Author: sparta

    • sparta
    • Comments Off on Apple Abandons Launch of New Apple TV+ Series Planned for This Friday
    Apple Abandons Launch of New Apple TV+ Series Planned for This Friday

    ### Apple Cancels Release of “The Savant” on Apple TV+

    Apple has taken the surprising step to call off the release of “The Savant,” an eagerly awaited series featuring Jessica Chastain, which was slated to debut on Apple TV+ on September 26. Currently, the show lacks a confirmed release date, and Apple has erased all references to the launch from its social media channels. The TV app now shows that the series is “coming at a later date,” leaving fans in uncertainty about its prospects.

    #### Reasons for Cancellation Remain Unclear

    The specific reasons for the cancellation of “The Savant” have not been revealed by Apple. The company has yet to provide an official statement on the issue, resulting in speculation among viewers and industry experts alike.

    #### Plot Overview and Controversies

    While particular plot elements remain mostly under wraps, it is thought that “The Savant” centers on Chastain’s character as she delves into extremist online groups to prevent potential acts of terrorism. This premise has drawn scrutiny, especially in light of recent real-world incidents, such as the contentious Charlie Kirk assassination, which might have affected the decision to postpone the show’s release.

    The trailer for “The Savant,” unveiled in August, encountered considerable backlash for its depiction of political themes. Critics suggested that the series could portray a skewed perspective on extremism and misrepresent right-wing ideologies. Furthermore, some criticism was aimed at the show’s concept, with opponents questioning the likelihood of a woman successfully infiltrating ‘incel’ groups without being detected, reflecting broader societal views on gender roles in such storylines.

    #### A Pattern of Delays on Apple TV+

    “The Savant” is not the first show on Apple TV+ to experience an indefinite delay. The third season of the acclaimed international thriller “Tehran” has also been deferred since the onset of the Israel-Hamas conflict, despite having completed filming in 2023. Although the season aired in its entirety on the Israel Kan 11 network in December 2024, Apple has not shared any news regarding its availability for worldwide streaming.

    #### Conclusion

    The cancellation of “The Savant” has certainly disheartened fans who were looking forward to its release. With no defined timeline for when—or if—the series will premiere, viewers are left to contemplate the ramifications of its contentious themes and the larger context of media representation in today’s environment. As Apple TV+ continues to address these challenges, the future of its original content remains ambiguous.

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    • Comments Off on Review of the iPhone 17: Outstanding Bang for Your Buck
    Review of the iPhone 17: Outstanding Bang for Your Buck

    The iPhone 17 brings forth a variety of significant camera enhancements, preserving its dual camera setup while greatly boosting its functionality. This model now features a 48-megapixel ultrawide camera, a noteworthy advancement from the 12-megapixel ultrawide found in the iPhone 16, in addition to a 48-megapixel primary camera. Nonetheless, the iPhone 17 still does not include a dedicated telephoto camera, a component that certain rivals in the same pricing tier, such as the Google Pixel 10 and Samsung Galaxy S25, have added to their triple camera configurations.

    Nevertheless, Apple has introduced a sensor crop technology on the primary camera, enabling users to take “telephoto” photos with optical quality 2x zoom. This functionality compensates for the lack of a telephoto camera, providing users with a useful option for zoom photography.

    A photo of ice chips captured by the iPhone 17Christian de Looper for BGR

    In general, the iPhone 17 consistently produces vivid and detailed photos. Colors look bright and true to life, while details remain crisp until hitting the limits of the image processing technology. While images at 4x or 5x zoom may show some graininess due to the lack of a telephoto lens, photos captured at lower zoom levels are typically impressive. In contrast, devices like the Galaxy S25 and Pixel 10, which feature telephoto cameras, excel in generating superior quality images at greater zoom levels. For users who rarely zoom in on their images, the absence of a telephoto camera in the iPhone 17 might not be a major issue. However, for those who do, the Pixel and Galaxy devices deliver better performance at 10x zoom.

    A photo of palm trees captured by the iPhone 17Christian de Looper for BGR

    Despite these restrictions, the camera capabilities of the iPhone 17 are impressive. Images are rich in detail and color, appearing more natural in comparison to those taken with the Galaxy S25. Users can also modify the color profile using Photographic Styles on the iPhone. In low-light scenarios, the iPhone 17 shines in producing brightly lit images, although the Pixel and Galaxy models manage to capture more detailed zoomed low-light photographs.

    A noteworthy upgrade on the iPhone 17 is the upgraded 18-megapixel front-facing camera equipped with Center Stage. The square sensor design facilitates smooth transitions between portrait and landscape orientations using a button in the camera interface. Furthermore, the device automatically adjusts the crop according to the number of individuals in the frame, with manual override options available for those who wish to capture a broader background.

    A selfie captured by the iPhone 17Christian de Looper for BGR

    The iPhone 17 additionally unveils more camera-centric features, such as the new Dual Camera mode, which enables simultaneous shooting with both the rear and front-facing cameras. While this option may not be vital for daily use, it introduces a creative aspect for users who participate in events like concerts.

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    • Comments Off on Possible Effects of ‘Halo’ Barrels in Los Angeles on Marine Organisms
    Possible Effects of ‘Halo’ Barrels in Los Angeles on Marine Organisms

    LA Times uncovered multiple hotspots as recent as 2020, initially hypothesizing that the industrial waste barrels scattered among them contained DDT, or Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane, a pesticide that has been prohibited for a long time. It is estimated that as much as 700 tons and 25,000 barrels of toxic DDT were discarded. Referred to as the “halo” barrels due to their unremarkable white sediment halos found underwater, scientists now believe they have identified the substances within them. These barrels are leaking corrosive alkaline waste into the vicinity in significant quantities, deterring animal life and possibly leading to its destruction.

    As reported by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the cemetery, referred to as the Southern California ocean disposal site #2, spans 14 deep-sea dumping locations. These locations are said to be filled with radioactive waste, refinery waste, chemical waste, oil-drilling waste, and military explosives, which were disposed of between the 1930s and 1970s. Very little information is available about the content of these dumping sites, aside from the likelihood of them containing harmful industrial waste in some form. A 2021 report indicates that it is not DDT, however, following assessments conducted by teams from the Scripps Institute of Oceanography.

    The timeline of the ‘halo’ barrel graveyard discovery

    <div class="slide-key image-holder gallery-image-holder credit-image-wrap " data-post-url="https://www.bgr.com/1971258/why-los-angeles-halo-barrels-destroying-aquatic-life/" data-post-title="These 'Halo' Barrels Around Los Angeles Might Be Destroying Aquatic Life" data

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    • Comments Off on Disney+ Unveils Price Hike Impacting HBO Max and Hulu Package Deals
    Disney+ Unveils Price Hike Impacting HBO Max and Hulu Package Deals

    **Price Hikes for Disney+ and Bundles: Essential Information**

    Increases in streaming service prices are not unprecedented, but Disney+ has often been highlighted as one of the platforms that regularly elevates its rates. Starting October 21, substantial price hikes will impact both standalone Disney+ subscriptions and popular bundles that include Hulu, ESPN, and HBO Max.

    ### Upcoming Price Adjustments

    A recently revised support document on Disney’s website details the forthcoming price adjustments. Below is a summary of the existing and new rates for various Disney+ plans and bundles:

    #### Disney+ Plans

    – **With Ads**
    – Current: $9.99/month
    – Effective 10/21: $11.99/month

    – **Without Ads**
    – Current: $15.99/month
    – Effective 10/21: $18.99/month

    #### Disney+ and Hulu Bundle (With Ads)

    – Current: $10.99/month
    – Effective 10/21: $12.99/month

    #### Disney+, Hulu, ESPN Select Bundle (With Ads)

    – Current: $16.99/month
    – Effective 10/21: $19.99/month

    #### Disney+, Hulu, ESPN Select Bundle Premium (No Ads on Disney/Hulu)

    – Current: $26.99/month
    – Effective 10/21: $29.99/month

    #### Disney+, Hulu, HBO Max Bundle (With Ads)

    – Current: $16.99/month
    – Effective 10/21: $19.99/month

    #### Disney+, Hulu, HBO Max Bundle (No Ads)

    – Current: $29.99/month
    – Effective 10/21: $32.99/month

    These price increases signify notable hikes for Disney+ subscriptions and bundles, mirroring trends seen with other streaming platforms like Peacock and Apple TV+.

    ### Plans That Remain the Same

    Surprisingly, some plans have managed to avoid price increases. The ad-free Disney+ and Hulu bundle stays at $19.99, just $1 more than the upcoming cost for Disney+ without ads. Furthermore, the recently introduced Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN Unlimited bundles will keep their existing pricing.

    ### Conclusion

    As Disney+ and its related bundles gear up for these price hikes, subscribers might need to reassess their streaming choices. Will these adjustments influence your decision to subscribe to Disney+, Hulu, HBO Max, or ESPN? Feel free to share your opinions in the comments.

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    • Comments Off on Comprehending the Difference Between Centrifugal and Centripetal Forces
    Comprehending the Difference Between Centrifugal and Centripetal Forces

    soaring into the emptiness of space? Why does a stone oscillated on a string create a flawless arc instead of shooting away directly? These inquiries were posed long before the era of space exploration by brilliant thinkers like Copernicus, Galileo, and Kepler. Yet, it was Isaac Newton who provided the mathematical expression for circular motion.

    In the 17th century, Newton’s Principia presented the principles of motion and gravitation, laying out a structure to clarify not just the trajectories of celestial bodies, but also the push and pull experienced by rotating objects. With these principles came the ideas of centripetal and centrifugal forces. Since that time, these two concepts have ignited discussions, misunderstandings, and intrigue in equal amounts. They remain fundamental ideas in physics education, yet they also influence our perception of motion in everyday life. So what truly differentiates centrifugal from centripetal forces, and how can we distinguish between them?

    What are centripetal and centrifugal forces?

    <source media="(max-width: 428px)" srcset="https://www.bgr.com/img/gallery/whats-the-difference-between-centrifugal-and-centripetal-forces/what-are-centripetal-and-centrifugal-forces-175812845

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    • sparta
    • Comments Off on Google Photos Broadens Conversational Editing Functionality to Additional Android Users
    Google Photos Broadens Conversational Editing Functionality to Additional Android Users

    a selection of unique camera and photo functionalities powered by Gemini. The updated Camera Coach offers real-time advice on improving photography with one of the latest Pixel 10 devices. More intriguing is a new feature in Google Photos that allows Pixel 10 users to modify images by typing commands through text, resembling a chat with Gemini. Rather than manually making edits by tapping the screen and selecting options, you can employ conversational editing to provide directives for the AI.

    On Tuesday, Google revealed that the conversational editing function in Google Photos will be made available to Android users beyond just Pixel 10 users. According to a blog post, the feature will be accessible to qualifying Android users in the U.S. The timeline for its availability to international Android users or if it will be present in the Google Photos app for iPhone remains unclear. As a reminder, earlier this year, Google introduced several AI enhancements to Google Photos, including the capability to transform photos into videos using the Veo 3 video generation model.

    All images taken or modified using Pixel 10 devices contain C2PA metadata by default, which indicates the source of the image and clarifies whether it was edited using AI or non-AI tools. It is assumed that similar safety measures are integrated into the conversational editing features for Google Photos.

    Understanding how conversational editing functions in Google Photos

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    • sparta
    • Comments Off on How an iPhone Function Can Improve Your Efficiency
    How an iPhone Function Can Improve Your Efficiency

    Apple Intelligence.

    In order to utilize live translation with the Voice Memos app on Apple devices, you’ll require an iPhone 12 or a more recent model operating on iOS 18 or its subsequent versions. From there, it’s simply a selection of the appropriate option during recording. It’s quite impressive to witness Apple Intelligence convert speech into text in real-time, and you even have a couple of choices for handling it once you either pause or end the recording.

    Given that Apple’s AI is seamlessly integrated throughout the iPhone’s operating system, it’s easy to miss certain functionalities, particularly as the company provided additional upgrades to Apple Intelligence in iOS 26. Nonetheless, the newly introduced live transcription feature is a true blessing for anyone who consistently records using the Voice Memos app, so let’s take a brief glance at its features.

    How to access live transcriptions in the Voice Memo app

    <source media="(min-width: 429px)" srcset="https://www.bgr.com/img/gallery/the-iphone-trick-youre-not-using-that-could-boost-your-productivity/how-to-view-live-transcriptions-in-the-voice-memo-app-

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    • sparta
    • Comments Off on Premium Safeguard Covers for Samsung Galaxy Tab S11 Ultra in 2025
    Premium Safeguard Covers for Samsung Galaxy Tab S11 Ultra in 2025

    The Tab S11 Ultra is enormous, featuring an impressive 14.6-inch display. Weighing in at 690g, it is significantly closer to a kilo compared to the smaller Tab S11. The finest Samsung Galaxy Tab S11 Ultra cases enhance the usability of this glass and metal giant. Quality cases also provide drop protection, essential for a device of such size and weight. A kickstand is the top feature to seek in a Tab S11 Ultra case, closely followed by a keyboard. Let’s explore the top tablet covers that incorporate these characteristics.

    ## The Galaxy Tab S11 is a substantial tablet — get a case with a stand for comfortable use

    ### Samsung Galaxy Tab S11 Ultra Book Cover Keyboard Slim
    **Best keyboard case**

    Samsung’s official keyboard case is outstanding. The Galaxy Tab S11 Ultra Book Cover Keyboard Slim is remarkably thin and light, even with the addition of a keyboard. The only downside of this case is its steep $210 price.

    ### Samsung Galaxy Tab S11 Ultra Smart Book Cover
    **Best thin case**

    Samsung also provides this stylish cover without a keyboard for the Tab S11 Ultra. The Galaxy Tab S11 Ultra Smart Book Cover is lightweight and features a folio that can be folded to create a stand in two different positions. Unfortunately, that $110 price point is too high for many.

    ### Spigen Rugged Armor Pro for Galaxy Tab S11 Ultra
    **Best rugged**

    Fortunately, Spigen’s Rugged Armor Pro for the Galaxy Tab S11 Ultra is considerably more economical than Samsung’s options. This shock-resistant case features reinforced edges, raised bezels, a folio that serves as a kickstand in three configurations, and an S Pen holder.

    ### Spigen Ultra Hybrid Pro for Galaxy Tab S11 Ultra
    **Best minimal**

    For those seeking a less flashy option with a more understated look, Spigen’s Ultra Hybrid Pro for Galaxy Tab S11 Ultra is an excellent selection. It’s available in black and white, with a mostly transparent back. It includes an S Pen slot and a folio that converts into a stand.

    ### Ltezixal Case for Galaxy Tab S11 Ultra
    **Best soft**

    The Ltezixal Case for Galaxy Tab S11 Ultra is very budget-friendly, priced at just $25. It features a clear back with a soft TPU shell, an S Pen slot, and a folio that folds into a kickstand reminiscent of the official Samsung Smart Book Cover.

    ### INFILAND Case for Galaxy Tab S11 Ultra
    **Best affordable**

    The INFILAND Case for Galaxy Tab S11 Ultra is available at a very low cost of just $25. This case comes in red and black options. It has a magnetic folding folio that works with the Tab S11 Ultra’s sleep/wake function and also transforms into a multi-angle kickstand.

    ## Selecting the best Samsung Galaxy Tab S11 Ultra case for your requirements

    There are numerous Samsung Galaxy Tab S11 Ultra cases available, but some are superior. Official options from Samsung are among the finest, albeit at high prices. The Samsung Galaxy Tab S11 Ultra Book Cover Keyboard Slim is beautifully thin, providing a keyboard for your Tab S11 Ultra along with a stand. However, it is priced over $200!

    The Galaxy Tab S11 Ultra Smart Book Cover is another Samsung case for the 14.6-inch tablet. While it is half the price of the keyboard case and also exceptionally thin and light, the $100 price is still too high for just a case.

    Spigen offers more affordable alternatives with the rugged Rugged Armor Pro and Ultra Hybrid Pro for the Galaxy Tab S11 Ultra. Both are priced around $50, provide drop protection, include S Pen holders, and feature kickstands. Make your choice based on how lightweight you want your tablet cover to be and the level of drop protection required.

    If $50 is still too steep for you, there are more affordable options. You could opt for a budget third-party case like the Ltezixal Case or the INFILAND Case, both priced at $25. These cases meet the essential requirements of a Tab S11 Ultra case, including a folio, impact protection, and a kickstand.

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    • Comments Off on The Possible Disappearance of a Martian Moon: A Study
    The Possible Disappearance of a Martian Moon: A Study

    strange about Phobos. Tidal forces from Mars are pulling it closer at a rate of roughly 1.8 centimeters annually. Consequently, Phobos is on a gradual yet consistent path towards its demise. Researchers predict that it will enter Mars’ atmosphere within the next 50 million years.

    Compounding its unstable condition, Phobos exhibits indications of structural stress. Its surface displays long grooves and significant craters, suggesting that this moon is experiencing stretching, potentially from tidal forces. It has been proposed that Phobos may resemble a loosely held assemblage of rubble instead of a solid mass. The diminishing orbit of Phobos, along with its tidal distortions, raises questions about its most probable fate. Will it crash into Mars, disintegrate into a ring, or face an entirely different end? Let’s delve into these scenarios.

    Origins of Phobos

    <img class="

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    • sparta
    • Comments Off on Samsung Galaxy S26 Set to Rival iPhone with Advanced Video Capabilities
    Samsung Galaxy S26 Set to Rival iPhone with Advanced Video Capabilities

    Samsung’s APV Codec Set to Outperform Apple’s ProRes in Storage Efficiency

    Samsung’s upcoming Galaxy S26 series is set to transform the Android camera phone landscape, potentially competing with Apple’s iPhone Pro models in professional video features. A recent leak indicates that Samsung will launch an Advanced Professional Video (APV) codec throughout the Galaxy S26 range. This novel codec is expected to provide near-lossless video recording with more compact file sizes, maintaining detail more effectively than current alternatives while reducing storage requirements.

    The Galaxy S26 is speculated to include LOG recording and integrated LUT profiles, permitting users to capture flat footage and see color grades on the device directly. Other video enhancements encompass Horizon Lock for more stable shots, improved document scanning, advanced Motion Photo settings, and USB-C external drive compatibility for handling large file transfers.

    Samsung intends to directly serve creators, with early reports suggesting support for variable frame rates, including 1080p and 4K recording at 25, 50, or 100 fps, and 8K video limited to 25fps. The S26 series is anticipated to provide 12-bit color depth, HDR capabilities (including HDR10 and HDR10+), and around 20% improved efficiency in comparison to HEVC or ProRes formats.

    Despite challenges such as managing heat and battery consumption during long recording sessions, the Galaxy S26 could facilitate pro-level video shooting on Android devices. Should these features come to fruition, the S26 series may finally pose a challenge to Apple’s supremacy in mobile video.

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