Top 5 Must-Have Apple CarPlay Widgets to Improve Your Driving Experience

revitalized the CarPlay interface, enabling users to experience the company’s latest Liquid Glass aesthetics on their vehicle’s infotainment display, alongside Live Activities, more subtle notifications, and most notably, customizable widgets that are no longer exclusive to the premium CarPlay Ultra tier. These allow you to view essential information hands-free and are equally beneficial whether you’re a regular commuter or someone who spends extended periods on the road.

If you’ve just transitioned to iOS 26, acquired a new iPhone, or finally purchased a vehicle that supports CarPlay, it’s crucial to know which widgets are genuinely worthwhile. CarPlay widgets function differently than they do on the iPhone, and numerous well-known applications, such as WhatsApp, have significant limitations regarding what their CarPlay widgets can accomplish. You also face restrictions on the number of widget stacks, which is determined entirely by your vehicle’s screen dimensions. The most common configuration is two stacks, with each stack accommodating up to five widgets, so you’ll need to be discerning about your widget selections.

To assist you, we evaluated the most favored (and a few lesser-known) widgets firsthand to determine their actual performance on CarPlay. In the end, we selected the five top choices for this guide: Photos, Reminders, ChatGPT, Weather, and a live sports score widget. Collectively, they will not only provide you with valuable information but also introduce a personal flair to your vehicle’s infotainment system.

Photos

New Study Offers Understanding on Why Comet 3I/Atlas Is Improbable to Be Extraterrestrial

several analysts suspected that 3I/ATLAS was of alien origin. However, a recent publication may shed light on the true nature of this peculiar object. Spoiler alert: It probably isn’t extraterrestrial.

Submitted to the Research Notes of the AAS, the study compares the behavior of 3I/ATLAS to other comets traversing our solar system, associating its unusual flight paths with a phenomenon known as outgassing, which can alter speed, rotation, and orbital trajectory. The paper’s author, Marshall Eubanks, stated that the team assessed the object’s non-gravitational acceleration using two interplanetary spacecraft. The findings, according to Eubanks, indicated that the object exhibited typical behaviors of other comets moving through our solar system.

This paper largely dispels months of conjecture, during which a contingent of Harvard astrophysicists theorized that 3I/ATLAS could be a fragment of extraterrestrial technology. Avi Loeb, a Harvard astrophysicist, even entertained the idea on the Joe Rogan podcast after publishing a draft paper on the topic in July 2025. Concerns heightened in late December when astronomers noted that the comet was emitting an unusual radio signal. However, this isn’t the first occasion that Loeb and others have raised the alien possibility in recent times. For instance, in 2017, the comet Oumuamua passed through the solar system displaying comparable traits. This time, though, interplanetary spacecraft enabled astronomers to perform innovative experiments, measuring the comet’s non-gravitational acceleration without tracking multiple orbits. Therefore, the comet’s legacy may serve as a glimpse into the makeup of distant solar systems, rather than evidence of visitors from beyond.

An interstellar guest?

3I/ATLAS has intrigued the scientific community since its detection by the Asteroid Terrestrial-impact Last Alert System (ATLAS) survey telescope in Rio Hurtado, Chile, in July 2025. Due to its course and velocity, ATLAS concluded that the comet came from beyond our solar system, marking it as only the third recorded interstellar object of this type. Featuring a substantial icy core that scientists estimate to be between 1,400 feet and 3.5 miles in diameter, the comet is enveloped by a luminous cloud of dust and gas, referred to as a coma. Following a hyperbolic path, which means it is traveling too quickly to be captured into a closed orbit around the sun, the comet achieved a peak velocity of 153,000 mph as it traversed beyond Mars’ orbit in October 2025.

The speculation that 3I/ATLAS might be an interplanetary, extraterrestrial visitor stemmed from these remarkably distinctive characteristics, particularly its unusual flight pattern. Based on Avi Loeb’s publication – titled “Is the Interstellar Object 3I/ATLAS Alien Technology?” — the comet’s trajectory is exceedingly unlikely, navigating a path that brushes unusually close to Venus, Jupiter, and Mars, which Loeb’s team assessed would only happen 0.005

Hollywood Icons Evaluated for Blade Runner Prior to Selecting Harrison Ford

is continuously unveiling a plethora of new films and television series — over the past forty years, the actor wasn’t even close to being the first pick to portray the film’s main character, Rick Deckard. Although he is now recognized for his iconic roles in classic films like “American Graffiti,” “Apocalypse Now,” and the two original “Star Wars” films that were released prior to “Blade Runner,” Ford had not yet risen to leading man status.

As stated in a 2012 Time article, the film’s producers examined a roster of well-known actors, including Jack Nicholson, Paul Newman, Sean Connery, Clint Eastwood, Peter Falk, Nick Nolte, Al Pacino, Burt Reynolds, Dustin Hoffman, and even Arnold Schwarzenegger. However, once Scott and his team witnessed Ford in scenes from some initial footage of Steven Spielberg’s “Raiders of the Lost Ark,” the choice to cast him as Deckard was unanimous, according to the movie’s producer, Michael Deeley (as reported by Los Angeles Magazine). Yet, this decision did not please everyone. As Scott recounted in a 2025 interview for GQ, “I recall my financiers saying, ‘Who the f*** is Harrison Ford?’ I told them, ‘You’re gonna find out.’ Thus, [he] became my leading man.”

Indeed, they did, along with the rest of the world, as his choice ultimately proved to be ideal, in hindsight.

Blade Runner was a critical and financial failure before it was deemed a masterpiece

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How to Reuse and Make the Most of Your Old Hard Drive

still not entirely without value. Maintaining a physical backup of crucial information, utilizing third-party applications, and preserving your digital artifacts are all legitimate motives to keep them, so hold onto your hard drive for now.

Consider alternatives to Windows

“Stephen King’s Time-Traveling Miniseries Featuring James Franco: A Netflix Essential Viewing”

adapting one of the author’s beloved creations or even a plethora of television series you ought to experience if you enjoyed the film “IT,” the individual has undoubtedly made an impression in the realms of writing and entertainment. Yet, there exists one series of his that might have gone unnoticed by many, featuring history, time travel, and “Freaks and Geeks” star James Franco.

For those who crave an abundance of sci-fi or historical narratives, “11.22.63” is presently the #2 series on Netflix as of January 12, 2026. The 2016 miniseries boasts a strong rating on Rotten Tomatoes, and it also secured a Saturn Award for Best Presentation on Television in 2017. Alongside King and Franco, numerous reputable names are linked to this endeavor, and its historical ties to a U.S. tragedy should intrigue even those with minimal interest in time travel.

A series centered on time travel finds itself in prestigious company on Netflix, as the streaming platform is well-acquainted with showcasing films and series based on this concept, including a slasher film that evokes early 2000s nostalgia, and even a thought-provoking series that we deem one of the finest to grace the platform. If you’re looking to binge-watch something and are uncertain about what to explore, fret not, we

How to Resolve the 5 Most Frequent Issues with the Steam Deck

its astonishingly diverse applications, extending even past gaming. Naturally, no technological device is entirely free from issues. While the Steam Deck has gained significant popularity, it remains prone to common nuisances such as joystick drift, power malfunctions, and connectivity issues.

The challenge with a handheld gaming PC compared to a conventional gaming PC tower is that, similar to a laptop, it presents greater difficulty when it comes to opening up and diagnosing physical issues. Nonetheless, the Steam Deck is designed with advanced users in mind, incorporating a range of failsafes and techniques that might assist you in addressing the most frequent problems. Ideally, you won’t have to disassemble your Steam Deck to resolve these specific quirks, particularly as doing so would invalidate its warranty. Before resorting to modifications, consider these easier solutions for the common challenges.

The Steam Deck is completely unresponsive

2026 MacBook Pro Overhaul: Essential Speculations Apple Fans Should Be Aware Of

honors significant milestones of the iPhone; the timing may be ideal for a MacBook Pro redesign.

In recent years, numerous speculations about a new and upgraded Mac have surfaced. What began as an upgrade to an OLED display might have evolved into an entirely new concept for Apple’s computers, as the company has been aligning its operating systems with consistent branding, the same Liquid Glass aesthetics, and shared features — all while the once distinct separation between macOS and iPad OS is becoming less clear. Here’s the information we have gathered about Apple’s strategy to revamp the MacBook Pro.

Major modifications include an OLED display and enhanced processors

It remains uncertain whether Apple will abandon the industrial design introduced with the 2021 MacBook Pro; however, a primary anticipated change is the OLED display. Display analyst Ross Young mentions that Apple is likely to implement the eighth generation of the OLED panel — a step up from the M4 iPad Pro’s sixth-generation OLED screen. According to Bloomberg, alongside this display upgrade, Apple might introduce a hole-punch design for the camera, aligning it with the Dynamic Island feature.

Anticipated Smart TV Developments for 2026

new vacuum cleaners capable of ascending stairs and performing dance moves. XGIMI’s MemoMind AI along with AR glasses is paving the way for dual-screen technology. However, the true excitement, particularly for home entertainment, lies in LG’s latest ultra-slim OLED TVs, which are set to revolutionize your living space — or any area they occupy, to be honest. This raises one pivotal question: What can we anticipate from smart TVs in the upcoming years? What innovative features are on the horizon, similar to LG’s Wallpaper series?

With advancements in display technologies and AI integrated into both software and hardware, the consumer tech landscape is bustling. It might surprise you to learn that this is the year of the art TV, showcasing a carefully designed and elegant aesthetics for televisions — take a look at Samsung’s The Frame series. This is also the year when OLED is not the reigning champion anymore. OLEDs remain popular and successful, so fans need not fret, yet other technologies are making significant waves at the electronics showcase. Let’s delve into this.

Ultra-slim, chic, art-oriented TVs

Samsung’s The Frame Series has long been at the forefront of blending art with television, offering direct access to fine art displays along with a variety of distinctive design and technological features. They continue to be available, and Samsung is enhancing the original models, yet there is increasing competition in recent times. Amazon has introduced its Ember Artline series, a comparable lifestyle-oriented TV with a matte finish that provides access to 2,000 free art pieces.

LG’s latest Wallpaper series, <a href="https://www.lg.com/global/newsroom/news/media-entertainment-solution/lg-electronics-unveils-the-wallpaper

Five Important Yet Underappreciated Windows Programs You Need to Explore

When considering Windows applications, the first ones that likely pop into your mind are Notepad, Microsoft Excel, and Paint. These are among the most widely used and user-friendly apps individuals utilize on their PCs; they’ve effectively established themselves as icons by now. However, while they are certainly beneficial for daily activities, they are not the comprehensive list of what you can install on Windows.

In reality, there exists a subtle collection of lesser-known Windows apps that may not feature on everyone’s favorites list but are equally valuable. These applications provide access to a wealth of functionalities on your PC that you might not even realize exist. From an app that adapts your screen’s color temperature according to the time of day to a flexible toolkit brimming with various niche utilities, here are five obscure Windows apps worth trying today. Most are sourced from third-party developers and are free to download and utilize.

To change wallpapers dynamically: WinDynamicDesktop

Regarding desktop personalization, Mac computers include what’s known as Dynamic Wallpapers. These wallpapers generally maintain a similar appearance but become lighter or darker throughout the day. For example, you can see a bright mountain scene in the morning, a sunset-lit mountainside in the afternoon, and a mountain landscape illuminated by the Aurora at night. These dynamic wallpapers animate your computer, providing a subtle visual variation without the abrupt shifts of a photo slideshow.

Unfortunately, Windows users currently lack a built-in Dynamic Wallpaper feature on their PCs. The next best alternative is the lesser-known Windows app WinDynamicDesktop. WinDynamicDesktop mimics a macOS-like dynamic wallpaper system on Windows. Similar to macOS’ Dynamic Wallpapers, it automatically modifies the wallpaper based on your local time. You can even synchronize it with local sunrise and sunset times, either determined automatically using your location or manually set by you. The app includes several themes that you can download and use immediately, featuring default wallpapers from macOS versions such as the Big Sur Abstract and Mojave Desert. There’s also the option to import a theme you’ve acquired from another source.

WinDynamicDesktop is open-source, making it free to download and use. However, the drawback is that the in-app theme choices are limited, so you’ll need to search online for new favorites. Expanding the app’s functionality may also require working with PowerShell scripts, which might be too complex for some users.

To adjust your screen color temperature: f.lux

Research indicates that blue light emitted from electronic devices adversely affects sleep quality. So, if you find yourself working on your computer late into the night, your sleep is likely suffering. Additionally, your eyes may be strained by the bright screen, making it challenging to concentrate. This is why a crucial Windows app to install right away is a screen color-temperature tool like f.lux.

f.lux adjusts your screen’s color temperature from cool to warm, similar to Windows Night Light. However, instead of a sudden activation that creates a jarring transition, f.lux gradually modifies the color temperature. This occurs automatically in the background throughout the day and is hardly noticeable. By the time you’re ready for bed, your screen appears warm and comfortable for use.

In comparison to Windows’ Night Light, which only features a basic intensity slider and scheduler, f.lux offers a range of integrated features. You can select from modes and effects such as Movie Mode, Darkroom Mode, Recommended Colors, and Soft White (which gives your screen a soft glow without reducing the color temperature). If you desire a more tailored appearance, you can also set the temperatures manually. The app operates system-wide like Night Light, but with greater versatility. You can deactivate it for specific applications, disable it until sunrise, or allow it to pause when utilizing full-screen applications. f.lux can even integrate with Philips Hue smart lights, so your smart bulbs change colors in accordance with your screen’s display.

However, some limitations of f.lux are that it lacks brightness control and can only modify the screen’s color. It may also vary in appearance from one monitor to another.

To automatically switch between light and dark modes: Auto Dark Mode

Everyone enjoys dark mode, and it has emerged as one of the most sought-after features in modern software. Yet, dark mode has its appropriate times, and for convenience, you may prefer light mode in the morning and dark mode in the evening. The challenge is that Windows doesn’t provide a feature to automate this transition — you must choose either light mode or dark mode constantly, without any in-between. A straightforward solution is a lesser-known Windows app called Auto Dark Mode.

As its name implies, Auto Dark Mode automatically activates dark mode or light mode based on the time of day. It allows you to establish a customized schedule.