Author: sparta

“Initial Teaser of Marvel’s Eyes of Wakanda Highlights Impressive Animation Technique”

On Tuesday, Marvel revealed a glimpse of its animated Black Panther spinoff series, Eyes of Wakanda. As implied by the title, Marvel Animation’s upcoming series centers on the Kingdom of Wakanda, a fictional nation situated in Africa that houses various MCU characters, such as T’Challa, Shuri, M’Baku, and Erik Killmonger.

Eyes of Wakanda is an anthology series composed of four 30-minute episodes. Each episode is set in a distinct period of Wakanda’s past, following warriors known as the Hatut Zaraze as they endeavor to reclaim Vibranium artifacts from the adversaries of Wakanda.

“Wakanda is a 3,000-year-old culture,” said Todd Harris, the showrunner of Eyes of Wakanda, during a Q&A about the series last month. “They possess a very clear self-identity, and they are committed to preserving it. We have the opportunity to witness the resilience and spirit of Wakandans.”

“The concept of the show is: What kind of culture fosters the Black Panther?” he remarked. “This is evident even in their generals, their sergeants, and everyday people.”

What is most striking about the trailer is the distinctive style, which appears unlike anything we’ve encountered from Marvel Animation thus far. There are hints of What If…? in the style, but it is clear that the Eyes of Wakanda team had a unique vision for how they aimed to depict this world and the residents of Wakanda.

Black Panther director Ryan Coogler serves as an executive producer on the series, which features the voices of Winnie Harlow, Anika Noni Rose, Cress Williams, Patricia Belcher, Larry Herron, Gary Anthony Williams, Adam Gold, Zeke Alton, Lynn Whitfield, Jacques Colimon, Jona Xiao, Isaac Robinson-Smith, and Steve Toussaint.

Originally slated for release in 2024, the Disney+ series was later rescheduled for August 6, 2025. Now, Marvel has postponed the launch date one last time to August 27, 2025.

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Speculated Galaxy Tab S10 ‘Lite’ Could Debut Alongside Samsung’s Upcoming Flagship Series

The soon-to-be-released Galaxy Tab S10 Lite from Samsung has been attracting attention, but recent updates indicate it may not fulfill all hopes. As per reports, the tablet is presently in the “software testing” stage, operating on One UI 7 based on Android 15. Nevertheless, it is anticipated to come with the older Exynos 1380 chipset, which could disappoint those wishing for more sophisticated hardware.

The Exynos 1380, launched in 2023, is tailored for mid-tier devices and incorporates an Arm Mali G68 GPU along with an octa-core CPU. Although it accommodates a 144Hz refresh rate, its performance might not compete with more recent processors. Benchmark evaluations show a single-core score of 782 and a multi-core score of 2,637, reflecting modest capabilities.

The Tab S10 Lite is expected to debut together with the Galaxy Tab S11 series, likely in the fall. It is projected to provide both Wi-Fi and cellular options, akin to earlier models. While the “Lite” label implies affordability, the incorporation of older technology may not meet the expectations of all users. Pricing information has yet to be revealed, but the Tab S10 FE and S10 Plus FE were listed at $499 and $649, respectively.

In summary, while the Galaxy Tab S10 Lite strives to offer a budget-conscious alternative, its dependence on older components might not attract those in pursuit of state-of-the-art performance.

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Preliminary Google Pixel Price Reductions and Anticipations for Amazon Prime Day Promotion

Amazon’s largest sale of the year is RETURNING.

(Image credit: Brady Snyder / Android Central)

The inaugural four-day Amazon Prime Day kicks off on July 8th, and I’m compiling all of the top Google Pixel offers into this guide so you won’t need to search around. Whether you’re looking for the midrange Pixel 9a or the ultra-premium Pixel 9 Pro XL, all Google device deals will be showcased on this page as soon as the sale launches.

Up until now, Amazon has been keeping its Pixel deals relatively under wraps, but that doesn’t imply you can’t uncover some fantastic bargains if you know where to search. Continue reading for all my best selections from various sources, and remember to come back to see what’s new when the sale officially begins. Currently, it’s mostly carrier promotions and trade-in offers, but things are about to get very different in just a few days.

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Apple Unveils New Series ‘I’m Grateful My Mother Passed Away’ Featuring Jennifer Aniston for TV+

### Apple TV+ Broadens Its Offerings with New Dramedy Featuring Jennifer Aniston

Apple TV+ is progressively enhancing its streaming platform with noteworthy projects, especially with the highly anticipated fourth season of the celebrated drama series *The Morning Show*, starring Jennifer Aniston and Reese Witherspoon. As excitement grows for the forthcoming season, Apple is also making waves with the revelation of a new ten-episode dramedy titled *I’m Glad My Mom Died*, inspired by the bestselling memoir of former *iCarly* actress Jennette McCurdy.

#### Overview of *I’m Glad My Mom Died*

The series will delve into the intricate relationship between McCurdy and her mother, who significantly influenced her upbringing as a child performer. Aniston is set to take on the role of McCurdy’s mother, a character characterized as controlling and excessively involved. The casting for the part of the eighteen-year-old McCurdy has yet to be completed, leaving fans eagerly awaiting news.

Jennette McCurdy is deeply engaged in the adaptation, acting as a producer and showrunner alongside Ari Katcher. This involvement guarantees that the series will reflect the emotional richness and authenticity of McCurdy’s memoir, which resonates with many individuals who have encountered similar challenges in the entertainment sector.

#### Production and Release Timeline

The series is presently in pre-production, and with filming yet to begin, it is expected that *I’m Glad My Mom Died* will likely debut in late 2026 or 2027. This schedule indicates the thorough planning and development that Apple Studios, in collaboration with producers like Sharon Horgan, are committing to the project.

#### The Morning Show Season Four

Prior to the debut of *I’m Glad My Mom Died*, Aniston will reprise her role in *The Morning Show*, which is scheduled to launch its fourth season on September 17, 2025. The series has amassed a considerable fanbase and is recognized for its ensemble cast, which will feature notable actors such as Jeremy Irons and Marion Cotillard joining this season’s roster.

*The Morning Show* has played a crucial role in positioning Apple TV+ as a formidable competitor in the streaming landscape, showcasing superior storytelling and production quality. The inclusion of fresh talent in the upcoming season is anticipated to further enhance the series’ allure.

#### Conclusion

With Jennifer Aniston leading both *The Morning Show* and the forthcoming *I’m Glad My Mom Died*, Apple TV+ is strategically utilizing star power to draw in viewers. As the streaming environment continues to transform, these initiatives underscore Apple’s dedication to crafting captivating content that resonates with audiences, securing its foothold in the competitive streaming landscape.

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Apple Watch’s Satellite SOS Function Assists in Saving Injured Climber in Colorado

A climber trapped at almost 11,000 feet in the wilderness of Colorado was saved this week due to Apple’s Emergency SOS satellite messaging functionality. Here’s what transpired.

### Glissading incident

As reported by KDVR, a 53-year-old man had reached the peak of Snowmass Mountain on Sunday before starting his descent using a glissading method (which involves sliding down the snowy incline). That’s when he hurt his wrist and realized he couldn’t exit independently.

Without any cellular service, he utilized Apple’s Emergency SOS through satellite messaging to reach out to a family member, who subsequently informed the authorities.

As per officials from the Pitkin County Sheriff’s Office, emergency dispatchers received the notification around 8:25 a.m. on Monday, and Mountain Rescue Aspen was sent to Snowmass Lake.

A group of 17 rescuers trekked in to provide assistance and eventually evacuated the injured climber, at an altitude of 10,980 feet and more than eight miles from the closest trailhead.

### Not merely a “Dear Tim” advertising strategy

As KDVR highlighted, features such as Apple’s Emergency SOS via satellite can be vital in situations like this:

> “The rescue team and the sheriff’s office stated that having an emergency device and knowing how to utilize Apple satellite texting can accelerate the rescue. The SOS button can also be employed for assistance, which enables the rescue team to establish direct communication.”

Have you or anyone you know ever needed to utilize Apple’s SOS Emergency service? Has the Apple Watch ever come to your aid in other instances? Share your experiences in the comments.

### Apple Watch offers on Amazon

*FTC: We utilize income-generating auto affiliate links.*

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Innovative Additions in Apple Photos for iOS 16

Apple’s Photos application underwent a significant transformation last year, and iOS 26 introduces several new updates. Here’s a rundown of all the new features arriving in the Photos app with iOS 26.

## New Liquid Glass Design

One of the most significant modifications affecting all Apple applications this year is the ‘Liquid Glass’ design in iOS 26. Specifically within the Photos app, you will encounter Liquid Glass UI elements throughout, including the buttons, navigation tabs, popup menus, and more. While your photos and videos continue to be the main visual focus of the app, the implementation of Liquid Glass in Photos isn’t as extensive as in some other applications—but it’s still a refreshing change that’s hard to overlook.

## Tab Bar Navigation Returns

The previous year, when Apple revamped the Photos app in iOS 18, the most notable alteration was in navigation. The beloved tab bar was removed, replaced by a single-screen UI. After receiving a lot of discontent from users, Apple has reinstated tab bar navigation in Photos for iOS 26. Although it’s not a complete return to the exact layout prior to iOS 18, the navigation in Photos is now much more reminiscent of its earlier form, featuring three tabs:

– Library
– Collections
– Search

The Library functions similarly to previous iterations of the app, while Collections brings together all the new, customizable sections introduced with iOS 18.

## Spatialize Photos

A standout feature of visionOS 2 last year was the ability to “spatialize” your photos. Now, iOS 26 brings that functionality to the iPhone through the Photos app. When viewing a photo, a new button located in the top-right corner allows you to view a ‘Spatial Scene’ version of the image. This essentially adds depth to your photo, allowing you to pan around to explore different dimensions. It’s an exciting feature within the Photos app, but it truly excels when using Spatial Scenes as your Lock Screen wallpaper.

## New Customization Settings

Within the new Collections tab, Apple is providing users with even greater customization capabilities than before. While you could already fully customize and reorder the sections displayed in your Photos app, iOS 26 introduces:

1. New viewing settings for your collections
2. The ability to collapse and expand individual collections

For the former, tapping the three dots at the top of the Collections tab reveals three viewing options. You can have all collections uniform in size, either all small or all large, or you can stick with the default option which makes certain collections visually more prominent than others. The option to temporarily collapse specific sections should also make it easier to navigate through your Collections view.

## Photos in iOS 26: Wrap-Up

This year’s Photos update demonstrates Apple’s efforts to advance the app while also utilizing iOS 26 to reintroduce some familiarity that users lost with iOS 18. It may not be as feature-rich as the previous year, but following the considerable overhaul, a year of stability could be precisely what Photos users desire most.

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Savings on Satechi M4 Mac mini Hubs and SSD Enclosures at 20% Off, Discover My Gear Starting at $24, iPhone 16 Pro Price Cut by $400, and Additional Deals

# Top Apple Offers on Gadgets and Accessories

As the summer sizzles, so do the promotions on Apple gadgets and accessories. This piece showcases some of the top deals currently accessible, featuring Satechi’s newest items, substantial markdowns on iPad Pro models, and more.

## Satechi’s Summer Blowout

Satechi, a prominent manufacturer of accessories for Apple devices, has kicked off a Summer Blowout Sale highlighting impressive discounts on its latest products. Notable mentions include:

### M4 Mac Mini Stand & Hub
– **Price**: $80 (Original $100)
– **Description**: This accessory boosts connectivity options for the Mac Mini, while also integrating a 10Gbps NVMe SSD enclosure. It has multiple ports for USB-A, SD cards, and other connections, making it a valuable addition to any configuration.

### USB4 Slim NVMe SSD Enclosure
– **Price**: $96 (Original $120)
– **Description**: This enclosure supports transfer speeds of up to 40Gbps and accommodates various M.2 NVMe SSD sizes. Its sleek design makes it ideal for increasing storage capacity.

### New Find My Accessories
Satechi has launched a fresh lineup of Find My accessories, featuring:
– **FindAll Keychain**: $24 (Original $30)
– **FindAll Luggage Tag**: $36 (Original $45)
– **FindAll Wallet Card**: $28 (Original $35)
– **FindAll Glasses Case**: $40 (Original $50)

These items are equipped with Bluetooth technology and are crafted to assist users in keeping tabs on their items.

## iPad Pro Price Cuts

In anticipation of the July 4th celebrations, Amazon has decreased prices on all 13-inch M4 iPad Pro models by $200. This includes assorted configurations, making it a prime opportunity to buy:

– **Standard Configurations**: All Wi-Fi variants (256GB, 512GB, 1TB, and 2TB) are offered at a $200 reduction.
– **Open-Box Deals**: Further savings can be discovered on open-box models, with prices commencing as low as $1,013.99 for the 13-inch variant.

## iPhone 16 Pro Discounts

For those in search of a new iPhone, Amazon has also lowered prices on iPhone 16 Pro models:
– **256GB Natural Titanium**: Now available for $925.65, reflecting a $174 reduction from the original price.
– **1TB Black Model**: Was previously discounted by $400 but is currently not in stock.

These refurbished premium devices provide an economical way to acquire a high-quality gadget.

## Final Thoughts

With these incredible offers on Satechi accessories, iPad Pro models, and iPhone 16 Pro devices, it’s an optimal time to upgrade your Apple ecosystem. Whether you’re in the market for chic accessories or robust gadgets, numerous options are available at fantastic prices.

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Threads Unveils Independent Direct Messaging and Debuts Visual Highlights

Meta has made remarkable progress in improving its Threads app, celebrating its second anniversary with the launch of a direct messaging feature and a fresh visual highlights option. These enhancements seek to further define Threads as a standalone platform, separate from its Instagram roots.

### Direct Messaging Feature

The highly anticipated direct messaging (DM) function is finally being introduced. Users now have the ability to chat privately within the app, though they must adhere to specific guidelines. DMs are not encrypted, and users can only message those who follow them back on Threads or are mutual followers on Instagram. Moreover, both participants must be over 18 years old.

Future enhancements for the DM feature are anticipated to encompass:

– **Message Controls**: Users will gain the capability to control who can send them messages, including options for those who do not follow them on either platform, along with a designated message requests folder.

– **Group Messaging**: This feature will enable users to participate in discussions with several members.

– **Inbox Filters**: Users will have the means to swiftly identify and reply to crucial messages.

### The Threads Highlighter

Alongside DMs, Threads is launching the “Threads Highlighter,” a new visual component designed to showcase distinct viewpoints and encourage meaningful conversations. The highlighter will emphasize trending themes and other important topics, appearing in key sections of the app where users explore content. This feature strives to boost user interaction by fostering relevant dialogues.

Both the direct messaging function and the Threads highlighter are accessible globally, underscoring Meta’s dedication to transforming Threads into a platform with its own identity and audience. Significantly, a third of daily Threads users engage with different accounts than those they follow on Instagram, highlighting an expanding and unique community within the app.

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Initial Evaluations of Apple TV+ Sci-Fi Series Emphasize Ongoing Enhancement

### Foundation Season 3: Apple TV+’s Bold Sci-Fi Saga Makes Its Return

Apple TV+ is poised to captivate audiences once more with the eagerly awaited comeback of **Foundation** for its third season on **July 11, 2025**. Following a successful second season, the series has received considerable acclaim, with critics referring to it as Apple’s counterpart to **Game of Thrones**.

#### A Brief Overview of Foundation

**Foundation** debuted in the autumn of 2021, adapting Isaac Asimov’s groundbreaking sci-fi series, deemed by many as impossible to bring to the screen. While the inaugural season received varied feedback, the second season represented a pivotal shift, unveiling the series’ true potential and depth. With season 3 on the brink, initial responses indicate it could be the best installment yet.

#### Critical Acclaim

The feedback for season 3 has been overwhelmingly favorable. Critics have commended the series for its compelling storytelling, character arcs, and production excellence. Noteworthy reviews include:

– **CBR**: “One of the top shows of the year and essential viewing for all sci-fi enthusiasts.”
– **JoBlo**: “Apple TV+ might have finally discovered its own *Game of Thrones*.”
– **Collider**: “This is the kind of television that elevates the medium…the quality of acting and writing is unmatched.”

#### What to Expect in Season 3

Set **152 years** after the conclusion of season 2, the story tracks the advancement of the Foundation, which has flourished as the Cleonic Dynasty’s Empire has diminished. The narrative introduces a daunting new foe, a warlord referred to as **“The Mule,”** who represents a substantial danger to the galaxy. The storyline promises intricate dynamics of alliances and confrontations, as pivotal characters such as **Hari Seldon**, **Gaal Dornick**, and **Demerzel** engage in a high-stakes intergalactic game of chess.

Apple characterizes the season as an exhilarating continuation of the saga, underscoring the stakes embedded in this vast universe.

#### The Show’s Reception and Future

Despite its accolades, **Foundation** has not yet achieved the widespread acclaim of other Apple TV+ successes like **Severance**. The complex plot and extensive character lineup may be intimidating for newcomers, but those who commit their time find a rewarding and rich narrative experience.

As the third season nears, fans are hopeful that the show will resonate with a broader audience, potentially setting the stage for a fourth season.

#### Conclusion

With its fusion of grand storytelling and high production values, **Foundation** distinguishes itself as one of the premier offerings from Apple TV+. As it readies to premiere its third season, both new audiences and loyal fans are keen to see how this ambitious adaptation evolves.

For anyone keen on diving into this sci-fi gem, **Apple TV+** is offered at **$9.99 per month**, featuring a selection of renowned shows and films.

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watchOS 26 Debuts New ‘Hints’ Functionality for Improved Watch Face Personalization

watchOS 26 is expected to debut this fall, bringing a variety of new features and improvements for Apple Watch users. Among the most significant enhancements are the introduction of an Apple Notes application, advanced Apple Intelligence capabilities, and major updates to the Control Center. Nevertheless, one of the highlight features of this update is the addition of ‘hints’ for the Smart Stack, designed to enhance its discoverability and ease of use.

### Hints in watchOS 26 Address the Smart Stack’s Discoverability Challenge

Since its introduction two years ago, the Smart Stack has been an essential component of watchOS, enabling users to view a stack of widgets by scrolling the Digital Crown while they look at their watch face. The Smart Stack has undergone various enhancements, with the addition of Live Activity support last year boosting its relevance and immediacy.

In watchOS 26, Apple is elevating the Smart Stack by implementing ‘hints.’ These hints aim to provide proactive prompts for actionable recommendations based on contextual information, sensor data, and user habits. Crafted from Liquid Glass, these hints will manifest as subtle visual cues on the display. For example, a hint for the Backtrack feature might be shown when a user finds themselves in a remote area lacking connectivity, or a suggestion for a Pilates session may appear when a user arrives at their regular studio at the anticipated time.

The intention behind these hints is to motivate users to engage with the Smart Stack at moments when it could prove particularly useful. Acknowledging that Apple Watch users primarily interact with their watch faces, Apple has designed these hints to emerge at the lower part of the screen, indicating a Smart Stack prompt.

When a user taps on a hint, they will be taken to the Smart Stack with the corresponding widget highlighted, streamlining access to valuable information without needing to manually search for it.

### Potential Effects of Hints

The launch of hints could greatly improve the Smart Stack’s effectiveness by surfacing the most pertinent widgets upfront, rather than necessitating user searches. However, concerns exist about the possibility of these hints conflicting with watch faces that already showcase widgets at the bottom. If executed successfully, hints could signify a substantial enhancement in how users engage with the Smart Stack, making it a more essential aspect of the Apple Watch experience.

As the arrival of watchOS 26 draws nearer, many are keen to observe how well these hints perform in real-world use and if they fulfill their goal of boosting user interaction with the Smart Stack.

### Conclusion

With the forthcoming launch of watchOS 26, Apple is ready to provide a more personalized and user-friendly experience for Apple Watch owners. The addition of hints within the Smart Stack is a promising advancement that could alleviate current discoverability challenges and facilitate more intuitive access to pertinent information. As users gear up for the fall update, excitement surrounding these new features continues to rise.

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