Month: September 2023
The Sphere’s first show looks like it was a mind-blowing spectacle
The outside of The Sphere during the U2:UV Achtung Baby Live concert on September 29th, 2023. | Photo by Tayfun Coskun/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images
U2 played the first-ever show at the Las Vegas Sphere, a massive, dome-shaped venue wrapped in over a million LEDs. The concert, a live performance centered on the band’s Achtung, Baby album, was also the band’s first in a series of performances it will put on at the venue through the end of December. The cheapest tickets for the shows that haven’t sold out yet start at about $400, as of this writing.
From videos being posted to social media, it looks like shows at The Sphere can be breathtaking, probably more than a little nauseating, and undoubtedly expensive to produce.
A review in The New York Times says the concert alternated between gigantic, trippy visual effects sweeping across the domed display and the more standard concert screen fare of band close-ups. From this YouTube video of the first song, “Zoo Station,” it looks like the show began with the latter:
But sometimes, things looked absolutely out of control, with wild animations spanning the entirety of the screen in ways that must be completely disorienting for our lizard brains. People were just losing it. I can’t say I blame them:
@tristan_the_genie @U2 went crazy tonight at the opening of @Sphere in Vegas! Jeff Bezos was sitting 10 feet behind me lmao #u2 #sphere #spherelasvegas #3d ♬ original sound – genie
@whatsinside We entered a portal to another world at the U2 Sohere concert. #sphere ♬ original sound – What’s Inside
@lynchmd Never seen anything like this. #sphere ♬ original sound – Paul Lynch
Just look at this part while the band played “The Fly” and all the text transforms into a tunnel extending up into the sky:
This video from casinocompwallet on TikTok shows what the LEDs actually look like. Sphere Entertainment says each of these pucks contains 48 diodes, is about eight inches apart, and can show 256 million colors:
@casinocompwallet It’s incredible how far apart they are up close #spherelasvegas #vegaspaulycshow ♬ original sound – The Vegaspaulyc show
To quote some guy during this last video, “Oh my god, I’m gonna throw up.”
The outside of The Sphere during the U2:UV Achtung Baby Live concert on September 29th, 2023. | Photo by Tayfun Coskun/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images
U2 played the first-ever show at the Las Vegas Sphere, a massive, dome-shaped venue wrapped in over a million LEDs. The concert, a live performance centered on the band’s Achtung, Baby album, was also the band’s first in a series of performances it will put on at the venue through the end of December. The cheapest tickets for the shows that haven’t sold out yet start at about $400, as of this writing.
From videos being posted to social media, it looks like shows at The Sphere can be breathtaking, probably more than a little nauseating, and undoubtedly expensive to produce.
A review in The New York Times says the concert alternated between gigantic, trippy visual effects sweeping across the domed display and the more standard concert screen fare of band close-ups. From this YouTube video of the first song, “Zoo Station,” it looks like the show began with the latter:
But sometimes, things looked absolutely out of control, with wild animations spanning the entirety of the screen in ways that must be completely disorienting for our lizard brains. People were just losing it. I can’t say I blame them:
@U2 went crazy tonight at the opening of @Sphere in Vegas! Jeff Bezos was sitting 10 feet behind me lmao #u2 #sphere #spherelasvegas #3d
We entered a portal to another world at the U2 Sohere concert. #sphere
Just look at this part while the band played “The Fly” and all the text transforms into a tunnel extending up into the sky:
This video from casinocompwallet on TikTok shows what the LEDs actually look like. Sphere Entertainment says each of these pucks contains 48 diodes, is about eight inches apart, and can show 256 million colors:
It’s incredible how far apart they are up close #spherelasvegas #vegaspaulycshow
To quote some guy during this last video, “Oh my god, I’m gonna throw up.”
Republican Presidential Candidates Criticize TikTok as ‘Dangerous’, ‘Controlled by Communist China’
Wednesday seven U.S. Republican candidates for President held their second debate before the 2024 primary — during which TikTok led to some surprisingly heated attacks against entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy:
Moderator: Mr. Ramaswamy, TikTok is banned on government-issed devices because of its ties to the Chinese government. Yet you joined TikTok at the dinner with boxer and influencer Jake Paul. Should the commander in chief be so easily persuaded by an influencer?
Vivek Ramaswamy: So the answer is, I have a radical idea for the Republican party: we need to win elections. And part of how we win elections is reaching the next generation of young Americans where they are. So when I get into office, I’ve been very clear. Kids under the age of 16 should not be using addictive social media. We’re only going to ever get to declaring independence from China, which I favor, if we actually win. So while the Democrats are running rampant reaching the next generation three-to-one, there’s exactly one person in the Republican party — which talks a big game about reaching young people — and that’s me…. [Scattered applause]
Donald Trump declined to participate in the debate. But his former vice president Mike Pence immediately interrupted to say that “TikTok is controlled by the Chinese communist party.” Continuing criticisms he’d made in an earlier interview, Pence said that TikTok “compromises the privacy of Americans every day.”
Ramaswamy responded “And that is why we will end it once we win this election.”
This immediately drew a strong response from from South Carolina governor Nikki Haley (also a former US ambassador to the UN):
Nikki Haley: This is infuriating, because TikTok is one of the most dangerous social media apps —
Ramaswamy: Yes it is.
Haley: — that we could have. And once you’ve got — honestly, every time I hear you, I feel a little bit dumber for what you say. Because I can’t believe that — here you’ve got a TikTok situation. What they’re doing is these — 150 million people are on TikTok. That means they can get your contacts, they can get your financial information, they can get your emails, they can get —
Ramaswamy: Let me just say —
Haley: — your text messages, they can get all of these things.
Ramaswamy: Hurling — this is important. This is very important for our party —
Haley: China knows exactly what they’re doing.
Ramaswamy: This is very important for our party, and I’m going to say it —
Haley: And what we’ve seen is you’ve gone and you’ve helped China go make medicines in China, not America.
Ramaswamy: Excuse me, excuse me —
Haley: You’re now wanting kids to go and get on this social media that’s dangerous for all of us. You went and you were in business with the Chinese… We can’t trust you. We can’t trust you. We can’t have TikTok in our kids’ lives. We need to ban it. [Loud applause]
Moderator: You have 15 seconds, Mr. Ramaswamy.
Ramaswamy: I think we would be better served as a Republican party if we’re not sitting here hurling personal insults, and actually have a legitimate debate.
Read more of this story at Slashdot.
Wednesday seven U.S. Republican candidates for President held their second debate before the 2024 primary — during which TikTok led to some surprisingly heated attacks against entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy:
Moderator: Mr. Ramaswamy, TikTok is banned on government-issed devices because of its ties to the Chinese government. Yet you joined TikTok at the dinner with boxer and influencer Jake Paul. Should the commander in chief be so easily persuaded by an influencer?
Vivek Ramaswamy: So the answer is, I have a radical idea for the Republican party: we need to win elections. And part of how we win elections is reaching the next generation of young Americans where they are. So when I get into office, I’ve been very clear. Kids under the age of 16 should not be using addictive social media. We’re only going to ever get to declaring independence from China, which I favor, if we actually win. So while the Democrats are running rampant reaching the next generation three-to-one, there’s exactly one person in the Republican party — which talks a big game about reaching young people — and that’s me…. [Scattered applause]
Donald Trump declined to participate in the debate. But his former vice president Mike Pence immediately interrupted to say that “TikTok is controlled by the Chinese communist party.” Continuing criticisms he’d made in an earlier interview, Pence said that TikTok “compromises the privacy of Americans every day.”
Ramaswamy responded “And that is why we will end it once we win this election.”
This immediately drew a strong response from from South Carolina governor Nikki Haley (also a former US ambassador to the UN):
Nikki Haley: This is infuriating, because TikTok is one of the most dangerous social media apps —
Ramaswamy: Yes it is.
Haley: — that we could have. And once you’ve got — honestly, every time I hear you, I feel a little bit dumber for what you say. Because I can’t believe that — here you’ve got a TikTok situation. What they’re doing is these — 150 million people are on TikTok. That means they can get your contacts, they can get your financial information, they can get your emails, they can get —
Ramaswamy: Let me just say —
Haley: — your text messages, they can get all of these things.
Ramaswamy: Hurling — this is important. This is very important for our party —
Haley: China knows exactly what they’re doing.
Ramaswamy: This is very important for our party, and I’m going to say it —
Haley: And what we’ve seen is you’ve gone and you’ve helped China go make medicines in China, not America.
Ramaswamy: Excuse me, excuse me —
Haley: You’re now wanting kids to go and get on this social media that’s dangerous for all of us. You went and you were in business with the Chinese… We can’t trust you. We can’t trust you. We can’t have TikTok in our kids’ lives. We need to ban it. [Loud applause]
Moderator: You have 15 seconds, Mr. Ramaswamy.
Ramaswamy: I think we would be better served as a Republican party if we’re not sitting here hurling personal insults, and actually have a legitimate debate.
Read more of this story at Slashdot.
Here are a few discounted chargers to make use of iOS 17’s StandBy mode
Apple’s StandBy mode is a convenient feature that gives you a good excuse to buy a MagSafe stand. | Image: Apple
The iPhone 15 and iOS 17 do a whole bunch of new things that many of us here at The Verge enjoy, but one of our favorites is Apple’s StandBy mode. The simple little feature turns your iPhone into a small smart display once you place it on a MagSafe / magnetic Qi stand in landscape orientation. This allows you to see an assortment of full-screen widgets, including a pleasant desk clock, a calendar, or both.
Using the new StandBy mode may involve some menu diving if you want to customize it to your liking (which is definitely part of the fun), but getting started is as simple as turning on the feature and plopping your phone on a charger sideways.
Of course, if you don’t already own a magnetic charging stand for your iPhone, you’ll need to grab one to take advantage of the handy new feature. Luckily, a number of great options are currently discounted, allowing you to pick up a StandBy-compatible stand and achieve those 15W (or 7.5W) charging speeds without spending a fortune.
The best deals on StandBy-ready charging stands
Leading us off, Belkin’s latest BoostCharge Pro 3-in-1 Wireless Charger with MagSafe is on sale direct from Belkin for $129.99 ($20 off) with promo code FALL23. It’s a progressive code that allows you to save more money as you spend above certain tiers, so if you cross the $150 threshold, it will instead save you $40. The real play here is to add an inexpensive accessory like this $7.99 USB-C to USB-A cable and get both for a total of $117.98.
Belkin’s multi-charger — which looks a whole lot like a techy tree — not only charges your iPhone at true 15W MagSafe speeds, but also fast-charges compatible Apple Watch models (including the Series 7, 8, and 9). It can also charge a pair of AirPods or another Qi-enabled device on its base, making it one of the best 3-in-1s you can get for home use.
If you want to spend a little less or don’t need an Apple Watch charger, the 2-in-1 version of Belkin’s charger is also on sale at the manufacturer’s site for $89.99 ($10 off) when you use offer code FALL23. However, just like with the aforementioned 3-in-1 charger, the discount increases if you add an item to your order (like that one-meter cable), allowing you to knock $20 off your total instead of a mere $10.
The Belkin BoostCharge Pro 2-in-1 Wireless Charger with MagSafe is, as it sounds, a smaller version of the triple charger above. It takes up slightly less space, still charges an iPhone at up to 15W, and is StandBy-compatible by mounting the phone to it sideways. Just be aware that the AirPods charging spot is recessed, meaning you can’t charge a second phone down there.
If you want a StandBy-compatible charger that takes up less space on a desk or table and travels well, look no further than the Anker 3-in-1 Cube with MagSafe — which is currently on sale direct from Anker with delayed shipping for $119.96 (around $30 off) when you use promo code ANKER20%OFF at checkout. The Anker Cube is about as small as you can get for a multi-charger that charges a MagSafe iPhone, a pair of earbuds, and an Apple Watch (via an adorable slide-out shelf). The lid tips to display your phone at varying angles, too, and allows for a very compact and low-height StandBy mode experience.
On a tighter budget but still want a multi-charging stand that will work for StandBy mode and charge other devices? Well, if you don’t mind your iPhone charging at slower 7.5W speeds, the ESR HaloLock 3-in-1 Charger Stand for Magsafe is currently selling for $51.99 ($13 off) at Amazon when you click the on-page coupon for 20 percent off.
ESR’s economy-level stand doesn’t support proper MagSafe charging speeds, but its magnetic Qi charging should be adequate for most situations if you don’t need the quickest top-ups. It also charges a pair of AirPods and an Apple Watch, and its niftiest feature is that the Apple Watch pad can be removed and used independently via its USB-C plug.
The best deals on StandBy-ready charging pucks and battery packs
It isn’t just bulky stands that work with iOS 17’s StandBy mode. You can also opt for Belkin’s BoostCharge Pro with MagSafe charging puck and its cute little kickstand, which is currently available from Amazon for $29.99 ($20 off) and from Belkin for $26.99 ($23 off), the latter with promo code CLR10. Not only is this the best charging puck you can buy thanks to its lengthy braided cable and support for 15W charging speeds, but it’s also one of the few that supports StandBy mode given it props your phone up via a built-in kickstand.
And just for good measure, here’s a discounted battery pack you can use with Apple’s StandBy mode. The Anker 622 Magnetic Battery (MagGo) is on sale at Amazon in multiple colors for $39.99 ($30 off) when you click the on-page coupon.
Anker’s MagGo charger may not charge at full MagSafe speeds but it features an unfolding origami-like kickstand that, while small, is strong enough to support a Max-sized iPhone. You can also mount your MagSafe-compatible iPhone to the magnetic Qi battery pack in a horizontal orientation, letting you take full advantage of StandBy mode while your phone is charging via the 5,000mAh battery.
Apple’s StandBy mode is a convenient feature that gives you a good excuse to buy a MagSafe stand. | Image: Apple
The iPhone 15 and iOS 17 do a whole bunch of new things that many of us here at The Verge enjoy, but one of our favorites is Apple’s StandBy mode. The simple little feature turns your iPhone into a small smart display once you place it on a MagSafe / magnetic Qi stand in landscape orientation. This allows you to see an assortment of full-screen widgets, including a pleasant desk clock, a calendar, or both.
Using the new StandBy mode may involve some menu diving if you want to customize it to your liking (which is definitely part of the fun), but getting started is as simple as turning on the feature and plopping your phone on a charger sideways.
Of course, if you don’t already own a magnetic charging stand for your iPhone, you’ll need to grab one to take advantage of the handy new feature. Luckily, a number of great options are currently discounted, allowing you to pick up a StandBy-compatible stand and achieve those 15W (or 7.5W) charging speeds without spending a fortune.
The best deals on StandBy-ready charging stands
Leading us off, Belkin’s latest BoostCharge Pro 3-in-1 Wireless Charger with MagSafe is on sale direct from Belkin for $129.99 ($20 off) with promo code FALL23. It’s a progressive code that allows you to save more money as you spend above certain tiers, so if you cross the $150 threshold, it will instead save you $40. The real play here is to add an inexpensive accessory like this $7.99 USB-C to USB-A cable and get both for a total of $117.98.
Belkin’s multi-charger — which looks a whole lot like a techy tree — not only charges your iPhone at true 15W MagSafe speeds, but also fast-charges compatible Apple Watch models (including the Series 7, 8, and 9). It can also charge a pair of AirPods or another Qi-enabled device on its base, making it one of the best 3-in-1s you can get for home use.
If you want to spend a little less or don’t need an Apple Watch charger, the 2-in-1 version of Belkin’s charger is also on sale at the manufacturer’s site for $89.99 ($10 off) when you use offer code FALL23. However, just like with the aforementioned 3-in-1 charger, the discount increases if you add an item to your order (like that one-meter cable), allowing you to knock $20 off your total instead of a mere $10.
The Belkin BoostCharge Pro 2-in-1 Wireless Charger with MagSafe is, as it sounds, a smaller version of the triple charger above. It takes up slightly less space, still charges an iPhone at up to 15W, and is StandBy-compatible by mounting the phone to it sideways. Just be aware that the AirPods charging spot is recessed, meaning you can’t charge a second phone down there.
If you want a StandBy-compatible charger that takes up less space on a desk or table and travels well, look no further than the Anker 3-in-1 Cube with MagSafe — which is currently on sale direct from Anker with delayed shipping for $119.96 (around $30 off) when you use promo code ANKER20%OFF at checkout. The Anker Cube is about as small as you can get for a multi-charger that charges a MagSafe iPhone, a pair of earbuds, and an Apple Watch (via an adorable slide-out shelf). The lid tips to display your phone at varying angles, too, and allows for a very compact and low-height StandBy mode experience.
On a tighter budget but still want a multi-charging stand that will work for StandBy mode and charge other devices? Well, if you don’t mind your iPhone charging at slower 7.5W speeds, the ESR HaloLock 3-in-1 Charger Stand for Magsafe is currently selling for $51.99 ($13 off) at Amazon when you click the on-page coupon for 20 percent off.
ESR’s economy-level stand doesn’t support proper MagSafe charging speeds, but its magnetic Qi charging should be adequate for most situations if you don’t need the quickest top-ups. It also charges a pair of AirPods and an Apple Watch, and its niftiest feature is that the Apple Watch pad can be removed and used independently via its USB-C plug.
The best deals on StandBy-ready charging pucks and battery packs
It isn’t just bulky stands that work with iOS 17’s StandBy mode. You can also opt for Belkin’s BoostCharge Pro with MagSafe charging puck and its cute little kickstand, which is currently available from Amazon for $29.99 ($20 off) and from Belkin for $26.99 ($23 off), the latter with promo code CLR10. Not only is this the best charging puck you can buy thanks to its lengthy braided cable and support for 15W charging speeds, but it’s also one of the few that supports StandBy mode given it props your phone up via a built-in kickstand.
And just for good measure, here’s a discounted battery pack you can use with Apple’s StandBy mode. The Anker 622 Magnetic Battery (MagGo) is on sale at Amazon in multiple colors for $39.99 ($30 off) when you click the on-page coupon.
Anker’s MagGo charger may not charge at full MagSafe speeds but it features an unfolding origami-like kickstand that, while small, is strong enough to support a Max-sized iPhone. You can also mount your MagSafe-compatible iPhone to the magnetic Qi battery pack in a horizontal orientation, letting you take full advantage of StandBy mode while your phone is charging via the 5,000mAh battery.
Apple to Address iPhone 15 Pro Overheating Issue With iOS 17 Update
Apple plans to release an iOS 17 update to address a bug that may contribute to the reported iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max overheating issue, according to a statement the company shared with Forbes reporter David Phelan today.
Apple also says some recent updates to third-party apps have overloaded the system and contributed to the overheating issue. The report notes that some of these apps include Instagram, Uber, and the racing game Asphalt 9: Legends, and Apple is working with the developers of these apps to address the issue. The report adds that Instagram already introduced a fix as part of an update to the app released on Wednesday.
Apple’s statement:We have identified a few conditions which can cause iPhone to run warmer than expected. The device may feel warmer during the first few days after setting up or restoring the device because of increased background activity. We have also found a bug in iOS 17 that is impacting some users and will be addressed in a software update. Another issue involves some recent updates to third-party apps that are causing them to overload the system. We’re working with these app developers on fixes that are in the process of rolling out.The bug should be fixed with iOS 17.1, which is currently in beta and is expected to be released in late October. It’s possible that Apple might also make a bug fix available sooner with a smaller software update, such as iOS 17.0.3.
More details to follow…Related Roundup: iPhone 15 ProBuyer’s Guide: iPhone 15 Pro (Buy Now)This article, “Apple to Address iPhone 15 Pro Overheating Issue With iOS 17 Update” first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums
Apple plans to release an iOS 17 update to address a bug that may contribute to the reported iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max overheating issue, according to a statement the company shared with Forbes reporter David Phelan today.
Apple also says some recent updates to third-party apps have overloaded the system and contributed to the overheating issue. The report notes that some of these apps include Instagram, Uber, and the racing game Asphalt 9: Legends, and Apple is working with the developers of these apps to address the issue. The report adds that Instagram already introduced a fix as part of an update to the app released on Wednesday.
Apple’s statement:We have identified a few conditions which can cause iPhone to run warmer than expected. The device may feel warmer during the first few days after setting up or restoring the device because of increased background activity. We have also found a bug in iOS 17 that is impacting some users and will be addressed in a software update. Another issue involves some recent updates to third-party apps that are causing them to overload the system. We’re working with these app developers on fixes that are in the process of rolling out.The bug should be fixed with iOS 17.1, which is currently in beta and is expected to be released in late October. It’s possible that Apple might also make a bug fix available sooner with a smaller software update, such as iOS 17.0.3.
More details to follow…
This article, “Apple to Address iPhone 15 Pro Overheating Issue With iOS 17 Update” first appeared on MacRumors.com
Discuss this article in our forums
Microsoft will stop old Windows product keys from activating new Windows installs
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Apple says it will fix software problems blamed for making iPhone 15 models too hot to handle
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