AllYouCanTech

Disclosed iOS 18.6 Code Uncovers Unreleased Apple Smart Home Hub

Apple’s iOS Beta Code Continues to Uncover Future Products

Apple’s beta software updates have emerged as an unanticipated wellspring of insights into the company’s upcoming offerings. Recently, the iOS 18.6 beta code has unveiled information about a highly awaited smart home hub, representing the fourth occurrence of such revelations. This pattern emphasizes Apple’s persistent difficulties in keeping its future innovations hidden.

The most recent revelation comes from 9to5Mac’s Benjamin Mayo, who discovered a “home” asset within the iOS beta code. This asset is specifically crafted for the homeOS platform, featuring a screen resolution similar to that of an iPad mini. This discovery corroborates earlier speculation indicating that Apple is experimenting with homeOS/tvOS on an iPad mini, potentially resulting in a device showcasing a display akin to two iPhone screens side by side.

Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman has also shared insights about Apple’s goal to launch new homeOS software, originally planned for a March event. However, the announcement was delayed due to setbacks in Siri feature development, which was set to include the launch of Apple’s smart home hub. Despite these obstacles, the iOS 18.6 code points to Apple’s readiness to unveil this new category of products.

In the past week, analysts have pinpointed mentions of four forthcoming Apple products within the iOS beta code. These consist of:

1. **AirPods Pro 3**: Mentions of three AirPods Pro variants have been discovered, yet only two have been released to date. Rumored attributes for the forthcoming earbuds are being discussed among fans.

2. **AirTag 2**: The upcoming item tracker is anticipated to be released shortly, boasting enhanced Precision Finding capabilities with a new ultra-wideband chip.

3. **More Affordable Apple Vision Pro**: Xcode 26 suggests a budget-friendly Apple Vision Air, featuring lesser display resolution settings for Apple Vision Pro content.

4. **Smart Home Hub**: Apple’s long-rumored rival to the Echo Show has now emerged in the iOS 18.6 beta code, indicating a launch is imminent.

These leaks highlight the obstacles Apple contends with in upholding confidentiality regarding its product development. As excitement grows, BGR will persist in delivering updates on Apple’s forthcoming offerings, encompassing leaks, rumors, and official announcements.

Streaming Platforms Overtake Cable and Broadcast Television in Popularity

In a groundbreaking development, Americans in the previous month dedicated more time to consuming content on streaming platforms such as Netflix than to viewing content on cable television and broadcast networks. Furthermore, the time spent on streaming services surpassed the combined viewing time of cable and broadcast channels. This information comes from Nielsen and was initially highlighted by The New York Times.

Although streaming has been favored over cable since late 2022, this represents the first instance where the hours on streaming platforms exceeded those of cable and broadcast TV combined. In the past month, streaming accounted for a 45% share of total viewing hours nationwide, while cable and broadcast TV together represented a 44% share.

Older viewers are turning to streaming platforms

One compelling statistic from the report indicates that this remarkable milestone is not solely due to younger viewers abandoning cable. Instead, it stems from older Americans finally embracing streaming. However, these older viewers are not necessarily engaging with HBO and Netflix in large quantities. Conversely, the report indicates that they are increasingly drawn to free streaming services like Tubi, which may be influenced by two key factors.

First, it’s reasonable to believe that many Americans aged 65 and older are more budget-conscious or economical regarding their entertainment choices. Secondly, platforms such as Tubi offer a wealth of classic television content that may be attracting these viewers. For example, Tubi features an entire category labeled Nostalgia TV filled with classic titles like Kojak, Murder, She Wrote, Gilligan’s Island, I Dream of Jeannie, and many others.

The NYT reports:

Older viewers have a significant presence in television viewership, contributing to one-third of all viewing. They have been migrating to streaming services rapidly over the past few years—especially those that are free and require no subscription. For instance, since 2023, viewers over 65 represent the fastest-growing demographic for watching YouTube on television.

Quality programming is more prevalent on streaming platforms

Simultaneously, it is well-known that cable and broadcast TV are struggling to compete with streaming services in producing captivating content. In essence, this is not only a financial issue but also a matter of quality. Not long ago, high-caliber content would frequently premiere on cable TV before transitioning to streaming platforms like Netflix. Mad Men and Breaking Bad serve as notable examples. Currently, however, premier quality TV series seem to launch almost exclusively on streaming platforms, including Succession, Hacks, Ted Lasso, and The Handmaid’s Tale.

The rationale behind this trend is likely twofold. Firstly, streaming services generally offer creators greater artistic liberty during production, along with more flexibility regarding violence and language. Secondly, companies like Netflix and Apple are not hesitant to allocate substantial funds that broadcast networks might be unwilling to match. Consequently, this creates a cyclical dilemma. In earlier times, networks like NBC had no qualms about spending $1 million per episode for each lead actor on Friends. While this was a substantial investment, the benefit was that the show gained immense popularity and attracted millions of viewers. Now, as audiences shift away from broadcast TV, justifying large expenditures on a show becomes increasingly challenging.

Nintendo Shuts Down Multiple Switch 2 Consoles, Limiting Them to Offline Operation

**Nintendo Switch 2: Overcoming the Hurdles of the Quickest-Selling Console**

The Nintendo Switch 2 has captured the attention of gamers everywhere, swiftly establishing itself as the quickest-selling console ever. Its soaring popularity makes it tough to find a unit without preorders or buying it on launch day. Nevertheless, the thrill of owning a Switch 2 carries possible drawbacks, especially if you face problems that disrupt your console’s functionality.

A major anxiety for Switch 2 users is the possibility of their console being blocked from online services. This predicament surfaces when individuals utilize the MiG Switch/Flash tool, a microSD utility that has resulted in connectivity bans. Numerous users have reported seeing error code 2124-4508, which signifies that Nintendo has limited online services for their console. This limitation continues even following a factory reset, rendering affected consoles incapable of accessing online features.

While offline gaming is still feasible on a banned Switch 2, the inability to participate in online multiplayer, acquire content from the Nintendo store, or transfer game save data reduces the overall enjoyment of the console. Beloved games like Mario Kart cannot achieve their full potential without online interaction.

The scenario is further muddled by the ambiguity from Nintendo about the length of these bans. The error message hints at a temporary restriction, but no exact duration is specified, keeping users uncertain.

For individuals who have restored their consoles to factory settings, such as YouTuber Scattered Brain, the outcomes are severe. A full reset leads to the loss of access to offline games, effectively turning the console into an costly, non-operational unit.

As the Nintendo Switch 2 continues to lead the market, potential buyers and existing owners must stay alert regarding the tools and modifications they employ. Until Nintendo offers further clarification or a solution, the threat of a console ban remains a significant worry for the gaming community.

Netflix Reveals The Sandman Season 2: A Visual Marvel

Fans of *The Sandman* have been anxiously anticipating the second season of Netflix’s rendition of Neil Gaiman’s cherished comic series. With the freshly unveiled trailer for Season 2 hitting the internet today, it’s apparent that their enthusiasm is justified. This forthcoming season promises to enhance all the elements viewers adored about Season 1, making them even more daring and visually breathtaking.

The inaugural season of *The Sandman*, which currently boasts a strong 88% score from Rotten Tomatoes critics, enchanted audiences with its complex storytelling and remarkable performances — particularly Tom Sturridge’s portrayal of Morpheus, the Lord of Dream. Season 2 will follow Dream’s journey, picking up just a few weeks after the conclusion of the first season. The season opens with Dream on the road to healing, renovating his palace and pledging to move beyond the past. However, as is typical in *The Sandman* realm, the past tends to resurface unexpectedly.

“*The Sandman* series has consistently centered solely on Dream’s narrative,” showrunner Allan Heinberg mentioned in a recent promotional chat with Netflix. “When we reviewed the remaining Dream content from the comics, we realized we only had sufficient material for one additional season.”

A prominent theme in the feedback from fans and the show’s creators is the series’ visual brilliance. The new Season 2 trailer, for instance, has already ignited a wave of enthusiasm, with viewers on YouTube labeling it a “visual masterpiece” — and many feel it promises to be even more grand than Season 1. Indeed, although *The Sandman* has always been recognized for its opulent, dreamlike visuals, the new season seems ready to elevate the experience further. As one YouTube commenter expressed: “Season 1 was a visual masterpiece, and this appears to be raising the stakes.”

Heinberg further emphasizes the growth of the team behind the series and the assets they have at their disposal. “We are lucky that almost everyone who contributed in front of or behind the lens for Season 1 has returned for Season 2,” Heinberg elaborated in his interview. “We learned a tremendous amount about the series during Season 1, so reuniting the same team a year or more later enabled us to build on what we had learned and strive to elevate our quality on every aspect.”

The new season will also broaden the story’s universe, delving into various time periods, realms, and worlds that enrich Dream’s saga. *The Sandman* will transport viewers to places like ancient Greece and Elizabethan England.

In addition to such settings, Season 2 will also introduce new characters, including the mysterious Delirium (portrayed by Esmé Creed-Miles), the youngest member of the Endless. Fans of the comics will recognize the Endless as anthropomorphic embodiments of fundamental forces: Destiny, Death, Dream, Desire, Despair, and Delirium. As Heinberg stated, “The Endless … are designed to exist indefinitely. They aren’t meant to transform. But change is, of course, unavoidable and vital to all existence.”

PlayStation and Xbox Start Hinting at Their Forthcoming Next-Generation Consoles

The Nintendo Switch 2 has made a notable mark in the gaming sector by achieving the status of the fastest-selling game console ever, moving over 3.5 million units within a mere four days post-launch. This astonishing milestone has attracted the interest of key rivals, PlayStation and Xbox, leading them to more candidly discuss their forthcoming strategies.

The PlayStation 6 from Sony is reportedly a critical focus for the firm, as stated by Sony Interactive Entertainment CEO Hideaki Nishino. While specific information remains confidential, Nishino highlighted that the advancement of the platform is a top priority and that Sony is dedicated to investigating new and improved methods for gamers to interact with their content and services. In spite of the excitement, documents from 2022 indicate that the coming generation of consoles, including the PS6, may not debut until the fall of 2028. Nevertheless, with Nintendo’s prevailing success, there is potential for Sony’s schedule to be revised.

At the same time, Xbox has unveiled a strategic alliance with AMD to collaboratively design chips for its upcoming consoles. This partnership strives to enhance the player’s experience by providing cutting-edge graphics, more engrossing gameplay through AI, and ensuring compatibility with current Xbox titles. Xbox has been more forthcoming regarding its future intentions compared to PlayStation, with speculation indicating a possible release timeframe for the next Xbox in the fall of 2026. Should Xbox adhere to a similar timeline to the Xbox Series X, which was revealed in June 2019 and released in fall 2020, a new console could be introduced as soon as next fall.

As the gaming landscape continues to transform, the rivalry among these leading entities is expected to escalate, with each organization aiming to deliver distinctive and pioneering experiences to captivate gamers around the globe.

Astronomers Unveil Previously Hidden Matter in the Universe

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AI Technology Facilitates Interaction with Cats

If you are a pet parent, there has probably been at least one occasion when you gazed at your dog or cat and thought, “I truly wish I could comprehend you.” Perhaps it’s when they rouse you at four in the morning by leaping onto your chest, meowing as though the world is coming to an end. Or maybe you simply want to grasp what those little chuffs signify when your dog grumbles at you. Well, soon, we might have AI that enables us to converse with cats and even engage with dogs.

There’s an app for that

Currently, one of the top choices is Meowtalk, a mobile application that merges the strength of machine learning with the sounds your cat produces. Per the app’s website, it’s the “#1 science-backed and AI-driven cat translator app.” However, it’s important to note that, as Scientific American highlights, the only genuine research we have discussing the app’s precision comes from the team involved with it.

Naturally, there’s nothing preventing you from testing it yourself. But, this represents just one method that companies are trying to take advantage of our wish to communicate with our pets. Indeed, it’s abundantly clear that the sounds animals produce are intended to express some kind of significance. We’ve even witnessed situations where it appears creatures like humpback whales are attempting to convey messages to humans. Additionally, we’ve found success with animals using buttons to transmit messages. However, an AI that genuinely allows us to converse with our cats as if they were human? That still feels a touch implausible, doesn’t it?

It’s not all fantasy

Regardless of your opinion on the matter, there is some scientific foundation to support it. For instance, ethologists (a fancy term for scientists who investigate animal behavior) have categorized many of the sounds that cats produce into specific groups. Nonetheless, these categories also encompass a multitude of variations. This can be observed in any home that hosts multiple cats. For example, my spouse and I have three cats, and each of them reacts to us in distinct manners. One even appears to mimic pigeon-like sounds when content.

However, more than one company is aiming to enter the realm of deciphering your cat’s communication patterns. Just last December, a Chinese firm known as Baidu submitted a patent application for a method designed to convert animal sounds into human language. A representative from the company informed Reuters last May that the system remains in the research stage.

When combined with other efforts to decode the significance behind our animals’ sounds, it won’t be too shocking when AI allows us to converse with our cats. The only question left for us is whether we are truly prepared to hear everything they have to communicate.

Top 5 Television Series of 2025: Halfway Assessment

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Disney+ Releases for July 2025: What’s Unveiled

Disney+ is poised to unveil an exhilarating selection of new titles in July 2025, appealing to a diverse audience. Subscribers can eagerly anticipate the concluding episodes of “Ironheart,” featuring Riri Williams, portrayed by Dominique Thorne, as she continues her adventures following “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever.” The eagerly awaited “ZOMBIES 4: Dawn of the Vampires” will also launch, showcasing a fresh conflict between Daywalkers and Vampires. This chapter tracks Zed and Addison as they deal with strife among supernatural groups during a summer road trip. In addition, Disney+ will introduce sing-along renditions of the first three “ZOMBIES” films.

Additional highlights comprise the new original series “Suspicious Minds,” featuring a cunning thief and her ex-partner as they navigate trust and romance amid a heist, and “StuGo,” an animated show about middle schoolers embarking on an unexpected journey. Documentary and reality TV enthusiasts can delight in “Critter Fixers: Country Vets,” “Lost Treasures of Egypt,” and “Project Runway.”

Disney+ will also honor the 70th anniversary of Disneyland Resort with engaging P.O.V. walkthroughs of its iconic rides. For sports fans, Hulu and ESPN offers will be accessible, including live broadcasts and studio programs. With a blend of original series, films, and classic content, Disney+ guarantees an exciting month for its subscribers.

Researchers Reveal Finding of Most Massive Known Ultramassive Black Hole

Astronomers have revealed what they believe could be the most massive black hole ever observed. This “ultramassive” black hole is situated at the core of a galaxy almost six billion light years distant. According to their calculations, astronomers estimate that this black hole has a mass equivalent to 36 billion times that of our Sun.

This certainly is a significant black hole, and it undoubtedly raises intriguing questions regarding the maximum size of these cosmic entities. The astronomers discovered this black hole while studying the Cosmic Horseshoe, an unusual gravitational lensing phenomenon first identified in 2007. The recent findings are currently available through *arXiv*.

The Cosmic Horseshoe is widely regarded as a nearly flawless illustration of gravitational lensing. As a result, it has attracted considerable interest from astronomers throughout the years. Due to the system’s great distance, measuring the black hole proved to be much more complex, as observing ultramassive black holes can often pose challenges.

Nevertheless, the team behind this latest study adopted an alternative strategy. Rather than examining the black hole directly, they concentrated on data obtained from the Multi Unit Spectroscopic Explorer (MUSE), a device on the Very Large Telescope. By combining this data with high-resolution images captured by Hubble, they successfully reconstructed rough measurements of the galaxy and concluded that this black hole is the heaviest one we have ever quantified.

Researchers emphasize that the critical factor was integrating the data collected from the stellar motion with the distortion induced by gravitational lensing. This allowed them to gain insight into the possible size of this ultramassive black hole. Of course, determining its exact size with any level of certainty remains challenging, particularly from a distance of nearly six billion miles.

Black holes have historically been prominent subjects of astronomical study. We have not only identified rogue black holes traversing the cosmos but have also observed black holes devouring nearby stars and planets. While much about these cosmic giants remains elusive, discoveries like this bring us closer to filling the gaps in our understanding.

For now, we can only continue to monitor this ultramassive black hole and the galaxy system it inhabits. It is possible that we will uncover additional insights about its dimensions and its influence on the surrounding universe in the forthcoming months and years.