1.Apple Vision Pro Takes Aim At Elite VR; Samsung Galaxy XR Offers Premium Value
**Samsung Galaxy XR vs. Apple Vision Pro: Headset Fight!**
Okay, so these VR and mixed reality headsets are everywhere, right? Meta's Quest 3 is super popular, and Apple's trying to be fancy with the Vision Pro. Now Samsung's joining the game with their Galaxy XR (used to be Project Moohan). It's a solid headset, but how does it stack up against Apple’s Vision Pro, especially the new M5?
Let's see how these headsets compare: what they can do, how much they cost, and if they're actually worth the cash.
**💰 Price: Not Cheap vs. Crazy Expensive**
The Samsung Galaxy XR costs about $1,800. Not exactly cheap, but way easier to pay for than the Apple Vision Pro, which starts at $3,500! That’s super pricey. So, Samsung wins on price here.
I mean, not everyone’s going to buy either one, but the Galaxy XR is easier to afford. Apple's Vision Pro? That’s super fancy. They probably see it as more than just a headset, like a computer you wear.
**📊 Display**
Both have dual micro-OLED displays, but Samsung packs in more pixels:
Samsung Galaxy XR: 4K micro-OLED displays with 3552x3840 resolution per eye, or 29 million pixels in total and 4,032 PPI. It runs at 90Hz.
Apple Vision Pro (M5): Dual micro-OLED displays with 23 million pixels and 3,386 PPI. It runs at 120Hz.
Samsung has more pixels, so things might look sharper, which is cool for reading. But, Apple's faster screen might make moveies smoother.
**🧠 Power**
Apple wins this without effort. The Galaxy XR has Qualcomm’s Snapdragon XR2+ Gen 2. It's good for XR, so it works, but it's like sticking phone parts inside.
Apple’s Vision Pro is powered by the M5 chip, like in their Macs. It’s got a 10-core CPU, 10-core GPU, and a 16-core Neural Engine, plus the R1 chip for sensors. The Vision Pro can handle a bunch more.
The Vision Pro handles harder jobs, like running a lot of apps at once.
**🖐️ Controls**
Both use eye and hand tracking, so you can play around in virtual places without needing to hold anything. Being able to do stuff without controllers is pretty cool.
But, Samsung lets you use controllers, which the Vision Pro doesn't. If you like games, that's a big deal. Controllers feel normal with buttons and joysticks, making the Galaxy XR a winner for gaming.
**⚙️ Software**
Samsung’s Galaxy XR is the first with Google’s new Android XR operating system. If you use Android, it’ll feel familiar. But anyone can use Android XR, so it's not a special thing for Samsung.
Apple’s Vision Pro runs visionOS. It's their own thing for spatial computing. It works with iPhones, iPads, Macs, and stuff like iCloud and FaceTime. If you're already using Apple stuff, you might like this one more.
**🔋 Battery and Design**
Both use external battery packs, so they don't feel heavy when wearing them. It's tricky to make a strong headset that doesn't weigh you down.
Samsung Galaxy XR: About 2 hours for normal use, 2.5 hours for movies.
Apple Vision Pro (M2): Same as Samsung — 2 hours, 2.5 hours for movie.
Apple Vision Pro (M5): A little better — 2.5 hours, 3 hours for movies.
The M5 Vision Pro has a slightly better battery, but you’ll still need cables and battery packs if you play a lot.
**🧩 Looks**
Samsung’s Galaxy XR is 545g, which is lighter than the Vision Pro’s 600g. It could be more comfy if you want to use it for a while.
Apple's headset looks better because of the build. It seems well-made with premium materials and a sleek look. Samsung’s is more about getting the job done.
**🎮 What You Can Do**
The Galaxy XR is good for movies, work, games, and hanging out. You can use controllers, and it runs Android XR. So anyone can easily make apps for it.
The Vision Pro is mostly for spatial computing. Fun for pros, artists, and Apple fans who want the newest thing. It's new, but the app store is still getting full.
**🧠 Which One to Get?**
Samsung Galaxy XR or Apple Vision Pro? It depends:
Get the Galaxy XR if you want good images, controller support, and a cheaper way to check out XR. It's great if you're on Android and like having options.
Get the Vision Pro if you're already an Apple user and want the best spatial computing. The M5 version has the most power.
These headsets are both like a sneak peek at what's coming. Samsung's is flexible, open, and familiar with Android. Apple's going for power.
As XR gets more popular, these two will be the main ones. Whether you want great pictures or power, one of them is a great choice.
2.AI Browser Agents Pose Major Security Risks, Experts Warn
**AI Browsers: Cool or Creepy?**
We all use Chrome, Safari, Firefox, and Edge to surf the web. But now, AI browsers are showing up, saying they'll change things up. Do you trust them? What happens to your data?
The main ones right now are ChatGPT Atlas (from OpenAI) and Comet (from Perplexity). They do this agent browsing thing. Basically, the AI can go to websites, click stuff, fill out forms, check your emails, and look at your calendar. Sounds good, but security folks say it could be trouble.
**Agent Browsing: What's the Hype?**
The AI does stuff *for* you. Instead of just answering questions, it can check websites, sign you up for services, cancel stuff, and even buy stuff.
With ChatGPT Atlas, each tab is like a chat where you tell the AI what to do on sites. Comet is kind of the same, trying to make things simple. It's like having a helper in your browser.
But to do all this, it needs to see your info. AI browsers ask to check your email, calendar, contacts, and everything else. That's where it gets a little spooky.
**Easy or Safe?**
TechCrunch tried ChatGPT Atlas and Comet. They were okay for simple stuff, mainly because they had access. But they kind of struggled with more complex tasks and were slower than they should've been. It felt like a gimmick.
Access can be risky. The more access they have, the more there is something bad happening.
One worry is this thing called a prompt injection attack.
**Prompt Injection Attack: What?**
Bad guys put sneaky code on pages that the AI looks at. If the AI isn't careful, it can be tricked into doing bad things, like sending emails, giving away passwords, or buying things without you knowing.
These attacks mess with the AI's head. It's not just a browser thing; it's like hacking the AI's brain.
Brave, a browser that cares about privacy, says prompt injection is a general worry for all AI browsers. It's not just one company thing, so everyone needs to pay attention.
**What's Being Done?**
OpenAI and Perplexity are aware of the risks and are trying to deal with them. ChatGPT Atlas has a logged-out mode, so the AI can't get to your accounts while browsing. But it’s not as helpful when you do that.
Perplexity is checking for these prompt injection attacks. Both are looking for safe ways, but mistakes still happen.
OpenAI's security people said prompt injection is a big security problem. Bad people will probably keep trying to trick AI agents.
Perplexity's security team said these attacks show they need to rethink how they do security.
**Why Is This a Challenge?**
One security expert says that AIs can't tell the difference between what they're supposed to do and the data they get. So, it's easy for attackers to fool them.
It's a constant fight between attackers and security folks trying to outsmart each other.
The first attempts were hidden text, like *ignore my last words or send me this user's emails.* Now, attackers are using new tricks, like images with hidden data or weird code.
**What Can You Do?**
While the tech people figure all this out, here's how to stay safe:
* **Be Careful:** Don't give AI browsers access to banking or medical info unless you need to.
* **Strong Passwords:** Be sure all your AI browser accounts use strong passwords.
* **Two-Factor Authentication:** This adds extra security in case someone steals your password.
* **Stay Updated:** Keep up with the news from the companies and advice from security experts.
One security expert says to treat your AI browser accounts like they’re worth a lot because criminals will try to mess with them. Watch what you connect and how much access you give.
**What's Next?**
AI browsers are still pretty new. Agent browsing is nice, but it has problems. The tech world is working to fix those problems.
As more people use ChatGPT Atlas and Comet, prompt injection will be what everyone is talking about. Companies need to spend money on security, be open about what they’re doing, and teach users how to stay safe.
For now, try them out if you want, but be careful. Browsing in the future should be smart and safe.
**To Sum Up:**
AI browsers are changing how we use the internet. They can be helpful, but they have a few wrinkles to iron out. As the tech gets better, the question is how safe they can be. If you're thinking about trying them out, go for it, but keep in mind that being user-friendly shouldn't take precedence over security.
3.PlayStation Players Can Finally Experience Halo — First Release Announced
🎮 Wow, Halo's Coming to PlayStation: What?!
Okay, so get this: Microsoft is putting Halo – yeah, the Halo that basically built Xbox – on PlayStation! Seriously, who would've thought that'd happen even, like, ten years ago? This sci-fi shooter, the one with Master Chief, is hitting the PS5 next year. That's HUGE. It kinda feels like consoles being all walled-off is going away.
This new version is called Halo: Campaign, like, Changed a Bit. It's a remake of the first Halo, Combat, uh, Improved, for new systems. Of course, it's coming to Xbox and PC, but also PS5! And get this – you can even play it on your phone or tablet with Microsoft's cloud thing. Gamers and people who watch the gaming biz know this is a big deal. It sends a message.
🧠 From Xbox Only to Everywhere?
Back in 2001, when Halo: Combat, uh, Improved came out, it was THE game for the Xbox. Master Chief was the Xbox dude, and the game helped Microsoft get into a market that Sony and Nintendo owned. For years, Halo was a big part of Xbox – it was a core game that showed who they were.
But things are different now. Microsoft now wants to build one big gaming place that works on everything, not just sell boxes. Game Pass, cloud gaming, releases on all platforms -- they think being able to play everywhere is more important than keeping things only on Xbox.
Halo arriving on PlayStation shows that Microsoft is serious.
📉 Console Fights Going Away?
Microsoft's doing this because they're up against some tough guys. People say the PlayStation 5 is selling better than the Xbox Series X/S worldwide. Nintendo's Switch is even more popular because it's both a handheld and a home console and families dig it. Microsoft bought some big game makers like Activision Blizzard for a ton of money, but they're still having a bit of trouble selling Xboxes.
So, instead of just doing Xbox-only games, they're letting people play their games on PCs, phones, and even PlayStation. They have a new handheld device that you can play Xbox games on as well. And with Game Pass, their subscription service, you can play a bunch of games for a monthly cost - on any device. It's like Netflix, but for games.
This is happening because how people play games is changing. It's not just about having a console anymore – it's about being able to play stuff wherever you are.
🧑🚀 Halo's Old Game, New Look
Halo fans can play the first game again – with better graphics, controls, and it works on all platforms. The people in charge say they don't want to change what made Halo great, but they want to get players into the game like never before.
One of the guys explained it. Saying how Halo is about bringing people together. He mentions how they're happy to ask a new generation of players to join in the Halo family.
The new version will keep the feeling of the original but add things that old and new players will like. And by being on PlayStation, millions of people who've never played Halo can get to try it.
🗣️ Fans React: Mixed Feelings
People are talking a lot about this. Some Xbox fans are bummed that Halo isn't only on Xbox anymore. They think it's part of the Xbox's identity. But other people think it's great for everyone who plays games.
A YouTuber called @Eldeeable told BBC Newsbeat that she played the first Combat, uh, Improved with her brother on split-screen. Saying how she likes it so much and how it's one of the first games ever played.
She said the announcement was huge and broke the internet. She thinks putting it on PlayStation is good because it lets more people play.
A lot of people think that games should be for everyone, no matter what system they use. PlayStation is putting games like The Last of Us and Horizon on PC, and Nintendo is trying mobile games. The walls between these gaming systems are starting to fall.
🧭 What Does This Mean?
Microsoft putting Halo on PlayStation could change everything. It makes you think that console-only games might not be so important. Maybe games can do better by letting more people play.
This also goes along with cloud gaming. You can play Halo: Campaign, like, Changed a Bit on your phone or tablet. Microsoft thinks that what device you have won't matter as much as being connected. They want gaming to be easy, mobile, and open to everyone.
Game makers might get more chances to make games that work on all systems. Players will have fewer problems getting into games. And the gaming world might start to work together more instead of fighting.
🔮 What's Next?
When Halo: Campaign, like, Changed a Bit comes out, everyone will see how it does on all the different systems. Will PlayStation fans like Master Chief? Will Xbox players be angry – or happy that Halo is getting bigger? And will this new version mean Microsoft will put more games on other systems?
One thing is for sure: the gaming world is changing. The console wars are turning into something new, where the best games are for everyone. Halo going from Xbox only to PlayStation is a big moment.
🧠 Last Words
Halo coming to PlayStation is a risky move, but it makes sense. Microsoft thinks that what you play is more important than what you play it on and that popular games can do well everywhere. Halo fans can play a classic again, and new players can join it.
And for the gaming world, things are changing. The future of gaming is open – and Halo is leading the way.
4.Windows Security Alert: Emergency Update Addresses Ongoing Cyber Threats
**Subject: Heads Up! Patch Your Windows Servers ASAP (CVE-2025-59287)**
Hey everyone,
Just wanted to give you a quick heads-up. Microsoft's in a bit of a scramble pushing out a security fix for Windows Server. And get this it is right after Google's last minute Chrome updated. So, if you are in the security team, you must be pulling out your hair at this point.
This issue, called CVE-2025-59287, is a pretty nasty weakness in Windows Server. Scary thing is, there are reports that some not-so-good people are already trying to take advantage of it. The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency is really stressing the severity of this problem!
If you’re running Windows Server and have the WSUS thing turned on, you need to look at this ASAP.
**What's the Real Problem with CVE-2025-59287?**
So, this thing called the remote code execution vulnerability hiding inside the Windows Server Update Service. Just imagine a secret opening that if anyone were to find and enter, they could run your server from anywhere even without your permission.
It doesn't get much worse than this. Imagine someone can roam around on your server, stealing info, holding it for ransom, or infecting everything else on the network. They'd practically have the keys to your entire digital kingdom.
Now here's a thing that Microsoft got correct. WSUS server isn't something that just turns itself on. So, if you didn't set it up yourself, it's likely that you are protected from this issue. But, if you do use WSUS, you really MUST get this patch installed to make sure you don't get hit in the future.
**CISA says, get this fixed!**
CISA isn't playing nice here. They're ordering federal agencies to fix this within two weeks. Also, they are advising every company to follow Microsoft’s advice.
CISA's message: patch your servers or be prepared for someone to take it over.
**Okay, so what do I do?**
The advice coming out from CISA and Microsoft are very easy to follow:
1. **Find the Servers with WSUS on**: Check all of the servers and find the ones running the WSUS. These are the ones that need patching.
2. **Install the Patch**: Microsoft sent out a security patch last week, October, 23, 2025. So download, install the patch to the servers. This will be your best defense in protecting all your data!
3. **Restart time**: after installing the patch, restart the servers to make sure that the patch is working and is already installed.
4. **Quick Fix (If you don't have time for the patch):** if there are specific problems to install the patch right now, you should try disabling the WSUS server. It’s not a fix for the problem, but it will give you time to deal with the issues.
Now, Microsoft does want everyone to leave the workarounds on even after installing the patch. Turning this back on without doing this patch can cause the vulnerability to come get you and your data.
**Why should I even care?**
The remote-code-execution vulnerabilities are really unsafe. It also has the ability to go around logins, which can cause damage to the system. For businesses in the world, it can cause chaos, data leaks, and damage that is costly to repair.
Since CVE 2025-59287 is being exploited, speed is really critical. All of the hackers are looking for weak spots, and they could hack unpatched servers in hours.
**What we learned from an Recent Hack**
Last week CISA warned us about recent attack regarding a server vulnerability, like the Windows 10, 11 and Server. Due to there being a rapid amount of attacks, we need to be ready for this issue.
Think about investing with an endpoint detection and response option and segmentation to minimize the damages coming from future chaos
**So, what is next?**
The patch by Microsoft is the way, but it's good to keep in touch regarding security and infrastructure. WSUS helps with managing windows, but it can be complex to keep up.
Companies should look at some options that can help keep the place safe. To stand out, it's best to follow great methods to secure the place.
**Overall Thoughts**
CVE-2025-59287 helps find trustworthy infrastructure like WSUS. Although, the weekend is coming, but security is something that requires daily checking.
Everyone stay safe.
5.ChatGPT’s Atlas Browser Could Change How We Surf the Web — for a Price
**ChatGPT Atlas: New Browser or Just a New Way to Pay?**
So, OpenAI has a new web browser called ChatGPT Atlas. After playing with it, it's obvious it's trying to be more than just another Chrome copycat. Usually, browsers have tabs and toolbars all over the place. Atlas? It puts a chatbot front and center. You basically talk to it to get around online, just by asking questions. It sounds cool. But then the limits pop up. Messages limit reached, I saw. Then, This model doesn't do that. And finally, You're out of free GPT-5 stuff.
These messages make it clear: Atlas isn't really a totally free browser, you know? OpenAI talks about a smarter way to use the web, like a super helpful assistant. But the good stuff costs money. And that makes you wonder about how we're gonna browse, what we're gonna pay for, and who gets to decide what the internet's like in the time to come.
**A Different Way to Web Surf**
OpenAI wants us to think differently about browsing. It looks kinda like Chrome or Safari at first glance. But there is one big change: the chatbot sidebar. This thing can point out deals when you're booking a train, compare prices on different sites, or give you the quick version of a long article. It tries to help you out before you even click anything, which is pretty cool.
But the free version is kinda limited. Booking a train, for example, is only for people who pay. Even just finding an article I had already read wasn't easy. So, Atlas seems to have potential, but it's not quite there yet.
**How Much for Convenience?**
Atlas acts like a fancy product. If you wanna use the coolest stuff — like having the AI click buttons, fill out forms, and take care of things for you — you gotta pay. That's a big change from how we usually get on the web, for free, with ads and companies collecting our data.
If you're used to free browsing, this is like a whole other world. Paying for a browser (or, more accurately, paying for the smart stuff it has) means you gotta think about things differently. It's not just about looking at web pages. It's about letting the browser do the browsing for you.
OpenAI is hoping people will pay for this. But the Financial Times said that only about 5% of ChatGPT users are paying right now. That's a pretty big challenge if Atlas wants to make money.
**Data, Size, and the AI Business**
OpenAI's original plan was general AI that's as good as (or better than) people. A browser doesn't really do that by itself, But it can help them make money and gather data.
Atlas could let OpenAI see what people do online: How they reserve tickets, what they buy, what they read. They can use all this to train their AI better. The more info they get, the smarter the AI gets.
But that makes you think about privacy. Stephanie Liu at Forrester warns that if you want privacy, this browser might be too risky. OpenAI has tried to add features like logged out mode to keep data safe, but Atlas still needs to know a lot about what you're doing.
It's not clear if people are okay with that trade-off.
**The Problem with Ads**
Usually, browsers and search engines make money with ads. Google makes its whole living by connecting users to ads. But OpenAI has a tough choice: ads could make the browser less fun to use and make people trust the AI less.
“OpenAI might want to show ads to make money,” Liu says. But if they want to beat the competition, they need to be fun to use.
If Atlas starts suggesting stores or items just because they paid for it, people might not think it's giving honest suggestions. It's a tricky situation, and it could decide if Atlas becomes popular or just disappears.
**Taking on the Big Guys**
Atlas is joining a crowded scene. Google Chrome has about 60% of the browser market. Microsoft has Copilot in Edge. Apple's Safari is still popular on iPhones. And Google's Gemini AI has made its way into its search stuff, so you can have chats with it like ChatGPT.
Atlas is trying to shake things up. When ChatGPT first came out, some folks said it could kill Google. That hasn't happened yet, but it's still possible.
Erik Goins from Flywheel Studios thinks ChatGPT could change how we use the web. Google makes money by being the go-between for users and sites, he says. ChatGPT is getting rid of that.
Instead of typing hotels in Miami and clicking all over the place, you can just ask ChatGPT. And it will give you answers, booking info, or ideas. That's a big change, but it depends on if people are willing to pay for it.
**What's Next?**
Atlas is pretty new. It looks nice, the assistant sounds cool, and it has big plans. But it has some problems: getting people to pay, dealing with privacy concerns, and going up against companies like Google and Microsoft.
If OpenAI can make it better, make it work well, and prove it's worth the price, Atlas could become the new normal for browsing. But if it has problems, or if people don't want to pay, it might just be something for tech fans and early adopters.
One thing's sure: Atlas shows a new way of thinking about the internet. It's not just a browser. It's a bet on what AI will do, how much we'll pay for convenience, and how users and tech will work together.
Whether it's bad news for Google, or just another AI experiment, Atlas is something to pay attention to, and to question. Because browsing is changing, and there's a lot at stake.
6.Apple Expected to Equip Base iPhone 18 with 12GB RAM, Matching iPhone 17 Pro
**📱 Will the iPhone 18 *Really* Have 12GB of Memory?**
So, you know how Apple does things. They usually roll out the cool stuff on the Pro iPhones first. Then, after a while, those features start trickling down to the regular iPhones. Think about memory as an example. The iPhone 17 Pro and the iPhone Air? They jumped all the way up to 12GB. That was a pretty big leap from the iPhones we were used to. They had the A19 Pro chip inside, which is a beast.
Now, the regular iPhone 17? It was stuck with the A19 chip too, but only had 8GB of memory. It's fine, but feels a little behind the curve compared to the Pro models, right? A little bird told me (a source, really) that this might very well change with the iPhone 18.
**🧠 Ok But Why all the Fuss About Memory in the First Place?**
Think of memory as the thing that lets you run a bunch of stuff at once without your phone choking. The more you have, the smoother things run. It helps apps zoom along, and it is super important for all the AI stuff that's coming. I mean, 8GB used to be plenty, but Apple is really pushing to get more AI running right on the phones, right there on your device.
Apple Intelligence, their new AI suite, it *needs* memory to do its thing without constantly hitting the internet. This is awesome, because it saves time, but it can keep our information to ourselves, and makes the battery last longer.
**🗓️ iPhones On Different Schedules?! What?!**
Ok, here is where you have to sit down, here's where things *might* get interesting. Apple might be thinking about releasing iPhones at different times of the year. They've always launched them all together in September, like clockwork. But the source said it might not be the same with the iPhone 18.
Some rumors say Apple will drop the iPhone Air 2, the iPhone 18 Pro/Pro Max, and even a foldable iPhone sometime in the fall of 2026. But the *regular* iPhone 18 and maybe a cheaper iPhone 18e? Those might come out in the spring of 2027.
This could be how Apple is dealing with supply chain stuff, making the iPhones feel more distinct, and keeping the hype going. Personally, i feel that this gives them more space and time on the phones to implement their new memory capacities.
**💾 LPDDR5X: The Key to More Memory?**
The rumors say that Apple is telling all their suppliers to get going on making more fast LPDDR5X memory chips, and that it is for the iPhone 18. These chips? They're really quick. Plus, they don't suck up as much power. These are likely going to be 12Gb to 16Gb in storage size.
Look, this is just me guessing, but I can bet my own money that apple implements this on the new phones. Especially because the iPhone 18 is using LPDDR5X, then it will possibly have the capacity of the Pro models.
**🔍 Features Trickling Down: It's An Apple Trademark**
It is just how Apple rolls. The most expensive features on their fancy, expensive phones, appears on the cheap ones. Face ID, OLED screens, you name it. Oh! and who could forget the Dynamic Island popup box?
Having more memory seems pretty similar. The iPhone 17 Pro got 12GB of memory. What if Apple is focusing on it more than speed? So, that's why I think the iPhone 18 will drop the memory to all new models of the phone 18.
**🤖 Better AI, Better iPhones**
If you ask me, 12 GB of memory can make even basic tasks on a phone feel snappier. Things like texting people and looking at the internet. The real win comes with these new AI functions. Apple Intelligence is just getting started, but as the AI gets better and better, iPhones with more memory does more without needing to be connected to the internet. So I'm very hyped!
This could be another way for Apple to separate iPhones from each other. They *might* even limit memory capacity to make the camera and other screen functions work smoothly. If that happens, and a lot of the phone's AI is working on memory, then 12GB is not about speed...It is about *what you can do*.
**💡 So What's In It For *You*?**
If you're seeing this, then your iPhone is going to work smoothly. It gives you better multi tasking, and playing the newest games. This is going to make your iPhone last a long time! Meaning they will have the capability to handle the new AI tech.
Again, all this would mean the basic phone should handle new AI, I mean that you don't need to buy the newest, most latest iPhone to have all the new features.
**🔮 So What's Next?**
An iPhone 18 with more memory is nice, but the big-picture is making things. The best part, is that a lot of these memory uses isn't for just speed, but the way your phone functions. If Apple is really going all-in on AI, then memory will be super vital.
Apple's going to pack their stuff with more smarts, and *maybe* release the new iPhones at different times during the year. The goal is to make the phones as quick and smart. Meaning when the phones launch next generation. Then there will be 12GB being used.
7.OpenAI Developing AI-Powered Music Creation Tool, Sources Claim
Everyone's talking about the iPhone 18 and whether or not it'll have more memory. You know how Apple does it – they usually test new stuff on the Pro versions before putting it on the regular ones, so this is what I heard. The iPhone 17 Pro and the Air version had 12GB of memory combined with the A19 Pro chip. You could tell a difference compared to the older models.
The regular iPhone 17 didn't get that same memory. It had the A19 chip but only 8GB. It was okay. Now, the rumor is that *maybe* the iPhone 18 will get more memory, which would be very good.
**Why bother about the memory?**
Phone memory is kind of like the phone's short-term memory. It allows you to have apps all open, keep a bunch of tabs open in the browser without reloading all the time, and play with AI. 8GB works fine, but Apple wants to use AI on iPhones.
If Apple wants to continue to put AI in the phone, then they require memory. The phone might also save battery because when the phone runs smoothly, it will not obtain data from storage.
**What of the launch date?**
Apple tends to show its new iPhones in September, like what they always do. With the iPhone 18 series, things could vary.
I have heard that iPhones may be released at different times during fall 2026. There *could* be an iPhone Air 2, iPhone 18 Pro, Pro Max, and maybe even a foldable iPhone. After that, the standard iPhone 18 and a better iPhone 18e *might* arrive in the following spring of 2027.
Release iPhones at different times may be useful for Apple. Launches don't overlap with other product launches.
**Faster Memory**
Apple is supposedly working with memory chip makers like Samsung and Micron to make faster LPDDR5X memory chips for the iPhone 18. This means speeds, better battery life, and memory options from 12GB to 16GB.
Apple seems to want 12GB of memory in most iPhones. If the regular iPhone 18 uses LPDDR5X chips, it will have 12GB of memory, similar to the Pro models.
**The 'Pro' strategy**
Apple favors putting the best stuff in its Pro iPhones before using them in others. It makes them more attractive. OLED displays, Face ID, and Dynamic Island first appeared on those models.
More memory fits. The iPhone 17 Pro had 12GB first because Apple thought their customers would like it.
**Artificial Intelligence on iPhones**
12GB of memory is an advantage. Apple is starting to have AI processing in phones. As the technology improves, more memory lets the phone do tasks without needing to use servers.
This could switch up phones. Your phone's memory might limit features from working. It will open new things.
**So in summary?**
If all iPhones have 12GB, users can play games and keep their phones working fine. The standard iPhone 18 will be ready for future AI.
That will make folks get the urge to change phones every year, which is probably the goal.
**Bottom line**
The possible memory upgrade in the iPhone 18 tells what Apple cares about now. Good memory can do than make your phone quick. It has the capacity of whatever your phone does. Memory will be important as AI is a part of iPhones.
Apple wants to offer an iPhone when these chips and release happens. These phones may switch up how people use their phones. I can't wait to get the new iPhone!
8.Halo’s New Campaign Evolved Project Rekindles Unreal Engine 5 Performance Concerns
**Halo: Campaign Evolved Remake Stirs Up Debate Before Launch – Is the Engine to Blame?**
So, they announced Halo: Campaign Evolved, right? It's a total redo of the original Halo: Combat Evolved from way back in 2001, using that Unreal Engine 5. The idea was to get everyone hyped – bringing back this awesome game for today's gamers, making it look all shiny and new. But, seriously, just a few days after the trailer dropped, things got a little crazy. People started arguing about it. Fans are split, critics are speaking up, and now everyone's talking about that Engine and if maybe it is not so good.
The game is supposed to come out in 2026, and they are talking about how good it will look and how the cutscenes will look realistic. And here is the kicker. It's coming to PlayStation 5, too. It's never happened before for a Halo game. You can play with your friends even if they have a different console. Seems cool but some fans are worried about how the game looks.
**That Engine: Cool But What About Problems?**
That Engine is popular with big studios because of the way it can make lighting and details look. It has features that allow for super detail. A drawback is that those kind of features can cause problems with how the game runs. Some games made with that engine have stuttering. Now, this remake looks like it may have similar issues.
If you look at the comments on YouTube and X, people said the trailer was too much. One person said all of the special effects just made everything look busy and messy. Someone else said it looked like the developers tried to put every shiny effect into the game.
Some people looked at the original game and the remake to see which looked better. Some people like the lighting or water, but other people think it looks generic.
**Looks Good, But Is It True?**
One thing that people did not like was how the Pelican, the vehicle, moved in scenes from the trailer. The way it turned made no sense. One person said it looked better in the original game.
This shows how worrying about graphics can make a game worse. That Engine can make things look amazing, but it needs to feel right.
**Why Make Halo Again?**
The game director and creative director had a talk where they said why the game was being remade. The older remake had new graphics, but this is being built from scratch. The point is to keep the game mostly the same while updating it.
They are adding extra missions so they can give context to the story and the timeline of other games. This might make fans happy if they are done well.
**The Rise of That Engine**
That Engine is getting more popular. Even though the other engine has more games made with it, That Engine is used in bigger projects These companies said it is because it is simple to use and it works with everything. There are still problems with how it performs.
The CEO of Epic said it is up to the developers to fix problems in their games. Some games have been fine, but some have had problems. Now people want to know if the Halo remake will be good or bad.
**Halo on PlayStation?**
The craziest thing is that the remake is coming to PlayStation. Halo used to be only on Xbox! Now, Microsoft wants to get the game to as many people as possible.
This is a part of Microsoft’s plan to go cross-platform. Since they have cloud gaming and Game Pass, they are changing how they do Xbox games. More people might start playing Halo, but it could also make the brand weaker.
**What is going to happen?**
The game does not have a date yet. But you can see it on different gaming websites. People will be watching to see if the problems from the trailer are fixed.
The remake is a chance and a risk. They can introduce an awesome game to new people, but if it does not respect the original, it will fail.
**In Conclusion**
Remaking a game is hard if a lot of people love it. Microsoft has the tools to make it awesome, but they need to be careful. The controversy is a sign of how much people love the game. That is something to be excited about.
9.NYT Strands Puzzle Hints and Clues for October 27, 2025
Alright puzzlers, let's tackle today's Strands!
* **Date:** October 27, 2025
* **Puzzle #:** 603
* **Difficulty:** The NYT crew says it's medium. So, not super easy, but shouldn't make you pull your hair out either. If you're struggling, no biggie! We'll figure it out together.
* **Spangram:** This is a word or phrase that stretches across the whole board has to do with the puzzle's whole subject.
So, what's the big idea today?
**Today's Theme: In the Cards**
Think about what that means. Could be actual playing cards, fortune-telling with tarot cards, or even fate. Keep all that in mind while you're searching the board – the words will connect back to this idea.
**Cracking the Spangram**
The CARDGAMES is the key spot to start. It's usually long and goes from one edge of the board to the other, really telling you what the subject is. Once you spot it, things get much easier because the board will then show where other theme words are located on the board.. Check horizontally or diagonally.
**Let's Find Some Theme Words!**
To get you going, here are a few theme words, a little clue, and which way they're pointing:
**POKER**
* **Hint:** Bluffing is part of the game.
* **Direction:** Start at the top left, go diagonally down to the right.
**BRIDGE**
* **Hint:** You work together in pairs in this strategic game.
* **Direction:** Start in the middle on the left side, move straight to the right.
**SOLITAIRE**
* **Hint:** A single-player game, often played on the PC.
* **Direction:** Start at the bottom on the right side, go diagonally up to the left.
**Other card words to check :**
* HEARTS – A game about winning(or avoiding to win) tricks.
* SPADES – A standard trick-taking game, often with partners.
* GIN – Abbreviation of Gin Rummy.
* WAR – A really simple game that involves high cards.
* UNO – You know this popular game! played with a custom made deck of cards.
* TAROT – Cards used for what's to come in the future.
**Tips for Solving**
* Start with the spangram. It's really the key. It is the main thing that the puzzle is about, and it helps get you ready to find the other words.
* Card games usually have names with just a few letters and sound sharp.
* Stay on subject: If you're unsure, think: Is this found in a deck, or put on a table to play cards?
* Don't forget the diagonal ways. Words go any direction... Not only up, down, or flat.
* Clues are there to help you. If you are really stuck, try to see the first letter or direction to give you the upper hand.
**What Do You Think?**
What's your card game that isn't listed? Did you had memories of staying up late playing poker or family games of Uno? Drop a comment and tell everyone what you think. We'd love to hear what you have to say.
**Last Words**
The Strands game today is so good, with the nostalgia of playing card games in the past. Since it is in-between hard and easy, it can be solved at a steady pace. If you got the big word across the board and a few other words, you are almost there!
Remember, be happy on the ride of untangling the puzzle. Pace yourself in cracking the puzzles in the game.
That's it for today's Sidekick! Come back tomorrow to untangle some more!
10.Sora App’s Ultra-Realistic AI Videos Spark Concerns Over Online Misinformation
**Sora: When AI Gets a Little *Too* Good at Pretending**
So, this new app from OpenAI called Sora... it's kind of nuts. It's like falling headfirst into the weirdest corners of the internet, except the corners were built by a computer. Imagine this: you're watching a video of Michael Jackson doing stand-up. Seriously! Or how about the Predator from those alien movies, but he's flipping burgers at McDonald's. Get this: The Queen of England doing some diving with a moose crashing face first into a door. It like a fever dream! These videos are made by AI, right look so unbelievably real that people believe it, and that becomes a big problem. It feels like we’ve stepped into some bizarro episode of the Twilight Zone.
This Sora thing blew up fast. It came out on September 30th and shot straight to the top of App Store charts, even faster than ChatGPT did. A million downloads into the ether. Think about it then things get complicated. It like digital make-believe to the extreme.
**Fake It 'Til You Make It: The New Reality**
What’s cool about Sora is how easy it is handle and all the different stuff the program can churn out. All you would need to do is to scan your face, record your greeting and speech, type in what you want and presto! Instant 10 second video with real sounds, very realistic images. With one of the choices, you're able to slap someone's face onto the image you conjure . Yeah, there are watermarks, but there's software out there that get rid of the watermarks. The process is simple to use for all age groups.
It's super easy to make content, and social media is drowning in it with awesome video creations. All the copyright videos involve characters from SpongeBob, South Park, Breaking Bad, and the tv series Friends.
**When the *Dead* Go Viral (and It's Not Funny)**
Can you imagine a video of Tupac chilling in Cuba? Or Hitler arguing with Michael Jackson on politics? What about seeing a video of Martin Luther King Jr. doing his 'I have dream' speech, but is then asking about having Diddy released from prison? These videos were fabricated created on demand and circulated through Sora, which enraged several of his family including the estates and relatives of the famous impersonated faces.
Robin Williams’ daughter, Zelda Williams, thought that creating digital nasty content with the faces of dead people seemed like it went too far in creating the perfect image.
The people that own Mister Rogers' Neighborhood were beyond furious. They saw videos made that incorporated Fred Roger's image holding a gun while greeting Tupac. It went against everything Fred Roger's image was.
**The Law Enforcers Step In**
Management talent and unions that represent the stars in Hollywood, like SAG-AFTRA, are now suggesting that OpenAI is using face and images of these members without consent or a signed agreement. This then becomes a question on who decides or has the choice on who gets paid for likeness and personality.
Because of the social pressure from different avenues, Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI, declared that they would be making changes and improvements in the application. Studios even are now capable of choosing what shows up on Sora. Altman has even hinted that they can share revenue in the future with those that hold image licenses.
Altman predicts that personalized content is soon to come for each person which he names interactive fan fiction. Some people still think the content is harmful since they think creating content using dead people to reenact is a very vile act.
**Protecting Your Image Online**
CMG Worldwide, which takes care of likeness for a lot of people, such as Burt Reynolds and Rosa Parks started working with Loti AI, a deepfake hunting company that tries to take down deepfakes. Loti AI is tasked with fake videos for 20 noteworthy people and has removed 1000s of videos.
Luke Arrigoni, the CEO of Loti AI, has mentioned after the Sora 2 application release they have had many people coming to requesting their services. Everyone wants control of their image on the application.
Because of the debate the surround King's image, OpenAI has stopped generating video requests with the person. People even inquire about not showing their faces on the application.
**What You Can't Do**
Because of the law, Sora has gotten stricter on what video you can create on the application. If you make videos containing copyrighted material you will get a warning notification.
AI slop is something that is getting many views online. Sort of like the video that displayed the gramma running after the crocodile. It's created for people with the lowest thinking process.
Money is the driving force behind factory-generated videos. Which gets harder to distinguish what is what we see online is actually real, fake or just a joke.
**Trusting Video**
According to WITNESS, the manager of the right group Sam Gregory, the worry of Sora isn't just about the videos that are fake, it about about the videos that we see online, period.
Videos will look fake and not real. That gives the opportunity for criminals and politicians to claim that the real videos that are seen are Al.
Gregory is very terrified of hoax protests, fake videos, and people who create these videos that speak about others with wrong info. It's the old wild west type of times where you can't trust anyone or anything.
**Future of Al Videos**
AI can create the good and bad aspects with the application. It can lead us with questioning of reality and can change things.
OpenAl has the power to improve the application. Everyone in the industry should start asking questions. Living right now isn't very strange but it makes you wonder when can you actually trust technology forever.
11.Researchers Discover Mushrooms Could Power Next-Gen Computer Memory
**Mushrooms as Microchips: Seriously?**
Okay, check this out: mushrooms, like the ones you put on pizza, might be the next big thing in computers. I know, right? Some real clever folks at The Ohio State University are messing around with mushrooms – like shiitakes and those regular white ones – and they've stumbled onto something cool. These mushrooms can be taught to act like memory chips, just like the ones in our phones. It's like giving a mushroom a brain! This could allow for computers that are easier on the Earth and made from stuff that breaks down. Can you picture it? A computer that turns back into dirt eventually?
**Memristors: A Computer Part That Remembers**
Quick science lesson. What even is a memristor? It's a special computer thingy that remembers what it did. Normal computer chips are either on or off, like a light. But a memristor remembers how much power went through it! Pretty neat, huh? This mirrors how our brains do things, where memory and learning are linked. This will help computers think and learn more like us, which is excellent for making smarter AI and things like robots.
Before this mushroom idea, memristors were made from stuff like metal. That stuff can be expensive and hard to get, and it uses lots of power, especially in those huge data centers that keep the internet running. Mushrooms might jump in and change everything. They're cheap, available, and, well, they're mushrooms!
**Mushroom time Power: Gadgets Run by Fungi**
So, the Ohio State crew, led by John LaRocco and Qudsia Tahmina, wondered: can we make computer parts out of mushrooms? Interesting, right? Mushrooms are strong, will fit in different spots, and seem to have electrical tricks. The stringy growth of mushrooms, mycelium, is able to send messages and react to stuff. It's basically the internet hiding in the soil.
To check, they grew shiitake and button mushrooms. Then, they dried them to make them last – like mushroom jerky for science. They hooked them up to circuits and sent electricity to see what the mushrooms did.
LaRocco said, “We hooked up wires to different parts of the mushrooms because each part acts differently when you run electricity through it. results would switch up based on where we placed the wires and how much electricity we used.” It was like finding the right combo to get the mushroom to remember stuff.
**Can They Really Do It? (Sort Of!)**
After playing around for a little bit, here's what they learned: their mushroom memristors could switch between electrical states really fast – up to 5,850 times a second! And they were right about 90% of the time. That's pretty close to the computer chips we have now. The signal was a little slow at times, but they noticed that more mushrooms could take care of it. Think of it as teamwork.
This is really important because, LaRocco said, “If we can make computer chips that work like real brains, we won’t need so much power when the computer is sitting around. That's a win for saving money and power, especially for phones and laptops that are often just waiting.”
**Good for Earth: Why We Need Mushroom Computers**
Computers made of mushrooms aren't just a crazy science thing; they can fix problems with normal computers and the earth. Computer parts use up hard-to-find resources, make trash, and need lots of power. Mushrooms? They're so simple to grow and easy to break apart to make more.
LaRocco mentioned, “People have studied mycelium to work for computers; we are experimenting to see what kind of computer system can be made using mushrooms.”
Tahmina said there were many reasons to make them good for the earth. “People should care about the world for the kids that come in the future, she drove home. “More stories like this one will happen, which means positive changes for the earth.
**What Can Mushroom Computers Do?**
Mushroom computers are so flexible that they can be used almost anywhere. Huge mushroom computers can process information in places with no other kinds of computers, such as in remote communities. Additionally, mushrooms are both delicate and useful in the context of space travel and research. Smaller ones can help vehicles without drivers, wearable technology, and all tools.
Even if this new kind of computer is in its very early days, a lot of options are still accessible. Those in the science research industry may focus on breeding the best kind of mushroom, optimizing the electrical capability to have as little space as possible on current traditional computers.
LaRocco went on say how convenient it is to only need compost and simple electronics to get something like a mushroom engineering system up and running. Or, if you're feeling dedicated, a person can grow so many mushrooms that computer tech creators can pull from at any opportunity.
**Brand-New Computer Theory**
If we change our outlook to consider mushrooms as the replacement for microchips, bioelectronics is the next area to be explored; an area of potential similar to what may be scene from a movie, only reality. Paired with science to craft complex, earth-friendly devices, this is the potential of the future of electronics. The connection to human brains and the sensor dissolvability is what sets bioelectronics apart from other tech.
Mushroom memristors act as a clear example of a path different from the one being walked already. A new thought is being asked from those in charge; how can the technological creations mankind creates, never harm the one place available to live on?
Tahmina stated, the usage of nature such as is seen in the application of these mushrooms will elevate the capability of human tech.
**The Rundown**
The results of the experiment carried out by the establishment of Ohio is exemplary of how incredible ideas can come from any place. With many perks in earth safety and in how closely they reflect the actual brain, microchips are showing new light on different solutions. There are many issues occurring that need to be solved before mass consumption may occur. However, something should be excited over and watched, regarding mushroom computers.
If the fears and worry about the earth will never not exist, it is safe to say that microchips such as these will soon come to existence for future generations. The new horizon is about to peek over the hill.
12.The PlayStation 2’s Massive Game Collection Still Stands Unmatched
**PlayStation 2 at 25: A Look Back at a Wild Ride**
Okay, so the PlayStation 2 is hitting the big 2-5 on October 26, 2025. That’s not just a reason to feel old; it’s a chance to think about what the PS2 actually meant. Gaming now is huge, easy to get into, and powered by tech nobody back then could have thought about. But even with all that, the PS2 still feels like a big deal. It was more than just a box you plugged into your TV. It was a moment in time, a spot where games explored any and all creative ideas they could. In a lot of ways, nothing's quite been the same.
**A Playground of Games**
People always talk about how many different kinds of games were on the PS2. Sure, places like Steam and Itch.io now have tons of games, from weird little experiments to massive adventures. But the PS2 pulled off the same thing all inside one machine. You could have *Grand Theft Auto III* changing what open-world games could do, and then *Katamari Damacy* rolling in with its crazy, funny vibe and still find tons of fans.
Compared to other consoles at the time, the PS2 was just different. The Nintendo GameCube had its classics, but a lot of them were made by Nintendo. The first Xbox had power, sure, but it was mostly about *Halo* and Xbox Live. The PS2, though, could change to fit whatever. *Kingdom Hearts*, *Persona 3*, *Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater*, *Rule of Rose*: it had it all. It wasn’t just a console; it was a place to play.
**Games That Made You Think**
The PS2 era was cool because people were willing to try new stuff—not just with how games played, but with the stories, the mood, everything. *Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty* messed with players' heads, questioned who was in control and the story itself. It pulled stunts like this way before *BioShock* or *Spec Ops: The Line* did the same. *Ico* and *Shadow of the Colossus* told stories with hardly any words, created atmospheres that still influence great games today, like *The Last of Us* and that *God of War* from 2018.
Even scary games got interesting. *Silent Hill 2* and *Fatal Frame III: The Tormented* took scary stories to a new level, playing mind games with the player. *Drakengard* was just dark and messed up, and people still talk about it. These weren’t just games; they were trying to say something, and the PS2 let them do it.
**Bringing the World Together**
The PS2 was also important because it helped bring gaming to the world. Western players got to play Japanese games they might not have ever seen otherwise. *Persona 3* and *4* built a fan base for the series outside of Japan, which made people excited for games to come. *Kingdom Hearts* mixed Disney and Final Fantasy in a way that sounded crazy, but it just worked.
The PS2 allowed gamers to open up their gaming world. Finding some weird game from another country or borrowing a game from a friend could show you whole new kinds of games and ideas. It’s harder to find that feeling of stumbling onto something amazing that you didn't expect now - compared to places where you can just find a game online.
**Easy to Get, Easy to Afford**
One of the best things about the PS2 was how easy it was for anyone to get one. As time went on, the price kept dropping, so basically everyone had one. It’s still the best-selling console ever, with over 155 million sold. Even near the end of its life, it sold millions – over a million in the last part of 2012, right before they stopped making it.
The PS2 is in places like Brazil where people still play on modded consoles and play copied games. That shows how tough it was and how much of an impact it had. It was a console for everybody, not just rich people or super fans.
**Before the Internet Took Over**
The PS2 also came out before every game had to be online. Sure, some games like *Final Fantasy XI* and *Phantasy Star Online* showed where things were going, but most PS2 games were complete on their own. You didn’t need updates all the time, microtransactions, and some requirement where you need to log in every day. The PS2 let you play in your own time, spending your money how you want.
Without all the constant online stuff, developers could just make great, finished games. Games didn’t have to try to be something they weren't in order to keep the player engaged. They could be weird, end when they needed to end, and be something you wouldn't forget. That freedom made people more ready to try new things, and it’s something a lot of players miss.
**Thinking Back**
When we celebrate the PS2, we think about our own memories. Maybe it was borrowing games all the time, finding games at small stores, or playing with friends until late at night. Finding a new game felt like uncovering something cool that no one knew about, not just clicking on something in a store online.
Today, we can play PS2 games on our computers, read translations fans have made, and play old favorites easily. But going back to the PS2 isn't the same. The magic of the PS2 wasn’t just the games. It was the feeling that anything could happen, that games were still new territory, and you were there to see it.
**A Reason to Celebrate**
The PS2 wasn’t the last time video games were good. But it might be the last time that the games everybody was playing were also trying crazy new things. It was a console that said yes to weird, ambitious, and emotional ideas. It gave us a glimpse of what gaming could be — and, in some ways, what it could have been better at.
So, as we remember the 25 years since it came out, the PS2 reminds us what gaming can be when it’s available to anyone, when it has lots of different kinds of games, and when it’s not afraid to take chances. It’s something great we should celebrate and maybe try to bring back.
Happy 25th, PlayStation 2. You were more than a console. You helped define what games are today.
13.Tech Repair Guru Brands the NVIDIA RTX 5090 Founders Edition “One of the Worst GPU Designs Ever”
NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5090 Founders Edition is getting roasted online, but not for the speed. People are saying it's got some messed-up design problems that make it a nightmare to repair.
There's this guy, Northridge Fix, who's famous for repairing video cards, right? He got his hands on a busted RTX 5090 FE and straight-up couldn't fix it. Now everyone's scared to touch these things! Apparently, the GPU is so fragile that barely opening it could ruin it, forget about trying any crazy mods.
Northridge Fix really knows his stuff. He tried to get the RTX 5090 FE working again after some guy tried to slap a water cooler on it and failed miserably. But he's saying the thing has the worst design ever. And this guy has a mountain of video cards he's fixed over the years as proof!
So, what's the big deal with this card?
It seems the guys at NVIDIA tried a totally different internal arrangement. The actual graphics processor is squeezed in the middle between the heat sink, and everything is packed in super tight. To connect the processor to the computer, the engineers did some weird things with the connections. Good for keeping it cool and saving space, but it's a pain when you have to open it or switch out components.
Here is the bad part: the connector doesn't plug directly into the main board. There's this small connector with tiny pins!
And if you make a mistake, you're done.
The person who sent in the broken card did so when installing a water-cooling block. When he tried to put things back together, he bent one of those tiny pins! And that was it; the card was gone.
You can't even find a spare connector to replace broken ones! If that small component breaks, the whole card becomes as worth as its weight in metal, even if everything else is fine. You're left with an expensive paperweight.
So, want to tweak around with your card?
Stay far away from the RTX 5090 Founders Edition. Try opening it, and there's a good chance you'll kill it for good.
People used to switch out fans and throw water coolers on their PC, but with this card, it's risky.
So, why does it matter anyway?
The RTX 5090 FE is NVIDIA's best of the best. It's designed for gaming, design work, and even that AI stuff everyone's talking about. You drop a ton of cash on it, so you'd assume you can fix it or switch things out, right?
A large percentage of people who buy these want water cooling to get better performance, and they sometimes need repairs when something is wrong with it. If the design makes those things almost impossible, it could hurt the value.
What does this mean for the future?
This shows something broader: tech companies care more about looks and saving space than making stuff easy to fix and use.
Some older cards had burning 16-pin power cables, and now this one has this repair issue, so it doesn't look like they consider people who like to repair or those who like to change.
Sounds like the people are getting worried.
Online, some gamers are saying that opening one of these cards is a crazy move, and many may not buy them! Some just want NVIDIA to fix the design.
Getting replacement components is a must. It's humorous because mending some phones is easier than fixing these cards!
So, what happens next?
If you're gonna buy this card, be very careful when opening the RTX 5090 Founders Edition. If you like to mess around with cards a lot, you might want to wait for the cards from other companies like MSI, ASUS, or Gigabyte, which are easier to deal with.
NVIDIA needs to let people buy replacement connectors or totally change the design. They should also be honest about how easy it is to modify their cards to gain respect with those who buy their products.
End of Story?
The RTX 5090 Founders Edition may look neat, but its design issues are a big thing for many people. We should keep this industry from making these mistakes. Things such as video cards should be modifiable and easy to get into.
The RTX 5090 FE reminds us that great can turn bad when they don't think about the user first. Gamers, designers, and users who work with tech should be suspicious when buying or owning this card.
14.Maps Ads Bolster Apple's Services Revenue: New Paid Placements Expected in 2026
Apple Maps might be getting ads in 2026. I read about it in Mark Gurman's newsletter. It seems like Apple wants to make some more money from their services because it will change how you see one of Apple's go-to apps.
Apple Maps was always that clean, simple app without all the ads you see on Google Maps. But it looks like that's about to change. Businesses might be able to pay to show up higher in the search results. Want a burger? Those who pay will be at the top of the list. Gurman says this is similar to how it works on the App Store, where developers can bid to get their apps noticed.
**So, Why All the Ads from Apple?**
It looks like Apple is really pushing advertising. They've added ads to Apple News, the App Store, and Stocks. Now, they are trying to add the same to Apple Maps.
They want the ads to blend in and not be annoying. Bloomberg mentioned that Apple might use some kind of system to make sure the ads are actually useful and related to what you're searching for. They want Apple Maps to be even easier than Google Maps.
Apple has in the past played with ads based on where you are, even advertising their own stuff like Apple Music and Apple TV+ with alerts. Apple Maps could be different based on these implementations.
**Will People Get Annoyed?**
Even if Apple wants to make more money, there's a chance people won't be happy. Gurman says many users might find it annoying because it feels like iPhones constantly push Apple's services.
Lots of people are getting suggestions for AppleCare+ or Fitness+, and it's starting to get to them a little. After all, Apple devices aren't cheap. Therefore, the idea of seeing ads on your expensive iPhone isn't very appealing.
Apple needs to step carefully here because it isn't always about making a profit. If the ads in Apple Maps are annoying or just don't make sense, people could stop trusting the app. Apple is known for prioritizing privacy and the user, so anything that goes against that could backfire.
**How Can AI help?**
Apple is starting to use systems to make sure the ads are useful without being annoying. This way the suggestions aren't annoying.
If you search for coffee, Apple Maps might show you a coffee place that paid to be listed at the top, but only if it seems like you would actually like it, based on where you are and what you've searched for before. If it's done right, the ad might feel like they are genuinely helpful to you.
They need to be genuinely helpful and provide something interesting for the users. The goal for Apple is to keep the user experience smooth while still making money.
**What Will iOS 26 Look Like?**
No one can predict the future, but Gurman thinks we might see ads in Apple Maps around the spring of 2026, possibly when they release iOS 26.4 or iOS 26.5. This would give Apple time to work out the bugs, test the stuff, and get everyone ready for the change.
It'll probably start slowly, maybe with ads in certain areas or for certain types of businesses before they go all in. Apple might also give you the option to change your ad settings, maybe to turn off certain ads or opt out of personalized ads.
**So, It's About Ads vs. Good App Experience**
Apple wants to hit that sweet spot to keep the user experience smooth. While they look for ways to make money besides phones and subscriptions, advertising sounds great, but it does conflict with what the company wants to be: user-focused.
How Apple adds the ads makes a big difference. If they can make ads feel helpful and not annoying, it could improve how ads work on phones. On the other hand, if the system sucks, it could drive users away.
15.Quantum Leap for the Internet: Teleportation Achieved on Existing Fiber-Optic Cables
Quantum teleportation? Sounds crazy, but it's getting real! Brainy people are figuring out how to send quantum info, and get this, they're doing it on the same internet cables we already use to stream videos.
The group at Northwestern University, saw how to fling the state of a light particle across 30 kilometers of fiber optic cable. Can you believe it? The best part? Regular internet data was surfing the same cables at the exact same time. So cat videos and quantum secrets are flowing on the same line!
Why should you care? It could mean we can upgrade our internet for quantum computing instead of building a completely new one. Imagine super-safe forms of communication!
Before you teleport yourself for snacks, remember that quantum teleportation isn't moving stuff physically. It's moving all of the info about one particle to another super far away. Unfortunately, no pizza trips just yet.
It all hangs on quantum entanglement. These two specially related particles can make changes to each other instantly no matter how far apart they are. Einstein called it spooky action at a distance.
They entangle two particles to start. Then, they measure the state of the first particle and send the info to its entangled partner using normal data streams. Once they apply the changes, BAM! The partner becomes a clone of the first. Quantum teleportation happened.
The internet's not ideal cause fiber optic cables move tons of data all the time. That could hurt the quantum properties of light quickly.
Kumar's team found a way to get light through without the other signals messing with it. Think of carrying an egg through a crowd without scrambling it!
What did they do? They carefully watched how light moves in the cable and saw routes without much mess up. The team sent particles through these calmer routes, adjusting the timing, to get the particles to their destination unharmed.
They didn't just use computer models. They used entangled photons, detectors, and even some communication methods to make it happen. It says quantum data and old data can share the same cable without problems. It's a start to building a quantum internet that also runs with what is used daily.
This could be used for online security, for sure. Quantum states get touched by the outside world. If someone spies on the data, the quantum state changes and warns the receiver automatically.
It can let quantum computers share resources and solve big problems. That would turn medicine, materials, and AI around. Also, sensors are available to get installed in medicine, too.
Kumar said that it means we do not need to throw away the existing networks yet, and can still increase the things within.
Key people are pushing money into quantum internet research. Creating a network has been a catch. Kumar's team says the catch may not be as big now.
Kumar thinks we can lock up communications in the near future when things work by picking just the light waves for messages that live together on the lines.
These systems can kick off on existing networks faster and cheaper. It means the quantum dream may happen soon.
The crew is getting engineers thinking about constructing quantum communication. Data flows fast even through data heavy cables. This pushes others to create many kinds of hybrid quantum systems, too.
Each attempt gets us closer to talking better and making clearer messages.
These aren't new technologies though, it's seeing the current cables in use and putting them to good use again, where everyone wins.
These improvements are headed in the right direction. Soon we can all enjoy better security, and see computers think in newer ways.
Prem considers this a new reality, so we're now on the way to the Quantum Revolution
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