Blog Posts

Blog Posts

Carrot Weather Incorporates Data from The Weather Channel and Unveils an Improved Dynamic Interface

**Carrot Weather: An In-Depth Look at the Latest Update**

Carrot Weather stands out as a premier weather app for iPhone, celebrated for its extensive features and adaptability. The recent update has rolled out significant advancements, such as the inclusion of The Weather Channel as a novel data source, enhanced discussions from the National Weather Service, and a lively interface that enhances user engagement.

### New Data Source: The Weather Channel

A notable aspect of Carrot Weather is its capability to toggle between different data sources for weather updates. With this latest enhancement, users can now tap into forecasts from The Weather Channel, broadening the app’s already extensive selection of data options. Furthermore, the app enables users to retrieve hyper-local insights from Weather Underground personal weather stations, offering more accurate weather information tailored to particular areas.

### Lively Interface and Fresh Layouts

The interface of Carrot Weather is crafted for personalization, permitting users to choose various metrics and cards to showcase based on their preferences. The update launches a new “Sky” layout that incorporates dynamic visuals to represent current weather conditions. This layout can also be implemented in existing setups, improving both the design and functionality of the app. The aesthetic is reminiscent of the dynamic interface seen in Apple Weather, enhancing its visual allure and user-friendliness.

### Additional Features and Updates

This update introduces several additional enhancements to Carrot Weather:

– **Area Forecast Discussions**: Users now have access to forecast evaluations from local meteorologists at the National Weather Service, available through the menu button within the app.

– **Custom Backgrounds for Apple Watch**: Users can customize the background of the Carrot Weather app on their Apple Watch. To personalize their experience, users can go to Settings in the iPhone app, select Apple Watch, and pick their desired background.

### Release Notes Summary

The complete list of updates in the latest Carrot Weather release comprises:

– Fresh forecasts from The Weather Channel.
– Access to observations from adjacent Weather Underground stations.
– Launch of the Sky layout featuring realistic weather visuals.
– Area Forecast Discussions from local NWS meteorologists.
– Customizable backgrounds for the Apple Watch app.

### Availability

Carrot Weather can be downloaded from the App Store for iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch, and Apple Vision Pro, ensuring availability across a variety of devices.

For those seeking to enhance their weather monitoring experience, Carrot Weather remains a leading choice, merging functionality with an appealing user interface.

Apple Set to Unveil New Products Next Week: Information on Future Launches

Apple is set to host a hardware launch event next week on March 4, with speculation suggesting that several new products will make their debut in the days leading up to it. Here’s a list of all the products Apple is believed to introduce next week.

## iPhone 17e

The iPhone 17 lineup has proven to be quite successful, and Apple is preparing to introduce one more model next week. The iPhone 17e will take the place of the iPhone 16e in Apple’s offerings. It is anticipated to retain the same starting price of $599, while incorporating several significant enhancements:

– A19 chip
– Center Stage front camera
– MagSafe compatibility
– C1X and N1 wireless chips
– Possibly: Dynamic Island instead of notch

The sales performance of the iPhone 16e remains uncertain, but the new 17e seems to promise a more robust overall product.

## A18 iPad and M4 iPad Air

Next week is expected to see the unveiling of two new iPads: an A18 base iPad and an iPad Air featuring the M4 chip. The fundamental design of both iPads is likely to remain unchanged from their predecessors, as these will primarily involve spec upgrades. Among the two, the base iPad is set to receive the more substantial upgrade with the A18 enabling Apple Intelligence support. An increasing number of iPadOS features rely on Apple Intelligence, which is expected to continue. The new iPad with an A18 chip will support the upcoming Siri later this year, as well as all current AI functionalities.

## New ‘MacBook’

Apple phased out its base model ‘MacBook’ a few years back, but a comeback is anticipated next week. The new MacBook is rumored to include:

– 12.9-inch display
– A18 Pro chip
– 8GB RAM
– Exciting color choices
– Approximately $699 price

It may not be the ideal machine for everyone, but Apple will likely market it as an excellent choice for PC and Chromebook users who already have an iPhone.

## MacBook Pro with M5 Pro and M5 Max

The M5 MacBook Pro was released several months ago in October, but only in the 14-inch model with the base M5 chip. Next week, both the 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro equipped with M5 Pro and M5 Max chips are expected to launch. No design modifications are planned, as changes are being reserved for the redesigned M6 model later this year. Nevertheless, the new MacBook Pros are sure to deliver exceptional performance and will be promoted as the top laptops for AI-related tasks.

## Additional products that might launch: New Studio Display, M5 MacBook Air, Mac Studio

While the aforementioned products are largely anticipated to launch next week, there are a few extra devices that stand a solid chance of making their debut as well. The M5 MacBook Air appears to be the most probable of the additional offerings. Apple introduced the M4 model around this same time last year, and the stock of the MacBook Air seems to be reduced at Apple Stores.

Speculation suggests that a new Apple Studio Display and M5 Mac Studio may also be ready for presentation. The Studio Display 2 is rumored to feature a 120Hz ProMotion display, HDR support, and an A19 chip. Apple’s upcoming Mac Studio is expected to come in M5 Max and M5 Ultra configurations—the first Ultra chip since the M3 series.

Which new Apple products on the horizon are you most looking forward to? Share your thoughts in the comments.

iOS 26.4 Beta 2: Summary of Modifications and Features Suggesting Upcoming Enhancements [Video]

# What’s New in iOS 26.4 Beta 2?

The second beta version of iOS 26.4 has unveiled various significant modifications and features, expanding on what the initial beta provided. Although it lacks the highly awaited Google Gemini-enhanced Siri functionalities, it still offers users a preview of upcoming improvements and adjustments.

## New Features and Updates

### Podcast Splash Screen
One of the major newcomers in this beta is a revamped splash screen for the Podcast app. This feature showcases the newly added video podcast functionality, enabling users to effortlessly toggle between video and audio formats, along with offline video playback.

### Games App Search Bar
The search feature in the Games app has been refreshed, with the search bar now located at the upper part of the interface. This adjustment reflects a similar enhancement made to the App Store during the first beta launch, improving user navigation.

### Dark Mode Enhancements
For those who favor dark mode, the Control Center context menus have undergone a visual update, now presenting a dark tint instead of the earlier bright white layout. This modification aligns with the overall dark mode aesthetic and enhances visibility.

### Music App Shortcut
A new shortcut has been integrated into the Music app’s profile page, enabling users to swiftly access Settings → Apps → Music. This simplifies the process of customizing controls related to the Music app.

### Accessibility Features
Within the Accessibility settings, a new option named “Reduce Highlighting Effects” has been added under Display & Text Size. While the precise effect of this feature on the user interface is not entirely clear, it is believed to adjust the spectral highlights of the display.

### Encrypted RCS Messaging
The beta additionally introduces the ability to send and receive encrypted RCS messages. While this feature first emerged in beta 1, beta 2 gives users the opportunity to actively test it with compatible carriers.

## Under-the-Hood Changes

### Redesign of Permissions Prompts
A major behind-the-scenes modification entails a planned overhaul of iOS permission prompts. The updated design will adopt a sheet view, moving away from the conventional pop-up style, which is expected to improve user experience.

### NSPredicateValidating Protocol
The SDK has introduced a new `NSPredicateValidating` protocol. This protocol appears to focus on validating predicates before evaluation, potentially lowering the risk of malware exploits that have impacted this API in the past.

### Studio Display Refresh
Rumors of an upcoming refresh of the Studio Display have emerged, suggesting that Apple is developing two new models. These displays are anticipated to feature enhanced audio capabilities and possibly touch functionality, either through touchscreens or capacitive buttons.

## Conclusion

While iOS 26.4 beta 2 may not present major user-facing features, it offers numerous notable updates and improvements that indicate future refinements within the iOS environment. Users are encouraged to explore these modifications and provide feedback on the developments of the beta.

Tom Hardy’s Esteemed Series by Peaky Blinders Creator Anticipates Renewal for Second Season

2017’s period drama “Taboo” was genuinely a labor of love for “Mad Max: Fury Road” actor Tom Hardy. He collaborated with Steven Knight (the creator of “Peaky Blinders”) and his father, Chips Hardy, to co-create and co-write the series. Yet, despite the overall positive critiques and favorable audience reception — and the fact that it was officially picked up for a sequel by BBC One and FX immediately following its debut season — “Taboo’s” second season remains elusive even after more than nine years.

Although both Hardy and Knight have expressed in various interviews throughout the years their desire to revive the show, those comments have not materialized into action. Whether 2026 will bring the return of the brooding adventurer and businessman James Delaney is uncertain, but Knight did briefly mention the series in a recent chat with Radio Times, which may offer some optimism to fans. He remarked, “Well, Tom and I have discussed it, and I think we know how we would proceed. It’s just about finding the time. But I’d love to; I get asked about it — particularly in the States, actually — I get asked about it quite often.”

In their defense, it’s quite easy to see why “Taboo” has been put on the back burner for some time. Knight’s career skyrocketed once “Peaky Blinders” became a sensation, and he has been incredibly occupied crafting other shows like “See,” “Rogue Heroes,” and two anticipated series for 2025, Hulu’s “A Thousand Blows” and Netflix’s “House of Guinness.” Meanwhile, Hardy filmed “Dunkirk,” delved into Marvel’s “Venom” trilogy that spanned six years (which somewhat underutilized Hardy’s talent), and returned to television starring in “MobLand” on Paramount+ in 2025 (which you should consider adding to your watchlist if you enjoy gritty mob dramas). With such demanding schedules, carving out time for a relatively low-profile and underappreciated series that the two initiated nine years ago is no small feat. But as they say, hope springs eternal.

The grim, shadowy, and mysterious realm of Taboo

Debuting in early 2017 on BBC One in the U.K. (and on FX in the U.S., which boasts at least 11 outstanding shows available via Hulu), “Taboo” traced the story of James Delaney, a bitter and enigmatic businessman who returns to London after a 12-year sojourn in Africa to attend his father’s funeral and safeguard an inherited piece of land in British Columbia from Sir Stuart Strange (Jonathan Pryce), the chairman of the East India Company. The more captivating plot elements, however, hint at Delaney’s time away from home through visions and flashbacks, alongside potential incestuous ties with his half-sister Zilpha (Oona Chaplin), and a vague link to the supernatural. Keep in mind, this is 19th-century England, so violence and Gothic themes are very much part of the narrative, and “Taboo” definitely embraces these aspects to provide a rather hazy, psychedelic, and intricate tale across its eight episodes.

Personally, I found the series excruciatingly slow and occasionally lacking in excitement back then, leading me to drop it after four episodes. However, I clearly was in the minority, as “Taboo” cultivated a substantial fanbase that discovered much to appreciate in the series that I simply couldn’t (I’m somewhat tempted to give it another go now). The show also garnered two Emmy nominations in 2017 and received predominantly favorable reviews from critics (currently holding a 76% rating on Rotten Tomatoes). And since the season finale wrapped up on a cliffhanger, it seems everything is essentially primed for a continuation (even though addressing the elapsed time might be necessary), whenever the two Hardys and Steven Knight can finally make it happen.

Live Updates on Samsung Galaxy S26 Unveiling: Specifications, Pricing, and Release Information for S26, S26 Plus, S26 Ultra, and Galaxy Buds 4

In the swiftly changing landscape of technology, Samsung consistently creates a buzz with its cutting-edge products and strategic advancements. On February 25, 2026, the tech leader is anticipated to reveal its newest Galaxy S26 series during the highly awaited Galaxy Unpacked event in San Francisco. This event is expected to highlight Samsung’s dedication to expanding the limits of mobile technology, introducing three models: the entry-level Galaxy S26, the mid-range Galaxy S26 Plus, and the premium Galaxy S26 Ultra.

The Galaxy S26 series is projected to include significant enhancements, such as state-of-the-art display technology and improved processing power. The entry-level model will feature a 6.3-inch screen, while the Plus and Ultra models will provide 6.7-inch and 6.9-inch screens, respectively. These devices are designed to offer an unmatched user experience, addressing a diverse array of consumer requirements.

Beyond hardware improvements, Samsung is believed to be upgrading its software capabilities. The Now Bar, a feature similar to Google’s At a Glance, is anticipated to grant users immediate access to important information, including missed calls, directly from the home screen. This feature is part of Samsung’s One UI 8.5, which aims to simplify user interactions and enhance overall device performance.

Samsung’s virtual assistant, Bixby, is also in the midst of a makeover. Reports indicate that the company is incorporating Perplexity-powered AI to boost Bixby’s real-time search functions. While specifics are limited, this update could represent a notable advancement in Samsung’s AI approach, potentially sparking renewed interest in Bixby.

As the launch date nears, pricing continues to be a crucial discussion point. With Apple keeping steady prices for its iPhone 17 lineup, Samsung confronts the challenge of offering competitive pricing amid increasing component costs. Although U.S. pricing details remain undisclosed, there are signs of possible price changes in European markets, particularly for the Galaxy S26 Ultra.

The Galaxy Unpacked event will not solely focus on smartphones. Samsung is also expected to unveil its highly awaited AR glasses, further broadening its ecosystem of interconnected devices. This initiative aligns with the company’s vision of merging augmented reality into daily life, offering users innovative methods to engage with their surroundings.

In summary, Samsung’s forthcoming Galaxy Unpacked event is set to pave the way for the company’s 2026 product range. With the launch of the Galaxy S26 series, improvements to Bixby, and the potential introduction of AR glasses, Samsung continues to assert its position as a leader in the technology sector, providing consumers with innovative solutions that enhance their digital experiences.

Handling Legacy Code

From Nicholas C. Zakas’s regularly interesting newsletter: The best way to work with legacy code is to approach it patiently—understand small parts, write tests, and document what you learn. My favorite line about legacy code, which I’ve probably shared too much, is when David Khourshid called it “Legendary Code”. Legacy code feels a smidge mean […]

Telink ML9118A: 32-bit RISC-V IoT Module with Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.4, and 802.15.4 Connectivity – CNX Software

Telink ML9118A WiFi 6 IoT module

Telink ML9118A is a wireless IoT module with Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.4, and 802.15.4 (Zigbee/Thread/Matter) connectivity designed for smart home, smart lighting, and smart remote control applications. The module also features a 32-bit RISC-V microcontroller clocked at 160 MHz with 576KB SRAM, 4MB flash, and various peripheral interfaces such as SDIO 3.0, 19x GPIOs, I2C, SPI, UART, as well as I2S for audio. Telink ML9118A module (ML9118A-GAIA-M0-PG12) specifications: MCU – 32-bit dual-core RISC-V MCU @ 160MHz Memory – 576KB SRAM Storage – 4MB embedded flash Wireless 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi 6 IEEE 802.11 b/g/n/ax with support for DL/UL OFDMA, RX STBC, TWT, etc… Bluetooth 5.4 LE up to 2 Mbps bit rate 802.15.4 radio for Matter 1.3, Zigbee 3.0 compatible with ZHA and ZLL, Thread 2.4GHz proprietary – Supports Matter over Wi-Fi and Thread Tx Power – 15dBm @ Bluetooth LE mode Rx Sensitivity -88dBm @ 11B CCK 11Mbps -76dBm @ […]

The post Telink ML9118A – A 32-bit RISC-V IoT module with Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.4, and 802.15.4 connectivity appeared first on CNX Software – Embedded Systems News.