AllYouCanTech

Sling TV Launches $5 Daily Pass for Access to Live Sports and Television

Sling TV has rolled out a novel method for audiences to access live television without being tied down by a long-term agreement. The cutting-edge “Day Pass” feature permits users to gain immediate access to live sports, television programs, and entertainment for only $4.99. Furthermore, Sling TV presents a “Weekend Pass” at $9.99 and a “Week Pass” at $14.99, providing options for diverse viewing preferences.

### Summary of Sling TV’s Updated Pass Features

Sling TV’s latest offerings aim to deliver adaptability and ease for viewers:

– **Day Pass ($4.99)**: This pass provides immediate 24-hour access, making it perfect for significant occasions like key sports events, award ceremonies, or impromptu movie nights.

– **Weekend Pass ($9.99)**: Offered from Friday through Sunday, this choice is ideal for a weekend packed with games, film marathons, or enjoying beloved shows.

– **Week Pass ($14.99)**: Delivering access for 7 days, this pass is great for week-long competitions, binge-watching fresh series, or entertaining the family during holidays.

### Channel Availability

With these new passes, subscribers can enjoy access to Sling’s “Orange” package, which features 34 channels and enables viewing on one device at once. Key channels included in this package are:

– ESPN
– ESPN2
– ESPN3
– TNT
– A&E
– TBS
– Disney Channel
– Comedy Central
– History Channel

For a full list of channels, users should check the Sling TV website.

### Personalization with Sling Extras

Alongside the Day Pass launch, Sling TV also provides “Sling Extras,” which are additional channel bundles that enable users to personalize their channel lineup. Current Sling Extra bundles consist of:

– Sports Extra
– News Extra
– Entertainment Extra
– Hollywood Extra
– Lifestyle Extra
– Heartland Extra
– Kids Extra

These extras can be incorporated into any pass for an extra charge: $1 for the Day Pass, $2 for the Weekend Pass, and $3 for the Week Pass.

### Focusing on Major Events

The rollout of these new passes aligns with the forthcoming NFL season, MLB playoffs, and other significant sports happenings. Sling TV’s new plan offerings are cleverly designed to enhance the viewing experience for customers in an increasingly fragmented streaming territory, simplifying access to national broadcasts of popular events and shows.

In conclusion, Sling TV’s new pass options deliver a flexible and budget-friendly avenue for viewers to enjoy live television, addressing various viewing habits and schedules.

iOS 26 Brings Back Clear Button for iPhone Calculator

### iOS 26 Calculator Redesign: A Thorough Examination

With the launch of iOS 18, Apple unveiled a major overhaul of the Calculator app, which featured the contentious elimination of the classic C/AC button in place of a back button. This shift ignited significant backlash from loyal users, leading to conversations in various media channels, including a piece in *The Atlantic*. Acknowledging the dissatisfaction among its user community, Apple has implemented important changes in iOS 26, reintroducing the C/AC button while adding a backspace key.

#### Main Features of the iOS 26 Calculator

1. **Backspace Key**:
– Placed in the top-left corner of the number keypad, the backspace key enables users to erase one digit at a time. This capability is particularly advantageous for rectifying minor input mistakes without needing to erase the entire calculation.

2. **C/AC Button**:
– The C (Clear) button is intended to eliminate the last entered number in a calculation. For example, if a user types “32 + 45 + 270,” hitting C will remove “270,” changing the display back to “32 + 45 +.” This feature is crucial for users who might inadvertently enter an incorrect digit during complex calculations.
– When no number is present (when the display reads zero), the button switches to AC (All Clear), which erases all ongoing computations and resets the calculator to its original state.

3. **Negation Operator**:
– The +/- key, which enables users to switch the sign of a number, has not been discarded but has been moved to the bottom left of the keypad. This adjustment follows the removal of the previous button for changing between calculator modes from that position.

4. **Mode Switcher**:
– The option to toggle among basic, scientific, and Math Notes modes has been shifted to a new toolbar button at the top-right of the screen, enhancing the user interface while keeping access to various calculation modes efficient.

#### Conclusion

The revisions in iOS 26 demonstrate Apple’s attentiveness to user input, striving to balance innovation with user comfort. The return of the C/AC button coupled with the addition of the backspace key provides a more flexible and user-friendly experience for both casual and dedicated calculator users. As iOS 26 progresses through its beta testing stage, users can look forward to its official rollout in the fall, delivering these upgrades to their devices.

Amazon and Apple Excel in Meeting Affordable Housing Pledges While Other Tech Firms Face Challenges

### The Affordable Housing Dilemma in Silicon Valley: An In-Depth Look at Tech Giants’ Contributions

The emergence of Silicon Valley as a technology center has resulted in considerable economic advantages, yet it has also sparked a critical affordable housing dilemma. The surge of high-paying job opportunities, notably within the tech industry, has escalated housing demand and prices, rendering it more challenging for typical wage earners to secure affordable housing solutions in the region.

#### The Role of Tech Corporations

In light of the escalating housing dilemma, numerous tech giants have committed to aiding in solutions. Apple, specifically, has undertaken significant measures since 2019 when it unveiled a $2.5 billion initiative aimed at tackling the housing deficiency. By July 2024, Apple had allocated over $1.6 billion from this promise, financing the building and preservation of more than 10,000 affordable housing units, offering financial aid to those vulnerable to homelessness, and providing down-payment support to first-time buyers.

Kristina Raspe, Apple’s vice president of global real estate and facilities, voiced pride in the company’s collaborations with community organizations to improve access to affordable housing. Nevertheless, uncertainty still lingers regarding the $300 million worth of land in San Jose that Apple committed for developing affordable housing.

#### Comparison with Other Tech Corporations

Although Apple has achieved notable advances, other tech firms have found it challenging to fulfill their pledges. Meta Platforms promised $1 billion yet has only utilized around $200 million, mainly on loans for extremely low-income residents. Similarly, Google, which also pledged $1 billion, is still negotiating the construction of 15,000 committed homes, with no actual building initiated to date.

On the other hand, Amazon has thrived in its housing initiatives, albeit not specifically within Silicon Valley. The company has met its $2.2 billion promise and has subsequently committed an additional $1.4 billion for housing projects in Seattle and Nashville.

#### Conclusion

The affordable housing dilemma in Silicon Valley continues to be a critical concern, worsened by the swift expansion of the tech sector. While Apple has positioned itself as a frontrunner in combating this issue, the overall response from tech giants has been varied. Ongoing efforts and accountability will be essential to ensure that the commitments made convert into real enhancements for those affected by the housing crisis.

iPhone 17 Air Anticipated to Include Binned GPU, Based on Leaker Insights

### iPhone 17 Air to Feature Binned GPU

A recent leak has disclosed that the forthcoming iPhone 17 Air will be equipped with a “binned” variant of the A19 Pro chip, which will incorporate only five graphics cores instead of the usual six available in the Pro versions. This detail was confirmed by the leaker, Fixed Focus Digital, indicating that prospective buyers should brace themselves for certain trade-offs if they choose Apple’s slimmest iPhone thus far.

#### Insight into Binned Chips

The production of chips utilizing advanced technology nodes is exceptionally complex, and even slight manufacturing mistakes can result in non-operational CPU or GPU cores. When such problems emerge, the affected chips are frequently “binned,” which means they are sorted according to their performance capabilities. Instead of discarding these chips, corporations like Apple leverage them in devices with lower specifications, as demonstrated with the M1 MacBook Air in 2020.

The iPhone 17 Air will employ a binned A19 Pro chip, suggesting that while it shares the same architecture as its Pro models, it will offer diminished graphical performance due to its five-core GPU setup.

### Another Element Affecting Performance

Although the decrease in GPU cores may not greatly influence everyday users, it could be evident for gamers or individuals involved in resource-heavy tasks like video editing. Moreover, the slender design of the iPhone 17 Air might restrict its heat dissipation capability. This could result in thermal throttling happening earlier than in the Pro models, further impacting performance during demanding applications.

### A Series of Compromises

The stylish design of the iPhone 17 Air is accompanied by various compromises. One of the most noticeable is the presence of a single camera, unlike the triple-camera system found in the Pro models. Additionally, the battery capacity is anticipated to be less due to the limitations of fitting components into a more slender casing.

Other compromises include the absence of ProMotion features in the display, leading to less fluid scrolling compared to the Pro models. The iPhone 17 Air will also not support the latest iterations of 5G technology and will come with only one speaker, further setting it apart from its higher-end variants.

### Conclusion

The iPhone 17 Air is set to draw interest with its sleek design, but potential customers should be mindful of the trade-offs involved. With a binned GPU, diminished camera features, and other restrictions, it is crucial to reflect on whether these compromises meet individual requirements and usage habits before making a buying decision.

Apple TV+ Programs Offered at No Cost on United Airlines Flights

**Apple TV+ Now Accessible on United Airlines In-Flight Entertainment**

In a noteworthy advancement for travelers, United Airlines has revealed a new collaboration with Apple, permitting passengers to enjoy Apple TV+ shows on in-flight entertainment systems throughout its fleet. This partnership signifies an expansion of Apple’s presence in the airline sector, following a comparable agreement with American Airlines.

**Access to Apple Originals**

United travelers can now access a collection of popular Apple Originals at no extra charge. Among the titles offered are critically acclaimed series such as *Severance*, *Slow Horses*, and *Ted Lasso*. The airline intends to consistently update its selections, adding more titles monthly to enrich the viewing experience for its passengers.

**Viewing Options**

Customers can watch these shows either through the in-flight entertainment system located at their seatbacks or via the United app. A specific Apple TV+ channel has been established to store this new content, making it convenient for travelers to locate and view their favorite shows during their flight.

**Content Restrictions**

It is crucial to point out that the complete Apple TV+ library is not presently accessible on United flights. Currently, only the initial seasons of select flagship shows can be viewed. For example, while passengers can watch the first season of *Severance*, the second season is not available for viewing. This approach seems designed to encourage viewers to subscribe to Apple TV+ to continue enjoying the series they started during their flight.

**Launch Titles and Future Additions**

At the beginning of this partnership, United Airlines will provide the full first seasons of several popular series, including *Severance*, *Shrinking*, *Ted Lasso*, *Slow Horses*, and *Silo*. Furthermore, the airline plans to roll out *The Morning Show* and *Bad Sisters* in September, further broadening the content selection available to passengers.

For more details on this exciting partnership, you can read the official press release

Reddit Limits Non-Profit Wayback Machine from Storing Its Content

# The Internet Archive and Its Influence on Digital Preservation

The Wayback Machine of the Internet Archive is among the most essential free services offered on the internet, safeguarding vital information sources from the uncertainties of fate and technology firms. Since its launch in 1996, the archive has focused on conserving the extensive breadth of the internet, capturing web pages, books, audio files, videos, and more. With more than 835 billion web pages stored, it stands as a vital asset for researchers, historians, and the general populace alike.

## The Internet Archive

The Internet Archive commenced its task of archiving the internet in 1996, when the web was just beginning to flourish. The founders acknowledged that, in contrast to traditional media such as newspapers, online content was often temporary and not retained. Nowadays, the Wayback Machine extends access to over 28 years of web history, cooperating with over 1,200 libraries and partners through its Archive-It initiative to recognize and preserve significant web pages.

Millions utilize the archive daily, enabling users to delve into the progression of websites, retrieve lost data, and examine the digital landscape over time. Its extensive collection encompasses not only web pages but also a wide variety of media, making it an essential instrument for numerous academic disciplines.

## Reddit Blocks Wayback Machine

Recently, the Internet Archive encountered major difficulties when Reddit enacted new limitations, effectively obstructing the Wayback Machine from accessing most of its material. According to reports, Reddit has curtailed the Wayback Machine’s capacity to crawl beyond its homepage, blocking access to comments, subreddit pages, post details, and user profiles.

This action represents a shift from Reddit’s earlier position, where it had pledged to allow good faith actors, including the Internet Archive, to reach its content for non-commercial aims. The change raises alarms regarding the preservation of digital information, as Reddit’s extensive user-generated content is now predominantly inaccessible to archival endeavors.

## All Stems from Monetizing User Content

The restrictions placed on the Wayback Machine are part of a wider trend at Reddit to monetize user content. As the firm gears up for its IPO, it has increasingly prioritized selling access to its data. Notably, Google compensates Reddit over $60 million per year for access to user content used to train its AI models, with similar deals made with OpenAI.

Speculation indicates that the new limitations may have been prompted by fears of AI companies scraping Reddit content through the Wayback Machine. This transition aligns with Reddit’s recent API modifications, which have constrained third-party applications and incited backlash among users and moderators.

In addition to these alterations, Reddit has revealed intentions for paid subreddits, though these plans are currently paused. The company’s shifting approach to content access signifies a substantial transformation in how digital platforms oversee and monetize user-generated content.

## Conclusion

The Wayback Machine of the Internet Archive serves a vital function in retaining the digital history of the internet. However, recent restrictions enforced by platforms like Reddit underline the obstacles in preserving access to precious online resources. As the realm of digital content keeps evolving, the tension between monetization and preservation will persist as a critical concern for both content creators and archivists.

Fortnite Restored on App Store in New Nation After Court Ruling

**Fortnite’s Comeback to the App Store: A Legal Drama Unfolds**

Fortnite, the wildly popular battle royale game crafted by Epic Games, has been in the news lately with its re-entry into the App Store in the United States following a significant ruling from a federal court. Following this event, the game is also poised to make its way back into the Australian market, attributed to a similar legal decision.

### A Brief Overview of the Legal Dispute

The feud between Epic Games and Apple ignited when Epic rolled out its own in-app payment system, bypassing Apple’s customary 30% commission fee. This move resulted in Epic’s expulsion from the App Store, sparking a legal confrontation. Although a judge proclaimed that Apple had mostly triumphed in this case, she ordered that developers should be permitted to process in-app payments via their own means without Apple taking its share. Nevertheless, Apple announced its plan to persist in enforcing its commission policy, even on sales made externally.

Epic returned to court, where the judge reaffirmed that Apple had distorted facts under oath and was not adhering to her order. This development led to further legal consequences, including a referral for a criminal investigation into Apple.

In May, Fortnite successfully made its way back to the U.S. App Store, promptly reclaiming its position as the leading free game, despite Apple’s ongoing resistance.

### Fortnite’s Comeback to the App Store in Australia

The legal struggles are not limited to the United States. In Australia, a recent ruling determined that both Apple and Google had breached competition laws by prohibiting Epic Games from their app stores. Judge Jonathan Beach concluded that both companies had abused their market power, leading to a significant decrease in competition. He dismissed Apple’s assertions that their actions were solely regarding app security, asserting that their behavior impeded developers and users from using alternative payment options.

In wake of this ruling, Epic Games declared Fortnite’s return and its game store to iOS in Australia, emphasizing the court’s indictments against Apple and Google.

### Ongoing Legal Challenges

Despite successes in the U.S. and Australia, Epic Games encounters difficulties in other regions, including the United Kingdom, where its return to the App Store remains ambiguous. The legal confrontations between Epic and Apple are anticipated to persist on a country-by-country basis, as both entities strive to secure their position in the app distribution and payment processing arena.

Apple has openly disagreed with multiple facets of the Australian court’s ruling, signaling that the conflict is far from resolved. As the situation progresses, the repercussions for app developers and the larger tech industry will be meticulously observed.

New Preview App Includes Engaging Liquid Glass Easter Egg

### Liquid Glass in iOS 26: A Fresh Perspective on User Engagement

Apple’s iOS 26 has rolled out a remarkable redesign, prominently showcasing a novel material referred to as Liquid Glass. This cutting-edge component revolutionizes the appearance and utility of app icons, toolbars, tab bars, and system controls, elevating the entire user engagement.

#### The Visual Charm of Liquid Glass

Liquid Glass not only refreshes the visual charm of iOS but also introduces a whimsical layer to user interactions. A key highlight is the striking refraction effect that manifests when users pull down the Lock Screen, crafting an appealing and dynamic visual encounter. This playful design approach underscores Apple’s dedication to harmonizing functionality with delight.

#### The Preview App: An Enjoyable Surprise

In beta 6 of iPadOS 26, Apple has introduced a charming easter egg within the new Preview app, created for swift viewing and editing of documents like images and PDFs. The app, echoing its macOS version, sports an icon of a desk magnifying loupe, paving the way for a distinctive interactive encounter.

Upon launching the Preview app, users are welcomed by a simple file browser that offers shortcuts to recent files and quick actions for creating or scanning documents. Yet, the most captivating feature is the 3D loupe adjacent to the user interface.

#### Engaging Experience with the 3D Loupe

This 3D loupe is not just a visual ornament; it can be lifted and moved around the screen with a finger. As users engage with the loupe, the content underneath is magnified and refracted, emulating the properties of real glass. This feature introduces a degree of interactivity that transforms the ordinary task of file browsing into a delightful experience.

#### Accessibility and Restrictions

To enjoy this feature, users require an iPad operating on iPadOS 26 developer beta 6. A public beta version is anticipated to launch soon. It’s crucial to recognize that this 3D loupe is exclusive to the iPad version of the Preview app, as the iPhone’s screen dimensions do not accommodate this additional visual effect.

### Conclusion

The incorporation of Liquid Glass in iOS 26 marks Apple’s persistent commitment to design and user experience innovation. The playful components, such as the interactive 3D loupe in the Preview app, not only enhance usability but also add an element of enjoyment to routine tasks. As Apple continues to fine-tune its software, users can anticipate more inventive features that merge practicality with pleasure.

The Present State of Zero Trust Security in Organizations: Perspectives from the Apple @ Work Podcast

### Grasping Zero Trust in the Enterprise: Perspectives from Tailscale’s CEO

In the constantly changing realm of cybersecurity, the Zero Trust framework has surfaced as a vital strategy for businesses looking to safeguard their digital resources. In a recent edition of Apple @ Work, Avery Pennarun, CEO of Tailscale, provided key perspectives on the hurdles and execution of Zero Trust in contemporary enterprise settings.

#### What is Zero Trust?

Zero Trust is a security paradigm based on the mantra of “never trust, always verify.” In contrast to conventional security frameworks that presume everything within an organization’s network is secure, Zero Trust mandates rigorous verification for each user and device seeking access to resources, irrespective of their location. This methodology is particularly significant in an era where remote working and cloud solutions are becoming more widespread.

#### Principal Challenges of Adopting Zero Trust

1. **Integration Complexity**: Shifting to a Zero Trust paradigm can be intricate, as it often involves the integration of multiple security tools and protocols. Organizations need to ensure that their current infrastructure can accommodate this model without major interruptions.

2. **User Experience**: Finding a balance between security and user experience is essential. Excessively strict security measures can frustrate employees, potentially affecting productivity. Organizations need to identify methods to implement Zero Trust without disrupting daily operations.

3. **Ongoing Monitoring**: Zero Trust demands continuous monitoring and evaluation of user activities and device conditions. This persistent supervision can be resource-heavy and necessitates advanced tools for effective data analysis.

4. **Cultural Transformation**: Embracing a Zero Trust framework frequently involves a cultural transformation within an organization. Employees must recognize the significance of security protocols and be open to adapting to new processes and technologies.

#### Tailscale’s Contribution to Zero Trust

Tailscale provides solutions that facilitate the implementation of Zero Trust by offering secure, private networks that are simple to establish and manage. By utilizing Tailscale’s technology, organizations can form a secure link between devices without complex VPN configurations, making the enforcement of Zero Trust principles more straightforward.

#### Conclusion

As organizations persist in maneuvering through the intricacies of cybersecurity, grasping and executing Zero Trust is becoming increasingly vital. Insights from industry figures like Avery Pennarun can assist businesses in addressing the obstacles linked to this security framework. By emphasizing security while preserving user experience, organizations can more effectively safeguard their resources in a swiftly evolving digital environment.

For more insights and discussions on themes like Zero Trust, tune into previous episodes of Apple @ Work and keep up-to-date with the latest trends in Apple device management and security.

Elon Musk Asserts Apple Favors OpenAI in App Store Rankings and Warns of Legal Action

Elon Musk is once again directing his attention towards Apple, accusing the technology behemoth of an “unequivocal antitrust violation” for purportedly giving OpenAI preferential treatment in the AI rankings of the App Store. This allegation surfaces following xAI’s recent launch of Grok 4, a large language model that claims to deliver noteworthy performance enhancements over its rivals. Subsequently, xAI rolled out new features, such as Grok Imagine, an image and video generation tool, along with customizable “companion” chatbots.

In the last month, the Grok app has experienced a significant boost in the App Store rankings, ascending from about 60th to 29th position, and most recently achieving fifth overall and second in the Productivity category after becoming free for users globally. Despite these advancements, Grok has yet to eclipse OpenAI’s ChatGPT, which has consistently held a premier position in the App Store. Apple has prominently showcased ChatGPT in its editorial content and has collaborated with OpenAI for its Apple Intelligence initiative, which encompasses Siri integration and support for writing applications.

Musk’s legal threats were conveyed through a post on X, where he asserted that Apple’s behavior renders it impossible for any AI company other than OpenAI to reach the pinnacle of the App Store, branding it an antitrust infringement. The details behind this legal move remain ambiguous, but Musk’s past indicates he may further elaborate on his rationale in the upcoming days.

Musk co-founded OpenAI but has since distanced himself from the entity, recently filing a lawsuit to prevent its shift to a for-profit model. His rivalry with OpenAI through xAI may be shaping his current concerns about the App Store, as he views Apple’s platform as a crucial element in OpenAI’s achievements.

While Musk has a history of hinting at legal action without always proceeding, it remains uncertain if xAI will initiate a lawsuit or if Musk will offer additional insights in the near future. The ongoing discussion raises issues regarding whether Apple is indeed granting OpenAI an unfair advantage within the App Store environment.