TikTok experienced a similar outage just days after ByteDance divested the app’s U.S. operations.
Blog Posts
Blog Posts
Three Companies Dominated the $189B in VC Investments Last Month
Crunchbase data shows a record $189 billion of global venture capital flowed to startups last month, with AI startups nabbing 90% of the capital.
Alibaba’s Qwen Technology Lead Resigns Following Major AI Initiative
Reactions rippled through Alibaba’s Qwen team after tech lead Junyang Lin stepped down following a major model launch.
Cybercriminals Now Use Government Hacking Tools Designed for iPhones
Security researchers say exploits used by governments to hack into Apple iPhones have been found used by cybercriminals. They warned of an emerging market for “second hand” exploits.
Modifying Your Vehicle’s Luminosity Option to Decrease LED Headlight Brightness
car headlights have evolved from a warm yellow hue to a glaring white, and the impact can be quite intense at times.
LED headlights are engineered to project a powerful, directionally-aimed beam towards whatever lies ahead of the vehicle. Additionally, since a number of LED-equipped trucks and SUVs are taller than the conventional sedan, those intense headlights can align directly with the windshields and mirrors of smaller vehicles. Thankfully, your car is equipped with a built-in feature that can assist your eyes in adjusting to the incoming LED lights: the controls for instrument panel brightness.
If you haven’t altered the brightness of your dashboard before, it is typically controlled by a button, slider, or dial located to the left of your steering wheel. To avoid your eyes from seeing spots when confronted with bright, bold LED headlights, simply reduce the lighting on your instrument panel to a level that is dimmer than the approaching headlights. Maintaining a significant contrast between your vehicle’s brightness level and the LED headlights makes it easier for your eyes to adapt to those glaring lights.
Additional strategies for outsmarting intense LED headlights
Key Factors to Keep in Mind When Utilizing These 5 Instruments with a Generator
Aleksandr Potashev/Getty Images
Generators are invaluable tools for homeowners and travelers alike, with backup generators ensuring lights remain on during outages and portable models supplying power while on the move. Although generators can fulfill most basic electrical requirements, using them is not merely about plugging in a device and receiving power, as it could endanger both you and the generator.
Connecting certain types of devices and appliances, such as air conditioning units or space heaters, to a generator might require more power than the generator can deliver, potentially damaging sensitive devices. If you’re planning to use a generator at home, strive to only connect the devices and appliances that are absolutely necessary and remain aware of what the generator can handle. Carelessness could result in a malfunctioning generator and damaged devices.
Air conditioning units
Fiet.Fitra/Shutterstock
Influence of Continuously Connected USB Gadgets on Vehicle Battery Discharge
The USB ports in your vehicle offer more functionality than you might realize, with one of their primary roles being the charging and powering of mobile devices such as smartphones and dash cams. Considering this, you may be questioning whether keeping a USB device connected consistently could lead to a drained car battery. For the majority of contemporary automobiles, there is generally no cause for concern, thanks to a feature called Retained Accessory Power (RAP) in some cars, or simply “delayed accessory power” in others.
The concept of RAP is designed to ensure that certain vehicle systems remain powered after the ignition is turned off, typically for a few minutes. After the designated time has passed, your vehicle’s RAP feature will cut off power to USB ports, car infotainment systems, and other electronic components. However, it’s important to note that RAP is just one instance—many cars automatically shut off power to the USB ports once the vehicle is turned off, even if the owner’s manual doesn’t refer to it as RAP.
Your automobile’s alternator and battery operate in perfect harmony, so avoid interrupting them
Apple Phases Out Seven Products This Week, Expects One More Addition
Apple has introduced a considerable array of new items this week, resulting in the retirement of several existing models. This article details the seven Apple products that have been retired as part of this shift.
### Apple’s Retired Products Include iPhone, iPad, Mac Models, and More
When new products are rolled out, Apple frequently retires older models. This week, the tech giant has launched six new items, which led to the phasing out of seven current ones.
#### Retired Products
The following items have been retired:
– **iPhone 17e**
– **M5 MacBook Air**
– **M5 MacBook Pro** (including M5 Pro and M5 Max versions)
– **M4 iPad Air**
These models signify standard annual updates, preserving the essential features of their predecessors while integrating meaningful enhancements.
A notable retirement is the entry-level **M5 MacBook Pro**. Introduced just last October, Apple has eliminated the base 512GB configuration, forcing consumers to opt for 1TB or larger storage options at a premium price.
On the display front, the new **Studio Display** brings simple enhancements over the 2022 version. Nevertheless, the **Studio Display XDR** offers a combination of pros and cons compared to the **Pro Display XDR** it supersedes.
### 11th-Gen Base iPad May Be Retired This Week Also
Apple’s product introductions are still ongoing. There are signs that two additional products could be unveiled soon:
– **MacBook Neo**
– **iPad with A18 chip**
The **MacBook Neo** is a fresh addition to Apple’s offerings and will not result in any retirements. However, the launch of the new **iPad with A18 chip** likely suggests that the current base iPad will be phased out. The 11th generation model, which launched last March, sports an A16 chip and is the only item in Apple’s present lineup that does not support Apple Intelligence. The new A18 version will guarantee that all of Apple’s products are AI-compatible.
### Conclusion
As Apple persists in innovating and refreshing its product range, the retirement of older models is an expected aspect of the process. This week’s changes signify Apple’s dedication to improving user experience while phasing out products that no longer coincide with their technological progress.
iOS 26 Launches New ‘Preview’ Application on iPhone: Insights and Suggestions for Use
# Preview App Grows Beyond the Mac with iOS 26 and iPadOS 26
Apple regularly enhances iOS with additional features, yet the launch of completely new system applications is uncommon. In iOS 26, Apple has introduced two fresh applications: Preview and Apple Games. The Preview app, modeled after its Mac version, acts as a dedicated center for viewing and editing PDFs and images, now accessible on both iPhone and iPad.
## Capabilities of the Preview App
The Preview app offers a variety of functions for users, which include:
– **PDF and Image Viewing**: Users can conveniently access and view their PDFs and images stored within the Files app directly in Preview.
– **Editing and Markup Tools**: The app allows users to create sketches, annotate documents, and edit images utilizing Apple Pencil or touch.
– **Form Completion**: Users can take advantage of the AutoFill feature to quickly complete PDF forms.
– **Multi-Document Handling**: Preview simplifies the handling of multiple documents, making it easier to switch between them.
## Personal Experience with Preview
Since the beta launch of iOS 26, I have been heavily using the Preview app. At first, I was doubtful about its additional benefits compared to the Files app. However, I have come to value its independent functionalities.
### Benefits of Using Preview
1. **Improved Document Management**: With an increase in document organization due to personal projects, Preview has optimized my workflow. PDFs now automatically open in Preview, allowing for quicker access and viewing.
2. **Quick Look Feature**: Although PDFs open in Preview by default, the Quick Look function in the Files app allows for concurrent viewing of several documents. This capability boosts multitasking, enabling efficient navigation between various PDFs.
3. **Tailored for iPad**: The iPadOS 26 windowing system permits unique configurations, where I can keep Preview open in a large window while browsing the Files app in a smaller one. This arrangement aids in rapidly accessing different documents.
4. **Comprehensive Editing Tools**: Preview provides an extensive collection of tools for PDF editing, closely mirroring the functions found on the Mac. Features such as adding or removing pages, signing documents, and completing forms enhance the user experience.
## Conclusion
The Preview app has demonstrated its value as an important addition to iOS 26 and iPadOS 26, equipping users with improved document management and editing functionalities. Its integration with the Files app and the enhanced toolset make it a valuable asset for both iPhone and iPad users.
What has your experience been with the Preview app in iOS 26? Share your insights in the comments.
Overview of Apple’s Product Videos Launched This Week
### Apple’s Latest Product Launches: An Overview of the New Releases
This week, Apple has taken an unconventional route, opting out of a live event and instead rolling out product advertisements and promotional videos. This method maintains the excitement around their new products, highlighting innovative features and designs throughout their range.
#### iPhone 17e
The promotional video for the iPhone 17e is notable for its distinctive storytelling style. Rather than a conventional music-based advertisement, this video features a witty narrator who presents the device’s key features through snappy, impactful lines and quick transitions. This style injects a fun element into the presentation, captivating viewers.
#### M4 iPad Air
The video for the M4 iPad Air is especially remarkable, utilizing inventive camera perspectives that give the advertisement a sense of weightlessness. This eye-catching visual approach effectively showcases the device’s features and aesthetic, making it a highlight among the latest launches.
#### M5 MacBook Air and MacBook Pro
In contrast, the promotional videos for the M5 MacBook Air, as well as the M5 Pro and M5 Max MacBook Pro, feature upbeat improvisational jazz and Afrobeat tracks. These vibrant musical selections enhance the energetic visuals, stressing the improvements in performance and the new functionalities of these laptops. The M5 MacBook Air, in particular, is spotlighted for its expanded storage capacities and the inclusion of the N1 wireless chip.
#### Additional Insights
For those seeking a more detailed analysis, 9to5Mac’s Fernando Silva has been creating a series of videos that explore the specifics of Apple’s announcements. These videos are accessible on 9to5Mac’s YouTube channel, offering viewers extensive insights into the new products.
#### Accessory Promotions
Alongside the announcement of new products, various accessory promotions are available on Amazon, enabling customers to enhance their Apple experience with compatible accessories.
As Apple progresses in innovation and diversifies its product range, these promotional videos function not only as marketing materials but also as a testament to the company’s dedication to creativity and user engagement.
