Google AI Upgrades for Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Z Flip 7: 7 Fresh Features
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Read MoreSpeculations regarding Apple’s interest in Formula 1 streaming rights are not a recent phenomenon. However, following the impressive $300 million revenue from its latest F1 film featuring Brad Pitt, it appears that Cupertino is keen on incorporating F1 into its sports portfolio.
As reported by the Financial Times, Apple is currently negotiating to obtain the U.S. rights for streaming Formula 1. While Apple has been prudent in offering its Major League Soccer and Major League Baseball content globally, the strategy may vary with Formula 1. These rights are presently held by Disney’s ESPN, though F1 has the possibility to charge fans directly.
The report indicates that the racing series generates $85 million annually from ESPN, but analysts at Citi suggest that the forthcoming broadcasting agreement could be valued at a minimum of $121 million per year. Disney is expected to submit a proposal to keep the streaming rights, particularly given that the viewership has doubled in the past seven years. Simultaneously, F1 is emphasizing the U.S. market, as Liberty Media has included Miami and Las Vegas in the race schedule, along with the Austin, Texas Grand Prix.
While sources close to the situation indicate that F1 may allow ESPN to maintain the streaming rights, Disney has yet to act during its exclusive negotiation period to finalize a deal without facing competition.
With the achievement of the F1 film and Netflix’s well-received Drive to Survive documentary series, this marks a pivotal time for Formula 1 to enhance its income and for Apple to expand its sports offerings.
Nonetheless, it will be several months before we learn if Apple will finalize the agreement. ESPN retains the streaming rights until the conclusion of the 2025 season.
BGR will provide updates as we gather more information regarding Apple’s possible bid for Formula 1 streaming in the U.S.
Read More**Nintendo Switch 2: Amazon Offers the Console Through Invites**
The Nintendo Switch 2 has rapidly risen to be the fastest-selling console globally, with gamers expressing excitement for its debut for numerous years. In spite of its unexpectedly high price, the enthusiasm for the console has been immense, culminating in it being sold out worldwide just days after its release. Nintendo has recognized the significant demand, notifying Japanese consumers that not all preorders would be met on the launch date.
The console disappeared from physical retail locations on June 5, the day it was released globally. Many individuals who were unable to secure a preorder or whose orders were canceled camped outside stores, eager to buy one on launch day. Though Nintendo and its retail partners have replenished stock since then, the supply continues to vanish rapidly as demand exceeds production capabilities.
To address this high level of demand, Amazon has launched an invitation system for purchasing the Nintendo Switch 2. This method allows customers to request an invite and await a confirmation email. When their turn comes, they receive a purchase link that remains valid for 22 hours. This strategy aims to hinder scalpers from acquiring consoles in large quantities and reselling them at inflated prices. Amazon has implemented similar systems for other highly sought-after products, such as the PS5.
While Amazon’s availability of the Switch 2 during its Prime Day 2025 sales event is encouraging, shoppers should not anticipate any discounts on the console or its bundles. Discounts are improbable while the console remains out of stock in most regions. Furthermore, Amazon’s inventory is not infinite, making the invite system a viable choice for those keen to secure a console.
A potential increase in the price of the Switch 2 is on the horizon due to recent updates. Nintendo has recently raised prices for all Switch 1 models sold in Canada, possibly gauging the market for worldwide price increases to compensate for tariff expenses. President Trump has indicated potential tariff increases of up to 40% on imports from 14 nations, including Japan and Vietnam, which could directly impact Switch 2 imports.
Amid these hurdles, there is some encouraging news. Vietnam has struck a deal with the US, and Nintendo has mentioned it does not intend to elevate console prices in response to tariffs. However, this stance could pivot, particularly for the Switch 2, depending on how the situation develops.
For individuals aiming to buy a Nintendo Switch 2, Amazon’s invitation system provides a solid avenue to secure a console ahead of any potential price increases. It serves as a more dependable method than frequently checking other retailers for restocks.
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Read MoreApple has faced challenges in establishing its presence in the realm of generative AI thus far, yet the company remains determined to emerge as a genuine rival in the sector in the near future. In line with this, indications of an AI-driven “Support Assistant” for the Apple Support app were discovered in Apple’s code this week by MacRumors contributor Aaron Perris.
From his observations, iPhone users will have the capability to interact with the Support Assistant within the Apple Support app, which can be downloaded for free from the App Store. Perris also highlighted that the app already features a chat option. Users can engage with a live Apple support agent through the app, initiating a conversation via the Messages app.
Presumably, the AI-enhanced Support Assistant will present a different approach. The anticipation is that users will be able to communicate directly with the chatbot from the app and obtain assistance while the assistant leverages its generative AI training. The option to connect with a live agent still exists, but users might opt to gather the information they require from the AI initially.
According to the code reviewed by Perris, the Support Assistant “employs generative models” to deliver responses “pertaining to specific Apple products and services.” Like other AI chatbots, Apple cautions that the Support Assistant may produce “incorrect, misleading, incomplete, offensive, or harmful outputs,” so it’s advisable not to follow its guidance without discretion.
Perris also discovered a mention of content uploading in the code, which could suggest that users will have the ability to upload documents or images while seeking assistance from the AI. Additionally, Apple mentions collaborating with partners to develop the Support Assistant, raising the possibility that the new feature is powered by ChatGPT, akin to other recent introductions like Writing Tools.
It remains unclear when (or if) the feature will be officially launched, but it’s among several new initiatives underway for Apple’s operating systems that have yet to be publicly revealed. For example, we recently learned about two new features for Apple Maps just yesterday.
Read MoreIf you’re curious about what Twitter’s creator Jack Dorsey has been engaged in following his establishment of Bluesky, he has actually been focused on a project aimed at providing offline communication via Bluetooth patterns. This week on X, he unveiled Bitchat, a Bluetooth mesh chat application.
Currently in a TestFlight beta phase, he mentioned that the app is under review for release in the App Store. The distinct aspect of this app is its capability to allow users to communicate securely through Bluetooth connectivity, meaning you don’t have to be concerned about having a cellular signal. As long as you’re within approximately 300 meters of another user, communication is possible.
The primary features of Bitchat in its present form are:
– **Offline Communication:** Operates without the internet via Bluetooth mesh networking
– **E2E Encryption:** All communications are secured with Curve25519 + AES-GCM
– **Extended Range:** Messaging peers over distances exceeding 300m
– **Favorites System:** Store-and-forward messages for favorites indefinitely
– **Mentions:** Notify specific users using @nickname
– **Rooms:** Ability to create #rooms for discussions based on topics
– **Password Rooms:** Secure rooms protected by passwords and AES encryption.
Dorsey also disclosed the app’s privacy attributes. Importantly, Bitchat does not gather data — it generates a new ID for each session, and you can triple tap the Bitchat logo to instantly erase all data.
While this doesn’t seem to be the primary reason Dorsey developed the app, I truly believe that it will be the optimal method to communicate with friends and family on a plane or in other locations where cellular connectivity is poor.
After all, at times you just want to quickly share something without sending a text, and none of the existing messaging apps have been able to meet that need for me. Consequently, iMessage, WhatsApp, Telegram, Signal, and other conventional chat applications aren’t always the most reliable choice.
Read MoreApple TV+ officially revealed today that its enduring spy series Slow Horses, a hit among audiences and critics alike, is not going anywhere for the foreseeable future. In fact, a seventh season of the Apple TV+ series is now in development — a revelation that arrives two months ahead of Season 5’s release on the streaming platform. And truly, it’s easy to understand why we’re receiving this news today.
With its blend of dry British wit, a unique perspective on the realm of espionage, and an unforgettable performance from Gary Oldman, Slow Horses has emerged as one of the standout titles in Apple’s original content roster. Keeping that in mind, here are three reasons why it’s no surprise that Apple continues to renew this unconventional spy thriller — and why the season seven renewal has just been announced.
Consistent critical acclaim
Very few television shows can boast a critical success like Slow Horses. All four seasons that have been made available as of now are Certified Fresh on Rotten Tomatoes, with two achieving a flawless 100% rating from critics. Season 4 was even designated the #1 TV show of 2024 on the platform. This kind of praise from critics only bolsters a show’s standing as peak prestige television.
“Slow Horses‘ fourth season,” I noted in my review of the latest episodes, “delights in upending the conventions of standard espionage dramas. Unlike those in big-budget films, the spies here carry dadbods and showcase a variety of flaws and issues. There’s a gambling addict and an alcoholic. Multiple characters struggle with anger management. They are all rejects who are now at the kids’ table, merely dreaming of a more extraordinary life.”
Gary Oldman’s performance
In his role as the grumpy, foul-mouthed, HR nightmare of a spymaster Jackson Lamb, Oldman delivers one of the most unforgettable portrayals of his career. He has received nominations from the Emmys, BAFTAs, and Golden Globes, which is quite impressive for a character who disparages everyone around him and spends his free time neglecting his hygiene, farting, drinking, and smoking.
His performance is the essence of the series — and a key reason fans like me keep returning.
A perfect fit for Apple’s strategy
Slow Horses aligns perfectly with Apple’s focus on quality over quantity for its streaming service.
As Apple’s European creative director Jay Hunt expressed, the show’s combination of “self-deprecating British humor and high-octane action” makes it an ideal addition to Apple’s carefully curated roster of originals. Moreover, the global success of Slow Horses enhances Apple’s status as a serious contender in the world of prestige dramas. Season 5 is scheduled to premiere on September 24, while the newly announced Season 7 will center on uncovering a perilous mole within the British government.
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