best wireless speakers for audiophiles, as rated by CR if you seek superior alternatives.
Although Sony is not typically associated with audio failures, the Sony SRS-RA5000 does not stand out as a speaker to consider. Earning a 45/100 at CR and 3.5/5 stars on Amazon (from more than 100 reviews), the RA5000 excels in aesthetics. It’s difficult to overlook how elegant this speaker appears. From its top-mounted triple driver array
modern GPUs and cutting-edge multicore processors, typically housed in compact chassis that provide convenience for those on the go. Nonetheless, beneath the RGB illumination, it becomes apparent why numerous gaming laptops are unreliable, as they emphasize portability at the expense of stability.
This reliability concern is not merely a viewpoint among owners of these laptops; it represents an engineering reality. To condense the specifications necessary for enabling users to access AAA games or demanding applications, manufacturers frequently trade off some longevity for aesthetics. This leads to a lifecycle that is shorter than anticipated for the amount invested in a gaming laptop.
While some manufacturers claim that this durability concern has seen improvements in recent years, this may not hold true consistently. Therefore, if you are contemplating purchasing a gaming laptop or substituting a desktop with a more portable device, it is crucial to recognize the potential risks associated with that decision.
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Intended to be the largest particle accelerator globally, China’s Circular Electron Positron Collider (CEPC) was designed to span approximately 100 kilometers or 62 miles. This is significantly larger than CERN’s Large Hadron Collider (LHC), which has a circumference of around 27 kilometers — or nearly 17 miles. These facilities, particularly the LHC, are crucial for investigating how the universe originated during the Big Bang.
The CEPC’s development commenced in 2012, coinciding with CERN’s discovery of the Higgs boson particle; however, it seems that the multibillion-dollar initiative is currently on hold. It was omitted from the country’s upcoming five-year plan set for 2026 to 2030, indicating that it is viewed as a lesser priority by the government — leading to reduced funding and resources. Wang Yifang from the Institute of High Energy Physics verified this update, noting that despite the rejection of a recent proposal for inclusion in China’s five-year plan, the team intends to reapply for the CEPC proposal in 2030.
While not officially confirmed, the projected cost for the CEPC is around $5.1 billion, which the country may prefer to allocate elsewhere. In such a scenario, Wang states that if the European Future Circular Collider (FCC) — the next-generation collider that would essentially succeed the LHC with a significantly larger circumference of 90.7 kilometers (or 56 miles) — receives approval before the 2030 proposals, a collaboration with the respective teams is likely.
In summary, China’s CEPC has been sidelined, likely due to financial and resource demands, yet the European FCC still holds promise, and the Chinese physicist team might collaborate if the FCC proposal is approved before the subsequent cycle of China’s plans.
binge-worthy series available on Apple TV+. All of these function by leveraging a Wi-Fi connection, allowing you to stay updated with your preferred shows wherever there is internet access. But does this imply that an internet connection is required to operate your Apple TV device?
The concise response is no, internet is not necessary. Nevertheless, without an internet connection, your options will be very restricted. Generally, you can utilize AirPlay capabilities to stream specific types of content from your iPhone or iPad, and based on the model of your Apple TV, you may even be able to link your phone or tablet straight to the streaming device. Additionally, there are several concealed features that the Apple TV provides, though some of them will require an internet connection.
TV interface appears to be slow and unresponsive. This occurs because numerous smart TV models are equipped with relatively weak processors, which can begin to show their limitations when faced with modern applications that demand greater resources. This is also a factor for why certain streaming services discontinue support for older smart TVs. Nevertheless, since all other components of your TV are functioning properly, upgrading to a new smart TV may not be the most sensible choice. Luckily, there is an affordable way to address this issue: a streaming stick.
Instead of investing in an entirely new TV, you can easily purchase a streaming stick and connect it to your TV’s HDMI port, breathing new life into your television. As the streaming device comes with its own processor and other electronic components, it doesn’t depend on your TV’s internals for anything except transmitting audio and video signals. Therefore, as long as you choose a relatively recent streaming stick model, you will enjoy a quick and reactive experience along with access to all the necessary apps. Moreover, if after a few years the streaming stick begins to show signs of aging, you can simply upgrade to a newer version and continue using the same TV until you are truly ready for a new one.
**The Underrated Treasure: Syfy’s “12 Monkeys” TV Adaptation**
In the world of adaptations, few succeed in embodying the spirit of their originals while establishing a distinct persona. Syfy’s 2015 television version of the 1995 movie “12 Monkeys,” featuring Bruce Willis, serves as an exemplary instance of this venture. Despite its early low-key launch, the series has achieved an impressive 78% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes, showcasing its appeal to fans of the initial film.
**A Fresh Interpretation of a Classic**
The television adaptation expands on the dystopian, time-traveling concept of Terry Gilliam’s original film. At first, the show tries to closely align with the source material, which some viewers considered its weakest aspect. Nevertheless, as the series unfolds, it strays from the movie’s storyline, establishing its own plot and captivating audiences with its uniqueness. This evolution is where the show truly excels, enabling it to exist independently without depending heavily on the film’s narrative.
**Hurdles and Successes**
Transforming a cherished film into a television series is no easy task, particularly when moving from a limited movie format to an episodic format. This hurdle may have dissuaded some potential viewers. However, the creators of the “12 Monkeys” television adaptation effectively managed this shift, producing a show celebrated for its intricacy and gripping storytelling. The series is praised for its capacity to sustain tension and provide a fulfilling resolution, drawing comparisons to other respected Syfy series such as “Battle Star Galactica” and “The Expanse.”
**Where to Stream**
For those interested in this underrated treasure, all four seasons of “12 Monkeys” are available for streaming on Amazon Prime and Apple TV. The series presents an engaging experience for sci-fi fans and admirers of the original movie alike.
In summary, while Syfy’s “12 Monkeys” TV adaptation may not have garnered the recognition it merited at launch, it stands as proof of the capability of adaptations to pay homage to their sources while exploring new avenues.
Apple CarPlay in particular circumstances, such as when venturing into secluded regions or while roaming, may leave users questioning if the service can be utilized without an active cellular connection. The answer is affirmative: CarPlay operates without cellular service being available or when cell service is disabled. Nevertheless, the functionality of CarPlay will be somewhat constrained, and this only applies if you adequately prepare for using it without an active cell connection in the vehicle.
The easiest way to comprehend Apple CarPlay is to envision it as a mirrored display of your iPhone. Connect the device to your vehicle using either a Bluetooth connection or a USB cable, and the car’s infotainment system activates, presenting an iOS-like interface where certain iPhone applications can be accessed on the move. This indicates that CarPlay will activate as soon as you link your iPhone to the car, regardless of the phone’s cellular status.
It is also crucial to recognize that not every iPhone app is meant to function with CarPlay. The feature will not allow video content streaming or gaming on the car’s display. These are distractions that contradict the intention of CarPlay. Apple only provides essential iPhone apps through CarPlay, applications that a driver might wish to use while driving with minimal interaction. The selection includes communication apps for hands-free calling and messaging, navigation apps (such as Apple Maps), and audio entertainment apps for playing music and podcasts. Siri support is also offered for managing some of these apps, and Siri voice control may improve further when Apple unveils the enhanced Siri experience in iOS 26. However, most apps will need an internet connection, though several support offline mode, meaning they will function even when a cellular connection is not readily accessible.
one of the top smart TV brands, ensuring you steer clear of the least favorable options available.
Consumer Reports indicates that Tesla ranks at the bottom among 26 brands when it comes to used-vehicle reliability. It holds a Reliability Verdict score of 31 out of 100, narrowly trailing Jeep, which scored 32. Lexus leads the rankings, with Toyota in second.
Tesla is a prominent player in the electric vehicle (EV) sector, and EVs are appealing not just for their environmental benefits but also because they tend to be more economical to operate over time compared to gasoline vehicles. While Tesla aims to transform the EV industry, this sector is still quite new, which could explain its persistent issues.
According to Consumer Reports, this evaluation focuses on vehicles that are generally between five to ten years old. It also highlights that reliability may differ among specific models, meaning a particular used Tesla might outperform another. Nevertheless, this is a discouraging report for Tesla and for prospective owners who favor purchasing used rather than new vehicles.
