterans and family men, not drug traffickers. Supporters even rallied to defend them.

Nonetheless, investigator Christine Saunier-Ruellan identified warning signs in communications such as texts stating “nature of cargo confirmed,” as well as Google inquiries regarding drug legislation and a questionable flight record. However, no definitive evidence emerged.

“What she had were indications,” *Cocaine Air* co-director Olivier Bouchara stated to *Time*. Adding to the peculiarity of this entire tale, even former French president Nicolas Sarkozy features in the narrative at one point. His phone was monitored during the investigation due to previous flights on the same aircraft.

The filmmakers assert their uncertainty regarding the pilots’ involvement or potential deception. As Bouchara expresses, “Sometimes, we’d think, ‘Maybe they knew.’ Other times, we doubted everything.” Hence, *Cocaine Air* does not culminate in a neat conclusion. Its thrilling storyline keeps you engaged and guessing throughout, making it a unique docuseries that does not dictate your thoughts. It’s no surprise that it ranks #2 on the Netflix weekly Top 10 list of the most-watched non-English series as of this writing.

## More French true-crime to stream on Netflix

Once you’ve finished *Cocaine Air*, if you find yourself craving additional French true-crime narratives, Netflix offers a robust selection to explore. *[The Outreau Case: A French Nightmare](https://www.netflix.com/title/81368117)* revisits one of the most unsettling judicial scandals in France’s modern history. *[Lords of Scam](https://www.netflix.com/title/81092697)* delves into a remarkable tax fraud scheme featuring characters straight out of a noir thriller, while *

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iOS 26 to Allow Third-Party Applications to Create Their Own AirDrop Alternatives

### Apple Eases Control on Local Wireless Sharing with iOS 26

Apple’s stronghold on local wireless sharing is finally relaxing, albeit somewhat reactively. With iOS 26, developers will have access to a new API that enables third-party applications to discover and connect with nearby devices over Wi-Fi, independent of an internet connection. Here’s how it functions.

#### Wi-Fi Aware

As noted by iHelpBR, the essence of this news revolves around Wi-Fi Aware, which will enable nearby devices to locate one another and establish a direct peer-to-peer connection via Wi-Fi, even if they aren’t on the same network.

This is the same basic principle that Apple’s AirDrop has utilized for years, but now it’s being made available to all. Here’s what Apple’s Swetank Saha has to say about the new feature:

> “With Wi-Fi Aware, you can unlock new experiences and enable your apps to seamlessly discover and connect to nearby devices. Some examples include: media streaming, high-speed file transfer, accessory control, screen sharing, and if necessary, you can do all of these simultaneously.”

During the WWDC25 session “Supercharge device connectivity with Wi-Fi Aware”, Saha showcased its practical application: you launch an app on both devices, view a list of nearby peers, and tap to start a connection. There’s even an optional confirmation code step, similar to AirDrop, to ensure you’re connecting to the correct device.

#### Not Just for File Transfers

While rapid local file sharing is the clear primary use case, Apple is positioning this API as a resource for much more than just that. Developers could leverage it for virtually any application that would benefit from a swift, local connection without reliance on the cloud, including screen sharing, streaming media between devices, and updating or configuring accessories such as smart glasses or drones.

And since Wi-Fi Aware is an open standard, apps aren’t confined to Apple-to-Apple transfers. In theory, a developer could create something that enables functionality between iPhones and Android devices that run the same app. It’s not AirDrop for Android, but it’s the closest Apple has come to facilitating that type of cross-platform interaction.

#### Reading Between the (Regulatory) Lines

Officially, Apple isn’t linking this action to regulatory pressure, but the timing is hardly coincidental. The European Union has been urging Apple to enhance iOS’s interoperability with third-party hardware and services, specifically highlighting local sharing as an area that needs to become more accessible.

This API allows Apple to tick that box without actually opening up AirDrop itself.

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Motorola Flip Phone Now $300 Discounted at Best Buy After Fiercely Competing with Samsung Last Year

Motorola has made a notable impression in the flip phone market with its 2024 debut of the Motorola Razr Plus. This device has been lauded for mastering the flip phone design, combining contemporary technology with a touch of nostalgic aesthetics. The 2024 Razr Plus boasts vibrant internal and external displays, an elegant design featuring a vegan leather back, and a robust rear camera. Offered in Midnight Blue and Spring Green, it includes 256GB of storage and runs on the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite CPU with 12GB of RAM.

The device’s 6.9-inch pOLED internal display alongside the 4-inch pOLED cover display both support refresh rates of up to 165Hz, ensuring fluid operation. The Hello UI has undergone significant enhancements, delivering a more seamless user experience. Although it is a last-generation model, it retains many features akin to the 2025 version, making it a worthwhile consideration for those in search of a proficient flip phone at a more affordable price.

At present, Best Buy has the 2024 Razr Plus available for a $300 reduction, bringing the price to $699.99. This offer positions the Razr Plus as a strong contender in the foldable phone sector, particularly for those who value battery longevity and functionality of cover displays. Nevertheless, it may not be ideal for individuals looking for a device with a telephoto lens or superior ingress protection rating. In summary, the 2024 Motorola Razr Plus emerges as a polished and appealing choice for flip phone fans.

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Discover the Vast’s Haven-1 Space Station using Apple Vision Pro

**Vast’s Haven-1: Leading the Way in Commercial Space Stations**

Vast is on the cusp of transforming low Earth orbit with its groundbreaking initiative, Haven-1, which is set to become the first commercial space station. Planned for launch within a year, Vast has sparked enthusiasm through a virtual reality (VR) fly-through experience, directed by the company’s Chief Astronaut, Andrew Feutel. This engaging experience is available on platforms like Meta, Steam, and Apple, enabling the public to envision the future of living in space.

Haven-1 is intended to be launched using SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket, noted as the most economical medium-lift rocket on the market. Vast has established a strategic alliance with SpaceX to support crewed missions utilizing the Crew Dragon spacecraft. This partnership will also ensure that Haven-1 is furnished with Starlink connectivity, providing reliable data transmission and internet access for research and communication purposes.

The VR fly-through reveals a sleek and contemporary design for Haven-1, sharply contrasting with the cluttered interiors of the International Space Station (ISS). While the ultimate design may change, the initial visuals offer an encouraging preview of the station’s capabilities. Haven-1 will house a crew of four, featuring individual quarters, multifunctional furnishings, and generous space for both governmental and private research projects.

Vast seeks to obtain a NASA Commercial LEO Destination contract, positioning Haven-1 as a temporary residence for NASA astronauts after the ISS is retired. In contrast to other companies focused on creating extensive ISS replacements, Vast’s approach centers on launching a smaller, short-term station that will be deorbited following four missions. This tactic enables Vast to potentially advance ahead in the competitive arena of commercial space stations.

Following Haven-1, Vast intends to develop Haven-2, a notably larger and modular station capable of facilitating spacewalks, robotic tasks, and accommodating a crew of twelve. This growth highlights Vast’s dedication to enhancing human engagement in space.

In the near term, Axiom Space stands as the main competitor with its Axiom Station, which is set to attach modules to the ISS before detaching just prior to the ISS’s retirement. Axiom’s proficiency in overseeing crewed missions to the ISS provides it with an advantage, as it prepares for its fourth private astronaut mission. However, Vast is resolute in its efforts to compete with Axiom’s lead, especially in obtaining future NASA missions.

For those eager to delve into Haven-1’s design, the VR experience led by Andrew Feutel offers an intriguing chance. Even without a VR headset, the experience can be accessed on Vast’s YouTube channel, allowing a wider audience to connect with the future of commercial space exploration.

As the launch of Haven-1 nears, the enthusiasm surrounding commercial space stations continues to rise, signifying a new chapter in humanity’s journey to explore and inhabit space.

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