Category: feature

Don’t miss out on what’s happening in the world of tech! We have you covered with this week’s top technology headlines. Read on for what’s new from Netflix to Nvidia and more!

Netflix Tests New TV App Homepage Design

Netflix is testing a significant redesign of its TV app homepage, replacing static tiles with dynamic boxes that expand when highlighted. The new interface features short previews and detailed information, making it easier to decide what to watch. The updated design includes a streamlined top menu for quicker navigation, consolidating options like “search,” “home,” and “My Netflix.” This redesign aims to enhance user experience, potentially rolling out to more subscribers soon if initial tests are successful.

Apple Commits to Minimum Five Years of iPhone Security Updates

Apple has pledged to provide at least five years of security updates for iPhones, aligning with the UK’s new PSTI Act, which mandates defined support periods for internet-connected products. While this sets a minimum, Apple often extends updates beyond this period, as seen with the nearly 10-year-old iPhone 5S. Starting with the iPhone 15, released on September 22, 2023, users can expect security updates until at least 2028. This commitment contrasts with Google and Samsung, which guarantee seven years of updates for their newer devices.

HP Considering Acquisition of Humane’s AI Pin Business

Following widespread criticism of its $699 AI Pin, Humane is reportedly seeking a buyer, with HP emerging as a potential contender. According to The New York Times, discussions with HP about a sale valued at over $1 billion began shortly after negative reviews surfaced. This aligns with Bloomberg’s report suggesting Humane is looking for a price between $750 million and $1 billion. Led by former Apple employees, Humane has faced challenges including product overheating and fire safety risks, as well as internal dissent. Despite aiming to sell 100,000 units, the company had only received about 10,000 orders by early April.

Samsung’s High-End MicroLED TVs: Massive Sizes and Prices

Samsung’s quest to sell massive and expensive MicroLED TVs began in 2018 with its modular “The Wall” design. Now, the lineup includes 89-inch ($109,999), 101-inch ($129,999), and 114-inch ($149,999) models. These self-emitting TVs offer deep blacks and high contrast similar to OLED, but without burn-in risks. Samsung’s MicroLEDs are bezel-less and versatile, suitable for various setups. Despite their high price, current models, including a 76-inch version from last year, are listed as “out of stock” on Samsung’s online store.

Nvidia Becomes World’s Second Most Valuable Company

Nvidia has become the world’s second most valuable company, reaching a market capitalization of $3.01 trillion, just surpassing Apple’s $3 trillion. Dominating the AI market with its H100 chip, Nvidia’s value soared past $2 trillion in early 2024 and reported $14 billion in profit recently. Now trailing only Microsoft, Nvidia’s stock is over $1,220 per share, with a planned stock split on June 7th. Nvidia controls up to 95% of the AI chip market and plans to release a new AI chip annually, starting with the Blackwell B200 GPU later this year.

Boeing Starliner’s Successful Crewed Launch to ISS

Boeing’s Starliner successfully launched its first crewed mission, lifting off atop the Atlas V rocket from Cape Canaveral, Florida, and reaching a safe, stable orbit. NASA astronauts Butch Wilmore and Sunita Williams are en route to the International Space Station (ISS), where they will test the Starliner’s capabilities over the next week before returning to Earth. This marks a significant milestone for Boeing, which has faced setbacks since the start of NASA’s Commercial Crew Program in 2014, including a failed uncrewed launch in 2019 and two previous scrapped crewed launch attempts earlier this year.

Southern California is known for its bustling city life and rich natural landscapes, and diverse animal wildlife. If you’re seeking a break from the urban hustle, explore nature reserves nearby. In this blog, we’ll guide you through places to see the incredible wildlife that calls this region home.

The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens – Palm Desert, CA:

Venture east of Los Angeles to the tranquil oasis of Palm Desert, where you’ll find The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens. This unique facility showcases the desert’s remarkable biodiversity. Stroll through beautifully landscaped gardens and encounter desert-dwelling animals such as bighorn sheep, cheetahs, and meerkats. Learn about desert conservation efforts and the importance of preserving fragile ecosystems.

California Wolf Center – Julian, CA:

Situated in the scenic mountain town of Julian, the California Wolf Center provides a rare opportunity to observe and learn about these captivating creatures up close. Dedicated to wolf conservation and education, this sanctuary allows visitors to see various wolf species, including the endangered Mexican gray wolf. Take part in educational programs and guided tours to gain insights into these elusive and misunderstood animals.

Santa Ana Zoo at Prentice Park – Santa Ana, CA:

For a family-friendly adventure, head to the Santa Ana Zoo at Prentice Park. This compact yet captivating zoo is home to a variety of animal species, including monkeys, anteaters, and giant river otters. Enjoy interactive exhibits, animal feedings, and the Zoo Express Train. Kids can also explore the Crean Family Farm, where they can get hands-on with farm animals and learn about sustainable agriculture.

Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve – Huntington Beach, CA:

Step into the serene coastal beauty of the Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve, a haven for birdwatching and nature enthusiasts. Spanning over 1,300 acres, this wetland ecosystem provides a vital habitat for various bird species, including endangered and migratory birds. Explore the reserve’s trails and bird observation areas, and spot great blue herons, snowy egrets, and many other feathered inhabitants.

The Gentle Barn – Santa Clarita, CA:

Experience the heartwarming mission of The Gentle Barn, a sanctuary dedicated to rescuing and rehabilitating abused and neglected animals. Located in Santa Clarita, this haven provides a safe home for farm animals, such as cows, pigs, and chickens. Visitors can join guided tours, hear inspiring rescue stories, and even have the opportunity to interact with some of the animals. The Gentle Barn aims to foster compassion and promote animal welfare through educational programs and hands-on experiences.

Escape the bustling city life and embark on a wildlife adventure near Los Angeles! Explore animal sanctuaries, nature reserves, and wildlife centers. From the desert landscapes of Palm Desert to the serene coastal habitats of Huntington Beach, these destinations offer remarkable opportunities to observe, learn, and contribute to conservation efforts. Discover the diverse and awe-inspiring wildlife that thrives in Southern California, gaining a deeper appreciation for our natural world and the importance of protecting these precious creatures for future generations.

As the days become longer and warmer, June brings the perfect opportunity to spruce up your home and prep for the summer months. A thorough June cleaning can help you enjoy a clean, organized, and comfortable space during the sunny season. Let’s explore the essential tasks for your June cleaning checklist.

Indoor Cleaning

Air Conditioning Units: With rising temperatures, your AC units will work overtime. Clean or replace the filters and schedule a maintenance check-up to ensure they function optimally.

Ceiling Fans: Dust your ceiling fans and check their direction – during summer, they should rotate counterclockwise to push cool air down.

Window Treatments: Wash or vacuum your curtains, drapes, and blinds. Consider changing heavy window treatments for lighter ones that let in more light.

Refrigerator: Empty, defrost, and clean the fridge. Don’t forget to vacuum the coils at the back.

Pantry: Check the expiration dates on your food items and discard anything that’s expired. Wipe down the shelves and reorganize your pantry.

Washing Machine and Dryer: Clean out the washing machine drum and dispenser trays. Remove lint from the dryer vent and ducts.

Closets: It’s time for a seasonal switch! Move your winter clothes to storage and bring out your summer wardrobe. Donate clothes you no longer wear or need.

Carpets and Rugs: Deep clean your carpets and rugs. Consider hiring professional cleaners for a thorough job.

Outdoor Cleaning

Gutters: Clear any debris from your gutters to prevent blockages during the summer storms.

Patio Furniture: Wash your outdoor furniture and refresh any faded or chipped paint.

Grill: If you plan on hosting BBQ parties, thoroughly clean your grill.

Windows: Clean your windows inside and out for a clearer view of the sunny outdoors.

Garage: Declutter and organize your garage. Dispose of any hazardous materials properly.

Garden Tools: Clean, sharpen, and oil your garden tools. They’ll be in heavy use during the summer months.

Deck and Driveway: Sweep and power wash your deck and driveway.

Sprinkler System: Check your sprinkler system and fix any leaks or blockages.

The key to tackling this checklist is to break it down into manageable tasks, focusing on one area at a time. You don’t need to do it all in a day. Take a weekend, or spread it out over several weekends. Once you’re done, you can sit back, relax, and enjoy a clean and organized home this summer. Happy cleaning!

Another week, another round-up of the top tech headlines! Check out what’s happening across the World Wide Web to stay connected. Read this week’s blog for the news you want to know from Prime Air Drones to NASA and more!

Google Unveils New Android Features and Updates

Google is rolling out seven new updates to enhance Android devices. Key features include the ability to edit Google Messages up to 15 minutes after sending, available for Android 8 and later. Improvements to instant hotspot connectivity will allow seamless connections for tablets and Chromebooks and easy switching during Google Meet calls, starting June 10th on Android 11 or later. The Google Home Favorites widget, now in public preview, offers quick smart home control, and Wear OS 3 smartwatches now support this feature. Additional updates include new Gboard Emoji Kitchen stickers, expanded PayPal support in Google Wallet for the US and Germany, and extended digital car key support for select Mini, Mercedes-Benz, and Polestar models.

Anthropic Introduces Customizable AI Assistant Tool

Anthropic is launching a new feature for its AI chatbot Claude, called “tool use” or “function calling,” enabling users to create personalized AI assistants such as email helpers or shopping bots by connecting to any external API. This tool can analyze data for product recommendations or provide quick customer service responses and can also work with images for applications like virtual interior design consultants. Available through Anthropic’s Messages API, Amazon Bedrock, and Google Vertex AI, pricing is based on text volume, measured in “tokens.” Since beta testing began in April, users like Study Fetch have developed innovative solutions like the Spark.E AI tutor. This tool allows the creation of versatile AI assistants, independent of Google and OpenAI.

Amazon Receives FAA Approval for Extended Prime Air Drone Flights

Amazon has gained FAA approval to operate its Prime Air drones beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS), a significant milestone for its goal of delivering products within 30 minutes. With this regulatory clearance, Amazon Prime is set to scale operations immediately in College Station, Texas, expanding drone deliveries to more densely populated areas using its current MK27 drone, which carries packages up to five pounds and features advanced detect-and-avoid capabilities. Amazon Prime is also developing a faster, lighter MK30 drone capable of flying in the rain. This approval follows the closure of its testing site in Lockeford, California, and the upcoming launch of a new Prime Air location in Tolleson, Arizona. Amazon joins other BVLOS-approved operators like UPS, Wing, FedEx, and Zipline.

ESA Prepares Hera Mission to Investigate Asteroid Collision

The European Space Agency (ESA) is conducting final tests for its Hera mission, set to launch in October, aimed at investigating the asteroid that NASA’s DART mission impacted in 2022. Hera’s goal is to gather detailed data on the collision to improve asteroid deflection techniques for planetary defense. The spacecraft and its Guidance Navigation and Control (GNC) system are undergoing preflight testing, validated through virtual tests in Spain and Germany. Hera will navigate the Dimorphos and Didymos binary asteroid system, using its Asteroid Framing Camera for both science and navigation. Launching this October, Hera will journey for two years, making a Mars flyby before arriving at the asteroid system in October 2026.

Instagram Expands Safety Controls to Combat Harassment

Instagram is enhancing its “limits” feature, allowing users to hide direct messages and comments from all but their close friends. Originally designed to help creators manage harassment, this tool is now available to anyone facing unwanted messages. By enabling this feature, users will only see interactions from their close friends, while other accounts won’t know their content is hidden. The feature can be set for up to four weeks and renewed as needed. To enable limits, go to your profile, tap the menu in the top-right corner, and select “Limited interactions.” From there, you can choose to limit interactions from recent followers, non-followers, or everyone except close friends.

Verizon Partners with AST SpaceMobile to Enhance Coverage

Verizon has signed a $100 million deal with satellite broadband provider AST SpaceMobile to address coverage gaps for customers traveling beyond terrestrial cell towers’ reach. Using the 850 MHz band, AST will connect its satellite network to mobile phones. This summer, AST SpaceMobile is launching five satellites into low orbit and recently secured a long-term deal with AT&T, adding to its investments from Google and Vodafone. Unlike Apple’s Emergency SOS via satellite for iPhones, AST’s technology supports voice and video calls, providing comprehensive coverage. AST SpaceMobile’s founder and CEO, Abel Avellan, stated the partnership aims to achieve 100% coverage of the continental United States, following their successful 5G connection demonstration with an unmodified smartphone from a wireless dead zone in Hawaii.