AllYouCanTech

Apple Aims to Tackle Significant iPhone Air Defect in 2026 Version

commended the iPhone Air for its elegant design, but also noted that its battery performance was inferior when placed next to the iPhone 17 models. Additionally, there were criticisms regarding the absence of a secondary main camera on a device priced at $999.

With speculation indicating that Apple could unveil a second-generation iPhone Air in 2026, Weibo tipster Digital Chat Station asserts that the company may address one of its major shortcomings by introducing a second main camera. The leaker mentions that Apple intends to incorporate a 48MP Fusion Ultra Wide camera to complement the existing 48MP Fusion Main camera. What’s intriguing about this rumor is that the company seemingly does not plan to include a plateau like the one seen in the iPhone 17 Pro models, opting instead to maintain the horizontal layout of the Air variant.

Google Finance Incorporates Gemini AI for Improved Search Reports

the revamped Google Finance “redesigned with AI at its center.” On Thursday, Google announced new features set to arrive in Google Finance, including an AI functionality that some users may appreciate: Support for Deep Search reports. If this feature rings a bell, it’s because the Gemini app has been providing Deep Research support for subjects users desire detailed reports derived from extensive web searches. A comparable feature is also present in the AI Mode of Google Search, termed Deep Search.

Deep Search will function similarly in Google Finance, but with a focus on the finance sector and financial markets. Users will be able to pose intricate questions, and Gemini will deliver the in-depth analysis they seek concerning a particular company, market, and events that could affect their financial choices. Google indicated in a blog post that Gemini models will “spring into action” on the inquiry by conducting hundreds of simultaneous searches and “reasoning through diverse pieces of information” to generate a detailed report in just a few minutes.

Google

The Deep Search feature in Google Finance will also illustrate to users how the report was constructed, enabling them to understand how the AI formulated the financial reports. Once the report is completed, the AI can further engage in the dialogue, allowing the user to pose follow-up inquiries. Citations will be accessible to the user, enabling them to visit the websites that Gemini utilized to compile the report.

Jeff Bridges’ WideluxX Introduces Initial Prototype Camera

video presented during the conference, the Bridges — Jeff and his spouse Susan Bridges — showcased the innovative camera design to the attendees. Involved are the Bridges, Charys Schuler, and Marwan El Mozayen, who are also behind the publication of the Silvergrain Classics magazine. It’s an exciting concept, but what prompts the revival of the Widelux and what contributes to its iconic status?

The original Panon Camera Shoko Widelux lineup is famous for its distinct designs, covering multiple releases from the late 1950s (Widelux FI) up to the last model released in 2000, the Widelux F8. Recognized as a swing lens panoramic camera, it functions differently from conventional shutter cameras. Rather than using a traditional shutter, the camera features a slit that exposes the film while the lens pivots along a horizontal arc. This approach not only lends a unique style to the resulting photographs but also the broad, panoramic images taken through the rotating lens are acknowledged for their immersive and “cinematic” qualities. A major advocate for these cameras is Hollywood star Jeff Bridges. He started utilizing the Widelux camera in 1984 to document behind-the-scenes moments on the sets of major films such as “The Big Lebowski” and “Seabiscuit.” He even compiled his images in a book and online and received the International Center of Photography’s Infinity Award in 2013 for his efforts. Unfortunately, the Panon factory was destroyed by fire in 2005, along with all blueprints, which hindered future production. It’s completely understandable why Bridges and his team are bringing back this classic charm.

Cutting-Edge Space Armor Created to Shield Astronauts from Dangerous Space Debris

You may not anticipate a high likelihood of collisions in the vast emptiness of space, but at least in the vicinity of Earth’s orbit, there exists a genuine gravel pit of loose debris moving at potentially hazardous speeds. The issue of space junk surrounding Earth is fairly alarming, with over a million pieces of debris in orbit, and that figure only accounts for the larger fragments that can be tracked. Consequently, composite materials producer Atomic-6 has introduced its innovative “Space Armor,” a lightweight, high-strength material designed to shield spacecraft, satellites, and even astronauts from these orbiting projectiles.

In the vacuum of space, there is no gravity to diminish a projectile’s speed; therefore, once a small metal shard accelerates, it will continue until it collides with something, causing catastrophic outcomes. Space Armor is engineered to safely absorb the impacts of flying debris without jeopardizing delicate equipment lying beneath the surface or permitting any other fragments to penetrate or break off into secondary projectiles. This armor not only significantly enhances the protection of essential space assets and personnel, but it also accomplishes this while being much lighter than most leading protective alternatives.

Space Armor boasts impressive strength at reduced weights

At present, the most common materials for spacecraft protection include solid aluminum and the Whipple Shielding used on some satellites and the International Space Station. While these materials effectively mitigate most direct impact threats, their metallic nature means that they tend to splinter and send small pieces flying when struck, contributing to the accumulation of space debris that can evolve into more hazardous projectiles. Researchers have been exploring various methods to minimize space debris, such as Japan’s trials of constructing satellites from wood, but a more effective means of safeguarding what is already in orbit is still needed.

Space Armor is crafted from a composite material rather than metal, ensuring that impacts do not produce any additional debris. This material is significantly lighter than its metallic counterparts, while offering comparable strength and coverage. A square meter of Space Armor Lite tile weighs around 14 kilograms (roughly 30.8 pounds) and is capable of halting a projectile measuring up to 3 millimeters traveling at speeds of 7.2 kilometers per second. In comparison, a similar level of strength and size protection would be provided by a 1 centimeter thick aluminum sheet, which would weigh double at 28.8 kilograms (about 63.5 pounds).

Atomic-6 is in the process of developing an even more robust Space Armor plate, Space Armor Max, which will offer stopping power akin to Whipple Shielding. The exact weight is yet to be determined, but it is likely to be less than the 27.5 kilograms of a square meter of Whipple Shielding.

The plates could safeguard spacecraft, satellites, and astronauts

Atomic-6 created Space Armor plating with backing from the U.S. Air Force and U.S. Space Force, including a $1.2 million Small Business Innovation Research Phase 2 grant and a $3.8 million Tactical Funding Increase partnership. With approval from both agencies, Atomic-6 intends to initiate orbit tests with satellites as early as next year.

Atomic-6 has already conducted comprehensive evaluations employing simulated hypervelocity launchers that propel small projectiles at speeds and sizes comparable to the debris that spacecraft might encounter. One appealing aspect of Space Armor’s tile-centric design is that tiles can be customized to fit client specifications, with bespoke sizes available up to 1 square meter.

“It has taken around 18 months to evolve Space Armor tiles from a concept to a market-ready product. We took a gamble making a tile, and we were astonished by the test outcomes,” stated Atomic-6 CEO Trevor Smith in a comment to Space.com. “We offer Space Armor in simple hex tiles, but we can technically create Space Armor in almost any shape you desire.”

Once Space Armor’s effectiveness is definitively validated, it has the potential for use across a multitude of spacefaring applications, whether that involves protecting critical communication satellites, reinforcing spacecraft, or providing an extra layer of safeguard for astronauts. For satellites in particular, Space Armor is available in both radio-permitting and radio-blocking variants, unlike Whipple Shielding, which obstructs all radio transmissions. The tiles can safeguard the most critical components of a communication satellite without interfering with its operations. This advantage is poised to become even more essential as an increasing number of satellites are launched into orbit by companies like Starlink.

iOS 26.2 to End a Key Functionality for Apple Watch Users in Europe

Numerama reports that iOS 26.2 will eliminate the automatic syncing of Wi-Fi networks between iPhone and Apple Watch in the region. The report indicates that Apple is addressing the interoperability mandates set by the European Commission, which urges the American firm to keep its iPhone ecosystem and functionalities accessible to third-party developers.

In light of this, Apple has opted to remove the functionality that allows the Apple Watch to automatically connect to the same network as the iPhone in iOS 26.2. While this change is unlikely to impact the networks that the Apple Watch has already saved, users will need to log in independently on each device from now on. Although Apple has not specifically addressed this situation, the company has previously stated that it would not hesitate to eliminate features in Europe in order to safeguard its users’ data from “data hungry companies.”