When Rivian first revealed the R2 in 2024, a lot of the excitement was centered on the starting price of $45,000 – placing it slightly below the current average selling price for a new internal combustion vehicle. Finally, here was a decently sized electric SUV with great design and impressive software that wouldn’t require taking […]
WordPress.org is launching a new tool that lets you create a private website directly in your browser, according to an announcement on Wednesday. You can access the tool by heading to my.WordPress.net, which opens up a workspace where you can start building a website without signing up to WordPress, choosing a hosting plan, or selecting […]
The Pan-European Game Information (PEGI) body previously assigned its age ratings based on the presence of sex, drugs, violence, bad language, and fear. Now it’s adding four new options that tie age suitability to interactive features, like rating games that contain loot boxes as unsuitable for children under 16. Games like EA’s FC series – […]
Rajesh Jha, executive vice president of Microsoft’s experiences and devices group, is retiring after more than 35 years at the software giant. Jha was a big part of the team that helped move Microsoft’s Office suite to the cloud, and has recently been overseeing Microsoft 365 Copilot, Windows, Office, and more. “After 35+ years at […]
**Parallels Desktop Compatibility with MacBook Neo: An Update**
Last week, Parallels issued a warning about the compatibility of its Parallels Desktop for Mac software with the newly launched MacBook Neo. Following the introduction of Apple’s $599 laptop, Parallels has released an update regarding the compatibility status of virtual machines.
The good news is that virtualization is supported on the MacBook Neo. Apple has enabled virtual machines on its M-series chips, but since the MacBook Neo uses an A-series chip, compatibility concerns arose. Traditionally, A-series chips have been exclusive to iPhones and some iPads.
According to the newest information from Parallels, the outlook appears positive:
> “Parallels Desktop functions on MacBook Neo in basic usability assessments. The Parallels Engineering team has finalized preliminary testing and affirmed that **Parallels Desktop installs and virtual machines operate reliably on MacBook Neo**. Comprehensive validation and performance assessments are ongoing, and further compatibility declarations will be made as needed.”
Additional insights indicate that the A18 Pro chip in the MacBook Neo provides the essential hardware virtualization support for running virtual machines through Parallels Desktop. Nonetheless, complete validation across all supported guest operating systems and diverse use scenarios is still in progress.
While initial evaluations suggest that virtualization operates seamlessly, Parallels advises users to consider more than 8GB of RAM for an improved experience. This suggestion arises from the fact that Windows requires 4GB of RAM, and the virtual machine will have to share the 8GB RAM with macOS.
Despite this, Apple has a history of selling Macs equipped with 8GB of RAM, and virtualization has proven viable for moderate tasks. For example, the M5 MacBook Air comes with 16GB of RAM and is priced starting at $1099.
Parallels mentions, “For light, occasional Windows usage, such as a legacy business application or a Windows-only tool, the MacBook Neo may deliver an adequate experience.”
The MacBook Neo is currently priced at $599. For more details, users can explore reviews and additional information online.
Disney+ has revealed the launch of a fresh vertical video feature named ‘Verts’ for its US subscribers, with intentions to expand globally in the near future. This feature is designed to improve content discovery on mobile devices, enabling users to interact with Disney’s vast library in a contemporary way.
Accessing the ‘Verts’ feature is possible through a new icon located in the Disney+ tab bar on iPhones. By selecting this icon, users can enter a vertical video stream where they can swipe through scenes and highlights from numerous movies and shows available on the platform. This functionality also lets users conveniently add content to their Watchlist or begin playback instantly.
Disney has reported that initial tests indicate vertical video greatly increases user engagement on mobile devices. The company is not just focusing on content discovery; they are also investigating further uses for vertical video, which include:
– Creator content that resonates with fan communities
– Innovative storytelling formats
– New content types
– Enhanced personalized user experiences
This initiative comes on the heels of Disney’s collaboration with OpenAI, which suggested the possibility of integrating user-generated content, like Sora videos, into Disney+. The rollout of ‘Verts’ signifies the start of a larger strategy to transform how users engage with video content on the platform.
As Disney advances its vertical video features, it welcomes feedback from users about their experiences and expectations related to this new offering.
Google Maps is experiencing a major overhaul with the launch of Immersive Navigation, representing the most significant update in more than ten years. This innovative feature is designed to elevate the driving experience by offering a more instinctive and visually captivating interface.
The Immersive Navigation function starts with a dynamic 3D perspective that accurately reflects the environment around you, including buildings, overpasses, and terrain. Important road features such as lanes, crosswalks, traffic lights, and stop signs are emphasized to help drivers make secure turns and merges.
To enhance route planning, Google Maps will provide an extended view of the trip, utilizing intelligent zooming and transparent visuals of buildings in advance of intricate turns and lane shifts. This is further supported by natural voice directions, which offer specific guidance like, “Proceed past this exit and take the next one for Illinois 43 South.”
Utilizing Gemini’s spatial comprehension features, Google Maps assesses real-world images from Street View and aerial photographs to deliver a precise representation of landmarks and road features along the way. Users will also gain insights into alternative routes, evaluating the advantages and disadvantages of choices such as longer routes with reduced traffic versus quicker paths that might include tolls.
Real-time notifications regarding disruptions, such as roadwork and accidents, will be facilitated by input from a community of over 10 million drivers each day. Before embarking on a trip, individuals can preview their destination and the surrounding area with Street View images, alongside parking suggestions.
As drivers near their destination, Google Maps will point out the building’s entrance, available parking spots, and which side of the street to be on, ensuring a smooth transition from the final turn to the entrance.
The launch of Immersive Navigation has commenced in the United States, with intentions for wider availability on compatible iOS and Android devices, CarPlay, Android Auto, and vehicles that come equipped with Google built-in (Android Automotive) in the months ahead.
Phoebe Dynevor, Djimon Hounsou, and Whitney Peak star in Netflix’s new shark horror, “Thrash.” Trailer.
Apple’s 50th birthday celebration starts with a letter.
Walmart drops the Pokémon TCG Ascended Heroes Tech Sticker Collection to just over $32, about $5 cheaper than Amazon.
