Author: sparta

Peacock Raises Subscription Cost by $3, Surpassing Nearly All Competitors’ Prices

A new wave of price increases for streaming services might be imminent: Peacock has just revealed a $3 rise for all of its plans, making its ad-supported option pricier than nearly all of its rivals.

### Peacock Pricing Reaching $10.99/Month for Ad-Supported Plan

If you’ve been considering signing up for Peacock, your time is limited at the existing rates. According to *Variety*, Peacock will adjust prices across its two primary plans effective July 23.

– Peacock Premium (ad-supported) will now cost **$10.99/month**, an increase from $7.99
– Peacock Premium Plus will now be **$16.99/month**, up from $13.99

The updated rates indicate that the most favored plan—Peacock Premium, which features ads—will soon be more costly than Apple TV+. Additionally, it surpasses other ad-supported options such as:

– Netflix ($7.99)
– HBO Max ($9.99)
– Disney+ ($9.99)
– Hulu ($9.99)
– Paramount+ ($7.99)

Apple TV+ stands at $9.99/month and is the sole significant choice at that price point that is ad-free—it’s also enjoying a remarkably successful year.

While Peacock’s ‘Premium Plus’ plan remains less expensive than several other ad-free streaming options, the rise in its ad-supported plan’s cost relative to other choices may prompt similar increases from its competitors.

Peacock is likely implementing the price hike now to position itself ahead of the NFL’s return in September and other major NBC programming this fall.

What are your thoughts on the current pricing landscape for streaming services, and will Peacock’s increase influence your decision in any way? Share your opinions in the comments.

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New Updates in Apple Notes for iOS 26

Apple Notes has emerged as one of Apple’s most frequently refreshed apps, and iOS 26 brings a few noteworthy enhancements. Here’s everything new for Apple Notes in iOS 26.

## New Liquid Glass Design

Undoubtedly the most significant change for Notes this year is the completely revamped design featuring Liquid Glass. While the core layout of the app stays intact, the overall aesthetic appears and feels more contemporary due to comprehensive UI updates. Buttons and various UI components have been refreshed, repositioned, and improved. The search function is now prominently located at the bottom of the screen. Line spacing has been adjusted. The Notes toolbar is now horizontally swipeable. There’s also an updated app icon. Overall, Notes’ new appearance is a thorough reconstruction that feels both familiar and renewed.

## Markdown Import and Export

Markdown is now partially supported by Apple Notes. Importing and exporting Markdown has been incorporated into Notes in iOS 26. Although the app does not provide any styling for Markdown syntax, you can create an entire note in Markdown and easily export it using the new share sheet option. Importing Markdown files can also be done through the share sheet (or menu bar on iPad). Copying and pasting Markdown text won’t automatically trigger a conversion in Notes. Markdown allows users to compose in a straightforward, easy-to-read text format, which can then be transformed into structurally valid HTML.

## Notes Comes to Apple Watch

For Apple Watch users, iOS 26 and watchOS 26 bring the Notes app to your wrist for the very first time. You can access all your notes directly from the new Watch app, with pinned notes appearing at the top similar to your iPhone. This new app allows you to create new notes without needing to reach for your iPhone, particularly useful for dictation.

## Reed Pen for Calligraphy

Apple Notes features a tool palette specifically designed for Apple Pencil users, but it’s also available on iPhones. In iOS and iPadOS 26, that palette introduces a new tool option: a reed pen. The reed pen lets you experience a traditional calligraphy style within Apple Notes, complete with stroke-angle presets incorporated into the tool.

## Maybe Coming: Image Playground Additions

Image Playground serves as the hub for Apple Intelligence’s image creation tools and has been integrated into Apple Notes since the launch of iOS 18.2. In iOS 26, Apple introduces capabilities from ChatGPT’s popular image creation trends directly to its own Apple Intelligence feature. This means you’ll be able to create new images utilizing ChatGPT styles like Anime or by entering your preferred description. Presently in the iOS 26 beta, while the new ChatGPT options are part of the dedicated Image Playground app, the Notes app still only displays the existing Animation, Illustration, and Sketch styles from iOS 18. Future updates might bring the new ChatGPT features to image creation within Notes.

Which new Apple Notes features are you most looking forward to in iOS 26?

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Researchers Uncover 100 Million-Year-Old Fungi Enclosed in Amber

From being the central villain in a prominent video game and now television series, zombie fungi like cordyceps have rapidly gained traction as a captivating subject of scientific study. Nonetheless, these fascinating mushrooms and fungi have existed far longer than one might assume. Indeed, a recently uncovered piece of amber reveals that the “zombie fungi” thrived over 100 million years ago.

Besides serving as a narrative element in “The Last of Us,” cordyceps has also shown potential as a possible asset in the battle against cancer. Furthermore, discovering a new strain of nearly 100 million-year-old zombie fungus preserved in amber is thrilling for several reasons. The newly identified fungi, Paleoophiocordyceps gerontoformicae and Paleoophiocordyceps ironomyiae, appear to have functioned very similarly to their contemporary entomopathogenic relatives.

Similar to the zombie fungi we can find today, these ancient fungi produce stems from their deceased hosts, enabling them to infect other creatures and insects that venture close. The newly found piece of amber showcases an ant pupa, which perished and subsequently gave rise to a slender fungal stem. Additionally, the amber holds a fly that has been penetrated by a distinct type of fungus: a projectile-like stroma.

This finding is exhilarating because it indicates that even 100 million years ago, zombie fungi such as these were widespread globally. Based on the number of stalks and their arrangement within the fungus, it seems they can be connected to the modern Ophiocordyceps family, even though the lineage for the genus diverged more than 130 million years ago.

Of course, it is widely recognized that amber acts as a sort of time capsule from ancient times. It even played a significant role as a primary source of DNA for scholars in the fictional “Jurassic Park,” which has inspired a series of numerous films, video games, and television programs. Naturally, the likelihood of actually extracting viable DNA from amber is very low, but it remains fascinating to look back in time and observe a 100 million-year-old zombie fungus captured in stasis.

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Galaxy Z Fold 7 Possibly Exceeds Honor Magic V5 in Slimness

This is a fascinating turn of events, to which Honor has also reacted.

What you should be aware of

– A source on X asserts, after performing some evaluations, that Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 7 is indeed marginally thinner than Honor’s Magic V5.
– Comparisons made side by side appear to highlight the minor difference, whereas a caliper test claims an 8.95mm measurement for the Magic V5 and 8.79mm for the Fold 7.
– Honor’s formal response indicates that the tests are “inaccurate” and that the Magic V5 (Ivory White variant) measures 8.8mm, despite the source utilizing that same device for their tests.

There’s a device comparison circulating that implies Honor’s assertion of “thinnest foldable” may not align with reality.

Renowned X source Ice Universe shared a comparison video featuring Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Honor’s Magic V5, which presents a contrasting viewpoint (via 9to5Google). The source confidently proclaims that Samsung’s latest Fold 7 “is the thinnest folding mobile phone worldwide.” Their assessment, which displayed both foldables next to each other on a table, suggested that the Fold 7 was slightly thinner than the Magic V5.

To demonstrate this, Ice Universe placed cards on top of both devices. Upon placement, the card barely dipped towards the Fold 7. Minor tests with various objects indicated that the Fold 7 indeed seems to have a tiny advantage over the Magic V5 in terms of thinness.

Ice Universe conducted a brief caliper assessment, yielding further insights. In their evaluation, the Magic V5 measured 8.95mm, while the Fold 7 showed 8.79mm.

In spite of the source’s “thorough” testing, the publication obtained a statement from Honor addressing the situation. The OEM claims that “the information presented” in the source’s video “is inaccurate.” Honor emphasizes that consumers should “refer to the actual device” for accurate thickness measurements, clarifying that this entails measuring from panel to panel (excluding camera bumps) and without screen protectors.

Honor supplied an image of an internal measurement of the Magic V5 in its white variant, accompanied by a caliper indicating the reported 8.8mm.

A competition of… thinness?

Officially (as per Honor’s statement), the Magic V5 is 8.8mm when measuring its Ivory White model. The source on X appears eager to conduct additional tests, mentioning they are awaiting a new instrument to achieve a more precise reading. User feedback has been divided on the “methods employed” to arrive at such a measurement.

Honor’s Magic V5 debuted just prior to the Galaxy Z Fold 7, aiming to overshadow it and claim the title of the thinnest foldable. The device boasted Honor’s commitment to creating a sleek foldable that still delivers the flagship quality consumers anticipate, resulting in an 8.8mm measurement when folded and 4.1mm when completely opened.

When Samsung’s Unpacked event occurred and we examined the Fold 7, we discovered the device had a marginally larger measurement at 8.9mm. To be frank, there seems to be a contest presently concerning small, incremental figures, which may not be significant in the long run.

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Google Phone App’s Revamped Design Extends to Additional Devices

Your preferred contacts have been pushed aside for a more streamlined appearance.

Google’s Phone application has eliminated the previous Favorites tab, resulting in a significant UI overhaul. Favorites are now positioned at the top of the Recents tab, compacted into a narrow row rather than occupying their own section. Google has also removed the “Frequents” list, leaving your frequently called contacts absent in the new design.

Google has given its Phone app a substantial makeover, subtly phasing out a section we’ve all become accustomed to. The redesign is gradually reaching more users, clearly altering the app’s usability and experience.

On Google Phone version 182.0.779772896-publicbeta, the former Favorites tab has been officially removed. Now, your preferred contacts appear in a neat row above your call log in the Recents tab. Our own Nicholas Sutrich has observed the updated layout on his OnePlus 13.

This modification emerged following a leak last month. While some may view the updated UI as progress, it seems Google has quietly eliminated an important feature in the process.

Previously, the Phone app included a bottom tab that allowed immediate access to your top contacts. Just one tap, and your pinned favorites were readily accessible.

Last month’s leak showcased an “Add” button at the end of the favorites row, likely intended for the quick addition of more contacts. However, in the official version, that button is nowhere to be seen.

The updated design leaves the bottom bar appearing somewhat sparse, with only “Recents” and “Contacts” remaining visible. While the layout appears cleaner, it comes with a downside, as Google discreetly removed the “Frequents” section. That useful list of your most-called individuals did not make it into the new configuration, and it’s currently absent.

Google Account page makeover

In other developments, the Google Account page on Android is receiving a visual upgrade, now adopting the Material 3 Expressive design language, as noticed by the team at 9to5Google.

The tabs at the top are no longer present. Instead, everything is arranged in a singular scrollable list, creating a feel that aligns more closely with the Settings app.

At the top of the updated layout, your profile picture, name, and email are prominently displayed, remaining fixed as you scroll. If you manage multiple accounts, there’s a convenient dropdown for switching between them seamlessly.

This alteration has been observed on various devices, including Pixels and Samsung phones running Android 16 and 16 QPR1, provided that Google Play services is upgraded to version 25.25.33.

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TECNO Introduces Phantom Ultimate G Fold: A Tri-Fold Smartphone Featuring a Groundbreaking Snake-Inspired Design

TECNO has officially introduced its Phantom Ultimate G Fold concept, aiming to launch the thinnest tri-fold phone globally. The G Fold showcases a groundbreaking “G-style” inward folding structure equipped with dual hinges to safeguard its inner displays. When folded, the device maintains a thickness similar to current book-style foldables at 11.49mm, while its fully extended form presents an ultra-slim profile of 3.49mm.

The hinge mechanism of the G Fold is particularly notable, featuring a smaller waterdrop hinge on the right side and a larger primary hinge on the left, guaranteeing a secure and seamless fold. The device unfolds to display a 9.94-inch screen with minimal creasing and allows multi-angle hovering thanks to its dual-cam configuration, enabling versatile functionality.

TECNO is set to exhibit the G Fold at MWC 2026, promising top-tier specifications, including a robust chip, a triple camera setup, and a battery capacity surpassing 5,000mAh. This concept positions TECNO as a formidable contender in the foldable market, challenging industry giants like Samsung and Huawei.

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Future Honor Android Smartphones Anticipated to Include High Battery Capacities

There are speculations suggesting that Honor intends to enhance battery capacities across two of its smartphone series.

What you need to know:

– Reports on Weibo indicate that Honor is channeling efforts into augmenting its battery capacity figures for its mid-range and flagship smartphones.
– Mid-range models might feature batteries within the 8,200mAh-8,400mAh range, while upcoming flagship models could have capacities between 7,020mAh-7,200mAh.
– These figures represent a significant upgrade over Honor’s Magic 7 Pro and 6 Pro devices, which were in the mid-5,000mAh range.

There are some circulating rumors purportedly shedding light on Honor’s intentions for its Android smartphones and their power sources.

These claims were shared by Chinese Weibo insider Digital Chat Station (DCS), which asserts that Honor is gearing up to enhance battery capacity totals (via GSMArena). It appears Honor is directing efforts toward its mid-range and flagship smartphone lines. DCS indicates the company is aiming to elevate its budget devices to a range of 8,200mAh-8,400mAh.

Likewise, the Chinese manufacturer’s flagship phones might feature batteries within the range of 7,020mAh and 7,200mAh.

The insider did not specify when consumers might encounter these mid-range and flagship Honor phones with this increase in battery capacity. Perhaps we should anticipate this supposed battery capacity enhancement by 2026. The publication theorizes we could witness this anticipated power enhancement sometime this year, so it will be interesting to see how things unfold.

Staying off the charger for an extended period

Honor users would likely appreciate these anticipated battery enhancements, particularly when reflecting on the company’s prior Pro flagship smartphones. The Honor Magic 7 Pro, which made its global introduction earlier this year in January, launched with a 5,270mAh battery. Although this is less than the Chinese variant (5,850mAh), the Magic 7 Pro still features the brand’s third-gen silicon technology. The phone can endure a full day, even with substantial usage, so it was a decent trade-off.

The Magic 7 Pro’s silicon battery technology from Honor already distinguished the phone at the time of its release. According to our own Harish Jonnalagadda, this innovation implies that Honor’s batteries will have “higher density.” In summary, “brands can capitalize on this technology to install larger batteries without augmenting the size or weight of their phones, and that’s always beneficial.”

Conversely, we have the Magic 6 Pro with its 5,600mAh battery. Moderate to heavy usage yielded comparable durations to the 7 Pro. If the insider’s information is accurate, elevating future flagship models to 7,000mAh or beyond would significantly benefit the devices, as users could likely extend their usage on a single full charge.

One exception could be its foldable, particularly the Magic V5 and its forthcoming versions. Honor has concentrated on minimizing the device’s thickness. Given Honor’s battery technology, perhaps it can incorporate larger batteries while maintaining an incredibly slim profile for its future Magic V foldables.

The Magic V5 features a 6,100mAh battery constructed on Honor’s “razor-thin” silicon-carbon battery technology.

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Samsung Enhances Galaxy Watch 8 Classic with Upgraded Rotating Bezel

The Galaxy Watch 8 Classic has unveiled a fresh design feature that might attract enthusiasts of the Watch 6 Classic: a textured steel bezel. This design decision aims to elevate the watch’s aesthetic, though it may not provide comfort for all wearers. The bezel of the Watch 8 Classic is more pronounced and reaches the top, delivering a tactile experience that some might find less pleasant compared to earlier versions. Nevertheless, the bezel contributes a hint of sophistication with its 60-second markings surrounding the display, echoing the allure of luxury timepieces.

The Watch 8 Classic is listed at $150 higher than the regular Watch 8, incorporating advantages like increased storage and an extra Quick Button. Yet, the primary draw is the physical rotating bezel, which enables accurate navigation of the watch’s interface. This feature could justify the additional expense for those who value the tactile feedback and timeless design it brings. The bezel’s styling harmonizes with the watch’s overall look, making it a unique selection for users seeking a combination of elegance and practicality.

In the end, the choice to choose the Watch 8 Classic will hinge on individual taste regarding the bezel’s texture and the importance attached to its traditional design features. While it may not be suitable for everyone, it provides a distinctive experience for those who value its aesthetics and utility.

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TSMC Anticipated to Finish Building New U.S. Facilities Sooner Than Planned

Following the inauguration of its inaugural U.S. facility in Arizona in 2024, Apple’s semiconductor manufacturer TSMC is currently ahead of its timeline for two new factories. As per a report from Nikkei Asia, these plants could be operational “several quarters” sooner than initially projected.

These facilities will be tasked with producing older Apple chips, like the A16 and various Apple Watch processors, which may be utilized in both current and forthcoming Apple products, including HomePod, Apple Watch, Studio Display, and iPhone models. Additionally, TSMC’s third facility is anticipated to develop 2nm chips, aiming for mass production by the decade’s end. Apple is likely to incorporate this technology next year for the M6 and A19 Pro chips.

In addition, TSMC has pledged an extra $100 billion investment to establish five more factories in Arizona, encompassing two particular packaging plants and its most sophisticated chip production of 2 nanometers and beyond.

“Upon completion, approximately 30% of our 2-nanometer and more advanced

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Apple Unveils Witty Video Cautioning Against Eliminating Aspects from Images

### Apple Reveals Clean Up Function on iPhone 16

Apple has lately launched a new promotional initiative for the iPhone 16, featuring a capability named Clean Up, which belongs to its Apple Intelligence suite. The humorous style of the advertisement cautions users to reconsider before deleting specific elements from their photos, especially beloved pets.

#### What is Clean Up?

Clean Up is a cutting-edge feature integrated into the Photos app that empowers users to effortlessly remove unwanted objects from their pictures. This functionality aims to improve the photography experience by allowing users to concentrate on the subjects that are most important in their photos, while eliminating distractions that could diminish the overall picture quality.

#### The Ad Campaign

In the latest promotional clip, Apple amusingly suggests that users should avoid using Clean Up to eliminate cherished pets from their photos. This playful approach engages viewers while showcasing the feature’s potential. The advertisement highlights the significance of preserving memories that include dear companions, even when they might obstruct the perfect shot.

#### Availability

Clean Up is accessible on all iPhones compatible with Apple Intelligence, as well as on suitable iPads and Macs. This extensive availability guarantees that a diverse array of users can benefit from the feature, enriching their photo-editing experience across various devices.

#### User Experience

As users start to delve into the Clean Up feature, Apple invites feedback on their personal experiences. The company is eager to learn how this tool is being employed and whether it fulfills the expectations of its audience.

#### Conclusion

Apple’s Clean Up feature signifies a noteworthy leap in photo editing technology, enabling users to enhance their images effortlessly. The associated advertisement cleverly underscores the importance of maintaining meaningful moments, creating a memorable campaign. As users try out this feature, it will be fascinating to observe how it influences the way we capture and share our memories.

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