Tag: Source: Bgr.com

Chernobyl Dogs Exhibit Indications of Swift Evolution

Are the dogs in Chernobyl undergoing evolution right before our eyes? This question has been posed by some researchers in recent studies that have been monitoring the wild animals inhabiting the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone (CEZ).

Since the Chernobyl disaster in the 1980s, scientists have been closely observing the CEZ. The aim was to investigate how the wildlife in the area adjusted to the heightened radiation levels, and thus far, these studies have yielded some fascinating results.

For example, a study released in 2016 discovered that Eastern tree frogs, which are usually green, had actually turned darker in the CEZ, seemingly adapting to their surroundings. Such findings, along with other observations, prompted scientists to contemplate the situation of the dogs in Chernobyl.

Now, a recent study published in PLOS One indicates that there are changes occurring in the wild dog population within the CEZ. The research team analyzed the genomes of dogs located 10 miles from the CEZ in comparison to dogs from various regions in Russia, Poland, and other neighboring countries.

The results revealed that the Chernobyl dogs did not show any significant mutations that were absent in dogs found outside the CEZ. This is noteworthy, as although these dogs are not the same as those present during the 1986 Chernobyl Meltdown, they would still be expected to exhibit signs of mutations necessary for survival, even though they are 30 generations removed.

However, they do not. This brings up questions regarding how they might be different from dogs in other areas. While the research does not yet provide a definitive conclusion, it will serve as a basis for further exploration into our comprehension of life in radioactive environments, particularly in light of previous studies suggesting the contrary.

Given that there are numerous radioactive sites around the globe, understanding these changes could enhance our insight into the consequences of radiation on our planet and the creatures we coexist with.

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Apple CEO Tim Cook Clarifies Misunderstanding Regarding Apple TV+

For years, a widely held notion about Apple TV+ has been that the platform isn’t really intended to rival Netflix or Disney+, but instead is just another means of keeping users within Apple’s ecosystem. Even if Apple doesn’t profit from streaming, it’s seen as beneficial in the long term if the streaming hub for Ted Lasso and Severance aids in selling additional iPhones or prevents users from migrating to other services.

Apple CEO Tim Cook, however, aims to dispel that notion.

In a recent interview with Variety promoting the company’s forthcoming Formula 1 movie featuring Brad Pitt, Cook tackled the prevalent assumption that Apple TV+ is mainly an ecosystem strategy. “I don’t have it in my mind that I’m going to sell more iPhones because of it,” he stated. “I don’t think about that at all. I think about it as a business.”

Apple TV+ is not merely a side project for Apple

Cook further described Apple TV+ as a well-thought-out investment in storytelling, rather than a ploy to boost hardware sales. “We studied it for years before we decided to do

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Transforming Apple Intelligence into an Independent AI Chatbot Without Utilizing ChatGPT

With WWDC 2025 now concluded, numerous Apple enthusiasts found themselves disheartened by the absence of newer Apple Intelligence features. Although Cupertino is introducing some fresh AI functionalities to the platform, the most eagerly awaited one remains uncertain.

This is the reason Apple executives have discussed in several interviews why the new Siri has yet to be launched. While it was first anticipated to debut alongside iOS 18.4, Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman now indicates that Apple is targeting an iOS 26.4 release.

While this may be even more disheartening for users (especially since OpenAI and other rivals continue to advance their AI models at an unprecedented pace), there is an opportunity to utilize Apple Intelligence as a genuine AI chatbot (and I’m not referring to using ChatGPT for this purpose).

This feature is still only accessible as part of the new capabilities arriving with iOS 26 and macOS Tahoe, which are presently in the initial stages of beta testing.

An Apple Intelligence chatbot is concealed within iOS 26 and macOS Tahoe

As highlighted by my good friend and MacWorld journalist Filipe Espósito on Threads, it is possible to operate your own Apple Intelligence chatbot if you have the iOS 26 or macOS Tahoe beta installed on your devices.

The Apple Intelligence chatbot can be fueled by Apple’s AI features within the new Shortcuts app. As explained by Espósito, you can select between the on-device model, which is less potent, or the Private Cloud Compute option, which functions online and performs quite well as a chatbot.

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Anker Announces Recall of More Than 1 Million Power Banks Because of Fire and Explosion Risks

This week, accessory manufacturer Anker revealed one of its broadest recalls to date. Following a series of events leading to fires, explosions, and minor burn injuries, Anker is recalling 1.1 million PowerCore 10000 power banks identified by model number A1263.

## Anker recalls PowerCore 10000 power banks

Anker indicates that the impacted models were produced between January 1, 2016, and October 30, 2019, and sold from June 1, 2016, to December 31, 2022. The company notes a potential problem with the lithium-ion batteries in these power banks that may result in overheating, which could cause melting plastic, smoke, and fire risks.

As reported by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, the recall was officially announced on June 12, 2025, affecting approximately 1,158,000 units overall. Prior to the recall, Anker received 19 reports of fires and explosions linked to the power banks, resulting in two minor burn injuries and 11 cases of property damage accumulating to over $60,700.

The PowerCore 10000 recall comes merely six months after Anker recalled thousands of Bluetooth speakers due to similar issues concerning lithium-ion batteries.

## What to do if you own a recalled power bank

If you possess an Anker power bank, it is advised to check and ensure it is not an affected model. Once you have the PowerCore 10000 power bank, locate the product information on the side of the device. The model number can be found in the upper-left corner. If it reads “A1263,” it is included in the recall and must be disposed of correctly.

![How to find the model number on a PowerCore 10000.](https://bgr.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/PowerCore-10000.webp?w=440)

The next step involves completing

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Google AI Summaries Under Fire Following Air India Accident

Google’s AI Summaries: A Double-Edged Sword in Search

At I/O 2025, Google showcased the appeal of AI Summaries among users, but this excitement is not universal. Detractors contend that Google is integrating AI results into search queries more to showcase capabilities than to meet user needs. AI Summaries, though cutting-edge, have suffered from accuracy problems, resulting in notable occurrences such as the notorious “glue-on-pizza” hallucination. Even with advancements, AI-driven search results can still misfire, illustrated by the recent misinformation regarding the Air India crash, where an AI Summary mistakenly identified the aircraft involved. Such inaccuracies, particularly in delicate situations, can propagate false information and lead to significant consequences. The discussion persists on whether Google should persist with AI Summaries or adjust its strategy to mitigate misleading content.

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The Crucial Component the iPad Requires to Completely Substitute Laptops

iPadOS 26: A Significant Step Towards a Computer-Like Experience

iPad users have plenty to anticipate with the arrival of iPadOS 26 this autumn. After a considerable wait, Apple is at last unlocking the complete capabilities of its tablets, making them more akin to a computer experience. The latest update brings a window tiling system and additional Mac-like functionalities, such as window controls, a menu bar, an enhanced Files app, and swift folder access from the dock.

These enhancements represent a crucial advancement in making the iPad resemble a computer while preserving its touch-oriented design. The arrival of the Liquid Glass UI further augments this experience, creating a fluid connection between Apple devices. The collaboration between working on a Mac and an iPad has never been clearer.

Despite these improvements, one hardware feature still appears to be absent from the iPad: MagSafe support. The inclusion of MagSafe, akin to its original iteration on Macs, could boost the iPad’s practicality, especially for users on the move. Integrating MagSafe into the Magic Keyboard could offer a more secure and convenient charging solution across various settings.

As iPadOS 26 is released, users can look forward to a more adaptable and powerful iPad experience, drawing it closer to a genuine laptop substitute.

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Nintendo Switch 2 Joy-Con Drift Problems: Resolutions and Repairs

The Nintendo Switch 2 has quickly become a massive hit, with demand exceeding production capabilities. The widespread appeal of the original Switch has established a large community of users eager to transition to this enhanced model that can manage intricate games. Nevertheless, not all responses are favorable. Users have indicated that the new Joy-Con controllers are still affected by the notorious drift problem that troubled the original version. Some encountered this issue merely days after acquiring it. The remedy is unchanged: sending the Joy-Cons to Nintendo for complimentary repairs, although there’s no assurance that the issue won’t happen again.

A Reddit user posted a video of the drift issue, mentioning they reached out to Nintendo and will be mailing the controller for repair. The drift problem is not unexpected, since Nintendo opted not to implement the “Hall Effect” stick design in the new controllers, which could have mitigated drift. This design incorporates magnets, which might interfere with the Joy-Con’s internal magnets used for connection. Still, Nintendo has affirmed that it will replace Joy-Con 2 controllers that develop drift free of charge.

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