Tag: Source: Bgr.com

ACS Catalysis, when subjected to a temperature of 626 degrees Fahrenheit, each gram of catalyst (0.04 ounces) generated 453.7 mL (0.12 gallons) of hydrocarbons, approximately half of which was found to be adequate for jet fuel manufacturing. Perhaps most notably, the catalyst displayed no indications of wear even after prolonged use exceeding 800 hours. That’s more than a month of continuous production.

In contrast to numerous studies, this truly transformative technology isn’t “new.” While it may not be commonly adopted, researchers are poised to extend the process beyond the confines of the lab.

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Sony WF-1000XM5. Typically retailing for $330, the earbuds are discounted to $278 on Amazon.

Consumer Reports (CR) is a source we rely on for consumer tech advice, and the WF-1000XM5 received outstanding reviews from them. This doesn’t come as a shock, particularly since these in-ears were also included in our top wireless earbuds for audiophiles list. Sony has succeeded in creating one of the most comfortable pairs of earbuds available, while also equipping them with cutting-edge audio technologies, such as LDAC compatibility and DSEE Extreme — a proprietary Sony algorithm designed to enhance lossy audio files.

Offered in black, silver, and pink, you’ll also receive the $50 savings if you purchase the XM5s at <a href="https://r.bttn.io?btn_ref=org-225e4e0aac880b8f&btn_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.bestbuy.com%2Fproduct%2Fsony-wf-1000xm5-true-wireless-noise-cancelling-earbuds-black%2FJ7XSRH53VJ&btn_pub_ref=2166907-in_text-1" target="_blank" rel="s

Financial Times, Apple CFO Kevan Parekh disclosed that “The iPhone 17 family has become the most favored lineup in our history” and the organization believes it has captured market share in Q2 2026. Although the CFO did not provide details regarding the reasons, it is reasonable to deduce that the reimagining of the iPhone 17 Pro and the enhanced features introduced in the standard iPhone 17 have played a part in the lineup’s triumph.

In a separate conversation, Apple CEO Tim Cook informed Reuters that interest in the lineup is “off the charts,” and despite the remarkable sales, Apple is encountering challenges in sourcing additional A19 series processors, along with a persistent memory deficit that continues to influence Apple products and revenue. For instance, the company is currently offering only one configuration of the M3 Ultra Mac Studio, and reports indicate that Apple may postpone some launches due to the rising costs of RAM.

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**Older Amazon Fire TV Sticks Have Just Lost Support For A Key Streaming Service**

It’s a disappointing day for Amazon Fire TV device owners and HBO Max users. With immediate effect, Fire TV streaming devices and smart TVs must be operating Fire OS 6 or higher to utilize the HBO Max app. AFTVnews was the first to report this news, and we suspect that Amazon’s ongoing deployment of its Vega smart TV OS is a significant factor in the company’s decision to end HBO support. Vega OS is built on Linux instead of Android and is often considered one of the least favorable smart TV operating systems.

Ultimately, Vega OS is set to completely take over Fire OS as the brand’s primary interface for applications, the Alexa voice assistant, and smart home management. While we appreciate part of the rationale behind this move, it can pose difficulties for developers like HBO Max to constantly adapt apps for older hardware. Consequently, millions of Fire OS device users will find themselves without access to a key streaming service — unless they manage to upgrade to Fire OS 6.

As of today, Fire OS 5 is the software cutoff for popular devices such as the Amazon Fire TV Stick (2014), Fire TV Stick Basic Edition (2017), and Element 4K Fire TV (2017). If you possess a smart TV that runs on the first or second version of Amazon’s Fire OS (2014-2015), you’ll also lose HBO Max access.

**Navigating the challenge that is innovation versus prolonged device support**

Amazon has been somewhat aggressive in phasing out devices in 2026 so far. Just last month, a class action lawsuit was lodged against the company for software tethering, which occurs when a developer restricts device capabilities by halting updates. Consumers expressed frustration when Amazon discontinued support for its first- and second-generation Fire TV Stick, launched in 2014 and 2016. Additionally, Amazon revealed that starting May 20, 2026, it will cease support for Kindle devices released prior to 2012.

Then, in January 2026, the company discreetly terminated support for its Fire TV Blaster — a device that facilitated control of AV components via infrared without requiring a direct line of sight from a Fire TV product. Although Amazon runs an extensive recycling initiative, the sad truth is that many of these devices are likely to become e-waste in the future. It can also be quite frustrating to witness how swiftly tech giants pursue new innovations (like Vega OS), while neglecting older users.

Nonetheless, there’s merit in keeping pace with technological advancements. Streaming services like HBO Max are filled with content, features, and settings that necessitate increasingly advanced processors and memory. After all, nobody wants to contend with endlessly buffering films or the risk of compromised user information. However, it would be ideal if Big Tech could find a more effective balance between being at the forefront and abandoning existing users.

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The phrase “Hollywood magic” refers to the methods employed by Hollywood studios (and others) to craft the imaginary worlds portrayed in television shows and films. Sets, props, and cinematographic techniques are all utilized to create the illusion — no need for AI-generated horror. Occasionally, studios produce custom set pieces, while at other times they enhance ordinary objects.

The series “Star Trek: The Next Generation” boasted a range of memorable characters and elevated the visual quality from its predecessor, particularly from the second season onward. One of the more captivating characters was Geordi La Forge, portrayed by LeVar Burton (a shoutout to “Reading Rainbow” fans). Although Geordi had many memorable scenes, what everyone recalls most about him is his distinctive VISOR, a prosthetic device worn over his eyes that allowed him to see. Born blind, he wore a device that appeared quite absurd. Fans likened it to a hair clip being sported as sunglasses. And indeed, they were largely accurate.

The book Star Trek: The Next Generation 365 (a companion guide to the series featuring interviews and behind-the-scenes images) unveils that the design of the VISOR was based on a hair clip, notably one worn by the roommate of the show’s scenic artist, Michael Okuda. Captivated by the way the clip’s teeth pattern “reflected light,” he borrowed it, spray-painted it gold, and presented the altered hair clip to Gene Roddenberry himself. The rest is history in television. Although Burton never actually donned the test clip (to our knowledge), without it, Geordi’s appearance might have been quite different.

History is fond of suffering and irony.

Science fiction franchises like “Star Trek” have driven numerous real-world innovations. We might not enjoy portable language translators were it not for the universal translators introduced in “Star Trek.” Given the recent technological advancements, we may soon include the VISOR among those innovations, as smart glasses can assist visually impaired individuals in reading. However, the actual VISOR prop had the reverse effect.

In a BBC interview, LeVar Burton described using the VISOR as “a living hell,” as it diminished his active vision by “85-90%.” He reported frequently colliding with everything from light stands to cables. In the series, he portrayed a blind man who could see thanks to the VISOR, but on the set, he struggled with visibility because of the VISOR prop itself.

As mentioned previously, “Star Trek: The Next Generation” underwent a visual upgrade beginning with its second season. Props and sets appeared more polished, and William Riker (Jonathan Frakes) grew facial hair. While Geordi’s VISOR appeared more believable, it was also weightier. According to Burton, the only method to secure it to his head was, frankly, with actual screws. These fastened the VISOR firmly in place, but the flanges on the inside pressed into his temples — enough to cause headaches after 15 or 20 minutes, though not sufficient to inflict real injury. This continued for six years. Now that’s dedication to the craft.

an entirely new Powerbeats Pro 2, a redesigned Powerbeats Fit, and Beats Solo Buds. Yet, the brand that was once recognized for its striking headphones has been somewhat sluggish in introducing new models, with the Beats Studio Pro flagship now three years old. Observing Beats’ past, the company typically takes time between launches to enhance its products, although it consistently releases special editions to maintain a fresh lineup.

The acquisition of Beats by Apple in 2014 also contributed to the slowdown of new launches, even as the company currently boasts its strongest range ever. Nonetheless, while in the early 2010s, it seemed everyone possessed a Beats product, that can’t be claimed today. With the streets populated by AirPods Max and Marshall headphones, Beats is lacking traction in a market it once led. Not only does it offer just two headphones—the Beats Solo 4 and the Beats Studio Pro—but the existing lineup has begun to display signs of age. This is why Beats should revitalize these headphones and reintroduce its beloved and classic Beats Pro.