Grasping the Function and Application of the USB-C Port on the iPad’s Magic Keyboard

USB-C socket on the iPad for purposes beyond simply charging.

Priced from $269 for the iPad Air Magic Keyboard and $299 for the iPad Pro variant, both models feature a built-in USB-C port, unlike the Folio model, which lacks this capability. It is crucial to highlight that the Magic Keyboard for iPad Pro devices is exclusively compatible with M4 and M5 tablets, whereas the iPad Air keyboard functions with 4th and 5th generation models, including the M2, M3, and M4 iPad Air.

Instructions for charging your iPad using the Magic Keyboard

Alec Baldwin’s Neglected Final Fantasy Film Deserves a Second Look

Among the most unusual adaptations of “Final Fantasy” is the 2001 film “Final Fantasy: The Spirits Within.” This project was a collaboration between the American company Columbia Pictures and Japan’s Square Pictures, with direction by Hironobu Sakaguchi, the creator of “Final Fantasy,” and featuring well-known actors such as Alec Baldwin, Donald Sutherland, Ming-Na Wen, and Steve Buscemi.

The storyline follows Aki Ross (Wen) and the Deep Eyes, under Captain Gray Edwards (Baldwin), as they battle aliens called Phantoms that have invaded Earth and are affecting humans. Aki uncovers a potential method to overcome the Phantoms by harnessing eight spirits of Gaia, the soul of the planet, leading her into conflict with General Douglas Hein (James Woods), who prefers to eliminate them using a devastating environmental weapon.

“The Spirits Within” did not receive a positive reception. It has a score of 44% from critics and 48% from audiences on Rotten Tomatoes, with many criticizing its flimsy, perplexing narrative that veers far from the original franchise. It also turned out to be a significant box office disaster, grossing only $85 million against a budget of $137 million, leading to the shutdown of Square Pictures. Nevertheless, “Final Fantasy: The Spirits Within” merits a revisit 25 years later for its pioneering photorealistic visuals, which hold up considerably better than most CGI from that era.

“Final Fantasy: The Spirits Within” features a convoluted, at times illogical script. Characters philosophize about Gaia and spirits instead of conveying authentic environmentalist beliefs, and the writers appear indecisive about whether the Phantoms are non-corporeal entities that consume souls or tangible beings that can be destroyed by missiles. The film compensates for its shortcomings with grand visuals, creating an enjoyable viewing experience. Even as the first photorealistic animated feature, it still eclipses elements like the Scorpion King from “The Mummy Returns,” James Bond surfing through an icy tsunami in “Die Another Day,” or practically any scene from “The Polar Express.”

Moreover, the media’s portrayal of Aki Ross seems prescient in light of the growing influence of AI in cinema. It’s difficult not to make connections between Aki, who graced the cover of Maxim, and AI “actress” Tilly Norwood. Lead animator for “The Spirits Within” Roy Sato remarked on the parallels, stating to The New York Times, “Seeing how people are reacting to A.I., it was the same feeling I had 25 years ago. We had this hyper-realistic computer graphics actress, and people were like, ‘Am I going to be replaced? Am I outdated?’ It’s a funny parallel that 25 years later it’s happening again.”

While “Final Fantasy: The Spirits Within” may not boast a strong narrative, it’s noteworthy that the plot shares similarities with “Spectral,” a Netflix movie that was more positively received. It also doesn’t connect to its source material in any significant way. Yet, similar to how early sound films and color productions remain significant, “The Spirits Within” deserves remembrance for being a technical milestone that advanced the horizons of CGI.

Five Perfect 3D Printing Projects for Miniature Painting Aficionados

3D printers can produce dependable resin components for miniatures; these machines can also assist in creating various tools and accessories that enhance the enjoyment and ease of miniature crafting. The array of useful tools you can design is virtually boundless, from a robust stand to support your ongoing project to a simple box for storing your painting brushes. If you’re seeking inspiration for ideas, a wide range of designs, such as a miniature vise, a wet palette, a swatch board, and more, can be found among fellow miniature enthusiasts on 3D printing community websites.

Miniature brush container

Devices Compatible with Your DualSense Controller Aside from PlayStation 5

The DualSense controller serves as a fantastic gamepad partner for the PS5, providing an ergonomic build, engaging features such as haptic feedback and adaptive triggers, along with an integrated microphone and speaker for online gameplay. Nevertheless, this wireless gamepad is not limited to exclusive use with a PlayStation 5.

If you prefer a specific gaming controller that you are used to, you might want to employ it for gaming across different platforms. Thankfully, there’s an expansive array of devices that your DualSense or DualSense Edge can link to via Bluetooth or USB, including PCs and Macs, smart TVs, mobile gadgets, and the Steam Deck — with four distinct compatible Bluetooth device connections able to be registered at the same time to one controller.

While linking to a non-PS5 device may limit your access to the complete range of the DualSense’s features, it indicates you won’t need to invest extra money in a new gamepad for your alternate gaming devices. Below, we’ve outlined four categories of devices your DualSense controller can connect to that are not a PlayStation 5.

PCs and Macs

Factors Leading TV Producers to Cease Production of 8K Displays

85-inch 8K 3D television presentation in 2014. Yet, it was in 2019 that the enthusiasm for 8K TVs genuinely began to intensify, with LG and others introducing fresh 8K OLED television choices. Nevertheless, the initial 8K TVs did not become easily obtainable for purchase until 2020. Now, fewer than seven years later, 8K TVs are gradually being eliminated, with LG being the most recent to declare its exit from the high-resolution displays, followed by TCL’s withdrawal in 2023 and Sony ceasing 8K production in 2025. So, what transpired with 8K, and why is everyone abandoning it?

To address this inquiry, we must first comprehend what 8K truly is. Beyond merely being double the resolution of 4K, the overall distinctions between 4K and 8K are somewhat more intricate than that. A contemporary 4K screen is specified at a resolution of 3,840 x 2,160 — approximately 8.3 million pixels. Conversely, an 8K television boasts a resolution of 7,860 x 4,320. Certainly, it’s merely twice the resolution, but it translates to significantly more pixels, totaling around 34 million pixels on the entire display. However, more pixels should equate to enhanced quality, shouldn’t it? Regrettably, it is not that straightforward at all.

More isn’t always better

Four Key USB-C Devices to Elevate the MacBook Neo

MacBook Neo has garnered outstanding reviews due to its remarkable performance, high-end design, and robust battery life, which we also highlighted in our MacBook Neo review. Nevertheless, its reduced price means Apple had to make some sacrifices, including limited RAM and storage, along with a restricted selection of ports. While these trade-offs may not hinder everyone’s computing experience, they could prevent some users from maximizing the capabilities of this highly proficient MacBook.

Indeed, you will have to accommodate certain limitations, like the fixed 8 GB of RAM; you can address others with USB-C accessories. These accessories will not only enable you to bypass the limitations but also enhance your MacBook Neo’s functionality for an improved experience. We have gathered four such USB-C accessories to complement your new MacBook. These selections were made after thoroughly evaluating various USB-C devices and how they can enrich the everyday experience of a MacBook Neo user.

Samsung T7 Portable SSD

Even if you opt for the 512 GB variant of the MacBook Neo, the built-in storage may be inadequate for some users. Thankfully, you can remedy this issue with an external SSD, and the Samsung T7 stands out as one of the top choices available. It supports USB 3.2 Gen 2 speeds, perfectly complementing the faster USB-C port on the MacBook Neo. It also comes in various storage sizes to accommodate different needs and boasts a compact design. Most importantly, its aluminum frame is robust enough to withstand falls from up to two meters. Due to these features and its dependable performance, it has garnered an impressive rating of 4.7 on Amazon.

Mac owners report that it operates seamlessly with various Mac desktops and laptops and serves as a suitable alternative to internal storage. However, they do indicate that you will need to format it to the APFS file system to fully utilize it on a Mac. While the vast majority of reviews are favorable, a small number of customers mention receiving defective units that did not perform as anticipated or failed. It retails for $185 for the 1 TB version on Amazon, which is on the pricier side due to the current RAM and storage chip shortage. Nonetheless, it is extremely reliable, making it a top choice for storing your projects, films, and photos.

Ugreen Revodok Pro 6-in-1 USB-C Hub

The MacBook Neo is equipped with only two USB-C ports — one of which is limited to USB 2.0 speeds. This effectively gives you just one multifunction port for charging and transferring data at high rates, which can pose a challenge if you intend to connect multiple peripherals, an external display, and more.

Future US Military Laser Arms Poised to Exceed Existing Abilities

The Atlantic states that it is not unusual for the military to disable drones using lasers.

Today’s “ray guns” aren’t quite the ones you would find in a science fiction blockbuster. Some, like the Apollo, are essentially “soft kill” lasers, designed mainly to neutralize threats such as drones by disrupting their sensors. Even those laser weapons that do bring drones down from the sky do so without visibility. No “pew pew” sound effects, no searing death ray beams.

However, this doesn’t imply that the technology isn’t progressing. On the contrary, military funding in laser weapon technology is continuously producing advancements that are reshaping the landscape of warfare and defense. There could even be a future where we possess weapons powerful enough to obliterate ICBMs.

Lockheed Martin is creating laser systems five times more powerful than existing ones

Lockheed Martin’s High Energy Laser with Integrated Optical-dazzler and Surveillance (HELIOS) is a notable example of one of the most potent laser weapons currently deployed. After securing the initial contract to design and implement the technology in 2018, Lockheed Martin commenced development of a laser weapon for warships, aircraft carriers, and other U.S. Navy vessels. The Navy recently revealed that it utilized HELIOS to take down drones during a training drill involving the USS Preble. According to a report from the <a href="https://