AllYouCanTech

Scientists Uncover Possibly the Most Ancient Rocks on Earth

Researchers claim they may have found the oldest rocks on Earth. The rocks in question consist of a band of swirling, striped formations located in the northeastern part of Canada. These rocks seem to contain some of the oldest minerals ever recorded. This rock formation is referred to as the Nuvvuagittuq Greenstone Belt, and recent dating evaluations indicate it could be as ancient as 4.16 billion years.

That’s nearly as old as the estimated Earth’s age. These findings imply that the belt could be one of the prime sites for exploring the early years of our planet. However, researchers did not reach this conclusion easily. The Nuvvuagittuq Greenstone Belt has been analyzed for more than 15 years, geoscientists informed Science Alert.

By validating the age of these rocks, which may be the oldest on Earth, we are finally paving the way for new research opportunities. While there are likely other rock formations similar to this one that could be located elsewhere, the Earth’s surface and crust are perpetually in flux as tectonic activities interact with the weathering factors above. This results in a distinctive region for rocks and soil to shift and decompose.

Consequently, locating other areas akin to the Nuvvuagittuq Greenstone Belt that are rich in ancient and distinct minerals presents considerable challenges. Sites like this, where the rocks have managed to endure the ravages of time, are immensely valuable for providing insight into the past, which may one day aid in uncovering the origins of life on Earth.

The oldest rocks on Earth are particularly beneficial for scientists, as they hold Hadean minerals, which are minerals from the planet’s initial geological eon. This specific eon extends from the formation of Earth to just over 4 billion years ago. However, determining the age of the Nuvvuagittuq Greenstone Belt has proven challenging due to previous dating attempts yielding inconsistent results, ranging from 2.7 billion years to 4.3 billion years.

In this new study, published in Science, the researchers employed two dating methods on a rock type known as metagabbro. Both analyses produced identical outcomes, indicating that the researchers were headed in the right direction. While they aim to further explore the analysis itself, the researchers assert that the minimum age of the Nuvvuagittuq Greenstone Belt is 4.16 billion years.

iOS 18.6 Beta 2 Launched: Explore the New Features Coming Soon

A few weeks after Apple began testing iOS 18.6, the company has released beta 2 for developers. While this particular update may not be the most exciting among iOS 18 versions, it certainly introduces new features.

For instance, users in the EU will experience a different approach when installing third-party app markets and applications from the internet. With new guidance from the European Commission under the Digital Markets Act, Apple is unable to instill fear in users regarding the download of apps outside the App Store.

Moreover, Apple is preparing to implement Apple Intelligence support in China. While Mandarin support has been available since iOS 18.4, the company is collaborating with Alibaba to facilitate this platform in the region.

In February, Bloomberg detailed the agreement between Apple and Alibaba, as the Chinese government mandates that Apple utilize local models for its Apple Intelligence platform. At that time, the report stated that these stipulations only pertain to devices purchased within China. Users who acquired an iPhone, iPad, or Mac abroad will still be able to use the original version of Apple Intelligence.

Alibaba will handle the “censorship and filtering of AI outputs to align with requirements set by the Chinese government. Conversely, Baidu will oversee Visual Intelligence and search functionalities.

Additionally, the iOS 18.6 beta code has unveiled Apple’s upcoming smart home hub. A file suggests that this accessory is in development at Apple. Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman recently disclosed that Apple intended to unveil its new homeOS software (and its first smart home hub product) at a March event. However, due to delays related to Siri features, the company postponed the presentation.

Notably, iOS 18.6 beta is not the sole software revealing new products. iOS 26 beta code has also uncovered at least three new products anticipated in the near future.

Leak Information Thickness of Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Flip 7

**Galaxy Z Fold 7: What Will Its Thickness Be?**

As the tech community looks forward to Samsung’s upcoming Unpacked event on July 9, 2025, anticipation is growing regarding the introduction of the Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Flip 7. Recent disclosures indicate that these foldable gadgets will be remarkably thin, establishing new benchmarks in the foldable smartphone arena.

**Galaxy Z Fold 7: A New Standard in Slimness**

The Galaxy Z Fold 7 is set to be the extremely thin foldable device that fans have been eagerly awaiting. According to leaks from the Chinese social platform Weibo, the Fold 7 will incorporate a Snapdragon 8 Elite “for Galaxy” processor and will be only 4.2 mm thick when unfolded and 8.9 mm when folded. This reflects a notable decrease from the Galaxy Z Fold 6, which measured 5.6 mm when unfolded and 12.1 mm when folded. Even though it is marginally thicker than the upcoming Honor Magic V5, which claims the title of the world’s slimmest foldable at 8.8 mm, the dimensions of the Fold 7 are remarkable. The device is also projected to weigh a mere 215g, making it 24g lighter than its predecessor.

**Galaxy Z Flip 7: Small Yet Mighty**

The Galaxy Z Flip 7 is also poised to astonish with its slim profile. Leaks indicate that the Flip 7 will be 13.7 mm when closed and 6.5 mm when opened, in comparison to the Flip 6’s 14.9 mm and 6.9 mm, respectively. The new Flip iteration will sport a marginally larger 6.9-inch display along with a 4.1-inch cover display, both boasting a peak brightness of 2,600 nits. Furthermore, the Flip 7 is anticipated to feature a 4,300 mAh battery, an enhancement from the previous model’s 4,000 mAh battery.

**Growing Excitement**

While these specifics are derived from leaks and have not yet been verified by Samsung, they offer an exhilarating preview of what the Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Flip 7 will bring. As Samsung gears up for the official introduction of these devices, technology enthusiasts can anticipate foldable phones that merge refined aesthetics with robust performance.

Revealed: Apple’s Vision Pro Development Strategies Until 2028

Apple’s Vision Pro Timeline: What Lies Ahead for the Mixed Reality Headset?

Apple continues to advance its Vision Pro, its high-end mixed reality headset. In spite of its gradual international introduction, prominent analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has disclosed Apple’s bold timeline for the Vision Pro leading up to 2028, showcasing a range of new offerings and enhancements.

Towards the end of 2025, Apple is anticipated to unveil an updated version of the current Vision Pro. The major improvement will be the incorporation of a new M5 chip, representing a significant upgrade from the existing M2 processor. Kuo predicts that Apple will distribute between 150,000 to 200,000 units in 2025. Nevertheless, he suggests that the device will continue to be a niche market player, aimed at sustaining market presence, evolving the ecosystem, managing component stock, and investigating XR headset functionalities. Some existing user feedback, such as concerns regarding the headset’s weight and battery duration, may not be resolved in this version.

In the latter half of 2027, Apple is expected to roll out the much-anticipated Apple Vision Air. This edition will present a completely fresh design, being 40% lighter than its predecessor. It will run on Apple’s next-generation flagship iPhone processor, which is likely to be the A21 Pro. The weight reduction will be accomplished by replacing glass with plastic, incorporating a substantial amount of magnesium alloy, and minimizing the number of sensors. The Vision Air will also be offered at a much more affordable price.

Looking ahead, the brand-new Apple Vision Pro 2 is projected to enter mass production in the latter part of 2028. This variant will feature a completely redesigned structure, be considerably lighter, and have a more accessible price. In contrast to the Vision Air, the Vision Pro 2 will utilize a Mac-level processor.

Furthermore, there could be an additional Vision Pro under development. As per Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, a tethered version of the Vision Pro is being planned. This model would connect to a Mac via a cable, harnessing the Mac’s processing power and graphics capabilities to minimize the latency commonly experienced with wireless devices.

Apple’s strategy for the Vision Pro series reflects a dedication to innovation and transformation in the mixed reality domain, focusing on creating lighter, more powerful, and cost-effective devices in the upcoming years.

Upcoming Netflix Programs: 11 New and Returning Series (June 29-July 5)

**New and Returning Netflix Shows (6/29 – 7/5)**

Netflix is enhancing its collection with a selection of new and returning shows this week. Here’s a summary of what’s arriving:

1. **Attack on London: Hunting The 7/7 Bombers (July 1)**
– A compelling documentary series regarding the 7/7 bombings in London, showcasing insider perspectives and unseen footage.

2. **Mom: Seasons 1-8 (July 1)**
– The full series of the sitcom featuring Anna Faris and Allison Janney, centered on a mother-daughter pair dealing with life and recovery.

3. **PAW Patrol: Seasons 2-3 (July 1)**
– The beloved children’s animated series makes its return with more escapades of Ryder and his team of rescue dogs.

4. **Portlandia: Seasons 1-8 (July 1)**
– Fred Armisen and Carrie Brownstein’s distinctive sketch comedy series based in Portland, showcasing a changing cast of eccentric characters.

5. **Yellowjackets: Season 2 (July 1)**
– The next chapter of the suspenseful Showtime series, exploring the consequences of a significant character’s demise in season 1.

Liam Neeson’s The Naked Gun Reviews Artificial Intelligence in a Witty New Commercial

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Apple’s Smart Glasses set for 2027 might possess functionalities akin to those available in current Meta products.

Along with speculations regarding a lower-priced MacBook, analyst Ming-Chi Kuo is revealing additional insights about Apple’s forthcoming smart glasses. This wearable device has been the subject of speculation for several years, and it appears the company is targeting a launch in 2027.

Given that true AR glasses have been a longstanding priority for both Apple and Tim Cook, Kuo’s recent findings might let down users wishing for a more advanced version of wearables.

Per the analyst, Apple will not incorporate any display capabilities into the glasses. This signifies that users won’t have the ability to see live information via the device. Some of the more innovative concepts, such as checking notifications by looking at an internal screen, receiving navigational assistance, or engaging with digital components in the physical world, will not be included in this offering.

Considering this, Apple’s smart glasses of 2027 may closely resemble what Meta currently presents with Ray-Ban and will soon provide with Oakley. The analyst underscores several key features anticipated in these glasses:

• Audio Playback: Apple Glasses users will have the opportunity to enjoy their favorite music on Apple Music and various streaming platforms directly through the glasses.
• Photo and video recording: Users will have the capability to capture pictures, record videos, and more. At this point, the specifics of the cameras remain uncertain.
• AI environmental sensing: While Kuo doesn’t elaborate much on this feature, Apple may be looking to boost its Apple Intelligence functions by 2027. These AR glasses could transform into a valuable AI assistant with visual intelligence and other sophisticated functionalities.

Additionally, Ming-Chi Kuo mentions that Apple is currently assessing “various material options for frames and temples” utilizing “3D printing technology for manufacturing.”

Conclusion

Although Apple’s anticipated smart glasses are likely to make a significant impression, existing rumors indicate the company isn’t progressing much beyond what rivals are already providing. By 2027, Meta might unveil more sophisticated smart glasses while Apple could still be striving to catch up with current technologies.

It also appears that the company has been trailing competitors in recent years. With disappointing Apple Intelligence performance and modest sales of the Apple Vision Pro, Apple risks losing traction if its AR glasses do not offer considerable advancements over current solutions.

BGR will keep you posted as we discover more about these devices.

Researchers Create a Biodegradable Substance Proficient in Capturing CO2 from the Atmosphere

Researchers at ETH Zurich have created a novel type of material that goes beyond mere existence. It has the capability to live, develop, and extract carbon dioxide directly from the atmosphere. This living substance was crafted through a collaboration of biology, chemistry, and engineering fields and may provide a new, energy-efficient approach to carbon capture in architectural and design applications.

Fundamentally, the material is a hydrogel rich in water and populated by cyanobacteria, some of the Earth’s ancient life forms. These tiny organisms excel at photosynthesis and can thrive even in low-light conditions. Within the hydrogel, they take in CO2, transform it into biomass, and instigate the production of solid carbonates, effectively sequestering carbon in a durable mineral form.

This offers the material an additional mechanism for CO2 capture that surpasses the longevity of biological growth alone. The hydrogel has been meticulously engineered to facilitate microbial life, allowing light transmission and the movement of water and nutrients, which keeps the bacteria active for more than 400 days during laboratory assessments. To boost efficacy, the research team employed 3D printing techniques to produce high-surface-area geometries that facilitate deeper light access and optimal nutrient distribution.

The end product is a pliable material that gradually solidifies as minerals accumulate within it, forming an actual living structure that becomes more resilient over time. Outside the laboratory, this innovative material has already made its mark in architecture. In Venice, hydrogel-printed structures were constructed into three-meter-tall columns for the Architecture Biennale. Each of these installations can capture up to 18 kilograms of CO2 annually, akin to a young pine tree.

A separate initiative in Milan is exploring the potential of the living material as a coating for wood, transforming microbial growth into a distinctive design element. This approach distinguishes itself from conventional carbon-capture methods by being passive, scalable, and visually striking. Rather than depending on extensive industrial setups or harsh chemicals, it utilizes biological processes to capture carbon in a quiet and continuous manner.

Researchers believe it could eventually be incorporated into buildings to lessen their ecological footprint over their entire life span. A study detailing the material has been published in Nature Communications.

Apple Anticipated to Launch Budget MacBook Equipped with iPhone Processor

Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo suggests that Apple may be working on a budget-friendly MacBook, targeted for a 2026 launch. At this stage, the device appears to be a successor to the cherished 12-inch MacBook, which was a fascinating idea but missed several essential features.

Curiously, speculation regarding Apple’s revival of this laptop has been present for a few years, but the initiative seemed to have been shelved. Now, it appears Apple may have revisited the idea.

What is most thrilling about this speculation is that enthusiasts have been requesting a modern replacement for the 12-inch version for years. This laptop was sleeker and lighter than a MacBook Air, highly portable, and boasted an attractive entry-level price.

If the rumor holds true, Apple might equip this budget laptop with an iPhone processor, which could sufficiently meet the needs of many users, particularly those who typically choose Chromebooks or mid-tier laptops with shorter longevity.

Here’s what Ming-Chi Kuo stated: “Expected to commence mass production in late 4Q25 or early 1Q26, featuring an estimated 13-inch display and driven by the A18 Pro processor. Possible casing colors include silver, blue, pink, and yellow.”

As other brands have already integrated smartphone chips into certain laptops, it’s logical for Apple to pursue a similar route. This is particularly relevant given that it manufactures some of the most advanced processors available.

With the iPhone 16 Pro processor, Apple could present this as an appealing choice. Given that the MacBook Air starts at $999, it’s probable this new laptop could be priced $200 or even $300 less.

Spotify Overhauls Your Beloved Playlist with Significant Enhancements

It’s Monday morning, signifying that some Spotify enthusiasts are eager to launch their preferred music streaming application. They must be thrilled to find out what one of their most cherished playlists has prepared for them. That would be Discover Weekly, which refreshes every Monday to present fresh tunes customized to align with your music streaming habits.

However, unlike other Monday mornings, June 30th offers Spotify users an exciting Discover Weekly surprise. Spotify has revamped the cherished playlist.

It’s not merely a new look that Spotify Premium subscribers will explore once they access the updated playlist to see what suggestions emerge. Spotify has also introduced new listening controls to the feature that allows users to adjust the genre while enjoying Discover Weekly.

Spotify implemented the enhancements to Discover Weekly to celebrate 10 years of the feature. The organization noted that Discover Weekly has facilitated over 100 billion track streams during this time.

The feature enables Spotify users to discover more than 56 million new artists. Spotify claims that 77% of Discover Weekly streams are dedicated to up-and-coming artists. The feature transforms first-time listeners into devoted fans of an artist, according to the company.

Evidently, discovery evolves into fandom more than 2 million times each week. This means the same individual listens to the same artist introduced in Discover Weekly on two separate occasions within the same week.

On that note, a reminder: the Discover Weekly playlist rotates weekly. Long-term Spotify users have likely mastered the art of saving their favorite tracks from Discover Weekly to avoid losing them. That’s what you should do with every new song you uncover using the feature before the week concludes. Next Monday, a fresh playlist will take the place of the current one.