Kalakshar US

The first thing in F1 the Movie, before a single word of dialog is uttered, is a pair of AirPods Max. They’re so comfortable, Brad Pitt’s lovable loser protagonist Sonny Hayes is able to sleep with them all night, then hop up and begin his day of driving fancy race cars. If you paid $550 for the AirPods Max, you too could be like Brad Pitt!

It’s hard to ignore the blatant commercialism of F1 the Movie, you might as well call it a $300 million ad for Formula One everything Apple. The film is produced by Pitt and F1 darling Lewis Hamilton, and it’s Apple’s first stab at producing a big budget summer blockbuster for theaters. In the hands of Joseph Kosinski, the director behind the thematically similar Top Gun: Maverick, F1 the Movie is undoubtedly thrilling, delivering an unparalleled sense of speed that more than rises to the occasion of “big, dumb, fun summer flick.” As a connoisseur of action films and just about anything that features wildly fast cars, I’d go as far to say that F1 is one of the best racing films ever made.

Sure, you’ve seen this movie before — one where absurdly beautiful people devote their lives to their sport, all for the love of the game. In many ways, Kosinski and writer Ehren Kreuger are just repeating what they did for the Top Gun sequel. F1 the Movie swaps Tom Cruise with Brad Pitt as a talented-but-washed up lead (who is always right about everything, of course), and replaces fighter jets with Formula One racers. Kosinski even replicates part of the magic of that previous film by placing cameras within the cars (powered by iPhone sensors and Apple’s A-series chips, Wired reports, as well as unreleased Sony 6K cameras) to accurately capture the experience of driving at speeds of 200 miles per hour.

If you can get past the generic characters and formulaic nature of the film — Pitt’s Sonny Hayes is a fallen racing star recruited by an old friend (Javier Bardem) to save his struggling F1 team, all the while butting heads with a young publicity-obsessed teammate (Damson Idris) — F1 the Movie‘s sheer technical prowess makes it a must-watch Summer blockbuster on the biggest screen you can find. On IMAX screens, it’ll be presented in that format’s extra-tall 1.90:1 aspect ratio for its entire duration, instead of switching between aspect ratios like other IMAX films. (I saw it on a local theater chain’s premium screen and it looked great, but I also plan to get a full IMAX viewing soon.)

While Apple would probably want us to focus on the novelty of using iPhone cameras in Formula One cars, it’s the Sony cameras that truly make F1 more than your typical racing film. As you can see in behind the scenes footage, those cameras can rotate quickly in the middle of the race. That helps Kosinski capture the hectic nature of driving at incredibly fast speeds — we instantly go from seeing the point of view of the road to the driver’s struggle to keep pace with the action. They’re reacting to extreme G-force and struggling to hold onto the wheel,and we’re right there with them.

F1 is one of those films where you might find yourself unconsciously holding your breath during its most extreme set pieces. But it’s also one of those movies where you’ll probably have to turn off your brain a bit to truly enjoy it. Ignore the uncritical adoration for Formula One racing, the fact that Pitt’s character is almost a total cipher or the stereotypical romance. 

The riskiest thing F1 does is place Sonny Hayes’ AirPods Max – which aren’t waterproof or water resistant in any way – perilously close to his ice bath after a brutal race. (I could easily see Apple executives giving Kosinski a note to make sure the AirPods Max never touches water. We wouldn’t want to have unrealistic expectations for Apple products, after all.)

Some sports films are transcendent explorations of the nature of human endurance (Chariots of Fire), or character dramas where winning isn’t really the point at all (Rocky.) And sometimes car go fast. That’s still perfectly enjoyable.

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This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/entertainment/tv-movies/f1-the-movie-review-a-shameless-apple-ad-that-will-blow-your-socks-off-144808364.html?src=rss 

In previous years, the Dell 16 Plus 2-in-1 probably would have been called an Inspiron. However, after the company revamped its naming scheme earlier this year, all of its consumer PCs now share its name, with a few extra identifiers that call out size, design and status (aka how fancy it is). While I still think Dell’s choice to ditch the iconic XPS tag is a mistake, streamlining its portfolio makes a lot of sense, especially for people simply looking to buy a new laptop.

The Dell 16 Plus 2-in-1 is one of the company’s first consumer laptops to feature its updated naming scheme and refreshed styling. And to little surprise, this machine is a solidly competent midrange laptop for everyday productivity with a bit of extra flexibility thanks to its convertible design. But despite all these changes, it feels like something is missing.

Design

Like it did with its model names, Dell has reworked the design of its laptop family. The 16 Plus 2-in-1 features a solid build consisting of smooth aluminum panels on top and bottom with a matte finish and rounded edges. Its 360-degree hinges are small and subtle while still providing plenty of support for tent and tablet modes. But in some ways, it feels like Dell may have gone a bit too minimalist, as the laptop’s only distinguishing characteristic is the classic Dell logo in the center of its lid.

Port selection is good, but not outstanding, with two USB-C sockets (one supports Thunderbolt 4 while the other handles DisplayPort 1.4), one USB-A, a HDMI 2.1 slot and a 3.5mm audio jack. However, considering its size, I would have liked to see one more USB-C connector, particularly on the right side of the system. Only being able to charge using the ports on the left can be a bit awkward depending on your setup. The lack of a microSD card reader isn’t ideal for content creators either.

The keyboard feels great and includes a full number pad for those who need one. Unfortunately, I don’t love the 16 Plus’ touchpad. Even though it’s rather large, it felt surprisingly unresponsive. At first, nearly a quarter of the time I tried to right-click, I simply got nothing. Granted, I was able to adapt, but no matter what I did, clicking never felt quite right.

Dell’s speakers are also somewhat disappointing as they are hidden behind two small slits on the bottom of the system. This results in audio that sounds flat, hollow and distant, even when the volume is turned up. Given the choice, I would trade the physical number pad for up- or forward-firing speakers positioned on either side of the keyboard, though I admit that might not be a popular choice for anyone who has to do a lot of data entry.

Display

The 16-inch touch display on our review unit is a bright spot as it features Dell’s optional 2,560 x 1,600 mini LED screen. Not only can it produce up to 600 nits of brightness, it also has a slightly faster 90Hz refresh rate than the default 300-nit 1,920 x 1,200 FHD+ panel. And after using it for several weeks, this display is definitely one upgrade worth paying for. Colors are richer and more saturated while also providing better brightness, contrast and black levels than a basic LCD panel.

Performance

Packing either an Intel Core Ultra 5 226V or Ultra 7 258V chip, along with up to 32GB of RAM and 1TB of storage, the 16 Plus has more than enough speed for everyday computing tasks. Because these laptops can reach either 40 or 47 TOPS, depending on the processor, they support all of Microsoft’s Copilot+ AI features. That said, it doesn’t support discrete graphics, so this machine isn’t a great choice for anyone who regularly needs to do things like serious video editing, gaming or 3D modeling.

Battery life

Thanks to its 64WHr battery, the Dell 16 Plus 2-in-1 offers above average longevity. On PCMark10’s Modern Office rundown test, it lasted eight hours and 12 minutes. That’s significantly better than rivals like HP’s Spectre x360 16 (slightly over five hours), but still a far cry from smaller and less powerful models like the ASUS Zenbook A14 (18:16).

I also appreciate that Dell’s included 65-watt charger is relatively compact. The 16 Plus supports charging over USB-C (with either of its ports), so you can also use a third-party brick if you prefer.

Wrap-up

The Dell 16 Plus 2-in-1 is a perfectly competent hybrid laptop. Its hinge allows the system to transform into various modes to better adapt to your needs. Its chassis is well built even though it’s not particularly eye-catching. Performance is solid and battery life is slightly better than average for its class, while Dell’s optional mini LED display provides a great viewing experience. And starting at just $750 (or around $1,400 for the fully loaded model review here), this system feels very reasonably priced.

My main issue is that between its revamped name and new streamlined design, the Dell 16 Plus 2-in-1 suffers from a complete lack of personality. It’s a totally serviceable machine, but it doesn’t have a single trait or feature that endears itself to its user. Same goes for its name. At least with Apple, you know you’re getting a MacBook or an iPad. With this thing, Dell is the name of the company, but now it’s also the name of the laptop too? Or is it just called the 16 Plus 2-in-1? Either way, it’s awkward.

Now I fully admit that not everyone feels this way about their gadgets, because at the end of the day, a PC is just a tool. But as someone who likes to feel connected to the devices I buy, Dell’s PC revamp has produced something that’s hard to love.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/computing/laptops/dell-16-plus-2-in-1-review-technically-proficient-but-lacking-soul-153003908.html?src=rss 

Liquid Glass is a huge new change coming to iOS 26. (Apple)

The rumors were true: Apple is skipping past iOS 19 and going right to iOS 26 — and it’s bringing some pretty cool new features with it. For starters, the iPhone is finally getting a fresh home and lock screen redesign dubbed Liquid Glass, a look and feel that will extend across all of Apple’s upcoming operating systems. The overhaul was one of several big changes coming to iOS, macOS, iPadOS and the rest of Apple’s software suite, all of which were showcased during the company’s WWDC keynote on June 9.

After overpromising on AI plans at WWDC 2024, Apple kept its iOS roadmap focused more on basic quality of life improvements this year. There are multiple useful additions coming to the Phone and Messages apps on your iPhone, for instance: Apple execs outlined the ability to weed out spam texts or other unknown senders and an option to hold your spot on a phone call when you’ve been waiting for a representative to pick up. Plus, a treasured feature that we took for granted is coming back (hint: it’s in the Photos app).

Keep reading to check out the most notable features coming to your iPhone this fall, according to Apple. Also, make sure your iPhone is eligible to download the iOS 26 update (thankfully, most recent models are).

What is iOS 26?

While the current iPhone operating system is iOS 18, Apple is skipping the numbering ahead to iOS 26 later this year. The company has decided to line up its iOS version numbers with a year-based system, similar to car model years. So while iOS and its sibling operating systems will be released in late 2025, they’re all designated “26” to reflect the year ahead.

It’s official, we’re moving to iOS 26. (Apple)

What is Liquid Glass design?

Let’s be honest. Out of everything announced at WWDC this year, the new Liquid Glass design was the star of the show. The iPhone’s home and lock screens have looked pretty much the same year after year — the last exciting thing (in my opinion) was the option to add your own aesthetic to your home screen by customizing your apps and widgets. So seeing the home and lock screens’ new facelift is refreshing.

So what exactly is Liquid Glass? Apple calls it a “new translucent material” since, well, the apps and widgets are clear. However, the screen can still adapt to dark and light modes, depending on surroundings. You’ll also notice buttons with a new floating design in several apps, like Phone and Maps. They’re designed to be less distracting than the current buttons, but are still easy to see. While the design overhaul has proven to be controversial since its announcement, some — including Engadget’s own Devindra Hardawar — like the new direction, even if it’s somewhat reminiscent of Microsoft’s translucent Windows Vista Aero designs from nearly twenty years ago.

Thankfully, it appears you’ll be able to dial the transparency up and down to your liking. And love it or hate it, Apple users won’t be able to escape it: Liquid Glass was designed to make all of Apple’s OSes more cohesive. Here’s a look at how the translucent aesthetic will look with the new macOS Tahoe 26 on your desktop.

What are the new and notable features of iOS 26?

iOS 26 has a laundry list of new features. Among the most worthwhile:

Phone app redesign: You’ll finally be able to scroll through contacts, recent calls and voicemail messages all on one screen. It also comes with a new feature called Hold Assist that’ll notify you when an agent comes to the phone so you can avoid the elevator music and continue on with other tasks.

Live Translation in Phone, FaceTime and Messages: iOS 26 is bringing the ability to have a conversation via phone call or text message with someone who speaks another language. Live Translation will translate your conversation in real time, which results in some stop-and-go interactions in the examples Apple shared during its presentation.

Polls in group chats: Tired of sorting through what seems like hundreds of messages in your group chat? You and your friends will soon be able to create polls in group messages for deciding things like which brunch spot you’re eating at or whose car you’re taking on a road trip.

Filtering unknown senders in Messages: If you haven’t received spam texts about unpaid tolls or other citations, you’re lucky. For those of us who have, those annoying messages will soon be filtered away in a separate folder.

Visual Intelligence: Similar to a reverse Google image search, this new feature will allow you to search for anything that’s on your iPhone screen. For instance, if you spot a pair of shoes someone is wearing in an Instagram photo, you can screenshot it and use Visual Intelligence to find those shoes (or similar ones) online.

Photos tabs are back: For anyone who’s still frustrated with the Photos changes made last year, you’ll be happy to know that your tabs are coming back. Library and Collections will have their own separate spaces so you don’t have to scroll to infinity to find what you’re looking for.

Apple’s Hold Assist will be nifty for those pesky services that put you on hold for 10 or more minutes. (Apple)

Which iPhones will be able to upgrade to iOS 26?

A few iPhone models that run the current version of iOS — iPhone XR, XS and XS Max — won’t be compatible with the latest upgrade. But any iPhones released in 2019 or later will be eligible for the iOS 26 update.

iPhone SE (second generation or later)

iPhone 11

iPhone 11 Pro

iPhone 11 Pro Max

iPhone 12

iPhone 12 mini

iPhone 12 Pro

iPhone 12 Pro Max

iPhone 13

iPhone 13 mini

iPhone 13 Pro

iPhone 13 Pro Max

iPhone 14

iPhone 14 Plus

iPhone 14 Pro

iPhone 14 Pro Max

iPhone 15

iPhone 15 Plus

iPhone 15 Pro

iPhone 15 Pro Max

iPhone 16e

iPhone 16

iPhone 16 Plus

iPhone 16 Pro

iPhone 16 Pro Max

Not listed here are the presumed new iPhone 17 models (or maybe iPhone 26?) that are all but certain to be announced and released in September. 

When will the iOS 26 beta be available?

The iOS 26 public beta will become available in July via the Apple Beta Software Program. If you’re not already a member, you’ll need to sign up to try out all the latest features. Just visit beta.apple.com and sign up with your phone number or email address. It’s free.

Once you’re in and the beta is available, you can install it by going to Settings > General > Software Update and selecting iOS 26 public beta.

A word of caution: Don’t sign up with your main iPhone unless you’re OK with any risks that occur with using an OS that isn’t finalized.

When will the final version of iOS 26 be released?

iOS 26 will be released to the public this fall. It usually comes in September, within a week of the Apple iPhone event. Last year, it rolled out to iPhone users on September 16 — exactly one week after the iPhone 16 lineup was announced.

If you’re more interested in the Apple Intelligence features coming, here’s everything Apple revealed for iOS, macOS and more during WWDC. Also, check out how iOS 26 screenshots could be an intriguing preview of Apple’s delayed Siri rework.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/mobile/apple-ios-26-everything-you-need-to-know-about-the-next-iphone-operating-system-135749586.html?src=rss