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    • sparta
    • Comments Off on Lotus Improves CarPlay Connectivity in Newest Vehicle Models
    Lotus Improves CarPlay Connectivity in Newest Vehicle Models

    **Lotus Enhances CarPlay Experience with Spatial Audio Update**

    The British sports car manufacturer Lotus has revealed a major enhancement to the CarPlay experience for iPhone users, introducing Spatial Audio features via a complimentary software upgrade. This improvement is available for the electric Eletre and Emeya models, signifying a significant leap in in-car audio technology.

    The update enables Apple Music users to experience immersive Dolby Atmos sound, made possible by KEF’s high-quality in-car audio systems. This partnership aims to redefine the in-vehicle listening experience, offering drivers and passengers high-fidelity sound that transforms every trip into an auditory journey.

    **Immersive Audio Experience**

    The Eletre and Emeya models incorporate state-of-the-art audio technology from KEF, a celebrated British audio manufacturer. With as many as 23 speakers strategically positioned throughout the cabin, these vehicles provide an immersive 3D surround sound experience. Spatial Audio in CarPlay enhances the listening experience, allowing music to shift dynamically within the car, resulting in a sensory-rich atmosphere filled with depth, clarity, and detail.

    Apple Music’s growing library features a plethora of tracks available in Spatial Audio, showcasing contributions from some of the world’s most acclaimed artists across a multitude of genres. Curated playlists further enrich the experience, ensuring that listeners can savor music in a manner that feels more vivid and engaging than ever before.

    **The Evolution of CarPlay and Spatial Audio**

    Spatial Audio in CarPlay has been progressively adopted by various automobile brands, including Rivian, Polestar, and Lucid. Importantly, CarPlay is not a requirement for utilizing Spatial Audio; some vehicles employ a built-in Apple Music application to access this feature.

    As the demand for premium audio experiences in automobiles continues to rise, Lotus’s incorporation of Spatial Audio represents a crucial advancement in enhancing the overall driving experience. This update not only exemplifies the brand’s dedication to innovation but also emphasizes the significance of high-quality audio in contemporary vehicles.

    In summary, Lotus’s most recent software update for the Eletre and Emeya models enhances the in-car audio experience, enabling drivers and passengers to appreciate music in an immersive and dynamic manner. By combining Spatial Audio with KEF’s audio technology, Lotus is establishing a new benchmark for luxury sports cars.

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    • Richard
    • Comments Off on Dia Browser Launches $20/Month Subscription Option
    Dia Browser Launches $20/Month Subscription Option

    ### Dia Now Introduces a Dia Pro Subscription Plan

    The Browser Company has recently unveiled a subscription plan for its innovative AI-driven browser, Dia. This initiative comes after the company’s choice to phase out the Arc browser, which had built a loyal user community thanks to its groundbreaking design and features.

    #### Overview of Dia

    Debuted a few months ago, Dia is designed to offer a more conventional browsing experience while incorporating sophisticated AI functionalities. The browser includes a sidebar featuring an AI assistant that improves user interaction by comprehending the content being viewed, retaining browsing history, and aiding with various tasks. Presently, Dia is still in its beta stage, allowing users to navigate its features and provide feedback.

    #### Subscription Details

    The newly launched Dia Pro subscription plan is set at $20 monthly. This plan grants users unrestricted access to the AI assistant, marking a considerable improvement over the complimentary version. Free users will continue to have access to all browser features but might face usage constraints depending on their activity levels.

    #### Usage Limits for Free Users

    Currently, specific information regarding the restrictions for free users has not been revealed. However, CEO Josh Miller noted in a recent interview that the browser will remain free for those who use the AI tool infrequently, particularly for individuals who interact with it merely a few times weekly.

    #### Community Feedback

    The shift from Arc to Dia has generated mixed responses among users. While some are enthusiastic about the new features and AI integration, others show disappointment over Arc’s discontinuation. The Browser Company invites users to express their experiences and opinions in the comments section.

    #### Conclusion

    With the rollout of the Dia Pro subscription plan, The Browser Company is positioning Dia as a formidable contender in the AI-enhanced browser landscape. Users now have the opportunity to elevate their browsing experience with advanced AI tools, while still having access to a free version of the browser for casual use.

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    • sparta
    • Comments Off on Security Experts Effectively Compromise ChatGPT Using a Sole ‘Contaminated’ File
    Security Experts Effectively Compromise ChatGPT Using a Sole ‘Contaminated’ File

    AgentFlayer was created by researchers Michael Bargury and Tamir Ishay Sharbat. Its utilization demonstrates that indirect prompt injection can be accomplished using a single document embedded with the appropriate instructions. Such an attack, when executed, could grant malicious individuals access to sensitive developer information, including API keys and beyond.

    For example, in this instance, the researchers embedded an invisible prompt injection payload into a document before uploading it to ChatGPT. When ChatGPT processes an image within the document, a request is automatically dispatched to the attacker’s server through the invisible prompt. Just like that, the information has been compromised, leaving the victim unaware.

    Indirectly compromising AI

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    • Richard
    • Comments Off on Top 10 Most Viewed Shows on Apple TV+ Currently
    Top 10 Most Viewed Shows on Apple TV+ Currently

    Here’s what’s popular this week on Apple’s streaming platform, beginning with Jason Momoa’s latest historical saga at #1.

    1. “Chief of War” — In this narrative set in 18th-century Hawaii, Momoa takes on the role of a native Hawaiian warrior who becomes pivotal in the struggle to unify the islands.

    2. “Platonic” — A comedic take on two longtime (platonic!) friends, portrayed by Seth Rogen and Rose Byrne, this has emerged as one of my favorite Apple TV+ comedies in a while. It seems men and women can indeed be friends, though it’s just as humorous and chaotic as one might expect.

    3. “The Buccaneers” — A sumptuous period drama that provides a new perspective on 19th-century women challenging societal norms, this series is based on Edith Wharton’s incomplete novel of the same title. It tells the story of affluent American girls journeying to England in search of husbands.

    4. “Foundation” — Based on Isaac Asimov’s Foundation series, this sci-fi saga follows a group of exiles striving to save humanity and reconstruct civilization amidst the disintegration of a vast interstellar empire.

    5. “Stick” — Owen Wilson stars as a down-and-out former golf professional who, despite currently being stuck in a dead-end job, finds renewed purpose by mentoring a teenage golf prodigy.

    7. “Ted Lasso” — Unless you’ve been entirely cut off from the outside world, this Apple TV+ sensation should require no further introduction. This heartwarming comedy about an optimistic soccer coach continues to be the ultimate comfort viewing — it was once the most popular Apple TV+ show ever, before “Severance” took over.

    8. “Smoke” — A crime thriller from Dennis Lehane, the plot centers around an arson investigator concealing a startling secret. Brace yourself: There’s an astonishing twist following the initial couple of episodes.

    9. “Severance” — Another Apple TV+ sensation that should need no introduction. For those unaware, this workplace thriller is a mind-bending exploration of identity and memory. Employees at the fictional Lumon Industries consent to have their consciousness divided, ensuring their outside selves remain oblivious to their “innie” work lives.

    10. “Shrinking” — Jason Segel and Harrison Ford star in what sounds like a contradiction: A comedic story about therapy. Segel’s character is a therapist who opts to discard his rulebook in favor of delivering unfiltered honesty to his patients.

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    • sparta
    • Comments Off on Apple Maps Launches Bicycle Routing Capability in Hong Kong and Taiwan
    Apple Maps Launches Bicycle Routing Capability in Hong Kong and Taiwan

    ### Apple Maps Enhances Cycling Directions: A Global Overview

    When Apple initially launched cycling directions on Apple Maps, this functionality was initially accessible in select urban areas such as New York and Beijing. Since its limited launch in 2020, Apple has progressively broadened its scope, now incorporating cycling directions in locations like Hong Kong and Taiwan.

    For cyclists, obtaining comprehensive information is essential for efficient route planning. Important factors include the presence of bike paths and lanes, their extent along the route, and the elevation changes that could influence the journey. Apple Maps endeavors to meet these requirements by offering optimized routes specifically tailored for cyclists, prioritizing bike-friendly paths rather than those intended for pedestrians or motor vehicles.

    The expansion of cycling directions has reached several bike-friendly nations, including the Netherlands, renowned for its vast cycling infrastructure. Currently, the feature is also being introduced in Hong Kong and Taiwan, providing alternatives to bypass hills and congested roads, thereby improving the overall cycling experience.

    Despite this growth, Apple has not yet refreshed its official list of regions offering cycling directions to encompass Hong Kong and Taiwan. At present, the supported regions stated on Apple’s website consist of:

    – Australia
    – Austria
    – Belgium
    – Canada
    – China mainland
    – Denmark
    – Finland
    – France
    – Germany
    – Greece
    – Ireland
    – Italy
    – Japan
    – Monaco
    – Netherlands
    – New Zealand
    – Norway
    – Portugal
    – San Marino
    – Singapore
    – Spain
    – Sweden
    – Switzerland
    – Thailand
    – United Kingdom
    – United States
    – Vatican City

    As Apple continues to enhance its mapping features, users can look forward to additional updates concerning the inclusion of more areas for cycling directions.

    For individuals who take advantage of cycling directions in Apple Maps, sharing experiences and feedback can yield valuable insights into the feature’s efficacy and potential areas for enhancement.

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    • sparta
    • Comments Off on Apple Arcade Introduces Four New Titles, Including Play-Doh World
    Apple Arcade Introduces Four New Titles, Including Play-Doh World

    As anticipated last month, Apple has unveiled four new titles for Apple Arcade today, enhancing its collection of over 200 ad-free games for subscribers. Here’s what’s new.

    ## Play-Doh World

    Play-Doh casts its spell in the digital realm with Play-Doh World, enabling players to create their own characters and see them come to life. From designing quirky zoo creatures to crafting wild salon hairstyles, each part of this vibrant universe responds to the player’s inventive desires. With numerous interactive areas, collectible exclusive Play-Doh, and consistent content updates, Play-Doh World presents creative endeavors and limitless, imagination-driven play — all within a secure, ad-free setting.

    [Play Play-Doh World on Apple Arcade](https://apple.co/4mmK6xo)

    ## Worms Across Worlds

    Worms Across Worlds represents the next chapter of the acclaimed series. When Professor Worminkle’s experiments jeopardize reality, the beloved worm warriors find themselves racing through five uniquely different dimensions. Players will pursue the mad scientist across worlds in this strategic turn-based action title. Whether engaging solo or coordinating epic four-team multiplayer chaos, each challenge and dimension brings players closer to halting the professor’s trail of chaos.

    [Play Worms Across Worlds on Apple Arcade](https://apple.co/3Uh19ot)

    ## Let’s Go Mightycat!

    An ordinary cat transforms into an unexpected cosmic champion when a powerful entity turns it into the universe’s cutest conqueror. In this derivative of the popular tower defense game The Battle Cats, players can personalize their heroic feline with fashionable capes, save intergalactic companions, and propel Mightycat through vibrant planetary levels. With a range of challenging puzzle stages, every tap draws players nearer to the ultimate objective: to bring every planet in the universe under the Cat Empire’s charming yet powerful paw.

    [Play Let’s Go Mightycat! on Apple Arcade](https://apple.co/4opcaBW)

    ## Everybody Shogi

    Everybody Shogi is a wonderfully reimagined version of the classic Japanese strategic board game. Combining vibrant graphics, user-friendly controls, and captivating puzzle-like levels, the game presents shogi in a relaxed yet tactical manner. Players can partake in daily challenges, unlock exclusive piece designs, and create personalized decks. With real-time matches against global players and smooth crossplay across devices, Everybody Shogi welcomes everyone to delve into the intricacies of shogi through fast-paced gameplay in a lively and inviting environment.

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    • sparta
    • Comments Off on Google Assistant Shortcut Hack Transforms Android User Interaction
    Google Assistant Shortcut Hack Transforms Android User Interaction

    An Android-operated smartphone transcends the role of a basic tech gadget: it serves as a digital gateway into your personal realm. This encompasses everything from applications and schedules to smart home management, with a range of features rendered even more navigable by Google Assistant. Speaking of which, Google unveiled this Assistant feature back in 2016, and the virtual aide remains robust (although it is limited to Android devices operating on Android 9 “Pie” or earlier). However, beneath the basic functionalities of Google Assistant lies a more intricate layer of enhanced settings and modifications, one of which is a true transformative asset for your device’s most-utilized applications.

    Referred to as Shortcuts, this feature enables your device’s Google Assistant to execute particular automations upon your utterance of a designated voice command to your Android phone or tablet. Many users, however, are unaware that you can actually develop personalized phrases to interact with your preferred Android applications. Here’s how you can begin to create your very own voice commands immediately.

    How to utilize Google Assistant shortcut phrases

    <img class="gallery-image " src="https://www.bgr.com/img/gallery/this-google-assistant-shortcut

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    • Richard
    • Comments Off on Game Channels Dark Comedy of ‘Weekend at Bernie’s’ and Exceeds the Film
    Game Channels Dark Comedy of ‘Weekend at Bernie’s’ and Exceeds the Film

    Hide the Corpse is the oddest puzzle game you’ll ever experience.

    There I found myself, alone in a diner with the body of a man I’ve never encountered. Before I could gather my thoughts, I overheard the police on the scanner reporting a murder had been reported and they would arrive at the diner in 4 minutes. Panic ensued.

    In no time, the body was concealed in a place I hoped would remain undiscovered. With mere seconds to spare, I wiped away my fingerprints, hid the deceased man’s possessions, and cautiously opened the door to face two officers with their weapons aimed at me.

    Just 30 seconds later, I was declared innocent and free to continue on my way. However, I realized that concealing this guy’s corpse was far more entertaining than I expected, and evidently, the universe was granting me an endless opportunity to replay this situation. It was reminiscent of the film Groundhog Day mixed with a touch of Weekend at Bernie’s for added flair.

    If you hadn’t already figured it out, the game is titled Hide the Corpse, and it can be found on the Meta Quest platform for only $15. It offers several hours of dark comedic enjoyment, and PSVR 2 players will soon be able to join the excitement on August 18 when it debuts on the PlayStation Store.

    A puzzle game unlike any other

    Hide the Corpse is essentially an intricate variation of reverse hide-and-seek. The game features over half a dozen levels, each providing at least six distinct locations to hide the mystery man’s corpse, named Gus.

    Contrary to what the theme might suggest, Hide the Corpse is an oddly family-friendly title with no profanities, no violence (aside from moving a corpse, I suppose), and little that would trigger you to conceal its presence from your children.

    This naturally meant that my son and I spent countless hours laughing until we could hardly breathe as we tried to maneuver Gus’s incredibly heavy corpse without colliding with the furniture in our actual living room. Truly, it’s a delightfully amusing experience that is guaranteed to make you chuckle.

    Dragging Gus around is completely physics-based, and since he’s supposed to represent the weight of an average adult, maneuvering him proves quite difficult. This challenge is compounded by the fact that you only have four minutes to somehow transport him to a suitable hiding place and stuff him into whatever dimensions that spot permits.

    The introductory level occurs in an apartment where you can conceal Gus in bizarrely obvious locations such as the bathtub, the wardrobe, beneath the bed, and three more spots I won’t spoil. You might think the cops would discover him in these locations, but thankfully, they’re not exactly Sherlock Holmes.

    The objective is simply to keep Gus’s corpse out of sight, a task that becomes increasingly ridiculous as you advance through the levels. And I assure you, you never truly comprehend how heavy a corpse can be in zero gravity until you reach the space level!

    Gus isn’t the sole item you need to hide, however. The man inexplicably has numerous personal effects scattered throughout each level, including his comb, wallet, favorite record (this is 70s themed), driver’s license, and several other trinkets. All of these also need to be kept from view to achieve the highest score.

    Oh, and make sure to eliminate every single one of the fingerprints you left behind. Seriously, those little blue fingerprints show up on anything you’ve touched, even if you were unaware you had touched it. It’s an almost overwhelming amount of tasks to complete in merely four minutes, but it results in rewarding gameplay within a brief period.

    When the time is depleted, be it at the four-minute cutoff or when you open the door for the police, you’ll receive a rating on your performance. I’m uncertain who evaluates someone on their corpse-hiding capabilities, but I hope I never encounter them in reality.

    Once you discover ample hiding spots within each level, you’ll unlock additional levels to explore. The scenarios are exceptionally diverse, ranging from the apartment where you start to the diner mentioned earlier, a zero-gravity space station, an art museum, and more. The latest update in mid-July introduced a plethora of new modifiers, including a heftier Gus and the option to double the hiding time.

    Solo or with friends, it’s a blast

    Though it’s a single-player game, I found it most enjoyable when streaming the gameplay to a TV while others in the room watched. This consistently prompted people to want to take a turn, leading to multiple sessions in the game until someone finally wrested the headset from their cold, not-dead hands. Definitely not dead. That only happens in the game.

    It’s the kind of quirky, whimsical, and distinctive fun that I appreciate from indie developers, serving as a nostalgic reminder of the late 90s and early 2000s gaming era, where almost

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    • sparta
    • Comments Off on Apple Watch Ultra 3 Display Size Information and iPhone 17 Event Date Uncovered
    Apple Watch Ultra 3 Display Size Information and iPhone 17 Event Date Uncovered

    # Apple Rumor Replay: Fresh Insights on Upcoming Products

    This is **Rumor Replay**, a weekly feature at *9to5Mac* providing a brief summary of the latest Apple product speculations, along with analysis and commentary. Today: Apple Watch Ultra 3’s screen enhancement, iPhone 17 event date, intriguing case leaks, an OLED MacBook Pro, and more. Here are this week’s Apple rumors.

    ## Apple Watch Ultra 3 Featuring Bigger Display

    Following the release of iOS 26 beta 5 earlier this week, Aaron Perris found that it contains an Apple Watch image with a resolution not corresponding to any current models. All indicators suggest this is a new screen size for the Apple Watch Ultra 3. The increased resolution is 422 x 514, slightly higher than the 410 x 502 resolution of Apple Watch Ultra screens.

    ### My Observations

    Last year, the Apple Watch Series 10 launched with numerous significant enhancements. Conversely, the Apple Watch Ultra received no major updates apart from a satin black finish. It’s exciting to see that this year’s Apple Watch Ultra 3 seems poised to compensate for the two-year hiatus. It always seemed peculiar that the 46mm Series 10 had a technically larger display than the Ultra. Even if the size enlargement this year isn’t dramatic, it should still suffice to reclaim the size title for the Ultra. My main question is: will the case size also increase, and if it does, can Apple incorporate a bigger battery? Or is the screen enhancement merely a result of thinner bezels?

    ## iPhone 17: Apple Event Date, Batteries, and Cases

    With a month left until Apple’s anticipated iPhone 17 reveal, a trio of fresh rumors emerged this week.

    – The iPhone 17 event is reportedly scheduled for **Tuesday, September 9**, as per internal documents from German carriers.
    – Leaked photos showed side-by-side comparisons of batteries for the iPhone 17 Air and iPhone 17 Pro.
    – Images allegedly depicting Apple’s official iPhone 17 silicone cases revealed a hole for lanyard attachments and a distinctive “liquid silicone” design option.

    ### My Observations

    September 9 has always appeared to be the ideal date for the iPhone event based on historical trends, so this is not surprising. The significant disparity in battery sizes between the iPhone 17 Air and Pro also doesn’t come as a shock. The iPhone 17 cases shared represent a particularly intriguing rumor. The addition of lanyard holes to the case is an interesting innovation. I’m curious whether we’ll see both wrist and neck-length lanyards as new options. I also ponder if there’s more to the “Liquid Silicone” cases than what is evident now.

    ## OLED MacBook Pro Still Anticipated in 2026

    A report from Omdia indicates that Samsung will provide OLED displays for a new MacBook Pro model expected to launch in 2026. This transition will also reportedly involve a shift from the existing notch design to a pill-shaped cutout, potentially accommodating the Dynamic Island.

    ### My Observations

    We’ve encountered previous reports regarding the MacBook Pro receiving OLED in 2026 and moving away from the notch. Although some speculated that a possible delay in the M5 MacBook Pro could postpone the anticipated M6 OLED model, it appears that shouldn’t be the case. The Dynamic Island has proven to be a valuable addition to the iPhone, but I’m uncertain about its effectiveness on a Mac. Apple has indeed prepared the ground this year by introducing Live Activities to macOS Tahoe.

    ## New Apple TV 4K Could Debut as Soon as Next Month

    Referencing an unnamed source, *MacRumors* reported this week that a new Apple TV 4K is still projected to launch before year-end. This assertion aligns with prior information from Mark Gurman at *Bloomberg* regarding an imminent release.

    ### My Observations

    Traditionally, Apple has occasionally unveiled Apple TV products during its September event and sometimes later in the autumn. My guess is on a September launch this year. Apple TV+ boasts a robust fall lineup that Apple will surely want to showcase during its iPhone 17 event. Consequently, it would make considerable sense to introduce the new Apple TV 4K concurrently—even if it doesn’t ship immediately.

    What are your insights from this week’s Apple rumors? Share your thoughts in the comments.

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    • sparta
    • Comments Off on Latest Enhancements and Modifications for Apple Wallet in iOS 26
    Latest Enhancements and Modifications for Apple Wallet in iOS 26

    # Apple Wallet in iOS 26: New Features and Enhancements

    Apple Wallet, an essential application for iOS users, is set to undergo major updates in iOS 26, featuring a redesigned Liquid Glass interface and a variety of new functionalities designed to enhance user interaction. Here’s an in-depth overview of what’s coming to Apple Wallet.

    ## Boarding Pass Upgrades

    Digital boarding passes have established themselves as a fundamental element of the Wallet app, and iOS 26 brings forth numerous improvements:

    – **Live Activities**: Users now have the ability to share their Live Activity with friends or family, making it simpler to keep others updated on flight information.
    – **Airport Maps**: Improved navigation within airports will assist users in finding their way more effectively.
    – **Luggage Tracking with Find My**: This feature enables travelers to monitor their luggage in real-time, offering reassurance throughout their journey.

    With these enhancements, Apple aims to optimize the travel experience for users.

    ## US Passport Support

    In a notable advancement, iOS 26 will incorporate support for US passports in Apple Wallet. This addition enables users to use their digital passport as a form of identification at TSA checkpoints, within applications, and during in-person interactions. However, it is advisable for users to check specific airport regulations regarding digital IDs prior to their travels.

    ## Order Tracking Powered by Apple Intelligence

    The order tracking capability of Apple Wallet, which debuted in iOS 16, is receiving a significant upgrade in iOS 26. Through the incorporation of Apple Intelligence, the app can now automatically recognize and summarize order tracking information from emails received from merchants or delivery services. This improvement allows users to view their order particulars and progress updates all in one location, without needing external support.

    ## Saved Credit Card Details

    iOS 26 presents the option to store complete credit card information directly within the Wallet app. While users will still only see the last four digits of their Apple Pay identifier by default, they now have the option to save the entire card number, expiration date, and additional details. This feature aims to make online shopping and payment processes more straightforward.

    ## Apple Pay Installments and Rewards In-Store

    With iOS 26, Apple Pay users can benefit from installment payment alternatives through partners such as Affirm when making purchases in-store. Moreover, users can access rewards associated with their selected Apple Pay card, enriching the overall shopping experience.

    ## Notification Control for Offers and Promotions

    In response to user requests, iOS 26 introduces a fresh notification category within the Wallet app that enables users to turn off promotional alerts. This feature offers enhanced control over the types of notifications users receive, creating a more tailored experience.

    ## Conclusion

    The updates in iOS 26 demonstrate Apple’s dedication to improving the Apple Wallet experience, making it an even more vital component of the iPhone ecosystem. With new features aimed at enhancing travel, order tracking, payment methods, and user authority, Apple Wallet is set to become an essential tool for its users. Which new feature excites you the most?

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