Apple’s MacBook Air M4 is back on sale for $799

The Apple MacBook Air M4 laptop is back on sale for just $799, which is one heck of a deal. This sale is for the model with 16GB of RAM and 256GB of internal storage. It’s available in multiple colorways, but the silver one inexplicably costs $899.

We ranked this as our favorite Apple laptop in our list of the best MacBook computers. Heck, it’s even our very favorite laptop. Full stop. The performance is exceptionally snappy, thanks to the M4 chip. We appreciated the upgraded battery life, which now lasts for around 18 hours per charge. That’s well beyond a full day of work.

The design is lightweight, but sturdy. This has become a hallmark for modern MacBook Air computers. The screen is both gorgeous and roomy, even though it’s technically just a 13-inch panel. There’s support for the P3 wide color gamut and it can reach up to 500 nits of brightness.

This is a near-perfect laptop, but there are a couple of nitpicks. There’s no USB-C port on the right side, limiting how users can arrange accessories on a desk. Also, the screen is capped with a 60Hz refresh rate. Another potential complication is the looming specter of the M5 chip. The company has already released the MacBook Pro M5, so a new MacBook Air is likely coming in the nearish future.

Check out our coverage of the best Apple deals for more discounts, and follow @EngadgetDeals on X for the latest tech deals and buying advice.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/apples-macbook-air-m4-is-back-on-sale-for-799-183808431.html?src=rss

Apple Maps Might Be Getting Ads Next Year

There was once a time where first-party apps and experiences on Apple devices were exempt from advertisements. Other app marketplaces might happily show you ads, but not the App Store. Most news sites place ads in between every other paragraph, but Apple News was an ad-free experience. Say what you wanted about Apple and its products, but you certainly dealt with far fewer ads than on other platforms. Unfortunately, that’s no longer the case.

Apple has slowly made ads a part of its business model in order to boost revenue. You might have noticed them already while scrolling through stories in News, or when looking for a new game on the App Store. Even the Wallet app has blasted users with notifications when Apple TV has a new movie out. It’s an odd dichotomy: At a time when Apple’s MacBooks have never been an better overall value, the company’s software is beginning to feel less user-first than ever.

Those ads are only expanding, too. According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, Apple might be bringing more ads to its platforms “as early as next year.” If so, it seems the company will start with Apple Maps. Gurman says Apple will let restaurants and businesses pay a premium to float their results to the top of search. If you’ve searched for an app in Apple’s App Store lately, you should be familiar with this experience: When I open the search tab, for example, I see Instagram at the top of the page, with an “Ad” label beneath it, on top of two other non-advertised apps. Then, when I search for an app like Reddit, it appears second, beneath an ad placement for DuckDuckGo.

Gurman says Apple’s plan here is to make the experience better than other navigation apps that offer similar ads (I immediately think of Waze, which will show ads for restaurants and businesses whenever you stop the car) and will use AI to deliver more relevant ads to the user—though Apple’s AI tech leaves something to be desired.

I’m not sure this move will do much to push Apple Maps users towards other options. If the ads experience in Apple Maps really is on a similar level to the App Store, I imagine most users won’t pay much attention to it. They’ll either ignore any results that appear with that “Ad” label, or they’ll tap on the results that seem more relevant to their search. Plus, the most obvious alternatives have ads as well, so it’s not like someone sick of seeing ads in Apple Maps would necessarily find Google Maps or Waze more appealing.

Still, the principle of Apple adding more ads onto an inherently expensive experience leaves a bit of a sour taste in my mouth. I personally prefer other navigation apps to Apple Maps, but Apple’s app has seemed like a solid choice in recent years, especially in terms of privacy. Adding ads to the mix changes that, and not only cheapens the experience, but makes me question what Apple plans on doing with my navigation and location data here. I would hope the company that makes one of the only somewhat private streaming boxes on the market would find a way to keep Maps private while serving ads, but only time will tell.

First Shape Found That Can’t Pass Through Itself

Mathematicians have identified the first shape that cannot pass through itself. Jakob Steininger and Sergey Yurkevich described the Noperthedron in a paper posted online in August. The shape has 90 vertices and 152 faces. The discovery resolves a question that began in the late 1600s when Prince Rupert of the Rhine won a bet by proving one cube could slide through a tunnel bored through another. Mathematician John Wallis confirmed this mathematically in 1693.

The property became known as the Rupert property. In 1968, Christoph Scriba proved the tetrahedron and octahedron also possess this quality. Over the past decade, researchers found Rupert tunnels through many symmetric polyhedra, including the dodecahedron and icosahedron. Mathematicians had conjectured every convex polyhedron would have the Rupert property. Steininger and Yurkevich divided the space of possible orientations into approximately 18 million blocks and tested each. None produced a passage. The Noperthedron consists of 150 triangles and two regular 15-sided polygons.


Read more of this story at Slashdot.

Here’s What to Expect From Walmart’s Black Friday and Cyber Monday Sales

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Walmart joins Best Buy in announcing its Black Friday and Cyber Monday sale early. This year, Walmart seems to take a page out of Best Buy’s strategy and split the sale into smaller ones. Here’s everything we know so far about Walmart’s Black Friday and Cyber Monday sale for 2025.

What is Walmart doing for Black Friday and Cyber Monday?

Walmart will hold three sales, all called “Walmart Deals Events,” from November to December, according to their press release. The sales will be a combination of online and in-store for members and non-members.

When are Walmart Deals Events in 2025?

The events will take place on three different dates:

Walmart Black Friday Deals Event 1: November 14–16

  • Available online and in stores for the entire event

  • Walmart+ members get five hours early access online beginning Nov. 13 at 7 p.m. ET

Walmart Black Friday Deals Event 2: November 25–30

  • Online only: November 25–27

  • Online and in stores: November 28–30

  • Walmart+ members get five hours early access online beginning Nov. 24 at 7 p.m. ET

Cyber Monday: December 1

  • Online only

  • Walmart+ members get five hours early access online beginning Nov. 30 at 7 p.m. ET

What deals can I expect for Walmart Deals Events?

Walmart says that you can expect up to 60% off top brands and thousands of deals under $20. The sale will include toys, electronics, home products, fashion, and beauty from brands like Delonghi, Apple, LEGO, Dyson, La Roche Posay, Levi’s, and Barbie. Here is a list Walmart dropped on their press release:

  • 98” TCL QLED 4K Google TV – Was $1,798.00, Event Price $998.00

  • Barbie Malibu Travel Playset – Was $21.88, Event Price $12.00

  • Calvin Klein Obsession 3 Perfume – Was $97.00, Event Price $31.50

  • Cate & Chloe Lauren 18k White Gold Plated 22mm Hoop Earrings with Swarovski Crystals – Was $130.00, Event Price $15.99

  • Cozy Haven Faux Fur Throw Blanket – Special Buy, Event Price $13.00

  • Cricut Explore 3 Bundle – Was $410.00, Event Price $197.99

  • Dreo 1500W Portable Space Heater – Was $99.99, Event Price $38.99

  • Dyson V12 Detect Slim Cordless Vacuum Cleaner – Was $729.00, Event Price $399.99

  • Ford 24V Ride-on – Was $599.99, Event Price $299.99

  • Goodyear Reliant All-Season Tire (entire line) – Event offer $30 off per tire

  • Govee 65” LED Lights – Was $99.00, Event Price $69.99

  • Keurig Iced Essentials – Was $79.00, Event Price $44.97

  • KONG Classic Stuffable Dog Chew Toy, Medium – Was $13.99, Event Price $11.96

  • L’ange Hair Styler – Was $119.00, Event Price $48.30

  • LEGO Speed Champions 2-pack – Was $44.98, Event Price $25.00

  • Melissa & Doug Chunky Puzzles – Was $13.99, Event Price $7.00

  • Men’s & Women’s Levi’s Signature Denim – Was $24.98, Event Price $15.00

  • My Texas House Glitter Trees (set of 3) – Was $159.66, Event Price $78.00

  • Philips Norelco 7200 Electric Razor – Was $99.96, Event Price $79.96

  • Reebok Women’s Sport 2-piece set – Was $40.00; Event Price $25.00

  • Scoop Women’s Knee-High Kitten Heel Boots – Was $52.00, Event Price $30.00

  • Sportspower Bounce Pro 14′ Round Trampoline with Safety Enclosure – Was $229.00, Event Price $149.00

What other retailers are doing Black Friday sales?

At the moment, only Best Buy has officially announced its Black Friday sale, but you can expect Target and Amazon to have competing sales as well.

Lenovo Legion Extreme Mode Is Coming To Address Handheld’s Biggest Flaw In Linux

Lenovo Legion Extreme Mode Is Coming To Address Handheld's Biggest Flaw In Linux
Linux users running Lenovo’s Legion gaming handhelds and laptops are about to get a much-needed update to the way their systems handle power profiles. Developer Derek J. Clark has submitted a new patch series to the Linux kernel that adds explicit support for an “Extreme” performance mode to the lenovo-wmi-gamezone driver and overhauls how

Google is bringing Beam, its 3D video conferencing tech, to deployed service members

Google has teamed up with the United Service Organizations (USO) to help deployed service members stay in touch with their families in a different way. As part of a pilot program, the company is bringing Google Beam, its 3D video communication tech, to USO service centers in the US and other countries starting in 2026.

Google suggests that Beam can help military families who are separated by many miles feel like they are in the same room. While family members can keep in touch with deployed loved ones through group chats and video calls, chatting via Beam could help them feel closer together, if the tech works as well as promised.

We got our first look at Beam — then known as Project Starline — in 2021. The holographic teleconferencing system uses 3D imaging, spatial audio and adaptive lighting to make video chats more immersive. Beam is primarily intended for enterprise clients (the first such device costs $25,000), but it’s interesting to see Google exploring other applications for the tech.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/ar-vr/google-is-bringing-beam-its-3d-video-conferencing-tech-to-deployed-service-members-174500517.html?src=rss

Battlefield 6’s free battle royale mode arrives on October 28

Battlefield 6 is getting a free battle royale mode on October 28. This follows numerous leaks that have been popping up ever since the mainline game hit store shelves on October 10.

It’s called Battlefield: RedSec, though we don’t have too many gameplay details. It’s free for everyone and you don’t need the full-priced game to play. That much we do know. This puts it in direct competition with Call of Duty’s own free-to-play battle royale, Warzone.

Eyes up.
Plates on.#REDSEC arrives tomorrow at 8:00 PT / 15:00 UTC �

� set reminder: https://t.co/xuRd1LETVr pic.twitter.com/Lpi7sufuay

— Battlefield (@Battlefield) October 27, 2025

We can assume some gameplay elements, as it’s a battle royale. It’ll likely feature players heading to a large map and battling one another until the last person is left standing. You know the drill. EA dropped a short teaser that seems to show four different classes of soldier to choose from.

We don’t know how or if this battle royale will interact with the main game. Warzone typically includes a story that ties into whatever’s going on with Call of Duty’s seasonal content drops. To that end, Season 1 of Battlefield 6 also releases on October 28. This update includes new maps, modes, vehicles, guns, attachments and cosmetic items.

Battlefield: RedSec will be available for download on various gaming platforms at 11AM ET. This could end up being a pretty big hit for EA, as the main game managed to sell 7 million copies in three days.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/battlefield-6s-free-battle-royale-mode-arrives-on-october-28-174419086.html?src=rss

Hackers Unleash Sinister RedTiger Tool To Hijack Discord Accounts And Infect Gaming PCs

Hackers Unleash Sinister RedTiger Tool To Hijack Discord Accounts And Infect Gaming PCs
Just weeks after a breach led to the theft of sensitive user data that included government issued IDs, Discord users have a new cybersecurity issue to worry about. Security researchers at Netskope have spotted hackers repurposing an open source tool used by security professionals, called RedTiger, to develop an infostealer to target unsuspecting

Apple Moving Ahead With Plans To Bring Ads in Maps App, Report Says

Apple is moving ahead with plans to bring advertising to its Maps app. Starting next year, businesses will be able to pay for more prominent placement within search results, according to Bloomberg [non-paywalled source]. The approach mirrors Search Ads in the App Store, where developers purchase promoted slots based on user queries. Apple has said the sponsored results will remain relevant to searches.


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This 2020 M1 MacBook Air Is on Sale for Under $400 Right Now

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Five years after its debut, Apple’s first M1 MacBook Air still holds up as one of the most important laptops the company ever made. Back in 2020, this was the machine that introduced Apple Silicon to the world, replacing Intel chips with a homegrown design that ran cooler, faster, and quieter. Currently, a refurbished 13.3-inch model with 8GB of RAM and 256GB of SSD storage is available for sale on StackSocial for $384.99. It carries a Grade-A rating, which means the condition should be close to mint, although there may be minor signs of handling, such as small scuffs on the case. At this price, the bigger trade-off is that it’s sold as a final sale with no warranty.

Performance-wise, the 8-core CPU of the M1 MacBook Air outperforms older Intel-based MacBooks, making it snappy enough for tasks such as word processing, streaming, and light photo or video editing. The 8-core GPU won’t compete with newer M3 or M4 models for demanding graphics tasks, but it’s fine for casual gaming and creative apps. Battery life was a major selling point in 2020, and it remains impressive today, with up to 15 hours of wireless web or 18 hours of video playback. For students or remote workers, this means all-day use without needing to hover near an outlet. Your mileage may vary depending on use.

That said, there are some limits worth considering. The 256GB SSD fills up quickly if you frequently use large files, so cloud storage or external drives may be necessary. The 720p webcam shows its age in an era where most laptops have transitioned to 1080p or higher resolution. And while the two Thunderbolt/USB 4 ports are versatile, they may feel restrictive if you’re used to plugging in multiple accessories without a hub. On the bright side, the Retina display remains crisp at 2560×1600 resolution, the backlit Magic Keyboard is comfortable, and Touch ID enables quick logins. For under $400, this MacBook Air makes sense if you need a reliable everyday laptop and can live without the latest Apple hardware.

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Federal investigators are looking into Tesla’s Mad Max mode, which reportedly defies speed limits

Federal investigators who are looking into Tesla’s Full Self-Driving (FSD) tech have requested information from the company about the Mad Max mode it added to the system. The company has claimed that Mad Max offers “higher speeds and more frequent lane changes” than its Hurry speed profile.

“NHTSA is in contact with the manufacturer to gather additional information,” the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) told Reuters. “The human behind the wheel is fully responsible for driving the vehicle and complying with all traffic safety laws.”

When it opened a fresh probe into FSD earlier this month, the NHTSA said the tech had “induced vehicle behavior that violated traffic safety laws.” Some Tesla vehicles with FSD engaged are said to have run red lights and driven against the flow of traffic.

Tesla initially offered a Mad Max mode in 2018, before FSD was available. The company revived Mad Max this month and it didn’t take long before there were reports of Tesla vehicles that were using the mode rolling stop signs and driving above speed limits.

Earlier this year, when Tesla CEO Elon Musk was at the helm of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), the Trump administration initiative reportedly culled NHTSA staff. As part of that, DOGE was said to have fired three people who were part of a small team that worked on autonomous vehicle safety.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/transportation/evs/federal-investigators-are-looking-into-teslas-mad-max-mode-which-reportedly-defies-speed-limits-170913959.html?src=rss

Google’s AI health coach will soon be available to some Fitbit Premium users

Google’s long-awaited AI health coach is nearly upon us, as a preview version is launching tomorrow for some Fitbit Premium users in the US. This will only be for Android devices at first, but the company promises an iOS version is in the works.

This is a Public Preview version of the software, so think of it like a beta release. Google says it’ll incorporate user feedback to “add, change or improve features and capabilities.” The company warns users that this is a “new experience, so initially, there will be some gaps.”

For the uninitiated, Google’s AI health coach is exactly what it sounds like. This is an AI chatbot intended to help users reach fitness and health goals. The company boasts that the tech is “secure, personalized and grounded in science.” Everything starts with a five to ten minute conversation with the coach to assess health and fitness goals.

The coach can be a sounding board for personal health, fitness and sleep goals, but also acts as a personal trainer. Google says it can be used to review and adjust fitness plans, check progress, get advice on trends and create workouts. To that last point, the company says the chatbot can create workouts based on pre-existing constraints. For instance, users can ask the bot to make a workout that can be done in a cramped hotel room.

Coach results.

The coach can also be used to brainstorm questions to ask a doctor and to track and analyze a number of sleep metrics. The bot provides a “detailed sleep analysis” and can allegedly understand patterns and trends that can impact sleep. All of this data can be accessed via the app. 

Being as this is a preview build, it won’t roll out to everyone tomorrow. Eligible Fitbit Premium users will receive notification that the software is ready to use. It works with any Pixel Watch or Fitbit device.

The app.
Google

The entire Fitbit app is being redesigned to focus more on AI and this is a large piece of the puzzle. Google promises integration with its health coach across every aspect of the app.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/ai/googles-ai-health-coach-will-soon-be-available-to-some-fitbit-premium-users-170022769.html?src=rss

Disney Might Pull Its Channels From YouTube TV

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Nothing says Halloween quite like an ominous countdown. Right now, subscribers to YouTube TV, the company’s live TV service, are waiting to learn if they’ll still have access to Disney-operated channels, including ABC and ESPN, come Oct.31. It’s the latest conflict in ongoing fee disputes between Google and its various content providers, but even if Disney takes its ball and goes home, you won’t be left entirely without options.

When could Disney channels go dark on YouTube TV?

According to Variety, if Disney and Google are unable to reach a deal by the end of Thursday, all Disney networks will vanish from YouTube TV on Oct. 30 at midnight ET. These include Disney Channel, ESPN, ABC News, Disney Jr., FX, FXX, FRXM, NatGeo, Freefrom, and even local ABC stations.

It’s not the first time YouTube has been through something like this. Last February, Paramount made a similar threat before eventually reaching an agreement that saw no pause in customer access to its channels. Since then, YouTube has had similar conflicts with Fox Corp., NBC Universal, and Univision, with only the Spanish-language network failing to reach a deal before its channels went dark.

It’s all about licensing fees

What’s happening here all comes down to licensing fees. To offer channels like the cable providers it’s trying to replace, YouTube TV has to continually pay fees to content providers, and occasionally, those providers propose higher fees. That leaves YouTube in a bit of a lurch, as it tries to navigate between paying a fair price to its partners while also avoiding raising prices for its subscribers.

Disney told Variety that, “[t]his is the latest example of Google exploiting is position as the expense of their own customers,” implying that Google was risking stripping away channels its customers had paid for by refusing to compensate Disney with “fair rates.” Google in turn argues that giving into Disney’s “costly economic terms” would force the company to “raise prices on YouTube TV,” as well as leave the service in a rough spot when compared to Disney’s own Live TV offering, Hulu + Live TV.

What happens if a deal isn’t reached

Personally, I wouldn’t take either company’s statement too seriously, at least if the earlier Paramount and NBC Universal conflicts are anything to go by—there’s a good chance a deal will be reached before YouTube TV subscribers are affected. But as with those earlier conflicts, YouTube is willing to make it up to its customers if they lose access to Disney content.

“If it [Disney content] remains unavailable for an extended period of time, we will offer subscribers a $20 credit,” YouTube said. That would be enough to subscribe to a month of the Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN bundle with ads, although YouTube hasn’t said if the credit will be recurring.

Currently, a YouTube TV Base Plan starts at $72.99/month for your first three months, then jumps up to $82.99/month after that, making it slightly less expensive than Hulu + Live TV in the long term ($64.99/month for the first three months, then $89.99/month after that). Whether prices will stay the same if Disney pulls its channels remains to be seen.

Finnish Fertility Rate Drops by a Third Since 2010

Finland’s fertility rate has dropped below 1.3 children per woman, the lowest among Nordic countries and far beneath the 2.1 replacement level needed to maintain a steady population. The rate has declined by a third since 2010. Kela, Finland’s social insurance agency, started distributing 2025 “baby boxes” — filled with clothing and other infant supplies — in August instead of spring because so many 2024 boxes remained unclaimed.

More parents now choose cash payments over the traditional boxes filled with infant supplies. The decline puzzles researchers because Finland offers paid parental leave for both mothers and fathers, subsidized childcare and national healthcare. Anneli Miettinen, Kela’s research manager, said that good family policies no longer explain birth rates in Nordic countries. Immigration has offset some population loss, but officials worry about workforce shrinkage and pension system strain.

Anna Rotkirch, who authored a government-commissioned report, found that many 17-year-olds describe wanting a house, garden, spouse and three children. Her research suggests young people struggle to form relationships, focus on education and careers, and delay childbearing. Some researchers attribute relationship difficulties to technology reducing physical interactions.


Read more of this story at Slashdot.

Study Boldly Claims 4K And 8K TVs Aren’t Much Better Than HD To Your Eyes, But Is It True?

Study Boldly Claims 4K And 8K TVs Aren't Much Better Than HD To Your Eyes, But Is It True?
A new study published in Nature by researchers from the University of Cambridge (with support by Meta) just dropped a pixelated bomb on the entire Ultra-HD market, essentially confirming what many of us may have suspected: the ‘need’ for 4K, let alone 8K resolution displays, is largely a myth for the average mainstream consumer.

In this

F1 in Mexico City: We have a new championship leader

Mexico City is one of the more unusual places that Formula 1 races, and it’s all thanks to altitude. The city sits at than 7,350 feet (2,240 m) above sea level, which makes the air noticeably thin compared to the average Grand Prix held at sea level. Like humans, F1 cars need air.

Oxygen is necessary if you want any internal combustion to happen inside the turbocharged 1.6 L V6 engine. A good flow of air across the various radiators and heat exchangers in the car is vital if you want to make it to the end of the race. And the downforce-generating wings and underbody only generate downforce by creating differences in air pressure above and below the car.

At over a mile above sea level, there’s about 20 percent less air, and therefore less power created by combustion, less efficient cooling of the cars, and less downforce able to be generated.

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These Halloween Contacts Can Cause Eye Infections

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Contacts with cat pupils or neon colors can be fun, but are you sure you want to put a piece of plastic from a costume store into your eye? Experts, like those at the American Academy of Ophthalmology, warn against it. These non-prescription contacts are technically illegal in the U.S. (even though plenty of companies sell them anyway). The CDC warns that the risks include “eye sores and vision loss.”

Why costume contacts often aren’t safe

Cheap Halloween contacts tend to be one-size-fits-all, but the AAO points out that contacts should never be one-size-fits-all. A contact that is too large or too small for your eye can cause corneal abrasions, corneal ulcers, and can result in infections like keratitis. Infections can, in severe cases, lead to blindness. A 2017 report from the FDA found bacterial contamination in 27% of costume contacts.

If you do wear contacts (Halloween or otherwise), the AAO recommends keeping an eye out for symptoms like redness, swelling, pain, or excessive discharge. Seek care as soon as you suspect an infection. Your eyes are more sensitive to infections than other parts of the body, so be cautious.

How to find safe costume contacts

Legally, contacts require a prescription, so if those colored contacts you’re eyeing can be bought without showing a doctor’s prescription, they’re not legit. The real thing can be expensive, though: I found prices ranging from $40 to $110 per pair from lens.com, Discount Contacts, and Wicked Eyez.

These websites all let you order online, but you’ll have to provide your prescription information before you can check out. Fortunately, the Federal Trade Commission has ruled that providers must give you your contact prescription after a fitting so that you can take the prescription elsewhere. And they cannot charge you extra for this.

Once you’ve got the lenses, you have to know how to take care of them. If you wear contacts every day, you already know the drill. But if you’re just picking up a pair to use with a costume, here are the basics:

  • Wash your hands before handling the lenses.

  • Store them in contact lens solution, and keep the lenses and their case clean.

  • Don’t sleep or swim with them in.

  • And for Pete’s sake, don’t share them with your friends!

After all, the bloodshot look stops being cool after you take your zombie costume off.

The 2025 JBL Charge 6 Is on Sale for Its Lowest Price Ever Right Now

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The 2025 JBL Charge 6 is currently on sale for $139.99 on StackSocial, about $30 cheaper than Amazon’s $169.95 listing and at its lowest price ever, according to price trackers. It’s for an open-box model, which means the packaging may carry a few extra stickers or scuffs from store handling, but the unit itself is verified as new and comes with a one-year warranty. Free shipping is included, though only within the contiguous U.S.

The Charge 6 is a rugged, carry-friendly speaker designed to go anywhere—pool, beach, or backyard. JBL added a looped handle that makes it easier to haul around, and the build itself feels sturdy enough to take some knocks. It’s dust-tight and can be submerged in about five feet of water for up to half an hour thanks to its IP68 rating, so you don’t need to worry if it gets splashed or dropped poolside. Inside, a larger woofer and tweeter produce a combined 45 watts of power, with passive radiators on each end adding more thump. The result is a sound that feels loud and punchy for the size, even if the lowest bass notes don’t come through. This PCMag review notes that its clarity and volume stand out in the compact speaker category.

JBL also packed in some useful upgrades. The speaker now supports Auracast, letting you tap into compatible broadcasts, and it delivers lossless audio through the USB-C port if you’re willing to plug in. Bluetooth 5.4 maintains reliability, although codec support is limited to AAC and SBC, which is a disappointment for higher-quality wireless streaming. The JBL companion app also offers a seven-band EQ, several sound presets, and a Playtime Boost option that extends battery life by reducing bass levels. At this price, it’s worth considering if you’re looking for a speaker that’s portable, loud, and durable enough to withstand some rough treatment outdoors.

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Australia Sues Microsoft Over AI-linked Subscription Price Hikes

Australia’s competition regulator sued Microsoft today, accusing it of misleading millions of customers into paying higher prices for its Microsoft 365 software after bundling it with AI tool Copilot. From a report: The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission alleged that from October 2024, the technology giant misled about 2.7 million customers by suggesting they had to move to higher-priced Microsoft 365 personal and family plans that included Copilot.

After the integration of Copilot, the annual subscription price of the Microsoft 365 personal plan increased by 45% to A$159 ($103.32) and the price of the family plan increased by 29% to A$179, the ACCC said. The regulator said Microsoft failed to clearly tell users that a cheaper “classic” plan without Copilot was still available.


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Why imperfection could be key to Turing patterns in nature

A mixture of two types of pigment-producing cells undergoes diffusiophoretic transport to self-assemble into a hexagonal pattern. Credit: Siamak Mirfendereski and Ankur Gupta/CU Boulder

A zebra’s distinctive black-and-white stripes, or a leopard’s spots, are both examples of “Turing patterns,” after mathematician and computer scientist Alan Turing, who proposed an intriguing hypothetical mechanism for how such complex, irregular patterns might emerge in nature. But Turing’s original proposal proved too simplified to fully recreate those natural patterns. Scientists at the University of Colorado at Boulder (UCB) have devised a new modeling approach that achieves much more accurate final patterns by introducing deliberate imperfections, according to a new paper published in the journal Matter.

Turing focused on chemicals known as morphogens in his seminal 1952 paper. He devised a mechanism involving the interaction between an activator chemical that expresses a unique characteristic (like a tiger’s stripe) and an inhibitor chemical that periodically kicks in to shut down the activator’s expression. Both activator and inhibitor diffuse throughout a system, much like gas atoms will do in an enclosed box. It’s a bit like injecting a drop of black ink into a beaker of water. Normally, this would stabilize a system, and the water would gradually turn a uniform gray. But if the inhibitor diffuses at a faster rate than the activator, the process is destabilized. That mechanism will produce spots or stripes.

Scientists have tried to apply this basic concept to many different kinds of systems. For instance, neurons in the brain could serve as activators and inhibitors, depending on whether they amplify or dampen the firing of other nearby neurons—possibly the reason why we see certain patterns when we hallucinate. There is evidence for Turing mechanisms at work in zebra-fish stripes, the spacing between hair follicles in mice, feather buds on a bird’s skin, the ridges on a mouse’s palate, and the digits on a mouse’s paw.

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