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Blog Posts

The FBI Publishes Open Call for Unjammable Drones: Explanations Provided

a solicitation for details (RFI) seeking providers of unjammable drones, and if you’re curious about what “unjammable” entails, the aim is to identify alternatives “controlled via fiber optic cable” that are also “NDAA compliant.” In essence, they’re referring to wired drones. Unusual as it might sound, these varieties do exist. Wired drones cannot be jammed or interfered with from a distance β€” the sole means to disable them is to bring them down, which requires significant skill or specialized counteractions.

The cables linked to these drones can extend up to 20 kilometers (approximately 12 miles) or more, and they’re remarkably slender. Most limitations one might anticipate from a wired line are minimal. The primary issues are the risk of snagging, especially concerning battlefield remnants and nearby objects, or the drone’s own rotors. Decreased agility is also a disadvantage associated with wired drones compared to their wireless equivalents. The cable may restrict the drone’s operational radius; however, they frequently carry the cable spool onboard, utilizing a mount or housing to address this challenge. Because the cable spool is connected, it can decrease travel speed, additionally limiting space and capacity for extra loads like explosives or supplies.

Nevertheless, in spite of the tether, fiber-optic drones are difficult to detect, as the cable is extremely thin, and they provide a superior, more dependable signal β€” particularly in zones susceptible to wireless disruption. Moreover, as the FBI succinctly pointed out, they’re “unjammable.” The Moscow Times notes that fiber-optic drones are already operational on the battlefield. Ukraine and U.S. tech firms possess them too.

Why is the FBI interested in unjammable drones?

<div class="slide-key image-holder gallery-image-holder credit-image-wrap " data-post-url="https://www.bgr.com/2056403/fbi-unjammable-drones-open-call/" data-post-title="The FBI Put Out An Open Call For 'Unjammable Drones'

Ranking the Top 5 Brands of Robot Vacuum Cleaners from Least Favorable to Most Favorable

cheaper robotic vacuum cleaners may be more suitable for your residence.

Since the launch of the first commercially successful robotic vacuum cleaner in 2002, numerous brands and models have emerged in the marketplace. It’s quite easy to feel inundated by all the unfamiliar names and the various features that each robot offers. With significant advancements in sensor technology, larger motors, and improved software, you have the option to select an economical choice to keep things tidy, or invest in a powerful, feature-rich robot capable of managing all that pet hair. Regardless, there’s a robotic vacuum cleaner for every type of dwelling, and we are here to assist you in discovering the ideal choice. We assessed the most dependable brands that deliver the best value for the typical household, considering genuine user experiences to aid you in making an educated choice.

No. 5: Eufy

Eufy is recognized as the “value” brand within the robotic vacuum sector. This is due to the fact that its vacuum cleaners are generally more budget-friendly compared to the flagship models of high-end competitors. They still manage to provide above-average suction power, quiet operation, and an easy-to-maintain system. Eufy vacuums are straightforward to use, easy to care for, and several models are tailored specifically for hard surfaces. This makes them appealing for small homes, apartments, or for anyone needing a cleaning helper on a budget. They’re ideal for compact

Google Intends Major Upgrade to Android Multitasking

Android Authority reports that Google is developing a new functionality for the Gemini app that enables users to continue using their smartphones as the AI formulates a response. Android minimizes Gemini to an icon located at the bottom of the display, superseding the existing method that necessitates its presence on-screen while it addresses the prompt. Users receive visual indicators from the Gemini overlay, allowing them to interact with other applications. An animation plays at the bottom of the screen to notify the user that the AI is still working on the most recent request, and a notification pops up when the answer becomes available, prompting the user to return to Gemini.

This alteration pertains to using Gemini simultaneously with other applications, but it’s a paradigm that could extend to other essential apps in the future. Android, iOS, and iPadOS are not yet positioned to fully supplant conventional desktops and laptops; however, they are managing multiple applications and tasks more efficiently than before, particularly on devices with AI enhancements such as those on the Galaxy Z Fold 7. The synergy of advanced hardware and innovative form factors like foldable devices is already paving the way for increased productivity. An AI layer integrated into these systems can further enhance the way we utilize smartphones.

Gemini could pave the way for improved Android multitasking

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Google Chrome Continues to be Free, Whereas Agentic AI Features Could Necessitate a Subscription

Leopeva64 discovered indications in Chrome’s code suggesting that the agentic functionalities Google has been working on will be restricted to paid subscription tiers, at least initially. As reported by XDA Developers, the X user frequently finds new features in the code of Google Chrome and Microsoft Edge. Leopeva64 posted the news about Chrome’s agentic functionalities on Christmas Eve in response to an October entry where he outlined a new toggle to activate/deactivate agentic Gemini behavior in Chrome.

Google has already integrated Gemini features into Chrome. <a href="https://www.bgr.com/1972880/gemini

Initial Glimpse of the OnePlus Smartphone Boasting an Enormous 9,000 mAh Battery

A recent leak provides an early glimpse of the OnePlus Turbo, showcasing a blue-green plastic back. The OnePlus Turbo is confirmed to come with an impressive 9,000mAh battery, in line with OnePlus’ latest design philosophy that features a sleek aesthetic and a rectangular dual-camera setup. The base model of the device boasts a 6.8-inch 144Hz display, powered by the Snapdragon 7s Gen 4 chipset, and is capable of 80W fast charging.

The images that surfaced depict a device known as “Prado,” resembling the design of current OnePlus models such as the OnePlus 15 and OnePlus 15R. It showcases a rectangular camera module positioned in the top-left corner, accommodating dual cameras. The phone is said to have a shiny back with a blue-greenish hue, though it remains unverified whether the material is plastic or glass.

The device appears quite thick, which is anticipated due to the substantial battery capacity, yet it retains a streamlined design when compared to other gaming smartphones. Specifications include the complete 9,000mAh battery, 80W fast charging, a 6.8-inch 1.5K display with a 144Hz refresh rate, along with the Snapdragon 7s Gen 4 processor paired with 8GB of RAM. A premium variant could potentially utilize the Snapdragon 8s Gen 4.

OnePlus intends to introduce the device internationally, likely under the Nord branding, though a U.S. release remains uncertain. The expected launch timeframe is Q1 2026, potentially coinciding with MWC 2026 in March. Additional information is anticipated as the launch date nears.

Gmail to Roll Out Functionality Enabling Users to Modify Email Addresses Without the Need for a New Account Creation

Google is said to be working on a new feature for Gmail that will enable users to modify their Gmail address while keeping the original one as an alias. This functionality is designed to offer flexibility for individuals looking to refresh their email address without forfeiting access to their current data or account history. At present, Gmail users are linked to the email address they first registered with, lacking a simple method to change it without initiating a new account and configuring email forwarding.

The new feature will allow users to transition to a new Gmail address while preserving all their information, including emails, photos, Drive files, and messages. Both the existing and new addresses will remain operational, permitting users to send and receive emails from either one. The former address will effectively function as an alias, ensuring seamlessness and ease.

Nonetheless, this feature comes with certain restrictions. Users will be permitted to update their Gmail address only once every 12 months, with a limit of three changes permitted following the original address. Thus, a total of four Gmail addresses can be linked to a single Google Account.

This feature is not yet active, but an update on a Google support page indicates that its launch might commence shortly. Once launched, users will have the capability to alter their Gmail address through the Personal info section of their Google Account settings. The procedure is anticipated to be user-friendly, enabling individuals to input their preferred new Gmail address.

This initiative forms part of Google’s continuous efforts to improve user experience and provide greater flexibility in managing email accounts. As the feature is currently in its early stages of rollout, additional updates are expected as it becomes officially accessible to users.

A Thorough Examination of the Five Most Catastrophic Nuclear Accidents in History

the canines of Chernobyl might be adapting at an alternative pace due to the radiation, showcasing the intricate character of radiation. However, other significant calamities like the Three Mile Island partial meltdown and the Fukushima event have also fueled society’s apprehension regarding nuclear energy.

Radiation possesses a distinct influence over our minds. Its effects are unseen, and its existence is persistent. Furthermore, we are unaware of all the enduring impacts it can impose on humans. This incites a profound, instinctual anxiety within us. We are raised with tales of meltdowns, contaminated ghost towns, and genetic alterations that shape our perceptions of nuclear calamities. Yet, when viewed against the larger backdrop of energy generation, nuclear energy results in fewer fatalities per electricity unit produced than many alternatives. Indeed, the fatality rate associated with nuclear power is exceptionally low, even considering the most severe incidents. However, nuclear mishaps and their repercussions are alarming, so they demand our attention.

The statistics are revealing. Coal results in approximately 24.6 fatalities per terawatt hour, oil approximately 18.4, while nuclear stands at merely 0.03. Energy derived from fossil fuels leads to deaths through ongoing air pollution, mining catastrophes, and long-lasting health effects, all of which nuclear energy avoids. Yet, it is radiation that frightens us. Perhaps because it seems like a menace from beyond, a menace over which we lack control. This inability to manage the situation is starkly evident in some of the most significant nuclear disasters in our history.

Three Mile Island (USA, 1979)

Top 5 Electric Cars Below $50k Suggested by Consumer Reports

inconsistent electric vehicles are available, while reliable models remain a preferred option for environmentally conscious individuals who wish to decrease dependence on oil and conventional energy supplies. Opting for a pre-owned EV is advisable if you’re aiming to cut costs, but if you desire the most current technology, there are plenty of new vehicles to select from.

Manufacturers like Hyundai, Kia, Ford, and others now present a greater variety of EV choices than they did a few years back. With this abundance of models, the search for a new EV may feel daunting. To assist in this pursuit, we’ve selected five electric vehicles priced below $50,000 that have received favorable reviews from Consumer Reports, narrowing down the options for those on a budget.

2025 Hyundai Ioniq 6

The Significance of Selecting the Appropriate USB Port on Your MacBook

selecting the appropriate USB port to connect your gadgets can be significantly easier. However, the confusion persists even though they are all USB-C. Certain ports are more advantageous than others, and Apple promotes the majority of its ports as Thunderbolt rather than merely USB-C. So, how can you determine which one is the right choice?

It may be tempting to assume that all USB-C ports are the same, but that’s not true. Some ports are designated as Thunderbolt yet are still USB-C connectors; they simply employ a different protocol than standard USB-C ports. This allows them to offer additional features such as enhanced transfer speeds and the capability to transmit video to an external display. Thus, if your intention is to connect an external monitor, opting for a Thunderbolt connector is the only route, as standard USB-C ports can solely transmit video signals using DisplayPort Alt Mode, a functionality that modern MacBooks only provide through Thunderbolt ports. The distinctions between the two protocols highlight the necessity of understanding what to search for when selecting between a Thunderbolt and a USB-C monitor, as well as the implications of USB ports having different colors.

Some older MacBooks still provided USB-A connectors (which appear more like rectangular ports compared to the rounded USB-C connectors). These usually rely on outdated technology that doesn’t deliver the same functionalities as USB-C.

The USB port is significant when a special feature is required

Galaxy Z TriFold Durability Examination Uncovers Notable Vulnerabilities

JerryRigEverything, a well-known YouTube channel celebrated for evaluating smartphone durability, has recently put the Samsung Galaxy Z TriFold to the test. Unfortunately for Samsung, the findings were far from impressive. The Galaxy Z TriFold, a foldable smartphone that converts into a 10-inch tablet, failed the bend test almost instantly. The device’s ultra-slim 3.9mm frame, though groundbreaking, offers minimal structural support, resulting in it snapping under strain.

The durability examination uncovered several flaws in the Galaxy Z TriFold. The inner flexible display is especially at risk, scratching easily at Mohs level 2, indicating it can be damaged by common items such as nails, keys, and coins. Nevertheless, Samsung insists that the hinge is engineered to endure up to 200,000 folds with proper care.

The evaluation commenced with a scratch test, where the outer display exhibited scratches at level 6 on the Mohs scale, akin to other foldable models like the Galaxy Z Fold 7. However, the inner display’s vulnerability to damage reveals a major disadvantage of the foldable technology.

When subjected to a bend test, the Galaxy Z TriFold’s frame collapsed, and the hinges became misaligned, resulting in the device’s ruin. This incident marks the first occasion a Samsung foldable has failed JerryRigEverything’s structural bend assessment.

A disassembly of the device disclosed three separate batteries distributed across its folding sections, totaling a capacity of 5,600 mAh. Notably, the device does not include thermal paste or specialized cooling components, relying solely on its aluminum frame for heat dissipation.

While the test results are discouraging, they highlight the difficulties in designing a robust trifolding phone. Samsung’s assertion that the hinge can withstand 200,000 folds suggests that with careful usage, consumers can still appreciate the innovative features of the Galaxy Z TriFold.