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Blog Posts

Four Budget-Friendly Options to the MacBook Pro That Are Worth Exploring

MacBook Pro stands as Apple’s premier laptop, offered in 14-inch and 16-inch variants with a wide range of configurations available. These devices are designed for tasks including video editing, motion graphics creation, animation, music production, and software development, but the MacBook Pro is also appealing for professionals across any field requiring a laptop. With Apple targeting the working professional demographic, the MacBook Pro commands a relatively high price. The base 14-inch variant, featuring Apple’s latest M5 chip, begins at $1,599. The base 16-inch model, equipped with an M4 Pro chip, starts at $2,499.

Identifying a competent alternative to the MacBook Pro necessitates some careful consideration, as the market is saturated with budget-friendly laptop choices. A gently priced laptop is unlikely to fulfill the premium standards expected by a MacBook Pro buyer. Furthermore, even mid-tier laptops are generally not outfitted with hardware capable of rivaling a MacBook Pro. Nevertheless, viable alternatives do exist. Manufacturers such as Dell, Samsung, Microsoft, Lenovo, Asus, and even Apple itself produce robust, sleek, and attractively designed laptops that can rival the MacBook Pro. Several of these options are available at more affordable starting prices, so let’s examine a few that merit consideration.

MacBook Air

Ranked among the top 5 Apple products of 2025, the MacBook Air is the perfect laptop if you seek a MacBook Pro substitute that allows you to remain within the Apple ecosystem. It offers the same macOS experience, comparable build quality, and access to complimentary software like Safari, Pages, Numbers, Calendar, Contacts, and Mail. In fact, for numerous laptop users, we believe the MacBook Air is the sole Apple laptop worth purchasing.

The Air is both versatile and potent, and Apple emphasizes

Indie App Highlight: ‘Backlot’ – Your Crucial Resource for Uncovering TV Series and Films

# Indie App Spotlight: Backlot – Your Premier Movie Companion

In the ever-growing realm of streaming platforms, figuring out what to watch can often seem daunting. Enter **Backlot**, an inventive app crafted to enhance your viewing journey by merging discovery, watchlists, and streaming data into one ad-free hub.

## Key Features of Backlot

### Discover Feed
At the core of Backlot is its **Discover feed**, which highlights trending films, TV series, and actors. This feature removes the inconvenience of toggling between various streaming services, allowing users to delve into content within a singular interface.

### Universal Search
Backlot also boasts a **universal search** capability, empowering users to locate specific shows and find out where they are available for streaming. This is especially handy given the constant shifts in streaming rights and accessibility.

### Watchlists
Users can curate tailored **watchlists** to bookmark content they intend to watch later. This list syncs effortlessly across all iCloud devices, ensuring that your viewing aspirations are always within reach.

### Reaction Notes
For those who relish reviewing or discussing shows, Backlot provides a feature to record reactions and notes directly within the app. This can be tremendously useful for reviewers and podcasters wanting to capture their insights promptly.

## Download the App
Backlot is accessible for free on the App Store, offering users fundamental features like the Discover feed. For those desiring the complete experience, **Backlot Pro** can be acquired for $2.99 per month, $19.99 per year, or a one-time payment of $75 for lifetime access. The app is compatible with both iPhone and iPad.

In a landscape where streaming alternatives are plentiful yet disorganized, Backlot emerges as a holistic solution for movie and TV show aficionados, simplifying the process of finding and enjoying your next favorite title.

The Follow-Up to Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon Now Accessible on Netflix

Paul Dano’s science fiction film centered on the future of humanity in relation to AI, or simply browsing some of the finest games available on Netflix, it’s easy to overlook something on the service. Nonetheless, if you appreciate the 2000 movie “Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon,” you might be pleased to discover that its underappreciated sequel is now streaming. Although, some viewers might argue that it’s better left unwatched.

Helmed by the action choreographer and director from the original film, “Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon: Sword of Destiny” on Netflix might elicit mixed feelings from anyone who is a devotee of the classic. Complicated by various creative and casting choices, the narrative centers on a martial arts master (Michelle Yeoh) who gathers a team to safeguard a sword of mythical renown from a clan and their warlord (Jason Scott Lee).

In light of Roger Ebert awarding the original “Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon” a 4-star rating and declaring it “the most exhilarating martial arts movie I have seen,” the sequel undoubtedly bore significant expectations. Even if it appears that Netflix original films are generally overlooked, there remain several reasons why this movie might frequently be disregarded — yet viewers should determine for themselves whether it merits their attention.

Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon receives a sequel 16 years later

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Upcoming Modifications to Apple Card Anticipated This Year: Most Recent News

**The Prospects of Apple Card: A Synopsis of Goldman Sachs’ Obstacles and Possible Modifications**

Since its introduction more than six years ago, Apple Card has encountered considerable difficulties for its partner bank, Goldman Sachs. As reports indicate that Goldman Sachs is contemplating an exit from the collaboration, the future of Apple Card hangs in the balance. This article summarizes the current landscape surrounding Apple Card, the financial setbacks faced by Goldman Sachs, and the prospects for a new partner.

### Goldman Sachs Financial Setbacks

Goldman Sachs is reportedly aiming to divest its Apple Card partnership, with JPMorgan Chase positioned as the primary candidate for acquisition. Other potential players, including American Express, Capital One, and Synchrony, have been noted, yet their chances of assuming control seem minimal. American Express CEO Stephen Squeri has conveyed hesitation regarding the partnership, pointing out that the existing customer demographic includes a substantial proportion of subprime borrowers.

So far, the Apple Card partnership has set Goldman Sachs back by at least $1 billion, contributing to overall consumer product losses nearing $6 billion. These setbacks are attributed not only to credit delinquencies but also to the appealing features of the Apple Card, which include no foreign transaction fees, no late fees, up to 3% cash back on partner merchants, and 0% APR financing on Apple products.

### JPMorgan Chase Acquisition

At present, JPMorgan Chase is viewed as the “preferred option” for acquiring the Apple Card partnership. However, a formal agreement has yet to be finalized. One of the main obstacles for any prospective new lender is the elevated percentage of subprime customers linked to Apple Card. The subprime rate for Chase is approximately 15%, whereas Capital One’s stands at about 31%. In contrast, Apple Card’s subprime rate is 34%, indicating a significant risk for any financial entity contemplating the partnership.

Moreover, Apple Card’s delinquency rate is around 4%, surpassing the industry average of 3.05%. For a transaction to occur, a new lender would likely need to negotiate a “substantial discount” given the current liabilities of over $20 billion.

### Apple Card Savings Account

Another facet of the conversation is the Apple Card Savings Account, which is also backed by Goldman Sachs. Although it necessitates customers to possess an Apple Card, it lacks a strong affiliation with the card itself. Customers can choose to have their Apple Card cash back directed into the savings account, but aside from that, the two offerings are not significantly linked.

Currently, Goldman Sachs continues to provide its Marcus by Goldman Sachs savings account to consumers, despite a wider withdrawal from the consumer finance sector. It is conceivable that Goldman Sachs will retain the savings account even if the credit card partnership shifts to another financial institution.

### Conclusion

In conclusion, it seems highly probable that the Apple Card partnership with Goldman Sachs will come to an end by 2026, following years of discussions with various lenders. Although the precise outcomes for Apple Card remain uncertain, the substantial number of subprime customers and the considerable financial losses indicate that changes are on the horizon. Potential modifications could involve the implementation of late fees and a reduction in the card’s generous benefits.

Should JPMorgan Chase decide against the acquisition, Capital One could emerge as a formidable alternative, especially considering its recent acquisition of Discover, which positions it favorably as both a card issuer and payment network. The future of Apple Card will hinge on how these negotiations progress in the upcoming months.

5 Essential iPhone Applications for Everyday Use

and particularly children) avoid addictive applications, it appears we’re increasingly careful about what we install and how we utilize our mobile devices. At least, that’s what I’m attempting to convince myself to do. 

Nonetheless, there are a handful of applications I consistently rely on that genuinely make an impact. While I could mention Slack, Microsoft Teams, Uber, or even Amazon, I sense you’re not here to discover more about work-related apps or those you’re already familiar with. With that in mind, here are my five crucial iPhone applications I engage with daily, and they could be beneficial for you as well.

Photomator, the premier photo editing app before AI became trendy

Comprehending the Various Categories of USB Ports and Their Purposes

Universal Serial Bus (commonly referred to as USB) is an adaptable interface utilized in a wide range of devices — spanning from smartphones to lifestyle products — for transmitting data, power, and video signals. USB ports are most frequently encountered in computers, mobile devices, peripherals, and accessories. Nevertheless, even with “universal” in its title, USB does not conform to a one-size-fits-all port — they are available in numerous shapes and capabilities.

USB-C has become the preferred port for many contemporary devices, attributed to its remarkable features. However, the older ports, like USB Type-A and USB Type-B, remain quite relevant in our daily lives. In fact, they still appear across various devices, with Type-A being significantly more prevalent than the Type-B port. Therefore, if you’re uncertain about the different types of USB ports and their functionalities, here’s a brief overview of the various connectors you may come across on different devices, inclusive of their appearance and capabilities.

USB Type-A and USB Type-C ports

James Cameron Alerts to AI’s Possible Threats

“Avatar” sequels may appear to be the type of grand Hollywood endeavors that could greatly gain from generative AI tools. The opulent realm of Pandora and the Na’vi native inhabitants necessitate sophisticated special effects that AI technology could assist with. However, the highly celebrated director, who depends on innovative visual effects for his ambitious sci-fi narratives, firmly opposes substituting traditional filmmaking with AI. He also expresses the same concerns as others that AI might ultimately trigger disastrous outcomes, akin to what transpires in another series Cameron is well-known for, the “Terminator” saga, where a self-aware AI turns against humanity.

In a discussion with CTV News, Cameron responded to a query about AI with a “Terminator” humor. “I cautioned you all in 1984, and you ignored me,” he jested, before becoming more earnest. The director mentioned that it is essential to heed the motivations of those creating advanced AI technologies, along with the financial aspects. They are pursuing it for market dominance, thus they are “instilling greed” into the AI, or alternatively, they are doing it for military reasons, in which case they are programming it with “paranoia.”

“I believe that the militarization of AI poses the greatest threat,” he stated. “I foresee us entering a scenario similar to a nuclear arms race with AI, and if we don’t develop it, the others certainly will, leading to an escalation,” Cameron remarked. “You could picture an AI operating in a war zone, with the entire conflict being conducted by computers at a pace that humans can no longer manage, and there’s no means to de-escalate.” Cameron made these statements in July 2023, during a period when generative AI applications like ChatGPT were still emerging. ChatGPT had surged to popularity in late November 2022, just a few months prior.

AI is already utilized for military applications

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Research Indicates Humans Might Have a Secondary Sense

unique ability of geckos to sense vibrations, and the capacity of sandpipers to locate objects hidden beneath the sand using their beaks. The research adopted similar methods as those used with sandpipers, requiring human participants to discover an object concealed in the sand. The participants managed to sense its existence even prior to physically touching the buried object.

This research assembled a group of four scholars from Queen Mary University of London and University College London. Their results were published in the journal of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers under the title “Investigating Tactile Perception for Object Localization in Granular Media: A Human and Robotic Examination” in 2025. The publication emphasizes that the implications of these results could influence the domain of robotics, as well as other touch-oriented tools and systems utilized for scientific endeavors.

The specifics of this research

Impacts of Keeping Your Television On Constantly

the top 4K televisions providing stunning picture clarity and top-notch features, this trend isn’t expected to shift anytime soon. Moreover, following Netflix’s recent acquisition of Warner Bros, we can anticipate a surge in the best television shows and movies focused on streaming services — indicating that your television is about to see significant usage.

This raises an important question: What are the implications for your television if it remains powered on continuously? There are several factors to weigh. Firstly, understanding what “burn-in” entails and its potential repercussions on your OLED television is crucial. Fortunately, we addressed this recently, incorporating insights from specialists. While the display itself is a factor, there are other elements of your television that could deteriorate over time. Furthermore, energy consumption is another aspect to think about, particularly if there are additional devices linked to your television. It’s a multifaceted topic, but we’ll explore a few essential considerations to assist you in deciding how long you wish to have your television running.

Protect your screen and components from wear

Researchers Make Significant Advances in LED Technology with the Ability to Transform the Industry

the biggest television screens available for purchase, to the various types of bulbs utilized in households. Yet, not all LED materials are identical. Some are categorized as OLEDs or QLEDs, while others possess more complex characteristics. Certain types don’t even permit the flow of electricity through them. It is this latter classification that has captured notable interest from researchers in recent times, and now, a team of scientists collaborating with the Cavendish Laboratory at the University of Cambridge has made a fascinating discovery that could alter our perception of LEDs entirely. According to a study published in the journal Nature, researchers have been able to transfer electricity through tiny insulating particles that typically do not conduct electricity. These particles consist of various elements, including rare-earth elements like neodymium and ytterbium, and this breakthrough may potentially pave the way for advancements in LED technology as a whole.

Researchers indicate that the particles in discussion, known as insulating lanthanide nanoparticles (LnNPs), have been recognized for their ability to emit intense light when exposed to illumination. However, scientists have consistently faced challenges in inducing the particles to actually conduct electricity. Prior attempts to achieve this have revealed that charges often struggle to access the lanthanide ions within without the application of extreme heat or voltage.

To circumvent this challenge, the participants in this recent investigation sought a method to hybridize the particles. They employed 9-ACA organic dye molecules in conjunction with the LnNPs, enabling them to replace the surface insulators on the particles, thus facilitating charging through a method called triplet energy transfer.

How it functions