Top secret hole in the desert that is America's ONLY chance of defeating its most powerful enemy
The US Department of Defense has quietly taken a 15 percent stake in MP Materials, the owner of the Mountain Pass rare earth mine, a move analysts say will shape the global balance of power.
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Geeky Gadgets
43 minutes ago
- Geeky Gadgets
AirPods Pro 3: You Won't Believe What Apple Is Hiding
The AirPods Pro 3 are set to elevate the wireless earbud experience with a host of advanced features and thoughtful improvements. Expected to launch in September 2025, these next-generation earbuds aim to deliver enhancements in design, functionality, and technology—all while maintaining the same price point as their predecessor. Whether you're seeking superior sound quality, innovative health tracking, or seamless communication, the AirPods Pro 3 promise to meet a diverse range of user needs with precision and sophistication. The video below from Matt Talks Tech gives us more details about the new AirPods Pro. Watch this video on YouTube. Refined Design for Comfort and Modern Appeal Apple is reportedly introducing a more streamlined and ergonomic design for the AirPods Pro 3, focusing on both comfort and aesthetics. Shorter stems and a sleeker form factor are expected to enhance wearability, making them more comfortable for extended use while also providing a modern, discreet appearance. This design evolution caters to users who value earbuds that are both functional and stylish, making sure they fit seamlessly into various lifestyles. The updated design is likely to resonate with those who prioritize a balance between practicality and a contemporary look. H3 Chip: Transforming Audio and Efficiency At the heart of the AirPods Pro 3 lies the powerful new H3 chip, which is engineered to deliver a superior audio experience. This advanced processor is expected to provide richer bass, clearer mids, and sharper highs, creating a more immersive and dynamic sound profile. Additionally, the H3 chip enhances active noise cancellation (ANC), allowing users to block out ambient noise with greater precision, whether in a bustling city or a noisy office. Beyond audio performance, the chip is designed to optimize energy efficiency, contributing to extended battery life and making sure the earbuds remain reliable throughout the day. Health Monitoring: Expanding Wellness Capabilities One of the standout features of the AirPods Pro 3 is the integration of health-focused sensors, marking a significant step forward in wearable technology. These sensors include heart rate monitoring and a built-in thermometer, allowing users to effortlessly track vital health metrics. Whether you're monitoring your fitness progress or keeping an eye on your overall well-being, these features align with Apple's broader commitment to health and fitness innovation. For those already using devices like the Apple Watch, the AirPods Pro 3 provide a seamless extension of the Apple ecosystem, offering a more comprehensive approach to health tracking. Real-Time Translation: Enhancing Global Communication The AirPods Pro 3 are expected to introduce real-time translation capabilities, using Apple's advancements in machine learning to break down language barriers. This feature will allow users to engage in conversations with speakers of different languages in real time, making it an invaluable tool for travelers, professionals, and anyone navigating multilingual environments. By allowing smoother communication across cultures, this functionality underscores Apple's commitment to making technology more inclusive and accessible. Extended Battery Life for Uninterrupted Use Thanks to the energy-efficient H3 chip, the AirPods Pro 3 are anticipated to offer longer battery life compared to previous models. This improvement ensures users can enjoy extended listening sessions without the inconvenience of frequent recharging. Whether you're on a long-haul flight, commuting, or working out, the enhanced battery performance provides the reliability needed for uninterrupted use. This focus on energy efficiency not only enhances user convenience but also reflects Apple's dedication to sustainable technology. Launch Details and Pricing Strategy Apple is expected to unveil the AirPods Pro 3 during its highly anticipated September 2025 event, with pre-orders likely beginning mid-month and general availability by late September. Despite the significant upgrades, the price is rumored to remain at $249, consistent with the AirPods Pro 2. This pricing strategy highlights Apple's commitment to delivering value without alienating its existing customer base. Additionally, potential discounts and promotional offers may become available shortly after launch, making the AirPods Pro 3 an even more appealing option for a wide range of consumers. The Significance of the AirPods Pro 3 The AirPods Pro 3 represent a thoughtful and comprehensive upgrade, combining innovative technology with user-centric design. From enhanced audio quality and advanced noise cancellation to innovative health monitoring and real-time translation, these earbuds cater to a diverse array of needs. Whether you're a tech enthusiast, a fitness-focused individual, or someone who values seamless global communication, the AirPods Pro 3 are shaping up to be a compelling choice. With their imminent release, they are poised to set a new standard for wireless earbuds, offering a blend of functionality, innovation, and value that is difficult to match. Key Features: Advanced H3 chip, health sensors, real-time translation capabilities. Advanced H3 chip, health sensors, real-time translation capabilities. Design: Sleeker, ergonomic form factor for improved comfort and style. Sleeker, ergonomic form factor for improved comfort and style. Audio Performance: Enhanced sound quality with richer bass and sharper highs. Enhanced sound quality with richer bass and sharper highs. Battery Life: Extended usage enabled by energy-efficient technology. Extended usage enabled by energy-efficient technology. Price: $249, maintaining affordability while delivering significant upgrades. Here are more guides from our previous articles and guides related to AirPods Pro 3 that you may find helpful. Source & Image Credit: Matt Talks Tech Filed Under: Apple, Gadgets News, Technology News, Top News Latest Geeky Gadgets Deals Disclosure: Some of our articles include affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, Geeky Gadgets may earn an affiliate commission. Learn about our Disclosure Policy.
The Guardian
44 minutes ago
- The Guardian
Tempur Pro Plus SmartCool mattress review: a dream for your joints or too soft for comfort?
Let's get the Nasa thing out of the way first. Memory foam, so the internet tells me, repeatedly, was developed by the US space agency in the 60s to cushion astronauts during flights. Nice story, but there's no extreme G-force in my bed, just a pair of middle-aged people wanting to sleep. Do we really need Nasa's pricey wonder material for that? The Guardian's journalism is independent. We will earn a commission if you buy something through an affiliate link. Learn more. It does help, in small doses. I've found that a layer or two of memory foam can turn a good mattress into a great one. This soft, cosy material moulds to your body and does a brilliant job of tempering the solidity of springs in hybrid mattresses, such as the Simba Hybrid Pro and Otty Original Hybrid. It also absorbs bounce so well that it's helped me and my husband sleep in peace despite each other's fidgeting. A mattress made entirely from memory foam, though? I wasn't sure I'd enjoy lying on 25cm of chewy marshmallow. Mercifully, Tempur uses foam of many different firmness levels, including high-density base layers designed to provide support as strong as springs. I set out to discover how well it works by testing one of Tempur's most popular mattresses, the Pro Plus SmartCool. Tempur sent me a double-size Pro Plus SmartCool for sleep-testing in July. It was the best of times and the worst of times to test this mattress, because my bedroom was stifling. I was sent a medium mattress instead of the requested medium-firm, and this was unfortunate because heat can make memory foam even softer – and I find firmer mattresses more comfortable. At least the balmy conditions were perfect for testing the claimed cooling properties of the SmartCool fabric cover. Before any snoozing could take place, my husband, Alan, and I ran our usual mattress-testing experiments. Memory foam tends to trap heat, so we were keen to see if the SmartCool cover could offset this. We used a heat pad, a thermocouple and our bottoms to measure how efficiently the surface cooled down, and we also took the temperature of the foam beneath. We then deployed weights and wobbly cups of water to measure factors such as sinkage, motion isolation and edge support. Our family testing panel came over to score the mattress out of 10 on firmness, breathability and comfort. I prefer to sleep-test mattresses for much longer than a week because even the firmest cushioning materials soften over time. The Simba and Panda Hybrid Bamboo felt significantly softer after a couple of months. The Tempur was soft from the start, though, and Alan and I found it too cushioned for comfort. After a week of poor sleep, we gave it to my dad, Don, 85, to see if its pressure relief might help soothe the joint pain he's been suffering in his hip and shoulder (more on which below). He returned it to us for a second leg of sleep testing once temperatures had cooled down in late July. Tempur, founded in the US in 1992, was among the first brands to make mattresses from viscoelastic polyurethane foam. 'Memory foam' is how you know this stuff, but Tempur calls it 'Tempur Material' and uses its own proprietary formulas that cover a range of densities. Memory foam moulds to your body and doesn't spring back quickly when pressed. It feels quite different from the simple seat-cushion polyfoam used in many sprung mattresses under the sleep surface (in the Ikea Valevåg, for example). It's also more expensive. And so, as with many mattresses that contain high proportions of memory foam, Tempur mattresses are expensive. The Pro Plus SmartCool sits in the middle of Tempur's range, costing from £1,499 for a 21cm-deep single to £4,299 for a 30cm-deep 200 x 200cm ('special size'). The 25cm-deep double I tested costs from £2,299, almost twice the price of the Simba, the next most expensive mattress in the Filter's roundup. The medium SmartCool has four layers of foam, of varying densities: a 5cm upper layer of soft, elastic memory foam for cushioning and pressure relief; then 5cm of adaptive foam; and then 3cm of even denser supportive foam. Finally, the 12cm 'DuraBase' layer of even denser foam provides support and durability. Everyone on my panel rated it 5/10 on the soft-firm scale, so the 'medium' description is accurate. The sleeping surface sank a generous 4.2cm under 7.5kg of hand weights. That's well cushioned, but only marginally more than the Eve Wunderflip Hybrid, which sank 4cm and is described as medium-firm. Tempur doesn't say how the SmartCool's 'QuickRefresh' polyester fabric cover dissipates heat; it simply cites 'cool-to-the-touch' technology. The cover unzips easily with its stylish green handles, and it can be washed at 40C. You can also unzip and wash the base cover. Trying to wash or sponge the mattress inside, however, will invalidate your guarantee. The double-size mattress weighs a chunky 40kg, a few kilos more than the Otty or the Simba, but much less than the 65kg Millbrook Wool Luxury 4000. The Tempur's weight and floppiness – plus the absence of any turning handles – make it tricky to manoeuvre, but once you've got it on your bed, you'll never really have to. You don't have to turn it, although you can rotate it occasionally to maintain even support, according to the care guidelines. Tempur has several showrooms where you can try its mattresses before buying, although you'll need to make an appointment. Locations include Castleford in West Yorkshire, Bridgend, Swindon, Milton Keynes, Durham and both Westfields in London. Whether you buy in person or online, you get a 10-year warranty and a 100-night trial. Type: memory foam Firmness: advertised as medium, panel rated as 5/10Depth: 21, 25 (as tested) and 30cm Cover: unzip to wash at 40CTurn or rotate: don't turn; you can rotate 'to maintain even comfort'Trial period: 100 nightsWarranty: 10 yearsOld mattress recycling: not offered in UKSustainability credentials: Oeko-Tex Standard 100 certified; Pro mattresses are Danish Indoor Climate labelled; UK warehouse operations are zero landfill; Tempur aims to be carbon neutral by 2040 You wait years for a mattress to turn up without being vacuum-shrunk, then they all come at once. As with the Millbrook Wool Luxury 4000, the Tempur arrived full-size and flat. That meant it was ready to sleep on immediately, unlike the oodles of bed-in-a-box mattresses I've tested, and it came packed in significantly less plastic wrapping than they did. The downside of receiving a non-shrunk mattress is that it's harder to get it up the stairs. Tempur's helpful delivery team would have done it for me, but I wanted to see how my husband and I coped (sorry, Alan). The Tempur-branded delivery team was nice to see after so many third-party couriers, but I had to wait three weeks for the mattress to arrive. New foam often has a chemical 'off-gassing' smell, and the Tempur is quite stinky (or fragrant, depending on your preferences) for its first couple of weeks. I don't mind the smell, but you may find it distracting, especially when you're trying to get to sleep. Sign up to The Filter Get the best shopping advice from the Filter team straight to your inbox. The Guardian's journalism is independent. We will earn a commission if you buy something through an affiliate link. after newsletter promotion None like it hot when they're trying to sleep, so I was delighted by the genuinely fresh feel of Tempur's SmartCool cover. Iggy the cat was particularly keen to hog the stitched fabric when July's night-time temperatures exceeded 20C, perhaps because his 4kg body couldn't sink into the heat-trapping memory foam. Our bodies did sink into it, however. As we slept, the foam formed a cocoon around us (mainly our bums), and made us feel like we were floating in the mattress rather than on top of it. There was no sense of sagging, just of strong, deliberate cradling. Firmer mattresses are more to my taste, but they can give me niggling pain from an old rib injury, and the Tempur never did. If you live with pain and find it hard to sleep as a result, the memory foam upper layers of this mattress could be just what you need. My 85-year-old dad, Don, also enjoyed the pain relief of the mattress but has since switched back to the firmer surface to which he's more accustomed. He first tried it lying on his back and said: 'Oh, I like that … I think,' which echoed my own thoughts. I asked him to turn on to his right side to test his recently injured shoulder and hip, and he said there was no pain – a welcome relief for us both. The mattress's motion isolation is exceptionally good. This is something I've learned to expect from highly cushioned memory foam because it absorbs the movement of your body and dramatically cuts down on bounce. Alan and I are fidgety sleepers, so motion isolation helps us rest without being disturbed by each other. As mentioned, some of the higher-density layers of Tempur's mattress are decidedly firm. The Pro Plus SmartCool is also available in two firmer versions than the one I tested. But the medium version quickly turned out to be an over-enthusiastic hugger, at least for our tastes. After the initially pleasurable cradling, it just kept going until it seemed to be swallowing us. 'My bum is disappearing into it,' said Don. He and I are very small, so we didn't sink as far into this mattress as a person of larger build would. My husband, Alan, thoroughly average size, sank too far for comfort and declared it 'like being sucked into quicksand'. We wanted to give the Tempur a fair chance, so we used it on our slatted bed base for several nights, then Don used it on his solid divan base. It never felt lumpy or saggy, but my lower back felt unsupported, and our sleeping bodies made impressions so deep that it became difficult to roll over. If your sleep style involves plenty of tossing and turning, a firmer mattress will suit you better. Edge support is frankly poor for a mattress that costs this much. Even a soft mattress should have some firm reinforcement around the sides to make it easy to get into and out, but when we tried sitting on the edge, we all felt like we were sliding off it. Sitting up to read is difficult because your weight is concentrated on your bum, and you just, well, sink. Even the cover's cooling ability had its limits, as Alan and I discovered when sinking into the foam beneath it. We woke in the night, complaining that we felt we were cooking in the heat of our sleeping bodies. The cover helps by forming a barrier between you and the foam, but we found – in our experience and our heat-retention tests – that it couldn't stop the foam getting hotter than a mattress that contains springs. If you tend to overheat at night all year round, an all-foam mattress isn't for you. Environmental kudos is a challenge for a company that uses this much foam. High-viscosity polyurethane foam is non-biodegradable, has a chemical-intensive manufacturing process and is harder to recycle than fabric or springs. Given all this, Tempur has made decent strides in sustainability. The most noticeable example for me was the dramatic reduction in plastic packaging compared with bed-in-a-box mattresses. There isn't even any cardboard to get rid of. Behind the scenes, Tempur's products are Oeko-Tex Standard 100-certified, and its Danish production facility is ISO-certified for quality, environment, health and safety, and energy. Tempur mattresses are made in Denmark, and its Pro and One mattresses are certified by the Danish Indoor Climate Labelling scheme, a voluntary but internationally recognised standard for chemical compound emissions. Tempur's UK warehouses and distribution centres have been zero landfill since 2019, and the company aims to be carbon neutral by 2040. Foam isn't easy to recycle, but Tempur offers ideas on its environmental sustainability page. Old foam 'can be cleaned and shredded for use in new products, such as carpet underlay', it says, so I'm disappointed that the company doesn't offer to do this with its UK customers' old mattresses. Mattress collection is offered in the US 'on request', but not here. Tempur UK does at least run an online outlet store where you can buy refurbished products, including mattresses that have been returned by buyers within the 100-night trial. The medium version of the Pro Plus SmartCool is a soft, cradling mattress with excellent pressure relief. If you love your beds on the plush side, you may decide it's worth every penny. However, this sumptuous mattress is not for everyone – including my family and me. Perhaps the quicksand sensation was too close to our childhood nightmares to give us the sleep of our dreams. Jane Hoskyn is a features journalist and WFH pioneer with three decades of experience in rearranging bookshelves and 'testing' coffee machines while deadlines loom. Her work has made her a low-key expert in all manner of consumables, from sports watches to solar panels. She would always rather be in the woods
The Sun
an hour ago
- The Sun
See if someone is spying on your exact location & watching every move with little-known phone setting
Sean Keach, Head of Technology and Science Published: Invalid Date, MILLIONS of iPhones have a must-know feature that can expose and block anyone spying on your location. It's built into your iPhone as standard but it's tucked away in the Settings app – so it's easy to miss. You can use it to review who your location is being shared with, including specific people or apps. The feature is called Safety Check and it's on any iPhone running iOS 16 software or later. You can check if you've got that by going to Settings > General > Software Update. Then you can dive into Safety Check to see if you're being snooped on. HOW DOES LOCATION SPYING WORK? Your location can be accessed in two main ways on an iPhone. The first is with location sharing through Find My. That's when your exact location is being shared with another person in real-time – viewable as a dot on a map. There are two ways this might be happening without your knowledge. One is that you set it up for someone years ago – maybe an ex partner – and simply forgot to switch it off. The other is that someone with access to your iPhone set it up without your knowledge. The second way your location can be shared on an iPhone is with an app. iPhone 16e review – I've secretly tested Apple's cheapest mobile and I love the new button but that's not the best bit Loads of apps will be making good use of your location. Think Uber for taxis, Google Maps for driving, or WhatsApp for sharing your location on the way to an event. But some apps might use your location for nefarious means. If you've ever downloaded a dodgy app by accident, it could be a ploy by crooks to track you. So if you've installed an obscure calculator app that never seemed to work properly, always seems to "crash", and has constant access to your location, that's a red flag. 4 On top of that, someone else with access to your phone might have installed a location-spying app. So if there's an app that you don't recognise with access to your location, that's also a very worrying sign. Similarly, you'll also want to make sure that your app accounts are locked down. If someone else has access to an app that can track your location, they might also be able to find out where you are. WHAT CAN SAFETY CHECK LIMIT? You can switch off access to the following... Bluetooth Calendars Camera Contacts Files and Folders Health Local Network Location Services Media and Apple Music Microphone Motion & Fitness Photos Reminders Research Speech Recognition Picture Credit: Apple / The Sun HOW TO USE SAFETY CHECK Safety Check is a way to quickly check up on all of your location sharing, and then shut it off if you like. Just go into Settings > Privacy & Security > Safety Check. You'll be guided through a process that shows you all of the ways that you're sharing your location (and other important info, like photos) with people. And you'll be given the option to deny access – to both people and apps. 4 There's also a more extreme Emergency Reset option that immediately stops sharing all info. And if you're trying to do all of this quietly, there's a Quick Exit button in the corner. That immediately saves your progress and closes the Settings app. Then you can pick it up again later when you're able to. 4
