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OMB proposes rule altering federal scientific funding process
The OMB proposed a new rule for managing federal grants that could prioritize political considerations over scientific merit. This change risks sidelining expert opinions and imposing bureaucratic obstacles, raising concerns about the integrity of scientific research funding.
Apple Invites app adds emoji reactions and confetti animation features
Apple has updated the Invites app with new features for guest interaction: emoji reactions and confetti animations for replies. These enhancements aim to improve engagement in digital event planning for users on iCloud+.
Ben Stiller's film 'The Dink' premieres on Apple TV with initial reviews
'The Dink,' a sports comedy produced by Ben Stiller, premieres on Apple TV this Friday. Early reviews highlight it as a fun, lighthearted film, continuing the legacy of early 2000s sports comedies like 'Dodgeball.'
PCjs Expands JavaScript Emulation for Vintage Computing
PCjs has expanded its JavaScript emulation to include a variety of vintage hardware from the 1970s and 1980s. This project allows users to interact with old computing systems in a web browser, contributing to the preservation of classic technology.
Private Healthcare System in US Linked to Reduced Innovation and Worker Mobility
A new report from the West Health-Gallup Center indicates that nearly a quarter of US workers remain in unwanted jobs due to healthcare benefits, a figure that has risen over the last five years. This situation, exacerbated by the expiration of Affordable Care Act subsidies, is argued to stifle innovation by limiting employee freedom and reducing employer incentives for competitive working conditions.
Analysis of Photon Behavior Upon Mirror Removal
Norwegian physicists explored photon behavior when a mirror is suddenly removed during reflection. This investigation into photon interaction highlights the complexities of light behavior and nonlinear processes.
USB-B's Historical Role and Its Decline in Popularity
USB-B connectors were introduced in 1996 alongside USB-A but never gained widespread usage. Their specific role for peripherals and bulk design limited their adoption compared to the more versatile USB-A and USB-C.
Apple March 2026 Security Update Causes Enterprise Printing Glitches
Apple's March 2026 security updates have caused a bug affecting enterprise printing with PaperCut, prompting users to re-enter credentials for each job. This issue is exacerbating help desk requests, emphasizing the need for Apple to address operational stability. The enterprise market is significant for Apple, necessitating swift bug rectifications.
New PlayStation replica ornament features iconic boot sound
Hallmark has released a PlayStation replica ornament that plays the original boot chime for $28.99. This replica honors the legacy of the PlayStation console, featuring detailed design elements and celebrating the nostalgia associated with early gaming experiences.
Apple Crumble game inspired by Knives Out to release in 2026
Happy Broccoli Games is developing a new mystery game, Apple Crumble, inspired by Knives Out. The game focuses on exploration within a family home, uncovering secrets and character backstories gradually uncovering a larger mystery.
Charging a phone in a car consumes negligible fuel, impacting mileage by 0.03 MPG
Charging a smartphone in a car uses a minimal amount of fuel, approximately 0.03 miles per gallon, because the charger draws a small amount of electricity from the alternator. This impact is significantly less than other car functions like air conditioning, which can reduce fuel efficiency by up to 10%.
DROP Launches to Help Users Delete Data from Brokers
The Delete Request and Opt-out Platform (DROP) has been launched, allowing users to request data removal from brokers with a single request. This tool addresses user concerns over data privacy and personal information management.
Canvas-based note taking app allows freeform organization and PDF export
A new note-taking app features a freeform canvas for organizing notes, documents, and labels without traditional structures. Users can group thoughts, create areas of focus, and export their work as PDFs.
Infrared technology remains standard in TV remotes despite Bluetooth options
Infrared technology has persisted in TV remotes due to its low cost and compatibility. While many remotes include Bluetooth for added features, they still utilize IR for basic functions like powering the TV.
High school students to race solar-powered cars in 30th Solar Car Challenge
The 30th annual Solar Car Challenge begins on July 19th, featuring high school teams racing 630 miles in self-built solar vehicles. This event promotes STEM education and skills among participants, highlighting the integration of engineering and teamwork.
RTX 3080 Mod with 11 Fans Drops Temp Significantly but Yields Minor FPS Gain
TrashBench conducted an experiment adding 11 fans and a 360mm AIO cooler to an RTX 3080, achieving a temperature drop to 41°C. However, the modifications resulted in only a minimal performance boost, demonstrating the limited impact of cooling on frame rates.
Denshattack! offers high-speed train gameplay on rails
Denshattack!, a new game from Undercoders, features fast-paced, on-rails gameplay in a vibrant representation of Japan. Players can perform skateboarding-inspired stunts while navigating levels filled with surprises, showcasing a unique blend of train mechanics with acrobatic movements.
Hashcat password cracker ported to Gameboy Advance at 727 hashes per second
A security engineer has ported the hashcat password cracking utility to the Gameboy Advance, achieving 727 hashes per second. This version, called gba-hashcat, utilizes the GBA's limited hardware resources, but significantly lags behind modern systems, performing 30 million times slower than today's powerful GPUs.
IKEA Complexity Index Launched to Analyze Product Complexity
The IKEA Complexity Index has been introduced to evaluate the complexity of IKEA products. This tool aims to help customers understand the intricacies of assembling IKEA's flat-pack furniture, potentially leading to a more informed purchasing decision.
Zoomable timeline app displays 4 million Wikipedia events
A developer created a journal app featuring a zoomable timeline that showcases 4 million events from Wikipedia and Wikidata. The application, utilizing Kotlin Multiplatform and Compose Multiplatform, displays events scored using PageRank from a PostgreSQL database.
Graduate Student Develops Space Robotics Algorithm for NASA
Sarah Downs created a robot assembly algorithm for NASA and the U.S. Air Force, enabling satellite antennas to be correctly inserted. This algorithm addresses the peg-in-hole challenge in robotics, enhancing the effectiveness of assembly tasks in space.
Apple TV releases trailer for ‘The Dynasty: UConn Huskies’ docuseries
Apple TV released the first trailer for ‘The Dynasty: UConn Huskies,’ a docuseries premiering on August 21. This three-part series chronicles the University of Connecticut women’s basketball program's historical success.
Ars Technica seeks senior technology reporter with hardware focus
Ars Technica is hiring a senior technology reporter to cover various hardware topics. The position requires experience in technology and writing, with a focus on hands-on hardware and operating systems.
GitHub Repo for 'The Little Book of Reinforcement Learning' Launched
The GitHub repository for 'The Little Book of Reinforcement Learning' has been launched, providing access to the book as well as supplementary materials. It includes a Pytorch-based implementation of algorithms from Monte Carlo to Proximal Policy Optimization, along with detailed explanations for dynamic programming algorithms.
Samsung's 55-inch Frame TV now $200 off retail price
Samsung's 55-inch Frame art TV is on sale for $697.99, a $200 reduction from its usual price. This model features a 4K QLED panel and is designed to display artwork when not in use, blending functionality with aesthetics.
Modern Linux Ported to HTC QWERTY Phone for Handheld Use
A developer has successfully ported modern Linux to a ten-year-old HTC QWERTY phone, enabling its use as a handheld terminal. This project showcases the capabilities of legacy hardware to run contemporary software, potentially inspiring further development in embedded systems.
Apple TV announces release date for Stillwater’s fifth season
Apple TV will premiere the fifth season of Stillwater on August 21, featuring five new episodes. The series teaches mindfulness to children through the character of Stillwater, a wise panda, and has won several awards since its debut.
OpenAI Launches ChatGPT Basketball and $230 Mini Keyboard
OpenAI introduced a $70 ChatGPT basketball as part of its campaign promoting creativity away from screens, along with a $230 mini keyboard intended for productivity. The basketball's unusual market appeal raises questions about its target customers as it reflects on the tech industry's relationship with mental health and outdoor activities.
New word game 'Hilo' combines vocabulary and binary search logic
The new game 'Hilo' challenges players to guess a daily 7-letter word using logical deductions. Players receive feedback after each guess, helping to narrow down possibilities and providing a unique twist on traditional word games.
Apple Unveils 2026 'Back to School' Promotion with Up to $150 Gift Card
Apple has launched its 2026 'Back to School' promotion in the U.S., offering students gift cards up to $150 with Mac or iPad purchases. The promotion, available until August 27, 2026, aims to support students amid increased device prices due to memory shortages.
1,300 Wildlife Illustrations from the 19th Century Restored Online
Nicholas Rougeux has digitally restored and published over 1,300 wildlife illustrations from The Naturalist’s Library online. The project used AI tools for research and layout, and offers a large-format printed version for purchase.
PointlessQuest Launches as Unique MMO for Playdate
The launch of PointlessQuest marks a new MMO experience on the Playdate with a peak of 15 players. Despite its small scale, it incorporates typical MMORPG elements and showcases a community-driven aspect.
PC Gamer Develops Steam Game Cartridge System Using 2.5-inch SSDs
A new Steam Game Cartridge system was demonstrated by a PC gamer using 128GB SSDs to store games. The system automates game launching through a Linux setup that detects and executes scripts from the cartridges, integrating retro convenience into modern gaming.
Free RSS Reader Introduced with Configurable Recommendation Engine
Sprinklz has launched a free RSS reader that includes a configurable recommendation engine. This tool allows users to customize their content feed based on preferences, enhancing user experience in content consumption.
Apple TV releases trailer for action-comedy Mayday starring Ryan Reynolds
Apple TV released the first trailer for 'Mayday', an action-comedy starring Ryan Reynolds and Kenneth Branagh, set to premiere on September 4. The film features a U.S. Navy pilot who forms an unlikely alliance with a former KGB agent during the Cold War.
New Satellite Tracker Offers Live Visualization of Starlink and Other Satellites
A new satellite tracking site enables users to monitor real-time positions of Starlink and other satellites using modern WebGL visualization. This tool, available since 2019, enhances public access to satellite data.
Emily Eden's Sketches of 19th Century India Featured in New Exhibition
An exhibition in Delhi showcases the work of Emily Eden, who sketched diverse subjects in 1830s India. Her art provides a unique perspective on a pivotal period before photography became widespread.
DJI Mic 3 wireless mics receive first price cut to $219
DJI's Mic 3 wireless microphone kit is now priced at $219, down from $259. This portable kit enhances audio quality for smartphone video recording with two microphones and a receiver unit, ideal for various recording conditions.
Apple TV Expands Content with New Movies and Sports Premieres
Apple TV is launching five new movies, including 'The Dink' on July 24, alongside a lineup of new sports programming. The diverse content offering, featuring genres like sports comedy and espionage action-comedy, bolsters Apple TV's expansion into varied entertainment realms.
Top five open earbuds for ambient listening
Open earbuds allow users to remain aware of their surroundings while enjoying audio. They contrast traditional earbuds by focusing on environmental sound awareness, making them useful for active lifestyles.