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PSN Digital Games Settlement site and reach out to the administrators to ask for a paper check instead.

The cutoff date to do this is August 27, 2026. If you wish to opt out, enabling you to possibly pursue your own lawsuit, you need to send in a manual exclusion request by July 2, 2026. As for the amount you will receive, no specific figure has been provided yet. Approximately 25% of the $7.85 million settlement pool will be allocated for attorneys’ fees, with the remainder going to class members. An additional £2 billion lawsuit has been initiated against PlayStation in the U.K. and is currently in progress.

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Is It Safe To Charge Your Phone During A Thunderstorm?

If you find yourself caught in a storm, it might be tempting to charge your phone to ensure it’s fully powered in case of a blackout, but that’s not advisable. Especially if you notice flashes and hear crackling sounds, it indicates there’s a thunderstorm occurring. If your phone’s battery is running low during that thunderstorm, you should definitely avoid plugging it into a wall outlet for charging, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). This is crucial — do not attempt it.

Charging your phone amidst a thunderstorm poses a risk not only to your phone but primarily to your safety. The act itself won’t draw in lightning. In a discussion with AccuWeather, lightning safety expert John Jensenius pointed out that nothing truly attracts lightning. Being struck by lightning is a matter of chance. It makes no difference whether you are charging your phone at a power outlet or not. However, he did mention that “lightning can follow wires, fences, and similar objects.”

This indicates that if lightning were to strike the closest electric pole, it could send tens of thousands of volts surging through your home. Your phone cannot survive that amount of voltage and will likely be damaged in the process. Additionally, if it bursts, it can cause injury, and you could face electrocution. You can use a portable charger or a laptop to charge your phone during a thunderstorm, provided you do not connect any of those to a wall outlet.

Getting your phone ready for a thunderstorm is essential

Once you become aware that a thunderstorm is approaching, it’s wise to charge your devices ahead of time — stay alert for alerts from the National Weather Service (NWS) to determine timing. Charge your smartphones and tablets sufficiently before the storm is anticipated to hit, and make sure they are being charged correctly. You should also charge your portable chargers, laptops, lamps, and any other devices that may be necessary. Keep in mind, none of your cordless devices will attract lightning, making them safe to use during a thunderstorm. There’s a possibility that the strong winds of a thunderstorm might lead to a power outage, so refrain from engaging in habits that will rapidly deplete your phone’s battery. You might require it in an emergency.

When the storm arrives, it’s time to take action. Ensure that all your electronics and appliances are unplugged, from the television to your gaming console to your refrigerator and washing machine. Do this even if you have a whole-house surge protector in place. Although they do a decent job of absorbing excessive electricity spikes from the power grid and grounding them, the volts from a direct lightning strike can still surpass their capabilities. It can be akin to pouring a swimming pool’s contents into a cup. A significant amount can still overflow and damage any devices that remain plugged in, so don’t completely depend on surge protectors, regardless of their cost.

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The 1980s delivered some of the most memorable films for science fiction enthusiasts, featuring classic sci-fi adventures such as “The Terminator,” “E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial,” “Star Trek 2: The Wrath of Khan,” and “The Road Warrior,” among others. With such a wealth of classics, it’s no surprise that several sci-fi films from that era went unnoticed. Many of these nearly-forgotten sci-fi gems from the ’80s are absolutely worth checking out if you haven’t seen them yet.

All the films included here represent various sci-fi sub-genres. Besides being entertaining, they showcase the vastness, diversity, and adaptability of sci-fi cinema. Furthermore, without falling into preachiness or monotony, they frequently grapple with real-world issues through the lens of imaginative storytelling. The fact that most of them are enjoyable to watch (or, when they aren’t fun, at least captivating) is an added perk.

**Altered States (1980)**

1980’s “Altered States” (featuring the late, great William Hurt) takes the quintessential sci-fi warning, “Exercise caution with your scientific endeavors!”, and applies it to the realm of psychedelics. In the film, whose screenplay and source novel drew inspiration from genuine scientific research, Hurt delves into the recesses of his own subconscious in a sensory-deprivation chamber while under the influence of hallucinogens. As his experiments develop, the visions and “altered states” he experiences within the sensory deprivation tank start to make their way into the real world.

There’s a reason this relatively obscure science fiction film has found its place in the esteemed Criterion Collection. Although the special effects may seem a bit outdated, the visuals during the psychedelic sequences tap into subconscious symbolism and spiritual themes, resulting in a breathtaking visual journey. Meanwhile, a handful of body-horror moments ensure that the film fully embraces its genre, delivering genuine thrills and chills in equal measure. “Altered States” also endures over time because, like many exemplary works of sci-fi, it explores profound concepts. This tale of an inquisitive scientist pushing the limits of reality poses, among other inquiries, “What truly is reality?”

**Trancers (1984)**

“Altered States” firmly aligns with “hard sci-fi,” at least in terms of its concept, if not the execution. “Trancers,” the first film in what would become a modest franchise, embodies the B-movie aspect of the genre. However, that doesn’t imply it lacks its own intriguing ideas.

“Trancers” is among the various 1980s sci-fi films that explore time travel. Its rendition of the well-known trope is entirely unique: to travel back in time, characters ingest a drug that, instead of moving their physical bodies to the past, transfers their consciousness into the body of an ancestor. The storyline follows a retired policeman in 23rd-century Los Angeles named Jack Deth (yes, really), who employs this specific time-travel technique to track down a criminal madman named Martin Whistler back to 1985 to prevent him from using his psychic abilities to convert victims into “trancers” who obey his every sinister command.

If that seems like a “so bad it’s good” setup, note that “Trancers” currently boasts an 89% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. It serves as an excellent example of how sci-fi can draw from other genres to inject flavor and depth into an imagined universe. Specifically, “Trancers” can be considered, in many aspects, a Philip Marlowe detective tale clad in sci-fi attire, grounding what could easily be a campy movie in noir-inspired character development.

**Threads (1984)**

1984’s “Threads” is as horrifyingly realistic as science fiction films can get. Although some may argue it doesn’t even fit within the genre, its exploration of common sci-fi themes (such as nuclear catastrophe) justifies its inclusion on this list. However, prospective viewers should be forewarned that they are in for a profoundly sobering encounter.

“Threads” is a television film that provides an almost painfully realistic portrayal of what could unfold for ordinary people and society at large in the event of nuclear war. While the film’s representations of the initial nuclear devastation are striking and staggering (considering the TV-movie budget), “Threads” becomes truly chilling when it depicts how swiftly and effortlessly civilization collapses following a nuclear conflict. As survivors in Britain confront horrors like radiation sickness, food scarcity, and the destruction of essential infrastructure, the world around them rapidly reverts to the Dark Ages.

“Threads” accentuates sci-fi’s capacity to deliver a poignant message. Similar to how Rod Serling did with “The Twilight Zone” and Gene Roddenberry with “Star Trek,” the creators of “Threads” utilized a fictional narrative to ignite a serious dialogue. “Threads”

Amazon has significant changes set for 2026. With plans to enhance access to drone deliveries and introduce its own fleet of robotaxis in urban areas nationwide, the online retailer has numerous initiatives underway. A recent announcement reveals an upgraded version of its delivery services, named Amazon Now, guaranteeing deliveries in 30 minutes or less.

Initially, Amazon is providing its rapid delivery service in Atlanta, Dallas-Fort Worth, Philadelphia, and Seattle. Nonetheless, the company intends to broaden its offerings to Austin, Houston, Orlando, Phoenix, Minneapolis, and Oklahoma City shortly. According to Amazon’s announcement, Amazon Now will keep expanding to additional cities before the year concludes.

Udit Madan, Senior Vice President of Amazon Worldwide Operations, indicates that this initiative aims to afford Amazon customers the option to pay for expedited delivery when they “require or desire the convenience.” The service will facilitate ultra-fast delivery on a vast array of products, encompassing not only grocery items and household necessities but also premium items like new AirPods Pro 3.

establishing a petition to attempt to keep it operational.

While the speakers will cease to receive security and software updates, they remain partially functional. Bose indicates that users will still have access to several basic features, such as Bluetooth playback, AirPlay, Spotify Connect, and wired connections. Nevertheless, certain functionalities that Bose enthusiasts may have specifically opted for within the speaker ecosystem will no longer be accessible.

Bose has stated that preset buttons on all SoundTouch devices and within the SoundTouch app will be non-operational. Presets installed prior to the deactivation of cloud support in May may still be functional, although Bose does not guarantee this. Additionally, browsing or playing music services within the SoundTouch app will no longer be possible. Instead, users must initiate their playlists directly from Spotify, Apple Music, or a connected device. If your SoundTouch device is connected to a smart TV, it will continue to operate as designed. Lastly, Bose mentions that stereo pairing for SoundTouch 10 will no longer be operational now that cloud support has concluded.

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maintaining it thoroughly on a consistent basis, employing proper charging practices, and disabling features that could degrade its internal mechanisms. In addition to these suggestions, there are several other implicit guidelines regarding what to avoid while managing your PlayStation 5 and its controller that you should adhere to if you intend to keep it for an extended period.

In a significant advancement toward facilitating the extensive implementation of hybrid-electric aircraft, a German company has developed a motor that generates 1,000 horsepower while weighing only 207 pounds. Created at the Fraunhofer Institute for Integrated Systems and Device Technology, this motor can deliver a power output similar to that of small turboprop engines and has the potential to power regional aircraft, as well as support the realization of AI-operated flying taxis. In the field of aviation, every ounce counts, making the reduced weight of this electric aircraft motor just above 200 pounds a crucial milestone for practical application.

An efficient, lightweight electric engine could considerably diminish flight operating costs—primarily through fuel savings—especially for regional planes where efficiency improvements during takeoff and ascent are particularly significant. Such savings could ultimately benefit consumers. A lighter motor may enable extended range, increased payload capacities, and enhanced efficiency, rendering this Fraunhofer design attractive to businesses and researchers focused on hybrid-electric aircraft and possibly genuine flying cars.

The motor is also equipped with numerous safety redundancies, which are vital in aviation. It consists of four independent sections, each containing its own inverter, winding, and control systems. If one section fails, the remaining three can compensate and prevent a complete system failure.

Key innovations of the motor

While the eye-catching output of 1,000 hp is notable, the critical measure is the power-to-weight ratio. According to Fraunhofer, the motor has an impressive 8 kilowatts per kilogram (kW/kg) ratio, significantly surpassing the standard 2-4 kW/kg of electric vehicle motors and other aviation designs, which often peak around 5 or 6 kW/kg. Achieving this level of efficiency necessitates several significant advancements. One such advancement is the incorporation of hairpin copper windings in the stator of the motor, the static component that generates the magnetic field interacting with the rotating rotor.

Hairpin windings are flat, U-shaped copper conductors, replacing the conventional round copper wire. This configuration enables engineers to fit more copper into a constrained space, thereby increasing power density and enhancing heat dissipation. Speaking of heat, another crucial aspect of the design is the implementation of direct oil spray cooling. Compared to air cooling, the oil spray offers more efficient heat dissipation, allowing the electric motor to operate harder without risk of overheating and to be designed within a smaller size.

Implications for flight

The Fraunhofer initiative is part of a broader program known as Project AMBER, which is financed by the European Union. The goal of AMBER is to promote the development of more sustainable fuel systems like hydrogen cells and hybrid turbines within aviation. Practically, this means the motor is being engineered with regional aircraft as a focus rather than being merely a lab prototype. The Fraunhofer design will be integrated with Avio Aero’s Catalyst advanced turboprop engine to create a parallel hybrid setup, where both the complex, fuel-consuming turboprop engine and the electric motor collaborate to drive the propeller.

The wider implication is that the aviation industry is progressing toward propulsion systems that move away from conventional fuel sources, similar to the Luft Pinoy, which merges an electric vehicle and an eVTOL system. Although fully electric long-distance air travel for large commercial aircraft remains unattainable at this time, demonstrating such energy density indicates that hybrid regional aircraft capable of lower fuel consumption and reduced emissions are within reach. This aligns seamlessly with Project AMBER’s initiative to lower aviation-generated carbon dioxide emissions by up to 30%.