Tag: Source: Bgr.com

Upcoming Netflix Programs: 11 New and Returning Series (June 29-July 5)

**New and Returning Netflix Shows (6/29 – 7/5)**

Netflix is enhancing its collection with a selection of new and returning shows this week. Here’s a summary of what’s arriving:

1. **Attack on London: Hunting The 7/7 Bombers (July 1)**
– A compelling documentary series regarding the 7/7 bombings in London, showcasing insider perspectives and unseen footage.

2. **Mom: Seasons 1-8 (July 1)**
– The full series of the sitcom featuring Anna Faris and Allison Janney, centered on a mother-daughter pair dealing with life and recovery.

3. **PAW Patrol: Seasons 2-3 (July 1)**
– The beloved children’s animated series makes its return with more escapades of Ryder and his team of rescue dogs.

4. **Portlandia: Seasons 1-8 (July 1)**
– Fred Armisen and Carrie Brownstein’s distinctive sketch comedy series based in Portland, showcasing a changing cast of eccentric characters.

5. **Yellowjackets: Season 2 (July 1)**
– The next chapter of the suspenseful Showtime series, exploring the consequences of a significant character’s demise in season 1.

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Apple’s Smart Glasses set for 2027 might possess functionalities akin to those available in current Meta products.

Along with speculations regarding a lower-priced MacBook, analyst Ming-Chi Kuo is revealing additional insights about Apple’s forthcoming smart glasses. This wearable device has been the subject of speculation for several years, and it appears the company is targeting a launch in 2027.

Given that true AR glasses have been a longstanding priority for both Apple and Tim Cook, Kuo’s recent findings might let down users wishing for a more advanced version of wearables.

Per the analyst, Apple will not incorporate any display capabilities into the glasses. This signifies that users won’t have the ability to see live information via the device. Some of the more innovative concepts, such as checking notifications by looking at an internal screen, receiving navigational assistance, or engaging with digital components in the physical world, will not be included in this offering.

Considering this, Apple’s smart glasses of 2027 may closely resemble what Meta currently presents with Ray-Ban and will soon provide with Oakley. The analyst underscores several key features anticipated in these glasses:

  • Audio Playback: Apple Glasses users will have the opportunity to enjoy their favorite music on Apple Music and various streaming platforms directly through the glasses.
  • Photo and video recording: Users will have the capability to capture pictures, record videos, and more. At this point, the specifics of the cameras remain uncertain.
  • AI environmental sensing: While Kuo doesn’t elaborate much on this feature, Apple may be looking to boost its Apple Intelligence functions by 2027. These AR glasses could transform into a valuable AI assistant with visual intelligence and other sophisticated functionalities.

Additionally, Ming-Chi Kuo mentions that Apple is currently assessing “various material options for frames and temples” utilizing “3D printing technology for manufacturing.”

Conclusion

Although Apple’s anticipated smart glasses are likely to make a significant impression, existing rumors indicate the company isn’t progressing much beyond what rivals are already providing. By 2027, Meta might unveil more sophisticated smart glasses while Apple could still be striving to catch up with current technologies.

It also appears that the company has been trailing competitors in recent years. With disappointing Apple Intelligence performance and modest sales of the Apple Vision Pro, Apple risks losing traction if its AR glasses do not offer considerable advancements over current solutions.

BGR will keep you posted as we discover more about these devices.

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Researchers Create a Biodegradable Substance Proficient in Capturing CO2 from the Atmosphere

Researchers at ETH Zurich have created a novel type of material that goes beyond mere existence. It has the capability to live, develop, and extract carbon dioxide directly from the atmosphere. This living substance was crafted through a collaboration of biology, chemistry, and engineering fields and may provide a new, energy-efficient approach to carbon capture in architectural and design applications.

Fundamentally, the material is a hydrogel rich in water and populated by cyanobacteria, some of the Earth’s ancient life forms. These tiny organisms excel at photosynthesis and can thrive even in low-light conditions. Within the hydrogel, they take in CO2, transform it into biomass, and instigate the production of solid carbonates, effectively sequestering carbon in a durable mineral form.

This offers the material an additional mechanism for CO2 capture that surpasses the longevity of biological growth alone. The hydrogel has been meticulously engineered to facilitate microbial life, allowing light transmission and the movement of water and nutrients, which keeps the bacteria active for more than 400 days during laboratory assessments. To boost efficacy, the research team employed 3D printing techniques to produce high-surface-area geometries that facilitate deeper light access and optimal nutrient distribution.

The end product is a pliable material that gradually solidifies as minerals accumulate within it, forming an actual living structure that becomes more resilient over time. Outside the laboratory, this innovative material has already made its mark in architecture. In Venice, hydrogel-printed structures were constructed into three-meter-tall columns for the Architecture Biennale. Each of these installations can capture up to 18 kilograms of CO2 annually, akin to a young pine tree.

A separate initiative in Milan is exploring the potential of the living material as a coating for wood, transforming microbial growth into a distinctive design element. This approach distinguishes itself from conventional carbon-capture methods by being passive, scalable, and visually striking. Rather than depending on extensive industrial setups or harsh chemicals, it utilizes biological processes to capture carbon in a quiet and continuous manner.

Researchers believe it could eventually be incorporated into buildings to lessen their ecological footprint over their entire life span. A study detailing the material has been published in Nature Communications.

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Apple Anticipated to Launch Budget MacBook Equipped with iPhone Processor

Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo suggests that Apple may be working on a budget-friendly MacBook, targeted for a 2026 launch. At this stage, the device appears to be a successor to the cherished 12-inch MacBook, which was a fascinating idea but missed several essential features.

Curiously, speculation regarding Apple’s revival of this laptop has been present for a few years, but the initiative seemed to have been shelved. Now, it appears Apple may have revisited the idea.

What is most thrilling about this speculation is that enthusiasts have been requesting a modern replacement for the 12-inch version for years. This laptop was sleeker and lighter than a MacBook Air, highly portable, and boasted an attractive entry-level price.

If the rumor holds true, Apple might equip this budget laptop with an iPhone processor, which could sufficiently meet the needs of many users, particularly those who typically choose Chromebooks or mid-tier laptops with shorter longevity.

Here’s what Ming-Chi Kuo stated: “Expected to commence mass production in late 4Q25 or early 1Q26, featuring an estimated 13-inch display and driven by the A18 Pro processor. Possible casing colors include silver, blue, pink, and yellow.”

As other brands have already integrated smartphone chips into certain laptops, it’s logical for Apple to pursue a similar route. This is particularly relevant given that it manufactures some of the most advanced processors available.

With the iPhone 16 Pro processor, Apple could present this as an appealing choice. Given that the MacBook Air starts at $999, it’s probable this new laptop could be priced $200 or even $300 less.

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Spotify Overhauls Your Beloved Playlist with Significant Enhancements

It’s Monday morning, signifying that some Spotify enthusiasts are eager to launch their preferred music streaming application. They must be thrilled to find out what one of their most cherished playlists has prepared for them. That would be Discover Weekly, which refreshes every Monday to present fresh tunes customized to align with your music streaming habits.

However, unlike other Monday mornings, June 30th offers Spotify users an exciting Discover Weekly surprise. Spotify has revamped the cherished playlist.

It’s not merely a new look that Spotify Premium subscribers will explore once they access the updated playlist to see what suggestions emerge. Spotify has also introduced new listening controls to the feature that allows users to adjust the genre while enjoying Discover Weekly.

Spotify implemented the enhancements to Discover Weekly to celebrate 10 years of the feature. The organization noted that Discover Weekly has facilitated over 100 billion track streams during this time.

The feature enables Spotify users to discover more than 56 million new artists. Spotify claims that 77% of Discover Weekly streams are dedicated to up-and-coming artists. The feature transforms first-time listeners into devoted fans of an artist, according to the company.

Evidently, discovery evolves into fandom more than 2 million times each week. This means the same individual listens to the same artist introduced in Discover Weekly on two separate occasions within the same week.

On that note, a reminder: the Discover Weekly playlist rotates weekly. Long-term Spotify users have likely mastered the art of saving their favorite tracks from Discover Weekly to avoid losing them. That’s what you should do with every new song you uncover using the feature before the week concludes. Next Monday, a fresh playlist will take the place of the current one.

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The Top 3 Apple TV+ Shows Launching in July

Apple TV+ is entering July with a blend of sci-fi wonder, the splendor of nature, and sun-drenched comedy. Whether you’re drawn to vast cosmic adventures or simply seeking a delightful binge set in a stunning Mexican resort, the streamer’s offerings are sure to impress.

Foundation, The Wild Ones, and Acapulco are the three standout Apple TV+ series premiering in July, each making a compelling argument for why the iPhone creator’s platform should be on your summer viewing list. Below, an overview of each new show.

Foundation: Season 3 (launches July 11)

The grand tale based on Isaac Asimov’s seminal novels makes its return, with escalated stakes and profound philosophical dilemmas. Foundation has consistently been one of Apple TV+’s most daring series, functioning as both a prestigious drama and a visual spectacle. Season 3 resumes 152 years after the conclusion of the previous season, with the Foundation having evolved significantly beyond its founding principles, while the once-dominant Cleonic Empire hangs by a thread. At the same time, a warlord known as The Mule threatens to dominate the galaxy through sheer force and psychic influence.

Apple’s acclaimed series, produced by Skydance Television and directed by Batman Begins writer David S. Goyer, continues to expand its universe with new characters portrayed by Cherry Jones, Pilou Asbæk, Troy Kotsur, and others. Anticipate more breathtaking planetary vistas in the forthcoming season, along with temporal shifts and clashes between science and belief.

This nature documentary series will transport audiences around the globe as it captures rare and endangered wildlife in stunning footage.

From the rainforests of Malaysia to the Mongolian deserts, the team responsible for The Wild Ones employs over 350 custom-designed cameras to record close encounters with animals such as the Javan rhino, Malayan tiger, Gobi bear, Caucasian leopard, and North Atlantic right whale. In one moment, a bear traverses moonlit dunes; in another, a whale rescue occurs live.

“The series highlights the dangers facing these endangered species and illustrates how each is intricately linked to the broader ecosystem in which it exists, while raising awareness and backing scientific initiatives and long-term conservation efforts aimed at their survival,” Apple shares about the series.

Acapulco: Season 4 (premieres July 23)

At last, one of the most delightful and overlooked Apple TV+ treasures returns for its fourth and final season. The bilingual Acapulco intertwines heart and humor as it follows the coming-of-age adventures of Maximo Gallardo, a young pool boy-turned-hotel tycoon.

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Possible Regression Noted in Specific Plant Species

We understand that the planet and its diverse residents, including both flora and fauna, are continuously undergoing evolution. In fact, some argue that [humans are presently evolving](https://bgr.com/science/theres-a-place-where-humans-are-evolving-right-before-our-eyes/) in various regions across the globe. However, a certain group of plants located in the Galápagos archipelago may be experiencing the reverse process and de-evolving. Researchers contend that, regardless of how controversial it may seem, tomatoes in the Galápagos are actually appearing to regress rather than progress.

## A contentious concept brought to fruition

De-evolution, or reverse evolution, stirs up debate among evolutionists, and rightly so. Evolution is not traditionally expected to possess a rewind function. Some organisms may reacquire ancient traits they previously lost, typically via novel genetic avenues. Yet, these tomato plants seem to be demonstrating an unforeseen phenomenon.

“It’s not something we usually anticipate,” shared Adam Jozwiak, a molecular biochemist at UC Riverside and the primary author of the study, in [a statement](https://news.ucr.edu/articles/2025/06/23/tomatoes-galapagos-are-de-evolving). “But here it is, occurring in real time, on a volcanic island.”

The main reason the researchers assert these plants are de-evolving is due to their apparent reversion to a more primitive genetic configuration, complete with an archaic type of chemical defense. One of the significant changes observed is in alkaloids, a form of bitter molecule typically functioning as an inherent pesticide. These substances aid in deterring predators such as insects, fungi, and even grazing creatures.

## Chemicals hold the answer

Contemporary tomatoes and other plants all utilize alkaloids. However, it is not the existence of alkaloids that piqued the interest of scientists regarding these plants. Rather, it is the observation that the tomatoes seem to be producing incorrect alkaloids. Instead of generating the alkaloids the researchers anticipated in a tomato, the de-evolving plants are producing alkaloids with the same molecular signature as eggplant relatives from eons past.

What’s even more remarkable is that this isn’t the entirety of the tomatoes found in the Galápagos. Instead, the specimens located on the eastern islands appear to retain the same molecular structure as modern tomatoes discovered elsewhere. Conversely, those on the western islands yield alkaloids that are more characteristic of an ancient plant, implying they have de-evolved in some manner.

This revelation prompted the researchers to delve deeper, as they sought signs regarding how this de-evolution occurred. They found that merely four amino acids altering in a single enzyme were sufficient to result in the changes seen in these plants. They further validated this finding by synthesizing the identical genes that code for the new enzymes in the laboratory and inserting them into tobacco plants, which then swiftly began producing the ancient alkaloids. Their results are documented in *

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Five Essential visionOS 26 Features Amplifying the Worth of Apple Vision Pro

visionOS 26 is the forthcoming software upgrade for Apple Vision Pro. This marks the second significant software enhancement for Apple’s spatial computing device since its debut early last year. This update seems to truly unleash some of the potential of the prohibitively costly headset.

Here are five visionOS 26 capabilities that will enhance Apple Vision Pro and might even justify the retail cost for those who can afford one.

5 new features in Apple Vision Pro with visionOS 26

Personas are functional now: After a year and a half, Apple is prepared to present Apple Vision Pro Personas as a fully realized feature. In visionOS 26, this feature has shed its “beta” label. Apple mentions that the “entirely new Personas now exhibit impressive expressiveness and clarity, providing a complete side profile view, along with remarkably precise hair, eyelashes, and complexion.”

Spatial Widgets: Apple is ensuring the Vision Pro harnesses the potential of Spatial Widgets. This feature in visionOS 26 allows the placement of widgets in the real world. Users can customize them with various frame thickness, colors, and depths. The most intriguing aspect of Spatial Widgets is that they remain fixed in their position between sessions.

Integration of third-party accessories: visionOS 26 finally enables Vision Pro owners to utilize third-party accessories. For gaming, users will be able to connect the PlayStation’s VR2 Sense controller. However, the lingering question is: Why isn’t the Apple Pencil Pro compatible with Vision Pro?

Shared spatial experiences: If two individuals with Vision Pro devices are in the same location, they can engage in shared spatial experiences, such as viewing a movie in 3D, playing a spatial game, or collaborating on work. This represents Apple’s approach to creating a more interconnected social experience on a device that previously felt somewhat solitary.

Spatial scenes: Lastly, one of the standout features of visionOS 26 is Spatial Scenes. Utilizing a generative AI algorithm, each photo can acquire a lifelike depth perception and be viewed from various angles. Users of Vision Pro will discover spatial scenes within the Photos app, the Spatial Gallery app, and Safari. Zillow is also adopting this technology.

visionOS 26 enhances Apple Vision Pro’s capabilities

We are still anticipating a second-generation Vision Pro or a more affordable variant, but Apple’s visionOS software is finally maturing. That said, if the company manages to make this device more budget-friendly or lighter, the software should finally serve as a compelling selling point.

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Moths Employ Celestial Navigation Comparable to Human Methods

We’ve long recognized that certain animals rely on the Sun for navigation across the globe. Nevertheless, recent studies might have revealed the first insect identified to use the stars and night sky for navigation. The stars have served as a navigational aid for humans for ages. Consider, for example, the North Star. Yet, prior to the discovery of the bogong moth, we had not found insects using the stars in the same manner.

Research published this year indicates that these moths indeed depend on the stars in the same way humans do. Annually, these moths make a journey exceeding 600 miles, guided by the stars. This trek is crucial for the moths as they depend on the cool climate of the Australian Alps to shield them from the oppressive summer heat.

A notable aspect of bogong moths is that they have never previously traveled to the mountains before embarking on their annual migration. This is not a route they follow each year throughout their lives, as many of these insects only survive for a few days or weeks. Therefore, there must be an innate way for them to reach their destination. The only conclusion researchers arrived at was stellar navigation.

As I mentioned earlier, this method of navigation has been a staple in human exploration for centuries. It has been one of the main techniques used by sailors to find their way on the open seas, where the absence of land to reference the horizon made it critical to ascertain direction by looking upwards.

In the Australian outback, where bogong moths are found, the Milky Way serves as a significant landmark. Thus, it stands to reason that these insects might depend on such a prominent feature in the heavens for navigation. However, a hypothesis can only extend so far. To validate it, researchers needed to capture some of these insects and conduct experiments.

To determine if they genuinely depend on the stars rather than the Earth’s magnetic field, the researchers took every measure to eliminate the influence of the Earth’s magnetic field. This allowed them to confirm that bogong moths indeed utilize the stars in the night sky to navigate. The researchers are optimistic that gaining insights into how these insects find their way could contribute to future conservation efforts.

Currently, understanding that certain animals and insects depend on the stars can encourage us to explore the animal kingdom for others that might do the same. It can also enhance our comprehension of how worsening light pollution may impact these species.

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