Tag: Source: Bgr.com

**Nuclear Batteries May Transform Everything, And China Is Already Leading**

In the current digital era, the possibility of a battery that preserves its charge for decades is an enticing notion. While technology has improved convenience, entertainment, and productivity, the ongoing necessity for frequent recharging remains a considerable downside. Although strategies to extend battery life have emerged, completely halting battery depletion is not feasible at this time.

Nevertheless, a significant advancement by researchers in China may soon alter this scenario. As reported by World Nuclear News in January 2024, Beijing Betavolt New Energy Technology Company Ltd asserts it has invented a “nuclear battery” that generates electricity using atomic energy. This groundbreaking battery could potentially deliver uninterrupted power for nearly 50 years without needing a replacement. Its small form factor enhances its adaptability for various uses, potentially removing the requirement to recharge devices like smartphones ever again.

**China and U.S. Create Early Nuclear Batteries**

Nuclear batteries function by capturing energy emitted from the decay of nuclear isotopes, which is then transformed into electricity through semiconductor converters. Betavolt’s team has purportedly engineered a compact nuclear battery that employs a nickel-63 isotope and a slim diamond semiconductor to convert energy from the isotope’s decay into electricity.

If this proves successful, Betavolt’s battery could energize devices for decades, with potential applications in sectors such as AI and aerospace. In the United States, California’s Infinity Power, with backing from the Department of Defense, has also made strides in nuclear battery development. Their offering, a coin-cell design, claims to deliver tens of milliwatts of power for over a century, representing a noteworthy efficiency breakthrough.

**Nuclear Batteries Are Not the Only Innovative Battery Types That Could Transform Technology**

Betavolt initially intended to launch its one-watt battery in 2025, yet this has not yet materialized. Despite scarce updates from Betavolt and Infinity Power, it is likely that development is ongoing, with initial projections proving overly ambitious.

Nuclear batteries are not the only innovations in battery technology. Researchers have achieved considerable advancements in sulfur batteries, which present a potentially more sustainable alternative to lithium-ion batteries. Furthermore, Chinese researchers have progressed in thermal battery technology, underscoring China’s emphasis on energy innovation. As these advancements unfold, they may herald an impending energy revolution, deserving of worldwide attention.

impressive amount of accolades.

For instance, Apple TV became the inaugural streaming platform to earn an Oscar for Best Picture with the movie “CODA” in 2022. At the same time, series such as “Ted Lasso,” “The Studio,” and “Severance” have received numerous esteemed award nominations while achieving several victories along the way. For instance, both “Ted Lasso” and “The Studio” clinched a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Comedy Series. Overall, that’s quite impressive for a streaming platform that debuted in 2019.

Conversely, not every new series or film produced by Apple hits the mark, and occasionally they just don’t connect with audiences. So, while I believe it’s reasonable to assert that the vast majority of content on the platform is high quality and deserving of attention, a handful of misfires have slipped through. In light of this, we recently examined critic ratings on Rotten Tomatoes to pinpoint the five least favorable shows on Apple TV. Hence, if you’re in search of a new series to binge, here are five titles you should certainly steer clear of.

Cord Cutter News has verified that the company did not deliberately inhibit the functionality of free OTA TV channels without an internet connection. Teams are striving to implement a solution that will be launched in the upcoming days or weeks.

The primary attraction of Roku TVs lies in the capability to stream content or even enjoy games through essential Roku TV applications. Nonetheless, the ability to utilize an antenna for viewing local channels is a considerable enhancement to user convenience. Local channels frequently provide the most accessible means to catch significant sporting events. Furthermore, gaining access to OTA channels is an essential safety measure during emergency situations. Even during an internet interruption, one can still stay updated with crucial news and weather updates using an OTA antenna. If you reside in a region prone to severe weather conditions, the recent modification to Roku TVs might present a risk for you until the issue is resolved by the company.

Microsoft increased the prices of Xbox consoles in 2025. Nevertheless, it was reported that there were more than two million new Xbox console sales that year. This brings the total sales of Microsoft’s current-generation consoles to over 34 million. This is because Xbox consoles are not solely focused on gaming.

Since the Xbox Store and Microsoft Store combined in 2018, users have enjoyed a more seamless experience within the larger Windows ecosystem. The current layout of the store features a specific section for console apps, making it easier to discover some of the top applications to install on your Xbox. Adding new capabilities and connecting to popular entertainment services can revitalize an older console.

The Xbox Series X and S continue to grow their user base and possess ample power to meet your entertainment desires. Here are some essential apps that will further transform your Xbox into a true multimedia center in 2026.

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The YouTube application for smart televisions is rolling out a novel “Ask” capability that enables users to engage with an AI assistant while viewing videos. Initially trialed as a concealed option for YouTube Premium subscribers in 2023, “Ask” was officially released in 2024 for mobile and web users, becoming accessible to all users on those platforms by 2025. Now, users of smart TVs can also take advantage of this feature.

To activate the “Ask” functionality on a smart TV, users can tap the up or down arrow on their remote to display video details and hit the “Ask” button, identified by a four-pointed star icon. Alternatively, users can utilize their remote’s microphone button to verbally pose questions or click the on-screen microphone icon to engage their smart TV’s microphone or a paired device like a Google Nest speaker. For those lacking a microphone, suggested prompts related to the video’s context are provided for interaction.

The “Ask” feature is available to all logged-in users who comply with the minimum age regulations for their respective countries, though it is restricted to certain languages and regions. The rollout occurs gradually, so availability may differ depending on the locale.

The effectiveness of YouTube’s “Ask” AI feature is a topic of discussion. While the YouTube team claims it improves the viewing experience by enabling users to gather more information regarding content and discover related videos, some users might doubt its usefulness. YouTube’s Senior Director of Product Management, Kurt Wilms, pointed out that users have engaged with the feature to investigate specific segments in podcasts and learn about landmarks featured in travel vlogs without interrupting their videos. Nevertheless, some users may feel inundated by the omnipresence of AI, while others might appreciate it as a handy method to explore topics of interest in greater depth.

temporal Instagram Stories without the concern of being recognized. Conversely, some may regard it as yet another contentious Instagram feature, as it could also facilitate certain users in tracking others. To clarify, these aren’t mere speculations — Meta has verified to TechCrunch that the trials are occurring in various markets, without specifying the number of countries involved. Social media outlets suggest that Mexico, Japan, and the Philippines are participating in the trial.

a couple of weeks ago, Apple launched a fresh Studio Display alongside the brand-new Studio Display XDR, which BGR has already evaluated. In an unusual decision, the company is reducing the price of its priciest monitor. As noted by MacRumors, Apple is now pricing the Studio Display XDR with the VESA mount adapter at $2,899, down from $3,299. This also applies to the nano-texture variant, which is now available for $3,199, a drop from its previous price of $3,599.

Additionally, MacRumors highlights that Apple has revamped the purchasing process for this monitor. Users are now given the option to select their preferred stand, whether the tilt and height-adjustable version for $3,299 or the VESA mount adapter for $2,899. After completing this selection, customers can then decide if they want the regular glass or the nano-texture variant, along with the option for AppleCare coverage.

The report suggests that Apple may have reduced the price of the Studio Display XDR as many companies tend to do when offering a monitor with a VESA mount adapter since it lacks a standard stand. Nonetheless, the regular Studio Display remains priced the same at $1,599, regardless of whether customers opt for the standard version. One can only wish for a similar $400 price reduction, which would enhance the competitiveness of the second-generation Studio Display.

Google can track your location even when GPS is disabled — however, it’s important to have any maps you plan to use downloaded for offline access. This must be done prior to going offline. Most handheld GPS devices from Garmin and similar manufacturers come equipped with topographical maps, but there’s another significant advantage to standalone GPS, particularly in remote or survival scenarios: battery longevity. A specialized handheld device can provide 35 hours or more of battery life, compared to just eight to twelve hours with a smartphone. When you need to keep a reliable signal, battery power is crucial. Additionally, many handheld models feature replaceable batteries, allowing you to easily insert new ones when necessary.